Feeling the Holiday Spirit

IMG_4124

IMG_4133

IMG_4097

IMG_4104

IMG_4095

IMG_4090

IMG_4089

Red Cable Knit Sweater: Gap – similar here / Oxford Blouse: Express / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar with studs / Black Skinnies: ZARA / Black Suede Pumps: Cynthia Rowley / Watch: Coach / Bracelet: Bridesmaid Gift / Ring: Forever 21 / Pearl Earrings: Birthday Gift / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless

Photos by: Zack Notes

With the celebration of Chanukah last week, and Christmas only 8 days away, I am really starting to feel the holiday spirit! (if you couldn’t already tell by the red sweater and the bow)  My holiday shopping is almost complete, and this week will be dedicated to wrapping and packing.  I am currently trying to decide which Christmas movie favorite I am going to watch while doing so.  Some contenders on the list are Love Actually and Elf, but I am open to suggestions, so fire away!  Christmas tunes are blasting at the office, and we have our office luncheon scheduled for this Thursday.  What are you doing to celebrate the season?

Happy Monday all!

XO,

Gina

Enhanced by Zemanta

{3} Lately…

lately3

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn this week.  Holy intensity!  I would definitely recommend.  Also read the December issue of Health magazine.  Hoping I actually listen to what I read and start eating a bit healthier and getting back into my work out ways.  I’ve been a slacker.  Back to the reading…trying to decide the next book to open…I think I am going to go back to the Harry Potter series now that I got the last four books from my sister-in-law.  Nothing like a little magic around Christmastime.

writing  Still writing my Christmas cards!  Luckily, I was able to get most of them out this week.  However, I miscounted how many I needed, so those of you at the beginning of the alphabet (I went backwards this year) might be a bit delayed!  Oops!

listening  Cazzette’s Beam Me Up.  Nothing like a little alien take-over causing a city to erupt in dancing.  This one’s for you Charles.

thinking  About the Christmas shopping that I still have left to do.

smelling  Christmas Cookie candle by Yankee Candle.  Also loving the Warm Woolen Mittens scent.

wishing  That my tummy would stop hurting!  Stayed home from work yesterday mehhh.

hoping  That the bridesmaid dress I pick up tomorrow for my cousin’s wedding fits me like a glove.  Naturally being of my short stature, I needed some alterations. 😉

wearing  Lots of layers.  Although it hasn’t been incredibly cold so far this winter, I am forever frozen, and layers are a must in this city.  Today I’m wearing black leggings with a blue tank.  Black and white sweater overtop, with another multicolored sweater wrap over that.  Topped off with my bright yellow winter coat and Steve Madden boots.

loving  That the sun is shining right now!  A lot better than the rain we have had as of late.  Also loving that we are having some visitors this weekend.  And a maid is coming to clean before they get here, so I don’t have to tear my hair out.  Loving loving loving.

wanting  World peace.  Yes, that would be nice.

needing  Constant reapplication of hand cream.  The cold weather seems to dry my hands up so quickly!  Right now I am using Simply Clean from ULTA.

feeling  You ever have one of those moments when you just want to cry and you don’t really know why?  Well that was me yesterday.  Maybe it was a combo of being sick, stressed, hormones, who knows.  But just broke down.  Sad panda!  For no obvious reason.  I think it was just one of those days.  Luckily, today I am in much better spirits, and looking forward to seeing friends this weekend.

clicking  Through all the advertising trades this morning for news in the ad world.

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.

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Hi

IMG_4044

HI!!!  While browsing for sparkly sequined outfits to wear for my AC trip a couple weeks back, I also came across this adorable sweater.  I love the color palette, the comfiness, and the “Hi” lettering that speaks volumes to my personality.  I am the type of person who will pretty much talk to anybody, even strangers on the street.  While of course every now and then I like to  have my “me” time, I usually love being around others, the overall energy of people, meeting new friends, and hearing their stories.  My family and friends know that if we go somewhere, I will most likely run into somebody, and they will have to drag me along to keep me from talking to them all day.

Speaking of meeting new people, I went on my first “blogger date” this past Saturday.  I would like to introduce you all to Alex of She Is Red.  We have been “blogger friends” for a couple months now, and it was fantastic to finally meet her in person.  She is an Oregon native who recently moved to New York City from just outside Copenhagen.  She has a wonderful blog featuring fashion, food, and sparkly things.  You definitely need to check it out!

We met at The Farm on Adderley (one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood) for a delicious brunch, and then did a little photo op in Ditmas Park.  Five minutes into our photo op, we were just getting warmed up to photographing in front of someone other than our close relatives when we were screamed at by a psycho lady!  This woman came storming out of her house yelling at us to stop taking photos of her house, because there was no sex offender living there and this story and these lies had ruined her life for the past 10 years.  Umm…WHAT?!?!  First of all, we are fashion bloggers taking photos of our outfits.  Second of all, your house was not even in our shot.  Third of all, we had no idea about this “sex offender” story and had no plans to broadcast it (until now of course).  And lastly…you are PSYCHO!  It was a little bit of a shake up for our first photo op together, but we nervously shuttled off to another street with normal, sane neighbors to finish our shoot.  I suppose as weird as this incident was, it does make for a great crazy story!

Alex and I had a wonderful day, and I didn’t even notice how quickly the time had passed.  I am happy to now call her a real friend instead of just a blogger friend.  We realized we have a mutual love of karaoke, so I’m thinking that will be our next adventure!

2012-12-08 23.04.39

IMG_4045

IMG_4084

IMG_4025

IMG_4086

IMG_4061

2012-12-08 23.04.49

Photos of me taken by Alex.  Photos of Alex taken by me.  Photos of us taken by a nice neighbor 🙂

Please excuse our messy manes…it was rainy and humid!

On me: HI Sweater: Forever 21 / Floral Print Dress: H&M (old)  / Boots: ALDO -similar on sale here / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Bag: TJMaxx / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co. and BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: MAC Snob

On Alex: Pendleton Coat: Vintage / Faux-fur Scarf: Vintage / Skirt: Forever 21 (sold out, but other pleated skirts I love here and here and also here) / Watch: Caravelle by Bulova / Necklace: Forever 21 / Bag: Forever 21 / Shirt: H&M / Boots: Acne

IMG_4081

And how cute is the back of the sweater too!?!? I just love it.  BYE! (for now!)

Enjoy the phenomenon of 12/12/12 today!

XO,

Gina

‘Tis The Season for Giving

'Tis The Season for Giving
‘Tis the season for giving!  Since I already shared my holiday wish list, I thought I would provide some helpful ideas to think about when shopping for loved ones this year.  I assume most of us have started at least perusing, but for those of you who haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, maybe this inspiration board will give you a little jump start.  Whether you are shopping for your mom, dad, husband, wife, best friend, or boss, I hope you can find something on this list your family and friends will enjoy.
For…
1.  The Sister or Best Friend: Floral necklace from Baublebar
2. The Hipster: Nerd Glasses from boohoo.com
3.  The Make-Up Hoarder: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette from Sephora
4.  The Party Girl/Boy: Corkcicle from Uncommon Goods
5.  Hostest with the Mostest: Darkest Night Red Wine Balloon Glass from Mikasa®
6.  The Ski Bunny:  Coal Creme Pom Pom Beanie Hat from Zumiez.com
7.  The Sassy Girl: Essie Nail Polish from Target
8.  The Bicyclist: RED Trace Audio Classic Helmet from Zumiez.com (Also works for skating, skiing, and snowboarding)
9.  The Future Photographer: Vintage Toy Camera Onsie from Etsy
10.  The Glamour Girl:  MAC Russian Red Lipstick from Nordstom
11.  The Dad, Hubby, or the Music Junkie:  Big Blue Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker from Brookstone
12.  For Sister or The Organizer:  Kate Spade Wallet from Piperlime
13.  The Mom, Grandma, or Someone Sweet:  Amazing Grace Set from Philosophy
14.  The Athlete:  Pure Balance Water Bottle from Lululemon  (made of glass covered in silicone, so no BPA!)
15.  The Boss: Steve Jobs Biography from Barnes and Noble
16.  The Tea Drinker:  Breville Ikon Electric Tea Kettle from  Gracious Home
17.  The Cold Weather City Dweller:  Volcom Earmuffs from Swell
18.  The Coffee Addict or The Comedian:  Mustache Mug from Customized Girl
Happy Shopping!
XO,
Gina
Enhanced by Zemanta

Fashion My Legs

Quick update!  Wanted to let you all know that I was recently featured on a blog called Fashion My Legs (FML), which showcases all things tights and hosiery.  Their editor, Lisa, loved my “Amaze” post in which my look included a pair of sheer black bow tights from Urban Outfitters.  Check out her blog for more inspirational ways to wear cool tights.  Thanks for the shout out Lisa!

Happy Friday everyone! XO.

Gina

Enhanced by Zemanta

Mom’s Turn for a Birthday Shoutout

photo2

My Mom and Dad are literally two days apart in age.  They usually end up celebrating their birthday’s together (much like my sister and I did growing up), but I figured I would give them each their own individual shout out on the blog for their special days this year.  So Mom…now it’s your turn…

She’s the one who tucked us into bed at night.  She’s the one who said goodnight at the bottom of the stairs.  She’s the one who made up songs with our names in them.  She’s the one who performed these songs while giving us a bath.  She’s the one who always tickled our backs.  She’s the one who made us dinner every night.  She’s the one who also made us eat it whether we wanted to or not.  She’s the one who drove us to soccer and basketball practice.  She’s the one that was cheering or coaching at every single game.  She’s the one who watched TGIF with us on Fridays.  She’s the one who thought of cool birthday party ideas.  She’s the one who took us shopping.  She’s the one who helped us with our homework.  She’s the one who helped us study until we were falling asleep with our books in our laps.  She’s the one who took me to her lab and showed me what scientists do at work.  She’s the one who helped me apply to thirteen…yes thirteen different colleges.  She’s the one who went with me to visit a lot of those colleges. (Loyola New Orleans was particularly fun.)  She’s the one who understood the true meaning of being a Terp since she’d experienced it herself.  She’s the one who taught me how to balance my checkbook.  She’s the one who still pretends we are five years old when we are coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.  She’s the one who cooks Christmas dinner every year.  She’s the one who has her own special Redskins touchdown dance.  She’s the one who makes sure there is always food in the fridge when I come home to visit.  She’s the one who comes to visit me in New York City.  She’s the one who is afraid of the subway.  She’s the one who shares my love of singing.  She’s the one who plans our OBX vacations.  She’s the one who sacrificed so much for us throughout the years.  She’s the one who taught me how to be a woman, a daughter, a friend, and hopefully one day a mother myself.  She’s the one who has no idea how much she means to all of us.

She is my Mom.

Love you so much Mernie!  Hope you have a fantastic Birthday! XO.

photo1
At my 8th grade graduation. Look how stunning she is!
228257_555185612078_5596554_n
My bridal shower with my main girl
317191_10100548880321288_771106430_n
Photo courtesy of Joe Brier from The Happy Couple Photography.
59460_10101362998801328_988486883_n
The fam
383696_10100700083119668_1892271096_n
Me and my gorgeous Mama

396895_10101160732948718_1738434631_n

406786_10101369902436388_1107125901_n

Enhanced by Zemanta

Happy (Belated) Birthday Papa Bear

425653_296595180406241_1891234805_n

He’s funny.  He’s sweet.  He’s loud.  He’s crazy.

He’s friendly.  He’s fun.  He’s handsome.  Never lazy.

He’s strong.  He’s affectionate.  He’s lovable.  He’s grand.

He’s Italian.  He’s an entrepreneur.  Always willing to lend a hand.

He golfs.  He skis.  He dances.  He plays.

He smiles.  He whistles.  He works hard for days.

He cries during movies.  He smokes cigars.

He builds lots of things.  He has lots of cars.

He makes pizza and wine.  He loves to play bocce.

He built his own motorcycle.  He loves the movie Rocky.

He also likes the Godfather.  And Scarface too.

He quotes movie lines.  Probably better than you.

He’s a good friend.  He’s a good husband.  He’s a good father.  He’s a good lad.

This man that I speak of…

He is my Dad.

Happy Birthday Pops.  Love you!

photo3

301056_1811378983044_1965031429_n
Can you guess which one is him?
215908_149363731796054_6415923_n
Dad on the motorcycle that he built himself. He named it “Sicilian Venom.” Haha.
297746_10100548961264078_320998571_n
Wedding Day Father/Daughter Dance.  Frank Sinatra’s, “The Way You Look Tonight,” followed with a breakout disco dance routine to “She’s on Fire” from the movie “Scarface.”  Photo courtesy of Joe Brier at The Happy Couple Photography
259872_159505327448561_7739234_n
Bocce Champs
1921_651595535218_1846_n
Skiing together at Seven Springs in PA
18551_845786110748_3189832_n
Dad with Sister and Me on Christmas Eve
162624_10100135991169458_8177314_n
Family on another Christmas Eve
547446_10101084754849438_1664376519_n
Killing it on the dance floor.  Photo courtesy of Erin Lassahn Wedding Photography.
598960_10101363031845108_1409168279_n
Photo from a recent wedding we attended together.

I apologize that I am a day late on this post!  I originally meant to post this on my Dad’s actual Birthday which was yesterday, but I was on the hunt for some of those older photos.  Alas, here they are.  Hope you enjoyed following me on my trip down memory lane. 🙂

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Gina

Holiday Wish List 2012

Holiday Wish List 2012

1. Mustard Satchel: Aldo / 2. iPad Cover: Tory Burch / 3. Betsey Johnson Perfume: Kohls / 4. Dots for Life Coat: Tulle at Modcloth / 5. New Balance Running Shoe: Nordstrom / 6. Ivory Polka Dot Tights: Madewell / 7. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch: Nordstrom / 8. Kate Spade Bangle: Piperlime / 9. IPhone Fish Eye Lens: Restoration Hardware / 10. Marc Jacobs Gold Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs / 11. Leopard Gloves: Dorothy Perkins / 12. Tulle Vintage Coat: Nordstrom / 13. Blythe Blouse: J Crew / 14. Ivory Peacoat: Express / 15. Military Boots: ALDO / 16. Spike Bracelet: ASOS / 17. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Perfume: Lord & Taylor / 18. Business Card Holder: Kate Spade
I wanted to share some of my favorites this holiday season.  Christmas is my most cherished time of year.  Spending quality time with family and friends is one of my favorite things to do, and I am lucky I get to see almost everyone from back home around the holidays.  I love shopping for others and seeing their faces as they open their gifts.  And let’s be totally honest…we all love to receive some shiny new things for ourselves under the tree as well!
Now that I’ve shared my holiday wish list, please tell me what’s on yours!
And stay tuned for an upcoming gift-giving guide for ideas of what you can give others in the next week.
In other news…HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my amazing DAD!  Stay tuned for another special post coming this week as well. 🙂
Happy Holidays!
Gina

AC

IMG_3963

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!

IMG_3936
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.

IMG_3937

IMG_3942

IMG_3944

IMG_3946

IMG_3952

IMG_3951

IMG_3962
My cousins Marisa and Alex. Matron of Honor & Bride.

IMG_4020

IMG_3970

IMG_3978

IMG_4018

IMG_6073
The crew
IMG_6080
Bride with one of her bridesmaids
IMG_6088
My sister and I. On me: Forever 21 dress, Betsey Johnson watch, Lancome Fuchsia Clutch lip, bracelet (gift from cousin), ALDO earrings

IMG_6175

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



{2} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished the November issue of Marie Claire.  Started Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn this morning on the Subway.  I have heard so many amazing things about this book, and I cannot wait to get intoxicated by it!

writing I wrote my to-do list at the beginning of the week with tons of chores and errands to be completed since returning from the Thanksgiving holiday.  So far, I have been very good at checking things off the list.  Hope to check a few more things off tonight before my trip this weekend.

listening  Anything and everything on XM’s Channel 51 BPM station.  I can’t seem to want to turn the station…ever.  Makes me want to dance.  Yes, even in the car.

thinking  About some different collaborations and blog posts that I may want to do in the future.

smelling  My morning coffee…although it is now afternoon.

wishing  That I wasn’t going to miss seeing my mother-in-law this weekend when she comes to town.  Yes, I actually like my mother-in-law, and we get along wonderfully.  Had a blast with her and the rest of the Notes clan over Thanksgiving, and wish I wasn’t going to miss out on her visit to town.

hoping  That the Mayans were incorrect and that the world is not actually going to end in three weeks.  I still have a lot of bucket list adventures to complete!

wearing  Today I’m wearing black skinny jeans, long sleeved black tee with purple/fuchsia sweater dress, combat boots, and a pink skinny headband.  On nights out I can’t seem to get enough of my navy peplum top from ASOS that you saw here.

loving  The fact that my Christmas tree is finally up!  To my utter delight, the deli on Courtelyou got trees this week.  We quickly snatched one up and drove it home (wow feels nice to say we didn’t need to cab it home).  We then proceeded to trim the tree and decorate the house all while blasting holiday tunes. Keep your eyes peeled for a post complete with photos soon. ‘Tis the season!

wanting  A Hippopotamus for Christmas.  Only a hippopotamus will do.  Okay, so maybe not really.  But while most may find this Christmas song obnoxious, I sure do love it!  It makes me think of my cousins on Christmas Eve, and obviously I cannot get it out of my head at the moment.  Probably because I keep playing it on repeat.

needing  Lunch.  My tummy is a grumbling.  Hmm…I’m getting tired of the same old Murray Hill lunch options.  Any one have any favorites in town?

feeling  Excited for tomorrow!  After work, I will be driving down to Atlantic City to celebrate my cousin, Alex’s, bachelorette!  Looking forward to a much need girl’s weekend including my other cousin, Marisa, and my sister, Angela.  The Fab Four reunite.  Woot woot!

clicking  Through a few different animation studios’ websites.  Doing some research for potential new clients and new talent.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Thursday!

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.

 

Enhanced by Zemanta