Friday Faves + Best Drink Ever

Hi friends! HAPPY WEEKEND! 🙂 What are you up to? Any fun fitness plans or events coming up? I have yoga teacher training on Saturday, and am going to be doing lots of practice for the BODYPUMP launch next week. If you see me around town, bobbing my head to some internal music and deadlifting, you know what’s up.

Thank you again so much for your heartfelt comments and kind words this week regarding our announcement. We were so excited to share the news with you, and I was also excited to get the Family posts up that I’ve been writing this entire time. They’re all on the Family page here, and there’s also a new drop down menu (under “Family” on the blog header) for this second pregnancy. All of the belly updates, family updates, and awkward pregnancy moments will be there. 😉

11 weeks

And now, some faves from the week and around the web! As always, I love hearing what you’re enjoying, too, so please join in the fun in the comments section if you’d like. 

Liv and tom

THIS DRINK. I have to give major props to Molly, who told me in the comments to try “The Best Drink Ever” from Better Buzz. I loveloooove the honey latte, but I decided to change it up and go for it. OMGGGGG. It’s an Americano (espresso + water) + powdered vanilla beans. It gives it an awesome vanilla flavor, sweetness and creaminess, sans dairy. The barista told me it’s one of the lowest calorie options on the menu, too. I’ve been getting them pretty often, and just order half-cat or decaf (since I’m trying to watch my caffeine intake with the little pea pod growing in there). 

Better buzz

Does ahimsa mean I can’t eat meat? 

Love this so much.

Looks like we’ll need to make a road trip.

Obsessed with this swimsuit. 

Simple tweaks for a healthier life. (Thank you, Anne, for including me!)

Homemade popsicles! So easy, and so refreshing. This combo is coconut water, pineapple and mint. They’ve been wonderful little snacks.

Popsicles  1 of 1 3

Link of the week that made me cry.

Makes me feel better about always asking Liv if she wants to color… so I can, too. 😉

This guy plating junk food like high end cuisine. 

Finally finished The Book Thief. It was a tough one for me to read -it made me extremely sad, but I needed to know what happened- and I’m so glad I pushed through. Now I’m back on the Liane Moriaty train and my attempt to read all of her books. 

Could you pass the FBI’s fitness test? (I kind of want to try this.)

Thank you to my friends at POPSUGAR for featuring my barbell workout!

FullSizeRender 5

Hope you have a very happy Friday! 

What’s the best thing you ate, wore and read this week? 

xoxo

Gina

Check in with your workout here!

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49 Comments

  1. Alex @ True Femme on April 10, 2015 at 7:06 am

    Powdered vanilla beans?! I didn’t know such a thing existed but I want them! I can’t wait for Sephora’s VIB sale so I can get some Tatcha exfoliating powder. I tried a sample of it and it felt amazing on my skin! Also vegan almond butter brownies…my new favorite brownie recipe of all time! Have a great weekend! <3

  2. Linda on April 10, 2015 at 7:08 am

    Those coloring books are gorgeous (well, have the potential to be gorgeous, I guess), but I love kids’ coloring books with simple, easy pictures. I will actually put one down if there are too many lines. I like coloring in big blocks of color. Now I want to leave work and go home and color.

  3. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on April 10, 2015 at 7:34 am

    That Beyonce comment section was awesome! haha And I miss coloring! I think I need to order a coloring book! Happy Friday!

  4. Sarah on April 10, 2015 at 7:35 am

    That link with the guy plating junk food is too funny!! Best thing I ate this week: Whole Foods salad bar last night for dinner, seriously could eat that every day and be happy.

  5. Brynn on April 10, 2015 at 7:39 am

    Love the bathing suit!! Im six months postpartum and think I need to get an amazing suit to celebrate all that my body has done! Last year I was rockin the bump!

  6. Andrea B on April 10, 2015 at 7:40 am

    Congratulations on your big news!!! I wish you & your family all the best through this second pregnancy. 🙂 I found a new snack this week which is absolutely awesome (& simple). Wash & dry 3-4 large kale leaves. Spread some hummus and chopped kalamata olives on them, roll & enjoy. So easy, so delish!! Happy Friday!

  7. Katalina @ Peas and Peonies on April 10, 2015 at 7:41 am

    You look beautiful! Question, looking back to your first pregnancy, do you think you are starting to show earlier this time?

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      thank you!! YES. everything is happening much faster haha

  8. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on April 10, 2015 at 7:46 am

    that drink sounds amazing! americanos are already my favorite drink, and adding vanilla bean just sounds sooooo good!

  9. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on April 10, 2015 at 8:05 am

    I need to get a popsicle tray thing so we can make homemade popsicles this summer. Hunter would love them (as well as my pregnant self ;)) and they’d be a great way to help us get through the crazy hot Arizona summer!

  10. Gianna @ Run, Lift, Repeat on April 10, 2015 at 8:11 am

    And I think I am pretty sure I am going to be buying a coloring book and crayons to keep me occupied this weekend. No child needed 😉

  11. April on April 10, 2015 at 8:16 am

    That DOES look like the best coffee drink! I used to be an iced Americano fiend a few years ago… So strong, so good!

    I’m so happy about your pregnancy! Your tiny bump is so cute 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:34 pm

      ahhh it’s so good! thank you! hope you have a great weekend, too <3

  12. Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey on April 10, 2015 at 8:16 am

    The best thing I ate this week was tacos!! We love using the Frontera taco skillet sauce to simmer our organic ground turkey. So good!! That Beyonce link was so funny!

  13. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job on April 10, 2015 at 8:19 am

    Youre the third person I’ve read who has recommended LM books, so I will have to check her out!

    That coffee drink looks amazing! I will have to see if I can buy powdered vanilla beans and make it at home!

  14. Amy on April 10, 2015 at 8:24 am

    I used to have a Better Buzz in my office building, and I’m pretty sure the Best Drink Ever (while delicious!!!) is sweetened and comes with cream, unless you specifically ordered something different. http://www.betterbuzzcoffee.com/pages/menu2 But I wish we still had a Better Buzz – looooveee getting lattes with almond milk! And I love the swimsuit you linked to – everything Maaji, please!

  15. Elle on April 10, 2015 at 8:29 am

    I’ve been wanting to get a coloring book, it seems like such a good way to relax!

  16. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } on April 10, 2015 at 8:30 am

    I also completed YTT while pregnant this past Jan/Feb. It was such an amazing experience to go through while growing a little one! I definitely needed the added zen (I did a 3 week intensive during my first trimester.)

  17. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on April 10, 2015 at 8:41 am

    I bought vanilla bean powder on Amazon awhile ago and have yet to bake with it. Thanks for the reminder!

  18. Maria on April 10, 2015 at 8:45 am

    Those popsicles sounds delicious, I might have to make them 🙂 Strawberries. I’ve been loving strawberries this week. And my first meal from Blue Apron! Have a great weekend.

  19. Amber Schumann on April 10, 2015 at 8:51 am

    OMG, that junk food post was amazing!!!!! The fish filet—Coleslaw ASH?! WTF?!?!?! Amazing… what a creative artist!

  20. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on April 10, 2015 at 10:12 am

    Hi Gina! I’m still craving the massive and delicious slices of carrot cake I had on Easter Sunday as far as food goes. Oh and I made my own acai bowl using Sambazon frozen packets — which were pretty darn good. A big happy Friday to you!

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      homemade acai bowls are so good!!

  21. Jill @ Champagne for Everyday on April 10, 2015 at 10:18 am

    Congratulations on the new addition to the family!!! Such wonderful news. My cousin had a baby yesterday (she is like a sister to me) and I had goosebumps all day. Have a wonderful weekend!

    xx Jill
    Latest Post – Out of the Office: Jewels and a Pencil Skirt for Everyday

  22. Char on April 10, 2015 at 10:19 am

    I’d love to know which Liane Moriarty book you’re reading next. I really love her and I’ve read two of her books so far. I just finished up a personal improvement book (The Talent Code), so my next book is for pleasure. That’s how I alternate haha. That americano drink sounds so good. A few weeks back I actually started putting vanilla bean powder in my iced coffee and I swear it upped the coffee to a new level haha! Happy Friday. I’m really, really hoping to run sometime this weekend. Not tonight because we’re going to the Orlando Magic game to see the Raptors play (that’s what happens when you have Canadians living in Orlando lol).

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:31 pm

      three wishes is the next one i downloaded. i’ve read what alice forgot, big little lies and the husband’s secret so far

  23. Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed on April 10, 2015 at 10:20 am

    I neeeed to make those popsicles!

  24. Kate @ www.socalrunnergal.com on April 10, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Beyond excited for you guys and your second little nugget!! You and Whit get to be preggers together – how fun!

    That drink from Better Buzz looks ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and I need it ASAP. Honestly I am going to go out of my way to get it this weekend.

    The Book Thief was SO sad but definitely worth the read. I am on my third Moriarty book (What Alice Forgot) and I am kind of addicted. She’s so good!

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:30 pm

      yes! it’s fun to have a preggie buddy here 🙂
      let me know how you like the drink!
      xoxo

  25. Hilary on April 10, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Yummy! I love trying new coffee drinks! Vanilla is my favorite flavoring to pair with coffee too! Lately I have been all about chai teas with a splash of almond milk and some sweetener!

  26. Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me on April 10, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    I missed out on the other posts (college tends to make me go mia for hours at a time), but I just wanted to take a moment to wish you a huge CONGRATULATIONS! I am thrilled for you and the rest of your family. Praying for a healthy momma, healthy baby, and healthy pregnancy. <3

    Best thing I:
    ate- I had a double cheeseburger with avocado on sourdough bread that just about made me smile for an hour
    wore- I just got a news cap hat and I am obsessed with it! I have been incorporating it into wayyy too many outfits
    read- FIGHT CLUB. If you have not had the chance, you should read it. It’s a quick read and I actually read it in one sitting. So worth it!

    Have a wonderful weekend Gina!

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      thank you so much, lovely!!
      i haven’t read fight club, but i’ll have to check it out. hope you have a great weekend too 🙂

  27. Niki on April 10, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    I sobbed at the end of the Book Thief, it’s so sad. I’m currently reading Liane Moriarty’s What Alice Forgot and loving it! Have an amazing weekend!

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      AHHHH so so good. i loved that one, too!

  28. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables on April 10, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    That drink sounds perfect! I wonder if there is a place in Richmond that does that vanilla bean powder!

    • Fitnessista on April 10, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      t’s seriously perfection!

  29. Amanda @ Slimplify Life on April 10, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    This link speaks to my heart: http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/grade-school-flashbacks#.kinMLmyyN

    Have a great weekend, Gina, Liv, The Pilot, and mini-Harney! 🙂

  30. Mary on April 10, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Best thing I ate was today, boyfriend made garlic butter chicken ooohhhh mah gahd it’s so good. Best thing I wore… its been a couple of different outfits, because I just started Le Tote, and they have been sending some AMAZING stuff. Big fan of that.

    Ugh I haven’t read anything this week, my reading has been so off. Between full time job, full time training, and attempting to socialize sporadically, I am really off my reading game. Before I got the job, it was like a book a week if not two books. Now? I’m lucky if I get to read my texts….

  31. queenoffitness on April 10, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    BEST thing i ate, wore, and read this week….hmmm, well i

    ate…it’s a tie between your vegan banana pudding and angela liddon’s baked oatmeal
    wore…white jeans. i can’t believe how slimming they are.
    read…a thank you note from our friend’s 2 and a half year old daughter with whom we spent the easter holiday. we brought her an easter basket with 2 books and she made us a card and gave it to us before we left.

  32. Amy @ Amy M4gic on April 10, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    Happy Friday! My husband bought me the Enchanted Forest coloring book for my birthday (I’m 28, it’s fine) and it’s AMAZING. My goal is to color every inch of every page by the end of my lifetime. I’m making good progress because it is so therapeutic! Cheers 🙂

  33. Janelle on April 10, 2015 at 10:55 pm

    I just got sent a bag of vanilla bean powder, so I think I’ll have to try and recreate that drink!

  34. Lauren Hawkins on April 11, 2015 at 10:12 am

    I’m going to have to try those popsicles! They sound heavenly!

  35. Tracy on April 12, 2015 at 8:59 am

    I just came across this article regarding ahimsa and the yogi debate to be vegetarian or not…. thought you might be interested if you hadn’t already seen this view of the “caring carnivore”.

    Happy Sunday to you 🙂

  36. Tracy on April 13, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Ooops here’s the link to the article!

    http://www.yogajournal.com/article/lifestyle/caring-carnivore/

    • Fitnessista on April 13, 2015 at 3:06 pm

      can’t wait to read this. thank you!!

  37. Abby on April 13, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    That test is tough! My hubby and I tried out the pushup and sit up portion. The pushups were doable but we both had hard time with the sit ups, which surprised me!

    • Fitnessista on April 13, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      that’s interesting! i definitely want to give it a whirl!

  38. Krissi on April 1, 2021 at 12:33 am

    How many cals does the Better Buzz Best Coffee ever have?

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2021 at 10:50 pm

      this is one of those “ignorance is bliss” type situations 😉

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