8.29 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What’s going on this weekend? We’re headed to San Diego and I.can’t.wait. We’re definitely ready for some fun time with our Kleiger fam and Vitamin Sea. Also ready for some cool weather and escaping the Tucson scorching oven.

I hope you have a relaxing and lovely weekend ahead!

Labor Day weekend is here and sooooo many good sales:

HigherDOSE! You can get 20% off sitewide (minut the full-sized saunas and bundles) and they’re one of my all-time favorite brands for biohacking staples.

Here are some of the things I love and use on a weekly basis:

– The PEMF Go Mat. I use this daily for meditation and it helps me feel peaceful, centered, and grounded. It’s perfect for meditation or for a 15-day recharge on a long work day.

– The sauna blanket. I get in and sweat like a happy lil Chipotle burrito. I haven’t used it as much lately because it’s been SO hot here, but this is used at least a few times a week during the fall and winter.

– Red light face mask. My latest habit stack is walking on the walking pad with my red light face mask. It makes a huge difference with my skin!

– Red light hat. It looks super cute and can help with hair growth.

– The NEW red light full body mat. You can use it like a blanket or attach it to your wall like a giant red light panel.

If you’re looking for a portable red light option, Lumebox is having an ENORMOUS sale. I packed up my Lumebox to bring to San Diego! It’s very well-constructed, low EMF (super important!) and you can use near infrared or regular red mode. I love this for skin, mood, inflammation, recovery, healing, aches, and pains. Check it out here and no code is needed for the promo.

OneSkin! I use OneSkin products every day, but my all-time faves are the body lotion and the tinted SPF moisturizer. They’re made with their proprietary OS-01 peptide which has been clinically shown to potentially help with aging, skin elasticity, inflammation, and skin microbiome. They have tiered free gifts this weekend with purchase – stack with my code FITNESSISTA15 for an extra 15% off!

Oliveda 21% off ALL purchases and you’ll also get a free gift on orders over $199. I love the corrective serum, corrective face cream, honey enzyme mask, olive peeling exfoliator, and the shower gel. I’m counting down the days until the Olive Rose skin tint is back, too. Oliveda completely changed my skin – they have an incredible line of products.

Tuckernuck is still having a HUGE sale. I want pretty much everything from their site but I especially love their dresses. My favorite shirtdress is only $39 right 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 always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

8.29 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

This dress! I feel like it’s a perfect transition to fall dress when it’s still hot out but you want to wear more autumn-ish colors. It’s on sale here, too.

This lip liner in 606 is ALWAYS sold out and is finally in stock. I wear it with lip gloss over it.

Read, watch, listen:

Love this list of best summer moments.

40 things that can make a big difference in your day.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Our fall detox group starts soon and spots are filling up! Our prep week starts on Tuesday and we rock and roll on Monday, September 8. When you purchase a detox kit, you’re getting three free weeks of group coaching, support, and accountability. Simply email me your order confirmation to gina@fitnessista.com and I’ll add ya to the group. Stack FITNESSISTA10 for 10% off if it’s your first time joining in!

Dinner recipes for the week! I’m working on sharing more roundups of meals we’ve made that everyone has loved, especially since we’re back into the school craziness. I made a little printable with the links to all of the recipes here. 

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

The post 8.29 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/K5cdpbk
https://ift.tt/C0TyDUc

191: Fertility Starts in the Brain! Healing from the Inside Out with Monica Cox

Hi friends! I have a brand new episode live and I’m SO excited for you to listen to my conversation with Monica Cox all about understanding fertility through the lens of cellular health, the role of diet and mindset, and the emotional healing that supports your journey to motherhood.

Here’s what we discuss:

• Why fertility is often a cellular health issue—and what that really means

• The powerful connection between diet, emotional patterns, and fertility outcomes

• How to spot red flags in common fertility advice and choose practices that truly serve you

• The importance of intuition, joy, and radical responsibility in your fertility journey

• Why age is not the final word on your fertility potential

Plus, Monica’s inspiring personal story of loss, resilience, and natural conception after years of infertility.

Monica Cox is the woman midlife professionals call when they’ve blown $50,000+ on fertility treatments that failed them. Monica helps women who’ve “tried everything” finally understand what their body actually needs to get and stay pregnant-without burning themselves out with endless protocols, diets, and treatments.
Monica is raw & honest about fertility struggles that 1 in 6 couples face. She helps professional women finally get pregnant by addressing what conventional medicine misses: the gut-fertility connection, cellular inflammation, and those subconscious blocks nobody’s talking about.
Monica’s refreshing “no BS” approach and methodology transforms fertility from a clinical nightmare into an empowering journey. Women are desperate for alternatives that actually work-and Monica delivers them with the perfect mix of science, soul, and tough love that midlife women are searching for.

Connect with her on her website and on Instagram.

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter
For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here.
Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast

191: Fertility Starts in the Brain! Healing from the Inside Out with Monica Cox

 

Partners:
Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. 

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. https://ift.tt/Hk6X7Ns

The post 191: Fertility Starts in the Brain! Healing from the Inside Out with Monica Cox appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/GalQM5d
https://ift.tt/gz8aj6n

Packed lunch ideas for teens

Sharing some of my favorite lunchbox ideas for teens!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a lovely morning so far. I’ve packed this week with podcast interviews and client calls – here we goooooo – because the Pilot is home and can take over homeschool duties.

For today’s post, I wanted to share some lunchbox ideas for teenagers. I make the girls’ lunches every day, and I love putting them together. Liv’s school offers hot lunch, which is takeout from different fast food restaurants, but it’s super expensive (like $20 for Chick-Fil-A) and they don’t even keep the food warm before serving it to the kids. So for quality and cost reasons, I keep making their food here at home.

Last year, I would sometimes open Liv’s lunchbox to wash it, and quite a bit of it would still be sitting in here.

“Why didn’t you eat lunch? Aren’t you hungry at lunchtime?”

“I’m a little hungry but sometimes I don’t really want a bagel or a sandwich… I’d love a meal.”

“A meal? Like what do you mean?”

“Like ramen, or chicken, or salad or something like that.”

This blew my mind. I was still kind of packing her “little kid lunches.” Don’t get me wrong, they still looked good and had lots of tasty and healthy components, but she wanted an actual meal instead of a bagel or PB&J. It was a huge lightbulb moment for me because I’d feel the same way. I don’t like eating the same cold things every day, and for lunch, I often prefer a *meal* instead of a bagel or PB&J.

[And for the friends out there who might be wondering why she didn’t pack her own lunch, she was dancing 10+ hours a week last year across town and had hours of homework each night. It’s also one of those things that I’m happy to do for them – I enjoy it!]

I started asking her for lunch ideas, and taking her to Costco and Whole Foods with me to pick out things that look good to her. Now I make her *meals* for lunch that are still just as fast as making a PB&J or bagel, but they’re more satisfying and enjoyable.

Here are some of the things that are in the rotation:

Packed lunch ideas for teen

Main course:

Pasta salad

This is the best pasta salad in the world and you can make it in advance to enjoy throughout the week.

Chopped salad with homemade dressing

Liv loves a chopped salad and I’ll usually add different types of greens, a protein (like leftover chicken or sliced deli turkey), garbanzo beans, edamame, poshi artichokes or asparagus, grated cheese, olives, veggies, and a homemade dressing.

Jennifer Aniston salad

We all LOVE this salad and it’s so easy to pack for lunch with grilled chicken on top.

Egg bites

These can also be made in advance and frozen. We all love these Mediterranean Egg Bites or these Starbucks copycat egg bites.

Ramen or Buldok

She loves ramen and doesn’t mind eating it cold/room temperature, so I’ll make it the night before and keep it in a glass container.

Sliced grilled chicken with dipping sauces and rice

I’ll often meal prep chicken or meatballs and pack these in her lunch with ranch or BBQ sauce to dip.

Ravioli with olive oil and grated cheese on top

Pre-cook the ravioli, drizzle olive oil on top and grated parmegiano reggiano.

Pizza

It’s so easy to wrap up and pack a couple of pieces of pizza

Leftovers

It’s funny because I used to hate leftovers as a kid, but the girls love them. Sometimes after dinner I’ll ask Liv what I can pack her for lunch and she’ll ask if we have leftovers from our meal. If we do, I just pack them up to go. Things like lasagna, enchiladas, papusas, chili or ground beef, and stir fries are all options that she’s wanted to pack up and take for lunch.

Greek bowls with pita bread

Rice, chicken, hummus, Greek salad, grape leaves, and pita

Sides:

Homemade energy balls

Fruit

I’ll wash, chop up, and prep a ton of fruit for the week since we all love snacking on it. I usually buy what’s in season, so lately it’s been berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries), grapes, a few types of melon, and a pineapple. I soak the berries in vinegar and water for 2-5 minutes and let them dry completely before storing in glass containers. I also chop the melon and pineapple and store in glass containers.

Jerky

Chips – Boulder, Siete, or Jackson’s are the go-tos but she also loves Taki’s on occasion or the Trader Joe’s copycat Taki’s

Dried fruit or fruit strips

Poshi veggie packs

Sliced veggies with hummus

Cheese

Yogurt with fruit on top

Homemade cookies, brownies, bars, or some chocolate for dessert

I’m trying to reduce the amount of pacakged snacks we buy, but we still get snacky things and pantry staples at Thrive Market < — my link saves you 40% on your first order.

So, tell me, friends: what do your teens like to eat for lunch? What’s the hot lunch situtaion like at your school?

At Liv’s preschool in San Diego, they had the BEST hot lunch options. You could order sushi (!), acai bowls, Caesar salads, soups, sandwiches, it was ridiculous.

xo

Gina

The post Packed lunch ideas for teens appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/D6iUdSy
https://ift.tt/gSJrqzl

EquiLife Fall Detox

Sharing the details on how to join us for our fall detox. We start our prep week next Tuesday, so order your detox kit here! They’re also buy 3, get one free this week, so if you want to stock up for the year, it’s the perfect time. Stack my code FITNESSISTA10 if it’s your first time ordering. 

If you’ve been feeling a little off – tired even after a full night’s sleep, a little puffy, or just craving a fresh start after a YOLO summer – this is your sign to join us for our fall detox! Kickoff starts next Tuesday with a prep week and then we rock and roll on September 8th. [Friendly note: check with a doctor before making any fitness or nutrition changes.]

It’s the perfect way to press reset before the holiday season sneaks up. Think of it as a way to show your body some love: supporting your natural detox pathways, calming inflammation, and finding that steady energy again in a way that’s doable for real life, and not overwhelming. I’m SO ready for a reset after a very fun summer that left me with tight shorts and not feeling my best energy-wise, or mood-wise.

Order your detox kit here.

Fall EquiLife detox

Summer is fun, but let’s be real: late nights, travel, cocktails, and BBQs can leave us feeling sluggish. Fall is the season of routine and fresh starts, so it’s the perfect time to focus on YOU. Imagine heading into the holidays with better sleep, steady energy, and your jeans fitting just a bit better; not because of restriction, but because your body is finally getting what it needs.

Here’s How It Works

We start with Prep Week on September 2, where we’ll set you up for success. The official detox kicks off September 8, and you can choose 7, 14, or 21 days. I’ll be doing 14 days right alongside you, and every Wednesday during the program I’ll be live in our private Facebook group for Q&A and coaching. We’ll also be chatting and posting in the group each day. Our group is usually super fun, supportive, and interactive!

You’ll also get:

A Detox Recipe Book packed with easy, family-friendly meals. The fam and I usually eat the same meals for dinner during the detox.

A Wellness Resource Cheatsheet so you can make the most of your detox.

Community support and accountability. Everything’s better when you’re not doing it alone. I can also share tips on how to modify the detox and make it work for your life and activity level.

Because I want you to feel supported, the first 5 people who join will also get 1:1 access to me via Telegram during the program.

Why the EquiLife Detox Works

So many of us deal with toxin overload from our environment: pesticides in our food, heavy metals in our water, pollution in the air, and even chemicals in everyday products. Over time, this can burden our liver and detox pathways, making it harder for the body to maintain balance. This can result in things like low energy, poor sleep, bloating, weight-loss resistance, and hormone imbalances.

The EquiLife Functional Medicine Detox is designed to help your body hit reset by supporting Phase 1 and Phase 2 liver detoxification: the two-step process your body uses to safely eliminate toxins. When these pathways are supported, you can clear toxins more efficiently, feel lighter and more energized, and create a foundation for better long-term health.

Key Ingredients and Benefits

Here’s what makes this detox so powerful (and why I detox about four times each year):

Daily Nutritional Support Shake: Packed with vitamins, minerals, plant-based protein, and antioxidants to support energy, muscle repair, and daily nutrient needs.

Functional Medicine and Ayurvedic Detox Supplements: Contains herbal blends like milk thistle and dandelion root to support liver health, along with antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid to neutralize free radicals.

Binder Support: Helps trap and remove toxins released during the detox process so they don’t get reabsorbed.

Cruciferous Vegetable Extracts: Compounds found in broccoli and kale that support healthy hormone metabolism and detox pathways.

The Results You Can Expect

By the end of the 7, 14, or 21 days, clients often report:

– More stable energy throughout the day

– Better sleep and improved recovery

– Reduced bloating and inflammation

– Clearer skin and brighter eyes

– Easier weight loss or breaking through a plateau

– Feeling “lighter” and more focused

This isn’t about deprivation; it’s about giving your body the support and nutrients it needs to finally do the job it was designed to do.

I’m capping this group at 50 people so I can really show up and help you get results.

Some testimonials from our previous group detoxes:

How to Join Us

Grab your detox kit through my link. There is no extra cost to you. You simply pay for the kit and you’re getting bonus group coaching and support. 

Forward your order confirmation to gina@fitnessista.com with the subject FALL DETOX.

I’ll send you your recipe book, resources, and a link to join our private group.

Prep Week starts September 2 – don’t wait until we close the group! Also shipping has been slower so I recommend ordering asap.

Get your kit here.

Can’t wait to do this with you!

xo

Gina

 

The post EquiLife Fall Detox appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/jZ3PS7E
https://ift.tt/B2g5bhZ

8.22 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? We’re headed to Top Golf with friends, I’m taking the kids to K Pop Demon Hunters sing-a-long, we have an NCL meeting, and a Gaslight show. We definitely packed a lot of fun things into the weekend!

(Mazer getting a little grounding and sunlight. Whenever I get out the Lumebox, she runs over to sit next to me – she loves it.)

A little treat: the Pilot was able to come home in between trips this week. It was such an awesome surprise. His work schedule has been pretty manageable but this past week was a bit of a long one. We were all so happy when he got an unexpected break in the middle.

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.

8.22 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

Tuckernuck is having a HUGE sale. I want pretty much everything from their site but I especially love their dresses. This is my favorite shirtdress and it’s only $29 right now.

I’ve been checking this site every day for an Olive Rose #7 restock.

Read, watch, listen:

Definitely check out this week’s Q&A podcast episode here.

We saw Josh Turner last weekend in Phoenix and it was everything. We danced to this song at our wedding

Fitness, health, and good eats:

I can’t decide if this is genius or an abomination. I think I need to test it out to know for sure

Advanced Cell Force is here! Dr. Cabral has been teasing it for MONTHS and it’s finally available! This contains creatine, and three other powerhouse ingredients designed to boost our production of ATP (= energy), increase blood flow/circulation, focus and productivity. It’s 30% off this week here, and if it’s your first time ordering, stack my code FITNESSISTA10.

Our detox group officially starts September 2nd, the day after Labor Day. I’ll announce all the details next week, but in the meantime, make sure you’re on the waitlist here.

To be totally honest with you guys, I haven’t been feeling quite like myself the past few weeks. I just feel blah, haven’t been sleeping as well as I usually do, craving tons of sugar and sweets, anxious, stressed, and after a summer of fun, my clothes are tight. I have an action plan I’m going to work on now that the kids are in school and I can try to find a routine again, but the first step is a detox just to get in tune with healthy, whole foods, and reduce inflammation. I would love it if you joined me!! Get on the waitlist here and I’ll share the details with you on Monday.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

The post 8.22 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/aBZogmy
https://ift.tt/1i2dkgY

190: Budgeting, Balance & Big Family Dreams

Hi friends! I have a brand new podcast episode live, and today I’m catching you up in a solo episode that’s part life update, part travel tips, and part parenting reflections.

Here’s what we chat about:

• The 700% growth of the podcast this year and what’s been working behind the scenes

• How I budget and plan for vacations (including my favorite credit card points hacks!)

• Raising daughters with a focus on positive body image and why certain conversations don’t belong at the dinner table

• How creating a nag-free dinner environment has helped our family connect more

• Why I believe “balance” is a myth (and what I focus on instead)

• Tips for traveling with kids while keeping stress low and expectations realistic

• What living in Spain taught me about slowing down and savoring life

• The big “someday” dreams my family is talking about—Spain, Germany, or maybe even homesteading

This is a cozy, chatty episode full of stories, reflections, and practical takeaways for creating more connection, joy, and ease in your family life.

Take a listen and tell me which part resonated most with you!

190: Budgeting, Balance & Big Family Dreams

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter
For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here.
Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast

Partners:

This is the credit card I use for lounge access and free hotel stays + perks.

Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. 

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. https://ift.tt/QqorfJR

The post 190: Budgeting, Balance & Big Family Dreams appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/jmzpaBo
https://ift.tt/IWyEQGF

Remote work tips

Sharing some of my top remote work tips since I’ve worked at home for so many years now. I know quite a few of you work remote, too, so please share your top producivity tips or hacks in the comments!

Hi friends! I hope that you’re doing well and enjoying the day. I have a podcast interview this morning and we have the usual homeschool/dance/basketball fun today.

Today, I wanted to chat a little bit about working from home and brainstrom some tips with you all.

OG reader friends are familiar with this story, but I started the blog when we were living in Valdosta, GA. I had just started working as a personal trainer and leaving the retail management world, and it ended up growing into something I never could have imagined. I LOVE being able to connect with all of you, and every single day, I’m so thankful for the freedom to work and earn an income from home while being able to be here for the kids.

I know that many friends out there aslo run a business from home, or work remotely. It’s kind of become the “new normal” and I love that it’s an option. Since the pandemic, the way we think about work has completely shifted: home offices replaced cubicles, video chats replaced conference rooms, and coffee shops became the new coworking hubs. And honestly? It comes with a ton of benefits: convenience, flexibility, fewer commutes, and often a better shot at real work life balance.

But here’s the truth: remote work or working from home isn’t always easy. Without the right strategies, it can feel isolating, overwhelming, or even unproductive.

Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite remote work tips that will help you live your best work life, whether you’re at home, an office, or a coffee shop.

Remote Work Tips

I think that understanding what remote work really means is key. It’s not just working in your pajamas or answering phone calls from the couch. It’s about designing systems, routines, and habits that keep you productive, connected, and fulfilled.

These tips for working remotely are meant to help you not just “get by,” but actually succeed, grow, and enjoy your work from home setup. I also wanted to include tips for my friends that work virtually for a company, because working for yourself is a different beast. (If you’d like me to do more behind-the-scenes blog posts, I’d be happy to do that, too!)

What Does Remote Work Mean?

At its core, remote work means performing your job outside of a traditional office. That might mean setting up a home office, working from a coffee shop, or even doing your job while traveling. Unlike conventional jobs, there’s no water cooler chat, no morning commute, and no boss walking past your desk every 20 minutes.

The biggest difference? Freedom and responsibility. You have more say over your working hours, your work space, and your daily rhythm, but you also need discipline and creativity to stay focused.

Remote work isn’t just a perk anymore; it’s a completely new way of structuring both work and life.

How To Make Remote Work Successful

How to Stay Productive While Working Remotely

Tip: Create a “commute ritual” (even if it’s fake)

One of the hardest parts of remote work is switching from “home mode” to “work mode.” Trick your brain with a mini ritual: walk around the block, make a special coffee, or listen to a 5-minute pump-up playlist before sitting at your desk. It signals to your brain that your working hours have begun.

Tip: Hack your work space

Skip the clutter. Add plants, a salt lamp, or even a candle to your home office setup. Research shows environment cues influence productivity- so make your space inspiring.

Bonus: no one is stopping you from hanging twinkle lights or setting up a treadmill desk. I LOVE my walking pad and use it often throughout the day.

Tip: Work in time blocks

Because it’s very easy for me to get distracted, I’ll block my time so that I’m only focused on one specific task for that time period.

How to Ask for a Raise When You Work Remotely

Tip: Collect “receipts”

It’s easy for remote contributions to go unnoticed. Keep a running document of wins: projects completed, glowing client feedback, deadlines crushed. When raise time comes, you’ll have data to back up your request (and it’s harder for a boss to say no when it’s right in front of them).

How to Build Relationships While Working Remotely

Tip: Schedule non-work phone calls

Not everything has to be about deliverables. Put “virtual coffee chats” on your calendar. These 15-minute casual calls with coworkers mimic the office water cooler and help you stay connected beyond Slack messages.

How to Communicate Effectively When Working Remotely

Tip: Embrace voice notes

I haaaaate typing anything that’s more than a few sentences. A quick voice note (via Slack, Voxer, or WhatsApp) can clear things up faster and add warmth. This way they can actually tell what you mean from the tone of your voice, instead of being confused by emojis.

How to Dress for Remote Work

Tip: Adopt the “Zoom mullet”

Business on top, cozy on the bottom. Invest in a few “power tops” (bright colors, sharp collars) that make you look polished on video calls – while your leggings or joggers stay hidden below the desk. I do this ALL the time lol.

How to Feel Connected When Working Remotely

Tip: Start a “third space” ritual

When you’re not in an office, life can feel like an endless loop of home and home…. home. Break it up by working once a week from a coffee shop or library. This creates a “third space” that keeps your brain stimulated and makes work feel fresh. I also find that I’m way more productive at a coffee shop.

How to File Taxes as a Remote Worker

Tip: Create a digital “shoebox”

Set up a cloud folder labeled “Taxes.” Every time you buy something work-related.- whether it’s a new desk chair, software, or that coffee shop Wi-Fi – drop the receipt in. Come tax season, your deductions are organized, and you won’t panic-search old emails. We use a bookeeper to track everything – I just sent them my statements each month – and it makes it so much easier.

Bonus: Protect Your Energy

Remote work makes it easy to blur boundaries. Protect your energy by setting hard “shutdown rituals” at the end of your working hours: close the laptop, light a candle, take a walk, or head straight into a workout.

Need some ideas? Check out my list of workout hacks that can help you reset between tasks.

Remote work is more than just a different setting: it’s a lifestyle shift. With the right routines, boundaries, and creative tweaks, you can design a remote work life that supports your productivity, relationships, and overall wellness.

So, tell me, friends: how many of you work from home vs. an office setting? Do you use a coworking space or coffee shop?

Please drop all of your productivity hacks here, too!

xo

Gina

 

The post Remote work tips appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/OdZ0cLT
https://ift.tt/1OK2BLp

Books I’ve read lately

Sharing a recap of books I’ve read lately and if it’s worth adding them to your collection. 

Hiiii friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a lovely morning so far! We’re doing the usual homeschool thing around here and I’m looking forward to an F45 class this afternoon.

For today’s post, I wanted to chat about books and share some of the ones I’ve read (and quit) lately. TBH, I haven’t been devoting as much time to reading lately. I’ve been working hard through my IHP Level 3 modules – I’m trying to finish by the EquiLife conference in October – and honestly, scrolling at night a lot more. The days are SO wild that it feels amazing to curl up with my weighted blanket and scroll, but the reality is that reading feels good and actually does something positive for my brain. I downloaded about five new books in the hope that one completely sucks me in, so I can be back into my bookwormy ways.

For now, here’s a roundup of the latest books! I’d love to hear what you’ve added to your collection lately and couldn’t put down.

Books I’ve read lately

One Golden Summer – DNF

I had high hopes for this one, and I’ve read other books by this author and loved them. They’re usually fast, breezy, with decent writing, and a swoonworthy storyline. This one was FLAT. I kept reading, hoping that it would get better, and I was just slogging through it. I finally called it quits at the 70% point. UGH. I was pretty annoyed with it, but the reality is that reading time is sacred and I’m not going to waste time reading books that I’m not loving — there are too many good ones out there. 4/10

From Amazon:

Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer there at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life.

Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it.

Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart.

Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back.

Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life

I’ve been a huge believer in manifesting, ever since The Secret hype days. I really believe it works and believe that if you feel your goals and future before they happen, it will happen. (A million years ago, I worked at lululemon and they had us do a visualization exercise of our entire day, start to finish, 10 years from that point. Almost everything I manifested during that time came true, including our two perfect girls, who were just a twinkle in our eyes at the time. At that time, we were also trying to get pregnant and had not been successful.)

An interesting question is the distinction between manifestation and prayer, and if you can use them together, especially if you’re religious. For me, I use them entirely differently. I don’t typically pray for things I want to happen, but instead use it as time of reflection and gratitude. I use manifesting to envision the future and the actions I need to take to get to that point.

The author breaks down manifestation techniques and strategies, as well as short journaling exercises. While a lot of it was review for me, I loved the reminders and the book was concise and impactful. 9/10

From Amazon:

Change your life with the first truly practical guide to manifesting, the hugely popular self-development practice that will transform your life for good . . .

Written by self-development coach and ‘Queen of Manifesting’ Roxie Nafousi, this book is the essential guide to anyone and everyone wanting to feel more empowered in their lives. In just seven simple steps you can understand the true art of manifestation and create the life you have always dreamed of.

Whether you want to attract your soulmate, land the perfect job, buy the home you have always wanted, or simply find more inner-peace and confidence, Manifest will teach you exactly how to get there . . .

1. Be clear in your vision

2. Remove fear and doubt

3. Align your behavior

4. Overcome tests from the universe

5. Embrace gratitude without caveats

6. Turn envy into inspiration

7. Trust in the universe

Unlock the magic for yourself and begin your journey to turning your dreams into reality.

I’ll Have What She’s Having

Along with the Twilight Series, Chelsea Handler got me back into reading “for fun” post-college, and her first book made me cry with laughter. (All of it is inappropriate and probably not PC from what I remember, so if you’re an easily offended person, I would stay away.) When I saw she had a new book, I downloaded it instantly, and it didn’t let me down. I highly recommend the audio version so you can hear the stories in her voice. This book was surprisingly inspirational and heartwarming in addition to being totally hilarious. 8/10

From Amazon:

There’s a woman I want to become, Chelsea Handler thought as a child. She’ll be strong and confident. She’ll light up a room and spread that light to make others feel better. She’ll make a living being herself. She’ll be a survivor.

At ten years old, Chelsea opened a lemonade stand and realized she’d make more money if the drinks were spiked. So she added vodka to her recipe and used her earnings to upgrade herself to first-class on a family vacation—leaving her parents and siblings in coach. She moved to Los Angeles and got fired from her temp job when she admitted she didn’t know how to transfer calls. She’s played pickleball with the scions of an American dynasty. She’s sexted a governor. She shared psychedelics with strangers in Spain. When she accidentally ended up at dinner with Woody Allen, she was not going to leave the table without asking him a very personal pointed question. She went on national television and talked about having threesomes. She’s never been one to hold back.

But this life of adventure and absurdity is only part of her story. Chelsea knows what it is to truly show up for her family—canine and human, biological and chosen. She’s discovered how to spend time with herself, how to meditate, how to be open to love, and how to end a relationship with dignity. She is a sister to the many women who rely on her.

Surprisingly vulnerable and always outrageous, Chelsea Handler captures the antic-filled, exhilarating, and joyful life she’s built—a life that makes the rest of us think, I’ll have what she’s having.

Ok, friends: what’s on the Kindle right now? Any books you’ve devoured lately and are recommending to everyone you know? Can I please be on that list? Thank youuuuuu

xo

Gina

The post Books I’ve read lately appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/NaUiQLr
https://ift.tt/MOLx1Kf

Currently

Sharing a currently-type post and what we’ve been up to lately.

Hi friends! How are you? How was the weekend? I hope you had a great one! We went up to Phoenix for the Josh Turner concert and it was everything. He sounds SO good live and the band was incredible. The rest of the weekend was pretty chill. We had an NCL meeting, family dinner at madre’s house, and I got some work stuff done.

For today’s post, I thought it would be fun to do an old-school “currently” style blog post, focused on some of the things we’ve been up to lately. If you’d like to play along in the comments section, I’d love to hear what you’ve had going on lately, too!

Currently:

Celebrating…

Anniversary #18! For next year’s anniversary we should do something huge… like move to Spain?! Just halfway joking…

18 years was a second and a lifetime (multiple lifetimes). Beyond thankful for the little life and family we share, all of the adventures, celebrating the highs, holding each other through the lows, and choosing each other, every day <3

Wearing…

Dresses and Flabelus flats:

(my got-to everyday combo)

And Sambas! I didn’t really get into the trend even though I always thought they were cute, and that’s because someone told me they were super uncomfortable and they returned them. Finally I couldn’t handle it anymore, and I got a pair “for me” but they were really for Liv. (Something kind of funny/interesting: I can rarely get the kids to buy anything or go shopping with me. When I was a teen, I was the OPPOSITE and wanted to buy everything! Now, if I want to get something for Liv, I buy it for myself, she asks to borrow it, and then I usually never see it again.)

They weren’t uncomfortable at all, but felt even better after being broken in for a couple of weeks. Now I have my eye on these ones!

Watching….

NOTHING. I’m over here anxiously waiting for Emily in Paris to come back so I can binge the entire thing. I haven’t really found anything I’ve been excited about since I finished Younger and rarely watch TV. If you’ve watched anything lately you’ve loved, please lmk.

I have a bit more time now when the Pilot is traveling and the girls are chilling at night. (They’re allowed to have screen time for a little while at night if homework and chores are done.) It’s honestly kind of weird wondering what I should do for an hour or so. I’ve busted out the keyboard (with headphones so no one else has to suffer lol), crocheted some blankets, and have spent evenings cleaning and food prepping. Sometimes I also just lie on the couch with a giant blanket cocooned around me, snuggling with Maisey and scolling on my phone.

Reading…

Just started this book. When I’m in a book funk, I almost always come back to WWII historical fiction. Even though it breaks my heart into a million pieces, the harrowing and beautiful stories of these human experiences keep me coming back. If you have any recent faves, please lmk.

Struggling with…

Finding my school year routine. I’ve mentioned it on the blog before but I’m still trying to figure out the work/homeschool/mom balance with the Pilot’s travel schedule. When he’s here, I blast through as much work stuff as possible, and when he’s gone, it’s just me over here doing all the things. It’s easier in some ways since the girls are older, but also challenging in different ways with all of the driving and homework. We’ll figure it out <3

Eating…

Quinn’s gluten-free peanut butter pretzels. These are probably my #1 favorite crunchy bite.

Listening to….

The most random mix ever. Bad Bunny, Carmina Burana, Sabastian Yatra, K pop (Liv got me into it!), Broadway musicals, house music, worship music, and early 2000s country. Spotify knows what I like haha.

Excited about…

4 things!

A trip to San Diego. We’re heading up there for Labor Day weekend to see the Kleigers and enjoy some beach time. We’re also ready for some Better Buzz, OB Noodle House, and still heartbroken Tiki Port is gone.

Our fall detox! I’ll share details in an upcoming post but our fall detox group starts September 1. The week of the 1st is a prep week, and the actualy detox begins on September 8. I’ve been feeling completely blah and swollen – my face is just puffy and I can feel it – so I’m definitely looking forward to this reset, too. Make sure you’re on my newsletter to get the info first. 

Olive Rose is FINALLY coming back. I’ve been out for weeks now – another thing that was “borrowed” and has disappeared lol – and this is my all-time favorite *foundation.* I use OneSkin tinted SPF first, and then Olive Rose on top, which has a beautiful buildable texture and gives light, even coverage. Everything will be live here and we have some new products coming out this fall that I can’t wait to try and share with ya.

Not one, but two huge product launches! EquiLife has released their new Advanced Cell Force, which I’ve been drinking and LOVING for the past week. It’s designed to support mitochondria function and ATP production, and the ingredients were chosen for energy, recovery, to support blood flow/circulation, and focus. I’ve only been drinking 1/2 scoop – the full serving is 2 scoops! – and noticed an enormous energy boost within 20 minutes of drinking it. This is an awesome caffeine-free pre-workout drinking, or a little afternoon boost if you need it. It’s 30% off this week here!

The other product launch is HigherDOSE’s new red light wrap. I love my Lumebox especially because it’s so portable, but it will be amazing to have a larger option to stack with my PEMF Go Mat and morning meditation. It’s SO cool that you can use it as a wrap or mount it vertically. You can use FITNESSISTA for 15% off sitewide at HigherDOSE here. 

So, tell me, friends: what are you currently eating, reading, wearing, and excited about? I’d love to hear what’s going on in your life!

xo

Gina

The post Currently appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/GUrlbZT
https://ift.tt/TubGl4F

8.15 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? We’re headed to Phoenix for a concert, P has a b-ball scrimmage, we have NCL meetings, and our weekly dinner with the fam – I look forward to it all week. I’d love to hear what you have going on!

(Monsoon season has been a BUST but at least we’ve had some gorgeous rainbows)

We’re still trying to find our school/homeschool/airline/work groove around here, and our daily schedules have changed a ton since last year. Liv has done competitive dance for many years and it’s her first year taking a break. She’s going to play some school sports instead, and I’m excited for her to find something new that she enjoys. I definitely miss the dance world but I don’t miss driving two hours each night between drop-offs and pick-ups at the studio. She’s had more time to work on homework and chill at night, and I’ve been able to cook pretty much every night.

(gluten-free chicken pot pie with roasted broccoli. I’ll do a roundup soon with new recipes I’ve tried that have been successful)

I prefer to cook at home because you can control the ingredients and sometimes I’m disappointed by the taste, quality, and cost of restaurant food. If I didn’t prep and plan in advance, we’d often grab quick takeout on the way home from the dance and basketball shuffle. We were spending soooo much, many times it was meh or gross, and I definitely feel like eating at home has been easier with this schedule.

Some exciting things coming up on the horizon:

– Not one but TWO huge launches on Monday. Two of my all-time favorite brands are launching amaaaaazing things and of course, I’ll spread the word here Monday morning!

– A trip to San Diego. Counting down for time with our Kleiger fam and some Vitamin Sea

– P starting farm school. It’s one day each week and she gets to ride hoses, help with the animals, and do art on the farm with some other homeschool kids and she’s super excited about it. More of our homeschool plans are here.

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.

8.15 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

– Left on Friday suits are 30% off today!! The ones I have and love are here.

– I’ve been living in this skirt lately. It’s so comfortable and looks cute with a bodysuit or tee and Sambas.

Read, watch, listen:

How much do ultraprocessed foods impact health?

Why you’re always tired (and what to do about it)

Candy for your ears

Fitness, health, and good eats:

The girls and I got a big bag of Trufru at Costco last weekend and it’s already gone. They’re the perfect sweet little bite.

Also, the Siete chamoy is ELITE. I’m so picky about chamoy, especialy since some friends make theirs from scratch (the storebought stuff can’t touch it), but the Siete version was surprisingly good. It has great ingredients, is a little thin, but the flavor is excellent.

Fun non-alcoholic drinks.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

The post 8.15 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/5eFfxjr
https://ift.tt/IeS463L