popcornandpandas, Author at Popcorn and Pandas

Feeling Free

IMG_0229_Layers_v1

IMG_0230_Layers_v1

IMG_0227_Layers_v1

IMG_0197_Layers_v1

IMG_0160_Layers_v1

IMG_0223_Layers_v1

Dress: Free People via Trunk Club (now 40% off!) / Shoes: Kelly + Katie via DSW (now on sale!) / Lip: MAC Impassioned

This dress is another that I scored with my last Trunk Club and my amazing stylist Megan. I wore it to a baby shower while in Maryland a couple weeks ago, but I also think it’s perfect for a date night in the city. These shoes are EVERYTHING and wore them that whole weekend. Surprisingly pretty comfortable for high heels!

I titled this post “Feeling Free” originally because this dress is from Free People, but after thinking more about it, there is a lot more behind the title and how I’m feeling right now. The boys are getting into their routine at school, and I’m getting into my new routine as their mama and as the CEO of my business…both this blog and my health + fitness coaching…which really, it all sort of combines to just really trying to inspire as many people as possible to live happier + healthier whether that’s by exercising, eating clean, taking time for yourself, feeling comfortable in your clothes and in your own skin, etc. With the boys being in school for a bit, I’m getting a little more free time to myself to really dive into this passion during normal day time hours, and I’m LOVING it.

I’ve been practicing the Miracle Morning which is a book by Hal Elrod, and it’s been completely life changing. I have been starting my day with meditation, visualization, reading personal development, journaling, and of course exercise. It’s literally the most perfect way to start the day, and it really sets the tone and my mood going forward. It also allows me to feel less stressed about things I have “to-do” during the day, and I feel that when I’m with my kids, I can really be more present with them and in the moment.

And not to bring down the moment, since I love keeping things positive over here, but I am feeling incredible sad in light of the recent shooting that happened in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the “freedom” of owning guns has allowed so many people to lose their own freedom and even their lives. My own dear friends were supposed to be at the concert, and ended up not going, thank God. I have never been a fan of guns and I feel that by having them, violence is just perpetuated. If you want to help support the end of gun violence, Everytown is a great movement to support.

And whatever else you can do to spread love and positivity in this world, please keep doing that! The world needs you. <3

Make it a great day everyone!

XO,

Gina

Sincerely Jules

IMG_0095_Layers_v1

IMG_0156_Layer2_v1

IMG_0134_Layers_v1

IMG_0137_Layers_v1

IMG_0122_Layers_v1

IMG_0112_Layers_v1

IMG_0111_Layers_v1

Palm Print Slipdress: Sincerely Jules via Nordstrom Trunk Club (now on sale!) / Shoes: Halogen via Nordstrom Trunk Club – (sold out) similar here / Earrings: Forever 21 / Sunnies + Bracelet: Vintage / Lip: MAC Impassioned

It’s supposed to be fall, but we were still feeling beach weather all weekend. I have to admit, I love apple and pumpkin picking and I’m excited for all of it, but I cannot hate on some extra beach weather weekends. I’m a total beach gal.

This dress and these shoes are both more picks from my Trunk Club stylist Megan. I knew about the shoes in advance, but the dress was a surprise pick, and I couldn’t have been happier. I’m not sure I would have thought to pick out this dress on my own, but I really love the sleek, comfy fit and the peek-a-boo back. I wore it on a date night in the OBX with the hubs to a newer restaurant called Single Fin. To my friends who enjoy vacationing there, you will have to check that spot out! This dress will also be great for our spring break Beachbody Success Club trip next year to Riviera Maya…fellow coaches, I’m warning you, you will see it again there! 😉

Today starts Day 1 of my 3 Day Cleanse that I will be participating in with a big group of other coaches and challengers. It’s always way more fun to do these things with a group, because of all the encouragement and support! I know it’s never easy, but I know how amazing I will feel once it’s done, and it’s perfect timing right before my one and only sister’s wedding this upcoming weekend!!! Getting excited for the celebrations!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend, and wishing you a fantastic week ahead!

XO,

Gina

Electric Embroidery

IMG_9924_Layers_v1

IMG_9933_Layers_v1

IMG_9937_Layers_v1

IMG_9946_Layers_v1

IMG_9923_Layers_v1

Dress: ASOS (last season) / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Clutch: Express / Sunnies: Modcloth / Earrings: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Snob / Bracelet & Necklace: Vintage

Found these photos from a wedding I went to back in June that I never got around to posting. It was a beautiful, gorgeous evening in Upstate NY with family complete with a full vegan healthy menu and lots of dancing, which is my kinda party! Love the bright boldness of this dress and even more, the entire design is embroidered! I definitely need another excuse to wear this one next spring.

We are starting to get into our “back to school” routine over here. My little guy is having a little bit of a hard time getting adjusted to 2’s as I guess is expected, but just something new for us. My older guy is enjoying Pre-K so far, and has come home from school pretty much EXHAUSTED each day. Coordinating a nap for the little one has been difficult some days and yesterday was one of those days. He only got about 10 minutes of one in the car, and wouldn’t go back down. Luckily he’s an easy-going kid, but even the easy-going need naps, and it sorta made him a little nuts. After not putting non-food items in his mouth for months, I have a good idea that he “ate” a marble last night, so in an effort to make sure there was no obstruction, we spent the evening in the Urgent Care Center getting an x-ray. Seems like all is fine, but will just be having to check diapers for the next few days. #momlife

It’s been a little nutty over here and there is a lot of shuffling going on, but we are trying to get into the swing of things, and I am enjoying having a little more time to write, build my coaching business, and have a little bit of a breather again during the day.

Whether you have kids or not, there is definitely something to September having that “Back to School” vibe. It’s almost like the new January in a way. Back into routine. No more late summer nights. I have to say I’m enjoying the routine aspect of it, and I think the kiddos are appreciating too.

Cheers to a fresh fall start! What are you most looking forward to for this upcoming season?

XO,

Gina

White After Labor Day?

IMG_0009_Layers_v1

I thought this outfit post was fitting being the day after Labor Day. I wore this to a dinner party on vacation last week in the Outer Banks, NC, so it was NOT after Labor Day as the title suggests, but it got me thinking…. Do people still follow the rule of no white after Labor Day? Are these pants pretty much closet-ridden until next summer? Spring? Is it just pants that you aren’t supposed to wear? Or other clothing items as well?

What are your thoughts? Is this rule outdated? Or do you still follow it to full effect?

Personally, I’m not sure if I will rock these particular pants again until next year. However, I am not a total rule-follower, and I LOVED this cheeky article by the Huffington Post on wearing white after Labor Day.

IMG_0035_layers_v1

IMG_9991_Layers_v1

IMG_0013_Layers_v1

IMG_0017_Layers_v1

IMG_0032_Layers_v1

IMG_0087_Layers_v1

IMG_9999_Layers_v1

IMG_0042_Layers_v1

White Denim: Rag & Bone via Nordstrom Rack – still available here / Top: J. Crew via Trunk Club – now on sale! / Shoes: Chinese Laundry via DSW – now on sale! / Earrings: Stella & Dot – / Bracelets: Mantraband and Goody (because I forgot to take off my dang hairband, doh!) / Lip: MAC Russian Red

On Luca: Top: Carters – similar for fall / Shorts: Carters – similar / Shoes: Keens

Last month was my first time trying Trunk Club by Nordstrom and I was really happy with it! The top you see here was chosen by my stylist, and she hit the nail on the head with my style personality! I love wearing black, and I also love a BOLD print, so this was right up my alley. She took the time to ask me lots of questions before presenting me with my Trunk to review. She also chose items that were a little outside of my comfort zone to try that I ended up loving even though I may not have chosen it while shopping myself. As a busy mama with a lot of summer obligations, I really didn’t have time to get to the store and choose outfits for vacation, so this was JUST was I needed, and I was super happy with what she chose! I’m excited to try out another Trunk for fall, and I’m also pumped to share some of my other Trunk Club picks from August, so stay tuned!

We have a couple more days left of summertime around here before school begins, so while today kicks off my Back to Basics Health + Fitness Challenge Group, we will be soaking up these last moments before our carefree days come to an end. I have to admit as amazing as this summer has been, I am looking forward to getting into a routine again! And to also have a bit of mommy time to work and get things done during the day! I am getting that “back to school” excited feeling that I used to get as a child. Who knew I would have it as a mom as well? My babies are growing up, and I am so happy for them to have these new adventures and excited to share in this journey with them through their eyes.

What are your thoughts on “back to school?” An exciting time or a time of dread? Comment below and share your feeling, and also your thoughts on the white after Labor Day rule!

Happy Tuesday!

XO,

Gina

4 Years of Motherhood

Dear Nico,

Has it really been FOUR years since you came into this world and made me a mama? Today you seem so grown up from the little baby I remember holding in my arms. We prayed so hard for you, and I was so nervous the whole time you were in my belly…my little rainbow baby. After complications and scares throughout my pregnancy with you, and a SUPER long time in the hospital with not one but TWO inductions….having you arrive on this day four years was the biggest blessing.

You taught me about unconditional love. The type of love that is so strong that it overpowers you like none other. That you can’t even understand until you are living it. You taught me about selflessness, about true responsibility. I remember your Papa and I thinking…”Oh my God, they are going to let us take this little tiny baby HOME from the hospital?!?!” And re-watching the video of the nurse swaddling you over and over again so we would know how to do it right. FYI…I still can’t swaddle right lol.

You have always been such a strong person your entire life…even when just a tiny little guy. I can’t even get mad at your stubbornness and strength, because I know you got it honest right from your Mama. You are fierce and competitive, but you are also sweet and loving. You have a heart of gold and a smile that is contagious. You make friends wherever you go which reminds me of your Nano and your great-grandpa Frank that you never got to meet. You have a sense of adventure like your Papa and you are always up for exploring and trying new things.

Your sense of humor makes me laugh constantly, and I love how you and your little brother tell each other knock-knock jokes and make them up yourselves. You have taken on the big brother role so well these past two years. While yes, sometimes, you are that typical big brother who picks on the little one…you also always have his back. You make him laugh. You teach him new things (even when those things are how to climb out of his crib lol), and you protect and love him with all your heart. Seeing you and your little brother together makes my heart light up and makes me so happy to see your relationship with each other grow.

You have such an eagerness to learn. You have an incredible attention span for learning and you just soak every little bit in. You remember things that happened over two years ago…things that I don’t even remember and the smallest details. You seriously impress me every day with your ability and passion to expand your mind and I know this quality will take you far in life.

I am so happy to be your mama. You make me proud every single day. I love you with all my heart my Nico, Bonzo, Little Monkey, NiNi (as Luca called you), Nico Nics, and so many other names we have created for you. Thank you for teaching me and challenging me and loving me and I know you will continue to grow and flourish in this world.

Happy 4th Birthday my sweet, Nico. I love you so freakin’ much.

Love,

Mama

16684203_10105491863134108_4672806165974009528_n

Excited to be spending this special day with family down in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. We have a little rain today, but that won’t “rain on our parade.” Fun times in store for this sweet Birthday Boy and the whole fam! <3

Hope you all are enjoying this last bit of summertime!

XO,

Gina

This is 2

Two years. Two years since you entered this world and our world and forever changed this family for the better. In some ways I can’t believe how fast two years has passed and in other ways it feels like you have been with us forever. I don’t even think your brother, Nico, remembers life before you were here.

–
You have always made things pretty easy on your ole ma from Day 1. The happiest child…so easy going and laid back, your go-with-the-flow attitude (we can thank your father for that haha). I can’t tell you the amount of times I had to rip you out of your crib from your nap to pick up your brother from school, yet you always greeted me with the biggest smile and eventually a “hi mama.”

–
Your 4x a night wake-ups til 18 months old almost seemed bearable, because you were so sweet and easy going in every other way.

–
You are the biggest snuggle bug, always wanting mama or papa to hold you and cuddle. Yet you are SO independent. You want to do everything for yourself including feeding yourself, riding your scooter, climbing at the playground, and walking down the street (sorry buddy you still have to hold my hand when we cross!)

–
You are small but mighty…you have learned to defend yourself (you can thank your brother for that…I guess) and your are so playful and fun. Your smile and laugh light up my world.

–
This family is so in love with our little Luca Dukes, Goose, Luca Bear. Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet, sweet boy. I love you forever. ❤️

–
And now a few pics that can’t even begin to show how much you’ve grown in 2 years, but these are a few of my favs.

–
Love,

Mommy

Transformation Story: Christie DeMarco

Happy Wednesday everyone! I am SOOOOO incredibly excited to introduce you all to a challenger and now coach on my team, Christie DeMarco! Her post partum health + fitness journey has been incredible and I’m so pumped to share. In addition to rocking her health + fitness, Christie has also been crushing her business as a new coach and helping others to achieve amazing results as well!

–

Without further ado, here is Christie!!!

–

Photos taken in April – May – June respectively

–

P+ P: Hi Christie!!! Please tell us about yourself (where you live, family, hobbies, interests, anything else that you would like to include about yourself)!

–

Christie: I recently turned 30 this past June!! My goals were to be married and be done having babies when I turned 30, and I am so done! I’m 5’5 and 125lbs (3 lb water fluctuating weight) haha. I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and have lived around here all my life. I am a Palliative Care Nurse in home care which I love. I see sickness and death day in and day out. I think that helps push me to appreciate being able to get up in the morning healthy and able to workout and eat healthy. We can’t prevent cancer 100% but we can prevent what we put in our bodies and be more mindful of our health. Which I am hoping will prevent me from getting cancer.

–

P+P: What is your fitness background?

–

Christie: I was 125 lbs pre-pregnancy and not really trying to lose anymore weight other than that. My focuses are tightening and toning.

–

I have always loved health and fitness. I worked at McDonald’s in high school, but I never really ate the food there. Only fries and egg sandwiches.

–

I had diastasis recti with my 1st baby, Josilynn, which only made it way worse with Nolan, my baby. I gained 50lbs with Josilynn and only 45 with Nolan. However, even with 45 lbs i swear it was all in my belly which was very painful on my back. I lost every bit within 2 weeks with Josilynn without working out. I didn’t realize how nice that was until after my 2nd when my abdomen was not at all how it was before my 2nd pregnancy. It’s still not and will never be again. My focus has been toning my legs and arms and if my abdomen shaped up then bonus!

–

P+P: Why did you decide to try Insanity Max 30?

–

Christie: I did only the 1st month of Insanity when I was getting married but never finished it. I am a HUGE Shaun T. fan so I started Insanity Max 30. I figured I have 30 min a day I’ll give it a go. Well 1 week turned into 2 weeks and so on.

–

P+P: What about the program worked for you? What did you like about it?

–

Christie: I started seeing results in about 2 weeks which makes you get hooked right away!!

–

P+P: What was tough or challenging for you? (particular workouts? sticking to nutrition? anything else?)

–

Christie: My son got sick and was hospitalized within that 1st month so I got a little off track but got right back into it when things settled. I just really wanted to finish a program. I didn’t follow the nutrition guideline, rather I just ate clean and listened to my body with good portion control. I am 95% vegan so I have to alter my diet other than the meal plans. I am NOT GOOD at meal prepping which I am really going to try and get into…..

–

I hate cardio because I have asthma. I know, Insanity is a LOT of cardio!!!

–

P+P: 10 lbs and 5 inches is an incredible accomplishment! How did you stay motivated for those 60 days?

–

Christie: Shaun T. kept me motivated. I took extra breaks or modified when I needed to, but never stopped.

–

Gained confidence and without even doing most of the ab exercises I have a baby 6 pack forming!! You need to seriously focus on good form with any ab exercise especially with ab separation.

–

P+P: How do you feel today and what are your goals moving forward?

–

I am looking forward to coaching and helping other people gain confidence I have and will only continue to do!

–

I am now doing 21 day fix Extreme and my goal is to do Shift Shop in July with my 1st challenge group!

–

–

Side note…this interview was done earlier this summer, and since then Christie has accomplished so much more! Not only has she crushed those workout programs, but she has helped SO many people in just her early stages of coaching! She achieved Success Starter status in our company in her 1st month as a coach and helped 5 people get started on their own health + fitness journey. She also earned a call with our company CEO, which is a HUGE deal!!!

–

She is running her own challenge groups now to help others and she is building her own team of coaches to teach and train as well. Christie is going places peeps, and I’m SO excited to have her as a part of Team SPARK!

–

19702142_454762074880197_2768262667984270027_n (1)

–

And she also is famous on our team for rockin’ the cutest workout tanks! Love it!

–

Hope you all are having an amazing week so far. Continue to spread love, positivity, and happiness wherever you go! With all this crazy stuff going on, be the change you wish there to be in the world.

–

XO,

–

Gina

Biltmore Gardens

IMG_9826_Layers_v1

Okay you guys…I am way back logged with updates and blog posts. And I usually don’t apologize for that, because people have busy lives these days and to be honest other things (and little people) have been a priority over my blog posts….BUT that being said…I have so many things on deck to share with you, and I am going to make myself accountable here by just calling myself out to make sure I share the rest! 🙂

So these photos are from our trip to Asheville back in April at the Biltmore Gardens. It was the first trip in a LONG time that hubby and I took alone (thank you Mimi and Nano!), and we honestly had the BEST time. Today, I want to share my FAV spots in Asheville with you, so keep reading…

IMG_9844_Layers_v1

IMG_9830_Layers_v1

IMG_9840_Layers_v1

IMG_9859_Layers_v1

IMG_9864_Layers_v1

IMG_9858_Layers_v1

IMG_9869_Layers_v1

IMG_9887_Layers_v1

IMG_9891_Layers_v1

Dress: Macy’s – similar + here / Shoes: H&M – similar / Sunglasses + Necklaces: Vintage / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Okay…along with the Biltmore…which was totally worth a visit…I also want to recommend the following if you are planning a trip to Asheville in the near future:

Biscuit Head – A MUST. If you eat nothing else in Asheville. Go to Biscuit Head. Incredible Southern food complete with a JAM and BUTTAH bar to enjoy at your leisure. Hands down the best meal I had in Asheville. Though, I will say my typical workout did not cut it. 😉 We stayed in West Asheville, where Biscuit Head is located so we were able to walk here and ENJOY.

River Arts District – If you love art, painting, sculpture, jewelry, funky tees, furniture, etc. you will love this area of Asheville. Old train tracks area, turned artist sanctuary, it was a ton of fun, creative, and inspiring.

Blue Ridge Mountains – A short drive away, the Blue Ridge Mountains were an INCREDIBLE natural escape from the city. As you know, I love exercise and the outdoors, so this was such a fun way to get our workout on for a day. We hiked the Mountain to Sea Trail, and enjoyed some fabulous views!

Wicked Weed Brewery – I wanted to visit a brewery while in Asheville since it’s famous for their fresh beer. Zack wasn’t super into it, so I thought it may not happen, but at the last minute, we decided to stop in for ONE beer. We quickly realized that a FLIGHT was a way better option, and we shared 6 different beers and some delicious appetizers. It was honestly one of the best experiences we shared in Asheville from the environment, the company, the food, the amazing beer, and the ambiance…I am so glad we decided to do this last minute…and he would agree!

Isis – Another West Asheville FAV. This live music venue had spectacular food to enjoy while listneing to “Asheville Music.” Not sure how else to describe it, but it was a little bluegrass, a little country, a little soul. We heard Duncan Wickel, his friend Lily, and his little brother who had a guest performance. Crazy enough…Duncan and Lily actually live in Brooklyn, so we didn’t have to go all the way down to Asheville to hear them hehe. It was such a fun evening and the music was fab though (and food too), so would totally go again.

White Duck Taco – Many people recommended this spot, and I DID enjoy it. I live in NY with lots of amazing tacos, so it wasn’t MIND BLOWING for me, butttt it was definitely a fantastic meal and budget friendly!

French Broad Chocolate Shop – I feel like this place might be touristy…but for good reason. Great chocolate, coffee, and ice cream. I got the Golden Milk vegan ice cream (made with turmeric and coconut milk), and it was LEGIT.

Tupelo Honey – WOWWWW. This place put the nail in the coffin! It was officially time to leave Asheville, because I could no longer control myself with Southern food! Lol. I got the famous sweet potato pancakes and chicken with tupelo honey, and holy moly. It was incredible. I would absolutely recommend this place. Though I was COMPLETELY off my “nutrition plan” here. Balance, right?

There were a few places that were recommended to us like The Grove Park Inn and Curate…that we weren’t able to make it to, but wanted to give a shout out, because we had so many good recs for…reasons to go back right???

I think the best parts of Asheville were staying in our sweet Airbnb, SLEEPING IN, enjoying each other’s company without being constantly interrupted, and just enjoying quality couple time. I had the best time in Asheville, and I would absolutely return!

Have you been to Asheville? What were your favorite spots?

Hope you all had a great weekend, and wishing you a fantastic week!

XO,

Gina

Find Your Tribe, Love Them Hard

Spark Open House

***FIND YOUR TRIBE AND LOVE THEM HARD***

Who would have thought that 15 years after high school, I would have been in New Orleans with these 3 ladies from good ole ASHS???

Seriously though… Sure, we were friendly… I don’t think many of us couldn’t talk to pretty much anyone from our school in the hallway (it was truly a special place!)…but we didn’t know each other all that well. And yet we came together with a common purpose:

*To help others succeed

*To create a more fulfilling future for ourselves and our families

*To inspire others

*To be happy + healthy

*To grow as individuals + support each other along the way

*To surround ourselves with positive influences

And it felt incredibly EASY and NATURAL and just like we have been the best of friends the whole time throughout these last 15 years!

One of the BEST things about coaching is the amazing people this opportunity has brought into my life. I can honestly say I would not be the same person I am today if it weren’t for my team. Building each other up, supporting each other when we are down.

Throughout my whole life I had always been a part of a team. And I realized in my adult life, a team is still what I crave and need to have around me. This community has meant the world to me. Along with these amazing ladies, I have met tons of others from across the country who have changed me for the better.

And honestly? They just “get” me! My quirks, my goofy weirdness, my gangsta rap, the fact that even though I CAN be in yoga pants all day doesn’t mean I want to (I actually LIKE to get dressed up!), my OCD personality, the bookworm nerd in me, the fact that I never want to miss out on anything, my adventurous nature, they relate to me on the mom-level, we can have deep conversations, and so much more…they never judge…and they work so hard to do the best they can at every facet of life. They inspire me every day.

*The incredible group of ladies you see here along with the rest of Team SPARK! who weren’t able to make it to New Orleans this year will be hosting a SPECIAL EVENT this THURSDAY evening at 8:30pm ET!*

After coming back from our trip, we realize that we would be doing you a disservice if we did not SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS at how much this incredible Coaching Opportunity has CHANGED our lives, and we want to pay it forward. We want to share with you that ANYTHING is possible if you believe in yourself and what you can achieve.

We are looking for TEAM PLAYERS.

People who are GO-GETTERS.

Who want to hustle.

Who aren’t afraid to dig deep and grow themselves.

Who want to be happy and healthy.

Who want to be financially free.

Who enjoy helping others.

If this sounds like YOU, then please fill out this application and comment below with your RSVP for Thursday night at 8:30pm!

https://pandpfitness.wufoo.com/forms/team-spark/

Hope to chat with you soon and hope you believe in yourself enough to take the leap and join this amazing tribe!

XO,

Gina

NYC-versary: A Decade

NYC 2007 2

Wow. A decade. 10 years. July 3, 2007 we embarked on a crazy new journey of life. I left everything and everyone I knew and loved (except one) back in Maryland and moved to New York City. The Big Apple. Without a job. To chase my dreams. To discover myself. To pursue a career. To build a relationship. To be more independent.

We honestly thought it would last a couple years. We would experience something new and different. Get a great job to put on the resume. Live it up in one of the biggest cities in the world. Eat all the food. Have all the incredible experiences.

There were lots of trips on the Bolt Bus back to Maryland in those early days. We are both such family/friend oriented people and we never wanted to miss ANYTHING. So we were on that bus sometimes twice a month for different events and celebrations.

Two years passed and we realized we had not even scratched the surface of this city. There was no way we were leaving anytime soon. No matter that we lived in a 350 square foot one bedroom apartment with no laundry or dishwasher in a 4th floor walk up. We didn’t care. This was where we were supposed to be.

Part of the excitement of this city was the endless possibilities…so much to do…so much to see…so much opportunity…new restaurants going up daily, the theatre, the nights of dancing, the history, the people, the culture. We learned so much and we were never bored. There was always another adventure around the corner. So five years passed…then 7…now…today is 10.

NYC Engagement

Engagement photos by Misa Me Photography 2010

Throughout this past decade, we have had lots of visitors to give us great excuses to explore our city. We have made many friends (reconnected with some old and made some new). I spent 7 years working in the advertising/animation industry learning SO much about production and creativity and how things work behind the scenes. I was able to travel and work with two amazing people that will forever remain in my life as we shared so much together. I feel very grateful to have had this experience and it was WAY more than just “something to add to my resume” that’s for darn sure.

I played on many soccer teams, had girl’s nights on the Upper East Side, tried my hand at club promoting (which although it was fun turned out not to be my thing ;-)), I lived through the majority of my 20’s here, did rooftop yoga, coached high school girl’s soccer, made a whole crew of neighborhood mom friends in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn that I swear I would have lost my sanity without during those early months of maternity leave when I didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing.

My other half explored SO many different career options and ultimately paved such an incredible path for himself. I am truly inspired by his passion, work ethic and confidence every day. He also threw one of the BEST parties/events I have ever been to in the city (shout out to the Electric Moon Dance! ;-))

We celebrated an engagement, planned a wedding, got married, moved to Brooklyn, got a car (see ya later Bolt Bus!), started this blog, had two beautiful babies, I discovered a new career in online health + fitness where I am truly finding my purpose…all while living in this amazing city. We realized how much time we could actually spend at the beach in the summertime without driving too far. We’re actually sending our oldest child to SCHOOl in the NYC school system this fall, so it feels even crazier to know that we are now really raising kids here.

It’s crazy how many twists and turns, highs and lows, experiences and life changing monumental moments we have had since living in this incredible city. I literally still cannot believe that it’s been a full decade since we made this crazy-turned-amazing decision to move our lives here.

I am grateful for the most supportive, kind, hard working, adventurous, loving partner that has been here with me through it all. Zack, baby, I can believe it, but CHEERS to 10 years in New York City!

Looking forward to continuing our countless adventures and creating many more memories with you and our family. <3

Photo by Senshi Photography 2017

This holiday weekend will always have a special meaning for me on top of it being the Birthday of America. It’s basically the birth of our New York life together.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend! Keep safe. Sending love and happy times to you and your families today. We are off to Hershey Park for the day to chase some thrills and meet up with my brother in law, sister in law, nephew and niece! No matter how long we stay in NY, we will always make time for the fam. <3

XO,

Gina