Heading to LA la land
Hiiiii 😀 How are you guys? Hope your day is going well! I’m SO excited for all of the “Show Me Your Fit” entries I’ve received. The pictures are so much fun- I can’t wait to share them with you!
Today has been a tornado of craziness. We leave for LA tomorrow and per Gina standards, I’m still not packed or have my nails done.. nothing.
It was fun playing dress-up and trying to find a cocktail dress for the party:
I was obsessed with the white dress –I actually tried it on when it first came out a couple of months ago- but the price tag makes me want to pass out. I’d wear it more than once for sure, but since we needed to get an outfit for the Pilot, too, I couldn’t do it. The tan one looks cuter in the picture than it does in real life, and I know I’d probably never wear it again, so I left empty-handed.
Not without salad beast food baby, though 😉
We dined at Choice for lunch, a create-your-own-salad place. In an almond shell, best idea ever 🙂
Mine had:
-romaine
-albacore tuna
-artichoke hearts
-kalamata olives
-sundried tomatoes
-Garlic vinaigrette
-chickpeas
+ a veggie soup
The tastiest part of lunch was my seksi date, though <3 <—cheeseball (but true!)
Bow chicka bow wow.
So I told ya I’d share the deets with you as to why we’re going to LA for a night, so here we go!
Remember when Gatorade sent me to NY in the fall to try their new products and be trained by their celebrity trainer? (Lacey Stone, who is a rock star among rock stars)
Well, the products launched this month, so I can finally talk about them, and they’re sending the Pilot and I to attend the launch party in LA.
The new products are the G Fit series, and are designed to be consumed before, during and after workouts.
The first one is an energy bar, which is made with REAL ingredients (almond butter and oats are on the list!), and the most baller part is that it’s in 3 individual containers, so you can decide how much fuel you need before your workout. (For example, the Pilot would need all three energy bites and I would just need one or two)
The little bars are also wrapped in a rice paper, so no more sticky bar fingers! You can remove the rice paper or eat it, it’s up to you.
The next one is an drink to be consumed during activity.
Notice anything different?
It’s CLEAR. No more funny red or blue colors. The drinks are really refreshing because they contain a hint of mint, which gives a cooling effect. This is my favorite of the new line, and one that I would certainly use during a grueling spin class or Zumba fest.
Bonus: squeezy bottle and pop top – unscrewing caps during a workout isn’t that much fun (especially when you take a giant gulp and your drink ends up all over your face and shirt)
Post-workout drink, with electrolytes, carbs and protein
The only bummer is that two of the 3 products contain whey, and I don’t usually roll with cow’s dairy. I did taste all of them in New York and was pleasantly surprised not only by the tastes and flavors, but because they’re so much more natural than the traditional Gatorade products.
So that’s why we’re headed to LA! I’m really excited because it’s been awhile for me –since high school- and the Pilot has never been. I can’t wait to take paparazzi shots of the paparazzi.
Any awesome spots we need to hit up?? We’ll only be there for tomorrow and part of Wednesday, but I’m hoping to squeeze in at least one Physique 57 class, a legendary lunch tomorrow and breakfast on Wednesday.
Tomorrow night is the launch party… a few celebs are supposed to be there 🙂 I’ll take lots and lots of pics.
Hope you guys have a lovely night and I’ll see ya from the airport!
xoxo
Gina
PS. I’m about to pull the most risky fashion move I think I’ve ever done.. I’m heading there dress-less since I didn’t find anything today and am hoping we’ll find something while we’re out tomorrow. It worked once for me before, but I’m a little horrified, haha. <—nervous laugh
Wow, Gina! How exciting! I would have loved to meet up with you since you’re in my neck of the woods but I’m sure you’re gonna be crazy busy and slammed to the max. The event sounds great! How fun!! And the Pilot gets to come, too. Even better!
The dresses. Well, it’s always a bee-otch trying to find a dress for an event, isn’t it. And when you never need a dress, that’s the time you’ll see one. I can go to the mall with nothing on my calendar for months and see tons of amazing dresses but when i need one, it’s like I cannot find one to save my life. I’m sure whatever you end up with will look smashing on you 🙂
HAVE FUN!!!!!
aaaahh that is amazing!!! What an awesome opportunity! I hope you have lots of fun. Can’t wait to see the pics! Good luck finding a dress. I am sure you will find one!
Whoohoo! Los Angeles is the best! That’s my hometown and I love it. I hope you guys have a fun time!
have a fantastic time gina! i’m jealous of your physique 57 experience! i’m dying to try it!
also, where are those GORGEOUS dresses from?!
it was seriously the most mind blowing workout i’ve ever done. if they had a studio near me, i’d go all the time!
bcbg 🙂
That is so exciting — the trip to LA and the new Gatorade products. Too bad about the cows dairy though. I’ll probably still try them though. 🙂
Good luck with finding a dress!
Crazy that you’re heading to LA for this! I am sure everything will work out 😉
wow what a great opportunity! Have fun at the party 🙂
I am excited to try those new products, they look great 🙂
Sounds like an amazing trip! Good luck finding a dress. That white one is to die for!
i loooooooove it so much… but it’s 1.5 car payments :/
That’s the way to look at it, in how many bills it equals 😉 Smaller things I measure in gallons of milk 🙂 Have fun shopping in LA! I vote you pick something with a little color or pattern tho! I think it would look great on you.
I think the tan one is nicer, the lines are more suitable to your figure
While I am sure all the products are great they seem to contain a lot of packaging and that’s not cool in my opinion!
yeah i think it’s for convenience factor- a lot of people workout on the go, but it would be nice if they found a more environmentally-friendly option
Hope you find something fabulous! Have fun in LA! 😀
Niiiccee, have fun!
And you looked gorgeous in both of those dresses =)
how exciting! very cool that you’re involved with the launch 🙂
love the dresses BTW 🙂
if you get a chance I would love for you to check out my new yoga series I just posted as you’re a fitness queen 🙂
Confession: I have never had a Gatorade. Never appealed to me, I am strictly a water drinker. But the energy bars and during-workout drink look REALLY good. I will definitely give them a try.
Have fun in LA, I love spending time out there!
Have fun, I havent been to LA in a few years but it was beautiful. Cannot wait to see all the photos!
How fun!! I just moved from LA so I’m totally jealous! So if you don’t have time for a mani you HAVE to try the new Sally Hansen nail polish strips. They come in gorge colors and patterns and they are ridiculously easy to put on. I got the metallic champagne ones and I am officially obsessed. If I were you I would swing by the target and do it while your waiting at the airport. The box comes with everything you need. Ok I’m done sounding like a commercial! Haha. Have fun!! I would get some bomb sushi if I were you and hit up native foods. Have fuuuuuuunnnnn!
Gina this is so awesome! I’m originally from LA so I know you’ll have a blasty! I can’t wait to see pics
How exciting!! Congrats! The two of you will have a blast 🙂
OH that is SOO exciting! Lucky you 🙂 Cool products-I’d be interested in trying them out too! And GOOD luck finding a dress tomorrow-if anyone can find one, you can!
Congrats girl!! I love hearing how wonderful opportunities come knocking to good inspiring people!!
Keep up the great work and spreading your health all the way to “L.A….LLA…LA” LOL!
xxoo
Kris
Have a great trip!!!
Its crazy that my little town in Ontario Canada has Physique 57 classes and so many places don’t
Its such an AWESOME workout, i’ll be heading to a class tomorrow morning and then feeling it for 3 days after, lol!
Good luck finding a dress 🙂
Awesome! I love the idea of the bar being covered with rice paper. Will definitely be trying those. 🙂
I’m from Los Angeles and I highly recommend The Grove LA. Shops, restaurants, and even a farmer’s market. LA is HUGE, so it’s really hard to recommend any restaurants, shops, etc. And the traffic is horrible too. U can email me if you have any questions. Oh, there’s also the HOLLYWOOD AND HIGHLAND SHOPPING CENTER in Hollywood.And for dining, YOU HAVE TO TRY SHOJIN…organic vegan and Japanese. Best restaurant ever!!! Located in downtown LA….LITTLE TOKYO to be exact.
Don’t know where in LA you’ll be, but there are so many good yoga studios! I love all the Exhale centers (esp. Venice) and the newly opened Yogala in Echo Park is cute and unique. For nightlife, Pink Taco has great margaritas and happy hour food. The Edison and The Standard are, well, standards in classic LA bars. Also, you can semi-legally hike the Hollywood sign hill. The weather is pretty nice now, so enjoy the beach! The Santa Monuca pier is cute, and Venice Beach has an adorable hippie vibe. Also, my fave affordable vegan restaurant–Native Foods–has multiple locations. If you’re near Pasadena, check out the Whole Foods on Arroyo: 2 stories, juice bar, seafood bar, ice cream/chocolate section, hot/cold bars, cafe, and made-to-order Asian, Italian, and American food at separate food stands. Oh, and a full service bar. In Whole Foods.
Wow, sorry for the essay I just wrote. Enjoy your trip!
Jealous! Would love to go play in LA. I guess I can’t complain, living in the center of the universe and all, 😉 but I will be human and say the weather here leaves something to be desired. We may be on the water here, but even the summers have me thinking more “toaster oven” than “surf’s up.”
You never mentioned that Gatorade named their new product after you! *G* Series Fit? No wonder they’re sending you to Hollywood. 😉
P.S. If you are being fair to both coasts, that means a trip to NYC is in order again soon.
Wow that’s such an amazing opportunity! I’m excited to try the new G series once it hits stores after a review like that for sure! Specially because I know we’re all looking to get our proper nutrients pre and post workout sessions! If I were you I would totally hit up the Tone It Up girls studio on Hermosa beach!!! They’re amazing! =D
What a cool opportunity im sure you will have a blast. Isnt it always how that works out when you need something you can’t find what you want. Hopefully youll end up finding something amazing in la ! Cant wait to see pictures.
I love the tan dress. Who is it by? Good luck finding a saucy number!
how fun! i can’t wait to see pictures of you guys…and we’ll be in LA at the same time, even if i’m just in the airport 🙂
EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have so much fun!!
That’s so exciting!!!!! Have a blast! 😀
omgosh! sooooo exciting! where were those dresses from? love the ruffle dress!
Too bad you won’t have enough time to hit up the L.A. garment district. Fashion opportunity of a lifetime there. So happy for you –I would have loved even just the NY part! Congratulations on part 2!
Oh wow, good luck with the dress shopping. It is LA so you should have a lot of options! That party sound so awesome I can’t wait for the recap.
I saw those bars in a magazine and wanted to try them!! Now I must now that I know their Gina-backed. 😉
oh sounds exciting!
YES! Go to a Physique 57 class, preferably one taught by Shelly (she’s the blond in the videos.) I used to take Pilates with Shelly in Michigan and she is one of the BEST fitness teachers ever. She’s so sweet and kind but works your body like you wouldn’t believe. 🙂
Tell her Kristen from Michigan says hi. 🙂
Weeeeeeee have the same iPhone case!! Kate Spade <3 😉
Have fun in L.A! I’d recommend Tender Greens for a quick lunch – the food is tasty and the last time I was there I saw rachel bilson. 🙂
I absolutely love Physique57! I used to go all the time when I was in NYC. Now that I’ve moved, I do the DVDs at home and though they aren’t as intense, they still manage to kick my butt everytime!
Have a blast in LA – I’m sure you’ll find a perfect dress for the party. Drop by Sprinkles if you have a chance, they now have gluten-free and vegan Red Velvet cupcakes – major yum!
Crazy! I’ve been slightly obsessed with Lacey Stone after watching her on MTV! I missed your connection with her though – I’m jealous 🙂 Have an amazing time and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I live in L.A., and if you’re going to be on the westside I’d hit up the Beverly Center for a dress. It’s not the cutest mall from the outside but it’s got lots of stores. You could also try Melrose for funkier options (and more of a tourist experience). In terms of restaurants, I’ve never been, but everyone is all aflutter about Bouchon in Beverly Hills.
What part of LA are you staying in? If you are in Hollywood near the Kodak theater, come to my store at the shopping center right there, it’s called Varga and it’s on the third floor! I can help you find a dress (plus we have a secret stash in the back for our spring/summer line thats about to hit the website) 😉
The weather is soooo great this week, so you guys should have a blast!!! I agree with another person to check out The Grove for shopping and eating. Also, Hugo’s Restaurant is one of my faves, very food allergy friendly and lots of veggie options. Hope you guys have fun!! Wish you were going to be here this weekend. You could come take my TurboKick class!! 😉
Yay for a Physique 57 class! I love the location in Beverly Hills. 😀 After class, I usually swing by M Café (it’s a block away from the studio) and get a fresh pressed juice, kale salad, and they carry Babycakes vegan cupcakes, too!!
Hope you have a blast in LA, and good luck dress shopping!!
Have fun! LA can be a blast. I can’t help with the dress shopping, and I bet people will tell you to go to Real Food Daily (barf imho, although you might see famous people, especially at the la cienega location). I second the above recc for Tender greens, and there’s an M cafe near there in culver city that’s yummy too, but my alltime fave restaurant in la is Pure Luck, a vegan pub in Thai Town, just outside of hollywood. They make fake meat with Jack fruit, and it is incredible.
also, if you have time for romance – get the pilot to take you to griffith observatory by starlight, and you can smooch where James Dean stood, with the whole city at your feet…
There are so many raw spots in LA that I love!! Euphoria Loves Rawvolution, Juliano’s Planet Raw in Santa Monica, Kind Kreme, Tomberlies Raw Ice Cream, and Erewon for snacks. But The Griddle is always amazing for LA brunch with lots of options for you(egg white omelettes, goat cheese) and the pilot(french toast, big stacks of pancakes, etc.)
Can’t wait to hear all about where you go!
Have a good time in LA!!!! You should stop by Santa Cruz on your way back, hehe 🙂
Go to Real Food Daily- you’ll lurveeee it!
There are two yummy vegetarian/vegan eateries that I’d recommend if you have spare time: Veggie Grill and Native Foods. Have a fun trip!
Woo hoo! That’s amazing! Have fun you two.
Sounds like a really fun event. I’m sure you’ll find something fab to wear.
I tried a gatorade recovery drink at the end of a marathon, and I was not a fan. I hope this new line tastes better.