What defines a workout has changed so much for me over the years, from a high school and college athlete, to an avid runner, to a lover of long lap swims under an open summer sky.  I now juggle, carry, push, struggle with and love a combined 60+ pounds each and every day.  All day.  And some of the night, until my husband gets home or until the kids fall asleep, or whichever comes first.  And it has been both my greatest source of workout and what pushes me most to continue to work out.  Those two teeny tiny people are just beginning their lives in this world and we have the opportunity to make it a better place in so many ways, including environmentally, socially, for them, their friends, their peers, and there are amazing companies out there paving the way to do just that.  Threads 4 Thought is a lifestyle brand that promotes the eco-conscious manufacturing and production of clothes, using recycled polyester from water bottles to create sustainable pieces, like this activewear.  It is super soft, moisture-wicking and not heavy at all for it’s extra comfortable feel.  The patterns and prints, from the tribal print leggings to the colorful band on their workout shorts, are stylish, and the cuts of their sports bras and racer-back tanks are unique.  These are definitely threads you will want to sweat in and you will feel responsible each time you do.

Tank: Fahima Tank in Porcelain

Shorts: Zaina Shorts in Jet Black

Sports Bra: Nixie Sports Bra in Porcelain

Running Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32

xo gina

With a palette of white, ivory and gold, this beachside chic wedding nailed understated elegance.  The couple’s first few oceanfront photos as husband and wife were breathtaking and the view inside was just as special.  They danced under sparkling string lights with each other and their guests, and the whole room glowed with romance and tons of candlelight.  I was so happy to be a part of this wedding and to be able to bring to life the bride and groom’s vision for their big day.  This gallery is full of dreamy details and a whole lot of love.

Style: Beachside Chic

Setting: Oceanfront Restaurant

Season: Summer

Colors: White, Ivory, Gold

My Favorite Details From This Beachside Chic Wedding:

• The vintage marquee lights used throughout
• The custom welcome mirror
• The vintage scrabble tiles
• The walnut wine crates
• The mojito bar
• and so much MORE!

Event Style + Design: Pumpkin + Rose | Coordination: Pumpkin + Rose | Photography: Marissa DeCinque Wedding Imagery | Venue: Laguna Grill and Rum Bar | DJ: Time of Your Life Entertainment | Cake: Potito’s Italian American Pastries and Bakery | Floral Design: Pocket Full of Posies | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Dress: Rena Elle Couture | Chair Rental: Petrosh’s Big Top | Hair and Makeup: Art Is…Salon

xo gina

I absolutely love that the one-piece has made a huge comeback and have tried to scoop up some of my favorites this summer in classic prints and styles that I know I will wear for years to come.  And the best part about a suit that looks this good is the fact that it was under $20.

{CUPSHE classic tone contrast one-piece swimsuit}

Happy summer!

xo gina 

Hands down, one of the greatest gifts my husband has ever given me…besides my wedding ring and my children, and all of the obvious ;)…is THE SOLLY BABY WRAP.  This carrier has allowed me to have two free hands to run after my older daughter at her gym class while my littlest one slept soundly against my chest only days old.  I have used it in the office to get work done, certain that the baby wouldn’t wake because there was no place she would rather be.  At hockey games.  At church.  To and from the grocery store and my daily Starbucks run.  Snug around my waist while I washed dishes.  This has been the key to my sanity.  And although I never felt the need for a carrier with my first child, had I known about this wrap then, and it’s magical powers, I would have caved.  I would have given it a try and realized three years ago instead of six months ago, how life changing this bundle of fabric would be.  But it struck me this afternoon at the pool, when, yet again, another complete stranger tracked me down to ask the specifics about the wrap I was wearing with my daughter’s happy feet peeking out the sides, and my opinion of it, that I never really spoke of it in length here on the blog.  So, I told her all of the above and more and set out to let you all know the same tonight.  Moral of the story is to go out and get this now if you are an expecting mom, a second-time mom, a friend of someone who is going to be a mom.  You get it now.  And enjoy all of its awesomeness.  You’re welcome.

*Though this reads as a huge endorsed advertisement or sponsored post, it is actually neither.  Just my honest feelings and words and me: a mama who more than appreciates THIS product, absolutely nothing needed in return.  True story.*  🙂 

xo gina

The t-shirt dress is such a staple.  It is super comfortable and looks effortless, but can be as laid back or as polished as you want it to be.  This one has become a favorite of mine this summer to wear as a beach or pool cover-up, out to a casual dinner or to get ice cream with my girls.  I usually slouch it off one shoulder or both and pair it with flat sandals.  If you tie an old chambray shirt around your waist it adds extra length if you are running around with the kids and comes in handy if you go indoors where it’s cooler.  At under $20, I scooped up THIS one-size-fits-all dress in both mint (pictured above) and heather gray.

{The Necessary Basic Dress / NECESSARYCLOTHING.COM}

xo gina