{12} Lately…

lately

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Finished reading Fly Away by Kristin Hannah.  If you’ve read the prequel Firefly Lane, you will definitely enjoy this book.  I always enjoy a good Kristin Hannah book.  I am now reading Khaled Hosseini’s newest novel, And the Mountains Echoed.  I was a huge fan of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, so naturally I had to read this book.  So far there are a LOT of character introductions, and I’m hoping that somehow they will all end up stringing together and making sense eventually.  So far it’s interesting…I think I’m just waiting for the connection and the point of the whole story.  I’m confident that it will come, but will let you know how I end up liking it.

writing  E-mails catching up with friends.

listening  Really liking Lana del Ray’s Summertime Sadness.  The original is beautiful, but I love the Cedric Gervais remix of course.  I don’t really have summertime sadness myself…quite the opposite actually, but for some reason, I just dig this song.

thinking  That they must have been working on the apartment above my office for about the past 5 years.  Seriously…will they ever be done???

smelling  And also tasting, this delicious Aloha Banana smoothie I’m consuming.  Fruit-a-holic.

watching  Saw an episode of the Kardashians (yes, I’m guilty) last night where Kim is in severe pain during her pregnancy.  I think this all goes to show pregnancy never happens the way you plan, and you have to be prepared for all kinds of challenges.  I have had my fair share, but very thankful to be feeling good right now!

wishing  That I could see into my belly to see what my little man looks like.  Weird?  Maybe, but I think it’s weirder to feel and see kicks and movements inside me all day without actually being able to see who’s in there doing it!

hoping  For my Uncle to come home from the hospital soon.  His surgery went very well, and we are so grateful.  Hoping that he will have a good recovery.  He is a tough cookie!

wearing  Floral pants from Motherhood (super sale right now!), Mint Poly button down from Express, Sparkly Flats from Nordstrom Rack, Sunnies from Francesca’s, Michael Kors watch, and my Henri Bendel Bracelet.

loving  The fact that we are having a family reunion this Saturday with my Dad’s side for the first time in probably at least 15 years.  So excited to see all of my cousins and extended family.  It’s been way too long!

laughing  At the fact that I got pooped on by a bird yesterday…yes I can only laugh because it did not get on my head or my clothing, and it was easy to clean off.  Thank goodness, because I had a meeting 15 minutes later…

wanting  Coffee.  Been getting a bit more sleepy again as I am now in the third trimester of my pregnancy.  And the smell of it, just makes me want it more!  Been trying to stay away from coffee though most of the time (except for my weekend treats).  Hence, the vitamin packed smoothies to wake me up!

needing  A back massage.  Thinking of making an appointment to get a prenatal massage soon to ease the aches and pains of the third tri.

feeling  Hormonal.  One minute, I’m super happy.  The next minute, I’m crying.  And I am not usually a crier.  I feel like my mood can change with the flick of a light switch lately.

craving  Ice cream.  But that’s really nothing new…I heart ice cream.  Especially in the summertime.

clicking  Catching up on all my favorite blogs and discovering some new ones as well.

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What have you been up to lately?

Happy Hump Day!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

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Weekend Snaps

Wanted to share a few photos from the past couple weekends we have spent in NYC.  It’s been nice to actually be in town for a bit and enjoy this amazing city!

My awesome soccer team at our championship BBQ in Williamsburg, BK

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A little corn hole action…

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Taking a walk in the neighborhood with our neighbors

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Pretty little house in the ‘hood

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View of Coney Island from my beach chair…

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Brighton Beach – so happy to be at the Ocean!

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Toes in the sand (Wearing Essie DJ Play That Song)

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It’s been so nice and super relaxing  these past few weekends staying in town and enjoying this city in which we live.  I often think about how lucky we are to be in such an urban place with so much to offer in terms of food, theatre, culture, events, and more.  And in addition to this crazy metropolis, how is it possible that we still have the ocean only 4 miles away from our home?  For me it is the best of both worlds, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hope you all had a great weekend, and wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

XO,

Gina

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Boardwalk Tribal

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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.

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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???

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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

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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!

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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

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Friday Funny: Let’s Get It Started

I came across this video last week, and thought it was absolutely hysterical (and impressive).  This woman was pregnant and overdue with TWINS.  Eager for them to arrive into the world, she tried to induce her labor by dancing.  Her husband was also an awesome sport and joined in the fun.  She ended up having her twins two days later in a natural un-medicated birth.  What a rockstar!

Hope this made you laugh, and wishing you all a great weekend!

XO,

Gina

5 Beauty Must Haves

5 Beauty Must Haves
1.  MAC Paint Pot in Painterly – This is a cream eyeshadow, but I use it an an eyeshadow primer.  Before using this, my eyeshadow would wear off before the end of the day.  Now, I have literally fallen asleep, and my eyeshadow has still been wearin’ strong!  My makeup routine is no longer complete without this product!  And the little pot actually lasts quite awhile.
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2.  Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula – I have been slathering this on daily to avoid stretch marks from my Little Monkey.  So far, so good!
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3.  Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara – I was an avid Lancome Difinicils user for years.  I recently started using Hypnose Drama instead, and I LOVE the difference in my eyelashes!  While it still makes them longer, it also makes them fuller and more voluminous.  I think I will be sticking to this mascara for awhile.
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4.  Olay Age Defying Moisturizer – I use this all year long, and have been very happy with it.  As for the anti-wrinkle, you can never start too young in my opinion!  It also has an SPF of 15, which is great for the summertime.
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5.  Loreal Extra Intense Eyeliner – I always have trouble with eyeliner wearing off on the underside of my lower eyelid and smudging underneath  (I know, I know, you’re aren’t supposed to put it there, but I have to).  So far, this eyeliner does it the least, so I’ve been using it a lot lately.
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What are your beauty must haves?
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Tonight, I’m headed to the AICP Show at the MOMA, and very much looking forward to it!  Have a great Thursday everyone.
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XO,
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Gina
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Neon Highlights

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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

Rainy Days Can’t Get Me Down

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These photos are from Memorial Day Weekend before our ride down to Philly.  There’s nothing like bright colors to shake you out of your rainy day gloom.  Luckily, the weather got nicer later in the day, and we were able to enjoy an awesome cookout with friends.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Seersucker Blazer: GAP – similar / Sweater: Old Navy (on sale!) / Tank (underneath): Old Navy (on sale!) / Jeans: Motherhood / Boots: Steve Madden / Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Umbrella: borrowed – similar / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean, ASOS, and Henri Bendel / Watch: Michael Kors

This past weekend, I was on my own as the hubby went on a biking/camping excursion.  I spent the weekend doing a little housework, celebrating my neighbor’s 1st birthday, had dinner with a close friend, went to a 90′s themed birthday celebration, and lounged at a soccer team BBQ.  Last night when the hubby got home, we chilled outside enjoying our amazing garden on what was a gorgeous night, and just caught each other up with our weekend stories.  I have to say, I’m super happy it’s summertime!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

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{11} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  Finished reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed, about a woman who finds herself while hiking the Pacific Coast Trail.  Sort of an Eat, Pray, Love in the wilderness if you will.  I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.  I am now starting Bossypants by Tina Fey, and hoping for a laugh.

writing  Other than blog posts, I haven’t been writing much of anything else lately…

listening  Violin and Dubstep?  Who knew this combo could work.  Check out Lindsey Stirling’s Crystallize.  She’s mad talented.

thinking  That I am extremely grateful to my husband and neighbor for installing our A/C window units this week.  It’s 90 degrees here today!

smelling  Yankee Candle’s Summer Scoop.  A candle that smells like my favorite dessert?  Yes please!

watching  Well, I got dragged into a “Bachelorette Draft” this past weekend.  Yes, it’s like fantasy football, but with Des and a bunch of hot guys.  I really had no interest in this show whatsoever, but after investing time into making draft picks for a friend that couldn’t make the event…I am now finding myself wanting to know how this whole thing is going to pan out.  Go Juan Pablo!

wishing  Everyone a Happy Last Day of May!  Can’t believe it’s going to be June tomorrow.

hoping  For a fun-filled weekend with friends in the Big Apple.

wearing  A dress that I found at Nordstrom Rack a couple years ago along with red, strappy Sam Edelman sandals.

loving  This strawberry, banana, pineapple smoothie I’m consuming right now.

laughing  At what happened when Vine tried to make a commercial for Vine.  See over at FunnyorDie.com

wanting  To meet my new little cousin, Noelle Raelyn, who was born yesterday!  Congrats to her Mama and Papa, my cousins Brittany and R.J.

needing  To figure out what to wear to a costume party on Saturday…Disney princess or pregnant Britney Spears?  Hmmm…

feeling  My little one kicking up a storm in there all day long.  It’s such a crazy and awesome feeling!

craving  I had been craving a pedicure (since I can no longer reach my toes well enough to paint my own), and luckily this was fulfilled on Wednesday.  I went with the new Essie 2013 Neon Collection’s DJ Play That Song.  I can now proceed with open-toed shoes again.

clicking  Researching pediatricians and birthing classes for the little one.

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What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday!

Love,

Gina

***I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

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