Friday Faves (+ Hi from MA)

Happy Friday! Hellooooo from Massachusetts. I’m here at the exquisite Canyon Ranch in Lenox for a media trip. I’ll be posting about all of the adventures (and will be sharing pics on Instagram if you’d like to check them out!). Bonus: I’ll get to see Kyle and Meg!! 🙂

I fear the cold

{shirt.jeans.shoes.}

(The guy next to me on the plane was like “You know you need warmer shoes right?” haha)

It’s going to be a fun-filled weekend, and this morning I’m about to take a 300 Workout.

In standard Friday fashion, here are some faves from this week and around the web! I always love to hear what you’re enjoying, too, so please shout it out in the comments below. <3

Winter Shape Up, which starts on Monday! My friend Anne and I are so excited to share 4 weeks of FREE meal and fitness plans with y’all. Be sure to check out our blogs Monday morning for all of the details. 

Wsu2015 logo

POSH Podcast. As I mentioned before, the coach at Barry’s Bootcamp played this during class, and it was FANTASTIC. It’s a club mix of top 40 songs, so instead of thinking about the fact that you’re sweaty on the treadmill, you can picture yourself dancing at XS in an only-ok-for-Vegas sparkly dress. Or something like that. Just download, and enjoy. I promise it’s amazing.

Posh podcast

Suja Santa made a magical visit. I was greeted by a box of glorious Suja juices on the doorstep, including some new flavors and my beloved faves (Twelve Essentials and Glow). I’m especially enjoying the new Sunset Protein, which tastes like a tasty cinnamon dessert and has 10g of protein.

Suja fairy  1 of 1

Longhorn Steakhouse. Of all of the crunchy and health-based restaurants I go fangirl over, this may seem like an odd restaurant to be excited about, but I looooove it. While I was at the Detroit airport yesterday, I did a little airport cardio: during long layovers, I like to spend some time walking around the various terminals. Not only does it feel wonderful to move my legs after sitting for so long on the plane, but it also gives me the chance to explore and shop. I love the funky boutiques in some airports (Seattle, you win so far). While I was walking around yesterday, I saw a Longhorn Steakhouse. I was so stoked, and had to have lunch there. My girlfriends and I would go to Longhorn almost every week when we lived in Valdosta, so my little Longhorn lunch made me miss them even more. (We’ve all moved all over the country since then, but somehow we’ll live close to each other again.)

Photo 213

Goodreads. I’ve had a Goodreads account since 2009, and I haven’t used it since 2009. I’m constantly on the prowl for new book recommendations, and a friend suggested Goodreads since you can see which books friends have read, and receive recommendations. With much hesitation, I read Fault In Our Stars this week. I mentioned it to my mom that I wanted to see the movie, and she said, “You have to read the book first.” I told her that the book would probably make me cry more than the movie, and she said, “It’s kind of love that you feel so fortunate to read about. Just read it.” She was exactly right. 

All the tears.

This low-sugar dessert pizza recipe. I can’t wait to try this!

Studio Barre. I took a class with Jess this week, and it was a great workout. Sometimes it’s a treat to take one of the classes I teach, and enjoy it as my own workout, instead of coaching/talking/thinking of what we’re going to do next. It was awesome to take a barre class, and check out their new space as they just opened a little over a week ago. They have a great selection of barre apparel, and it’s a bright and tranquil vibe.

IMG 1914

IMG 1915

Gena’s lovely review post and giveaway.

Why more women are switching to natural birth control. I stepped away many years ago and have never looked back. 

Thank you to my friends at POPSUGAR for featuring these chocolate coconut protein bars (that taste like candy).

Chocolate protein bar  1 of 1 2

6 health rules Matthew Kenney lives by.

Morning routines of 12 women leaders. 

Any fave things/reads/eats/wears from the week?

Hope you have a very happy Friday!!

xoxo

Gina

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63 Comments

  1. Nicole on January 23, 2015 at 5:46 am

    Thanks so much for recommending posh podcast. I love it!! So good for exercise -it almost could replace my beloved Girltalk.

  2. RachelG on January 23, 2015 at 5:51 am

    Welcome to New England! Saturday we’re supposed to get snow/sleet/rain in Connecticut, but don’t worry…it’ll probably be 40 and sunny on Sunday. 😉

  3. Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert on January 23, 2015 at 5:53 am

    I love your outfit it’s so cute! I’m reading Big Little Lies right now and I seriously can’t put it down! Enjoy your weekend away Gina!

  4. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on January 23, 2015 at 5:58 am

    I will have to check out that podcast! I am always looking for fun new music – especially for workouts. Enjoy your weekend away in MA! I hope you packed some warmer shoes. 🙂 Happy Friday!

  5. Cindy on January 23, 2015 at 5:58 am

    If you liked Gone Girl, you MUST read The Girl On The Train. It was SO GOOD!!!!

  6. Natty on January 23, 2015 at 6:01 am

    That protein bars look so good!

  7. Laura T. on January 23, 2015 at 6:04 am

    Woohoo- You are in Mass!! I live in Western Mass! About an hour away from Lenox. I hope you love your visit. If you are lucky, we are supposed to have a snow storm on Saturday!

  8. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on January 23, 2015 at 6:04 am

    Have a great trip! I’m loving your almond cookies from your book. Already need to whip another batch this weekend.

  9. Nicole @ Runs & WODs on January 23, 2015 at 6:11 am

    This week I signed two more personal training clients. They’re so awesome I can’t wait to work with them! I also signed up for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. I love this race and loving that I have a team of 5 coworkers running it with me.

  10. Beth on January 23, 2015 at 6:21 am

    Gah! I love the Winter Shape Up picture. I’m pretty sure it’s the best graphic ever in the history of the internet.

  11. Cassie Vaughn on January 23, 2015 at 6:28 am

    I thought the book, Fault in Our Stars, was so much better than the movie. I use GoodReads too, but I rarely use their recommendations. However, I used to be a serious book hoarder. However, GoodReads let me keep track of what I read along with a rating so I have gotten much better about giving books away – since I’ll never read them again – and using the library.

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:50 am

      seriously! i need to start loaning on my kindle more often

  12. Haley on January 23, 2015 at 6:37 am

    Welcome to cold, snowy MA! Hopefully you’ll survive the storm tomorrow and get a taste of a gorgeous snowy MA day 🙂

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:50 am

      thank you! we’re supposed to have an outdoor excursion tomorrow… i am not sure if weather is going to allow it 😉

  13. Sara Jacobson on January 23, 2015 at 6:45 am

    Can you share your Goodreads page with us? Would love to follow you!

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:48 am

      sure! it’s under my email: fitnessista at gmail dot com

  14. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on January 23, 2015 at 6:45 am

    Have so much fun in MA! I’m the same and wear flats and sperrys all year round. My feet tend to be fine in whatever shoes I’m wearing, it’s the rest of me that freezes!

  15. Christa @ Living Unbalanced on January 23, 2015 at 6:47 am

    I’m so glad to hear there are some good healthy options at Longhorn! My neighbor gave my fiance and I gift cards to Bob Evans & Longhorn for Christmas, neither of which I’ve been to in yeeeears. Guess we will have to make Longhorn a date night! Still not so sure about Bob Evans though 😉

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:47 am

      hahah! yes, longhorn is so good 🙂

  16. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on January 23, 2015 at 6:49 am

    Welcome to MA! Just in time for our first big winter storm. Seriously-I hope you packed warmer clothes! So jealous you’re at Canyon Ranch! I love that area of Massachusetts. My husband and I went to Cranwell for our 5 year anniversary in September, so I was just there recently. Lots of beautiful sights, delicious eats, fun shopping, and healthiness! Enjoy!

  17. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on January 23, 2015 at 6:53 am

    P.S. Totally agree with you on natural birth control. I haven’t been on any hormones for about 10 years because they gave me migraines, but it’s nice to be in tuned with what’s going on with your body (and appreciate the entire process).

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:47 am

      it seriously changed my life! never going back 🙂

      • Whitney on January 23, 2015 at 4:39 pm

        So just curious, do you still after all these years take your temp every day and chart it? Or do you just understand your cycles now well enough to not have to?

  18. Ciara on January 23, 2015 at 7:03 am

    I loved the 12 morning routines article! & excited to try out the podcast 🙂

  19. Kirtley @ The Gist of Fit on January 23, 2015 at 7:15 am

    What thu? Natural birth control. That’s something I’ll have to look into. Have fun in Mass! Those bars look totally awesome!

  20. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on January 23, 2015 at 7:28 am

    I can’t wait to hear about canyon ranch! i’ve almost wanted to go!!!

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:47 am

      it is gloooooorious

  21. Mary on January 23, 2015 at 7:35 am

    I saw your picture and thought “I hope she packed some long sleeves” ha ha. Then I saw what the guy on the plane said.

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:47 am

      i did haha! lots of layers since i don’t have “real” winter clothes 🙂

  22. Kaylin on January 23, 2015 at 7:39 am

    Welcome to MA! You might even get lucky and see an actual snow storm while you are here!

    • Fitnessista on January 23, 2015 at 7:46 am

      ahhhhh! i saw ICICLES this morning. it was amazing haha

  23. Hilary on January 23, 2015 at 7:41 am

    I just bought a bottle of the Suja sunset protein drink yesterday and haven’t gotten to try it yet so good to see it tastes good! Especially by your description 🙂 I just got my hands on the s’mores quest bars and I must say my new favorite!

  24. Stacy @ Sweating Tulipz on January 23, 2015 at 7:59 am

    I too have a GoodReads account and really need to start using it more. The Fault in Our Stars was such an awesome book (and movie). Can’t wait to try your featured recipe…looks amazing! Have a great trip!

  25. Gina on January 23, 2015 at 8:06 am

    OMG!!! You’re in my neck of the woods -sort of – I’m in Central Mass!! Have a great time and get ready for some snow. Enjoy your weekend! Your blog friend Gina (from central Mass)

  26. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on January 23, 2015 at 8:23 am

    Hi Gina! Yay for a fun media trip. I went to a yoga conference on Sunday and came away with a great gift bag full of various Pukka teas. I’ve been trying a new one every day and it’s a fun little treat. Have a great weekend! 🙂

  27. Linda @ TheFitty on January 23, 2015 at 8:31 am

    So checking out that motivational POSH podcast. I wonder why they call it that?

  28. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance on January 23, 2015 at 8:35 am

    I’ve been wanting to see the movie but now I want to read the book after reading this post!

  29. Sylvia on January 23, 2015 at 9:18 am

    Hey Gina, would of ever consider writing an update about the birth control method you use? I.e FAM? I’m really interested in other women’s experiences, as I’ve been researching FAM for years but am still nervous about trying it. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

  30. Emma @ em-poweredwellness on January 23, 2015 at 9:39 am

    I loved the article on leaders’ morning routines, so interesting! I have never tried suja juices before (so expensive!) but they sound amazing

  31. Katie @ Live Half Full on January 23, 2015 at 10:02 am

    I’m loving the Trader Joes’ Truffle Salt Almonds. SO. GOOD.

  32. char eats greens on January 23, 2015 at 10:05 am

    I read The Fault In Our Stars a few weeks back and literally finished it in 2 days (tears and all!). And then the next day, watched the movie. I just told the husband last night actually that I watched the movie without him haha. I think he was pretty shocked that I would do such a thing. #noshame! I had to see it…clearly haha. Have a great trip and stay warm! xo

  33. Chrissy @ Pink Polish and Running Shoes on January 23, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Welcome to MA! I live down the street from a Longhorn and my boyfriend and I go there all the time for date nights. Have fun on your press trip. Can’t wait to read all about it!

  34. Elana on January 23, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Did you see the funny spoof on the morning routines of 12 women leaders? I think it’s pretty funny, even though I enjoyed the original article as well 🙂

    http://www.scarymommy.com/morning-routines-four-regular-women/

  35. Amanda on January 23, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Just downloaded the POSH podcast – so excited!! I’ve been in a bit of a workout music rut, so I’m pumped. Thanks!!

  36. Tracy on January 23, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Your mom’s comment about Fault in Our Stars is so true! Both the book and movie were so painful, but in a good way. You need to watch the movie! I sent you a friend request on Goodreads. I think you’ll really like using it. I like being able to look back over books I’ve read and use it to give suggestions to friends. I also use it to remember if i’ve read a book!!! They all run together sometimes! Lol

    Have a great time in MA!

  37. Katie on January 23, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    Oh my goodness.. that article about children growing up. ALL THE TEARS IS RIGHT! Im a sobbing mess.

  38. Jess @ USAHomeGym on January 23, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    Wow, Canyon Ranch looks amazing!

    Looking forward to seeing the start of Winter Shape Up. Anne is another great blogger we’ve been following for a while now, so super excited!

    Hope you enjoy the excursion and have a great weekend 🙂

  39. queenoffitness on January 23, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    I just finished reading jojo moyes’s book one plus one. She also wrote me before you which a friend recommended to me but my library doesn’t have it. It is laugh out loud funny. I think you would enjoy it plus I loved all the British culture in the book.
    Thanks to your information on alternate methods of BC many moons ago, I went off BC and have never regretted it.

  40. Jesi on January 23, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    I’ve been listening to “The Girl On the Train” via Audible on my long drives to work and it is really good! If you liked “Gone Girl” I recommend this too. And if you haven’t read “Gone Girl” then definitely check that out!

  41. nicole on January 23, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    Have fun on your trip! I just started a good reads account as a way to expand and find new books as well!

  42. Autumn (@Beautifully Gray) on January 23, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    The chocolate coconut protein bars look delicious! I want to try them this weekend

  43. Jess on January 23, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Have fun!

  44. Courtney Violet Bentley on January 23, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    What a fun trip you have planned!!! Xo C

  45. Maria@championshipfit on January 24, 2015 at 6:34 am

    You look so cute- enjoy!
    What’s a 300 workout?
    I’m really looking forward to the Winter Shape Up.

  46. Amy on January 24, 2015 at 7:53 am

    Hope you are enjoying all the snow here in MA. Im from Boston we are in the middle of the storm and already have about 5 inches.

  47. Alex @ True Femme on January 24, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Hope you are having an awesome time at the Canyon Ranch in MA! This week I’ve been loving a snack mix with TJ’s dried blueberries and goji berries. It’s crunchy, sweet, and chewy, not to mention delicious!

  48. Danielle Dunn on January 24, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    super excited for your Winter Shape Up Monday! 🙂 shared some of my favorites from the week over on my blog, including some really great reads 🙂
    xo Danielle
    http://stylecrushdiaries.blogspot.com/2015/01/friday-favorites-1.html

  49. Ash Bear on January 25, 2015 at 5:57 am

    Love the idea for POSH podcast! I just added it 🙂

  50. Maggie on January 25, 2015 at 6:15 am

    Thanks for sharing the Morning Routines article. I read it and found it fascinating to hear how varied mornings are for some of America’s most successful women. One thing does seem to hold steady though– hustling kids along seems to take up a fair chunk of time!

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