lifestyle Archives - Page 2 of 24

Let the Countdown Begin

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This photo was taken 2 years ago at our last family trip to the Outer Banks. Nico was almost 1 year old, and I was so excited to bring him there for the first time. You see, the Outer Banks is like a second home. My parents grew up vacationing here, and then I grew up with my sister and cousins vacationing here. My uncle lived here for 25+ years, and my cousin also calls this place home. We have family friends here, we know our way around, we have our favorite restaurants, beach spots, shops, and traditions we keep. We spend long days here lounging in sand or playing corn hole on the beach. We ride the waves and sit in chairs getting lost in conversation until we realize we are halfway in the ocean lol. We go for jogs and walks down to the pier and back. We spend our evenings with a quick dip in the pool then off to celebrating summer birthdays, dining on restaurant seafood + home cooked pasta and meatballs, and mingling with family. Our late nights are spent here playing board games, drinking wine and playing guitar/singing out on the deck. It’s the one time of year where my entire family gathers to be together at once. We may need more than one house to fit all of us there, but we make it happen and we create the best memories.

I’m sure many of you have a place like this that is so special for you and your family. What is that place for you???

As I think about our upcoming trip to the OBX in 4 days, I think about my little Luca…who is the age and size that Nico was in this photo. I am excited for him to experience all of this for the first time, and happy that Nico may even be old enough to carry some of the memories home with him (and maybe some seashells too).

I may be raising little city kids up here in Brooklyn, but they sure as heck will be OBX beach babes every summer.

Counting down – 4 days ’til OBX fam

XO,

Gina

Jam out July

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Like music? Like working out? Like listening to music WHILE working out?!?!

Then THIS is the challenge for you!!!

Join some of the top coaches on Team SPARK! July 18th for Jam Out July!!! This FREE 5 Day Health + Fitness Challenge will incorporate a summer jam for each workout on each day of the week. You can listen to the song once for a quick mini workout, play the song on repeat for more of a challenge, or string them all together at the end of the week to pump up that jam!

We will also be sharing healthy recipes and tips for summer fun! Should be a good time, and you won’t want to miss this one!

Comment below with your email address to JOIN the fun or reach out to me for more details!

gina.notes26 {at} gmail.com

Cannot WAIT!

XO,

Gina

Baltimore BoatHouse Wedding

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I am SO excited to finally share these photos from the wedding we attended at the beginning of the month. My college bestie and roomie, Nichole (otherwise known as Tissy) married the love of her life, Tom, at Canton Waterfront Park. Their story is special, and I am happy to say that I was there when they met in Boston through our mutual friends (and other college bestie/roomie + her hubby who performed the ceremony!). Who knew that at our friend’s apartment and a night out in Boston (and it was one crazy night! LOL!) that years later they would end up as husband + wife. Their ceremony was intimate and incorporated everyone who attended. The whole event captured their personalities, their humor, their style, they favorite foods, and the happiness they have together. They shared their first dance on the altar, and I think it’s pretty clear how much love they have for each other as shown by their giant smiles.

Congratulations Tissy + Tom! Love you both so much, and wishing you a lifetime of smiles just like these! 🙂

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This last photo is my favorite. I just love how happy they look together! What a perfect day and a perfect couple. Hope these photos give you a glimpse into how beautiful it was.

Hope you are all having a great week so far. Nico had his last day of his first year of school on Tuesday. I can’t believe how fast it flew by! Summer is officially here for us and we are heading to a lake house at the Poconos on Saturday for a week to celebrate the holiday! Looking forward to a little R + R coming up as well some adventures swimming and hiking.

Make it a great day everyone!

XO,

Gina

Bloom Bloom Pow

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Floral Pants: Forever 21 – similar / Tank: Old Navy – similar / Sunglasses: Brickyard Buffalo / Bracelet: Mantraband / Necklace: Amrita Singh – similar / Earrings: Stella & Dot – now on sale! / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

In between all of the rain we have had this spring, somewhere in there was a sunny day. These flowing pants were perfect on this day paired with a tank, some shades, and a few baubles. Dressy enough to look like a human being and not portray my usual tired mom-vibe, but not too dressy that I couldn’t run around and climb things with my toddler.

These shots were actually taken in my parent’s yard over spring break with the trees in full bloom. It’s stunning there this time of year. My Dad is quite the photog, wouldn’t you say? He puts up with me, and we got the shots in before everyone woke up from nap time crying so there’s that…

Can’t believe Memorial Day Weekend is already right around the bend. Looking forward to a busy, exciting summer ahead. And speaking of that sun…it’s back out today 🙂

Happy Hump Day!

XO,

Gina

Melt Away May

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ICE CREAM!!!! No, I am not running an ice cream eating challenge group (although that might be pretty fun 😉 ) …

We all like ice cream. You can say you don’t, but I know you do…or maybe you are just weird 😉 No one wants to give up these kinds of things for life. And we don’t have to. Your journey toward health and fitness does not mean you have to eat food that tastes like cardboard, be hungry all the time, or work out like a maniac for hours and hours each day. To me that doesn’t sound fun or healthy. And neither does depriving yourself of the finer things in life…like said ice cream.

Just because I love ice cream doesn’t mean I need to eat it every day. But it also doesn’t mean I can’t have it and still live a happy and healthy lifestyle. In fact, that happy factor goes right up after a delicious bite! I’m a firm believer that if you are fueling your body with the right whole foods, vitamins, and nutrients 80% of the time, then you should absolutely enjoy that ice cream (or pizza, or chocolate, or whatever you please)…the other 20%…and you should enjoy it guilt-free! Enjoying these things can be satisfying and it can also curb that urge to go on a super binge down the road.

My post-partum health and fitness journey has been different than any other journey I have had previously because while I have always been an athlete…I never really thought too much about what I was eating. I liked to think that I was eating healthy most of the time, but I never REALLY paid a super amount of attention. After baby #2, I really dialed into my nutrition, paid attention to what I was eating and learned a lot about my habits from doing the 21 Day Fix program. It made me think about healthy habits for a lifestyle rather than just a fad diet.

In addition, the workouts were an awesome variety that really targeted the entire body each week. Previously I was a soccer player, basketball player, a runner, etc…I had natural results because I was so active every day with 2 hour practices or hour long runs. After baby #2, 2 hour practices on the soccer field were definitely no longer practical! With this program I could get a 30 minute workout in each day without ever leaving the house…and I got a total body workout that produced amazing results…while still allowing me to enjoy life with those treats J

While I do still sometimes crave that game on the soccer field…with my current lifestyle and hanging out with my little guys on a daily basis…this is how I am able to get it done…and how I am able to get results. I have to say I am probably the HEALTHIEST I have been in my entire life. All it took was:

*Healthy Meals & a Realistic Outlook on Nutrition

*30 Min Daily Workouts

*Drinking a daily dose of dense nutrition each day

*Checking into a group full of positive, inspiring individuals that keep me accountable each day

*Surrounding myself with positive “co-workers” who build me up and make me a better person, athlete, mom, and businesswoman.

These days everyone has a full, busy life…but it doesn’t mean we don’t have time for the things that matter. And our health definitely matters. It’s all about what we choose to do with that time. You deserve that time for yourself. YOU MATTER!!!

I am starting my next Challenge Group up on May 2^nd, and would love to have you MELT AWAY MAY with me! Comment below with “I want to Melt Away May!” and the best way to contact you if you want to learn more information or need help choosing a program to fit your needs, likes, and goals. This summer I am excited to finally feel confident in a bikini while enjoying that ice cream guilt-free! Who’s with me? LET’S DO THIS!

Hope you are all having a great day! We are in Maryland this week spending some extra time with family while Nico is on Spring Break from school and the hubby is on a work trip in Austin. Make it a great one all!

XO,

Gina

Green Gardens

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Floral Blouse: Express (sold out, but similar here) / Denim: AG Jeans / Booties: H&M / Hat: Vintage / Sunnies: Vintage / Necklace: Amrita Singh / Lip: MAC Rebel

These photos were taken back on Easter weekend, when we had the most gorgeous Saturday at my parent’s house. It was so nice to be outside in their beautiful yard in Maryland where the grass is green and the flowers are starting to bloom. Of course my Nico couldn’t get enough of swinging in the new hammock my Dad put outside. We caught up with friends, dyed Easter eggs, and I even got a (much needed) fresh hair cut. Many thanks to Nikki for the new locks and style!

Since that weekend, it’s been a bit frigid up here in NY. Hoping that spring weather will come back around again soon.

Today is Day 3 of 21 Day Fix Extreme. Whew! It’s definitely challenging. I am feeling the burn, feeling myself getting stronger already, and dialing in that nutrition again. Wish me luck staying on track tonight on my dinner date with a friend!

Hope you all are having a great week!

XO,

Gina

Trés Chic

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Back at you this Friday with the full outfit post. I had so many of you ask where I got this darling sweater below. I got it around Christmastime at Nordstrom, and it is made by Halogen. Unfortunately, it’s no longer in stock…even at Nordstrom Rack. I have searched high and low for something “similar” but have come up short. Halogen does make another cute sweater though that is on super sale at Nordstrom Rack right now and is also very soft with embroidery if you want to check that one out. Looks like there are a few left if you hurry. Sorry to disappoint. I was hoping to find something similar, but maybe Halogen will come out with another great find soon!

Also, this sweater is not super similar, but along the lines of Paris and French things, I do love this one as well from Catherine Malandrino via Neiman Marcus Last Call.

Additionally, I scored this houndstooth coat marked 50% off at H&M right before Christmas. I tried it on while babywearing and had no idea if it was truly going to fit me, but I decided to take the risk, and I’m glad I did!

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Houndstooth Coat: H&M (sold out, but similar here from Calvin Klein via Bloomingdales) / Pink Peony Paris Embroidered Sweater: Halogen via Nordstrom / Leopard Print Blouse: H&M (old) / Jeans: AG Jeans / Booties: H&M / Necklace: Express / Lip: Younique Stiff Upper Lip Stain in Sleek c/0 Suzie Engler

Happy Friday!! This week has been pretty smooth which can be rare when you have two kids, you are running a business, and you are on the road a lot. Thankfully the babes have been napping regularly and have been in the best of moods. I think the trick has been to wear them out in the morning so they are ready to crash in the afternoon and then mama can get a little break haha. At least that has been working this week. I’m sure next week will change 😉

Have a date night planned with the hubs tonight and a busy, but exciting weekend ahead! TGIF!

XO,

Gina

Sleek

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You know that lady in your family who gives hugs and smooches and then leaves evidence of said smooch all over everyone?

“Oh I guess you said hello to Aunt so and so, because you have lipstick on your cheek.”

Yeah, that’s me. My poor kids have lipstick smooches on them regularly. So when Suzie suggested I should try out Younique’s Stiff Upper Lip Stain, I figured I would give it a shot! I love a new lip color and had never before tried a stain, so I was pretty excited to check it out. I chose the “Sleek” color for the winter season, and I also think it will be great once fall arrives.

Below are my before photos with a naked lip.

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And on the contrary…POP! The Sleek Stiff Upper Lip Stain in action. It’s bold and beautiful. I just love the richness of the color. Since I had never used a stain before, the texture was a little more fluid than I was expecting. I suppose I was thinking it would be like a gloss? But that was definitely not the case. I realized you have to let it dry and that two coats works the best! I was SUPER impressed with the fact that it stayed on ALL day without reapplication, and my kid’s faces were not covered in lipstick by the end of the day. I would definitely recommend trying it out, and it also comes in a variety of colors if dark and bold is not your jam.

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This was the first Younique beauty product I have tried, but it looks like I will need to check out some more! Many thanks to Suzie for this great pick!

Hope you are all having a great week so far. We are getting back into our groove from the Easter holiday. We traveled to Maryland so this week has been all about grocery shopping, laundry, paying bills, and cleaning the house. Ohhhh adulting. Trying out lip stains is much more fun! 😉

But in all seriousness, I cannot even believe March is almost over and we will be into April in no time. This year is flying by and the boys are growing way too fast. Luca is already 7 months old, and Nico over 2.5 already. Where does the time go? I am finishing up P90X3 this week, and feeling stronger than ever. I have been absolutely loving it, but I DO feel as if I have let my nutrition slip just a bit in the past couple months. SO I am taking measures to the EXTREME with 21 Day Fix Extreme next month to get back on track…eeeep! I’m a little nervous, but I am up for the challenge.

Also looking forward to warmer days and more long walks and days on the playground with my boys. Bring on the spring!

XO,

Gina

Sporty Spice

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Sweater: Express / Tank: Old Navy / Jeans: Rag & Bone / Shoes: New Balance / Hat: Baltimore Orioles / Necklace: Love Lori Michelle

It’s tough to find the time to get in an outfit shoot these days, especially with the cold weather with two little ones when your husband is the photographer. I promise I still get dressed…sometimes. Well, at least on weekends. But enough with the excuses. We made it happen last weekend. A casual outfit for a casual day…brunch at Bar Bacon (amaze!), the playground, and a walk through Central Park. The kids both slept through brunch, so it was kind of like a date. It was nice to get into Manhattan and have the kids feel the magic of the city and the tall buildings, but also to escape to our favorite city sanctuary of Central Park.

Since I am generally in workout gear during the week these days, I normally dress up a little more over the weekends. But I felt like going for that sporty look with the sneakers and baseball cap. It’s not my typical go-to style, but it felt right for the day and felt comfortable for what we had planned. I even had a fellow mom strike up a convo with me on the playground because of my Baltimore O’s hat. She was a former Marylander as well. See, not everyone in NY is a Yankees fan 😉 You can take the girl out of Maryland…

…but she will still sing the Star Bangled Banner with an “O!” (All you Maryland people know EXACTLY what I’m talking about! And everyone else is like huh?)

I digress…speaking of my hometown…we will be heading back there on Friday after the boy’s doc appointments (6 and 2.5 yr. check ups already!). Saturday we will be celebrating my baby boy Luca as he will be officially welcomed into the Church! Very excited to celebrate his special day, which he will also share with his Papa who is turning 35! Looking forward to a day of family, friends, and celebration!

Hope you are all having a fantastic week!

XO,

Gina

Oscar Favs 2016

Well, I may not have made it to the movie theatre once to see any of this year’s Oscar nominations…when you have a new baby, everything is on Netflix! I will have to add all of these films to my queue. However, I did have time to catch most of the Oscars including the Red Carpet. Cate Blanchett has my absolute favorite look of the night. I think she looks incredibly stunning! Below are the rest of my favorites from the night in no particular order.

88th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals — Julianne Moore in Chanel

Maria Menuounos — Maria Menounos in Christian Siriano

Saorise Ronan — Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein

Which Red Carpet look is your favorite? Or do you have a different favorite look that did not make this list? Please share! 🙂

We had a great family weekend with a nice brunch in the city followed by some adventures in Central Park. It was a beautiful day and such a nice little tease for spring! Busy busy week ahead prepping for our upcoming trips to Maryland this weekend for Luca’s Baptism and our cruise to the Caribbean the following weekend. Lots to do before we leave!

Today starts block 3 of P90X3 for me, and I’m super excited to be 2/3 of the way through the program. Although slightly sad that it’s coming to an end this month, because I am really enjoying it!

Make it a great week everyone! And Happy LEAP Year!

XO,

Gina