Ways to make it a marvelous March
Favorite things about March:
-4th Avenue Street Fair
-Renaissance Festival (last time I went, my friend Mikaela and I said “cheers” and clanked our ridiculously large turkey legs together before watching the jousting competition)
-Spring in Tucson: wine on the balcony, cool walks at night, bringing back outdoor workouts, dog park Sundays with Bell, hot enough for a dress, cool enough for a sweater.
-Fond memories of Irish step dancing. Less fond memories of my very talented, but very intense teacher, and the crazy spike curlers we had to wear.
-Soda bread. I would love a gluten-free version in my life…
Preferably the raisin kind, warm, with butter…
-March Madness (especially when U of A is dominating)
More temperate weather is usually around the corner, Spring break to look forward to if you’re in school- March isn’t a bad place to be. Even so, here are some ways to make it even more exciting:
–Try a new St. Patty’s Day recipe. There are so many amazing St. Patrick’s Recipes out there! Some awesome choices: car bomb cupcakes and St. Patty’s Day blondies. Tip: for a more natural alternative to green food coloring, try a little spirulina or greens powder
-Create your own luck. Write down a goal you’ve had on your mind, declare it to others and start taking steps to make it happen. If we’re conscious of our goals, we’re more likely to do little things every day to lead us towards achieving them.
-One green meal a day. Aim to have at least one meal a day focused on greens, whether it’s a salad, a green smoothie, a hefty serving of veggies with dinner, or some zucchini pasta. It’s easy to forget that greens are a simple way to boost protein intake- just 4 teeny Brussels sprouts offer 2g of protein.
–Go for gold! I love the look of bold gold accessories in spring (especially with the nautical styles), or try some gilded nails.
–Plan a picnic. Take your love, group of BFFs or furry friend to the park, spread out a blanket, snack on crackers, fruit, cheese, vino and just be. This is one of our favorite ways to spend a lazy weekend day, and something we haven’t done in way too long.
–Start a March Madness bracket with a friend and bet something fun (like a spa service) for the winner. Don’t know anything about basketball? That makes it even more exciting 😉
–Encourage (or discourage? haha) Mustache March. This one is kind of funny –they have an entire website devoted to it– and I always try to discourage the Pilot from participating. I fail. And he looks like a creeper.
–Take your workout outside. It’s amazing how peaceful and freeing an invigorating run or outdoor yoga practice can be. Who knows? You could find a new way to switch up your favorite workout. Turbofire in the backyard? Notsomuch, but there’s something amazing about practicing yoga outdoors.
–Get tatted up? LOVE henna tattoos… think it’s time for another one.
I ordered the henna on Amazon, looked at a design online and it was fairly easy to do.
So there ya have it- I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one 🙂
What’s something you’re looking forward to this month?
Any fitness, personal or health goals you’re working towards?
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy March <3
xoxo
Gina
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I am looking forward to going to Utah for some relaxing and striking fear into the hearts of my students with their midterm.
These monthly posts are my favourite Gina! I love that you mentioned the gold accessories. Winter always makes me lose my enthusiasm for accessorizing (and sometimes fashion in general since I’m so sick of it being so darn cold!!) but I LOVE going into my closet and putting together outfits for spring. Now if only the snow would melt!
This March, one of my goals is to try rock climbing with some friends. I think it’ll be a great workout and a good way to shake up my usual routine!
i’m the same way… winter fashion isn’t my fave, but i love spring and summer!
For lent I am eating something green for every meal.
I forgot about the protein content – no wonder I am staying fuller longer! 🙂
Looks like March is going to be a wonderful month!
I’m looking forward to the beautiful AZ weather, and enjoying outdoor activities like laying poolside and going to spring training games!
I love the “one green meal a day” idea! What better month than March to put it into practice =)
I have wanted to picnic with my husband but other things keep popping up last minute. I’m making it happen this weekend because you made it sound so great!
I am looking forward to spring. Running outside is much more fun if it is not so cold. Also, I really look forward visiting my family in the end of March!
I had my baby less than 24 hours ago so March is off to a fantastic start!!
My husband used to participate in “No Shave November” and I told him I was gonna do it if he did it. It lasted about 3 days and he shaved! Thank God- I was definitely gonna give in and shave. I can’t take it. Lol
no way!! congratulations! 🙂
and that is AWESOME
In Canada it is “Movember” and it is HUGE! It’s for prostate cancer and this past year they raised 40.5 million 🙂
that is amazing! i’m sure the pilot will love another opportunity to grow out his creeper ‘stache 😉
Congrats 🙂 The moustache growing thing is in November in NZ, as well. “Movember”. 🙂
I’m looking forward to meeting my nephew Logan for the first time in the Month of March. He was born at 25 weeks the 2nd of June. He was just released from NICU finally on the 29th of Feb, just shy of 9 months. The other thing I’m looking forward to is tomorrow’s Orthopedic Surgeon appointment. I’m hoping to get the all clear so I can go ahead and try to do more activity, right now I’m limited to modified yoga, bicycles and upper body lifting. I’d like to be able to use my ankle for whatever I want again, of course listening to my body for limits.
Love henna ! Bought myself a tube at an Asian Supermarket but haven’t used it yet, want someone to be my guinea pig haha. My friend just made those car bomb cupcakes too ! Can’t wait to try (:
I’m looking forward to spring break and a trip to DC and NYC! I love the idea of doing yoga outside – I’ve never tried that before, but you’ve inspired me. Unfortunately March in Ohio is definitely still winter, so I’ll have to put that on the back burner for a little while 🙂
great goals!! i definitely think 1 green meal a day is a good one. i dont get enough veggies so its something im workin on. this is also my last month of training before the boston marathon!! (april 16th..yikes!)
I love the idea of spirulina to turn cookies green – sounds like something I’ll have to try with some cookies!
I just decided today that I’m going to try the 100 pushup challenge. I’m starting from basically ground 0, but I feel like I need some huge challenge like this (with manageable steps) to finally get myself some upper body strength. Kind of nervous, but also excited!
Love the henna tattoo and St. Paddy’s Day treats…so fun!
I’m looking forward to longer days, warmer weather, and Easter & St Paddy’s Day desserts and treats to oogle and drool over 🙂
Too funny about Mustache March! My husband always participates as well 🙂 He claims I try to distract him while he’s shaving in hopes that he forgets and shaves it off!
There is a 10k in my area on March 25th.. I have never done any sort of race before.. and I’m not exactly much of a runner- but it something that I always have wanted to do..
I’m looking forward to moving into my new apartment at the end of the month. For exercise goals, I just want to do as much yoga as possible and get in as good shape as I can before yoga teacher training in April.
Does the Pilot participate in Novembeard as well? My husband is fond of it. I, however, am not.
I adore March – Spring to starts to show itself, and St. Patrick’s Day is one of my all time favorites! I really want to try CorePower Yoga this month – that’s my fitness goal 🙂
I love the 1 green meal a day plan! I had a blueberry smoothie with tons of spinach for breakfast and I’m having a big salad beast (with spinach and arugula from my yard) for lunch. I’m going to make this a goal for the entire month. Thanks!
Here’s a GF irish soda bread recipe and I just got a navy/white striped dress from Express that would look great with gold accessories:)
http://gfreelife.com/2012/03/gfcf-irish-soda-bread/
I have a Groupon to a great yoga studio in Dallas so I am trying to make the most of it with a goal to go 21 times in 30 days. Hopefully this flushes out a lot of yuck before summer! That is a great fact to know about brussel sprouts I will pick some up this week!
Lilly
pancakesandbeetjuice.blogspot.com
I’m looking forward to the snow melting and being able to run outside without slipping on ice! Also have a goal of landing a second job so I can save some money to move to Washington with my Navy boy. He’s growing a mustache, but he’s going to be on a carrier for a couple weeks so (thankfully!) I wont have to see it.
I’m so happy spring is almost here! I look forward to going to the lake, baseball games in the sunshine, and flowers blooming in my yard.
Ohhh Mustache March… Why do men love mustaches so much? They make everyone look like a creeper. NOT a good look.
The kids soccer games, 2 5Ks, daughter going to prom,spending time by the pool, spring festivals & flowers, yay!
i loved spring flowers in valdizzy
prom! omg! i hope she posts pics on facebook 🙂
I love March because it is the anniversary of when I met my husband (today actually!) and our wedding anniversary. I am getting back into working out after being sidelined by a back injury, so hopefully that’ll be my goal for March. And convincing my husband not participate in Mustache March.
I’m going to try zumba for the first time! I’m super pumped, yay for March!
I’m working on fixing my diastasis recti – maybe you could do a little post on that? Maybe on your family page?
I have a half marathon at the end of the month that I’m looking forward to (I just hope it doesn’t snow!).
This looks like a really good soda bread recipe:
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2012/02/gluten-free-orange-scented-soda-bread.html
There are some great goals in here – particularly incorporating more greens; I just have too high a carb content in my diet right now and that’s just because as a vegetarian it’s so hard for me to get foods that are only high in protein (ie beans and lentils are great but also high in carbs, so having them ups both contents!). I’ve started some sneaky tricks of putting protein powder in my morning oats and making killer protein shakes, but need more ideas…so that is my goal this month! Love the pic of the Pilot with a mustache btw!
I’m looking to rocking my new neon-yellow cardigan. Totally outside my comfort zone, but like you said in last week’s fashion post, bright colors are huge for spring!
I am really looking forward to alfresco dining and my far superior springtime wardrobe!
I seriously look forward to these posts every month– you make me so excited about all the possibilities ahead and you’re so encouraging! I love the idea of incorporating something green into every day! I think I’m going to do that! I’m also trying a Mad Abs March challenge and hope to get to yoga before my membership expires!!
I am looking forward to spring break next week and St. Patrick’s Day! I’m very proud of my Irish heritage haha I am so jealous you did Irish step dancing! I always wanted to!
Two things I’m looking forward to this month:
1. My second half marathon (in DC, on St. Patty’s Day!)
2. SPRING BREAK. My boyfriend and I haven’t been on vacation in two years; this year, we’re spending the week in Charleston and Savannah—two new places for both of us. I cannot WAIT.
Savannah is BEAUTIFUL! You have to go to the Lady and Sons gift shop. Even if you don’t like Paula Deen, you will LOVE the gift shop. I am so jealous now!
i had sunday brunch there once and have never been so sick from rich food in my entire life. sooo worth it- it was delicious 🙂
I am going to try out as many classes at the gym as I can at least once. And I am going to most likely finish up drivers ed and ringers crossed get my license soon! I also might take a trip to Vermont to see family so that will be really fun!
I love days that are warm enough for dresses with crisp evenings that need a sweater! My favorite time of the year! And I’m really looking forward to working out outside but I think as mild of a winter as the midwest has had, we may be in for a super rainy spring
Something I’m looking forward to this month is buying my very first car! My parents bought me my current one when I was 18, and I’ve been saving up ever since so I won’t have to have a car payment. 🙂 So excited!
Today is my 29th birthday. 🙂 That’s always fun… and one more year to the big 3-0!
I’ve given up drinking for the month. Well, except for one birthday glass of wine. That’s all I’m allowing myself to have alcohol-wise this month. 🙂
whoo hoo!
and hope you have a wonderful birthday <3
i think the only mustache the has ever been carried off is cary elwes in the princess bride. LOL.
I did not know that about Brussels my store has them on sale this week so I’ll be eating lots of them:) I worked for wild oats before whole foods bought them out and we used chlorophyll for green they have it in liquid and you only need a drop and it’s a pretty pastel green or can add more to make it darker and it does not leave any flavor!
Oh and my birthdays march 14 so have that to looked forward too 31 didn’t get to celebrate last year due to having a kidney stone show up 4 days before my birthday made for fun 2 months trying to pass it 😉
I really liked the idea of zucchini pasta. Can’t say I have tried that before but after seeing it here I will have to look more into it. Thanks for sharing! Your posts always have a little bit of comedy to go with the content which is great, so keep up the good work.
Mmm Irish soda bread is the best. I definitely plan on making some for St. Patty’s day.
I really hope it warms up here this month – I’m looking forward running outside again!
It’s crazy how many people don’t realize that green veg has protein! (And I include myself a few years ago!) Broccoli, brussel sprouts, and (fruit) avocado all pack a punch! Btw, I’ve been reading for a few years, you are admirable and beautiful to say the very least. Thank you so much for inspiring me, as well as others, to live happier lives.
wow, thank YOU so much for reading, and for such a sweet comment <3
lots of love to you 🙂
I’m getting married this month! I’ve stepped up my workouts to longer runs with my dog, a little more weights, and a lot of praying that I don’t trip down the aisle 🙂
I love that – “make your own luck.” AMEN!
I am looking forward to the end of March when most of my assignments will be handed in 😛 Love the henna tattoo!
And of course, March is also the month of The Hunger Games release! Super excited for that!
i haven’t read the books, but the movie looks great
Hey!
I use to do irish step dancing- and I live in Phoenix, which is where I danced. What school did you dance with?
Tara
Hey Fitnessista,
I love your blog and I know you don’t like to offend people, so I wanted to give you a heads up. The term ‘car bomb’ or ‘Irish car bomb’ is actually really offensive. The reason it is named that is due to the mixing of Irish liquids (here alcohol) which refers to the homemade bombs the IRA and Unionists used on each other. This fighting in Northern Ireland continued through the 1990s and there are still areas of sectarian hatred.
I know you didn’t mean it like that, but I try and get people to stop using the term whenever possible. Especially since I saw an American try and order one in Ireland and got punched in the face.
I love your blog and I’m sorry to be such a downer! This month I’m looking forward to the Hunger Games movie (I’ve read all the books) and to getting outside more with the warmer weather.
hey girl,
i had NO idea- thank you so much for pointing this out to me.
<3