12 days
“Raindrops on orange/lime/grapefruit trees
and whiskers on Bella….”
Morning friends <3 How’s your Monday going so far?
I started my day off with some spiced oats:
-1/2 C oats (Bob’s Red Mill)
-1 scoop Sun warrior
-molasses, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla
-almond milk
-blob of almond butter
We got quite a bit done around the house this weekend. Still not finished (is a house ever really “finished?”), but a lot closer! We didn’t go to any events so we could have a chance to chill, too –last weekend was a little intense. We still accomplished a lot, but didn’t feel like we were running around like crazy. It was a good balance.
The office desk is built (courtesy of the Pilot handyman), the bedding is in the second guest room, master is almost finished (all we need are nightstands and haven’t been able to find any we love).
Since there are only 12 days left in December, I thought it would be fun to go through this month’s ideas and see how I’m doing so far:
1.) Deck the halls.
This one happened fairly quickly, and involved quite a bit of shenanigans.
Madre and the Pilot decking the halls, while Nana and I sat on the couch and laughed:
:
2.) Plan a get-together. We’ve gone to a few holiday events, but not nearly as many as usual. The Pilot has been working a lot, and if I’m on my feet for too long right now, this happens:
my ankles swell up and disappear. It doesn’t hurt or anything like that, but does a great job of freaking everyone out. (“Oh my god, your ankles! You need to lie down. And drink some tea. And take a nap.”)
This week we’re having a cookie-decorating party, and Christmas morning will be over here too. I’m really excited for our first Christmas with family at our own house <3
3.) Give to others. We’ve been able to participate in a few local holiday charity drives/events, and the box of gifts for our angel tree girl is the only one under the tree that’s wrapped. The Pilot is dropping it off at the BX today… I hope she loves it.
This is something that I need to do more often. We seem to do well with giving back over the holidays, but people are cold, hungry and in need during the rest of the year, too.
4.) Give to yourself. I’ve had some great lunches and dinner dates with girlfriends, plus an awesome pedicure courtesy of the madre. Definitely accomplished this one.
(Zevia Ginger Ale in a wine glass makes it feel more festive)
5.) Take it inside. This one has been easy, because I’m a petunia when it comes to working out in the cold.. unless I can run. Something about running in the cold is so invigorating and I warm up fairly quickly when I’m moving fast. Instead, I’ve been doing lots of Zumba, walking on the indoor track, weights, and DJ Dance Cardio classes (<—amazing).
6.) Make a soup or chili. I still haven’t ventured into the soup world.
Does Spicy Thai Chicken count?
7.) Drink hot cocoa and watch a wintery flick. I’ve been swimming in heated up dark chocolate almond milk and watched Elf at least 8 times. Definitely a win on this one.
8.) Rock a circle scarf. I’ve found that this is the only type of scarf I can’t mess up!
From Express, and since the rose shade is neutral, it matches pretty much everything.
Unlike regular scarves, the Pilot actually likes the infinity ones, too. Whenever I try (aka fail) at wearing a real scarf, I never end up wearing it out, and the other night I was wearing the infinity one and he said “look at you in your scarf- I love it.”
9.) Start inspiration-storming. I’ve been writing out ideas for my inspiration board and am going to snip some ideas from magazines this week. In the spirit of the past two years, I’ll share this year’s inspiration board along with readers’ in early January. If you want to get a head start and send it my way, I’ll be sure to feature as many as I can.
10.) Take extra time to spend with those you love. I’m fortunate that this one has been so easy for me, since my family is always doing something and we can call them up on a whim and end up having brunch/dinner/movie/hang out with 14 people. Yesterday while the Pilot and my brother Trev went to pick up the office desk in my stepdad’s truck, I stayed home with the madre, watched Elf and chatted with her. It was lovely <3
How are you doing on the list above? What December goals did you set for yourself?
Hope you have a fantastic day. See ya later with a new workout quickie!
xoxo
Gina
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Fun fact: Men love scarves!
& men who wear scarves are hot!
your house looks fabulous doll!
ugh you’re number 3289474891 to remind me to make my 2012 inspiration board. i’ll get to it!
I love cutting out pictures and ideas from magazines- I used to make collages all the time when I was in high school and should have framed some of them… Sometimes I’d use the cutouts for cards too, a great way to recycle old magazines!
I really, really love that scarf 🙂
Love the scarf – totally need to get one!! I’ve begun the inspiration boarding and am going to have to put it on hold till the very end of December because I’m off to Italy for the holidays! But other December goals are going really well. I said I’d do a random act of kindness every day and I’ve been doing pretty well on it (even though some acts are small!) Another goal was to go to 4 hot yoga classes, and I’ve done 3/4 so far!
whoo hoo!
Good job on hitting those December goals. I had only 2, which were to not gain holiday weight, and to stay on track with my half marathon training schedule. So far, so good 😉
I didn’t realize that scarf was from Express- so cute! I have been dutifully collecting magazine for my vision board, but I need to start organizing a girls night so that my friends and I can all work on them together!
Do you (or anyone) know how to add whey protein (100% isolate) to oats without it clumping? I use either microwave or kettle. I don’t want clumpy, dry oats. I want smooth and creamy and easy on the throat and stomach, but I’m curious to combine the two and that’s the only protein in a powder source I could afford.
i’d definitely add some milk or water to thin it out, and try just a half a scoop with a whisk first and whisk it in. hopefully it won’t be so clumpy. i also add the protein powder right before the oats are done cooking because the heat seems to break it down a little more
I mix my dry oatmeal and whey protein together before pouring on the almond milk. It helps disburse the protein and prevent clumping. Sometimes stopping the microwave half-way through to give it a stir helps as well. I had this problem too, and mixing them together before hand helps the best.
I love the infinity scarves! I bought 4 for my girlfriends and my fiancee got one for me! So simple and cozy.
I’ve been doing kind of crummy on my December goals, but in being crummy, I’ve totally won at one goal – of being a little less hard on myself and worrying less. I’ve been doing crummy on my goals – but not every day has been a failure, and when I have slacked off, I’ve been kind to myself. Small victories 🙂
This is random and doesn’t have to do with your post, but I wanted to share my news. We had our 20 week a/s today and found out that our baby is a girl!!!!!!! We are so excited!!!!!!! 🙂
Oh, and I took the day off of work and am making cake pops with pink cake inside to do a little gender reveal with our families tonight! I can’t wait!
I can’t believe Christmas is in 6 days! Sounds like you have had a great December! Enjoy the holidays 🙂
Elf EIGHT times? I’m impressed! I’ve done Love Actually twice, and that’s about it. I need to get on it this week 🙂
Ooohhh I was just inspired to inspiration storm! Going through magazines! It’s almost time for a new year and new goals! (: LOVE that scarf!! I need to get to Express!
I turn a lot of my scarves into “infinity” scarves by tying a small knot, attaching the ends together. It doesn’t work on all scarves but works wonders on some!
This month has been CRAZY for me and mine, but we have for sure set apart some time to be together! Next week we are going home to be with our families, so I think all of the above may be scrunched into one week!
I found a new goat whey protein powder at whole foods. Have you seen it or tried it yet?
Fit inspiration boards are FAB – thanks! Will get on it! Fun thing to do with the kids too while on Christmas break!
Holly- I’m in D.C., so just checked out your website… I’ve never been to your studio, but I’m thinking I need to try one of the classes!
Aww I love this- sounds like you are doing a great job with your goals and really rocking the important ones!! I’m doing well with the Christmas movie one too– I had a little Lifetime movie marathon yesterday and it was kind of amazing! I need to try my hand at making some soup though and give back too!
Sounds like you’ve been super productive so far! Thats what the holidays are all about! Keep it up!
My one goal was to walk by Christmas, but I’m not allowed to do anything weight bearing after my ankle surgery till sometime in Jan. Instead I have been asking my husband to take me someplace twice a week so I can wheel around and at least get some cardio that way. Usually one of the younger kids has been sitting on my lap so it’s a little more work for me.
Great list and it’s fun to see how much you’ve been able to check off…from the scarf to the Thai food to the household projects and little DIY projects. It’s pretty amazing what you’ve been able to pull off 8 mos preggers during the month of December. Clearly you haven’t just been sitting around eating bon-bons or Xmas cookies…you’ve been workin’ your tail off! You go girl!
🙂
I’m sick so I cant really workout much today. I am so bummed. I really love doing your workouts!!!
Loving the inspiration board. I really need to make one. Right now I’m going through some things and am in the process of healing/recovering. This inspiration board idea would be great for me to put some quotes and help to focus on the positive. Love it!
I need to watch Love Actually tonight! Its a Christmas tradition. Love that infinity scarf, I just got one for $8 from Gap and want to wear it everywhere!
Can’t believe there are only 12 days left – tear.
& I’m definitely making an inspiration board this year!!
Love this post! I’ve gotta start doing some of this, though… I am SEVERELY behind.
Infinity scarves are amazing! I love them and they make a casual outfit seem a bit more dressed up in my mind! 🙂 Chili is going in the crock pot right now!
I LOVE running in the cold weather. And you rocked your month’s goals! That scarf is too cute on you!
Are you on Pinterest, because I feel like you’d LOVE IT! Totally perf for visual inspiration boards.
I have seen Elf so many times in the last week it feels like- I crack up every single time though.
yes, but i like something to hang in my closet and see every day 🙂
Agreed!
ahh thanks for the reminder, I wanted to do a little inspiration project for myself- put it up in my yoga room!
random, i really like your wine glasses!
Bella’s pictures always make me smile. 🙂
The inspiration board is a great idea. I’ve started one on Pinterest, but that’s nothing compared to seeing it everyday and having that extra motivation to really get you going!