{46} Lately…

It’s been a long time since I have written one of these posts, but I have missed them and they were a crowd favorite, so I want to bring them back over here to the blog! And what better time than when I’m sitting here at 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant patiently (not-so-patiently) waiting for this 3rd baby to arrive. Am I right?

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Lately I’ve been…

reading Reading all the things you guys. A couple that I want to highlight that I finished recently are Real Food for Pregnancy  by Lily Nichols. Such great insight and research into optimal nutrition for us preggo mamas. Aside from her incredible nutrition info, she also touches on food myths, exercise, and the 4th trimester. Highly recommend this one! The next book I loved recently was Stranger in the House. I finished it in less than 2 days as I couldn’t put this thriller down! Shari Lapena, author of The Couple Next Door, wrote this one which was a huge hit, and I actually think I liked this book even better! I am also currently reading The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. Definitely a great read, but also super heavy, so I am taking this one at one chapter per day so I can soak it all in. And lastly, I just picked up Amy Schumer’s book from the library last week, The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo, which is already to be proving to be a hilarious read.

 writing  Thank you notes from the boy’s bday and baby gifts, and I recently wrote a Baby Mama’s Hospital Bag Checklist that I posted on this here blog if you haven’t seen it yet!

listening  Mixing it up between chill music to relax and dance music to try and dance this baby out. Loving Drake, “In My Feelings” right now. Super original, I know.

thinking About my mama who is driving up to NY right now from MD to come help out with the boys until the baby arrives and beyond. Super thankful!

smelling  The coffee I am drinking…a dark roast from Roatan (off the coast of Honduras) brought to us as a gift from my mother-in-law after her recent trip and made with the French Press. Mmm.

watching  Hubs and I have been watching Mad Men together which is a nice throwback to my advertising background. We are currently on Season 4 and loving it. I am also pumped about the new seasons of both Orange is the New Black and Shameless that just arrived recently on Netflix.

wearing At this point at 39 weeks pregnant, anything that still fits and is comfortable to move in. That mostly means maternity leggings or maxi dresses. I did buy these cute slip on shoes on sale from Old Navy for the fall though.

exercising Right now I’m lucky if I get a couple workouts and some walks in each week. It’s mostly yoga, light weights with holds, or dance aside from walking. Just trying to move a bit to get this baby out already!!! He doesn’t seem to want to budge though.

feeling  Achy all over and just SUPER ready. This is my longest pregnancy yet. Baby #1 came out with an early induction at 38 weeks and Baby #2 came out at 39 weeks due to water break. This is also going to be my largest child at birth (by far I imagine at this point), so he is just feeling super heavy in there and wearing me down big time. Chasing two other kiddos around is a task on it’s own as well!

wanting  This baby to be born. I mean, I think that’s obvious by now, no? Haha.

needing  Today to be the day. Need I say it again? Okay, fine, I’ll give you something else. If baby doesn’t come today, we have been needing to hang up some wall art and family photos in the house that are way overdue. Including some from our recently family photo shoot with Tyler Lyons, which I will hopefully get around to sharing here soon! So that may be a potential project while we are waiting around.

loving  How sweet my older boys have been in anticipation of the new baby. They are constantly giving me belly rubs and kisses, telling me how they are going to hold and help with their new little brother, and even more importantly, they have been playing so nicely together this summer (for the most part) to allow me some rest and work time when I need it. I honestly feel very lucky for them!

wishing For a smooth, quick, painless (hah!) delivery, and my sweet babe to be in my arms soon.

hoping  For some nice weather today so we can get the boys outside to play with their new little pool they got for their birthdays. And maybe I could also go into labor…

craving  ALL the ice cream.

clicking  Around for back-to-school sales for clothes in the next size up for Nico. Old Navy has some great deals going on right now. Also looking around for some post partum wardrobe items. Totally getting sick of all the maternity gear!

following Been loving following Lauren McBride lately, a Connecticut based life and style blogger. She recently became a mama of 3, so she has lots of great mom tips, shopping tips (especially for post partum), and beautiful home posts. Her blog is fantastic, but I also just love following her on Instagram for her daily updates and stories!

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HAPPY SATURDAY!

What are you up to on this summer weekend?

What have you been up to lately?

XO,

Gina

{45} Lately…

So you guys, it may seem like I have skipped a few Lately posts, but the last few I have done LIVE over on my Facebook page…42, 43, 44…so this is the first written one I’ve done in awhile!!! Excited to be back in action with this one since it’s one of the blog favorites and also one of my personal favs….

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  So many things you guys! I recently finished Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod which has been LIFE CHANGING and I absolutely recommend it to EVERYONE. Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson which was AMAZING for any entrepreneur or anyone pursuing a side hustle and Into the Water by Paula Hawkins (author of The Girl on the Train) which I have to say was good, but not as good as The Girl on the Train. I then read The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena in about 24 hours. Couldn’t put it down. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. I am also re-reading The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy along with my current challenge group.

 writing  Not a whole lot, but still striving for my daily 5 minute journal habit that I started up in January of this year. I will absolutely re-up for 2018.

listening  I’m going to embarrassingly admit that I am enjoying the Hipster Yoga playlist on iTunes during my Miracle Morning.

thinking About how awesome my Challengers who are rocking CLEAN WEEK are doing! Seriously! They are crushing it.

smelling  Broccoli. Yep. Roasted broccoli was happening when I was writing this post.

watching  Grey’s Anatomy. Still obsessed.

wearing  These amazing new leggings from the new Target athletic line, Joy Lab.

exercising You guys…I’m on Day 47/56 of Insanity Max 30…a program I tried once 2 years ago and swore I would NEVER do it, because it was too freakin’ hard and it way way to hardcore cardio and guess what…I’m almost done.

feeling  Kinda badass about post above.

wanting  Someone to cook for me right now, because I’m hungry but don’t feel like cooking. Should have prepped better, dang it.

needing Hot coffee.

loving  All of the adventures I’ve been taking with my boys this week…zoo, museums, etc. Feeling like I am getting a great balance of break time, coach/work life, and mom life with our new routine this school year.

wishing Luca could get over the hump of tears at school drop off. I felt like we were doing well and now it seems like things are going backward. He also recently is having trouble going to sleep on his own and I feel like it’s all related. That being said…his experience in school is definitely showing in other aspects of life…at a music class we went to yesterday he was really involved and participatory whereas in the past he would have clung to me the whole time. Baby steps.

hoping  That all of the costume items I ordered for Halloween will actually come before Halloween lol.

craving  Wine.

clicking  Around about a few things I am interested in doing and learning in terms of health and fitness and taking things to the next level. Yoga teacher training? Mind Body Green nutrition program? Podcasting? Organizing a Wellness Retreat? Thinking long-term here and not TOMORROW by any means, because let’s face it, I’m already crazy-busy. But always good to do research and advance ourselves when we can!

following Amanda Bella – her blog is super cute and I just love her hair and make-up video tutorials!

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HAPPY FRIDAY!

Are you celebrating Halloween this weekend? Dressing up? Or that’s just for kids?

What have you been up to lately?

XO,

Gina

I Need Coffee

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I Need Coffee Tee: Target / Black Denim: ZARA (old) – also like these / Booties: H&M (old ) – similar here / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

Seems this is my mantra these days between two kiddos, working from home, keeping up with my fitness, household obligations, and somewhat of a social life, but hey…I would rather be busy than bored right? I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Ok fine, maybe I would get just a liiiiiiittle more sleep 😉 But we’ll get there.

Hope you all are enjoying this Wednesday! Hoping to head out to enjoy the sunshine we are finally getting in NYC this week!

Make it a great day!

XO,

Gina

{24} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  The Girl on the Cliff by LucindaRiley.  This book came on recommendation from a friend, and so far I am super captivated!

writing  A packing list for our trip to the lake house in New Hampshire.  We leave tomorrow, and I cannot wait!

listening  Let me start off by saying I know this song is kind of terrible.  But something about this song and my old club days makes me not hate it.

thinking  Time is going so fast!  Nico hit two milestones this past week.  “Crawling” – or his version of it at least.  He’s basically sliding all over the apartment (including underneath the table and chairs as seen above…we are in trouble), and I told the hubby we should at least strap a swiffer duster to his belly so the floors get cleaned at the same time.  I kid, I kid.  He also pulled himself up to a standing position all by himself on Monday.  I was at work, and I missed it, which sucked, because as a mom you never want to miss those first moments.  I am so happy for him and all of his latest accomplishments, but it’s starting to hit home that our little baby is getting bigger, and it’s impossible to go back in time to when he was tiny.

smelling  Not much of anything, because I have been all stuffed up with sickness this past week.  Meh.

watching  The Bachelorette is back!  Any early guesses of who will win?

wishing  For clear skies in New Hampshire, so we can view all the pretty stars at night again this year.

hoping  Along the same lines…for sunshine this weekend!  The weather is looking a bit gloomy thus far.  I know we will still have fun catching up with our friends, playing board games and watching movies, but if possible, I would prefer to be hiking and exploring!  

wearing  Casual today in Paige denim, black and white striped tank, Camo jacket, and New Balance tennis shoes

loving  The fresh Hazelnut coffee we have been getting from Fairway.  I’m not much of a coffee snob.  I usually drink one cup a day, and the Keurig system works for us.  I had never really thought much about the freshness of the K-Cups, but until you have had one of the new Fairway One Cups (which foregoes all the bottom plastic as well for the green folks out there), you haven’t had a good K-cup!

laughing  At this woman who was just a LITTLE bit excited to be a grandmother.

wanting  A recommendation for a new spring nail polish!  Who has one?

needing  A new bathing suit for summer, but dreading the shopping process this year.  None of my old suits fit my current body, so it’s back to the drawing board.  I have a couple ideas in mind in terms of styles, so hopefully I can find something that works.

feeling  Still feeling pain and popping in my thumb a couple days after the Cortisone shot.  Hoping it kicks in soon, or else I may need another injection and possibly surgery.  Oy.

craving  Fresh fruit.  It’s almost summertime, which means all my favorite fruits will soon be in season!

clicking  Around on the Father’s Day gift hunt…it will be here before we know it!

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What have you been up to lately?

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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‘Tis the Season

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‘Tis the Season!  I did a little me-shopping for the holidays, and picked up this jeweled sweatshirt from StyleMint as well as these adorable burgundy bow smoking slippers from Seychelles.  This outfit was a perfect blend of being polished and dressy enough for the Thanksgiving weekend festivities, but also allowed me to stay comfortable at the same time.  This particular day, my family all came to my parents house to meet our little Nico for the first time.  It went well and our little guy certainly has a lot of people who love him!

I also took advantage of the Starbucks drive-thru while in Maryland.  My neighborhood doesn’t have one, and I haven’t been venturing out of it too often while on maternity leave.  I absolutely swoon over their holiday lattes, and this year was no different.  I tried the Caramel Brulee Latte for the first time, and loved it so much, I got one the following day for the drive back to NY as well.  Yum!

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Photos by: Mary Ann Guaragna / Edited by: Myself

Sweatshirt: StyleMint / Bow Blouse: Piperlime (old) – also like this one in coral / Smoking Slippers: Seychelles / Pants: Motherhood / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella and Sparkle / Lip: Smashbox Maven / Nails: Essie Hot Coco

Things have been a little crazy in the Notes household this past weekend.  We’ve been trying to get Nico on a better sleeping pattern (i.e. trying to get him to go to sleep without it taking 2+ hours).  It hasn’t been fun, but after a few short days, I think it’s actually starting to work.  The whole family might be on a track toward good sleep (fingers crossed).  This is just the first of many tough parenting decisions we have had to make.  No one can really explain how hard motherhood can be sometimes.  We are just figuring everything out along the way.  Oh!  We have also come super close to finding a nanny for our little guy!  We have interviewed a lot, and we think we just may have found the one.  Hoping it all works out for the best!

Happy Monday everyone!

XO,

Gina

{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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{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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{12} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Finished reading Fly Away by Kristin Hannah.  If you’ve read the prequel Firefly Lane, you will definitely enjoy this book.  I always enjoy a good Kristin Hannah book.  I am now reading Khaled Hosseini’s newest novel, And the Mountains Echoed.  I was a huge fan of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, so naturally I had to read this book.  So far there are a LOT of character introductions, and I’m hoping that somehow they will all end up stringing together and making sense eventually.  So far it’s interesting…I think I’m just waiting for the connection and the point of the whole story.  I’m confident that it will come, but will let you know how I end up liking it.

writing  E-mails catching up with friends.

listening  Really liking Lana del Ray’s Summertime Sadness.  The original is beautiful, but I love the Cedric Gervais remix of course.  I don’t really have summertime sadness myself…quite the opposite actually, but for some reason, I just dig this song.

thinking  That they must have been working on the apartment above my office for about the past 5 years.  Seriously…will they ever be done???

smelling  And also tasting, this delicious Aloha Banana smoothie I’m consuming.  Fruit-a-holic.

watching  Saw an episode of the Kardashians (yes, I’m guilty) last night where Kim is in severe pain during her pregnancy.  I think this all goes to show pregnancy never happens the way you plan, and you have to be prepared for all kinds of challenges.  I have had my fair share, but very thankful to be feeling good right now!

wishing  That I could see into my belly to see what my little man looks like.  Weird?  Maybe, but I think it’s weirder to feel and see kicks and movements inside me all day without actually being able to see who’s in there doing it!

hoping  For my Uncle to come home from the hospital soon.  His surgery went very well, and we are so grateful.  Hoping that he will have a good recovery.  He is a tough cookie!

wearing  Floral pants from Motherhood (super sale right now!), Mint Poly button down from Express, Sparkly Flats from Nordstrom Rack, Sunnies from Francesca’s, Michael Kors watch, and my Henri Bendel Bracelet.

loving  The fact that we are having a family reunion this Saturday with my Dad’s side for the first time in probably at least 15 years.  So excited to see all of my cousins and extended family.  It’s been way too long!

laughing  At the fact that I got pooped on by a bird yesterday…yes I can only laugh because it did not get on my head or my clothing, and it was easy to clean off.  Thank goodness, because I had a meeting 15 minutes later…

wanting  Coffee.  Been getting a bit more sleepy again as I am now in the third trimester of my pregnancy.  And the smell of it, just makes me want it more!  Been trying to stay away from coffee though most of the time (except for my weekend treats).  Hence, the vitamin packed smoothies to wake me up!

needing  A back massage.  Thinking of making an appointment to get a prenatal massage soon to ease the aches and pains of the third tri.

feeling  Hormonal.  One minute, I’m super happy.  The next minute, I’m crying.  And I am not usually a crier.  I feel like my mood can change with the flick of a light switch lately.

craving  Ice cream.  But that’s really nothing new…I heart ice cream.  Especially in the summertime.

clicking  Catching up on all my favorite blogs and discovering some new ones as well.

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What have you been up to lately?

Happy Hump Day!

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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‘Tis The Season for Giving

'Tis The Season for Giving
‘Tis the season for giving!  Since I already shared my holiday wish list, I thought I would provide some helpful ideas to think about when shopping for loved ones this year.  I assume most of us have started at least perusing, but for those of you who haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, maybe this inspiration board will give you a little jump start.  Whether you are shopping for your mom, dad, husband, wife, best friend, or boss, I hope you can find something on this list your family and friends will enjoy.
For…
1.  The Sister or Best Friend: Floral necklace from Baublebar
2. The Hipster: Nerd Glasses from boohoo.com
3.  The Make-Up Hoarder: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette from Sephora
4.  The Party Girl/Boy: Corkcicle from Uncommon Goods
5.  Hostest with the Mostest: Darkest Night Red Wine Balloon Glass from Mikasa®
6.  The Ski Bunny:  Coal Creme Pom Pom Beanie Hat from Zumiez.com
7.  The Sassy Girl: Essie Nail Polish from Target
8.  The Bicyclist: RED Trace Audio Classic Helmet from Zumiez.com (Also works for skating, skiing, and snowboarding)
9.  The Future Photographer: Vintage Toy Camera Onsie from Etsy
10.  The Glamour Girl:  MAC Russian Red Lipstick from Nordstom
11.  The Dad, Hubby, or the Music Junkie:  Big Blue Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker from Brookstone
12.  For Sister or The Organizer:  Kate Spade Wallet from Piperlime
13.  The Mom, Grandma, or Someone Sweet:  Amazing Grace Set from Philosophy
14.  The Athlete:  Pure Balance Water Bottle from Lululemon  (made of glass covered in silicone, so no BPA!)
15.  The Boss: Steve Jobs Biography from Barnes and Noble
16.  The Tea Drinker:  Breville Ikon Electric Tea Kettle from  Gracious Home
17.  The Cold Weather City Dweller:  Volcom Earmuffs from Swell
18.  The Coffee Addict or The Comedian:  Mustache Mug from Customized Girl
Happy Shopping!
XO,
Gina
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