Full of cheer up in herre
Naked blog: Usually the bloggy has a fun header, but it disappeared this weekend when we updated WordPress and I’m the process of getting ahold of Zesty to get it back up. :/ My bloggy is not usually naked like this 🙁
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Hey guys! Happy Monday! 😀 How’s your morning going??
Mine is feeling extra festive because we got our tree up
(Jeni and I are going to Hizzle Lizzle for the finishing touches and some more decorations for the casa…. I’ll post pics when everything is done!)
and I’m sipping this lovely gingerbread tea
Too bad the high is going to be 80* today 😉
Chances are that I’ll actually get to see a white Christmas this year—we’re going with the pilot’s family to Gatlinburg, TN. I was a little frightened at firsts (hello, ghosts) but after some friends and Tweeps told me it was really nice, I’m actually kind of excited 😀 The only white Christmas I’ve had was when I was two in Tucson and had the chicken pox. Pretty sure that doesn’t count 😉
Yesterday was kind of lazy.. and it felt sooooo nice 😀
Lunch was noteworthy:
Pumpkin pie shake
-1.5 cups almond milk
-2/3 cup canned organic pumpkin
-1 banana
-1/2 cup frozen Thai coconut meat
-pumpkin pie spice
-2 packs of Stevia
-pinch of sea salt and 1 t vanilla extract
-1 T almond butter
All blended in the Vita-mixalicious into pure pumpkiny justice.
I had two training appointments yesterday- one with a new client that I’m so excited to work with. She was like, “I’ll do whatever you want me to, eat however you want me to, I just want to get rid of this baby weight and be SEXY again”. A trainer’s dream 😀 I LOVE love love when clients are motivated and don’t care if they have to change their eating habits… because some people fight it, big time and want to lose a ton of weight without losing their daily bucket of fried chicken. Doesn’t quite work that way….
The pilot got B2W while we were out running yuletide errands, so I made a quick dinner at the casa as we decorated.
Greek-style salad:
Cucumber, kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, parsley, oregano, olive oil and red wine vinegar
I took a couple of bites and realized it was missing something
Goat cheese! Much better 😀
And bnut fries with Annie’s ketchup
I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of those things. They taste like McDonald’s fries to me. At least what I would imagine McDonald’s fries to taste like.. it’s been about 8 years since I’ve had a “real” fry. Do I miss them? Not at all 😀
Plan for the day:
-Make blond macaroons
-Clean
-Go to gym to make orientation phone calls and appointments
-Practice Zumba dances
-Write
-Weights and Hobby Lobby with Jeni
-Teach Zumba
Have a wonderful day!
xoxo,
Gina
Today’s tip: One of the major reasons that people fall into plateaus is because of boredom, especially when it comes to workouts and meals. Shake things up a little! For new workout moves, check out the workout page. For new meal ideas, pick up a new cookbook- it’s the easiest way for me to make sure we don’t keep eating the same old things. Another one of my favorite places to get healthy recipes is the Canyon Ranch website. You have to register, but it’s fast and painless, and then you’ll have access to a multitude of delicious and healthy recipes.
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Oooh so fun that you have your Christmas tree up! Don’t worry about Gatlinburg. It will be really festive and decorated for Christmas.and I bet your chalet will have a hot tub.
The butternut squash fries sound so good! I have one and have been wondering what to do with it!
I love the Canyon Ranch recipes! They are so delicious. I am also in the process of decorating and I just love it!
I want to first say thank you for keeping me motivated I love your blog! I think you are going to love Gatlinburg. I am originally from southwest VA and have spent many family vacations in Gatlinburg/Pigeon forge it’s absolutely beautiful (or at least I think so). Have a great day!
I didn’t know what was zumba dances. I went on youtube and it seems great. It’s an arobic dance?
We also put the tree on Saturday. It’s a fake one and it already has lights in it. We just have to add the decoration and balls in it.
we crept up towards 80 degrees yesterday in SC too. i kind of love it. but i kind of of miss this season in chicago too… also. hizzle lizzle. haaaa.
I’m so excited to decorate for Christmas this year!!!! We were in our tiny apartment last year with only like 1/8 of our belongings so this year shall be full blown. That pumpkin pie shake looks incredible. Have a good day girly
You’ll have a great time in Gatlinburg, don’t worry!! Just bring lots of macaroons for everyone 😉
Hehehe I LOVE that you have your tree up already!!
Thanks for the Canyon Ranch tip–I’ve been on the lookout for some recipes to mix it up!
what a pretty tree!!! i already brought my miniature fake one to my dorm, too. yay for more macaroons and zumba 😉 your tips and advice at the end are so helpful, thank you!
you are too funny already having your christmas tree up before thanksgiving although it does look great!
yummy dinner btw!
jenna
YAAAAAY love your tree!! 😀
Good luck with your busy day!
love the christmas tree! don’t holiday decorations just put you in the best mood?! love it.
Being a girl from the north, I’ve never NOT had a white Christmas. I think it would be so weird to not have snow on the ground. I hope you enjoy it!!
Pumpkin Pie milkshake? Sounds delish.
I dont know why, but xmas decor being up before thanksgiving makes me laugh 🙂 Your tree is lovely though!
That pumpkin pie milkshake looks delish! And seeing your tree up just made me realize that the hus and I don’t own any Christmas decorations! Oopsies!
1. I can’t believe you have your tree up already. That is about 5 of you that already have Xmas decorations up! This will be my first year doing a tree just for us and I am stoked, but we still need to buy a tree and load up on ornaments! The tree might be a little bare this year because I have expensive taste :/ but in time it will be awesome I am sure!
2. I am having a hard time with the dairy! I am down to 2 servings a week (both were out) but damn it is HARD, only because I am used to it. I AM feeling much better though and I think I might just stick with 2 servings a week because I feel the changes even with that. Just thought I’d share an update in that department!
3. Your poor blog!!!!!! Can’t wait until it gets its outfit back on haha
Love your tree 😀 And that pumpkin pie shake looks incredible…
Yay for that tea…so good!
Way to rock it out on the 10 miler! Awesome!!! I’m always amazed at running, as much as I dread getting up and going and actually doing it, it makes me feel amazing after it is done! You will love Gatlinburg, quaint homey little town, head over to Pigeon Forge (it is about 5 miles away) for some major Outlet shopping!!! BTW – beautiful tree!
I wish my family let me put up our tree that early…I love it! I don’t think I could ever get sick of squash fries, either 🙂
I totally jumped up and down in the store when I saw the Holiday Teas! Woohoo!!!!
Why is it that every single food picture you posted looks RIDICULOUSLY delicious???? And I totally love that you have your Christmas tree up already 🙂
That salad looks yummy!
Being from Canada, it sounds REALLY strange to hear you say you’ve never had a white Christmas. We have WAY to much white stuff for a good 4 months here! *shiver*
I can’t find the holiday teas ANYWHERE! Did you get yours at WF?
White Christmas sounds so nice… we haven’t had one in New York for quite some time.
Love that pumpkin pie shake!
Nakey!!!!!!
Oh poor little blog, I hope it can get dressed soon. Today I’m also going into decoration mode, can’t wait to make our little apartment holiday-worthy. And I just might have to get some of that gingerbread tea, what a great flavor!
Hi Gina! I’ve been stalking your blog for so long I thought I would come out of the closet and post again! 😉 It’s been awhile. I love that you have your tree up! I’m so ready to get ours out…but we usually wait until the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
I wanted to ask you if the yoga you went to while you were in Orlando is Bikram Yoga off Colonial Drive?? That is where my husband does yoga (I’ve done it once before and about DIED!!! Oh my goodness that was hard) and I’m thinking you had Afton as your instructor. That’s my husband’s favorite instructor!
Look forward to hearing from you!!! 🙂
Your tree looks gorgeous and that shake looks delish! How do you get your b-nut fries crinkly like that? Special knife?
Have fun shopping today- I love buying decorations!!
xo
K
Your posts are definitely getting me in the holiday mood. I’m excited for carols and trees but not so ready for mountains of snow and ridiculously high gas bills.
And b-nut squash fries are definitely where it’s at. Who needs greased out McD’s fries when you can make your own that are 1 million times better?
It seems like more than one blogger is having issues with Zesty. Wonder what’s going on. Love the tree! Hoping to put ours up this weekend but not decorate it until the day after Thanksgiving.
Your blog isn’t naked anymore–whoo hoo! I’ve been eating a pumpkin pie shake every night since, oh, I don’t know, September 1st!
I can see your header!! 🙂
PS – I LOVE Christmas decor, just reading this post gets me in holiday mode!
I spy a header! It’s looking fab as always 🙂
I am in love with your holiday cheer. I have been eating off new holiday plates from Target and they boost my mood exponentially.
Uh, that pumpkin shake is ridiculous. Sounds amazing!
Looks like a wonderfully busy day ahead of you! Enjoy! xoxo 🙂
Your sludge today looks particularly scrumptious! I too – like your readers – are in love with your decor! 😀
One question – how come lately when I browse on over here, I get pop ups and adverts? :/ Not loving them, even though I *DO* love coming here! <3
i honestly have NO IDEA where they’re coming from. i hate them too 🙁 i’m thinking it might be a blogher thing, but i’m not sure
Hi Gina,
I sooo love your blog! Everyday when I check it out I have a smile on my face 🙂 You sound so happy all the time, I love your writing style. And your salad beasts!!! You inspire me to eat more healthy and work out regularly! Thank you so much!!
Love, Romy
thank you romy!
xoxo
gina! don’t complain about 80 degrees! haha, i mean, i know it’s sad when it’s warm this late in the year, but it’s already too cold for me here (i’m too used to texas)! i love your tree, and i love seeing what you’re up to, sweet girl. send me your address so i can send you some treats!
xoxoxo
kelly
it’s cold there?! ughh, good thing i left haha i HATE the cold! i guess i shouldn’t be complaining about the weather here, then 😉
I MISS YOU!
i’ll text you my addy, i would love some goodies- thank you! 😀
talk to you soon friend
Good luck finding healthy food in Gatlinburg. I ate a hot dog as big as my head there once.
LOL!
Hobby Lobby has great Xmas stuff! I Love the tree I want to get ours up, but am being vetoed.
I like the Celestial Sugar Cookie!
White Christmases are the only kind to have! I am hoping for a white christmas in MO this year!
How do I get a Macaroon or the recipe??
the recipe is still a secret, but i’m working on making them available in the near future 🙂
I just love that you have your tree up already- makes it look so festive! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone put it up quite that early though haha but hey, earlier the merrier.
I really need to try that goat cheese.. I’m kind of lactose intolerant, but yet I continue to eat dairy. I’m wondering if goat cheese will be gentler, which is what I’ve heard anyways.
i totally agree- the earlier, the merrier 🙂
yes, goat cheese is much easier to digest than cow’s dairy and is also less mucus forming. hope it works out well for you!
Hey! Thanks for the advice about the maca root. I ordered some to try! I also wanted to tell you that I belong to Tosca Reno’s eat clean forum and I had posted that I learned about this from a blogger who is younger then me but a trainer etc. etc. and someone had posted back that they follow you too! LOL!
You’re a POPULAR blogger! I always looking forward to you recipes and tips!!
Thanks!
so cool that your ordered some! it’s STRONG, so remember a little goes a long way and it tastes wonderful with chocolate.
wow that’s amazing, thank you! it’s funny because i emailed oxygen magazine about a year ago basically begging them for as a blogger. never heard back though :/
have a great night! <3
this post makes me want to sting popcorn and cranberries — and by string popcorn and cranberries, I mean eat them
p.s. yay for no more naked bloggie 🙂
You’re right about the Canyon Ranch website; those fish recipes are “to die for.” I have some salmon and tuna waiting to be devoured. Luv your tree; I just can’t get into it till after Thanksgiving. Also,the new “Cooking Light Way to Cook”,”C.L.The Essentual Dinner Tonight”, & “C.L.Fresh Food Fast” are all inspirations full of pictures.
Hi Gina,
Great looking tree..can’t wait for the rest of your decorations :).
I’m looking to lose about 30 pounds. I totally understand what u say about boredom. It happens to me with food. I am Indian. There are weeks i will eat a great balanced meal like eggs for breakfast with veggies, protein and veggies or soups for lunch and wraps for dinner along with snacks (more like South Beach Diet)…and then i get bored…i get confused…i hear my friends say, eat balanced diet…nothing wrong with eating indian food..just eat smaller portions..i lose sight of portion control and balanced diet when i eat indian food. Do u think i should maintain eating like on SB till I lose all my weight ( I remember u saying that u were on SB till u lost all your weight)…or can i lose weight eating indian food like roti and rice etc along with workouts? What kinda meal plan do u give your clients who want to lose weight..for example this new client who said she will follow whatever u tell her.
I can’t wait to hear from you. 🙂
Take care :)……u are an inspiration.
I
hey geetha,
it’s very easy for ANYONE to neglect portion control when it comes to indian food. it’s just so dang delicious!
you can lose weight while eating indian food if you eat the healthier choices– i’m not sure if you eat meat (most of my indian friends are vegetarian) but i’d go for tandoori chicken or fish, channa masala, baigan bhartha, the lentil one, veg jalfrezi, anything without a cream sauce (like kormas). when it comes to rice and roti, pick one instead of going for both. and if you roll with rice, try having brown rice instead of white– brown rice doesn’t spike your blood glucose like white rice does, and white rice will make it harder for you to lose weight. nutritionally, brown rice is a way better choice (and to me it tastes better too!).
for my clients, i recommend an eating style similar to the one here:
http://fitnessista.com/?p=339
hope this helps a little and please let me know if you have any more questions!
thank you so much for your kind comment and for reading my little blog 😀
**Love your blog!** You have such great ideas and are very inspirational. Wondering where you do most of your grocery shopping…was at Trader Joe’s this weekend looking for raw cacao but they didn’t have any! Any suggestions?
hey! i got mine at earth shift (online) which is AMAZING if you want to order a lot of products -the minimum order is $100 but it’s like a sam’s club or costco for healthy and superfoods.
one lucky duck (online) sells smaller packs of raw cacao powder, too and there’s no min. order required
Wow, way to jump on the Christmas train alreday! I can never fully get there until after Thanksgiving but once that tree goes up, it’s all fa la la la from there! 🙂
I totally beleive in prolonging Chritmas as long as possible. 🙂
Yep, squash fries are pretty much the most amazing thing on this earth. I would eat them over a Micky D fry any given day.
Love to you always Gena!
I love Gatlinburg! How cool that you get to spend Christmas there. I haven’t had a McD’s fry in years but I’m pretty sure it would make me sick if I did. I prefer making my own for sure 😉
Aw I can’t imagine Christmas not being white – or at least cold! I hope you get to have a white Christmas – and make sure you watch the movie with the same name while it’s snowing. Sigh!
Also, I wanted to let you know that I’m starting your Summer Shape Up Plan this week! I have to figure out a catchy title for it, seeing as how it’s November. I wanted to start strength training again and I really needed a good plan, and figured you would have the best ones – and I was right! I’m really excited and will let you know how it goes 🙂
AWESOME! definitely keep me updated 😀
Mmmm pumpkin shakes are my favorite thing everrrrrr