Friday Faves

Hi friends! FRIDAY DANCE! What are you up to this weekend? We have some fun events to look forward to: a birthday party, night out with friends, and farmer’s market/relaxing. 

Palm tree

Last night, the Pilot met up with some of the guys, so Livi and I got ready for a little mama-daughter date at Ranchos (<— AWESOME Mexican food in OB with a huge selection of vegan and raw foods). 

Stripe twins

I snapped a pic because we were both in striped dresses 😉 (both of our eyes make us look like robo-twins.) Picked up the maxi last week during the amazing Shopbop sale!

In standard Friday fashion, here are some faves from the week and around the web! As always, I love to hear what you’re loving, too (books, eats, gear, outfits) if you’d like to join in the fun and shout it out in the comments section.

HIIT It! is a finalist for the INDIEFAB awards for Health (adult-nonfiction) for 2014!!! So so excited and honored to have been included. <3

Book cover

Having friends in town this week. I’ve already mentioned this a couple of times, but it’s been so awesome to hang out with familiar faces. Livi has been able to play with one of her best friends (they’re 4 days apart and have been friends since they were 6 months old). While I obviously love it here in San Diego (so much), and am so thankful for the wonderful friends we’ve met here, I miss our Tucson tribe. It’s always exciting when they come up here for a visit! 

Stitch Fix (<— affiliate link) now has maternity and petite sizes! If you’re expecting, just update your profile with your due date so your stylist can pick some maternity-friendly styles for you. I’m really excited about the petite sizes, too. Since I’m not very tall, petite dresses and skirts are almost always a better fit. 

A beautiful read for mamas

The 39 Trader Joe’s items you need in your life

Finishing What Alice Forgot. The end was SO good, and while I liked Big Little Secrets more, I liked What Alice Forgot even more thanThe Husband’s Secret. In my process of reading everything by Liane Moriarty, I downloaded Three Wishes last night (but haven’t started yet).

Yogurt snack

(Snack while Kindle-reading at Liv’s gymnastics class: goat’s milk plain yogurt, berries, cinnamon and a spoonful of strawberry jam)

7 cultural concepts we don’t have in the US (love that forest bathing was on the list!)

Hey girl, don’t be intimidated by my sweet dance moves

Trader Joe’s has shredded unsweetened coconut! The ultimate test: macaroons

Coconut  1 of 1 2

The ultimate swimsuit guide

Work-friendly workout moves

Digging into some yoga reading! So excited to start teacher training next week. <3

Yoga reads

Happy happy Friday! Hope you have an amazing morning.

xoxo

Gina

New post up on the Family page!

Something to do: Check in for today’s workout heeeeere 🙂

Workout of the day: this squat burner! It’s a great way to strengthen the lower body and also try some of my fave squat variations

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59 Comments

  1. Taca @ A Side Of Dessert on March 13, 2015 at 7:06 am

    Mama and daughter looking so adorable! I read Big Little Lies and I meant to check out more of her books and you totally just reminded me! I’ll have to pick something up this weekend!

  2. JennP on March 13, 2015 at 7:06 am

    Good to know about the TJ’s unsweetened coconut. It’s called for in so many healthy recipes but so difficult to find!

  3. Michelle on March 13, 2015 at 7:12 am

    I used to always default to sweetened coconut since I assumed it would taste better. But omg unsweetened is SO MUCH BETTER. I usually just buy from whole foods bulk bins but i’ll have to see how TJs is. The sweetened coconut was like paper towels.

  4. Britt@MyOwnBalance on March 13, 2015 at 7:22 am

    Love the stripes! We are a big fan in our house too. Sometimes I notice that all three of us will be wearing stripes. We are such nerds.

    I loved What Alice Forgot! It was such a great book. I’m reading The Hypnotist’s Love Story Right now. Also very good.

    I can’t believe Stitch Fix now has maternity sizes! Too late for me! I will be checking out the petites though! The pants are always too long on me.

  5. Giselle on March 13, 2015 at 7:29 am

    That’s an awesome TJ’s find! Always great to have unsweetened coconut on hand!

  6. Amanda on March 13, 2015 at 7:42 am

    That squat burner- wow! Thank you for the burn

  7. Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola on March 13, 2015 at 8:04 am

    That is awesome that your book is a finalist! I’m sure you put a lot of hard work into it, so congratulations! Have a nice weekend 🙂

  8. Lindsey on March 13, 2015 at 8:06 am

    I tried the bosu burner this morning! Loved it 🙂 thanks for sharing!! Love those cute dresses!!

  9. Ericka @ The Sweet Life on March 13, 2015 at 8:07 am

    I was on a Liane Moriarty kick too! I think I have one more to go — Three Wishes is good too!

  10. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on March 13, 2015 at 8:16 am

    Haha–thinking about swimsuits in March is like thinking of Christmas in September because we have at least three months ahead of us until anyone would dip a toe in the water (forecasted snow this weekend!). But it is something to look forward to!
    So excited about petite selection for Stitch Fix. I find I need it for their dresses and sometimes their tops (I have short arms).
    I’ve been wanting to try out different yogurts but have heard that goat’s milk is not so good. I like goat cheese…what do you think?

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 5:02 pm

      it’s definitely tangy, but i really love it with some berries, cinnamon and honey

  11. Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run on March 13, 2015 at 8:19 am

    That maxi is way cute on you!

    Yoga Teacher Training – woo hoo!

  12. Laura B @ FitMamaLove on March 13, 2015 at 8:29 am

    It’s so fun to have far away friends in town! Happy weekend!

  13. Nichole on March 13, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Thank you for sharing the link for the post on “When you are tightly wound” – after putting my 9 month old to bed last night I told my husband I didn’t feel like being an adult and all I wanted was a glass of wine and a massage – instead I emptied the dishwasher and did the dishes – HA! SO this quote below REALLY made me chuckle this morning 🙂

    “Shark tank idea: a service that comes to your house, gives you a glass of wine, ten minutes of uninhibited dancing, then rubs your back until you fall asleep. (That or someone who just shows up to play with your hair while you binge watch Orange Is The New Black).”

  14. Aaron on March 13, 2015 at 8:45 am

    Hi Gina!

    Thanks for sharing your faves for the week. I am so so excited to follow your yoga teaching training journey. I am beginning mine in May! I am about to start reading some of the same books as well. I would love it if you read my yoga story that I wrote on my GoFundMe page. I relate to you so much and wish we could meet in “real” life 🙂 http://www.gofundme.com/iq4wjs
    I would be really interested to hear how you set up your studying and carve out time for your home yoga practice as you go through the training.

    Finally, congrats on the book! I have read it twice now and have so many pages flagged for reference.

  15. Lena on March 13, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Thank you for the TJ coconut heads up. I’m SO excited, I always have to go to a different supermarket to buy coconut, as I don’t like it sweet. I hope it has made it to WA by now.

  16. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on March 13, 2015 at 8:49 am

    I just picked up What Alice Forgot at the library yesterday! I’m excited to dig into it. I enjoyed The Husband’s Secret, and I am on the waiting list for Big Little Lies…so far, I’m really liking Liane Moriarty!

    Enjoy your weekend with friends! xo

  17. Courtney Violet Bentley on March 13, 2015 at 8:58 am

    I love that you are always continuing your education! I just signed up for the Precision Nutrition course which I am SO excited about! I look forward to learning how to coach instead of just having tons of knowledge! Thanks for sharing xo C

  18. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on March 13, 2015 at 9:00 am

    You guys look adorable in your matching strips! I love it. I can’t believe how warm it is either. Supposed to be 90s in Phoenix this week. The a/c will be turned on at some point. Enjoy the relaxing weekend!

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      jealous of your AC haha. it’s a rarity here in SD, and while we don’t need it most of the time, i definitely miss it!

  19. Nic on March 13, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Sending you good vibes to start your yoga training! Super exciting, can’t wait to see your posts on it!

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      thank you, nic! so excited about it

  20. Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday on March 13, 2015 at 9:10 am

    Congrats on HIIT It! being a finalist! That’s so exciting 🙂 I’m hoping to finish Big Little Lies over spring break, but so far I’m loving Liane Moriarty’s writing, and I’d love to read other books by her.

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      i love her writing, too. so good!

  21. Tracy on March 13, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Super cute maxi! And Liv’s is cute too 😉

    I just received my YTT books, too! So anxious to hear about your program!

    Have a great weekend! It’s officially spring break for my kiddos as of today 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      i want to hear about yours, too! hope you’re all enjoying spring break!

  22. Tracy on March 13, 2015 at 9:30 am

    And congrats on your book’s nomination!

  23. Leslie on March 13, 2015 at 9:32 am

    I’m loving that maxi dress! Aww, the little one is adorable! I’m totally into yoga lately too, I love it! Happy Friday!

  24. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on March 13, 2015 at 9:56 am

    Even with the creepy eyes, you guys are too cute! Have a wonderful weekend, Gina! 🙂

  25. Kerry on March 13, 2015 at 10:03 am

    cute dress! I swear maxi dresses do not suit me, boo! I have never tried goats milk yogurt but it looks good!

  26. Courtney! @ Redefining Athlete on March 13, 2015 at 10:18 am

    I loved Husband’s Secret. I have Big Little Lies on audiobook, but have yet to crack into it!
    Congrats on your book being a finalist! I ordered mine from Amazon and I love you! You deserve the win!

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      thank you so much, courtney!

  27. Cara on March 13, 2015 at 10:33 am

    OMG… What Alice Forgot… I’m smack dap in the middle!!! Obsessed.
    Congrats on HIIT IT! You def deserve it!! Last time I was a TJs I asked about unsweetened coconut… Must go back soon!

  28. Liz on March 13, 2015 at 10:37 am

    You are going LOVE yoga teacher training. I am just finishing my 200hr training and its really been one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Plus since you already teach other classes I’m sure this will come easier to you than most! Enjoy!!

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      thank you. i’m so excited about!

  29. Julie on March 13, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Love the new dress!

  30. Alex @ True Femme on March 13, 2015 at 10:54 am

    That dress looks stunning on you! I love it! I can’t wait until our Trader Joe’s has that coconut! So far I’ve only been able to find the sweetened/shredded kind. I hope HIIT It! wins! You deserve it!

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      thank you so much, lovely!

  31. Emma @ em-poweredwellness on March 13, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Oh I am so excited for you to start teacher training! It is an amazing experience. Check out Meditations from the Mat and Happy Yoga–two of my fave yoga books 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      i definitely will. thank you!

  32. Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift on March 13, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Omg! Congrats on the INDIEFAB nom! So exciting. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      thank you, friend!

  33. Erika S. on March 13, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    I have a few TJ’s staples I la-la-love:
    Artichoke hearts (jarred)
    frozen brown rice medley
    garlic naan (to make pizzas)
    reduced guilt kale spinach dip
    reduced guilt multigrain pita chips…yummz!

    Oh and if you haven’t tried their English toffee…(I die!)

    Can’t wait till it’s warm enough to wear maxi dresses on the east coast!

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      i’m excited to check some of these out!!

  34. Jessie on March 13, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    Congrats on the accomplishment of your book! I own a copy and learned a lot from it. I love the TJ post- so many new things to try out. Thanks for the squat burner! Have a nice weekend!

  35. kristin | W [H] A T C H on March 13, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    forest bathing sounds so intriguing.

  36. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job on March 13, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    Good to know about the coconut. I make cookies that call for unsweetened shredded coconut and since moving I have been wary about where to find it since where I was before had only one place where I could grab it. Luckily there is a TJs just up the street from me now!

  37. Amy S on March 13, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Really cute maxi dress! I’m loving striped dresses for spring/summer this year!

    I just started “Big Little Lies.” Excited to read it after hearing all the good things 😀

  38. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on March 13, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    Congrats on the HIIT nomination! That’s so exciting. Have a wonderful weekend!

  39. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on March 14, 2015 at 6:45 am

    I love that striped dress! So fun!

  40. Maggie on March 14, 2015 at 11:56 am

    I enjoyed reading that cultural concepts article. Thanks for sharing.

  41. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on March 14, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    I love those cultural concepts! How fun!

  42. Molly D on March 14, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    Hi Gina – Now I’m wondering, do I get all the blog post updates by going to the home page? I saw your family page link 🙂 Usually I just head to home.

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:57 pm

      they don’t 🙂 (i did it that way since some people don’t want to read about family/baby stuff) just click the family tab and the posts will be there

  43. Sharon T on March 14, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Hello, how do I sign up for your March workouts?

    • Fitnessista on March 15, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      sign up for the newsletter (the bar on the top of the blog!) and you’ll get a free 30 day plan. you’ll get the calendar for each month then

  44. katie M on March 16, 2015 at 10:22 am

    Congrats on the success of the book, that is so exciting! I love it! I just finished Big Little Lies yesterday and it was exactly how you said, I just had to finish it after about 70% to see what happened. That twist at the end was crazy, I gasped out loud! I will def read What Alice Forgot next since I am on a Aussie roll and I read the Husband’s Secret already. I loved that list of Trader Joe’s finds since we buy all of our food there pretty much. A couple more must haves are the spinach kale bites, edamame hummus, their frozen turkey meatballs and their ginger snaps….now I am starving! Good luck with your yoga teacher training!

  45. Nina on August 12, 2015 at 9:58 am

    I just made macaroons with TJ’s coconut last night and they were PERFECT!!! =)

    • Fitnessista on August 12, 2015 at 2:37 pm

      yeahhhh! awesome!!

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