On The Edge

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Jacket: Goodnight Macaroon – similar here and here / Top: Forever 21 / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Shoes: ShoeMint / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – similar here / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Earrings: Forever 21 / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, Wanderlust + Co., & ASOS / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Lancome Luxe

I apologize for falling off the blogosphere the past few weeks.  I spent the holidays tending to a sick baby.  It was the most sad thing.  His little face looking up at me in too much pain to really cry.  Just moaning and groaning wondering “What the heck is wrong with me mama? Please fix it.”  At least that’s what I imagine he was trying to say.  It’s probably the hardest on us parents knowing our babies are hurting, and we can’t do anything to change it.  All I could do was give him Tylenol/Motrin and lots of snuggles.  He tried to be as happy as could be, and I love him for trying.  He’s the sweetest little monkey there ever was.

I had been dreading the first sickness, and I suppose it had to happen sometime.  I have to say, I am happy it’s over.  Although, we could not travel for Easter, we did manage to get down to Maryland this past weekend to see some family and friends.  It was nice to spend some quality time with the fam, and we even had a fun night out for a dear friend’s 30th (thanks Bubbe for babysitting)!  Sunday we participated in the John Petrovick 5K as a family and raised money for the neurology and neurosurgery unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  I also saw another dear friend to shower her with baby gifts for her little principessa on the way!

Back in New York, I feel swamped with a million things I “need” to do.  Unpacking being one.  Cleaning.  Laundry.  Gift buying.  The list goes on and on.  But I am glad I decided to forego all of that for the moment to come back to my little space here that I have missed these past few weeks.

Hope you are all having a happy one!

XO,

Gina

Pastel Pop

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Mint Coat: Goodnight Macaroon (runs small – now on sale!) / Polka Dot Sweater: H&M / Pink Tank: Old Navy / Denim: Rag & Bone / Sparkly Loafer: Seychelles (on sale!) / Necklace: Flair Accessories / Sunnies: Vintage / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Henri Bendel / Lip: MAC Snob

Pastels are all the rage this spring, but it can be tough to pull off the look without looking like an Easter egg.  My strategy here was all about balance!  (or maybe you do think I look like an Easter egg in which case, I have failed miserably).  The mint coat is a bold pastel statement, so I paired it with a darker hue & polka dot print to balance out the look.  As always, I also like to add some fun accessories to the mix.

What is your strategy for wearing pastels this spring?  Totally avoiding it, or jumping on this trend?

Hope this week is treating you all well.  I am enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather!

XO,

Gina

Happy 1st Birthday to Popcorn and Pandas

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Would you believe that today marks one whole year that I decided to make the change to my little ole blog, popcorn and pandas?  I know, I can’t believe it either.  It’s been a crazy year full of adventures and travel, fashion and fun, pregnancy and now a new baby.  It’s been wonderful and therapeutic to have this creative outlet to share with you all, and I am completely grateful that you all have chosen to follow along for this past year.

Below I have reflected a bit on some of your favorite posts this past year:

My first two outfit posts with the amazing photographer Marisa

Reminiscing a Rockin’ Summer

Reminiscing Rockin Summer

Summer Stripes

Summer Stripes

Lettered sweaters were my jam

Amaze

Sported my favorite Halloween costume

Hunger Games

Rang in the New Year in Winter White

Winter White

Foxes became super trendy

Foxy Lady

I had some ups and downs, announced my pregnancy, and did a cool photo shoot with Justin to find out the sex of our Little Monkey

It's A BOY

I added some Flair to my wardrobe

Flair Promenade

Craved everything peplum

Navy Peplum and Black

Felt a little Guilty

Guilty Spring

I ate my first mangosteen

Mangosteen

Went to Arizona and saw the Grand Canyon

Desert Florals

Grand Canyon

I made some waves with Waveborn

Waveborn

Made fresh homemade tomato sauce and pesto from the garden

Tomato Sauce

Pesto

Enjoyed the sunrise on Branch Lake in Maine

Branch Lake Sunrise

Watched as my belly grew larger and larger

Neon

Retro Rainbow

Electric

Beachy Keen

And gave birth to a beautiful baby boy

Nico

It’s been such a great year, and I am hopeful that this year will bring even greater joy.  Thank you so much for following my adventures.  Would love to hear any feedback that you have of things you want to see from me in the coming year.  What you like/don’t like.  What you want to see more or less of (outfit posts, lately posts, shopping posts, personal stories, photography, baby stuff, etc…)  I have less free time on my hands, but hopefully I can make things happen!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

XO,

Gina

Skull Tank Revisited

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You may remember this top from earlier this spring when the weather was still a bit on the chilly side.  I decided to break it out again for summertime while it still covers my baby bump.  I paired it with some mint short shorts and some comfy sneaks for a fun filled family day in Maryland.  We had our belated Father’s Day celebration this past Sunday with both my family and my husband’s, complete with crab cakes (because that’s what Maryland’s all about right?), brisket, chicken, corn on the cob, pasta salad, strawberry salad, beans, homemade tortillas, rolls, ice cream, cake, a musical performance, a little rain, a little sunshine, and a lot of fun.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Skull Tank: Hot Topic – similar / Mint Shorts: Motherhood Maternitynon maternity version / Sneaks: ALDO / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (2), ASOS, Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Chevron Ring: Baublebar / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Lip: Korres Guava Lipstick Natural Pink #13

Last night, we went to our final child birth class and learned a lot about breastfeeding and newborn care.  I’m really glad we decided to take the class, and now we feel a lot more confident going into the whole birthing experience.  Tonight, I am joining the ladies for a spa night in complete with manicures, pedicures, and facials!  Whoo!  Nothing like a little mid-week pampering.  The rest of the week, I plan on relaxing, and getting ready to travel back down to Maryland again for my friends Kurt and Tiffany’s wedding on the Eastern Shore!  Shortly after returning from that trip, we head off to Maine for our last mini vacay of the summer.  Fun times ahead!

Hope you all are stayin’ cool this Tuesday.

XO,

Gina

Boardwalk Tribal

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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.

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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

Skulls Meet Spring

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It was a beautiful weekend, and I had the pleasure of hosting two of my favorite Baltimore blondes at our place on Saturday.  We spent the day galavanting around Brooklyn and Manhattan…brunch at The Farm, followed by a day of shopping in Soho, & gelato and hot chocolate in Little Italy.  Much to our surprise, we came home with our wallets full and bag-less.  If you know us, you know this is not normal.  However, it was probably for the best.  We had planned to go out on the town that night, but we ended up passing out early from all the walking around we did.

The flowers in these photos make me happy, because it’s actually starting to feel and look like Spring around here!  We also thought it was a nice bright contrast to my dark and stormy outfit.

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Photos by: Nichole Cohen

Skull Tank: Hot Topic (now on sale!) / Leather Jacket: Wilsons Leather (old) – similar / Black Skinnies: Motherhood Maternity / Combat Boots: Steve Madden ( now on sale!) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – sold out, but a variety of other colors available at Saks / Headband: (old) – similar / Watch: Betsey Johnson – sold out, but check out Betsey’s other watches on her website / Bracelets: ASOS, Wanderlust + Co., c/o Flair Accessories / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Ring: Forever 21 / Lip: Nars Born This Way gloss

Last night, the hubby and I went to see one of our favorite indie rock singer-songwriters perform, Matt Costa.  Let me tell you, this man is talented.  He plays the piano, harmonica, three different guitars, and has a voice that will make you melt.  His laid back style is very inviting and his tunes range in variety from bluegrass, folk, rock, and more.  Some of my personal favorites include: Miss Magnolia, Sunshine, & Mr. Pitiful.  He also has a lot of good tracks on his new album.  Check out some of his videos here.

Tonight, I am treating myself to a little mani-pedi with the other NY Alpha Phi Alums, and I cannot wait.  It will be the first pedi of the season, and boy do I need it!

On a heavier note, I am glad that my friends and family in Boston are safe and sound.  I am praying for all those who were affected by this tragedy.  I will never understand it, and it saddens me.  Sending love to Boston today.

XO,

Gina

A View From Weehawken

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Last Saturday we made the trek out to Weehawken, New Jersey for a good friend’s housewarming party.  I have driven through the Lincoln Tunnel many times, and have looked up at the houses up in the cliffs imagining the stunning views they must have of Manhattan.  Well, on Saturday I no longer had to imagine as I saw this view for myself!  WOW.  We spent tons of time hanging out on this ledge taking photos before joining the housewarming festivities…which were also a ton of fun by the way!  Congrats to my friends on their new digs and their fabulous view!

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Top: ASOS – now on sale! / Pants: ZARA / Boots: Steve Madden – on sale at Swell! / Hat: Union Square Holiday Market – similar / Scarf: Gift – similar here and here / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bag: TJ Maxx / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, ASOS, and Wanderlust + Co. / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Necklace: Forever 21 / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Last night we held our final screening for our Race to the Oscars.  We saw the Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts program!  Most people don’t get a chance to see the films in this category, so I always feel like I have an upper hand when guessing the winner.  I am always impressed by the level of talent, and this year was no disappointment.

If you haven’t already entered to win my giveaway, you have two more days to score these amazing stud earrings from Flair Accessories!

XO,

Gina

{Giveaway} Flair Accessories Earrings

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Despite being sold out, I was lucky enough to snag a secret pair of these stunning iridescent royal blue studs from Flair Accessories.  I am hosting a giveaway, and one of YOU will be the lucky winner and future owner of these gorgeous earrings!

To enter:

1) You MUST be a true follower of popcorn and pandas.  This means you are an e-mail, WordPress, or Bloglovin’ follower. (It’s not too late to sign up today!)

2) Extra entries will be counted for Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest followers. (1 entry for each)

3) Comment on this post below stating: a) How you would style this pair of earrings or why you want to win them, and b) Each of the ways you follow popcorn and pandas

You can see how I styled the earrings here.

The winner will be announced Friday on the blog.

GOOD LUCK!

XO,

Gina

Promenade Brooklyn Heights {Flair Accessories Series #4}

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Photos By: Zack Notes

Coat: ASOS / Jacket: Macy’s / Top: ASOS / Leopard Skirt: ASOS / Bag: ALDO – similar / Shoes: Cynthia Rowley / Scarf: Christmas Gift / Earrings: ALDO / Druzy Stone Necklace, Pyramid Cuff,  Cage Ring: Flair Accessories / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: MAC Venomous Villians Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ matching gloss

This post concludes my Flair Accessories Series, and this look is actually my favorite of the bunch.  I hope you have enjoyed my little styling adventure!  The hubby has been wanting to take me to the promenade in Brooklyn Heights for awhile now.  We decided to stop in before a dinner and movie date a couple weekends ago.  There is a beautiful walkway along the water as well as a gorgeous skyline view.  What’s not to enjoy?  Well, I will tell you, I did NOT enjoy the windy cold temps that I felt up there!!!  While I displayed a smile for many of these photos, I was secretly freezing my bum off, and could not wait to get off this promenade.  I can happily say I will not be returning until the Spring!

Today, I would like to say “Happy Birthday” to our dear old friend Abraham Lincoln.  I am celebrating tonight by going to see the movie, Lincoln, on our little Race to the Oscars here at work.  I have heard a lot of great things about this film, and I am very excited to see it for myself!

Happy Tuesday everyone.  Hope you have a great day!

XO,

Gina

Ombre Necklace {Flair Accessories Series #3}

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Here is the third outfit post in my Flair Accessories Series.  I had so much fun styling these pieces, and this one in particular certainly makes a bold statement.  I love this mix of colors for winter.  While many outfits during this season can feel rather dull, the pops of blue, green, and yellow made me feel vibrant and energetic despite the chilly temps.  How would you style this piece of “Flair” this winter?

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Coat: Express / Top: ASOS / Blazer: Piperlime / Pants: ZARA / Boots: Kohl’s / Ombre Necklace: Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

I spent most of the weekend hibernating in my Brooklyn abode due to snowy conditions.  I did take a walk on Saturday and tested out some new things I learned in my photography class around the neighborhood.  Other than that, I mostly relaxed, caught up on blogs and e-mails from last week, & watched a few movies.  Last night, I had a dinner date with the hubby at a place called The Costello Plan in our hood.  It’s a really romantic, quiet little spot, and I think I had the best gnocchi I have ever tasted there.  We ended the night watching a bit of the Grammy’s.  Shout out to Mumford & Sons for winning best album for their second album, “Babel.”  I heart them.  I’m sure you’ve heard this song, but here is a little something to get you going this Monday morning.

“I Will Wait” – Mumford & Sons

XO,

Gina