Christmas Archives - Page 2 of 3

Seeing Santa

Nico’s Santa Outfit: Cherokee for Target – on sale!

We were FINALLY able to see Santa last night! I had been trying to make it there for the past couple weeks, but things were just not working out for us. The first week, lack of sleep was an obstacle, and on Saturday, the snow and ice was a major obstacle. However, the Notes family was bound and determined to see good old Kris Kringle this holiday season. How could I look Nico in the eye when he got older and tell him I never got a picture of him with Santa on his 1st Christmas? So this time, we headed into the city via subway (also Nico’s 1st ride) to Bloomingdale’s for a lovely experience. They handed out cookies in line, allowed you to take your own free pictures, and offered professional photography as well. I would definitely go back again next year. Not only was this Nico’s 1st visit to Santa Claus, but it was also Daddy’s! Despite all the craziness of not being able to get to Santa earlier, this day definitely made up for it all.

Oh, and by the way…the winner of the Goodnight Zoo giveaway is Kimberley. Congratulations! I will be in touch soon with details on how to claim your prize. 🙂

XO,

Gina

Stripes, Polka Dots, and Sparkle

I donned this get-up on a “business” lunch the other week with my boss and coworkers. Nico was in tow, which is why the business is in quotes, and it was more of a catch up session on what’s been going on in the past few months as well as a chance for my office to meet my little guy. I liked this stripe, polka dot, and sparkle mix so much I decided to sport it again while on our trip to Maryland over the holiday. Pattern mixing can sometimes be tough, but I think it works well when you keep within the same color palette. How do you all feel about pattern mixing?

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Striped Blazer: GAP – now on sale! / Polka Dot Button Up: J. Crew (old) – similar / Sparkly Loafers: Seychelles / Jeans: Motherhood / Watch: Coach (old) – similar / Lip: Lancome Groupie

The holidays are in full force! We put up our tree last night and decorated the house. It was so sweet to watch Nico’s eyes and smile grow wide when he saw us putting up all the lights. He was kicking so hard with joy in his rock-and-play, I thought he might jump out and try to help! We did get him a super cute sock monkey stocking and a brand new ornament which he helped to put on the tree. It’s crazy to think how different this Christmas is from last year’s. I even cried while dancing to Silent Night with my little family. Ok, enough of the emo stuff. Nico and I are off to his 3 month doctor’s appointment today. Hope you all are enjoying the week and the holiday season!

XO,

Gina

Winter White

This ivory jacket and polka dot tights were amongst some of my favorite Christmas gifts I received this year. Paired with an ivory and gold shimmery dress and a gold clutch, this made for the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit this year. I also had the opportunity to break out my old wedding shoes for the first time since the big day. Who knew I would be ever wearing these babies again?

Photo by: Zack Notes

Ivory Coat: Express (sold out) – other ivory coats I adore from Nordstrom (here and here), Theory via Saks, Michael by Michael Kors via Victoria’s Secret, and Victoria’s Secret / Dress: Forever 21 / Tights: Madewell (currently on sale!) / Shoes: Nina (brides, there is a ridiculous sale on these beauties!) / Sunnies: Ann Taylor LOFT / Clutch: (old) / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Necklace and Rings: Family gifts / Lip: Lancome Groupie / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold

Had a fantastic time this past weekend in the city. Friday, I said my farewells to a good friend who is moving back to Connecticut to go to grad school. My second bedroom is open whenever you want to come visit!

Saturday hung out with the hubs during the day, made some yummy breakfast, took down the Christmas tree (wahhh), and…wait for it…went to see Les Mis!!! Oh my gosh, it was so amazing. Bring your tissues! I have never seen the show, so I didn’t really know what to expect other than that it would be quite depressing. However, I really enjoyed the movie, and thought Anne Hathaway had a spectacular performance. After the film, I met up with a few friends in the East Village, and ended the night with the deliciousness of Pomme Frites. If you have not been here, this place is a must for fabulous french fries dipped in more sauces than you could ever imagine. Yum!

Sunday, the boy and I got in an awesome workout at the gym, went to Home Depot to pick out some paint colors for a new DIY project (and by DIY, I mean my cousin will be DIYing for us haha), and finally sat down to a fabulous home cooked meal while watching the Redskins game. Unfortunately, our team did not pull out a win, but they gave a valiant effort. Some decisions were pretty questionable, but what can you do. The Skins had a great season, so still HAILING!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

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.

2012: A Year in Review

Ringing in the New Year in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica!

Hiking in the Cloud Forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Valentine’s Day Surprise at the Mary Poppins Show! I dressed just like her without even knowing.

Celebrating Zack’s 31st at crazy Mehenata Bulgarian Bar

14 inch hair chop! Bye Bye. Thanks Nikki!

Sweetlife Festival at Merriweather in MD featuring Avicii…AMAZING.

Seeing Emily Blunt and Jason Segal at the premiere of 5 Year Engagement at the Tribeca Film Festival

SKYDIVING!!! Thanks to my amazing husband – he surprised me on our one year anniversary with this bucket list item.

Dad FINALLY visits us in NY. With Zack, Mom, and cousins at their pasta shop in Brooklyn

Virginia Beach trip with friends for Shirin and Shahrum’s wedding

Testudo came to Zach and Jessica’s wedding! Go Terps!

Happy Birthday to ME! Love my new camera!

Girl’s Weekend in OC for Katie’s Bachelorette – Seacrets is crazy!

Dewey Summer Send off on Labor Day Weekend

A Naval Academy Wedding for Megan and JoJo

Visionary Art Museum Wedding for MaryBeth and James

Trip to Montauk for Mike and Abby’s Big Day

Katie & Adam tie the knot at Sagamore Farms

racejohn — Running with Patrick and Melissa for my late dear friend John Petrovick. “Inside all of us is HOPE.”

racejohn2 — Thanks to Gabbi for helping to raise money for John’s cause.

Camping trip with Erin and Rai to French Creek

End of the season pic with my JV High School Girls Soccer Team

ASHS 10 Year High School Reunion – man time flies

All my girls at the 5th Annual Pollard Potluck

poodiewedding — Alex and Seamus get married to end the year!

It may seem like a lot of photos, but this is just a small snippet of what took place in 2012. There were so many more fun memories of this past year. There were also some sad moments as well. I have learned a lot this past year, and I know that I am truly thankful for the family and friends that I have. I am incredibly lucky for the support and love that I have received this past year, and I hope I was able to return the favor to all of you as well.

I wish you all a Happy New Year’s Eve. Please stay safe tonight.

Bring on 2013!

XO,

Gina

Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian Christmas celebration. The dinner features seven different types of seafood and commemorates the wait, or vigil, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. The most famous dish that Southern Italians are known for is baccala, or codfish. Italians today also incorporate many other different types of seafood into their meal.

My family has been celebrating this tradition since before I can even remember. What used to be a feast at my Grandparent’s house for many years has now moved to my Aunt and Uncle’s due to spacial reasons. The family keeps growing! Christmas Eve is a night that my cousins and I look forward to all year long. It’s a time where the whole family is together, we drink delicious drinks, eat the best meal of the year, share gifts, and take our annual family photos.

This year was no different. We shared many laughs, pumpkin martinis, cherry bomb spritzers, pesto rockfish, breaded baccala, escargot, clams, mussels, shrimp (ok so we had six, not seven, but close enough!), broccoli, garlic bread, the amazing corn pudding, brie, homemade cookies, awkward family photos, presents, and silliness.

I always hate departure time, but I was able to end the night knowing that we would be seeing everyone in less than a week for a family wedding before the new year! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Buon Natale!

Your Favorite Holiday Things

Thanks to all of those who sent in your favorite holidays things! I loved getting them! We all have our own traditions and things that make the holidays special for us, and I appreciate the little peek into how you celebrate the season.

From Justin – @justin_goldberg

Favorite Holiday Treat:

Amazeballs – cooked by his wife, Jessica of The Quest to Be Cookie Queen

From Angela – @acguaragna29

Favorite 2012 Holiday Present:

Finley

Favorite Movie:

Love Actually

Favorite Christmas Album:

The Carpenters

Favorite Cooks:

Grandma & Aunt Marie for Christmas Eve Seven Fishes Italian Dinner

From Zigi – @zigisitch of ZiGiSituations

Favorite Place to Shop:

Macy’s Windows + Bryant Park w/ the fam

From Olivia – @PressTerp

Favorite Holiday Tradition:

Decorating my trees…big and small!

Thanks again to all those who participated and sent in your holiday favorites!

Today I am headed to my aunt and uncle’s house to celebrate Christmas Eve Italian style – the Seven Fishes dinner. Clams, rockfish, codfish, shrimp, escargot, and whatever else today’s dinner will bring. It’s one of my favorite days of the year where all of my crazy family gets together to celebrate, eat good food, drink yummy cocktails, sing songs, share gifts, and eat Grandma’s delicious homemade cookies.

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Hope you have a fantastic day!

XO,

Gina

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