A Bright New Year

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The bright color contrast between this sweater and necklace just make me happy!  I was also very excited to sport my new Michael Kors watch for the first time as well as my spike bracelet.  Thanks Mom/Dad and hubby for the Christmas presents!  The gold nail polish is left over from the festivities of the New Year, but I think it may end up being a favorite this winter.

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Sweater: GAP – similar here and here / Pants: ZARA / Shoes: Nine West – pretty alternative / Bubble Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold

Happy Thursday everyone!  Did anyone happen to catch the 2013 Oscar Nominees this morning?  ParaNorman has been nominated for best animated feature.  YAY!  My company represents the studio who produced the film in the commercial world, so we are very excited over here today.

Speaking of the movies, I have been spending a lot of time there lately.  First, I saw This is 40, which although I think  was lacking in plot, made up for that fact by being extremely funny.  I donned this get-up over the weekend to head to the theatre to see another Oscar Nominated film, Les Miserables.  Of course, you know already how much I adored this film.  Lastly, I attended a special screening on Monday hosted by the Tribeca Film Institute called Cutie and the Boxer.  A lovely documentary about a Japenese artist couple.  The couple has both passion for their work as well as each other.  The dynamic between the two artists was just hilarious and adorable all at the same time.  The film will be premiering at Sundance this year.

What movies have you seen lately, and what are you faves?

XO,

Gina

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Pasta Fagioli

“When the stars make you drool, just like pasta fazool, that’s amore…” – Dean Martin

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On New Year’s Day, I spent my time exercising, doing laundry, and whipping up a big ol’ pot of pasta fagioli! (pronounced “pasta fazool” by us Italian Americans.)  Like a lot of other favorite Italian dishes, this one also started out as a peasant dish, being composed of inexpensive ingredients (i.e. pasta and beans).  Families have since passed down their recipes from generation to generation, and each family has their own little twist on this tasty little soup.

I remember eating this dish at my grandparent’s house when I was a kid, and this winter I had the sudden urge to recreate this in my own home.  My grandmother passed the recipe down to my aunt who then in turn passed it down to myself.  This was my first crack at making pasta fagioli, and according to my husband, it turned out wonderful!  Of course, being me, I added a few of my own twists and turns to the recipe that I will share with you.  Warning: I had to break out the lobster pot (my largest pot), and we ate this soup for an entire week (even after giving a large batch to my neighbors!)  Be prepared, this produces more soup that you might think!

Ok here we go…

1 – 16 oz. bag of navy or cannellini beans (or any white beans)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large diced onion

4-6 cloves crushed garlic

4-6 stalked chopped celery

4-6 chopped carrots

1/2 small boneless ham (cubed)

2 – 28 oz. cans of diced tomatoes

3-4 bay leaves

1 bottle white cooking wine

32 oz. chicken stock

salt and pepper

oregano

crushed red pepper

1 lb. small macaroni (or pasta of choice)

Romano cheese (topping)

Wash beans in a colander.  Put beans in a pot and cover with water 2 inches above the beans.  Boil for approximately 2 minutes.  Let it cool and sit for one hour.  Return beans to colander and rinse well under cold water.  Set aside.

In a large pot, saute the garlic, onions, celery and carrots in the olive oil for 3-5 minutes until onions are iridescent.  Add ham, beans, 1 can of tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper.  Also add some white cooking wine, chicken stock, and water to taste.  (You don’t have to use the full bottles at this time.  I ended up using it all eventually as the soup cooked down, but I started with just enough liquid to cover all the ingredients.  The original recipe just called for water to cover the ingredients, but I decided to kick up the flavor with the white cooking wine and chicken stock.)  Cook until the beans are tender.  This took me about 1 1/2 – 2 hours.  Keep checking!  As the liquid cooks down, add the second can of tomatoes (original recipe called for one can, but again, I wanted more tomato flavor), more cooking wine, chicken stock, and water to taste.  You can add as much or as little as you want depending on how thick vs. brothy you want the soup to be.  The important thing is to make sure the beans are fully cooked.

Cook the macaroni separate, then add as much of it to the soup as you want per portion.  I ended up putting all of the cooked pasta right into the soup pot, but some people might want less pasta in their portion.  Serve in bowls.  Last but not least, top the dish off with some freshly grated Romano cheese!  As you can see from my photos above, I like a lot of cheese.

If you decide to serve up some pasta fagioli using my family recipe this winter, please let me know how it goes!

Buon Appetito!

Gina

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Winter White

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This ivory jacket and polka dot tights were amongst some of my favorite Christmas gifts I received this year.  Paired with an ivory and gold shimmery dress and a gold clutch, this made for the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit this year.  I also had the opportunity to break out my old wedding shoes for the first time since the big day.  Who knew I would be ever wearing these babies again?

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Photo by: Zack Notes

Ivory Coat: Express (sold out) – other ivory coats I adore from Nordstrom (here and here),  Theory via Saks, Michael by Michael Kors via Victoria’s Secret, and Victoria’s Secret / Dress: Forever 21 / Tights: Madewell (currently on sale!) / Shoes: Nina (brides, there is a ridiculous sale on these beauties!) / Sunnies: Ann Taylor LOFT / Clutch: (old) / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Necklace and Rings: Family gifts / Lip: Lancome Groupie / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold 

Had a fantastic time this past weekend in the city.  Friday, I said my farewells to a good friend who is moving back to Connecticut to go to grad school.  My second bedroom is open whenever you want to come visit!

Saturday hung out with the hubs during the day, made some yummy breakfast, took down the Christmas tree (wahhh),  and…wait for it…went to see Les Mis!!!  Oh my gosh, it was so amazing.  Bring your tissues!  I have never seen the show, so I didn’t really know what to expect other than that it would be quite depressing.  However, I really enjoyed the movie, and thought Anne Hathaway had a spectacular performance.  After the film, I met up with a few friends in the East Village, and ended the night with the deliciousness of Pomme Frites.  If you have not been here, this place is a must for fabulous french fries dipped in more sauces than you could ever imagine.  Yum!

Sunday, the boy and I got in an awesome workout at the gym, went to Home Depot to pick out some paint colors for a new DIY project (and by DIY, I mean my cousin will be DIYing for us haha), and finally sat down to a fabulous home cooked meal while watching the Redskins game.  Unfortunately, our team did not pull out a win, but they gave a valiant effort.  Some decisions were pretty questionable, but what can you do.  The Skins had a great season, so still HAILING!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

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{4} Lately…

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Lately I’ve been…

reading  I took a little reading break over the holidays with all the craziness, but now that I’m back to the Big Apple and doing my daily subway commute again, I have started Book 4 of the Harry Potter series.

writing  Yesterday and today, I have been catching up on writing e-mails since I have been away on holiday.  Still have a few more to go, but I’m getting there!

listening  Was recently introduced to this a cappella version of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” performed by Walk Off the Earth feat. KRNFX.  Pure genius.  Thanks for sending this to me Krissy!

thinking  About taking my Christmas tree down this weekend.  Are the holidays really over?

smelling  Lolita Lempicka perfume that I put on this morning.  A musky floral vanilla scent that is sensual and romantic.

wishing  My friend Erin all the best on her move back to Connecticut from the Big Apple.  Good luck on your new venture with grad school.  You will be missed, but you better come visit!

hoping  That all my family and friends are starting off 2013 on a happy note!

wearing  Lots of black.  Black peplum top from StyleMint with military blazer from Macy’s over top.  Black skinny jeans from ZARA with my new Steve Madden studded combat boots.  Swoon!  Pops of pink from my Barami necklace and American Eagle beanie (thanks Meg!)  Lastly, my new black military style winter coat that I got from the hubby for Christmas from ASOS.  Obsessed!

loving  That I just got back to work yesterday, and it’s already the weekend today.

wanting  To see Les Mis this weekend.  Yes, that must happen.

needing  To get back in shape.  I know, I know.  It’s the new year and everyone has these fitness resolutions.  So sue me if I want to jump onto that bandwagon.  The holidays were fun, but now my pants are too tight.

feeling  Excited for the possibilities that 2013 brings!  We already have a few weddings on the books, some travel ideas (thinking Arizona!), a photography class scheduled, and (shocker!) even some relaxation time in the next few weeks with no bi-monthly trips to Maryland.  Sorry fam/friends, it’s your turn to come visit US!

clicking  Researching through different animation company reels and catching up on e-mails and my favorite blogs.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday!

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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A Day on the Farm

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While on holiday, we spent a day celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday on the farm.  Her friend owns a beautiful piece of property in Northern Maryland, and invited a crew over for a lovely housewarming at their newly renovated home.  Along with my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law were also in attendance.  It was great to catch up with everyone over delicious home cooked seafood chowder, decadent desserts, and a fantastic walk around the yard with all the goats and chickens.  Thanks to Bill and Ellen for their hospitality.

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Today is my first day back at the office in the new year.  It’s strangely quiet so far today.  This morning I was able to make it to the gym, and I actually made it there before it opened.  What, you say?  Yes, this is no joke.  Weird things are happening in 2013.

Hope you all enjoy the end of our short week.

Cheers,

Gina

Foxy Lady

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My long time bestie, Meg, owns a house on the water in Pasadena, MD and I could not resist the opportunity for a photo op on this sunny day.  During my holiday break, Meg and I spent the night before making homemade pizza with friends and dancing the night away in Baltimore for another friend’s birthday.  The hubs and I stayed the night at her house, and we woke up in the morning to this beautiful view.  Thanks for having us Meg; we love you!

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Me with my bestie, Meg

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Outfit Photos by: Zack Notes

All other photos taken by me.

Fox Sweater: Old Navy (unfortunately sold out) – cute alternatives at ASOS, ModCloth, Dorothy Perkins and Peter Jensen / Red Coat: Tulle via Nordstrom / Chambray Button Down: GAP / Black Skinny Jeans: ZARA / Shoes: Nine West / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Don’t you just love this cute little fox?  I had to have this adorable sweater, even though they didn’t have my size.  A nice British tourist in the store convinced me that it would might “look cute a bit baggy,” and that was all I needed to hear before swooping it up.

My holiday break has been fantastic.  I can’t believe we have survived the “end of the world,” had an amazing Christmas, a fabulous family wedding, and that we are now into 2013.  Big thanks to my boss for giving me one more day off today to get my life together in NYC before going back to the office.  Here’s to unpacking, organization, and a work out for today to kick off the new year.  And if I get everything done today, then maybe I will treat myself to a little Les Mis tonight?  We shall see.

XO,

Gina