Healthy Costco Foods

Sharing a roundup of my favorite healthy Costco foods!

Hiiiii! How are you? I hope you’re having a wonderful day! I have an exciting Zoom call this am, and then we’re taking Liv for her first contact lenses lesson. She’s been wanting them for a quite a while, so I hope she loves them.

For today’s post, let’s talk about the club.

The only clubbin’ I really do lately lol.

I freaking love Costco, which is one of the adult-iest things about me. I can roll in there for five things and spend a thousand dollars though, so I don’t go super often. When we do go, we stock up on our beloved faves, and it’s so fun to see what new products and brands they have. They’ve really upped their game on organic and minimally-processed options over the past few years, so I wanted to shout out some of my faves.

I’d love to hear about your Costco staples, too!

20 Healthy Costco Foods:

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

(I’ll also get the Chosen Avocado oil and a container of coconut oil!)

Key Ingredients: 100% organic extra virgin olive oil.

What Makes It Healthy: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Where to Find It: Look for it in the cooking oils section.

Kerrygold butter:

Key Ingredients: Grass-fed cow’s milk.

What Makes It Healthy: Rich in healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids due to the grass-fed diet of the cows.

Where to Find It: In the dairy or refrigerated section.

Sizes Available: Sold in blocks.

Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers:

Key Ingredients: Nut and seed flour blend (almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds), tapioca starch, cassava flour.

What Makes It Healthy: Gluten-free, grain-free, and made with wholesome ingredients.

Where to Find It: Check the snack aisle.

Sizes Available: Typically sold in large boxes.

Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna:

Key Ingredients: Pole and line-caught wild albacore tuna, sea salt.

What Makes It Healthy: A rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients.

Where to Find It: Look for it in the canned goods section.

Sizes Available: Available in individual cans or multipacks.

Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa:

Key Ingredients: Organic white quinoa.

What Makes It Healthy: High in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids.

Where to Find It: In the grains and legumes aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in large bags for convenient bulk purchasing.

Nut Butter:

Key Ingredients: Various nut varieties (e.g., almond, peanut, cashew).

What Makes It Healthy: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.

Where to Find It: Check the spreads and condiments section.

Sizes Available: Available in jars or large containers.

Organic Frozen Berries:

Key Ingredients: Organic mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).

What Makes It Healthy: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.

Where to Find It: In the frozen foods aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in large bags for convenience.

Kirkland Signature Organic Salsa:

Key Ingredients: Organic tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, garlic.

What Makes It Healthy: Low in calories and fat, with no added sugars.

Where to Find It: Look for it in the condiments section.

Sizes Available: Available in large jars.

Organic Frozen Vegetables:

Key Ingredients: Assorted organic vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, mixed veggies, cauliflower rice).

What Makes It Healthy: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Where to Find It: In the frozen foods aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in large bags for convenience.

Season Sardines:

Key Ingredients: Wild-caught sardines, olive oil, sea salt.

What Makes It Healthy: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients.

Where to Find It: Check the canned seafood section.

Sizes Available: Sold in cans.

Organic Salad Kits:

Key Ingredients: Organic salad greens, vegetables, and dressing.

What Makes It Healthy: Fresh, organic ingredients packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Where to Find It: In the produce or refrigerated section.

Sizes Available: Various salad kit varieties to choose from.

Suja Immunity Juices:

Key Ingredients: Cold-pressed organic fruits and vegetables, immune-boosting ingredients (e.g., ginger, turmeric).

What Makes It Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health.

Where to Find It: Look for it in the refrigerated juice section.

Sizes Available: Available in a box of single-serving bottles.

Perfect Bars:

Key Ingredients: Nut butters, organic honey, protein blend (e.g., whey, rice, pea).

What Makes It Healthy: High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with no artificial ingredients.

Where to Find It: In the refrigerated protein bar section.

Sizes Available: Sold in a box of individual bars.

Sabatino Chicken Sausage:

Key Ingredients: Chicken, herbs, spices.

What Makes It Healthy: Made with lean chicken meat, free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Where to Find It: In the refrigerated meat section.

Sizes Available: Sold in packs.

Dave’s Killer Bread:

Key Ingredients: Organic whole grains, seeds, nuts.

What Makes It Healthy: High in fiber, protein, and whole grains, with no artificial additives.

Where to Find It: In the bread aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in a two pack, and I find that two is the same cost as one loaf at Whole Foods.

Organic Nuts:

Key Ingredients: Assorted organic nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews).

What Makes It Healthy: A good source of healthy fats, a little protein, and essential nutrients.

Where to Find It: In the nuts and snacks section.

Sizes Available: Sold in bulk bags or containers.

Paleo Bars:

Key Ingredients: Nuts, seeds, dried fruits.

What Makes It Healthy: Grain-free, gluten-free, and made with natural ingredients.

Where to Find It: In the snack or protein bar aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in individual bars or multipacks.

Banza Pasta:

Key Ingredients: Chickpeas

What Makes It Healthy: High in protein and fiber, gluten-free, and lower in carbs than traditional pasta.

Where to Find It: In the pasta aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in various pasta shapes.

Birch Benders Pancake Mix:

Key Ingredients: Organic almond flour, coconut flour, leavening agents.

What Makes It Healthy: Made with quality ingredients and no artificial additives, with gluten-free and paleo-friendly options available.

Where to Find It: In the baking or breakfast aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in bags.

Almond Flour:

Key Ingredients: Ground almonds.

What Makes It Healthy: Gluten-free, low-carb flour alternative rich in healthy fats and protein.

Where to Find It: In the baking or gluten-free aisle.

Sizes Available: Sold in bags or containers.

Shrimp Cocktail:

Key Ingredients: Cooked shrimp, cocktail sauce, lemon wedges

What Makes It Healthy: Low in calories and fat, high in protein, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Where to Find It: In the refrigerated or seafood section.

Sizes Available: Sold in pre-packaged containers. We love this as a snack before dinner!

Bonus Costco purchases:

– The taco kit. Dinner is served!!

– Shampoo and conditioner. I love Under Luna for a clean option, but we also use and love the Nexxus combo pack from Costco

– Goggles and pool toys

– Glass food storage containers

– Mamma chia pouches

More of my fave Costco faves are in this reel, too!

Next time you visit Costco, keep an eye out for some of these beloved staples, I try to prioritize whole, minimally processed foods and read ingredient labels to make informed choices about the products we bring home. Happy shopping and happy eating!

Please share your fave Costco finds in the comments section! Also, if you’re more of an online shopper, check out Thrive Market and Butcher Box – two of my faves (and those links will get you a discount).

More of my favorite health and wellness brands are here.

xo

Gina

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2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Sharing some gift ideas for all of the ladies in your life! Moms, grandmas, nanas, friends, mom figures, new moms, whoever you want to shower with something special this Mother’s Day. I also wanted to recognize here that I know Mother’s Day can be hard and sad for various reasons; please know I’m holding you in my heart. 

Hi friends! How was the weekend? I hope you had a wonderful one. Liv had a dance competition, so we enjoyed a trip to Phoenix with swimming and dinners out in between all of the dancing. The Pilot stayed here with P to take her to practice and basketball game. We’re officially at the “divide and conquer” stage of parenting.

For today’s post, I wanted to share some Mother’s Day gift ideas. I’m not requesting a lot gift-wise this year – my ideal gift looks like tickets for a show or a vacation! – but am absolutely looking forward to celebrating all of the women in our family we love so much.

I thought I’d share some ideas if you’re shopping, and I’d love to hear your gift guide picks, too!

Flowers and plants:

Venus et fluer flowers. I get ad-targeted for these on Facebook ALL THE TIME and they’re SO GORGEOUS. The roses last an entire year!

Heart shaped succulent planter. Love succulents, and since they’re so hardy, it doesn’t matter so much if you have a black thumb.

These pop-up cards are so pretty and unique!

This customizable concrete planter with a little air plant. I got these for my mom and nana last year and love the way they turned out. The quality is incredible, too!

 

Personalized + jewelry:

Handwriting bracelet. This one is designed based on your own handwriting.

Hand painted earrings.

These Maya Brenner necklaces are SO gorgeous. (Ok, I do want this.)

Stackable name rings. I have some initial rings for Liv and P, and they’re my favorite jewelry. It’s such a dainty and sweet gift idea.

Baby bird necklace.

Initial pendant necklace. 

“Mama” script ring.

This gorgeous mothers and daughters print.

A stretch bracelet with a boost of motivation.

Clothes + beauty:

The best “everything” dress. Dress it up or down; it’s perfection.

Classic Tory Burch tote. The color is a surprising neutral. This is another great tote that can double as a diaper bag or beach bag.

These pajamas or these pajamas. My two faves ever.

Mama bracelet.

Fruit babies bestsellers.

Low-top classic white sneakers. 

Classic Birks.

These pearl hoops. I have a similar pair and they give a little big of a statement while remaining classic.

A gorgeous CZ tennis bracelet.

ANYTHING from Vuori! I’m obsessed with their performance joggers and jumpsuits. They have a full Mother’s Day gift guide here if you need more ideas!

A comfy and luxe robe. I have a very similar one and it’s a lighter fabric for spring/summer.

Pure silk pillowcase.

Miller sandals with a little extra support. Love it!

The best sleep mask. This is a staple in my life (I even travel with it), and I sleep better and more soundly when I use it.

A Drybar blow-dryer brush.

Ergonomic eye mask.

Home + entertaining:

A round marble cheese board.

The CUTEST Le Creuset dish.

A gorgeous floral pitcher.

The best humidifier for dry summer months. (use code FITNESSISTA)

A gift box from my fave spot for local goodies: Creative Kind! They make the most beautiful custom boxes.

The softest and coziest blanket. 

These cozy Mama Bear slippers.

A self-heating mug. 

Under $30:

A peony candle!

A cheeky dishtowel. “I like big bundts” is my #1.

Motherhood is a walk in the park. Jurassic Park.

A customized dog oven mitt.

For the fitness-loving mamas:

A new yoga mat (<— I’ve had this one for 10+ years and it still looks and works great) or mat towel.

The best leggings or workout shorts.

Everyday sneakers in a fun new color.

This Fitbit! I can’t even handle the link bracelet band. This is so sleek and pretty!

Class pack to her favorite fitness studio.

The famous sauna blanket (or get it for yourself!). Check it out here and use the code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off. I use mine 3-4 times each week and it improves my skin texture, helps me get deep sleep, and feels amazing. I also love the PEMF Go Mat and Red light face mask! (Use code FITNESSISTA)

Experience gifts:

A spa day, massage, facial, or pedicure.

Plan a movie and dinner night with just the two of you.

Offer to wrangle her kiddos for a few hours while she does whatever she’d like. She can use the time to workout, meet up with a friend, walk around Target alone, or stare at the wall in silence. 😉

Sakara meals. These are such a gift, especially if she’s postpartum. Give her the gift of healthy, vibrant food she didn’t have to make. You can use GINAHSAKARA for 20% off.

Host a wine-tasting picnic. Invite her on an afternoon picnic with an awesome cheese board + some of your favorite wines.

And at the end of the day, a nice card really makes all the difference in the world. A little “I see you, and you’re crushing it” can go such a long way. <3

So, tell me friends: any gift ideas on your personal list or that you’ve found this year? Please shout it out in the comments! Fellow mama friends, what do you want for Mother’s Day this year? If a get a homemade card from the girls and a nap, I’ll be stoked.

xo

Gina

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10 Healthy Summer Smoothie Recipes

I’m sharing 10 delicious healthy smoothie recipes – from tart cherry smoothie bowls to tropical mango kiwi coolers – that make for a nutrient-dense snack or meal on a warm summer day.

We love refreshing smoothies in our house year-round, especially during those scorching hot summer days in Arizona. We usually have a back stock of Daily Harvest smoothies in our freezer, but there’s nothing like throwing a bunch of healthy ingredients into your blender and coming up with your smoothie connection. Whether you’re in the mood for a bright berry smoothie, or you’re craving something citrusy, I’m sharing 10 delicious recipes for the healthiest and best-hydrating smoothies from some of my fellow blogger friends – enjoy!

10 Healthy Summer Smoothie Recipes

Tart Cherry Smoothie Bowl

I use tart cherry juice as the base for this hydrating and replenishing tart cherry smoothie bowl – it’s the perfect post-workout smoothie to help reduce muscle soreness. It makes for a delicious sippable smoothie, but serving it in a bowl allows you to take it to the next level with toppings like granola, sliced banana, and chia seeds. 

Tart Cherry Smoothie Bowl

Healthy Orange Julius

Dairy-free and healthy, this homemade Orange Julius is a delicious and nutritious treat! It has all the flavors of a classic Orange Julius but it is made with fresh, healthy ingredients. This is a nostalgic drink you can feel good about.

Healthy Orange Julius

Vitamin C Smoothie

This nutritious smoothie calls for classic ingredients like strawberries, orange juice, banana, and lime juice. But then it takes it to the next level with soaked goji berries and cayenne. The ingredients blend together to make an ultra-refreshing fruit smoothie to sip any time of day.

Vitamin C Smoothie

Raspberry Orange Smoothie via The Almond Eater

This layered Raspberry Orange Smoothie is a healthy and delicious way to start the day! The entire smoothie requires just 5 ingredients. It’s packed with Vitamin C, and is an easy way to add fruit and veggies into your diet. It’s a winner all around!

Raspberry Orange Smoothie

Refreshing Pineapple Kale Smoothie via Ambitious Kitchen

Are you looking for ways to add leafy greens do your diet? Try this pineapple kale smoothie. It is made with just five simple ingredients and makes for a wonderful, easy breakfast or snack. Creamy coconut milk gives this vegan pineapple kale smoothie a delicious, tropical flavor you’ll love. The only way it could be better is if we were drinking it on a beach somewhere…

Refreshing Pineapple Kale Smoothie

Summer Berry Smoothie via Minimalist Baker

A simple 5-ingredient smoothie that tastes like summer in a cup! Raspberries, frozen bananas, 2 pure fruit juices, and creamy almond milk make the healthiest tart-sweet smoothie ever. You’re going to light up your tastebuds with this one!

Summer Berry Smoothie

Golden Milk Smoothie via Eating Bird Food

This golden milk smoothie with fresh turmeric, ginger, and mango is the perfect way to refuel after a workout. It has the protein and carbs your body needs along with anti-inflammation properties to help your body recover. When you’re craving a golden milk latte but don’t want a hot drink, make this smoothie instead.

Golden Milk Smoothie

Happy Digestion Green Smoothie Packs via Making Thyme For Health

Happy Digestion Smoothie Packs are not only packed full of healthy enzymes and probiotics, but they are also convenient and nutritious. Blend one of these packs to start your day on the right foot. With a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, these smoothie packs are a great way to support your digestive system and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It only takes 10 minutes to prep these smoothie packs, then on hectic mornings you can just grab one, blend it, and go!

Happy Digestion Green Smoothie Packs

Mango Kiwi Coolers via Pinch of Yum

Mango Kiwi Coolers are the perfect summer treat. These Mango Kiwi Coolers are a sweet and refreshing summer treat that is also packed with nutrients. Together, these two fruits make for a colorful, delicious, and healthy drink. It’s the smoothie to make if you’re looking to support your immune system and stay hydrated during the hot summer months.

Mango Kiwi Coolers

Lemon Blueberry Smoothie via Running on Real Food

This lemon blueberry smoothie tastes a bit like blueberry pie but you know it’s loaded up with all kinds of nutrition. The recipe features antioxidant-rich berries, frozen bananas, plant-based protein powder, chia seeds, and cinnamon. It’s delicious and gives you a natural energy boost.

Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

These 10 healthy summer smoothie recipes are a delicious and refreshing way to stay cool and nourished during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, satisfy your sweet tooth, or simply enjoy a tasty treat, there’s a smoothie on this list for everyone. So grab your blender and some fresh ingredients, and get ready to sip your way to a healthier summer!

Tell me, friends: what’s your all-time favorite smoothie combo or recipe?

xo

Gina

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Friday Faves 4.26

Sharing the weekly Friday Faves roundup!

Hi friends! Happy Friday!! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely week so far. Liv and I are off to Phoenix for a dance competition. She has a gorgeous solo and I love watching her team perform – it’s going to be a blast. I hope you have a fun weekend ahead!

(After-school treats at Dedicated)

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

Friday Faves 4.26

Home:

I’m seriously loving our new Air Doctor situation. The air in our house feels fresh and clean, and it’s wild to see what the filter is picking up. I wish we would have gotten them sooner!

A new air fryer. You guys know I’ve been on the hunt for a nontoxic air fryer, and I found a glass one with decent reviews. (I debated a stainless steel one, but some of the reviews said they still had internal plastic parts and a chemical smell.) It’s SO pretty and I’ll definitely report back.

Read, watch, listen:

Really enjoyed this podcast episode with Dr. Hyman. It seems like Dr. Cabral aligns with a lot of his messaging.

Check out the latest podcast episode here.

Embracing aging.

If you’re looking for a fun spring read, I definitely recommend this one. I have about 20 pages left and don’t want it to end!

Health, fitness, and good eats:

I have something exciting coming up next month if you’re looking to take your health and fitness to the next level this summer. Stay tuned for more info!!

Neighborhood block party! We have amazing neighbors, and this past weekend, we all enjoyed wine and delicious food together.

My contributions to the feast were a Mediterranean-style pasta salad:

(Trader Joe’s gf pasta, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, bell pepper, kalamata olives, feta, oregano, lemon juice, mint, olive oil, salt and pepper)

Brownie-cookie-Oreo bars, and this mixed berry crumble (I used gf flour).

Bodyweight HIIT workout.

Fashion and beauty:

New RX sunnies! I did a Warby Parker home try-on for sunglasses and decided to order the Rhea sunglasses in truffle tortoise. I got my last pair of rx sunglasses last-minute at Eye Mart before our Italy and Greece trip, and while they’ve definitely served their purpose, they are so heavy on my face.

I love Warby Parker’s quality so I have my fingers crossed that these will be lighter and more comfortable. I tend to wear glasses for the first part of the day or if I know I’ll be outside a lot, and love having rx sunglasses for walks, hikes, and swims.

This dress!! I mentioned it in last week’s Friday Faves post and didn’t attach a pic. I love that it looks like a La Vie Style House dress at a fraction of the cost. I ordered it in black, too! (Heads up: size down. I’m wearing an XS)

Happy Friday!

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and I’ll see you soon!
xo

Gina

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the best air filter for home (Air Doctor Review)

Sharing some tips on why you should filter your air, and my favorite air filter for home. 

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely morning! I have a couple of Zoom meetings this morning and am going to break up the day with a Sculpt Society class. I hope you have a great day!

For today’s post, I wanted to chat about Air Doctor. We recently added three to our home, and I absolutely love them. I’m excited to share the details with ya!

Just like shower and bath water, it’s easy to ignore the quality of our air indoors. However, the air inside our homes can be filled with various pollutants that can negatively impact our health and well-being. That’s why air filtration can make a huge difference for your health, especially if you deal with allergies. Today, I wanted to chat about the importance of filtering your air, the benefits it can provide, and why AirDoctor is my favorite option for home air filtration.

the best air filter for home (Air Doctor Review)

Why Filter Your Air?

Indoor air pollution can come from various sources, including dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from furnture and carpeting, and airborne particles from cooking and cleaning. Without proper filtration, these pollutants can accumulate indoors, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. By filtering your air, you can remove harmful contaminants and breathe cleaner, fresher air.

What Can an Air Filter Remove?

An effective air filter, such as the AirDoctor, can remove a wide range of pollutants from the air, including:

Dust and Dust Mites: Dust particles and dust mites can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.

Pet Dander: Pet owners can benefit from air filtration to reduce pet dander, a common allergen.

Pollen: Filtering out pollen can provide relief for individuals with seasonal allergies.

Mold Spores: Mold spores are common indoor pollutants that can cause respiratory issues.

VOCs: Volatile organic compounds emitted by household products and materials can be harmful when inhaled.

Bacteria and Viruses: Air filtration can help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.

How Air Quality Affects Your Health:

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to various health problems, including:

Respiratory Issues: Breathing in polluted air can exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Allergies: Allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Headaches and Fatigue: Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause headaches, fatigue, and general discomfort.

Long-Term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution may increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions over time.

Why Choose AirDoctor?

I did a ton of research before making a larger investment in our home air filtration, and here’s why I chose Air Doctor: (worth mentioning here that I’ve tried another brand and wasn’t super impressed with it)

Advanced Filtration Technology: AirDoctor utilizes UltraHEPA and Carbon/Gas Trap/VOC filters to capture 100% of airborne particles as small as 0.003 microns.

Comprehensive Coverage: One AirDoctor can effectively purify the air in rooms up to 2000 square feet, making it suitable for large living spaces.

Quiet Operation: AirDoctor operates quietly, allowing you to enjoy cleaner air without disturbing your daily activities. It’s a very gentle hum and the 5500 is extremely quiet.

User-Friendly Design: With intuitive controls and easy filter replacement, AirDoctor is designed for hassle-free operation. I tend to get overwhelmed by new devices, and this was extremely easy to set up and use straight out of the box.

Trusted Brand: Backed by years of research and development, AirDoctor is a trusted name in home air purification.

Choosing the Right Size:

When selecting an air filter for your home, the biggest consideration is the size of your living space.

AirDoctor offers models suitable for various room sizes, ensuring optimal air purification for various rooms and spaces in your house. For larger homes, consider placing multiple units strategically to achieve comprehensive coverage.

Here is what we ended up choosing:

– A 5500 unit for downstairs. This is the largest and quietest Air Doctor! This thing is massive, sleek, super quiet, and can filter the air in 2000 sq ft 2x per hour.

– A 3500 for upstairs. These are large units and also great for larger spaces and high ceilings. This filters 1260 sq ft 2x per hour.

– Another 3500 for our bedroom and loft office

It’s funny because the girls were PUMPED about these when we got them. P was like, “Mom, I think we should have one in every bedroom.” I agree, kid!! And that’s the goal. Our plan is to add one of the 2000 units to Liv and P’s rooms.

Air Doctor pros:

– Removes harmful pollutants from the air

– Improves indoor air quality

– Reduces respiratory issues and allergies

– Creates a healthier living environment

– Easy to use and maintain. I was shocked when I saw how easy it was to replace the filter!

Air Doctor cons:

– Initial investment cost. They’re pricey but they currently have a ton of promos and bundles here. 

– Ongoing filter replacement expenses

– May require multiple units for large homes

– Investing in an air filtration system like Air Doctor is a proactive step toward improving your indoor air quality and safeguarding your health. It’s extremely easy to use, quiet, and we’ve all been very happy with it so far. You can browse all of the options here.

Do you filter your air?? What do you use?

if you’re looking at filtering your shower water, definitely check out my favorite shower filter (use code FITNESSISTA)

xoxo

Gina

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Coffee date chat

Having a coffee date chat with some of my best blog friends.

Hi! How’s the morning going? I hope you’re having a great one so far. It’s been a little while since we’ve had a coffee or juice chat around here, so let’s grab a favorite beverage and catch up a bit today. I’d probably ask you to join me at Dedicated, because it’s my favorite local bakery right now. Everything is gluten-free and their coffee drinks are amazing!

If we were having coffee right now….

I’d want to hear what’s going on with YOU. How are the human and/or fur children? How’s life? What do you have going on right now?

We’d probably talk about spring fever and summer plans. I’m SO READY for school (and homework!) to be over for the kids. I’m ready for late-night swims, slow mornings, and enjoying more time together. As far as summer travel goes, we’re headed to Hawaii this summer (can’t wait!!!) and I have multiple price alerts set for Spain. If the airline prices drop a little, we’re IN.

I’d want to know where you’ve been shopping lately. I feel like everything has been a little blah so far this season, but so far, I’m really loving Abercrombie (surprisingly!), Amazon finds (like this dress and this set), and Farm Rio. I’m still doing the RTR Unlimited subscription and it’s a nice way to keep things fresh without buying all the things lol.

I’d tell you about my garden. When I had all of my eye issues last spring, I let everything die. I didn’t want to be outside in the soil and wind since my eyes were so irritated, so my garden became survival of the fittest. Somehow, zucchinis grew the size of my forearm, one gigantic beet survived, and our rose bushes made it! They’re all blooming now and smell amazing. The Pilot built a new garden bed, we planted some new things for spring, and I’m excited to have a garden again.

I’d ask you what workouts you’ve been into lately. I’m still loving Sculpt Society, F45, barre, hiking, and hot yoga.

I’d probably chat with you about military life. The Pilot will be retired this winter and I can’t even believe it. I shared more in this vulnerable Instagram post, but I’m not going to be sad when it’s over. So much of military life is based on anxiety and worry, and waiting. Waiting for the next assignment, waiting for deployment to be over, waiting until things calm down (<— this never happens lol). I had to learn to be happy in the moment and to stop waiting for things, which positively affected my outlook on military life, and life in general. When he retires, I’ll be sad because I know he’ll be sad and miss it. It’s a huge part of his identity. I’m so proud of him and everything he’s accomplished, but looking forward to the next chapter.

I’d want to know what you’re excited about right now, and also share some future plans with you. I’ve been hard at work behind the scenes here on the blog, and also on an EquiLife mentorship. I’ll share some more details in the next couple of weeks, but it’s been an incredible opportunity.

So tell me, friends:

– What’s going on in your life? What are you excited about right now? Do you have a garden? Any summer plans?

xoxo

Gina

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Abercrombie Spring Fashion Finds

From breezy dresses to trendy denim and flattering swimwear, I’m sharing my favorite Abercrombie spring fashion finds!

Abercrombie Spring Fashion Finds

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you enjoyed the weekend! Ours was packed with fun events and the girls got in their first swim of the season. I’d love to hear what you were up to!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some cute Abercrombie finds for spring and summer! I fought the Abercrombie resurgence for so many years… it just brought back memories of a popped collar polo with a lacy tank underneath, short frayed denim skirt, and Rainbow sandals 🙂 I worked at Abercrombie in high school – I wasn’t cool enough to be a “model” but I was a super efficient cashier I tell ya – and spent my entire paychecks on clothes.

Needless to say, when I saw Abercrombie making a comeback for our generation (those who don’t want to look too young but also not too matronly), I was skeptical. Then, I started to see more and more of it, and realized that the quality is still there, but the styles are more classic. It also gives off a Reformation-ish vibe, and I’m here for it. They have SO many cute things right now, so I wanted to dedicate a post to sharing some of my faves.

Here are the goods!

Abercrombie Spring Fashion Finds

These tailored pants.

This everyday mini dress.

This linen blend blazer.

This bodysuit.

These high-waisted denim shorts.

This maxi dress.

This cut-out maxi dress.

This bandeau bikini top + bottoms.

This crochet cover-up.

These straw sandals.

This puff sleeve floral dress.

More Favorites

This pleated active skirt.

This squareneck cropped tank.

Satin sleep shirt + shorts.

This oversized cropped poplin blouse.

You may also enjoy:

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Friday Faves 4.19

Hi friends! Happy Friday! How was the week? What are you up to this weekend? It’s going to be a wild but fun one over here. We have a military retirement party, a school event, a birthday party, a neighborhood block party, and it’s my brother’s birthday. Bring on all the spring fun! I’ve also been hard at work this week on an exciting opportunity through EquiLife. I’m so so excited and honored to be included, and I’ll share the details when I can 🙂

Let me know what you’re up to and what’s going on this spring. I love catching up with you and hearing about your life!

For now, it’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I love learning about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

Friday Faves 4/19

Life:

We had the most amazing date night at Le Rendezvous last weekend. It’s a Tucson classic, and so many people have raved about it, so we finally tried it out. Everything was a dream.

We shared scallops for an appetizer, enjoyed wine, the beef tenderloin for two (with perfect satueed veggies and a lil scalloped potato statck I wanted to live in), and Grand Marnier souffle. YUM. We’ll definitely be back with the girls, especially because they have escargot; their all-time favorite appetizer.

I realized I never posted before and after pics for our great floor project. We had our carpet upstairs replaced with laminate, and they also re-did our bedroom and office, since they used to be hardwood. We just wanted everything to match, and wanted a neutral brown that would be classic.

I’m so so happy with how it turned out!

We also had the railing on our stairs replaced.

This is what it looked like before:

with the safety rail as they redid the railing:

and the after:

A million times better.

We never intended to stay here forever, but we keep making updates to the house (like the pool!) that make us want to stick around longer. Also with the current market, we’re not planning on going anywhere.

The girls and I saw Phil Wickham in concert last night! I had been looking forward to it – the girls were neutral about it lol- for quite a while. We all ended up loving it and were singing and dancing the entire time. He’s incredibly talented, and I loved the overall messaging of the show, too. It was a great positive vibe festival for all of us.

P also received her First Communion this past weekend. We celebrated Mass with the fam and had an epic brunch at Ventana.

Read, watch, listen:

Don’t forgot to check out this week’s podcast episode about tapping here!

Five pick-me-ups.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Still cruising along with the CBO protocol. I’m finally heading towards the end and it’s been nice to implement more foods into the rotation. Protocols are 20% off right now, including my fave detox. You can also stack the code FITNESSISTA10 for many of the EquiLife products with this link. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s shopping list. 

Fashion + beauty:

Got this dress from Dillard’s and obsessed with it. (I sized down to an XS since I read in the reviews that it runs big.)

It’s similar to a La Vie Style House tunic at a fraction of the price. I got hot pink, but now I want the black one. 

On a totally different note, you may have noticed that the Beautycounter site has gone dark starting today.

Here’s a copy of the email that I sent to my clients this morning:

Back In 2021, the company was sold to a private equity firm, The Carlyle Group. After a few years of discovering a mis-match in the true vision for the amazing company, founder and CEO, Gregg Renfrew (along with other like minded Investors) is buying it back.

This is great news – for you, for me, and for Beautycounter (and its mission) as a whole! I have full trust in Gregg as the leader.

The not-so-great piece of all this is that there will be a bit of downtime during the transition.

Starting today, the Beautycounter website will be DOWN, and not be available to shop again until Wednesday, May 1.

There are lots of rumors flying around that the company is closing, but Gregg has assured us that everything will be back to business as usual (products, ordering process, website, product credit – everything!) once the sale is complete on May 1. It should all look and feel the same at that time.

I have heard that there are some good things planned starting in May, including some new product launches this summer, so stay tuned!

Happy Friday, friends! Have a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for stopping by the blog today.
xo

Gina

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Summer Sangria

I believe that it’s always a good time for sangria, so please feel free to replace “summer” in the name of this easy summer sangria recipe with the season of your choice 😉

Comment section screenshot "I like to think it's always sangria season"

Sangria, or wine punch, is a fantastic party beverage, especially if you can make it at home and let it sit in the fridge overnight. I made last night’s sangria at the BBQ we went to, because I had visions of exploding sangria and the Pilot’s car smelling like wine and brandy for the rest of the year. I personally don’t mind the smell of wine and brandy, though…

For this recipe, I like to use inexpensive dry red wine, like a cheap Spanish wine. If you prefer white wine, you could definitely swap the red wine for pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc and make a white wine sangria that tastes just as delicious. I know plenty of people who also like to add lemon lime soda for some carbonation, but you can skip adding that and not miss a thing. After all, the key ingredients here are the fresh fruits (summer fruit in this case) and wine for sangria that’s off the charts amazing yet surprisingly simple.

This sangria recipe might be called "Summer Sangria," but it's always a good season for sangria! This recipe makes two large pitchers--perfect for BBQs!

Summer Sangria Recipe

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Summer Sangria

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  • Yield: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 green apples, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • juice of one orange (1/4 to 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 C sugar, divided
  • 2 C orange juice (store bought)
  • 1 C brandy
  • 1 C triple sec
  • 1 supersize bottle of *inexpensive* dry red wine OR 1.5 regular bottles

Equipment

  • 2 large pitchers

Instructions

  1. Add half of all the ingredients to each pitcher
  2. Stir to combine
  3. Serve over fresh ice cubes
  4. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Halve the recipe to make just one pitcher

Sangria

 

Sangria ingredients

 

Brandy and triple sec

 

It’s super refreshing, not too sweet and a party beverage staple in our house.

I’m off to get some groceries for the week and hit up a spin class. Hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya later <3

Cheers,

Gina

Something to do: While we’re enjoying the day, please take a second to send love to the families of those who fought bravely, selflessly and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. The Pilot has lost some close friends, and I am forever thankful to those who dedicate their lives for our safety.

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