adventures Archives - Page 21 of 29

Promenade Brooklyn Heights {Flair Accessories Series #4}

Photos By: Zack Notes

Coat: ASOS / Jacket: Macy’s / Top: ASOS / Leopard Skirt: ASOS / Bag: ALDO – similar / Shoes: Cynthia Rowley / Scarf: Christmas Gift / Earrings: ALDO / Druzy Stone Necklace, Pyramid Cuff, Cage Ring: Flair Accessories / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: MAC Venomous Villians Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ matching gloss

This post concludes my Flair Accessories Series, and this look is actually my favorite of the bunch. I hope you have enjoyed my little styling adventure! The hubby has been wanting to take me to the promenade in Brooklyn Heights for awhile now. We decided to stop in before a dinner and movie date a couple weekends ago. There is a beautiful walkway along the water as well as a gorgeous skyline view. What’s not to enjoy? Well, I will tell you, I did NOT enjoy the windy cold temps that I felt up there!!! While I displayed a smile for many of these photos, I was secretly freezing my bum off, and could not wait to get off this promenade. I can happily say I will not be returning until the Spring!

Today, I would like to say “Happy Birthday” to our dear old friend Abraham Lincoln. I am celebrating tonight by going to see the movie, Lincoln, on our little Race to the Oscars here at work. I have heard a lot of great things about this film, and I am very excited to see it for myself!

Happy Tuesday everyone. Hope you have a great day!

XO,

Gina

Ombre Necklace {Flair Accessories Series #3}

Here is the third outfit post in my Flair Accessories Series. I had so much fun styling these pieces, and this one in particular certainly makes a bold statement. I love this mix of colors for winter. While many outfits during this season can feel rather dull, the pops of blue, green, and yellow made me feel vibrant and energetic despite the chilly temps. How would you style this piece of “Flair” this winter?

Photos by: Zack Notes

Coat: Express / Top: ASOS / Blazer: Piperlime / Pants: ZARA / Boots: Kohl’s / Ombre Necklace: Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

I spent most of the weekend hibernating in my Brooklyn abode due to snowy conditions. I did take a walk on Saturday and tested out some new things I learned in my photography class around the neighborhood. Other than that, I mostly relaxed, caught up on blogs and e-mails from last week, & watched a few movies. Last night, I had a dinner date with the hubby at a place called The Costello Plan in our hood. It’s a really romantic, quiet little spot, and I think I had the best gnocchi I have ever tasted there. We ended the night watching a bit of the Grammy’s. Shout out to Mumford & Sons for winning best album for their second album, “Babel.” I heart them. I’m sure you’ve heard this song, but here is a little something to get you going this Monday morning.

“I Will Wait” – Mumford & Sons

XO,

Gina

Paperblog

I recently received an invitation from Emma over at Paperblog to be a part of their online community of bloggers. They organize content from different bloggers all over the world and pick out the best posts to feature on their website. In order to validate my blog, I am posting the following sentence to confirm my registration:

« I confirm the subscription of this blog to the Paperblog service under the username popcornandpandas ».

So here we go, Paperblog. Let’s see what you are all about.

Hope everyone is staying safe and warm in this snow! We have about a foot over here in Brooklyn. I think I am going to head outside and play (i.e. go take some photos).

XO,

Gina

Animal Instincts {Flair Accessories Series #2}

Photos by: Zack Notes

Cheetah Coat: Ann Taylor LOFT – similar here and here / Blazer: Macy’s – similar / Top: GAP (old) / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Shoes: BCBG (old) – similar / Earrings: ALDO / Necklace: Flair Accessories / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

I cannot believe it’s actually Friday. It feels like I have been in non-stop motion all week long. I was looking forward to a night at home last night, and then I ended up getting stuck with a project at the end of the day. I have not been home before 9:30pm any night this week. Insane in the membrane. I am starting to think maybe I have too much on my plate right now. Then again, when don’t I? Better than being bored I suppose.

Anyway, I can hardly think while writing right now, so I am going to keep this short. We are buckling up for a Nor’Easter up here. I am supposed to go to a fashion show/party tonight for a friend’s new collection, but I’m afraid I may end up having to stay in with this crazy whether we are supposed to get. Stay safe and stay warm everyone.

TGIF!

XO,

Gina

Accessorize Me {Flair Accessories Series #1}

Here is the first outfit post for my Flair Accessories series. I started off with a simple business casual look — colored button down, black denim skinny jeans, black pumps. Simple right? What brings this look to the next level is the accessories. A little leopard print belt and gloves take this look up a notch as well as the vintage sunglasses. And lastly, the fabulous flair that was added to complete the look. Take note of the purple pop to my ears and the chain bling around my neck. I also added this fun cage style ring. Without the accessories, the look would honestly be quite boring in my opinion. Accessorizing is a key element to my getting ready process and can turn a look from “nice” to “amaze” in a matter of seconds. Definitely check out Carly’s amazing store online. I guarantee you will find a piece of flair you adore!

Photos by: Zack Notes

Coat: ASOS / Button Down: StyleMint / Pants: ZARA / Belt: J. Crew – similar / Shoes: Cynthia Rowley / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: Dorothy Perkins / Necklace, Earrings, Ring: Flair Accessories / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

It’s a busy week here with work conferences, clients in town, movie nights, meetings, photography class, photography homework, etc. Hopefully I can find some time to fit some sleep in there. Right now I’m just whirling on through.

I saw Argo over the weekend and Beasts of the Southern Wild last night, which are two more Oscar nominated films to check off my list. Both were absolutely amazing. Beasts was especially impressive coming from a first time director, and that little girl was such an amazing actress. I would recommend both films though!

In other news, how was everyone’s Super Bowl? I really didn’t have a team to rally behind (since my beloved Redskins did not make it), but being from Maryland, I must say I have a lot of happy friends this week!

Hope everyone has a Happy Hump Day!

XO,

Gina

Flair Accessories

Hi there! I am really excited for this series of posts I have planned featuring statement pieces from the amazing jewelry company, Flair Accessories! Owner, Carly Botti, started this venture to spice up her otherwise simple wardrobe. Her typical clothing choices revolve around neutrals and mostly black, so accessories are her way of taking her look to the next level. Let me tell you, her pieces are anything but simple!

Carly loaned me a wonderful selection of jewels that I had my eye on, and I have styled them to give a little pop to my wardrobe as well. Here is a sneak peek of the shoot I partook in this past weekend. I have four different looks enhanced with Flair Accessories that I am psyched to share. Stay tuned this week and next for some inspiring ways to rock some Flair!

Photos by: Zack Notes

Girl’s Weekend

Oh how I love my girls!!! A couple weeks ago, some of my besties from Maryland came to visit for a fun Brooklyn weekend. The hubby went out of town, so this was actually the first time I had a real girl’s weekend at our place. It was honestly such a blast. I love spending time with my favorites. There is never any drama. Never any bullshit. Just plain old fun. It was really great to have a bunch of girls around to borrow clothes from and talk about make up and hair and just get dressed up. After living with my man for so long now, I sometimes start to miss those girly things that come with having females for roommates! It was also great to just have them there to snuggle and have deep conversations about life face-to-face rather than on the phone or through e-mail. I had such a great time, that I already want to start planning our next girly adventure together.

This little photo session was captured by my amazing cousin, Marisa of Misa*Me Photography. Unfortunately, she never made it to the other side of the lens, but the fact that these photos were taken are proof enough that she was there with us as well! This documents our little Saturday at DiFara Pizza and walking around my neighborhood. What you don’t see is the 90’s dance party that we got into later that night, but I have to leave something to the imagination, right?

Playing some cards while we wait for our pizza…worth the wait!

Most amazing pizza EVER

Teri’s hood rocks my world…

Black Coat Mafia…

All photos by: Misa*Me Photography

Coat: ASOS / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: H&M / Scarf: Christmas gift / Lip: Lancome Groupie

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend!

XO,

Gina

#14 Take a Photography Class

This was me on my birthday this past summer. So excited for my brand new camera. Cameras have always excited me. Ever since I was a child, I loved taking photos. I remember I got my first camera in Disney World when I was 7. I went around that park taking photos of everything I could. Back then there was no such thing as digital. So we took our photos to CVS or Ritz Camera to get them developed, and it was always exciting to remember what pictures I had taken or which ones turned out properly. My passion continued through middle school and high school. I would bring my camera to field trips, recess, prom, and other school dances. I brought my camera to college documenting football games and sorority functions. I loved having a physical memory to hold on to. I had albums for days. And I still have them. Memories locked up inside books that I could flip through at my leisure. People always ask me how I am able to remember everything so well. Well, I think it’s because of my photos. I can remember where we were or what we were doing or even what we were wearing, because I can see the photo in my mind. Eventually photos became digital, and I started taking so many photos that I could not keep up with my albums. They were starting to takeover my room, and I had no more storage for them. Luckily, Facebook was invented, and I have since been storing all my memories on the computer. As much as I have always loved taking pictures, I never had a good camera until this summer. I would try to take artsy shots with my point-and-shoot, but they never really turn out how you want them. When I decided that I really wanted to start blogging more often, I realized it was finally time to get a nice camera. The only problem with that is…I don’t really know how to use it. All this money for a beautiful new camera and lens, and not a clue of how to get the most out of it. Which is why I decided to sign up for a photography class at the School of Visual Arts. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time (bucket list/great adventure item #14!), and I am very excited to embark on this journey. It might be tough, and I may get frustrated, but I cannot wait to learn and become completely enthralled with this craft. Today is my first class, and I am not quite sure what to expect, but I know I am definitely looking forward to it. I am hoping to be able to share with you some of what I learn on this blog, and most importantly, I am hoping my new skills will show in the photography I continue to post.

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 🙂

Gina

{4} Lately…

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.

A Day on the Farm

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.

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