See ya, 2013 + some fun news
2013, you were pretty good to us <3
It was the year I became more confident with my identity and abilities as a mama, continued to figure out our groove, and had an amazing time getting to know Livi as her personality continued to evolve and become more apparent. She has changed the most this year. I’m always excited to see what she’ll do and what she’ll learn while enjoying the moments spent playing, snuggling and exploring together. Over the past year, she transformed from a baby to little kid. I still can’t believe that she’ll be two next week. Time really does fly when you’re having fun… it seems like it was just yesterday that I was writing this post.
We took some wonderful trips in 2013, including some blog traveling adventures:
and we took our bucket list trip to Italy (Rome and Positano), which was dreamier and more magical than I’d ever imagined. (I still would love to live there!)
In our family,
my cousin Ashley got married (and Livi was a flower girl for the first time),
my cousin Kate became pregnant with baby #2,
and we lost my great-grandmother, who lived a long, beautiful life… but my heart is still hurting.
It was another challenging year for the Pilot and myself, as we tried to figure out a “plan” for our unstable military future, in addition to juggling parenthood, careers, and our relationship. We knew that our time here in Tucson was limited, and had to make the difficult decision of whether he should get out of active duty and join the reserves, or take our chances and see what card we’d be dealt as far as PCS assignments go. We were extremely lucky with our assignment to San Diego! It could have been anything, and we’re fortunate that we’ll be driving distance from family.
(And I will finally get to hug a seal.)
In 2013, I also had some fun professional accomplishments:
–Co-created and produced Soli Beat with Sasha
-Signed my first book contract
Say what?!
The entire story is a long one (and one that I’d love to write a post about, so please let me know if you have any questions!), but here’s the nutshell version:
I started sending out a new book proposal -I think it was my sixth?- last winter, and as usual, we had no bites. Then, out of the blue, I got an email from an editor in NYC asking if I’d like to write a book. I wrote back and told her I’d just sent out a proposal and put her in contact with my agent. My agent sent the editor my proposal, and she came back and said she wasn’t crazy about it. Instead of quitting on me then and there, she gave me valuable guidance to rewrite the proposal with concepts I was passionate about, and encouraged me to use my true voice. She said something like, “I read your blog, and this proposal isn’t you. I need to hear the voice I hear when I’m reading your blog. Add in some more spunk.”
In the entire proposal process, I’d lost quite a bit of my voice by trying to formalize my writing style; in the past I’d been told that I “use to much slang” and need to “tighten things up.” This time, I finally felt like there was freedom to write whatever and however I wanted, so I rewrote the entire proposal (which was about 60 pages), sent it back, and crossed my fingers (not really expecting anything to happen). She wrote back and said she loved it (!), presented it to her publishing house, the concept passed, and she sent the contract over a month later.
It still feels like a dream and like I’m going to jinx myself by writing about it, which is a huge reason why I waited to blog about this. (I had another concept that a publisher was interested in two summers ago and, at the last minute, the deal fell through and I was pretty devastated. I stopped working on proposals for quite a few months after that.)
Also, I’m my hugest critic, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to produce quality content for you guys. I was planning on blogging about the book when I turned in my manuscript -it’s due in March- since I already feel a lot of pressure to finish it, and do it well… and realized that I needed to tell you now so I can implement the things you’d like to see.
Some details:
-The release date is January 2015
-It consists of quick workouts (less than 30 minutes) and meals that can be prepped in advance to enjoy throughout the week. The theme of the book is HIIT training, and it utilizes the same efficient concepts in fitness and diet. I share all of the details regarding how I practice the HIIT lifestyle in my own life -tracking my food, tools, and strategies I use- and includes complete nutrition plans (which will be approved by Anne) and complete fitness plans for fat loss and strength gains. All of the fitness routines are research-based for the best results, and all of the meals are quick, clean and delicious. I’ve been busy testing recipes and workouts! We have a focus group that will starting the plan next week… I can’t wait to see their accomplishments!
I’ve worked extremely hard on the manuscript -115 pages in! Woop woop- and really want it to be amazing. Please let me know if there’s anything you’ve been missing or wanting from a fitness book.
This is something I’ve wanted to create and share for a few years, and I’m still absolutely stunned that it’s coming to fruition. It wouldn’t be possible without all of your wonderful support and for encouraging me to improve and work hard over the past five years. I’m so very thankful to all of you <3
Lots to look forward to in the new year:
Moving and getting settled into our new home
New teaching position (I’ve applied at a couple of places in San Diego and would love to focus on barre)
Lots of trips around California and to visit the fam
It’s going to be a bit of a transition year for us, but I’m excited to see what 2014 brings 🙂
What are you looking forward to in the new year? What was your favorite part of 2013??
Don’t forget to start pinning your goals for 2014! #inspirationboard @fitnessista
xoxo
Gina
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WOW!!! Congrats! Such great news…I’ll be one of the first in line to pre-order 🙂
What a great compliment from the editor saying she wanted you to be “you”!!
I’d love to see yoga and yoga asanas incorporated into the fitness plans.
ohhhh i love that idea! maybe i can throw in a yoga-inspired workout?? 🙂
LOVE this idea as well!
Congrats!
thank you!
That would be perfect! So excited to see the book!
Congrats!! Excited for you 🙂
thank you!
I’d love to hear some tips about how to spruce up your workout if you’ve been working out regularly for a while – so for us regular gym goers, how to make sure what you’re doing continues to have an impact.
And that’s great that she wanted to hear more of your voice – I think that doing what you do, but being a real human being and juggling everything in life is what makes you inspirational 🙂
there are tons of tips and ideas to change things up and avoid plateaus! i’m excited that it’s been a common request 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations on one incredible year. Stay strong through your journey, as you should already be aware that hard work and preparation can help you do anything!
thank you, cody!
Gina,
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and can’t wait for your book. I will be buying for sure because it sounds exactly like what I need! So happy for you and your family. You definitely are going to have an awesome 2014.
thank you, melissa!! 🙂
hope you have a happy 2014, too!
Congrats on your book deal and an amazing 2013, here’s to a more awesome 2014!!
XOXO
:)! happy new year to you!!
Congratulations Gina. I’ve now had a full year of reading your blog and haven’t missed a post! Holidays have meant some major catch up sessions but they have been treats! Will your book be virtual? Or will it be a ‘proper’ book? Hoping for the latter.
Lots of love and a happy new year to you and your lovely family x
thank you so much! 🙂
there will be physical copies and ebook copies (kindle, etc) 🙂
xoxo
Congrats on the book, that’s so exciting! I’m sad I didn’t notice the Publisher’s Marketplace announcement!
I am looking forward to hopefully getting into grad school in 2014 and starting a program in the fall. I’ve been working towards it for all of 2013 so hopefully it all pans out.
Happy New Year!
i didn’t even know they did that, haha <-- proof of how out of the loop i am 😉 hope it works out for you!! xoxo
Congratulations, Gina!! So, so, SO happy and excited for you! You definitely deserve this…and I love that she told you to write it in the same voice that you use on the blog (which I + your other readers love)! Much love and well wishes to you!
thank you, grace! xoxo
Congratulations, Gina!!!!! What a huge accomplishment!!! So happy for you!!!!
thank you, jamie!
That is amazing! You are an inspiration, I am excited to get started on my blog. Congrats again!!
thank you! best of luck to you with your blog 🙂
Congratulations on the book contract! I’m so excited to get it once it’s published. I think it sounds great as-is, but one thing I think I’d like in a cookbook/fitness book with recipes is something I’ve only seen once – a note or tag that denotes whether something is useful as a pre-workout meal or best as a recovery meal (or perhaps with tips to adapt recipes for that). Otherwise, I’d love to see a book with YOUR voice. IMO, you don’t overuse slang because it’s YOU. Writers have a tough time trying to develop a voice, but you’ve definitely got it. I hope to see it in the book!
that’s an awesome idea- thank you!!
thank you so much for reading and for your support. have a very happy new year 🙂
along with this, if you could please clarify what are the best pre/recovery foods for different workouts… like cardio or weights or a combonation! i have heard mixed things and cant seem to remember or find the source!
perfect- i will definitely include suggestions!
Yay! Congrats! The book sounds awesome! I can’t wait to get my own copy! The make-ahead meals, HIIT and fitness plans sound interesting and it will be nice to have all of the information in one place to refer to. I am currently pregnant (13 weeks) and would love any information on staying healthy/fit while pregnant and adjusting afterwards. I read your information on your family page but it is hard to jump to sometimes so having everything in a book would be fabulous!
thank you, katie! if everything goes well with this one, i’d love for my second book to be about fit pregnancy tips 🙂
Yay yay YAY!! Congratulations, I cannot wait for the book! You’ve been an inspiration as a new mama and balancing that with your own personal passions and career, and I’m thrilled for you!! Can’t wait to purchase the book!
thank you so much, joni! hope you have a very happy new year
So excited to hear about your book and even more excited that you’ll be in San Diego. I will come and take your barre classes!
wahoo!!!
Wooooow Gina, congratulations!! I dont comment on your articles often, but you’re a true inspiration: your super fit body and your healthy mindset on dieting, training and, well… life in general!
Please please please make international shopping available!!!
Love from Europe 🙂
thank you so much, rose! i’m not sure about international shipping as of now, but it will be available on kindle, so you can download 🙂
Gina, congrats!! Such awesome news.
One of the things I have really love about your blog is the honesty and your outlook on life. I especially appreciate how as you went from a married woman with no kids to a mother how it seemed like your perspective became a little more balanced in that you were willing to be less perfect with diet and exercise because they weren’t the most important things in life. You are a great inspiration for staying fit and healthy, but also acknowledge that dessert and wine are important too. I think having a bit of that talk in the book would be helpful to all women, especially those who may be struggling to stay on track when they get off track.
thank you, lauren! i appreciate it so much 🙂
the book is a lifestyle book, so treats and cocktails are included 😉
The reason I always come back to your blog almost daily and don’t return to others is the way you write about life. Other people only blog about fitness, and I feel like it’s their life. I am a wife. I am a mom of two kids in advanced classes with homework, I have a full time job, and I’m thinking about taking night classes to finish my degree. I can’t eat, sleep, dream, and breathe fitness. I finally feel like I found a blogger who doesn’t either. Who has a balance. It’s so important to be healthy, but it’s fuel to live so you can chill with Liv and go on a date night with Pilot & maybe eat a few too many chips. You eat occasional gluten because you’re living a real life! :gasp: No food is the “enemy” and there are no rules. That’s why I come here. I hope it comes through in your book, too. I know you can’t get too personal in a fitness book, but that’s why you stand out to me. <3
thank you so much, leslie. it means the world to me 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations!! What an incredible accomplishment!! It would be great if you were able to talk about/summarize your health/fitness philosophy. I love reading your blog because of this, and it would be awesome to be able to recommend this to patients, friends or family! It would also be great if it talked about ways to modify or involve kids in your plan.
i definitely will- thank you!
Congratulations Gina!! That’s such great news! Do you remember the post you did back in November (?) I think with tips like get more sleep, drink more water, change your fitness routine? (I can’t remember what it was called exactly but I’m sure you know what I’m talking about) Even though those were such simple tips, they were tremendously helpful for me and the little fitness rut I was in. I really like the little twists you put on tips like that and haven’t really found any other blogger who can do that (and who has your background in teaching/fitness), so if you have any more ideas like that, I’d love to see them in your book! Congrats again!
i’m so happy you found them helpful! i give lots of similar tips in the book for ways to avoid plateaus and change things up 🙂
thank you for the congrats! happy new year 🙂
Honestly not to focus on the negative but 2013 was a rough year for me. I am looking forward to a new year! We do know we will be moving in 2014 so it will also be a transition year for us. All in all I am looking forward to a new start and a great year!
hope your year is much better. sending love to you!
Congrats!!! I would love a few pages on things like what to eat in “unhealthy situations”… things to look out for and to avoid when at Holiday Parties, Traveling, Stuck on the road with out pre-planned snacks etc…. That is where I often struggle the most!
great idea- i will definitely include that! thank you!
Congrats Gina – that’s great news on your book!
thank you!
Congratulations! That is so exciting! I would love some info on how to “spice up” your gym routine if you are a regular gym goer. I feel like so often I get stuck in a rut, just doing the same thing, which leads to boredom and also ineffective workouts.
The best part of 2013 was getting married in August!
thank you! lots of tips for avoiding plateaus and changing things around 🙂
congratulations to you on your wedding! xo
congrats!!
I would absolutely love to see some guidelines and advice about how to plan and eat multiple meals during the day. I frequently find myself craving different flavors and small meals but have yet to master the practice of eating multiple meals. Do you have any tips or advice on that?
i will definitely include plans and options for that- thank you!
I am so happy for you. That is such exciting news. I can’t wait to purchase it!!! I always look forward to your workout and meal plans.
thank you, jennifer!
Wahooo! Congratulations Gina! That is such awesome news, and what a great way to finish off the year! I can’t wait to see your book, and of course I’ll be buying it. I was actually just in Palm Springs and although I know it’s not San Diego, the escape from the cold was wonderful. I hope your transition to your new home goes smoothly, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you guys get up to in 2014! On my agenda, among other things, is to get outside in nature more, see my friends often, do my first duathlon, and get to know my readers better. Happy (early) new year!
thank you!! 🙂 those sounds like wonderful goals for the new year. hope you have an amazing one! xo
Congratulations! You deserve it!
thank you! 🙂
Congrats on the book!
thank you, kris!
Sorry, but if you are using bad grammar as you announce a book deal, that is really sad and ridiculous. Sorry to be mean, but I’m done.
“In the entire proposal process, I’d lost quite a bit of my voice by trying to formalize my writing style; in the past I’d been told that I “use to much slang” and need to “tighten things up.” This time, I finally felt like there was freedom to write whatever and however I wanted, so I rewrote the entire proposal (which was about 60 pages), sent it back, and crossed my fingers (not really expecting anything to happen). She wrote back and said she loved it (!), presented it to her publishing house, the concept passed, and she sent the contract over a month later.”
Congratulations on an amazing year! How exciting that you’re finally getting your own book. Well deserved!!
Enjoy exploring the San Diego area, and let me know if you need any recommendations in L.A. We’re just a quick trip away 🙂
thank you!! i’ll definitely be visiting LA fairly often 🙂
Wow!! Congratulations, that is amazing! I can’t wait for that book to come out now!! Megan was such a beautiful bride! I’m so happy for them <3 sending many blessings for you and your family in the new year!
thank you! lots of love to you and your family too! xo
What a fun post. I recently found your blog but I feel like this post was a great way to get to know you 🙂 I hope 2014 is an even better year!
thank you, and welcome to the little blog! happy 2014 🙂
Congratulations! After is much hard work, you deserve this fantastic opportunity to share your knowledge and outlook with so many other people! Like others have said, I come back to read because you give such a balanced view of life and food. I’ll be moving in the spring too, new city, new job, so 2014 is going to be an exciting, although nerve-wracking, year! Can’t wait!
thank you!! best wishes to you with all of the upcoming changes this year!
Huge congratulations on the book deal!!! As a long-time reader (seldom commenter) I know that this has been on your goal list for awhile!! Can’t wait to see the book in print!!!
thank you, kim!
You’ve had an amazing year and it sounds like 2014 will be even more amazing!
Congrats on the book deal.. I’d love to see a plan that can be done solely at home with minimal equipment. As a single mom working full time, I just don’t have time to go to a gym anymore and I don’t have much equipment to work with at home. But I need something!
thank you!
all of the workouts can be done at home with dumbbells and bodyweight only 🙂
Congratulations! That’s wonderful news. I’m excited for you!
thank you, courtney!
I’ll say, I’m glad your book is taking awhile to come out. Many of my favorite bloggers published books around the same time as one another and while I purchased all of them, I will say I didn’t think any of them provided anything another did not. However, I know your book will be a unique and complete guide to fitness and health. I am beyond excited. Congratulations, and I look forward to watching you & your family grow this coming year!
thank you so much, abby! have a happy new year 🙂
SO excited for you! Congratulations, Gina!!
I am excited to attend births and continue my journey to becoming a DONA certified doula. My heart is really committed to supporting birthing women and I am so happy to find this calling!
Oh! Amd the best part of 2013 was moving to Manhattan and attending Birth Doula Training! Life changing!
AMAZING. i would love to be a midwife or doula– you’re doing incredible things
wahoo! congrats girl!! so excited for you, the book sounds perfect!
xoxo
thank you, friends! love you.
Congratulations, Gina!!! I am so very happy for you and cannot wait to get my hands on this amazing book of yours. Sounds like a winner, fo sho (I’m gonna use my ghetto fabulous slang and all!) 🙂
hahaha thank you 🙂
GINA!!!!!!! I am so excited for you! I know this is something you have wanted to do for so long and I am so happy to see you reaching your goals. I really look up to you not only for fitness, but in general. You are a wife and a mother and in addition you are an air force family and you still have time to keep your blog family in the loop about the goings on and whatnot. You really are an inspiration. I can’t wait to buy this book!!
In 2014 I am looking forward to taking my first trip overseas! I am going to Albania with my dad and his sister. I am so excited to see my great grandparents old village and experiencing the country whose culture I grew up with!
thank you so much, britt, and for being such a wonderful supporter! xoxo
Congratulations! I will definitely buy your book & would love to take a class from you here in San Diego. Happy New Year!
thank you, happy new year to you, too!
Ahhhhhhhh! So exciting! Without sounding creepy, I feel like I feel when a “real-life” friend accomplishes something great. I have been a reader for a very long time now and I feel so happy for you. Your perseverance despite rejection is truly inspiring. I began to follow you in the midst of the fitness-blogger craze a few years back, when my RSS subscription list was huge. You are the only one I continue to read after all these years and I feel it is because your writing feels from-the-heart, authentic, and varied. Your focus is on whole-life balance as opposed to making one area of your life great. I appreciate your openness and honesty, though I know it must be terrifying at times to put so much of your life on the internet. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.
Felicidades.
Virtual hug!
Wow, congrats on your book deal! How exciting! It sounds like something I would enjoy.
I am a busy mom of two and love the idea of the book including meal ideas.
Congrats and good luck with everything coming up. Keep doing what you are doing 🙂
Congratulations!! and happy new year!
I think I saw this news on Facebook possibly, but a huge congratulations again on the book deal! I have a feeling 2014 is going to be an amazing year. <3
Congratulations! I can’t wait to buy the finished product. I would love to see recipes that are easy to do with children. A lot of the fitness book recipes today are just overwhelming with the amount of time it takes to make them.
2013 was a special year since I had my first child, Hudson. Learning how to be a parent daily is so challenging and rewarding at the same time. I’m looking forward to moving in 2014 and creating new family memories.
Congratulations Gina!! I love your blog and can not wait to read your book! I’m sure it will be nothing short of awesome!:)
Congratulations!! I’m so excited to read this book! Will it include anything about your military life? I always like reading about that aspect of your life.