GAP Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

{32} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Aaaaaand I’m still reading The Goldfinch. Haha might possibly be the longest it’s ever taken me to get through a book that I didn’t absolutely hate. LOL. I also just finished Eat That Frog, which is an excellent book about time management and making the best use out of your time. Picked up lots of great business tips in there.

writing I recently had the privilege to interview Shannon Fitzpatrick for Autism Awareness month about her son Chase and how Autism has impacted her family. Thank you Shannon for opening up about your experience, and hopefully this can help and inspire those going through something similar.

listening To Nico say “I love you too” this morning, just about MADE.MY.DAY. Love that kid.

thinking About some ideas for an upcoming post on the best exercises to do while pregnant.

smelling The deliciousness cooking at my local cafe and Monday “office” Cafe Madeline.

watching Revenge on Netflix. I had been wanting to watch this show for awhile, but didn’t want to jump in without seeing the first few seasons. So I decided to catch up via Netflix. It’s dark, but captivating!

wishing A Happy Birthday to my (pretty much) brother-in-law, Adam! Hope it’s amazing and wonderful just like you!

hoping That Nico has a fun time at his first dance/movement class today! Wish I could be there with him, but Mama’s gotta get some work done.

wearing Floral Pants from Motherhood Maternity – Tank from GAP – Blouse from Express – Polka Dot Flats from GAP Outlet

loving The sunshine! It’s been very nice out the past couple days, and I am relishing in it! Even broke out my floral spring pants this morning as you can see from above.

wanting A prenatal massage and a big huge pregnancy pillow (that I never had with my first baby). Mother’s Day? (wink wink)

needing To go shopping for some new clothes this spring. Yes, I know I have the perfect maternity clothes already in my closet from my last pregnancy, because the babe will be born at the same time of year as Nico…but can you blame me for wanting something new?

feeling Pretty good! Aside from a little back pain (which PiYo totally helps with by the way!), I am feeling pretty good during this second trimester. How I wish the whole pregnancy could be like the second trimester! Haha.

craving Ditching alllllll my cravings for processed sugar this week as I am hosting a 7-Day (No) Sugar & Squats Challenge! Today is the first day (50 squats down baby!), so feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you want in!

clicking Through apartment listings. Trying to figure out if it makes sense to move before we have our little one. We could technically squeeze in our current place, but it will be TIGHT. The problem is that finding anything bigger is going to be a huge increase in expense (my guess), and we have such an amazing deal now that it’s hard to leave. We shall see what the future brings!

HAPPY MONDAY!

What have you been up to lately?

XO,

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.

Neutrals in November

Trench: H&M / Sweater: Forever 21 – similar / Tank: GAP / Denim: Paige / Booties: Target / Sunnies: Vintage Kenneth Cole / Drop Earrings: Gifted

Happy Hump Day! These photos were taken on a slow weekend in the city. We meandered over to the neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn for a delicious brunch at my favorite place, Home Made. Let me tell you their french toast is to die for. Also, if you are a scrambled egg person, the truffle scramble is sensational. We settled in this comfy little spot on the cozy couches and had a lovely meal with just the three of us. We then followed up brunch with a grocery trip to Fairway Market. Just a typical little Saturday for ya. Complete with the wind whipping around, a taste of winter lurking just around the corner.

Off to warmer weather tomorrow in sunny Arizona! Feel free to follow along on Instagram for updates while we are away.

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

Paint the Town Blue

This is one of my favorite jackets to wear for fall, and you can see I wore it last fall as well. I received this beautiful necklace as a new mommy gift from a friend, and I just couldn’t wait to style it! I have been reluctant to do a full shopping spree this season since I am in a bit of a limbo period where some of my old clothes still fit, but some of them are still too small. I am hesitant to go out and buy a bunch of new clothes in bigger sizes than my “normal.” (especially pants.) So all the items here have been recycled from my current closet. Everything you see here has been worn in a previous post, but I mixed and matched to create this new look for the season.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Jacket: Macy’s (old) / Button Down: GAP – sold out – similar / Jeans: Motherhood / Booties: Target / Necklace: Coup de Coeur (gift from friend) – not available online / Sunnies: Vintage / Earrings: Forever 21 / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Baublebar – similar / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch – similar

Hope you all had a great weekend. We celebrated Nico’s 1st Halloween party with the parents and babies in the neighborhood, carved a pumpkin, took a couple walks and did some things around the house. Nico has his 2 month doctor’s appointment this week (wow, 2 months already!) and it’s also Halloween! Not sure if we will actually walk around with him this year or we will just give out candy on the stoop. What are your plans this Halloween? Or what did you do to celebrate this past weekend?

XO,

Gina

Saturday Stroll

The weather has been so gorgeous, and last weekend was perfect for a Saturday stroll with the whole family. We headed over to Caton Park (near Prospect Park) to check out the kids playing soccer (boy, do I miss soccer!), and then headed out for a second family dinner at a local Thai restaurant. Yes, I had dessert before dinner…oops! But the coconut ice being sold at the fields was too yummy to turn down. Nico is loving his stroller (thanks Mimi/Nano and Aunt Angie/Uncle Adam!) We are pretty lucky to have received this gift as it’s basically the Mercedes Benz version of a stroller. It even has shocks! I have to say, it’s perfect for our bumpy neighborhood sidewalks, and it’s definitely getting a ton of use right now.

I’m feeling good and had a great post partum doc appointment this past week. Nico also had his 1 month appointment. He seriously disliked getting his shot (Mommy and Baby were both in tears.) However, he is hitting his milestones so far and is looking to be a healthy baby at this point, so I could not be happier!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Top: GAP / Tank: J. Crew / Jeans: Motherhood / Sunglasses: Waveborn / Shoes: MIA – on sale! / Earrings: ALDO / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Gorjana, Stella and Sparkle, and Baublebar / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

Stroller: Uppababy Vista / Car Seat: Chicco Keyfit 30 / Chicco Car Seat Adapter for Uppababy: Amazon / Baby Blanket: Carter’s

Looking forward to the weekend and having Daddy home with us. I’m picking up a dress for one of my best friend’s wedding’s next weekend. I was super worried about how it was going to look having just had a baby, but luckily the material is forgiving and the color is black! Also, breastfeeding and walking around the neighborhood have proven to be advantageous to starting me off on getting my old figure back. I have to keep reminding myself that it took me 9 months to get the way I was, so getting back to normal is not going to happen overnight!

Also on our possible weekend agenda is taking Nico out for his first visit to the pumpkin patch! Hoping photos will follow.

Happy Friday and a Happy Weekend to all!

XO,

Gina

Rainy Days Can’t Get Me Down

These photos are from Memorial Day Weekend before our ride down to Philly. There’s nothing like bright colors to shake you out of your rainy day gloom. Luckily, the weather got nicer later in the day, and we were able to enjoy an awesome cookout with friends.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Seersucker Blazer: GAP – similar / Sweater: Old Navy (on sale!) / Tank (underneath): Old Navy (on sale!) / Jeans: Motherhood / Boots: Steve Madden / Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Umbrella: borrowed – similar / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean, ASOS, and Henri Bendel / Watch: Michael Kors

This past weekend, I was on my own as the hubby went on a biking/camping excursion. I spent the weekend doing a little housework, celebrating my neighbor’s 1st birthday, had dinner with a close friend, went to a 90’s themed birthday celebration, and lounged at a soccer team BBQ. Last night when the hubby got home, we chilled outside enjoying our amazing garden on what was a gorgeous night, and just caught each other up with our weekend stories. I have to say, I’m super happy it’s summertime!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

Desert Florals

Here are some images from our second day enjoying Sedona, Arizona. Oh, how I love those red rocks! The views were absolutely stunning, and it’s tough to really capture it in a photo alone. I hadn’t been feeling that great in the middle of our trip, but this day, I was feeling much better and able to explore. We drove around making stops at different locations for photos, and then walked a little on the West Fork at Oak Creek trail which was a lot of fun. I really hope to go back to Sedona when I’m back to my athletic self and can really take it all in!

Floral Pants: Motherhood – similar here, here, and here (in non-maternity) / Chambray Top: GAP – similar (runs big FYI!) / Tank: American Eagle / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Shades: c/o Waveborn / Earrings: Baublebar – similar / Ring: Banana Republic / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Watch: Michael Kors / Beaded Skull Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Bow Bracelet: Baublebar / Lip: MAC Impassioned

Tonight I’m headed out with the girls for a little mani/pedi action. I usually do my own nails, but the belly is starting to get in the way making it impossible to paint my toes these days. Oh darn, I guess I have to pamper myself! Looking forward to hanging with the ladies.

Tomorrow I am participating in the Wall Street Heart Walk with my Alpha Phi sorority Alums in NYC. Did you know that heart disease is the leading killer in America? There’s one more day to donate, so if you are able to contribute, I would really appreciate it!

Hope you all have a great day!

XO,

Gina

Noteworthy Neon

1. River Island Fluro Flower Studs – ASOS / 2. Colorblock Pillow – Etsy / 3. Adidas Santiago Watch – Nordstrom / 4. Rookie Perf Laceless Shoes – Keds / 5. Glow in the Dark Sunglasses – Urban Outfitters / 6. Kate Spade Patent Pumps – Bergdorf Goodman / 7. Oversized Boston Bag – Forever 21 / 8. Marc Jacobs Orange Leather Bracelet – My Wardrobe / 9. Gorjana Pink Wrap Bracelet – Neiman Marcus / 10. Mac Candy Yum-Yum – Nordstrom / 11. Neon Nail Polish – American Apparel / 12. Glam Punk Spike Necklace – Boticca / 13. Neon Trim Straw Fedrora – Old Navy / 14. BCBGeneration Envelope Clutch – Zappos / 15. Marc Jacobs Blue Dial Watch – Saks / 16. Bobbi Brown Blue Bell Eyeshadow – Bergdorf Goodman / 17. Brian Atwood Snake Embossed Pumps – Neiman Marcus / 18. Cambridge Satchel – Modcloth / 19. Blue Sky Havaianas – Surf Sitch

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There’s nothing I love more than a pop of neon to accessorize an outfit. This spring and summer, neon is all the rage, and these are some of my favorite finds. The weather has been up and down these past few weeks, and I am looking forward to the days when there will be some steady warmth around here. These bright colors make me happy and can definitely spice up a neutral look.

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I had this post prepared for Friday, but in light of the manhunt in Boston, and us having to travel up there for a wedding that day, I thought it was not appropriate. It was an insane morning, but we made it to the suburbs of Boston safely. The wedding ceremony had to be moved because of the lockdown, but the show went on! My dear friend Jamie got married to his bride Kaitlyn, and it was a beautiful wedding. Jamie and I have known each other since freshman year of high school, and he was my first guy friend at ASHS. We’ve been through a lot over the years, and it was awesome to be there to celebrate his big day! With the craziness going on in Boston, this wedding showed there was still some love in the air. Stay tuned later in the week for some photos from this event!

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Since officials were able to catch the second Boston Marathon bomber, we also got the chance to visit with my college roomie, Danielle, (otherwise known at Stewey…don’t ask) along with her husband and baby. We had a great time walking around the city with them, going out to eat, and seeing first hand what it’s going to be like for us when our Lil’ Monkey gets here.

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Unfortunately, I think I caught a cold over the weekend. I am home with a nasty little bug today. I hope you all have a good week ahead.

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XO,

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Gina

Walk on the High Line

Here’s Part II of our little girl’s weekend in NYC. Sunday, we got bagels at the best place in the city. And yes, you can quote me on that. We then ventured into Manhattan to do a little shopping and take a walk on the High Line. For those of you who have never been, this park was built on top of an old abandoned elevated train track and runs down Manhattan’s West Side. It’s so unique, and provides wonderful views of the city. It was a gorgeous day, and I think the girls enjoyed it!

Outfit photos by: Nichole Cohen & Lisa Dannenberg / All other photos my own / Thanks to random stranger for the photo of the three of us

Coral Trench: GAP – sold out – similar here, here, here, and here / Mint Button Down: Express / Skinny Jeans: Motherhood Maternity / Ankle Boots: Target / Scarf: Gift / Sunnies: Vintage / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: ASOS and Gorjana – 2nd one sold out, but see more bracelets by Gorjana here / Lip: Lancome Groupie

Today brings a doc appointment and my 2nd to last photography class. Hoping for a good report on the first and to learn as much as I can during the latter.

Crazy enough, we have a trip to Boston coming up on Friday for a dear friend’s wedding. It still breaks my heart that people could purposefully cause harm to so many innocent others. I am still praying for all of those in Boston that were affected by this horrible madness. I am looking forward to the wedding and hoping it will bring some happiness and light to the Boston area. In the midst of this tragedy, it’s nice to know there is still some love out there.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

XO,

Gina

Preppy With A Twist {Guilty Jean Series #2}

Here is my 2nd look from the Guilty Jean photo shoot over the weekend. I was definitely enjoying the sunshine on this beautiful, glorious Saturday! For this look, I purposefully chose the same Guilty Jean jewelry pieces as my last outfit post to show how versatile this line can be. Even if you don’t see yourself as someone who is “edgy” or “punk rock,” you can still glam up your look with Guilty Jean’s designs. This particular look gives the preppy business casual girl a little edge. I love how these pieces work so well with a variety of different personal styles, and I plan to rock these jewels no matter what I’m wearing!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Yellow Button Down: GAP / Blazer: GAP / Jeans: Motherhood Maternity / Pretty Little Evil Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Turquoise Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sinner & Saint Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Clutch: Express – similar / Sparkly Flats: Nordstrom Rack / Watch: Michael Kors / Ring: Banana Republic – similar here and here / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Lip: Mix of MAC Candy Yum-Yum and Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Smokin’ Hot

Hope everyone is enjoying their week so far! I have been busy busy, so I am looking forward to a little R&R tonight.

XOXO,

Gina