{21} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  The seventh and final Harry Potter book!  I know it has taken me awhile to get through them all, but they are totally magical and worth it!

writing  Tons and tons of e-mails for work including invites to our events and follow up from past events.

listening  Patsy Cline.  Nico’s new favorite lullabies.  I know my Grandpa is with us when I sing to him at bedtime.

thinking  That last week was insane.  Zack went to San Francisco on Tuesday.  I had three days of back to back meetings with a client in town, and then Nico and I flew out to meet Zack in San Fran on Friday.  That’s right…I flew across the country with a baby…solo…into a three hour time change…this section should be titled not thinking.  However, I am proud to say, we made it, and it was all worth it!

smelling  Swiss Apple tea.  Apparently it’s good for skin support.  But I just love the way tastes and how it keeps me warm on these freezing cold nights.

watching  Finally saw The DaVinci Code.  The book was definitely better, but Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so I’m glad I finally saw it.

wishing  That I had invested in snow boots this winter.  Who knew we would be getting pounded with this much snow?  I would have gotten this pair.

hoping  That my husband has a Happy 33rd Birthday today!  We love you.

wearing  Coats, coats, and more coats.  Thankfully, I have invested in some outerwear the past few years.  Definitely came in handy this winter.

loving  Nico’s curiosity!  He’s fascinated with the alphabet, and always stops whatever he is doing when we start spelling something to give us his complete attention.  He’s also obsessed with his daddy’s guitar playing, and it’s a sure bet to stop him from fussing.  It’s so awesome to see him start to notice the world around him.

laughing  I’m constantly laughing with Nico every day.  The sound of his laugh makes me so happy that I laugh right along with him.

wanting  Spring to arrive.  Sooner rather than later please!

needing  To pay the bills and do laundry tonight.  Meh.

feeling  Happy.  Although the past few months have had their ups and downs, I feel happy knowing that I have such a warm and loving family to be with each day or talk to on the phone or online each night.  My family is my happy place.

craving  Warmer weather!  I can’t say it enough!

clicking  Through VRBO to check out places in New Hampshire for a weekend summer getaway with friends.  Can’t wait!

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What have you been up to lately?

I’m including an extra special picture in honor of the hubby’s birthday today.  Doesn’t this just pull at the heart strings?  Thanks to you, Zack, for being the best Papa in the world!  Hope you have an amazing day.  XOXO.

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Have a happy one ya’ll!

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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{20} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Catching up on some magazines a bit.  Unfortunately, the trains have been super crowded since I have been back to work, leaving me to stand the entire time and making it difficult to get that reading done that I was hoping.

writing  E-mails, reel run lists, and finally getting back to writing blog posts again.

listening  Old school hip-hop has been making it’s way onto my car radio.  Backspin anyone?

thinking  About booking that flight to San Francisco for the end of February, that Zack and I had an awesome much needed date night over the weekend, and that there is a ton of snow outside!

smelling  Leftover gingerbread coffee from the holidays.

watching  Teen Mom 2 came back this week…woot woot!  I have also been keeping up with the new season of The Bachelor.  Go ahead and judge me.

wishing  That I could be in two places at once.

hoping  Our dear friend recovers from an accident he had recently.  It was super scary, and we are hoping he returns to good health soon.

wearing  My new high waisted skinny jeans from Rag & Bone.  Did I mention, I’m back to my old size again?  Can you tell I’m excited?  BTW…just because you go back to your old size after baby doesn’t mean you go back to your old body.  I may be able to fit into the jeans, but I’m definitely a bit squishier these days (hence the high waisted) haha.  Birth really takes a toll on you, but it was obviously worth it, and honestly, I’m not really stressing too much about it at this point.  Maybe once bikini season is on the horizon I will be feeling differently…I’ve also been wearing this tartan scarf to keep warm in the snow.

loving  That Nico is learning so much these days!  He’s growing and changing so quickly right before my very eyes.  Sitting up and rolling over all within a week span!

laughing  At this photo of my husband.  He is speaking at an upcoming conference in San Francisco (hence why I am thinking of booking a ticket there), and they chose this photo out of all the ones on the internet for his speaker profile.  Just look for the guy who looks like the biggest douchebag, and you will find him.  Sorry hunny, you know I love you, but this photo is ridiculous.  It had us rolling the other night!  Luckily, he is a good sport and he hasn’t asked them to take it down, because he thinks it’s kinda funny.  Gotta love his sense of humor.

wanting  Some hot chocolate with marshmallows.  Yes, I’m five years old.

needing  To prepare myself for my first 5 hour car trip alone with the baby.  God help me.

feeling  Already feeling the pull of being a working mom.  I’m leaving work too early and getting home too late.  Feels like you aren’t good enough at either job and the guilt starts setting in.  I guess that’s just par for the course.

craving  More time!  So much to do, so little time!

clicking  Through Pinterest and design blogs for inspiration on how to redecorate our sunroom.  Trying to capitalize on an unfortunate situation by using this as an opportunity to start fresh, purge, and redesign the room.

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What have you been up to lately?

Have a happy one!

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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{19} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  A little here.  A little there.  Chapter here. Magazine article there.

writing  Finished up my Christmas cards over the weekend, and sent them out this week!

listening  Christmas music…duh.

thinking  I can’t believe the year is almost over, my maternity leave is coming to an end, and it’s almost time to go back to work.  Bittersweet.

smelling  Roasted pork in the oven.

watching  Vanderpump Rules (cringing as I write this, because it’s so trashy).

wishing  Everyone a Happy Holiday season and safe travels!

hoping  That all my holiday gifts I ordered arrive in time and ship properly to my parent’s house.

wearing  This tartan jacket, a gift from my aunt from last year’s Christmas.

loving  That Nico is now sleeping through the night.  I didn’t mind waking up once a night to feed him (he really is a great sleeper), but the two hour scream-fest before bedtime was not working.  I now feel like a human being again since we aren’t fighting to put him to sleep every single night anymore.

laughing  At this Xmas Jammies video.  An interesting take on the holiday card, and also a smart way to plug the new family business.

wanting  To get rid of this cough.  Have been sick for about a week now, and can’t seem to shake it.

needing  To pack for our holiday trip to Maryland.

feeling  SO excited for Nico’s first Christmas with my crazy, lovable family.

craving  Some new jeans.

clicking  Through photos that I need to edit.

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What have you been up to lately?

Have a happy one ya’ll!

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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{18} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Attempting to read the 6th Harry Potter Book.  It tough to get a lot of reading done without my hour long subway commutes, but trying to enjoy a chapter here and there when I can.

writing  Questions to ask potential nannies.  We are starting our interviews this Wednesday.  Excited to find someone great for our little guy, but sad this means I will be spending a lot more time away from him when I go back to work.

listening  Frank Sinatra.  Nico just loves him!

thinking  I am happy the weather looks nice for this week!  Makes taking those walks around the neighborhood so much more enjoyable!

smelling  Blueberry coffee.  It sounds kinda gross, but trust me, it’s awesome!

watching  Teen Mom.  Makes me so glad I have a stable, loving husband, a good job, a nice home, and lots of family support.  I could not imagine being a mom at their age.

wishing  That time didn’t go so fast.  My little guy is growing up too quickly already.

hoping  To go for another run this week.  This past weekend I went out for my first run since getting pregnant and having a baby.  I stayed active by walking, but hadn’t run in probably over a year!  I suddenly got to the urge to get back out there, so I went for a 2 mile run, and it felt great! (despite now being sore haha).  Hoping I can keep it up and at least get a run or two mixed in with my walking every week.

wearing  My typical mom gear of activewear.  Although, I actually did get to wear real clothes yesterday for a mini trip to Manhattan for a mani/pedi with a friend.  

loving  The crockpot that my Grandma bought for us.  We tried it out this weekend, and made two awesome dishes: White Bean Chicken Chili and Carnitas Tacos.  I love being able to prep a meal quickly in the morning, let it sit all day, and come home to an amazing meal with leftovers!  Yum!

laughing  At the @HonestToddler Twitter feed I just discovered yesterday.  Cracking me up!

wanting  My Christmas cards to arrive!  Maybe it’s the fact that I now have a little guy this Christmas season, but I am extra giddy and excited this year.

needing  Christmas lists from my peoples.  I am ready to start shopping already!  Send ’em over…you know who you are.

feeling  Happy that we were able to go to Florida and spend time with my parents and Grandma.  It was really great for them to spend that quality time with Nico, and it was nice for Zack and I to get some alone time as well.  

craving  Some snuggle time with my nephew, Nathan.  It’s been too long since I’ve seen him…is it Thanksgiving yet?

clicking  Through weeks worth of blogs that I am behind on.

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What have you been up to lately?

Hope you all had a great weekend!  Enjoy your week ahead!

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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Sweet November

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So, when I had to remove my white blazer the other day, it was pretty chilly out, and I had nothing left but short sleeves.  In my attempt to keep warm, we stumbled into a little boutique in Park Slope, Brooklyn called Habit.  It was my first time in the store, and I was quite delighted!  It was filled with lots of stylish clothing, jewelry, and great accessories at prices that don’t break the bank.  I found this sweater wrap to keep me warm and decided to throw in this hat while I was at it.  I’m sure they will both get plenty of wear this season and next.

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Photos By: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Hat: Habit / Sweater: Habit / Shirt: Urban Outfitters (old) / Pants: Motherhood / Booties: Target / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – sold out, but love this burgundy one on sale for fall! / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelets: Guilty Jean and Wanderlust + Co. / Earrings: Swarovski Crystal / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Lip: Lancome Fearless

I am just about finished packing for our trip to Florida!  Looking forward to a relaxing trip with my parents and grandmother at her condo in St. Pete Beach.  We leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow and will be gone through Monday of next week, so you probably won’t be hearing much from me until we get back.  Until then, you can follow our adventures on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

{17} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  What to Expect The First Year by Sandee Hathaway, Arlene Eisenberg, and Heidi Murkoff.  Rather than read the entire book all the way through right away, I have decided to read each month as we are all going through it as a family.  So far I have finished the first month, and I’m starting on month 2.  

writing  Well, Nico’s birth announcement cards just came in the mail today, so I am super excited to address and send them out!

listening  The Coffee House station on XM Radio has been a top contender for most played the past few weeks.  It’s soothing and Nico falls asleep in the car to it.

thinking  I can’t believe we survived our first weekend trip to Maryland as a family!  Although it was extremely stressful at some points, everything ended up working out well and the bottom line is we did it.

smelling  Pumpkin Spice coffee…mmm…

watching  Million Dollar Listing LA.  My husband used to be a real estate agent, so this is one of the few shows he will actually watch with me.

wishing  A lifetime of happiness to my friends Teri and Charlie!  They are the reason we went down to Maryland.  We celebrated their wedding, and it was phenomenal.  What an amazing couple.  I am so happy for them!

hoping  To survive my first 48 hours as a single parent while Zack goes to Chicago to present at a conference.  Hopefully it will be nice outside and Nico and I can take some walks together.

wearing  Got dolled up this past weekend for my friend Teri’s wedding, and man did it feel good!  Hair, makeup, mani, pedi, a sexy bridesmaid dress…the works.  It felt good to be pampered again after rocking sweats for so many weeks!

loving  The fact that I have amazing friends and family.  While on our first trip as a family, there were some bumps with the weather, traffic, fire alarms in the hotel, etc.  I am so lucky to have had my friends and family to help us out on our first trip.  From helping me carry diaper bags, driving my car, watching my little boy, holding him during dinner so we could eat, and more.  I know I am super lucky to have such wonderful, trustworthy people in my life.

laughing  Every time Nico farts, I think it’s the most hilarious thing.  What am I, 5?

wanting  My bags to unpack themselves.

needing  Snuggles from my little boy.  I just can’t get enough!

feeling  Sleepy sleepy.  While we had a great weekend, it was a bit crazy trying to figure out our new normal.  Did I mention the fire alarm going off in the hotel?  TWICE.

craving  These over-the-knee boots by Sam Edelman.

clicking  Through photos to try and figure out which ones I want to frame and hang up in the apartment.

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What have you been up to lately?

Hope everyone had a nice long weekend!  Hope you all have a great week ahead!

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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First Family Dinner Out

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With all of the craziness of figuring out life with a newborn, I sometimes find myself not leaving the house for days on end.  I also find that this isn’t very good for my sanity.  The constant 24/7 loop of feed, change, sleep, repeat can be a little mind numbing, and as adorable as that little face is to look at every day, living in a constant loop can drive you a little nuts.  Therefore, to break up the monotony, I have been trying to get out of the house for walks whenever possible.  Nico loves the stroller, and we have been super blessed with amazing weather these past couple weeks.  Two weekends ago, I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to take advantage of one of these walks and go out for our first family dinner.  I  put on “real” clothes (the pants are still maternity, but at least they weren’t sweats!), make-up, and even semi-did my hair…that’s as good as it was gonna get that day.  We tried a new place in the neighborhood called Dogwood, which boasts southern comfort food, and was absolutely delicious.  At three and a half weeks, Nico was an angel the entire time.  It was as if he was allowing Zack and I to actually have a date night.  Amazing.  I know they say these “quiet sleeping times” won’t last forever and eventually he will be a toddler and impossible to bring out to dinner, but I am living in the moment, people…living in the moment and loving it.

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On me / Shirt: StyleMint – similar / Pants: Motherhood / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Bag: ALDO – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: Baublebar / Bracelet: Baublebar – similar

On Nico / Shirt and Pants: Carter’s / Socks: Gymboree

Happy Monday everyone!  Have a great week.

XO,

Gina

{16} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Children’s books.  You know…Green Eggs and Ham, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Ugly Duckling, Blueberries for Sal.  Starting Nico young and he is definitely soothed when people talk to him, so we are starting a nightly ritual.  As you might imagine, I haven’t had much time for grown-up books these days, but I have been glossing over Health, Marie Claire, and Redbook magazines while pumping.

writing  The majority of my writing these days has been logging feeding times for my little guy while we made sure he got back above his birth weight.  He was born at 5 lbs.  1.6 oz, and dropped down to 4 lbs. 11 oz.  At our last doctor’s appointment, he was well above his birth weight, and I’m pretty sure he is still gaining well!  We are very happy he is a healthy growing baby boy.

listening  Since Nico has arrived, I have been finding myself listening to more mellow jams.  My “Relax” playlist on my iPhone has gotten a lot of play lately.

thinking  I can’t believe how fast time is already flying.  Nico is already over three weeks, and will hit his four week mark this Thursday.  Insane!  I’m also thinking that I am very lucky I got to enjoy the first family dinner out with my boys last night, and he was an angel the entire time!

smelling  Mrs. Meyer’s baby oil.  It smells amazing!

watching  I basically caught up on every single TV show that I had on my DVR since I’ve been home.  Not that I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands, but just a lot of time at home!

wishing  For a little bit more sleep!

hoping  To find some more time this week to work on this blog.  I have a lot of posts I want to share of things that have been going on, but with a new baby on board, it’s definitely been a challenge!

wearing  Mostly leggings and sweats lately.  Comfort is key when nursing and staying at home.  It’s also a challenge finding things that look flattering on you post-partum.  What looks “adorable” with a baby bump does not look so adorable when it’s a post-prego fat bump.  I am, however, happy to say that we shot our first post-pregnancy outfit shoot this past weekend!  It was nice to put on real clothes again (although I’m still in my maternity pants), and I’m looking forward to sharing soon.  

loving  Being a mommy.  As crazy and exhausting and emotional as it can be sometimes…the good times FAR outweigh the bad!  I love seeing Nico smile and those newborn cuddles are just the best.  He is such a sweet boy, and I feel so very lucky to have him in my life.

laughing  Just took a look at my friend’s wedding highlight video, and saw all of us crazy clowns on the dance floor.  One friend was even captured mid cartwheel.  It was pretty hilarious!

wanting  The weather to be nice this week.  I have found that when I can get outside at least once a day and out of the house, I am so much saner and happier!  Nico also loves riding around in his stroller, so we both win.

needing  A mani/pedi.  I was supposed to get my last one the week I went into labor, and so that never happened.  I keep saying I will do it myself, but how do you pick up a baby with wet nails?  Haha.  Needless to say, I have also been sporting closed toed shoes when I leave the house.

feeling  Pretty good!  It took about two weeks for me to start feeling like my normal self again since giving birth.  Besides being tired from a few sleepless nights, I feel quite good.  I have managed to take some walks in the past two weeks, met up with a new mom group in the neighborhood last week, and I’m loving it.

craving  A personal chef and a house cleaner.  I barely have time to eat, let alone cook my food or scrub the floors.

clicking  Googling three week baby milestones, and catching up on all my favorite blogs I have missed out on for the past few weeks.

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What have you been up to lately?

Happy Monday!  Hope you all have a great week ahead!

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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Beachy Keen

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As excited as we are for our Little Monkey to get here, the hubby and I are trying to soak up as much couple time as we can while it’s still just the two of us.  We headed to Rockaway for a romantic little day on the beach complete with yummy arepas from Caracas, beautiful weather, good reading material, and great conversation.  These pics are from 37.5 weeks pregnant, and today marks 38!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Victoria’s Secret (old) – similar style / Headband: Urban Outfitters (old) – similar / Sunnies: Vintage / Earrings: ALDO / Friendship Bracelets: Jacob Riis Boardwalk Vendor / Nails: Essie Play Date 

Have a lovely Tuesday everyone!

XO,

Gina

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{15} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished a couple books including Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.  Maine was an okay beach read, but I honestly didn’t care for the characters all that much.  They were a bit bitchy and whiny, and while they were all family, it was pretty tough for them to all get along.  It was a decent read, but not a must for me.  Sharp Objects on the other hand was a really good book.  If you liked Gone Girl, then you will like this book as well.  This mystery/thriller is an easy read that captures your attention, and makes you unable to put it down.

writing  Finished all of my thank you notes for the many wonderful gifts we received for our little guy!  I’m also writing up my to-do lists for how to train our new employee who is coming in next week and will be filling in while I’m on maternity leave.  Can’t believe it’s almost that time!

listening  Loving this summer jam, Reload by Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, and John Martin.  Makes me wanna dance.

thinking  It’s been a beautiful week here in NYC, and that I am incredibly lucky the weather has been kind to me this August.

smelling  The new Bath and Body works lotion I got for my birthday, Rio Rumberry.

watching  A French, indie film called The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.  I read the book a few years ago, and have been wanting to watch the movie ever since.  It’s a true story about well-known man in the fashion industry who became a paraplegic and learned to communicate and write a novel with the blink of his eye.  Fascinating.

wishing  That the rocking chair/glider that just arrived for our nursery didn’t feel like it was taking over the entire room.  I swear it didn’t look that big in the photos!  I think I’m starting to get used to it, but when it first arrived, I was in a bit of shock!

hoping  For a fun, yet productive weekend ahead!  Planning on finally checking out the Hester Street Fair (for real this time), attending a Brooklyn Cyclones game with friends, and putting in some more work on the nursery.

wearing  An old blue/green maxi skirt from American Eagle that I’ve had in my closet for awhile now paired with a coral and white striped maternity tee from Motherhood.  Old Navy white flip flops for comfort, and my vintage sunnies.  

loving  These sexy, fall booties from ALDO.  Gah, I can’t wait to wear heels again!

laughing  We’ve been listening to all the comedy stations on XM Radio during our past few long car rides.  I’m usually the driver, but Zack has had to drive a bit this summer due to my pregnancy sleepiness.  We find that laughing while driving is a good way to stay awake.

wanting  To be with my family this week in the Outer Banks, NC on our annual vacation.  It’s the one time of the year when both sides of my family all get together, and it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year.  However, I know I’m staying put in NY for a very good reason!  Luckily, the weather has been so great here, and I have been keeping myself distracted with a busy work schedule and prepping for the baby to arrive.  I just flash forward to next year when we will have an almost-one-year-old running around with us at the beach!

needing  To get my hospital bag packed.  Next week I’ll be full term, and they say you could go at any time between 37-42 weeks.  I know that is a big, open time frame, but you also never know when the little one will want to make his debut!  Therefore, that is on the top of my list for weekend priorities.

feeling  Pretty good!  Sometimes it’s hard to get comfortable, and I have to pee at all times, but overall, I am feeling pretty good in these last few weeks of pregnancy.

craving  Sweets.  It’s probably not good, and I typically have a sweet tooth anyway…but I’m finding myself wanting something sweet almost every day now.  I guess I can milk these last few weeks while I can 😉

clicking  Through many animated commercials that our new clients have done.  Been trying to familiarize myself with their work as much as I can.

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What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday!  Hope you all have a great 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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