Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Fri-yay! And also happy April Fools. I still check Caitlin’s blog at least a few times a week, and I am extra sad today that she is no longer blogging. She is the QUEEN of April fools’ day jokes. Also, remember when I posted about Quiver Pulse last year? I had to re-read it for a good laugh.

What are you up to this weekend? Any fun plans? We are laying low around here, and my madre gets in on Sunday. The Pilot goes back to work and she’s going to hang out with us since I’m out of commission for a while. Madre to save the day, as always. 🙂

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves! It’s always fun to spread the word about some of the things I’m loving, and I always love to hear what you’re enjoying too if you’d like to join in the party in the comments section.

Flowers 4

The first one is pretty obvious: getting the surgery out of my life. Thank you again for all of the good vibes, sweet comments, kind emails, and SNAPS! I was blown away by all of your photo/video well-wishes and pep talks. They really made my day. <3

As you guys know, I had a ton of anxiety about it. I’m so happy that it’s over, it went well, and I’m on the mends. I started crying when I woke up in recovery, partially from the sweet relief of the fact that I did indeed wake up from the anesthesia (a weird fear I have), and also because it affirmed how much pain/discomfort I’ve been in for the past 5 months. I woke up and felt completely numb, but also semi-normal. It was amazing. Even though I’m sore and tired (and have to walk in these short shuffle-steps), I already feel much better. Here’s to healing and hopefully feeling like myself again! I’ve spent the last 5 months pretty down and feeling like my body was broken, so I’m very thankful to be closing the page of all of this.  

Nurses

The Pilot took a few days off work, and has been doing the job of two parents: wrangling the girls, taking care of the pups, doing chores around the house, and cooking.

Fajita salad

(Chicken fajitas last night, which I had atop salad greens with beans and olives)

I hit the man lottery, that’s for sure. 😉

I’ve ventured out of the house once for a quick breakfast at Great Maple.

Great maple

We shared their hot beignets (<— to die for), and I had my favorite avocado toast with egg whites.

Avocado toast

Even though the meal was everything I could wish for, the best part was when P grabbed the Pilot’s plate (no worries, it wasn’t hot) and tried to shove the entire plate of chorizo and eggs into her face. She was like “THIS IS MY CHANCE!” Soon, grasshopper. Soon.

Some more faves from the week and around the web:

So much yes.

Livi’s homemade camera:

Livi goose

Since I’ve been lounging A LOT (which is weird and awesome), I’ve been able to get sucked into a captivating book: Me Before You. I downloaded it forever ago, but am just getting the chance to really dive in. It’s one of those books where you have decide whether you’re going to blast through the pages or savor each one because you don’t want it to end. I can already tell I’m going to bawl my face off when it’s over.

Here’s the movie trailer:

 

Jogger

These lounge pants. I’ve been living in them lately and already want another pair. Jogger pants don’t always look great on me since I’m vertically challenged and they’re usually a really baggy cut. These are more fitted than most styles and are super comfy. 

Love yourself, but not too much. 

Making these bars this weekend!

Love the looks of this neutral eyeshadow palette.

A quick pre-run warmup.

Of course he does yoga. 🙂

This avocado magician will make all of your dreams come true. 

High-protein snacks.

Loved this post from my friend Julie about abstainers vs. moderators. I used to be a full-up abstainer, but over time have transitioned to more moderation. I think I’m a mix of both now. 

Great way to change up the usual oats.

Healthy weekday lunch ideas.

Sriracha egg salad. YASS.

The P smile of the day:

Smiles for days 2

Happy Friday, friends!
xoxo

Gina 

Post Navigation:

76 Comments

  1. Sana on April 1, 2016 at 6:21 am

    I am SO happy you are doing better!

  2. Bethany on April 1, 2016 at 6:26 am

    I just picked up Me Before You at the library yesterday! I actually had no idea what the story line was, but after watching the travel I’m excited to start the book!!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:19 pm

      ahhh we can be sucked into it together. you will love it

  3. Sam @ Barrister's Beet on April 1, 2016 at 6:34 am

    I’m glad you’re starting to feel better! I hope you continue to heal over the weekend. Get some rest!

    PS. I love Livi’s camera! How creative ; )

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      thank you, friend. i appreciate it!

  4. Jamie on April 1, 2016 at 6:41 am

    I’m so happy you are doing better! Prayers that you heal quickly!

    I MUST read that book! I know I’m going to bawl, but the movie trailer looks fantastic.

    Have a restful, relaxing weekend!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      you will lOVE THE BOOK 🙂
      thank you so much- hope you have a great weekend

  5. Liz on April 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

    Gina, would you ever consider writing a post about marriage and how you keep your relationship strong? Especially since you got married at a young age (so did I). I know you’ve mentioned things here and there, but I would love to hear more of your thoughts.

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      hey! sure, even though i don’t really know what i would say haha. tom and i have a very “swoop in and help each other where it’s needed” type of relationship. if you have any ideas of certain things you’d like me to write about in the post, i’d love to hear 🙂

  6. Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! on April 1, 2016 at 7:05 am

    Of COURSE Justin Trudeau does yoga. Why shouldn’t he be even more perfect???

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      right?! holding baby pandas, and now the yoga. i just can’t.

  7. Karen on April 1, 2016 at 7:06 am

    I feel your pain. In did not have the same issue but had surgery in the same general area and then some. It’s been 12 weeks and I am finally feeling somewhat normal.
    Hang in there…..the worst is over.

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      i’m so sorry to hear you went through something similar and happy you’re feeling somewhat normal again
      hope you have a great weekend, and thank you for the reassuring words <3
      xoxo

  8. Erin on April 1, 2016 at 7:08 am

    Hey Gina. I’m glad you are through the procedure and are on the mend! I’ve been sending prayers from Florida for you and your family. Also wanted to mention if you haven’t heard it yet that Matthew kenney (sp?) was on the rich roll podcast talking about his journey and life and stuff and I know you’re a fan of his. I thought it was a good listen and maybe you’d want to check it out while you’re lying low. Hope you have a good weekend!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      i appreciate it so much!
      i heard that he was on the podcast but i hadn’t checked it out yet. i will definitely listen to it this weekend. thank you!
      hope you have a wonderful weekend <3

  9. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine on April 1, 2016 at 7:29 am

    That’s great you’re feeling better! Anesthesia always makes me cry after 😛 Everyone thinks there’s something wrong, but “No, I’m fine!” Haha!

    Joggers or Lounge slouchy pants are my life! I can’t have enough pairs!

    (I totally miss Caitlin!!!)

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      that’s how i was, too! the nurse was like, “are you ok?!” and i was like, “yes! i’m so happy!” haha

  10. s on April 1, 2016 at 7:50 am

    glad you’re on the mend!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      thank you! <3

  11. Haley on April 1, 2016 at 7:56 am

    So glad you’re on the mend!!… How good are the beignets at Great Maple?! One of my faves 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:04 pm

      they were INSANE. i want them again right now haha

  12. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on April 1, 2016 at 8:12 am

    So glad the surgery went well and I had no doubt you would wake up! You’re in good hands I see! I’m sure you will be back to full life by Monday friend! xoxo

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:04 pm

      thank you!! <3

  13. Anne @fANNEtasticfood on April 1, 2016 at 8:33 am

    I’m so glad you are on the mend, my friend! Also I TOTALLY just got sucked into that trailer – ahhh!! Must read the book now. Love that the movie has Finnick from the Hunger Games and Daenerys from Game of Thrones!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:04 pm

      you will LOVE the book
      have a great weekend, lovely friend <3

  14. Amy on April 1, 2016 at 8:44 am

    Gina, so good to hear that you feel better and wow, I bet the last 5 mths have been a lot to deal with. So cool that you’re mom is visiting again! Take care:)

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:04 pm

      it’s been pretty terrible all around. so happy this part is over!
      hope you have a wonderful weekend <3

  15. Sarah @ SarahRuns26 on April 1, 2016 at 9:10 am

    So glad you’re feeling better and that the surgery is in the past! I have a fear of anesthesia too, so I totally get that relief feeling when you wake up.

    Me Before You is one of my favorite books. It was beautiful and I can’t wait until the movie comes out! The trailer makes me cry every time! After You was pretty good too, but it took longer for me to get into it and it just doesn’t compare to my love for Me Before You.

    Have a great weekend!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      yes! like i know it’s going to be ok, but it still freaks me out to think that you fall asleep, things happen to you, and you wake up
      i am absolutely loving the book. i don’t want it to end!
      hope you have a great weekend

  16. Amy S on April 1, 2016 at 9:59 am

    I’m so glad to hear your surgery is over and that you’re feeling better! Sending you good thoughts for a speedy recovery, and that you’ll be back to feeling 100% soon! <3

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      thank you, friend- have a great weekend!

  17. Meagan Leanne on April 1, 2016 at 10:09 am

    It’s so good to hear it all went well. <3

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      thank you, friend <3

  18. Hannah on April 1, 2016 at 10:21 am

    I’m so happy that you are doing well after your surgery! I have had surgery in that exact same area, and I understand how it can feel so isolating because it’s something that no one talks about, even though MANY people go through it. I hope your recovery continues to go well and that you keep feeling more and more like yourself each day <3

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      thank you so much – i really appreciate it
      yes, it’s weird no one talks about it because it’s so common! happy to have the surgery out of my life. sorry to hear you went through something similar, but happy it’s over for you too
      have a great weekend <3

  19. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on April 1, 2016 at 10:36 am

    So glad it all went well!!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      thank you, friend

  20. Jacquelyn @justjacq on April 1, 2016 at 10:42 am

    OMG that movie trailer made me tear up! I can’t imagine reading the book. And I spotted Bates from Downton Abbey– love. And love Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones so I’m totally seeing this movie!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      the movie looks like it’s going to be wonderful
      hope you have a great weekend!

  21. Sarah on April 1, 2016 at 10:44 am

    I love the P smiles of the day so much! They make me smile!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      thank you! they crack me up

  22. Laurel on April 1, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Me Before You is one of the best books I’ve read in years (and I read a lot!) You’ll definitely cry, but it’s a good kind of crying. If you like the book, you should check out the sequel…

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      i definitely will- thank you!

  23. Julie on April 1, 2016 at 10:59 am

    I was missing Caitlin’s April Fool’s Day post this a.m., too! 🙁

    Glad the surgery is behind you & you’re on the mend! Have a wonderful wknd & a great upcoming week w/ your madre. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      i always look forward to it!
      thank you! hope you have a great weekend, too

  24. Heather@hungryforbalance on April 1, 2016 at 11:19 am

    So glad to hear that the surgery went well!! I’ve been struggling with some prolapse issues after having my daughter- they are so not cool.

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      ughh. i’m so sorry to hear you’re going through that. have you done any pelvic floor physical therapy?
      hope you have a great weekend <3

  25. Tracy on April 1, 2016 at 11:44 am

    Keep feeling better!! So happy for you that it’s over, you’re on the road to recovery and feeling good 🙂

    TGIF!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      thank you, friend. happy friday!

  26. Cassie on April 1, 2016 at 11:50 am

    Happy Friday! I’m so glad to hear you are recovering well!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      thanks, girl. have a great weekend!

  27. Katie on April 1, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    Wishing you a quick recovery! xo

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      thank you, lovely!

  28. Cara on April 1, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    I’m so so glad the surgery is over with and you are recovering!! Make sure you take is easy, glad that your momma will be there to help. 🙂 What is cuter, P’s smile or her pj’s???!!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      aww thank you!
      yes, i’m so excited she’ll be here soon 🙂

  29. Melodie on April 1, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    so glad you have this behind you! you know, I’ve been put under 3 times for surgeries and EVERY time I wake up and start crying. I think it’s a pretty common side effect. back in august I had surgery on a broken arm and I went ahead and informed everyone involved that I would probably be crying when I woke in recovery. haha.

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      hahah glad to know i’m not alone. the nurse was like, “are you ok?” and i was like, “i’m just so happy” hahaha

  30. Jessie R on April 1, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    YAY for a recovery and feeling kind of back to normal! I can only imagine how sad little P was when she couldn’t eat the food off the Pilots plate 🙁 haha, poor girl, soon very soon. Love the first link! And yes, Me Before you is AMAZING, you should read the sequel, but I wouldn’t rush to read it or anything… maybe another JoJo Moyes book, One Plus One and The Girl You Left Behind were both good :).

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      haha it was so funny! she wanted it so badly. i’m excited for her to finally try it 🙂
      i will definitely check those out next. thank you!!

  31. Cara's Healthy Cravings on April 1, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Happy healing!!
    I love that article of Justin Trudeau, I had to repost it on Facebook. Yoga is definitely for everyone and to be done everywhere, apparently 😉 Ha!

  32. Tracey on April 1, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    So glad to hear it went well! Thinking of you!

  33. Amanda B. on April 1, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    I’m glad you’re doing well and best wishes for a speedy recovery. It sounds like you have three great caregivers at home!

    I was just thinking about Caitlin this morning and I thought it was a random thing. But maybe it was because it’s April Fools Day and I was just feeling her spirit! She always had great AFD posts!

    Enjoy your weekend, Happy April, and glad you’re on the mend (and don’t moms being there always make healing better!?). 🙂

  34. Kailey on April 1, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    So glad you’re feeling better! Hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly <3 It's been so fun having you on Snapchat! 🙂

  35. Leah on April 1, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    I’m so glad to hear your surgery went well. I hope you are feeling 100% soon. These kiddos sure can do a number on our bodies but they are so worth it :). I’ve never read th Caitlin blog you mentioned. So I clicked on the link and all I could think is Gina better not ever stop blogging. What would I do?!! So my advice is please don’t, ok? -thanks. Ha ha!
    Oh miss P’s smile is so infectious. What a doll! Have a good weekend.

  36. Erika S. on April 1, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    Glad to hear you’re feeling better! Enjoy the rest while you can!

    I’m starting up my “champagne sunday” brunches with my girlfriends…this week’s theme is “mcmuffins & mimosas”…homemade mcmuffins are awesome!!!

  37. april on April 2, 2016 at 10:55 am

    so glad that you “survived” your surgery and will hopefully be back to normal very soon! 🙂

  38. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on April 3, 2016 at 5:34 am

    So glad your surgery went well and you are home and on the mend. Looks like you are in good hands. Take it easy, rest. “The P smile’ of the day made me smile! Adorable.

  39. masala girl on April 3, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    so glad you’re doing better! 🙂 wishing you the best in recovery!
    and I am the SAME way with anesthesia. it scares the bejeezus out of me. i’m freaking out holding my dad’s hand before i go under still haha

  40. Alisha Ness on April 4, 2016 at 6:19 am

    I’m so glad you’re doing better!

    I loved Me Before You. I sobbed so hard though my boyfriend had to come check on me. lol.

    • Fitnessista on April 4, 2016 at 10:24 pm

      haha! it just gets into your heart <3
      xoxo

  41. Genna on April 4, 2016 at 8:46 am

    I LOVE JOJO MOYES!!!! You must read After You, the sequel to Me Before You. Me Before You is one of my favorite books that I’ve read in a long time. Ah, so many feelings and deep thoughts! Cannot wait for the movie!

    • Fitnessista on April 4, 2016 at 10:20 pm

      i’m downloading it now! thank you!
      and YES. the movie looks like it will be wonderful <3

  42. Ashley B. on April 4, 2016 at 10:01 am

    I have to thank you- I’m eating your latest egg turkey bacon sweet potato casserole & it is DELICIOUS! Thank you for your meal prep posts…making my life a lot easier and healthful 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 4, 2016 at 10:20 pm

      oh i’m so happy to hear you like it! <3

  43. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on April 6, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Hi Gina! I missed commenting on this — but wanted to wish you a quick and easy recovery. 🙂 Thinking about you!

    • Fitnessista on April 6, 2016 at 9:53 pm

      thank you, friend <3

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.