Showing posts with label outfit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outfit. 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, May 19, 2014

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?!


Monday, May 12, 2014

flower power

"She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes."
-Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things










It was absolutely perfect weather yesterday for Mother's Day. After brunch, I went over to a local park to walk around and soak in the sun... and it happened to be a good spot for a couple blog photos!

I'm really getting into the flower headband trend. I know that's all it is-- a trend-- but even still, I've jumped aboard the bandwagon. I picked up this daisy headband at Target.

Want to Get Jessed Up?
Headband: Target, $5.99
Dress: Old Navy, Similar $36.94
Sandals: Nine West, Similar $49.99

More flower headbands:
Target, $5.99
Nordstrom, $22
Forever 21, $5.80
Forever 21, $3.80




Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Spring is in the air!

"She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
'Winter is Dead.'"
-A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young










No outfit post is complete without a selfie :)

This shirt/sweater duo is gearing up to be one of my favorite outfits for Spring. The floral print paired with the bright cardi is as easy-breezy as it gets. Colorful, feminine, and effortless.


Want to Get Jessed Up? 
Floating-Floral Cotton Shirt c/o Talbots, $69.50
V-Neck Cardigan c/o Talbots, $79.50
Wedges, Franco Sarto, $59.95



Monday, March 24, 2014

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!