Virtual green juice date
Hi friends ๐ Hope your day is going well! How about a green juice?
Itโs been a while since Iโve done a virtual wine date post, and since Iโm definitely missing my favorite red (ok, and since it’s 7am haha), I thought a morning green juice would suffice. ๐ So, please pull up a chair, letโs grab our acai bowls (they go quite nicely with green juice) and hang out a bit. ๐
If we were having green juice right now, Iโd want to hear all about what youโve been up to. Howโs the fam? The kids/pets? What are you up to this summer? Do you have any summer travel plans?
If we were having green juice, I would tell you that weโre headed to Richmond, VA and Orange, VA for a wedding! Itโs my first time in Virginia and Iโm so excited to check it out and explore a bit in between wedding festivities. One of the Pilotโs best friends is getting married, so weโre thrilled to be heading out to celebrate with them. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for the area!
As far as summer travel plans go, Iโd probably tell you how stoked I am for our family trip to Maui. It can be a little tricky to plan vacations with the Pilotโs schedule, and Iโm so glad it worked out that we were able to plan a bit in advance and spend some time as our a family of 3 before little lady arrives this fall. He joked that we were going from one beach to another beach, but from what Iโve heard, Hawaii is unlike anything here in the US. One of my friends said it feels like youโre in a different country. I have a huge list of ideas for things to see and do (ok, and eat), thanks to some guide books and your awesome recommendations.
If we were having green juice right now, weโd probably talk about the baby and the fam a little bit. Livi is still just as bright and spunky as ever, the Pilot is great (and is crushing an intense workout plan right now; heโs going on month 4!), and weโre really excited about the baby. So many people I see daily have been kind to ask me how Iโm feeling, and I always say Iโm feeling well (which is true, thank goodness), but how do I really feel? Jolly, sleepy, and like I want to eat all the acai and pitaya bowls. That about sums it up. If I could spend my entire day in the horizontal position, only waking to shovel spoonfuls of smoothie bowls into my face, it would be a good day, indeed.
If we were having green juice right now, Iโd invite you to my first yoga class! Iโve been brainstorming some ideas to make it meaningful, and also working on my playlist. Any fave yoga songs I should add on there?
So tell me friends: what are you up to?? Summer travel plans? Something youโre excited/happy/excited/nervous about??
See ya later today with a delicious gluten-free cake recipe. ๐
xoxo
Gina
Check in with todayโs workout!
Need some workout inspiration? Try this Orangetheory-inspired treadmill workout. The rowing segments break up the treadmill intervals nicely, and itโs the perfect mix of challenging, quick and sweaty.
Have an amazing time in Maui! I was in Hawaii for the first half of April, and I already want to go back. Their beaches really are unlike anything else in the US! It is pretty unbelievable to have gorgeous beaches on one side, and green mountains on the other. The only problem is that I never want to leave after a trip there… ๐
So sad I’m going to be out of town for Pure Barre training while you’re here in RVA! Brittany promised to give you a big hug for me. ๐ Enjoy RVA, and come back soon so I can teach you a PB class! ๐
Sounds amazing! I could use a vacation. I am looking forward to the walls going up next month on the house my amazing boyfriend and I are building!!!
When you are in Maui you HAVE to have breakfast at Chez Meme. I’m usually not pushy with my vacation suggestions, but this place had some of the best breakfast options I’ve ever tasted (and is very kid friendly). The most delicious goat cheese omlettes, pancakes, and fresh juices. We ended up going two mornings in a row because of the food and gorgeous French atmosphere.
Over juice I’d also tell you that my first trimester has been a bit of a doozy so far in terms of queezy feelings and the need for allthesalt&vinegarchips, but I’m incredibly excited for our first doctor’s appointment next week. ๐
i’m so SO excited for you!!
and yes, i will put that on the list! ๐
I’d tell you how I’m coming to SD in a few weeks for a wedding! It’s my first time in the area and I’m excited to explore some of the places that you talk about so often!
Sooooo jealous you are going to Maui! I went to Hawaii in high school on a Hawaiian cruise and it was FABULOUS! We went to a macadamia nut factory, very cool!
We have a few fun vacations planned for this summer we are excited about, Branson with family and the beach in a couple of weeks (Florida)!
Tonight I am spending time with a friend to see her new house and drink some wine (I will have a glass for you?!?! lol), tomorrow evening we are meeting up with some friends for a park date and dinner, and my 10 year high school reunion is Saturday. Where did the time go! I need a new outfit so will probably do that on my lunch break!
Sounds like you will have a fun weekend as well. Never been to Virginia but would love to go!!!
please do have some wine for me ๐
have fun at your reunion, too!!
Culpepper is close to Orange, VA and has a cute main street area to walk around.
When I stayed in Richmond, Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe was right down the street. They have these huge windows/doors that open to the street. It’s bright, airy, and the food was so so good. We didn’t want to eat anywhere else it was so convenient and delicious. We went to the one downtown. https://theurbanfarmhouse.net/
There is also a pretty cool trail right in the middle of town but once you are on it, you’d never guess you were still in a metro area – James River Trail System.
If you use spotify, search relevent to terms for great yoga tunes. Jess Amendola is one of my favorite teachers to get music ideas by. I recently did a funk playlist in my hot detox clas with Stevie wonder and such that was a huge hit.
awesome- thank you!!
I’m traveling to PA next month for my brother’s wedding and to visit my family. My husband and I moved to San Francisco in December and have no family out here so I cannot wait to see everyone! When we get back we are going to go to Yosemite and hopefully do the Half Dome hike if we can get a permit.
I’m soooo excited/ anxious for my 20 week ultrasound in two weeks. Longest two weeks ever….
I just bought all the ingredients to make green juice at the grocery store the other day ๐
Oh man Maui is glorious. I hope you rent a car and go inland a little. My favorite day (of like, my life) is when we went to the flying goat farm and got all this fresh goat cheese and then yo the lavendar farm down the road and ate goat cheese and lavendar lemonaid in the sunshine. So, so blissful. Also the baby goats were super cute.
we will have a car! all of these sounds incredible
In Richmond, you definitely have to check out Sugar Shack. Their doughnuts are to die for, and they have super interesting flavors. Delish!
ok this has to happen
You’re so cute! Sounds like a perfect summer. Can’t wait to “meet” this new little babe! Thanks for being such a good example on how to raise good humans.
thank you so much, lovely!
I’ve been to Richmond once before and will be there later this year for a wedding as well. There’s an area in Richmond called Shortpump which is nice, and the downtown area is also good to roam around.
As for Maui, I’ve been once before , and each island in Hawaii is different from the other. Oahu has a metropolitan city feel ( diamondhead Crater is gorgeous there) Mainland Hawaii (Kona) has a lot of historic site seeing and we did a submarine ride there. Maui is mostly volcanic land ( you’ll be surprised at the drastic change in terrain) and good for helicopter rides. I don’t remember any of the foodspots , other than the Luau we did while there , because the scenery > food.
Hope you have fun!
Love this! If we were having a green juice date I would update you on how I was feeling about my dad passing away- it’s been a little over two weeks. Everyone seems to ask, and “good” is how I always answer- I think that’s the short version of how I feel. I feel confused, and lost, and sad and relieved. So, I don’t feel bad! I miss my mom back home, on the other side of the country- and worry about her all the time! Who’s the parent? lol. I’ve lived in this new state of GA for almost a year! I’m still not used to it, but I think I’m starting to like it! I want to buy a house and start a family with my husband- but at the same time I want to go on a month long vacation to Europe…decisions decisions! Haha. This time in adulthood feels so confusing! But I know I’ll get there:-)
“Good” is all you need to give people until you’re ready for more. <3 <3 <3
<3
i’m so sorry to hear that, but happy that you’re hanging in there despite everything going on. it’s definitely a transitional time. i’m thinking about you! <3
I live in Richmond, how exciting that you’re coming here! Please check out Stella’s if you get a chance- it’s the Greek food of my dreams. Also Shyndigz has the best cake you’ve ever had ๐
both sound incredible!
You are so gonna love Hawaii! It really is magical like you’re in another country! Vacation for me this summer is going to CA for week in July. Part of the week in San Diego and the rest in L.A. for IDEA.
yay, maybe i’ll get to see you there!
Charlottesville VA is great. Huge running community and lots of great restaurants.
I will be going to the beach in August for lots of stand up paddle boarding, yoga, riding bikes and beach time ๐
I always love these posts! Definitely bring up things that otherwise wouldn’t have come up from blogging.
If we were having a green juice, I would ask a million questions about your move to San Diego, as I’m currently looking into moving to either San Francisco or San Diego (currently living in the UK, despite being originally from Canada). I would talk about my upcoming trip in July to Istanbul, Turkey; as well as my visit home to Canada in September.
they are both amazing places! let me know if you have any questions!! enjoy turkey. i’ve heard so many great things about it
I’m so excited you’re going to Hawaii!! You are going to love it. It’s my favorite place in the world. Josh and I already did our Puerta Vallarta trip in March so we’re taking a break from travel until we go to Tampa in October. I’m hoping to do a long weekend in Kansas City sometime this summer though!
Ah! That’s so exciting you’re going to Richmond – my fiance is from there and we’re moving there this fall. So bummed I’ll miss you – I would have had you sign my book!
Aaaahhhh I LOVE Hawaii! I can’t wait to go back again… Flying back to LAX after being there was so depressing hahaha.
No really summer travel plans for me. I’m from Massachusetts, and flying LAX to Boston at anytime is SO expensive. I just can’t rationalize a $400+ ticket for a weekend. But I think I’m going out there for a week in September! I actually deleted instagram, facebook, and snapchat off my phone bc I’m already getting such bad FOMO and anxiety seeing all my friends hanging out together on the island hahah. So far it has helped a LOT.
Thats about it. Playing soccer a lot, training for the 50 miler, crushing it at work (i think, im pretty sure…), aaannnddd slowly but surely finishing off my giant birthday cake from this weekend heheh
Hawaii is going to be wonderful! It’s on my list of top spots to visit. My summer plans are low-key so far, but I definitely plan to travel to New Jersey to see my family in July or August.
We are getting married in Charlottesville, which is right near Orange, and if you can, you must go! There is a lot of neat history in the area (Montpelier, Monticello, the University of Virginia Rotunda and Lawn- Go Hoos!) and amazing food! The restaurants I would argue couldddd rival San Diego, and that is saying something, I know. Favorites include Mas Tapas, Brookville, Bang, Red Pump Kitchen, Orzo, Bluegrass Grill (the biscuits)…the list goes on! Bodo’s makes some out of this world bagels (and the Cleo salad) too. Their famer’s market is also so great on Saturday mornings. It is a very walkable, kid-friendly place. I hope you enjoy Virginia!
Good luck for your first yoga class! That is so exciting. Just let your true self shine through and you will do amazing. I am doing a YTT in Costa Rica in January and am excited/nervous!
We just got back from an amazing trip to Whistler, BC. To me that is my kind of heaven! I am excited about a short trip to Tampa in July.
Scruffy (Bella’s male twin!) is doing well and sassy as ever. If they ever met I think that they would truly be a match!
Love Virginia,so prettu! We had a destination wedding of sorts right outside Culpepper and it was gorgeous. Enjoy!
Wish I lived in SD so I could make it to your first yoga class! One day I will!! My parents just got back from Maui so I’m living vicariously through everyone else who is going to Hawaii ๐ I’m excited for you, you’ll all have a fabulous time!
If only I lived closer to you, I would totally take your yoga class! Good luck!
I’m in the area and would love to check out your yoga class. Details? (:
i will email them!
You guys will LOVE Maui!! I’m sure Virginia will be beautiful too. I’ve never been, but have heard great things. Good luck with your yoga class this weekend! Wish I could come!
Excited about the fact I’m ready to “pop” any day!!! ๐ Very excited for the summer ahead since I live in Wisconsin & warm weather is rare here! I def. need to to try an acai bowl… if only they were around my town!
Richmond eats: Kuba, Kuba, Can Can, Carytown Burgers and Fries, Galaxie Dinner. People also like Sticky Rice, but I can’t personally recommend it, but it would be worth looking into.
If Livi is going to be with you, Richmond has a fantastic Children’s Museum (we like the Short Pump branch for our 3 year old daughter and 1 year old son, but the main branch on Broad Street is HUGE AND FANTASTIC too.) We just went to the Metro Richmond Zoo last Saturday and it was a small, but very nice zoo and had a play area and train ride perfect for Livi’s age.
Richmond shopping: Short Pump and Stony Point Malls are outdoor shopping malls. Bonus: Stony Point has a children’s area with fountains. Carytown is a unique street in downtown with restaurants and unique shopping.
There is a reason why Hawaii feels “unlike anything here in the U.S.”…
http://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/the-struggle-for-hawaiian-sovereignty-introduction
If you will be in the (very small) town of Orange, check out Sparks restaurant! Great food and people. But I suggest you stop in Charlottesville, VA (just 45 min south of Orange and where I’m from!). We have an amazing Farmer’s Market on the Downtown Mall on Saturday mornings from 7-12. Some of my favorite restaurants are:
Brunch/breakfast- La Taza (Latin inspired), Blue Moon Diner (get SWEET POTATO FRIES), and Bluegrass Bakery & Grill
Lunch- Eppie’s (very kid friendly!), Revolutionary Soup, Basil (great salads), Feast! (they use mostly or all local products)
Dinner- MAS Tapas (get bacon wrapped dates), Mono Loco (innovative twist on Mexican), Citizen Burger Bar (they have GF buns), Sedona Taphouse (so many GF options and great food)
FROYO- Arch’s
But if none of these appeal to you, don’t worry because there are about a billion more great food places in Charlottesville.
You could also explore some of the hiking or (over 40) vineyards in the area!
I hope you have a wonderful time! This area is so beautiful and very special!
That sounds like a summer full of fun and adventures! good luck with your yoga class!! If we were having a green juice date I would confess that I have never had green juice before… LOL. I would tell you how excited I am that we are finally getting nice weather here. I live in northeastern Canada and it was still snowing about a week ago! But it is now warming up and the blossoms and flowers are coming out nicely! I am looking forward to canoe trips with my hunny this summer! And looking forward to my sister coming to visit for a week! Xo
We just moved from Richmond after living there for 2 years! Stella’s is fabulous Greek food, Carytown Burgers is great for burgers, and we loved the Short Pump mall because it’s outdoors and pet friendly. If you’re in the mood for a fun hike, try Belle Isle! There’s a trail there as well as an area for swimming in the river, and you can walk right over the bridge that goes over the James River – it’s really pretty! Enjoy!
Ahh I grew up in Richmond, you’re gonna love it! Carytown is great for shopping and eating, and Short Pump is also pretty awesome. I live in Williamsburg now, which is only about an hour away from Richmond and makes for a great day trip. Lots of history, fun kids stuff, and Busch Gardens.
so excited for your and your first yoga class! what kind of vibe are you going for with the play list?
Have fun with your first yoga class!! I got certified about two years ago and love teaching. I use spotify for my playlists which has been awesome – not sure whether you will be using all yoga/kirtan music or some regular/mainstream music, too .. if you’re interested I’m happy to pass along my username and you can check out some of my playlists! xo
i wanted to use a mix of the two. i would love your spotify username!
Isn’t having travel plans the best? Gives us something to look forward to ๐ VA and HI this summer… sounds awesome!
I’m headed to northern CA in a couple weeks to visit a friend, then in July to the east coast for a wedding. We might go back to Maui this winter to escape the brutal Midwest weather, I seriously think I left my heart there last time I visited. Great food, beautiful beaches, and wonderful people. Don’t forget to get a plumeria hair clip for Livi when you get there ๐
I’m dying to hear about your Maui trip plans… we are stopped there for 3 days after Kauai for our honeymoon end of September and am trying to get a top 5 list:)
My boyfriend & I are going to the Florida Keys in 2 weeks, & I am beyond excited! We are flying into Miami & are splurging on a convertible for the scenic drive to Key West. While we’re there, we are taking a seaplane to Dry Tortugas island to snorkel & explore the fort. We also have a sunset cruise booked 1 evening. It’s on an old pirate ship that even has a working canon (my bf is going to go apeshit). At the end of the week we are spending 3 days in Key Largo, & have an all-day guided tour planned in the Everglade Nat’l Park that includes hiking, kayaking, etc. I’m counting down the days like a little kid! ๐
If we were having green juice I’d tell you that I’m traveling to the Finger Lakes in NY for my husband’s half ironman with my 17mo son which I’m a little nervous about because he is not the easiet with schedule changes! Also, I’m in the middle of your book and its giving me the motivation to finally get back to working out and healthy eating after an almost 2 year break! Love it, and the blog:)
Hawaii TOTALLY feels like a completely different country! You will LOVE it. I’ve never been to Maui but I was in Kauai for nine glorious days last year at this time. It’s a magical place – I’m sure you’re going to have an unbelievable trip.
If we were having green juice, I’d tell you that I broke down and ordered a Stitch Fix box after reading your reviews. It’s supposed to come today! I’m pretty excited. I hope at least one item works! *Fingers crossed* ๐
Hi, Gina!
No green juice for me…lunch time though, so I’ve got a *huge* leafy salad with asparagus and tons of veggies. I sincerely believe that any good salad is made of a 60/40 ratio of veggie to lettuce!
My favorite yoga song that an instructor has ever used is “Finally Moving” by Pretty Lights. I love that song anyway, but it took me to a whole new flow dimension! One of these days I’d love to take a class with you…yoga or otherwise. Tour some day?!
No big summer plans here. Next year I’ll be graduating with my Master’s in Occupational Therapy AND it’ll be my 30th birthday, so I am planning a big Italy adventure then. (I think I have read your posts probably 1000 times in my various day-dream/planning modes!)
Glad that you, Liv, Pilot, and baby are doing well!
Totally agree- the more toppings, the better! Next year is a great year for you!! Huge congrats and you will LOVE italy
Hawaii sounds like so much fun! I’m planning my first trip to California from Long Island and will be staying in San Diego! I’ve read and re-read your SD posts to get some ideas for fun things to do while we’re there…can’t wait!!
Whoo hoo!! Tiki port!
OH my gosh, Hawaii sounds absolutely dreamy. You guys are going to have the best time! I’ve never been but I’ve only heard amazing things. Enjoy the last retreat as a family of 3! <3
Thank you so much, friend! Hopefully I’ll get to see you a few weeks after!
Ah yes, you will love Maui! It is a surreal place indeed. which I think goes along with the surreal feeling of being pregnant! This is such a special time for all of you! I’m so happy you’re experiencing a positive pregnancy. I was lucky to have 3 positive experiences as well ๐ Thank you, God!
Good luck with planning your yoga class! Will you share your playlist with us once final? I’d be super interested to hear it!
We are loving summer break here and planning a trip to St Augustine. FL, in Sept for my little bro’s wedding!
Thank you so much! So happy to hear you had great experiences, too and yes, I’ll definitely post the finished playlist!
I just came across your blog a couple days ago and I seriously can’t get enough! Thank you so much for your daily posts, recipes and workout routines. You really inspire me with your high on life attitude!
Thank you and keep it up!
Thank you so much for reading!! Nice to meet you ๐ xoxo
I’d love to try to make it to your yoga class! Im local and I’ve been on a yoga kick lately and doing about 3 classes a week.
Also my boyfriend and I will be in Maui this summer too. What’s on your list of must do and eat?
Email me! I’ll send you yoga deets and my Maui spreadsheet ๐