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Thursday, November 10, 2022

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for the Kids


Sharing holiday gift ideas for the kids this year! We tend to stick to the purchasing strategy of: “ Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” 

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! How’s the week treating ya? It’s been a busy on over here and I’m currently in Phoenix for a mastermind trip. I’ll share more details in Fri Faves tomorrow!

I’m really excited for today’s gift guide because kiddos really bring the magic to Christmastime. I’m basically like Buddy the Elf and thought that nothing could possibly make the season more enjoyable… and then we had kids. They just magnify all of the magic of the holidays. We’re getting our holiday shopping done early, so I wanted to put some ideas out there if you’re doing the same thing.

 

More gift guides from this year:

For Her

For Him

When we holiday shop for the kiddos, we keep things on the simpler side. They get their Santa gifts and stocking stuffers, and then from us, we stick to the “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” This checks all of the main boxes and keeps things from getting too bananas with gifts from my parents and their other relatives. [Another hack: any gifts that aren’t opened in the first couple of days are stocked away in the playroom. I bring them out on a rainy day or when the kids say they’re looking for something to do.]

Today, I’m sharing some of the things on their personal wish lists, along with tried and true favorites if you’re shopping for kids their ages (5 and almost 9) this holiday season!! I’d love to hear your kids’ gift requests in the comments and any ideas you have!

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for the Kids

Something they want:

Karaoke system

Kids’ digital camera

-Horse earrings

American Girl doll. These are always a huge hit… I think we’re up to 10 now lol

A new bike or scooter

Super Gross chemistry set

Beautiful surprise ball angel

Puzzle sets

Initial bracelet

Zingo! This is a perfect board game for younger kids. They also love Guess Who, and I recently got them Twister and Bop It

A weighted plush axolotl

New roller skates or skateboard

Baby Yoda

The most incredible tutu

Barbie dream house

Magnatiles or anything Lego

Power Wheels. We did this a few years ago and they LOVED them

Giant Gem discovery kit

Science magic kit

Something they need:

New Ugg boots <— the waterproof ones last the longest

Rain boots

Art supplies

Arts and crafts library

– Dance or gymnastics leotards

Personalized tote bag

-Custom night light

A hiking backpack

A new jacket

– Experience gifts are always a hit, like tickets to a museum or activity they love

A kids’ yoga mat

New water bottle

Practice goal and a new soccer ball

Something to wear:

The cutest unicorn onesies

Dinosaur Christmas sweater

A festive dress or dapper blazer

Holiday jammies

Unicorn slippers

Something to read:

The Babysitter’s Club graphic novels. Liv has read all of these and LOVES them. I highly recommend if you have an 8-11 year old

Harry Potter box set

Ivy & Bean

The Pigeon books

– Pig the Pug

Thelma the Unicorn

– Pinkalicious collection

Fancy Nancy

Pete the Cat

Where’s Waldo?

Mad Libs

The Ramona Set

The Boxcar Children (this makes a fun read-aloud)

What’s on the kiddos’ wish list this year? Any previous gifts that were a home run?

xo

Gina

Shop this post:

*Note: none of my gift guides are sponsored, and companies are not able to purchase spots on my gift guides. These are all items I curated myself and genuinely think they’d make awesome gifts for someone you love. Affiliate links are included, which don’t affect purchase price but enable me to earn a small kickback. Thank you so much for purchasing through these links and supporting our family. <3

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Tuesday, November 8, 2022

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Him


It can be so hard to shop for the guys this holiday season! Sharing gift ideas for Him at all price points and for anyone in your family you’re trying to cross off your list. 

Hi friends! How’s the week treating you? I have a podcast interview this morning and am looking forward to a Yin yoga class later tonight.

For today’s post, I’m sharing a gift guide for the guys since it can kind of be impossible to shop for them. Sharing some gift ideas here, but I always love to hear if you have any awesome guy gift ideas! Please share the goods in the comments section.

2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Him

For the fitness fanatic:

The best sports headphones. We both have these and love them!

A classic metal vent tech tee.

The Pilot’s fave workout shorts.

New weights or even a bench set with squat rack.

A wall-mounted massage roller.

New running shoes.

For dads/uncles/brothers/guys who are tricky to shop for:

Funny golf socks.

Customized pet portrait.

Waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker. <— this one is the best and has a great price right now with Prime shipping

A smartphone sanitizer.

The perfect bowl for chips and salsa.

Customized face socks.

Pajama pants.

New slippers.

Made to order personalized song. Love this for an idea for your partner if you’re having trouble thinking of ideas!

Stanley camp mug.

A cozy robe.

Golf ball whiskey chillers.

For the chef and foodie:

Some fancypants whiskey from a local distillery.

Blood Mary cocktail branches.

Himalayan salt BBQ plank.

The ultimate BBQ set.

Mountain decanter.

Cold beer coats.

Grill smoker gift set.

A real chef apron.

A smoking cloche.

For the guy who appreciates good fashion but needs you to shop for him:

A new jacket

The best polo

A dressier coat

Casual pants to wear to the gym or for life

A classic watch

Half-zip

Classic aviator sunglasses.

Down vest

The most amazing button-down shirts (the Pilot LOVES these).

Everyday boots.

Zella joggers.

Casual low-top sneakers.

So tell me, friends: what are you gifting for your husband, dad, or the guys in your family this year? Any good experience gift ideas?

xo

Gina

Note: none of this post is sponsored and companies are unable to purchase spots on my holiday gift guides. These are all curated by yours truly and include items I genuinely think would make awesome gifts. Affiliate links are included, which have no impact on purchase price, but enable me to earn a small kickback. When you shop through my affiliate links, you directly support my little blog and the cost of keeping everything running smoothly over here. Thank you! <3

More gift guides from this year:

Gift Guide for Her

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Monday, November 7, 2022

How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays


How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

It feels almost impossible to stick to your routines and the stress of gaining weight from all the holiday goodness. I’ve been there, but over the last few years I’ve perfected my routines.

Now, I can indulge in all the holiday spirit (ya know, like cookies) and come out the other side feeling GOOD.

So, I am starting Holiday Survival Challenge to give you 21 days of healthy routines and quick workouts to check yourself off your list this year.

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What’s in the Holiday Survival Challenge?

During this three week challenge, we’ll still be working out together in MOVE App. (because short, at-home workouts are life rn).

We’re also going to have fun together on email and in my text club

Plus, I’ll be sharing all of my best tips, major giveaways, and surprises to help you enjoy this special time of year!

We start on Monday November 28th, but I have a lot in store for you before then!

Your Trainer to Help to Stay Healthy

I’m your trainer and founder of Love Sweat Fitness, Katie Dunlop.

After my own 45lbs weight loss journey I knew I needed to empower other women take back control of their lives.

As a certified personal trainer and sports nutrition specialist, I’ve now helped thousands of women transform their bodies over the years.

My 3:1 Method was designed for YOU! You will get the optimal balance of strength with quick cardio bursts in each session to build lean muscle and burn fat!

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Your Workouts During Holidays to Maintain Your Weight

Your 30 minute workouts in the MOVE App are FAST, EFFECTIVE, EASY TO FOLLOW and can be done at home. (or basically ANYWHERE.)

This time of year is about enjoying the people (and foods) we love and my MOVE App workouts will give you time and energy back to do both! Also, if you didn’t already know, we rebranded LSF the App to “MOVE” app. I also upgraded the app with a HUGE update on features like the chrome-cast, logging outside workouts, etc. (basically everything you girls have been asking for!)

So, I want to give you something to make it super easy to start this challenge.

I’ve never done this before, but this time of year calls for it. You’re going to 30 Days of premium access to my app for only $1 with code HSC22

You may be asking yourself, why is it $1?

Why not give it to me for free? 

One thing I’ve learned through my own weight loss journey is that investing in yourself (even if it’s just $1) will help keep you more accountable.

I KNOW you are worth that and so much more, I need you to know that as well. Click here to get started.

WEEKLY HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS ON SOCIAL!

To help keep you motivated throughout the challenge, I will be doing new giveaways every week!

Make sure you’re following @lovesweatfitness, @teamlsf & @lsfnutrition on IG and turn post notifications on so you don’t miss a chance to enter a giveaway!

Most people don’t start their fitness goals until January, but most people also fail.

We’re doing it differently.

We’re starting right now so we can get a head start and feel incredible this holiday season! 

If you’re tired of going through the holidays feeling guilty and want my personal support,  join the challenge here.

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October 2022 Book Recap


Sharing the books I read in October and if I’d recommend adding these to your list!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you had a wonderful weekend! The Pilot had a promotion at work – I’ll share some pics in Friday Faves – and we had a blast celebrating with friends and family. This morning, I have a ton of work stuff to do because I’m headed out of town this week for a business mastermind. I’m looking forward to a walk with Maisey to break up the day and a couple of 1:1 coaching calls.

For today’s post, I’m sharing the books I read last month! It was a hit and miss month, and I have high hopes for a couple of new books on the ol’ nightstand. Here’s the recap of October’s books.

October 2022 Book Recap

The Cancer Revolution

I picked up a copy of The Cancer Revolution because I follow Dr. Connealy on Instagram and LOVE her account. She shares so much valuable info, and I think it’s fascinating to be able to follow someone who treats cancer frequently, and successfully. She uses a blend of alternative and traditional therapies, including IV vitamin infusions, oxygen therapy, red light, detox strategies, and sauna, in addition to low-dose chemotherapy. I wanted to read this book because I’m all about empowering myself with extra tools and information, and found so many valuable resources in this book for preventing cancer, treating cancer, potentially helpful supplements and more. 10/10 recommend.

From Amazon:

When it comes to cancer, conventional doctors are trained to treat their patients exclusively with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. These methods are grueling on the whole body – and they don’t treat beyond the tumor or the cancer itself. The focus is on the disease, not the whole person – and because of this, the outcomes in conventional medicine can be bleak.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy has developed a whole-person approach to treating cancer – and these treatments have helped thousands of patients through her Cancer Center for Healing. In The Cancer Revolution, Dr. Connealy shows you how to get to the root causes of cancer and the practical steps you can take to get back on the path to healing — from balancing your body’s chemistry with nutritional supplements, following a healthy food plan, detoxifying your body and home, exercising regularly, getting deep restful sleep every night, practicing stress reduction techniques, and putting together a supportive healing team.

Chemotherapy and radiation have their place in treatment, but in many cases, they are simply not enough, because cancer isn’t caused by one thing, but by many different factors. All of these causes must be addressed, not just the tumor. The Cancer Revolution will equip you to make impactful, achievable lifestyle choices that fight the root of the disease, and that offer hope for recovery and a cancer-free life.

11/22/63

You guys. This book was WILD. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was fantastic. I loved the different voices for characters and truly brought life to this Butterfly Effect-ish story. The premise of the book is that a man named Jake Epping is tasked with using a portal to go back in time to stop the assassination of JFK. In the process, he also wants to save and change the life of someone he knows. Jake learns the ramifications of altering the past, in addition to trying to decide if he wants to return to the present day at all.

I’ve never read anything by Stephen King before, since I typically stay away from *scary* or gruesome books. This book was intense, and some parts were hard for me to listen to, but I can see why Stephen King is so popular lol. My only problem with this one is that is it LONG. The guy is wordy. He probably could have ditched about 200 pages in the middle. At the same time, the character development is so deep, and I still find myself thinking about it (especially the ending!). I’d give it a 9/10. I want to watch the series on Hulu now, too!

From Amazon:

 On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back?

In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King – who has absorbed the social, political, and popular culture of his generation more imaginatively and thoroughly than any other writer – takes listeners on an incredible journey into the past and the possibility of altering it.

It begins with Jake Epping, a 35-year-old English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching GED classes. He asks his students to write about an event that changed their lives, and one essay blows him away: a gruesome, harrowing story about the night more than 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a sledgehammer. Reading the essay is a watershed moment for Jake, his life – like Harry’s, like America’s in 1963 – turning on a dime.

Not much later his friend Al, who owns the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to the past, a particular day in 1958. And Al enlists Jake to take over the mission that has become his obsession – to prevent the Kennedy assassination.

So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson, in a different world – of Ike and JFK and Elvis, of big American cars and sock hops and cigarette smoke everywhere. From the dank little city of Derry, Maine (where there’s Dunning business to conduct), to the warmhearted small town of Jodie, Texas, where Jake falls dangerously in love, every turn is leading, eventually of course, to a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and to Dallas, where the past becomes heart-stoppingly suspenseful – and where history might not be history anymore. Time-travel has never been so believable. Or so terrifying.

Hester– DNF

I had high hopes for this Book of the Month pic, and thought it would be a fun choice for fall/Halloween. Just under halfway through, I’m calling it quits. I’m so bored and there are too many books to be read. If you want my copy, I’m happy to pass it along!

From Amazon:

A vivid reimagining of the woman who inspired Hester Prynne, the tragic heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and a journey into the enduring legacy of New England’s witchcraft trials.

Who is the real Hester Prynne?

Isobel Gamble is a young seamstress carrying generations of secrets when she sets sail from Scotland in the early 1800s with her husband, Edward. An apothecary who has fallen under the spell of opium, his pile of debts have forced them to flee Edinburgh for a fresh start in the New World. But only days after they’ve arrived in Salem, Edward abruptly joins a departing ship as a medic––leaving Isobel penniless and alone in a strange country, forced to make her way by any means possible.

When she meets a young Nathaniel Hawthorne, the two are instantly drawn to each other: he is a man haunted by his ancestors, who sent innocent women to the gallows––while she is an unusually gifted needleworker, troubled by her own strange talents. As the weeks pass and Edward’s safe return grows increasingly unlikely, Nathaniel and Isobel grow closer and closer. Together, they are a muse and a dark storyteller; the enchanter and the enchanted. But which is which?

In this sensuous and hypnotizing tale, a young immigrant woman grapples with our country’s complicated past, and learns that America’s ideas of freedom and liberty often fall short of their promise. Interwoven with Isobel and Nathaniel’s story is a vivid interrogation of who gets to be a “real” American in the first half of the 19th century, a depiction of the early days of the Underground Railroad in New England, and atmospheric interstitials that capture the long history of “unusual” women being accused of witchcraft. Meticulously researched yet evocatively imagined, Laurie Lico Albanese’s Hester is a timeless tale of art, ambition, and desire that examines the roots of female creative power and the men who try to shut it down.

Go-To Dinners

I was so thrilled when my very favorite released a new cookbook. You can always depend on Ina for recipes that are tested meticulously and taste amazing. I have around a 99% success rate with Ina recipes, and she’s my go-to when I’m looking for a dinner party recipe or crowdpleaser. This cookbook is focused on go-to dinners that can be made fairly quickly, along with sides and desserts. The desserts selection is worth it alone (a glorious chocolate tart and cupcakes), and I can’t wait to add some of these new meals to the rotation.

From Amazon:

Even Ina Garten, America’s most-trusted and beloved home cook, sometimes finds cooking stressful. To make life easy she relies on a repertoire of recipes that she knows will turn out perfectly every time. Cooking night after night during the pandemic inspired her to re-think the way she approached dinner, and the result is this collection of comforting and delicious recipes that you’ll love preparing and serving. You’ll find lots of freeze-ahead, make-ahead, prep-ahead, and simply assembled recipes so you, too, can make dinner a breeze.

In Go-To Dinners, Ina shares her strategies for making her most satisfying and uncomplicated dinners. Many, like Overnight Mac & Cheese, you can make ahead and throw in the oven right before dinner. Light dinners like Tuscan White Bean Soup can be prepped ahead and assembled at the last minute. Go-to family meals like Chicken in a Pot with Orzo and Hasselback Kielbasa will feed a crowd with very little effort. And who doesn’t want to eat Breakfast For Dinner? You’ll find recipes for Scrambled Eggs Cacio e Pepe and Roasted Vegetables with Jammy Eggs that are a snap to make and so satisfying. Ina’s “Two-Fers” guide you on how to turn leftovers from one dinner into something different and delicious the second night.

And sometimes the best dinner is one you don’t even have to cook! You’ll find Ina’s favorite boards to serve with store-bought ingredients, like an Antipasto Board and Breakfast-for-Dinner Board that are fun to assemble and so impressive to serve. Finally, because no meal can be considered dinner without dessert, there are plenty of prep-ahead and easy sweets like a Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie and Beatty’s Chocolate Cupcakes that everyone will rave about.

For Ina, “I love you, come for dinner” is more than just an invitation to share a meal, it’s a way to create a community of friends and family who love and take care of each other, and we all need that now more than ever. These go-to recipes will give you the confidence to create dinners that will bring everyone to your table.

What are you reading right now? I’m looking for a pageturner after the Hester letdown.

Also, I’d love to hear your favorite cookbook author!

Have a wonderful morning and thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!

xoxo

Gina

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Thursday, November 3, 2022

10 tips for exercising in cold weather


Sharing tips for exercising in cold weather, benefits, and sample cold weather workouts. 

Hi friends! How’s the morning going so far? I hope you’re having a great day. I’m getting in a quick Fit Team workout and getting ready for some out-of-town company; I can’t wait! I’m also going to take Maisey on a long walk because the weather has been dreeeeamy.

Even though the weather is starting to cool down, I’ve been thinking abut how important to keep up with a consistent routine, no matter the season. Cold weather can discourage us from working out, especially because it’s dark and can be verryyyy tempting to stay snuggled under the blankets. It can absolutely be a challenge to get up and head outside to work out, or to the gym, and finding the right motivation and routine can help you stay focused on your goals. Today, I’m sharing some practical tips on how to stay warm and injury-free while working out in the cold weather!

10 Tips for exercising in cold weather

Can you work out in cold weather?

You absolutely can, but it depends on your fitness level and if you’re used to the current climate. If you’re in Arizona like me and travel to Alaska in the freezing snow, it might be a little trickier to keep up with your outdoor workout routine. Of course, check with your doctor before making any fitness changes, and talk to your health provider if you have certain conditions that may prevent you from working out outdoors.

Some tips that may help:

Dress in layers

I like to layer my clothes, especially since the temperature fluctuates so much. You may start off with a jacket, long-sleeved tee, and tank, and end up just in your tank top by the time the workout is over. You can also wear high socks if you don’t want to start off with pants. I feel like layers is something you learn over time, especially what types of fabrics and coverage you prefer, and also how the weather behaves where you’re located. In Tucson, it’s winter at 5am, spring at 10am, summer at 2pm, back to spring at 5pm, and winter again by 8pm.

Wear sunscreen

Even if you’re cold, you may forget that being outdoors is still exposing you to the sun’s rays. Wear sunscreen on any areas that are likely to burn, especially if you’ll be out for a while. I wear this SPF on my face every single day.

Stay hydrated

The same thing goes with water! In the winter, it’s more easy to become dehydrated, because our sweat and the heat isn’t reminding us to drink water. Be sure to carry some type of water with you, and if you’re going to be doing a challenging or longer workout (greater than 1 hour), I recommend adding some electrolytes.

Wear the right gear

Extra goods, like an ear warmer, thermal leggings, and gloves can make a huge difference. You may also have to add an extra moisture barrier to your face (like a facial moisturizer), and lip balm if the air is dry and frigid.

Warm up and cool down

Warming up before your workout can help to increase tissue temperature, prepare the body for movement, and get your mindset in the game. Take the time to cool down after your workout, allowing the body temperature and heart rate to decrease.

Wear good shoes

*Good* doesn’t mean expensive. Make sure your shoes fit well and are suited to the type of activity you’re about to do. I highly recommend visiting a running store to get your gait checked by a professional. They can recommend shoes based on your particular workouts and whether you have pronation or supination.

Learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite

Watch out for any signs from your body that it’s too dang cold, or you’re not dressed adequately for the weather. Shivering, slurred speech, exhaustion, confusion, and memory loss are huge red flags. Also watch out for numbness in your extremities and a body temperature below 95 degrees. Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 and get help immediately.

Stay within your levels

Don’t push yourself in new weather or new terrain, or think that you can maintain your full workout without easing into it. For example, if you typically go for an hour run when it’s sunny, try a 20 minute run in the cold and see how you feel. Increase the duration over time. Don’t be afraid to take your workout inside!

Have ID and a method to contact someone

When you’re doing any type of outdoor workout, be sure to take an ID with you and a method to contact someone, like a satellite watch or cell phone.

Even better: work out with a buddy

I definitely prefer outdoor workouts with friends. This way, you can make sure everyone stays safe, too. <3

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take your workout inside if the weather is too extreme or outside your comfort level!

Benefits of working out in cold weather

Cold weather can help boost your immune system

When your body adapts to colder temperatures, it can make your immune system stronger.

It can potentially increase calorie burn

According to this study, exercising in the cold can burn more calories than exercising in warmer temperatures.

It can be a mood booster!

Moving our body in any capacity can release endorphins, which give us those feel-good warm fuzzies, which are extra appreciated during the darker months, when we may be more susceptible to seasonal affective disorder.

You can train your body in a different way

When the weather changes, it opens up new opportunities to work out in a different capacity. You may find that you enjoy certain activities more when the weather cools down! For example, I LOVE hiking, but I l love it much more when it isn’t 100 degrees.

Cold Weather Workouts

Here are some bodyweight workouts you can do outdoors (or indoors!) this winter!

Run/strength workout

Strength and power total body workout

How to train for a half marathon while strength training

So, tell me friends: do you workout outdoors when it’s chilly?

What’s a fitness struggle you experience over the winter months?

xoxo

Gina

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