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Foodie Loves Fitness

Sharing my passion for living a healthy & happy life

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California

Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley

The first day of our Memorial Day weekend getaway, my hubby and I planned to spend the afternoon exploring the Muir Woods National Park, then head towards our hotel in Napa. In the morning, we dropped Harley off at the kennel - which was slightly traumatic because it's the first time we've taken her to a new kennel since moving. Our last kennel was pretty fancy schmancy and was called a ''pet resort" rather than a kennel. In contrast, this kennel is more like a ranch style kind of place where the dogs are allowed to run around together more freely. We were a little worried that Harley would display her typical only child syndrome and snap at another dog for taking a ball or something... but my excitement for our weekend plans overpowered my worry about my pup, and we quickly dropped ... [Read More]

May 29, 2013 9:57 pm foodielovesfitness 3 Comments Filed Under: Bay Area, Hiking, Holidays, Travel

Hiking the Merry-Go-Round Trail at Mount Madonna County Park

Hope that everyone had a great weekend and Mother's Day! My hubby gave me flowers for being a wonderful canine mother. ;-) I was thinking a lot about my mom yesterday and how much I appreciate her. Even though we live on opposite coasts, we talk at least once a day and are really close. She was on vacation with my dad in Aruba the past several days, so I kept thinking it was strange not getting to call her and wish her a happy Mother's Day. I love my mama! Yesterday Adam, Harley and I went hiking at a new spot nearby, called Mount Madonna County Park. Adam and I were just recently talking about how neither of us have really seen Redwood trees before - because we're planning a trip up to Redwood forests very soon! - and we were pleasantly surprised when we got to the ... [Read More]

May 13, 2013 9:38 pm foodielovesfitness Leave a Comment Filed Under: Bay Area, Hiking

Girl Time in San Francisco

Hi friends! What an awesome weekend it has been...though it zipped by so quickly! Yesterday I got to hang out with one of my best friends, Danielle. She lives in Jersey but was here in California for work all last week, so we planned a weekend together. We met in San Francisco yesterday morning, and it was a beautiful day out. I've only been to San Fran once before when Adam and I did a road trip up the California coast, so I was excited to see the city again. We did some touristy things, including driving down the windy Lombard st... ...checking out the Golden Gate Bridge... ...walking around Fishermans Wharf: ..and taking lots of pictures of boats, seals, Alcatraz Island, and the gorgeous scenery: After having a bite to eat, we drove back to my area to do some late ... [Read More]

April 14, 2013 10:17 pm foodielovesfitness Leave a Comment Filed Under: Bay Area, Dinner

Moving on Up to the Bay Area

Hi friends, long time no talk. We have a lot to catch up on! Life has been, shall we say, chaotic the past week... and I'm now officially a Bay Area resident! Between setting up the move, working, finding time to enjoy my last few days in San Diego and the friends I've made there, exercising, and packing,  I was going nonstop. I felt like there weren't enough hours in the day! One of the many things I had to prepare for during the move was driving up to Nor Cal with Harley. My dog is quite possibly the worst canine to be in a car with. She continuously whines a very high-pitched screech, insists on putting the window down with her paw (regardless of the temperature), and then when I lock it, freaks out until I put it down for her. She also likes to jump from the front to backseat ... [Read More]

March 26, 2013 9:19 pm foodielovesfitness 5 Comments Filed Under: Bay Area, Hiking, Uncategorized, Wine

My First Taste of San Jose

Why hello there! I can't believe it's Monday night already. The weekend and today just flew by. My weekend was a bit of a whirlwind and a lot of fun! I kicked off Friday evening meeting my friend Angi, her hubby John, and their baby Zoie with Adam for dinner in Coronado: Angi lives in Arizona now and I haven't gotten to see her awhile. I also got to see her baby girl, who is getting big so fast and is absolutely beautiful. I miss my friend and it was great getting to chat face to face a bit! Saturday morning I awoke bright and early to take Harley to the pet resort (who was not a fan of waking up early or going there!) and get on the road for San Jose. Adam's job starts up there in just a couple of weeks, so we traveled up there to scope out the area a bit and find a place to ... [Read More]

March 11, 2013 8:41 pm foodielovesfitness 2 Comments Filed Under: Travel, Wine

A Sunday Adventure: Three Sisters Waterfall Hike // Descanso, CA

When I found out a few weeks ago that my hubby and I will be moving out of the San Diego area very soon, I started thinking about the things we haven't done yet here that I want to experience. That's why last weekend we did a whale watching cruise, and today we did the Three Sisters Waterfall Hike. Three Sisters Falls is located in a town called Descanso, around 50 miles from where we live. To get there, we had to drive through very rural areas and back roads where we saw more animals than people. We rode on a very windy, bumpy dirt road for awhile with just a few ranches and hardly any other cars, and we weren't so sure that we were going the right way. I had written down directions before we left, knowing that cell service would be spotty - which is totally was - and man, it made me ... [Read More]

March 3, 2013 9:59 pm foodielovesfitness 7 Comments Filed Under: California travel, Hiking, San Diego, Travel

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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…

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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
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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
5 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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
View on Instagram |
9/9
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