Porch Swing

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On me: Top: J. Crew / Tank: J. Crew (available in other colors) – also similar here / Shorts: J. Crew (available in other colors here and here) / Sandals: Sam Edelman (sold out, but many color choices here) / Sunnies: Francesca’s (similar) / Necklace: Baublebar (similar) / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Baublebar, Stella & Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

On Nico: Bathing Suit Top & Trunks Set: Carter’s

Feeling nostalgic today from our vacation to the Outer Banks.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already noticed I’m protesting my post-vacation blues.  The photos above show some of my most favorite times in the OBX.  Doing.  Absolutely.  Nothing.  Relaxation in it’s purest form.  There’s just something about a porch swing at sunset that immediately resets my zen.  After a long day in the hot sun, taking walks and building sandcastles, it feels great to come back to the cottage, have a nice shower, and climb into the porch swing and just sway.  Feeling the breeze as the sun drops down below the horizon brings an immediate feeling of calm and a sense of peacefulness that I haven’t been able to really recreate anywhere else but here.  Sometimes I will even bring a book into the swing and get lost into some other dream world.  This year, I brought Nico onto the swing with me, and for a kid who otherwise at this age is squirmy and adventurous, I was mildly surprised with his ability to just snuggle and relax with me on the swing for awhile.  It was as if he was silently saying, “Oh hey Mom, yeah I could get the hang of this relax in the porch swing thing.”  I’m lucky that my little one still does love to snuggle with me often…usually at night before bedtime.  But as he approaches his first birthday and becomes more independent, I start to see him squiggle away from me more and more as he explores the world around him.  It makes me sad, but at the same time I know he has to grow.  Part of me wants to cling and keep him small forever though and that part of me is going to soak up every moment I can while he is still little enough to be wrapped in my arms cuddling on the porch swing.

XO,

Gina

{22} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  I finally finished seventh and final Harry Potter book!  It took me a long time to finish the series, but it was definitely worth it, and I’m so glad I caught up with the rest of the universe.  I’m currently reading a few magazines, and next on my book list is The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin.  This book has been on my list for a long time, and I’m excited to see what it’s all about.    

writing  Cards. Birthdays and Babies galore!

listening  I know this song has been out for awhile, but I’ve been playing Lorde’s Royals on repeat lately.

thinking  Moda Operandi has taken emoticons to a whole new level.  Poo on a shoe?!?!  I’m shocked.  Yet, I kind of think this new loafer line will sell like crazy.

smelling  Pasta fagioli.  I decided to make it again this year since it continues to be so cold, and we have been eating it all week.  If you are interested, here is the recipe I posted from last year.

watching  If you haven’t seen Resurrection yet, you must go to abc.com and watch it ASAP!  I caught up on the first three episodes this week, and I am totally hooked.  It reminds me a bit of The 4400, which is an old favorite of mine, and I cannot wait to see how the season progresses.

wishing  My grandmother a Happy 93rd Birthday!  She gained another year this past Tuesday, and she is just as spunky as ever.  Love you Granny!

hoping  My father-in-law has a speedy recovery from his surgery this past week. He recently broke his ankle, leading to his second surgery in a short amount of time.  Poor guy.  He and my mother-in-law were supposed to come visit this weekend, but we are going to have to postpone until he is feeling a bit better.

wearing  Lots of layers…still.  I’m ready to rid of some layers.  Hopefully soon.

loving  My current work and home balance.  At times it is tough to be pulled in different directions, and it can feel like you I am not doing well enough at either “job”, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way right now.  I think I have a great balance of adult time v. quality time with Nico.  I am able to get dressed for the day, have adult conversations, and feel like I am making a contribution to both my company and financially at home, all while witnessing Nico’s latest achievements, taking him to music class, enjoying playdates, and watching him grow.

laughing  At these 25 Absurd Texts from Mom

wanting  More sleep!  While Nico typically sleeps through the night (lucky us), he’s been waking up in the night recently for unknown reasons.  Thinking it could possibly be teething (although I have seen nothing thus far) or just developmental changes.  Regardless of the reason, the entire family is a bit lacking in the sleep department this past week.

needing  To hang up the family photos that I just got and framed.  I can’t believe how tiny Nico was!

feeling  A very bad pain in my thumb that has migrated to part of my hand as well.  I think I may have something called trigger thumb most likely due to texting.  How embarrassing.  Basically my thumb gets stuck in a certain position, and the only way to “unstick” it is an extremely painful POP.  My joint has also changed dramatically into a painfully hard knot.  I thought if I tried resting it, it may get better, but it’s only getting worse and getting in the way of normal daily activities, so I think it’s time I saw a doctor ASAP.

craving  A midi skirt.  I know I probably have no business wearing a midi skirt at my height, because it will probably just make me appear even shorter, but they are just so darn cute!  I love this one and this one and this one…oh and this one too.

clicking  Through dessert recipes to find something I can make for a party this weekend.  I enjoy this cupcake recipe, but I don’t know if I am ambitious or skilled enough to take this one on, considering my last baked good came out of a box.  Please let me know if you have any easy good dessert recipe ideas to pass along!

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What have you been up to lately?

This weekend I am planning on seeing my friends at Waveborn (yes that’s me on their website rockin’ their sweet shades!) to preview their new line of sunglasses.  I am super excited they will be in town and that they have included me as a guest to their trade show.  We also have a possible baby/family playdate for Sunday in the mix.

Also, a quick reminder that there are two days left to shop my Stella & Dot trunk show!  Shoppers will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off.

Hope you all have a Happy Weekend!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

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