Watercolors

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Dress: Olive & Oak / Shoes: Call it Spring / Sunnies & Bracelet: Vintage / Clutch: Express / Earrings: Stella & Dot by Jess Sigler / Lip: MAC Up the Amp 

No, I’m not traveling to Miami, but this “Miami Maxi” by Olive & Oak  is the perfect flowing dress for summer! Fancy enough to dress up for a wedding, but easy going enough for a Sunday BBQ, this is one of my favorite versatile looks for summer. Plus the colors are just gorg!

June was the month of weddings for us! Lots of traveling, lots of love, and lots of dressing up! Will be sharing some more summer wedding looks on the blog here in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned.

We spent this past week at the lake in the Poconos with friends celebrating Independence Day. It’s getting tougher to “relax” the more kiddos we add to the mix here on vacation haha, but we did have a great time!

Today in my challenge group it’s “Random Act of Kindness” Day. It seems that the world could surely use a little (or a lot) more kindness, so I would love it if the rest of you could also participate in this little challenge! Please do at least one random act of kindness for today and report back in the comments section when you have done something KIND!

Hope you all had an awesome weekend, and cheers to a great week ahead!

XO,

Gina

Leaves Fall Down

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Floral Wrap Cardigan: Target / Embroidered Tank: Target / Denim: AG Jeans / Fringe Booties: Target (old) – similar / Beaded Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Gold Bangle: Gifted – Engraved with “Today my matron of honor, forever my best friend.”

Things you don’t have time for when you have two children…1) Styling your hair (I somehow managed a blow dry that day, but let me tell you it’s rare, and 2) Ironing your shirt. I have to admit, it didn’t even look wrinkled to me when I left that house, but these photos are proving otherwise! I would say that I am embarrassed, but at the same time the odds of me managing to actually iron it and get out the door for our Friendsgiving event would have been slim to none. So I’m just going to own my un-ironed, wrinkled shirt and chalk it up to motherhood.

Friendsgiving was fantastic with our old Manhattan crew who is slowly moving out of the city (sadface). We met in Jersey and Nico actually had a little playmate this year as our friends have a son as well and they were both old enough to interact this year (and also have extreme meltdowns in tandem…well played boys, well played.) We shared a lovely meal, some wine, games, and conversation as we caught up with each other on life. I think we are going to need to make it a habit to do things like this more often.

The following day was spent out on Staten Island celebrating a cousin’s after-wedding brunch. Congrats cousin!! Much of my close family including my parents and grandmother (who is celebrating a birthday today!) were in town so it was great to be able to see everyone on our turf this time. It was also a lot of fun to catch up with our Staten Island cousins and have them meet the kiddos.

This week is a busy one as we are leaving town next week, so grinding it out and getting things done!

Lastly, I would like to announce the WINNER of the Chalk It Up Giveaway! Drumroll please….ANGELA!

Yes, my very own sister. I promise I picked out of a hat!

CONGRATULATIONS little sis! Thanks for being a loyal reader of p + p and a lover of beautiful chalk designs. Kristyn will be reaching out to you to shortly.

A BIG thank you to everyone who participated!

XO,

Gina

Be Radiant

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I was recently invited to the Demi Lovato World Tour at the Baltimore Arena thanks to the Radiant Collection from Tampax and Always.  Unfortunately, I was unable to make the concert…but for a good reason!  I was celebrating my Little Monkey’s 1st Birthday.  That being said, I decided to send my nieces (and huge Demi Lovato fans) to the concert in my place, and the experience was over and beyond anything in their imagination.

Demi was recently named by MTV among the  Best Dressed at The Teen Choice Awards, and there is no doubt that girls look up to her as role model.  She not only carries a “Wear What You Want” attitude and confidence, but she also participates in amazing, motivational volunteer work around the world.

On the day of the show, my nieces Brianna and Brittany were escorted to the Wear What You Want Closet, featuring a red dress Demi wore at the VMAs.  There was a photo booth, selfie station, and an opportunity to meet Demi herself!  I had no idea that would be part of the night’s events, and neither did they!  They were over the moon to meet her in person, and one of them said it was the “best early birthday present ever.”  I think I just might have won the “Coolest Aunt” title this week (sorry Jen ;-)).

During the concert, they had stage-side seats with an amazing view of Demi and also the opening acts, MKTO and Christina Perri.  A man named Spencer West, who is a double amputee, partnered with Demi and Free the Children and gave a motivational speech to the audience about never giving up on your dreams.  Demi also spoke about the limited edition rafiki friend chains on sale during her tour and how 100% of the profits will go to a women’s empowerment center in Kenya.

On the overall experience, my niece Brianna stated, “The entire experience was amazing and we are so thankful.  She is my favorite singer and role model, and getting to meet her is something I never imagined. Not only did she inspire us with her music but with everything she’s been through and is doing to help others.”

The girls took the following photos at the concert and events which I have shared below:

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It looks like it was an amazing time, and I’m so happy my nieces were able to have this experience to hold onto.

If you are interested in helping Demi and Tampax in this effort, please share a selfie on Twitter or Instagram showing off your unique, radiant-inspired look using #BeRadiantSweeps.  Participants using this hashtag will automatically be entered for the chance to win a grand prize trip for four to Brooklyn, NY to meet Demi as well and attend her concert in style.

For exclusive backstage footage on Demi’s tour and “Wear What You Want” inspiration, be sure to follow Tampax on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

Thank you for supporting the brands who make Popcorn and Pandas possible!

XO,

Gina

Floral Fit & Flare

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I’m tiny, yet curvy (even more so now post baby), so the classic fit & flare has always been a favorite silhouette of mine.  I found this Pim & Larkin floral beauty on sale via Piperlime, and I had to snag it for wedding season.  Unfortunately, this one is sold out, but they have other gorgeous options as well.  I particularly love the two black and white striped fit & flare options you’ll see on this page.

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Dress: Pim & Larkin via Piperlime – sold out, but love their other options here /  Shoes: Sole Society / Clutch: Express / Shades: ModCloth / Bracelet & Earrings Set: Gifted / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch (discontinued – Wannabe is similar)

I apologize for falling off the world (wide web) these past few weeks.  It’s just that it’s summer time, and I have been having way to much fun enjoying it rather than writing about it.  I’ve been taking photos along the way, but I’ve been too busy to bother with editing and uploading.  Sorry, not sorry. These were taken back on our trip to Rock Hall, MD.  We were on our way to the rehearsal dinner, and we passed a drive-through wildlife refuge.  There was no question, we had to turn back around and take a peek.  We saw a hawk, baby deer, a few more birds and a gorgeous landscape which turned out to be a beautiful back drop for a photo op as well.

This summer has been epic for road travel.  Who would have thought we could handle this many adventures as a family of three?  I have to say, Nico is taking these road trips like a champ and he seems to enjoy every new place we take him.  I have so much to share from the rest of Rock Hall, Cape May, and Rehoboth, and I promise I will give it my best effort, but I have to warn you we have the North Fork, Deep Creek Lake, and the OBX on the horizon!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as I am.

XO,

Gina

Channeling Jackie O.

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“You look like you’re channeling Jackie O.”

That is what my friend Heather said to me when I arrived at the wedding two Saturdays ago.  Me?  Resembling the ultimate fashion icon?

I can only wish to come close to the likes of Jackie O., but I am taking this compliment and running with it people!  It might be the best one I ever get!

Jackie did love a classic shift though, like this black and white number I’m wearing from Marc New York by Andrew Marc, and I don’t think this silhouette will ever go out of style.

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Dress: Marc New York by Andrew Marc (now on sale!) / Shoes: Audrey Brooke / Clutch: Lulu Townsend – similar here and here / White Wayfarers: Francesca’s – similar here / Bracelet: gifted / Earrings: gifted

And how about these lavender fields?  Let me tell you, this wedding location was gorgeous!  In all my years past of growing up in Maryland, I had never heard of Rock Hall, but boy am I happy for this discovery.  It was such a beautiful place to visit, and I’m looking forward to sharing more photos from our trip in the upcoming weeks so stay tuned.

XO,

Gina

Red Rain Boots

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Rain Boots:  Hunter / Leg Warmers: similar / Tribal Leggings: Forever 21 – similar / Coat: Old Navy / Top: Urban Outfitters / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

These photos were taken on our trip to the lake house in New Hampshire on a chilly, rainy day.  Instead of swimming or hiking, we spent this day eating Mexican food, browsing the local Wolfeboro shops, playing games, and drinking wine.  These boots were a recent gift from the hubby for our 3rd wedding anniversary.  Totally picked out on his own, mind you!  Perfect timing for rainy season, and it seemed appropriate to share today as the rain is currently falling.

XO,

Gina

Love, Lori Michelle

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Aside from the amazing Mother’s Day gift that I received from my husband and son, I also received an incredible mommy necklace made especially for me by Lori of Love, Lori Michelle.  She worked with me to custom design the necklace I am wearing in this post, and we chose a heart with an “N” cut out in the corner for my little Nico.  Lori is a digital artist and designer whose work with 3D models inspired her to create 3D printed jewelry.  Most of her early designs were created as birthday or wedding gifts for friends, and she prides herself on her custom one-of-a-kind designs.  Her silver and stainless steel pieces are both beautiful and original, and I’m so happy to be the recipient of such a wonderful gift!

What is 3D printing you ask?  Lori describes the printing process here if you’d like to read on.

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Custom Necklace: c/o Love, Lori Michelle / Dress: F21 – similar / Sandals: Sam Edelman – red sold out, but many color choices here / Heart Sunnies: Amazon – super sale! / Heart Striped Tote: Ban.do / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella and Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute / Toes: Essie Lights

On Nico – Oxford Button Up Bodysuit: Baby GAP / Shorts: Crazy 8 / Fedora: Old Navy – similar / Stroller: Uppababy Vista

My 1st Mother’s Day was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more.  Nico woke up an hour later than his normal time babbling “Mama Mama” in his crib to awake me from slumber.  A whole extra hour to sleep in?  That never happens!  And saying Mama?  First time ever!  What better way to wake up on my first Mother’s day huh?

We ate breakfast together at home, and then headed outside as it was a perfect, sunny, beautiful day sans humidity.  Naturally the beach was calling our name!  Although it wasn’t quite bathing suit and ocean weather, it was a perfect day for walking around Coney Island.  It was just before tourist season, so it wasn’t too crowded.  We had delicious pizza at the new Grimaldi’s (which is super family friendly by the way), and we took a long walk on the boardwalk and out on the pier.  We watched people on the rides, got ice cream cones, and even played a little ski ball.  The best part was watching Nico’s face as he saw people the Cyclone for the first time.  I’m guessing he was thinking: 1) What is that, and 2) That looks awesome!  I love seeing him experience things for the first time, and I admit I even got a little teary.

We are headed off to New Hampshire this morning for the Memorial Day holiday.  If you want to follow our adventures, you can catch me on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

In the Garden

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My guy has been working hard on our garden this year.  I can’t say I have participated much more than a trip to the nursery to pick out some plants (which was really fun by the way!) and a couple days of watering, but I’ve been watching the baby, ok?  In due time when these plants start producing some vegetables…that’s when my work will come into play.  I will be making homemade tomato sauce and pesto, and I will have a happy husband.  Teamwork makes the world go round.

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Top: J. Crew (old) / Dress (worn as a skirt): Free People (old) – shop day dresses / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Bag: H&M / Sunnies: YSL / Lip: MAC Up the Amp / Necklace: Gifted / Bracelet: Oja Jules / Watch: Coach

It was a bit of a rough weekend, as I caught a sinus infection and was completely laid up. We had to cancel our anniversary dinner and I missed the 30th Birthday celebration for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.  On a separate doctor’s note, I spent yesterday morning in the orthopedic office getting a Cortisone shot to try and help my trigger finger.  Womp womp.

Starting to feel better today, and enjoying the amazing weather we have had in the city the past few days.  We are getting excited for our upcoming family mini vacay with our best friends Erin & Rai.  You may remember them from our Maine trip last year.  We have decided to take another adventure with them to the New England region, and this time we are visiting New Hampshire (and we will also have a mini addition to the crew this year!)  We are heading north earlier in the season, so it will be a bit chillier than last year but we are looking forward to a bit of adventure, some breathtaking natural surroundings, and some R&R as well.

Hope you are all enjoying the week so far!

XO,

Gina

Weekend Casual

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Maxi Dress: Forever 21 / Hat: P. Luca for Barami – similar on eBay / Shoes: ALDO / Scarf: Gifted – similar / Jacket: American Eagle – similar / Necklace: Vintage / Aviators: NY Street Vendor / Watch: Michael Kors (now on sale!) / Bracelet: J. Crew – also love this gold pave link bracelet / Earrings: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Impassioned 

Along with spring cleaning, we also joined my grandmother and aunt for lunch over the weekend while they were in Brooklyn for the day.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’m excited to break out the dresses again.  A maxi dress lends itself to putting together a complete look quickly.  It allows you to stay comfortable, but also put together at the same time.  Nico is just starting to be a bit more mobile and with all the chasing I imagine on the horizon, I have a feeling maxi dresses are going to be a staple item again this summer.  The only difference (as I quickly learned Saturday) is that I am going to have to hem my maxis.  They tend to run a little long when I’m sans baby bump!

In case you missed my post yesterday, I’m hosting a little closet sale over on Pinterest if you are interested in checking it out!

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

On The Edge

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Jacket: Goodnight Macaroon – similar here and here / Top: Forever 21 / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Shoes: ShoeMint / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – similar here / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Earrings: Forever 21 / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, Wanderlust + Co., & ASOS / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Lancome Luxe

I apologize for falling off the blogosphere the past few weeks.  I spent the holidays tending to a sick baby.  It was the most sad thing.  His little face looking up at me in too much pain to really cry.  Just moaning and groaning wondering “What the heck is wrong with me mama? Please fix it.”  At least that’s what I imagine he was trying to say.  It’s probably the hardest on us parents knowing our babies are hurting, and we can’t do anything to change it.  All I could do was give him Tylenol/Motrin and lots of snuggles.  He tried to be as happy as could be, and I love him for trying.  He’s the sweetest little monkey there ever was.

I had been dreading the first sickness, and I suppose it had to happen sometime.  I have to say, I am happy it’s over.  Although, we could not travel for Easter, we did manage to get down to Maryland this past weekend to see some family and friends.  It was nice to spend some quality time with the fam, and we even had a fun night out for a dear friend’s 30th (thanks Bubbe for babysitting)!  Sunday we participated in the John Petrovick 5K as a family and raised money for the neurology and neurosurgery unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  I also saw another dear friend to shower her with baby gifts for her little principessa on the way!

Back in New York, I feel swamped with a million things I “need” to do.  Unpacking being one.  Cleaning.  Laundry.  Gift buying.  The list goes on and on.  But I am glad I decided to forego all of that for the moment to come back to my little space here that I have missed these past few weeks.

Hope you are all having a happy one!

XO,

Gina