Snapshots

Happy Friday everyone!

Today's post is a compilation of recent snapshots. Enjoy.

Self portrait.. in the car. 

Casual photo sesh at the bar. Strike a pose.

My little Bruiser face.

Just another day at the park.

Mirror shot: Shopping outfit

Go Cuse!

Baltimore Sun MeetUp

Have a fabulous & fashionable weekend!

<3 GJU

My Monthly Wish List

Hi everyone-- hope you had a good weekend! I had a pretty relaxing weekend.. until Syracuse lost to Ohio. Once that happened, my internal calm turned to chaos. But that's neither here nor there..

I went to the mall this weekend which was wonderful as always. Now that I'm in a new apartment, I've sharpened my already keen skills of window shopping. While there, I snapped some pics of clothing and accessories that I'd like to add to my wardrobe. This weekend was great timing for shopping because stores had all their new Spring lines out up front. It was eye candy for fashionistas.

Here's my wish list:

J. Crew was killin' it. 

I live for these two polka dot looks. Navy and green are right on trend for spring, and the polka dots and statement necklaces are a perfect pairing.

I also love this duo. The menswear inspired look on the left is totally up my alley. I think white pants and blazers are super chic, and a perfect way to stay within a business casual dress code during the warmer months. The blue dress on the right reminds me of something Joan (Christina Hendricks' character) would wear on Mad Men. 

(see.. kinda looks like a Joan dress...)

Sexy, sultry, seductive. Christina Hendricks is too hot for her own good.

Madewell was all about stripes for spring. I really love that blue and white striped number on the left. Paired with a menswear inspired chambray top-- it's a perfect Casual Sunday look.

I had a difficult time leaving Anthropologie without buying anything. It took serious concentration and will power. 

This skirt was a tough one to pass up. I love the mixed colors and textures. 

Ann Taylor was going full speed in neons. I took a shot of the whole corner of the store because I couldn't chose just one thing to narrow in on. I think everyone should have at least 2 different neon pieces to integrate into outfits. I especially like pairing neons with whites, as shown in the floor display.

Alas, I had a few moments of weakness this weekend. No one's perfect.

Two items on my wish list had to happen for the simple reason that they had to happen. You understand, I'm sure.

These ankle crop pants from Talbots called my name the second I walked into the store. They are so versatile. You can wear with any shoe: flats, sandals, and even heels to dress them up. They're such a fun print (almost a condensed paisley pattern) that I couldn't turn them down. Plus-- they were on sale. I can't say no to a sale.

Print up close.

Oh, Target. You know me way too well. You tempt me with platform strappy sandals at an affordable price like no one else.These shoes caught my eye and at that point, all hope of keeping my wallet in my bag was over. Into my cart they went. They're a soft, suede material, and even more of a vibrant blue/aqua color in person. They also came in royal blue-- amazing.

Shoes.. among other necessities like Ziploc bags, cotton pads, and Jergens lotion.

Tell me.. do you like/have any of these things? What's on your wish list this month?

<3 GJU

Wine & Dine - GJU Style!

Whether you live the single life like me, or you're cooking for a family, or you want to host a party and need something simple to whip up... these recipes are for you!

I don't know if you know, but I'm not greatest chef. In fact, I'm far from it. I lack patience in the kitchen, so the recipes I use have to be quick, easy and can't require a ton of fancy ingredients because I a) don't feel like looking for them at the grocery store and b) most likely can't afford them.

In this post, I'll show you my easy breezy dinner and dessert combo that will take only minutes to make, will taste delicious, and will impress your dinner guests which, after all, is the end goal. You'll be regarded as the Hostess with the Mostess.

Simple Seasoned Salmon

All you need for the salmon dish is canola spray, mayo, mustard, and dill (and the salmon, of course). Most of these things you probably already have in your spice cabinet and fridge, so this should be a piece of cake for anyone!

Line your pan with tin foil and spray the foil with canola oil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan when it's time to hit the plate. 

Mix some mayo and mustard in a bowl. I can't give you an exact measurement because I don't use one. It's all about the ratio you like. If you're more into mustard, go 60/40 in favor of mustard. And vice versa. I use a knife and take a little, equal scoop of both. So there's an accurate amount for you!

Spread the sauce on the salmon, and sprinkle dill on the top. I just really wanted to say sprinkle.

Salmon from the side.

Salmon from the top.

Preheat your toaster oven (or regular oven if you're fancy and not as lazy as I am) to 450. Broil your salmon for about 12 minutes, or until it's the texture you prefer. People are picky with salmon, but it's actually a pretty easy fish to cook. If you stick to between 10 - 15 minutes you can't go wrong

Action shot! It's cooking! Oooohhh Aaahhhh

When time is up, stick it on a plate next to your (beautifully crafted-- from a bag) salad.. and Wa-La! Seasoned salmon in minutes. 

Salivating just looking at this. Good thing I got to eat it after I shot a pic!

Look at you going all Top Chef in the kitchen!

Banana Peanut Butter Fice Cream

I don't know about you, but I can't eat a meal without finishing it off with something sweet. I'm a sucker for ice cream but quite frankly my hips can't stand to get any wider. This is a much lower cal option.

My compromise: Banana Peanut Butter Fice Cream (Fake + Ice Cream = Fice Cream). It's probably the easiest dessert ever and tastes just like ice cream. I originally heard a similar idea from an old colleague and then decided to try it myself.

Start by sticking a banana in the freezer in the morning. It may turn brown throughout the day-- do not fret. It's still good to go. (By the way, this is a great use of bananas that are too squishy to eat but you don't want to them to go to waste.)

When it's about 10 - 15 minutes before dessert time, take the banana out of the freezer and let it thaw a little. You want it to be able to pressed in, but not completely soft, if you catch my drift.

Wrap the banana in a paper towel (trust me, you'll want to-- it will be so cold!) and peel.

Peel to the left! Peel to the right!

 Behold! A naked frozen banana.

This is what it will look like once it's been peeled, in case, like me
you require step by step photo instructions. 

Mush up the banana with a spoon-- banana mash, if you will. It will start to resemble ice cream during this step.

Now, you can leave it like this, or add in a topping. I like peanut butter with my bananas so I put a small scoop of peanut butter on top of my banana mash. I also like using Nutella.

Ok, maybe it's not a small scoop. Whatever. Details.

 Mix the peanut butter in with the banana mash. Obviously.

And when it's mixed to your personal preference... Enjoy! 

Nom nom!

Like I said, this dinner and dessert combo is so easy, so inexpensive, and will impress your friends leading them to believe you put a ton of thought, effort, and time into making them a gourmet meal. Let them be fooled.

I hope you try these dishes out, and if you do, I'd love to hear what you think :)

Happy eats!

<3 GJU

Face Off!

Hi guys! Hope you're having a great weekend :)

Today's post is interactive-- I need your help! I recently had a headshot photo shoot at work and just got back all the files. The photographer, Joe Sterne, was so great to work with and all of the photos are awesome!

I'm having a hard time deciding which I like best to use. I'll definitely be making one of these my new LinkedIn picture, and it will also be used for professional purposes with work.

Now the problem is I'm more tough on myself than most people. I rarely think I look good.. which you may find ironic considering I have pictures of myself blasted through the Internet on this blog. But when it comes to photos of me, especially non-candid ones, I have a tendency to pick out every flaw. This is where you guys come in :)

Here's what I propose: would you be able to scan through these and rank your top 3 favorites?

Below are the ones that I like the best, but I need assistance narrowing down. I've labeled them by their original file number (versus something more creative) so that I can easily go back find them in my folders. If you want to pitch in, please rank first through third choice in the comment section at the bottom of the post. Also feel free to let me know why you chose the ones you did.. I appreciate your help!

<3
GJU

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Life Update

Hey guys!

I wanted to dedicate a short post to updating you all on my life. My posts have been slightly more spread out than they usually are in recent weeks.. but for good reason. I have a lot going on! Check it out..

Work: I recently changed jobs! As some of you may know, I work in Public Relations in Baltimore. I switched companies about a month ago to a firm somewhat smaller in size. With the switch, I gained a ton more responsibility and a new appreciation for what I do. Before, I felt I was at a standstill. Now, with a change of scenery and pace, I love it again. Here's to a bright professional future!

Life: I also just recently moved! I finally found an apartment in a development that I love (which happens to be super close to my new office) and moved in about 3 weeks ago. It's been a challenge unpacking everything since I seem to have more clothing than any human being needs to span his/her entire life. Even still, I'm enjoying sifting through everything, and making this new place my home.

Also, a few months ago I got a puppy! There's info and a pic of him on my About page, but here's one from last night.

Bruiser shows off his talents unabashedly. 

First of all, how can you not love that face? Secondly, it's almost as if he's saying "Mommy! I can touch my nose!" Anyway.. enough bragging about my "child." Moving and integrating the pup into his new surroundings has been a challenge. (Mostly because he thinks carpet is grass-- and my entire apartment is carpeted.) It's been a learning curve, if you can imagine.

Fashion: My hobby and playtime is fashion. It's this blog. It's all of you who continue to read GJU and support me in this project. I hope you know that every time you leave a comment, tweet me, Facebook me, whatever you do.. it's appreciated! I've been so pleased with how GJU has grown and I know it will continue in the same direction with your support :)

Keep on checking in with me. I have some awesome posts in store :)

<3
GJU

Featured Fashionista: Christa of Fresh Squeezed Fashion!

I've featured Christa of Fresh Squeezed Fashion before because I absolutely love her sense of style. (Here's the previous post featuring Christa!) So, to start off the week, I figured we should get a little color-blocking inspiration from her!

I've featured bright colorblocking on the blog before, in particular, pinks, oranges, and reds in this post and in this post. Christa works this spring trend into her wardrobe by adding on a crisp white boyfriend and metallic flats. Absolutely perfect style for a day in the office!

Here's her outfit description:

--

This outfit really is all about the blazer. I mean, how can it not be with the amazing back detail? That's why I fell in love with it. Exposed zippers are one of my favorite details. The dress is also really on trend for spring: color blocking AND pleats. It's like two for one! 

-Christa

Make it your own:

Dress: Dana Buchman at Kohl's

Blazer: BCBGMAXAZRIA

Wedges: Stuart Weitzman

---

I'm dying over this blazer. I don't have a white blazer in my wardrobe, let alone one with a killer back cut out like Christa's!

Also, that colorblock dress is perfectly on trend for spring. Great staple for the upcoming warm months!

Thanks so much, Christa, for sharing your style on Get Jessed Up!

Want to be featured on GJU?! Send me a photo of your unique look, with a description of where to find the pieces of the ensemble. It can be an outfit inspired by one of my blog posts, or an outfit you put together on your own! Please include the original inspiration photo that you modeled your outfit off of to include in the post. Excited to feature you ladies on GJU!

All for now.

<3

GJU

Natural Beauty Routine

I get a lot of questions about my daily makeup routine, so today I'm going to share with you some of my new favorite daily products by Mark from Avon.

If you read my blog, you can probably tell the makeup I use is very minimal. I'll do a pop of color on the lip, but in terms of complexion and eye shadow, I tend to stay in the neutral, more natural shades and tones.  What I love about these Mark products is that they don't over power my natural look-- they simply enhance. In fact, that's how I feel makeup should always be-- it should enhance, not alter the way you look.

Tinted makeup" Almay "Smart Shade" liquid makeup in Light/Medium, $13.49

Eye Shadow: c/o Mark "On the Dot" neutral eye color compact, $16

Mascara: c/o Mark "Lash All You Want" mascara, $10

Lips: c/o Mark "Gloss Gorgeous" lip stain in Pop Splendide, $11

In this picture, all I have on is a tinted moisturizer as a base. Using a moisturizer before applying makeup does a few things: prevents dryness, helps create a unified base color for the makeup, provides a layer of SPF protection (depending on the brand you use), and helps seal the makeup so it lasts longer throughout the day. I wanted to show you guys a complete before and after shot.

I first apply a light golden shade of eye shadow on the entire lid. Then, to add some contrast, I take a slightly darker shade and place it on the outer corners of my lid.

The lighter shade I used it the bottom row, far right.
The darker shade is the bottom row, middle.

Next, I take mascara an apply both on the top and bottom of the lash. This allows the lash to really stand out. In the photo below, you can see that just one coat of the Mark "Lash All You Want" mascara on the right eye made a huge difference!

Mascara on both lashes...

Finally, apply a bright shade of lip stain to finish the look. I prefer lip stains and lip glosses to lipsticks because they tend to last longer throughout the day. 

Before & After:

What I love about this morning make up routine is that it takes little to no time, and very little effort. Between getting ready for work, setting aside time for breakfast, and taking care of my dog, I have limited extra time in the morning to put on makeup. These products speak for themselves and make it so easy and quick to apply and get started with your day. 

I believe that with make up, especially during the day, less is more! Hopefully this post shows you that it doesn't take much (only three products!) to spruce up your look and enhance your natural beauty.

Tank: American Apparel, Rib U-Neck Tank, $22

Necklace: c/o Mark "Decked Out Necklace" , $28

So, what's your daily makeup routine?

<3

GJU