big apple Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Easter Celebrations

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! The hubby and I went down to Maryland to spend Easter with the family, and as you can see from these photos, there were a lot of sweets involved. Yes, my Mom even made us Easter Baskets. Never too old for Peeps right? We also celebrated my Granny’s 92nd Birthday and my Uncle’s 58th since we were all together. We feasted on BBQ chicken, filet mignon, potatoes, baked beans, salad, spinach artichoke dip, pasta salad, deviled eggs, and more. I was stuffed to the brim before having to drive back to the Big Apple. And what a drive that was. 6 1/2 grueling hours of traffic. Much different than our 4 hour drive down. Feeling pretty exhausted today, and can’t wait to get some and catch up on some Zzz’s.

It was great seeing some friends and family this weekend, and I also had time for a photo shoot featuring Guilty Jean jewelry. I cannot wait to share these! Stay tuned this week.

XO,

Gina

Friday Funny: Klepper and Grey

My husband recently introduced me to the Tumblr page of comedic duo, Klepper and Grey, and I could not stop laughing. These two sketch comedians have performed at UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) a reputable comedy club in New York City, and their videos are littered on YouTube. I am drawn to them mostly for their “Engaged” series and their skits about what it’s like to live in the Big Apple. While watching, you can really relate to the topics they cover. I have gone through the wedding planning process, and the tiniest details can seem so major at the time. It’s great to look back and laugh at how silly some conversations were during the preparation. This comedic pair performs simple skits, but they really evoke the humor in every day life tasks, especially of a New York City couple.

The trials and tribulations of living in a small apartment…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDpKeK1ufpE&feature=player_embedded]

The things we discuss while wedding planning…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omDz10rDMts&feature=player_embedded]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVDlyRymkF8&feature=player_embeddedhttp://]

Because you have to dress up to go just about anywhere in this town…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZFY3M9ua_8&feature=player_embedded]

When your neighbors are way cooler than you’ll ever be…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LYkSCeXUAI&feature=player_embedded]

Hope you got a laugh out of these. If you want to see more from Jordan Klepper and Laura Grey, check out their Tumblr page. You won’t be disappointed!

Happy Friday everyone!

XO,

Gina

#96 See Phantom of the Opera on Broadway

Friday February 22, 2013

When I was a little girl, my parents went to see Phantom of the Opera, and they came home bearing a soundtrack of the performance. My sister and I started listening to it, and we quickly grew addicted. We played this soundtrack day after day, memorized all the songs, sang them around the house, and fantasized about the day that we would get to see this show ourselves.

Fast forward to about a month ago. The hubby and I now live in the Big Apple with Broadway at our fingertips. We decided that we were going to check this item off my bucket list, and we bought tickets as our Valentine’s Day present to each other. To say I was excited would be an extreme understatement. I skipped around the city for the past month giddy with anticipation. I played the songs around the house to get Zack as equally pumped up for the show (well maybe not equally.) I counted down the days until I would finally be able to see the show of my dreams.

Well, let me tell you. It was everything I had dreamed of and more. The sets were absolutely stunning. The acting was superb. The music was phenomenal. You know how you wait for something for so long (almost your whole life), and the excitement builds up, and then when it finally gets here, you are just overcome and overwhelmed with emotion?!?! Well, that was me on Friday night. Blubbering in my seat to all of my favorite songs that I had been waiting to hear live for all these years. I almost felt silly for tearing up at a Broadway show, but I just could not believe that I was actually there seeing Phantom on Broadway. Before Friday, I only knew the music. Now I could put faces and emotions and stories to the tunes. It all came together, and it was just perfect.

I cannot believe it took me that long to see this show, but I will say that it was worth the wait. I will also say that I am pretty sure there will be a “second time” of me seeing this show. So Angela, (my little sister) you better get your butt up to New York. You have no idea what you are missing!

{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.