Morning coffee date

It’s been a while since we’ve grabbed coffee together!! Grab a mug, pull up a chair, and let’s hang out a bit. 🙂

pretty coffee

If we were having coffee right now, I would probably see if you wanted to meet at Prep & Pastry. They have amazing coffee… and dosants (donut/croissant hybrid that is life).

 We’d probably need some breakfast, too, like this sweet potato hash and eggs.

sweet potato hash and eggs

If we were having coffee right now, I’d want to hear about your life! What’s going on this winter? How’s the fam? What have you been up to? What are you looking forward to?

I’d probably tell you about the latest hilarious thing Liv said, or what P has been up to lately. It’s funny because I’ve gotten so many requests for Livi-isms lately, and I can’t post any of the ones that made me cry with laughter. (They’re unintentionally wildly inappropriate.) As far as P goes, she continues to crack me up each day in her own way. Usually by finding or destroying something.

This video made me laugh so hard because it’s so true.

I would probably tell you about some of the things I’m looking forward to while we’re here: 

-a weekend getaway to Sedona. I’ve been wanting to take the fam to one of my favorite places, and I’m so glad we’re going to escape for a weekend trip. The energy in Sedona is truly magical, and it’s a special place for me because right after my last trip, I found out we were expecting P

-a visit from MIL. It’s always a blast to have her visit, and we love taking her to our favorite Tucson spots

-a Vegas trip with friends! I’ve missed Betsy so much since we left SD, and am so glad we have a fun reunion planned

-a final trip to San Diego so Livi can see her friends and we can meet up with ours before heading to the other side of the country. Liv still asks me about her best friends from SD, so I’m glad she’ll get to see them one more time before we move

If we were having coffee right now, the topic would likely eventually reach moving blahs. I’m making the best of it and know once we get there it will go by quickly and be another great adventure, but I can’t help but feel al little *over* packing up our lives every two years or so. I just feel ready to have a group of friends we can hang out with consistently before we have to leave, a teaching spot that I won’t have to say “see ya later” to anytime soon (or maybe finally open my own studio!), and be around the fam. I know the time is coming, and that we’re just earning it right now, but yeah. The exciting news is that we found a house that we LOVE so it’s giving me something to look forward to. 

If we were having coffee right now, I’d probably ask you about any books you’ve been into lately or Netflix shows. I saw some of The Santa Clarita Diet (so random, so funny) and was PUMPED to see that season 3 of Chef’s Table is finally on. Thank youuuuuuu. I’ve been reading a ton of physical therapy-esque books lately and nutrition overload (#nerd) but I’m definitely in the market for some fluffier fare. This is why I devoured The Magnolia Story and would love to hear some of your recommendations. Thank you to a blog reader Colleen who suggested The Lacuna

I’d also see if you wanted to take a barre, spin, DJ dance, or Pilates class with me. Which one are you thinking?

xoxo

Gina

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46 Comments

  1. Lindsay on February 22, 2017 at 6:10 am

    I love these posts! Long time blog reader, very infrequent blog commenter here. 🙂

    If we were having coffee right now, I’d beg you to tell me all the wildly inappropriate things Liv has said recently. 😉

    I totally feel ya on the military moving blahs. My husband is in the Navy, and he’s THISCLOSE to shore duty. We’ve done 2 deployments and a geobach move over the past 3 years. SO over it. 17 days left, but who’s counting? haha Thankfully we don’t have to move this time around (which is great for the kiddos’ school continuity), but we’re on the opposite side of the country as all of our family. We’re in it until retirement, and luckily this year is halfway there! woot!

    When my hubby is home, we’ve been binge (re)watching That 70s Show and LOVING it! So funny. I started to watch the trailer for The Santa Clarita Diet, but I got really grossed out and couldn’t finish, haha…is it really good?!

    Also, I just discovered Tone It Up. Where have I been? Have you ever tried their nutrition plan or their Perfect Fit protein?

    I’d totally take you up on joining you for a fitness class! I’ve always wanted to take one of your classes, but to do one with you would be even more fun! #fangirl

    • Bethany on February 22, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      I feel ya’ll! It is such a blessing to be apart of this life and service but the blahs hit hard at times! It can be so lonely! We are stationed overseas and my husband is away on duty. Finding people with like personalities and values is tough. Plus work and kiddo stuff…..it’s just hard.

      I try to remember the blessings of it. I am so much stronger of a person because I am apart of this life. Not only as a person but in my faith! I believe I am better rounded because of the many places I’ve lived and the people I’ve met. I’ve been able to travel and see places like Italy, Paris, London, Portugal, Tokyo and we are planning an Australia trip soon. I would have never been able to see these places otherwise and it is crazy that I’ve lived in many of them.

      I have no book or TV shows because this momma does not have time! lol

      I am rocking my master’s class though =)

      • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:02 pm

        such a great reminder to focus on all of the good things about it <3

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:16 pm

      thank you so much for stopping in to say hi 🙂
      and yes, i would totally tell you the funny things liv has been saying
      and i feel ya on all of the blahs. there are so many great parts about it.. but some parts just suck, and there’s no way around it haha. 17 days!! i hope they go by quickly!
      the santa clarita diet is kind of gross, but i really liked the obvious silly humor.
      and i felt the same way when i discovered tone it up haha! i was like WHO ARE THESE GIRLS? WHY ARE THEY SO BEAUTIFUL? CAN I HANG OUT WITH THEM? i have the nutrition plan (and reviewed it on the blog) and really liked it. i love that they send out updates frequently. i thought the protein was pretty meh. the stats are good, but it tastes overly sweet.
      i’d love to take a class with you if we ever are in the same place 🙂 thank you so much to you and your husband for serving. xoxo

  2. Bethany @ Dose of Discovery on February 22, 2017 at 6:12 am

    Well I just happen to be reading this as I sip on an iced coffee this morning. 🙂 I can imagine that moving every couple of years can really start to wear on you! Will there be a point in the future when you all can settle somewhere permanently?

    My random life updates – I just started reading The Last Anniversary and it seems good so far. I’ve recently saved Hillbilly Elegy and Essentialism for future reading. Have you seen the Eat Happy cookbook by Anna Vocino? I have some friends RAVING about it. Also, I’ve decided to tackle my first half ironman at Steelhead this year! Super intimidating, but I’m excited!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:13 pm

      yes, we’re hoping in the next few years we’ll be done moving around
      ohhhh off to check out that cookbook- thank you!
      and that is SO exciting about the half ironman! you will rock it <3

  3. Christina @ montessoriishmom.com on February 22, 2017 at 6:27 am

    If we were having coffee, I would go on endlessly about my love for the Nespresso I got for Christmas – I am obsessed.

    I can’t imagine moving so often, it is such a beautiful sacrifice your family is making 🙂 I’m sure it’s hard for the girls sometimes, but I bet it will help them be flexible and make friends easily as they grow up. That would be amazing to open your own studio some day! What kind of studio would it be, or a mix of different things?

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:11 pm

      i’ve heard so many awesome things about nespresso!
      i was thinking a barre studio with some yoga and strength/plyo thrown in there 🙂

  4. Sam @ Hygge Wellness on February 22, 2017 at 6:43 am

    If we were having coffee, I would tell you how excited I was to be having coffee with you after so many years of reading!! I’d also tell you I’m working so hard to build my health coaching business, and that I’m so happy to be out of a big law firm. I’d also tell you how nervous I am to make it work, but that I’m trying to stay positive. And then I would beg to hear all of the unintentionally inappropriate things Liv said – and ask to see pictures of the new place!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:10 pm

      and i would tell you that i’m cheering for you!! you can totally do it with that hustle <3 xoxo
      and yes i would definitely tell you the hilarious things liv has been saying haha

  5. Lisa on February 22, 2017 at 6:55 am

    I am having my coffee in la jolla!! Looking at the ocean now! Just finished reading the guest room by bohjalian…very good book! Tonight dinner at Puesto per your suggestion and yoga Thursday at prana with Gerrard (super excited for that. We are one mile from the studio ) also found the living room and had a delish drink !! Just love this area!!
    Ps I tried to watch Santa Clarita diet. Ewwwwww gross lol
    Back to coffee and watching the surfers

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:10 pm

      ahhh so happy to hear!! hope you liked puesto 🙂 enjoy yoga, too. gerhard is the best!
      xoxo

      • Lisa on February 23, 2017 at 6:18 am

        Any good suggestions on where to get a good haircut ? Impulsive feeling to chop it NOW!!

        • Fitnessista on February 23, 2017 at 7:01 am

          omg yes. you would have to venture down to liberty station (it’s worth it, liberty station is amazing). i’d call jol salon and see if shaylin has cancelations. she is incredible (and does awesome color too)

          • Lisa on February 23, 2017 at 7:16 am

            Liberty station !! We went to the public market for breakfast day one. Had three of our kids with us. So yummy!! Going to ride bikes. To Kellogg beach today. End with yoga and dinner ! Thanks !! Booked the place for July!!



  6. Leigh on February 22, 2017 at 7:06 am

    We are headed to Disney world and spent the night in Valdosta last night – I wasn’t thinking of you as we drove through town. I enjoyed grad school here, and we are at Steel Magnolias – it was amazing!!! I know it’s quite a change from California, but I hope it’s another great stop-over for your family. I love your blog!!!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:09 pm

      ahhh i’ve heard steel magnolias is incredible! so happy to know that they have some new fun restaurants <3
      thank you so much for reading, too! xo

  7. Leigh on February 22, 2017 at 7:07 am

    I meant to type that I was thinking of you as we drove into town!!!!

  8. Lisa @ Lisa 3D on February 22, 2017 at 7:19 am

    It’s always great to hear about what’s going on in your life! I can’t imagine how hard it must be to have to pack up and move every two years. Moving is one of those things that gives me lots of anxiety. As for Netflix, my husband and I recently started re-watching Dexter. It’s our second time through – such a compelling show!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:08 pm

      ughhh. it gives me so much anxiety! i can’t look at too much valdosta stuff at night or i can’t sleep. i haven’t seen dexter! maybe i’ll check it out

  9. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on February 22, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Spin of course! I think your own studio would be amazing. I could just see you with it in Tucson. I don’t have much to report this week at our coffee date other than that I’m in desperate need for some cute workout tops. I love the open back tanks that Lulu used to have. Now they just have boring tanks you could buy anywhere. I loved the sexier ones with the straps and open backs. Fabletics has cute pants, but not so much tops and Lorna Jane is hit or miss. Ugh…it’s so hard to find stylish tanks.

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      thank you- it’s something i would love to do. and YES ON THE TANK TOPS. everything is so boring right now! i’ve found some cute ones at lorna jane, but yes, all of the lulu ones are pretty basic

  10. Alyssa on February 22, 2017 at 8:23 am

    Hi Gina! Just want to thank you for your fun posts. I enjoy reading them. I recently purchased your e-book and I learned some super helpful blogging tips. It was well written and easy to follow. Best $12 I’ve spent in quite some time. 🙂 Thanks, again.

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      that means so much to me! so happy to hear you enjoyed it!

  11. Liz on February 22, 2017 at 9:28 am

    YAY for coffee dates! My son is a couple weeks younger than your P and finds and destroys everrrything. Good thing they are cute! Enjoy your mini trips over the next weeks. Im sure its so hard to move often, and away from your family, but at least its temporary? Sending good vibes your way. Excited to keep reading your adventures.

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      it just makes me laugh because liv was super chill, and p is like a tornado haha. a cute one, though 😉
      thank you so much for reading <3 i'm excited for the next adventure... but anxious as usual
      xoxo

  12. Lindsey on February 22, 2017 at 9:31 am

    I’ve been a long time blog reader, only starting after your first stay in Valdosta. I’m originally FROM Valdosta (actually, Hahira!) and now live in Boston. I know how difficult it is to be so far away from family especially with little ones but in my opinion, Valdosta has gotten SO much better in the past few years. My entire family still lives there and there are quite a few new restaurants and shops (Little Options is an oldie but goodie for the girls!!). One weekend, take a trip to Saint Simons Island-which is where my parents live and is now my home away from home, I even got married there). It’s a quaint village like atmosphere and THE BEST food EVER right on the water. It’s a quick drive from Valdosta, just under two hours and feels like you are worlds away. I’d love to point you in the right direction if you ever go, or if you need some Valdosta connections! (Literally my entire family except for my parents live there still!) Hang in there Mama!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:06 pm

      so crazy that you ended up in boston! we will definitely check out those recommendations- thank you!
      i really appreciate the help for suggestions, too. i’ll take anything i can get 🙂
      xoxo

  13. Emily on February 22, 2017 at 11:14 am

    Hi Gina,
    I love your blog, and today’s post reminded me that you are in Tuscon…My entire family (8 adults, 7 kids) are flying out from Boston next week and would love to know any must see spots. We’re staying at Dove Mountain, and with a group that large, anything you can recommend close by would be great.

    Thank you!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:05 pm

      dove mountain is amazing! honestly, you won’t need to venture far because they have an awesome pool and great restaurants. let me know if you want to grab dinner semi-close by or if you want to stay in the area (there isn’t a ton up there)

  14. Tracy on February 22, 2017 at 11:25 am

    We were in Sedona last October. It is truly magical!!

    How long until you have to move? It’s fun to see you all enjoying your time there to the fullest!

    I just read Until I Met Her by Natalie Barelli, a very entertaining & suspenseful thriller similar to Gone Girl. Very good! I’m reading Magnolia Story now 🙂

    Did you read BIG Little Lies by Liane Morality (love her books)? I’ve heard the new HBO series based on the book is really good! (I haven’t started it yet though)

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      it is! such a beautiful place <3
      we move in april (not sure quite when yet)
      i will check that one out! and yes, i read the book and loved it. i love anything liane moriarty, and think you would enjoy her books too. what alice forget is my fave

  15. Amanda on February 22, 2017 at 11:41 am

    I’m another long time blog reader and infrequent commenter. If we were having coffee right now, I would ask if you’ve had luck cleaning your humidifier (only because I was the one who told you how I cleaned mine). I would totally take as many barre, Pilates, and yoga classes as you would want to take together. I would pick your brain on how you find such awesome rental houses. I was a homeowner for 9 years (I still am…I just have a tenant now) and returned to rental living when I moved in August. I know I’ll move this upcoming August, and I would want every nugget of wisdom from you for how you find such awesome places. Finally, I would tell you that as a longtime reader who would want to meet you one day, I know we’ll be within driving distance when you move to Valdosta since I now live in southern FL, which is 4 hours to Jacksonville or 3.5 to Orlando. Enjoy soaking up the sun and love with your family before your upcoming move.

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      thank you so much for commenting more often 🙂 so nice to see you here!
      and no, i haven’t found any new ways besides the way you mentioned. i just hate taking it apart. i can definitely share some of my tips! basically i’m like a house shark haha
      so amazing that you’ll be so close! i love that it’s a short drive to jacksonville and orlando

  16. Holly Boswell on February 22, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Long time reader here starting to come out of my shell and comment more!! If we were having coffee I would tell you that physical therapist assisting school is kicking my bootay right now and im actually glad that I’ll be moving back to Valdosta in august (currently living in an even smaller town). It really has blossomed there! If you haven’t already, you should also check out driftwood beach on jeckyll island near st Simons island! Beautiful dinosaur sized driftwood scattered on the beach. I would totally take any yoga, Pilates, or boot camp when you’re in Vtown again!!

    • Fitnessista on February 22, 2017 at 10:02 pm

      thank you so much for taking the time to say hi!! i’ve heard that there is a LOT more fun new things in valdosta. we’ll check out driftwood beach, too- thank you!

  17. Amy on February 23, 2017 at 4:08 am

    If we were having coffee right now, I would be so excited! I have been to the Phoenix area, Scottsdale is lovely—and Chandler. I want to retire there—-working on getting my husband to agree!
    I jus discovered the delish breakfast of sweet potato and eggs=YUM!
    The Magnolia Story is so good—I hope to read it again down the road—-those two are awesome!
    I would tell you that I am excited about starting a new job after 5 mths of searching—–it’s a new start after a not so great time.
    Also—-I can imagine moving gets old……….I think your attitude is great though!!

  18. Kelli @ Hungry Hobby on February 23, 2017 at 6:37 am

    Love Sedona that is where my hubby and I got engaged! Could you be referring to blogfest? It’s going to be HOT in July but I can’t wait to go to Vegas with some of my best friends! It’s going to be amaze! My hubby and I starting planning a Hawaii trip, so that’s on the top of my mind right now!

  19. Annie on February 23, 2017 at 8:02 am

    I love these posts! I know picking up and moving so often is awful but it also sounds so exciting to me! I’ve lived outside of Boston my whole life and while I love it, I am itching to move elsewhere! But job hunts and life get in the way of that. Pretty soon you’ll get to pick your spot and make it yours though which is so exciting!

  20. Amanda on February 23, 2017 at 10:23 am

    Ooof. LIfe can be so busy some times. I feel like lately it’s been crazy: I was in Japan for 3.5 weeks on a work trip, now the hubby is in Mexico for work, in between one of our pups had knee surgery and is now recovering, that and my STEM outreach (Hooray for promoting engineering to girls everywhere!) volunteering I do every year has been crazy. I am ready for a bit of downtime, but I don’t for see it happening.

    Good luck with the moving! I was a Navy brat so I understand the difficulties, but I have so much appreciation to military families <3

    I have been loving Burn Bootcamp lately. I would love to take Pilates with you as it would be totally new for me. I always feel so awkward in Barre classes (You want be to move my leg how?!?!)

  21. Amy Ramos on February 23, 2017 at 10:39 am

    If we were having coffee right now, I would say that WSU 2017 was awesome!! I plan to repeat the series to help with my “fix” until SSU or WSU 2018 comes into play.

    If we were having coffee right now, I would be happy that the sun is shining! While I know CA needs the rain, I can not handle it anymore and with the widespread flooding, it makes me sad and worried.

  22. Heather on February 23, 2017 at 10:51 am

    Love these kinds of posts and would love to hear the inappropriate things that Liv is saying. lol. You should check out Life in Pieces on Netflix – very light hearted but cute, too! Reminds me a bit of Modern Family. Short and fluffy-ish. We also love Brooklyn 99 🙂
    good luck with the move and the settling!!!

  23. Crystal on February 23, 2017 at 10:57 am

    If we were having coffee I’d be asking you to share those livi-isms because kids say the funniest shit 😀
    I’d also tell you that I’ve been eating a chocolate truffle after lunch every day and that I just got a lululemon running skirt and it’s amazing.

  24. Julie on February 23, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Congrats on finding a house you’re excited about! That’s awesome! Hopefully it will help make up for having to leave a place you love so much (both SD & Tucson!) & hopefully you will reconnect w/ old friends in Valdosta, & it will feel like home soon. I really, really feel for you guys having to be uprooted every couple years. Again – thank you so much (to the whole family) for your service to our country.
    And I’d be up for some “wildly inappropriate” Livisms. 😉 Those are the best!

  25. Lauren on February 24, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Hi!!

    Love this post! I suggest reading The Woman in Cabin 10. So good…

    Good luck with your upcoming move:))

    Lauren

  26. Kathy on March 7, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    Try Make Happy on Netflix. It’s Bo Burnham’s standup special and it’s so good!

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