O Christmas Tree

Ta da!!!

We finally got our Christmas tree up!  We had to get a smaller one this year due to living room space.  Last year, our couch had not yet been delivered, and we got the biggest most beautiful tree.  While this one may not measure up in terms of looks, this year’s tree is definitely quirky and unique.  Dressed up in all the colorful lights and special ornaments, we have made this tree our own for 2012.  Take a peek and spread the holiday cheer!

Before:

After:

Next on the list: writing my Christmas cards!  Can you tell I kinda like Christmas?  Just a little?  The Christmas cards will have to wait ’til after the weekend though, because this girl is headed to Atlantic City.  Girls weekend here I come!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend as well!

XO,

Gina

{2} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished the November issue of Marie Claire.  Started Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn this morning on the Subway.  I have heard so many amazing things about this book, and I cannot wait to get intoxicated by it!

writing I wrote my to-do list at the beginning of the week with tons of chores and errands to be completed since returning from the Thanksgiving holiday.  So far, I have been very good at checking things off the list.  Hope to check a few more things off tonight before my trip this weekend.

listening  Anything and everything on XM’s Channel 51 BPM station.  I can’t seem to want to turn the station…ever.  Makes me want to dance.  Yes, even in the car.

thinking  About some different collaborations and blog posts that I may want to do in the future.

smelling  My morning coffee…although it is now afternoon.

wishing  That I wasn’t going to miss seeing my mother-in-law this weekend when she comes to town.  Yes, I actually like my mother-in-law, and we get along wonderfully.  Had a blast with her and the rest of the Notes clan over Thanksgiving, and wish I wasn’t going to miss out on her visit to town.

hoping  That the Mayans were incorrect and that the world is not actually going to end in three weeks.  I still have a lot of bucket list adventures to complete!

wearing  Today I’m wearing black skinny jeans, long sleeved black tee with purple/fuchsia sweater dress, combat boots, and a pink skinny headband.  On nights out I can’t seem to get enough of my navy peplum top from ASOS that you saw here.

loving  The fact that my Christmas tree is finally up!  To my utter delight, the deli on Courtelyou got trees this week.  We quickly snatched one up and drove it home (wow feels nice to say we didn’t need to cab it home).  We then proceeded to trim the tree and decorate the house all while blasting holiday tunes. Keep your eyes peeled for a post complete with photos soon. ‘Tis the season!

wanting  A Hippopotamus for Christmas.  Only a hippopotamus will do.  Okay, so maybe not really.  But while most may find this Christmas song obnoxious, I sure do love it!  It makes me think of my cousins on Christmas Eve, and obviously I cannot get it out of my head at the moment.  Probably because I keep playing it on repeat.

needing  Lunch.  My tummy is a grumbling.  Hmm…I’m getting tired of the same old Murray Hill lunch options.  Any one have any favorites in town?

feeling  Excited for tomorrow!  After work, I will be driving down to Atlantic City to celebrate my cousin, Alex’s, bachelorette!  Looking forward to a much need girl’s weekend including my other cousin, Marisa, and my sister, Angela.  The Fab Four reunite.  Woot woot!

clicking  Through a few different animation studios’ websites.  Doing some research for potential new clients and new talent.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Thursday!

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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Comfy Cape

Knitted Sweater Cape Poncho:  Ann Taylor LOFT (last season) – also love this tribal poncho from Piperlime / Long Sleeved Tee: J. Crew / Mint Skinny Jeans: ZARA / Boots: Steve Madden / Leg Warmers: K Mart / Necklace: H&M / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Watch: NY Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Happy Hump Day!  This week has been all about catching up from the holidays.  Between work, e-mails, laundry, unpacking, cleaning, grocery shopping, ordering our Christmas cards, and trying to get back into the gym, I have been a busy bee.  The rest of the week is filled with more chores and errands (and hopefully getting that Christmas tree!)  I’m counting down until this weekend where I will be celebrating my cousin Alex’s (remember her? also here) bachelorette!  We will all be headed off on an exciting girl’s weekend to Atlantic City!  Luckily, I was able to find a few festive outfits this past Monday to sport for the occasion.  Decisions decisions.

XO,

Gina

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Meet Finley

Meet Finley…my new nephew pup!  My sister and her boyfriend went to Deep Creek Lake for the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family, so Mom, Dad, Zack, and I got to meet and spend lots of quality time with this little guy over the weekend.  Isn’t he precious?  Besides, being ridiculously handsome, I found that Finley was actually quite smart!  At only 9 weeks, he was sitting, shaking paw and other paw.  By the end of the weekend, Zack had taught him to play fetch, and I had taught him to go up and down the stairs.  I was very impressed.  I am missing this little snuggle bug already.

Long Sleeved Tee: J. Crew / Knit Sweater: ZARA / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Boots: Kohls / Necklace: H&M / Watch: Coach / Skull Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules / Ring & Earrings: Passed down from Grandmother / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

Photos by: Zack Notes

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend with our friends and family in Maryland complete with a potluck dinner with friends, two family Thanksgivings, a lunch date with a friend, a trip to DC to celebrate my cousin’s 21st birthday, a jam session with the Notes fam, and of course playing endlessly with little Finley.

We returned to Brooklyn last night and ate the famous DiFara Pizza for dinner which definitely hit the spot.  Not that we really needed pizza after all the feasting, but we didn’t have any food in the fridge, so it is what it is.  We also tried to honor our tradition of picking up the Christmas tree when we got back to NY, but unfortunately, our local spots did not have any trees yet.  I’m hoping the trees will arrive by at least mid week so I can get started on my decorating!

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

XO,

Gina

Military Boho

Dress: Free People – last season, but view current dresses here / Jacket: Macy’s – old – I also like this one / Shoes: Aldo – similar here / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Calvin Klein / Ring: Forever 21 / Tiger Cuff: BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Skull Chain Bracelet: OiaJules / Necklace: H&M / Earrings: Aldo / Lip: Kat Von D Homegirl

Photos by: Zack Notes

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We spent the holiday with my cousins, and I must say I am still stuffed!  Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce (my fav), green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, chocolate pie, pumpkin pie (yes, I had two desserts) – what’s not to love?  After a night of gluttony, I am looking forward to getting a little exercise today.  I think a few trips around the neighborhood is definitely in order.

Anyone going out to fight the crowds for the Black Friday sales?  I must admit that rather than try to brave the madness at the Annapolis mall, I am going to be in the comfort of my parent’s living room with my computer in my lap doing all my Black Friday shopping.  Why stress out in long lines when I can just click my finger and poof! – a package arrives at my doorstep next week?  The decision is all too easy.

These photos were taken last weekend in the East Village before a big birthday brunch at the Sunburnt Cow for my favorite Aussie mate.  After a delicious meal and unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s, we headed off on a little bar crawl to continue the celebration.  This Free People dress is probably the most comfortable dress that I own, and I decided to pair this soft boho look with a more tailored military jacket and combat boots.  Flat shoes were a must with all the walking we would be doing.  I think the birthday girl would agree that this day was a “great success!”

Happy Weekend everyone.

XO,

Gina

30 Days of Thanksgiving

I have seen friends on Facebook and Twitter posting about things they are thankful for this year, and it has inspired me to create a list of my own thanksgivings for 2012.

1:  First and foremost, I want to thank God for putting me here on this beautiful Earth and allowing me to wake up another day.

2:  My wonderful husband, for loving me every day, accepting me the way I am, faults and all.  He is my rock and my best friend, and I am very lucky to have such a fantastic partner in this world.  Who else would have taken me on a surprise skydiving trip for our one year anniversary this past year?  He just gets me, and I fall in love with him more and more every day.

3:  My parents for an amazing upbringing full of love and support.  For giving me everything I could have asked for, and although at times I thought they were too tough on me, it has made me stronger and more independent for it.  There have been a few bumps in the road this past year, and I am so thankful to have had my mom and dad by my side during these times.

4:  My sister for being the BSITWWW (Best Sister in the Whole Wide World).  For being the person that I can always come to if I need to get something off my chest, for making me laugh constantly, for reading my mind without ever having to say a word.  For being able to sing every song from The Sound of Music or Grease from start to finish with me, and for being my partner in crime growing up.

5: My in-laws for always accepting me from the start.  For never questioning the fact that I was Catholic and their son was Jewish.  For respecting me and welcoming me lovingly into their family.

6:  My extended family.  My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc.  For always being there.  As crazy as we all are, we always have the most amazing time together.  I relish in our Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Easter, and Outer Banks celebrations every year.  There are a lot of us, which only means a lot more love and fun times to go around.

7:  My friends.  I am very lucky to have made such wonderful friends throughout each and every moment of my life.  From Queen Anne, to Bowie Soccer United, the Beltway Lady Cougars, St. Mary of the Assumption, to Archbishop Spalding, to the University of Maryland, to my girls at Alpha Phi, to the Dewey Crew, all the way to New York City.  Each one of you has made a difference in my life for the positive.  You are also my extended family, and I would not be where I am without your friendship and support.

8:  Popcorn and Pandas.  The former being my favorite snack in the world and the latter being the most adorable animals on the planet.

9:  Brooklyn, for being an affordable way to stay in New York city without going broke.  Being able to have the luxuries of a washer/dryer, dishwasher, a 2 bedroom apartment inside of a house with the most amazing neighbors while still having Manhattan and all it’s glory right at our fingertips has just been a blessing.

10:  My boss for keeping me employed during an awful recession period, helping me continue to grow in my field, being a great mentor in the production, television, animation, and advertising industries, and for making the work day enjoyable.

11:  Uncommon Goods for employing my husband thereby, helping to keep a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, giving us the ability to travel back and forth to Maryland to see family and friends, and for making possible those moments where I “just had to have” those pair of shoes.

12:  My nephew pup, Finley, who I just met and already love and adore.  He is the cutest, sweetest little tyke I have ever seen!

13:  My health, for allowing me to run around and play soccer and basketball, run races, dance, and do all the other things that I love.

14.  The invention of photography for allowing me to capture almost every moment of life.  For without photography, I would probably forget half of the things I have done and accomplished.  People say I have a good memory, and while this may be true, I remember so much through my photos, and cherish those memories every time I view them.

15.  Music for putting me in a good mood, for enjoyable car rides, for awesome nights on the dance floor, for lazy nights at the beach, for getting me through house cleaning, to accompany me while cooking, for jam sessions with my husband, etc.

16.  Teachers and coaches for making a difference in the future of America.  I had many great teachers and coaches growing up, and wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and leadership in the classroom and on the field/court.

17.  Our military for putting their lives on the line to protect our freedoms in this country.  Your service is much appreciated.

18.  Doctors, especially Dr. Q. for dedicating his life and career to curing brain cancer.  He fought for my friend John, and still continues to do so every day with Q’s Quest.

19.  Ice Cream for curing my sweet tooth always.

20.  The film industry for giving me a drive and passion to succeed and be creative.

21. Artists for continually reminding me that humans are capable of creating beautiful things.

22.  Technology for making it easier and faster to communicate with people from all over the world.

23.  Television for giving me an outlet when I am stressed to just chill and relax without having to think about anything.  Also to reality TV for helping me realize that other people are much crazier than me!

24.  For the amazing restaurants in NYC.  You provide a most delectable experience for those nights where I just do not feel like cooking.

25.  For online shopping, because with my busy travel schedule, I find it hard to make it out to the store as often as I would like.

26.  For children, who are completely innocent, and remind me of the days when things were so simple.

27.  For my long subway ride to work (I know, weird right?) for allowing me to catch up on all of my reading daily.

28.  Our car, so that I no longer have to take the Bolt Bus on every trip down to Maryland.  Having the car has definitely made traveling a lot less stressful, and being able to come and go at our leisure instead of being locked into a schedule has been bliss.

29.  My family home.  I’m so grateful that my parents still live where I grew up.  I am able to come back to visit and be greeted by all the memories of childhood.

30.  The Brown Family for cooking Thanksgiving dinner today, so that we can enjoy the benefits of a fabulous meal without having to do all the work.  Don’t worry, we got you on Christmas 🙂

What are you thankful for this year?

Hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving!  Enjoy!

Love,

Gina

A Sunday Stroll

Took these photos on a leisurely Sunday stroll this past weekend.  These new floral print leggings from StyleMint are my new favorite go-to choice for weekend wear.  They are super comfy and lounge-worthy for a day around the house, yet the fun print allows me get up and walk around town without feeling like a total bum.  They are currently on sale, so get ’em while they last!

Jacket: American Eagle / Top: Urban Outfitters (old) / Floral Leggings: StyleMint (on sale now!) / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Combat Boots: Aldo / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Skull Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules / Ring: Forever 21 / Black Beaded Bracelets: Forever 21 / Necklace: H&M / Earrings: Aldo / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ Wicked Ways Gloss

Photos by: Zack Notes

Today marks the end of the short work week here in the city.  After wrapping up at the end of the day, I will head home to Brooklyn to pack up my bags and get on the road.  Zack and I will be traveling down to Maryland to celebrate Thanksgiving with the fam!  It’s nice that both of our families are relatively in the same area, so we are able to see everyone for the holiday weekend.  I’m looking forward to our annual friends potluck dinner tomorrow night and spending time with loved ones throughout the next few days.  What are your plans for the holiday?  Traveling?  Staying bundled where you are? Would love to hear.  Stay safe everyone, and enjoy your time off if you have it!

XO,

Gina

Cheetah is My Favorite Color

This is probably one of my favorite posts, because of this amazing cheetah jacket I found on sale last winter for only $30!  Can you believe that?  This faux baby is insanely soft, comfortable and perfect for a night out on the town.  I had a big group of friends up visiting last weekend from Maryland, and I wore this out to our group dinner at Supper in the East Village.  The family style Italian was to die for, and we had our own private room where it was completely appropriate to start our own dance party.  We ended the night at Sing Sing with a little karaoke; always a crowd favorite with my group of friends.  Oh what a night!

Cheetah Coat: Ann Taylor LOFT (on sale last winter) / Peplum Top: StyleMint / Skinny Jeans: Zara / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Turquoise Bubble Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Polka Dot Bracelet: BaubleBar – sold out but yellow for sale / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Shoes: Aldo (old) / Earrings: Aldo / Bag: TJMaxx / Lip: MAC Venomous Villians Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ Wicked Ways Gloss

Photos by: Zack Notes

Lately…

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.

Well, today is Friday, and this is called Lately…but it’s pretty much along the same lines.  Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

Lately I’ve been…

reading  “Little Princes” by Connor Grennan – one man’s promise to bring home the lost children of Nepal. So far it’s really good!

writing  Christmas lists galore!  My holiday wish list, list of ideas for others, list for my Christmas cards, etc.

listening  Yes, I am already listening to Christmas music. So sue me.  I can’t help it if the first song that came on Pandora was ‘NSync’s “I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas.”  And I don’t hate it.

thinking  That I am super tired today because of a long busy week, and looking forward to relaxing tonight.  And that I feel bad about missing a birthday celebration tonight, but I’m just that run down.

smelling  The Juicy Couture perfume I put on this morning.

wishing  That I had more time for personal projects.

hoping  To take a photography class this winter and work on some household DIY projects since we won’t have to travel as much this season.

wearing  Gray denim skinny jeans with yellow and white striped 3/4 sleeved tee, Steve Madden boots, and a navy, yellow, and white striped cardigan.  Casual Friday.

loving  My hubby! We just celebrated 8 years of being together yesterday, and it’s been a year and a half that we have been married.  Our weekend is jam packed, but planning a date night for Monday.  Love him 🙂

wanting  The annual Pollard Potluck to get here already!  For those that don’t know what this is, it’s a potluck dinner followed by a crazy night with all my besties from high school in Maryland that we have been doing for 5 years on the night before Thanksgiving.  Because clearly one Thanksgiving is not enough.

needing  A nap.  After a crazy week with no sleep including a Madonna concert that didn’t go on until 10:50pm (totally worth it) and a late soccer game last night, I am dead tired.

feeling  That I’m happy it’s Friday!  Looking forward to the weekend.  Relaxing tonight to catch up on much needed sleep, a birthday brunch and bar crawl celebration on Saturday, catching up housework since my house has been neglected this past week, and coaching the kiddies at b-ball on Sunday.

clicking  Through all my favorite fashion blogs for style inspiration!

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Weekend Everyone! 🙂

Love,

Gina

 

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Hurricane Sandy Relief

This past weekend, Zack, Zigi, and about 40 University of Maryland Terp Alumni went out to Staten Island to help with Hurricane Sandy Relief.  I have to say, the pictures do not do justice to the amount of devastation out there.  Although I had seen photos and TV news reports of the destruction, it didn’t really hit home until I was walking around seeing it with my own eyes and talking to people who had lost everything.  Houses were completely destroyed, houses and cars were moved from where they had originated, pavement was caved in around restaurants, windows were smashed, the streets were still partly flooded, and there was still no power restored to the area.  Seeing lower Manhattan get cleaned up so quickly, most people probably think others areas have been cleaned up as well.  Let me tell you, this is not the case.  There is still so much to be done.

Clothing donations at a drop off spot

Saturday morning we loaded up our car full of supplies (thanks to $600 worth of donations from friends and family) and brought it to a drop off location where there were local police and volunteers ready to gladly accept.  I noticed there was an overwhelming amount of clothing, and people had been so generous.  But the real work was up ahead.  We literally demolished the inside of a house that had been completely water logged.  Luckily the foundation of this particular house was solid (I cannot say the same for the two next door – I am pretty sure those will need to be bulldozed).   The owner of the house we worked on will be able to reconstruct, but the inside had filled with so much water that everything inside had to be thrown out (including the drywall and insulation).  We spent the entire day hauling old heavy furniture and trash bags full of soggy wet drywall out to the street for trash pick up.  We shoveled and shoveled, and it felt like we would never be finished.  I felt horrible for this poor family.  However, I did notice that they had friends there to help as well as volunteers.  You could feel a sense of camaraderie and unity in the neighborhood of everyone being there to help each other get through this tough time, and that was nice to see.  I don’t think I have done that much intense physical labor in a long time, but it was all worth it to have the homeowners’ faces shining bright afterwards knowing how much we were able to accomplish.  The entire University of Maryland crew was able to clean out about 7 houses total that day.  That being said, looking around the neighborhood, there was so much more work to be done, and this neighborhood was only a small part of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy.  They need a lot more help and volunteers for all the rest of the groundwork that needs to be completed.  It makes me extremely sad, and I hope to volunteer again this week and as long as they need help.

If you are interested in helping with the relief, I posted some ways you can participate on my blog last week.  Here is the link for your reference.

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