Friday Faves

 

Wildcatsgame

WILDCATS!! As amazing as the game was, the very best was during a media timeout when they surprised a military family with their dad/husband returning from deployment. I’d only seen YouTube videos of deployment return surprises, and it was truly incredible to see it happen before my eyes. The entire arena gave the family a standing ovation and erupted into cheers when they brought the family out, to thank them for their service. They played a video from their dad and husband, apologizing he couldn’t be home for Christmas this year… and then, they brought him out to see him family. The audience went crazy, and i had to give myself the “don’t dinosaur cry” pep talk. 

This viral Christmas card video = something that I think is amazing but would never, ever try to replicate. <— and the internet rejoices 

Goodies

Goodies from my lovely twin friends! They sent this tank + a container of their famous treats, including raw cashew truffles and biscotti. The tank is so comfy, and I love the bites of something sweet with coffee. I might need to make some more when it’s gone 😉

Blue diamond  1 of 1

A lovely Blue Diamond holiday basket. They surprised us with a similar one last year -Almond Breeze is my all-time favorite almond milk, and I live for the Blue Diamond savory almonds- and somehow the chocolate mocha almonds have mysteriously disappeared. I wish I could say that someone helped me out, but nope. It was all me.

Lush  1 of 1 3

This LUSH cleanser. I was kind of bummed about the Let The Good Times Roll, because it ended up making my face break out after a week or so. It smelled heavenly, but it had too much for my sensitive skin. When I saw this super bland cleanser, I knew it would be perfect since it contains two products that I use everyday (rose water and almond oil) in addition to beeswax, which is a gentle makeup remover. You wet your face, smooth the cleanser on, and remove with a damp cloth or cotton round. My face feels silky smooth, and no more breakouts.

Nekter  1 of 1

Nekter  1 of 1 2

Nekter Juice Bar juices. They surprised me with a FRIDGE FULL of cold-pressed juices. Needless to say, Livi and I were in heaven. I enjoyed all of the flavors so much, and we still have a couple left to enjoy over the next week. My absolute favorites are the spicy lemon, and the cashew milk, which is like a sweet cinnamon milkshake.

Caro at the park

Caroline at the dog park for the first time. I felt like she was ready to give it a try, and it was helpful that the Pilot stayed home with napping Livi so I could take both dogs for Caro’s first time. She absolutely LOVED it. She walked around shaking her tail the entire hour we were there, and went up to smell each dog. She was so happy! I can’t wait to take her back, and now that I know she likes it, it will be easy to take both dogs and Livi. The other dog owners at the park couldn’t believe that Caroline was a rescue because she was “so social.” It’s been a long road, and we’ve definitely had some setbacks here and there, but I’m so proud of her <3

What are you loving this week?

Anything exciting going on this weekend? 

Zumba party tonight and a cookie decorating party tomorrow- can’t wait 🙂

See ya later on the Family page with more Livi-isms.

xoxo

Gina

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48 Comments

  1. Julie on December 20, 2013 at 10:26 am

    I love Blue Diamond and am so glad they sell in bulk at Costco! Also great to hear some more on Caroline – so cute!

    I’m loving some new-to-me kombucha this week, and anything gingerbread!

  2. Heather on December 20, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I saw a surprise return home on Sunday at the Steelers football game and I did dinosaur cry. My nephew is getting ready to go into the Marines and one of the people they had on the field was his aunt. I couldn’t have imagined standing there getting a message from him and then seeing him. The whole stadium started clapping! Thank you to the Pilot and all of service members for their service to the country.

  3. Fit Missy on December 20, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Getting ready to really enjoy the holidays now!

    Lots of time spent with loved ones. 🙂

  4. Racheal @ Running with Racheal on December 20, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Thank you so much for sharing that video! I think you need to make one next year!!!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 11:46 am

      um, never. haha

  5. Kirsten on December 20, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Yay Caroline! That’s awesome that she enjoyed her time at the dog park. Did Bella help to show her the ropes?!!!!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 11:46 am

      totally. she was like “this is what we do here. first, we smell everyone. then, we chase”
      caro was the mayor by the time we left haha

  6. Sarah on December 20, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Your teeth are so WHITE!

  7. Kaelene on December 20, 2013 at 11:33 am

    I don’t think I would be able to keep the tears back if I saw a surprise homecoming, that is just so sweet and special to hear about! That family Christmas card video was definitely a favorite of mine this week as well. I am also loving Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Tea Bags and was so excited when I found it here in Iceland this week.

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 11:35 am

      Oh I definitely cried, was trying to keep it from sobbing and convulsion haha. It was beautiful.
      Love those teas too!

  8. Christine@ Apple of My Eye on December 20, 2013 at 11:36 am

    Cute picture of you guys at the game!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 11:46 am

      thank you!

  9. Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit on December 20, 2013 at 11:56 am

    I’m loving lunch time! I keep creating the same salad everyday – it’s so good that I can’t get enough. Don’t you love that?! It’s spring mix, cuc, broccoli, feta, chicken and ACV. So delish!! This weekend brings wrapping, baking, and family time – can’t wait!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:15 pm

      YUM! i’m going to try that combo

  10. Colleen on December 20, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    I will totally make a Christmas video like that once my little one is old enough! Here is mine from last year, I wish I could send it out again this year!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRJ3B-uXNc4

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:15 pm

      this was SO GOOD. you and your hubby have some great dance moves too 🙂 your little one is absolutely precious

  11. Alex @ Kenzie Life on December 20, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Those Nekter juices look awesome! I wouldn’t mind a fridge full of those! Have a great weekend! I’m going to see Cirque du Soleil for the first time tonight. Can’t wait!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      they were amaaaazing! enjoy the show!

  12. Emily on December 20, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    I saw a surprise homecoming at my university football game last fall. My then-boyfriend-now husband had just left for deployment. The only thing that kept me from having dinosaur tears was they didn’t do a jet flyover afterwards. I was always touched when I saw them, but now I cry every time I see one because I know exactly what they are going through.

    And Blue Almonds…yum!! Love all the flavors!

    Merry Christmas!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      <3 thank you! merry christmas to you too :)

  13. Natalie P on December 20, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Just thinking about the military return makes me almost dinosaur cry 😉
    Love that Caroline loved the dog park!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      me too!!

  14. Hannah @ Sprints and Scones on December 20, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    I love that cleanser! It’s my go to when my skin is stressed & I need something simple to calm it. It also takes off make up like no other!!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      right?! i can’t believe how much is on the washcloth afterwards

  15. Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs on December 20, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    I just flew home for the holidays this morning, so my weekend will consist of lots of family time! Have a good one Gina!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      enjoy being home with the fam!! xo

  16. Amy Seifert on December 20, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    I teared up twice in this post Haha. I am so happy for Caroline! It warms my heart knowing she has such a loving and caring family.

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      awww! thank you! she fit right in <3

  17. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on December 20, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Caroline is soo cute! I’m so glad she enjoyed the dog park!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      me too! i’m excited to take them back

  18. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More on December 20, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    I can only imagine the tears that were streaming down everyone’s faces while watching that surprise return home. I know that anytime I see videos of that stuff I’m a weeping mess.

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      it was out of control. pure joy <3

  19. Lucie@FitSwissChick on December 20, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    When I was in the US this Summer I brought home so many Blue Diamond Almonds, it was ridiculous. And they were gone wayyy too soon.
    Aww, so happy for Caroline! She’s so cute!!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:10 pm

      thank you! she is a sweet little lady

  20. Kelsey on December 20, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    I loved Blue Diamond but I’ve been so disappointed that they contain “carageenan” in them… I’ve had to switch my almond milk to stay away. I hope that they get on board with other brands, like 365 and take that toxin out of their milk!

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      I talked to my contact about that back in August- they’re working to remove it

  21. Britt on December 20, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I LOVE Livi-isms!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait for them!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy Caroline liked the dog park. My dog is a rescue and very social, just not with other dogs! She loves people but dogs arent her favorite thing in the world. Its because she thinks she’s a human (or a cat)

    • Fitnessista on December 20, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      haha bella thinks se’s a human too

      • Kirsten on December 20, 2013 at 8:54 pm

        That’s because Bella’s a sassy little thing!

  22. Mary Jane on December 20, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    I saw one of those wonderful reunions on TV today and cried into my coffee. I would lose it if I saw one in person!
    I’m loving the xmas lights all over Denver and am thankful for the fact that my little guy’s hand food and mouth ordeal is healing.
    Happy holidays!

  23. Elyse @ Lizzie Fit on December 20, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    I love Let The Good Times Roll! If it made you break out I’m surprised it didn’t bother me because my skin is super sensitive. How does the ultra bland smell??

  24. Livi on December 20, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    oh my gosh those juices look amazing!!

  25. Carson on December 20, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    What a precious little pup! I am loving being able to celebrate Christmas with my family. This is truly my favorite time of the year.

  26. Cassie on December 21, 2013 at 8:45 am

    I’m in shock of how well Wen Tea Tree Oil Hair Treatment is working on my FACE! It’s basically turning in to my miracle worker remove redness product. I’ve heard a lot about Lush. Any other products of their’s that you love?

    This weekend, I’m wrapping up Christmas things and hopefully baking… at least a little bit!

  27. Erica on December 21, 2013 at 10:01 am

    Just saying 😉 – I would love a whole post on what it’s like/the challenges of a adopting a rescue. It’s rewarding but much more difficult than some people anticipate.

  28. Michelle on December 21, 2013 at 6:13 pm

    Buche de Noel is really gentle if you want a seasonal scrub, it smells like almond cake too 🙂

  29. Laura @ Live, Run, Sparkle on December 22, 2013 at 12:36 am

    I use the same cleanser from Lush, I love it and it cleans my face without being greasy or leaving residue. I’m all about Lush, its just the best.

    I have watched a ton of those military family reunion videos on youtube, its my secret weapon when I feel like I need a good cry every once in awhile. lol, works like a charm every time

  30. Jennifer on December 22, 2013 at 11:02 am

    Congrats on your juice pressie score!! I work for a special US military service member organization that provides adaptive, therapeutic sports for injured members and their families. I smiled with appreciation when I read your “don’t dinosaur cry” line – have to talk myself into that all the time w/ many wonderful moments. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend

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