MAC Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Electric Embroidery

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Dress: ASOS (last season) / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Clutch: Express / Sunnies: Modcloth / Earrings: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Snob / Bracelet & Necklace: Vintage

Found these photos from a wedding I went to back in June that I never got around to posting. It was a beautiful, gorgeous evening in Upstate NY with family complete with a full vegan healthy menu and lots of dancing, which is my kinda party! Love the bright boldness of this dress and even more, the entire design is embroidered! I definitely need another excuse to wear this one next spring.

We are starting to get into our “back to school” routine over here. My little guy is having a little bit of a hard time getting adjusted to 2’s as I guess is expected, but just something new for us. My older guy is enjoying Pre-K so far, and has come home from school pretty much EXHAUSTED each day. Coordinating a nap for the little one has been difficult some days and yesterday was one of those days. He only got about 10 minutes of one in the car, and wouldn’t go back down. Luckily he’s an easy-going kid, but even the easy-going need naps, and it sorta made him a little nuts. After not putting non-food items in his mouth for months, I have a good idea that he “ate” a marble last night, so in an effort to make sure there was no obstruction, we spent the evening in the Urgent Care Center getting an x-ray. Seems like all is fine, but will just be having to check diapers for the next few days. #momlife

It’s been a little nutty over here and there is a lot of shuffling going on, but we are trying to get into the swing of things, and I am enjoying having a little more time to write, build my coaching business, and have a little bit of a breather again during the day.

Whether you have kids or not, there is definitely something to September having that “Back to School” vibe. It’s almost like the new January in a way. Back into routine. No more late summer nights. I have to say I’m enjoying the routine aspect of it, and I think the kiddos are appreciating too.

Cheers to a fresh fall start! What are you most looking forward to for this upcoming season?

XO,

Gina

Little Black Dress

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Wedding season is officially upon us! I just love the silhouette of this little black midi-length dress, and the sheer cut out gives it that little spice + sass while still keeping it classy. The hubby and I very much enjoyed our black tie evening out sans kiddos…dining on fabulous food, catching up with good friends, and dancing the night away as we celebrated the beautiful union of two wonderful people.

This gal is ALWAYS excited for an excuse to play dress up, and this was no exception!

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Little Black Dress: Express / Shoes: Audrey Brooke (black sold out, but the red is also beautiful) / Clutch: LuLu Townsend (similar) / Bracelet & Earrings: gifted / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

After almost two weeks of rain and clouds, the sun is FINALLY shining!!! We are basking in it up here in NYC, and I pretty much just want to be outside all day.

My Busy Mama Boot Camp is going strong and I love seeing these fabulous mamas make a little time for themselves this week!

Make it a great one!

XO,

Gina

I Need Coffee

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I Need Coffee Tee: Target / Black Denim: ZARA (old) – also like these / Booties: H&M (old ) – similar here / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

Seems this is my mantra these days between two kiddos, working from home, keeping up with my fitness, household obligations, and somewhat of a social life, but hey…I would rather be busy than bored right? I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Ok fine, maybe I would get just a liiiiiiittle more sleep 😉 But we’ll get there.

Hope you all are enjoying this Wednesday! Hoping to head out to enjoy the sunshine we are finally getting in NYC this week!

Make it a great day!

XO,

Gina

Mad for Plaid

Buffalo Plaid Button Down Pop-Over: Target (on sale!) / Black Leggings: Target / Booties: H&M (old) – similar / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

I can never get enough plaid during the fall and winter months, and this flannel pop over from Target is super comfy. Button downs are also a staple uniform clothing item these days as I am nursing my little one and need easy access hehe. What are your go-to fall wardrobe items?

Spending a short week here in NY and then heading back to MD again on Friday for the wedding of a childhood friend and his beautiful fiancé. Busy busy as usual! Very much looking forward to this event as they are essentially family of mine 🙂

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Mix & Match

Top: Express (similar) / Skirt: Target (sold out – similar here) / Shoes: Cynthia Rowley / Necklace: Express (similar) / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella & Sparkle / Lip: MAC Up the Amp / Hair: Curled with Sapphire 8-in-1 Wand c/o Irresistible Me

I love to mix and match different patterns, and florals with stripes are probably my most favorite combo. As long as you stay within the same color palette, I think it works. I was happy to have an excuse to get all dolled up for my friend’s bridal shower. It was a beautiful event, and I was very grateful to be invited!

I am working away from my local farm fresh cafe this morning, and headed home to pack this afternoon for our trip to Maryland for Passover & Easter. We are lucky both of our families live close to each other so that we are able to spend the holidays with everyone! I know Nico is especially excited to see his fam!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

XO,

Gina

Curls & Twirls

As much as I love fashion, hair is not really my thing. I love it. I wish I could do it. I love having it done for me by other people. But when it comes to doing it myself, I usually end up falling short. I end up taking the easy route and just flat ironing it straight for lack of a better option. Even worse, now that I am a busy mom, I let it air dry or throw it up into a messy top knot. The days of actually “doing” my hair are few and far between, but I still long for a fancy do when I have a special event to go to. I just have trouble making it happen myself. I have tried multiple tools, curling irons, etc., and I always end up in a sweaty huff and unhappy with the results. Until now.

After trying their fabulous hair extensions back in September, I decided to give Irresistible Me’s Sapphire 8-in-1 Curling Wand a whirl. Ladies and gentlemen (all three of you gentlemen that read this blog), I am happy to say that I HAVE FOUND THE CURLING IRON OF MY DREAMS! Not only are there tons of options for different type of curls, but it was EASY, and I could do it MYSELF! I actually liked the results, I wasn’t a sweaty huffy mess afterwards…and the best part is that my curls stayed from 10 in the morning when I did my hair until well after I went to bed for the night! As someone who struggles to do their hair normally, this tool has totally changed my mindset on prepping for a fancy night out. I am so happy to finally find something that works for me, and works SO well. Thank you Irresistible Me!

More BEFORE photos:

And now for the AFTER:

Sapphire 8-in-1 Curling Wand: c/o Irresistible Me / Top: Express / Eyes: Sonia Kashuk / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

What do you think? Not bad for my first go at it huh?

Used this curling wand for the first time for a beautiful bridal shower in upstate NY for a lovely bride! It was a lot of fun and a gorgeous affair. I loved how fancy I felt, so I decided to go for round 2 of the curling iron this past weekend at my cousin’s baby shower in MD. Happy to say it wasn’t just beginner’s luck! I’m still obsessed with the tool, and plan to use it for many more events in the future.

Had a nice little girl’s weekend with my mom, family, and close friends…although I did miss my boys while away!

Yesterday wasn’t feeling so great, but hoping today will bring sunshine and happiness my way.

Hope today will bring the same for you!

XO,

Gina

Weekend With Minnie

Minnie Sweatshirt: Shop Navette (consignment shop) / Blouse: Old Navy / Denim: Rag & Bone / Booties: Target / Sunglasses: Vintage Kenneth Cole/ Bag: Thrifted / Watch: Michael Kors / Leather Wrap Bracelet: Tory Burch – similar / Lip: MAC Rebel

I’ve been on a Minnie Mouse kick recently, and when I saw this on the Shop Navette Instagram page, I knew I had to have it. I longingly commented on their post that I wished they could ship to me in Brooklyn (they are located in Annapolis, MD), and low and behold, they could! I jumped for joy, and have been rocking this sweatshirt ever since. I love how it looks a little more put together when layered with a blouse for fall.

We had friends in town this weekend, and we took them upstate to hike Bear Mountain. Little did we know, they were also having an Oktoberfest extravaganza. We walked right into a party, and at the end of our hike, I decided it was only fair that I partake in the festivities after working so hard on the hike 😉 We also went on a walk around the neighborhood to grab breakfast at Cafe Madeline, and had to take some photos with the fall foliage.

Back to Disney…I’m on such a Disney kick that Nico is even going to be Mickey Mouse this year for Halloween. I’m so excited that he will be more aware of the holiday this year. I have already tested out his fear factor to prep him for the big night by trying on silly and scary masks at the stores, and so far he seems completely interested and not at all scared. That’s my boy. Can’t wait to see him in his little costume. What is everyone (and their littles) going to be for Halloween? Would love to hear in the comments below!

Wishing you all a fantastic week!

XO,

Gina

Pattern Mixing

Striped Top: H&M – similar here and here / Floral Skater Skirt: H&M – similar / Sparkly Flats: Nine West / Heart Tote: ban.do / Sunglasses: Vintage Kenneth Cole / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: Barami / Lip: MAC Snob / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide

Here is the last of my summer outfit posts, and it’s definitely feeling like fall now. To keep wearing these pieces into the new season, you could always throw on a pair of tights under the skirt or a blazer over the top. I am very into getting as much use as possible out of every article of clothing in my closet for as long as I can! I love the idea of pattern mixing, and I think it works as long as you stay in a similar color palette. Stripes and florals are two of my favorites, so why not mix them together?

This past weekend, we took Nico to the pumpkin patch, and my what a difference from last year to this year! He was so excited about the orange “balls” as he called them, and was crawling all around the patch exploring. We drove out to Stakey’s Farm on the North Fork of Long Island for pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, and a corn maze. We also stopped off a Briermere Farm for apples and a raspberry creme pie. One way to get me to embrace the colder weather is certainly through my stomach.

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Summertime Sadness

Dress: Free People (sold out – similar here and here) / Shades: Borrowed from my niece – similar / Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Necklace: Family heirloom / Lip: MAC Up the Amp

Summertime sadness…I get all weepy this time of year due to the fact that summer is coming to an end. The days of last minute drives to the beach, toes in the sand, and piña coladas are just about over. The kids are back to school (luckily mine is not old enough yet, so I can still pretend it’s summer for longer), and fall is just around the corner. Now, I do really enjoy the fall for everything it’s worth. Pumpkin spice lattes, hayrides, a new wardrobe with jackets, Halloween parties, trips to the farm for apples and gourds…these are all things that make me love the fall. But I get sad because I do really despise the cold. Winter is my least favorite season because I’m constantly bundled up trying to rid myself of goosebumps. Sure I love a cup of hot cocoa and the first snowfall just like everyone else…and of course I love Christmas…but after that, I am just ready for the winter to be over and summertime to arrive again. The end of summer to me means that it’s only getting colder, and that is not something I look forward to. I am a summertime gal, and I’m going to miss jumping into that ocean. I know it’s still currently warm out, but I think it’s time to start planning that winter beach getaway.

We celebrated my Little Monkey’s 1st Birthday over the weekend with a big nautical themed party with family and friends. He was on cloud 9 hanging out with all his little buddies, jamming out to music with the Munchkin Music Club, and eating a fabulously decorated (and tasting) cake from Betty Bakery. Pics to come on that later, but wishing everyone a Happy Monday!

XO,

Gina

Weekend Casual

Maxi Dress: Forever 21 / Hat: P. Luca for Barami – similar on eBay / Shoes: ALDO / Scarf: Gifted – similar / Jacket: American Eagle – similar / Necklace: Vintage / Aviators: NY Street Vendor / Watch: Michael Kors (now on sale!) / Bracelet: J. Crew – also love this gold pave link bracelet / Earrings: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Impassioned

Along with spring cleaning, we also joined my grandmother and aunt for lunch over the weekend while they were in Brooklyn for the day. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’m excited to break out the dresses again. A maxi dress lends itself to putting together a complete look quickly. It allows you to stay comfortable, but also put together at the same time. Nico is just starting to be a bit more mobile and with all the chasing I imagine on the horizon, I have a feeling maxi dresses are going to be a staple item again this summer. The only difference (as I quickly learned Saturday) is that I am going to have to hem my maxis. They tend to run a little long when I’m sans baby bump!

In case you missed my post yesterday, I’m hosting a little closet sale over on Pinterest if you are interested in checking it out!

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina