4/26: Friday Faves
Hi friends. I LOVED reading your comments on my book post! Thank you for refreshing my reading list 🙂 I guess I need to finish A Thousand Splendid Suns- it’s already on the Kindle waiting. I’ll be referring to your suggestions when I finish it, too.
Here are a few faves from the week:
-An awesome feature in Mother Earth Living magazine!
They asked me to send in a new or previously posted workout that fellow moms could do at home, so I recycled a Shape Up workout that I’ve tested and has killed me a few times. It was pretty exciting to see it in print. The magazine is sold at many health food stores, including Whole Foods.
-Work food. I’ve mentioned this countless times but we always have some kind of decadent treat waiting for us in the locker room. This week’s bundt cake:
(cue the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” quotes haha)
It was so good I could cry.
Also, my friend Sasha surprised me with an Indian food lunch:
Absolutely glorious chicken, saffron rice, veggies and a spiced yogurt sauce. I can’t wait to make something similar at home.
We’ve been enjoying lots of homemade dinners and snacks this week.
Like this:
(shrimp tacos with sautéed zucchini, black beans, guacamole, spinach and salsa)
this:
(grilled chicken, crispy rosemary potatoes, salad with goat cheese, beets, super greens, homemade balsamic)
oh, and this.
Pei Wei FTW.
-Workout-wise, I’ve taken it pretty easy this week outside of work, with the exception of a killer hot yoga class. I don’t usually put hot yoga on my workout plan, because I’m never sure if I’ll be able to go. Since it’s something I love so much, it’s been happening. I’ve consistently made it to class for a while and look forward to it every week. I can tell a huge difference in my arm strength and flexibility- last night, I slid into full splits for the first time in quite a while. My arm balances have also become stronger, even though it’s harder to practice those when you’re wicked slippery from sweat.
-Livi’s wagon. We’re still spending lot of time outside each day- she helps me water the flowers and herbs (I recently taught her how to smell the herbs, and now, she’ll pick off one to eat each time we water them)- and she pulls her wagon all over the yard. She’s been trying to get Bella to ride in it, which so far has been unsuccessful.
(Baby wildcat on a mission)
-New Reebok gear!
Per our partnership, Reebok sent me some things to try out this month, including the coolest print leggings, crops, a tank, Zumba outfit (these pants and this top), and headphones. I don’t usually go for fancy headphones -I lose them too often!- but these stayed put beautifully during this week’s run.
I also wore the black outfit to teach dance,
the Zumba outfit for a crazy awesome Zumba class,
and have just been wearing the printed tights for funsies. I think I’ll use them for strength training more than anything else and am obsessed with the awesome print. Every piece was true to size, with soft, moisture-wicking material (especially the sweaty dance classes) and I know I’ll be using them often for teaching.
-YesTo surprised me with goodies in honor of Earth Day, which was a lovely treat since I love their products. I took these facial cloths to work to share with my friends; they’re perfect for freshening up in between classes.
-The upcoming weekend. Pretty much all of our upcoming weekends are packed with activities, with a little downtime in there, too. I’m just excited to spend some time with the family and hit up the farmer’s market.
(When the Pilot got home, we rushed up tot the balcony to catch the sunset)
What’s on your plan this weekend? I love hearing what you’re up to <3
We have an official start date for Summer Shape Up: May 27th. Mark your calendars! I’ll be posting more info (including how to sign up) in the upcoming weeks. It’s going to be the best one yet, with functional, effective workouts, meal ideas, prizes and giveaways like cray.
Happy Friday!
xoxo
Gina
You might also like:
62 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Congrats on the feature that’s absolutely amazing!!!
I love that reebok gear you received. Especially the bright top, I’m all about brights these days.
And that is the cutest outfit Liv is wearing, why can’t I look that cute if I wore something like that 😉
Happy Friday!
That last photo is absolutely divine and heartwarming. You really have a beautiful daughter!
YAY Summer Shape Up – still a month away but already excited! (Maybe a bit too keen?) x
I am SO looking forward to a weekend away with my college girlfriends tonight for our annual trip to Canada!!! 🙂 Much needed girl time is my favorite <3
I love all the Reebok gear. I'll have to check it out!
The Reebok gear looks cute I’ll have to check it out. Heading to San Diego today and tomorrow going kayaking through some caves is la jolla! Is the tree you are standing in front of (in pic with your black Reebok outfit) fake or real? I need greenery in my house but all my plants keep dying!
Awesome pictures! I love to take the YesTo facial wipes camping.
That picture of Livi and the wagon is so cute! She looks like she’s on a mission and is so determined! So sweet
haha I hardly ever comment, but that picture of Liv pulling the wagon is great. I hope she is able to convince Bella to get in for a ride real soon!!!
I love the printed pants! super cute.
This weekend my little sister has her senior prom so my husband and I are staying at my parents’ house 🙂 should be fun!
Ha, I love the reference to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”! I have a coworker named Ian Miller and I’m always tempted to pronounce his name like Toula’s dad does in the movie.
Congrats on the feature!! That’s fantastic!! And the plate with the chicken, salad and crispy potatoes would be perfect for my dinner now 🙂
I love the Reebok clothes. You look beautiful in the black combo!!
I will go to a garden-market tomorrow with a friend, I am so much looking forward to it! She has a huge garden and I am helping her pick some plants, flowers and herbs.
Love the Zumba outfit! BTW, I just got certified to teach Zumba classes this past weekend. I’m SUPER stressed trying to memorize my 12 songs and choreograph them. I’m using a lot of the ZIN choreo, but also making up my own. I have a full time job on top of teaching classes, so I’m a little overwhelmed. I know it’s different for everyone, but how many hours per week do you dedicate to practicing your dances? Also, do you have any recommendations for a simple, fun Merengue song? For some reason none of the ones I’ve heard are “speaking to me.” haha. =)
i practice in the car while i’m driving by listening to the music- if you know the music REALLY well, it helps so much!
i do 1-2 new songs per week. everything else is songs that i’ve done in the past. once you have your core dances, it’s so much easier. i remember being really overwhelmed when i was first developing my class- it’s a lot to do at once!
hmm how about pegate (my choreography is online for that one)
“bunda” “el pollo” “ta encendido” and “la patilla” are fun ones, too!
xoxo
You are awesome — thanks so much!
That’s a HUGE feature – super, duper cool! I bet you were bursting from the seams when you saw that in print. 🙂
I secretly am pulling for Liv to be successful in carting Bella around in her wagon.
That reebok outfit is cute! I want one too!!
that chicken dish looks lovely!
I’m MOVING this weekend! From Downtown Raleigh to Durham. Close to the south point area. Does that bring back any memories from your fayetteville days?? I bet it does!
Your post-baby body is such an inspiration. I’m a 22 college student and wished I looked so fit!!!!
Your grilled chicken looks so perfect! Gorgeous fiery sunset too.
That sunset is gorgeous. I love weekends where it’s a nice balance of relaxing and socializing. I’m excited this weekend for the gluten free Vendor fair tmr! Lots of free samples 🙂
So jealous of all your new workout clothes- they look beautiful!
And the picture of the setting sun and your family is adorable- definitely a keeper.
Congrats on the in-print publish! Plans? I’m running a marathon this weekend.
Yay for Summer Shape Up!!
What an awesome feature! I love the workout clothes as well.
What a beautiful sunset! You guys should frame that last photo! I’m loving all the Reebok gear. I have those high tops and LOVE them. They’re perfect for Zumba!
Congrats on the magazine feature; I’ve seen that magazine before. I’ll have to search it out at the bookstore. Is it the May edition?
Also, your dinners are so colorful and the pilot made perfect grill marks on the chicken!
Thought of you when I saw Bev’s recipe today: (Looks quick and easy)
http://bevcooks.com/2013/04/easy-chicken-and-vegetable-curry-with-rice/
P.S. Liv precious as ever!
thank you, lovely! and that recipe looks AWESOME!! it’s the most current issue 🙂
miss you and hi to the kiddos from us.
xoxo
Congrats on the magazine article – that’s awesome! I’ve been seeing those printed Reebok leggings popping up all over the blog world, and I’m dying to get my hands on a pair! Those Zumba pants look pretty adorable, too 🙂
Your meals look amazing! I’m going to try incorporating more veggies into the shrimp tacos like you did. Super cute outfits too!
Can’t wait for the summer shape up. I’ve been doing the Jillian Michael’s 30-day shred – I just finished day 5 and I believe I’m supposed to keep going but will run tomorrow and rest Sunday. Have you tried the workout? I really only do have 30 minutes these days and I feel like it forces me out of excuses for the time being!
AWWWW! That last picture of The Pilot and Liv watching the sunset just KILLED me! So stinking CUTE!!
I’m so excited for the next Summer Shape-up 🙂 I just started last summers, I’m on work out 2 this week and I so love it. I can do it at home if need be (challenging.. living in a condo but whatevs) or with minimal equipment at the gym and work it in with my usual cardio and dance classes! You are awesome to provide all these free amazing work outs.. I used to always do my own thang plus dance classes (dance fitness and zumba these days, I’m a former dancer too 😉 ) but over the winter was so busy and kinda majorly lacking in fitness so to get back into things I needed something new.. and your work outs have been just perfect. Ok, I’m done now, just loving the blog girl!
thank you so much, shira!! so happy you’re going to join in the fun 🙂
Love the new attire! I might have to try some of it out!
Liv in her Wildcats dress is ADORABLE!
Have a great weekend, and congrats on the MSL feature!
Gina, I gotta tell you, that cake has a hole in it 🙂
That outfits look amazing. I love the zumba ones!
We had amazing plan to drive to North France this weekend and visit a couple of small towns, but then it started raining cats and dogs and it will stay like that the whole weekend, so we canceled the trip while being in rent a car agency. So it seems it will be a PJ weekend!
I love all the Reebok gear you received!! I will have to check out your article!
What’s your corn tortilla secret? Every time I tried to make tacos with corn tortillas they’re crumbly…and sort of gross!
i keep them frozen and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. they still break sometimes, but it’s better than using them fresh
You are the 2nd person I’ve seen now with those printed leggings – I really want some just not sure how they will look on me!
Congratulations on being featured in the magazine!
I love these posts! I love seeing little Liz she is such a little beauty! I love the tights, those are so neat I would
Love to have a pair! I am obsessed with Yes to products especially the cucumber wipes, they smell so nice and are so refreshing after an intense workout! This weekend I plan to read, spin class, get a Thai massage and take a yoga class. Sending you a fun filled weekend! Love + shine Courtstar
I would be all over those printed leggings if they made them in crops!
Spring has finally arrived here so I was able to get out for a short run this afternoon, and the weather looks like its sticking around for tomorrow as well so I’m getting out for a long run! Can’t wait.
I definitely need a bigger wardrobe, you put mine to shame 😛
Looking forward to Summer shape up! This will be my first time participating. As a new Mom I would love workouts that I’m able to do at home and with limited time available. Thank you doing what you do!
Be careful about allowing/encouraging Liv to pick herbs to eat on her own. So many desert plants look like herbs to kids (lantana leaves are mistaken for mint.)
CONGRATS on the magazine feature!!! That is so awesome 🙂
The gear looks fantastic- I am in the market for new workout gear that doesn’t look, errr, like I’m playing basketball during elementary school PE time. 😉 The tank looks so nice! The food pics made me drool a littler earlier.
I am SO excited for summer shape up!! I am relatively new to your blog (started reading in January) and wasn’t able to do your winter shape up, so I REALLY want to try this one! 🙂
Happy weekend!
Aww, Livi with her wagon looks so sweet! It must be so fun taking her around outside in the nice weather and letting her discover nature.
Where’s your yellow top from??? Lulu? Super cute!
thank you! yep, lulu
Summer Shape-Up! Yes! Wow, it’s earlier this year. Good way to get ready for my birthday month and bikini season. 🙂 Congrats on the magazine article. How exciting and well-deserving!!
I just adore your blog! Thanks for always having new fun recipes and workouts and everything else! Finally tried your savory quinoa muffins…love!! And hopefully will get brave enough to try Zumba soon
Gah you just posted about Indian food, Mexican food and bundt cake – 3 of my favourite edibles. Congrats on the feature, amazing! and I love that yellow tank – my fave style of Lulu tanks :).
Those tights are amazing! Also congrats on the magazine shout out 🙂
On an unrelated note entirely, I think you will really enjoy this video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jz0JcQYtqo
xoxo
Love your Friday Faves Gina 🙂 x
HOLY MOLY, that shrimp taco looks so amazing!!
I love those bright colors you wear during workouts, it keeps it fun right? Especially those shoes! 🙂
Love the new Reebok gear and they really have some kickass shoes, don’t they?!?! I need to get my hands on some YesTo products. I know I’d love it!! The sunset looked super awesome!!
I am SO excited about the start of the Summer Shape Up! I’ve secretly been planning for it and trying to gauge when it would start. I participated in the Winter Shape Up and loved it – this will be my first Summer version. On another note, I have been obsessed with YesTo products for over a year and a half – they are the best! Do you use many of their products?
This weekend I am going to a few Pure Barre classes and visiting my boyfriend at work in Back Bay of Boston. His work finally re-opened on Thursday and my friends and I are going in to support them. Getting “back to normal.”
I can’t believe it’s almost SSU time! I feel like WSU just began. Can’t wait to hear all the deets about it 🙂