7/26: Friday Faves

Hi friends 🙂 Happy Friday! I had a What I Ate Thursday post in progress for you, but taught 4 classes yesterday and it became impossible to remember to take photos of all my bites. In fun news, I got to team-teach a super sweaty Zumba class with Sasha at BreakOut Studios here in Tucson. The energy was AMAZING, and I was so excited to see many of our friends who came to class to support us. They were up in the front screaming and being awesome- love you girls <3

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It’s been quite a long time since I’ve taught a club/studio class, and I quickly remembered how much I love it. There are pros and cons to resort and club/studio teaching, but the resort atmosphere is nice because everything you do is brand-new to the guests. At the same time, it’s easier to get complacent -I could do the same combo for a class and only the regular members/homeowners would know- and having regulars at a club or studio forces you to keep everything fresh. I feel like teaching at the resort has made me a better instructor because every time I teach, it’s like starting from scratch. I have to make sure to explain things and cue more thoroughly.

The club vibe is also incredible because the regulars have an idea of what to expect. I had such a blast teaching with Sasha, and am so thankful to everyone who came out to take our class 🙂

Some more Friday Faves:

These Juil sandals. I get quite a few PR pitches for the blog, and the rep for this company had emailed to see if I’d do a product review. I responded to let him know that things are super busy and I don’t generally do product reviews on the blog. In his reply, he insisted on sending me a pair to help during the busy times, and said I didn’t have to write about them and hoped I enjoyed the shoes. Well, I absolutely love them. They’re grounding shoes — the copper points are believed to bring us closer to the earth and clear the body of free radicals. Not only do they help me feel more grounded and centered, but they’re extremely comfortable. They’re also pretty; I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on them already!

Juil

-Almond milk mochas. The best.

Mochaa

-Jam Jar sweet shiraz. I was afraid it would dance the line of “too sweet,” but nope. It’s perfect. It tastes kind of like dessert wine — the Pilot and I both love it.

Jam jar  1 of 1

-New home stuff! Here’s our work in progress with the entertainment center decorating. There are a few more pieces I’d like to add, but it looks so much better without naked shelves 😉 I’m determined to finish the downstairs by the end of this summer, which makes me laugh because I feel like by the time I “finish” the house, it will be time to move.

Shelves  1 of 1

-The cheese board at Armitage. Sasha and I had a little meeting the other night, so naturally we picked a spot with good food and wine. We shared the cheese board (with goat and manchego), which also came with fresh fruit, fresh bread, candied walnuts and strawberry game. It was fantastic:

Board

-An amazing event at Physique 57 in Los Angeles on August 7th (7-8pm). We’re doing a Meet Me at the Barre class, and you’ll be able to take a complimentary P57 class, enjoy a goodie bag (with Carbon 38 gear and Blue Diamond goodies), some juice from Nekter Juice Bar, and grimace in pain along with me while we plie and burn together 🙂 If you’re in the LA area and would like to attend, please RSVP via this link. Hope to see you there!

-Livi learning to say “I love you mama.” My heart can even handle it.

Hope you have a very happy Friday! What’s something you’re loving this week? Any fun fitness plans?

xoxo

Gina

 

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72 Comments

  1. Lisa on July 26, 2013 at 11:31 am

    Agreed almond milk mochas are the best 🙂 So darn tasty. I could drink one just about everyday.
    Ohh, and now I’ll have to be on the lookout for the wine.
    I love my wine and always love hearing about new great tasting ones. Especially since it’s the weekend now.

  2. Parita on July 26, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Jam Jar is my favorite!! It’s pretty good as sangria too! Have a great Friday. 🙂

  3. Emily on July 26, 2013 at 11:38 am

    I love you mommy?! omg! So cute!

    I’ll have to check out that wine, I love a good one and of course a cheese/fruit plate too. 🙂

    Have a great weekend!

  4. Rebecca on July 26, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Just registered for the event in L.A., see you there! I’ve always wanted to try a barre workout so I can’t wait!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:14 pm

      awesome!!! see you there 🙂

  5. Ksenija @ Health Ninja on July 26, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Wish we had almond milk mochas at coffee shops here in Germany and the cheese plate looks also amazing! And now I am considering if I’ll have a nice glass of red today or not… all right, you got me – putting a bottle in the fridge now to enjoy a glass later.

    • Mila on July 27, 2013 at 3:07 am

      Ksenija – I totally second this!I feel like if it exists anywhere, it’s probably in Berlin 🙂 Even outside of coffee shops, I have a heck of a time trying to find a decent tasting soy milk or almond milk

  6. Amy @ www.funfoodiefamily.wordpress.com on July 26, 2013 at 11:49 am

    I LOVE Jam Jar wine! Yum!

    Plan on starting running again with my neighbor. More fun to run with someone or my pooch than myself!

    You have inspired me to pull out my 57 Physique Dvd’s again.

    I had planned on going to Zumba this week, but it didn’t fit my schedule. Hopefully I can squeeze in a class this week!

    Have a great weekend!

  7. catherine c. on July 26, 2013 at 11:51 am

    I NEED an almond milk mocha in my life! Also need to get to LA for that event… too bad I’m in SC! 🙁

  8. Lauren on July 26, 2013 at 11:56 am

    Jam Jar is my absolute FAVORITE summer wine. I’m so glad you like it, I absolutely obsessed!

  9. Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed on July 26, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Yum, that cheese plate looks awesome! And those flip flops are cool. I’ve read about the benefits of grounding and connecting with the earth… do you really think they make a difference?

    Happy Friday 😀

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:13 pm

      i do!! but i can’t help but wonder if it’s because i’m supposed to think that? (if that makes any sense)

  10. Alyssa on July 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Best birthday present of the day? Registering for the Physique 57 event in LA! I have always wanted to try it and to be able to try it for free, with a goodie bag and a meet and greet, AND nekter–doesn’t get better than that 🙂 can’t wait! See you there!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:13 pm

      yay!!! happy birthday to you! excited to meet you 🙂

  11. Katy C. on July 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Oh my goodness, I miss Coffee-X-Change!! Definitely one of the best local coffee shops ever.

  12. Arielle Folio on July 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    and I was just thinking, “I wonder if Gina ever comes to LA.”

    Signed up!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      yes! see you there! 🙂

  13. Katherine on July 26, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    Just registered for your event! Looking forward to my first barre experience. Have a great weekend!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      whoo hoo! so excited!

  14. Marissa on July 26, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    those flip flops do look quite comfy! i’ve lived in my tkees all summer! i know what you mean about decorating a house! it’s been 6 years, and mine is not “finished” yet. it probably never will be!

  15. Ashley @ Life and Fitness on July 26, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    Those sandals sound interesting. I’m curious if you feel any different after wearing them. One thing I’m loving this week is cool weather. I’ve been skipping the gym and heading outside for walks.

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      i definitely do but i can’t help but wonder if it’s a placebo effect. i always think “wow, i feel so much more calm and grounded!” after wearing them

  16. Emily on July 26, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Things I’m loving this week?

    Malbec, mixing bowl (aka huge) salads and working on building an online business.

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      i love malbec too 🙂

  17. FitBritt@MyOwnBalance on July 26, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    That is so adorable about Liv! I wish you were doing P57 in NYC so we could hang! 🙂 This Friday I’m looking forward to 1.) getting to drive our new car (the hubs has been hogging the drivers seat) and more importantly 2.) seeing my family. I love spending time with my Mom doing girlie stuff!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      aww me too! next time i’m there, we’ll definitely have to take a class together! have you been to the Z club? apparently tanya used to teach there. it’s supposed to be amazing!

  18. Christine@ Apple of My Eye on July 26, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    That cheese board looks so good! I love candied nuts. Mhmm. I also love the home decorations you guys have put up so far, so classy looking! Have a great Friday 🙂

  19. Ashley on July 26, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    Free physique 57 in LA?? Signing up this second.

  20. Jackie on July 26, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Where can you get the shoes?

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      i linked to them if you want to check it out!

  21. Stephanie on July 26, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    Wish I could make it to the Barre class in LA, but we just moved to San Diego and it’s too far for a Wednesday night. 🙁 But if you ever teach a class in San Diego, I would love to be there!

  22. RavieNomNoms on July 26, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    I have never been to a coffee-x-change, but that cheese plate looks fabulous!

  23. Julie @ Better Life with Burgers on July 26, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Ooohhh my goodness, how much did you want to cry when she said I love you for the first time??? I can only imagine. 🙂 Happy Friday!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      i can’t even explain how awesome it was 🙂

  24. Kelly on July 26, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    Two things… your nails and that cheese plate. I love Manchego cheese! I am done with my summer trips so I’m loving getting back into my regular fitness routine. I missed my Zumba instructor SOOO MUCH!! Was good to be back. You and Sasha are great together, keep it coming! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      thank you so much!!! 🙂

  25. Ashlee@HisnHers on July 26, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    Jam Jar wine is amazing. I’ve had it at Season’s 52 and loved it…never had the sweet shiraz though! I think I had a regular Shiraz?

  26. Bethann Wagner on July 26, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    I took my first Zumba class EVER yesterday at the office and it was amazing! I don’t know what took me so long to try it out, but am so glad I did!

    Is Breakout Studios Todd Wilson’s company? I think I saw that somewhere… love him AND Zumba!

    xoxo, BA

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      yep, it’s todd’s studio! love that guy 🙂
      hope you have a great weekend!

  27. Vivian on July 26, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    I signed up for the class! Meeting you is going to be like meeting a celebrity.haha!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      hahah you stop that. so excited you’ll be there!

      • Brittany on July 26, 2013 at 6:00 pm

        Gina you are basically a blog celebrity!!!! You are a blog-ebrity!!!!I hope i get to meet you next time I am visiting my BFF in Tucson. But by the time I make it out there you will probably have moved!

  28. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun on July 26, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    Yummm that wine looks delicious!! I love a good red wine but I prefer white simply because for some reason red wine always gives me a headache the next day!

  29. Britt on July 26, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    I love seeing your house pics! I love how you can see your family room from the kitchen like that ! And hey I dont see any Buddhas !! Lol!
    Are you allowed to share where you’re family is moving to after summer time ??

  30. Jen on July 26, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    NKOTB, saw them last night and they were amazing!

  31. Miranda @ Miranda Runs on July 26, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    I never even thought about the whole “complacent” idea with instructing. It makes so much sense how that could happen! Good thing you’re Super Gina and never do that 😉

  32. Casey on July 26, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    So sad I got to the barre class link a little late! 🙁 It’s sold out…hoping a wait list spot opens up!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      awww! i’ll ask my contact if we can start a waiting list

  33. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat on July 26, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    I have got to check those sandals out! They are so cute and look super comfortable! Thanks for sharing because I’ve never heard of that brand before.

  34. Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite on July 26, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Almond milk mochas sound beyond amazeballs! I’ve had soy mochas but never almond milk….which is now on my must have list!

  35. Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food on July 26, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    Those sandals looks great! I’m also a huge fan of the giant cheese & wine fest. I could eat that every day!

  36. Kristen @ Medium Roast on July 26, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    Oh that food spread looks delicious! And the sandals are super cute. I’m visiting friends this weekend and can’t wait to get out in the nice weather!

  37. Mirna on July 26, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    I signed up for the event! What can be expected for this class?

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 6:30 pm

      have you tried any barre workouts before? it’s a strength workout (no cardio) focusing on muscular endurance and fatigue.

      • Mirna on July 27, 2013 at 11:21 am

        Hi Gina,

        Thanks for your reply! I’m super excited to meet you and attend your class. No, I haven’t tried any barre workouts. Should I prepare in anyway? Should I wear a specific type of clothing? Any tips, would help!

        • Fitnessista on July 28, 2013 at 12:53 pm

          just wear comfy clothes (like stretchy pants and a tank) and socks. that’s it! see you soon 🙂

  38. Allie on July 26, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    I’m SOOO bummed, the Physique 57 event is already sold out! I’ve been following your blog for years and was super excited at the chance to meet you and thank you for all the inspiration in person. C’set la vie! Enjoy your time here in LaLa land!

  39. Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama on July 26, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    Those sandals are beautiful! Copper is amazing!

    And I agree, almond milk ANYTHING is wonderful! I wish ALL coffee places offered almond milk! The house looks great, too!

    We are going to be outside as much as possible! I feel the urge to work from home all weekend but sometimes you need a break, you know?!

    Have a beautiful weekend!

    Tasha

  40. Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl on July 26, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Ahhh that almond milk mocha latte sounds amazing! I’ll have to see if Whole Foods makes it 😀

    I wish I could attend your class but it’s a hike from Boston – bummer!

  41. lindsey on July 26, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Can I ask where you got your couch? My hubby and I are ALWAYS looking for a comfy couch that is deep enough for two people to snuggle!! That looks snuggleable, but just guessing!

    • Fitnessista on July 26, 2013 at 7:14 pm

      its the axis sectional from crate and barrel. it’s SO comfy… sucks you in to take a nap 🙂

  42. Renee on July 26, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    I love Jam Jar wine! You’re right.. it’s def not too too sweet. Love your entertainment center decor! It’s looking awesome.

  43. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance on July 26, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    I am still trying to find somewhere that serves almond milk! So jealous.

  44. Meg @ A Dash of Meg on July 26, 2013 at 11:58 pm

    mmmm almond milk mochas! <3 yum! i hope we can have a coffee/tea date some time 😉

    this weekend i am taking the gpp intensive training to become gpp certified, so i can actually teach gpp classes 🙂 i am reeeeeally excited!

  45. char eats greens on July 27, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    That wine looks mighty tasty! I really need to get my house together!! We have SO much decorating to do. Part of me IS waiting until we move again though haha…hopefully by next summer!!

    I’m trying a new green smoothie concoction today so I’m excited for that…that counts, right?!

  46. Michelle on July 27, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try an almond milk coffee drink! But I’m spoiled by my Keurig right now. I haven’t been here yet, but I’ve heard that Le Buzz has almond milk drinks…and they are north of us, so probably pretty close to you. If you’ve already been there, do you like it?

    • Fitnessista on July 28, 2013 at 12:53 pm

      no lebuzz doesn’t have almond milk, unless it’s a new thing :/ their breakfast is awesome, though! for coffee, coffee exchange and ikea are the best!

      • Michelle on July 28, 2013 at 2:57 pm

        I just checked out their menu at le buzz. Looks like they offer soy and almond milk for an additional 65 cents.

        • Fitnessista on July 28, 2013 at 4:25 pm

          That’s awesome! Must be new- we were there about a month ago and no almond milk. Maybe they have high chairs now too??

  47. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on July 28, 2013 at 9:34 am

    That LA event sounds like a blast! I just moved to Omaha so I wont be able to make it but I hope you have a great time!

  48. Jessica on July 28, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Gina:
    I love the juil sandals as well as the company. I met them about 3 years ago at a yoga journal conference. They reps were so nice and the customer service was top notch. I think the way they package the shoes for shipping is really nice. I own 2 pairs as does my hubby. We both love them. They are soooo comfortable! I highly recommend them. I think you will love yours and I bet the Pilot would enjoy a pair too.

  49. Michelle on July 29, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    AHH I just saw this post since I’ve been traveling and the class is already full! 🙁 I’d love to meet you and try P57 – any way you can add more spots from the wait list?

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