Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

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

Monday, December 8, 2014

Get Jessed Up's Holiday Gift Guide!

Hip, hip hooray!

Somehow, it's already December, and you know what that means: the holidays are upon us! If you're anything like me, you stress to the max about what to get people for the holidays. You want the gift to be thoughtful, represent an inside joke you have with someone, something meaningful, something witty, something perfect.

Fear no more, my gift-giving gals! I've compiled a list of some of my favorite things that would be a perfect gift for any loved one in your life. My gift ideas range in price, so if you're able to splurge or if you're a beauty on a budget, I've got gifts for all of you.

...And one last thing before you see my suggestions. Sometimes gifting things to yourself is just as fun as gifting to others. Just saying.





1.


Just think of all the possible concoctions you could put into a watermelon (or 
a pumpkin, if you're feeling the holiday spirit)! A great gift for the friend who
is impossible to shop for.

2. 



If you have a man in your life who has it all, this is the perfect gift!
Your man will receive a sealed crate and his own crowbar for opening it. I
AM MAN! HEAR ME ROAR AND WATCH ME OPEN A CRATE!
On the inside: bacon everything. Bacon sunflower seeds, bacon popcorn, bacon
jerky, bacon salt... are you seeing how perfect this gift is, yet?

3.



Pillowcase Sets, O Susannah, $39.00

I'm a pillow girl. My couches are covered in pillows, and my bed
is no different. These cute couples' pillows add a little something extra
to your bedroom decor. I love how these cheeky pillowcases show 
off your sense of humor!

4. 



Customizable, individual, & snazzy as shit. You'll win best gift-giver of 
the year with these retro-inspired rides! Whether you're running out to grab a coffee, 
running errands, or just want to ride around and explore your 'hood, 
these step-through cycles will help you explore your city in style.

**Stay tuned for more of my love of Pure City Cycles!**

5.


Because making s'mores in the microwave was so last year.

6. 



Man jewelry can be tricky. I'm not a huge fan of men blinging
out more than I do... so these are a great, masculine alternative. They're
minimal, colorful, and give off an outdoorsy vibe that I definitely dig. For
the lumbersexual man in your life: wa-la! Gift search complete!

7. 


You guys. What needs to be said? DEEP. FRIED. EVERYTHING.
Pickles. Oreos. Fries. Chicken. Brownies. ANYTHING.
Gift this = you're always invited to the party.

8. 



The perfect gift for anyone at any age. Everyone listens to music,
so why not give someone the gift of listening in style! 
Let me sum this up:
gold earbuds > any other earbuds.


So, what do you think of those gift ideas? Do tell if you have other perfect present suggestions!

Remember... keep an eye out for my next blog post. It's a Get Jessed Up Giveaway you won't want to miss! 

Until next time,
GJU

Friday, July 5, 2013

4th of July- Family, Friends, and FOOD!

The 4th of July is a great day for several reasons.

1) We celebrate our country's independence from Great Britain.
2) It finally feels like summer is in full swing! Bring on the BBQ's, the beach, and fireworks!
3) The 4th of July is my mom's birthday :)

Therefore, given the aforementioned reasons, the 4th of July is most certainly a cause for great celebration. The way my family sees it, honoring such a wonderful day cannot be done without a fabulous spread of sweet treats!

Here's what I mean...

Me and my mom! Happy, happy birthday to YOU!

The full spread. Let me break it down for you... keep scrolling...

Blue sugar, white chocolate, fresh strawberries. Red, White, and Yum.

Smore's Cupcakes with caramel drizzle

A close-up, sans cupcake wrapper

Brownies, cupcakes with chocolate and coconut shavings, meringue cookies.
Fresh watermelon photo-bombing from the right.

The ingredients for my dessert contribution...

USA Parfait! I saw a similar dessert on Pinterest, and simplified it to make this!

This is what happens after you enjoy one (maybe two) of everything: Sugar coma.
Sweet, sweet sugar coma. Totally worth it :)

How did you celebrate Independence Day?!

Make it your own:
Dress: J. Crew Factory Store (sold out online, but similar options here)
Blue Stone bracelet: Ann Taylor (Similar, $34.99)
Gold bangles: On The Double Bangles, c/o mark by Avon (Loving this set, also!)
Sandals: LOFT, $29.50

Monday, December 3, 2012

Holiday Sweaters... and a Belated Thank You!

Oh hey!

I went to a holiday party this past weekend. Most of the girls showed up in short black sequin dresses and platform pumps. I went the more casual route with a cozy sweater and comfy boots. 

Whatever. I'm dating someone. No need to impress, right? (I mean.. just let me think it.)

So.. here are a couple snapshots of my outfit (and my boyfriend's sweater, also)

Swearer, sparkle skirt, and brown boots. 

Obligatory mirror selfie. I am a fashion blogger, after all ;)

With the boyf in our holiday sweaters :)
Make it your own:
Sweater: American Eagle, $59.95
Skirt: LOFT, $69.50
Boots: Madden Girl, $69.95
Cocktail Ring: The Limited
Bangle: J. Crew, $17.50

Moving on to somewhat more important (and belated news)... I won another Mobbie Award from the Baltimore Sun!!

Last year, I won the award for Best New Blog. Here's the blog post I did on that.

This year, I won for the Best Fashion Blog. I am so flattered to have won again! Thank you to all my readers who voted for GJU each and every day leading up to the award ceremony. I am so thrilled with what GJU has meant to you all and myself so far, and I am excited to see what the future holds. 

For a list of the all the winners, check out this link on The Baltimore Sun.



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A White Winter

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you have to completely rule white out of your wardrobe. As you know, I'm a fan of pushing the everyday boundaries of fashion--- so integrating white into my wardrobe (even past the Labor Day deadline) is one of the rules I'm all for breaking.

Here's one example of how I worked white into my winter wardrobe last year.

Need some more inspiration? Here are some of my favorite winter white looks:






Do you wear white after Labor Day? I'd love to see how, and share your suggestions with my readers! Send outfit pics to GetJessedUp(at)gmail(dot)com

Until next time,
GJU

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Holiday Hot List

In other words... things I want.

Feast your eyes, ladies and gentleman, on these perfect (and pretty) picks for the holidays!

Anthropologie, $258
This dress is everything.

Madewell, $20

I must have this ring. In fact, I believe everyone should own a ring with a bulldog's face on it. Because, well, why not!?

Madewell, $28

Silver and gold, with a touch of turquoise. The perfect everyday piece.

J. Crew, $168

These pants are major for the holidays. May. Jer. Tartan is a must have this winter!

J. Crew, $138

Sparkle and shine with this statement necklace. That is all.



Urban Outfitters, $20

Some light reading for your party guests!

You should know... I am accepting donations for any/all of the above :)

What are you picking up for your friends and family this year?

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and have a wonderful holiday season!
-GJU




Thursday, October 18, 2012

Closet Refresh: Patterned Purchases

I've been a little naughty with my wallet lately. I'm really digging a lot of the new styles I'm seeing in my favorite stores this season... and honestly, sometimes I can't resist a good deal.

My most recent shopping excursion resulted in a handful of patterned pieces, perfect for the upcoming winter and holiday season. Here's what I picked up:

Tippi Sweater, J. Crew, $59.99

Naomi Top, J.Crew, $110

Merino Striped Sweater, The Limited, $49.90

Cassidy Ankle Pant, The Limited, $74.90

Silk & Shine Tee, The Limited, $49.90

Evidently, I was on a roll with stripes. What new pieces do you want in your closet this Fall?



Monday, July 9, 2012

A busy week...

BBQs to celebrate our independence, my mom's birthday, fireworks, time spent by the pool and parties. It was a busy week and weekend!

Here are some snapshots that captured a few of the moments...









Make it your own:
Black silk top: J. Crew $59.99
Blue Shorts: Gap (Similar) $44.95
White dress: Gap $44.99
Black bathing suit: Target
Leopard scarf: J. Crew $39.99
Pattern skirt: Anthropologie (Similar) $89.95
Grey bathing suit: Target
Blue/white dress: c/o mark $35
Neon stripe dress: Target

How was your 4th of July spent?