girls weekend Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Lake House

Happy Monday everyone! Just wanted to share some photos from our lake house that we stayed in at Branch Lake in Elsworth, Maine. The location could not be beat, and it was a dream come true. I took these on our first full day when we played on the lake all day. If you’ve never been to Maine, I would definitely suggest you check it out. Thanks to the Shaw family for opening up their cottage to us as the first renters ever!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

The hubby went away with his brother for a guy’s weekend, so my sister-in-law came to visit me in Brooklyn. We did girly/mom things like prenatal massages, high tea, hung out with college girlfriends, dinner, and brunches. The massage was phenomenal and extremely relaxing. Just what the doctor ordered. We went to Massage Williamsburg on recommendation, and it sure was a treat! Our delicious dinner was Korean BBQ at Dokebi, and we had brunch in my hood at Costello Plan. It was a lot of fun bumping both of our prego bellies together (me at 31.5 weeks and her at 29 weeks!), talking about baby things, catching up on life, and being girly. Looking forward to both my little one and my little nephew who will be arriving so closely together. It’s a really exciting time for the Notes Family!

XO,

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

Skulls Meet Spring

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.

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

Girl’s Weekend

Oh how I love my girls!!! A couple weeks ago, some of my besties from Maryland came to visit for a fun Brooklyn weekend. The hubby went out of town, so this was actually the first time I had a real girl’s weekend at our place. It was honestly such a blast. I love spending time with my favorites. There is never any drama. Never any bullshit. Just plain old fun. It was really great to have a bunch of girls around to borrow clothes from and talk about make up and hair and just get dressed up. After living with my man for so long now, I sometimes start to miss those girly things that come with having females for roommates! It was also great to just have them there to snuggle and have deep conversations about life face-to-face rather than on the phone or through e-mail. I had such a great time, that I already want to start planning our next girly adventure together.

This little photo session was captured by my amazing cousin, Marisa of Misa*Me Photography. Unfortunately, she never made it to the other side of the lens, but the fact that these photos were taken are proof enough that she was there with us as well! This documents our little Saturday at DiFara Pizza and walking around my neighborhood. What you don’t see is the 90’s dance party that we got into later that night, but I have to leave something to the imagination, right?

Playing some cards while we wait for our pizza…worth the wait!

Most amazing pizza EVER

Teri’s hood rocks my world…

Black Coat Mafia…

All photos by: Misa*Me Photography

Coat: ASOS / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: H&M / Scarf: Christmas gift / Lip: Lancome Groupie

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend!

XO,

Gina

{5} Lately…

Meg Gi — My friend Meg and me over the weekend at OxCart Tavern in my ‘hood.

Lately I’ve been…

reading Onto Book 5 of the Harry Potter series. Making my way…

writing Some e-mails to folks in the advertising community.

listening Another hit from one of my favorite collaborators, David Guetta and Sia. Check out “She Wolf (Falling to Pieces).”

thinking That is it very frigid out there!!! Brr…hat, gloves, and a scarf are a must in this weather.

smelling Yankee Candle “Soft Blanket.” My new favorite scent.

watching My boss and I are currently partaking in a “Race to the Oscars.” Our goal is to watch all of the films nominated for Best Picture before the big event. So far, I have seen two out of nine.

wishing That I hadn’t caught this cold over the weekend. I spent my entire day off yesterday sick on the couch. Hence my lack of a blog post yesterday. Today, I am still sick and working from home.

hoping That we can plan another girl’s weekend soon, because that one was SO MUCH FUN! (minus the whole catching a cold from my cousin part)

wearing Pajamas.

loving Michelle Obama’s Inauguration outfit. Way to go Thom Brown.

laughing At this hilarious video “How to Dance When You’re High on Life.” It totally reminds me of all my favorite guy friends when we go to Dewey Beach. Thanks to my friend Trey for sharing this.

wanting To be able to breathe out of my nose.

needing To get a lot of work done from home today, because we have a client coming into town tomorrow.

feeling Extremely tired. No matter how much sleep I get, I can’t seem to get enough. Also, feeling very stuffy.

craving This Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.

clicking I was featured on another leg wear website called Fashion Legwear for my ivory polka dot tights. I was included with a group of bloggers for best leg wear of the week. Scroll down about halfway, and you will find my pic.

What have you been up to lately?

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.

Turquoise Tights

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!”

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

AC

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!

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.

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

My sister and I. On me: Forever 21 dress, Betsey Johnson watch, Lancome Fuchsia Clutch lip, bracelet (gift from cousin), ALDO earrings

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

Atlantic City on Dwellable