Ringing in ’13
Thank you so much for your awesome comments on the detox post! Also, thank you to those of you who participated in Dine In December. It was a HUGE success with over 3000 check-ins and 500 participants. Congratulations to the winner, Rebecca W. (who was already emailed by Challenge Loop) and her bright shiny $100 lululemon gift card. You guys were awesome motivation for me, and after the month, I can say we kept with the challenge and bonus: our wallets are smiling too 😉
If you’re looking forward to another challenge, Winter Shape Up will be starting at the end of the month (January 28th- mark your calendars!). I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make it the best shape-up yet. Hope you’re as stoked as I am!
(Tucson snow on the mountains! Love.)
We were spoiled by having the man of the house home from work for the past couple of weeks. Usually when he takes leave, he still ends up going into work or is busy with another project, but this time we were able to really relax and enjoy the holidays together. We enjoyed every second of our vacation, and while it was time get to back into our routine, I think we all feel pretty refreshed from such an awesome break. For quite a few days, we alternated waking up with Liv so the other parent could sleep in. It.was.glorious.
On New Year’s Eve, we went to a party at Meg’s family’s house.
It’s the same party we went to last year, but it was quite a treat to not be waddling uncomfortably, wondering if it would be the night I went into labor. Liv had a blast walking across the large areas of carpet, while the entire room cheered for her:
There was a ton of incredible party food, and to go along with the mix, we brought some slow cooker chicken taco meat, tortillas, and a bottle of sparkling cider.
Madre also brought some green corn tamales. She knows the key to my heart.
I had a new sparkly gold top just for the occasion, but when I went to get dressed for the evening, I realized that every single “real” pair of pants I own were in the washer. Leggings FTW.
When Livi started to get tired, I brought her back to the house for bed. She snuggled and drank her bottle, fell fast asleep and I held her on the couch until I felt my eyes start to get heavy. When I went downstairs, I poured myself a glass of wine to enjoy with a side of TV before crashing out. In theory, I was alone for the evening, since Liv was sleeping, the dogs had retired to their dog bed for the night and the Pilot was still at the party participating in the ping pong championship. At the same time, I didn’t feel the least bit alone. Half of my heart was sleeping peacefully above me and the other half was in this country, here in Tucson. That’s all that really matters.
We’re getting back in the swing of routine over here- my work schedule has stayed the same, but the Pilot went back today, too.
All the Christmas stuff is put away (sniff, sniff)
but I’m really looking forward to the next few months. With Livi’s birthday, Trevor’s high school graduation and Kyle and Meg’s wedding, we have a lot of exciting events coming up.
How’d you ring in the new year? Don’t forget to send in your inspiration board– it’s been so much fun to see all of your goals <3
See ya in the morning with a killer cardio circuit!
xoxo
Gina
Did you do Dine-In December? How’d it go?
Something to read:
48 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I rang in the new year with my family at home! I was also really upset that the X-mas decorations had to come down 🙁 BOO!
wahhhhhh 🙁
Are you wearing the Proenza sweatshirt from Target?! I’m thinking about snagging one since they’re 70% off now and would love to hear what you think. Happy New Year!
yes- it’s one of my new faves! it’s super comfy and fits well.
Is that the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt from the Target/Neimans sale I spot? I have it too and LOVE it – especially the fact that it is longer in the back. Very cute!
yes- i love it too!
<3 Happy New Year Gina!
Sounds the like the perfect New Year’s Eve for you! Ours wasn’t anything exciting thanks to both my husband and me being sick, but I was thankful to just be at home at him. Happy New Year!!
aww, hope you’re feeling better!
Livi’s NYE outfit is too cute! The girl is stylin’ 😉
thank you! i love picking out her little outfits 🙂
Is that the Proenza sweatshirt? I wanted to grab one today when I was at Target (the entire collection is 70% off!!) but they were all out of my size. *sad face* But I picked up the Oscar de la Renta tote for $18 (!!!) so it was a win.
glad you still got something! i was stoked when i got the sweatshirt 50% off last week 🙂
Your brother and I are the same age? I’m guessing he is younger! Can’t believe Kyle and meg are getting married soon. Is he your first brother to get married? Are all your brothers younger?
i guess you are!
yes, kyle is the first bro to get married! they’re all younger- i have 4 brothers 🙂
What a fantastic New Years you had, not quite the same setting for me though: Music and friends in a house full of good times! It sure was fun, and an awesome entry to 2013!
Packing away the Christmas stuff is always sad 🙁 But with that being said, happy new year! Have a friggin awesome year! 🙂
I kept it pretty low key–as I usually do for New Year’s. I’m not much of a drinker–so was just chilled with a movie at home with the fam. Liv has gotten so big! She has such a spunky personality!! I love those leggings she’s wearing. And–I love your nails. Gold is great for the winter. What color is that? Also–for the cardio portion of the WSU–I’m planning on sticking with my swimming laps–as running and the elliptical are still a bit too painful for my ankle. I’ve been trying to vary intensities with the swimming–i.e. some days more steady state and some days more interval training. It’s just what feels best for my body right now. Also–I’ve found some great Hi-lo aerobic dvds that are great. Would that work to pair with the WSU? Thanks!! I can’t wait for it to start. You always put so much effort into it–which is much appreciated!
PS: I don’t know if you got it but I messaged you on facebook some low impact ideas. Although you probably know oodles of them already.
yes, i got your message- thank you!
so happy to hear your ankle is continuing to heal.
i’ll check out the hi lo, but i’d imagine they’d be fine to combine IF your ankle isn’t hurting you. like i said, though, don’t be afraid to rest 🙂
thank you for the nail compliment. it’s an essie color (can’t remember the name)
Wow looks like you do have some exciting events coming up! Liv’s first bday will be so fun and weddings are always a blast!
i’m so excited for both!!
What a beautiful post! It is a blessing to have a life so full. I’m glad you got to enjoy time with your Pilot!
Happy New Year Gina!! Wishing you all the happiness this new year for your family 😉
Hopefully this year we can get together again!
yes, please! you’re always welcome to visit, too 🙂
xoxo
I love that you didn’t feel alone because half of your heart was upstairs sleeping and the other half was close by (and NOT deployed!). What a great way to view things!
I loved your December dine-in challenge – I think we only had 2 “cheat” meals for the month. It made me be far more purposeful with the planning.
I’m really enjoying the 12 Days of Fitness.
Thanks for sharing so many great ideas, tips and work-outs!!!
thank you so much for reading!
i totally agree about the december challenge- it’s already sticking with me. tonight it would have been so easy to get takeout, but we remembered that we have a fridge full of food. 🙂
xoxo
She is NOT walking. Make it stop!!!
right? time is not my friend.
New years last year was filled with food poisoning, so I’m stoked that I wasn’t sick this time around! Your night sounds quite lovely – did the Pilot win the Ping Pong tournament?
hahah no, my stepdad did! apparently he has wicked skills. no one even knew!
glad to hear you were feeling better this year 🙂
I love this post! And all of the pictures in it- you radiate happiness!
I had a large house party with all of my friends. It was the first time I had rang in the New Year with most of them for years so it was absolutely wonderful.
Hey Gina! I just stumbled upon your blog by accident when I was reading Clarisonic reviews (go figure.) I’m having way too much fun reading it now…! So many questions for you, but I’ll refrain. I notice red wine in a few pics with you – do you have a fav brand you’d like to recommend? Also, any before/after pics of your 40 lb weight loss for motivation??
hi sarah, thanks for checking out my blog!
as far as the wine goes, if it’s wine, chances are that i’ll like it- not picky at all, but i especially enjoy malbec and shiraz.
here’s my weight loss story:
http://fitnessista.com/about/weight-loss-story/
I’m still working on my inspiration board 🙂
And Liv looks like she had quite the fun time at her first New Year’s ever.
you might appreciate this! i went with my man and 4 of our friends to gotham hall in manhattan! open bar from 9-3, food from 9-11, and dancing til 4!! it.was.awesome!!! :)) happy new yr to you too!!! x
Loving the pic of you and Liv, you are both so beautiful! And I had a friend who kept up her Christmas decor until Valentines day- live tree and all. It was so fun coming over to her house in February and feeling like it was Christmas still 🙂
thank you so much! she is so amazing.
and i love the idea of keeping it up until valentine’s day! maybe next year i’ll do this… 😉
“Half of my heart was sleeping peacefully above me and the other half was in this country, here in Tucson. That’s all that really matters.” <– Seriously warmed my heart. It's great to hear that you welcomed the new year in such a wonderful way 🙂 I hope the rest of 2013 will be just as beautiful for you.
I actually spent my New Years Eve playing some Midnight Broomball with friends from church. 2am at a mall ice rink? Sign me up!
We stayed in and closed out the dine-in challenge with a salmon dinner….and went to sleep by 12:05 haha. Dining in more than out has sort of happened by default since little man came along and now he consistently goes to bed at 630 so if we want to go out, we have to get a sitter. An empty wallet is a great deterrent. I’m so guilty of letting the WF hot bar taunt me though, and I didn’t go ONCE last month! 🙂
We still have our decorations and tree up, but they’ll probably come down this weekend. Is it just me or does the house feel totally naked after un-decorating?!
I stared the New Year with a 10k resution run, my first race post baby and had a blast despite the 40 degree temps and heavy rain. It definatly started my new year of fitness off to a good start! Eyeing my first marathon!
It sounds like you had such a wonderful family holiday and I am so happy for you!! I passed out on NYE at 10:30pm, I don’t even have a baby 🙂 I participated the DID challenge and I loved it. Can’t wait for the next one.
I took down my christmas decor yesterday 🙁
You have the cutest little family ever!!! Glad you got to spend more time with the hubby 🙂
thank you! me too 🙂 hope you’re enjoying the new year!
Hi Gina, Happy New year! I was wondering if you have a recipe for your slow cooker chicken taco meat? Glad you had a great night on NYE!!
i just put it in there with lots of garlic, a little water (halfway up the side of the chicken), sprinkle with cumin, sea salt and pepper. low for 6-8 hours, high for 4-6
when it’s down, i shred it and add 1/2-1 jar of salsa and/or some black beans
so good!
I am SO excited for Winter Shape Up! I will definitely mark my calendar 🙂
I’m really excited for Winter Shape Up!! I love your shape up plans 🙂 Thanks for all of your hard work! Awww, Liv is walking?! She’s going to be dancing soon 🙂 (If she’s not already!)
haha she could dance before she could walk 🙂