popcornandpandas, Author at Popcorn and Pandas

Beantown Strollin’

We were very lucky our trip to Boston was not cut short as they were able to capture the Boston Marathon bomber. After being on lockdown for quite some time, the residents of Boston were eager to get out and about on that Saturday afternoon. The streets were packed with people trying their best to get back to “normalcy.” We stumbled upon this sidewalk chalk memorial, which was very sweet. Passersby could stop and add their kind words and thoughts. We were a block away from where the explosion happened at one point, and there were plenty of police officers still there blocking off the streets. We saw many flowers and tributes to those who were lost or injured.

It was very sad to see, but it was also encouraging to see the camaraderie, love, and support of the Boston community.

We spent the day walking around with my old college roomie Danielle, her husband, Andrey, and their baby, Gray. We had a great time catching up with them, and this was also sort of a little parenthood preview of what it will be like to raise a baby in a big city. Fun times were had, and we look forward to having them visit us in Brooklyn sometime soon!

This week I am counting down ’til our big trip to Arizona!

I’m also planning on meeting up with my Bronx cousins in the city this week to celebrate an engagement as well as our Little Monkey. It’s been awhile, so we have lots to catch up on!

Happy Tuesday!

XO,

Gina

Boston on Dwellable

Boston Love

I finally found some time to go through the tons of photos I took at Jamie and Kaitlyn’s wedding in Boston. For those that don’t remember, their wedding took place on the same day as the manhunt for the Boston Marathon bomber. It was an extremely crazy day, and I am proud of the bride and groom for taking everything in stride. Their original ceremony location was supposed to be held at a church that was in a lockdown area, so they had to move it at the last minute to the same location at the reception. I think they did a phenomenal job with the transformation, and this couple proved that the show must go on and love prevails!

Tons of love, patriotism, and Boston pride were shown at this wedding from start to finish. The groom and his men dressed in Naval attire, the sword arch ceremony, the altered speeches, and the irish jig and Bostonian song lyrics gave this wedding a special touch. It was so nice to see their family and friends rally around the bride and groom on their special day, and also rally around their city in light of such crazy times. I’m sure you can see the love here in the photos below. Enjoy!

IMG_7959_Layers_v1 — Me and the hubby (with the little one doing a good job of hiding)

What a fun night!

Stay tuned for more photos from our Boston trip to come.

This past weekend we went to Maryland for the 1st Annual John Petrovick Memorial 5K in Baltimore. You may remember I ran for John and raised over $5,000 for the Johns Hopkins Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery back in October. Well, yesterday marked the 1 year anniversary of his passing, and some good friends of mine put on this special event to honor his memory and inspire others. John was a truly inspirational person, and I am so happy this event went off without a hitch. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and about 250 runners and walkers participated. This was definitely the best possible way we could have spent the day. “Inside all of us is HOPE.” Miss you, John.

Hope you all are having a great start to your week!

XO,

Gina

{10} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading May issues of Health Magazine and Marie Claire. Got some yummy new recipes and a desire to return to Italy!

writing Thank you notes for all of the kindness my family and friends have shown toward Little Monkey so far! He is a lucky little boy!

listening To the news. I admit, I am not the best when it comes to keeping up with the news. I usually get my updates from Facebook and Twitter (I know, that’s horrible, but true). But events from the past week have kept me tuned in.

thinking That I cannot believe I am halfway through my pregnancy! 20 weeks in, and 20 weeks left until I get to meet my Baby Boy!

smelling Not much of anything. I have been sick and stuffed up all week.

watching The always entertaining Real Housewives of Orange County. Never a dull dinner party.

wishing For safe travels as we head down to Maryland this weekend.

hoping That I can pack my bags in less than 2 hours. For me this would be an accomplishment.

wearing Today is a lazy day. I blame it on being sick all week. I’m literally in yoga pants, New Balance tennis shoes, layered tank, tshirt, and sweater. On days like today, I’m so very lucky my office is low key.

loving The fact that 215 people have signed up for the John Petrovick Memorial 5K this weekend! I am so thankful to my friends who have put this event together. This is a great turnout for the very first event, and John would be so happy and proud. So excited to see you all in Baltimore!

laughing At myself trying on bathing suits with my prego belly last night in preparation for our trip to warm-weather Arizona. No really…it was quite comical.

wanting To be outside playing in this sunshine today. It’s gorgeous in NYC!

needing To flush this sickness throughly out of my system as soon as possible.

feeling Super excited for our trip to Arizona at the beginning of May. Hanging out with my pen pal in her hometown for the first time, seeing family and friends, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, warm weather, Mexican food, our two year wedding anniversary, and our “baby moon” trip…so many reasons for this excitement!

craving Everything and anything neon. As seen on Monday’s post.

clicking I took a million photos during our Boston trip last weekend of the wedding and the rest of our adventures. Once again, I’m blaming my sickness for my delay in posting these, but I promise they should be up sometime next week!

*Sidenote: I just got my Waveborn shades in the mail today, and I cannot wait to rock them oh so soon!

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.

Waveborn

Waveborn is a sunglasses company combining affordable fashion with social good. For each pair of Italian designed and handcrafted shades you purchase, Waveborn provides a new pair of prescription eyeglasses or funds a portion of a vision-restoring cataract surgery for a person in need through their partners Unite for Sight and SEE International.

Director of Business Development at Waveborn, Mike Malloy, is a personal friend of mine from high school. He is a great guy, and he introduced me to his brand and the mission behind their company. I was immediately drawn to the idea, because what is better than fashion? Fashion that can help people and make a difference in the world. Sign me up!

Today Waveborn is launching their crowdfunding campaign to increase their styles, colors, and your ability to give for 2013. I have donated myself, and I am looking forward to sporting some Waveborn shades on my upcoming outfit posts this spring and summer.

Check them out, rock some shades, and give some sight this spring!

XO,

Gina

Noteworthy Neon

1. River Island Fluro Flower Studs – ASOS / 2. Colorblock Pillow – Etsy / 3. Adidas Santiago Watch – Nordstrom / 4. Rookie Perf Laceless Shoes – Keds / 5. Glow in the Dark Sunglasses – Urban Outfitters / 6. Kate Spade Patent Pumps – Bergdorf Goodman / 7. Oversized Boston Bag – Forever 21 / 8. Marc Jacobs Orange Leather Bracelet – My Wardrobe / 9. Gorjana Pink Wrap Bracelet – Neiman Marcus / 10. Mac Candy Yum-Yum – Nordstrom / 11. Neon Nail Polish – American Apparel / 12. Glam Punk Spike Necklace – Boticca / 13. Neon Trim Straw Fedrora – Old Navy / 14. BCBGeneration Envelope Clutch – Zappos / 15. Marc Jacobs Blue Dial Watch – Saks / 16. Bobbi Brown Blue Bell Eyeshadow – Bergdorf Goodman / 17. Brian Atwood Snake Embossed Pumps – Neiman Marcus / 18. Cambridge Satchel – Modcloth / 19. Blue Sky Havaianas – Surf Sitch

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There’s nothing I love more than a pop of neon to accessorize an outfit. This spring and summer, neon is all the rage, and these are some of my favorite finds. The weather has been up and down these past few weeks, and I am looking forward to the days when there will be some steady warmth around here. These bright colors make me happy and can definitely spice up a neutral look.

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I had this post prepared for Friday, but in light of the manhunt in Boston, and us having to travel up there for a wedding that day, I thought it was not appropriate. It was an insane morning, but we made it to the suburbs of Boston safely. The wedding ceremony had to be moved because of the lockdown, but the show went on! My dear friend Jamie got married to his bride Kaitlyn, and it was a beautiful wedding. Jamie and I have known each other since freshman year of high school, and he was my first guy friend at ASHS. We’ve been through a lot over the years, and it was awesome to be there to celebrate his big day! With the craziness going on in Boston, this wedding showed there was still some love in the air. Stay tuned later in the week for some photos from this event!

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Since officials were able to catch the second Boston Marathon bomber, we also got the chance to visit with my college roomie, Danielle, (otherwise known at Stewey…don’t ask) along with her husband and baby. We had a great time walking around the city with them, going out to eat, and seeing first hand what it’s going to be like for us when our Lil’ Monkey gets here.

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Unfortunately, I think I caught a cold over the weekend. I am home with a nasty little bug today. I hope you all have a good week ahead.

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XO,

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Gina

Walk on the High Line

Here’s Part II of our little girl’s weekend in NYC. Sunday, we got bagels at the best place in the city. And yes, you can quote me on that. We then ventured into Manhattan to do a little shopping and take a walk on the High Line. For those of you who have never been, this park was built on top of an old abandoned elevated train track and runs down Manhattan’s West Side. It’s so unique, and provides wonderful views of the city. It was a gorgeous day, and I think the girls enjoyed it!

Outfit photos by: Nichole Cohen & Lisa Dannenberg / All other photos my own / Thanks to random stranger for the photo of the three of us

Coral Trench: GAP – sold out – similar here, here, here, and here / Mint Button Down: Express / Skinny Jeans: Motherhood Maternity / Ankle Boots: Target / Scarf: Gift / Sunnies: Vintage / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: ASOS and Gorjana – 2nd one sold out, but see more bracelets by Gorjana here / Lip: Lancome Groupie

Today brings a doc appointment and my 2nd to last photography class. Hoping for a good report on the first and to learn as much as I can during the latter.

Crazy enough, we have a trip to Boston coming up on Friday for a dear friend’s wedding. It still breaks my heart that people could purposefully cause harm to so many innocent others. I am still praying for all of those in Boston that were affected by this horrible madness. I am looking forward to the wedding and hoping it will bring some happiness and light to the Boston area. In the midst of this tragedy, it’s nice to know there is still some love out there.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

XO,

Gina

Skulls Meet Spring

It was a beautiful weekend, and I had the pleasure of hosting two of my favorite Baltimore blondes at our place on Saturday. We spent the day galavanting around Brooklyn and Manhattan…brunch at The Farm, followed by a day of shopping in Soho, & gelato and hot chocolate in Little Italy. Much to our surprise, we came home with our wallets full and bag-less. If you know us, you know this is not normal. However, it was probably for the best. We had planned to go out on the town that night, but we ended up passing out early from all the walking around we did.

The flowers in these photos make me happy, because it’s actually starting to feel and look like Spring around here! We also thought it was a nice bright contrast to my dark and stormy outfit.

Photos by: Nichole Cohen

Skull Tank: Hot Topic (now on sale!) / Leather Jacket: Wilsons Leather (old) – similar / Black Skinnies: Motherhood Maternity / Combat Boots: Steve Madden ( now on sale!) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – sold out, but a variety of other colors available at Saks / Headband: (old) – similar / Watch: Betsey Johnson – sold out, but check out Betsey’s other watches on her website / Bracelets: ASOS, Wanderlust + Co., c/o Flair Accessories / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Ring: Forever 21 / Lip: Nars Born This Way gloss

Last night, the hubby and I went to see one of our favorite indie rock singer-songwriters perform, Matt Costa. Let me tell you, this man is talented. He plays the piano, harmonica, three different guitars, and has a voice that will make you melt. His laid back style is very inviting and his tunes range in variety from bluegrass, folk, rock, and more. Some of my personal favorites include: Miss Magnolia, Sunshine, & Mr. Pitiful. He also has a lot of good tracks on his new album. Check out some of his videos here.

Tonight, I am treating myself to a little mani-pedi with the other NY Alpha Phi Alums, and I cannot wait. It will be the first pedi of the season, and boy do I need it!

On a heavier note, I am glad that my friends and family in Boston are safe and sound. I am praying for all those who were affected by this tragedy. I will never understand it, and it saddens me. Sending love to Boston today.

XO,

Gina

{9} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Just finished The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg which I strongly recommend to everyone. Currently reading The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. It’s decent so far.

writing A birthday card for a special someone.

listening I’ve got a Mumford & Sons station on Pandora at the moment. Fun tunes from Passion Pit, Cold War Kids, MGMT and the likes.

thinking About the fact that Tissycole and Lisa are coming to visit tomorrow!!! Super excited!

smelling The rain. Is it weird that I could smell it before it even started coming down?

watching The always fabulous Rachel Zoe Project. Dying over the fashion weekly. Also just started watching the Real World Portland. Yes, I still watch the Real World.

wishing For sunshine. We were so spoiled at the beginning of the week with warm temperatures, and I’m wishing for them back this weekend!

hoping That the laundry will do itself. No? Not possible? Oh well, I tried.

wearing My “Amaze” sweater from ASOS (now on sale!) with an Old Navy poly button-down underneath. Black skinny jeans from Motherhood. Leopard print rain boots similar to these. Red Haute lip from Lancome.

loving I never realized how much you can love someone you have never even met. So excited for my baby boy to get here in September, and so in love already.

laughing At the fact I actually tried to straighten my hair this morning. The hair in the photo above lasted all of 2 minutes as I stepped out into the wind and rain this morning. You know those days where your umbrella decides to flip itself out over and over again? Did wonders for my hair today.

wanting To finish the friendship bracelet I started making over a month ago. My 4th grade skills just aren’t where they used to be…

needing To paint my nails tonight. They are in dire need of some Essie love.

feeling Excited for the girls to get here this weekend! Can’t wait for a weekend of shopping, photographing and girl talk.

craving Strangely enough, I am not getting any weird pregnancy cravings. I mean, I want ice cream…but I always want ice cream. Nothing new. I haven’t started liking condiments, so I think my appetite is relatively the same.

clicking Through fashion blogs of expecting mamas. Trying to figure out some tricks to looking chic while prego.

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.

Boho Spring {Guilty Jean Series #4}

This is my fourth and final post from the Guilty Jean series. This is one of my favorite spring/summer dresses, and I love the way the Guilty Jean jewelry adds to this boho look. It has been a ton of fun accessorizing my looks with the Guilty Jean pieces these past couple weeks. Nicole and Maria are extremely talented designers, and they put love into every single piece they make. Thank you ladies for allowing me to be a part of this collaboration!

Photos by: Justin Goldberg of Eudora Video Solutions

Dress: Language (old) via Amity Boutique in OBX / Tank (under dress): Nordstrom / Jacket: American Eagle / Ankle Boots: Target / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. / All Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sinner and Saint Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sunglasses: NY Street Vendor / Lip: MAC Snob

Make sure to check out the Guilty Jean website. Besides the fact that their 20% sale is still going on for their “Sinner and Saint” and “Rockstar Buddha” collections, they have some phenomenal new pieces in their spring/summer “Love, Gypsy” collection as well!

It’s another beautiful day so far up here in the Big Apple. Hope you all have been enjoying this sunshine!

XO,

Gina

Spiked & Studded {Guilty Jean Series #3}

I’m now back to my regularly scheduled posts for this week. Here is my third look for the Guilty Jean series. This look is a bit edgy and punk rock-ish. It’s also super comfortable. So glad the weather is warming up and I can actually think about wearing short sleeves! Very exciting.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Top: Forever 21 – similar here, here, and here / Studded Denim Vest: Forever 21 – similar here and here / Pants: Motherhood Maternity / Shoes: ALDO (now on sale!) / Skull and Cross Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Wood Agate Beaded Skull Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Lucky 13 Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Sunglasses: NY Street Vendor

I’m definitely going to have to venture outside at some point today to enjoy this gorgeous weather. Maybe even head down to watch my soccer team play tonight at Columbus Park. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the gang.

Hope you all have a beautiful sunny Tuesday!

XO,

Gina