Beach Bunny Body

I learned about Beach Bunny Swimwear last year when I saw one of their ads featuring Kate Upton.

Here is some of the current campaign featuring Kate (because we're on a first name basis):

[Sidenote: I love Kate Upton. I love that she doesn't hide her curves. I love that she isn't rail thin. I love that she embraces her body and rocks the hell out of a bikini.]

Anyway, ever since I discovered the brand, I've wanted to own one of their bathing suits. Though it's been almost over a year, I've not yet purchased one for myself for a few reasons:

1) The bathing suits are pretty pricey. They range from $109 - $250 for both pieces.
2) If I am going to spend that kind of money on a bathing suit, I would like my body to be in much better shape. If I am going to own it, I want to own it, and feel good about myself when I'm in it.
3) I've got no where to wear it. I feel like those bathing suits are a little... much... for your average neighborhood pool.

So, here's what I'm thinking:

I am going to challenge myself, with the reward being purchasing one of the Beach Bunny bathing suits.

If I lose 15-20 lbs., I will gift myself a bikini from Beach Bunny. I will also take a long weekend and go somewhere, whether it's the beach or a resort in Atlantic City. Just somewhere to break in my new suit other than the pool in my apartment community.

This is going to be tough for me. I don't get enough any exercise, which of course I take full responsibility for considering the fact I've been a huge slacker and haven't been to the gym in two, going on three, years. I need to get my behind back into shape, and the first step is obviously going to the gym. Secondly, I need to eat better. It's not that I go through fast food drive-thru's all the time, because actually, I don't eat fast food at all! (I don't consider Subway or Panera fast food, but for the sake of this challenge, I'll remove them from my diet for the time being). I do, however, snack. A lot. All the time. I am a BIG snacker, so I'll need to curb that habit pretty significantly for this to be successful.

For the record, the goal for this challenge is not to lose a ton of weight.  Realistically, I know that won't happen. However, I do need to lose 15-20 lbs. to be healthy. I need to gain lean muscle and tone up. Overall, I am proud of my body and am comfortable with the curves that I have. I am not proud, however, of the Pillsbury doughboy effect that has enveloped my stomach and thighs.

There's no deadline for this challenge, but I do hope to achieve it over the next couple of months. If it takes until the end of the summer, or if it takes until the end of Fall, I'll be happy with that (and go somewhere warm once it's colder here so I can better enjoy the sunny weather!).

Here are some of the suits I am eyeing right now:

Knitted Zig Zag Balconette Bikini, $215

Sexy Sequin Lace Bikini, $170

All Eyes on Me, $179

Yes. That's Chrissy Teigen. I love her as much as I love Kate Upton, probably more, mainly because I am jealous of her marriage with John Legend. They have to be the hottest couple on the planet. Have to be.

So wish me luck. It's going to be a tough couple months of trying to eat right, increase my activity levels, and get back on track. With your support, it will be much easier. Here we go!

Until next time,

GJU

New Baubles and a Braid

As you guys know, I love statement necklaces. LOVE. They can elevate a simple tee shirt, and add sparkle, shine, and color to any outfit. Here are some baubles I'm currently loving:

J. Crew

Anthropologie 

Francesca's 

J. Crew

Feeling inspired by spring - and by all of the aforementioned necklaces - I picked up a glass and grey leaf necklace for myself (and I am absolutely obsessed with it)!

Top: J. Crew, Necklace: J. Crew, Belt: LOFT, Denim: LOFT, Shoes: Steve Madden (Similar)

While we're at it on the outfit pics, here's what I wore the other day. Neutrals on neutrals on neutrals = my upcoming summer wardrobe. I love putting peaches with pinks, and whites with beiges. 

Jacket: LOFT, Top: Free People (Similar), Bracelets: LOFT

On a totally different note... I am trying to learn how to braid. I don't mean your average braid - I know how to do that. But I want to learn how to french braid, inside out french braid, and fishtail braid.

Photo: The Freckled Fox

Photo: Posie Blogs

Photo: The Freckled Fox

I have a lot ton of hair (duh), and blowing it dry/straightening it everyday just doesn't work in my schedule. Takes too long, my arms get tired, I have no patience, and so on.

I feel like knowing how to do more kinds of braids would really benefit me. Instead of throwing my hair up into a clip like I do every. single. day. (see both selfie outfit photos above/every other photo ever) these new braiding techniques would give me other ways to throw my hair back quickly and effortlessly but in a more polished way.

Though I've tried many times, I still cannot french braid quite yet. However, here is my best first attempt at the fishtail braid. IMHO, it's a damn good first try! (Thanks, Danielle, for showing me how to do this!)

Can you do any fun braiding styles? Please share your secrets and teach me your talents!

Photo Rewind

Yeah, I know.

I said that this time would be different.

I said it would be the last time that I would go MIA and totally disappear from the blogosphere.

The truth it: that's just not a realistic promise for me. As much as I want to write on here every single day after work (and I really do), I just can't.

Another truth: Even when I am not blogging, the blog is always on my mind. I'm always thinking things like "OMG I need to put this on the blog" or "this is a great outfit for GJU" or "I should get this top and share it on the blog because every woman on earth should have this top in their closet"... you get the idea.

It's constant. I am always thinking of things to share with you guys. Recently, simply because it's much quicker (and quite frankly, more convenient) I've been posting outfit photos to Instagram, and just linking the pics to my personal Facebook page, and pushing some out to Twitter. I know it's a cop out. But the truth it, it's an easier way for me to still reach you guys when I am not able to write a complete post. Sometimes a quick pic says it all.

I want you to know: Although I've not been here... I've still been here. I am always getting jess'ed up. I am always thinking of you guys and what cool things I've purchased/found that I am dying to show you.

That said, let me catch you up on... let's see.. the last 3 months of my life. Per usual, I'll go the photo diary route.

The Fam on X-mas

Brother/Sister love during the Holidays

Out at the bar with friends

I cheered on the Ravens!

Welcomed in 2014 with the cutest little cousin on the planet.
P.S. we both have on animal print :)

I polar vortex'ed in style.

I cheered on my team. GO SYRACUSE!!

I picked up some pretty new accessories :)

Celebrated my birthday with all of my favorite people

I got a spray tan and did the Cupid's Undie Run again this year

Can you spot me?!

The run was on my birthday!! 

My spray tan wore off, but I still charged on! 

And then this was today, bringing you right up to date :)

So, that's where I am. That's what's up. 

I am going to do my best, my very best, to update GJU more often. I cannot promise every day. I cannot promise every week. But I can promise that I will get on here and shout out to you guys as much as I can moving forward.

This is severely belated... but nonetheless... I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

Pssst.. Local Event Exclusive Invitation!

I know not all of my readers are in the Baltimore area, but for those of you who are... I have an exclusive invitation for you!

Designer Danielle Nicole, originally from Ellicott City, MD, will be in town on Thursday, May 9 to introduce her latest line of handbags. Danielle's bags are sold at Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor... as well boutiques in states across the U.S. Here in Baltimore you can find her collection at Sassanova in Harbor East.

On Thursday, May 9, from 4-8pm at About Faces in Kenilworth, join Danielle Nicole for a meet & greet to preview her new line of handbags, The Diane Collection, while enjoying complimentary wine, light fare, and door prizes.

Quick recap: Is there anything better than handbags, wine, food, all at the same time? I don't think so. 

Also, if you're still in search of a great Mother's Day gift, Danielle Nicole bags are the perfect present!

Want to see more of the Danielle Nicole Collection before coming out on the 9th (and maybe do a little online shopping)? Here's her website. My favorite is the Bella Crossbody in Mustard.

The full event info is below. Hope you can make it!

Back from Beach Vaca!

Hi guys!

So sorry for the lack of posts recently! I just got back from a long weekend at the beach, and before that, I was super busy with work. Hope you can forgive me :)

I thought I'd share some of the photos from my vacation to Ocean City, MD. It was so great to take a weekend and get away. Laying on the beach is the ultimate form of relaxation and I am feeling so much more refreshed now that I had the chance to unwind.

Lots of great posts coming up, including announcing the winner of the Stella & Dot giveaway! Keep checking back in with GJU!

Outfit for the drive down to OC!

Got a little Captain?

Goofing off with these stunna shades on the boardwalk

Lunch on the water post-beach

Bloody Mary at lunch!

Dumser's soft serve with peanut butter sauce and sprinkles. 

Selfie before bed in my new bright pink Bethany Surf Shop tank

The beach in the morning

Post-beach selfie

Outfit for dinner and a night out

Close up of the top of the dress

Fractured Prune Doughnuts

Obligatory photo in front of the swordfish

At a bar on the beach

Beach sunset to kick off the drive back to Baltimore

Overall, my long weekend vacation to the beach was exactly what I needed. Rest, relaxing, sun, and lots of food and drink.

Make it your own:
Chambray Shirt: J. Crew
White Shorts: J. Crew
Brown Sandals: LOFT (similar)
Leopard Scarf: J. Crew
White Tank: Francesca's Collections (similar)
Skinny Jeans: Gap
Black Dress: American Eagle (Several years old!)
Orange Lace Tank: Target (similar)
Navy Blue Tie-Dye Dress: Target
Gold Bracelets: c/o Avon
Silver and Gold Necklace: Stella & Dot
Blue Striped Maxi Dress: LOFT (similar)
Bronzer (all pics): c/o Avon

How have you guys been? Update me!

<3 GJU