Holiday recap!

Phew!

It seems like the last couple of weeks flew by. Thanksgiving came and went, and then all the sudden it was Hanukkah. I blinked once and we were celebrating Christmas, which of course rolled right into New Years.

Me and the Bro on Christmas morning

I'm exhausted and my waistline has grown several inches.

Aside from the usual Holiday happenings, I have a couple of life updates for you guys! Stuff's been going down around here and it's been a while since I've filled you in, so let's get right to it...

My social life got an unexpected facelift during the holidays. I was able to catch up with so many of my friends who I don't get to see that often, and for that I am so grateful! Lots of holiday parties, a pajama bar crawl, New Year's Eve celebrations... December was good to me!

New Year's Eve - Happy 2015!

PJ Bar crawl. I love my onesie!

Holiday party

Holiday Happy Hour

I'm about to start the next semester of my graduate school program. In case you missed it, I went back to school to get my Masters of Education in School Counseling. So far (three semesters in), I love the program and am looking forward to having face-time with students this semester during my practicum placement. I've still got a ways to go, but am planning on graduating in Spring 2015.

Regarding personal health and wellness, you guys know I was trying to make a couple lifestyle changes involving being more aware of what I'm eating and trying to increase my activity levels/gym time. For a while, I was going to the gym several days a week and meeting with a trainer. That was a great jump start, and put me on the path of leading a better lifestyle. At this point, I'm no longer seeing a trainer but trying to take what I've learned and give it a shot on my own. I don't go to the gym quite as much, but I am still making better food choices and hitting the gym when I can. It's a work in progress for me, and I'm taking it one day at a time.

In the love life department... I've got some exciting news! I met someone, and have been seeing him for several weeks. He's very different from my past relationships: he's calm, laid back, not pretentious, even-keeled in all aspects. He's a happy person, always smiling, always trying to make me smile with him. It's still pretty new, but I'm happier than I've been in a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

With B on New Year's Day

Having a new guy in my life doesn't change Bruiser's status as my main man. Taking after his momma, he's put on a little winter weight (but in my opinion, it just makes him all the more loveable).

Bruiser loves his momma! Big hug.

Bruiser hanging out on my his bed

Resolution-wise, I didn't make any. I find that each year, I make all these promises to myself and never keep them or see them through. I don't want to let myself down any more. 2015 is about being happy, and for me, it's about conquering one day at a time. So, every morning I set a goal for myself. Whether it's going to the gym, making sure I eat veggies with every meal, or doing a good deed for someone else, each day I set a goal that I know I will accomplish. With these "daily resolutions," I set myself up for being successful everyday. That kind of positivity goes a long way and I've found it to be invaluable.

As for the blog, I'll keep up with it as much as I can. Of course it slows down during busier times, but I think overall I've been able to stay connected with you guys when it counts. I've got lots of good stuff that's been brewing over here, and am excited to share it all with you! Thanks to all of you for your continued support and readership!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2015 for all you! Love you!

-GJU

Top that!

I'm a big fan of tops that do all the work for me. Something patterned, something pretty. Something that has enough going on that I don't need to accessorize it beyond a simple stud earring. A top that does all the talking.

Over the last few weeks, I've snagged some new tops that do just that. A couple I've already had the chance to wear, but I can't wait to start wearing and integrating these new pieces into my Fall wardrobe! Excited to see what kinds of different outfits I can come up with :)

These first two tops I got from my own version of heaven Anthropologie. I absolutely love the lace detail of the first top! Paired with the floral pattern, it has such a flirty, feminine feel to it. The second top I've had a chance to wear, and I can't tell you how many compliments I received! And is anything better than being complimented on a brand new top, tags freshly ripped off? Nothing. Beats. That. The sheer black layered over the champagne colored satin underneath is just gorgeous. I also like the cut of the top-- super flattering on me because it flows nicely over the hips, helping to smooth out my curves.

Only Hearts Ditsy Daisy Cami, $39.95 (on sale!)

Swingpane Tank, $59.95 (on sale!)

Last weekend with my cousin celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.

This LOFT top is also going to make lots of outfit appearances this fall. The rich navy color contrasts sharply with the crisp white hearts. I love the flutter sleeves and zipper detail on the back as well! Again, because the pattern of the shirt is busy enough, no jewelry/accessorizing is needed. I think adding a necklace or ornate earrings would create a look that's too loud.

Heart Print Shoulder Pleat Shell, $49.99 (on sale!)

I wore white denim with this top the first time, but I think I'm going to
try it under a blazer with darker denim next time.

This sweater from Talbots was made for me. I absolutely adore the rain boots graphic (super cute!), and I love the button shoulder detail. I can't wait to snuggle up in this sweater on a rainy day. It's sure to be a conversation starter... and if you know me, you know chatting is my strong suit!

Comfy Rainy Day Shoulder-Button Sweater, $89.50, c/o Talbots

Have you purchased any tops lately that talk the talk? Or have you been eyeing anything at your favorite store?

Would love to see what you've found!

-GJU

Poshed Up for Preakness

"Crab cakes and football. That's what Maryland does!"

That's one of my favorite quotes from "Wedding Crashers"... and it happens to be true! (here's a clip. great scene!) But I have to add one little thing that Maryland does: Horse racing.

Preakness, in particular.

When California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby, the stakes were high and the crowds were hopeful for another victory.

Aside from the racing, betting, and outdoor debauchery that ensues from copious amounts of day drinking, Preakness is an event that calls for pomp and circumstance. Women are donned in fancy dresses and big hats. Men are spruced up in suits, bow-ties, and all things seer sucker. It's a bountiful bevy of pastels and boat shoes, which I for one, thoroughly enjoy.

[[ Sound familiar? Perhaps it's because last year I wrote a post on Preakness 2013. You can check it out here :) ]]

Here are some of the pics I took at Preakness this past weekend:

Selfie on the way to the races

Another, because... because.

My hat for the day!

Some friends we made on the infield

Some friends we made inside

We really liked his pants

Blue and yellow

Clydesdales

Mallory was my date for the day :)

Racing right in front of us!

Setting up for the Preakness

Our seats were so close to the starting gates!

Everyone was ready for the final race!

Want to Get Jessed Up?

Dress: Jessica Simpson, Nordstrom, $98

Wedges: Target, Similar $29.99

Sandals: Jack Rogers. $110

Hat: Walmart (Came in a pack of two for $7-- such a steal!) Similar, $8

Beautiful weather and good friends made for a wonderful weekend! How was yours?!

My week on Instgram

It's been a very Instagram-worthy week.

Orioles played the Red Sox on their Opening Day at Camden Yards. I ate way too much at my parent's dinner party, particularly overdid it with the Smith Island Cake. I tried a couple of new hair styles. I enjoyed a Sunday brunch overlooking the water in Baltimore. And lastly, I spent quality couch time with Bruiser. Here's my week as seen on Instagram :)

Want to see more? Follow me on Instagram!

Oscar Recap!

The Oscars aired Sunday night (as I'm sure most of you know) and per usual, the only thing I really paid attention to/cared about was the Red Carpet.

There were a couple looks that were absolutely spot on perfect.
Some looks were pretty, but were expected and boring safe.
Finally, a handful of choices were... um... poor.

Here are the looks I feel compelled to share my thoughts on (in no particular order):

Sandra Bullock looks stunning in this navy gown. The draping is perfect, and
her side-swept wavy hair is gorgeous.

Penelope Cruz looks like she's going to a college toga party. I think I wore that
outfit once to AEPi.
 

I love Jennifer Garner, but she's wearing a lampshade from a thrift store. Not to mention,
that color is totally washing her out.

Pretty color, but this dress is way too stiff. Not surprised JLaw fell getting out of her car.

I like the sheer quality to the outer layer of this gown, but the top of
Charlize Theron's gown looks incomplete.

Lupita Nyong'o is Cinderella. Am I right?

More side-swept hair... and this gown with a plunging neckline is
absolutely gorgeous. Kate Hudson nailed it.

Matt and Camila are everything. 

Anne Hathaway stole part of Epcot for this dress. She should give it back.

Channing looks hot (always) and damnit, Jenna Dewan Tatum just popped out
a kid in the past year, didn't she? Not fair. Love the champagne gown!

Another champagne gown on Cate Blanchett and it is DIVINE. She looks so regal!

I love this blue Alexander McQueen on Amy Adams. The color is gorgeous
against her fair skin tone! Hair up and minimal accessories - she let the dress do the talking!

Why was Ashley Wagner at the Oscars? 

I love  a very pregnant Olivia Wilde in a tummy-hugging black gown! Gorg!
And her fiancee Jason Sudekis is also looking sharp in a tailored suit.

Anna Kendrick is my spirit animal, but this dress is absolutely wrong. 

Emma Watson is flawless Perfect gown. Perfect low ponytail. Perfect red lip.

Jared Letto has beautiful ombre hair. Like, it's really pretty. 

Photo Credit: CBS News

Did you watch the Oscars Red Carpet? What was your favorite and least favorite look!?