• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • My Healthy Living Philosophy
    • Favorite Quotes
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Pancakes, Muffins & All Things Breakfast
    • Smoothies, Beverages & Juices
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Appetizers & Sides
    • Pasta & Grains
    • More Dinner
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
  • Fitness
    • Workouts to Try
    • Studio Reviews, Workout Inspiration & Events
  • Travel & Reviews
    • California
      • California Hikes
    • New England & New York
    • Other U.S. Adventures
    • Europe
    • Mexico
    • Thailand
    • Morocco
    • Costa Rica
  • Motherhood
  • Nav Widget Area

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter

Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

Subscribe

Subscribe to email updates & never miss a post!

#Gratefulin2016 {Weekend Recap}

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. 


Hi friends!

I’m coming at ya a day later than my usual Monday post due to my being (mostly) off of work for yesterday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

After I wrote my post on 10 techniques to develop a positive attitude a few weeks ago, I started thinking about how I could share more positivity on social media this year. I like to post positive quotes and thoughts here and there, but I decided that in 2016, I will consciously spread positivity online each and every week using one of the techniques I mentioned: Take a few moments to count your blessings daily. 

Gratitude-Deepak Chopra

(source)

And just how am I planning on doing that? Introducing #Gratefulin2016! 

It’s a social media movement of sorts that I’m starting to focus on what I’m thankful for. Every Monday (and whenever else the mood strikes me) on my Twitter and Instagram, I’ll share something that I’m feeling grateful for…and I’d love for you all to participate too!

It’s a way for us to share what’s going well in our lives, instead of harping what we’re dissatisfied with. A grateful heart is thankful for things big and small, so some weeks I’ll be sharing something BIG in my life, like my health, and some weeks I’ll be sharing something of less importance, like…. chocolate! And in the spirit of being grateful in 2016, today I’m sharing some things I felt grateful for last weekend:

La Jolla day date-2

My man. I got to spend the long weekend with my hubby – who I am so thankful to get to spend my life with. I was feeling especially grateful that we got to spend three days together since he was out in the field for the Marine Corps last week.

Harley-Jan 16

My pup. My goofball dingo often makes me laugh with her crazy antics, and I’m so thankful that I rescued her 5 years ago when she was an adorable little puppy looking for her forever home. She’s a total nut that entertains my hubby & me every day!

Elfin Forest hike-Jan 16

Hiking trails. On Saturday, my little family headed to Elfin Forest for a hike together. Breathing in the crisp air and pretty views as my heart pumped, I looked around and felt grateful to live near hiking trails like these.

trunk of fire wood

Cozy fires. On the ride back from said hike, we stumbled upon a resident selling firewood, so we loaded my car up with as much firewood as my Hybrid trunk would allow. I just love cozy fires in my living room on chilly winter nights.

fruit & cashew butter bowl

Fruit. You knew that food would be somewhere on this list, right?! I enjoyed the above pictured fruit bowl for breakfast over the weekend. I’m thankful to have the access and means to real, healthy food to nourish my body every day. I also was feeling thankful for my orange tree….

Orange tree-Jan 16…which clearly loved the recent rain! It’s crazy how much fruit has appeared in the past week or so. I picked some fruit over the weekend to eat and share with friends.

Angle Eight Pose-5

A healthy, strong body. I spent Monday feeling pretty sore from a fitness test I did at The Fit Mill (more on the blog about the gym here) the day before. I’ll explain more about it later, but we basically maxed out on a variety of exercises, and had 90 seconds to do as many reps of other moves. My body carried me through 40-something pushups, a 3+ minute wall-sit, 30-something box jumps, a 3+ minute plank, 25 pull-ups on the gravity machine and more. Flaws and all, I’m thankful for a body that is healthy, strong and capable!

La Jolla-Jan 16

La Jolla. I spent my Monday afternoon in the gorgeous beach town of La Jolla with my hubby for a day date. We walked around, watched the seals and grabbed some lunch. Even on a cloudy day, it was so nice to be back there for the first time since late last summer. It’s such a pretty area that I’m thankful to live nearby!

La Jolla seals

I’m also thankful for the weather of the area I’m living in. Southern Cali has awesome weather, and even on a “chilly” day for the area like today, temperatures were in the low 60s. I certainly take advantage of it as much and as often as I can!

In the spirit of positivity and gratitude, I’ll leave you with this awesome “I am” mantra card that I spotted on a baby Buddha while grabbing a drink at a juice bar the other day…

I Am Mantras

Tell me… What are you feeling grateful for today? 

Spread the love

January 19, 2016 5:00 am foodielovesfitness 8 Comments Filed Under: Harley, Health, San Diego

Sign up for my health coaching newsletter!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Britt@MyOwnBalance says

    January 19, 2016 at 10:51 am

    I love this idea Nicole!! I’m thankful for my little guy and my hubby. I am also so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in life!

    Reply
  2. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    Looks like such a fun weekend! I need to write Elfin down to check out too. La Jolla and Torrey Pines are maybe favorite places in SD.

    Reply
  3. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    January 20, 2016 at 4:59 am

    You certainly have lots to be grateful for! Every time I am having a bad day or something goes wrong, I try to counteract it with telling myself one that I am grateful for.

    Reply
  4. Calista says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Today I am grateful that the sun is shining after some significant rainfall, which I’m also grateful for. I’m grateful for my health and I’m grateful that my body can do a myriad of different things {flaws and all!}. I’m grateful for the cup of hot tea I have with me at my desk and I’m grateful that I have a job and the means to pay my bills and live comfortably. I’m grateful for avocados and salad and leftovers from yesterday so I don’t have to go out for lunch.

    Reply
  5. Cailee says

    January 20, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    YES!!! I love this post. An attitude of gratitude is SO important. Love all the things that you’re thankful for! Also, I too am thankful for fruit! <3 and being able to have access to all the nourishing foods that I do. Thanks for the positivity my friend! High fives for high vibes 🙂

    Reply
  6. Ashley says

    January 20, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I just love this idea. And you are really inspiring me!! I am definitely most thankful for my husband and crazy beagle!! And lots of other things too 🙂

    Reply
  7. Brittany says

    January 20, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    I love this!! Your fruit bowl looks AMAZING, and that side crow is on point!! On the grass too!

    Reply
  8. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    January 20, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I love this movement you are starting, Nicole! I agree, there is so much to be thankful for and it’s good to stop and take the time to recognize it.

    I am also grateful for my husband and Coco. They bring me so much happiness every day! 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome to my blog!

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…

Looking for Something?

The Latest on Instagram

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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
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. 

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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
View on Instagram |
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
foodielovesfitness
foodielovesfitness
•
Follow
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
View on Instagram |
9/9
Follow Me


Tags

appetizer recipes at home workouts banana breakfast California California travel index dessert dessert recipes dogs European travel exercise featured adventure post fitness fruit giveaways goat cheese health health coaching healthy dessert healthy dinner ideas healthy eating healthy lifestyle healthy living healthy recipes healthy snacks hiking hiking trails pasta pumpkin quotes recipes San Diego smoothies snack recipes snacks travel vegan recipes vegan snacks vegetarian vegetarian recipes weight loss workout index workout inspo index workouts yoga

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Follow

Post Categories

Subscribe to My Health Coaching Newsletter!

Calendar of My Posts

January 2016
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec   Feb »


my healthy aperture gallery

Footer

Additional Affiliations


© Copyright 2016 · Pretty Lifestyle WordPress Theme by: PDCD