popcornandpandas, Author at Popcorn and Pandas

Stella & Dot {Sneak Peek} And Trunk Show

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Stella & Dot to showcase their new spring line of jewelry and accessories! With the freezing cold temperatures these past couple months, I am so eager for spring and especially for an updated wardrobe. Stylist, Jessica Sigler, and I took advantage of the one warm day we had these past few weeks to take a walk around the neighborhood and capture these looks. Here is a sneak peek from the shoot!

Their new spring line is amazing, with one-of-a-kind statement pieces, pops of color, versatility, and twists on modern classics. There were so many beautiful options, that I really had trouble narrowing down the pieces I wanted to feature. Aside from their stunning jewelry, they have recently added bags, wallets, scarves, and tech accessories to their collection.

I am also super excited to announce that I will be hosting an online trunk show starting Monday March 10. Readers who shop through my trunk show will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off!

Looking forward to sharing the rest of the photos from our shoot next week, so stay tuned!

Happy Weekend!

XO,

Gina

{21} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading The seventh and final Harry Potter book! I know it has taken me awhile to get through them all, but they are totally magical and worth it!

writing Tons and tons of e-mails for work including invites to our events and follow up from past events.

listening Patsy Cline. Nico’s new favorite lullabies. I know my Grandpa is with us when I sing to him at bedtime.

thinking That last week was insane. Zack went to San Francisco on Tuesday. I had three days of back to back meetings with a client in town, and then Nico and I flew out to meet Zack in San Fran on Friday. That’s right…I flew across the country with a baby…solo…into a three hour time change…this section should be titled not thinking. However, I am proud to say, we made it, and it was all worth it!

smelling Swiss Apple tea. Apparently it’s good for skin support. But I just love the way tastes and how it keeps me warm on these freezing cold nights.

watching Finally saw The DaVinci Code. The book was definitely better, but Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so I’m glad I finally saw it.

wishing That I had invested in snow boots this winter. Who knew we would be getting pounded with this much snow? I would have gotten this pair.

hoping That my husband has a Happy 33rd Birthday today! We love you.

wearing Coats, coats, and more coats. Thankfully, I have invested in some outerwear the past few years. Definitely came in handy this winter.

loving Nico’s curiosity! He’s fascinated with the alphabet, and always stops whatever he is doing when we start spelling something to give us his complete attention. He’s also obsessed with his daddy’s guitar playing, and it’s a sure bet to stop him from fussing. It’s so awesome to see him start to notice the world around him.

laughing I’m constantly laughing with Nico every day. The sound of his laugh makes me so happy that I laugh right along with him.

wanting Spring to arrive. Sooner rather than later please!

needing To pay the bills and do laundry tonight. Meh.

feeling Happy. Although the past few months have had their ups and downs, I feel happy knowing that I have such a warm and loving family to be with each day or talk to on the phone or online each night. My family is my happy place.

craving Warmer weather! I can’t say it enough!

clicking Through VRBO to check out places in New Hampshire for a weekend summer getaway with friends. Can’t wait!

What have you been up to lately?

I’m including an extra special picture in honor of the hubby’s birthday today. Doesn’t this just pull at the heart strings? Thanks to you, Zack, for being the best Papa in the world! Hope you have an amazing day. XOXO.

Have a happy one ya’ll!

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.

And This is Why I Love Living in NYC

On a random Saturday afternoon, my husband and I decided to take the baby and see what was happening at the Brooklyn Museum. We hadn’t been there in a few years, and figured we would check it out. We didn’t look up anything online, nor had we been paying attention to much anything besides getting through the day to day now that we are both back to work. We were happy to have a free weekend in the city for which we had no plans. Despite the frigid temperatures, we made our way there quite early before all the crowds (and we had no idea the crowd that was to come). Turns out the famous Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit was happening right then and there! And we had just stumbled upon it! Now let’s not get started on why the hell I am a fashion blogger and had no idea about the Gaultier exhibit practically right in my backyard. Are you kidding me, Gina? I will blame it on baby brain, and just move on to tell you how awesome it was. Only in New York can you just happen to stumble upon something so amazing! For those of you who don’t know Gaultier, all I have to say is Madonna and cone bra, and I’m sure this will ring a bell! He is a French haute couture and prét á porter fashion designer. He was also the creative director of Hermés for seven years. The exhibit was complete with 140 ensembles along with interactive mannequins, sketches, runway footage, photographs, and so much more. We could not have picked a better exhibit to “run-into.” Unfortunately, I did not carry my camera with me this day, as we had enough to carry around, but I was able to take some snaps with my iPhone. Enjoy!

Hope you all had a nice weekend, and wishing you a great week ahead!

XO,

Gina

Winter Walk

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Coat: Old Navy / Blouse: ZARA / Jeans: Paige Denim / Boots: ALDO – similar here / Hat: Brooklyn ARTery / Scarf: Urban Outfitters – similar here / Necklace: Francesca’s (Christmas gift) – similar / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: gift / Lip: MAC Red

First of all, we must talk about this COAT. I scored this amazingness for only $30 at Old Navy! As in 3-0! I don’t think I have ever gotten a nice coat for that cheap. I certainly didn’t need a new coat, but at that price, how could I resist?!?! I love the colors and also that the collar is detachable. Considering the constant snow we are getting this winter though, all my my coats are getting a ton of use this year. These photos were taken last weekend in Red Hook when it was a bit warmer out and the snow was starting to melt. However, of course we got pounded with more snow after that beautiful, nice day.

It’s been a bit of a rough week, as you can imagine, but I want to thank you all for the love and support you have shown my family. I truly appreciate it.

I am happy to be spending the day at home with my son today, and we are looking forward to the weekend (although not looking forward to more snow).

Happy Friday everyone!

XO,

Gina

I Hope You Had the Time of Your Life

I typically keep this space light and fun. However, those you have been reading my blog for awhile now know that I also don’t want to plaster on a fake smile when I’m hurting. Unfortunately, life is not just about the happy moments. We have ups and downs and ebbs and flows.

This happens to be one of those difficult weeks. It’s with great sadness that I lost my uncle, my mother’s brother, to a long, nasty battle with cancer. He had a rare type of esophageal cancer, and while he fought like hell, there was nothing more the best doctors in the world from Johns Hopkins could do for him. My only solace is knowing that he went peacefully and he is no longer in any pain or suffering. While my uncle was a bit wild on the exterior, he had a heart of gold and a kind soul. He was musical, artistic, funny, bright, and he loved his family more than ever. I will miss him like crazy, but I know he is still with here with us in some way.

I know this song is cliche, but it’s appropriate, and it reminds me of my uncle playing guitar, so I thought I would share it here today. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMJ0LOWlUbo]

XO,

Gina

Trending in Tartan

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Tartan Jacket: Gifted – Also like this one / Shirt: Urban Outfitters / Pants: Forever 21 – similar (a steal!) / Sneakers: ALDO – similar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Sunglasses: Street Vendor NYC / Hat: Gifted / Lip: MAC Red

I received this tartan jacket two Christmases ago, before tartan became popular this year. I’ve got to hand it to my aunt for being ahead of the curve on that one. 😉 I wore this a lot in December, but was too busy to capture it on camera, so I decided to break it out again this weekend since we had some warmer weather. And by warmer, I mean above freezing. Thank God. It’s been insanely cold here, with more snow than I could possibly want. Including a snowfall as I type. While I am enjoying a lot of new outerwear this season, I have to say, I am counting down until spring.

Hope you all enjoyed the Superbowl blowout this year. Hopefully you had some great parties to keep you entertained, since the game was anything but exciting! Congrats to the Seahawks.

Looking forward to a semi-chill week ahead.

XO,

Gina

{20} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Catching up on some magazines a bit. Unfortunately, the trains have been super crowded since I have been back to work, leaving me to stand the entire time and making it difficult to get that reading done that I was hoping.

writing E-mails, reel run lists, and finally getting back to writing blog posts again.

listening Old school hip-hop has been making it’s way onto my car radio. Backspin anyone?

thinking About booking that flight to San Francisco for the end of February, that Zack and I had an awesome much needed date night over the weekend, and that there is a ton of snow outside!

smelling Leftover gingerbread coffee from the holidays.

watching Teen Mom 2 came back this week…woot woot! I have also been keeping up with the new season of The Bachelor. Go ahead and judge me.

wishing That I could be in two places at once.

hoping Our dear friend recovers from an accident he had recently. It was super scary, and we are hoping he returns to good health soon.

wearing My new high waisted skinny jeans from Rag & Bone. Did I mention, I’m back to my old size again? Can you tell I’m excited? BTW…just because you go back to your old size after baby doesn’t mean you go back to your old body. I may be able to fit into the jeans, but I’m definitely a bit squishier these days (hence the high waisted) haha. Birth really takes a toll on you, but it was obviously worth it, and honestly, I’m not really stressing too much about it at this point. Maybe once bikini season is on the horizon I will be feeling differently…I’ve also been wearing this tartan scarf to keep warm in the snow.

loving That Nico is learning so much these days! He’s growing and changing so quickly right before my very eyes. Sitting up and rolling over all within a week span!

laughing At this photo of my husband. He is speaking at an upcoming conference in San Francisco (hence why I am thinking of booking a ticket there), and they chose this photo out of all the ones on the internet for his speaker profile. Just look for the guy who looks like the biggest douchebag, and you will find him. Sorry hunny, you know I love you, but this photo is ridiculous. It had us rolling the other night! Luckily, he is a good sport and he hasn’t asked them to take it down, because he thinks it’s kinda funny. Gotta love his sense of humor.

wanting Some hot chocolate with marshmallows. Yes, I’m five years old.

needing To prepare myself for my first 5 hour car trip alone with the baby. God help me.

feeling Already feeling the pull of being a working mom. I’m leaving work too early and getting home too late. Feels like you aren’t good enough at either job and the guilt starts setting in. I guess that’s just par for the course.

craving More time! So much to do, so little time!

clicking Through Pinterest and design blogs for inspiration on how to redecorate our sunroom. Trying to capitalize on an unfortunate situation by using this as an opportunity to start fresh, purge, and redesign the room.

What have you been up to lately?

Have a happy one!

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.

Back in Action

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Striped Blouse: H&M – similar here, / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Booties: ALDO / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – more from the shop here / Clutch: TJ Maxx / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co., ASOS (sold out – similar here), Baublebar

2014 has had a crazy start! I started back up to work, and have been trying to figure out how to be a working mom. Right now I’m trying to cram all my work into three days and still have time to pump three times a day to make sure my boy has enough to eat while I’m gone. When I am home with him, he is more awake than ever, and he keeps me busy all day long. It’s a lot of fun watching him grow (He rolled over for the first time this weekend! And he’s sitting up for long periods of time on his own now!), but it can definitely be exhausting! On top of that, we have been dealing with some house issues that need crucial hands on maintenance, and I’ve also been planning Nico’s upcoming Baptism. Whew!

Needless to say, my poor little blog has been getting neglected. I’ve had ideas for posts and outfits that I have wanted to blog, but life has just been getting in the way, and p + p unfortunately had to go on the back burner the past few weeks. Hopefully as we settle into our new routine, I will be able to find some time to keep things going, because I really do love having this little creative outlet!

Onto this outfit. Although, I do adore some pops of color every now and then, I do tend to go back to my comfort zone of black and white quite often! Maybe it’s the New York in me. I’m now back in my original size jeans (yay!) which called for a shopping celebration, and I scored this striped blouse at H&M while out. The vintage locket I am wearing was a Christmas gift from my husband, and I’m absolutely in love with it. There is a family photo of the three of us inside, with three other spaces to put photos when I want to add them.

Hope you will be hearing more from me in the coming weeks! I am glad to be back in action.

XO,

Gina

Farewell 2013

I can’t believe it’s time to say farewell to 2013. It’s been a crazy year, but also a really fun one. I want to thank all of you for continuing to check out my posts every day. Your comments and kind words definitely keep me coming back here to this little blog of mine. Your favorite post was when I announced my husband and I were having a boy! That little boy sure has changed our world. You also liked my recipes for garden fresh tomato sauce and homemade pesto. Who knew I could actually be crafty with my DIY Nursery Letters, which you all also seemed to enjoy. And your favorite outfit post was this winter white number.

Now here is a little photo reminder of my trip to Maine, which is perfect for today’s celebrations. I will most likely be in bed before the ball drops this year, because when you have a baby, you can’t stay up until midnight anymore. Instead of drowning yourself in champagne and singing Auld Lang Syne while staring at the blurry fireworks…you sip some sparkling cider, cuddle your little one, put him to bed, and then climb into your own bed to catch up on sleep. The difference in Brooklyn is that us parents postpone celebrations for a chic daytime party with other parents and babies in the neighborhood at the local bar (which I am looking forward to by the way). So we will still be celebrating tomorrow, just during baby-friendly hours. 🙂

I am wishing you all the most wonderful New Year for 2014!

XO,

Gina

2013 Fashion Round Up

These are a few of my favorite outfit posts from 2013. The past year has been a wild ride full of ups and downs, but I am so grateful for how everything has turned out. These past four months have been especially wonderful watching my little boy grow up right before my eyes and spending time during the holidays as a family of three. I am going to soak in this last week of being a stay-at-home mom and enjoy every minute of snuggles before going back to work. Hope you all have been enjoying the little break, and wishing you all the best in the new year to come. I’m looking forward to a bright future ahead in 2014!

XO,

Gina