Baby Shower Planning

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Now that I am officially in my 3rd trimester, I have been looking forward to celebrating baby with my closest family members. I’ve never been one for throwing extravagant parties; my partner and I eloped, I never had big graduation parties, typically I like to keep things low key. But let’s just say the journey into parenthood has changed that! My lovely sister and cousin are hosting this event, but I got to plan the “artistic direction.” I knew I wanted something soft and filled with flowers. I also wanted the colors to be gender neutral and more about what I liked than a color representing baby. Here’s what we came up with!

We’ll like order our catering from a local mediterranean grill. I am thinking chicken kebabs, rice, salad, and a few delicious mezze dips. For dessert we found a lovely local cake maker who bakes stunning naked cakes. We’re also planning to bake cookies that will also make it into the take-home goodie bags. As far as drinks, we will have an assortment of Italian sodas and my sister and cousin are planning peach bellinis.

As far as take home gifts for our guests, I fell in love with P.F. Candle Co’s “Golden Coast” scent on my recent road trip (up the golden coast!). We’re going to gift those candles with the homemade cookies and incense bundles.

Decor wise we are planning to make fresh floral bouquets, hang delicate bunting here and there, using pretty compostable tableware to brighten things up, and create a very dramatic balloon garland!

What We’ve Purchased

Balloon Garland

Crepe Paper Bunting

Custom Invitations

Small Plates

Large Plates

Cocktail Scalloped Napkin

Large Scalloped Napkins

Wooden Cutlery

Cupcake Wrapper

Cookie Sleeves

Gift Bags

Decorative Ribbon

That’s all for now! I’ll try to share how the party shapes up and include some of the activities my generous hosts incorporate!

Month 2 Diary

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We’re pregnant! I cannot believe it. You are just an itty bitty clump of cells but will soon become our newest family member. This news is a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. I am dying to scream it from the rooftops but and hesitant to tell anyone because nothing feels certain. The month before you we had a very early loss, so we are proceeding with cautious optimism. But this time it feels like perfect timing. In my heart I know you are on your way.

After our first faint positive pregnancy test I kept testing my HG levels every day (from April 30th to May 11th), slowly watching the line darken as my hormone level rose. Eventually we finally saw you on an ultrasound. Hearing your heartbeat for the first time (on May 31st) brought tears to me and your daddy’s eyes. It was the most magical moment and we fell in love with you right then and there.

First Trimester Must Haves

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Hello from the other end of my first (and second) trimester! This spring I went MIA because I was super sick, but sick for the best reason possible. I am expecting! My husband and I are over the moon excited but we’re also utterly unprepared for the reality check my first trimester had in store. I had very severe “morning” sickness, aversions, sensitivity to smell, and fatigue. Honestly fatigue is an understatement in comparison to what it felt like. Needless to say it was tough and my life became focused on basic survival. Eat, hydrate, work from bed, and sleep with a desperate shower thrown in there somewhere.

Now that I am on the other side of that (knocks on wood) I have a reflections on what made those first months a bit more bearable.

If this is your first time pregnancy (or know a newly pregnant person) the first thing you should invest in is a pregnancy pillow, and invest in it early. Sleep is such a precious thing throughout pregnancy, a precious but fleeting thing. Don’t think you need to have a full blown belly to start using one. I love my bbhugme body pillow and wish I had bought it even sooner. I spent countless hours in bed sick and this pillow gave me the extra comfort I needed to rest in different positions comfortable. And my husband has already called dibs on it postpartum!

My Oak Essentials Dew Oil, was a savior for my dry skin and growing belly. I had very severe aversions to smells and this was one of the few products in my bathroom that I could stand during the worst of my first trimester nausea. You can get 15% off all Oak Essentials and Jenni Kayne products with my affiliate code GINAS15 at jennikayne.com.

Because I was in bed and unwell for so long, my airpods became my best friend. I loved having them at my bedside to take calls, listen to music and audiobooks, and simply keep me company during my misery! I can’t tell you how incredibly boring it was for my to be physically unable to do anything so having reliable and comfortable headphones was essential.

On the topic of entertainment during the first trimester, I found the book Nurture by Erica Chidi to be a gentle and reassuring introduction in to pregnancy and partenthood. Chidi emphasizes trusting your intuition and body, and not falling into the trap of comparison. This is a great gift for new and experienced parents alike!

Another most loved item was a cozy robe to hg my body as it underwent so many rapid changes. I actually ended up getting one heavyweight robe for cooler days and a lightweight one for warmer ones. My favorite brand for robes has been Coyuchi and I highly recommend the waffle robe and solstice robe. And if you use my referral link, you can get $60 off purchases of $300 (and I’ll get a $60 credit too!).

Lastly, a foot massager was absolutely essential for me. Despite actually loosing weight in my first trimester (so no extra weight from baby adding pressure) and rarely being out of bed, I experienced some severe foot pain. The practice of daily reflexology became one of the few self care activities I had the energy for and if made such a difference. Before bed I would just roll my feet along the device and suddenly the stress began melt away and I could climb back into bed.

Oak Essentials Skincare Review

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A little over a year ago I started using the Oak Essentials skincare routine, and I have to say I don’t think I’ll be looking for new products anytime soon. Oak Essentials recently released two new serums, which they sent me to try out. The day serum has vitamin C and is supposed to help with collagen production and balancing discoloration. The night serum has retinol and smooths texture and supports an even tone.

  • Cleansing Balm - Of all the products the cleansing balm is the one I reach for the least. While I love an oil cleanser, I prefer washing my face in the shower and this balm isn’t the best for that.

  • Balancing Mist - This is my favorite product of the entire line. The scent is divine and I truly feel the toning properties do balance out the pH of my skin.

  • Daily Vitamin C Serum - This serum is a new top favorite product. It’s non-sticky and lightweight, it also feels lovely underneath my spf and make-up.

  • Ritual Oil - I love love love this oil. I personally have preferred lightweight, vitamin rich face oils and this certainly is that.

  • Moisture Rich Balm - Nice, but not may favorite. Personally I prefer using just the ritual oil unless I am suffering from severe dryness.

  • Restorative Mask - A lovely moisture retaining mask that always feels like a luxury.

  • Nightly Retinol Serum - I haven’t tried the retinol serum as I am expecting, but look forward to adding back to my routine once I pop this baby out!

  • Dew Body Oil - I absolutely love this body oil, it’s been a go to for my stretch skin and growing bump since the start of my pregnancy. I even include it in my first trimester favorites!

Sézane Summer to Fall Transitional Styles

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Summer has come to an end, but I wanted to share the Sezane pieces I picked up this summer. The beauty of all these pieces is that they are all perfect for the transition from summer to fall.

From left to right:

  • Gaspard Jumper - I love this classic cardigan tucked in as a top for the very French laid back look. It will be perfect for layering as the temperatures start to drop and top with a contrasting jacket.

  • Marcelo Top in white - this tank is the perfect base layer. I love how thick and structured the rib knit is. The white is classic and will go a long way underneath button-ups and sweaters this fall.

  • Striped Tomboy Shirt - what I love most about this shirt is how well tailored and timeless it is. The fabric is high quality and I can see this wearing in beautifully over the years. I often like to thrift well made mens shirts, but inevitably the fit is a bit too oversized. This shirt is cut and finished like a man’s but with a woman’s body in mind giving the best of both worlds.

  • Marcelo Top in grey - I loved the white tank so much I naturally had to have this tank in another color! The greay is great to wear alone, but I am sure I’ll layer with it until the weather is warm again.

  • Gatsby Marinière - I love a breton stripe, it just screams summer by the sea. But I also love a classic through the fall, winter, and spring as well. The Gatsby is a boxy breton with a perfect placket with tiny buttons down the front so you can switch up the neckline. You can event layer collared shirts underneath which I am planning to try this fall/winter. I think it will hold well with under layers due to the very structured organic cotton knit, anything lighter-weight or stretchier would become crumpled and messy looking with under layers.

  • Dorine Top - Last but not least, the Dorine Top. I think this lovely open crochet crop top will look fantastic layered over body-con dresses and turtlenecks. I feel like that will be the perfect way to add a bit more outfit interest and a tab more warmth as well!

September New Additions

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September is my birthday month and this year it truly snuck up on me. I had just gotten back from a wonderful road trip and visit with family so I wasn’t in much mood to do anything. Instead, I decided to treat myself to some new wardrobe items!

I have to thank Instagram for serving me a very convincing ad for my first purchase, the One Quince leather moto jacket. I have always found a classic black leather jacket to be a closet staple, and unfortunately my last one had to be passed on to my sister when I sized out of it. Ever since I have had a small gap in my jacket collection… until now. This one is super affordable, lightweight, and the perfect balance of fitted but roomy enough to layer with.

I also picked up a couple of maternity items to accommodate my growing bump and were super pleased with this super soft striped dress and this lounge set. Both of these will (hopefully) also work postpartum. I typically try to avoid H&M, but tbh I didn’t want to invest much in clothing I may not wear for very long.

Last year I fell in love with my black Brooklyn Lug Boots, so this season I jumped at the chance to get them in this brown color. These boots are incredibly comfortable and a practical yet timeless take on the chunky utility boot.

Lastly, although late in the season, I finally got myself a pair of Birks! I desperately needed comfortable everyday shoes, and since I live in LA these Arizona Sandals are essentially wearable year-round.

A SoCal Road Trip: Photo Diary

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The drive up the Pacific Coast Highways is probably on of the biggest perks to living in southern California. One of my favorite activities is planning a getaway and researching new spots to stop and explore along the way. Maybe eventually I’ll share some of my favorite itineraries, but for now here are a few of my favorite captures from my latest escape.

My Sezane Collection | Spring 2022

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I've recently fallen in love with Sezane and built up a small collection. Today I will share my spring pieces including some try-ons! Links to each piece are below as well as the sizes I own.

 
 

On Taking Breaks, Part 2

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Five years ago I wrote a post on taking breaks, how important it is for me and what I do to refill my cup when I take one. With a half decade of distance between that past version of me then and me now, I have some new thoughts on the importance of breaks.

Last week war broke out in Europe, that in itself is a loaded statement because truly the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Putin has been coming for 8 years. With this invasion comes a multitude of other systemic issue brought to the surface for examination. How society’s dependence on fossil fuels is paying for this war and contributed to inaction since the aggression has started. How racism and white supremacy is playing out in real time with no effort to even veil it. And blatant hypocrisy in American politics, ready to mislead and divide in a moment where the urge should be to unite.

World events like these, especially ones distant where I feel I have very little I can do to influence an outcome always bring a sense of hopelessness for humanity. At least for a while. But these are the times that I am reminded to step away from my curated algorithmic bubble that is social media, and dive into myself, my community, and the things in my environment I can have a hand at bettering.

I believe world peace starts in each individual. It begins with eradicating hate and prejudice in our own hearts. I continues with our actions wishing our own families and communities. Peace is a rebellious and ongoing act that will require each of us. And I for one cannot do this kind of continuous act with out taking time away from the continuous scroll, the constant intake of media and “hot takes,” and reflect on how I show up in this world to help make it the tiniest bit better. All this to say, I have been taking a break from social media and anything else that feels like a distraction. Instead I have been having dialogue with those I trust, processing my emotions and fears, and educating myself. All of these feel like fortifying acts so I can continue to show up in my own unique way with hope and energy for a better future.

Conscia Hair Care: First Impressions

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I am back with another plastic-free, low packaging product introduction (and review to come!). What I am unboxing today is Conscia, a hair and scalp health product in the form of a shampoo and conditioner bar. Conscia reached out to me to try some of their products and after scouring their website I was excited to see what their product was like. Watch the video for more about them and the products they sent me!

 

Oak Essentials First Impressions

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For the past few months I have been trying out some new skincare products from Jenni Kayne. Oak Essentials is a cruelty free, non-GMO, and organic product line. Watch the video below for my honest first impressions of the five foundational products, also known as “the routine.”

Gratitude Pages no. 3

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Another round of things I have jotted down in my gratitude journal lately.

This week’s gratitude journal glimpses:

  • Incredible authors who pen stories you can get lost in. Lately I have been reading more and it feels incredible.

  • The way the afternoon light streams into the house and gives me a second burst of inspiration near the end of the day.

  • The changing season, I have been pulling out my sweaters and coziest clothing and it feels great to shop my own wardrobe.

The Gift of Presence

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I’m laying on the beach, having just cracked open another book about minimalism, when my husband who left just moments ago enters my periphery. I notice a huge smile on his face as he outstretches his arm to me and drops two cold, wet rocks into my hand.

“There’s lots of rock over there. We’ll go together when I get back,” he says before heading back to the ocean.

My whole body feels with warmth and I admire the beautiful stones. These are the moments that I live for. The things that really matter. What is missed when I am not living in the present. What a gift his little reminder was. A gift of his attention and thoughtfulness, but also a gentle reminder to myself to be here, now.

What I Wore Last Week

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Another week of outfit documentation! This week I made an effort to wear pieces I haven’t reached for lately and style them in new ways.

Outfit 1: Two Days Off Vicki Pant in moss, Universal Thread shirt, and Eileen Fisher mule slides.

Outfit 2: Two Days Off Two Days Off Okaasan Tie Top, Arq Tank Top, and Zara Jeans.

Outfit 3: Two Days Off Kaneko Dress in natural linen worn as a duster, Arq Tank Top, Aliya Wanek pants, and Jenni Kayne bucket bag (15% off with code GINAS15).

Outfit 4: Two Days Off Koto Skirt in black linen, Aurorei Yuna Top, and Kaneko Dress in natural linen worn as a duster, Jenni Kayne crossover sandals (15% off with code GINAS15).