Two Winter Staples Every Girl Needs

There's something really wonderful about putting on an outfit that is comfortable, yet very well put together. Those are the outfits that give me the most confidence as opposed to a dress or skirt that may look great, but is miserable to wear when your food baby can't breathe. Ya feel me? I would have to say my ideal style would be a "smart-casual" look because I strive to always be comfortable, but not in a lazy way. That's what Sundays are for. Recently, I've been drawn toward adding luxury, staple pieces to my wardrobe as opposed to impulse online purchases. 

Both of these pieces are incredibly versatile in that I could wear them with many different outfits and for several months spanning through late fall and winter. The best part is knowing that both jackets will last me a really long time or until I inevitably get bored of them, which I can't see happening anytime soon. I've been wanting to purchase a tweed style jacket since my college days and finally found the perfect one. The multi-tonal blend of the fabric is just too pretty! This one has a richly-woven feel and I love the asymmetrical front.  

Larue Jacket I Club Monaco

Ribbed Turtleneck Shift Dress I Forever 21 

MA 1 Zip Bomber Jacket I Topshop

MOTO Authentic Ripped Jamie Jeans I Topshop

Brave Soul Sleeveless High Neck Sweater I ASOS

The second winter staple I've been getting maybe too much wear out of lately is my bomber jacket. It's been my go-to everyday jacket because I can wear it with just about any outfit whether I have on a casual dress or ripped skinny jeans. I often wear it out on the weekends to brunch with friends and to the office during the week. Basically what I'm trying to say is...it gets a lot of love. 

The bomber jacket is actually an American military jacket that was developed in the mid-1950s. And like many other trends in fashion, it has experienced a major comeback in the past few years. It may not be everyone's favorite because it definitely can be an acquired taste, but I really love the look it gives any outfit. And on top of that, its quilted insulation keep me so snug during these cold weather months.

Another item in my wardrobe that's been getting a ton of wear is my sleeveless roll-neck sweater. It can be tricky to wear during the winter at times because it's obviously sleeveless and I'm not trying to freeze, but that's where my bomber jacket comes into play. I often pair the sweater with leggings or my blue ripped Topshop jeans and call it a day. Which winter staple do you prefer? 

xx JG

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Five Beauty Tools You Need

If there’s one thing I've learned over the past few years, it’s that the beauty tools you use to apply your makeup really do make a difference. Before I started to properly get into makeup, I used the same eyeshadow brush to apply several different shadows from my Urban Decay Naked palette. And it was the brush that came in the palette— good thing for it!

Looking back, I cringe a bit because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I just knew that I wanted to get better at the whole makeup thing with practice. So yes, I have Urban Decay’s Naked palette and beauty bloggers/Youtubers to thank for inspiring me. My YouTube addiction is out of control, but that's for another post. Anyway, here are five beauty tools that might make a difference for you like they did for me. 

To start things off, I’ve been using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to apply liquid foundation.The application is quite firm and the bristles blend my foundation really well. This brush is also extremely affordable!

Once your foundation is completely blended in, put concealer under your eyes straight from the wand applicator. Run your beautyblender original under water and squeeze it until there's just a tiny bit of moisture left. Use the pointed end of the sponge and lightly bounce it on the skin under the eyes to blend your concealer in using very little pressure. If you're interested in a more affordable dupe, I also really like the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.

Time to get bronzed up. Use the NARS Yachiyo Brush #27 to sweep bronzer back and forth underneath your cheekbones creating a "hollow". Don't forget to apply bronzer to the other parts of your face where the sun would naturally hit-- hairline, upper forehead and below the jawline. You can also use this brush to apply blush and highlighter as well because it's a wonderful multipurpose tool.

Lastly, pop on some eyeshadow primer and use whatever eyeshadow color or palette you're into at the moment. Pack a base color onto the lid with the MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush, a dense brush with soft bristles. Finish off by blending a darker color into the outer corner with a MAC 217 Blending Brush, which has fine, densely packed fibers that are perfect for blending in colors like a pro. Good luck!

xx JG

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Lush Haul: Pamper Routine

I’ve been meaning to stop by Lush since shortly after Christmas, but am just getting to it now. It’s safe to say this post is long overdue, but I'm glad I finally made it there. Lush is becoming fairly popular stateside and I’ve been a big fan for the last year or two. For those of you who don’t know, Lush is a cosmetics retailer that sells a variety of products like soaps, shampoos, shower gels, bath bombs, moisturizers, scrubs and other cosmetics for the face, hair and body. I personally love their bath bombs the most because they make your entire bath experience really special and are most definitely a part of my pamper routine.

I work pretty long hours each day and that's not factoring in my commute. That's not to say I'm not in any way thankful for my job because I definitely am. I've had so many amazing opportunities since I've started working for Condé Nast that I'm really grateful for. However, when it all gets to be a bit too much, having a bath always helps put my mind in a peaceful place. I highly recommend giving it a go if you're interested in finding new ways to de-stress.  

If you want to check out Lush or maybe you’ve already been there and want to purchase a few new products, here are some items I picked up recently that I adore.

A French Kiss Bubble Bar: For a deep, relaxing bath

This fresh herbal bubble bar has fragrances of lavender, rosemary and thyme with essential oils that are swirled together to represent the beauty of the French countryside. It even has sprigs of lavender to help you soak up every benefit. 

Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar: For a sweet bath 

The fact that this bubble bar is in the shape of a unicorn horn....need I say more? Unicorn Horn will fill your bath with essential oils and colorful pastel waters. The scents of lavender, ylang ylang and neroli create an uplifting fragrance perfect for your positive vibes. 

Intergalactic Bath Bomb: For a refreshing bath

If you want to bring the fun factor to your bath, this one is the way to go. Intergalactic will bring an invigorating peppermint scent to your tub and the mix of neon colors will have you relaxing in a vibrant Milky Way.

Big Bang Bubble Bar: For a mood-lifting bath

Big Bang's colorful bath is a great way to start your day with luxurious avocado butter, grapefruit and energizing lemon oil. Similar to Intergalactic, you'll be soaking up in outer space.

Tisty Tosty Bath Bomb: For an enchanting bath

Valentine's Day may be over, but a little touch of love in your life may be exactly what you need.The swoon-worthy scents of rose and orris root will make you think you're falling in love while simultaneously moisturizing rough or dry skin. How perfect.   

xx JG

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Mushroom, Broccoli & Cheese Popovers

This recipe was inspired from Jamie Oliver's Breakfast Popovers, which I watched him cook up on an episode of Jamie’s Super Food during a flight to the United Kingdom a few months ago. Don’t you love when your flight has a great selection of tv shows and movies? I can't say the same was true the last time I was on a plane at the beginning of January for a work related trip. Anyway, Jamie's Super Food made the time pass quickly and seeing as I was going on vacation, I was in pretty high spirits.

I love to try out easy recipes and this one looked particularly delicious and of course, perfect for a beginner. I also like the fact that you can easily change it up by throwing in whatever you like— whether it’s bacon, onions, or even pancetta. I decided to go all in with the vegetables and opted for mushrooms and broccoli. Make them with whatever and however you want. Either way, they're pretty damn good!

What You’ll Need:

1 heaped tablespoon flour

1 egg

2 heaped tablespoons cottage cheese

2 white button mushrooms

3 broccoli florets 

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

2 handfuls of arugula 

What You’ll Need To Do:

Beat flour, egg, and cottage cheese into a bowl. Finely chop mushrooms and broccoli florets and mix into bowl with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Put a large non-stick frying pan on medium heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Place 6-7 heaped tablespoons of mixture onto your frying pan. Leave mixture on pan until popovers become golden in color, then flip them over with a spatula. 

When the popovers are golden on both sides, put your pan on low heat and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese all over. Once the cheese becomes crispy, turn the popovers over and repeat the process. Toss arugula with extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. I like to eat these with Frank’s Red Hot on the side, but feel free to enjoy them with ketchup or whatever dipping sauce you like!

xx JG

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