Army Green

IMG_0517_Layers_v1

IMG_0540_Layers_v1

IMG_0551_Layers_v1

IMG_0526_Layers_v1

IMG_0516_Layers_v1

IMG_0542_Layers_v1

Boyfriend Button Up: Target / Black Denim: ZARA – similar / Booties: H&M (old) / Sunnies: Brickyard Buffalo / Engraved Bar Necklace: Stella & Dot / Earrings: World Market / Lip: MAC Dark Side

I don’t know what it is about this color green, but I was all over it this past fall and into the winter. Many of my new items this past season came back to this color, and I’m not mad about it. This particular boyfriend style button up is not only comfortable, but it’s also super affordable. Unfortunately, you may need to check the stores for this bad boy as it says they are no longer shipping. Here is an alternative if you can’t get out to the stores.

The past few days we have been hanging with family and doing a little bit of work from the coffee shop. It’s always nice to spend a little bit of extra time down in Maryland to spend quality time with the ones we love. But it’s also the busiest work season for health + fitness with people signing up for my Challenge Groups getting ready to rock those goals in 2018!

I have 3 groups opening up including one for our brand new ab + booty focused program and another featuring multiple programs. For each you would have the access to over 600+ at home workouts, a nutrition plan, super food shake, and a spot in my support/accountability group. It’s a ton of fun, and we help to motivate everyone to be happier + healthier!

My last group is for those who want to take things to the next level as a COACH! I will be offering a mentorship to help other women or mamas like me to build a health/wellness/fitness business from your kitchen table (or iPhone, or coffee shop, or wherever else you desire to work from). I will give you all the tools you need to succeed and all the tips + tricks I have picked up in the last 3 years. From there it’s up to you to take action and take that leap to achieve your goals! It’s one of my favorite parts about coaching, and I’m excited for what 2018 has to bring.

So don’t hesitate to reach out with questions even while I’m on “vacation” because when you have a job like this that you love, then you seriously are happy to make time to talk about it!

Happy Friday friends! Only a few more days until that ball drops and we are in the New Year!

XO,

Gina

 

Mountain Air

IMG_0671_Layers_v1

IMG_0647_Layers_v1

IMG_0651_Layers_v1

IMG_0619_Layers_v1

IMG_0623_Layers_v1

IMG_0667_Layers_v1

Sweater: Leith via Nordstrom Trunk Club / Moto Leggings: B.P. via Nordstrom Trunk Club  (now on SALE!) / Booties: H&M (old) /Earrings: World Market / Sunnies: Brickyard Buffalo

Is it really only FOUR days until Christmas? Crazy!!! We shot this back over the Thanksgiving holiday. The weather was crisp and clean out in Western Maryland where we visited friends for the day. We are now back in Maryland at my parents house getting ready for Christmas! We’ve saw the trains at Homestead Gardens yesterday which is a neighborhood fav, and tonight I’m going shopping with mom, which is our favorite holiday annual tradition!

This sweater and these leggings are both from my last Nordstrom Trunk Club box and they are AMAZINGLY comfortable! I HATE itchy sweaters, and when I tried this on (no undershirt needed) it was completely comfy, soft, and cozy…no itchiness at ALL…I was sold. I will say that you MUST follow the laundering directions as I think I pretty much destroyed it by accidentally throwing it in with my regular clothes. I’m pretty mad at myself, because I LOVE this sweater, and I’m not sure if there is any coming back from it. I will have to check with my local dry cleaner to see if there is anything they can do. 🙁 The leggings are also comfy, stylish and completely on sale right now! I didn’t have any pants in an olive color, so I was happy to add them to my wardrobe.

The next few days are going to be packed with wrapping and prepping for the holidays. Happy to take a little breather from the crazy NY life this week.

Hope you are having a fantastic week so far as well!

XO,

Gina

Reader’s Choice Beauty Awards: Part 1

HYear!.png

 

Okay you guys, I know this was a long awaited post…and as I was going through ALL of your amazing beauty recommendations…SKINCARE was the #1 type of recommendation you sent in! So Part 1 is going to focus mostly on skincare! And I will save a majority of the rest for Part 2.

I have to admit, I am a complete minimalist when it comes to skincare. I really don’t use much of anything except a moisturizer. So this was a true learning experience for me to see ALL the the many amazing products you all use on the daily…and I am going to have to check a few of them out for SURE.

I had asked for some natural recommendations since eventually I am leaning that direction of switching over some products. That being said…there are still some products that aren’t “natural” that I use and love and I am open to learning about ALL products right now, so I have recommendations on all fronts listed here. I have linked them all for your convenience, especially during this holiday season since you may find something for yourself or as a gift for someone else! Please let me know if you have specific questions about anything!

Without further ado…here are your FAVORITE SKINCARE products!!!

 

Moisturizing Oils:

Cocokind Chia Seed Oil (face)

Cocokind Chia Seed Oil

 

Maya Chia Face Oil

Maya Chia

 

Almond oil (whole body) – no brand specified, but found this one at Target

Almond Oil

Marula Oil (evening) – no brand specified, but found this one at Sephora

Marula Oil

Young Living Rose Ointment

YL Rose Ointment

Doterra Geranium Essential Oil

Doterra Geranium Oil

 

Moisturizing Creams:

 

Belief True Cream Moisturizing Bomb (day)

belief

Natura Culina Skincare Set – this is actually a full set, not just a moisturizer, but wasn’t sure where to place it

naturaculina

Young Living Sandalwood Moisturizing Cream

YL Sandalwood

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

Beautycounter Adaptive Moisture

Beautycounter Brightening Face Oil

Beautycounter Brightening Face Oil

Doterra Immortelle

Doterra Immortelle.jpg

Murad Day Cream (with SPF 30)

Murad Day Cream.jpg

Olay Age Defying

Olay

 

 

Astringent/Toner: 

-Witch Hazel – no brand specified, but I found this one at Target

Thayer's Witch Hazel

Heart Grown Wild

Heart Grown Wild Toner

 

Exfoliator/Scrubs:

Sunday Riley Good Genes Acid Exfoliator

Sunday Riley Good Genes

Beautycounter Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Beautycounter Exfoliator

Homemade Pink Himalayan Salt, coconut oil, essential oils for body – here is a good recipe

Himalayan-Salt-Scrub-Recipe

 

Cleansers:

Philosophy Purity along with a Clarisonic

Philosophy Purity

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm.png

Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Marie Veronique Replenishing Oil Cleanser

MarieVeronique.jpg

 

Serums:

Sunday Riley C.E.O

Sunday Riley CEO.jpg

Young Living Rejuvenating Serum

Young Living ART Renewal Serum.jpg

Drunk Elephant C Firma

Drunk Elephant C Firma.JPG

Heart Grown Wild

Heart Grown Wild Serum.jpeg

Aster + Bay Purify Serum

Aster and Bay

Agent Nateur Youth Serum

Agent Nateur Youth Serum

 

Mists:

Beautycounter Rosewater Mist

Beautycounter Rosewater Mist.png

 

SPF:

Josie Maran

Josie Maran SPF

 

Face Masks:

Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey.jpg

Natura Culina Rose Berry

Natura Culina Rose Berry Face Mask.jpg

Beautycounter Charcoal Mask

Beautycounter Charcoal Face Mask.jpg

 

Makeup Remover:

Coconut Oil – How to remove your makeup with coconut oil

Aveeno Wipes

Aveeno Cleaning Wipes.jpg

 

Hands/Body:

Dr. Bronners (both bar and bottle)

Dr Bronners Bar Soap.jpg

Dr Bronner Bottle

 

J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Hand Cream

JR Watkins Hand Cream

Trader Joe’s Hand Cream

Trader Joe's Hand Cream.jpg

 

Lotions:

Homemade beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil combo – Instructions for how to make this

Nourish Organic Lotion

Nourish Organic

 

Eye Creams:

Cocokind MyMatcha Stick – under eye puffiness (also great as a chapstick) – not really a cream

Cocokind MyMatcha Stick

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Cream

100 Percent Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream.jpg

Young Living Wolfberry Eye Cream

YL Wolfberry Eye Cream

 

Deodorant:

Primal Pit Paste Stick

Primal Pit Paste Stick

Nivea Pure Invisible

Nivea.jpg

Spruce Tips Apothecary Orange Cardamom

SpruceTipsApothecary

Native Deodorant

Native Deodorant


WHEW!!!!!!! WOW, you guys….I am completely BLOWN AWAY!!!! Thank you SO much for all of your beauty recommendations for Skincare (and a few other things). I will absolutely be trying many of these out, and I hope you are able to do the same!

If you agree with something on this list, I want to hear it!!!

If you believe something needs to be added to this list…I want to know!!!

And lastly…as I work on Part 2, I’m still taking recommendations for:

Concealers

Eye Shadows/Liners

Mascara

Blush

Lipstick

Foundation

Gloss

Nail Polish

Hair Products

Thanks again for all the amazings recs, and I hope you guys are having a fantastic week!!

My Christmas Cards are finished, so now I am busy over here thinking about Christmas shopping and about our new ab + booty focused workout program that is pre-launching SO soon! (December 14th). Getting excited. I just love this time of year!

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season too!

XO,

Gina

Meet Meagan: A Coaching Story

IMG_4007
Meet Meagan!!!
 –
Meagan and I went to college together at the University of Maryland and met on the Women’s Club Soccer Team. While we have a similar athletic background and we are now both mamas, I just love Meagan’s story. She is one inspiring lady who seriously does it all…she takes care of animals, takes care of her daughter, she’s an amazing wife/daughter/sister, and now she is back to taking care of herself as well. Meagan is working toward BIG goals, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled that she decided to trust in me to join Team SPARK! and take this journey as a coach alongside me. She is a TEAM player, a HARD worker, and she DREAMS BIG. Not only has she had incredible success with her health + fitness journey (she has lost at least 42 lbs post pregnancy to date of this interview…and possibly more now), she is also building her own team and making great strides toward achieving that type of freedom she craves with the business side of coaching. She has grown so much, and I cannot WAIT to see where this journey will take her next!!
 
Progress Photos:
86B4DF75-1905-4E8C-A122-FBF6CA6A0780
Beginning of Coaching Journey:
IMG_E3904
Mid October:
95CC54C2-6698-41E1-8989-37E9A29EDD7D
 –
Without further ado, I will let you read my interview with her below and you can meet her for yourself! 🙂
 –
1) Tell us about yourself (where you live, family, hobbies, interests, anything else that you would like to include about yourself). I live in Baltimore, MD with my husband and daughter. We have 2 dogs and 2 cats. My husband and I are both from PA so our families are atleast 1.5 hours away. I’m the oldest of 6 girls so life for me has always been crazy/busy, non stop, always on the go. Living away from family means that help with our daughter’s childcare can be a little difficult at times. I work three 12 hours shifts in a row as a registered veterinary technician (nurse) at a very busy animal hospital with a very high standard of care. So work can be exhausting (mentally and physically) and stressful but I love it. I also bartend on Saturday nights at Phillips Seafood Restaurant where I have worked since graduating from college (this year makes 9 years!). My husband’s days off are two of the days that I work so he can be home with Charlotte. On Saturdays I go into work with Charlie and hand her off to Daddy and then he takes her home. So we only have to pay for one day of childcare. This plan, however, does not allow us to have any days off together. That has it’s own challenges, of course. I don’t have much time or the ability for activities for myself (I used to play football, kickball, and softball on local social club teams) but when ever I have off, I have my daughter (and daddy is at work) and it’s not always easy to find help to watch her if I need/want to do something. So, I can’t do it, unless I can take her.
 –
I love sports, animals, being outside and being adventurous. I like doing anything that I can take the dogs along for. They love to swim and fetch, they are very active and energetic but it’s hard to bring them with me sometimes since it’s usually just me with Charlie and both of them.
 –
2) What is your fitness background? I played soccer for 16 years. In middle school, I ran track and played basketball too. In college and afterwards I played on several club teams for kickball, football, softball, volleyball, soccer. If you need a person on your sports team, I’m your gal. Haha. I may not be awesome at all sports, but I can get by in most of them. My Dad was a soccer player (He played for the San Jose Earthquakes in the 80s) and he always played softball when I was growing up, so my love of sports comes from him— he taught me everything I know about throwing a baseball and football and kicking a soccer ball. My mom was always active also, she was a flamenco dancer in a dance company when I was young, trained with a body builder and would often go on long runs when I was in high school. She used to take me to an MMA gym where we would take a boxercise class and tae-ke-bo class. So my fitness always revolved around sports. I didn’t like running for fun until college which was when I picked up a love for yoga also. Both were a great way for me to de-stress and clear my mind. As great as yoga and running are for my mind, I have always loved team sports.
 –
3) Why did you decide to become a Coach on Team SPARK? I wasn’t expecting to decide to be a coach that day in May 2017. I saw one of your posts about daring to dream. I think it just hit home for me and I knew I had to jump on it, without much thought, I jumped in. I had been feeling very BLAH for months. I was in a funk, a bad one. I WANTED to workout more, but I just couldn’t seem to get it done. I had started taking regular walks with the dogs and Charlie in the stroller and I was more conscious about what I was eating. I was 160ish pounds in Dec2016/Jan2017 and by April I was hovering around 145. So, progress was being made but I knew regular walks weren’t gonna to get me where I wanted. I just couldn’t seem to figure out how I was going to get it done. My husband is naturally tall and thin and would choose to eat Taco Bell every night if he could (even though he is an amazing cook). He wasn’t going to be the one to motivate me. We had worked half way through P90X twice (we could only ever seem to make it to 45ish days haha). He grew up playing volleyball and baseball. We played kickball together on a social team and he can be very competitive and that’s how we got through P90X. I worked out during the day because I worked nights then and he would workout when he got home from his day shift— we always kept each other on track. Nowadays, he’d rather not workout— so that leaves me to motivate myself. It wasn’t going very well. I didn’t want to get a gym membership, becauseI knew I wouldn’t use it. Plus, not all gyms have childcare and like I said before, I always have Charlie.
 –
I’d also been dreaming of not having to bartend on Saturday nights anymore. It’s not a bad gig, but I’m just ready to call it quits. The money I make there each month pays my gigantic student loan bill and although we could probably survive without it.. it seems stupid to not work 4 days a month to be able to make that payment. I was trying to figure out what else I could do that would allow us the freedom we have financially without making any sacrifices. After several weeks/months of feeling like there was something missing in more than 1 aspect of my life, there was your post. Dare to dream. I had been seeing your posts for years. Busy mom, fit mom, working mom. Killing it. So I said, what the hell. Why not try it, what could it hurt. I knew just being a challenger would not be enough to make this a lifestyle change. Being just a challenger would probably get me as far as I got with P90X and then I would fall off again. BUT being a coach, being able to motivate and inspire others? That should do the trick. I always loved being a team captain, I loved coaching, and I had been thinking about taking looking into teaching at the local vet tech school. I wanted something to spend my time that was fulfilling, that would allow me to help others. But coaching/teaching was just another something that would take me away from the house and require additional childcare costs and less time with family. COACHING was it! I could check off all the boxes. PLUS, even if coaching wasn’t a financial success, I would hopefully have my athletic self back again. I had been missing since college. So, without overthinking it, I said yes. I’m so happy I did.
 –
4) What was the first Beachbody program you tried? What did you like about it?  P90X. I liked how challenging it was and I liked that variety of workouts. Since becoming a coach, the first program I tried was 22 Minute Hard Corps, because I knew I liked Tony as a trainer, and I was familiar with him so I picked that one first. Plus the shorter workouts would make for an easier transition into a fitness routine.
 –
5) What was tough or challenging for you?  The hardest part at first was waking up early to get my workout in before my long shifts. That had been an excuse of mine for a loooooong time. There was no way that I would be able to wake up before a 12 hours shift earlier than I needed to just to work out. I had been working on eating better for a few months, but nutrition was also a big part of what I struggled with. Not because I don’t like healthy foods, but because I was terrible at planning and I would stop at fast food restaurants all the time because I wouldn’t have food in the house. I would stop in the morning on the way to work for breakfast— because I wouldn’t give myself enough time to eat at home— and I would stop when I was out running errands because it was easy. I was getting fast food at least 3-4 times a week AND going out to eat with hubby once a week or every other week. Shakeology has really helped with that, it’s my breakfast in the car on the way to work and my go-to lunch on my days off when we are out and about!
 
6) What has your progressed looked like in terms of pounds and inches? How did you stay motivated to get to this point?  I’ve lost 15 pounds and 10 inches since becoming a coach. I went from a size 10 to a 4 (just realized I was in a size 4 the other day)! My motivation came from the accountability/support groups. Watching everyone live busy lives and still find time to workout and eat right was great. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I knew it was going to be a constant battle and somedays I may lose the battle was I was going to win this war. It all comes back to my love of team sports. That was this is like for me. We are all on a team, we win together, we lose together, we support each other, we motivate each other. We all have something to learn from one another, and I find that the most inspiring. The honesty and the open-ness of the group allows for a safe place to be honest and open with yourself. Sharing my story has helped me stay on track and hearing how people are inspired by what I’m doing when I run into them, that’s worth it. Even if they aren’t joining my group or supporting my business, they are driven by when I share to be more active and make better choices. That’s huge.
 –
7) How do you feel today, and what are your goals moving forward?  I feel awesome. My goals are constantly changing, which is so cool! I’ve surpassed my original goals which is sooo surprising! Instead of quitting because I’ve reached my original goals (which is part of the reason I stopped P90X midway through— I felt like I was at a good place and could stop), I make new goals. Now that I’ve lost the weight, I want to build muscle and tone my body. I want to be able to one day do a hand stand and at least 5 pull ups. I want to continue inspiring other people to reach their goals. My ultimate goal is to inspire my husband to join me and start his own fitness journey. Any wife knows that you can’t make them do anything they don’t want to do, so I’ll just wait for him to have the grand idea all on his own. 🙂 Haha. I just want people to realize that if they WANT to do it, they can do it. I’m a TV junkie. I love naps. I love junk food. I procrastinate. I’m always late, and I hit the snooze at least 3 times every morning. But here I am, surprising myself everyday. If I can do this, anyone can do this.
 –
8) How has your life changed since become a Coach on Team SPARK? My life has changed in so many ways! I LIKE waking up early before work to work out. I feel energized, accomplished, and proud. I make regular trips to the grocery store and keep my fridge stocked with good foods to eat! I plan more, plan meals for the week, plan my days, and plan to be better than I used to be. I’m happier. I don’t feel sluggish or tired (sometimes yes, but not nearly as often as I used to). I’m confident. I like the person I see in the mirror and not just because of my pants size but because of what I’ve been able to accomplish. Being a coach has given me my life back, I feel like myself again.
 –
DSC_0142
 –
IMG_7288
 –
DSC_0169
 –
IMG_5415
 –
So flippin’ proud of this girl, and can you just look at that SMILE!!!! That is EVERYTHING. 🙂
 –
All it takes is a leap of faith when you dare to dream. This girl is doing it. And this team is going places. Watch us. Or join us. Only you can make that decision spark that fire and FLY.
 –
Hope you are all making the most of your week!
 –
XO,
Gina

Chunkiest Knit

IMG_0613_Layers_v1

IMG_0569_Layers_v1

IMG_0611_Layers_v1

IMG_0605_Layers_v1

IMG_0592_Layers_v1

IMG_0561_Layers_v1

IMG_0566_Layers_v1

IMG_0584_Layers_v1

Chunky Sweater: Free People via Trunk Club (now on SUPER SALE!) / Denim: Rag & Bone / Booties: Target / Sunnies: Brickyard Buffalo / Earrings: J. Crew – similar / Lip: L’Oreal Nature’s Blush 

I have to admit, I’m not typically a Black Friday shopper. I know, I know. Like, really?! WHY NOT?! But, because we travel each year along with two kiddos, we are constantly running around and trying to spend time with as many family members and friends that we can…going out shopping just honestly never makes it on the list when compared to that quality time. But I do know a good sale when I see one. And I got a tip from one of my BFFs last night that this chunky knit sweater I just bought went on a supa dupa sale for Black Friday, so I figured I better share it with ya’ll before it’s completely sold out!

This is not only the chunkiest sweater I have ever owned, but it’s also insanely comfortable and snuggly. I wore it last night to Thanksgiving and my little niece could not get enough cuddles. Hehe. I think I will wear it all the time around her for the snuggles alone!

I love this color for fall and it will be on HEAVY rotation this season during the colder months for sure. And FYI, if you are interested in trying out Trunk Club, I can introduce you to my amazing stylist. Just let me know!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!!! I am so very grateful for my family, friends, health, my amazing health/fitness community with Beachbody, being with loved ones around the holidays, my new morning routine that I started during the school week this past September, holiday drinks from Starbucks as a special treat, my new comfy sweaters, and so much more.

What are you grateful for this year? And where are you doing your Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping?

XOXO,

Gina

Good Vibes Only

IMG_0411_Layers_v1

IMG_0472_Layers_v1

IMG_0406_Layers_v1

IMG_0454_Layers_v1

IMG_0470_Layers_v1

IMG_0409_Layers_v1

IMG_0474_Layers_v1

Good Vibes Only Sweatshirt: Target / Tank: Gifted / Denim: Paige Denim / Sneaks: New Balance via Poshmark – on sale here / Rainbow + Unicorn Earrings: UncommonGoods / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

A little rain ain’t gonna kill my vibe. The weather is calling for a rainy forecast ahead, but this week is going to be packed with high vibe goodness! From Namaste November to the 80 Day Obsession Sneak Peek, to our “A Day in the Life” Event on Facebook and Instagram Stories, to my New Coach Mentorship Program, (which by the way, shoot me an email to join any of these groups or get more details) Kindergarten tours, a full day off with the both boys on Tuesday, playdates with friends, and MORE…I am ready to #sparkthefire this week!

You can’t control everything in your life, but you can control how you react to it and the vibes/energy you put out into the world. Remember, your vibe attracts your tribe, and I truly believe what you put out there comes back to you. I can’t control the rain, but I can choose whether I complain or splash in the puddles with a smile.

What type of vibes are you going to be putting out into the world this week?

XO,

Gina

{45} Lately…

So you guys, it may seem like I have skipped a few Lately posts, but the last few I have done LIVE over on my Facebook page…42, 43, 44…so this is the first written one I’ve done in awhile!!! Excited to be back in action with this one since it’s one of the blog favorites and also one of my personal favs….

IMG_2057.JPG

 

Lately I’ve been…

reading  So many things you guys! I recently finished Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod which has been LIFE CHANGING and I absolutely recommend it to EVERYONE. Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson which was AMAZING for any entrepreneur or anyone pursuing a side hustle and Into the Water by Paula Hawkins (author of The Girl on the Train) which I have to say was good, but not as good as The Girl on the Train. I then read The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena in about 24 hours. Couldn’t put it down. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. I am also re-reading The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy along with my current challenge group.

 writing  Not a whole lot, but still striving for my daily 5 minute journal habit that I started up in January of this year. I will absolutely re-up for 2018.

listening  I’m going to embarrassingly admit that I am enjoying the Hipster Yoga playlist on iTunes during my Miracle Morning.

thinking About how awesome my Challengers who are rocking CLEAN WEEK are doing! Seriously! They are crushing it.

smelling  Broccoli. Yep. Roasted broccoli was happening when I was writing this post.

watching  Grey’s Anatomy. Still obsessed.

wearing  These amazing new leggings from the new Target athletic line, Joy Lab.

exercising You guys…I’m on Day 47/56 of Insanity Max 30…a program I tried once 2 years ago and swore I would NEVER do it, because it was too freakin’ hard and it way way to hardcore cardio and guess what…I’m almost done.

feeling  Kinda badass about post above.

wanting  Someone to cook for me right now, because I’m hungry but don’t feel like cooking. Should have prepped better, dang it.

needing Hot coffee.

loving  All of the adventures I’ve been taking with my boys this week…zoo, museums, etc. Feeling like I am getting a great balance of break time, coach/work life, and mom life with our new routine this school year.

wishing Luca could get over the hump of tears at school drop off. I felt like we were doing well and now it seems like things are going backward. He also recently is having trouble going to sleep on his own and I feel like it’s all related. That being said…his experience in school is definitely showing in other aspects of life…at a music class we went to yesterday he was really involved and participatory whereas in the past he would have clung to me the whole time. Baby steps.

hoping  That all of the costume items I ordered for Halloween will actually come before Halloween lol.

craving  Wine.

clicking  Around about a few things I am interested in doing and learning in terms of health and fitness and taking things to the next level. Yoga teacher training? Mind Body Green nutrition program? Podcasting? Organizing a Wellness Retreat? Thinking long-term here and not TOMORROW by any means, because let’s face it, I’m already crazy-busy. But always good to do research and advance ourselves when we can!

following Amanda Bella – her blog is super cute and I just love her hair and make-up video tutorials!

*

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Are you celebrating Halloween this weekend? Dressing up? Or that’s just for kids?

What have you been up to lately?

XO,

Gina

Rainbow Sprinkle Shower

IMG_0234_Layers_v1

When my sister first brought up the idea of a rainbow sprinkle shower, my first thought was that I had been planning one…but not until she was going to have her 2nd child hahaha. I thought it would be a cute 2nd child “sprinkle” theme. But after thinking more about it, I thought, “You know what? It’s not every day you get a rainbow sprinkle party thrown in your honor, she hasn’t even had one child yet (lol), and rainbow sprinkles are her JAM…so WHY WAIT??!?!”

This girl is seriously obsessed with everything rainbow sprinkles from ice cream to donuts, so it couldn’t have been a more perfect theme. Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law hosted the event at their home and I am SO grateful for all the time, effort, and ideas they put into it and for running with me on this theme! My sis is a lucky gal marrying into such an awesome family!

From the mimosa bar, to the sprinkle cake, the donut tower, blushing bride punch, sprinkle centerpieces, omelette station, confetti balloons, and more…it was a perfect day for a perfect bride, and the weather was phenomenal. And seriously…could she be ANY more gorgeous? I think not.

The photos speak for themselves. <3

IMG_0236_Layers_v1

IMG_0245_Layers

IMG_0249_Layers_v1

IMG_0492_Layers_v1

IMG_0258_Layers_v1

IMG_0262_Layers_v1

IMG_0276_Layers_v1

IMG_0283_Layers_v1

IMG_0285_Layers_v1

IMG_0304_Layers_v1

IMG_0326_Layers_v1

 

It now feels full circle to post these, because in the past few weeks little sis has tied the knot and also had a kick-ass party to celebrate at my parents house. Feels awesome to finally have her new hubby as my official brother after 13 years.

This week I have lots going on with a Coach Sneak Peek event tonight on the world of health + fitness coaching and I’m looking for some amazing new #bossbabes to join my team. Could it be you? 😉 I’m also prepping for CLEAN WEEK, which is a week to try out one of my challenge group programs – clean food, 4 workouts, super food shake, and my support group. Feel free to email me for details on how to get involved.

Lastly, we are prepping for a CAMPING trip this weekend with some of our good friends. This is the FIRST time we will have ever camped with our boys, so if you have any tips on camping with kiddos or just camping in general since I’m no expert, then please pass them along!!!

Make it a great day everyone!

XO,

Gina

Feeling Free

IMG_0229_Layers_v1

IMG_0230_Layers_v1

IMG_0227_Layers_v1

IMG_0197_Layers_v1

IMG_0160_Layers_v1

IMG_0223_Layers_v1

Dress: Free People via Trunk Club (now 40% off!) / Shoes: Kelly + Katie via DSW (now on sale!) / Lip: MAC Impassioned

This dress is another that I scored with my last Trunk Club and my amazing stylist Megan. I wore it to a baby shower while in Maryland a couple weeks ago, but I also think it’s perfect for a date night in the city. These shoes are EVERYTHING and wore them that whole weekend. Surprisingly pretty comfortable for high heels!

I titled this post “Feeling Free” originally because this dress is from Free People, but after thinking more about it, there is a lot more behind the title and how I’m feeling right now. The boys are getting into their routine at school, and I’m getting into my new routine as their mama and as the CEO of my business…both this blog and my health + fitness coaching…which really, it all sort of combines to just really trying to inspire as many people as possible to live happier + healthier whether that’s by exercising, eating clean, taking time for yourself, feeling comfortable in your clothes and in your own skin, etc. With the boys being in school for a bit, I’m getting a little more free time to myself to really dive into this passion during normal day time hours, and I’m LOVING it.

I’ve been practicing the Miracle Morning which is a book by Hal Elrod, and it’s been completely life changing. I have been starting my day with meditation, visualization, reading personal development, journaling, and of course exercise. It’s literally the most perfect way to start the day, and it really sets the tone and my mood going forward. It also allows me to feel less stressed about things I have “to-do” during the day, and I feel that when I’m with my kids, I can really be more present with them and in the moment.

And not to bring down the moment, since I love keeping things positive over here, but I am feeling incredible sad in light of the recent shooting that happened in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the “freedom” of owning guns has allowed so many people to lose their own freedom and even their lives. My own dear friends were supposed to be at the concert, and ended up not going, thank God. I have never been a fan of guns and I feel that by having them, violence is just perpetuated. If you want to help support the end of gun violence, Everytown is a great movement to support.

And whatever else you can do to spread love and positivity in this world, please keep doing that! The world needs you. <3

Make it a great day everyone!

XO,

Gina

Sincerely Jules

IMG_0095_Layers_v1

IMG_0156_Layer2_v1

IMG_0134_Layers_v1

IMG_0137_Layers_v1

IMG_0122_Layers_v1

IMG_0112_Layers_v1

IMG_0111_Layers_v1

Palm Print Slipdress: Sincerely Jules via Nordstrom Trunk Club (now on sale!) / Shoes: Halogen via Nordstrom Trunk Club – (sold out) similar here / Earrings: Forever 21 / Sunnies + Bracelet: Vintage / Lip: MAC Impassioned

It’s supposed to be fall, but we were still feeling beach weather all weekend. I have to admit, I love apple and pumpkin picking and I’m excited for all of it, but I cannot hate on some extra beach weather weekends. I’m a total beach gal.

This dress and these shoes are both more picks from my Trunk Club stylist Megan. I knew about the shoes in advance, but the dress was a surprise pick, and I couldn’t have been happier. I’m not sure I would have thought to pick out this dress on my own, but I really love the sleek, comfy fit and the peek-a-boo back. I wore it on a date night in the OBX with the hubs to a newer restaurant called Single Fin. To my friends who enjoy vacationing there, you will have to check that spot out! This dress will also be great for our spring break Beachbody Success Club trip next year to Riviera Maya…fellow coaches, I’m warning you, you will see it again there! 😉

Today starts Day 1 of my 3 Day Cleanse that I will be participating in with a big group of other coaches and challengers. It’s always way more fun to do these things with a group, because of all the encouragement and support! I know it’s never easy, but I know how amazing I will feel once it’s done, and it’s perfect timing right before my one and only sister’s wedding this upcoming weekend!!! Getting excited for the celebrations!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend, and wishing you a fantastic week ahead!

XO,

Gina