spike bracelet Archives - Popcorn and Pandas

Love, Lori Michelle

Aside from the amazing Mother’s Day gift that I received from my husband and son, I also received an incredible mommy necklace made especially for me by Lori of Love, Lori Michelle. She worked with me to custom design the necklace I am wearing in this post, and we chose a heart with an “N” cut out in the corner for my little Nico. Lori is a digital artist and designer whose work with 3D models inspired her to create 3D printed jewelry. Most of her early designs were created as birthday or wedding gifts for friends, and she prides herself on her custom one-of-a-kind designs. Her silver and stainless steel pieces are both beautiful and original, and I’m so happy to be the recipient of such a wonderful gift!

What is 3D printing you ask? Lori describes the printing process here if you’d like to read on.

Custom Necklace: c/o Love, Lori Michelle / Dress: F21 – similar / Sandals: Sam Edelman – red sold out, but many color choices here / Heart Sunnies: Amazon – super sale! / Heart Striped Tote: Ban.do / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella and Sparkle / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: Lancome Red Haute / Toes: Essie Lights

On Nico – Oxford Button Up Bodysuit: Baby GAP / Shorts: Crazy 8 / Fedora: Old Navy – similar / Stroller: Uppababy Vista

My 1st Mother’s Day was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more. Nico woke up an hour later than his normal time babbling “Mama Mama” in his crib to awake me from slumber. A whole extra hour to sleep in? That never happens! And saying Mama? First time ever! What better way to wake up on my first Mother’s day huh?

We ate breakfast together at home, and then headed outside as it was a perfect, sunny, beautiful day sans humidity. Naturally the beach was calling our name! Although it wasn’t quite bathing suit and ocean weather, it was a perfect day for walking around Coney Island. It was just before tourist season, so it wasn’t too crowded. We had delicious pizza at the new Grimaldi’s (which is super family friendly by the way), and we took a long walk on the boardwalk and out on the pier. We watched people on the rides, got ice cream cones, and even played a little ski ball. The best part was watching Nico’s face as he saw people the Cyclone for the first time. I’m guessing he was thinking: 1) What is that, and 2) That looks awesome! I love seeing him experience things for the first time, and I admit I even got a little teary.

We are headed off to New Hampshire this morning for the Memorial Day holiday. If you want to follow our adventures, you can catch me on Instagram!

XO,

Gina

On The Edge

Jacket: Goodnight Macaroon – similar here and here / Top: Forever 21 / Absolute Legging: AG Jeans / Shoes: ShoeMint / Locket: Vintage via Etsy – similar here / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Earrings: Forever 21 / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, Wanderlust + Co., & ASOS / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Lancome Luxe

I apologize for falling off the blogosphere the past few weeks. I spent the holidays tending to a sick baby. It was the most sad thing. His little face looking up at me in too much pain to really cry. Just moaning and groaning wondering “What the heck is wrong with me mama? Please fix it.” At least that’s what I imagine he was trying to say. It’s probably the hardest on us parents knowing our babies are hurting, and we can’t do anything to change it. All I could do was give him Tylenol/Motrin and lots of snuggles. He tried to be as happy as could be, and I love him for trying. He’s the sweetest little monkey there ever was.

I had been dreading the first sickness, and I suppose it had to happen sometime. I have to say, I am happy it’s over. Although, we could not travel for Easter, we did manage to get down to Maryland this past weekend to see some family and friends. It was nice to spend some quality time with the fam, and we even had a fun night out for a dear friend’s 30th (thanks Bubbe for babysitting)! Sunday we participated in the John Petrovick 5K as a family and raised money for the neurology and neurosurgery unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I also saw another dear friend to shower her with baby gifts for her little principessa on the way!

Back in New York, I feel swamped with a million things I “need” to do. Unpacking being one. Cleaning. Laundry. Gift buying. The list goes on and on. But I am glad I decided to forego all of that for the moment to come back to my little space here that I have missed these past few weeks.

Hope you are all having a happy one!

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

It’s Electric

And it’s back to my uniform this summer…the maxi dress! I scored this one at a discount price from a local spot near my office. Again, it’s not maternity, which makes me happy because I know I will be able to wear it post-pregnancy. I love the rainbow of colors on this dress, and it was perfect for a beautiful sunny Saturday family reunion with my Dad’s side of the fam.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Maxi Dress: K&G Fashion Superstore – similar / Sunnies: Modcloth / Sandals: Dolce Vita (on sale!) / Necklace: Baublebar / Bracelets: J. Crew, Flair Accessories, ASOS, and c/o Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Toes: Essie DJ Play That Song / Lip: MAC Snob

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Girl’s night went off with a hitch last night. Mucho thanks to my girl Ailie for graciously painting my toes (I can no longer reach them). I am not a big fan of feet, and not sure I would have jumped at this opportunity had the roles been reversed, so this task was very much appreciated! We had a great night of nail painting, mud-masking, movie watching, and festival chicken.

This morning I rose early to meet my cousin Seamus for breakfast in the city. He is in town from Cali to surprise his sister today as she is giving birth to another little baby tomorrow. So sweet! The last time I saw him was on his wedding day to my cousin Alex, so it was great to catch up! So glad we were able to make a little get-together happen this morning.

Hope you are all enjoying the week so far!

XO,

Gina

A View From Weehawken

Last Saturday we made the trek out to Weehawken, New Jersey for a good friend’s housewarming party. I have driven through the Lincoln Tunnel many times, and have looked up at the houses up in the cliffs imagining the stunning views they must have of Manhattan. Well, on Saturday I no longer had to imagine as I saw this view for myself! WOW. We spent tons of time hanging out on this ledge taking photos before joining the housewarming festivities…which were also a ton of fun by the way! Congrats to my friends on their new digs and their fabulous view!

Photos by: Zack Notes

Top: ASOS – now on sale! / Pants: ZARA / Boots: Steve Madden – on sale at Swell! / Hat: Union Square Holiday Market – similar / Scarf: Gift – similar here and here / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bag: TJ Maxx / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, ASOS, and Wanderlust + Co. / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Necklace: Forever 21 / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Last night we held our final screening for our Race to the Oscars. We saw the Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts program! Most people don’t get a chance to see the films in this category, so I always feel like I have an upper hand when guessing the winner. I am always impressed by the level of talent, and this year was no disappointment.

If you haven’t already entered to win my giveaway, you have two more days to score these amazing stud earrings from Flair Accessories!

XO,

Gina

A Bright New Year

The bright color contrast between this sweater and necklace just make me happy! I was also very excited to sport my new Michael Kors watch for the first time as well as my spike bracelet. Thanks Mom/Dad and hubby for the Christmas presents! The gold nail polish is left over from the festivities of the New Year, but I think it may end up being a favorite this winter.

Photos by: Zack Notes

Sweater: GAP – similar here and here / Pants: ZARA / Shoes: Nine West – pretty alternative / Bubble Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold

Happy Thursday everyone! Did anyone happen to catch the 2013 Oscar Nominees this morning? ParaNorman has been nominated for best animated feature. YAY! My company represents the studio who produced the film in the commercial world, so we are very excited over here today.

Speaking of the movies, I have been spending a lot of time there lately. First, I saw This is 40, which although I think was lacking in plot, made up for that fact by being extremely funny. I donned this get-up over the weekend to head to the theatre to see another Oscar Nominated film, Les Miserables. Of course, you know already how much I adored this film. Lastly, I attended a special screening on Monday hosted by the Tribeca Film Institute called Cutie and the Boxer. A lovely documentary about a Japenese artist couple. The couple has both passion for their work as well as each other. The dynamic between the two artists was just hilarious and adorable all at the same time. The film will be premiering at Sundance this year.

What movies have you seen lately, and what are you faves?

XO,

Gina