Oops.. I did it again!

That time I said I wouldn't leave you guys hanging for months at a time.....  oops.

Here's the truth: I didn't hold up my end of the bargain. I am not putting aside time for my blog like I used to, and it has to change. I don't work at a desk anymore.. and my hours are different every week, so it makes it hard for me to set aside the time to sit down and write. But the truth is... I miss it! I miss writing, I miss researching new fashion trends, and mostly, I miss you.

Here's my pledge (again): This time, for real, it's on. You'll be seeing a lot more of me. If I start to slip, I challenge you to hold me to this pledge. Get after me! Remind me you're here and I should be too. Thanks in advance for your constant support and gentle pushes :)

Since the last time we chatted on July 4th weekend, so much fashion has happened! I went on a family vacation to the Dominican Republic (first time there-- gorgeous!) and work has been busier than ever. The social scene hasn't changed too dramatically. I'm still taking it one day at a time, and seeing where fate leads me. So far, it's led me to the fridge and a couple extra lbs. I've developed a little bit of a snacking habit, so hopefully redirecting my attention to the blog versus my boredom hunger will help reverse the curse.

Let me catch you up on some of the fashion you've missed.

Bottom line: this girl is back! It feels good to be blogging again. See you soon.

The Time I Cruised to Nowhere Fast

So, I was supposed to go on a cruise to Bermuda, but Hurricane Sandy had other plans for me. Our Royal Caribbean ship ended up staying at sea for all 6 days of the cruise, and three of those days we actually anchored outside of Cape Charles, Virginia. And it rained the whole time.

However, I'm a glass half-full kinda girl. Chris and I made the best of our vacation, and took full advantage of all of the cruise ship amenities: lots of food, drink, and socializing with other hurricane cruise troopers. We had a blast, even though we got no sun and didn't make it to Bermuda.

I wish we'd taken more photos but here's what we did manage to capture on our tropical island vacation to Bermuda nowhere:

A glass of wine before dinner :)

Oops! Half-open eyes, but a decent shot of our outfits.

Since we were anchored during the storm, this dress was fitting :)

One of the formal nights... My boyfriend is handsome in his tux!

The Orpheum Theater was beautiful!

Chris snapped this one before dinner.

Make it your own:

Floral Dress: J.Crew

Brown Wedges: Steve Madden

Dizzy Anchor Dress: J.Crew

Heart Blouse: LOFT

Green Stripe Sweater: LOFT 

Black Gown: Nordstrom

Champagne Dangle Earrings: Cache (Similar)

Even though we didn't make it to Bermuda, I had a great time with Chris and would do it all over again if I could.

I hope that you all stayed safe during Hurricane Sandy.. and for those readers along the Eastern sea board, my thoughts and prayers are going out to you and your families!

-GJU

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

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 :)

&lt;3 JP