Weekend Snaps

Wanted to share a few photos from the past couple weekends we have spent in NYC.  It’s been nice to actually be in town for a bit and enjoy this amazing city!

My awesome soccer team at our championship BBQ in Williamsburg, BK

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A little corn hole action…

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Taking a walk in the neighborhood with our neighbors

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Pretty little house in the ‘hood

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View of Coney Island from my beach chair…

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Brighton Beach – so happy to be at the Ocean!

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Toes in the sand (Wearing Essie DJ Play That Song)

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It’s been so nice and super relaxing  these past few weekends staying in town and enjoying this city in which we live.  I often think about how lucky we are to be in such an urban place with so much to offer in terms of food, theatre, culture, events, and more.  And in addition to this crazy metropolis, how is it possible that we still have the ocean only 4 miles away from our home?  For me it is the best of both worlds, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

XO,

Gina

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Boardwalk Tribal

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Two summer trends I am embracing this season are 1) obviously the maxi which you have seen a lot lately in previous posts, and 2) tribal prints.  I actually received this dress as a gift a summer or two ago, and I broke it out for a quick impromptu beach trip to Brighton Beach/Coney Island.  I also recently found this amazingly bright tribal necklace from Flair Accessories.  It was the last one, and I just had to snag it.  If you’re lucky, she may get some more in stock!  We had a great time watching the sun go down, reading our books with our toes in the sand, and walking along the boardwalk catching the last of the Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities.  I heart the summertime.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: Gifted / Tribal Necklace and Bracelet: Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Flip Flops: Rainbow / Shades: NYC Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Fearless / Nails: The Balm Hella Yella (from LOFT)

The storms seem to be winding down, and we are heading into (hopefully) a gorgeous weekend.  Do you all have anything special planned for Father’s Day?  The hubby and I will be spending our Father’s Day weekend preparing for him to be a father and me to be a mother at a weekend intensive child birth course.  I’m a little nervous, but excited to learn and get ready (as most we can) for our big day ahead.

I also want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to my own Father, as well as my Father-in-law and my Godfather.  You all have made a wonderful impact on my life and my husband’s, and we are so lucky to have the three of you.  While, we won’t see you this weekend, we are looking forward to our family reunion and belated Father’s Day celebration next weekend.

Have a great weekend everyone!

XO,

Gina

Neon Highlights

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Photos by: Melissa DiGiulian / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: K&G Fashion Superstore / Neon Sandals: Dolce Vita via Saks – on sale in black – similar neon yellow sandals here / Fringe Skull Bag: Shoedazzle – sold out – similar here and here / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelet: J. Crew / Aviators: Street Vendor in NYC / Chevron Stack Rings: Baublebar – similar  / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Nails: Essie Funky Limelight and DJ Play that Song accent and on toes / Lip: NARS Born this Way

I wore this outfit to my soccer team’s BBQ over the weekend.  So proud of them for winning the championship this past season!  This dress is super comfy, and I’m still thinking flowy dresses are going to be a staple throughout the rest of the summer and my pregnancy.  I scored these neon sandals on sale at Saks, and I love the pop of color they bring to this look.  It just so happens my nails also match!

Tonight, I am attending the AICP Next Awards for work, which honors marketing campaigns in categories such as integrated, viral/web film, website/microsite, product integration, social media, mobile, cause marketing, and experiential.  Looking forward to hearing some of the presentations from the winners.  Other than tonight, this should be a pretty laid back week.

Have a good one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

Rainy Days Can’t Get Me Down

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These photos are from Memorial Day Weekend before our ride down to Philly.  There’s nothing like bright colors to shake you out of your rainy day gloom.  Luckily, the weather got nicer later in the day, and we were able to enjoy an awesome cookout with friends.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Seersucker Blazer: GAP – similar / Sweater: Old Navy (on sale!) / Tank (underneath): Old Navy (on sale!) / Jeans: Motherhood / Boots: Steve Madden / Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Umbrella: borrowed – similar / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean, ASOS, and Henri Bendel / Watch: Michael Kors

This past weekend, I was on my own as the hubby went on a biking/camping excursion.  I spent the weekend doing a little housework, celebrating my neighbor’s 1st birthday, had dinner with a close friend, went to a 90’s themed birthday celebration, and lounged at a soccer team BBQ.  Last night when the hubby got home, we chilled outside enjoying our amazing garden on what was a gorgeous night, and just caught each other up with our weekend stories.  I have to say, I’m super happy it’s summertime!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

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Our Brooklyn Garden

Since moving from the Upper East Side to Brooklyn, we have acquired a ton of outdoor space.  Last year, my husband and I decided to grow a little garden in our front yard.  It was crazy plentiful with tons of basil and other fresh herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, peas, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and of course some pretty flowers as well.  But as you can see from this photo, it was also quite a bit of a mess.  This could possibly (ok definitely) have a lot to do with the fact that I think we only weeded once the entire growing season, but regardless, this year my husband was bound and determined to create a much more organized and clean structured looking garden.  He even created raised beds…raised beds!  I have to say, I have been very impressed with all the work he has put into it.  He has been working his tail off, while I haven’t even lifted a finger this year.  I’m using my pregnancy as an excuse, but frankly, I’m just not that into yard work.  I would much rather be doing laundry.    Luckily, our neighbors have been very helpful.  Our one main problem is the stray cats in the area, which is the reason we fenced off portions of the garden last year.  They like to dig up our fresh eats and relieve themselves in our flower beds.  Darn cats.  So anyway…here is the transformation from last year’s garden, to the new and improved 2013 Brooklyn Garden.

Last year…

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This year…

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This empty space here is waiting for a nice little outdoor table and chairs set

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King of the Garden
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Fresh spinach growing

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Since I took these photos, those darn cats have returned, and they have started to dig into the spinach bed.  Therefore, my husband was back out there last night putting up a little fence around the bed, and I’m sure he will have to do the same with the other beds as well.  Hopefully that will do the trick as it did last year.  I am dreaming about making fresh homemade tomato sauce and fresh pesto sauce this year…mmm…I can’t wait!

Tomorrow, Zack and I are leaving on a jet plane and heading west to Arizona!  We are super excited for our 10 day adventure and state tour.  I’m pretty sure I won’t really get around to posting or editing anything next week, since I will be too busy exploring, so follow along with my adventures on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

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Skulls Meet Spring

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It was a beautiful weekend, and I had the pleasure of hosting two of my favorite Baltimore blondes at our place on Saturday.  We spent the day galavanting around Brooklyn and Manhattan…brunch at The Farm, followed by a day of shopping in Soho, & gelato and hot chocolate in Little Italy.  Much to our surprise, we came home with our wallets full and bag-less.  If you know us, you know this is not normal.  However, it was probably for the best.  We had planned to go out on the town that night, but we ended up passing out early from all the walking around we did.

The flowers in these photos make me happy, because it’s actually starting to feel and look like Spring around here!  We also thought it was a nice bright contrast to my dark and stormy outfit.

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Photos by: Nichole Cohen

Skull Tank: Hot Topic (now on sale!) / Leather Jacket: Wilsons Leather (old) – similar / Black Skinnies: Motherhood Maternity / Combat Boots: Steve Madden ( now on sale!) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – sold out, but a variety of other colors available at Saks / Headband: (old) – similar / Watch: Betsey Johnson – sold out, but check out Betsey’s other watches on her website / Bracelets: ASOS, Wanderlust + Co., c/o Flair Accessories / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Ring: Forever 21 / Lip: Nars Born This Way gloss

Last night, the hubby and I went to see one of our favorite indie rock singer-songwriters perform, Matt Costa.  Let me tell you, this man is talented.  He plays the piano, harmonica, three different guitars, and has a voice that will make you melt.  His laid back style is very inviting and his tunes range in variety from bluegrass, folk, rock, and more.  Some of my personal favorites include: Miss Magnolia, Sunshine, & Mr. Pitiful.  He also has a lot of good tracks on his new album.  Check out some of his videos here.

Tonight, I am treating myself to a little mani-pedi with the other NY Alpha Phi Alums, and I cannot wait.  It will be the first pedi of the season, and boy do I need it!

On a heavier note, I am glad that my friends and family in Boston are safe and sound.  I am praying for all those who were affected by this tragedy.  I will never understand it, and it saddens me.  Sending love to Boston today.

XO,

Gina

Saturday at the Market

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This past weekend, we had a wonderful visit from the in-laws, and we decided to take them to the Union Square Greenmarket on Saturday.  If you have never been to the Greenmarket, you should definitely make the trip.  There are fresh, local, organic fruits and vegetables galore, potted plants and herbs, flowers, local cheeses, meats, fresh pastas, honey, pies, candles, yarn products, and so much more.  Your mouth is watering the entire time you are there, and I felt like I had a bit of an attention problem, because my eyes were constantly being taken in different directions.  It’s hard to focus on any one thing, because there is something else amazing in the booth next door!  We had a great time walking around there, and we continued our day by taking my in-laws to the famous hot-spots Russ and Daughters and Katz’s Delicatessen.  They really enjoyed the day, and we headed back to Brooklyn afterward where we all fell into a food coma (i.e. a two hour nap.)

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We had a really great weekend spending time with family.  We hadn’t seen them since the holidays, so it was a lot of fun getting together.  We are also getting excited for this upcoming weekend as well where we will see my side of the family for Easter in Maryland.

I want to wish everyone celebrating this week a Happy Passover!

Also, Happy 92nd Birthday to my Granny today!  She is the sweetest most amazing lady!

Have a great week everyone.

XO,

Gina

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Spring Greening

Spring Greening
MOTO Denim Shorts: Topshop / Tory Burch Burlap Sandals: L’Inde Le Palais / James Jeans Skinny Jeans (on sale!): The Outnet / Robert Chiarella Emerald Envy Earrings: Max and Chloe / Prabal Gurung Racerback Tank: Target / Ray-Ban Rubberized Wayfarer Sunnies: Bloomingdales / Nettie Silk Lace Up Dress : Calypso St. Barth / Pantone Emerald Candle: Occa-Home / Jessica Simpson Suede Pumps: Piperlime / Sergio Rossi Leather Clutch: StyleBop / Kempner Bracelet: BaubleBar / OPI Go On Green – Nelly
According to Pantone, Emerald is the color of the year.  In celebration of both St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of Spring this week, I thought green would be a fantastic color to feature.  Although it’s still freezing cold outside in New York City, I am hopeful for some upcoming warm weather.  I’m looking forward to seeing all the green sprout up in the parks, on the trees, and all the flowers blooming.  I am also looking forward to putting away my winter coats for the season, and breaking out some new Spring attire.  If we could only get these snow flurries to calm down!
What article of clothing are you just dying to pull out of the closet and rock this Spring?
Happy Thursday!
XO,
Gina
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Morning After Nemo

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These photos were taking the morning after the big snow storm, Nemo, hit in Brooklyn.  I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, and was surprised to find how quickly everything was plowed and shoveled.  It was a beautiful sunny day with the light reflecting off the fresh snow.  Overall, it was a quiet, relaxing little walk…a nice little break to otherwise hibernating that weekend.  Enjoy.

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Today I am enjoying the day off at home thanks to our American Presidents.  Catching up on laundry, cleaning, tv, and blogging.  Hoping to get the chance to take some more photos today as well.

Happy President’s Day!

XO,

Gina

{6} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Still reading Book 5 in the Harry Potter series…I can’t seem to stop falling asleep on the subway lately, which is cutting into my reading time.

writing  Been taking lots of notes in my photography class.  Weird to be using a notebook and a pen again.

listening  Of course the Maryland girl has to listen to a little country every now and then.  This song is a bit of a morbid love ballad by The Band Perry, and I can’t get enough of it.  Check out “Better Dig Two.”

thinking  About my spiritual self.  It seems this is the time of year that I tend to look inside my soul.  Today is Ash Wednesday (if you didn’t already notice from the photo above), which is the start of the Lenten season.  It makes me think about what I can do to be a better person, and what I can do to help others.

smelling  Citrus tea that my boss has been brewing daily in the office.

watching  Still on my “Race to the Oscars,” and I have seen all but two films now that have been nominated for Best Picture!  I have to say, there has not been one that I have disliked so far.  Last night was Lincoln to celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday.  It was a fantastic film, and I have a feeling it just might take gold at the Oscar’s.

wishing  My butt buddie, Erin, a speedy recovery as she is undergoing Lasik eye surgery today.  Love you Munchkin!

hoping  For warmer weather on the horizon.  I’m pretty much done with cold and snow.  Unfortunately, I do not think I am going to get my wish just yet…

wearing  My “Hi” “Bye” heart sweater with leggings and combat boots.

loving  The genius behind Oreo during the Super Bowl a couple weeks ago.  Did anyone see that Twitter ad during the blackout?  Pure genius.

laughing  At my husband and neighbors this past weekend as they attempted to invent a live version of “Frogger” with this Makey Makey invention kit.  Just picture a grown man with 4 children jumping up and down around the room Dance Dance Revolution style while listening to techno music.

wanting  The doctors to come to a diagnosis for my Uncle, so he can start getting the treatment he probably needs.  He has been at Hopkins for awhile now undergoing tons of tests.  Love you Uncle Johnny.

needing  Rest.  It’s been a busy couple of weeks.  While I love keeping myself busy most of the time, I am looking forward to a little downtime at some point.

feeling  Optimistic.  I will leave it at that.

craving  This shade of MAC lipstick – Rebel – Did you know MAC recycles?  If you return 6 empty MAC products, you can get a free lipstick!  I think I just may…yay!

clicking  I have been click click clicking away on my camera since I started my photography class a couple weeks ago.  So far, I have already learned a lot, and I am looking forward to learning even more.

What have you been up to lately?

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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