Turquoise Tights

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These shots were taken last weekend before heading out to our little karaoke night.  So much fun by the way!  Mr. Biggs seriously has the BEST karaoke in the city in terms of talent.  Although your average Joe (ahem me) might be a little uncomfortable getting up there to sing after someone belts out “Diamonds” almost as good as Rihanna.  Seriously, I’m not lying.  This place has some amazing talent, and considering there is no cover charge, it’s like getting a free Broadway quality performance every time I go.  Fortunately, my girl Melissa and I don’t care if we aren’t as good as the rest.  We just say, “Even though we may not have quite the singing talent they do, we can sure put on a hell of a show!”

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: Mystique Boutique (old) / Tights: Target / Jacket: Wilson’s Leather – similar on sale! / Booties: Go Jane – similar here (Donald J Pliner), here (Sam Edelman) and here (Target) / Clutch: NY & Co – similar / Panda Ring: nOir Jewelry / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelets: Oja Jules and gift from cousin / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

It’s FRIDAY!!!  And guess what that means?  GIRLS WEEKEND IN BROOKLYN!  The hubby is heading out of town after work today to hang with his college rugby buddies in DC, and my girls from Maryland are coming up for a Brooklyn weekend!  Yayy!  This will be the first true girl’s weekend since moving into our Brooklyn apartment (which has now been over a year).  So excited to get some quality girl time with good friends.

What are you up to this weekend?

XO,

Gina

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Sir Mix A Lot

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Here is the full outfit from my lunch date you saw on the blog yesterday.  This post is all about mixing.  I have mixed pretty much everything you can imagine here–colors, prints, metals, hard spikes with soft bows–yet somehow it all seems to come together and work.  Although mixing can seem a little bit intimidating, it is a great way to get the most out of your wardrobe.  The more combinations, the more outfits to rock.  For some ideas on how to mix prints, check out this “How To” from Refinery 29.

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Sweater: GAP / Tank: J. Crew / Pants: H&M / Bag: ALDO – similar  / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Coat: Tulle via Nordstrom – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: BaubleBar and ASOS / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

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All That Glitters is Gold

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Photos By: Zack Notes

Glittery Top: Forever 21 / (Faux) Leather Leggings: Strawberry / Jacket: Macy’s – similar at Old Navy / Shoes: ALDO / Earrings: Aldo / Necklace: Forever 21 / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Ring: c/o nOir Jewelry / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold / Lip: Smashbox Maven

A fun little look to get you excited for the weekend!  I’m looking forward to dinner with friends, a birthday celebration, and some karaoke.  How about you?

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

A Bright New Year

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The bright color contrast between this sweater and necklace just make me happy!  I was also very excited to sport my new Michael Kors watch for the first time as well as my spike bracelet.  Thanks Mom/Dad and hubby for the Christmas presents!  The gold nail polish is left over from the festivities of the New Year, but I think it may end up being a favorite this winter.

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Sweater: GAP – similar here and here / Pants: ZARA / Shoes: Nine West – pretty alternative / Bubble Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold

Happy Thursday everyone!  Did anyone happen to catch the 2013 Oscar Nominees this morning?  ParaNorman has been nominated for best animated feature.  YAY!  My company represents the studio who produced the film in the commercial world, so we are very excited over here today.

Speaking of the movies, I have been spending a lot of time there lately.  First, I saw This is 40, which although I think  was lacking in plot, made up for that fact by being extremely funny.  I donned this get-up over the weekend to head to the theatre to see another Oscar Nominated film, Les Miserables.  Of course, you know already how much I adored this film.  Lastly, I attended a special screening on Monday hosted by the Tribeca Film Institute called Cutie and the Boxer.  A lovely documentary about a Japenese artist couple.  The couple has both passion for their work as well as each other.  The dynamic between the two artists was just hilarious and adorable all at the same time.  The film will be premiering at Sundance this year.

What movies have you seen lately, and what are you faves?

XO,

Gina

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Winter White

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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?

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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

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{4} Lately…

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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.

 

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Foxy Lady

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My long time bestie, Meg, owns a house on the water in Pasadena, MD and I could not resist the opportunity for a photo op on this sunny day.  During my holiday break, Meg and I spent the night before making homemade pizza with friends and dancing the night away in Baltimore for another friend’s birthday.  The hubs and I stayed the night at her house, and we woke up in the morning to this beautiful view.  Thanks for having us Meg; we love you!

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Me with my bestie, Meg

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Outfit Photos by: Zack Notes

All other photos taken by me.

Fox Sweater: Old Navy (unfortunately sold out) – cute alternatives at ASOS, ModCloth, Dorothy Perkins and Peter Jensen / Red Coat: Tulle via Nordstrom / Chambray Button Down: GAP / Black Skinny Jeans: ZARA / Shoes: Nine West / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Don’t you just love this cute little fox?  I had to have this adorable sweater, even though they didn’t have my size.  A nice British tourist in the store convinced me that it would might “look cute a bit baggy,” and that was all I needed to hear before swooping it up.

My holiday break has been fantastic.  I can’t believe we have survived the “end of the world,” had an amazing Christmas, a fabulous family wedding, and that we are now into 2013.  Big thanks to my boss for giving me one more day off today to get my life together in NYC before going back to the office.  Here’s to unpacking, organization, and a work out for today to kick off the new year.  And if I get everything done today, then maybe I will treat myself to a little Les Mis tonight?  We shall see.

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

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: H&M / Tights: Duane Reade / Shoes: ALDO – other black booties I like herehere, 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:

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Favorite Movie:

Elf

Favorite Family Photo:

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

Favorite Holiday Look:

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New Year’s Eve??? – Photo courtesy of Polyvore

Favorite Sweet Treat:

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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