FreelyBe | Girl Meets Life | a lifestyle blog by Gracie Gordon

12 days of FreelyBe {giveaway}.

15 December, 2013 by Gracie 2 Comments

Our goal at FreelyBe is pretty simple. We aim to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity – in big ways, small ways, and everything in between.

Over these days leading up to Christmas, we want you to share what inspires you to give back this holiday season.

It could be an inspiring quote, photo, experience, or the story or someone who exemplifies generosity. Share yours on Instagram with hashtag #12DaysOfFreelyBe.

To spread the generosity, we’re going to choose one winner to give a $50 Macy’s gift card!

How to enter: simply make sure to add the hashtag #12DaysOfFreelyBe to your Instagram post. You can enter as many times as you’d like. The winner will be chosen and contacted on December 26th.

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Would love to see what you shared! Leave the link to your Instagram post in the comments section (not mandatory to enter the giveaway).

girl meets: 11.30.13.

30 November, 2013 by Gracie 10 Comments

fashion.

My love for leopard recently went from normal…

…to, well, arguably over the top. Which is exactly what I’m going for.

food.

It’s officially CHRISTMAS TIME 😀 You know what that means…

Cookies on cookies on cookies.

Those would be Quaker Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies, with mini M&Ms instead of raisins.

(…because everyone knows raisins are gross.)

FreelyBe.

Jessi and I are in the midst of revamping the entire FreelyBe website and social media. Let’s just say I don’t mind “working” by way of Pinterest.

(If you’re interested, go ahead and give us a follow!)

faith.

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Anyone else start the Christmas baking yet?

scenes from the weekend.

11 November, 2013 by Gracie 17 Comments

‘Twas a good one.

Anyone else think that Monica should start a sister blog to GML? 😉

Rewind to Friday where I ran errands all over the city, got my hair done, and enjoyed a coffee date with a reader. Hi Melanie!

Friday night was a friend’s birthday party at Henry, followed by a little FreelyBe shindig at Bounce.

Saturday included consisted of brunch at De Santos with some babes.

…don’t ask.

I spent most of Sunday laying around watching How I Met Your Mother…because I could. The lazy day was made complete with a nice stack of banana pancakes + maple almond butter. Heavenly.

Later in the day I peeled myself off the couch and headed out for a coffee meeting + church. Obligatory cab ride selfie – check.

Church was incredible, as usual. And I stopped at Whole Foods for a late dinner, also as usual.

And just like that, it’s Monday again. Will leave some inspiration for the start of the week..!

What was the highlight of your weekend? Do you prefer lazy or fun Sundays?

what i’m loving right now.

8 November, 2013 by Gracie 3 Comments

Beauty Box 5.

Beauty products delivered right to your door…what more could a girl ask for? Thanks for the samples, Beauty Box 5!

neon beanies.

Paired with all black = one of my favorite looks for fall/winter.

I got this one at American Apparel.

NuNaturals.

Stevia is my sweetener of choice, especially when it comes to my morning (and afternoon…and evening) coffee. NuNaturals has been my favorite brand of stevia for years, so I was thrilled when they sent me a ton of great new flavors to try (like cherry, orange, vanilla, etc.). They also sent me some new baking mixes, which I’m excited to try.

THE WEEEEEKENDDD.

Okay fine, I always love the weekend, along with everyone else on the planet. But this one is going to be particularly good. Not only is NYC beyond magical in the fall…

…but there are just a bunch of fun things happening like friends’ birthdays, brunch, and a FreelyBe party to celebrate our November campaign.

(if you’re in New York, join us tonight at Bounce!)

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All reviews are based on my own opinion, and I was not compensated for this post.

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What are you loving right now?
Any fun plans for the weekend?

3rd annual freakybe halloween party.

16 October, 2013 by Gracie 3 Comments

FreakyBe is one of my favorite parties of the year. FreelyBe has hosted this party for 3 years – and each year is better than the last.

If you’re in NYC, you don’t want to miss this year’s party on Thursday, October 31st.

Until Thursday 10/17, there is a $10 off discount : promo code “freakybe2013″

The best part of FreakyBe besides the great music, funny costumes, and lots of dancing? A portion of FreakyBe tickets benefits LOVE146.

More details and get your ticket here!

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Do you know what you’re going to be for Halloween this year?

from ny to pa.

21 April, 2013 by Gracie 6 Comments

Hello from Pennsylvania! I came here for a couple of days to celebrate the (belated) birthday of my lovely mom. But let’s rewind a bit first, shall we?

On Thursday I paid a visit to Arrojo to get my blonde locks all freshened up. Mission accomplished.

(If you’re looking for a colorist in New York you have to try Nadia at Arrojo. She’s amazing!)

Later that night Jessi and I headed to Hudson Common for a special karaoke party. But not just any karaoke party…

Karaoke Killed the Cat hosted what was hands down the most fun karaoke I’ve ever experienced. They’ve made karaoke less of an awkward (sometimes boring) performance and turned it into an interactive, silly, and FUN party.

(Check out some more pictures and videos from the night on the FreelyBe Facebook page.)

On Friday Jessi and I had a handful of meetings all over the city. A few miles walked and a forgotten lunch later, we were starving for dinner by 5pm. So after our last meeting our destination was an obvious one – to head to Murray Hill for dinner at Baby Bo’s.

Baby Bo’s has some of the best authentic Mexican food in the city. Tip: always ask for the extra dipping sauces with your tortilla chips!

I usually get enchiladas or a burrito, but I decided to switch it up and try their Chile Rellenos (one with beef, one with shrimp), served with rice and beans. It looks a bit messy, but it was so, so good. I think I may have a new favorite meal.

It was still gorgeous outside when we left, so we decided to take the 30-minute walk home. By the time we got back to the apartment we were pretty exhausted from the long day, so a movie chick flick night it was!

Bachelorette was…good. Definitely funny and cute at times, but sort of unnecessarily crude at others. Definitely entertaining, though!

After sleeping until 11am yesterday morning (who am I?) I headed to the train station where my beautiful sister Katie picked me up.

We had such a fun afternoon together stopping at her apartment, visiting our friend Sara, and running some errands before setting up camp at mom and dad’s. Laziness, ice cream, and quality family time ensued.