Bfast cookie and bling macaroons

Hey everyone! Are ya doing the FRIDAY DANCE?!!? I am ๐Ÿ˜€ Hope youโ€™re having a fabulous Friday so far!

I am.. because I had a cookie for bfast!

 

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This one had 1/3 cup oats, 1 small nanner, vanilla hemp milk, sprouted brown rice protein, carob, cinnamon and Stevia. Face-rockinโ€™ delicious.

And some Teavana:

 

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Rooibos chai and Matevana mixed together. So good!

The sound machine worked a little too wellโ€”I slept like a baby, through my alarm, and woke up at 9! Yikers. So much for the early morning workoutโ€”I figured Iโ€™d get my cardio and weights in between training appointments this afternoon.

So I decided to partake in one of my favorite Friday morning rituals: macaroon making!

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(The dough on the paddle attachment was for me)

The best part:

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Macaroons in a row

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(I blinged them out with the cameraโ€ฆ haha!)

After getting the macaroons in the dehydrator for Jerilynne and a friend Iโ€™ve been promising some to, I had to take this one to the vet:

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She was not a happy camper to get that Bordatella stuff in her nose, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Iโ€™m pretty stoked because weโ€™re leaving for Orlando in the morning but itโ€™s kind of bittersweet because itโ€™s the last time Iโ€™ll see Bella before I go to school for a month. My aunt is watching her for the week and weโ€™re going to board Viesa when we leave for OKC and after driving to Oklahoma, the pilot is flying into Orlando, picking up Bella from my aunt and driving back to Valdosta. Craziness! I canโ€™t believe that exactly one week from today weโ€™ll be en route to my next adventure. Itโ€™s going to be blasty ๐Ÿ˜‰

Well Iโ€™m off to start cleaning out my car โ€“Iโ€™m one of those people whose house has to be spotless and the car is a disaster- and then off for training appointments and a workout. Iโ€™ll see ya tonight!

Enjoy the rest of your day!

xoxo,

G

Something to think: โ€œYou only get one life.. and well, this is itโ€  (I know, kinda heavy for a Friday morning, but Iโ€™m gonna roll with it) My dad said that to me once when I was in elementary school, and I think about it all the time. It motivates me to get to the gym when Iโ€™m feeling blah (because I want to live a long and healthy life) and encourages me to take risks even though I could always stick with the mundane and โ€œsafeโ€ choice. Going to raw culinary school was a big decision for me and I debated not doing it because of the puppies, the fear the pilot wouldnโ€™t feed himself, worrying about taking care of the house, missing out on teaching aerobics and training for the month, thinking I should finish my MBA degree instead, and then I realized itโ€™s something I REALLY, really want to do and when Iโ€™m old, Iโ€™ll look back and be so glad that I went for it. I get a lot of emails from girls who are so unhappy with their current careers and want to change what theyโ€™re doing but still be able to make ends meet. Iโ€™m not saying that you should throw caution to the wind and drop your current job, but try to do things that make you happy. Even if itโ€™s just something little, it could make a huge difference or transform your lifeโ€™s path entirely.

"It makes no difference how many peaks you reach if there was no pleasure in the climb."
โ€” Oprah Winfrey

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53 Comments

  1. Ashley on August 28, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Happy Friday! I’m trying to lose weight right now. Without knowing me personally I was hoping I could get your advice. I’m exercising about an hour every day, buring between 500-650 calories a day (I wear a polar). I’m 5’9 and small framed. I’m so confused about how many calories I should be eating to lose weight. I’ve been eating around 1450-1650 calories a day. Is this low enough for weight loss or should I be consuming a smaller amount of calories? Thanks for any advice you’re able to give!

    • Fitnessista on August 28, 2009 at 6:45 pm

      hey ashley– since i don’t know you that’s a very hard question to answer but from what it sounds like you may not be eating enough considering how many calories you’re burning

  2. Runeatrepeat on August 28, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Good for you! Go for your goals ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Kristin on August 28, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    Hey Gina!

    I have been following your blog for sometime now (and absolutely adore you!) – your quote at the end could not have come at a better time for me – so thank you for that! I’m so jealous of your exciting school adventures to come and can’t wait to hear all about it through your blog!! Have fun and enjoy every minute!!

    Kristin

  4. Pam (Highway to Health) on August 28, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    I’m so happy for you that you are pursuing your goals! You will be happy you did it! That is also a great post.

  5. Rebecca on August 28, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    Yum macaroons! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Annamarina (Running Tails) on August 28, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    Thanks for your “something to think about” quote today. It definitely hit home with me, and it’s something I need to remember every day! Good for you for following your dreams! Can’t wait to hear all about it.

  7. Jenna on August 28, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    ๐Ÿ™‚ thank you so much for your ‘something to think’ today!!! I really needed that! I can’t wait to hear all about your new adventures.

  8. vegantickles on August 28, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    Kudos to you! I wish I had the guts to do what you are doing.

  9. Lizzy on August 28, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    i couldnt think of a better way to start a day with none other then a breakfast cookie! looks awesome! ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. GirlonRaw on August 28, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Wow Gina you always to be soo insync with me! From needing a new camera (I was only just looking at getting one myself yesterday as my old one is dying a slow death!!) from what we are eating on a daily basis…crazy! Every day I get on here I feel you are reading my mind! BTW the photos are looking fantastic.

    I am addicted to your blog and get so much from it. You are an inspiration to so many people. Keep up the good work!

    ๐Ÿ˜€

  11. Ashley on August 28, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Grr.

    Girl you’re seriously making me want to go to Teavana again!

    There is money burning a hole in my checking account I guess.

  12. Hilary on August 28, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Yum – those macaroons look so good! I just looked at your school’s website since you said it’s in OKC – it’s right by my old neighborhood! If you want a running trail, there is one around Lake Hefner that is pretty long (10 miles I think?) If you can stand the wind!

    I hope you like it there! I will be reading to see what you think and where you visit. I’m actually going back next weekend (Stillwater, not OKC though). Hit up some OSU or OU football games if you have time on Saturday! And Bricktown downtown.

    Hilary

  13. Kailey (SnackFace) on August 28, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    Goodness, some day I will get my b-fast cookies to be as bomb as yours!

    So, I did some research on your school, and I am SO TOTALLY jealous. I think this is perfect for you, though! It’s the complete natural step, it seems. I seriously envision you workin’ it with Sarma in NYC. How fab would that be?

    I hope your Friday is gorgeous and you have a safe trip tomorrow!!

  14. Jenna on August 28, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    Gol’ I love Oprah!!!

    I seriously need to try one of your bfast cookies! They look d.licious.!

    Have a very happy Friday!

  15. tay on August 28, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Your dad’s advise is perfect and I think it is something we all should remember. You live an inspirational life and that is something to be very proud of! Keep up the good work, little lady.

  16. Em on August 28, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Way to listen to your heart go for what will make you happy rather than what someone else may think is the right thing to do! Loved the Something To Think About today.
    Question on your bfast cookie– you made yours w.o nut butter today, I’ve never done it this way, did you do it for less cals? Is it as good and does it still get that cookie texture? My fav part about the bfast cookie is it’s texture! Happy weekend! Have a safe trip!

    • Fitnessista on August 28, 2009 at 6:46 pm

      oops, no it had almond butter, i just forgot to list it! i think you need it for the cookie texture ๐Ÿ˜€

  17. Angie (Losing It and Loving It) on August 28, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    I think a breakfast cookie is in my future, like next week! Yum! Looking forward to hearing all about your school experience. Have a safe trip! Hugs to the pups.

  18. julie on August 28, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    your pops and oprah are two VERY wise people ๐Ÿ™‚ your moms included! have fun this weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. RunToTheFinish on August 28, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Love the quote from your dad. It’s something that I have tried to embrace over the years to over come any fears that I may have. way to go on the new adventure, it sounds amazing

  20. Mara @ What's For Dinner? on August 28, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    LOVE the blingin’ macaroons!!! The fiance keeps asking me when I’m going to make those “coconut thingies” i got from the “airport girl”… haha!!! I may have to try making them since we love them so much!

  21. lizzy on August 28, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    wooooo! I’m definitely doing the FRIDAY dance!! you sound like your about to embark on a great journey! GOODLUCK CHICA, you will do splendid! The time will fly by and you will be back to your man and puppies before you know it! happy friday!

  22. brandi on August 28, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    yay for macaroons!

    I agree with you, and my pleasure just has to come from things other than a job right now because we DO have to make ends meet. Someday, I’ll have a job I love, I know it. It’s just not right now.

  23. carolinebee on August 28, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    ha I’m the saaame way with the car- it’s embarrasing really! If someone’s driving with me, i put all the crap in the trunk. So yesterday i had to clean out my car to sell it bc I’m moving…and I have piiiles of schoolbooks and papers (and I definitely graduated May of 08) haha oh well better late than neva ๐Ÿ˜€

  24. NySoonerGirl on August 28, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    Awesome post! I love quote and advice at the end. I really need to remind myself of that every so often! And OKC is a great city! I’m sure you’ll have a blast! I lived in OK for 5 years and I miss it so much!

  25. Jenny on August 28, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Thank you for sharing that thoughtfulness at the end of this post. Your dad’s words are definitely something I need to keep in mind ALL the time right now..so true, so important. Happy Friday!!

  26. Lauren on August 28, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    Hi Gina!! I love your blog (read it everyday!) and I am a new spinning instructor! I was wondering if I could get your email and if you could email me sort of a “play-by-play” example of one of your typical 1 hour spinning classes? This would help me soo much, as I’m a little nervous and want to ensure that I have a rockin’, jam-packed spinning class like yours always is! Thank you!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. A on August 28, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    I like your “something to think” area today! Good stuff and SO TRUE!

    Oh, and I just noticed the above girl’s post….. I’d love to hear more about your song lists and how and when you set your cardio peaks and lows in your classes!
    -A

  28. Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) on August 28, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    I think your dad is a wise man. I always ask myself when making decisions, “Am I going to regret this when I’m 102 and on my deathbed?”

    I know you are going to be so happy with your choice, and I’m happy to watch and admire from afar!

  29. amy (veganissexy) on August 28, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    How did you know I was doing my Friday dance? I just happened to be boogieing to the new Pitbul Hotel room song….can’t help it! I’m on my Friday baking projects as well ๐Ÿ™‚ Best way to start the weekend with a housefull of yummy smells! Have a wonderful time in the big city ๐Ÿ™‚

  30. angieinatlanta on August 28, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Girl, I’ve been doing the Friday dance since 5:30 this morning!

  31. Shelby on August 28, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Love the macaroon bling! haha

  32. Errign on August 28, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Your macaroons always look so so so so awesome. I’m always jealous that you have them not me lol.

  33. Morgan on August 28, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    Hi Gina. I’ve been reading your blog for awhile, and love it, you crack me up! That teamaker from Teavana is the best thing ever. I’m obsessed with mine

  34. K on August 28, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    Love the macaroony blingage! Glad your noise maker worked – I have to sleep with my fan on every night. I can’t sleep when it’s too quiet.

  35. Jenna on August 28, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    that is such a great quote by oprah!

  36. Kim on August 28, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    Thank you for your “something to think about.” Definitely helped me get out of my end of the summer semester rut and to thinking about the things I need to do to get some passion back into my life.

    Your blog is always inspiring!

  37. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on August 28, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    I am glad you enjoyed your cookie….and I’ve been enjoying them over here too. Thx for your recipe! Today I made it with Sun Warrior Chocolate BRPP rather than vanilla. But I won’t get to try it til tomorrow morning. But the forked I used to smooth it out with sure tasted yum. I don’t use nutbutter either. Well the few cookies that I’ve made, I haven’t. I don’t know, maybe I just have really juicy bananas or something but if I added nut butter it would just get tooooo sloppy. Right now it’s borderline sloppy and I’m not adding any liquid other than maybe 1-2 tbsp agave, 1 banana, 1/3 c oats, and 1 scoop protein powder as the core ingredients. Hey whatever works, right ๐Ÿ™‚

    I think when you look back at your life in even 5-10 yrs, provided you do the get married and have 2.2 kids and a house routine, you will be soooo glad you did this. I look back at my life from when I was just married a year, no child, and I went to Costa Rica for a month to get certified to be a yoga teacher. There was no email, no phone calls to my hubby for a month except like twice, no digital camera….it was beyond hard and I was so homesick. I wanted to come home so many times and before I even went I second guessed myself hourly. But, mid month there I hit my stride, fell in love with the experience, my husband survived (imagine that, he fed himself LOL) and I look back on it with pride and so much happiness I did it b/c right now with a small child, there’s just no way I could swing it. Live your dreams girlfriend and go after them! I wish you a million percent success & happiness (and sorry for the novel!)!

  38. Bec on August 28, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    Your breakfast cookie looks fantastic! I am kind of excited to start school again next week just so I can get back to eating morning oats and breakfast cookies.

  39. Katie on August 28, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    Hope the vet trip went well.

    Have fun in Orlando! Give Bella a big pat for me ๐Ÿ™‚

  40. Emily on August 28, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    Everything edible in this post looks so delicious (I figured that I could save time by summing everything up, :)).

  41. The Pilot on August 28, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    The pics from the new camera look great, baby. You’re really getting the hang of that thing. Love you, gorgeous!

  42. Emily on August 28, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    You’re so right about doing what makes you happy! I’m so excited for you and your new adventure. ๐Ÿ™‚

  43. Tay on August 28, 2009 at 11:26 pm

    The dough paddle is always mine too! My 8 year old sister and I argue over it every time ๐Ÿ˜‰

  44. Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl on August 28, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    Your breakfast cookie looks SO good–and so does that tea and those macaroons. YUM to all of it! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Of course, my oatmeal cookie was green but I’m going to try something like yours or Averie’s soon….

    *smiles*
    Michele

  45. chicago on August 29, 2009 at 1:53 am

    I need your help/advice =\ :

    I have been on the South Beach diet Phase 1 for about a month and have only lost 4 pounds!! I have spoken with so many individuals who have lost atleast 8-15 pounds in the first 2 weeks alone. What am I doing wrong?! I am not overweight in any way, I just want to lose a couple pounds (who doesn’t, right?) Anyway, since you spent a year on the diet I wanted to come to you to see if you had any advice or similar experiences.

    Your response is greatly appreciated..ps. I am addicted to your blog. Seriously, HUGE inspiration.

  46. CaSaundra on August 29, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I can’t wait to hear all about your upcoming culinary adventure!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  47. Shari B. (FitFeat) on August 29, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Fitnessista, will you still be blogging while you are at school? I can’t imagine all of us going a month without our Gina Fix!! Sunday’s are hard enough! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Have a BLASTY (as you would say) in Orlando and Good Luck at school! How exciting!

    • Fitnessista on August 29, 2009 at 11:38 am

      hey shari!
      of course i’ll be blogging from school- and posting funny pictures in my cheffer outfit ๐Ÿ˜‰

  48. Sarah on August 29, 2009 at 11:38 am

    I need to try one of those bfast cookies…they look so good

  49. Lexie on August 29, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    I love your thought for the day! It is so true to do what makes you happy. Have fun in Orlando! I can’t wait to read about your school adventures ๐Ÿ™‚

  50. Sana on August 29, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Back to school time!!! Can you post on how to make bfast cookie? It looks delish!

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