November 30, 2016

Gift Guide for the Jetsetter!


Today I'm sharing a gift guide for all the jettsetters and travel lovers in your life! This was a super fun  one for me to work on after recently having traveled around Europe. I was able to draw inspiration for this post based on my own experiences traveling for a month. I tried to round up what I consider to be the essentials for traveling - whether it be for a weekend getaway or for a month long adventure! These noise canceling headphones and adorable sleeping mask are must haves for trying to get some shut eye especially on what can often be noisy airplanes. I love love love this cashmere travel wrap - perfect for staying cozy while on the go - definitely adding it to my wish list! A passport holder is essential, as is a fashionable pouch for staying organized while traveling. Last but not least, a very important one in my book is a water bottle,  and how cute is this one!? Staying hydrated is key at all time but especially when jettsetting! Check out all the perfect gifts for traveling below and as always safe travels! 

Shop Here... 

November 28, 2016

Cyber Monday Deals!


Well it is officially the Monday after Thanksgiving, and for anyone who loves online shopping as much as I do, it's one of the best days of the year. Hello Cyber Monday! I don't know about you all, but the idea of spending the weekend of Thanksgiving at a shopping center surrounded by mobs people does not appeal to me one bit. I would much rather spend those days cozy inside at home relaxing, and wait for Cyber Monday to roll around to do my shopping! If anyone is in the same boat as I am, I wanted to round up and share some of the best Cyber Monday deals. It is the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, and save some money while doing so. You might even find something for yourself while you're at it!

Check them out below and happy shopping!


J.Crew // 40% off your entire purchase (!!) with code HOLIDAY

Madewell // 25% off with code THATSALE
My go-to for sweaters! Check out thisthis, and this.

J.Crew Factory // 60% off everything and 40% off clearance! Plus FREE shipping!
Code HAPPYSALE

Kate Spade New York // 30% off your purchase with code WIRED
Get my walletcrossbody, and my go-to earrings.

Origins // 25% everything with code MONYAY
I use thisthis, and this religiously!

Nordstrom // Extra 20% off select sale items!
Includes Hunter rain bootscashmere sweaters, and Ray-Ban Aviators.

Club Monaco // Up to 35% off with THANKSAGAIN 
I want everything, but especially this dress, this coat, this cashmere sweater, and this scarf!

Gap // 50% off everything with code CYBMON
Stock up on gifts for the whole family! How fun are these pajamas and this pom-pom beanie, and this sweater looks so cozy.

Shopbop // Up to 25% off your order!
Code GOBIG16 

Tory Burch // 30% off your purchase! Use code THANKS
I have this watch, this shoulder bag, and these earrings on my wish list. And stock up on my favorite perfume!



xo. G

November 24, 2016

Thankful and Grateful

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving! I hope this post finds you surrounded by the love, joy, and warmth of your family and friends, and of course with a full belly. Thanksgiving is a day filled with family, food, and giving thanks to all the blessings in your life. When you consciously stop and think about it, there is a lot to be thankful for. Be grateful for all of it - the good, the bad, and everything in between. Give thanks for the obvious - your health, the love of family and friends, a roof over you head, and food on your table - they are things we often take for granted and yet so many people live without. Give thanks for the not so obvious as well. Be grateful for missed opportunities, relationships that crumbled, and failures - they are often, as they always say, blessings in disguise.

Gratitude is a powerful force. When I count my blessings and take a moment to recognize all I have to be thankful for my outlook on life dramatically changes. I could be having the worst day or hitting a rough patch, and all it takes to change my perspective is a little reminder of how lucky I am. Gratitude and perspective go hand in hand. If you are conscious of how grateful you are, your attitude  and outlook will absolutely be changed for the better. Recognize your blessings and let your gratitude change your perspective. 

Use today to reflect upon all the blessings that surround you, but don't let it stop there. I urge you to carry that gratitude with you for the next 365 days, don't let it end tomorrow just because Thanksgiving is over. Let Thanksgiving and this day of gratitude be the catalyst for a year of gratitude. Live each and every day with gratitude in your heart, and I promise it will change your outlook on life.

I most certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year. For new friends and old, adventures, the opportunities that education provides, for truly knowing what it means to love with your entire heart, and a new found appreciation for all that travel teaches us. I am blessed to have my health, my home, and the unwavering love of my family. Last, but certainly not least, I am very thankful for the little piece of the internet that is this blog, the opportunity to do something I love, and for all of you who follow along. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and don't forget for a second how truly blessed you are. 

xo. G 

November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving Cranberry Relish

















In honor of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I wanted to share one of my most favorite sides that has graced our Thanksgiving table for the last seventeen years! When I was in first grade, one of my best friend's mom (Hi Mrs. Cerritelli!) came into our classroom and made this recipe for us. We all got sent home with a small jar and the recipe to share and enjoy with our families. Needless to say it was a hit and has been part of our Thanksgiving meal ever since. I quite honestly don't know what we did without it! This recipe blows the canned cranberry sauce out of the water... it is so delicious. It is the perfect blend of sweet and tart - the cranberries and citrus fruits in combination with (lots) of sugar and spices is to die for. It really is the perfect complement to the many flavors of Thanksgiving dinner.

Not only is it super tasty, but it is really easy to make! It pretty much just requires combining all the ingredients in a large sauce pan, bringing to a low boil, and waiting for the cranberries to pop open. Nothing could be easier! An added bonus is the incredible smell that fills your home! It will without a doubt get you in the Thanksgiving mood! All of the ingredients and directions can be found below - give it a try and enjoy. I promise it will be a favorite and become a staple at your Thanksgiving table!

CRANBERRY RELISH

Ingredients: 
24 oz. cranberries 
1 cup sugar 
3/4 cup brown sugar 
1/4 cup raspberry preserves (or jam)
Orange zest of 2 oranges
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp. lemon juice

Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan 
2. Bring to a low boil until cranberries pop or crack open 
3. Remove from heat

Enjoy! 


xo. G


November 21, 2016

Beauty Gift Guide!


Today I'm sharing all my favorites for any and all of the beauty lovers in your life! Sometimes it's fun to switch up your go-to gifts and the beauty department is a great place to start. I love all of the DryBar products, but the dry shampootexturizer spray, and shine mist are some of my favorites. Not only do they work like a charm, but they smell so so good. I recently discovered the brand Cuyana, and I think I am in love. Their gold leather travel cases are definitely on my wish list this year, and they can be monogrammed! Personalizing a gift makes it that much better. I've shared some of my other go-to beauty gifts below. That special someone will be pleasantly surprised. Check them out and enjoy! 

Shop here... 

November 18, 2016

Friday Finds No. 11


Happy Friday!! For whatever reason, this week has been dragging, so I am super excited that the weekend has finally arrived. The weekend is even sweeter when fun plans are in store! I’m heading up to Boston for the weekend to spend time with long time friends - what could be better! Hope you have a great weekend in store! 

Enjoy!

NYC Apartment // To all my New York City lovers out there, how cute is this!? I don't know about you all but I daydream about what my first apartment in the city will be like. I can't wait to be out on my own, but I think I am even more excited about being able to decorate a space that is completely mine! This apartment is pretty darn close to perfect and is major inspo for when that time arrives. Although I highly doubt my first apartment in the city will be this big and this bright, a girl can still dream!

Maxie on Disagreements // I think we all need a little dose of this. One thing I think we all are in agreement about is that the past couple weeks have been filled with a lot more arguing, hate, and closed-minded thinking than we would like to admit. I also think we can all agree that we need a little bit more understanding and a whole lot more love. Only Maxie could tackle a topic as tricky as this one, and I think she nails it. We can all take away something from her words. I’ll leave you with my personal favorite, “Be kind because that’s what this world needs. Fierce love, not righteousness."

Love on the Weekend // Obsessed. Love love love. I am without a doubt listening to this on repeat right now. John Mayer, I love you. You are perfection.


In Case You Missed It...


xo. G

November 17, 2016

Gift Guide for Him!


Ladies, this is for all the men in your life! Whether that be a friend, brother, or your main man, I'm sure you can find them the perfect gift - one that you feel super happy giving and one that they love. Guys, not gonna lie, you can all be pretty tricky to shop for sometimes, so it is my hopes that this gift guide helps out all those wonderful people shopping for you! How fun are these Christmas tree boxers  and this black watch flannelfleece pullover, and bean boots are perfect for the cooler months ahead. Check out the rest of my favorite picks for him below! 

Shop Here... 


xo. G

November 15, 2016

Gift Guide for Her!


It's officially here - the first gift guide of the holiday season!! I have been anxiously awaiting this moment, and am so excited to share all my gift ideas with you over the next few weeks. One of the best parts of the holiday season is picking out the perfect gift for the people you love. I think that finding a gift, wrapping it up beautifully, and giving the gift is more fun than receiving presents. Of course no one will ever turn down a gift, but shopping for friends, family, and loved ones is just that much better. 

With that being said, finding the perfect gift isn't always the easiest and can certainly be the cause of some stress. It is my hope that this gift guide, and the many to follow, help ease that stress and give you a kick start on your holiday shopping! I promise you will be crossing people off your list in no time. Even if you aren't frazzled by gift giving, I hope that this will still serve as a little bit of inspiration this holiday season! 

First up, is gifts for the ladies! Whether you have friends, sisters, daughters, or a girlfriend - this one's for you. And all the ladies out there, feel free to send this right along to all the men in your life. I'm sure it will be well received and greatly appreciated! I am loving pretty much everything in this gift guide, but I've really got my eye one this tartan cashmere scarf, these pretty d'orsay flats, and this boyfriend sweater. Check out the rest of my holiday favorites for her below! 

Enjoy and happy shopping! 

Shop here... 

November 14, 2016

Shades of Red









If you know me, you know I am all about a good red lip! There is nothing that represents confidence, femininity, and timeless beauty quite as well as the perfect shade of red. A bold red lip is a statement that always makes me feel put-together and is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. I particularly love red lipstick during the autumn months and especially around the holidays! It's so festive, and puts you in the holiday spirit that much more! Since we are in full blown fall, with Thanksgiving next week and the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite reds! 

My absolute go-to for a red lip is Clinique's long-last soft matte lipstick in crimson. It is a vibrant, classic red that is perfect for any occasion requiring a bold red lip. Seriously the best! The NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Cruella is another favorite, and is a solid choice if you are looking for a true red. Perfect for any and all holiday parties this season! I am bummed because Bite Beauty used to make a shade of red called 'pomegranate' and it seems they no longer do, so I can't link it. However, they do make some other beautiful shades of red. I love their Amuse Bouche Lipstick in cayenne and persimmon

When I'm not reaching for a vibrant true red, my other favorite shades of red fall into the wine family. I shared the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte a few weeks ago, which is such a pretty oxblood burgundy, and is so flattering. I love love love it and have found myself gravitating towards it so much these days! Another longtime favorite of mine is Clinique's Long Last Lipstick in Merlot. As the name suggests, it's a deep, richer shade of red - just lovely! 



xo. G 

November 11, 2016

Half Marathon Essentials



Sunday will mark my fourth half marathon. I ran my first half in 2014, which showed me how incredibly capable the human body is. It was amazing and the sense of accomplishment I felt from those 13.1 miles was overwhelming. I made a vow to myself after crossing that first finish line that every year to follow I would run at least one half marathon. It was a promise I made and a promise I have so far kept.

This year however, I was close to breaking that promise. Having been super busy over the summer, I wasn't able to dedicate the time to training like I had in the years prior. To top it off being away in Europe for the entire month of September and not being able to religiously work out like I normally do didn't put me in tip top half marathon shape. I decided however, that to keep that promise to myself (and to whip my bod back into shape) that upon my return from Europe I would train for a half.. in six weeks. My oh my was I in for a rude awakening. It sucked, it hurt, and I came very close to quitting... on multiple occasions. Although throwing in the towel was very tempting, I have always been a firm believer in finishing what you start and not giving up. So here I am six weeks later, most certainly not the most prepared I've ever been for a half marathon, but so very happy to have not quit even when it wasn't easy. On Sunday I will run 13.1 miles and be very proud of myself for deciding to start and even more proud to have finished.

In honor of running another half marathon this weekend, I figured I would share with you some absolute essentials if you are planning on tackling a half marathon or any race for that matter! Hope you enjoy and get inspired to get running!

A Good Playlist // Music if KEY. I am honestly not sure if I could ever make it through those long training runs or the big 13.1 without it. There is no better way to keep yourself distracted, entertained, and motivated than a killer playlist. Spotify is my go-to for finding new music, creating playlists, and taking my music with me on the go. Not only that, but Spotify Premium allows you to connect your playlists right to the Nike Running Club app, which brings me to my next point...

NRC App // This is a suggestions that relates more to the training aspect of running a half than the actual race itself. When training it is always important to keep track of your mileage, pace, or run length, and the Nike Running Club app has been my favorite for doing so! Not only that, but Nike just released the Nike+ Apple Watch, which makes for the ultimate running experience. Definitely check it out!!

Fun Gear // This almost goes without saying, but what is more motivating then some fun new workout gear!? Not only do you want it to be fun, but functionality is just as important. No one wants to be constantly pulling up their leggings for 13 miles. My go-to for fun and functional running gear is Lululemon and Nike has always been my place for running shoes. The Lululemon pace rival crop and swiftly tech long sleeve are some of my favorites! Also, you cannot forget a hat - it is an essential for combating super sunny days, pouring rain, and anything in between.

Positive Mindset // This may single-handedly be the most important piece of advice I can give, while at the same time being one the hardest to achieve. Running is not easy. The more you run the easier it gets, but even for the most seasoned of runners there are still days that are just harder than others. I think the only way to combat those hard runs, is a positive mindset - and sometimes you have to force a positive mindset just as much as you have to push your legs to keep going. For me, there are two ways I go about putting my mind in a place of positivity - the first is all about perspective. Perspective to me goes hand-in-hand with gratitude. If I am having a particularly hard run, I always remind myself how lucky I am to even be running. If I am running it means that I have lungs that allow me to breathe, a strong heart, and legs that are strong enough to carry me along. There are many that have circumstances that don't allow them to run, and the fact that I am able to is such a blessing. I for the rest of my life will remember this every time I lace up my running shoes, and I will always run for those who cannot.
Sometimes, even when I remember how lucky I am to be running, I still need a little extra to get me through those hard runs or hard moments in a run. The best way for me to give myself that little boost is positive self-talk. I will literally talk to myself (in my head) and be my own cheerleader. Telling myself "I've got it", "I am strong", "I can do this", "I am so proud" makes a world of difference, and regardless of if you truly believe it or not, telling yourself it enough will trick your mind into thinking it. Another great way to to this is to pick a mantra to repeat to yourself when things get tough. I promise that running is 90% mental and only about 10% physical. We all can run, if our minds allow it. Mind over matter my friends.


I hope these tips help you tackle any distance your desire, and I hope you are feeling inspired to go out there and tackle any and all of your running goals! 

xo. G 

November 08, 2016

Chanel No. 5 L'Eau






I recently added a new perfume to my collection, and it has quickly become a new favorite! Chanel launched it's new modern take on the classic Chanel No. 5 earlier this fall, and I loved it from the moment I gave it a try. I was in Europe at the time, and I took every opportunity I had to spritz a little on each time I walked by a Chanel store or Sephora. It is modern, sexy, and so fresh, but it stays true to the original No. 5. I love that it is new and contemporary, but still so timeless. Of course the fragrance itself is the major attraction, but it looks just as beautiful as it smells. I am loving how perfectly it sits on my dresser!

I also can't go without saying how much I loved the packaging and box it came in! It was just as good as the perfume itself. Chanel spares no attention to detail, and that is exactly what we love about them. Modern, timeless, and beautiful - Chanel nailed it with their new No. 5. If you are a Chanel fan already, I know you will love this, and even if you're not, I highly recommend you try out this beautiful scent for yourself.

If you are interested in how Chanel No. 5 L'Eau came to be, check out this article. It reveals the ingredients and exact nods in the scent, and it gives an inside look at what exactly goes into producing the scent. The article also speaks with Oliver Polge, the perfumer who created Chanel No. 5 L'Eau, and gives his perspective of the new scent. Such a good read, definitely check it out!

Shop it here...

xo. G 

November 07, 2016

Bathroom Renovation!











I am so happy to finally be sharing our bathroom renovation!! The major design changes such as paint, countertops, fixtures, and hardware have been done since about August, and the rest of the design details were finished up soon after that, so needless to say it's about time this beautiful new bathroom made it's online debut!

For those of you that don't know what this bathroom looked like prior to this update, let's just say it wasn't the prettiest. I don't have a before picture (which is probably for the best), but just try to imagine natural wood finished cabinets, and a god awful blue laminate counter top... yes, blue. We did our best to work with it, and I think we did a nice job when it came to decorating, but despite our best efforts no amount of decor could draw the eye away from those standout blue counters of the early nineties. We knew for a while that the bathroom needed a fresh update, and we even knew the exact aesthetic and design we wanted, so it basically became a matter of just doing it. This summer we finally decided to go for it - and it was the best decision ever! 

As you can tell from the pictures above, the finished product is near perfection. It came out just as I had envisioned it - fresh, bright, beautiful, and elegant.  I absolutely love it and could not be happier with how it turned out. For the most part, the renovation itself was fairly simple. The major change was updating the countertops, and boy what a difference it made! We knew we wanted the look of Carrera marble, but we didn't like the potential for etching and staining with the marble, so we went with quartz instead. It was the best decision - the counters are beautiful and really made the difference! After that everything else was pretty much cosmetic. We went with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray for the walls, painted the vanity with a fresh coat of white, updated the faucet and vanity hardware, swapped out the old lighting fixtures for new ones, and added a beautiful mirror frame.  I am so obsessed with how it all turned out! 

The finishing touches really just pulled the space together and gave a really polished look. My mom and I are huge fans of HomeGoods and Marshalls for pretty much everything, especially for home decor. My mom in particular is in and out of Marshalls like it's her job, so it's no surprise that the majority of the decor items were found and purchased there. You just can't beat the prices and wide selection of amazing items. It's too good! The only downside to shopping there is I can't track down exactly what we got, but I've found similar items and linked them below! Whether you're doing a complete bathroom renovation or just a little update, check them out (or head to your local Homegoods!) Hope you're feeling inspired by our beautiful new bathroom - I just can't get enough of it! 

Shop here... 



xo. G 

November 03, 2016

Hello November!



One of my favorite months is here! Not only do I love it because my birthday kicks off the month, but I feel like November really marks the beginning of such a happy holiday season. I love the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and the holiday itself, and then of course I'm all about everything Christmas after that. It's such a fun and happy time of year full of friends and family, and nothing really beats that!

Check out my November finds and enjoy!

Adele Vanity Fair // Lucky for us Adele is the cover of the December issue of Vanity Fair, and it is simply amazing. There is really nothing to dislike about Adele. She is funny, a beyond talented singer, and she kills the fashion game. Her shoot for Vanity Fair is absolutely stunning, I'm beyond obsessed and I cannot wait to see the full spread when it's released in December.

Sequins & Lipstick Paper Co. // I recently discovered this adorable paper company and cannot wait to get my hands on some of their stuff! They have such a wide range of different products, everything from stationary to cups and napkins, and the best part is that everything can be personalized. Nothing better than that! With the holiday season quickly approaching this would be a great place to stock up on all your entertaining needs.

Healthy Meals // Thanks to our friends over at PureWow, we now have 29 healthy meals for the month of November. Yes twenty-nine. As much as I love this time of year, I always feel like it is so hard to keep on top of eating healthy. Between Thanksgiving, and then all the holiday parties and cookie swaps, I always feel like I end up eating more bad than good. However, now that I have twenty-nine delicious and healthy recipes to try out, I have a feeling this season will be a little bit healthier! Give them all a try for yourself!



November Wishlist! 

xo. G 

November 01, 2016

Cheers to Twenty-Three!





 If you couldn't already tell or didn't already know, today is my twenty-third birthday!

Birthdays have always been a favorite of mine, whether it's my birthday, a friends, or someone I loves. I think that it is such a special day that should be spent celebrating another year of life, especially since there are many less fortunate who do not always get that opportunity. Of course cake, balloons, and presents are always an added bonus, but the blessing of another year on this beautiful earth is a gift in and of itself. What better reason could anyone have to celebrate!

I think birthdays are also a time to reflect back on the year gone by and to look ahead at the year to come. It is a great opportunity to see just how much you've grown, what you have learned, and to ask yourself what is it you want out of the year to come. In the past couple weeks leading up to my twenty-third birthday, I have definitely been looking back at and reflecting on this past year - what a year it has been! They always say your twenties, and your early twenties in particular, are a time of exploration and growth, and I can say with certainty that twenty-two fits that to a tee. In one short year, I feel like I have learned so much about myself and this world we live in. Looking back, twenty-two had many highs, but it also had it's lows. It was a year that had challenging moments for me, but I feel grateful for those challenges as they have enabled me to learn a lot about myself and to grow. As humans we need those difficulties and challenges to help shape us into the people we are meant to be.

So to that I say THANK YOU twenty-two. Thank you for letting me experience all of the uncertainty that accompanies your early twenties. It was in those moments that I learned to trust the universe and to believe in the future. It might be uncomfortable to feel unsure and uncertain of what you're doing or where you're headed, but you always end up right where you are meant to be. Thank you twenty-two for teaching me to never give up and to persevere through the rocky moments - it builds strength and character. Thank you twenty-two for showing me how to be brave and the sweet rewards that follow. I am even thankful for the lessons that heartbreak has taught me - the importance of being independent, of being strong, and of letting go of those not meant for you.

I cannot forget to say thank you for all the good, very sweet moments that accompanied twenty-two! Thank you for the complete and utter joy that resulted from the accomplishment of a nursing degree. Thank you twenty-two for the countless friendships you brought into my life and for a million new memories. Twenty-two was the year I decided to start this blog and to travel through Europe for a month - both are decisions I will forever be grateful for.

With all of that being said, twenty-three I am so looking forward to what you have in store for me! I cannot wait to see where the next year takes me and what changes are headed my way. Twenty-three will continue to be a year of a lot of growth but also a lot of excitement! I cannot wait to see where the beginning of my nursing career takes me, what city I end up in, how Faith & Fancy continues to grow, and what adventures are in store for me next. Stay tuned here, I'll be sure to keep you all updated!

I am truly so blessed to have another year and I cannot wait to make the most of it. Cheers to you twenty-three and cheers to the best year yet!


xo. G