BABY BAGS!!!!

OK you pregnant Mommas! This post is for those of you who are like me. You NEED and WANT to have the BEST of everything for when the baby comes, right? Well since I found out I was pregnant, I have been obsessing about what baby bag I would use for Little G. I am such a huge fan of Gucci, and always swore that I would get that diaper bag NO MATTER WHAT! Besides, I carry a gorgeous Gucci bag now, as well as a little wristlet you can see in most of my pics. The diaper bag is GORGEOUS. 

As time went on in my pregnancy, I noticed a shift in my desires, wants and needs. I also realized that certain things don't have to be so extravagant to be nice and useful. My last reason for not going with a $1100 baby bag is that little G is going to be my last baby. If I were going to have 2-3 more kids, I would do it, but seriously, in 4 years, what will I do with this bag? I certainly would NOT feel great about "GIVING IT AWAY". 

Sitting at my desk today, I finally pulled up all the diaper bags in my budget. I'd like to stay within a budget of $200-$400. I looked on line and came across a few I like from Kate Spade, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch.

My style is chic, elegant and classic. I hate floral patterns, I don't like everything to be black...I'm NOT into RED and I don't like cheesy cheap things. 

I also texted my sister who has my God Daughter. She hates baby bags as I do! She ended up using her Vera Bradley bag and said it is great. She also suggested I use my LV bag, which is big but I doubt big enough for diapers, a change of clothes and some bottles and baby toys. 

I then reached out to my friend Melanie out in Cali who told me she has two baby bags, one so that her hubby can carry and one for her. She told me to check out Tory Burch, The Billy Baby Bag.  Funny thing is that right before she wrote me, I found it and fell in love! Tell me what you think!  So I made my final decision. 

Here is what I love it:

It's Nylon, so it will be easy to clean. The color is beautiful. I picked the dark blue one. I just think it's more elegant. Reminds me of the Prada baby bag I saw in Beverly Hills for ummmm, $950!  It has a total of 12 pockets throughout the bag! Comes with a nylon changing pad. The BEST PART? It's within my budget! What more could I ask for!

What do you look for in Baby Bags?

XO Tina

Our Last Beach Day For The Year

Well, sad to say, but we went to the beach for the last time this summer, and it was also the last time it was just Mario and I. Next summer, we will be with Little G! Driving out  to the Hampton's, I couldn't help but to imagine what it will be like with her in the car driving places, packing the car up with all her baby things like her stroller, diapers, food, car seat, etc. I was also imagining how at 9-10 months old, she will probably be yapping our ears off, singing disney songs and having fun with mommy & daddy.

As we arrived at the Hampton Maid Inn for breakfast, there was a full house! The restaurant was filled with little babies, little kids and big kids. It never really dawned on me that Mario and I were always the couple with no kids, execpt for the times when Heather and Tyler would come with us. For the most part, we were the only ones sitting at a table for two. That is all about to change! It's almost still so surreal.

Mario & I talk about Sasha sometimes like she is here already and in a way she is. The way she moves in my belly, responds to MY music, MY voice and the foods I eat, she really is a little person inside of me who just needs a little more time to grow. I'm so protective of her already, and just want to guard her from the world!

The beach was absoultely amazing! The weather was beyond perfect! Not a cloud in the sky, 0 humidity, and a coolness in  the air. I warn you this can be a little dangerous especially if you forget your sunscreen! The sun is super strong! I actually went into the water up to my tush for the first time all summer! That's because the waves were gentle and small, and the water was so perfect.  Mario always tries to get me to go all the way in, but I haven't gone all the way in since about 3-4 years ago! SO, during the day, I would either go with him up to my tush while he swims like a fish through the waves or I would dip in by myself...... That was until I braved it and tried to go in a little more past my tush to cool off, when all of the sudden between a wave coming and the strong undertoe, I got swept onto my ass, pulled under and completely soaked. I tried to get up, but the undertoe pulled me under again. Now I was afraid because of the way I fell, I was worried I hurt the baby. I became so startled, I walked back to our chairs and told Mario what happened and started crying. Now I am NO baby and consider myself a TOUGH CHICK, but when it comes to harming this baby in my belly, I get freaked out! Thankfully, As soon as I sat down, my little G started kicking mommy and wiggling all around. That was a good sign. Come to think of it, she was super active ALL DAY! OH how I love her so much!

I drove to and from the Hamptons, so I was a little more relaxed and not filled with so much anxiety. We didn't hit any traffic and both ways we had a smooth drive. I love when that happens. I told Mario, that my summer is officially over and that I would like to just STAY HOME until our baby comes. No more long drives, no more flying and no more events. I want to NEST! I have 66 more days to go and counting!!!!!!!!!

a recipe & a book!

Ground Buffalo/turkey with zucchini & peppers

When I say I pulled this recipe outta my tush, I really mean it (well not literally) but you know what I mean. I didn't create it specifically or copy it somewhere. I seriously opened my fridge, saw what I had, grabbed some ingredients and got cooking for me and the Moose (my husband). He's CLEARLY not a moose, but next to me, he is, I am so little next to him. SO I either call him HONEY, Moose, Meat head and Mario (when he is on my nerves I call him by his name).

Back to this ridiculously tasty recipe! Check it out!
Mario and I met with Michelle who will be taking over my clients as of September 30th in Greenwich. When Michelle asked what I would be doing in the month of October and would I be bored, I realized at that moment that I have SO much to do and get done, continue to do my blog, continue to walk, make room in our house for baby G, and continue creating my........ (drum roll, please...., thank you) WORKOUT BOOK! It's in the VERY early stages, but after organizing every cabinet in my house and finding my personal workout journals (around 75 of them), I decided to make good use of them! I will be very creative when creating this little book of secrets on how I got ripped and super lean at the ripe age of 41! I know LOTS of women who would LOVE this book!

I know many people are waiting for a cookbook from me, but in order for me to do that, I need to create something that sets me apart from everyone else who created one...so in the meantime, I will create something that really isn't out there.... YET! This is all I will say about it.... as I don't want anyone getting any ideas! :O)

Just finished a one mile walk, as it is so beautiful outside. When Mario gets home, we will do another mile. I am so happy t will be cooler soon. The one thing I will do for me & the baby everyday in October is get up early and get to the track to walk!

I hope you have a great weekend! We are going ( I gave in to my anxiety) back to the Hamptons on Sunday for one last day at the beach. I am just going to enjoy our last day as a married couple with no baby. Wow, to think this time next summer, we will have our little girl with us!!! Ahhh, smiling from cheek to cheek I am right now!
XOXO Tina

How to pick your nursery furniture

The most exciting thing I have done in the past almost eight months aside from FINALLY getting pregnant is when I designed Baby G's nursery. I LOVE everything I picked and I am so happy I took my time and did over the course of eight months.

As soon as I was about four months pregnant, I got busy trying to find the PERFECT crib and dresser! I was so adamant about NOT spending a lot of money especially since Baby G will be our last baby. This momma is done! So I searched high and low. I started with Buy Buy Baby who had some great pieces on line, however when you go in person and look, they look cheesy and cheap- SO not my style. I went and looked at Baby's R Us, and the same thing, and not only that but most of them get delivered in a box on your steps. No thanks! I want the delivery guys to put it together and take the boxes with them! So just a few pointers there. I looked at Ikea, Giggles and Crate and Barrel, but these places to me were very bare and plain. I wanted something a little more elegant, chic, and something she could grow into until she was about seven to eight years old. Going back and forth on Pottery Barn, I felt they were the best option for what I was looking for:
1. Quality
2. Price
3. Longevity (she can grow into her furniture until she is at least eight)
4. Delivery and set up options
5. looks


Waiting and watching until things went on sale, slowly, I ordered a piece here and there at a time. I decided on the Catalina Nursery Furniture. It's not too bulky and very feminine for our little girl.  

Having two extra bedrooms in our place, we decided on the room next to our bedroom, since it was much bigger and had a bigger closet. She is a girl after all, and will need lots of room for all her dresses! I didn't order two dressers as I would have liked to. Instead I ordered a dresser that is also a changing table where the top pice can come off once she is too big to be changed up there. I also ordered some shelves for her closet. Most of her things will be hung up anyway. What was very important to both Mario and I was a bookshelf. We want her shelf to be filled and stuffed with books to read to her.

 Here you can see we have a head start on her library of books. It's still quite bare, but have no fear, we will make sure this baby has TONS of reading material!

I love this dresser because as she grows, and wants to pick her own clothes, she will be able to reach her drawers, well, the second and third shelf at least. I would show you the side pocket piece on there, but it has her name embroidered and we aren't sharing that news yet. It does have three pockets on each side for her wipes and but cream. It's so much prettier in person.

Her little nightstand too can be used as storage. I know I will change the green container into a lined wooden one soon. I can just tell. For now, it's ok. 










In the next post, I will talk closet storage and organization!
Stay tuned!
XO

New amazing recipes!

I've been known for creating some really amazing and delicious recipes.... HOWEVER, they are always labeled: "Healthy", "Clean", "Nutritious". I really take pride in teaching my wellness clients as well as my PT clients how to eat foods they enjoy without all the added crap and junk! 

Being pregnant hasn't changed how I eat. In fact, I probably am a little more strict, only because whatever I eat, so does the baby. Not eating processed foods is especially best for BOTH baby G and momma. I will go back to my way of eating once she is born. I will not have the dairy from Fage Greek Yogurt or Feta cheese. I will NOT have chicken or turkey. I won't eat as many eggs in a week. I eat these things right now because I want baby G to be strong and healthy when she is born. 

Over at my other blog-(click on link) My Fit Green Goddess Blog, I have posted some really great recipes. I's like to share them with you now. These two recipes I made this week are so amazing. 

Another thing I have been enjoying is a Green Matcha Tea latte, thanks to my friend Steph! She gets hers with Skim milk, I get mine like this: 1/2 hot water, 1/2 extra hot soy, Matcha Green tea, no sweeteners. It's so yummy! The color is beautiful and the benefits from the matcha green tea are awesome! When you drink matcha green tea, you are drinking the whole leaf, not just the brewed water. Once glass of this amazingly pretty green tea is equivalent to 10 glasses of green tea in terms of the nutritional value and antoioxidant content. Want more details on what makes this tea so special? Click here....Matcha Green Tea Benefits

30 weeks!

I feel like it was just yesterday when I was so excited to be 14 weeks..... 30 Weeks! Holy Crap! Now I feel like we are getting closer and closer. I get anxiety about everything and worry about everything right now. I am usually not like this. I remember being in California, my favorite place, yet I was worried about driving in the car, worried about eating something that would make me sick, worried that something bad would happen. I couldn't wait to be safe and sound in my house. I think a lot of pregnant moms experience this, but I wish I weren't because I truly want to enjoy this time. I won't be having another baby. Now that we are home, Mario wants to do one more day in the Hamptons which is an hour and 30 minutes away, and another favorite place of ours, yet I am having anxiety about driving there. I feel like all I want to do is stay home in my house where I am safe and no harm can be done to the baby. SO protective, I know....

Mario went with me to Buy Buy Baby yesterday to LOOK at gliders for little G's room. I made him sit in all if them, because he will he rocking our little girl as well and reading to her everyday, so it's important that he is comfy in the chair too. We found the PERFECT glider. I was able to pick my own color, which is this beautiful white, and the trim on the chair is a light green to pick up the greens in her room. We no longer need to get a pouf because this glider not only glides, but it reclines! Oh yea, Daddy was in his glory! He is already planning to sleep in the chair! We were going to go home and purchase it online, but the chair isn't even on the website. When I asked how long it would take to deliver, we were told 6-8 weeks. I whipped out my credit card so fast, and paid for it. I don't want to wait 6-8 weeks, but it's a custom glider, so we have no choice! We are so excited!

We are still walking everyday! Tuesday I didn't have any clients since they are still all away, so I was at the track by 8:30, walked two miles and went to the gym to do some upperbody. When Mario came home, we walked another mile. I sware, the baby must love it!! She moves like crazy when I am done. It makes me feel so good to know she is strong, healthy and kicking up a storm!

Best news of yesterday was Mario calling Dr. Reiss about my Glucose results.... I passed! I get a sticker! :O) Thank God. Mario was so excited and can't believe how great this pregnancy has been for not just the baby but for me.  I'm the happiest girl ever... Now if the next 10 weeks would just FLY BY!

Getting closer!!!

Holy crap! Time is really sneaking up on us now! This Thursday I will be 30 weeks! 10 more to go! Going away for a break really helped me keep my mind off the "PREGNANCY" and time, and allowed me to connect with my husband and daughter and just relax. Now that I am home again, I am getting anxious about having everything we need for little miss. 

In Laguna Beach August 2013

I am feeling great! I actually feel smaller today than I did about two weeks ago, and I think it's because of all the walking I have been doing! It really helps with making sure the baby is head down, keeping my weight off and just feeling active and productive.  I will say, I am nesting like crazy and just want everything to be perfect for when we bring our little girl home. Her nursery is complete and her book shelf is filling up! SO excited to just order some finishing pieces like her glider where I will breast feed her and her pouf. I decided on a pouf instead of an ottoman due to the size of her room. We want it open, not cluttered.

Mario has been so good about walking with me everyday, anywhere from 1 mile to 1.5 miles. It's nice to have that bonding time with him. It's also nice that the weather here in NY has been incredible and it's only going to start getting cooler now! I am so ready for the cooler temps!

Preparing for Maternity leave makes me a little anxious too. I have been working for so many years, that to think I will be home stating all over with a new baby is kind of scary! I know once she is here, I won't EVER want to leave her, I guess it's just the unknown right now. One thing is for sure, I definitely won't be bored! We will have lots to do, me and my little side kick!

I have found a great person to take my place at work and train all of my girls. Having someone who has the same philosophies as I do in nutrition and fitness is a MUST. I have had all my girls training with me for seven years, so they are used to EVERYTHING about me. They have become my family.  The one thing that will remain are my wellness clients which I work with online. I will also continue on with my fitness blog as best as I can, because doing that not only motivates all my followers and clients, but it will motivate me to get back to my old self again.. THE FIT GREEN GODDESS! 

I haven't used a dumbbell since August 4th. I haven't been motivated by the weights as I am by walking. This week, I am going to tray a little of both. Once I get back to whopping some ass at work on my girls, I will be motivated for sure to whoop my own ass!

My weight so far is 23 pounds gained. NOT bad! I am happy if I reach 30. Anything over that and I may get a little uncomfy. 30 pounds is perfect for the baby and for momma!  I haven't craved anything lately. I also have not been overeating, in fact, the baby takes up a lot more room as does my uterus and placenta, so my stomach can't hold as much food. I am good with four small meals a day.  I drink MORE water now that I am home more and have access to my own bathroom! Thank God! It sucks that I get the energy to go walking and when I find release some endorphins, my bladder can't hang anymore, I gotta find a toilet or get home quick!

Sleep is getting a little uncomfy too. I toss and turn all night long because the baby kicks me hard on the side I am usually laying on. I also pee anywhere from 3-4 times a night! Sheesh!

Aside from all that, I am feeling wonderful and Mario and I are ready to be parents and love this baby to the ends of the earth!

XO Tina

....And we're back!

Laguna Beach

Left for California on August 5th. I couldn't wait to leave and get there, OH how I love California! I would MOVE there in a hot second! I love seeing the palm trees, the ocean, the perfect weather with no humidity, the farmer's markets EVERYWHERE, the boutiques, the surfer boys and girls and the mountains that look like a back drop of a picture everywhere you turn! WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE!?!?

Pacific Coast Highway

Let me remind you I am almost 8 months pregnant and nesting like a mother (you know what)... so until this trip, I've been such a homebody. I could stay in my house for days on end without caring about a thing other than this baby in my belly! So when we got to Cali, I was able to relax for oh say a HOT SECOND! Usually when Mario and I are on vacation, it's walking, biking touring, eating beaching, and repeat it all over for the next two weeks. THIS TIME, I had to remind him that I can't walk fast, I can't bounce on a bike, and I can't walk for 8 hours a day at his pace (super fast). 

Our Beach view

Our vaca started in Laguna Beach which is so laid back, full of surf shops and cute surfer boys and tan blonde girls. I love the way they talk. Everyone in Laguna was "chill" and easy going. We walked about 2 miles every morning to find Starbucks. Then we would walk to lunch and then to dinner. My adrenaline was kicking into high gear because of how excited I was to be away and in my favorite place, but by bed time- 9pm, I was SHOT! 

The one thing that gave me a little anxiety was all the traffic EVERYWHERE, highways, side streets, main roads...you name the road or street, and cars were piled on. 

The one thing that made me feel great was all the walking, as long as Mario slowed down a little, and we could stop so I could pee about every 15 minutes. This baby is either head-butting my bladder or punching or kicking it! 

Laguna Beach boardwalk

I ate super clean in Cali. Every morning we would have breakfast, lunch and dinner, and try to find some sort of juice place or smoothie place, so I would have a snack or two between meals. Most of the time, I would just eat three large meals and be fine in between with nothing. 

finally getting some sun!

Out to dinner!

 This pic was at the Montage Hotel in Laguna! Holy crap was this place insanely GORGEOUS! Only in our dreams could we stay here. The views were spectacular as was the sunset. We had dinner here.... If you ever go to Laguna, make a reservation to this place!

A view from our room!

 After spending 3 nights in Laguna, Mario was so excited for me to see Hermosa Beach! So off we went to our next destination. Driving through Hermosa, seemed even MORE townsy, and more laid back. To be honest at first I wasn't so crazy about it, but once we got to our hotel, and saw that we were 7 steps from the beach, I was thrilled! The beach was filled with volleyball nets and people playing, kids and families on the beach and in the water and so many people on the boardwalk. It's VERY family oriented. We LOVE that! Another casual beach town.

most beautiful sunset from our hotel room

Partial Ocean View Room

 We stayed at the Hermosa Beach House Inn. Thankfully, because everything else seemed run down and super old. This hotel was GORGEOUS, and the room was elegant, super clean and cozy! After walking ALL day, we would sit on our deck and people watch. The surfers, skaters, homeless and the rich.... All walks of life here, and they all blended so well.

Someone got too much sun!

 This Cool looking skeleton that was so patriotic was in Balboa. What a quant and gorgeous little UPSCALE town. Lots of walking, shopping sight seeing and fun! The homes are quite expensive and so beautiful as they sit on the bay overlooking boats. On one persons deck there sat this beauty! I happen to think she should stay outta the sun! How about you!?

Balboa Beach Surfer

 Our view everyday! How could you ever get sick of this? I was wishing Gabby Reece would show up and show these kids how it's done!

From the Pier looking at the beach I took this incredible shot!

Early morning view from our room

 Every morning we would wake up to a cloudy ski, but by 10:00, the clouds would burn off and the sun would beam all day. FUnny thing is that it was only about 70 degrees, yet the sun was strong enough that Mario & I got too much color! I love how there is NO humidity!

Pregnant momma on the beach!

MONSTER house on Hermosa Beach- Wonder who lives here!

Budha belly!

Hermosa and Manhattan Beach are a hop skip and a jump away, but too long to walk, so we would drive over to Manhattan Beach to walk around and see some boutique shops. We got little G some cute things! I found baby leg warmers! I DIE for these things! I can't wait until she can crawl in her diaper, and just have her leg warmers on! 

My little Friend- We met on the pier

Manhattan Pier

Does this really need a caption???

I must say, everywhere we ate, the food was amazing. I ate lots of fresh fish, mussels, shrimp, and I even ate chicken (after 5 years). I blame it on little baby G- She needs the nutrients and since she is the boss, I do as she says!

Two days in Hermosa was definitely NOT enough, but the vaca must go on! We were heading to Santa Monica but first we had to pic up Heather from the airport. I was so excited that my daughter was joining us, and that I get to show her Cali- especially Santa Monica and Venice Beach. I KNEW she would love it!

This is my beautiful 21 year old Heather. I think she fell in love with Cali as soon as she arrived. She is on the quiet side, but by the pics she was taken and the smiles along the trip, I knew she was happy to be there.  

We went over to the 3rd Street Promenade to do some shopping. I kid you not, Heather was there about 1 hour before we head into the Puma Store, and Mario recognizes Ray Liotta from Goodfella's the movie! 

Ray Liotta & Heather

Heather's boyfriend is a huge fan and so is Mario, so Mario quietly approached him. He was so nice, and instantly loved Heather (how could you not). I asked him nicely if he would mind taking a picture with Heather and he jumped up and was gracious enough to take a picture with her and then made conversation with her. What a great day for Heather, and for Mario & I to be able to treat her to a nice little break in Sunny California! 

This was on the pier that overlooks the PCH. Isn't she gorgeous!

My little Heather Feather!

After dinner, we wanted to take Heather to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills so she could see all the fabulous stores lit up at night. It's quite beautiful how they decorate all the top designer stores. Heather is a fashion DIVA, and I KNEW she would be in HEAVEN! Shh, don't say anything, but Mommy was too, especially passing by TOM FORD! MY OBSESSION!! 

TOM FORD

Rodeo Drive at night

 The next day, Mario & Heather wanted to do Paddle-boarding in the Ocean. So we went down and they both got a lesson. This guy and his wife teach lessons, but the wife was just assisting today. He was great with both Mario and Heather

Heather & The instructor

She is such a Cali girl!

There she goes!

LESSON TIME!

And they are off!

I got to watch! No paddle-boarding for this pregnant momma! Heather didn't last too long, as she had a strong start, but when a strong wave knocked her over, she got a little scared, and decided to call it quits. Every time I looked over at Mario, He was getting knocked over too. I guess to do it in the ocean requires a lot more instruction patience and time. It was expensive to get the lesson, and I am glad they both experienced it. Better to have tried it and not succeeded than not to try at all.

We went back to our hotel and got ready for dinner. and enjoyed the evening together.

7 months pregnant

Woke up the next morning and happen to go to the elevator, looked down and spotted Heather soaking up some sun! She really fits right in her in Cali!

Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica- 9th floor

Time to take Heather to Venice Beach! Can't wait to see her reaction to the people and sites there. We decided to walk to Venice from out hotel. Little did I know it was a 3 mile walk! I forgot that last time we were on bikes and it took us 10 minutes. LORD this was the never-ending walk! I had to pee along the way, luckily there were bathrooms!

Gym on the beach! LOVE THAT!

LOVE THIS!

Famous Muscle Beach Gym!

 After watching Heather LOVE Venice which she says is her FAVORITE, we got the hotel car to come pick us up. There was NO WAY this pregnant belly would be able to walk back 3 miles. Mario wanted to walk, so Heather drove with me. We only beat him by like 10 minutes! 

The last day in Cali, we took Heather to Beverly Hills to have lunch and shop some more. Not that we would buy anything, but just watching Heather's expressions as we walked into these glamorous stores was priceless!

Beverly Hills

Only in Beverly Hills!

Rodeo Drive!

Mommy & daddy! I LOVE this pic

But Of course!

View from the hotel window- 9th floor

My gorgeous girl

View from our restaurant in Malibu

Last morning in Santa Monica

Our trip was one I will never forget...I LOVE California. I must say though that I was so happy to get home. I'm a nesting momma right now, so the closer I am to home, the better I feel. I was so thankful to be able to get Heather to experience such a gorgeous place. I know she loved it. She did some great shopping and took some amazing pics! She is quite the young woman. My wish for her is to be able to experience trips like this again with someone she loves, like Mario and I. It was great to bond with her, and connect with her again. 

If you want some reviews on where we ate and stayed, check out my trip advisor profile . 

Until next time, Cali will hold a piece of my heart!

XO Tina