Friday Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Friday Favorites

1. Favorite Summer Drink – The Smoothie

I have been downing one of these almost daily. They are super refreshing and hydrating for my prego body, not to mention tasty. I love to mix it up with different fruits including watermelon, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, and more.

strawberry-smoothie-187x300 — Photo from KristenHadeed.com

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2. Favorite Recipe – Beer Can Chicken

My husband made this receipe from Bon Appetit Magazine last week, and it was absolutely delicious! In the middle of cooking, the chicken actually ended up falling over on the grill, and he was convinced it turned out burned and terrible, but I beg to differ! It was juicy and flavorful, and I would definitely request we have this again!

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3. Favorite Wedding Hairstyle – Beautiful Top Bun w/ Headpiece

My beautiful cousin, Alex, adorned this stunning hairstyle on her wedding day last December courtesy of Creations-a-la-Nikki. I love how super-chic and classy her look is, captured by the wonderful photographer Abby Grace.

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4. Favorite Blogger – Keiko Lynn

I have been following Keiko’s blog for awhile now. I absolutely love her retro-yet-modern, punkish-yet-feminine chic style. Her blog is definitely one of those that I go to for inspiration. And her make-up tutorials are phenomenal!

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5. Favorite Funny Video – Dad Life

This video actually reminds me more of my own Dad, than of my husband, but who knows, it could only be a matter of time once Zack starts rockin’ the Dad Life style as well! Haha.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOKuSQIJlog]

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Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. We are headed down to Maryland for one last quick trip (before we hibernate in NY until the baby gets here) for my sister-in-law’s baby shower for my future little nephew! We are so excited our boys will be born right around the same time. It reminds me of growing up with my cousin, Marisa, and I hope our boys create the same type of long-lasting friendship that we did throughout the years.

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

Friday Funny: Klepper and Grey

My husband recently introduced me to the Tumblr page of comedic duo, Klepper and Grey, and I could not stop laughing. These two sketch comedians have performed at UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) a reputable comedy club in New York City, and their videos are littered on YouTube. I am drawn to them mostly for their “Engaged” series and their skits about what it’s like to live in the Big Apple. While watching, you can really relate to the topics they cover. I have gone through the wedding planning process, and the tiniest details can seem so major at the time. It’s great to look back and laugh at how silly some conversations were during the preparation. This comedic pair performs simple skits, but they really evoke the humor in every day life tasks, especially of a New York City couple.

The trials and tribulations of living in a small apartment…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDpKeK1ufpE&feature=player_embedded]

The things we discuss while wedding planning…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omDz10rDMts&feature=player_embedded]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVDlyRymkF8&feature=player_embeddedhttp://]

Because you have to dress up to go just about anywhere in this town…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZFY3M9ua_8&feature=player_embedded]

When your neighbors are way cooler than you’ll ever be…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LYkSCeXUAI&feature=player_embedded]

Hope you got a laugh out of these. If you want to see more from Jordan Klepper and Laura Grey, check out their Tumblr page. You won’t be disappointed!

Happy Friday everyone!

XO,

Gina

Swedish House Mafia

Swedish House Mafia. The Final Tour. I purchased tickets before Christmas for this night to surprise my husband for his 32nd Birthday. Well, I got too excited and spoiled the surprise about three weeks early, but nonetheless, we were both ecstatic to see them live for the first (and sadly last) time. Cue the lights, cue the neon, cue the scantily-clad dressed teenagers, cue the fist-pumping, and cue the dancing. This was one party not to be missed! Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell, and Steve Angello killed this performance, and I am so glad Zack and I were able to be a part of it. The energy in the room was contagious at Madison Square Garden, and it was a dance party the entire time. I wish I could go back and experience it all again, but at least I have these photos, and the video at the bottom of this post to remember it. Hope you had a Happy 32nd Birthday Zack! I love you!

Swedish House Mafia Concert Highlight Video by Zack Notes. Photos (except one of me) taken by myself.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr7CVvQf9gQ&w=870&h=580]

I’m assuming this post will pump you all up for this weekend. Happy Friday, and enjoy that snow New York!

XO,

Gina

All That Glitters is Gold

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

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