The Blog Grew Up

Hi friends! How are you? Some of you have seen it already, but welcome to the new blog design! I’ll hope you’ll find it more fun to look at and easier to use 🙂 The “Fashion” and “Fun” pages should be up by the end of the week, so stay tuned for those too 🙂

I can’t even thank my web wizard enough for his hard work into making the blog facelift so gorg. His name is Cody Smith, he is a rock star, and he managed to create the blog design exactly as I envisioned it. He also dealt with quite a few snafus that popped up along the way –tons of data to transfer to a new host, corrupt files, etc- and I am so very grateful to him. <3 You can follow him on Twitter, check out his portfolio, and hit him up if you’d like some design work done. He’s offered a generous 15% discount to my readers, too 🙂 He is extremely pleasant to work with and ridiculously knowledgeable with WordPress and design. I really can’t say enough good things about him.

This blog makeover made me even more excited for the year to come.. lots of adventures on the horizon 😉

So this morning, I took the most beautiful yoga class at work:

cactus

It was a 90-minute power class, which was extra-appreciated since the only Baptiste studio is in the middle of nowheres-ville. We did all of my favorite poses (handstands, crow, dancer, standing splits) and I was a very content yoga noodle at the end.

Afterwards, I had the standard:

muffin (2)

I’m not sick of these yet, but I’m sorry if you’re sick of seeing pictures of them 😉 They’re just SO good. To make the protein muffin even more exciting, I stuffed it with 3 squares of sea salt dark chocolate halfway through cooking.

muffin

Oh yeah.

I was planning of afternoon acupuncture, but since they couldn’t get me an appointment until tomorrow, I went to get shoes for work instead. My old Zumba shoes are killing me and my Asics have seen their better days, so I hit up the Nike outlet.

PURPLE Zumba shoes:

shoes

and weight room/regular teaching shoes:

shoes (2)

Both for $70! Amazing. In between shoe-picking, I grabbed a Venti iced passion tea and a thing of cashews from Starbucks. I’ve been obsessed with the passion teas lately- that means summer is officially on the way.

I’m off to get to work on those Fitness and Fun pages, and also creating a fun cardio workout to post in the morning 🙂

Enjoy your night and I’ll see ya laterrrr <3

xoxo

Gina

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170 Comments

  1. Alana on May 3, 2011 at 3:30 am

    Love the bloggy makeover…looks great!

  2. Ruth on May 3, 2011 at 4:01 am

    Woooo hoooo! Great job!

  3. Tamara on May 3, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Ahh, the new blog looks cute but is wacky on my macbook 🙁 Very hard to read!

    BRB..throwing my macbook out. haha

    • Robin on May 3, 2011 at 9:46 am

      I second that….it is not so great on my mac 🙁

      • Jenn on May 3, 2011 at 1:27 pm

        thirded!

        • M on May 3, 2011 at 2:42 pm

          Fourth it!

          • kellyo on May 3, 2011 at 4:38 pm

            Looks great on my mac!



          • Melissa on May 3, 2011 at 10:43 pm

            That’s so weird… it looks great on my macbook!



  4. Morgan on May 3, 2011 at 4:35 am

    I still cannot get over how fabulous the new blog design is! Also, those shoes are so much fun!!

  5. Karen on May 3, 2011 at 6:03 am

    Looks great! Going to have to try the muffin.

  6. Little Bookworm on May 3, 2011 at 6:12 am

    Love the new blog design – it looks great! Great photo on the side as well!

  7. Hailey on May 3, 2011 at 6:19 am

    HOT HOT HOT! love the new look!!

  8. Katherine: Unemployed on May 3, 2011 at 6:24 am

    what is the difference in zumba and regular shoes in terms of structure? (like the new layout but not wild about the new banners; also the site’s width is wider than my screen so I have to scroll left/right)

    • Yvette on May 3, 2011 at 11:40 am

      I have the same problem. I can’t read the whole thing on my screen and have to scroll over. I can’t imagine anyone offended by this picture? I guess I need to keep reading to find out why.

      Personally I like it and sxpecially like the way you listed the archive pages at the bottom. I haven’t seen someone do that before and it’s awesome.

  9. Christine @ Burning It Off on May 3, 2011 at 6:29 am

    Love the new layout, especially the header. It looks a lot cleaner but still has lots of pink, which is what I loved most about the old layout. Very nice!

  10. Susanne on May 3, 2011 at 7:12 am

    The new blog design is gorgeous!!!

  11. Natalie on May 3, 2011 at 7:26 am

    Love the new design of the bloggy blog! It’s super organized too! 🙂

  12. Tessa @ Amazing Asset on May 3, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Love the design! It keeps the same qualities you had on the old one but it looks more professional 🙂 and of course I am glad you kept the pink!

  13. jenna on May 3, 2011 at 8:11 am

    sweet deal on the shoes!! Awesome blog face lift! 🙂 love it gina!!

  14. P!nky on May 3, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Gina, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new blog design! While your old blog was still awesome this design BLOWS it away. I really like the new archives, so much easier to use! Have a fabulous day!
    xoxo,
    P!nky

    ps.com AWESOME SHOES 🙂

  15. Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life on May 3, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Gina, love your new design!! It’s so nice and clean…definitely very you! 🙂

  16. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine on May 3, 2011 at 8:50 am

    I’m seriously in love with the new look- Cody did a great job!! I’m going to be checking out his site because the last web designer I was supposed to work with fell through, and this page looks AWESOME!! Can’t wait for all the adventures to come 🙂

  17. Ana on May 3, 2011 at 8:58 am

    Nice new design! And I love your new shoes!!!! (plus, what a great deal you got on them, wow!)
    Ana

  18. Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) on May 3, 2011 at 9:09 am

    It looks amazing Gina!! I love the new look <3

  19. Suzanne on May 3, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Love the blog design!

    What model/style are those Nike sneaks for the weight room? I’m looking for some new ones. Thanks! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on May 3, 2011 at 10:38 am

      nike air fly strong 🙂

  20. Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food on May 3, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Congratulations on the new design! I looks wonderful and, as you say, so grown up 🙂

  21. Kristin (Cook, Bake, Nibble) on May 3, 2011 at 9:21 am

    The new bloggie looks fab!!! Love it, totally you 🙂

    xo

  22. LisaG on May 3, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I looked at shoes yesterday too. But, 140 was way too much. I need a deal like you found. I think you should add a spot for pilot food under your food recipes. I think you used to have your salmon recipe and chicken enchiladas under there bc I used to refer to them. You probably already have plans for other stuff; you can’t get it all working perfectly at once. Like I already said I think your new format is totally you. Can’t have too much pink either!

  23. claire on May 3, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Loooove the new look!!

  24. Babs on May 3, 2011 at 10:04 am

    LOVE the new layout! It’s very Gina-esque:)

    Question…what are your thoughts on flat shoes for weight lifting. I generally lift in my running shows but keep hearing about better lifts due to flat shoes like Converse, Vibrams etc. Thoughts? I might be more hardcore into lifting than others so this question may not apply to everyone.

    My Apt gym is getting Zumba!!! Totally excited to do some everning dancing.

    Babs in Austin,TX

    • Fitnessista on May 3, 2011 at 10:31 am

      i personally couldn’t wear flat shoes for weights (i need stability) but some people love them!! my feet just need more support. if you do try it, make sure to gradually add time while you wear them (wear them around the house first)

    • am on May 3, 2011 at 1:10 pm

      running shoes actually offer a *lack* of stability when lifting. when squatting, olympic lifting, and even doing some standing pressing, you’d do better in a flat shoe. otherwise, what you’re doing is putting a whole buncha weight on your back and then trying to maneuver it on a squishy surface, on a surface that changes. think about it like this: you don’t do snatches on a soft mat–you do them on the platform, or at least a hard gym floor.

      if you’re using not-huge dumbbells and not doing any olympic moves then, well, don’t sweat it. you’re probably fine. but if you’re putting even triple digits on your back, then, seriously, it’s not a question. padded vs. flat shoes aren’t something lifters debate about. they wear the latter.

      if you can go really minimal, i frequently lift in deadlift slippers (supah cheap–<$10). chucks absolutely work, too, and for a reasonable price.

      (i know i don't have a blog or anything, but )

  25. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on May 3, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Nice new layout!!! Have a great day!

  26. kari on May 3, 2011 at 10:22 am

    hi gina, i stumble on your blog a while back and i have truly enjoyed reading it and getting to know you here. you and your hubby are so cute together! i have enjoy making the breakfast cookie and protein balls and of course since Im a health nut i love the protein muffin a lot! your bella is so adorable too. well, your new blog design is awesome. i have learn a lot reading your blog and look forward to reading it. have a great day.

    • Fitnessista on May 3, 2011 at 10:30 am

      thank you!!! you have a great day, too 🙂

  27. ilovefetacheese on May 3, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Bloggy looks so much better and love the color!!! Woot woots!!

  28. Errign on May 3, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Ahhh looooove it!

    I have to say, I usually have no desire to eat the protein cakes/muffins etc that pop up all over the blog world. but damnnn you make them look tasty!

  29. Gina B on May 3, 2011 at 11:54 am

    Love the new design 🙂 I think the pic on the side looks great, and I think it’s adorable that you put Bella on the top banner!

    Also, thank you for the protein muffin reminders…this morning I finally made one. I was craving something sweet, and it was perfect! Yum! 😉

  30. Amanda on May 3, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    MUCH more user-friendly and adooorable. And def. more professional and pleasing to the eyes!
    I’m just a bit confused about the picture on the left– it doesn’t look like you’re working all that hard, and more confused by the sight of that dumbbell? haha. I totally get where your inspiration came from for that picture, but just thought it looks more alien than “i’m a bada$$ in the gym”
    hope that’s not too rough– just putting in my two cents.

    ps- your arms look riiiiiipped!

  31. Melissa on May 3, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    Hey Gina! Great upgrade, congrats!

    Heads up: The website isn’t resolving itself very sexily through my Android phone, but that’s only important if you mean to have a mobile version of the site!

    I (sorry!) agree about the picture….You’re obviously GORGEOUS, but the picture is more “Oooo! Look! a dumbbell!” than “I work out hard!”

    Ya know, I always thought this IS a big blog! 🙂 Please don’t down-play yourself. The only limitations are the ones that we place on ourselves. Be the blog you want to be (and those are EXCELLENT blogs to model yourself after).

    Congrats again, please don’t take this criticism badly, I’m very honest and at the end of the day it’s just one person’s opinion. I figure feedback is always useful, and it really does come from a positive place.

    Mel

  32. Carolina on May 3, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    I love the new design, looks so good! Congrats Gina!

  33. Nikki on May 3, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I love the new layout! I have to be honest though, the picture to the left is a little weird. It’s not a bad picture (and it’s not offensive like you mentioned in your follow-up post) but like, I definitely wouldn’t have this window open at work since the photo doesn’t scroll up.. it would seem inappropriate for people to walk by.

  34. Angela on May 3, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Love the new blog design!!! You look gorgeous!

  35. Amanda on May 3, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    Love the redesign! The pic on the side is gorgeous : )

  36. Elizabeth on May 3, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    I think the new site looks awesome! I never would have thought it looked like “oh look a dumbbell”, I think it looks like – I am a BADASSS. Let’s get big yo! 🙂 Love it!

  37. Christin@purplebirdblog on May 3, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    I think the new design looks amazing! Way to kick it up a notch, girlfriend!

  38. Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo) on May 3, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    Love your new glam shot! Wow. And your protein muffin looks so great- at first I thought it was some amazing new english muffin that I hadn’t yet discovered- the chocolate in the middle half way thru is da bomb!! Purple zumba shoes!? I wonder if they are special dance shoes!? I love when I’ve been to masters classes, the real zumba queens and kings wear all sorts of cool, fun, almost urban flashdance outfits and they dance with each other! so fun- I need to get back to some classes!

    Congrats on the new look!

  39. Sarah Anne on May 4, 2011 at 11:16 am

    I do like the new layout – but I hate to say it, I’d rather see a picture of you smiling, lifting, laughing or otherwise enjoying life as you always seem to be. (Rather than staring quietly at a dumbell) I guess to me, while you’re beautiful and I have serious arm envy, the picture doesnt seem as ‘full of life’ as we all know you are! LOOOVE the pink! Good work Cody! It’s pretty and sleek!

  40. Ali on May 5, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Hi Gina! I also love the new blog! It looks amazing and the picture of you with the weight is totally fine! This is the post I was looking for because today I made SmoothieGirlEat’s protein muffin and I must have done something wrong! You must not have used pumpkin since it’s not orange or unsweetened cocoa powder. Can you share the changes you made? I really want to like this snack. Also reader request! I live in Florida where there are no Trader Joe’s. Can you make a list of your staples? I’m going to North Carolina next week and can’t wait to pick up some goddies! Thanks 🙂

    • Fitnessista on May 5, 2011 at 9:47 am

      i used applesauce instead of the pumpkin, and brown rice flour instead of coconut flour 🙂
      staples:
      green salsa
      brown rice tortillas
      seaweed snacks
      almond butter
      dark chocolate (the almonds with sea salt and dark chocolate are amazing)
      dried fruit and raw nuts (so much less expensive)

      • Ali on May 5, 2011 at 10:46 am

        You are amazing! Thanks for writing me back! :))))

  41. Sarah on May 7, 2011 at 8:59 am

    i love love LOVE your new design/layout! So cute

    • Fitnessista on May 7, 2011 at 8:14 pm

      thank you! i’m glad you like it

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