I Hope You Had the Time of Your Life

Loved One

I typically keep this space light and fun.  However, those you have been reading my blog for awhile now know that I also don’t want to plaster on a fake smile when I’m hurting.  Unfortunately, life is not just about the happy moments.  We have ups and downs and ebbs and flows.

This happens to be one of those difficult weeks.  It’s with great sadness that I lost my uncle, my mother’s brother, to a long, nasty battle with cancer.  He had a rare type of esophageal cancer, and while he fought like hell, there was nothing more the best doctors in the world from Johns Hopkins could do for him.  My only solace is knowing that he went peacefully and he is no longer in any pain or suffering.  While my uncle was a bit wild on the exterior, he had a heart of gold and a kind soul.  He was musical, artistic, funny, bright, and he loved his family more than ever.  I will miss him like crazy, but I know he is still with here with us in some way.

I know this song is cliche, but it’s appropriate, and it reminds me of my uncle playing guitar, so I thought I would share it here today.  Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.  Thanks.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMJ0LOWlUbo]

XO,

Gina

Trending in Tartan

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Tartan Jacket: Gifted – Also like this one  / Shirt: Urban Outfitters / Pants: Forever 21 – similar (a steal!) / Sneakers: ALDO – similar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Sunglasses: Street Vendor NYC / Hat: Gifted / Lip: MAC Red

I received this tartan jacket two Christmases ago, before tartan became popular this year.  I’ve got to hand it to my aunt for being ahead of the curve on that one. 😉  I wore this a lot in December, but was too busy to capture it on camera, so I decided to break it out again this weekend since we had some warmer weather.  And by warmer, I mean above freezing.  Thank God.  It’s been insanely cold here, with more snow than I could possibly want.  Including a snowfall as I type.  While I am enjoying a lot of new outerwear this season, I have to say, I am counting down until spring.

Hope you all enjoyed the Superbowl blowout this year.  Hopefully you had some great parties to keep you entertained, since the game was anything but exciting! Congrats to the Seahawks.

Looking forward to a semi-chill week ahead.

XO,

Gina

{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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Back in Action

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Striped Blouse: H&M – similar here,  / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Booties: ALDO / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – more from the shop here / Clutch: TJ Maxx / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co., ASOS (sold out – similar here), Baublebar

2014 has had a crazy start!  I started back up to work, and have been trying to figure out how to be a working mom.  Right now I’m trying to cram all my work into three days and still have time to pump three times a day to make sure my boy has enough to eat while I’m gone.  When I am home with him, he is more awake than ever, and he keeps me busy all day long.  It’s a lot of fun watching him grow (He rolled over for the first time this weekend!  And he’s sitting up for long periods of time on his own now!), but it can definitely be exhausting!  On top of that, we have been dealing with some house issues that need crucial hands on maintenance, and I’ve also been planning Nico’s upcoming Baptism.  Whew!

Needless to say, my poor little blog has been getting neglected.  I’ve had ideas for posts and outfits that I have wanted to blog, but life has just been getting in the way, and p + p unfortunately had to go on the back burner the past few weeks.  Hopefully as we settle into our new routine, I will be able to find some time to keep things going, because I really do love having this little creative outlet!

Onto this outfit.  Although, I do adore some pops of color every now and then, I do tend to go back to my comfort zone of black and white quite often!  Maybe it’s the New York in me.  I’m now back in my original size jeans (yay!) which called for a shopping celebration, and I scored this striped blouse at H&M while out.  The vintage locket I am wearing was a Christmas gift from my husband, and I’m absolutely in love with it.  There is a family photo of the three of us inside, with three other spaces to put photos when I want to add them.

Hope you will be hearing more from me in the coming weeks!  I am glad to be back in action.

XO,

Gina

Farewell 2013

I can’t believe it’s time to say farewell to 2013.  It’s been a crazy year, but also a really fun one.  I want to thank all of you for continuing to check out my posts every day.  Your comments and kind words definitely keep me coming back here to this little blog of mine.  Your favorite post was when I announced my husband and I were having a boy!  That little boy sure has changed our world.  You also liked my recipes for garden fresh tomato sauce and homemade pesto.  Who knew I could actually be crafty with my DIY Nursery Letters, which you all also seemed to enjoy.  And your favorite outfit post was this winter white number.

Now here is a little photo reminder of my trip to Maine, which is perfect for today’s celebrations.  I will most likely be in bed before the ball drops this year, because when you have a baby, you can’t stay up until midnight anymore.  Instead of drowning yourself in champagne and singing Auld Lang Syne while staring at the blurry fireworks…you sip some sparkling cider, cuddle your little one, put him to bed, and then climb into your own bed to catch up on sleep.  The difference in Brooklyn is that us parents postpone celebrations for a chic daytime party with other parents and babies in the neighborhood at the local bar (which I am looking forward to by the way).  So we will still be celebrating tomorrow, just during baby-friendly hours. 🙂

I am wishing you all the most wonderful New Year for 2014!

XO,

Gina

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2013 Fashion Round Up

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These are a few of my favorite outfit posts from 2013.  The past year has been a wild ride full of ups and downs, but I am so grateful for how everything has turned out.  These past four months have been especially wonderful watching my little boy grow up right before my eyes and spending time during the holidays as a family of three.  I am going to soak in this last week of being a stay-at-home mom and enjoy every minute of snuggles before going back to work.  Hope you all have been enjoying the little break, and wishing you all the best in the new year to come.  I’m looking forward to a bright future ahead in 2014!

XO,

Gina

{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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Florida Sky

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I took these photos on our Florida trip back in November.  It takes me back to the peaceful balcony at my Grandmother’s condo in St. Pete Beach.  The quiet. The warmth.  The calm.  It was really the first moment since beginning motherhood that I actually felt relaxed.  It felt nice.

These photos also remind me of spending quality time with my family for a number of reasons.  1) It was our first airplane trip as a family of three.  2) It was the first time my parents and grandmother were able to spend extended time with their grandson/great-grandson.  3)  It was the rare occasion that we were able to spend time with the three of them alone.  Normally, when we travel back to Maryland, it’s for a big event and there are tons of people, which I do love, but it was nice to spend some quality time on our own.

Thinking of family makes me extremely excited for our upcoming trip to Maryland for Christmas.  There are so many firsts Nico will get to experience. His first Feast of the Seven Fishes night.  The first time hearing my mom yell, “Santa came!” when we walk down the stairs.  The first time being subjected to my dad videotaping Christmas morning (yes, he still does it every year, but by now I appreciate it.)  The first time meeting some family members, and so much more.

My, these photos have gotten me off on a tangent here.  As a final thought, I know the holidays can be crazy, but I am hoping for a day or two while we are down in Maryland to feel that peaceful calm again that I felt in these photos above.

Hope you all are having a good week so far!

XO,

Gina

Seeing Santa

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Nico’s Santa Outfit: Cherokee for Target – on sale!

We were FINALLY able to see Santa last night!  I had been trying to make it there for the past couple weeks, but things were just not working out for us.  The first week, lack of sleep was an obstacle, and on Saturday, the snow and ice was a major obstacle.  However, the Notes family was bound and determined to see good old Kris Kringle this holiday season.  How could I look Nico in the eye when he got older and tell him I never got a picture of him with Santa on his 1st Christmas?  So this time, we headed into the city via subway (also Nico’s 1st ride) to Bloomingdale’s for a lovely experience.  They handed out cookies in line, allowed you to take your own free pictures, and offered professional photography as well.  I would definitely go back again next year.  Not only was this Nico’s 1st visit to Santa Claus, but it was also Daddy’s!  Despite all the craziness of not being able to get to Santa earlier, this day definitely made up for it all.

Oh, and by the way…the winner of the Goodnight Zoo giveaway is Kimberley.  Congratulations!  I will be in touch soon with details on how to claim your prize. 🙂

XO,

Gina

Party Bling

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It’s holiday season which means it’s party time!  I was lucky enough to receive these gorgeous Party Bling earrings courtesy of JoJo Loves You to pair with this sequined dress I scored at Forever 21 awhile back.  I love the red color as it excites me for Christmastime, and I definitely foresee me pairing these with other outfits this month and beyond.

Their shop, based in Brookline, MA is hosting their Annual Bling Sale today through Sunday, so definitely check them out.  They would make a beautiful gift or stocking stuffer for your mom, sis, best friend…or pick a pair up for yourself to rock at your own holiday party this year!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Party Bling Earrings: c/o JoJo Loves You / Dress: Forever 21 / Shoes: Go Jane (old) – similar / Panda Ring: nOir / Eyes: MAC Knight Divine / Lip: Korres Think Pink / Nails: Essie Hot Coco

Happy Shopping & Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina