See ya, 2013 + some fun news
2013, you were pretty good to us <3
It was the year I became more confident with my identity and abilities as a mama, continued to figure out our groove, and had an amazing time getting to know Livi as her personality continued to evolve and become more apparent. She has changed the most this year. I’m always excited to see what she’ll do and what she’ll learn while enjoying the moments spent playing, snuggling and exploring together. Over the past year, she transformed from a baby to little kid. I still can’t believe that she’ll be two next week. Time really does fly when you’re having fun… it seems like it was just yesterday that I was writing this post.
We took some wonderful trips in 2013, including some blog traveling adventures:
and we took our bucket list trip to Italy (Rome and Positano), which was dreamier and more magical than I’d ever imagined. (I still would love to live there!)
In our family,
my cousin Ashley got married (and Livi was a flower girl for the first time),
my cousin Kate became pregnant with baby #2,
and we lost my great-grandmother, who lived a long, beautiful life… but my heart is still hurting.
It was another challenging year for the Pilot and myself, as we tried to figure out a “plan” for our unstable military future, in addition to juggling parenthood, careers, and our relationship. We knew that our time here in Tucson was limited, and had to make the difficult decision of whether he should get out of active duty and join the reserves, or take our chances and see what card we’d be dealt as far as PCS assignments go. We were extremely lucky with our assignment to San Diego! It could have been anything, and we’re fortunate that we’ll be driving distance from family.
(And I will finally get to hug a seal.)
In 2013, I also had some fun professional accomplishments:
–Co-created and produced Soli Beat with Sasha
-Signed my first book contract
Say what?!
The entire story is a long one (and one that I’d love to write a post about, so please let me know if you have any questions!), but here’s the nutshell version:
I started sending out a new book proposal -I think it was my sixth?- last winter, and as usual, we had no bites. Then, out of the blue, I got an email from an editor in NYC asking if I’d like to write a book. I wrote back and told her I’d just sent out a proposal and put her in contact with my agent. My agent sent the editor my proposal, and she came back and said she wasn’t crazy about it. Instead of quitting on me then and there, she gave me valuable guidance to rewrite the proposal with concepts I was passionate about, and encouraged me to use my true voice. She said something like, “I read your blog, and this proposal isn’t you. I need to hear the voice I hear when I’m reading your blog. Add in some more spunk.”
In the entire proposal process, I’d lost quite a bit of my voice by trying to formalize my writing style; in the past I’d been told that I “use to much slang” and need to “tighten things up.” This time, I finally felt like there was freedom to write whatever and however I wanted, so I rewrote the entire proposal (which was about 60 pages), sent it back, and crossed my fingers (not really expecting anything to happen). She wrote back and said she loved it (!), presented it to her publishing house, the concept passed, and she sent the contract over a month later.
It still feels like a dream and like I’m going to jinx myself by writing about it, which is a huge reason why I waited to blog about this. (I had another concept that a publisher was interested in two summers ago and, at the last minute, the deal fell through and I was pretty devastated. I stopped working on proposals for quite a few months after that.)
Also, I’m my hugest critic, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to produce quality content for you guys. I was planning on blogging about the book when I turned in my manuscript -it’s due in March- since I already feel a lot of pressure to finish it, and do it well… and realized that I needed to tell you now so I can implement the things you’d like to see.
Some details:
-The release date is January 2015
-It consists of quick workouts (less than 30 minutes) and meals that can be prepped in advance to enjoy throughout the week. The theme of the book is HIIT training, and it utilizes the same efficient concepts in fitness and diet. I share all of the details regarding how I practice the HIIT lifestyle in my own life -tracking my food, tools, and strategies I use- and includes complete nutrition plans (which will be approved by Anne) and complete fitness plans for fat loss and strength gains. All of the fitness routines are research-based for the best results, and all of the meals are quick, clean and delicious. I’ve been busy testing recipes and workouts! We have a focus group that will starting the plan next week… I can’t wait to see their accomplishments!
I’ve worked extremely hard on the manuscript -115 pages in! Woop woop- and really want it to be amazing. Please let me know if there’s anything you’ve been missing or wanting from a fitness book.
This is something I’ve wanted to create and share for a few years, and I’m still absolutely stunned that it’s coming to fruition. It wouldn’t be possible without all of your wonderful support and for encouraging me to improve and work hard over the past five years. I’m so very thankful to all of you <3
Lots to look forward to in the new year:
Moving and getting settled into our new home
New teaching position (I’ve applied at a couple of places in San Diego and would love to focus on barre)
Lots of trips around California and to visit the fam
It’s going to be a bit of a transition year for us, but I’m excited to see what 2014 brings 🙂
What are you looking forward to in the new year? What was your favorite part of 2013??
Don’t forget to start pinning your goals for 2014! #inspirationboard @fitnessista
xoxo
Gina
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Way to GO!!!! Gina ! Awesome news about your book deal. I can’t wait to get a copy.
I’ve been reading your blog since forever and I love the way you write – you are down to earth and speak to your readers in a way that we can all relate to.
What a great way to start the New Year!
I remain – your blog friend Gina from Massachusetts – ox!
name twin! 🙂
thank you so much, and hope you have a happy new year!
That is AWESOME—seriously excited for you and this new opportunity 🙂
I love that you keep your workouts accessible but VERY challenging. I know your workouts, etc have been a huge part of me being able to lose (and maintain a loss of) 20+ pounds.
thank you!
wow, that is awesome! congratulations <3
Congratulations Gina, how amazing to have achieved such a long-term goal!! Your tenacity and positive energy are endlessly inspirational and I, too, will be pre-ordering your book and telling all my Aussie friends!! So excited to hear more about the book writing process (would love to hear how you went about your proposals, as a fellow writer). Much kudos, well done!! xx
thank you so much, lisa!! i will definitely do a post about the (very) long process 🙂
much love to you, and happy new year! xo
Congrats on the exciting news! I know this is something you’ve been aspiring towards for a while now and it’s so inspirational to see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve accomplished. Can’t wait for the book release!!
thank you, jess! i appreciate it so much 🙂
That’s so exciting about your book! I hope you will release it on Kindle?
yep!
That is amazing news about your book. I love the meals on your website and would definitely buy the book. One thing I would love for you to add is low impact/jump free modifications for people who have knee or other issues that prevent them from doing that but keeping the intensity. That’s one of the main reasons why I can’t do most HIIT. Congrats on your book and good luck 🙂 you deserve it!!
there are already quite a few modifications, but i’ll definitely go through and make sure there are enough. thank you!!
Awesome!
:)!
I am soo excited for you making your dreams come true!! 2013 was such a huge year for me. I battled serious anxiety (and got it under control!) graduated college, got married, moved halfway across the country, started my first big girl job, and adopted a kitty! 2013 was a perfect year, but I’m excited for 2014 to be a little bit more settled. ;p We’re also taking our honeymoon to Mexico and have a trip planned to Hawaii this year that I can’t wait for!
you’ve done amazing things this year! hope 2014 is even better 🙂
What a huge accomplishment! A book!! Please do not forget the yoga aspect! Breathe , calm , peace ! Good luck to you !
wonderful reminder- thank you!
I knew you would get a book deal one day. So happy for you!
thank you, friend <3 miss you!
Congratulations on the book!!!!!
Happy new year to all your family!
thank you, joana! happy new year to you, too!
Don’t forget to include your macaroon recipe!!! Been waiting FOREVER for it. I bought an excalibur dehydrator specifically for ur macaroons!! Please!!!
DITTO lol. Congrats!!!! Is it weird that I was expecting you announcing a second pregnancy? Which with the move, I *knew* better.. but who can resist baby news?
hahaha! i wish, but this is another big reason why we’ll be waiting at least another year.
it’s already in there 🙂
Oh and CONGRATS!! And I want to pre-order it for sure!! Be sure to let us know when it’s available!!
thank you! i definitely will!
Congratulations on the book deal! What a great accomplishment
thank you, ashley!
Looks like such a great year! Can’t wait for your book! Congratulations!
thank you!
I always like when a fitness or nutrition book has a quick guide at the back that quickly reviews the principles/workouts/etc. Like a cheat sheet of sorts.
that’s a great idea- thank you!
Congrats Gina! That’s such amazing news!!
thank you!
I would love to see meal plan options where one could modify for gluten free/vegan. Having Celiac disease, it’s always awesome to get more GF meal ideas.
Best of luck!
there are gf and vegan options for the meal plan 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations on your upcoming book! I love reading your blog! I love how accessible your eating and exercise is for us readers and I love that your personality comes through in your blog:)
thank you, amy!
Congrats!!! I’m sure the book will be great and fun.
thank you, lani!
Hi Gina,
I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now and really love it, thank you for taking the time out of your day to make my day a little bit better. I am a Pure Barre instructor in Colorado, but one of my good friends and fellow instructors just left our Colorado team to open her own Pure Barre studio in San Diego. Being a Pure Barre instructor is AMAZING, I love teaching (not to mention taking free classes whenever I want :)). If you are interested in becoming a barre instructor I highly recommend Pure Barre and would be more than happy to put you in contact with my friend out in San Diego. Please let me know if you’re interested!
Thanks, and Happy New Year!
Megan
that would be AMAZING! thank you 🙂
happy new year!
Awesome news! I’m sure it will be fantastic 🙂
thank you!!
WOW!!!!!!!! What an amazing year. And it sounds like 2014 will be another amazing one!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you, amber!
Congrats on the book deal! This is awesome!!
thank you!
Congratulations! This is so exciting! I have been reading your blog for a few years now and know how much you have wanted this! I can’t wait to buy your book. Your workouts and recipes have always inspired me to keep taking my healthy lifestyle to the next level.
thank you so much, gwen!
Just wanted to say, welcome to San Diego (for when you do move)! I’m a teacher in SD who does CrossFit/yoga, so if you ever need any recommendations for anything related to those, feel free to ask!
i do! thank you! i’ll send you an email 🙂
Congratulations! This is so exciting for you & your readers! One thing I like that you do is talk about recipes and meal plans that are family friendly – what you make for you that you tweak for Livi, or that everyone can eat. There aren’t a lot of resources out there for Mom’s like that & I always come back to those posts.
thank you!!
that’s a great idea. i have quite a few of our favorite family meals in there, but could add some ideas for kid-friendly tweaks 🙂
Congratualations!!! I’m so happy I found you blog and have been reading it for the past 1/2 yr or so. I love all the content you put on here. I’m a beginner strength trainer and just at the beginning of being able to handle HIIT. I’d love for you to include modications on your book and a message to newbies that are just starting out, so they aren’t intimidated by not being at the level you are. I’m excited for you Gina, you deserve it, you are such a go-getter!!!
there will definitely be modifications and ideas for beginners!
thank you so much, and thank you for reading 🙂
xo
Congrats Gina!!! I’m so so happy for you!! 🙂
thank you, fellow gina 🙂
Book news = awesome news! Sounds like a great concept. HIIT FTW!
HIIT FTW 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations on your book deal! It is amazing news (except totally makes sense for you as you are definitely deserving)!! And congrats on all your successes of 2013! May 2014 bring you even more joy and happiness.
thank you, jess! hope you have a wonderful year! xo
Wow. Congratulations, Gina! I always find it so exciting when friends or just people you know write a book. I think it is partly because it is a world I am so far away from (publishing, not books…I love books) and also because it is like a little slice of celebrity to see their name in print!
The only tip I have, and this might not be possible, is to see if the book can be one that opens up and stays open relatively easily on that page. That way you can work out/stretch etc while looking at the book without needing any kind of stand or things to prop it open. This might just be me who has this problem….:)
Also, I bought myself a little Christmas present today. Some matte grey nail varnish that looks like gel nails when painted on. I loved yours in some of your photographs this year and finally decided to go for it.
Happy New Year!
thank you so much!
LOVE that you went for the nails- i bet they look gorgeous 🙂
i’ll ask my publisher about that! i have no idea how it will be set up -i think it’s a smaller book- but if you do the ereader version, it should be easier to see what to do\
thank you so much for reading and have a happy new year!!
I loooove working out at Barre Body in Pacific Beach!!! Definitely look into working there, the teachers are lovely and enjoy a great space to work
What exciting news! The minute that book is on pre-sale, I know I will be snapping it up! Your blog had always impressed me with the quality of your workouts and recipes. I’ve loved your posts because you always felt like you were genuinely sharing you passion of health and fitness with us. I guess what I’m trying to say with this comment, is that your integrity in your life and fitness is what draws me to your blog. I know your book will have the same passion and quality that I see in the posts here-so I’m super excited!
awesome- thank you so much!!! <3
such a kind and wonderful comment. thanks for the virtual hug 🙂
have a very happy new year!!
Wow! Congratulations on the book! That is so exciting! Can’t wait to see the development!
Happy New Year!
thank you, stephanie! xoxo
Congrats on your book and an amazing year!
During 2012 I felt a bit lost and I think 2013 has been a great year trying to get back to who I am and I’m hoping 2014 will be about moving forward. Happy new year!
thank you!! hopefully i’ll see you at a p57 class again soon 🙂
xo
Congratulations, Gina!!! So happy for you – I can’t wait to read the book once it’s published next year!
thank you, danica!
Oh my goodness, that’s AMAZING, Gina!!! I’m so excited for you!
It’s always so fun to see people’s dreams come true through their blogs. It inspires me in my little corner of the blog world to just keep on truckin’ and continuing to do it because I love it, not because I want to be known.
Best of luck—you’ll do a fabulous job!! 🙂
thank you!!! keep movin’ and groovin’ friend 🙂 it’s funny how things work out when you don’t think they will.
have a very happy new year!!
Congratulations, Gina! So well deserved! Happy New Year!
thank you! happy new year to you, too!
Hi Gina! Long time reader from spain here! Felicidades!!! I love to buy books in english and i will definetly buy yours! What i miss the most in american books is that the measures for the recipies are given in cups or oz, while we use mililiters and granmes. Also you use some ingredients that we dont have in europe and i’d love to have alternatives that would work with the recipie.
Anyway, no big deal, i’ll buy the book anyway and it will be a huge success for sure!!
You dream of living in italy? I live in Bourgogne, France, and here we dream of living in California!! :))
Happy 2014, i’d love to hear more exciting news, you deserve it!! Xxx Laura
muchas gracias por las felicidades y tu apoyo 🙂
good to know about the conversions and ingredient substitutions- i hadn’t even thought of that.
let me know if you ever make it out to cali! 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations, Gina! That is so exciting! I am looking forward to 2014 being the year that I knock some “big ticket” items off my bucket list! Cheers to your continued success!
wahoo! you WILL do it 🙂
thank you!
Many congratulations!!!! Your blog is my favorite, I love your ‘voice’ and all your ideas, and I can’t wait to see how your book turns out!
thank you so much, colleen!! xoxo
SO happy for you! That’s such exciting news, and very similar to a personal dream of my own! I;d love to hear any tips you might have to share!
thank you!! i’ll definitely do a post about it, and we can get coffee/juice/wine when i’m in SD and chat about it too 🙂
Looking forward to it, lady!
Congratulations ! I would have loved been in the focus group, I love your blog! I am sure the book will be awesome!
thank you, maria!
Congrats on the book deal, it was only a matter of time for you! San Diego is gorgeous and so much fun. 2014 will be such a great year for you and your family!
thank you! i hope you have a wonderful 2014, too!
That is amazing news!! Congrats:) A very exciting 2014 to come for you.
thank you!
I am so excited for your book! I can’t wait to read it 🙂 That is so exciting that they accepted it and you have a publishing date! woo!
thank you, heather!
Congrats!!!
thank you!
What wonderful news, congratulations! If you write your book like you write your blog, I know it will be a success. I think a large part of the draw of your blog is the combination of solid information (recipe/workout) paired with your “everyone wants to be your friend” type of personality. 🙂
Some things that I think would be awesome in the type of book you’re talking about are (1) clear and easy to follow descriptions of movements/exercises (like you do with some of your shape up graphics) and (2) something that would be easy for me to copy and bring with me to the gym (like quarter page printable size) so I don’t look like a putz bringing a full on book with me on the weight floor. Another thing that I think would be amazing would be clear instruction on how to do substitutions for more difficult moves (e.g., if you can’t do a full turkish get up, do this instead)
thank you so much!!!
amazing tips, too!
i’ll have photos for each exercise move in the book, and charts for each workout that you can scan to take with you, or easily view from an ereader 🙂 will include more modifications, too.
xoxo
Congratulations! I would love to write a book someday…a secret love that I’ve never shared with anyone! Something that I think would be awesome is a real in depth approach to meal planning/shopping to meet your health goals. For example, you’ll have your diet approach, but how when not following your prescribed diet to meal plan. Thanks and congrats again!
that’s a great idea. there are quite a few meal planning options, but i’ll go more in depth for how to plan and set up your lists, etc
thank you!