Nothing like a…

ginger ale…

ginger ale 

at the end of a long day 😉

[A face-sized glass of wine is always nice too]

Hi friends! How are you? I’m SO stoked the weekend is almost here! The Pilot is off for a 4-day weekend, so that’s always fun 🙂 I’m so glad you’re all excited about making September a stellar month. I have a good feeling about it 😉

I started off the day with a bowl of blueberry protein oats (oats of the week)

oats

-GF oats

-almond milk

-frozen organic blueberries

-Sun Warrior

-cocoa powder

-cinnamon and stevia

got a lot of work done –we paid our first mortgage payment, so that was weird/exciting

and packed up a salad beast along with some snacks to take to work.

salad

Strawberries, greens, goat cheese, balsamic and basil is a combo of the gods. So refreshing 😀

Work was long, but fun since I got to team-teach Zumba and teach LaBlast, but I was so excited to see this furry face when I got home.

bell

Someone is 100% at ease in the new casa.

She runs laps around the formal living room, through the dining room, kitchen and den and will actually play fetch with me now 🙂

Dinner is in the oven and the Pilot just walked in the door:

dinner

so it’s time to chill and wait for the timer to beep 🙂

See ya bright and early!

xoxo

Gina

Upcoming:

-Focus On Post

-Schweaty September Cardio Workout, playlist and weights workout 😀

Today’s tip: Next time you do a plank, instead of holding it for an extended amount of time, hold it for 10 seconds, rest for a few seconds and then go back into it for 10, rest, repeat. This is because after a while, you start to use other muscles in your plank pose besides your core, so by resting, you’re forcing your core to engage the ENTIRE time you’re planking. [<— just learned this tip today!]

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50 Comments

  1. Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing on September 1, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    Woohoo for the weekend! Also, Zevia is pretty much my favorite thing ever; we treated ourselves to a Cream Soda tonight. Ah, we’re such adults…not. 😉

  2. Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) on September 1, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    Good tip on the plank pose! I might have to work my way up in reps, but it seems easier when it’s broken up like that!

    Dinner looks lovely, hope you and the Pilot have a lovely evening (and lovelier long weekend!)

  3. Haley @ Fit, Young, and Fabulous on September 1, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    I can’t wait to try the blueberry oats!!! (:

  4. Jessica on September 1, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Oh my goodness, that is the cutest happiest look ever! I want to smooch her. 🙂

  5. Lisa @ Fresh Spinach on September 1, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Those strawberries are beautiful! That just inspired me to grab a few out of my own fridge.

  6. Kate on September 1, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Your pooch is so cute! Love the little smiling face 🙂

  7. Danielle on September 1, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    Mmm! I’m going out to lunch tomorrow and one of the places that are on the list of possible places has a really yummy strawberry salad… I think you may have just made the decision for me!
    Glad Bella likes her new home! 🙂

  8. Laura @ Backstage Balance on September 1, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    Oh my goodness – Bella’s smile in that photo is precious! What an adorable little girl!
    Good advice on the plank moves. I’ve always tried to build up to a certain amount of time, but taking a brief rest means more focus on the core muscles. I will try this tonight when I finally get home from work!

  9. Candy @Healthy in Candy Land on September 1, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Thanks for the plank tip–I had no idea!

  10. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries on September 1, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    Your salad looks so simple, yet so refreshing and delicious! Perfect in my opinion!

  11. Sana on September 1, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I am a soda junkie and Zevia is reallly good 🙂

  12. Melanie on September 1, 2011 at 11:59 pm

    Thanks for the tips on plank pose. Will give it a try. Enjoy the weekend. 🙂

  13. Ali @ urbanfruitbat on September 2, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Awesome tip about plank! And your dinner looks really yummy too! I am so happy to hear that Bella is adjusting, but I knew that she would, she is a trooper from the sounds of things!

  14. Denise @ Kumara Mash on September 2, 2011 at 12:06 am

    Thanks for the plank tip 🙂 I suppose in a way, kinda like HIIT for your abs!

    As a vegan, I like how many of your recipes are vegan-friendly or easily veganised (such as using homemade macadamia nut cheese to replace goat cheese) 🙂

  15. Allison @ Food for Healing on September 2, 2011 at 12:12 am

    i’m loving that bella is comfortable there now! maybe Vies had a little talk with her and told her it was ok 🙂

  16. Lindsey on September 2, 2011 at 12:26 am

    I love Zevia, just bought some root beer and ginger ale today at Whole Foods! It is a big deal since I don’t have it in Canada where I live 🙁

  17. Shayla @ The Good Life on September 2, 2011 at 12:34 am

    I love that plank tip! My bootcamp instructor has us do that and it’s killer!!

    Love love that your laptop is pink…and smiling Bella! Too cute 🙂

  18. Suman on September 2, 2011 at 12:36 am

    I’m a big fan of that salad with a little bit of red onion mixed in. The crisp & crunchiness of the produce taste amazing with the goat cheese, creaminess.

    And now I need to wipe the drool off of my keyboard.

  19. Karen on September 2, 2011 at 1:51 am

    Happy Bella’s happy- that pic is fabulous! I feel like that’s how I look after I’ve ridden my horse 😀

  20. Ashley H. on September 2, 2011 at 2:14 am

    For some reason whenever you put GF oats I always read it as girlfriend oats.

    Glad Bella is happy and adjusting!! She’s such a cutie!

  21. Sara on September 2, 2011 at 3:14 am

    Bella does look happier. I’ve become interested in animal psychology lately, since one of my cats had to go on Prozac to cope with earthquake stress. I guess I’d been a little insensitive to the cats, just thinking they were coping ok. The new vet is really clued up, explaining the effects of stress on animals, how to notice changes in behaviour and signs that they are unhappy. You are doing the right things by giving her attention, settling her with her own things. She is such a cute dog. I would have a small dog like that, except my cats would eat it.

  22. Kristin @ STUFT Mama on September 2, 2011 at 3:15 am

    Love the plank tip! I’ve never heard that and I do the plank on pretty much all my classes I teach! Now I’m going to have to try it! 🙂 I’ll drink some extra wine for you, but where did you get that ginger ale? I’ve never seen that brand.

  23. Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance on September 2, 2011 at 5:20 am

    What a great plank tip! Thanks Gina, I always thought it was impressive when I could hold it for an hour haha

  24. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on September 2, 2011 at 6:28 am

    I havent had Zevia in about two years! Since it first sort of took the blogosphere by storm. I need to find some again.

    Your dinner looks awesome roasting away..I LOVE asparagus. Even if it makes things…a little…stinky 🙂 lol

    Great tip on plank, too!

  25. Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups on September 2, 2011 at 6:35 am

    Great plank tip! It’s all about quality over quantity.

  26. Sam on September 2, 2011 at 7:08 am

    Aww bella is so cute. And that is such a good tip about the planks! And of course I love it because I’m not the best at them 😉

  27. Holly @ The Runny Egg on September 2, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Nice tip about the planks — I know for me if I hold it for more than 30 seconds I start to use other muscles — more upper back for sure.

    I tried Zevia for the first time a few weeks ago and I thought it was horrible 🙁

  28. Cat on September 2, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Love Bella’s face! It looks like she’s saying “Hey Mom! What’s up?!” 🙂

  29. Angie on September 2, 2011 at 8:04 am

    Bella is smiling for the camera!!!! i love that!! What a wonderful relaxing night 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend with your husband. So glad you’re feeling the little nugget kick, I saw that in another post but didn’t get to comment!! 🙂

  30. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on September 2, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Even though they’re filled with chemicals, I totally agree that sometimes there’s just nothing better than a diet soda. Diet Pepsi is my weakness for sure! 😛

  31. Marci on September 2, 2011 at 8:15 am

    Random question .. but do you know anything about the Enchantment Resort in Sedona? I am going in two weeks and trying to decide which special spa treatment i want 🙂

  32. Stephanie @ Love Life Project on September 2, 2011 at 8:45 am

    Oh, I LOVE the tray in your oven! We just bought an oven…and now I’m wishing that I’d looked for one with a tray. I also love the picture of Bella with her pink ball. She’s such a lady.

  33. Mo on September 2, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Look at that smile on Bella’s face – no doubt about it. Glad she is settling in. I’ve just started setting time limits for volume of exercise – like 100 pushups in 4 minutes. I feel I push myself more if I have an immediate goal and I know time is running out! Take care and enjoy your long weekend with the Pilot, Bella and your little nugget(ess). Mo

  34. Sarah on September 2, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Thanks for the Plank tip! (and Bella is such a cutie!)

  35. Chelsa on September 2, 2011 at 9:11 am

    I will try that plank tip. It makes a lot of sense.

  36. John Marquez on September 2, 2011 at 9:36 am

    First mortgage payment. Wow. Big step. Well based on your lifestyle you will be around a long time to keep making those payments. Have a great weekend!

  37. Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run on September 2, 2011 at 9:42 am

    I wish I was coming home to your dinner. 🙂 Looks so good!

  38. Janine on September 2, 2011 at 9:57 am

    I just tried Zevia this past weekend, deeelish! I saw it in Shape Magazine recently and hunted it down at Shaw’s! Good choice!

  39. KatieG. @ Just Roll With It on September 2, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Great plank tip! Dinner looks delish!

  40. Allison on September 2, 2011 at 10:16 am

    It sounds silly since it’s so easy, but I love how you used multiple dishes in the oven for your meal vs. the pilot’s meal! P.S. I’ve been on a ginger ale kick lately- so refreshing, especially with a slice of lemon 🙂

  41. Beth (well ill be) on September 2, 2011 at 10:23 am

    That dinner and salad both look amazing! I’m going to have to start adding basil to my salads and everything else before our plant takes over our backyard!

  42. Mac on September 2, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Apparently I’m paying attention to details today, but I LOVE you pink computer! What kind is it?

    • Fitnessista on September 2, 2011 at 11:29 am

      sony vaio 🙂

  43. Stephanie on September 2, 2011 at 11:25 am

    Love that tip! That’s included in one of the workouts in NROLFA and it truly makes it harder!

  44. Gina @ Running to the Kitchen on September 2, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    I don’t think I’d use weird or exciting to describe mortgage payments, but I’m glad you can think of it that way! 😉

  45. Rebecca on September 2, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    Great tip. Random question because I’m in the market for a new laptop, but what kind of laptop is that (it looks like a model of Sony Vaio notebooks I’ve been looking at).

  46. Jennifer on September 2, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    Gina, thanks for the plank tip. I’ve really been struggling with both form and length lately. I had read or maybe heard it on tv that it was a move that would only be effective if held for at least 30 seconds. I just can not hold that long without starting to break good form. I used your tip today. It felt so much better and I was able to do it with correct form for so much longer (total time). 🙂

    • Fitnessista on September 2, 2011 at 6:14 pm

      yeahhh i’m so glad it helped 🙂

  47. Dominique on September 2, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    Thanks for the plank pose tip. I’m definitely going to try it out next time. Usually I just hold the plank until I can’t hold it any longer but I’m sure my form is lacking after 60 seconds.

    That is such an adorable photo of Bella. It’s definitely one for the wallet.

  48. kari on September 2, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    awesome healthy meal! thank you for the tip and will definitely try it this weekend and that is the happiest picture of bella in a while! have a great weekend!

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