San Francisco Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Happy 2nd Birthday to P + P

While I was down for the count last week, my little here blog turned TWO. It’s been a lot of fun having this little creative space, and although I’ve had less time for blogging this year, it’s still just as enjoyable for me. Thanks for continuing to come back here day after day to read and comment and share. Truth is, I blog for myself, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t love all the support. It makes taking the time out for a post even more worthwhile. I would love to hear any feedback you have for the upcoming year of p + p. If there are particular things you like or dislike, what you want to see more of, if there is something I haven’t touched on that you are interested in, etc. Comment below! Now, I have put together a recap of some of your favorite posts from the past year:

You enjoyed Nico’s Nursery photos:

As well as the DIY Nursery Letters Tutorial:

The first family dinner out after having Nico:

A very formal affair in which I was proud to be a bridesmaid, and our first big event as a family of three:

The time I regretted wearing white:

But I clearly kept on wearing it anyway…like when we traveled to San Fran:

I wore this pastel coat:

Pops of Spring with Stella & Dot:

I got these fantastic red rain boots from the hubs and wore them on our trip to New Hampshire:

Spent my first Mother’s Day in Coney Island with my new Love, Lori Michelle necklace made with Nico’s initial:

I rocked these amazing hair extensions from Irresistible Me:

My baby turned ONE:

And here is all the gear that got us through:

Lastly, saying goodbye to summer (sadly):

And there you have it folks…you’re favorite posts from the past year. Looking forward to what the 3rd year will bring for p + p.

Speaking of birthdays…since I have been so terrible at remembering them this year (my sincere apologies to those of you, you know who you are!)…I’m taking advantage of the fact that I remembered this one today…and I want to wish a Happy 30th to my cousin and half brain, Misa.

Hope you are all enjoying the week so far!

XO,

Gina

San Fran Style

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

On me: Dress: Free People (old) / Blouse: Forever 21 (sold out) / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar / Sunglasses: ModCloth / Ankle Boots: H&M / Lip: MAC Heartless / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide

On Nico: Shirt & Bow Tie: Koala Baby via Babies “R” Us / Jeans: Baby GAP (sold out) – also like these / Shoe Socks: Trumpette

The hubby had a conference/speaking engagement in San Francisco a few weeks ago, so Nico and I flew out to join him for a quick family trip across the country. In retrospect, I am kind of asking myself what the hell was I thinking (re: A 3 hour time difference doesn’t mean anything to a baby, and 6 hours on a plane by myself? Why did I think this was a good idea?). Waking up a 3am was a daily occurrence, and sitting in the hotel room at 5pm with the curtains drawn, trying to be quiet while eating take-out pho was a bit difficult as well. However, at the end of the day, I kind of think it is hysterical, and I am really glad we made the trip. I realized how much I can do on my own with a baby…I mean, I’m always up for a challenge right? My current challenges have just migrated from Tough Mudder races to “what can this mom accomplish today” type challenges haha. We were able to see a lot of friends and family, and we explored a bit in a much warmer climate for a few days, so I cannot complain! On the day these photos were taken, we got dressed up for a lovely outdoor brunch with a wonderful group of people. We followed it up with a beautiful walk on the water in Marina and in Ft. Mason Park. I love seeing Nico’s face as he sees a new part of the world for the first time. He just takes it all in, and I can tell he is going to enjoy traveling just like his parents.

We had a nice Brooklyn weekend here in the city. The hubs got a new iPhone for his birthday. We met our friend’s new 4 week old baby for the first time, who was absolutely adorable! (You forget how little they once were!) We also hosted a little Babies & Bagel’s St. Paddy’s Day brunch with our local parent/baby group in our neighborhood.

To all my fellow Irish out there…and all of those celebrating…Happy St. Paddy’s Day, and have a wonderful week!

XO,

Gina

{21} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading The seventh and final Harry Potter book! I know it has taken me awhile to get through them all, but they are totally magical and worth it!

writing Tons and tons of e-mails for work including invites to our events and follow up from past events.

listening Patsy Cline. Nico’s new favorite lullabies. I know my Grandpa is with us when I sing to him at bedtime.

thinking That last week was insane. Zack went to San Francisco on Tuesday. I had three days of back to back meetings with a client in town, and then Nico and I flew out to meet Zack in San Fran on Friday. That’s right…I flew across the country with a baby…solo…into a three hour time change…this section should be titled not thinking. However, I am proud to say, we made it, and it was all worth it!

smelling Swiss Apple tea. Apparently it’s good for skin support. But I just love the way tastes and how it keeps me warm on these freezing cold nights.

watching Finally saw The DaVinci Code. The book was definitely better, but Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so I’m glad I finally saw it.

wishing That I had invested in snow boots this winter. Who knew we would be getting pounded with this much snow? I would have gotten this pair.

hoping That my husband has a Happy 33rd Birthday today! We love you.

wearing Coats, coats, and more coats. Thankfully, I have invested in some outerwear the past few years. Definitely came in handy this winter.

loving Nico’s curiosity! He’s fascinated with the alphabet, and always stops whatever he is doing when we start spelling something to give us his complete attention. He’s also obsessed with his daddy’s guitar playing, and it’s a sure bet to stop him from fussing. It’s so awesome to see him start to notice the world around him.

laughing I’m constantly laughing with Nico every day. The sound of his laugh makes me so happy that I laugh right along with him.

wanting Spring to arrive. Sooner rather than later please!

needing To pay the bills and do laundry tonight. Meh.

feeling Happy. Although the past few months have had their ups and downs, I feel happy knowing that I have such a warm and loving family to be with each day or talk to on the phone or online each night. My family is my happy place.

craving Warmer weather! I can’t say it enough!

clicking Through VRBO to check out places in New Hampshire for a weekend summer getaway with friends. Can’t wait!

What have you been up to lately?

I’m including an extra special picture in honor of the hubby’s birthday today. Doesn’t this just pull at the heart strings? Thanks to you, Zack, for being the best Papa in the world! Hope you have an amazing day. XOXO.

Have a happy one ya’ll!

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.

{20} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Catching up on some magazines a bit. Unfortunately, the trains have been super crowded since I have been back to work, leaving me to stand the entire time and making it difficult to get that reading done that I was hoping.

writing E-mails, reel run lists, and finally getting back to writing blog posts again.

listening Old school hip-hop has been making it’s way onto my car radio. Backspin anyone?

thinking About booking that flight to San Francisco for the end of February, that Zack and I had an awesome much needed date night over the weekend, and that there is a ton of snow outside!

smelling Leftover gingerbread coffee from the holidays.

watching Teen Mom 2 came back this week…woot woot! I have also been keeping up with the new season of The Bachelor. Go ahead and judge me.

wishing That I could be in two places at once.

hoping Our dear friend recovers from an accident he had recently. It was super scary, and we are hoping he returns to good health soon.

wearing My new high waisted skinny jeans from Rag & Bone. Did I mention, I’m back to my old size again? Can you tell I’m excited? BTW…just because you go back to your old size after baby doesn’t mean you go back to your old body. I may be able to fit into the jeans, but I’m definitely a bit squishier these days (hence the high waisted) haha. Birth really takes a toll on you, but it was obviously worth it, and honestly, I’m not really stressing too much about it at this point. Maybe once bikini season is on the horizon I will be feeling differently…I’ve also been wearing this tartan scarf to keep warm in the snow.

loving That Nico is learning so much these days! He’s growing and changing so quickly right before my very eyes. Sitting up and rolling over all within a week span!

laughing At this photo of my husband. He is speaking at an upcoming conference in San Francisco (hence why I am thinking of booking a ticket there), and they chose this photo out of all the ones on the internet for his speaker profile. Just look for the guy who looks like the biggest douchebag, and you will find him. Sorry hunny, you know I love you, but this photo is ridiculous. It had us rolling the other night! Luckily, he is a good sport and he hasn’t asked them to take it down, because he thinks it’s kinda funny. Gotta love his sense of humor.

wanting Some hot chocolate with marshmallows. Yes, I’m five years old.

needing To prepare myself for my first 5 hour car trip alone with the baby. God help me.

feeling Already feeling the pull of being a working mom. I’m leaving work too early and getting home too late. Feels like you aren’t good enough at either job and the guilt starts setting in. I guess that’s just par for the course.

craving More time! So much to do, so little time!

clicking Through Pinterest and design blogs for inspiration on how to redecorate our sunroom. Trying to capitalize on an unfortunate situation by using this as an opportunity to start fresh, purge, and redesign the room.

What have you been up to lately?

Have a happy one!

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.