Books from lately

Sharing a recap of the books I’ve read lately and if they’re worth adding to your collection.

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a lovely morning. The kids and I are off for a hike, and then it’s back home to continue tackling their closet clean-outs. We make such a mess in the process but it’s worth it!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some of the books I’ve read lately. Since the kids went back to school, I haven’t made reading as much of a priority. I’ve missed it, and it’s felt good to get back into it! I’ve been trying to listen to books while doing chores and that’s helped this month. Too.

Here’s a roundup of the recent reads and if I’d recommend adding them to your list!

Books from lately

Lies I Taught in Medical School

In Lies I Taught in Medical School, Dr. Robert Lufkin challenges many of the long-held assumptions of conventional medicine, especially around nutrition, chronic disease, and preventative care. Drawing from his own medical training and clinical experience, he exposes how outdated guidelines, pharmaceutical influence, and limited nutrition education can lead to ineffective – or even harmful- health advice.

Dr. Robert Lufkin walks through how many doctors are trained with outdated nutrition guidelines and limited tools for preventing chronic disease, then shares how his own views shifted after years in practice and in teaching. It’s eye-opening without being preachy, and empowering in the sense that it reminds you that your health isn’t something you hand over blindly. You’re allowed to ask questions, seek root causes, and advocate for what actually makes you feel better. 10/10

From Amazon:

For the first time in history, chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity plague our population on a global scale. From a seasoned physician, this paradigm-shifting book comprehensively explains the linked cause of chronic diseases and exposes the misconceptions prevalent in modern medicine.

In Lies I Taught in Medical School, Robert Lufkin, MD, explains that metabolic dysfunction is the common underlying cause of most chronic diseases that has been overlooked for decades, providing the tools needed to prevent and reverse them in ourselves. He draws on expansive, peer-reviewed evidence, proving that standard medical recommendations are killing us.

Over the course of twelve illustrated chapters, Lies I Taught in Medical School chronicles how Dr. Lufkin reversed four chronic diseases in himself and expertly supplies the strategies needed to:

Reduce chronic disease risk factors, such as inflammation and insulin resistance

Stabilize mental health via nutrition and lifestyle

Improve diet and metabolism

Treat obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and other common chronic diseases

Get off unnecessary medications, including many diabetes and hypertension drugs

What’s more, Dr. Lufkin offers practical advice to show how lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can target the fundamental cause of chronic diseases. Lies I Taught in Medical School is a revolutionary and holistic guide that will help you take control of your health – before it’s too late.

The Millionare Next Door

This book completely reframes what wealth actually looks like. Instead of flashy cars and big houses, The Millionaire Next Door shows that most financially successful people live pretty normal, even modest lives. They’re consistent, disciplined, and focused on long-term stability rather than appearances. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about intentional choices. I found it grounding and motivating, especially as a reminder that quiet consistency usually wins over quick, showy success. We’ve really dialed back our spending this year and this book helped a lot with my mindset around everything. 10/10

From Amazon:

The incredible national bestseller that is changing people’s lives — and increasing their net worth!

Can you spot the millionaire next door?

Who are the rich in this country?

What do they do?

Where do they shop?

What do they drive?

How do they invest?

How did they get rich?

Can I even become one of them?

Get the answers in The Millionaire Next Door, the never-before-told story about weath in America. You’ll be surprised at what you find out….

Personomics

I was so excited to read Dr. Cabral’s latest book and it exceeded my high expectations. Personomics by Dr. Stephen Cabral includes a personalized, root-cause approach to health that recognizes no two bodies are the same. Instead of generic protocols, Cabral emphasizes understanding individual biochemistry, genetics, lifestyle, stress levels, and environmental exposures. The book walks readers through how functional lab testing, targeted nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle changes can be used together to restore balance and prevent chronic illness. It’s a powerful book for anyone who is looking for a more individualized, systems-based path to healing. 10/10

From Amazon:

The future of health is personal. Don’t guess—test. Personomics is your guide to unlocking lifelong energy, health, longevity, and the end to all disease.

Why do some people thrive on foods that leave others bloated, tired, or inflamed? Why can two people follow the same workout, diet, or supplement plan—and get completely different results?

Because there is no one-size-fits-all answer to health. The truth is, your body operates on its own unique code. When you learn how to read it, you hold the key to reversing fatigue, balancing hormones, improving sleep, clearing brain fog, and extending both your healthspan and lifespan.

In Personomics, Dr. Stephen Cabral, Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy, reveals the hidden signals your body sends every day—clues that conventional medicine often overlooks. You’ll learn how simple assessments, at-home labs, and natural protocols can help you identify the foods, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities driving inflammation, rebalance your hormones and metabolism, and design a personalized plan to restore your energy, burn more body fat, and optimize your health.

“Hidden inside your body is a code more powerful than any medical diagnosis. Personomics reveals how to unlock it—and transform the entire trajectory of your health and longevity.”

Good Spirits

This one was pure cozy, holiday comfort. Good Spirits by B.K. Borison reads like a Christmas rom-com you want to curl up with on the couch, preferably with a blanket and something warm to drink. It’s lighthearted but still heartfelt, with lovable characters and that familiar reminder that healing, love, and fresh starts often show up when you least expect them. This is perfect if you want something feel-good and escapist, and it’s a quick read so you can still enjoy it before the 12 days of Christmas are over! 7/10 just because it’s pure fluff.
From Amazon:

He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm, this swoony romance is B.K. Borison’s best yet!

So, tell me, friends: any 10/10 reads lately? What’s on your to-read list right now?

I’m looking forward to starting this one.

xo

Gina

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The Christmas and New Year’s blur

Sharing a little recap of holiday adventures and holly jolly fun.

Hi friends! How are you? How’s the week going? I hope that you’re having a great one. It’s been a festive blur around here. Full of cheese and egg nog, and unsure of what day it is. I hope you’re enjoying some down time, too!

Source

Some adventures from lately:

We had our annual trip to the Princess to enjoy the Christmas-y events and lights. I didn’t plan on going this year – I figured we could go to Sedona or Mt. Lemmon instead – and the girls were crushed when they found out. I kind of forgot how much of a tradition it’s become; this is our 5th year in a row! So, I quickly booked a night, and I’m so so glad we did. I always officially feel like I’m in the holiday spirit when we’re at the Princess.

We had an amazing dinner at Toro on property:

and spent the rest of the evening ice skating, riding rides, roasting s’mores, and enjoying all of the lights and music.

(fave jeans are on sale here)

We came home where we instantly jumped into holiday baking. Usually I like to get ahead and freeze as much as possible and this year totally got away from me. I made two pies for my dad’s house:

(a chocolate pecan bourbon and a chocolate meringue)

more peppermint bark:

and we baked all of the cookies for holiday cookie trays and for the packages we make for the neighbors each year.

We also put together the giant Saran wrap ball:

Christmas Eve was at my dad’s house and it was amazing as usual. They ordered PF. Chang’s (the Pilot and I had our first date at PF Chang’s! I had just met him at Starbucks and was worried that he might be a creeper and take me into the dessert and murder me. My friend was on speed dial. Turns out he wasn’t a creeper and our date of dinner + Starbucks afterwards was five hours long and totally lovely).

We opened gifts with dad’s side of the fam and then came home for an *attempted* early bedtime for the kids (lol). I went to midnight mass solo which has become an unintentional but beautiful tradition. I also went last year by myself and loved it.

Some pics from Christmas Day:

We had breakfast at our house and since the Pilot had to leave around lunchtime, we had dinner at madre’s house.

Check out the lobster tails that Kyle grilled!!!

We also had steaks from ButcherBox (the best), asparagus, cheesy potatoes, and birthday cake for baby Jesus.

The rest of the weekend has been movies, naps, hikes, and starting to catch up on things around the house. My goal is to start 2026 with clean closets!! I’m in the process of emptying Liv’s entire room (pray for meeee) and prepping because Maisey is getting a baby sister… this week! I will definitely report back soon 😉

Hope you’re having a wonderful week! I’ll be back tomorrow with a book recap!

xo

Gina

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Winter Travel Workout: A Simple Dumbbell Circuit You Can Do Anywhere

Sharing a winter travel workout for ya. This is a super simple dumbbell circuit workout that you can do anywhere!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that your week is off to a great start! We’re driving back from the Princess _ I’ll share the adventures in Friday Faves – and heading home for discovery calls and all of the holiday baking.

Today, I wanted to chat a bit about travel workouts and share a quick and fun one for you!

Traveling during the winter months can be magical… and also a little disruptive to your routine. Between flights, family time, cold weather, and being out of your normal environment, workouts can often be the first thing to go.

The good news is that you don’t need a full gym or hours of time to get in movement while traveling.

This winter travel workout is one of my go-to routines when I’m out of town. It’s quick, effective, and requires just one set of moderate dumbbells. You can do it in a hotel room, Airbnb, or even a small living space, and it hits your legs, glutes, core, and upper body while getting your heart rate up.

The goal isn’t to crush yourself; it’s to move your body, maintain strength, and feel good while traveling.

Why Strength Training While Traveling Matters

When you’re traveling (especially in winter), movement tends to drop, sleep can be off, and inflammation can creep up.

Short, full-body strength workouts can help:

Maintain muscle and metabolism

Improve circulation after long travel days

Support energy levels

Reduce stiffness and joint pain

Keep stress hormones in check

This circuit-style workout gives you all of that in under 30 minutes.

Warm-Up (5–7 Minutes)

Before jumping into the circuit, take a few minutes to warm up and get blood flowing.

You can choose:

Brisk walking (outside or treadmill)

Marching in place

Dynamic movements like:

Arm circles

Hip circles

Bodyweight squats

Walking lunges

Inchworms

Torso twists

The goal is to feel warm and prepped for your body.

Winter Travel Dumbbell Workout Circuit

You’ll complete this circuit leading with one side, then repeat it leading with the opposite side. That ensures balanced strength and core engagement.

Aim to complete 2–3 rounds per side, resting as needed between rounds.

1. Dumbbell Swings x 30

(Hold one dumbbell with both hands)

Form cues:

Feet hip-width apart

Hinge at the hips (not a squat)

Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes

The dumbbell should swing to chest height using momentum from your hips, not your arms

Keep your spine neutral and core engaged

Why I love it: Builds glutes, hamstrings, and power while elevating heart rate.

2. Stationary Lunges x 12 (each leg)

(Lead with one leg for the round)

Form cues:

Step one foot forward and stay planted

Drop your back knee straight down toward the floor

Front knee tracks over the toes

Chest stays tall, core engaged

Push through the front heel to stand

Why it’s great: Strengthens legs and glutes while improving balance.

3. Dumbbell Squats x 15

Form cues:

Hold dumbbells at your sides or goblet-style

Sit back into your hips like you’re sitting into a chair

Keep chest lifted and weight in your heels

Knees track outward

Exhale as you stand

4. Lateral Lunges x 8 (each side)

Form cues:

Step wide to the side

Sit into the hip of the working leg

Keep the opposite leg straight

Chest stays upright

Push back to center through the heel

This exercise targets inner thighs and glutes while improving hip mobility.

5. Renegade Rows x 10 total

(5 per arm)

Form cues:

Start in a plank position with hands on dumbbells

Feet wide for stability

Keep hips as still as possible

Pull one dumbbell toward your rib cage

Alternate sides

Why it’s great: Builds upper-body strength and core stability.

6. Side Plank x 40 seconds

(Lead with one side per round)

Form cues:

Elbow under shoulder

Body in a straight line from head to heels

Hips lifted

Core engaged, no sagging

Breathe steadily

This exercise trengthens obliques and deep core muscles.

How to Structure the Workout

Complete the full circuit leading with one side

Repeat the circuit leading with the opposite side

Rest 60–90 seconds between rounds if needed

Aim for 2–3 total rounds per side

Total workout time: ~20–30 minutes

Screenshot-Friendly Workout Summary

Warm-Up:

5–7 minutes (walk + dynamic movement)

Circuit (2–3 rounds per side):

Dumbbell swings x 30

Stationary lunges x 12

Squats x 15

Lateral lunges x 8

Renegade rows x 10

Side plank x 40 seconds

*Switch lead side and repeat.

So tell me, friends: do you workout on vacation? For me, it depends on a few factors, like whether we’ll be walking all day (I never work out at Disney lol) or if there are local studios I want to try, or a convenient hotel gym. I also love Sculpt Society in the Airbnb or hotel!

Please let me know if you give this one a try!
xo

Gina

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12.19 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! How are you? What are you up to this weekend?

We’re going to see the lights at the Botanical Gardens and also headed to the Princess next week; I can’t wait. It definitely makes me feel like the holidays are here. I’d love to hear what you have going on!

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 always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

12.19 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

We had so many fun events this past week. It was a friend’s birthday dinner, I had dinner at a friend’s house (she made amazing salads and we just hung out and chatted) and we had a holiday party for charity organization that the Pilot belongs to. It’s our first year and everyone was so welcoming and lovely.

(I had a huge outfit scramble but ended up wearing this! We don’t have a Nordstrom here in Tucson – major sad face – but I can usually find good stuff last-minute at Dillard’s)

We had our annual Four Christmases wrapping party, our Christmas tree is completely dried up and dead (it’s the second year this has happened! It’s taken zero water this entire time), and I’m almost done with holiday baking. We take cookie tins to our neighbors every year.

Here’s a roundup of this year’s gift guides if you’re still shopping!

Biohacking and Wellness Gifts

For Her

For Him

For the Kids

For Tweens

Everything is linked on my ShopMy for easy access and this page has a roundup of some of my top picks, too.

Here are this year’s gift guide top sellers:

These CZ stud earrings

This sequin tee (I looooove this)

These pointed toe boots

This pendant necklace

Canopy filtered showerhead (we have one in every bathroom! obsessed. My code is GINA15)

The perfect vanity case

Daily Nutritional Support! I have this every single day (code FITNESSISTA10)

“yes chef” cotton dish towel

This oversized hoodie

This gorgeous satin top

This belted minidress (I get compliments every time I wear it)

This maxi dress ( I bought it during their Black Friday sale)

Portable humidifier (I love this for a gift when I don’t know what to buy someone because I love it so much for travel. Use GINA15)

Cozy and clean makeup set

This Vuori half-zip

Gripper slippers (these are the BEST)

These cute lil Jellycat bag charms

Men’s ankle socks

Read, watch, listen:

Just finished this book on audio and loved all of the tiips.

Movies, books and eats from this past year.

My mentor, Dr. Cabral, released his latest book, whcih he’s been working on for eight years. It’s everything I could have wished for and I had to keep myself from reading the entire thing in one sitting. I’ll do a full review soon, but I highly recommend grabbing a copy for yourself.

Took the kids to see Zootopia 2 and we all loved it!! It’s just as good as the first one.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Our health planning class! Thank you so much to all of my internet besties who were able to attend. We had a super productive planning session mapping out your 2026 based on your health and wellness goals. If you’re already trying to plan out your health goals for the new year, stay tuned.. I have something new coming in January and can’t wait to share it with you!

This Whole Foods red lentil dahl soup copycat recipe

What I eat in a day <— latest on Substack

Made this for the crew and they told me it was, “bus” which means very delicious

Going to try this crustless quiche.

Blast from the past: why I tried Nutrisense and what I learned

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

xoxo

Gina

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Best Ways to Use Your FSA and HSA Funds Before They Expire

Sharing the best ways to use FSA and HSA funds before they expire.

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that your morning is off to a great start! We’re here in full holiday mode; I’m really trying to finish everything this week. I started holiday baking but everything has been consumed lol so I’m starting over (and storing some in the garage freezer!).

I’m also starting to plan for the new year and 2026 content. I’m so excited for everything coming up this next year!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some tips on how to use FSA and HSA funds before they expire, since I know many of you are also in holiday mode and it might not be on your radar. (We don’t have these accounts but it’s something I’m exploring in the new year since we love wellness essentials and lab testing). I’m also tempted to start this because this is the first thing I’d buy. 

The reality is that every year, thousands of people leave money on the table simply because they’re not sure what actually qualifies for HSA and FSA spending.

The good news is that there are so many smart, legitimate ways to use these funds to support your health – especially if you’re focused on prevention, inflammation reduction, hormone balance, and long-term wellness.

I wanted to chat about some of the best ways to use your FSA and HSA funds before they expire, including some of my favorite wellness tools, functional health options, and practical purchases that actually move the needle for how you feel.

First, a Quick Refresher: FSA vs. HSA

What is the difference between FSA and HSA?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

– Typically “use it or lose it” by the end of the year

– Employer-sponsored

– Covers eligible medical expenses

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

– Funds roll over year to year

– Available with high-deductible health plans

– Can be used for many of the same eligible expenses

Always check your specific plan rules, but the categories below are commonly eligible.

(A little tip: you can toggle Amazon for FSA/HSA eligible)

1. Functional Health Testing (A Huge Opportunity)

One of the best uses of FSA/HSA dollars is testing, especially if you’ve been struggling with fatigue, inflammation, gut issues, or hormone changes.

Eligible tests may include:

Food sensitivity testing

Minerals and heavy metals

Stress, mood, and metabolism testing

Gut health and microbiome testing

Brands like EquiLife offer a wide range of at-home functional lab tests that are often FSA/HSA eligible – and these tests can give you clarity instead of guesswork.

If you’ve been meaning to “figure out what’s actually going on,” this is a smart place to spend those funds.

the best EquiLife products

2. Detox & Inflammation Support

Many people wait until January to make health and wellness goals, but using your FSA/HSA funds now can help you start the new year feeling lighter and less inflamed.

Eligible items may include:

Detox programs

– Supplements, inlcuding magnesium, melatonin, adrenal support, Omega 3s, and multivitamins

A structured detox program (like this one from EquiLife) can be a strategic, compliant way to use funds that would otherwise expire, especially if inflammation and bloat are ongoing issues for you.

3. Red Light Therapy & Recovery Tools

This is where people are often surprised.

Many recovery and therapeutic devices qualify for FSA/HSA use when they’re designed to support pain relief, inflammation, circulation, or muscle recovery.

Potentially eligible items:

– Red light therapy devices

– Infrared or PEMF recovery tools

– Muscle recovery and pain relief devices (like these compression boots and this foot massager)

Brands like HigherDOSE create wellness tools that support recovery, circulation, and cellular health, and several of their products are commonly eligible through FSA/HSA marketplaces.

If you’ve been eyeing red light therapy for skin, joint pain, or recovery, this can be a very smart end-of-year purchase.

Here are some of my favorites:

PEMF Go Mat. I use this every.single.day for breathwork and meditation, or when I need a little recharge during computer work. Use FITNESSISTA15.

The famous sauna blanket! This was a black Friday Gift to myself years ago and I still use it at least once a week for stress relief, a great sweat, glowing skin, and amazing sleep. Use FITNESSISTA15.

Red light face mask. I use this every morning while doing chores or multitasking. It gives my skin an amazing glow and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin’s texture.

Lumebox also accepts FSA/HSA. I use this every.day and for so many reasons. For energy, focus, mood, inflammation, skin, aches and pains, muscle soreness, fevers, all the things.

4. Fitness & Movement Equipment

Movement is medicine and certain fitness tools qualify.

Commonly eligible items include:

– Resistance bands

– Dumbbells or kettlebells

– Foam rollers

– Balance tools

– Stability balls

Massage guns

If you’re building a home workout setup or upgrading what you already have, your FSA/HSA funds can often be used for durable medical or fitness equipment that supports physical health.

5. Sleep Support & Stress Reduction

Sleep and stress management are foundational for hormones, metabolism, and immune health – and many people don’t realize how many tools qualify.

Eligible items may include:

– Sleep aids and supports

Blue light blocking glasses

Oura ring. I love this thing!

– Certain relaxation or recovery tools

– Meditation or biofeedback devices

If poor sleep has been sabotaging your energy, this is a great category to explore.

6. Everyday Health Essentials You’ll Use Anyway

Don’t overlook the basics; they add up fast.

Common FSA/HSA-eligible essentials:

First aid supplies

A retainer cleaner

Heating pads or ice packs

Hand sanitizer

Thermometers

My favorite mold-free coffee

– Blood pressure monitors

– Glucose monitors (this is the one I use and recommend for clients)

A smart scale

Sunscreen (yes even this one!)

OTC pain relief and allergy meds

Prescription sunglasses!!! I love mine so much

Stocking up now can save you money later.

7. Menstrual, Hormone & Women’s Health Products

Women often leave a lot of eligible purchases unused.

Often eligible:

Menstrual products

– Heating pads for cramps

– Ovulation and fertility trackers

– Certain hormone support tools

If you’re focused on hormone balance, this category is worth checking.

How to Check Eligibility (Quick Tips)

• Look for “FSA/HSA Eligible” labels on product pages

• Use major FSA/HSA online stores or marketplaces

• Keep receipts just in case

• When in doubt, ask your plan administrator

Rules can vary slightly, but many wellness brands now clearly mark eligible products.

If you have FSA or HSA funds that are about to expire, this is your reminder:

Use them to invest in your health; not waste them!

Whether that’s functional testing, detox support, recovery tools, or fitness equipment, these purchases can help you feel better now and set you up for a stronger year ahead.

If you’re ever unsure what would be most impactful for your body, I’m always happy to help brainstorm with you. If you have these accounts and you’re pumped about how you’ve spent your funds, please share the details with us!

Have an amazing day and I’ll see ya soon!

xo,

Gina

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12.12 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday! How was the week? It was a great one over here, but it always blows my mind how quickly December starts to fly by. I can’t believe it’s less than two weeks until Christmas and while I’ve checked out a majority of my list, there’s still a lot to do.

In between everything, we’re trying to make time for holly jolly fun: a night at Winterhaven, our annual Christmas at the Princess trip, baking cookies and watching holiday movies. I’d love to hear what you have going on this weekend! P has basketball, we’re seeing Zootopia 2 with friends, and have a holiday party. Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!

(LOVING this book! It’s light, fun, and festive)

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 always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

12.12 Friday Faves

Here’s a roundup of this year’s gift guides if you’re still shopping!

Biohacking and Wellness Gifts

For Her

For Him

For the Kids

For Tweens

Everything is linked on my ShopMy for easy access and this page has a roundup of some of my top picks, too.

Read, watch, listen:

Michael Bublé doing the Concert with the Poor at the Vatican. This has been my work soundtrack all week!

Latest from Vivrelle! GINAHARNEY gets you your first month free.

Got these advent calendars at Target for the girls. They’re cookie dough gelato bites! (No added gluten but they do contain oats)

Not a fave… Moulin Rouge. I was SO excited to go last weekend and ended up leaving during intermission. It’s one of my favorite movies, but the story didn’t translate well to the musical. The book was… not good… and they also added more current songs to the mix. The entire show felt like slapstick to me, plus I forgot my jacket in the car and was freezing, so I called it quits. The only other show I’ve ever left at intermission is Cats, which says a lot lol.

Happiness tips for busy friends.

Shopping, health, and good eats:

These cutie clogs. I’d been seeing the Birkenstock ones around for a while but didn’t know if I could pull them off since I wore that exact same shoe in 5th grade. I remembered how comfy they were and the fact that they matched any jeans outfit, so I bought a cheaper pair at Target. Liv was instantly obsessed with them, so I ordered a pair for her, too.

Lots of Farm Rio this week!

This sweater

and this dress.

(boots are here)

I got the dress during their Black Friday sale and the sweater is from Rent the Runway… but I’m tempted to keep it. 😉

Also got this Favorite Daughter sweater from RTR <— this link gets you 60% off your first month:

This Japanese BBQ sauce is everything. I used it in this recipe last night and it was a 12/10, but I’ve just enjoyed it drizzle on meat and veggies this week.

Madre’s famous grammie recipe

Health planning class! Join us next Wednesday for a 2026 health planning class based on your goals. We’ll be using a custom GPT that will generate a full document for you that you can use next year. I’m so excited to do this together! Sign up here.

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

xoxo

Gina

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What we’re actually getting our kids for Christmas

Sharing the things we’re getting our kids for Christmas this year if you’re looking for ideas!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having an amazing week so far! It’s been a pretty good one over here. Liv has been home with the sniffles, but P has had a great week at school and I’ve been here working on blog content for the new year! The fun is starting with our 2026 health planning class. Join here if you haven’t already!

For today’s post, I wanted to share what we’re getting the kiddos this year for Christmas if you’re looking for ideas.

Here’s a list of this year’s gift guides, too!

For Her

For Him

For the Kids

Biohacking and Fitness

Stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and under $50 faves

For Tweens

Everything is linked on my ShopMy for easy access and this page has a roundup of some of my top picks, too.

A friendly lil note here that everyone’s shopping strategy/budget is different. This might look insanely high to some people, and low to others. Some people go absolutely WILD for Christmas (and good for them! haha) while others stick to a budget. It’s really about your unique family and budget! And also worth mentioning here that Christmas is about so much more than the gifts. (The gift aspect is my least favorite thing about the holiday. I just want to be with the family, and eat delicious food, and sing, “Happy Birthday” to baby Jesus.)

Posting a pic of our most giant Christmas tree from 2021 just in case they glance at the blog on my phone.. I don’t want them to see a pic of what they’re getting 😉 Also, I’m so glad we finally got rid of that 90s-style fan.

What we’re actually getting our kids for Christmas

For the kids, we stick to, “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read” + Santa gifts and stockings.

Here’s a list of what they actually got this year:

Liv:

Want: Katesye concert tickets (me, Liv + one of her besties) – the concert was last week and she LOVED it

Need: More Apple storage. She’s totally out.

Wear: A balloon animal necklace

Read: A k-pop book 

Santa: Sol de Janiero set, light stick for one of her favorite K-pop groups

Stocking stuffers: K-pop photo cards and albums, lipgloss, candy, travel-sized beauty faves

P:

Want: An e-bike. She’s been wanting one forever and is very good on her regular bike

Need: New basketball shoes – one of the last things on my list I still need to get

Wear: LA sweatsuit (the girl loves a sweatsuit)

Read: Diary of a Wimpy Kid books

Santa: New Ronaldo jersey, hover soccer ball

Stocking stuffers: NBA trading cards, slime, LED mask, candy, positive basketball affirmations

So tell me, friends: what are you gifting for the kids in your family this year? Anything small/random that they ended up loving? Last year, we got P a hoverboard and it ended up being a HUGE hit. Both girls have been riding it all over the house for the last year.

xo

Gina

The post What we’re actually getting our kids for Christmas appeared first on The Fitnessista.



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Our Favorite Holiday Recipes

From Nana’s Famous Egg Dish to Spiced Sangria and Bourbon Pecan Pie, these are our favorite holiday recipes that we enjoy every Christmas!

Hi friends!! ‘Tis the season for festive eats and drinks. As we get closer to Christmas, I’m getting increasingly more excited to prepare our favorite holiday recipes and enjoy the holiday with family.

While most of the time I aim to eat nourishing recipes with greens and protein and fresh wholesome ingredients (like these spa cuisine recipes), I like to live by the 80/20 perspective, allowing plenty of space for special treats. I’m also a big believer of enjoying holidays, special food, and time spent together without worrying too much about what I’m eating.

Year after year, we make a point to include several traditional-to-us recipes among the offerings at meal times. For example, it’s tradition to have Alton Brown’s Overnight Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning while opening presents. Making these comforting and delectable holiday recipes is on of favorite ways to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner extra special. So, with that mind, I thought I’d share our favorite holiday recipes, from brunch casseroles to spiced sangria and Ina’s rib roast. Let’s dig in!

Our Favorite Holiday Recipes

Nana’s Famous Egg Dish

This egg casserole is perfect for any brunch or holiday celebrations. It freezes beautifully to make ahead and tastes amazing with pico de gallo salsa.

Madre’s famous Grammie recipe

Oh, you have to try Madre’s Famous Grammie Recipe! It’s the perfect holiday dessert – a delicious cookie bar that will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be begging for the recipe.

Greens Beans with Goat Cheese, Almonds & Cranberries

These green beans are bright and fresh, with creamy goat cheese, orange zest, crunchy slivered almonds, and sweet cranberries. The recipe is gluten-free and only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.

The Ultimate Fall & Winter Salad

This salad is a fall dream come true. It has butternut squash, spicy arugula, a tangy vinaigrette, chicken, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese. It’s perfect for any holiday gatherings or parties and makes a veggie-packed side dish. My vegetarian friends can easily omit the chicken and it’s just as delicious without it.

The Best Raw Chocolate Tart

This raw chocolate tart, made with cashews and cocoa and an almond coconut crust is a decadent gluten-free dessert that doesn’t require any cooking!

Holiday Spice Sangria

Holiday spice sangria! It’s made in advance of any holiday soirees, and the flavors just get better over the span of a few days. It’s perfect to take to parties, as it’s a fun switch-up from the usual bottle of vino.

Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine

Warm up with a pot of Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine recipe, a mix of apple cider and red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves and orange.

Ina’s Sunday Rib Roast

Ina’s Sunday Rib Roast with mustard horseradish is often our centerpiece at a holiday party. It’s a crowd favorite.

Ina’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

Another favorite from Ina. Chocolate, bourbon, and pecans – what’s not to love? I’ve made this twice this year already and plan to make it again on Saturday. I just use the gluten-free frozen crust from Whole Foods.

Our Christmas Weekend Menu

Here’s what our menu will look like this year:

Christmas Eve

Dinner at my dad’s house is always a fiesta of delicious food and treats. We usually enjoy some type of Mexican food buffet, with tamales, enchiladas, beans, and rice, as well as an assortment of desserts. My aunt usually makes egg nog and it’s SO good.

Christmas Day is at our house. We host breakfast and open gifts, then everyone goes home to chill/nap and then they come back for dinner, desserts and cocktails.

Here’s our usual menu:

Christmas Brunch:

  • Nana’s egg casserole
  • Alton Brown’s cinnamon rolls
  • Bacon or ham (I haven’t decided yet)
  • Tamales and beans (from madre!)
  • Coffee and mimosas

Dinner on Christmas Day:

  • Cheese board and artichoke dip with crackers
  • Mediterranean chopped salad
  • Smoked turkey on the Traeger
  • Stuffing and gravy
  • Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
  • Cheesy potatoes (madre)
  • Fresh sourdough
  • Bourbon pecan pie + dessert platter (tons of different cookies and candies)
  • Mulled wine, egg nog, and champagne

It should be a very good, and very tasty celebration ahead 😉

I’d love to hear what you have on your holiday menu this year!! Brussels sprouts, cheese ball, fun appetizers, yule log? Please share your holiday faves in the comments below!

xo

Gina

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