kohls Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Porch Swing

On me: Top: J. Crew / Tank: J. Crew (available in other colors) – also similar here / Shorts: J. Crew (available in other colors here and here) / Sandals: Sam Edelman (sold out, but many color choices here) / Sunnies: Francesca’s (similar) / Necklace: Baublebar (similar) / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Baublebar, Stella & Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

On Nico: Bathing Suit Top & Trunks Set: Carter’s

Feeling nostalgic today from our vacation to the Outer Banks. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already noticed I’m protesting my post-vacation blues. The photos above show some of my most favorite times in the OBX. Doing. Absolutely. Nothing. Relaxation in it’s purest form. There’s just something about a porch swing at sunset that immediately resets my zen. After a long day in the hot sun, taking walks and building sandcastles, it feels great to come back to the cottage, have a nice shower, and climb into the porch swing and just sway. Feeling the breeze as the sun drops down below the horizon brings an immediate feeling of calm and a sense of peacefulness that I haven’t been able to really recreate anywhere else but here. Sometimes I will even bring a book into the swing and get lost into some other dream world. This year, I brought Nico onto the swing with me, and for a kid who otherwise at this age is squirmy and adventurous, I was mildly surprised with his ability to just snuggle and relax with me on the swing for awhile. It was as if he was silently saying, “Oh hey Mom, yeah I could get the hang of this relax in the porch swing thing.” I’m lucky that my little one still does love to snuggle with me often…usually at night before bedtime. But as he approaches his first birthday and becomes more independent, I start to see him squiggle away from me more and more as he explores the world around him. It makes me sad, but at the same time I know he has to grow. Part of me wants to cling and keep him small forever though and that part of me is going to soak up every moment I can while he is still little enough to be wrapped in my arms cuddling on the porch swing.

XO,

Gina

Lace Skirt on Repeat

This little lace skirt has become a staple in my wardrobe lately as I’m loving winter white, and it makes me feel better to not have to wear maternity jeans or yoga pants all the time. Again, this outfit repurposes a lot of older outfits in my closet. I’m looking forward to the day when I can start buying some new items back in my “normal” size, but for now, it’s been fun to recreate new outfits out of items I already own.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Plaid Button Up: ZARA – similar / Lace Skirt: American Eagle (old) – similar here and here / (Faux) Fur Collar: Forever 21 – similar here – also like this oversized one / Ankle Booties: Kohl’s – similar here / Polka Dot Tights: Madewell / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bracelet: NY Street Vendor / Watch: Michael Kors / Earrings: Gifted / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Headed out for a walk today with the ladies and the babies.

I would also like to wish my amazing parents a Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary today! You are both an inspiration, and I love you so much.

Hope you are enjoying the week thus far!

XO,

Gina

Easter Favorites

In celebration of Easter this weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorite things about the holiday.

1. Dyeing Eggs:

Nothing like the old school dye tablets in the vinegar. My family has been dyeing our eggs with Paas since before I can remember.

2. Peeps

My absolute favorite Easter Basket treat. My trick for getting them to stay softer longer is to keep them in a ziplock bag. Of course, you can always pop them in the microwave to warm them up. Just make sure it’s only for a few seconds or else they blow up! Oh yeah, and the chicks are my favorite.

marshmallow_peeps — Photo Credit: The New Forty blog

3. Potato Salad

This dish is served at our Easter table every year, and it’s something I look forward to. It’s simple, yet delicious! Here is a recipe I found on Pinterest from Key Ingredient that is most similar to the one we use. This one only serves 4, so you’ll have to pump it up if you have a large gathering!

4. Floral Dresses

My sister and I used to get dressed up in the most frilly floral dresses for church every Easter. Although some years it’s tough because of chilly weather, I still love to put on a floral or spring-like dress to celebrate the occasion. Here is a gorgeous vintage style floral dress I discovered on ModCloth:

5. Pastel Polish

Easter is the perfect time to switch up your polish from darker hues to pastels. Essie is my favorite nail polish brand, and here is their Spring 2013 Collection for sale at Kohl’s:

What are your Easter and holiday favorites? Would love to hear what you have to share.

Wishing everyone a Happy Friday and a Happy Easter this weekend! For those celebrating Passover, I hope you are having a great holiday as well.

XO,

Gina

Ombre Necklace {Flair Accessories Series #3}

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?

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

Meet Finley

Meet Finley…my new nephew pup! My sister and her boyfriend went to Deep Creek Lake for the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family, so Mom, Dad, Zack, and I got to meet and spend lots of quality time with this little guy over the weekend. Isn’t he precious? Besides, being ridiculously handsome, I found that Finley was actually quite smart! At only 9 weeks, he was sitting, shaking paw and other paw. By the end of the weekend, Zack had taught him to play fetch, and I had taught him to go up and down the stairs. I was very impressed. I am missing this little snuggle bug already.

Long Sleeved Tee: J. Crew / Knit Sweater: ZARA / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Boots: Kohls / Necklace: H&M / Watch: Coach / Skull Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules / Ring & Earrings: Passed down from Grandmother / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

Photos by: Zack Notes

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend with our friends and family in Maryland complete with a potluck dinner with friends, two family Thanksgivings, a lunch date with a friend, a trip to DC to celebrate my cousin’s 21st birthday, a jam session with the Notes fam, and of course playing endlessly with little Finley.

We returned to Brooklyn last night and ate the famous DiFara Pizza for dinner which definitely hit the spot. Not that we really needed pizza after all the feasting, but we didn’t have any food in the fridge, so it is what it is. We also tried to honor our tradition of picking up the Christmas tree when we got back to NY, but unfortunately, our local spots did not have any trees yet. I’m hoping the trees will arrive by at least mid week so I can get started on my decorating!

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

XO,

Gina