Take it off

It was about time to go from this:

witch hair

(what I call my “witch hair” – too long and thick to manage)

to this.

new haircut 

I lost about 5 lbs in hair this morning. As much as I love the convenience of the messy bun, I’m so excited to be able to wear my hair down again! Thank you madre, for taming my mane and nana for coming to the salon to play with Liv 🙂 It had been a couple of months since I’d had a haircut, and it felt so good.

Something else that hadn’t happened in a couple of months?

Getting together with the girls, at night, sans babies.

We hang out all the time during the day, but it was nice to go out without packing everything up and trying to find a time that works with feedings and naps. The husbands stayed home with the babies after they were in bed, and the girls met up for dinner and drinks. It was pretty amazing. I didn’t take my camera, but enjoyed a salad beast, a glass of red, lovely company and conversation.

At work, in addition to the usual teaching schedule, we’ve practicing our recital dances for dance week. It’s in two weeks, and I’ll be sure to take lots of pics. We’re doing a Zumba dance and a Bellydance- it will be my first time wearing embroidered harem pants, a flowly skirt, sequined bustier and veil.

Along with the usual dance classes, I’ve also been teaching a lot of stretch classes and finally made a new stretch playlist per your awesome suggestions.

image

“Om Mani Padme Hum” Deva Premal

“My Love” Sia

“Rocketman” Jason Mraz

“Ancient Love” Gossling

“Holocene” Bon Iver

“Colors” Amos Lee (ft Norah Jones)

“Fade Into Me” David Cook

“One Thousand Years” Christina Perri

“Ong Namo” by Snatam Kaur (I LOVE this one)

For breakfast this morning, the return of a hidden treasure from the depths of the pantry:

hot cereal

With berries and almond butter

oats and tee

Yesterday’s morning work snacks:

work snacks 

(Eggrito, leftovers salad with lentils, quinoa, wilted kale, Olive Garden greens, turkey and light raspberry vinaigrette, Larabar)

Today, we’re meeting up with Kelly for coffee, then probably off to dinner with the fam.

Anything fun going on this weekend? What are your weekend fitness plans?

Saturday teaching Zumba and Sunday Bikram over here.

Enjoy your Friday!

xoxo

Gina

Post Navigation:

57 Comments

  1. China on April 27, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    I’m so jealous of your hair! I have naturally fine hair that has thinned with age (thanks to thyroid problems), and it gets angry and wispy if I let it get longer than chin length. Your mane is so pretty! 😀

  2. Catalina @ Cake with Love on April 27, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    You look so lovely and fresh with the new hair cut!! Very nice!! This weekend I did crunch some numbers as I have noticed that I pay 15$ for a yoga class, this is $75 per month if I go 5 times, and usually I go, so we decided that i will get a gym membership which is $120 a month but provided not only unlimited yoga classes, but spinning and zumba too, so I am very excited to join the gym tomorrow, since I mostly do workout dvds at home I am ready for some group fitness classes! Have a nice weekend!! 🙂

  3. Stephanie @ Legally Blinde on April 27, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    Your hair looks great! Love the stretch playlist – I’m going to have to get the ones I don’t already have. Sometimes I like to put on soothing music at night to stretch and wind down from the day, and I need to update my playlist. I’m planning to do some strength training and one of your treadmill workouts tomorrow, then a Shiva Rea DVD on Sunday! I’d love to take a long walk, but I think it’s going to be pretty chilly 🙁 Have fun tonight!

  4. lindsay @ prettylittleparadise on April 27, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    i love your hair cut! looks nice and fresh 🙂 there’s nothing better than the feeling of freshly cut and styled hair!! and thanks for motivating me to make an appointment asap!! i wish my madre was a stylist!

  5. Nicole on April 27, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Love the hair cut! You look great. I can’t wait to get mine done next week, its been 5 months haha. Sunday I’m running a 5k race, with nasty shin splints. Should be a good time haha

  6. GiGi Eats Celebrities on April 27, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Congrats on your weight loss and SEXY NEW DO! 😛

  7. Suzanne on April 27, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    I’m so envious of your thick, lovely hair!
    I used to have nice hair too, but I started losing a lot last year. After many tests and doctor visits, the verdict was that it was due to trauma/stress. It happened shortly after I had to put Chubby (my dog) down last summer. One of the saddest times of my life. 🙁

    Do you have any advice on promoting good hair health?
    I try to do with diet and supplements, but not having much luck. :/
    I don’t want to resort to Rogaine…

    • Catalina @ Cake with Love on April 27, 2012 at 5:38 pm

      I had the same problem Suzzane, now I try to do a lot of retoring masks based on natural ingredients, whole foods carry a lot of good ones, but you can make your own too, like before washing your hair put a mixture of coconut oil+avocado oil+flax oil and olive oil, it depends who lond you hair is, but I use 2 tbsp of each, keep it on for 30 minutes and after that wash your hair, use natural conditioner, and do not blow dry your hair! It will be really soft and shiny!

      • Suzanne on April 27, 2012 at 9:43 pm

        Thank you, Catalina! Your hair mask recipe sounds wonderful. I’m all about natural ingredients, so I’ll definitely try it. I do shop at Whole Foods every week (to the dismay of my wallet. lol), so the next time I’m there I will definitely look at their hair products. Did you experience any regrowth at all? I know masks don’t promote regrowth. I just meant in general.

        • Anna on April 27, 2012 at 10:39 pm

          Suzanne, I have had a similar problem…. Growing up, I always had incredibly thick and hard-to-handle hair that I just took for granted. But a few years ago I went through some big life changes and subsequently my hair started falling out in scary fashion. My doctor suggested that I take a Biotin supplement to help promote hair growth. Biotin is just a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, and it has helped tremendously! It took a few weeks to start noticing results, and the first thing you notice is that your nails are stronger/healthier and that you have to shave more frequently 😉 But then I stopped losing excessive amounts of hair, and I have even started regrowing hair and filling in the spots that had started to get sparse on my head. I hope it works for you, too!

    • Fitnessista on April 27, 2012 at 11:13 pm

      hey girl!
      i’ll never forget chubby in the bumblebee costume <3 such a sweet dog.
      as far as the hair goes, mine grows the best when i eat a lot of healthy fats in my diet. hair masks are great too (i love avocado, egg and banana), and i avoid washing my hair everyday because it makes it dry and break. i'll do every other day and am a big fan of dry shampoo
      xoxo

      • Ali on April 28, 2012 at 6:59 pm

        Dry shampoo huh? That’s interesting! As a fitness instrutor, I sweat like a pig. I’m always envious of those girls who walk out of class and look gorgeous, even after working their a$$es off….I guess I inherited bad genes? LOL. Anywho, I struggle with this “not washing my hair everyday” concept. How do you use dry shampoo? I’m totally able to not wash my hair when I wear it curly. I can go 3 days and it still looks good in a messy bun. Whenever it’s straight, it immediately looks greasy the next day. HELP 🙂

        • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 7:29 pm

          you shake and spray it at the roots, then rub it in with your hands. it works amazing and smells so good. if i get really sweaty and don’t have time to shower right away, i blowdry my wet hair a little, spray in dry shampoo and it does the trick

          • Ali on April 30, 2012 at 9:38 pm

            Sweet! Is there a brand you prefer????



    • Amanda on April 29, 2012 at 3:43 pm

      The others have already said it, but I’ve found that eating a good diet with lots of plant foods and a good amount of healthy fat and protein has helped IMMENSELY with my hair. My hair has always grown fast, but it used to be very dull and prone to breakage. Now that my diet has improved and I started eating more healthy fat, protein, and produce it’s still prone to dryness, but it’s much healthier.

      I definitely want to try some of the natural hair masks the others suggested. I did coconut oil the other night, let it soak in for about an hour before shampooing, and it made my hair super soft. Never thought of avocado. My friend who has thinner hair finds coconut oil too heavy but uses grapeseed oil. Using shampoos with no sulfates (and using shampoo sparingly in general) has also really helped me. I have a gentle shampoo from Trader Joe’s (I think it’s called Nourish?) that doesn’t strip my hair at all.

  8. Talia @ Bite Size Wellness on April 27, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Summer cut! I am in need of one too…It is always so weird that first time after you cut it when you are showering and think where did all my hair go. Change is good! Happy Friday.

  9. Rebecca on April 27, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    I like your haircut!!

    I still haven’t had a girls night out yet….trying to arrange that for this weekend since I will be at my parents house aka people who can babysit and where all my friends live 🙂

  10. Kerry @ Totes My Oats on April 27, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    Your hair looks great! Enjoy your weekend!

  11. Leila on April 27, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Love the return of the side bangs!! 🙂

  12. Suzi @ Confessions of a Fitness Instructor on April 27, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    I got my hair cut for the first time in like 6 months last week, It’s nice not to feel so ratty, lol!

    I’ve got the weekend off from teaching but am hoping to get a short run and a PiYo session in (I’m doing the at-home studying for the license).

  13. Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana on April 27, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    I love your haircut! I remember feeling like getting my hair done was such a luxury after having a baby…it’s great to pamper yourself 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 27, 2012 at 11:15 pm

      it totally is!

  14. Alison on April 27, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    Sounds like a lovely couple of days! Love the haircut. I wish I had super thick hair. 🙂

  15. Annette @ FitnessPerks on April 27, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Love the haircut!! I am in bad need of one soon too…this inspired me to text my hair lady! Gonna get one soon! Have a good weekend.

    Lifting and a walk are on the agenda for the weekend. Wahoo!

  16. Kaila @healthyhelperblog! on April 27, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    Your hair looks great! I love getting my hair cut! Such great me time 🙂

  17. Melissa (Better Fit) on April 27, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    Your haircut looks great! I’m looking forward to some weights and a short run this weekend!

  18. Julie on April 27, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    I think I’ll try Bikram this Sunday. I’ve had a Groupon I haven’t used yet! Though I’ve only done Bikram in the winter.

  19. Vicky on April 27, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    Snatam kaur is my favorite for stretching/meditating. Ong Namo is one of my favorite songs… Have you heard her version of Re Man Eh Bidh Jog Kamao? Haunting and lovely!

    • Fitnessista on April 27, 2012 at 11:14 pm

      no, i’ll youtube it right now! xoxo

  20. Katie on April 27, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    Your hair looks beautiful girl! I bet it felt good to get that much cut off!!

    happy weekend to you, Tom, Olivia, and Bella! <3

    • Fitnessista on April 27, 2012 at 11:14 pm

      thank you, lovely! hope you have a great weekend <3

  21. Amanda on April 27, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    Lovely new hair. Girls night are always the best destresser for me.

    I’m going wine tasting this weekend. It is Spring Barrell weekend over in Washington. So excited to learn more about wine.

    • Fitnessista on April 27, 2012 at 11:14 pm

      that sounds amazing! have fun 🙂

  22. chrissy on April 27, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    eee! i love long hair, wish mine was as thick and lush!! no summer haircut for me, just some new accessories. i’m a total barrette/pin/headband fiend!!

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 12:14 am

      i love headbands, too 🙂

  23. Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner on April 27, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Your new hair cut frames your face nicely — you look gorgeous! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 12:14 am

      thank you! 🙂

  24. Missy on April 28, 2012 at 12:15 am

    Have you checked out that new yoga studio, “self centered yoga” yet? How do you like that hot cereal compared to oat bran?

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 12:45 am

      no, where is it?!
      i like it- the texture and taste are very similar to oat bran

      • Missy on April 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

        It’s off Campbell and River. I just got back into town yesterday. I’m gonna check t out tommorrow . I’ll et you know how it is:)

        • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 6:23 pm

          let me know- i’m so excited they have power yoga classes!!

          • Missy on April 28, 2012 at 7:37 pm

            I actually “liked” them on fb and won 10 classes! I’m psyched to try them all out.



          • Missy on April 28, 2012 at 7:38 pm

            Btw… I bought that hot cereal this afternoon at big lots… They have lots of bobs red mill stuff for $3…..



          • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 7:41 pm

            no way- i’ll be on the lookout!



  25. Averie @ Averie Cooks on April 28, 2012 at 1:07 am

    Gina your hair is gorgeous! I still think the “before” picture it looked great, but the “after” pic is wow, amazing. You have amazing hair; I’ve always said that to you! It’s so thick and pretty and shiny and wow..just beautiful!

  26. updog on April 28, 2012 at 2:53 am

    Cute hair 🙂
    Today was a blessed rest day, although I ended up riding my bike around running errands like a bat outta hell for a couple hours.
    Tomorrow I plan to do 5 sets of 5 man makers and turkish get-ups and chase my nieces and nephews around the yard for a while. Those little kids actually make pretty good weights for squats and deadlifts!

  27. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on April 28, 2012 at 8:06 am

    Your hair looks great! My mom’s not a pro like yours, but I still get mine to cut my hair sometimes haha. 😉

  28. Sarah on April 28, 2012 at 9:04 am

    I’ve never tried zumba but have been wanting to try it out! This weekend I will probably go on some hikes and a long run if it’s nice out and if it’s rainy I’ll be stuck in the gym 🙁

  29. Krystina on April 28, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    Thank you so much for the playlist! I need some songs for different yoga sequences I’m building for practice, and some of these songs are perfect. 🙂

  30. Steph C (Funny Girl) on April 28, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Interesting article on Lululemon… I didn’t know that about the company. http://www.businessinsider.com/12-utterly-bizarre-facts-about-the-rise-of-lululemon-2012-4#

  31. Amanda on April 28, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    Gorgeous hair! I’d love to know what kinds of hair products you use, if you use anything in particular. Or any tricks you’ve learned to keep your hair manageable.

    My hair texture looks very similar to yours, and mine is also very very thick. I love it, but it’s prone to dryness and tangliness and overall just bein’ scraggly. I’m growing it out from a bob right now, so this is all getting super apparent, haha.

    • Fitnessista on April 28, 2012 at 7:31 pm

      thank you! i switch up my products but like purology, nexxus and halo for shampoo/conditioner. i use keratin complex or freddrick fekkai glossing cream

  32. Michele on April 28, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    Hi Gina,
    I’m in need of some new running shoes and thought I would ask you what you are using before I order some.
    Thx!
    Michele

  33. Laury on April 28, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    It looks SO pretty!! Smooth and looks like it will be easier to manage. It feels really good to take the weight of, eh? Mine is FINALLY growing when I chopped it all off for locks of love after baby. It was down to my low back!

  34. dee on April 29, 2012 at 9:24 am

    your haircut looks fab! don’t you just love the feeling right after the haircut? as if a weight has (literally) been lifted off your shoulders. ha. 😉

  35. Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed on April 29, 2012 at 10:49 am

    I always hated my thick hair, but now that I know how to do it, I love it! You look beautiful 🙂

    My fitness for the weekend was my first 10 mile run ever on Saturday! Now I need to do some stretching and/or yoga… I am sore!

  36. Carrie R. on April 29, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    You look lovely! 🙂 I love the feeling of a fresh haircut…I let mine grow for six months, just too busy to cut it…when I finally took off four inches…ahhhhh. Can totally relate. 🙂

    That is so cool that you guys are having a recital!!!!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.