Birth of a New Pigeon

Hi guys 🙂 Hope you’ve had an amazing first day of spring!

We’re doing ok over here 😉

pilot - Copy

(Permission to swoon is always granted. Ow ow!)

This morning, we dropped off Viessy at the kennel and Bella off to funny quotes lady (one of my clients) then hit the road to Jacksonville. It feels so weird to be without our fur children!

I munched a bfast cookie on the way:

DSC04000

1/2 C oat bran

1/2 scoop vanilla Sun Warrior

cinnamon

1 T mesquite

1 small banana

almond milk

peanut butter (!) I’m out of almond… it tasted great though!

Road trip buddies:

buddies

Whenever we cross the line into civilization, my sanity rejoices.

jax

We dropped the car off to valet since our room wasn’t ready, picked up some lonchi and walked down to the beach.

beach (2)

Our lunchtime picnic was from a nearby vegetarian-friendly organic market and deli.

I munched a Spanish Caravan wrap:

wrap

Stuffed to the brim with roasted zucchini, squash, sundried tomatoes, purple onion, kalamata olives and GOAT CHEESE 🙂

wrap (2)

It was beautiful.

We snoozed on the beach and I read trashy celebrity gossip mags for a couple of hours –my Cullen-esque appearance is going away.. I’m semi-golden- and then walked up to check into the hotel.

The usual glorious digs:

room

Bed:

room (2)

Powder room:

room (3)

View!

views

And I munched an organic apple before heading to a Power Hour yoga class.

apple (2)

Class was ahhhhmazing. I was a sweaty beast and shaking like a leaf when it was over. Just how I like it 🙂 Apparently, I’d been doing pigeon wrong for my entire life the past 8 years. I had no idea that your shin was supposed to be parallel to the mat. When teach came over and moved my foot, let’s just say it felt a lot more uncomfortable and hip-stretch-tastic. A new pigeon was born.

The instructor also helped me get into more advanced variations of the usual poses by holding me, pulling me, lifting me and making adjustments to make the poses more challenging. Podcasts and DVDs at home definitely don’t do that! This is a major reason why I always seek out a yoga studio while we’re on vacay.

Well I’m off to shower my stinky face and get ready for dinner at the Melting Pot. I will be having dessert tonight. Sorry Lent.

Have a great night <3

Gina

Something to do: Check out the free yoga podcasts from the owner of the yoga studio I went to today: M Body yoga on iTunes. My instructor said that he’s an incredible teacher, which I fully believe since she herself was pretty insanely awesome. How do you practice yoga? At home via podcasts and videos or in a studio?? Any bloggies out there who have never practiced yoga?? It really is an excellent idea to add yoga or regular stretching into a workout routine, as flexibility workouts can make us stronger runners/swimmers/bikers/whatevers and can help to prevent injury. I would LOVE IT if Valdizzy had a studio.

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56 Comments

  1. Diane on March 20, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    Okay, I don’t know what’s better looking…your room, your wrap, or the pilot 😉

    Also, I kind of LOVE that you’re not depriving yourself of the Melting Pot’s awesome dessert while you’re on vacay! I’m not religious myself, and I respect everyone who is, but I don’t think you should have to hold back from getting the most out of your trip.

    Have a fun night!! 😀

    • Fitnessista on March 20, 2010 at 6:08 pm

      bahaha. the pilot. by far 🙂
      thank you– i can’t go to melting pot and NOT have dessert. i’m pretty sure that’s illegal in most states 😉

  2. Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin on March 20, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    wow. i am so jealous of this whole post, wrap and digs included. have so much fun!!!!

    i have NEVER practiced yoga, but I am actually going to try it out for the first time very soon! i’m thinking hot yoga.

    • Fitnessista on March 20, 2010 at 6:08 pm

      hot yoga is AWESOME. you may hate it the first time (i did) but as soon as the first class was over, i felt AMAZING and started to crave it

      • Christine on March 20, 2010 at 7:17 pm

        Beth, I saw that you are form DC so you should try Down Dog Yoga which has a studio on Potomac street in Georgetown. It is heated vinyasa- THE MOST amazing workout!!!

        • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin on March 21, 2010 at 12:27 am

          You know my friend Amy actually goes to that studio and wants to go check it out with me – she said that its free for first timers!

          • grace b on March 21, 2010 at 12:18 pm

            Hi Beth! If you are D.C. you also might like Serenity Yoga in Adams Morgan. They have a great trial offer of 10 days of yoga for $10 (I don’t know of anywhere else that cheap!). I went to two classes and absolutely loved it–my instructor was great, wonderful calming space and very simple for all levels. Good luck!! I miss DC!



  3. Kayla on March 20, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Looks like you’re having a blast. I’m totally jealous since the temp is dropping like crazy here now and rain is moving in. I love yoga and have recently started to get more serious about it. I have to do dvds because there are no studios here, sad 🙁

  4. Jenny on March 20, 2010 at 6:07 pm

    You guys are such a cute couple! Have a blast tonight:)

  5. deisegirl on March 20, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    All the ingredients in that wrap are my pretty much my favourites. Think I know what I’ll be having for dinner tomorrow as I have some wraps that need to be used up. 😉

    I don’t have patience for yoga…I find it really hard to switch off too which sucks, but I have started adding stretching to my routine because I’m really starting to feel the negative effects of exercise.

  6. Keri on March 20, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Oooh love the melting pot, enjoy! I definitely find that I need to go to a class to properly practice yoga because I am often in need of adjusting!

  7. Kimberly@sinfullythin.blogspot.com on March 20, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    The beach looks amazing and so does that bedroom! I love the sunburst mirror! Have a great time!

  8. Shayna @ Cuts and Curves on March 20, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Looks like you guys are having a blast! Wish it was hot enough here to go to the beach.. that won’t be happening for a few more months…

    You look great by the way! There’s definitely a healthful glow. Have fun with dessert tonight. 🙂

  9. Jenna @ Healthy. Happy. Well. on March 20, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    Looks so nice and warm there, the hotel is gorgeous!

  10. Lauren @ BIOCHEMISTA on March 20, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Looks like a great weekend!!! Have a blas! 🙂

    Wish I wasn’t allergic to goat cheese 🙁 I seriously get jealous every picture you post of it, lol

    xoxox,

    Lauren

  11. Allie (Live Laugh Eat) on March 20, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    What perfect weather for the beach! Sounds like a fabulous day so far. I’m so happy when you get a chance to cross into civilization 🙂

  12. Jessica @ The Process of Healing on March 20, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    Sounds like the most perfect day ever!!! And your husband is hot! 🙂
    The wrap sounds divine!

    • Fitnessista on March 20, 2010 at 6:58 pm

      ahaha yes, yes he is 🙂

  13. kalli@fitandfortysomething on March 20, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    oh what a great weekend in civilization!

  14. Megan @ Healthy Hoggin' on March 20, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    I still haven’t tried the Melting Pot! I’ve seen it on business trips I’ve been on, so I might have to try it next time! I’ve heard their dessert is amazing!

    Oh, and Lent and I kinda broke up this weekend, too. Sometimes a girl just needs something sweet! 😉

    • Fitnessista on March 20, 2010 at 6:58 pm

      their dessert will change your life forever 🙂

  15. Tiffany on March 20, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    *swoon* damn your pilot is seksi! and you’re always gorgeous as usual too. 😀
    looks like you’ve had a wonderful day at the beach so far, and i hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! and most of all, enjoy your dessert tonight!

    i try to do yoga dvds and podcasts at home, but i don’t have the patience to get through more than 30 minutes of it. i went to my first yoga “class” a couple of nights ago as part of Lululemon’s free classes, but it was so not challenging at all and i was very disappointed.

  16. Lindsay on March 20, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    I’m in awe! So fun and gotta love a hot yoga session to end the day. Have a great time at the Melting Pot. I’m sure we’ll see some great pics of FONDUE later. Cheers!
    LC

  17. Samantha on March 20, 2010 at 6:58 pm

    I never knew that about pigeon either, guess I need to have my instructor look at me closer this week.

    How do I practice? My fave is my (sometimes) weekly 90 minute hot class with an advanced instructor. But being a mom of two young kids and a husband who is seemingly always deployed (home about 30% of his time at this command), I’m often on my own in my den with a space heater and good music. Sometimes I head to the beach too but I’m too self conscious to do that when it’s busy.

  18. Karyn on March 20, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    i want to practice yoga so badly! but i keep putting it off. partly because i don’t ever feel comfortable doing it (the whole calmness thing is entirely against my personality ha) and partly because i’m too lazy to walk on over to the weekly classes!

  19. Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) on March 20, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    I love mini vacays! That wrap looks delish!!

    I usually practice yoga with DVDs (Shiva Rea and Kristen McGee are my faves) or podcast, or just flow on my own! I have been doing yoga for over 5 years, so I am getting to the point where I don’t always need a DVD/podcast. But I love going to a class every once in a while, I feel WAY more challenged and I love when instructors fix my posture so it is correct! You really can’t tell if you’re doing it right if you’re in your living room 😉

    xo
    K

  20. BridgetP on March 20, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    I love when yoga teachers adjust my poses or help me take it to the next level. Most of the time I have no idea I was doing it wrong! I practice hot vinyasa yoga twice a week – the yoga studio is actually in my gym, I pay extra for it but it’s the best style of yoga (for me) that I have found around here!

    Say hi to the sun and beach for me. I’m losing hope on spring – let alone summer – ever making an appearance here!

  21. Paige @ Running Around Normal on March 20, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    I’ve actually never been to the Melting Pot! I’ve been meaning to try it out for some time, though.
    Jealous of your beach day!
    Have fun tonight 🙂

  22. Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now on March 20, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    Looks like you’re having an amazing time!!

  23. christina cadden on March 20, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Looks like a fun time.

  24. Jessica on March 20, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    i looked for the podcasts you mentioned on itunes but didn’t have any luck finding them. what should i search for? i’d love to check them out!

    • Fitnessista on March 21, 2010 at 5:21 pm

      here ya go:
      under the “store” tab on the top left, click “search”
      in the title field, type “mbody”
      it’s the first thing that comes up 🙂

  25. Kelly on March 20, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Aaaah the beach. I also lost some of my cullen-esque appearance today and am sporting a sexy burn. Totes worth it though. In fact maybe I’ll go watch New Moon now just to indulge.

  26. Sonia @ Master of Her Romaine on March 20, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    Ohh the beach looks fabulous!! I have never done “real” yoga! I took an introductory class at my school but it was mostly the instructor talking to us about where our chakras were and bringing packets of tuna to class and asking us if we wanted any (gross and creepy!)…we learned a few basic poses but it was nothing I could feel after the class was over.

  27. Michelle on March 20, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    i tried looking on itunes as well, and couldn’t find anything. Any ideas?

    Pigeon is definitely may favorite yoga pose . . . feels so awesome after any workout . . .

    • Fitnessista on March 21, 2010 at 5:21 pm

      under the “store” tab on the top left, click “search”
      in the title field, type “mbody”
      it’s the first thing that comes up 🙂

  28. Carly on March 20, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    I’ve never tried yoga before… I really want to, but I’m scared! I even work at a gm (in Atlanta — we’re kinda neighbors 😉

  29. La on March 20, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    no matter how gorgeous the weather is here, sitting in my backyard does not equal sitting on a beach! lucky you

    i’ve never gone to a yoga class, just done a couple yogadownload podcasts. i really really want to go take a class but i’m so bad at it and have absolutely no balance! i’m scared haha

  30. Lauren @ eater not a runner on March 20, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    Looks like SUCH a fun break!! Jealous.

    I do yoga podcasts but I love classes. Nothing better than a real live teacher though 🙂

  31. Anna on March 20, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    I prefer to practice in a studio but funds are tight these days so I’m practicing at home mostly. (also, I have yet to find a studio in DC that I acutally like… for some reason, most leave a lot to be desired). I LOVE free Yoga to the People podcasts on iTunes- I just wish they would come out with more new ones!

  32. Ashlei on March 20, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    Sunshine and beach!! Yay! Have a fun vacay!!!

  33. Jenn (eating bender) on March 20, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    I love when you and the Pilot take trips to the beach…but it makes me extremely envious! 🙂 I’ll just have to live vicariously through you since Chicago was wonderful all week and then I woke up to SNOW on the first day of spring. Goooood times.

    Hope you enjoyed yourself at The Melting Pot, Gina! Glad you’re getting dessert…again, living vicariously!

  34. Krista N. on March 20, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    Yeah, you went to M Body!!! That is my yoga studio of choice in J’ville 🙂 That wrap is my favorite at Turtle Island- so yummy. Glad that you are having fun in Jax-today was perfect! Keep having FUN!!!

  35. Jessica @ Fit and Clean on March 20, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    The beach looks glorious. I hope you have a wonderful time! What FUN! 🙂

  36. Heather (Heather's Dish) on March 20, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    how fun! i love vacations with beaches…i’m so glad you and the pilot got to relax and that you had a rockin’ yoga class 🙂 so jealous!

  37. Pure2raw twins on March 20, 2010 at 11:56 pm

    ahhh the beach, man i miss going to the beach!! Glad you guys were able to get away ; )

    I sure miss ya girl…especial this weekend.

  38. Brittany on March 21, 2010 at 12:25 am

    Lent or no lent, there’s simply no way you can skip dessert at the Melting Pot. It’s definitely the best part. Enjoy your night my lady!

  39. Lauren H. @ Lauren Loses It on March 21, 2010 at 12:40 am

    Your room is gorgeous! I tried to convince my hubby for us to stay in a nice hotel tonight for a quick escape but no such luck. 🙁
    I usually practice yoga at a local studio. The instructors there are really great about correcting and getting into a deeper stretch. Nothing better than a patient yoga instructor. Other than that I’ll to the Shiva Rae Daily Energy DVD. I’m glad you got it. I thought of you when I bought it for Christmas. She’s pretty amazing.
    When are you going to put out your own yoga DVD? I’d buy it! 🙂

  40. Katie on March 21, 2010 at 1:04 am

    Oooh have fun at the beach! Your room looks super nice and I love the Melting Pot!!

    I’ve never done a strictly yoga class. I used to do the Les Mills class Body Flow (which incorporates some yoga moves) but I moved and don’t go to that gym anymore. Sad story. I guess I should seek out a video.

  41. Heather @ get healthy with Heather on March 21, 2010 at 1:33 am

    I’ve never been to an actual yoga studio but love doing yoga at home via DVD or on demand. I think a hot yoga class will definitely be in my hopefully near future.

  42. Jenn (www.j3nn.net) on March 21, 2010 at 1:39 am

    That veggie wrap looks delicious! Great view from your room. 😎

    Jenn

  43. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on March 21, 2010 at 2:56 am

    Gina your trip looks awesome! We used to live in NC and SC and east coast beaches are so pretty! And this is the BEST time of year there, for sure!

    So happy you got into some pigeon variations today…nothing beats a great assist when you’re all warm n toasty!

    And back in the day, we used to hit up the Melting Pot. More for the drinks than the food b/c it was one of the only “nice” restaurants in Myrtle Beach were I could get a decent drink! haha…times are soooo different now!

  44. Aleksis on March 21, 2010 at 3:13 am

    That wrap sounds amazing, I may have to make one of my own! Looks like you had fun 😉

  45. Katie on March 21, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    Pigeon is hands down my favorite pose. It feels glorious!

  46. Gina on March 22, 2010 at 12:20 am

    Power vinyasa is my favorite way to workout! I buy a month unlimited package to the same studio every month! I often wonder if I’m varying my workouts enough, but I just love it so much…I could go every day!

  47. sandy on March 22, 2010 at 12:40 am

    nothing beats a studio with a competent, great teacher! your mini vacay looks awesome!!

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