Friday Favorites

1. Favorite Summer Drink – The Smoothie

I have been downing one of these almost daily.  They are super refreshing and hydrating for my prego body, not to mention tasty.  I love to mix it up with different fruits including watermelon, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, and more.

strawberry-smoothie-187x300
Photo from KristenHadeed.com

2. Favorite Recipe – Beer Can Chicken

My husband made this receipe from Bon Appetit Magazine last week, and it was absolutely delicious!  In the middle of cooking, the chicken actually ended up falling over on the grill, and he was convinced it turned out burned and terrible, but I beg to differ!  It was juicy and flavorful, and I would definitely request we have this again!

beer-can-chicken-646

3.  Favorite Wedding Hairstyle – Beautiful Top Bun w/ Headpiece

My beautiful cousin, Alex, adorned this stunning hairstyle on her wedding day last December courtesy of Creations-a-la-Nikki.  I love how super-chic and classy her look is, captured by the wonderful photographer Abby Grace.

alexweddinghair

4.  Favorite Blogger – Keiko Lynn

I have been following Keiko’s blog for awhile now.  I absolutely love her retro-yet-modern, punkish-yet-feminine chic style.  Her blog is definitely one of those that I go to for inspiration.  And her make-up tutorials are phenomenal!

keikolynn

5.  Favorite Funny Video – Dad Life

This video actually reminds me more of my own Dad, than of my husband, but who knows, it could only be a matter of time once Zack starts rockin’ the Dad Life style as well!  Haha.

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

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  We are headed down to Maryland for one last quick trip (before we hibernate in NY until the baby gets here) for my sister-in-law’s baby shower for my future little nephew!  We are so excited our boys will be born right around the same time.  It reminds me of growing up with my cousin, Marisa, and I hope our boys create the same type of long-lasting friendship that we did throughout the years.

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

Skirt the Issue

IMG_9940_Layers_v1

Got an ever-growing baby bump, and can’t really wear sweats and a t-shirt to the office?  No problem…skirt the issue!  Luckily, I can pretty much wear whatever I want to work on a daily basis.  However, when I have meetings or lunches with clients or advertising creatives, I do like to look presentable!  This particular day, we were having a birthday lunch at the Mandarin Hotel for my boss and I, who both have our birthdays around the same time.  The meal was delicious, and the view overlooking Central Park was even better.  I scored this outfit at Motherhood Maternity, and both top and skirt are quite comfortable, yet presentable for the workplace.

IMG_9938_Layers_v1

IMG_9942_Layers_v1

IMG_9936_Layers_v1

IMG_9945_Layers_v1

IMG_9947_Layers_v1

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Skirt: Motherhood Maternity / Top: Motherhood Maternity / Shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack (sold out) – also like these / Sunnies: ModCloth / Bag: Longchamp / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Baublebar, Gorjana / Nails: Essie Rock the Boat / Lip: Lancome Groupie

My husband and I had a BUSY weekend.  Unfortunately, we never made it to that Hester Street Fair (don’t worry girls, we will make it before August is through!).  However, we made LOADS of progress on our little boy’s nursery.  I completed all of my thank you cards, Zack installed the carseat and built the stroller.  We figured out how to use all the stroller seats and attachments.  We built the bassinet stand, swing, rock and play, and activity gym.  We cleaned out the entire living room (so we can now sit on the couch), and found a place for almost everything, set up his dressers and started decorating the room.  We decorated his name in wooden letters, adorned an entire wall in monkey and tree decals.  We built a crib…loaded up shelves…I think there is actually more we completed if you can believe it, but my brain is too tired to think straight anymore!  Not to mention my body.  All this while 8 months prego, and a husband running a fever.  I have to say, we were pretty proud of ourselves.

After all our hard work, we decided to treat ourselves to a little dinner out last night at a new restaurant in the neighborhood called Wheated.  They boast fresh Neapolitan pizza.  Let’s just say we will be returning!  This whole area on Church Avenue is actually booming with new businesses and restaurants, so we discovered a whole slew of places that we need to try in the near future.

It’s a gorgeous day in NYC.  If every day in August is like this for the rest of my pregnancy, I promise to never complain!  It’s amazing.  Hope you all had an awesome weekend, and wishing you a very wonderful week ahead!

XO,

Gina

Beach Bum

IMG_9927_Layers_v1

The hubby and I spent my birthday weekend with a beautiful little day on the beach.  The weather was gorgeous, not too hot, with a lovely breeze, and the water was the perfect temperature for swimming.  It was such a relaxing day to get a little sun and some reading done.  Seeing as we went to Brighton, we decided to embark on some Russian cuisine at the casual Ocean View Cafe for dinner, which was very delicious and definitely recommended.  After our beach day, we showered up, and went to sing a little karaoke at Mr. Biggs in Hells Kitchen with friends.  It was a perfect day!

IMG_9920_Layer_v1

IMG_9912_Layers_v1

IMG_9907_Layers_v1

IMG_9906_Layers_v1

IMG_9900_Layers_v1

Dress: Gifted – similar / Medallion: (old) – similar / Hat: P. Luca for Barami / Tote: Obaz / Flops: Old Navy / Shades: Street Vendor – similar / Nails: Essie Rock the Boat

The tribal tote pictured above was a b-day gift from my awesome hubby, and the fedora was a little something I picked up at a boutique near my office last week.

Besides celebrating my 29th birthday this weekend (we also had dinner at the amazing Vitae), we were also able to get some errands done, and start on “Project Nursery.”  While we still have a ton of work to do, it was nice to get started with a big dent of progress.  Today marks 34 weeks; time is inching close and closer until the day we will meet our little man.

Hope you all are having a great week so far.

XO,

Gina

It’s Electric

IMG_9190_Layers_v1

And it’s back to my uniform this summer…the maxi dress!  I scored this one at a discount price from a local spot near my office.  Again, it’s not maternity, which makes me happy because I know I will be able to wear it post-pregnancy.  I love the rainbow of colors on this dress, and it was perfect for a beautiful sunny Saturday family reunion with my Dad’s side of the fam.

IMG_9191_Layers_v1

IMG_9186_Layers_v1

IMG_9200_Layers_v1

IMG_9177_Layers_v1

IMG_9195_Layers_v1

IMG_9214_Layers_v1

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: K&G Fashion Superstore – similar / Sunnies: Modcloth / Sandals: Dolce Vita (on sale!) / Necklace: Baublebar / Bracelets: J. Crew, Flair Accessories, ASOS, and c/o Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Toes: Essie DJ Play That Song / Lip: MAC Snob

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Girl’s night went off with a hitch last night.  Mucho thanks to my girl Ailie for graciously painting my toes (I can no longer reach them).  I am not a big fan of feet, and not sure I would have jumped at this opportunity had the roles been reversed, so this task was very much appreciated!  We had a great night of nail painting, mud-masking, movie watching, and festival chicken.

This morning I rose early to meet my cousin Seamus for breakfast in the city.  He is in town from Cali to surprise his sister today as she is giving birth to another little baby tomorrow.  So sweet!  The last time I saw him was on his wedding day to my cousin Alex, so it was great to catch up!  So glad we were able to make a little get-together happen this morning.

Hope you are all enjoying the week so far!

XO,

Gina

Skull Tank Revisited

IMG_9260_Layers_v1

You may remember this top from earlier this spring when the weather was still a bit on the chilly side.  I decided to break it out again for summertime while it still covers my baby bump.  I paired it with some mint short shorts and some comfy sneaks for a fun filled family day in Maryland.  We had our belated Father’s Day celebration this past Sunday with both my family and my husband’s, complete with crab cakes (because that’s what Maryland’s all about right?), brisket, chicken, corn on the cob, pasta salad, strawberry salad, beans, homemade tortillas, rolls, ice cream, cake, a musical performance, a little rain, a little sunshine, and a lot of fun.

IMG_9269_Layers_v1

IMG_9265_Layers_v1

IMG_9271_Layers_v1

IMG_9275_Layers_v1

IMG_9280_Layers

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Skull Tank: Hot Topic – similar / Mint Shorts: Motherhood Maternitynon maternity version / Sneaks: ALDO / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (2), ASOS, Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Chevron Ring: Baublebar / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Lip: Korres Guava Lipstick Natural Pink #13

Last night, we went to our final child birth class and learned a lot about breastfeeding and newborn care.  I’m really glad we decided to take the class, and now we feel a lot more confident going into the whole birthing experience.  Tonight, I am joining the ladies for a spa night in complete with manicures, pedicures, and facials!  Whoo!  Nothing like a little mid-week pampering.  The rest of the week, I plan on relaxing, and getting ready to travel back down to Maryland again for my friends Kurt and Tiffany’s wedding on the Eastern Shore!  Shortly after returning from that trip, we head off to Maine for our last mini vacay of the summer.  Fun times ahead!

Hope you all are stayin’ cool this Tuesday.

XO,

Gina

Happy Summer!

happysummer

Summertime is…

sunshine

the beach

picnics

friends

ice cream

family vacations

outdoor concerts

boat rides

amusement parks

frozen drinks

iced coffee

swimming pools

Central Park

bike rides

sunbathing

long walks

BBQs

tank tops

watermelon

midday thunderstorms

holiday weekends

bright lipstick

crab feasts

snow cones

…and so much more…

These are all things I look forward to in the summertime…and now it’s finally and officially here…

HAPPY SUMMER YA’LL!

Zack and I are headed down to Maryland tonight for a big family reunion and a belated Father’s Day celebration.  We have been blessed with beautiful weather, and we cannot wait to see everyone!

Have a great weekend.

XO,

Gina

Boardwalk Tribal

IMG_9132_Layers_v1

Two summer trends I am embracing this season are 1) obviously the maxi which you have seen a lot lately in previous posts, and 2) tribal prints.  I actually received this dress as a gift a summer or two ago, and I broke it out for a quick impromptu beach trip to Brighton Beach/Coney Island.  I also recently found this amazingly bright tribal necklace from Flair Accessories.  It was the last one, and I just had to snag it.  If you’re lucky, she may get some more in stock!  We had a great time watching the sun go down, reading our books with our toes in the sand, and walking along the boardwalk catching the last of the Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities.  I heart the summertime.

IMG_9135_Layers_v1

IMG_9154_Layers_v1

IMG_9142_Layers_v1

IMG_9131_Layers_v1

IMG_9146_Layers_v1

IMG_9157_Layers_v1

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: Gifted / Tribal Necklace and Bracelet: Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Flip Flops: Rainbow / Shades: NYC Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Fearless / Nails: The Balm Hella Yella (from LOFT)

The storms seem to be winding down, and we are heading into (hopefully) a gorgeous weekend.  Do you all have anything special planned for Father’s Day?  The hubby and I will be spending our Father’s Day weekend preparing for him to be a father and me to be a mother at a weekend intensive child birth course.  I’m a little nervous, but excited to learn and get ready (as most we can) for our big day ahead.

I also want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to my own Father, as well as my Father-in-law and my Godfather.  You all have made a wonderful impact on my life and my husband’s, and we are so lucky to have the three of you.  While, we won’t see you this weekend, we are looking forward to our family reunion and belated Father’s Day celebration next weekend.

Have a great weekend everyone!

XO,

Gina

Baby Gender Reveal Ideas {Canadian Family}

Remember our gender reveal for Little Monkey???

8625317045_d798fc97cc_b

Photo by: Justin Goldberg of Eudora Video Solutions

Well, apparently Little Monkey is quite the popular one.  Online magazine, Canadian Family has included our gender reveal in their latest article called 8 Exciting Baby Gender Reveal Ideas.  I am so honored to be included in their post.  Head on over to see my mention as well as 7 other fabulous ideas for mommies and daddies-to-be!

Curious, did you do anything special to find out your baby’s gender?  How did you tell your family and friends?

XO,

Gina

Retro Rainbow

IMG_9075_Layers_v1

ModCloth had a sale recently, and I couldn’t help but snag a few retro-style items from their online store.  This rainbow frock totally brightens my day, and I’m in love with these new cat-eye sunnies.  I’m also excited that I was able to score another non-maternity dress to rock while prego.  That way, I can also wear it post-bump!  Little Man is getting bigger and bigger.  And Mom is too.  These photos were taken at 26 weeks, and today I hit week 27.  3rd trimester here we go!

IMG_9092_Layers_v1

IMG_9084_Layers_v1

IMG_9102_Layers_v1

IMG_9117_Layers_v1

IMG_9095_Layers_v1

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: ModCloth / Cat-Eye Sunnies: ModCloth / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Henri Bendel – similar  / Earrings: ? (old) / Lip: MAC Candy Yum-Yum / Nails: The Balm Hella Yella (from LOFT)

After a beautiful weekend of sunshine, we have been getting some crazy storms up here!  I have to say, I’m glad it wasn’t the opposite.  We spent the weekend getting some errands done, picking up supplies for a small DIY house project, hanging out with friends for a birthday party and a cookout, playing some corn hole, and an impromptu trip to Brighton Beach/Coney Island.

Please send some love and prayers this way as my Uncle is currently having surgery today.  He’s been through a lot these past few months, and this surgery is extremely crucial to his health and well-being.  So any positive thoughts you can spare would be much appreciated!

Hope you all are having a good week so far!

XO,

Gina

Enhanced by Zemanta

Neon Highlights

IMG_9031_Layers_v1

IMG_9035_Layers_v1

IMG_9037_Layers_v1

IMG_9040_Layers_v1

IMG_9043_Layers_v1

IMG_9047_Layers_v1

IMG_9051_Layers_v1

Photos by: Melissa DiGiulian / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: K&G Fashion Superstore / Neon Sandals: Dolce Vita via Saks – on sale in black – similar neon yellow sandals here / Fringe Skull Bag: Shoedazzle – sold out – similar here and here / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelet: J. Crew / Aviators: Street Vendor in NYC / Chevron Stack Rings: Baublebar – similar  / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Nails: Essie Funky Limelight and DJ Play that Song accent and on toes / Lip: NARS Born this Way

I wore this outfit to my soccer team’s BBQ over the weekend.  So proud of them for winning the championship this past season!  This dress is super comfy, and I’m still thinking flowy dresses are going to be a staple throughout the rest of the summer and my pregnancy.  I scored these neon sandals on sale at Saks, and I love the pop of color they bring to this look.  It just so happens my nails also match!

Tonight, I am attending the AICP Next Awards for work, which honors marketing campaigns in categories such as integrated, viral/web film, website/microsite, product integration, social media, mobile, cause marketing, and experiential.  Looking forward to hearing some of the presentations from the winners.  Other than tonight, this should be a pretty laid back week.

Have a good one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina