{46} Lately…

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

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Lately I’ve been…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

craving  ALL the ice cream.

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

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

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HAPPY SATURDAY!

What are you up to on this summer weekend?

What have you been up to lately?

XO,

Gina

We’re in the NOLA, Baby

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SURPRISE!!!!! 4 years of wedded bliss and a trip to New Orleans to celebrate! I booked the flights in January, and have been planning out our adventures for the past few months. Somehow, someway I was able to keep this trip a surprise for that long! Many thanks to my mother-in-law for coming up to NY to watch our little guy while we got a few days away to ourselves. Figured we needed a little mini babymoon before the new baby arrives and we are back to crazy town again. I definitely think it was worth it. The best part was being able to stay out and listen to music all night without worrying about getting up early in the morning. We were also able to meet up with great friends while we were down there and they showed us around. The culture, music, art, food, and the people down there really make you feel alive. Nola, you definitely have a piece of my heart!

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Super surprised – On the way to the airport

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The house where we stayed in the Bywater complete with a beautiful backyard garden. Thank you Airbnb and thank you Marie and Raphael!

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Out to lunch at Booty’s – based on street food from around the world – located in the Bywater

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Ready to hit the town!

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Swamp Donkeys at Bamboula’s on Frenchman Street – so good!

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Coffee at Satsuma in the Bywater

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Morning stroll – love all the colorful houses!

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Beignets at Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter – a tourist MUST!

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Dinner in the Courtyard at Bacchanal in the Bywater – amazing ambiance, food, wine (I am imagining) and music

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Mississippi River

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I know we only spent three days/nights in New Orleans, but I have so many photos to share, that I am going to have to create another post to continue part 2 of our trip. What a wonderful experience to share with my amazing hubby. I know we will be back again someday 🙂

Hope you are all enjoying this Monday. As sad as I was to leave Nola, I was definitely happy to get back to my PiYo mat today and get a nice sculpt workout in as well as start up our Bikini Body Challenge with a crunch-less ab circuit. Nola is not famous for the healthiest of foods…so while it was PHENOMENAL, it was definitely a rare occasion for me to eat so much fried food! My belly was happy at the time, but my body is now craving some healthy eats! Today it’s all about the fruits and veggies!

Lastly, today is the FINAL day to shop my online trunk show with Stella & Dot. Make sure to snag those goodies and a chance to win pieces for free or at 50% off!

Happy Monday!

XO,

Gina

Be Radiant

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I was recently invited to the Demi Lovato World Tour at the Baltimore Arena thanks to the Radiant Collection from Tampax and Always.  Unfortunately, I was unable to make the concert…but for a good reason!  I was celebrating my Little Monkey’s 1st Birthday.  That being said, I decided to send my nieces (and huge Demi Lovato fans) to the concert in my place, and the experience was over and beyond anything in their imagination.

Demi was recently named by MTV among the  Best Dressed at The Teen Choice Awards, and there is no doubt that girls look up to her as role model.  She not only carries a “Wear What You Want” attitude and confidence, but she also participates in amazing, motivational volunteer work around the world.

On the day of the show, my nieces Brianna and Brittany were escorted to the Wear What You Want Closet, featuring a red dress Demi wore at the VMAs.  There was a photo booth, selfie station, and an opportunity to meet Demi herself!  I had no idea that would be part of the night’s events, and neither did they!  They were over the moon to meet her in person, and one of them said it was the “best early birthday present ever.”  I think I just might have won the “Coolest Aunt” title this week (sorry Jen ;-)).

During the concert, they had stage-side seats with an amazing view of Demi and also the opening acts, MKTO and Christina Perri.  A man named Spencer West, who is a double amputee, partnered with Demi and Free the Children and gave a motivational speech to the audience about never giving up on your dreams.  Demi also spoke about the limited edition rafiki friend chains on sale during her tour and how 100% of the profits will go to a women’s empowerment center in Kenya.

On the overall experience, my niece Brianna stated, “The entire experience was amazing and we are so thankful.  She is my favorite singer and role model, and getting to meet her is something I never imagined. Not only did she inspire us with her music but with everything she’s been through and is doing to help others.”

The girls took the following photos at the concert and events which I have shared below:

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It looks like it was an amazing time, and I’m so happy my nieces were able to have this experience to hold onto.

If you are interested in helping Demi and Tampax in this effort, please share a selfie on Twitter or Instagram showing off your unique, radiant-inspired look using #BeRadiantSweeps.  Participants using this hashtag will automatically be entered for the chance to win a grand prize trip for four to Brooklyn, NY to meet Demi as well and attend her concert in style.

For exclusive backstage footage on Demi’s tour and “Wear What You Want” inspiration, be sure to follow Tampax on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

Thank you for supporting the brands who make Popcorn and Pandas possible!

XO,

Gina

America’s Playlist

Wanted to wish you all a Happy 4th of July week!  As you may already know, we are taking a mini-vacay in Maine, and I will also be taking a little break from posting on popcorn and pandas.  Although, rest assured, I will be taking many photos while on my trip of course, and will have lots to share when we return.

I decided to put together a little playlist of some of my favorite patriotic American jams.  Hopefully you can use these ideas for a BBQ or however you happen to be celebrating this year.

1.  God Bless the U.S.A. – Lee Greenwood

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65KZIqay4E]

2.  American Child – Phil Vassar

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c1x3wcbvAc]

3.  American Woman – Lenny Kravitz

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzWHE32IxUc]

4.  American Boy – Estelle feat. Kanye West

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic5vxw3eijY]

5.  Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4&oq=born%20in%20the%20usa&gs_l=youtube..0.5j0l9.59101.60371.0.61884.15.13.0.0.0.0.138.1150.10j3.13.0.eytns%2Cpt%3D-35%2Cn%3D2%2Cui%3Dt.1.0.0…1ac.1.11.youtube.NSProT_-o3Q]

6.  Independence Day – Martina McBride

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPpAZ9_qAw&oq=independence%20day%20ma&gs_l=youtube..0.5j0l9.37455.41797.0.43532.19.10.0.1.1.0.1302.4006.3j1j0j4j7-2.10.0.eytns%2Cpt%3D-35%2Cn%3D2%2Cui%3Dt.1.0.0…1ac.1.11.youtube.fKC5U7bc-x8]

7.  Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdiCJUysIT0]

8.  American Pie – Don McLean

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9.  American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WBWov6nd6E]

10.  Pink Houses – John Mellencamp

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOfkpu6749w]

11.  Born on the Bayou – CCR

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIjUY3pjN8E]

12.  Everyday America – Sugarland

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntQPddLf97g]

13.  R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. – John Mellencamp

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dO_QKwtko4]

14.  Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue – Toby Keith

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PXSK3iDeAI]

15.  Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA]

16.  America the Beautiful – Ray Charles

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg]

Hope you enjoyed this little mix of classic rock, country, and a little dance to celebrate America!

Happy 4th!

XO,

Gina

Turquoise Tights

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These shots were taken last weekend before heading out to our little karaoke night.  So much fun by the way!  Mr. Biggs seriously has the BEST karaoke in the city in terms of talent.  Although your average Joe (ahem me) might be a little uncomfortable getting up there to sing after someone belts out “Diamonds” almost as good as Rihanna.  Seriously, I’m not lying.  This place has some amazing talent, and considering there is no cover charge, it’s like getting a free Broadway quality performance every time I go.  Fortunately, my girl Melissa and I don’t care if we aren’t as good as the rest.  We just say, “Even though we may not have quite the singing talent they do, we can sure put on a hell of a show!”

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: Mystique Boutique (old) / Tights: Target / Jacket: Wilson’s Leather – similar on sale! / Booties: Go Jane – similar here (Donald J Pliner), here (Sam Edelman) and here (Target) / Clutch: NY & Co – similar / Panda Ring: nOir Jewelry / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelets: Oja Jules and gift from cousin / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

It’s FRIDAY!!!  And guess what that means?  GIRLS WEEKEND IN BROOKLYN!  The hubby is heading out of town after work today to hang with his college rugby buddies in DC, and my girls from Maryland are coming up for a Brooklyn weekend!  Yayy!  This will be the first true girl’s weekend since moving into our Brooklyn apartment (which has now been over a year).  So excited to get some quality girl time with good friends.

What are you up to this weekend?

XO,

Gina

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