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

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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Beauty.  Natural light.  Vibrant color.  Fresh blooms.  Sweet smells.  Tranquility.  These are some of the things that come to mind when I think about our trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.  Spring is here, and I couldn’t be happier.  Coming off a harsh winter, there is nothing nicer than walking around in the sunshine without a heavy coat.  Taking in the views of the tiny buds coming to new life in a new year reminds me why this change of seasons is important.  It forces you to pay attention.  To appreciate the nature that surrounds you and the warmer, happier months ahead.  At least, I think they are happier.  I’m sure there is someone out there who loves the snow.  To be bundled up, cozy and toasty by the fireplace with a good book and a hot chocolate.  Don’t get me wrong.  I do enjoy those moments for what they are worth.  And those moments get me through the winter season.  But I am much happier outside in the sunshine and warmth.  I enjoy taking long walks, picnicking in the park, riding my bike, hiking through the woods, jumping into the ocean, sipping a pina colada, and everything else that comes with these warmer seasons ahead.  The blooming flowers at the Botanic Garden give me the sense as if this is the real start of the new year.  And it makes me excited for the adventures of what’s to come for this little family of mine.

After an exceptionally gorgeous three days we just experienced here in Brooklyn…today I don’t even mind the rain.  Cheers to spring, and everything it brings.

XO,

Gina

{23} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin.  I am two chapters in, and I’m already thinking about what I could do to be happier.  I am totally with Gretchen in the fact that I am already happy…but I agree that there is no reason to not be the happiest you can possibly be.  So far, it’s been pretty thought provoking, and I’ve already thought about so many little changes I could make that would add up to a big difference.

writing  RSVP’s.  Wedding and baby shower season has officially begun.

listening  I’m guessing this will be the “song of the summer” – #SELFIE by the Chainsmokers

thinking  It will be strange to celebrate Easter without my Uncle this year…at the same time, I am excited to celebrate another 1st holiday for my little man, Nico.  Thoughts on painting Easter eggs vs. dyeing them this year?

smelling  Garlic and onions and a sweet smelling tomato sauce.  Mmm.

watching  Dallas Buyer’s Club.  So happy I finally got to see this Oscar Nominated film.  I can’t believe how far Mathew McConoughey has come in his career.  Bravo.

wishing  A Happy Birthday to my {might as well be} brother-in-law, Adam.  Hope you and your Mama had a great time celebrating yesterday!

hoping  That my child will learn to take a nap in his crib.  He’s starting to sit up in and grow out of the swing (I know, we were able to use this a lot longer than most, and it has served us well).  It’s starting to get to the point where he will only nap in the stroller, and that isn’t always an option!

wearing  Dresses!  It’s now warm enough that I don’t have to bundle in pants every day.  I love wearing free flowing dresses in the spring and summer seasons, and I am particularly loving these daytime dresses from Free People.

loving  The amazing weather that we had over the weekend!  We went on multiple walks, enjoyed the Brooklyn Smorgasbord, had a night out at the beer garden, and relished in the sunshine.  Nico also had his first adventure in a swings last weekend, which was a ton of fun!

laughing  At Nico’s current method of transportation.  After a few failed attempts at crawling, he has resorted to scooting while sitting up.  It’s hysterical.  

wanting  A pedicure.  It’s almost flip flop season people, and these puppies are not ready for open-toed shoes.

needing  To baby proof our apartment.  You don’t realize the potential dangers of your home until you have a little one almost on the move.  We ordered a few things from Amazon including thesethese, and these.  If anyone has any suggestions in this department, they are welcome!

feeling  Very behind at photo editing.  Between keeping up with work, a baby, this blog, mealtimes, and an attempted social life, my personal photos have been severely neglected.  I still have to edit our family Christmas photos and ones from Nico’s Baptism.  I keep setting time slots to do it, and something “more important” and time sensitive arrises.

craving  Coconut sorbet.  I have been cutting back a bit on dairy currently, because I think it might be having a slight impact on my babe’s digestion.  I tried out almond milk for the first time, which is surprisingly decent, and coconut sorbet has become my new best friend (because a girl has to satisfy that sweet tooth).

clicking  Over on the Merch website.  Love these stamped necklaces, and would love to get one that says “Ditmas Park.”

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What have you been up to lately?

Also, congratulations to readers, Rachel and Joyce!  You have each won a $35 credit to Stella & Dot jewelry for shopping the trunk show!  You have also won an additional piece at 50% off.  Check your e-mail later today for details.

Hope you all have a great week!

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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Flower Child

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 Flowing Floral Pants: Forever 21 / Top: Target / Jean Jacket: American Eagle – similar / Flower Crown Headband: Urban Outfitters – similar / Shoes: Nine West – similar / Earrings: Baublebar – similar / Medallion: old / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – also like it in silver / Chevron Rings: Baublebar (sold out, but like these sets as well) / Bracelet: cara New York – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: MAC Snob

I’m not usually one for a wide leg pant, but I could not resist this vibrant floral pair from Forever 21.  If you are looking for a pair of pants as comfortable as pajamas but acceptable to wear outside of the house, then these are definitely the pants for you!  I wore these last weekend on a long walk to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and they were both flowy and light.  I was clearly excited that spring had arrived as you can see from the multitude of florals in my attire.  We had a great time exploring and seeing the new buds coming up showing the first signs of the season.  I am definitely planning on going back here again toward the end of the month when things are in full bloom.  I took a few more photos of our trip to the botanical gardens, so stay tuned next week!

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

Chicken Mole Poblano

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Latin food is one of my favorite genres to both cook and eat, and this dish is on the top of my list.  I originally got this chicken mole poblano recipe from Top Chef Season 5 contestant, Carla Hall, when she was featured in Health Magazine.  I made it a few years ago and loved it, so I decided it was time to break this recipe out again this past week.  I’m not going to lie though, Carla would have been disappointed with the amount of “love” I put into this dish.  In the beginning of the week, I couldn’t wait to make it, and then reality set in.  I got home from work late, I was tired due to lack of sleep the night before, and the last thing I wanted to do was try to make a recipe I hadn’t done in three years.  I had planned on creating this post, but then I was in such a funk that I scrapped taking photos and glumly resumed my wifely/motherly duties with a sour look on my face.  I had promised my husband (and he was super excited) to make this delicious meal, but I just didn’t feel like it!  However, I knew it was the right thing to do to by making it.  You know those days when you really just don’t want to go to the gym or work out?  But then you do anyway…and you feel SO much better afterward???  Well, this is how cooking this meal went.  I really was not in the mood to cook in the beginning, and was super cranky about it (sorry dear husband).  But as I got into it, I started getting excited (more than likely because I was going to get to eat it)…and then after it was done, I was extremely proud of how it turned out.  I then rushed to grab the camera and take a photo of the final product.  I got back on board with doing a blog post about it, and wished I hadn’t been such a grouch in the beginning.  It’s amazing how making a little meal can uplift your spirits and shift your mood.  I’m still blaming certain mood swings on the hormones. 😉

As for this recipe, I think you will also find it delicious.  And it’s even better when you make it with a little love.  As usual, I made a few changes to my own liking (especially with the chicken – I tend to prefer white meat over dark), but for the most part, the sauce is the same.

Hope you enjoy!

What you need:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1.5 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

.5 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

1 teaspoon tahini (I omitted this, because I couldn’t find it at the store)

3 oz dark chocolate chopped

1 tablespoon cilantro chopped

Carla used an already cooked rotisserie chicken, divided into 6 pieces and warmed – I used uncooked chicken breasts instead covered in cumin and cinnamon to taste and white cooking wine

1/2 avocado, pitted and sliced

1 tomato, diced

How to Make it Happen:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place uncooked chicken breasts covered in cumin, cinnamon, and white wine into a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.  Bake the chicken for approximately 35 minutes (will depend on thickness of the chicken and how your oven cooks, so make sure to check it early to avoid overcooking!)

While the chicken is baking, heat oil over medium heat in a large saucepan.  Add onion and cook for 3 minutes or until translucent.  Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.  Stir in cumin, cinnamon, sale, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.

Add canned diced tomatoes and chiles to saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes.  Stir in tahini and chocolate until melted.  Stir in chopped cilantro.  Remove from heat and cool slightly.  Put sauce in a blender or food processor until smooth.  Spoon as much sauce as you like over the chicken.  Serve with avocado and tomato.

I also decided to serve it with some black beans and rice, which really completed the meal for me.  The cheese on top of the beans is cotija.

Happy to say, we blended everything all together to serve to our little guy as well, and he happily ate it as well!

Hope you are all having a great week!

XO,

Gina

Pastel Pop

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Mint Coat: Goodnight Macaroon (runs small – now on sale!) / Polka Dot Sweater: H&M / Pink Tank: Old Navy / Denim: Rag & Bone / Sparkly Loafer: Seychelles (on sale!) / Necklace: Flair Accessories / Sunnies: Vintage / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Henri Bendel / Lip: MAC Snob

Pastels are all the rage this spring, but it can be tough to pull off the look without looking like an Easter egg.  My strategy here was all about balance!  (or maybe you do think I look like an Easter egg in which case, I have failed miserably).  The mint coat is a bold pastel statement, so I paired it with a darker hue & polka dot print to balance out the look.  As always, I also like to add some fun accessories to the mix.

What is your strategy for wearing pastels this spring?  Totally avoiding it, or jumping on this trend?

Hope this week is treating you all well.  I am enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather!

XO,

Gina