snapshots | 2.12.15.

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1) The other day I had a serious craving for cereal. And not just any cereal…Panda Puffs. AKA cereal made for a 5-year-old. No shame.

2) The bad news is it’s still ridiculously too cold to wear a sleeveless top. The good news is I thought I lost this shirt (this seems to be a pattern), but it recently turned up. Hallelujah!

3) After what felt like an eternity of gloomy, slushy weather - blue skies during an afternoon in Soho (my favorite neighborhood in NYC) was a beautiful sight.

4) One of my favorite places to get lunch in the city is Terri. They have this roasted vegetable wrap is just so SO good. I didn’t have breakfast on this particular morning (tisk tisk) so I got the wrap + a Green Power smoothie for “brunch.”

5) I think this might make me less of a girl, but I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of roses. BUT - this perfect single rose just looked so pretty over the crisp white snow, no?

6) Obviously this is meant to be silly, but I wonder how many relationships these days it’s actually true for! I love it - instaflirting is where it’s at 😉

7) Stolen directly from my Instagram post - If wearing lots of color isn’t really your thing, here are my favorite ways to add a pop of pink and red! Red Carpet Manicure‘s Red Carpet Reddy and My Favorite Designer, Nars Schiap, and Sephora cream lip stain Always Red.

8) If you follow me on SnapChat (@alagracie), you probably know this is my most typical snap - life imitating Emoji. So original, much amusement.

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What’s your favorite cereal? What are your plans for this weekend (Valentine’s Day!)?

what i’m loving right now.

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barre class
Today I took my first ever barre class. It’s been quite the trendy workout lately and I’ve heard so many girls swear by it, so I figured I’d give it a try. I took the Core Fusion class at Exhale Spa, and honestly I had no idea what to expect. I was hoping it wouldn’t be too dance-y because that’s not really my thing, and thankfully wasn’t. What it WAS, though, was a much more difficult class than I expected (in a good way). I liked that it was very fast-paced, and the instructor Julie was really attentive and motivating. I know I’m gonna feel all sorts of sore tomorrow!

Barre Class

SBTB on Jimmy Fallon
Any human being that has been on Facebook today has probably seen this a million times already, but it’s just so good. So much nostalgia…

the half bun
I’ve seen this hairstyle all over Pinterest lately, and I just think it’s so cute. Granted, this is a totally messy version of it (and hello roots), but you get the idea.

half bun

Bare Minerals
I have a full post (+ a vlog!) coming on these products soon, but I can’t help but share how much I love them. The neutral eye shadow palettes are the perfect shades, and the Complexion Rescue is one of the best makeup products I’ve tried in a long time.

Bare Minerals makeup

everything about these looks
Is it spring yet?

Juice Press Fireball
I’ve been a huge fan of Juice Press for a while, so I was really excited when they surprised me with some samples of their Fireball + Mother Earth juice. I had never tried the Fireball, and let me tell you…this stuff is not for the faint of heart. It is SPICY. It definitely will wake you up in the morning, and I’ve heard it can work wonders (immunity booster? Don’t mind if I do).

Juice Press

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Toasted Walnuts
Sometimes I like to get a little fancy pants with my lunch. But don’t let the looks of this fool you - it took just about 10 minutes to make! I used store bought sweet potato gnocchi (from Whole Foods) and added some brown butter and toasted walnuts. Comfort food at its finest.

sweet potato gnocchi with brown butter + walnuts
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What Pinterest-inspired looks/trends are you loving right now?
Have you tried a barre class?

it is well | 2.2.15.

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it is well || girlmeetslife.com

IT IS WELL {WITH MY SOUL}

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I always find myself getting into a bit of a funk. The winter (after the holidays) can just be a very gloomy time without much to be excited about.

Thankfully, I’ve kept that usual rut at bay this year, and I wanted to share with you how I’ve been actively doing so. That’s the key word, really - actively.

CHOOSING joy.
CHOOSING hope.
CHOOSING peace.

Sounds easier said than done, right? Well that’s why reading the Bible is so important - it gives us the tools we need to choose those things. What we need to remember, though, that choosing those things goes hand in hand with surrendering to God. Pulled from me previous post, Choose Joy…

So the next time you’re feeling down…actively choose joy.

“Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:24

When you’re feeling worrisome…choose to trust.

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

Stressed out? Choose peace.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Struggling with unbelief? Choose hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Instead of living with a sense of fear and dread…choose expectancy.

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

(Also worth noting if you do happen to find yourself in a funk right now - here are some of my tips for getting out of a rut.)

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IT IS WELL {WITH MY BODY}

When I stumbled upon this Ice Cube Facial beauty tip on The Skinny Confidential the other day, I knew I had to try it. I’ve used ice packs in the past to decrease eye/face puffiness, so I was pretty confident I’d like the results.

(Not to mention any beauty hack that doesn’t require a dime spent is a good one in my book.)

So yesterday I decided to give it a try. It was about 30 minutes after my spin class and my face was still a bit red/puffy from working out. I did the “facial” by dunking my face in the ice water a few times for about a total of 20 seconds (I’m a huge baby and can’t hold my breath).

The results? Well, after I stopped giggling at myself for the fact that I was dunking my face in ice water…I noticed an instant change in my face. My whole face - especially under my eyes - felt much less puffy, the redness reduced, and CRAZY refreshed. And it seemed to last throughout the day, too!

It may sound crazy…and it’s not super comfortable…but I definitely suggest giving an Ice Cube Facial a shot.

Er, dunk.

ice cube facial

Do you too find yourself in a funk this time of year?
Ever try an ice cube facial? (Let me know if you do!) 🙂

 

 

snapshots | 1.23.15.

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Let’s catch up, shall we?

1) I’ve become obsessed with having flowers in the apartment as much as possible! They add so much…I dunno, happiness? Although I’ve learned that hydrangeas last all of about 2 days, boo.

2) Saturdays with my girl friends are pretty much the best ever. They’re a good reminder of how much I love living in NYC…you never know what to expect. Always an adventure.

3) That’s my goddaughter!!!!!! Her name is Nugget and she’s a Shiba Inu. Jessi and her husband Parker got her last week. I only met her once, but I’ve never loved a little creature more.

4) Oh ya know, just complaining about how cold it is. Give me 6 months and I’ll be complaining about how hot it is.

5) Just a little photo shoot prep. Whether I have a special someone or not, I always love Valentine’s Day.

6) So that sweater? I’ve had it for over a year, but apparently it got lost wayyyy in the back of one of my under-bed bins. Always fun digging up clothes you thought you lost, isn’t it? Oh, and I got a lot of questions about that lipstick - it’s Liv by Illamasqua.

7) Yep, I drank the SoulCycle Kool Aid. So fun, much sweat.

8) Early bird ticket sales end this month for She Is Free! If you’re a girl looking for an excuse to visit NYC, this is 100% it. Learn more about the conference at the She Is Free website.

9) Snapshot of my recent photo shoot with Samy Ruby. I love working with her. I also love being able to work from anywhere. In this case, Juice Press.

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I haven’t done a “what I’ve been eating” recap in a while, so here’s a little update.

As I mentioned last week, I’ve eating mostly Paleo-esque. By mostly I mean when I’m eating at home. When I’m out with friends I’m more flexible. Anyway, here are some of the meals I’ve had that I loved, in case you’re looking for some Paleo/Whole30 inspiration.

1) My version of Loaded Paleo Nachos, inspired by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.

2) For something sweet - a combo of sliced banana, dates, almonds, coconut cream, and ground flax.

3) A veggie mix of roasted tomatoes, asparagus, and purple sweet potatoes (SO good) topped with fried eggs.

4) Bacon Wrapped Avocado Fries - a serious Pinterest WIN, you guys. Must try!

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Last but not least, some this’ and thats…

1) Check out my latest SheKnows Experts post! 4 Failproof Ways To Dress For Success.

2) If you’re a podcast listener like myself, here’s a great sermon - This May Take A While.

3) It’s that time of year where I start freaking out because I’ve seen barely any of the films nominated for the Oscars…and swear I’m going to see them…then never do. Thumbs down to me.

4) I’m on a gallery wall kick lately. First it was the living room, and now I’m finally making my shoebox sized bedroom a little more presentable.

(…and yes, I am a jewelry hoarder.)

5) Let’s hear it for the WEEKEND! I’ve got a fun one planned, and I’m going to remember to document it for a long overdue scenes from the weekend post.

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What are your plans for the weekend? Have you seen any of Oscar nominees for best film (if so, which should I definitely see?!)?

what i’m loving right now: what’s in my bag.

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whats in my bag

Every so often I clean out and re-stash my massive handbag. I have my smaller purses that I carry when I’m out at night, but during the day I’m carrying around pretty much enough to survive on for three days.

In addition to the normal things (wallet, water bottle, iPad) here are a few things I always have on me + some new favorites.

1) Lavender essential oil - I just love the scent of lavender, and it has really great calming effects. Living in NYC, that definitely comes in handy.

2) Juicy Fruit bubble gum - because I’m five.

3) January issue of Vogue - I’m typically not the biggest fan of Vogue, but I loveeee Sienna Miller so will get just about any magazine she’s on the cover of.

4) Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo (powder) - I SWEAR by this stuff. It’s the best. Their spray is great too, but I think the powder works much better.

5) Moleskin daily planner - simple and small enough to carry around all the time. I know it’s 2015 and Google calendar exists buuuut this is just more straightforward for me.

6) Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream - I have this thing where I cannot stand the feeling of dry hands, so I must have lotion on me at all times. And since I’m obsessed with Clarins lately, this is my new fave.

7) mirror compact - because the one time you don’t check your teeth is when there’s going to be a big piece of spinach front and center.

8) MetroCards (for the subway) - I’m that person always swiping multiple cards, and losing multiple cards.

9) KIND Almond & Coconut bar - because hangry isn’t a good look on me.

10) NARS Belle Du Jour lipstick - thee best nude shade out there.

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What are some of your handbag essentials?

wear it: flower children only.

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I don’t know about you, but the colder the weather gets - the more I’ve been craving spring and summer.

While I can’t exactly pull out the cut-offs and crop tops yet (5 months and counting), I’ve had to find other ways to bring out my inner flower child. Enter: TMG Flower Halos.

TMG Flower Halo || gracie gordon || girlmeetslife.com

You might have seen me post that first one (The Dina) a few weeks ago on Instagram. Since then TMG was kind enough to reach out and send me another flower crown *and* one of her new Meow Crowns. How adorable/fun is this??

TMG Meow Crown || gracie gordon || girlmeetslife.com
TMG Meow Crown || gracie gordon || girlmeetslife.com

I love wearing both out at night - they’re a fun way to stand out and feel girly. I get so many compliments when I wear them too! I can’t wait to wear my flower halos + Meow Crown into spring in summer. They’re also quite perfect for the upcoming festival season.

And guess what - TMG was kind enough to offer a special discount count to GML readers 🙂 Enter promo code “Gracie20” for 20% off your order at thatmadonnagirl.com. Promo code is good until January 31st, so get yours now!

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Are you a fan of the flower halo look? What spring/summer looks are you most excited about?