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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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Awesomeness in August

Happy August everyone!

Crane cab

I wrapped up my July with an evening at the beach, followed by the drinking of a bottle of Crane Family Vineyard’s 2011 cabernet sauvignon. I’ve heard a lot about how the vintage was a really rough one for Napa Valley winemakers because of some harsh weather, but Crane Family Vineyards did not disappoint. Ever since I visited the winery last year, I love their wine and buy it for special occasions — this one being my hubby turning 28.

It was a great way to end July, and I’m excited for the month of August! Here are some things I’m looking forward to this month:

  • My birthday – I’ll be celebrating 27 years on this beautiful planet next week on the 6th!
Hot air balloon riding on my birthday in 2011

Hot air balloon riding on my birthday in 2011

Fact: August is a big birthday month for my family, with my cousin born on the same day 10 years later, as well as another cousin, my uncle, and my sister-in-law all born within 10 days of me. YAY for August babies!!

  • A big household change – Today marked the last day of my hubby’s corporate job, and he’s officially a business owner! He’ll be running a mobile oil change service. It has been months in the making, and I’m excited and anxious to see how the start of the business goes. We both have entrepreneurial dreams and aspirations, and when he talked about this business idea, I told him to go for it! If it’s successful, that’d be amazing. If not, I’m confident that it’ll be a big learning experience. What’s life without risk right?!

  • Blogfest & IDEA World – I mentioned this not too long ago, but I’ll be attending my first fitness conference in less than 2 weeks! I’ll get to do tons of networking, workouts, health coaching and blogging sessions, and I’m definitely getting excited for it all.
  • Family visiting – My mother-in-law will be flying out from the east coast to spend a bunch of days at my house this month, and I’m looking forward to seeing her. I enjoy having guests to enjoy my area with, and it’s even more fun now that we own a house to show everyone!

spa relaxation

  • Pampering – This ties into my birthday, because usually on that day I treat myself to some “me” time where I go shopping, get a massage, walk around town eating gelato, or whatever my heart desires. This year, I decided to do an afternoon of pampering at a rejuvenation facility, where I’ll be getting a facial, massage, pedicure, as well as some other treatments that I’ve never done before. It should be interesting, and I’m hoping that it’s super relaxing! I also bought a deal to try accupressure for the first time, which I have an appointment for on one of the last days of the month. I work my body through lots of exercise stress and running around, and I love to get pampered as a treat!
  • Football – If you read my blog at all last fall/winter, you know that I love football! Technically the NFL season doesn’t officially start until the beginning of September, but the pre-season hoopla begins in just a few days. I love the NY Giants, and have a satellite package where I get to see every single game. Hopefully their season will be better than the last one! Plus, for the third season, I’ll be playing in my co-worker’s NFL Fantasy league, which pretty much consists of him, his friends, and me. It’s pretty funny, and I enjoy it!

Giants bandana

Harley likes to get in the football spirit by wearing Giants bandanas and playing with her football toy….I kid. She looks totally miserable in this picture and tries to eat the bandana off every time I put it on her!

Well, I’m off to kick my weekend off by hitting the trails at my current favorite hiking area with that bandana hating dingo of mine!

What are you looking forward to this month? Who else is an August baby? 

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August 1, 2014 4:23 pm foodielovesfitness 12 Comments Filed Under: Fit Approach

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Comments

  1. Carla says

    August 2, 2014 at 2:49 am

    Happy birthday month so everyone! My middle child and oldest son’s birthday is August 14, my sister August 13, and my youngest, August 12th. I missed her birthday both times! Lack of planning. My grandson turned 3 yesterday (8/1). So August is big here too.

    Congrats on your husbands new venture! I wish you both the best of luck.

    Can’t wait to hear about Blogfest. That sounds fun.

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      August 3, 2014 at 9:49 am

      That’s too funny! It definitely sounds like August is a month of celebration in your family as well!

      Reply
  2. Julie says

    August 2, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    It sounds like you’re gearing up for an awesome August indeed! Happy almost birthday!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      August 3, 2014 at 9:50 am

      I’m hoping so! Thank you, Julie!!

      Reply
  3. GiGi Eats says

    August 3, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Happy BIRTHDAY on the 6th! And I will be at the EXPO at Idea Fit on Thursday… And maybe again over the weekend if it truly is THAT EPIC… Hopefully we bump into each other! 🙂

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      August 10, 2014 at 10:07 am

      Thank you! Oooh awesome, I’ll be keeping an eye out for ya! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Davida @ The Healthy Maven says

    August 4, 2014 at 5:07 am

    What’s life without the risk? <–couldn't agree more! Success or not, if you don't leap, you'll never know! And yayyyy for August babies! Your bday is SO soon!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      August 10, 2014 at 10:08 am

      Exactly! I’d rather fail and learn from it than just play it safe all the time.

      Reply
  5. Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com says

    August 4, 2014 at 9:11 am

    Oh such fun stuff is going on in August!! Glad to hear that you are having a blast! Also, that is so crazy that you cousin was born on your same day 10 years later! What are the odds?!! My brother is exactly 2.5 years older than me… so his half birthday is my birthday and visa versa… but this is even cooler! …Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! So exciting!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      August 10, 2014 at 10:08 am

      Thank you, Cailee!

      Reply
  6. Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says

    August 4, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Happy almost birthday!! Your day of pampering sounds UH-mazing — enjoy!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      August 10, 2014 at 10:08 am

      Thank you my peer coach! 😉

      Reply

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I'm Nicole, and I’m passionate about all things food, fitness and healthy living. I'm a toddler mom, certified health coach, freelance writer, and long-time health nut. Here I share my vegetarian recipes, workouts, fitness trends, travel adventures, and motherhood & health musings. Read more about me…

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#palmsprings #animallovers #giraffes #kidswhoexplore #familytravel #roadtrip #californiatravel
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📍The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Springs is such a charming place to spend an afternoon! At this conservation-focused zoo, we loved all of their animatronic displays & children’s play + learning spaces — and a highlight of the day was definitely getting to feed the giraffes! 🦒 #palmsprings #animallovers #giraffes #kidswhoexplore #familytravel #roadtrip #californiatravel
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La Jolla is an ever popular area, but for good reason… It’s one of the most beautiful areas in San Diego ☀️ & my favorite time of year to visit is NOW when it’s Harbor Seals Pupping Season! 🦭 📍Casa Beach is closed off from humans from mid-December through mid-May for birthing & bonding, and most of the seal pups are born in February & March. They are so much fun to watch! #sandiego #animallovers #exploremore #lajolla #familyfun #sealsofinstagram #californiawinter
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✨Bring breakfast. While they do have food options while you wait for your tram ride, it’s stereotypical not very healthy American food. Pick up food at a local cafe and bring it with you to enjoy outside. We love @palmgreenscafe!

✨ Bring extra clothes. The temperature at 8,500 ft elevation varies from 20-40 degrees colder, so make sure to pack a jacket, sweatshirt, hat, even gloves.

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Last weekend we got to ride on the world’s largest rotating aerial tram car, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 🌴⛰️ Guests travel 6,000 feet up in just 10 minutes! Once we reached the top, we hiked a couple miles of trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park - where it was only 37 degrees and windy, brr! - and took in the beautiful views. Here are a few tips for optimizing a Palm Springs Aerial Tramway adventure: ✨Show up early. We didn’t realize how big of a production this excursion would be, and when we arrived at 11 am, the wait time was 2 hours to ride the tramway. If I could do it over, I would show up at opening time. ✨Bring breakfast. While they do have food options while you wait for your tram ride, it’s stereotypical not very healthy American food. Pick up food at a local cafe and bring it with you to enjoy outside. We love @palmgreenscafe! ✨ Bring extra clothes. The temperature at 8,500 ft elevation varies from 20-40 degrees colder, so make sure to pack a jacket, sweatshirt, hat, even gloves. #californiatravel #palmsprings #makingmemories #familytravel #roadtrip #adventure #kidswhoexplore #views #desert
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Who else is pumped for the Olympics to start?! 🇺🇸

This curling competition experiment is a hit with my kiddo! Here’s how to make it: 

You’ll need: 
✨A rimmed baking sheet
✨Aluminum foil 
✨Permanent markers (we used black + red) 
✨A variety of pebbles 
✨Optional: buttons, craft pom-poms and other objects to experiment playing with 

1️⃣ Spread foil across your baking sheet. Draw the starting line on 1 side and a small circle inside a large circle on the other side. 

2️⃣ Place your “rink” in the freezer, then fill it with water halfway up the sides. Chill until it’s totally frozen. 

3️⃣ Time to play! Each player picks 3 pebbles. Take turns using a finger to push your pebble towards the target. 

🥌 Pebbles that land in the inner circle = 3 points each 
🥌 Pebbles that land in the outer circle = 1 point each
🥌 3 rounds = 1 game 

❗️Players can hit other pebbles & knock them out of the circles, which is fun! 

❗️Once all players use their pebbles, that’s the end of round 1. Tally the scores as you go! 

✨Idea from @kiwico_inc’s Winter Wonders experiment book 

#kidactivities #olympics #funathome #momsofinstagram #curling #letkidsbekids
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Who else is pumped for the Olympics to start?! 🇺🇸 This curling competition experiment is a hit with my kiddo! Here’s how to make it: You’ll need: ✨A rimmed baking sheet ✨Aluminum foil ✨Permanent markers (we used black + red) ✨A variety of pebbles ✨Optional: buttons, craft pom-poms and other objects to experiment playing with 1️⃣ Spread foil across your baking sheet. Draw the starting line on 1 side and a small circle inside a large circle on the other side. 2️⃣ Place your “rink” in the freezer, then fill it with water halfway up the sides. Chill until it’s totally frozen. 3️⃣ Time to play! Each player picks 3 pebbles. Take turns using a finger to push your pebble towards the target. 🥌 Pebbles that land in the inner circle = 3 points each 🥌 Pebbles that land in the outer circle = 1 point each 🥌 3 rounds = 1 game ❗️Players can hit other pebbles & knock them out of the circles, which is fun! ❗️Once all players use their pebbles, that’s the end of round 1. Tally the scores as you go! ✨Idea from @kiwico_inc’s Winter Wonders experiment book #kidactivities #olympics #funathome #momsofinstagram #curling #letkidsbekids
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Welcome to my new series, Easy Plant-Based Meals, where I share simple, nutritious meals that I make for my family on the regular. 🥦🥕🥬🧅🧄🫘🫑
 
Today I’m making Garlic Pearled Couscous with Roasted Chickpeas & Veggies. 

Here are the ingredients you need to serve 4: 

1️⃣ 2-3 boxes of Near East Pearled Couscous with Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil (I find that 3 boxes yield about 4.5 cups; you can also use a plain pearled couscous)
2️⃣ 1 can garbanzo beans 
3️⃣ 4 TSP avocado oil 
4️⃣ 1 zucchini 
5️⃣ 1 bell pepper
6️⃣ 2T-1/4 cup pine nuts, optional but I like the added heart-healthy crunch
7️⃣ Salt, pepper & paprika to taste 

Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375. Drain & rinse chickpeas, then add to a baking dish. Add 2 TSP of avocado oil, and a nice sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Mix it up, then cook for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. 

2️⃣ Cook the couscous according to the box directions. 

3️⃣ Heat 2 tsp avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Chop the zucchini and bell pepper, add a sprinkle of salt & pepper, then cook until tender. 

4️⃣ Lightly toast the pine nuts. 

5️⃣ Plate the couscous, add the roasted chickpeas & veggies on top, & sprinkles pine nuts onto each plate. Enjoy! 

Get a printable version of the recipe on foodielovesfitness.com #linkinbio or comment RECIPE for a direct link. 

If you like this new Easy Plant-Based Meals series, let me know what kind of recipe you’d like to see next 👩‍🍳

#healthyeating #easyrecipes #eatrealfood #veganfood #plantbased #healthylifestyle #recipereel
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Welcome to my new series, Easy Plant-Based Meals, where I share simple, nutritious meals that I make for my family on the regular. 🥦🥕🥬🧅🧄🫘🫑 Today I’m making Garlic Pearled Couscous with Roasted Chickpeas & Veggies. Here are the ingredients you need to serve 4: 1️⃣ 2-3 boxes of Near East Pearled Couscous with Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil (I find that 3 boxes yield about 4.5 cups; you can also use a plain pearled couscous) 2️⃣ 1 can garbanzo beans 3️⃣ 4 TSP avocado oil 4️⃣ 1 zucchini 5️⃣ 1 bell pepper 6️⃣ 2T-1/4 cup pine nuts, optional but I like the added heart-healthy crunch 7️⃣ Salt, pepper & paprika to taste Directions: 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375. Drain & rinse chickpeas, then add to a baking dish. Add 2 TSP of avocado oil, and a nice sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Mix it up, then cook for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. 2️⃣ Cook the couscous according to the box directions. 3️⃣ Heat 2 tsp avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Chop the zucchini and bell pepper, add a sprinkle of salt & pepper, then cook until tender. 4️⃣ Lightly toast the pine nuts. 5️⃣ Plate the couscous, add the roasted chickpeas & veggies on top, & sprinkles pine nuts onto each plate. Enjoy! Get a printable version of the recipe on foodielovesfitness.com #linkinbio or comment RECIPE for a direct link. If you like this new Easy Plant-Based Meals series, let me know what kind of recipe you’d like to see next 👩‍🍳 #healthyeating #easyrecipes #eatrealfood #veganfood #plantbased #healthylifestyle #recipereel
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California has it all, & I love this area that I get to call home! Last weekend’s fun included: 

🌊 Soaking up the sun at Carlsbad State Beach, where my daughter tried surfing for the first time 🏄‍♀️
🥾 Hiking in Wildomar
🍷 Wine sipping in Temecula

#californialove #weekendfun #sandiego #temeculaca #hiking #getoutside #mywinter #adventure #socal
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California has it all, & I love this area that I get to call home! Last weekend’s fun included: 🌊 Soaking up the sun at Carlsbad State Beach, where my daughter tried surfing for the first time 🏄‍♀️ 🥾 Hiking in Wildomar 🍷 Wine sipping in Temecula #californialove #weekendfun #sandiego #temeculaca #hiking #getoutside #mywinter #adventure #socal
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🌎 The largest National Park in the contiguous U.S. - 3.4 million acres! - did not disappoint 🔥 Here’s what we had on our agenda for Day 2️⃣ of exploring Death Valley National Park: 

📍Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
🛷Go sledding down the dunes! 
🥾Hike Mosaic Canyon Trail ~ a 3.5-mile out & back trail with 974 ft elevation gain. This trail was so much fun & the rock formations are gorgeous! My daughter loved climbing & bouldering around. It features some cool slot canyons and difficult rock scrambling - our kinda speed! 
🚰 Refuel at Stovepipe Wells Village ~ Nearby pitstop within the park for gas, restrooms, a general store & restaurants 

#roadtrip #california #travelgram #familytravel #kidswhoexplore #momsofinstagram #hikingadventures #deathvalleynationalpark #nationalparks #wanderlust #adventureseekers #hikingtrails
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🌎 The largest National Park in the contiguous U.S. - 3.4 million acres! - did not disappoint 🔥 Here’s what we had on our agenda for Day 2️⃣ of exploring Death Valley National Park: 📍Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 🛷Go sledding down the dunes! 🥾Hike Mosaic Canyon Trail ~ a 3.5-mile out & back trail with 974 ft elevation gain. This trail was so much fun & the rock formations are gorgeous! My daughter loved climbing & bouldering around. It features some cool slot canyons and difficult rock scrambling - our kinda speed! 🚰 Refuel at Stovepipe Wells Village ~ Nearby pitstop within the park for gas, restrooms, a general store & restaurants #roadtrip #california #travelgram #familytravel #kidswhoexplore #momsofinstagram #hikingadventures #deathvalleynationalpark #nationalparks #wanderlust #adventureseekers #hikingtrails
2 months ago
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8/9
That thing you always talk about & think about doing but haven’t gotten the guts/energy/time to do? Make 2026 the year you freaking GO FOR IT. 

#livemoreworryless #2026goals #goalgetters #entreprenuermindset #sunset #chasingsunsets #viewoftheday #windowseatview
foodielovesfitness
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That thing you always talk about & think about doing but haven’t gotten the guts/energy/time to do? Make 2026 the year you freaking GO FOR IT. #livemoreworryless #2026goals #goalgetters #entreprenuermindset #sunset #chasingsunsets #viewoftheday #windowseatview
2 months ago
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