health and fitness coach Archives

Fall Style Mini Try-On

Old Navy cream long sleeved tee – Aerie foldover joggers – H&M Long Black Cardigan – H&M White Sneakers w/ Snake Trim

As promised on Instagram, here is my fall mini try-on of recent items I purchased online from various retailers. Most of these items are laid back, comfortable, cozy, and things I can run around in with the kiddos. As a stay at home working mama, I don’t really need to be dressed up every day (and to be honest that would be uncomfortable with my current lifestyle of walking the kids to school and playing on the floor with the babe), but I also don’t want to look like a hot mess every day or totally live in activewear. Once I’m finished with my workout for the day, I like to put on “real clothes.” So I have some joggers, sweaters, sneaks and more linked here today.

For full disclosure, I do receive a teeny tiny commission if you use my shopping links. If you buy in-store or from a different link, I don’t. So if you decide to shop my links, know that I TRULY appreciate it! It takes a lot of time to put these posts and try-ons together, so THANK YOU!

Alright, the first outfit is a cream long-sleeve tee from Old Navy, which was super comfortable, stretchy, and long enough to cover the booty. I paired them with these army green Aerie joggers which feel like workout pants, but baggier. The high waist is made to fold down and they are tapered at the bottom. The long black cardigan is from H&M and I have been LIVING in it lately. It lacks pockets, but it’s super comfortable and soft. Finished the look with these white pleather H&M sneaks with faux snake skin trim and gold color detail. They gave me a pair with bum laces, so I need to return or get fixed, but they fit really well, and I’m loving them!

H&M Orange Mock Sweater – Target Wild Fable Mom Jeans – H&M White Sneakers

LOVE the bold, vibrant color of this H&M knit sweater! It’s perfect shade for this time of year (sort of a bright reddish-orange) and warm enough to wear into the winter. I love that it’s on the shorter side but not cropped, and there is still enough material that you can tuck it in. I paired it with these Mom Jeans I had from Target, and think it could go well with any type of boyfriend jean for a casual look with sneakers. You could also dress it up with a skinnier jean and ankle booties. I am loving these from Target.

H&M Wonder Woman Sweatshirt – Target Mom Jeans – H&M White Sneakers

My boys are big superhero fans around here, so I thought this Wonder Woman sweatshirt would be fun to wear around them. I love the contrast of the strong bold superhero with the soft pink sweatshirt for a strong feminine look. #girlpower

Old Navy Oatmeal Sweater – Rag & Bone Jeans (old) similar here on sale- Target Booties (also old)

This Old Navy rib-knit trim crew neck oatmeal sweater was my absolute favorite find in my entire fall online shopping spree! It is the most comfortable and also very versatile. I generally steer clear of this type of shade (and usually go for either super bold or black on black on black haha), but was inspired by one of my favorite life & style bloggers, Lauren McBride, (if you’re not following her already, you need to) to get out of my comfort zone and try some cream/ivory based colors, and I’m super happy I did!

Target Leopard Sweater – Rag & Bone Jeans – Target Booties

While shopping at Target, I originally saw THIS leopard print sweater and loved it, but they didn’t have my size. So my eyes next went to the one I’m wearing above, again out of my typical comfort zone. I’m still thinking about snagging the other one online as well though, because can you really ever have too many animal prints? These are both on the thinner side and perfect for fall before it gets too cold.

Free People Chunky Knit Sweater (old) – similar one here – H&M Black Jogger Pant – Cheetah Slip On Sneakers

Before you get TOO excited, this Free People sweater is from a couple seasons ago. I know, I know. So annoying. However, I DID find this brand new alternative that is VERY similar and I think you will love it as well. I love how it pairs with these elastic joggers from H&M which are so incredibly soft, comfy, and affordable. Lastly, these platform cheetah sneaks are so fricken cute, but if you plan to order, I would size DOWN, because there are too big for me in my regular size.

Hot Topic Skull Tank (old) – similar here – H&M Black Jogger Pant – H&M White Sneaks – Steve Madden Crossbody Bag (old) – MAC Dark Side Lip

Lastly, this wasn’t part of my try on, but I wore it yesterday, and since I’m wearing so many of the same items, I decided to throw it in here for this post since it’s so close to Halloween. Topped off with a MAC Dark Side Lip to complete the look.

Let me know which look is your FAV and which items you are loving for fall!

We are getting excited for Halloween this week, and can’t wait to dress up and share our family costume! What are you (or your littles) being this year?

Only 10 workouts left in my 100 day program, and our new Challenge Group will be starting up soon in November! I am looking forward to starting a new program in a couple weeks. Let me know if you’re interested in trying it out and jumping in with me!

Make it a great week everyone!

XO,

Gina

Joylab

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Sweatshirt: Joylab for Target (sold out) – also like this one / Side Tie Leggings: Joylab for Target / Sneakers: Blondo via Trunk Club / Sunnies: Brickyard Buffalo (old)

Okay, you guys. I am seriously behind on blog posts! This shoot was done back in NOVEMBER. I know, I know. Look how long my hair was! And this was before the baby bump even existed. But better late than never right? And guess what? Joylab, the now new-ish activewear line from Target is still fabulous…and comfortable and adorable…and totally perfect for that busy mom-on-the-go life.

I’m telling you, this sweatshirt is the softest, most comfortable ever, and was my go-to all winter long. The fit is loose with plenty of room for that belly that continued (and still continues) to grow as well. The leggings no longer fit with the bump, however, I look forward to wearing them again once baby arrives. Super sleek, comfy and perfect for either a workout, running errands, or hanging at the playground with your kiddos.

The rest of their line is adorable too, so I would check it out if you haven’t already!

This week has been a bit gloomy here in the Big Apple, and I’m personally missing the sunshine. However, mama and baby had a good doctor’s appointment this week…which if you have been following me on Facebook, you know it’s been a crazy roller coaster. I haven’t really shared over here, but we had a super big health scare with baby a couple weeks back which required some further testing, and luckily the results came back looking good, thank GOD. So to hit Week 26 this week with another good appointment is frankly the only real sunshine I TRULY need.

Happy Friday to all, and cheers to getting some more uber-belated blog posts up in the next few weeks!

XO,

Gina

2017 in Review

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WOW! I can’t believe 2017 is coming to a close. It’s been a year of personal growth, adventure, travel, family moments, and so much more. I learned a lot, and have come up with some exciting ideas to take with me into 2018. I plan to jump even more outside of my comfort zone this upcoming year, and see where the wind blows.

I want to thank each and every one of you this past year for supporting me on this journey…for reading this blog, for joining one of my health + fitness Challenge Groups, for commenting on a Facebook post, direct messaging me on Instagram, watching my IG Stories, giving me all of your advice and feedback on outfit choices or motherhood woes or workouts…or just telling me that you are inspired by a post or that you can relate. It truly means SO much to me. I started this blog and my brand really as a creative outlet a few years ago, but it’s turned into an incredible community which I am so grateful for. So THANK YOU for your continued support, and I hope you continue to take the journey with me in 2018!

Below is a look back at some of my favorite memories and experiences of 2017:

Zack and I finally went on a “Paint Night” Date and we loved it

I was obsessed with smoothie bowls:

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I learned a ton about gut health + drank lots of kombucha (I did a LIVE @ 9 Episode on this which you can find on my Facebook page, but I promise to create a blog post on this for 2018 so it’s in written form):

Boys both fell in love with soccer just like their mama:

Helped hundreds of Challengers get on track with their nutrition with these amazing portion control containers:

Little sis got engaged and asked the entire fam to be in the wedding 🙂 :

Zack and I had a week-long road trip together to Asheville (thanks Mom + Dad!):

I was able to take the family on an all-expenses paid trip to Punta Cana with Beachbody as a reward trip for my work with the company. To say they had a blast would be an understatement:

I developed a passion for nut butters lol 😉

Hubby and I did the Ultimate Reset Challenge Plant Based Cleanse program and we learned so much about our bodies, our eating habits, and made many tweaks and changes to our habits going forward (again, I owe you all a full synopsis of this experience in blog post form…coming at you in 2018!):

Went to the Dave Matthews Concert with the fam:

Spent many summer days at the NY Beaches + riding the rides at Coney Island:

Took Nico on his first roller coaster ride at Hershey Park with the family:

Celebrated our 10 Year NYC Anniversary:

NYC Engagement

Went to Rhode Island with the hubs to watch one of my best friends walk down the aisle:

Went to NOLA for my 3rd Beachbody Summit with my amazing team. We continue to grow, and I love training each new person how to become a #boss and build businesses that give them happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives:

Completed multiple workout programs including Shift Shop, T25, Insanity Max 30, and 3 Week Yoga Retreat:

Celebrated my sister’s Bachelorette Weekend in VA Beach rooftop style:

Luca got his 1st haircut:

Nico turned 4 and Luca turned 2 with a Construction themed Birthday Party:

My challengers got amazing results with their fitness + nutrition:

Christie Transformation

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We went on family vacation to Cape May:

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and the OBX:

Nico started his first year of “real” school through the NYC DOE and is loving Pre-K. Luca started a 2’s playschool co-op, and it was a bit of a transition at first, but he seems to be enjoying it now:

We threw at Rainbow Sprinkle Themed Bridal Shower for my sister:

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My little sis and her high school sweetheart finally tied the knot after 13 years:

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Took the boys on their first-ever camping trip this fall with good friends:

Had an epic Halloween dressing up like The Wizard of Oz characters:

Did ALL the the holiday things to celebrate the season (and enjoyed my most favorite/stressful time of the year):

Welp!!!!

That is a WRAP. Wow. What.a.year.

It’s been a good one full of fantastic memories. Thanks again for your continued support of popcorn and pandas. I appreciate you all SO much. More than you know.

I wish all of you an incredible New Year!!! I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store.

XO,

Gina

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Good Vibes Only

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Good Vibes Only Sweatshirt: Target / Tank: Gifted / Denim: Paige Denim / Sneaks: New Balance via Poshmark – on sale here / Rainbow + Unicorn Earrings: UncommonGoods / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

A little rain ain’t gonna kill my vibe. The weather is calling for a rainy forecast ahead, but this week is going to be packed with high vibe goodness! From Namaste November to the 80 Day Obsession Sneak Peek, to our “A Day in the Life” Event on Facebook and Instagram Stories, to my New Coach Mentorship Program, (which by the way, shoot me an email to join any of these groups or get more details) Kindergarten tours, a full day off with the both boys on Tuesday, playdates with friends, and MORE…I am ready to #sparkthefire this week!

You can’t control everything in your life, but you can control how you react to it and the vibes/energy you put out into the world. Remember, your vibe attracts your tribe, and I truly believe what you put out there comes back to you. I can’t control the rain, but I can choose whether I complain or splash in the puddles with a smile.

What type of vibes are you going to be putting out into the world this week?

XO,

Gina

Feeling Free

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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

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

Rising Girlboss

***In search of my next RISING GIRLBOSS!!!***

Are you a dreamer of dreams? Do you have a vision for your life that you want to create for yourself? For your family? Are you currently living out your passion?

If you were to ask me 2 years ago if I thought being a health + fitness coach was my “passion,” I probably wouldn’t have been sure. I have always been an athlete, and I thought I may “good” at coaching, but I didn’t know how much it could actually change my life. I didn’t realize that by helping OTHERS grow, change and reach their goals, that I would also grow, change, and reach my goals in the process. At this point 2 years later, not only has this opportunity opened my eyes to the possibilities for the future, but it’s given me the confidence, the strength, the courage, and the fearlessness to pursue everything and anything I put my mind to. And to help women do the same.

I am putting together a mentorship group to help 5-10 women like me to become the next rising #girlboss!!!!

If you are:

-hardworking

-creative

-passionate

-goal oriented

-love helping others

-want to grow yourself personally

-tired of being stuck in the same place

-want to have more positivity in your life

-needing more balance between work and family

Then let’s chat! You just might be a perfect fit for this mentorship!

Fill out the application here https://pandpfitness.wufoo.com/forms/team-spark/ or email me at gina.notes26@gmail.com and let’s chat!

Make it a great day everyone!!

XO,

Gina

The Busy Balanced Life

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***ARE YOU INSANELY BUSY???***

Do you struggle with finding the time to BALANCE it all?

If so, this just may be the FREE Challenge you are looking for!

I know how hard it can be as a busy mom, wife, friend, boss babe, hard worker, and (former) perfectionist to fit it all in…while actually feeling GOOD about it what you have accomplished. There are days when I have felt that I was running on empty or that I just couldn’t do anything right. If I was excelling in one area, then I was “failing” in another. But, we’re never going to get “less busy,” right?

So how do you find the BALANCE and the HAPPINESS within?

I truly believe that it’s found in mind, body, and soul, and that’s why I am teaming up with fellow #girlboss Danika Colucci to run this 5 Day Free Challenge starting on March 20^th! The Busy Balanced Life Challenge will tackle tips on how to create more balance in your life mentally along with how to physically balance yourself with exercise. The mind, body, and soul really can all work together to create an incredible balance within.

If you want to achieve more balance + happiness in your busy life, then please COMMENT below to join us! We cannot WAIT to take you on this little mini virtual journey toward a more relaxed and balanced life!

We hope you will join us! Wishing you all a FABULOUS Monday and a great start to your week! 🙂

–XO,

–Gina

Day Date

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It’s not every day you get a day date in Manhattan. But hubby and I had been wanting to do a “Paint Nite” event for the longest time, and when we saw one with a cool painting for 1:00 on a Saturday, we jumped at the chance. Thankfully, our babysitter was able to switch her plans around to be there for us, and we decided to make a whole day of it, treating ourselves to brunch beforehand. While typically trying to make the healthy choice as a health + fitness coach, I dove into some chicken + waffles and a Bloody Mary at Whitman + Bloom. It’s not every day you get a day date as parents, right? We really got into the painting and became totally swept into the whole experience despite my lack of artistic ability (hubby is pretty good though!) We had a ton of fun getting out of our comfort zones, and I have to say, I was pretty impressed with how our work turned out! Feel free to check my Instagram for the finished product!

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Dress: Forever 21 / Jacket: Goodnight Macaroon / Booties: H&M / Necklaces: Vintage + Stella & Dot / Sunglasses: Brickyard Buffalo

Wow, what a weekend! A day date, and a 60+ degree day in February? Whaaat? Crazy. We are on Winter Break over here, so mama is trying to come up with a plan of action for activities and things to do, while still being able to get some work done around here! Haha. I have a feeling it’s going to be a crazy week, but a fun one!

Hope you’re enjoying the holiday weekend and cheers to an awesome week ahead!

XO,

Gina

March Into Spring

The first photo here is 6 weeks post partum with my 2nd baby. I clearly felt uncomfortable about taking this photo even though I had no reason to. I stayed healthy throughout my pregnancy. I exercised regularly…ate well…I JUST HAD A BABY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. And I had already lost 20 pounds of baby weight after this photo was taken. I had a PLAN of action this time around, unlike after 1st baby when I had no clue what sort of whirlwind I was being thrown into. This time I was prepared. Yet, I was still feeling uncomfortable in my own skin taking this photo. As much as I wish I could have just embraced my body and what it did for me (and trust me I LOVE what our bodies are capable of. I think it’s truly amazing and has brought me two of life’s most greatest blessings)…I still hated seeing myself like this. With my line of work as an online health and fitness coach, I knew that in order for others to see how our programs work, I was going to have to show others what was possible. So I took the photo, but I didn’t love doing it. And it’s still tough for me to share here today…even though in my heart of hearts I KNOW there is absolutely NOTHING I should feel bad about. If anything I should feel proud that my body was able to create two amazing little humans.

That being said…the 2nd photo here is taken about a year later. After a lot of hard work. After ups and downs. After a lot of personal and mental growth. After CHOOSING to make sure that I did not get lost this time. That I remained a priority in my own life. It’s not easy to make a change. But I knew after my 2nd baby, I wanted to feel GOOD. I wanted to feel like myself. I didn’t want to wait around and “see what would happen.” I made a decision to take things into my own hands. Instead of letting life control me, I would control my OWN life.

I know 100%, that without Beachbody, I would not have been able to make this type of change. I would have told myself that I would make it to the gym, that I would go on a run before my husband left for work, that I would somehow, someway fit it into my day…but I wouldn’t. I now know that about myself. I now know that I needed something I could do from home. I needed something that could be done quickly. I needed something structured…that told me what to do each day and how to eat better so that I didn’t have to think too much about it. That I could just get it done in 30 minutes, and move on with my day.

I was able to make this change not only with the incredible workout programs and nutrition plans (because they seriously are AMAZING), but even more so because of the community of SUPPORT that I have had to stay on track toward my goals and stay consistent with a healthy lifestyle. I don’t have some “insane level of dedication or motivation.” People message me frequently and tell me that they love my dedication, or they also tell me that they wish they were as motivated as I was. But I’m here to tell you that I’m not any different than anyone else. I love ice cream and pasta just like the rest of us. (and I eat it often lol) I sometimes hate to get my workout in. I am definitely not perfect…not even close. But because of this community…because I stay more accountable for things when I know I will be checking in…because I have the support of like-minded people around me…because I’m the coach and I know I need to lead by example…I have been able to achieve things that I never believed would be possible after two kids.

If you are like me and you WANT to feel good about yourself, but:
-you struggle to fit working out into your busy day, or
-you have become stagnant on your journey toward reaching your goals…
-if you think you could use the extra support of a positive community that values individual progress over competition…
-if you cannot afford an expensive trainer at the gym, but want workouts that are going to get results…
-if you need to improve your nutrition habits or need new ideas to make meals more fun…

then please join me and my group as we MARCH INTO SPRING…with our heads held high. Starting March 6th, we will begin our next group based on making progress toward reaching our goals and feeling more confident than ever going into that spring break season. I don’t know about you, but I have Punta Cana on the calendar, and I want to feel my best!

***Comment below with MARCH INTO SPRING and your email address if you want to join or you would like more details about the group! You can also feel free to email me at gina.notes26 {at} gmail.com ***

Hoping you’re having a fantastic weekend!

XO,

Gina