lifestyle blogger Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

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

Homemade Healthy Applesauce

Last weekend, we went to Apple Dave’s Orchard upstate in Warwick, NY thanks to the invite and recommendation from some of our Brooklyn friends. We had an awesome time got tons of apples as well as pumpkins, listened to music, saw a puppet show, ate food, and enjoyed time with friends. The orchard also had an awesome selection of cider, wine, mead, etc for those who aren’t planning a two hour drive home! I loved that while this orchard was busy, it didn’t seem too overcrowded, the lines were short, you never really had to wait (unless you got to the orchard super late, and there was a line to get in – we got there by noon and it was no hassle). I also loved the small town feel of this orchard, and I would definitely return!

A few years back, I tried my hand at making apple butter. I don’t branch out to make these types of things from scratch often, but the kids were really excited about helping me so this year, I decided to try out applesauce.

Minus the fact that I forgot my food processor was broken and I had to transfer to multiple blenders, it actually ended up being pretty easy to do and the boys even helped me chop up some apples to put in the crock pot!

We added some strawberries to make it a little more interesting, and kept the ingredients healthy! It ended up being darn delicious, and I have to say, I’m pretty proud we pulled it off!

Ingredients:

*8-10 medium sized organic apples peeled and cored – the apples I used were VERY easy to peel. However, the skins have great nutrients and you COULD leave them on if you want to save time

*8-10 organic strawberries sliced (optional)

*1/2 cup water

*Ceylon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (I used both) to taste)

*10 second drizzle of raw local honey (optional)

Directions:

Place all of the ingredients in a slow cooker. You can cook on low for 6 hours or I cooked mine on high for 2 hours. At this point the apples will be very soft. I transferred them to a blender/food processor and blend until they are your desired consistency. Voila! You can store in the refrigerator for about 7 days, and you can also freeze it.

Looking back at this, it was pretty easy, and maybe just maybe I will do it again sometime. 😉

Are you heading to the apple orchard this fall? What are you planning to make? Would love to hear your recipes!

XO,

Gina

July Express Try-On

Green Floral Halter Maxi

Happy Monday and Happy 1st Day of July! July is one of my favorite months for a number of reasons. One, being it’s my birthday month! Where my fellow Leo’s at? (end of July). My sister and I grew up celebrating our birthdays together every summer at the beach. These days, we head to family vacation in August, but we still get plenty of beach days here in NYC believe it or not. I’m also excited for July, because I’m heading on my annual Coach Summit trip!!! Going to meet some of my favorite ladies and business partners out in Indy next week for some fun and inspiration.

Today’s try-on is from Express, and it’s a mix of fun summer pieces that I can dress up or down, take to the beach, take to my Summit parties, wear during our casual conference, or wear running around with my three boys this summer. All items are linked so you can shop. I do receive a tiny commission if you decide to purchase anything using my link (not in-store or outside of this link), and I so very much appreciate you guys using my shop links as it helps me to keep doing try-ons like this! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the pieces!

The green floral halter maxi you see above fits TTS (true to size – I’m wearing an XS), it’s super flowy and very comfortable. The length is perfect for my 5’0 frame, and the back has a super deep V cut for a sweet, but sexy look.

OH and Express is having major sales right now, so mostly everything you can get as discounted prices! Whoop whoop!

Floral Romper

The one I tried on here is a S, and it was a little big up top, so I snagged the XS off the mannequin! Hoping it fits perfectly, so I can wear it to one our parties in Indy with some wedges! This one is 50% off right now!

Waffle Knit Tee

Camo Shorts

This outfit is perfect for running around the playground with my kiddos or running errands in the hood. The top is really comfy cozy, and the shorts are a lightweight linen blend and easy to move around in. After looking up the tee online, apparently it’s supposed to be an off-the-shoulder-tee, but who knew? I guess you could wear it either way. It comes in a few different colors as well. Shorts on sale!

High Waisted Tie Cargo Pant

Paired the same top with these high waisted tie pants that are also the perfect length for my shortie frame. Or maybe they are supposed to be capris, but whatever, they work! Haha. Also crazy comfortable and easy to run around in with three small children yet cute enough to wear to the office if you work somewhere without a super fancy dress-code.

White Ribbed Bodysuit

Same pants, different top. This time rocked a white ribbed bodysuit. I haven’t rocked a bodysuit since probably the 80’s (I was 5), but I sized up here to a small, and it honestly wasn’t as uncomfortable as I’d remembered.

High Waisted Striped Tie Shorts

I tried to mix and match as much as possible to give you different options for how to style everything, and it also works really well if you’re into the capsule wardrobe thing, but here is the same bodysuit top with these linen blend tie shorts. I have tried these shorts on before. I loved them then, and I still love them now! These are a size S, but they run a tad big, so I needed an XS. These are also 40% off right now!

High Waisted Black Tie Shorts

Also comes in navy blue, red, and ivory.

Downtown Cami

Swapped out the bodysuit for this versatile chic cami which you can dress up or down. It comes in a TON of colors and it’s buy 1, get one 50% off right now!

High Waisted Multi-Stripe Tie Wide Leg Pant

I LOVED these pants on the rack, but in reality they were WAY too long on me. They were totally comfortable and if I were about 9 feet taller, I would definitely rock them. Okay maybe I’m exaggerating, but you do need to be kinda tall!

Heathered Strappy Back V-Neck Maxi Dress

FAV item of the day! I loved it so much, that I bought it even though it’s a little long, and I will have to have it hemmed. This particular one is a Medium, because I couldn’t find my size right away. The XS fit a little tight, and I liked the looser fit, so I ended up getting the Small. It does come in a few other colors as well (I tried it in black of course), but this one was my favorite.

Sequin Sheath Dress

Last but not least, this dress was so fun, I had to try it on, even though I have nothing to wear it to! Could be great for a summer wedding or fancy party. It was sort of a pain to get on and off as it’s very body hugging (I would prob wear Spanx under), but I really like it!

And there you have it! Can’t wait to hear what you think and which items you love! I have the full try on Saved on my Instagram Stories if you want to check it out!

Hope you’re all kicking the week off strong! I rocked a double workout today as our BRAND NEW 100 day program launched coaches to begin testing it out! You know I had to try it! It’s going to be a combo of HIIT, strength, and balance for 20-30 minutes per day and it’s set to a LIVE DJ! Very excited! There is ONE sample workouts available for non-coaches if you want to try! Just shoot me a message. Make it a great week everyone! July 4th is coming!

XO,

Gina

2018 In Review

img_1549_layers_v1

2018 was a busy year! From pregnancy, a super fun reveal, adventures, maternity workouts and clothing, prepping Nico and Luca for a new sibling, welcoming our sweet Baby Knox, and adjusting as a family of 5, there was a lot to celebrate all through the year. There were a few scary moments in time with illness in the family and a pregnancy scare, but happy to say 2018 ended well! Not sure yet what 2019 will bring, but here is a look back at the past year…

Hit my 4 year health and fitness coaching anniversary at the end of this year helping others get healthy and strong, and helping women start businesses from home. I am so incredibly grateful for what this opportunity has given me from being able to have freedom and flexibility to work on my own time from home, spending more time with my kids and family, while earning and income and building toward an income I am proud of. I am accepting new challengers and new team members for my challenge groups and coaching mentorships for the upcoming year, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have some goals to crush this year!

Our little family announced there would be a new addition coming to The Notes Crew!

Nico tried and loved gymnastics for the first time

I really dove into matcha during my first trimester (because coffee made me feel yucky), and I became super curious about crystals and sage.

I surprised Zack for his birthday and took him to the Alesso concert in Brooklyn which was probably not the BEST place for a pregnant lady to be and we realized how “old” we’ve become because we couldn’t last the whole night, but it was hella fun!

I finally learned how to poach an egg…even better, I learned from Vanderpump Rules, because I figured if fricken Tom Sandoval could poach an egg, then so could I!

Survived a week of HELL when we got back scary blood test results telling us that our baby’s chances for Trisomy21 were much higher than normal. We did further testing to reveal that he didn’t have this genetic disorder and these were my tears of relief after finding out.

Became obsessed with dragonfruit. It’s seriously delicious!

Continued to exercise all throughout my pregnancy and documented the growing bump on Instagram!

Fulfilled my dream of making pasta from scratch on a date night with the hubby. We made ravioli and fettuccine!

Found out we were having a 3rd baby BOY!!! Shots captured by Scratch Studios.

Zack and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on a Spring Break trip to Charleston! Thanks to my parents for watching the kids!

I gained a sweet new nephew!! Here he is with his older bro.

Nico had an amazing year at Pre-K for his first year in NYC Public School. Luca completed his first year of school with a 2’s program, and while it was a tough transition, it truly made a world of a difference for him and school has been a breeze this year in 3’s!

img_1010 (1)

I traveled to Indianapolis for the first time to meet up with these fabulous ladies as we learned how to grow our coaching businesses together at our annual Summit. This was my 4th Summit, and it’s an event I never want to miss!

We headed to Cape May for family vacation with my husband’s side of the family, and had an amazing time! We then hopped over on the ferry to Rehoboth, DE and continued the fun with best friends and some family! I also had a record breaking week with my business while we were away!

Sissy and bro-in-law came up to Brooklyn and we took them to Coney Island for the first time to celebrate our birthdays. Even though I felt like I was about to pop, we had a total blast!

Nico turned 5 and Luca turned 3 with a Firefighter themed backyard Birthday Bash

We welcomed Knox Gannon Notes on 8/19/18 and officially became a #partyof5.

289A0063

While it was a beautiful and happy time, the first six weeks post partum were also rough with tongue tie issues causing painful nursing problems, sleepless nights, borderline post partum depression, and hormonal tears. I honestly thought three would be a breeze, and we were thrown for a bit of a loop in the beginning, but we had been through two kids before and we knew there would be a light at the end of the tunnel which kept us going. Happy to say even though there are still some crazy days, the fog has lifted.

Took the boys upstate to go apple and pumpkin picking at Fishkill Farms. We also attended my cousin’s beautiful wedding down in Maryland for our first official event as a family of 5! They learn to travel young in this fam! LOL.

Had an EPIC Halloween dressed up as a family of TROLLS this year!

Started exercising again after having Baby Knox and starting to see some progress, though it’s also been even more beneficial for my sanity and clarity to be cleared to move every day again!

img_7890 (1)

Had such a wonderful Christmas season visiting our favorite NYC sites like the Bronx Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and roaming Manhattan. We also had such a memorable season with our family and friends down in Maryland.

2018, that’s a wrap! You’ve treated us well. We’ve grown as a family and grown with even more love to give. Looking forward to seeing what’s in store for us in 2019!

What were your favorite memories of 2018???

XO,

Gina & the Boys

289A9783

2018 Fashion Round Up

IMG_0776_Layers_v1

Pregnancy and Post Partum marked my style for 2019. Always a challenge to dress an ever-changing body, but I had fun with it rocking lots of dresses over the summer bump and lots of comfy casual in the squishy fall.

Which look is your favorite???

IMG_0831_Layers_v1

IMG_0890_Layers_v1

IMG_0676_Layers_v1

IMG_1107_Layers_v1

IMG_1161_Layers_v1

289A1460

IMG_1398_Layers_v1

IMG_1631_Layers_v1

IMG_1738_Layers_v1

This weekend I am working on posting a yearly round up of adventures we’ve had both as a family and for the blog and business which is always fun to look back on and see how we’ve grown in the past year. I’m also working on goals for 2019, and a round of some of my favorite books I’ve read in the past year or so. Lastly, I am kicking off my “Make it Epic 2019” Health + Fitness Challenge Group officially on Monday! I have a few spots open for anyone who is still looking for a plan of action in this New Year. Our new program also launches on January 14th, and we will be hosting a Team Test Group for those participating in this 20 minutes cardio based program with us! Okay just kidding, I’m not done yet. I also made a last minute giveaway purchase at Target with a little bag of goodies for a special winner to start off the year on the right foot! I will be announcing the giveaway sometime this week, so stay tuned!

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays, and cheers for a healthy + happy New Year!

XO,

Gina

Oh Hey

IMG_1629_Layers_v1

IMG_1619_Layers_v1

IMG_1612_Layers_v1

IMG_1631_Layers_v1

Button Up: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy (Santa Catarina wash) / Slip Ons: Old Navy – these are unfortunately sold out, but these other slip-ons are great for the season! / Lip: MAC Amplified Dark Side

Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but I feel like Old Navy has been killin’ it this season. I haven’t been wanting to spend a ton of cash on clothes lately while I’m in sort of that post partum transition period, and I’ve been scoring major deals here on jeans, shoes, sweaters, and more!

I love a good plaid button up for fall, and I have been loving everything burgundy lately, so I had to snatch this one up. I also just added the same shirt in red and black buffalo plaid to my Christmas List which is perfect for the holiday season.

Speaking of the holidays, this velvet tee was also a recent purchase that I’m going to be wearing all month long. I got it in the Galactic color, but they are all beautiful.

Lastly, if you’re a mama like me, you may be looking for some adorable holiday outfits for your kiddos. My boys will likely not allow me to match them forever, so I took advantage while I could and I grabbed this shirt in 5T, 3T, and then they have a matching one for baby. How presh, right? They will be looking adorable on Christmas Eve!

So many things are on sale right now…the options are truly awesome…so it’s a perfect time to head over there and scoop up some steals!

It’s been a crazy week around here with the launch of our new 20 minute workout program coming in January! I’ve been signing up so many new challengers and coaches to be a part of our team test group with me, and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s not too late to commit, so please feel free to reach out if you have goals to reach in 2019.

That said, I’m looking forward to relaxing a bit this weekend. I plan to work on (and hopefully finish) my holiday cards (while sipping wine and watching Christmas movies of course), and the boys are SUPER excited about a visit to Santa’s Workshop!

What are you most excited about this holiday season?

Have a great weekend!

XO,

Gina

READER’S CHOICE BEAUTY AWARDS: PART 2

HYear!

My goodness, you guys, I almost feel embarrassed posting Part 2 of this Beauty Awards post almost a year later! But better late than never, right? Part 1 was all about SKINCARE, and Part 2 is going to be all about MAKEUP! I’m definitely not a beauty blogger by any means, and makeup tutorials are not my thing. However, I do love wearing makeup. I feel most like myself when I take the time to put some on, and especially love a good pop of lip color! I come from a family of ladies who know how to rock a bold lip, and so that’s always just been a go-to product for me, and it’s an easy way take your look to the next level.

In the past couple years, I have been trying out some more clean, natural brands and so this list will reflect many new, clean brands that you all have recommended. However, there are still products on here that we all use and love that aren’t in the natural category. Just want to make sure I mention that up front! I am always open to learning about different products, so if you have any favorites that aren’t on this list, please send them my way!

I have linked the ones you recommended here for your convenience and maybe you will find something for yourself or a loved one for the holidays.

Without further ado…here are your Reader’s Choice FAVORITE MAKEUP products!!!

Under Eyes:

Tarte Shape Tape

Smashbox Color Correcting Stick

Face:

Tarte Aquacealer Concealer

Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Young Living Savvy Minerals Foundation

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

Benefit Watts Up! Highlighter

BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush

Flower Beauty Flower Pots Blush

Lips:

MAC Lipstick (Mattes)

MAC Lipstick (Cream)

MAC Cremesheen Glass Lip Gloss

100 Percent Pure Matte Lipstick

Bite Beauty Lipstick

Red Apple Lipstick

Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm

Eyes:

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette

Rodan + Fields Lash Boost

Make Up Forever Eyeshadow

MAC Paint Pot (Painterly shade as eyeshadow primer)

Benefit Ka-Brow Cream Gel Eyebrow Color

Lancome Definicils Mascara

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Stila Liquid Waterprood Eye Liner

Nails:

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish

Color Street Nail Strips

Zoya Nail Polish

JINSoon Nail Polish

OPI Drip Dry Lacquer

Oh em gee!!!! Okay, that was a lot of makeup!!! Thank you SO much for all of your beauty recommendations for Makeup…I appreciate it so very much! I have used many of these on the list, but there are definitely some that I am going to go out and try for SURE! Hope you guys get a chance to try them as well!

Do you love some things on this list? Do you think something needs to be added? I want to know!!! Please leave your comments below!

The Notes Family is getting ready to head down to Maryland for the Thanksgiving holiday. Trying to tie up all the loose ends around here…getting all the blog posts prepped, getting all the invites out for my upcoming health/fitness Challenge Groups, doctor’s appointments, laundry, packing, and all the rest. We are getting excited to see family and friends next week and for all the delicious food! OH! And I scheduled my annual (yes I know) hair appointment with my girl Nikki Cagle for when I’m in town. If you guys have any inspo for what I should do, please send my way!

Happy Sunday!

XO,

Gina

Basic

IMG_1432_Layers_v1

IMG_1400_Layers_v1

IMG_1388_Layers_v1

IMG_1431_Layers_v1

IMG_1405_Layers_v1

IMG_1410_Layers_v1

IMG_1435_Layers_v1

Cardigan Sweater: Target / Tee: Target (this color not available online) / Denim: Motherhood Maternity (yep, still rockin’ em) / Booties: Target – these are old, but I’m also loving these and these / Sunnies: Vintage / Necklace: Stella & Dot / Travel Mug: Francesca’s / Lip: ModelCo – trio available on Birchbox / Nails: Essie Luxedo

Happy Fall ya’ll!!!

Excited for my first outfit post on the blog since having my little man, Knox. Fall is in full swing, and we are finally feeling those chillier temperatures. I always thought I was a summer girl, because I absolutely LOVE the beach, but lately the past few years of summer humidity have me enjoying the fall season so much! (And let’s be honest…I’m sure the huge preggo belly all the way through this summer also had me craving fall! Haha.)

We went apple and pumpkin picking the other weekend and Nico is begging us to carve pumpkins this year. Last weekend we went shopping to begin putting together our Halloween costumes. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays (only behind Christmas), and our neighborhood really goes all out, so it makes things extra fun. We are also hoping to score a hike up to Bear Mountain at some point this fall before it gets too cold, because the foliage is amazing this time of year.

My outfit is a pretty basic fall get-up, but I loved the color on this cardigan and it’s super soft. It’s lightweight and perfect for layering during the fall season. I’m still rocking the maternity jeans at 8 weeks post partum, but I’m about a week and a half into my 21 day exercise and nutrition program that I’ve been following, and I’m feeling great! I haven’t missed a day of working out, and I’ve been been following the nutrition pretty well although I have had some extra meals/snack to compensate for nursing, and I’ve also had a few glasses of wine. Gotta survive #momofthree life, right?

Wishing you guys a Happy Friday and an awesome weekend!

XO,

Gina

Joylab

IMG_0724_Layers_v1

IMG_0676_Layers_v1

IMG_0733_Layers_v1

IMG_0722_Layers_v1

IMG_0680_Layers_v1

IMG_0730_Layers_v1

IMG_0736_Layers_v1

IMG_0751_Layers_v1

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

Baby Notes #3 Reveal

289A8716

Oh my gosh, you guys. The reveal day is finally here!!! I have been waiting to share (and find out myself) for so long! Lemme tell you, holding onto that envelope for 2 weeks while Zack was out of town was not easy! Haha. But our props finally arrived, Zack came home, and Saturday was go time. We headed to Prospect Park with Tyler Lyons on Saturday evening around sunset to capture our reveal and our reactions along with the news. It was a beautiful evening, and we are so happy for our little Baby Notes on the way!

289A8754

289A8799

289A8824

Your guesses on Facebook and Instagram massively skewed toward girl. I honestly went back and forth each trimester thinking something different. Of course, I found this soccer ball reveal prop on Etsy, and I just HAD to use it being a soccer player and now that my boys love the sport as well. My neighbor was the first one to find out since she purchased the soccer ball for me to use for this shoot. Okay…keep scrolling to find out if you guessed it right!!!

289A8824

289A8830

289A8831

289A8832

289A8834

289A8836

It’s a BOY!!!! Another Brother! #boysonlyclub

Oh my gosh. You should have seen poor little Nico’s face. He was CERTAIN it was going to be pink, and he was in SUCH a state of shock. I felt a little bad that we hyped up this reveal a little too much, because apparently he really got into it! He was hoping for a sister…That said, one day later, and he was back to being super excited again about his little baby on the way!

289A8837

289A8838

289A8842

289A8846

So I had an extra ball ordered, because I wasn’t sure how easy they were going to be to break open, and I was a little nervous myself or one of the kids would break it before we actually got to take our photos! LOL. I will say that this thing was STURDY as a rock. I had to kick is really hard (and my foot actually hurt haha), so I don’t think buying two was necessary. But that said, we had an extra one, so we let Nico throw it down to take a few more photos once we knew we were having a little BOY! It took him about 4 throws before he could get it to break, but he finally got it!

289A8861

289A8872

289A8873

289A8874

The official sonogram pic that the sono tech had put in an envelope for me. Yup. No doubt about that anatomy haha.

289A8898

Can’t believe I’m gonna be a #boymom for life!!! Wow! Another little monkey will be joining this crazy crew in August!

289A8926

289A8982

Thank you Tyler Lyons for capturing this special family moment for us! It was so much fun!

Tyler also snagged a video for us from his phone, and I edited a little something together as well if you want to watch the action.

[wpvideo xhCm1xYG]

Thank you all for your patience! I know I was driving some of you crazy making you all wait this long to find out haha. One person even said they thought we were having twins because of all the hype hahaha. NO. I guess I have always just loved a big production. 😉

To see the reveals we did in the past for Nico and Luca you can check them out here (Nico’s) and here (Luca’s).

Thanks for all the love and I feel so incredibly blessed right now! <3 <3 <3

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

XO,

Gina