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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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Hug Your Pooch, it’s National Dog Day!

Hey friends!

So, I wasn’t planning on blogging today, but here I am chatting with you because I found out….

IMG_3713

It’s National Dog Day! 

I know that there are lots of random, silly holidays on every day of the year, but truth be told, I think some of them are fun because 1.) I love any excuse to celebrate, and 2.) I enjoy acknowledging days designated to something near and dear to my heart. And pretty much everyone that knows me knows that I’m obsessed with dogs, especially my own pooch!

Hiking at Elfin Forest

Hiking with Harley a couple of weeks ago

Having a dog that you adore is a special bond.

For me, it’s knowing that I have someone to sleep by my feet while I work in my office, that I always have an enthusiastic hiking partner….

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It means having one entertaining creature around that constantly cracks me up…

Harley Chobani container

It means having a witness to all of my cooking endeavors and knowing that any dropped food will be promptly licked up cleaned…

Harley loves broccoli

It means having a companion who alway likes to be near, whether she’s sitting next to me while I’m hanging out studying, or pulling her blanket up to be at the foot of my yoga mat.

harley-yoga-mat

In the days of Marine Corps deployments, I spent more time with Harley than any other living creature, and she always somehow knew when I was having a hard day to be extra sweet and cute. Dogs somehow just know sometimes.

Having a dog means having someone to run around and relax at the beach with… dog beach selfie

Harley beach

Harley reminds me that life’s too short to be serious, that every day is a great day to get out there and run free….

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…and boy, does she love to run free!

running at the dog beach

Sometimes I wonder just what goes on in that pretty little head of hers…

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…but I love my nutty dog and am so happy to be her pawrent. One day, I’ll have human children of my own, but for now, I’m good with just a puppy as my child!

Harley playtime

I can’t help but feel like people who have never loved a dog before are missing out. There’s a reason why they call them woman’s best friend: They’re such loyal creatures that love unconditionally. In the years I volunteered at the animal shelter, I was always amazed at how forgiving dogs are. Some of the dogs I worked with had been neglected and abused, yet still, they were usually quick to trust me, because all they wanted was the love of humans.

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So pawrents, I hope that you give your pooch an extra hug, special treat, or nice long walk today in honor of National Dog Day. 🙂

Questions: Are you a dog owner? What’s your favorite animal? 

Though dogs are high on my list, lions are my absolute favorite!

Spread the love

August 26, 2014 3:48 pm foodielovesfitness 11 Comments Filed Under: Dogs, Harley

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Comments

  1. Kim says

    August 26, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    We don’t have any pets – I’ve never had a dog and I guess I’m fine with that. Right now I can’t imagine taking care of it (and I know it would end up being me doing the work).
    Glad you have your dog to keep you company!!!

    Reply
  2. Ali says

    August 26, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    Awe, Harley is such a pretty dog! Very sweet post. I Love dogs too!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      September 4, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks, she’s a cutie!

      Reply
  3. Amalia @ Live Travel Eat and Run says

    August 26, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    Awww yay! I didn’t know it was national dog day. I have a puppy that lives with my parents in a different province — I should facetime her and tell her how much I love her!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      September 4, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Awww! Does your dog at all understand Facetime? Anytime I Skype or FaceTime with my hubby and try to say hi to my dog, she’s totally confused and doesn’t get it. Haha.

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

    August 27, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Aww!! This is so sweet!! Happy dog day! Glad that you love yours! They can be woman’s best friends too!! haha… sweet! Dogs really are a great way to keep active as well!!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      September 4, 2014 at 9:10 pm

      My dog is totally my little buddy 🙂

      Reply
  5. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    August 27, 2014 at 9:31 am

    This was a really sweet post and it made me want to go home and give Coco the biggest hug ever! Dogs are the best companions. Brandon and I had to live apart for a year and my girls were the only thing that got me through those times! I can imagine it would be even harder in your situation with your husband being in the Marine Corps. I’m glad Harley helped you through it. She is such a pretty girl!

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      September 4, 2014 at 9:10 pm

      Aren’t they?! You and I are like two peas in a pod when it comes to our feelings on dogs and animals in general. Love them like crazy!!

      Reply
  6. Britt@MyOwnBalance says

    August 28, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Harley is so adorable in these photos! I love the Chobani photo! Haha. We do not have a pet due to lack of space and time. I just don’t think its fair to dogs in this city. If we had more space and we were both home more it would be different. I would feel bad leaving a dog for 12 hours a day! 🙁 I’ll see if I can keep a human alive and then decide if I can also keep a dog alive. Haha.

    Reply
    • foodielovesfitness says

      September 4, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      I know, the Chobani photo really cracks me up! She had her entire face in the yogurt container for a solid 10 minutes.

      Yea, I hear ya. My dog is spoiled since I work from home. I think that they get used to it, but I definitely felt bad when we lived in a small apartment that she didn’t have much space/any type of yard to move around in.

      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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Dancing my way into summer matching with my mini in @patpat_clothing dresses as per usual! We had tooooo much fun making this video (pre-haircuts…usually takes me awhile to get around to editing a video 😌)! 

Shop PatPat matching dresses via Amazon in my stories today or comment DRESSES for links to shop. 

#girlmom #matchymatchy #summertime #5yearsold #momsofinstagram #minime  #loveher #momanddaughter #dresses
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Dancing my way into summer matching with my mini in @patpat_clothing dresses as per usual! We had tooooo much fun making this video (pre-haircuts…usually takes me awhile to get around to editing a video 😌)! Shop PatPat matching dresses via Amazon in my stories today or comment DRESSES for links to shop. #girlmom #matchymatchy #summertime #5yearsold #momsofinstagram #minime #loveher #momanddaughter #dresses
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Recipe links in my stories today, or comment BRUNCH & I’ll DM the links to you! 

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Dreamy plant-based brunchin’ 😋 The stars of the show: ⭐️ @eatjust frittata with potatoes, asparagus, pepper & zucchini ⭐️ sweet potato biscuits a la @cooknourishbliss ⭐️ chocolate chip banana bread Recipe links in my stories today, or comment BRUNCH & I’ll DM the links to you! #plantbased #healthyfoodie #veganfood #justegg #sweetpotato #bananabread #healthyeating #brunch
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🕗 Zoo is open until 8 pm
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San Diego Nighttime Zoo runs now through August 10th! 🦁 🕗 Zoo is open until 8 pm 🎶 Live music & entertainment 🦒Wildlife characters & performers 🌎 Celebrates African animals & Tanzanian culture 🦩 Nightly parade, Jumbo Dunia! #sandiego #zoo #sandiegoevents #weekendfun #animallovers #socal #momsofinstagram #livemusic
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Backyard movie nights >> core memories Moana is Cammie’s all-time favorite character 🧡 Comfy seating c/o our @avkaralounger — perfect for movie nights & beach days! Sharing the Amazon link to it in stories today. #moana #movienight #familytime #makingmemories #corememory #momsofinstagram #girlmom #5yearsold #funathome #backyardmovie #outdoorliving
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I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

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My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

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My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! 

#doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. 

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My little sister, THE DOCTOR!!! @kelseyhansen8 has been our resident animal expert for many years… but now she’s officially a veterinarian! Kelsey has worked so hard to get here & I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work she continues to do in helping animals in need. I’m so glad I was able to travel to Miami this week to celebrate her awesome accomplishment! #doctorinthehouse #veterinarian #miami #getaway #family #makingmemories #travelgram #sisters
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Confession: I’m not at all a big meal prepper❗️But, there are a few things I make most weeks that help make healthy eating simple: 1️⃣ I bake a bunch of sweet potatoes. Then, I can easily use them for a veggie side, make sweet potato pancakes, or to incorporate into a healthy dinner - plus, sweet potatoes are always a winner with my 5 year old, so they’re a “safe” veggie I like to have around. 2️⃣ Two, I whip up a batch of energy bites. I pack them with ingredients like hemp seeds, nut butters, and oats, and they’re great for both a grab and go snack for everyone in the house + a homemade kindergarten snack instead of packing a packaged bar. 3️⃣I make a few cups of brown rice. Rice is so versatile, and I’ll use it for a few weeknight dinners, such as rice and beans, in burritos & with sautéed veggies and chickpeas. Who else is NOT a big meal prepper?! PS - Check out my new blueberry energy bite recipe in my stories today! It’s also my first #linkinbio. #healthyeating #mealprep #healthylifestyle #veggies #eatrealfood #energybites #myhealthylife #healthyfoodie #plantbasedfood #healthysnacking
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Leave a ‘❤️’ if you’re all about dropping the unrealistic expectations & just having a fun family day on Mother’s Day! 

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Unpopular opinion: We put too much pressure on Mother’s Day. Sure, it’s a day when moms can be pampered, choose what they want to do, and kick back a little bit more than usual… ..but if your kid throws a tantrum or your husband forgets to get you a gift or everything doesn’t go according to plan, in reality, it’s just another day. Moms should be thanked by their families any day of the week. Moms should feel “free” to not do it all any day of the month. Moms should be able to practice self-care, guilt-free, any day of the year. Leave a ‘❤️’ if you’re all about dropping the unrealistic expectations & just having a fun family day on Mother’s Day! #mothersday #momsofinstagram #unpopularopinion #sandiego #beach #views #encinitasca #motherhood
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MY FAVORITES — 
-Monte de Oro ~ Joined their wine club & have hung out here countless times 🙌🏼 Their wines are awesome, the staff is friendly & they have an expansive patio. Bonus: they decorate so wonderfully for Christmas! @montedeoro
-Leoness ~ Yummy reds, the views here are lovely & they usually have live music Fri-Sun, + their beautifully curated store is my favorite in the valley for grabbing wine country gifts. Also joined the wine club @leonesscellars 

GREAT FOR PICNICKING — 
-Masia de La Vinya ~ Offering Spanish style wines & lots of outdoor seating on their patio, patrons are free to bring food to this boutique winery Sun-Fri @masiadelavinyawinery (note: children are not allowed on Saturdays) 

MY TOP PICK FOR A DATE — 
-Europa ~ Offering not one, not two, but THREE tasting rooms (Italian, Spanish & French styles), Europa has picturesque grounds, a resort & Spanish restaurant, making it a perfect pick to relax at & stay awhile! @europavillage

FUN WITH KIDS — 
-Peltzer ~ @peltzerwinery has some great kid-friendly events, including a fall pumpkin patch, winter skating rink & movie nights. Note: Most of the time they’re only kid-friendly Sun-Thurs.
-Longshadow Ranch ~ @longshadowranchwinery is a Temecula winery with a western flair that has animals to visit with, regular family-friendly events & a small playground to entertain kiddos while the adults try the wines. Also nice for picnicking! Try their port in a chocolate boot 🍫 I’ve also heard they regularly have bonfire nights, which are on my bucket list to make it to soon. 

#temeculaca #wineoclock #winecountry #socal #californialiving #exploremore #winelovers #home #familyfriendly #weekendvibes
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I’ve really been enjoying wine country living over the past 1.5 years! 🥂☀️So far I’ve tasted at almost half of the nearly 50 wineries, & here are the stand outs for me thus far: MY FAVORITES — -Monte de Oro ~ Joined their wine club & have hung out here countless times 🙌🏼 Their wines are awesome, the staff is friendly & they have an expansive patio. Bonus: they decorate so wonderfully for Christmas! @montedeoro -Leoness ~ Yummy reds, the views here are lovely & they usually have live music Fri-Sun, + their beautifully curated store is my favorite in the valley for grabbing wine country gifts. Also joined the wine club @leonesscellars GREAT FOR PICNICKING — -Masia de La Vinya ~ Offering Spanish style wines & lots of outdoor seating on their patio, patrons are free to bring food to this boutique winery Sun-Fri @masiadelavinyawinery (note: children are not allowed on Saturdays) MY TOP PICK FOR A DATE — -Europa ~ Offering not one, not two, but THREE tasting rooms (Italian, Spanish & French styles), Europa has picturesque grounds, a resort & Spanish restaurant, making it a perfect pick to relax at & stay awhile! @europavillage FUN WITH KIDS — -Peltzer ~ @peltzerwinery has some great kid-friendly events, including a fall pumpkin patch, winter skating rink & movie nights. Note: Most of the time they’re only kid-friendly Sun-Thurs. -Longshadow Ranch ~ @longshadowranchwinery is a Temecula winery with a western flair that has animals to visit with, regular family-friendly events & a small playground to entertain kiddos while the adults try the wines. Also nice for picnicking! Try their port in a chocolate boot 🍫 I’ve also heard they regularly have bonfire nights, which are on my bucket list to make it to soon. #temeculaca #wineoclock #winecountry #socal #californialiving #exploremore #winelovers #home #familyfriendly #weekendvibes
1 month ago
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8/9
Come with me to try the vegetarian sandwiches @capriottis Sandwich Shop! Which sandwich would you like to try most? 

#ad #foodiesofinstagram #vegetarian #sandwiches #eeeeats #capriottis
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Come with me to try the vegetarian sandwiches @capriottis Sandwich Shop! Which sandwich would you like to try most? #ad #foodiesofinstagram #vegetarian #sandwiches #eeeeats #capriottis
1 month ago
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