boardwalk Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Love, Lori Michelle

Aside from the amazing Mother’s Day gift that I received from my husband and son, I also received an incredible mommy necklace made especially for me by Lori of Love, Lori Michelle. She worked with me to custom design the necklace I am wearing in this post, and we chose a heart with an “N” cut out in the corner for my little Nico. Lori is a digital artist and designer whose work with 3D models inspired her to create 3D printed jewelry. Most of her early designs were created as birthday or wedding gifts for friends, and she prides herself on her custom one-of-a-kind designs. Her silver and stainless steel pieces are both beautiful and original, and I’m so happy to be the recipient of such a wonderful gift!

What is 3D printing you ask? Lori describes the printing process here if you’d like to read on.

Custom Necklace: c/o Love, Lori Michelle / Dress: F21 – similar / Sandals: Sam Edelman – red sold out, but many color choices here / Heart Sunnies: Amazon – super sale! / Heart Striped Tote: Ban.do / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella and Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute / Toes: Essie Lights

On Nico – Oxford Button Up Bodysuit: Baby GAP / Shorts: Crazy 8 / Fedora: Old Navy – similar / Stroller: Uppababy Vista

My 1st Mother’s Day was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more. Nico woke up an hour later than his normal time babbling “Mama Mama” in his crib to awake me from slumber. A whole extra hour to sleep in? That never happens! And saying Mama? First time ever! What better way to wake up on my first Mother’s day huh?

We ate breakfast together at home, and then headed outside as it was a perfect, sunny, beautiful day sans humidity. Naturally the beach was calling our name! Although it wasn’t quite bathing suit and ocean weather, it was a perfect day for walking around Coney Island. It was just before tourist season, so it wasn’t too crowded. We had delicious pizza at the new Grimaldi’s (which is super family friendly by the way), and we took a long walk on the boardwalk and out on the pier. We watched people on the rides, got ice cream cones, and even played a little ski ball. The best part was watching Nico’s face as he saw people the Cyclone for the first time. I’m guessing he was thinking: 1) What is that, and 2) That looks awesome! I love seeing him experience things for the first time, and I admit I even got a little teary.

We are headed off to New Hampshire this morning for the Memorial Day holiday. If you want to follow our adventures, you can catch me on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

Beachy Keen

As excited as we are for our Little Monkey to get here, the hubby and I are trying to soak up as much couple time as we can while it’s still just the two of us. We headed to Rockaway for a romantic little day on the beach complete with yummy arepas from Caracas, beautiful weather, good reading material, and great conversation. These pics are from 37.5 weeks pregnant, and today marks 38!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Victoria’s Secret (old) – similar style / Headband: Urban Outfitters (old) – similar / Sunnies: Vintage / Earrings: ALDO / Friendship Bracelets: Jacob Riis Boardwalk Vendor / Nails: Essie Play Date

Have a lovely Tuesday everyone!

XO,

Gina

Beach Bum

The hubby and I spent my birthday weekend with a beautiful little day on the beach. The weather was gorgeous, not too hot, with a lovely breeze, and the water was the perfect temperature for swimming. It was such a relaxing day to get a little sun and some reading done. Seeing as we went to Brighton, we decided to embark on some Russian cuisine at the casual Ocean View Cafe for dinner, which was very delicious and definitely recommended. After our beach day, we showered up, and went to sing a little karaoke at Mr. Biggs in Hells Kitchen with friends. It was a perfect day!

Dress: Gifted – similar / Medallion: (old) – similar / Hat: P. Luca for Barami / Tote: Obaz / Flops: Old Navy / Shades: Street Vendor – similar / Nails: Essie Rock the Boat

The tribal tote pictured above was a b-day gift from my awesome hubby, and the fedora was a little something I picked up at a boutique near my office last week.

Besides celebrating my 29th birthday this weekend (we also had dinner at the amazing Vitae), we were also able to get some errands done, and start on “Project Nursery.” While we still have a ton of work to do, it was nice to get started with a big dent of progress. Today marks 34 weeks; time is inching close and closer until the day we will meet our little man.

Hope you all are having a great week so far.

XO,

Gina

Boardwalk Tribal

Two summer trends I am embracing this season are 1) obviously the maxi which you have seen a lot lately in previous posts, and 2) tribal prints. I actually received this dress as a gift a summer or two ago, and I broke it out for a quick impromptu beach trip to Brighton Beach/Coney Island. I also recently found this amazingly bright tribal necklace from Flair Accessories. It was the last one, and I just had to snag it. If you’re lucky, she may get some more in stock! We had a great time watching the sun go down, reading our books with our toes in the sand, and walking along the boardwalk catching the last of the Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities. I heart the summertime.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: Gifted / Tribal Necklace and Bracelet: Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Flip Flops: Rainbow / Shades: NYC Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Fearless / Nails: The Balm Hella Yella (from LOFT)

The storms seem to be winding down, and we are heading into (hopefully) a gorgeous weekend. Do you all have anything special planned for Father’s Day? The hubby and I will be spending our Father’s Day weekend preparing for him to be a father and me to be a mother at a weekend intensive child birth course. I’m a little nervous, but excited to learn and get ready (as most we can) for our big day ahead.

I also want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to my own Father, as well as my Father-in-law and my Godfather. You all have made a wonderful impact on my life and my husband’s, and we are so lucky to have the three of you. While, we won’t see you this weekend, we are looking forward to our family reunion and belated Father’s Day celebration next weekend.

Have a great weekend everyone!

XO,

Gina

AC

Atlantic City! What a weekend. First off, congratulations to the bachelorette, my cousin Alex. I think we showed her a pretty good celebration, evident by the fact that she wore her tiara the entire time, and even on the way out of the casino. She clearly did not want the weekend to end. It was wonderful to get some quality girl time complete with constant squealing, dirty shirley’s, sequins, stilettos, and dancing. I am not a huge gambler, but I did get into a game of black jack, the Sex and the City slots, and a little roulette as well. This weekend was definitely one for the books, and I am now super excited for her wedding at the end of the month!

View from our hotel room at the Revel. You can see a bit of destruction left over from Hurricane Sandy. Boardwalk and casinos were pretty much in tact though.

My cousins Marisa and Alex. Matron of Honor & Bride.

My sister and I. On me: Forever 21 dress, Betsey Johnson watch, Lancome Fuchsia Clutch lip, bracelet (gift from cousin), ALDO earrings

Well, I am looking forward to a little relaxation tonight after a crazy fun-filled weekend. Planning on maybe a little work out, dinner with the hubs, and catching the Redskins v. Giants game on TV. HAIL!

Happy Manic Monday everyone!

XO,

Gina

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