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

Capitol Culture Couture

My friend Ryan turned 30 this month, and to celebrate, he threw a Capitol Culture-themed bar crawl celebration.

When I first got the FB invite, I had no idea what Capitol Culture was-- I had never heard of it. The invitation suggested we google "Effie Trinket" for inspiration. Following Ryan's advice, I promptly flipped open the macbook and got to Googling. It didn't take long to realize this was a Hunger Games theme. I've not seen any of the movies or read any of the books, which explains why nothing on the invitation made any sense to me.

However, whether you've seen the movies or not, the theme was crystal clear.

What I learned was that Capitol Culture is all about luxe. Being overly frosted, sparkled, and made up. More is more. To me, it seems like a satirical view on society and our country's obsession with material things and outer appearances. Either way... I was into the theme because the brighter the colors and wilder the make up = the better the pictures.

Here are some of the photos I used as inspiration for my outfit and hair/makeup:

One thing was certain: I needed drama. Drama on my eyes. Drama in my hair. Drama everywhere.

Another thing was also certain: if I went too dramatic with the whole get up, I could run the risk of looking like a Baltimore City street walker, so I needed to subtle-it-down a little.

My friend Kelly manages a hair salon and was able to help me accomplish the hair and makeup looks I had in mind. (Thank you Kelly, again, for your help!) Here's what we came up with:

This was about halfway done the makeup application. Lashes applied,
bright lip, green shadow, and the start of the gemstones being glued to my face.

My hair was everything. Several french braids and fishtails pulled to the left,
tied together, and crimped. Then all of it was teased. The bottom was dyed pink and silver .

I used a pin (for clothes) as a bright hair accessory to match the pink hair dye.
Because my hair and makeup were... aggressive (albeit pretty, IMO)...
I went with a bright, but simple, dress choice.

In the elevator on the way to the party-- excited to see everyone's looks!

With my friend Mallory and the birthday boy.

Close up of final make up, and Mallory's fierce eye shadow.

The group.

B&W version of the makeup photo. I just thought it looked cool without color.

If you were going to this theme party, what would you do?! Any good ideas for next time?

Until then,

GJU

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

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?

GJU Goes to Puerto Rico!

Arrrrrrribaaa! (Thought it was fitting)

Welcome back to GJU.. So sorry there's been a delay in posts. I was away in Puerto Rico for vacation, and for the sake of actually relaxing and taking advantage of the vacation, I didn't bring my computer. Now that I'm back in Baltimore, I'm ready to share some of the pics from my stay.

Here's a sampling of some of the photos we took. Let me know what you think! Also-- if you've ever been to Puerto Rico, you know the pics of the weather/beach don't even do it half justice. The island is GORGEOUS.

Anyway-- the photo summary:

Before going to Old San Juan for dinner.

Day one on the beach, I took a ton of scenic shots. Tried to pic a few to show on GJU!

Our footprints!

Seriously, the clouds here were perfect. Fluffy perfection.

Early morning on the beach. Never wanted to leave.

Sailor suit. Chips Ahoy!

 We went to the El Yunque National Park to go hiking, climb towers, and visit two beautiful waterfalls.

Right outside the visitor's center.

At Las Cocas Waterfall on El Yunque.

Obligatory Instagram Head Shot, yours truly.

Back to the beach!

Sun tan day! Obviously we found the beach side bar :)

Be gentle with the comments. I'm no model, nor do I even exercise a little bit haha.
But-- I went to the Caribbean.. and bathing suits are appropriate gear for the beach. 

This next group of photos is all from the same night. We went to the El San Juan hotel (absolutely stunning-- it's a Waldorf Astoria property). Even in our somewhat dressy outfits, we were far under dressed in comparison to a lot of the women at this one bar. They were donning floor length gowns-- I was in heaven. Loved the dresses.

Having some cocktails at the El San Juan before dinner at the next hotel.

We had dinner at BLT at the Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico. Delicious.

This one painting outside of BLT was massive and beautiful. We needed to take a photo by it!

We went to the spa one morning full some serous pampering. I had to share the robe and slippers.

Compliments of Zen Spa in Contado, Puerto Rico.

A little blurry, but at dinner at Il Mulino at the Ritz. Best. Service. Ever.

I had the best time in Puerto Rico! This vacation is exactly what I've needed for a long time now. Way overdue. It's been a rough few weeks, and nothing is more relaxing than doing absolutely nothing while staring at waves.

Many thanks to @ChrisMinMD for allowing myself and my friend @Sushgirl to take over his beachside condo. I apologize if your home still smells like hair product, perfume, and sunscreen.

Excited for upcoming outfit posts. Keep on checking back :)

<3 JP