The Lady is a Vamp

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: H&M / Tights: Duane Reade / Shoes: ALDO – other black booties I like herehere, and here / Necklace & Bracelet: Gifts from family members / Panda Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Kat Von D Homegirl / Eyes: MAC Knight Divine all over lid with Carbon in crease

Taking a little walk on the dark side with this vampy look from H&M.  I’ve worn this a few times on nights out on the town in NYC, DC, and AC.  Unfortunately, it’s tough to get photos on nights out due to poor lighting (and my dislike of the flash).

Only a couple more days in the Big Apple until it’s time to head to Maryland for the holidays.  Today we are having our office Christmas luncheon at a surprise location.  I have 100% finished my shopping and wrapping, so I can now focus on the packing.  Looking forward to a little holiday retreat as well as a wedding before the new year!

Wishing everyone well!

Gina

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

HOLIDAY FAVORITES

Favorite Laugh:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv4Hpz-GI3g]

Favorite Movie:

Elf

Favorite Family Photo:

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Yes, this is my crazy Italian fam – Courtesy of Misa*Me Photography

Favorite Holiday Look:

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New Year’s Eve??? – Photo courtesy of Polyvore

Favorite Sweet Treat:

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Grandma Sally G’s Italian Christmas Eve Cookies – a family favorite!

What are some of your holiday favorites?  E-mail or tweet me your favorite holiday things by Friday, and I will feature them in an upcoming post!

Email: gina (dot) notes26 (at) gmail (dot) com – wrote the address this way, so I can’t get spammed FYI

Twitter Handle: @popcornpandas

Can’t wait to see your favorites!

XO,

Gina

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

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Red Cable Knit Sweater: Gap – similar here / Oxford Blouse: Express / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar with studs / Black Skinnies: ZARA / Black Suede Pumps: Cynthia Rowley / Watch: Coach / Bracelet: Bridesmaid Gift / Ring: Forever 21 / Pearl Earrings: Birthday Gift / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless

Photos by: Zack Notes

With the celebration of Chanukah last week, and Christmas only 8 days away, I am really starting to feel the holiday spirit! (if you couldn’t already tell by the red sweater and the bow)  My holiday shopping is almost complete, and this week will be dedicated to wrapping and packing.  I am currently trying to decide which Christmas movie favorite I am going to watch while doing so.  Some contenders on the list are Love Actually and Elf, but I am open to suggestions, so fire away!  Christmas tunes are blasting at the office, and we have our office luncheon scheduled for this Thursday.  What are you doing to celebrate the season?

Happy Monday all!

XO,

Gina

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{3} Lately…

lately3

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn this week.  Holy intensity!  I would definitely recommend.  Also read the December issue of Health magazine.  Hoping I actually listen to what I read and start eating a bit healthier and getting back into my work out ways.  I’ve been a slacker.  Back to the reading…trying to decide the next book to open…I think I am going to go back to the Harry Potter series now that I got the last four books from my sister-in-law.  Nothing like a little magic around Christmastime.

writing  Still writing my Christmas cards!  Luckily, I was able to get most of them out this week.  However, I miscounted how many I needed, so those of you at the beginning of the alphabet (I went backwards this year) might be a bit delayed!  Oops!

listening  Cazzette’s Beam Me Up.  Nothing like a little alien take-over causing a city to erupt in dancing.  This one’s for you Charles.

thinking  About the Christmas shopping that I still have left to do.

smelling  Christmas Cookie candle by Yankee Candle.  Also loving the Warm Woolen Mittens scent.

wishing  That my tummy would stop hurting!  Stayed home from work yesterday mehhh.

hoping  That the bridesmaid dress I pick up tomorrow for my cousin’s wedding fits me like a glove.  Naturally being of my short stature, I needed some alterations. 😉

wearing  Lots of layers.  Although it hasn’t been incredibly cold so far this winter, I am forever frozen, and layers are a must in this city.  Today I’m wearing black leggings with a blue tank.  Black and white sweater overtop, with another multicolored sweater wrap over that.  Topped off with my bright yellow winter coat and Steve Madden boots.

loving  That the sun is shining right now!  A lot better than the rain we have had as of late.  Also loving that we are having some visitors this weekend.  And a maid is coming to clean before they get here, so I don’t have to tear my hair out.  Loving loving loving.

wanting  World peace.  Yes, that would be nice.

needing  Constant reapplication of hand cream.  The cold weather seems to dry my hands up so quickly!  Right now I am using Simply Clean from ULTA.

feeling  You ever have one of those moments when you just want to cry and you don’t really know why?  Well that was me yesterday.  Maybe it was a combo of being sick, stressed, hormones, who knows.  But just broke down.  Sad panda!  For no obvious reason.  I think it was just one of those days.  Luckily, today I am in much better spirits, and looking forward to seeing friends this weekend.

clicking  Through all the advertising trades this morning for news in the ad world.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday!

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.

 

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‘Tis The Season for Giving

'Tis The Season for Giving
‘Tis the season for giving!  Since I already shared my holiday wish list, I thought I would provide some helpful ideas to think about when shopping for loved ones this year.  I assume most of us have started at least perusing, but for those of you who haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, maybe this inspiration board will give you a little jump start.  Whether you are shopping for your mom, dad, husband, wife, best friend, or boss, I hope you can find something on this list your family and friends will enjoy.
For…
1.  The Sister or Best Friend: Floral necklace from Baublebar
2. The Hipster: Nerd Glasses from boohoo.com
3.  The Make-Up Hoarder: Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette from Sephora
4.  The Party Girl/Boy: Corkcicle from Uncommon Goods
5.  Hostest with the Mostest: Darkest Night Red Wine Balloon Glass from Mikasa®
6.  The Ski Bunny:  Coal Creme Pom Pom Beanie Hat from Zumiez.com
7.  The Sassy Girl: Essie Nail Polish from Target
8.  The Bicyclist: RED Trace Audio Classic Helmet from Zumiez.com (Also works for skating, skiing, and snowboarding)
9.  The Future Photographer: Vintage Toy Camera Onsie from Etsy
10.  The Glamour Girl:  MAC Russian Red Lipstick from Nordstom
11.  The Dad, Hubby, or the Music Junkie:  Big Blue Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker from Brookstone
12.  For Sister or The Organizer:  Kate Spade Wallet from Piperlime
13.  The Mom, Grandma, or Someone Sweet:  Amazing Grace Set from Philosophy
14.  The Athlete:  Pure Balance Water Bottle from Lululemon  (made of glass covered in silicone, so no BPA!)
15.  The Boss: Steve Jobs Biography from Barnes and Noble
16.  The Tea Drinker:  Breville Ikon Electric Tea Kettle from  Gracious Home
17.  The Cold Weather City Dweller:  Volcom Earmuffs from Swell
18.  The Coffee Addict or The Comedian:  Mustache Mug from Customized Girl
Happy Shopping!
XO,
Gina
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Holiday Wish List 2012

Holiday Wish List 2012

1. Mustard Satchel: Aldo / 2. iPad Cover: Tory Burch / 3. Betsey Johnson Perfume: Kohls / 4. Dots for Life Coat: Tulle at Modcloth / 5. New Balance Running Shoe: Nordstrom / 6. Ivory Polka Dot Tights: Madewell / 7. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch: Nordstrom / 8. Kate Spade Bangle: Piperlime / 9. IPhone Fish Eye Lens: Restoration Hardware / 10. Marc Jacobs Gold Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs / 11. Leopard Gloves: Dorothy Perkins / 12. Tulle Vintage Coat: Nordstrom / 13. Blythe Blouse: J Crew / 14. Ivory Peacoat: Express / 15. Military Boots: ALDO / 16. Spike Bracelet: ASOS / 17. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Perfume: Lord & Taylor / 18. Business Card Holder: Kate Spade
I wanted to share some of my favorites this holiday season.  Christmas is my most cherished time of year.  Spending quality time with family and friends is one of my favorite things to do, and I am lucky I get to see almost everyone from back home around the holidays.  I love shopping for others and seeing their faces as they open their gifts.  And let’s be totally honest…we all love to receive some shiny new things for ourselves under the tree as well!
Now that I’ve shared my holiday wish list, please tell me what’s on yours!
And stay tuned for an upcoming gift-giving guide for ideas of what you can give others in the next week.
In other news…HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my amazing DAD!  Stay tuned for another special post coming this week as well. 🙂
Happy Holidays!
Gina

AC

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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!

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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.

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

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The crew
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Bride with one of her bridesmaids
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My sister and I. On me: Forever 21 dress, Betsey Johnson watch, Lancome Fuchsia Clutch lip, bracelet (gift from cousin), ALDO earrings

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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



{2} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished the November issue of Marie Claire.  Started Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn this morning on the Subway.  I have heard so many amazing things about this book, and I cannot wait to get intoxicated by it!

writing I wrote my to-do list at the beginning of the week with tons of chores and errands to be completed since returning from the Thanksgiving holiday.  So far, I have been very good at checking things off the list.  Hope to check a few more things off tonight before my trip this weekend.

listening  Anything and everything on XM’s Channel 51 BPM station.  I can’t seem to want to turn the station…ever.  Makes me want to dance.  Yes, even in the car.

thinking  About some different collaborations and blog posts that I may want to do in the future.

smelling  My morning coffee…although it is now afternoon.

wishing  That I wasn’t going to miss seeing my mother-in-law this weekend when she comes to town.  Yes, I actually like my mother-in-law, and we get along wonderfully.  Had a blast with her and the rest of the Notes clan over Thanksgiving, and wish I wasn’t going to miss out on her visit to town.

hoping  That the Mayans were incorrect and that the world is not actually going to end in three weeks.  I still have a lot of bucket list adventures to complete!

wearing  Today I’m wearing black skinny jeans, long sleeved black tee with purple/fuchsia sweater dress, combat boots, and a pink skinny headband.  On nights out I can’t seem to get enough of my navy peplum top from ASOS that you saw here.

loving  The fact that my Christmas tree is finally up!  To my utter delight, the deli on Courtelyou got trees this week.  We quickly snatched one up and drove it home (wow feels nice to say we didn’t need to cab it home).  We then proceeded to trim the tree and decorate the house all while blasting holiday tunes. Keep your eyes peeled for a post complete with photos soon. ‘Tis the season!

wanting  A Hippopotamus for Christmas.  Only a hippopotamus will do.  Okay, so maybe not really.  But while most may find this Christmas song obnoxious, I sure do love it!  It makes me think of my cousins on Christmas Eve, and obviously I cannot get it out of my head at the moment.  Probably because I keep playing it on repeat.

needing  Lunch.  My tummy is a grumbling.  Hmm…I’m getting tired of the same old Murray Hill lunch options.  Any one have any favorites in town?

feeling  Excited for tomorrow!  After work, I will be driving down to Atlantic City to celebrate my cousin, Alex’s, bachelorette!  Looking forward to a much need girl’s weekend including my other cousin, Marisa, and my sister, Angela.  The Fab Four reunite.  Woot woot!

clicking  Through a few different animation studios’ websites.  Doing some research for potential new clients and new talent.

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Thursday!

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.

 

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Comfy Cape

Knitted Sweater Cape Poncho:  Ann Taylor LOFT (last season) – also love this tribal poncho from Piperlime / Long Sleeved Tee: J. Crew / Mint Skinny Jeans: ZARA / Boots: Steve Madden / Leg Warmers: K Mart / Necklace: H&M / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Watch: NY Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Happy Hump Day!  This week has been all about catching up from the holidays.  Between work, e-mails, laundry, unpacking, cleaning, grocery shopping, ordering our Christmas cards, and trying to get back into the gym, I have been a busy bee.  The rest of the week is filled with more chores and errands (and hopefully getting that Christmas tree!)  I’m counting down until this weekend where I will be celebrating my cousin Alex’s (remember her? also here) bachelorette!  We will all be headed off on an exciting girl’s weekend to Atlantic City!  Luckily, I was able to find a few festive outfits this past Monday to sport for the occasion.  Decisions decisions.

XO,

Gina

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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