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I’m Still Here

I’m still here. It’s 12.21.12, and I’m still here.

I realize the day is not over yet. I realize a little “knock knock” on some wood might do me some good here. And should I not be here later today, I suppose I should say my farewells. Although it’s been a short stint here at popcorn and pandas, it has been a fun one. I will miss all of you dearly, and wish you all a happy parting from this world if we are indeed ending our time here today.

But as for now, I am still here. And I still have bucket list items to complete, Christmas to celebrate, a 90’s Christmas mix album to listen to (thanks awesome co-worker!), family to see, friends to hang out with, photos to take, a wedding to attend, and a new year to ring in.

I have packing to do and a trip to Maryland to take. I have bagels and manicottis to pick up to bring home to the family (you are welcome Dad). I have some birthdays to celebrate, a wine and pizza night with friends on the books, and a nephew puppy to shower with snuggles. I don’t know about you…but I’m not quite ready. I still have too much to do.

So I am going to stay optimistic about the fact that I am still here. The truth is, we never know how long we may have on this Earth. Forget the Mayans and their predictions about today, but we aren’t guaranteed anything in life. Including life itself. So today I am thankful that I am still here.

And while I am still here, I will take this moment to reiterate how important it is to make the most of what you have. Make the best of your time here. Do what makes you happy in life. Your time is precious and should not be wasted. You never know when your world will end.

But right now, you are still here.

Happy Friday and Happy Holidays to all!

XO,

Gina

The Lady is a Vamp

Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: H&M / Tights: Duane Reade / Shoes: ALDO – other black booties I like here, here, and here / Necklace & Bracelet: Gifts from family members / Panda Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Kat Von D Homegirl / Eyes: MAC Knight Divine all over lid with Carbon in crease

Taking a little walk on the dark side with this vampy look from H&M. I’ve worn this a few times on nights out on the town in NYC, DC, and AC. Unfortunately, it’s tough to get photos on nights out due to poor lighting (and my dislike of the flash).

Only a couple more days in the Big Apple until it’s time to head to Maryland for the holidays. Today we are having our office Christmas luncheon at a surprise location. I have 100% finished my shopping and wrapping, so I can now focus on the packing. Looking forward to a little holiday retreat as well as a wedding before the new year!

Wishing everyone well!

Gina

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

HOLIDAY FAVORITES

Favorite Laugh:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv4Hpz-GI3g]

Favorite Movie:

Favorite Family Photo:

guaragnafamilyphoto — Yes, this is my crazy Italian fam – Courtesy of Misa*Me Photography

Favorite Holiday Look:

polyvore holiday look — New Year’s Eve??? – Photo courtesy of Polyvore

Favorite Sweet Treat:

cookies — Grandma Sally G’s Italian Christmas Eve Cookies – a family favorite!

What are some of your holiday favorites? E-mail or tweet me your favorite holiday things by Friday, and I will feature them in an upcoming post!

Email: gina (dot) notes26 (at) gmail (dot) com – wrote the address this way, so I can’t get spammed FYI

Twitter Handle: @popcornpandas

Can’t wait to see your favorites!

XO,

Gina

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

Red Cable Knit Sweater: Gap – similar here / Oxford Blouse: Express / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar with studs / Black Skinnies: ZARA / Black Suede Pumps: Cynthia Rowley / Watch: Coach / Bracelet: Bridesmaid Gift / Ring: Forever 21 / Pearl Earrings: Birthday Gift / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless

Photos by: Zack Notes

With the celebration of Chanukah last week, and Christmas only 8 days away, I am really starting to feel the holiday spirit! (if you couldn’t already tell by the red sweater and the bow) My holiday shopping is almost complete, and this week will be dedicated to wrapping and packing. I am currently trying to decide which Christmas movie favorite I am going to watch while doing so. Some contenders on the list are Love Actually and Elf, but I am open to suggestions, so fire away! Christmas tunes are blasting at the office, and we have our office luncheon scheduled for this Thursday. What are you doing to celebrate the season?

Happy Monday all!

XO,

Gina

{3} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Just finished Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn this week. Holy intensity! I would definitely recommend. Also read the December issue of Health magazine. Hoping I actually listen to what I read and start eating a bit healthier and getting back into my work out ways. I’ve been a slacker. Back to the reading…trying to decide the next book to open…I think I am going to go back to the Harry Potter series now that I got the last four books from my sister-in-law. Nothing like a little magic around Christmastime.

writing Still writing my Christmas cards! Luckily, I was able to get most of them out this week. However, I miscounted how many I needed, so those of you at the beginning of the alphabet (I went backwards this year) might be a bit delayed! Oops!

listening Cazzette’s Beam Me Up. Nothing like a little alien take-over causing a city to erupt in dancing. This one’s for you Charles.

thinking About the Christmas shopping that I still have left to do.

smelling Christmas Cookie candle by Yankee Candle. Also loving the Warm Woolen Mittens scent.

wishing That my tummy would stop hurting! Stayed home from work yesterday mehhh.

hoping That the bridesmaid dress I pick up tomorrow for my cousin’s wedding fits me like a glove. Naturally being of my short stature, I needed some alterations. 😉

wearing Lots of layers. Although it hasn’t been incredibly cold so far this winter, I am forever frozen, and layers are a must in this city. Today I’m wearing black leggings with a blue tank. Black and white sweater overtop, with another multicolored sweater wrap over that. Topped off with my bright yellow winter coat and Steve Madden boots.

loving That the sun is shining right now! A lot better than the rain we have had as of late. Also loving that we are having some visitors this weekend. And a maid is coming to clean before they get here, so I don’t have to tear my hair out. Loving loving loving.

wanting World peace. Yes, that would be nice.

needing Constant reapplication of hand cream. The cold weather seems to dry my hands up so quickly! Right now I am using Simply Clean from ULTA.

feeling You ever have one of those moments when you just want to cry and you don’t really know why? Well that was me yesterday. Maybe it was a combo of being sick, stressed, hormones, who knows. But just broke down. Sad panda! For no obvious reason. I think it was just one of those days. Luckily, today I am in much better spirits, and looking forward to seeing friends this weekend.

clicking Through all the advertising trades this morning for news in the ad world.

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.

Hi

HI!!! While browsing for sparkly sequined outfits to wear for my AC trip a couple weeks back, I also came across this adorable sweater. I love the color palette, the comfiness, and the “Hi” lettering that speaks volumes to my personality. I am the type of person who will pretty much talk to anybody, even strangers on the street. While of course every now and then I like to have my “me” time, I usually love being around others, the overall energy of people, meeting new friends, and hearing their stories. My family and friends know that if we go somewhere, I will most likely run into somebody, and they will have to drag me along to keep me from talking to them all day.

Speaking of meeting new people, I went on my first “blogger date” this past Saturday. I would like to introduce you all to Alex of She Is Red. We have been “blogger friends” for a couple months now, and it was fantastic to finally meet her in person. She is an Oregon native who recently moved to New York City from just outside Copenhagen. She has a wonderful blog featuring fashion, food, and sparkly things. You definitely need to check it out!

We met at The Farm on Adderley (one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood) for a delicious brunch, and then did a little photo op in Ditmas Park. Five minutes into our photo op, we were just getting warmed up to photographing in front of someone other than our close relatives when we were screamed at by a psycho lady! This woman came storming out of her house yelling at us to stop taking photos of her house, because there was no sex offender living there and this story and these lies had ruined her life for the past 10 years. Umm…WHAT?!?! First of all, we are fashion bloggers taking photos of our outfits. Second of all, your house was not even in our shot. Third of all, we had no idea about this “sex offender” story and had no plans to broadcast it (until now of course). And lastly…you are PSYCHO! It was a little bit of a shake up for our first photo op together, but we nervously shuttled off to another street with normal, sane neighbors to finish our shoot. I suppose as weird as this incident was, it does make for a great crazy story!

Alex and I had a wonderful day, and I didn’t even notice how quickly the time had passed. I am happy to now call her a real friend instead of just a blogger friend. We realized we have a mutual love of karaoke, so I’m thinking that will be our next adventure!

Photos of me taken by Alex. Photos of Alex taken by me. Photos of us taken by a nice neighbor 🙂

Please excuse our messy manes…it was rainy and humid!

On me: HI Sweater: Forever 21 / Floral Print Dress: H&M (old) / Boots: ALDO -similar on sale here / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Bag: TJMaxx / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co. and BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: MAC Snob

On Alex: Pendleton Coat: Vintage / Faux-fur Scarf: Vintage / Skirt: Forever 21 (sold out, but other pleated skirts I love here and here and also here) / Watch: Caravelle by Bulova / Necklace: Forever 21 / Bag: Forever 21 / Shirt: H&M / Boots: Acne

And how cute is the back of the sweater too!?!? I just love it. BYE! (for now!)

Enjoy the phenomenon of 12/12/12 today!

XO,

Gina

‘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

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

Mom’s Turn for a Birthday Shoutout

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.

At my 8th grade graduation. Look how stunning she is!

228257_555185612078_5596554_n — My bridal shower with my main girl

317191_10100548880321288_771106430_n — Photo courtesy of Joe Brier from The Happy Couple Photography.

59460_10101362998801328_988486883_n — The fam

383696_10100700083119668_1892271096_n — Me and my gorgeous Mama

Happy (Belated) Birthday Papa Bear

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!

301056_1811378983044_1965031429_n — Can you guess which one is him?

215908_149363731796054_6415923_n — Dad on the motorcycle that he built himself. He named it “Sicilian Venom.” Haha.

297746_10100548961264078_320998571_n — 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

259872_159505327448561_7739234_n — Bocce Champs

1921_651595535218_1846_n — Skiing together at Seven Springs in PA

18551_845786110748_3189832_n — Dad with Sister and Me on Christmas Eve

162624_10100135991169458_8177314_n — Family on another Christmas Eve

547446_10101084754849438_1664376519_n — Killing it on the dance floor. Photo courtesy of Erin Lassahn Wedding Photography.

598960_10101363031845108_1409168279_n — 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