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. Itโ€™s always fun to have some monthly motivation and goals, so Iโ€™ll probably do similar lists for each month ๐Ÿ˜€

Bellaโ€™s August in a snapshot:

bell

Hereโ€™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 ๐Ÿ˜‰

us (2)

2. Create a goal for the month. First my goal was to practice more yoga, but it just didnโ€™t happen. I just feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially since I canโ€™t rock out handstands or arm balances right now, so I didnโ€™t practice as much as I would have liked. [Looking back, itโ€™s such a lame excuse. If I want to do it, I should do it, thatโ€™s all there is to it] Instead, I began to work on another goal that may come into fruition, but Iโ€™m superstitious and wonโ€™t post about it until all is bueno ๐Ÿ˜‰

3. Plan a dinner party. Done and done! Now that our house has been โ€œwarmedโ€ and 99.9% of our stuff is unpacked, we can start to have frequent smaller dinner parties like we used to. Iโ€™m so excited ๐Ÿ˜€

house party 011

4. Go through your summer clothes and determine which ones youโ€™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.

closet

5. Go for a swim! This didnโ€™t happen. I thought it would motivate me to do it, but nope. Iโ€™m a floater, not a swimmer ๐Ÿ˜‰

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 didnโ€™t get to use before we moved from Valdosta. I canโ€™t wait to bust into them!

cookbooks

[We have another shelf full of cookbooks, too. Forgotten treasures!!]

7. Sign up for a fitness event with a friend. I havenโ€™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 didnโ€™t since I went to LA instead for Gatorade. This one will be about 12 weeks after the baby is born, so Iโ€™ll walk/run it, but really want to add some running back into my routine. I miss the โ€œex boyfriendโ€ โ€“ itโ€™s funny how you miss things when you canโ€™t do them ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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:

image J Brand

Love the cut, wash, length, everything ๐Ÿ™‚

9. Go out for a girls night ๐Ÿ˜€ Iโ€™m lucky to be surrounded by girls in the squadron who always want to hang out-ย  we did quite a few dinners and movie nights ๐Ÿ™‚

10. Eat a pizookie. This one actually didnโ€™t happen! The Pilot and I were planning a pizookie date, and then he had to work late that night and we just didnโ€™t go. I did have fondue this month, though ๐Ÿ˜‰

fondue

So was your August Awesome?

Hereโ€™s one more way for that to happen:

You see, I bought a boatload of macaroon supplies for HLS and didnโ€™t have time to make them before our trip.

roon supplies

I love almonds, but I donโ€™t think I need 3 lbs ๐Ÿ˜‰

So Iโ€™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]

roons (2)

*******************************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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1,145 Comments

  1. michelle on August 31, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    My August was awesome! I just did my first triathlon with my 4 month old baby watching from the sidelines! I have loved reading your posts about your growing family. Your belly is adorable!

  2. Steph on August 31, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    I would just like to say I’m loving your “family” updates. As a fairly new Mom myself (actually my son is 16 months old…where does the time go?) I enjoy reading things from other new Moms. I can’t wait to see pics of your little sweetie!

  3. Hope on August 31, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    I would love more belly comparison photos on the family page. I love them. My friend is pregnant and sends us a side photo every Friday. I can’t wait for Fridays.

  4. Amy on August 31, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    August was crazy for us with our oldest going back to public school after 3 years of homeschooling and me returning to teaching at the University after a very long maternity leave. I took off starting in Dec 2008 when I was 6 months pregnant with #2 and #3 is now 5 months old. It’s only one class about 2 hours 2 days a week so it’s not so bad to ease back into.

  5. sandy n. on August 31, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    Enjoy your blog and recipes so much. Your energy level is amazing-a true inspiration! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Tracy on August 31, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I’m feeling super organized for the new school year since my 4 kids started 2 weeks ago! I’m also working on several new workout goals for myself ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Kelly on August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    It’s been a hot August! I’m ready for boots weather. ๐Ÿ™‚ Love the blog and I’m SO enjoying the family posts! I would be thrilled to win some ‘roons!

  8. Ashley on August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    Hi! My August was exciting because I started going to college! I love reading your blog and congratulations on your baby!

  9. Rachel on August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    August was a crazy month for me too, filled with ups and downs. I have been trying to get pregnant for several months now, and it is not coming so easily to me either. Reading your blog every day, with your advice, updates, and day-to-day posts, fills me with hope and happiness. Please keep it up!!

    • Fitnessista on August 31, 2011 at 8:34 pm

      sending baby vibes to you!

  10. Lauren on August 31, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    Love the spontaneous giveaway! Hope you do a post on September goals. Mine will include getting back into hot yoga as it starts to cool down. I miss it!

  11. Kimberly on August 31, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    I love reading your blog! I love all the healthy food you eat, you are a great inspiration ๐Ÿ™‚ The family posts are awesome too! Keep Up the great work!

  12. Clare @ Fitting It All In on August 31, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    So great to meet you at HLS! Loving your fashion posts and house party posts..so down to earth and fantastic!

  13. kristin on August 31, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    ahhh! one of these days i will finally win ๐Ÿ™‚ looooove your fashion posts!

  14. Morgan on August 31, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Bye bye August.. here in Florida we are ready for fall. I’ve been following your blog for awhile and think it’s so random that you lived in Valdosta. I’m from a small town very close to Valdosta. Small world ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. Kelly on August 31, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    I just love your blog. You are great at combining everything so it is interesting to ready. Yours is the only blog I read every day. Please never change a thing.

  16. Dana Marie on August 31, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    Hooray! for Roons! I am checking here after a marathon day at the US Open (not playing ball ๐Ÿ˜‰
    I love your blog and hope I get to try your roons someday soon! The Lemon/lavendar ones sound nice to go with some earl grey and the mocha with coffee! or any of the flavors!

  17. Amanda on August 31, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    I love your blog! I love your recipes, workouts and stories!

  18. Lauren on August 31, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    We moved into a barn this month. That’s my fun August fact ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Lindsay@LivingLindsay on August 31, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    I love your list and it makes me realize how much I need to get into my closet and tear it apart. Ugh – so dreading it, but I know i’ll feel better once I do it. ๐Ÿ™‚
    My August has been great! Lots of pool time, lots of family time. Can’t ask for much more! ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. Lindsay on August 31, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    For 16 years (=most of my life), I’ve wanted nothing more consistently than to move to Hawaii…in August, I got my dream job there, and I’m moving this week! This aloha August was AWESOME!

  21. Janice on August 31, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    It wasn’t the greatest August (broke up with my boyfriend on July 31st) but keeping busy and trying to improve myself has been helping thus far. Thanks for the constant inspirations to become a better me! ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. Ashley on August 31, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I found your blog a couple months ago and I’m in love. I love how you always include fitness blog posts, but you talk about other things as well.

    I hope your pregnancy is going great!

  23. Susie on August 31, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    This giveaway sounds fabulous!! I would love it if you could talk more about gluten. For example what negative effects gluten tends to have on you. I suspect that I might be gluten-sensitive but I don’t have any serious symptoms- just gas and bloating but no pain or anything, so I’m curious about the symptoms others have. Love your blog!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. Samantha C on August 31, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Gina your site has the prefect proportion of food, fitness, family & fashion. 4 very essential “F” words in life! Thank you!

  25. sMILES from Callie on August 31, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I love ALL of your recipes!! And I love sweets! Thirdly, I’d love to win which ever macaroons you think taste best…I’m leaning towards chocolate ๐Ÿ™‚

  26. Sara on August 31, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Meyer Lemon Lavender?? That sounds amazing! Is that a recipe you’ve ever posted, or would consider posting?

  27. Allison on August 31, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    I love your positive attitude on the blog.

  28. kari on August 31, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    i just want to say also like everyone else that I Love Your Blog! You, Hubby, and Bella are such a cute family and i love to to taste those Macaroons!

  29. Katie on August 31, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    I really like the workout information and recipes. I have to admit a few I’ve found on your blog have become dinner staples for my family. Being a mom myself, I really like your new family page. I’m so excited for you!!!

  30. Lynn on August 31, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    I love reading about your adventures with the pilot and seeing pictures of Bella! Cant wait for baby pictures!!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. Amanda B. on August 31, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    I’ve never had macaroons before and that would certainly make my September awesome ๐Ÿ˜‰

    August was over so quick for me! I was working alotmuch, but I still got in some fun time, some adventures with the buy and the gal pals, and I’m working on redecorating my apartment (that I moved into a year ago, heh), which is making me feel awesome. Here’s to hoping for an even better September!

    PS: Definitely get some JBrand skinnies. I had a pair and literally wore giant holes into them, haha. They were that good.

    • Amanda B. on August 31, 2011 at 9:00 pm

      *Boy, not buy. Oopsies.

  32. Coleen on August 31, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    I started out dreading August a bit because I had big birthday coming. It came last week, I am now 40 and I feel great. I felt so much love from all of my friends and family and don’t feel my age at all. Your blog always inspires me to get up and get active and gives me great ideas for meals and snacks. This will only help my next decade to be the best one yet.

  33. Sarah on August 31, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    I just love your blog:) And as a mommy of three, it’s so fun to walk with you as you begin your journey into mommy hood! It is the most stressful and rewarding job you could have:)

  34. V on August 31, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    Hey Miss Gina!

    Love the blog, love you, and love how you stay true to yourself. Although I started readying the blog for fitness/health reasons, I especially love the family page for a few other reasons close to my heart. I was also pregnant and was shocked when I read that you were too (in fact, we were both due around the same time!). Unfortunately, I lost the baby a few weeks back…guess it wasn’t time for me to be a mom yet. At first I avoided all things baby related, but after the initial sadness, reading about other women’s pregnancies has actually helped me in many ways. It gives me hope and helps me get excited to try and get pregnant again (when the time is right). Feeling happy for other women who are expecting feels good, and feels waaaaaay better than being bitter or resentful. Keep up the awesome posts…you have many readers rooting for you and I’m sure you will be an amazing mom ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. Erin @ GoBananasBlog on August 31, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    I’ve never had a macaroon…in fact, I’m not even sure what they are. Are they made with almonds or coconuts? I cannot find a definitive answer online. I’m hoping yours are almond!

  36. Kathryn on August 31, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    As someone also pregnant with a girl (about 2 weeks behind you!) I love reading all your family posts! I dont have a lot of pregnant/new mom friends so its always great to hear stories from someone else! congrats again!

  37. Kelsey on August 31, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    Lemon lavender macaroons sound delicious!

    Can I ask why you have duplicate cookbooks? That should be your next giveaway to get rid of the doubles!

  38. Cynthia @ Cynthia's Adventures on August 31, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    I love reading how you incorporate exercise while you are pregnant! Its fun to see all the options out there, you never know, it might be me one day ๐Ÿ™‚ Love your blog!!

  39. Sara (Running with Teaspoons) on August 31, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    hey Gina! i have never had a macroon so it would be so fun to try yours! my august was good – i started blogging again and i feel like i’m doing really well with running right now, so that’s exciting!

  40. Tracy on August 31, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    As a Mommy of a 2 year old boy (who has more energy than I could ever hope to!)…and contemplating another in the not too too distant future – love the family posts ( :

  41. Kristi on August 31, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    My August was AWESOME. I just finished up my Masters degree, and landed my dream job! I hope September is just as awesome!

  42. Leah on August 31, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    Lets see more baby belly pics ๐Ÿ™‚

  43. Erin on August 31, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I love it. I am currently in process of earning three fitness certifications and enjoy reading about your fitness and nutrition ventures; it helps add another perspective other than my own and my textbooks’. I’m happy to hear you are a military wife, because my husband just enlisted in the army. It’s nice to find others that have already been through what I’m about to experience.

    I would love to see a fitness post on your favorite strength workouts that you have done/plan to do throughout your pregnancy. Thank you for sharing your life with the blogosphere. I am very excited to see future posts’.

  44. Cherbear on August 31, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    August has been good to me too! And now I’m getting super pumped for September. This post inspired me to scribble out a long list of things to look forward to next month. Thanks Gina!

  45. Rachel F on August 31, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    I recently found your blog and I love your fitness posts! I use your yoga videos all the time : ) Also, keep up the daily posts about family–you are such a sweet person!

  46. Stephanie @cookinfanatic on August 31, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    August was definitely awesome and I seriously can’t believe it’s over already??!?! Those jeans are supah cute, may have to score a pair for myself for fall, love them.

  47. misschels on August 31, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    My August was awesome, I got a job with Lululemon, tried crossfit, am now addicted to Pure Barre, wrote my ten year plan, and did some goal setting. I think that deserves a macaroon!

  48. Lauren on August 31, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    I’ve always loved your blog, but I now am so enthralled with your pregnancy posts. They help me more than you know. ๐Ÿ™‚

  49. Caitlin on August 31, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    I love when you review a new makeup product (love TARTE) but I love all your posts!

  50. Michelle on August 31, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    I can’t wait for you to have a cookbook so we can finally get that macaroon recipe. Also, J Brand jeans are the best!

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