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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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#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

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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

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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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Do you remember when you truly realized that the world is wide and you’ve only experienced a speck of it? 🌎

For me, it was the eye-opening opportunity of a college study abroad program in amazing Sicily. I fell in love with Italy, and the experience made me realize that I wanted to prioritize traveling and living in different places when I became a “real adult” (or in other words, when I graduated the following year). 

Getting to return to the charming town of Taormina nearly two decades later with my family was a dream. 

I returned to Sicily in a different phase of life: Older — I’ve almost doubled in age! Wiser. A mom. A wife. 

Yet, still wide-eyed, always up for an adventure, and filled with wonder at the beauty of this world. 

Different, but the same. 

Taormina is still stunning, bustling with more tourists and more fame than I remembered thanks to things like “White Lotus” and Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows (one was happening while we were in town). 

And so, I found Taormina herself to also be different, but the same — and definitely still a magical place ✨

#sicily #mytinyatlas #travelgram #familytravel #italygram
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Do you remember when you truly realized that the world is wide and you’ve only experienced a speck of it? 🌎 For me, it was the eye-opening opportunity of a college study abroad program in amazing Sicily. I fell in love with Italy, and the experience made me realize that I wanted to prioritize traveling and living in different places when I became a “real adult” (or in other words, when I graduated the following year). Getting to return to the charming town of Taormina nearly two decades later with my family was a dream. I returned to Sicily in a different phase of life: Older — I’ve almost doubled in age! Wiser. A mom. A wife. Yet, still wide-eyed, always up for an adventure, and filled with wonder at the beauty of this world. Different, but the same. Taormina is still stunning, bustling with more tourists and more fame than I remembered thanks to things like “White Lotus” and Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows (one was happening while we were in town). And so, I found Taormina herself to also be different, but the same — and definitely still a magical place ✨ #sicily #mytinyatlas #travelgram #familytravel #italygram
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#myview #travelgram #wanderlust #sicily #italy
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Obsessed with my @airbnb view of both the sea & Mount Etna 😍 10/10 even though every walk home is a sweaty glute workout! 📍Taormina, Sicily #myview #travelgram #wanderlust #sicily #italy
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#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 

Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨

#paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
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Got to bake up some delicious macarons in the beautiful city of Paris! 💕 Macarons are high on my daughter’s list of favorite desserts, and it was lovely learning how to make them from a Parisian pastry chef! The macaron ingredient list is short, but making them is an art ✨ #paris #familytravel #macarons #baking #wanderlust
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Happy 250th Birthday America 🇺🇸

#4thofjuly #boatday #thislandisyourland #america250 #brucespringsteen
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Happy 250th Birthday America 🇺🇸 #4thofjuly #boatday #thislandisyourland #america250 #brucespringsteen
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Packed with fruit… but my kid calls it ice cream🍦We love breaking out our @yonanas gadget all summer long! 

My favorite way to make fruit soft serve 👇🏼

INGREDIENTS
1 sliced ripe banana, frozen
2/3 cup strawberries, frozen
favorite toppings: sprinkles, nuts, nut butter, etc

INSTRUCTIONS
Remove your fruit from the freezer. Allow it to thaw for about 10 minutes, until it starts to slightly soften.
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Add in your favorite toppings and enjoy before it melts!
Serves 1 - scale up as desired! 

#healthyeating #eatrealfood #fruit #healthydessert #yonanas
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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎

#californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
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Palm Springs snapshots 🌴☀️😎 #californiatravel #palmsprings #exploremore #familytravel #roadtrip
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Drop a comment if you consider yourself a scrunchy mom too 🤎 #momsofinstagram #mindset #momlife #scrunchymom
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Drop a comment if you consider yourself a scrunchy mom too 🤎 #momsofinstagram #mindset #momlife #scrunchymom
1 month ago
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School’s out for my little girl ☀️& here are 4️⃣ screen-free tools that I’m using to keep my 6 year old busy and learning when we’re home this summer: 

1️⃣ @mondaymandala’s awesome array of free digital printables on just about anything you can think of 🖍️

2️⃣ @youngwildandfriedman’s amazing sensory kits that are high-quality and last forever. I have purchased a serious amount of these play dough and sensory sand kits over the years & they are worth every penny! My kiddo will spend hours setting up all of the little trinkets and building little play dough towns.

3️⃣ @Canva’s printable educational worksheets ✏️ For instance, I printed out money worksheets & am planning on doing a money lesson that includes us emptying out her piggy bank to delve deeper into currency & paying for something she wants at the store with her own 💵

4️⃣ A @brain_quest workbook — I bought one last summer as well & we love incorporating it into little lessons at home! 

#kidactivities #summerbreak #screenfreeparenting #momsofinstagram #learningathome
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School’s out for my little girl ☀️& here are 4️⃣ screen-free tools that I’m using to keep my 6 year old busy and learning when we’re home this summer: 1️⃣ @mondaymandala’s awesome array of free digital printables on just about anything you can think of 🖍️ 2️⃣ @youngwildandfriedman’s amazing sensory kits that are high-quality and last forever. I have purchased a serious amount of these play dough and sensory sand kits over the years & they are worth every penny! My kiddo will spend hours setting up all of the little trinkets and building little play dough towns. 3️⃣ @Canva’s printable educational worksheets ✏️ For instance, I printed out money worksheets & am planning on doing a money lesson that includes us emptying out her piggy bank to delve deeper into currency & paying for something she wants at the store with her own 💵 4️⃣ A @brain_quest workbook — I bought one last summer as well & we love incorporating it into little lessons at home! #kidactivities #summerbreak #screenfreeparenting #momsofinstagram #learningathome
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! 

While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! 

#daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
foodielovesfitness
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Spent the day at 📍Murrieta Hot Springs & thoroughly enjoyed it there! While we have visited numerous fun hot springs with our daughter, it was definitely nice to be out of mom mode & experience our local hot springs while our little one was in school. From hot tubs and cold plunges to saunas & clay mud, we got to kick back & enjoy it all! #daydate #hotsprings #californialiving #relaxation #playinghooky
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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