Was August Awesome? [giveaway]
*******************************This giveaway ended Sept. 1, 2011 at 10:30 EST. Stay tuned for the next one!
At the beginning of this month, I posted a list of 10 Ways to Make August Awesome. It’s always fun to have some monthly motivation and goals, so I’ll probably do similar lists for each month 😀
Bella’s August in a snapshot:
Here’s what was on there and how I did with my own personal list:
1. Have something to look forward to. For me, it was Healthy Living Summit – just as amazing as I anticipated it to be. The best part? Getting the Pilot away from work for a weekend so he could join me 😉
2. Create a goal for the month. First my goal was to practice more yoga, but it just didn’t happen. I just feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially since I can’t rock out handstands or arm balances right now, so I didn’t practice as much as I would have liked. [Looking back, it’s such a lame excuse. If I want to do it, I should do it, that’s all there is to it] Instead, I began to work on another goal that may come into fruition, but I’m superstitious and won’t post about it until all is bueno 😉
3. Plan a dinner party. Done and done! Now that our house has been “warmed” and 99.9% of our stuff is unpacked, we can start to have frequent smaller dinner parties like we used to. I’m so excited 😀
4. Go through your summer clothes and determine which ones you’d like to get rid of before storing the rest for fall and winter. I actually did this one before I posted this list, and my closet feels SO good! Bonus: room for new clothes! Heh heh.
5. Go for a swim! This didn’t happen. I thought it would motivate me to do it, but nope. I’m a floater, not a swimmer 😉
6. Pick up a new cookbook to try this month, or borrow one from a friend. This was exciting because I unpacked all of my cookbooks, including 3 new ones that I didn’t get to use before we moved from Valdosta. I can’t wait to bust into them!
[We have another shelf full of cookbooks, too. Forgotten treasures!!]
7. Sign up for a fitness event with a friend. I haven’t done this one yet, but am seriously considering the spring half marathon here in Tucson. I was supposed to do it this past year, but didn’t since I went to LA instead for Gatorade. This one will be about 12 weeks after the baby is born, so I’ll walk/run it, but really want to add some running back into my routine. I miss the “ex boyfriend” – it’s funny how you miss things when you can’t do them 😉 I ran a little first trimester, but it felt weird after a while so I stopped.
8. Scope out some new jeans for fall. This one happens on an almost daily basis. My pick for fall:
Love the cut, wash, length, everything 🙂
9. Go out for a girls night 😀 I’m lucky to be surrounded by girls in the squadron who always want to hang out- we did quite a few dinners and movie nights 🙂
10. Eat a pizookie. This one actually didn’t happen! The Pilot and I were planning a pizookie date, and then he had to work late that night and we just didn’t go. I did have fondue this month, though 😉
So was your August Awesome?
Here’s one more way for that to happen:
You see, I bought a boatload of macaroon supplies for HLS and didn’t have time to make them before our trip.
I love almonds, but I don’t think I need 3 lbs 😉
So I’d love to make a custom batch of macaroons for a reader- any flavor: Meyer lemon lavender, blonde, chocolate, mocha, chocolate almond butter, super roon [Of course, other things may sneak their way into the package, too]
*******************************This giveaway ended Sept. 1, 2011 at 10:30 EST. Stay tuned for the next one!
See ya later today with a Fashion post <3
xoxo
Gina
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I’m a newish reader- macaroons sound amazing!!! 😀 I’m loving the mix of food& fashion on your blog. And the pup!!
i finally tried nutritional yeast on popcorn last night and it was delicious! however, it didn’t really stick to the popcorn so when i got to the bottom of the bowl, there was an entire pile of the nutritional yeast! any tips/suggestions for getting it to “stick” to the popcorn?
Gina, you are a complete inspiration. Thank you for working so hard on this blog. I look forward to learning new things from you all the time. Giveaway or not, you are awesome. Thank you for your honesty and insight. You rock!
Your macaroons look amazing! I would love to win these! Do you have the recipe posted somewhere? I’ve been looking for a good, healthy macaroon recipe 🙂
I’d love to try these! You’re always talking about them, and never post the recipe… besides I don’t have a dehydrator, so you are my only key to trying this potential deliciousness…. please?
I would love to win! I have enjoyed your blog for awhile and the new family posts are great! I would love to see more recipes, quick and easy snack ideas! Of course I know you are busy busy and will be doing late night feedings and diaper changes soon…so I can’t wait to see how your little girl transforms your life 🙂 Kids are awesome!
I love macaroons – sounds yummy! Looking back on your 10 Ways to Make August Awesome reminded me that it’s both the little things and the big things in everyday. It sounds like your August was pretty awesome!
I absolutely love you blog!! I’m from Tucson, but moved away a few months ago and I love seeing all of your pictures from around town. Thanks for being a great Tucson blogger!!
i love when you do fashion posts! 🙂 i know pregnancy fashion can be tricky, but it’s fun to see your outfits – loved the philly fashion update.
this august? i got married!!! 🙂 yep. pretty much the best day of the month…oh, and the year…oh, and my life!
oh lordie! some roons sound great! ive had one full summer out of the air force, and it still feels like its just a long weekend- despite moving halfway across the country and five homes later! im really looking forward to in the next 6 months, buying our first home. im tired of moving and cant wait to unpack for the first time in 3 YEARS.
OOooh gosh I really want to try your macaroons, esp lemon lavender?!? heck ya…I made some last week but they were just ehhh.
What I’d like to see more on the blog…well I am loving the family posts so I hope these continue once the little fitnessista is born!!!!
Something fun from August was reconnecting with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. 🙂
I’d love to see more topics on hip flexibility and focus on posts for specific stretching techniques. I didn’t realize how many problems it could cause. Great blog! Keep it coming!
I love the idea of going through one’s closest. I really need to do that! That is my plan for today!
I’d love to keep seeing the home decor updates! I know this isn’t a home decor blog, but it kind of fits into the ‘family life’ and fashion department! Also looking forward to more posts about the nugette!
i LOVE hearing about your pregnancy!! Its so awesome and so beautiful!
Oh gosh, Gina’s Famous Macaroons! I die. I’m loving your Family posts, darlin’. My hubs and I want to try for a baby soon and I can’t get enough of these real-world tales of the whole process. Thanks for educating me!
I love pregnancy updates 🙂
My August was awesome! I am back in school and one step closer to finishing my college degree. Yipee!
I would LOVE to try the lemon/lavender variety 🙂
I love your blog because I love trying out all your awesome recipes and your strength routines. They have definitely helped push me through my early morning workouts. I just got a food dehydrator for my wedding this past June and hoping to try out more of your recipes with it! Would LOVE to get to try some of your yummy macaroons.
Your blog has helped me become a more balanced person. I used to be a little obsessive about exercise, and it took away from my time with friends and family, my happiness, and even my health (example: I ran on shin splints so much it turned into a stress fracture!). When I started reading your blog, I was inspired and encouraged to listen to my body more and especially to treat it with respect and let it recover. Thank you!!
I achieved my goal in August of fitting in at least one swim session for crosstraining. I did exactly one session and remembered why I hated it before!
i was just wondering the other day how much of little nuggette (or little “Ms E.?”) you’re going to share on the blog (as pictures are concerned…)? private or for everyone to see openly?
otherwise, thanks! you were the one that got me started with healthy living blogs, and now I can’t get enough…:-)
Oh macaroons…YUM! I would love a nice little batch. 🙂
Sounds like you’ve had a great August!! Glad to hear it. I can’t believe September is tomorrow! And speaking of pizookies, the hubby and I just had a pizookie date this past weekend, and it was AMAZING. Gotta love those pizookies.
My August brought me back from a trip to Italy (sad face) and into my second year of medical school! Reading blogs like yours really helps me keep my mind open about non-pharmaceutical ways of helping people be more healthy! Loves it!
Hi Gina!
I would love to try the macaroons! My August to-do was to switch up my haircolor for fall (took the plunge yesterday – just in the nick of time!) love your blog- keep up the great work! 🙂
I started reading your blog a few months ago and now it’s one of my favorites. I love your combination of food, family, and fitness. The best f words out there. And as for the macaroons, well, is there anything better than chocolate?
Oh, I’d love to try your macaroons!
Glad to hear your August was awesome 🙂 One thing that made my month awesome is that I completed the second part of the Insanity challenge! That’s right the last 30 days of the 60 day program were in August. I’m so thrilled and proud of the results. I worked my tush off; quite literally 🙂
I want to taste the delightfulness of your macaroons….badly! I have a ton of cookbooks too, some of them barely used. My idea for the rest of the year starting September is to pick one for the month and use it only for that month. Obviously, I won’t be using my baking ones…. although that would be a yummy, yummy month! 🙂
I have never tried macarons before … So I’m thinking, would it be like a charity thing, if I got them? 😉
As for blog wishes, I seriously have none extra, just looove reading the posts as they come.
(ok, I am a little biased to Focus on series, these are extra fun …)
Enjoy the day!
yayyy!! i love macaroons and would love to try the meyer lemon lavender, although i guess i’ll be forced to share with my boyfriend since those are his favorite cookies 😡
also, one of my favorite parts of your blog is the “focus on” posts. it’s always great to get new information about different types of workouts and a personal opinion about your experiences with them!
I just love seeing you on here regardless, so don’t worry about changing a thing!
Can I just say how much I was reeeeeally hoping that you were going to have some ‘roons with you at HLS? Ever since you got me hooked last year, I just can’t get them out of my head. If I were to win, I’d say that my September would be off to a pretty darn spectacular start. 🙂
Love your blog! I’ve gotten some great ideas for breakfast, lunch and snacks just from your posts on what you eat! The workouts are great too. Really, I love everything. Love seeing you decorate your house and get ready for your new family addition 🙂
I just love your blog! I love that you post multiple times a day because it gives me something to read in my downtime at work… which is a lot, sadly. It also helps motivate me to workout when I get off work and eat better!
Yummmm!
What is making the last day of my August awesome is that I am really close to taking the step to become a personal trainer! Just have to pick the organization to get the certification through and drop some $$!
Hi Gina!
Something fun about your blog…I read your post on silly baby accessories and I remember the nursing cover with the crazy print. Ever since reading about them here I feel like I have seen women using them everywhere!
They really do not look strange in real life though, even the bright ones are pretty tame.
I also like that your blog makes me feel not so alone in some of the things I do regarding food, such as bringing my own protein powder to the smoothie shop. I like my powder better and the smoothie guy does not care one bit. Win-win!
I love your blog and your macaroons look delicious!
I love your blog, especially the focus on posts. If I could have a taste of the famed macaroon glory I’d be tickled!
First time poster…..but wanted to let you know that I have been making your broccoli slaw/peanut sauce (using almond butter & almond milk) with shrimp. This is the BOMB!! So easy to make and filling – I have at least twice a week and now have my sister hooked too. Thanks for all of your inspiration:)
Hi Gina! I’m usually a lurker, but just looking at those roons makes me SWOON, as you would say…
Some things I would love to see in the blog coming up:
–Gina advice on love and relationships
–It would be awesome if you made a yoga video your readers could do! Or even a zumba video
–Healthy eating recipes for dummies… maybe a section on REALLY EASY stuff to make
–Definitely a fall fashion post: sweaters, boots, tights, the works!!!
–I know you don’t want to reveal little nugette’s name yet, but would love to hear about the baby-naming process, how you and Pilot decided, names you rejected, etc. 🙂
–DO’s and DON’T’s at the gym…could be a funny post!
–It’s awesome seeing how you decorated your house, so maybe a “fashion”-type post with pictures and tips for home decor?
Anyway, I love reading and always look forward to your posts! Thanks for all the hard work you do for us readers 🙂
This August has been probably the most important month of my life. Really. On August 2nd I decided that I was tired of being tired of being overweight. Rather than gripe and moan, I decided to “man” up and do something about it. Enter the lifestyle change. I’ve lost 9.5lbs so far and have been 100% successful in switching to a completely organic, whole foods diet (save for one “cheat meal” a week) and incorporating exercise into my daily routine. I’ve never been happier or prouder. I’ve never felt this good, either. In short, August has been amazing. I am thoroughly looking forward to September. 🙂
This is my favorite “healthy living” blog so there is not much I would change. I love how positive your blog is. One thing that I do hope to see more of is your baby! I love that you are sharing this part of your life with your readers and it makes me think that one day I might be half as excited to have a baby of my own!
I found your blog recently…and I just freaking love it. You’re so girly girl, and I don’t have a lot of that in my life, it’s fun to sneak over here and get a taste of that.
ALSO
I am ADDICTED to your breakfast cookie. I plan to make some Amazeballs soon. Also, trying the protein pancake soon.
I love your quasitarian approach to eating! I would have to say I eat the same! Some days I’m vegan and some days bacon and eggs is all I want for breakfast.
I haven’t tried one of your workouts yet. I am really strapped for time and would LOVE to see some ’10 minute’ workouts from you that still pack a punch! Maybe there’s a way to shorten the ones you’ve already got?
You have become the third blog I now read religiously. Keep at it girlie, I love your stuff!
Love your blog! I loooove macaroons, plain old almond flavor, chocolate, all of the above! My August was pretty awesome. I’m looking forward to my vacation in September (Puerto Vallarta!!), I lost 9.2lbs and have stuck to my workout plan since 7/25! Hope your September is equally SPECTACULAR!
My fave part of my August was buying my MBMJ bag …that you also own 🙂 , & also cardioing 4 days a week every week in August! Go me! & no changes for your blog, love it as always!
I am really enjoying all of the family posts!!
Macaroons Please!!
I can’t believe August has flown by like it has! Can’t wait to set new goals for September
Love, love, LOVE your blog! I wouldn’t change anything about it. The recipes you share are awesome, and you are such a positive person, if I’m ever feeling a little down, I’ll read the blog and instantly feel better 🙂 Keep up the great work!!!
Hi! I’ve been reading for quite a while but never commented before. Your positive attitude is infectious and you and the pilot are sooo cute! I love reading about your pregnancy journey and your yummy dessert recipes! Your macroons look delish!
Love the goal setting! I have set only 1 goal for this September, but I’m going to make it! I’ll let you know how it goes. I love the motivation for exercise and recipe blogs – more of that please.
My August was AWESOME bc I finally started to take control of my happiness – I’ve been to two interviews in the past week for different positions!