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
1,145 Comments
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I want to try these roons so bad!!! Love your blog, your one of 4 bloggers that make me smile at work every morning.
I love your blog so much. I’m also making my September to do list right now!
my august was awesome because my brother got a week of leave he didn’t think he was getting.. SO good to see him 🙂
My August was rough because I was dealing with mental and physical health issues. I’m glad September is right around the corner because I just know it’s going to be MUCD better than August. I’ve never had a macaroon before 🙁 Your blog is a very positive and motivational presence in my life. Thank you for sharing!
I adore your site! It is something I look forward to reading every single morning. You give such great ideas and inspiration. I’ve also been craving macaroons, so there’s that. 🙂
August was awesome because I moved to a new neighborhood that I love and I found a new yoga/pilates/strength training studio that I”m obsessed with!
i love this post! I’m going to continue hitting every single day with some kind of workout (whether it be a HIIT session, yoga, weights, quick cardio, etc). Today was 172 and I am going to keep going! I love reading your blog for fresh ideas of how to keep it going – especially doing things from home instead of being required to hit the gym. I’m super sad that summer is ending because it means my time swimming laps is complete.
(and i love your family posts. they make me happy)
I am a sucker for lavender and have to admit, every time i see your lavender macaroons, my mouth waters!
My August was decent. I’m a little too excited for fall! I love all the pictures of your new house and of course your family posts.
I’d love to see even more family posts! 🙂 I’m due in January, too, and love reading about other people who are on the same journey that I am!
I had my first egg puff yesterday! I went wayyy back into your past posts to watch your ‘how to’ video. It was delic and I look forward to many more. I stumbled upon your blog by accident (I think by way of SnackFace) and i’ve been hooked ever since. Thanks for the daily entertainment!
Amy
(Northern BC, Canada)
Hi Gina,
I have been reading your blog pretty much twice daily for a good year or so now and keep hearing about these dang macaroons, so they definately must be worth a great deal to the lucky ingester’s tummy! I am currently a full time student, part time physical therapy aide, and full time health fan. Your blog always gives me a little something to look forward to in my days filled with homework, job work, reading, studying, working out etc. Thank you so much for giving my brain something fun to digest with all of this schoolwork nonsense, and I know my belly would appreciate some good things to digest also 🙂 (as the university cafeteria is not quite something”to be desired”). It’s hard to get good vegetarian food around here!
Once again, thanks for the little pep in my day and congrats about EVERYTHING wonderful going on in your life right now 😀
I think I just added those jeans to my “mental” need list. And yes, need!
Nothing too crazy going on over here…but it is my birthday! And I can say that I feel healthier and happier with each and every year that passes. I plan on making 28 better than the last!
August went by so quickly!! But it was a good month 🙂 I love this blog and think you do a great job of keeping all your posts balanced, personally!
My august was BUSY! fun but busy. With school starting it’s about to get even busier…I’d love another “to do” list every month! I very rarely set goals… Heh
I’d also love to see more focus on posts or reader’s requests! Although obviously all of us love your blog as it is or we wouldn’t be checking it obsessively twice a day 😉
hi gina! i’ve been such a fan of your blog since the beginning. i don’t often comment, but i truly enjoy your content. i love how your blog feels so blissfully balanced. happy, healthy, (handsome! 😉 ), baby, family, work, reality, sadness, awkward, weird, silly, etc. i had to take a break from reading my favorite blogs after i had a baby, there just wasn’t enough time in the day!! (somehow it sounds so easy to read while nursing–but i found myself just staring at my bambina the entire time–i hope you do the same!) anyways, i’m beginning to find time for ME in my days and i’ve been able to revisit my favorites. you better believe your gorgeous blog is on that list. much love! xo
*ps, we were SUPER on the fence about cloth diapering and it was actually Hubs that suggested we just go for it. best decision in the world. now, it can be a bit of a labor of love, but my girl’s heiney is the sweetest bum on the planet and it’s sooooo worth it. i would be HAPPY to share what i’ve learned (been cd’ing for 10 months) and some favorites (wipes, detergent, etc.) and tips/tricks (like, do you have a HE washer? changes stuff BIG TIME, learned that when we moved last month, but we make it work). let me know if you want more feedback.
My august was wondering expect for the past week.. I broke my toe badly at a concert that i paid $200 for the tix (didn’t get to even see the concert!!!), i can’t drive, work out, or start my new job for 3 weeks!!! also my boyfriend just left for school and his school is over 2hrs away! so my last week of summer was pretty crummy- but it makes me have a lot to look forward to in September and i’m thinking of making a list of little goals, like you did… might help give me a positive attitude! 🙂
I meant to set more concrete goals (i.e. write them out), but they stayed in my head instead. Of those that I remember :/ I did pretty good in August. Lesson Learned: write them down.
I love your blog and your laid back but still effective attitude about fitness. Your seasonal shape-ups and random workouts are part of my regime. Thanks for being so transparent!!!
Love the pregnancy posts! I can’t wait to get your reviews on baby products.
Never had a macaroon before…they look so delicious!
My August was partially awesome – didn’t do anything crazy or exciting, but I did finally push myself to sign up to take the ACSM exam to become a CPT 😀 I’m so pumped!
I would love to see more “Focus on” topics 🙂
My August went by too quickly! Hopefully September will slow down and I can enjoy my fall favorites! 🙂
My August was awesome! It was my birthday month so I had something to look forward to 🙂 I also cleaned out a part of my closet and sold/donated a bunch. It still looks like a monsoon hit it though 🙁 I also took a step at bettering myself and doing something to make me feel better in certain areas of my life.
I love your blog! Don’t think you need to change a thing! Love the mix of fitness, food, family and fun 🙂
My August was so-so. I’m sick of the heat and ready for fall! My September to do list = run my first half-marathon and win some roons!!! 🙂
Oh, I do have one suggestion though. I love the little mini ab burners or exercises that you include in posts sometimes. But when I want to do them again I have to search and search to find the post. Can you add things like that to your Fitness page, pretty please?
I notice that you hang out with the other squadron wives a lot, but are there squadron husbands? Do they come to the get togethers too? 😀
Ah, I wish I had followed your August list. August was pretty great though, despite my lack of following, IF you exclude this past week. Make it be September already!
Hi Gina,
I just recently found your blog and love it. I’m also a fitness fanatic/half-marathoner(though running has been curtailed since the beginning of my pregnancy). We are also right around the same time in our pregnancies, I’m 29 weeks today with our little girl (our first). We have so many similarities and it is nice to see another military wife out there. My hubby did 4 years in the AirForce and is now going on his 5th year in the Army.
My August consisted of getting things ready for baby and continuing to count down the weeks until her arrival. I love seeing the posts of what you currently eat because I am still having a hard time determining whether I even eat enough during this pregnancy, though recently, I have started just using my hunger cues to figure it all out. Have a great day!!!
So something fun about my August…I just started the C25K program and have an upcoming 5K in October as well as one in November to look forward too!
My August was pretty great…except for the sweltering heat! I live in South Texas and this is the hottest summer EVER (and one of the worst droughts as well). I love the hot weather but it’s starting to get to me – I don’t want to do anything and feel blah despite my workouts. Since summer is leaving us any time soon, any tips on how you deal over there in AZ?
Thanks for always putting a smile in my day and enjoying following (stalking 🙂 nugget updates! It’s fun to be a voyeur in others experiences in a good way.
chocolate almond butter sounds AH-mazing!! 🙂 My August was quite wonderful!! I started training for my bodybuilding competition that’s in January and I’m SUPER excited about it! 😉
This August I finally moved in with one of my best friends from childhood. She and I are similarly blog obsessed, and always finding inspiration from your blog. Reading your blog together is one of the ways we bond over our healthy lifestyle and food obsessions- you motivate us daily! Keep up the great work!
My August was a little rocky – lots of changes and transitions, always hard. But I definitely had some fun! I enjoyed doing some of your workouts as well, they were a great new way for me to mix things up! I love reading your blog, and honestly can’t think of anything I’d want to see more of 🙂
Hi Gina! Your blog has inspired me to eat clean and live an active and healthy life! I struggled with obesity when I was younger but am at a healthy BMI now thanks to your recipes and exercise plans!
Thank you for sharing so much of who you are with us! 🙂
I have *always* wanted to try your famous macaroons! They sound delish! My August was such a whirlwind – wonderful highs and sorrowful lows. I know that’s how life goes sometimes but I’m just hoping September is a little more stable. The roller-coaster can be exciting, but i think i’d like to just chill out for awhile
In terms of feedback – I LOVE the house + family posts! I know you’ve mentioned “if you’re sick of this, i won’t be posting about it for awhile…” but I LOVE it! Keep ’em coming! : )
August was interesting! A massive tree fell on our house during Hurricane Irene and we’re going on day 4 without electricity, internet and phones, with spotty cell phone coverage. BUT I got a new membership to an awesome gym that I LOVE and working out has been great this month!
I would so love to try your macaroons! I enjoyed your blog for a long time… Keep doing what you do – I love it! 🙂 …and here’s to a Super September! 😉
I had a great august with my 3 kids. Feeling extra sentimental about it since my older two started school today. 🙁
Your blog is wonderfully balanced and as sweet as a cupcake (and as sassy as Bella!) so I am cool with whatever you choose to do. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing! Roll with your thoughts and feelings; they never seem to steer you wrong, and we’re very lucky readers!!!!
My August went way too fast but it was filled with a baller bike ride (the most I’ve ever ridden before was 8k and then my fiance and I bust out the 30k!), lots of sunshine, lots of snugglies, wedding planning and tons of reading. All in all, a pretty fab 31 days and I had a great time. Here’s to September, my birthday month!
August WAS awesome! We finally had summer weather here, we have enjoyed it immensely with running, hiking, putting my vibrams to good use! Plus it kept me from pining about our Kauai vacation coming in September. To top it off, last night my hubs and I went to see Ray LaMonagne in concert, the PERFECT end to August!
LOVE those ‘roons girl! LOVE your blog just the way it is… you have been one of the few constant blogs in my reader, you’re pretty amazeballs period. 🙂
I’ve been a reader for almost two years now and I have loved everything! You’re fantastic.
My August was full of WORK and moving and more WORK, but it will all pay off in the end, and will make our trip to Charleston, SC THAT much better 🙂 Love your blog, <3
My August was bizzzzzay: moved cross country, started a new job, oh, and I’m getting married in TEN days! (I still always manage to have time to read your blog though).
Let’s see, on my wish list of things to see would be your ‘roon recipe. Winning a roon would be a close second 😉 Haha! Have a great day.
I started acupuncture this August and I am looking forward to my upcoming treatments. As always, it is great to read your pregnancy updates.
I LOVE your blog! I’d love to see more fashion posts. I’m a fashion major and I love to see how other people dress themselves for inspiration!
Chocolate almond butter? Sounds amazing. My goals for September are to work on stressing less and doing more yoga!
August was pretty stellar! I took summer classes, but went to Vegas last weekend!
My August was awesome because I graduated from college! I would love to try these infamous macaroons!
August was great, but busy! Getting ready for my October wedding 🙂 Loving your family posts lately!
While August was a good month, I’m looking forward to fall…do you think you could do a post on meal planning for one person? Whenever I make a dish, I’m stuck eating it for the rest of the week and end up either throwing half of it away or freezing it, in which case I forget about it, and still throw it away!