‘Tis The Season for Giving

'Tis The Season for Giving
‘Tis the season for giving!  Since I already shared my holiday wish list, I thought I would provide some helpful ideas to think about when shopping for loved ones this year.  I assume most of us have started at least perusing, but for those of you who haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, maybe this inspiration board will give you a little jump start.  Whether you are shopping for your mom, dad, husband, wife, best friend, or boss, I hope you can find something on this list your family and friends will enjoy.
For…
1.  The Sister or Best Friend: Floral necklace from Baublebar
2. The Hipster: Nerd Glasses from boohoo.com
3.  The Make-Up Hoarder: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette from Sephora
4.  The Party Girl/Boy: Corkcicle from Uncommon Goods
5.  Hostest with the Mostest: Darkest Night Red Wine Balloon Glass from Mikasa®
6.  The Ski Bunny:  Coal Creme Pom Pom Beanie Hat from Zumiez.com
7.  The Sassy Girl: Essie Nail Polish from Target
8.  The Bicyclist: RED Trace Audio Classic Helmet from Zumiez.com (Also works for skating, skiing, and snowboarding)
9.  The Future Photographer: Vintage Toy Camera Onsie from Etsy
10.  The Glamour Girl:  MAC Russian Red Lipstick from Nordstom
11.  The Dad, Hubby, or the Music Junkie:  Big Blue Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker from Brookstone
12.  For Sister or The Organizer:  Kate Spade Wallet from Piperlime
13.  The Mom, Grandma, or Someone Sweet:  Amazing Grace Set from Philosophy
14.  The Athlete:  Pure Balance Water Bottle from Lululemon  (made of glass covered in silicone, so no BPA!)
15.  The Boss: Steve Jobs Biography from Barnes and Noble
16.  The Tea Drinker:  Breville Ikon Electric Tea Kettle from  Gracious Home
17.  The Cold Weather City Dweller:  Volcom Earmuffs from Swell
18.  The Coffee Addict or The Comedian:  Mustache Mug from Customized Girl
Happy Shopping!
XO,
Gina
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Fashion My Legs

Quick update!  Wanted to let you all know that I was recently featured on a blog called Fashion My Legs (FML), which showcases all things tights and hosiery.  Their editor, Lisa, loved my “Amaze” post in which my look included a pair of sheer black bow tights from Urban Outfitters.  Check out her blog for more inspirational ways to wear cool tights.  Thanks for the shout out Lisa!

Happy Friday everyone! XO.

Gina

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Mom’s Turn for a Birthday Shoutout

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My Mom and Dad are literally two days apart in age.  They usually end up celebrating their birthday’s together (much like my sister and I did growing up), but I figured I would give them each their own individual shout out on the blog for their special days this year.  So Mom…now it’s your turn…

She’s the one who tucked us into bed at night.  She’s the one who said goodnight at the bottom of the stairs.  She’s the one who made up songs with our names in them.  She’s the one who performed these songs while giving us a bath.  She’s the one who always tickled our backs.  She’s the one who made us dinner every night.  She’s the one who also made us eat it whether we wanted to or not.  She’s the one who drove us to soccer and basketball practice.  She’s the one that was cheering or coaching at every single game.  She’s the one who watched TGIF with us on Fridays.  She’s the one who thought of cool birthday party ideas.  She’s the one who took us shopping.  She’s the one who helped us with our homework.  She’s the one who helped us study until we were falling asleep with our books in our laps.  She’s the one who took me to her lab and showed me what scientists do at work.  She’s the one who helped me apply to thirteen…yes thirteen different colleges.  She’s the one who went with me to visit a lot of those colleges. (Loyola New Orleans was particularly fun.)  She’s the one who understood the true meaning of being a Terp since she’d experienced it herself.  She’s the one who taught me how to balance my checkbook.  She’s the one who still pretends we are five years old when we are coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.  She’s the one who cooks Christmas dinner every year.  She’s the one who has her own special Redskins touchdown dance.  She’s the one who makes sure there is always food in the fridge when I come home to visit.  She’s the one who comes to visit me in New York City.  She’s the one who is afraid of the subway.  She’s the one who shares my love of singing.  She’s the one who plans our OBX vacations.  She’s the one who sacrificed so much for us throughout the years.  She’s the one who taught me how to be a woman, a daughter, a friend, and hopefully one day a mother myself.  She’s the one who has no idea how much she means to all of us.

She is my Mom.

Love you so much Mernie!  Hope you have a fantastic Birthday! XO.

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At my 8th grade graduation. Look how stunning she is!
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My bridal shower with my main girl
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Photo courtesy of Joe Brier from The Happy Couple Photography.
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The fam
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Me and my gorgeous Mama

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Happy (Belated) Birthday Papa Bear

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He’s funny.  He’s sweet.  He’s loud.  He’s crazy.

He’s friendly.  He’s fun.  He’s handsome.  Never lazy.

He’s strong.  He’s affectionate.  He’s lovable.  He’s grand.

He’s Italian.  He’s an entrepreneur.  Always willing to lend a hand.

He golfs.  He skis.  He dances.  He plays.

He smiles.  He whistles.  He works hard for days.

He cries during movies.  He smokes cigars.

He builds lots of things.  He has lots of cars.

He makes pizza and wine.  He loves to play bocce.

He built his own motorcycle.  He loves the movie Rocky.

He also likes the Godfather.  And Scarface too.

He quotes movie lines.  Probably better than you.

He’s a good friend.  He’s a good husband.  He’s a good father.  He’s a good lad.

This man that I speak of…

He is my Dad.

Happy Birthday Pops.  Love you!

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Can you guess which one is him?
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Dad on the motorcycle that he built himself. He named it “Sicilian Venom.” Haha.
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Wedding Day Father/Daughter Dance.  Frank Sinatra’s, “The Way You Look Tonight,” followed with a breakout disco dance routine to “She’s on Fire” from the movie “Scarface.”  Photo courtesy of Joe Brier at The Happy Couple Photography
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Bocce Champs
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Skiing together at Seven Springs in PA
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Dad with Sister and Me on Christmas Eve
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Family on another Christmas Eve
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Killing it on the dance floor.  Photo courtesy of Erin Lassahn Wedding Photography.
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Photo from a recent wedding we attended together.

I apologize that I am a day late on this post!  I originally meant to post this on my Dad’s actual Birthday which was yesterday, but I was on the hunt for some of those older photos.  Alas, here they are.  Hope you enjoyed following me on my trip down memory lane. 🙂

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Gina

Holiday Wish List 2012

Holiday Wish List 2012

1. Mustard Satchel: Aldo / 2. iPad Cover: Tory Burch / 3. Betsey Johnson Perfume: Kohls / 4. Dots for Life Coat: Tulle at Modcloth / 5. New Balance Running Shoe: Nordstrom / 6. Ivory Polka Dot Tights: Madewell / 7. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch: Nordstrom / 8. Kate Spade Bangle: Piperlime / 9. IPhone Fish Eye Lens: Restoration Hardware / 10. Marc Jacobs Gold Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs / 11. Leopard Gloves: Dorothy Perkins / 12. Tulle Vintage Coat: Nordstrom / 13. Blythe Blouse: J Crew / 14. Ivory Peacoat: Express / 15. Military Boots: ALDO / 16. Spike Bracelet: ASOS / 17. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Perfume: Lord & Taylor / 18. Business Card Holder: Kate Spade
I wanted to share some of my favorites this holiday season.  Christmas is my most cherished time of year.  Spending quality time with family and friends is one of my favorite things to do, and I am lucky I get to see almost everyone from back home around the holidays.  I love shopping for others and seeing their faces as they open their gifts.  And let’s be totally honest…we all love to receive some shiny new things for ourselves under the tree as well!
Now that I’ve shared my holiday wish list, please tell me what’s on yours!
And stay tuned for an upcoming gift-giving guide for ideas of what you can give others in the next week.
In other news…HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my amazing DAD!  Stay tuned for another special post coming this week as well. 🙂
Happy Holidays!
Gina

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Atlantic City!  What a weekend.  First off, congratulations to the bachelorette, my cousin Alex.  I think we showed her a pretty good celebration, evident by the fact that she wore her tiara the entire time, and even on the way out of the casino.  She clearly did not want the weekend to end.  It was wonderful to get some quality girl time complete with constant squealing, dirty shirley’s, sequins, stilettos, and dancing.  I am not a huge gambler, but I did get into a game of black jack, the Sex and the City slots, and a little roulette as well.  This weekend was definitely one for the books, and I am now super excited for her wedding at the end of the month!

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View from our hotel room at the Revel. You can see a bit of destruction left over from Hurricane Sandy. Boardwalk and casinos were pretty much in tact though.

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My cousins Marisa and Alex. Matron of Honor & Bride.

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The crew
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Bride with one of her bridesmaids
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My sister and I. On me: Forever 21 dress, Betsey Johnson watch, Lancome Fuchsia Clutch lip, bracelet (gift from cousin), ALDO earrings

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Well, I am looking forward to a little relaxation tonight after a crazy fun-filled weekend.  Planning on maybe a little work out, dinner with the hubs, and catching the Redskins v. Giants game on TV.  HAIL!

Happy Manic Monday everyone!

XO,

Gina