Strawberry Sunshine

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On me – Dress: ModCloth / Shoes (1): ALDO / Shoes (2): Carrini via Hautelook / Sunnies: Amazon / Bracelet: Baublebar / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

On Nico – Shirt: Carter’s / Shorts: Quad Seven

I scored this dress on sale from ModCloth at the beginning of August, and I love that it can work both for summer and fall.  I dig the retro/vintage feel of the dress in terms of the silhouette as well as the strawberry floral print.  It instantly puts me in a good mood!  I wore this a couple weeks ago for a family day in the neighborhood, and then changed my shoes for a long walk to the Prospect Park carousel and zoo.  As you can tell, Nico was a big fan of the carousel!

I am feeling SO MUCH better this week.  Thank you for all your thoughts and well wishes from my last post.  It definitely helped!  Looking forward to a busy week of catch up, and I’m planning to get outside as much as humanly possible!

XO,

Gina

Confessions of a Stir Crazy Mama

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Well, this isn’t exactly how I planned to spend my first week back as a stay-at-home mom.  Yes, you heard that right.  I am currently a stay-at-home mom again as of last Thursday…the last day of my company’s existence as we know it.  The news came as a bit of a shock in terms of the timing, although when I think about it, I’m not really surprised.  I always knew the day might come when my boss got tired of the business and would want to retire or move onto other things.  I guess I never realized I might still be around (in the company) at that point.  It’s bittersweet for me.  It’s the place that I have called my second home since moving to the Big Apple with two of the only co-workers I have ever known in this city.  I have changed so much since my beginning there as a young twenty-something, and I have learned so much about advertising, production, animation, and so many other areas I had the opportunity of dipping into during my last seven years.  I have had the chance to meet and work with some incredibly talented and amazing people, be included in fabulous events, and learn the ins and outs of an industry from a rare point of view.  I am ever grateful for the mentorship, friendship, flexibility, confidence, trust, concern, and kindness my boss has shown toward me over these last several years.  As a newcomer to NY, it can be scary to embark on a journey in such a large city, but I felt welcomed immediately and knew that I had people that I could count on in my life through my work.

It’s bittersweet, because although I am sad to leave the comfort of my job and my day-to-day relationships, this does mean I get to spend more time with my son while I figure all of this out.  I also get the chance to start fresh and maybe try something new.  I have thought about trying something new from time to time, but then I always get sucked back into the day-to-day, and I lean on the comfort of my security with where I am at.  Now, I have no excuse for not pursuing those dreams.  I don’t even necessarily know if I have figured out exactly what those dreams are…but I know have the time to soul search, dig deep into myself to figure out what I am passionate about, determine what my strengths are, and possibly marry all of that together.  I do know that I want to continue working in some way, shape, or form.  I like having a job outside of the home where I can be someone other than “Mom.”  I love being Mom, but I also love creating and thinking and producing and connecting…doing all of the other things I know I am capable of in my life and in my career.  I have enjoyed the balance in the past months since I have finished with maternity leave between home life and work life.  I think that works best for me and my family…for my sanity…for Nico to grow comfortable with others…for my husband in regard to my sanity haha.  I would like to find a way that I can continue that balance going forward.  I don’t want to rush.  I want to enjoy this extra time with my baby while I can, because I will never get it back.  And I want to make sure my future decisions are based on careful, well-thought-out, heart-and-mind-fulfilling planning.

All that being said…this is not the way I planned on spending my first week back at home.  I was super excited to take Nico out on playdates, catch up on blog posts, find some time for soul searching and career planning.  And the most I have managed is two loads of laundry in four days.  I have basically been immobile on the couch or bed, feeling like I have been hit by a ton of bricks.  I have been bound by high fevers, chills, sniffles, body aches, head throbs, and a gnarly looking sore-throat…the absolute works.  I’m not even able to care for myself, let alone a small child.  My husband had to come home from work just to take me to the doctor, because I couldn’t get there by myself with the baby (and I also didn’t want the baby in the doctor’s office with a bunch of sick people.)  It’s a miracle he hasn’t gotten sick yet, and I’m praying he doesn’t.  Turns out, I think I have strep throat, and no wonder I am so miserable.  I have not been feeling like that supermom I thought I would considering I have a full week of quality time alone with my son.  Instead, it’s me moaning on the couch while he tries to play with his toys alone, wondering why I won’t play with him.  It’s him bringing me toys and books up onto the couch, saying in his own way “come on mom, you used to be fun.”  He’s been acting out, I think in defiance to my current state of being couch ridden.  Refusing to eat his food, refusing to take his naps, and demanding milk constantly.  Yesterday was an all-time low in regard to us spending time together.  I thought I might literally go insane and found myself wishing for the day to just end so I could go to sleep and feel better, and that is just sad.

However today is a new day.  I think the meds are finally starting to kick in, and it’s the first morning I woke up feeling not 100% miserable.  I am even contemplating a walk later…if I can just get the rain to cooperate.  Nico woke me up this morning with a kiss on my cheek complete with a MMMMWAH sound, and it just melted my heart.  No matter how trying our day together was yesterday, I know that little guy has an ultimate love for me, and I have it just as much, if not more for him.  When I woke up, I knew today was going to be a better day.  And as I’m typing, Nico is taking a nap, so we are already on the right track.  Although I haven’t gotten 1/10 of the things on my “first week back list” checked off I know I just need to be patient, regain my health, keep my family happy, and everything will work itself out in the end.

XO,

Gina

Outer Banks Vacation Photos

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I can’t believe it.  The official start to fall is next week, so I thought I would end this week with some of my favorite photos from our last summer vacation to the Outer Banks, North Carolina.  Hope you enjoy them, and have a great time on this last weekend of the official summer season!

We are headed to Maryland to celebrate our nephew’s 1st birthday and our friend’s child’s 3rd.  Party party!  These kids are growing up too fast!  Time for me to get to packing.

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

Summertime Sadness


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Dress: Free People (sold out – similar here and here) / Shades: Borrowed from my niece – similar / Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Necklace: Family heirloom / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

Summertime sadness…I get all weepy this time of year due to the fact that summer is coming to an end.  The days of last minute drives to the beach, toes in the sand, and piña coladas are just about over.  The kids are back to school (luckily mine is not old enough yet, so I can still pretend it’s summer for longer), and fall is just around the corner.  Now, I do really enjoy the fall for everything it’s worth.  Pumpkin spice lattes, hayrides, a new wardrobe with jackets, Halloween parties, trips to the farm for apples and gourds…these are all things that make me love the fall.  But I get sad because I do really despise the cold.  Winter is my least favorite season because I’m constantly bundled up trying to rid myself of goosebumps.  Sure I love a cup of hot cocoa and the first snowfall just like everyone else…and of course I love Christmas…but after that, I am just ready for the winter to be over and summertime to arrive again.  The end of summer to me means that it’s only getting colder, and that is not something I look forward to.  I am a summertime gal, and I’m going to miss jumping into that ocean.  I know it’s still currently warm out, but I think it’s time to start planning that winter beach getaway.

We celebrated my Little Monkey’s 1st Birthday over the weekend with a big nautical themed party with family and friends.  He was on cloud 9 hanging out with all his little buddies, jamming out to music with the Munchkin Music Club, and eating a fabulously decorated (and tasting) cake from Betty Bakery.  Pics to come on that later, but wishing everyone a Happy Monday!

XO,

Gina

All About Hair

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As most of you know, I recently got my hair cut by the amazing, Tim Dueñas, at Arrojo Studio.  Having recently celebrated my 30th Birthday, I decided to treat myself to a fancy hair cut, and I am so glad I did.  Tim asked about my lifestyle and my daily routine, and without even needing me to show him a photo, he knew exactly what I needed in a hair cut.  Long enough to still put up in a pony and go (mom life doesn’t give me much time for styling), but plenty of layers and shape if I do find a moment to wear it down.  I am incredibly happy with how it turned out.

That being said…Irresistible Me sent over their fantastic extensions, and I couldn’t wait to try them on!  Now, let me be straight with you.  I know ladies have been rocking extensions for awhile now, but I never jumped on board.  To be honest, as much as I wanted to try them out, it was extremely intimidating to me.  I am not the best stylist when it comes to hair, and even when I received the box, I took one look, and e-mailed my contact there freaking out about how I was supposed to apply these things!  She sent me a video tutorial, and I have to say, I am completely surprised at how easy it was to clip them in.  While, I love my fresh new cut, it’s exciting to know that if I am craving a longer, fuller look for a date night or event, I can now achieve that without spending a fortune at the salon.

I have posted Before and After shots, and you can really see how natural they turned out.  A lot of other extensions I have seen have the potential to appear mullet-like, showing a clear separation between the real hair and the “fake” hair.  These flowed beautifully with my natural hair.  Speaking of natural…Irresistible Me boasts 100% natural hair in all their clips.

So what do you all think of extensions?  Have you tried them before?  Which look do you like better?

Before:

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After:

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*** I apologize for the blurriness in some of these photos.  We are trying out a new lens, and my husband was also taking these with a baby strapped to him, so there was some shake-age.  Haha.***

Hair Extensions: c/o Irresistible Me / Top: Necessary Clothing / Scalloped Shorts: Necessary Clothing / Shoes: ALDO (similar) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Shades: Vintage / Earrings: c/o Stella & Dot (now on sale!) / Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Baublebar, Stella & Sparkle / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: MAC Impassioned

And can you believe my outfit is actually a top and shorts set?  I wore them together, but apart, I think they would be just as cute styled in a different way.  I went on a sets kick this past shopping trip.  I don’t know what it was, but I was alone for once and excited, and I kept seeing adorable sets, so there you go.  The one I’m wearing is sold out online, but if you live in NYC, you may still be able to catch it in-store.  I also purchased this adorable two-piece top and skirt set, and I hope I can find the perfect occasion to break it out.

We spent the weekend in Brooklyn with our nieces, celebrated Nico’s 1st Birthday with a slice of rainbow cake (the big celebration is coming up this Saturday), and reminisced back to last year’s Labor Day Weekend when I was actually in labor.  My how much has changed since then.

Hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend as well!

XO,

Gina

Porch Swing

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On me: Top: J. Crew / Tank: J. Crew (available in other colors) – also similar here / Shorts: J. Crew (available in other colors here and here) / Sandals: Sam Edelman (sold out, but many color choices here) / Sunnies: Francesca’s (similar) / Necklace: Baublebar (similar) / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Baublebar, Stella & Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

On Nico: Bathing Suit Top & Trunks Set: Carter’s

Feeling nostalgic today from our vacation to the Outer Banks.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already noticed I’m protesting my post-vacation blues.  The photos above show some of my most favorite times in the OBX.  Doing.  Absolutely.  Nothing.  Relaxation in it’s purest form.  There’s just something about a porch swing at sunset that immediately resets my zen.  After a long day in the hot sun, taking walks and building sandcastles, it feels great to come back to the cottage, have a nice shower, and climb into the porch swing and just sway.  Feeling the breeze as the sun drops down below the horizon brings an immediate feeling of calm and a sense of peacefulness that I haven’t been able to really recreate anywhere else but here.  Sometimes I will even bring a book into the swing and get lost into some other dream world.  This year, I brought Nico onto the swing with me, and for a kid who otherwise at this age is squirmy and adventurous, I was mildly surprised with his ability to just snuggle and relax with me on the swing for awhile.  It was as if he was silently saying, “Oh hey Mom, yeah I could get the hang of this relax in the porch swing thing.”  I’m lucky that my little one still does love to snuggle with me often…usually at night before bedtime.  But as he approaches his first birthday and becomes more independent, I start to see him squiggle away from me more and more as he explores the world around him.  It makes me sad, but at the same time I know he has to grow.  Part of me wants to cling and keep him small forever though and that part of me is going to soak up every moment I can while he is still little enough to be wrapped in my arms cuddling on the porch swing.

XO,

Gina

Summer Sunlight

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Dress: Boxing Kitten for Urban Outfitters (old) / Neon Sandals: Dolce Vita – similar / Crossbody Bag: T.J. Maxx / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Baublebar / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Marshmallow / Toes: Essie Bachelorette Bash

Summer sunlight peeking through the trees as the sun is starting to set.  Probably my favorite moment of the day.  The magic hour brings me a peaceful calm.  It strange how only a few years ago, the sun going down was a symbol of the start of my evening.  It meant that it was time to start prepping to get ready for a night on the town with my man or the girls.  I’ve always been a night owl, and I lived for summer nights exploring New York City.  Dressing up, hair, make-up, the whole sha-bing.

Nowadays, the sunset usually represents quiet for me.  Time to reflect on the adventures from the day, give the baby a bath, put him to bed, and then enjoy dinner with my husband and maybe even a glass of wine.  This particular evening, however, we were on family vacation which meant Bubbe and Pop Pop were eager to babysit.  So after Nico’s bedtime, my husband and I were able to go out on our own little adventure.  We started by taking these photos and others in the summer sunlight.  We walked around Cape May, and had a delicious romantic dinner for two at Louisa’s.  I guess we realized how little we get out after 8pm these days, and so we didn’t want the night to end.  We walked around in the moonlight, shared a kiss under the stars (or two), and played video games and skee-ball at the arcade until close.  We felt like two teenagers running around on a summer night.  Yes, things have changed.  Instead of closing down bars, we are closing down arcades at a family beach town.  Instead of going to sleep at 4am, I am waking up at 6am.

But I’m okay with that.

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Channeling Jackie O.

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“You look like you’re channeling Jackie O.”

That is what my friend Heather said to me when I arrived at the wedding two Saturdays ago.  Me?  Resembling the ultimate fashion icon?

I can only wish to come close to the likes of Jackie O., but I am taking this compliment and running with it people!  It might be the best one I ever get!

Jackie did love a classic shift though, like this black and white number I’m wearing from Marc New York by Andrew Marc, and I don’t think this silhouette will ever go out of style.

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Dress: Marc New York by Andrew Marc (now on sale!) / Shoes: Audrey Brooke / Clutch: Lulu Townsend – similar here and here / White Wayfarers: Francesca’s – similar here / Bracelet: gifted / Earrings: gifted

And how about these lavender fields?  Let me tell you, this wedding location was gorgeous!  In all my years past of growing up in Maryland, I had never heard of Rock Hall, but boy am I happy for this discovery.  It was such a beautiful place to visit, and I’m looking forward to sharing more photos from our trip in the upcoming weeks so stay tuned.

XO,

Gina

Red Rain Boots

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Rain Boots:  Hunter / Leg Warmers: similar / Tribal Leggings: Forever 21 – similar / Coat: Old Navy / Top: Urban Outfitters / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

These photos were taken on our trip to the lake house in New Hampshire on a chilly, rainy day.  Instead of swimming or hiking, we spent this day eating Mexican food, browsing the local Wolfeboro shops, playing games, and drinking wine.  These boots were a recent gift from the hubby for our 3rd wedding anniversary.  Totally picked out on his own, mind you!  Perfect timing for rainy season, and it seemed appropriate to share today as the rain is currently falling.

XO,

Gina