What I’m Loving Right Now | Girl Meets Life | A Lifestyle Blog By Gracie Gordon

what i’m loving right now.

19 November, 2015 by Gracie 6 Comments

Hi hi friends! How is your week going?

Mine has been great - a bit on the busy side as I’m getting all caught up before going home next week for Thanksgiving (yay).

I’m in the process of writing a post that I’m really excited about (hint - it has to do with becoming free from STRESS), but in the mean time I wanted to share a few things I’m loving lately as we go full swing into the holiday season.

FITNESS - Nike Flyknits
I got my first pair of Nike Flyknits a few months ago, and I loved them so much I went back last week and got them in a different color. These are my favorite sneakers ever - they’re super comfortable and light weight - perfect for casual wear but also working out.

Nike flyknit sneakers

FOOD - Juice Press Roasted Veggie Salad
For the days that I’m on-the-go with meetings and what not (which, lately has been at least twice a week), Juice Press is definitely my “fast food” of choice. I’ll be honest - I’m not usually the biggest salad girl in the world. But their new Roasted Veggie Salad is really hearty and flavorful - it tastes like fall! Juice Press stores are only local BUT they ship nationally if you ever want to give it a try (their juices, desserts, etc. are all amazing).

Juice Press Roasted Veggie Salad

FASHION - Rado Chocolate Ceramic Watches
The other night I stopped by a Rado watch event, and I was so glad I did. It was at the Francois Payard patisserie on the Upper East Side, and we were treated with goodies like chocolates, wine, and macarons.

The event was to highlight Rado’s new Chocolate Ceramic watch collection, and they were seriously SO beautiful. Rado watches are made of high-tech ceramic which qualities include hypo-allergenic, highly scratch resistant and durable. Being ceramic, the watches are extremely lightweight and provide ultimate comfort to the wearer.

The new chocolate collection is the newest ceramic color to the brand and provides a fashion-forward unique look in a beautiful warm, earthen tone. I really loved the look and feel of the ceramic (which was actually very lightweight), and the chocolate shade was so chic for fall and winter.

LIFE - it’s beginning to look a lot like…
Christmaaaaas 😀 I was in Midtown yesterday for a meeting and took the opportunity to make a stop at Macy’s. With the decorations, gift displays, and music…let’s just say I am now very much in the Christmas spirit. If you’ve never been able to experience NYC during the holidays - you absolutely must add it to your bucket list. There’s nothing like it!

Christmas at Macy's

ON THE WEB - Self Made From Scratch
I’ve been meaning to do more shout-outs here on GML to people on the ‘net that I think are doing rad things - and Jenny from Self Made From Scratch is the first person who came to mind. I’ve known Jenny via the blog world for a while now (she created this GML design!), and what she’s doing with her new business is so incredible. If you’re interested in learning more about how to start your own blog/business, I couldn’t recommend her more.

**********

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rado. All opinions herein are my own. Please note that I was compensated for this post. You can refer to my product review policy here. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

**********

What are you loving right now? What’s your favorite blog/website? I’m always looking for new ones!

what i’m loving right now.

5 March, 2015 by Gracie 10 Comments

loving lately

1) fun leggings. Mesh, patterns, cutouts - I love it all. Ever since I started working out more, cute workout clothes are all I want to wear! Both of these are from Lululemon (Rachel’s to the left, mine on the right - my first ever Lulu purchase!).

2) MAC Burgundy lip liner. I love wearing bold lip colors, but I always get nervous that it’s going to be on my teeth (rightfully so, because it often does). So what I did was start wearing lip liner over my entire lip, which works like a lip stain, but even better. Then I just go over it with some clear lip balm to smooth it out.

3) Nespresso VertuoLine. I’ve swooned over my Nespresso before, but I really can’t swear by their new VertuoLine enough. I actually did the math compared to when I was buying coffee every day, and I save so much more money now - AND I get an even better, more decadent cup of coffee. It’s a win-win.

4) Gluten Free Banana Pancakes. I’ve been making these babies almost every day for breakfast recently. They’re so ridiculously good - you’ve got to try them! Super fluffy and the perfect vessel for melty peanut butter 😉 I’ve been throwing some dark chocolate chips in there too. You can find the recipe here.

5) Scandal (Netflix). What the EFF took me so long to get into Scandal?! I started it a little over a week ago and am already on season 3. I’ve heard a lot of fans saying they don’t like it going into season 4, which is a bummer, but I’m still 100% loving it. Olivia Pope is my new idol.

6) fringe. Definitely one of my favorite trends going into spring. I love anything hippie/boho, and this new cross body from Dolce Vita Handbags is a great way to add the perfect amount of fringe to your look.

**********

What trends are you loving going into spring? Any breakfast/meal “kicks” you’re on lately?

what i’m loving right now.

5 February, 2015 by Gracie 9 Comments

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!

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.

**********

What Pinterest-inspired looks/trends are you loving right now?
Have you tried a barre class?

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

20 January, 2015 by Gracie 9 Comments

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.

**********

What are some of your handbag essentials?

what i’m loving right now.

23 December, 2014 by Gracie 13 Comments

Hellooooo loves. Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

You may have already seen most of these things if you follow me on Instagram, but here’s a little wrap up and more details behind what I’m loving right now.

Making It Happen mug
I have this issue where I can’t go Christmas shopping without getting a little something for myself, so when I was in Urban Outfitters the other day I just had to snag this Making It Happen mug.

Since it’s an inspiration to have a productive day, I can consider it an investment in my future…right?

make it happen mug || gracie gordon || girl meets life.

bright & bold lips.
I’ve always loved the idea of wearing bright and bold lip colors, but I usually end up going back to the safe zone of my go-to nudes and light pinks. This winter, though, I’ve finally been experimenting with some more fun lip shades. My favorites right now are orangey reds and deep plums.

Imoji app
Within the first 5 minute of discovering this app, I sent probably about 20 stickers to my friends. Each. There are some seriously hilarious stickers and you can even make your own! Sorry regular old Emojis, there’s a new cool kid in town.

New Girl
I know I know, New Girl is basically a classic at this point. BUT, I just fell in love with it all over again (and started from season 1 again). As much as I love getting hooked on new TV shows, sometimes life is too busy to make that investment. So I like to have some go-to’s to fall back on - ones that I know I can watch without having to get too into it, but still get a good laugh.

Not to mention I’m all sorts of smitten with Nick Miller. Schmidt has his moments too.

Beyond Sushi
I may be a meat eater, but there is no meat missed when it comes to Beyond Sushi’s insanely good vegan creations.

(I know I just posted about this last week, but it’s my blog and I can double-share what I want to ;))

I always get the exact same thing - their Sweet Tree roll + Nutty Buddy wrap. SO GOOD, you guys.

my imaginary Christmas home
Maybe I should be blaming my Christmas Pinterest board for the lack of Christmas spirit in my life this year. Because let’s be real…This will never happen in NYC on homegirl’s current income.

Skinny Hot Chocolate
BUT - thankfully their are much more inexpensive ways to bring Christmas into this closet-sized apartment of mine, and over the weekend it came in the form of Skinny Hot Chocolate, a la Dashing Dish. I made myself a little single serving version, and it was so good! Definitely hit the sweet tooth spot without feeling like I OD’ed on sugar.

**********

What’s something you’re loving right now? What’s your fallback/go-to TV show?

shop: GML’s 2014 holiday gift guide.

27 November, 2014 by Gracie 1 Comment

Hi loves, hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Since it’s Black Friday, I thought now would be a good time to share my favorite gift ideas for this holiday season.

Last year I put together a few gift guides (for your BFF, your guy, and your parents), but this year I’m keeping the focus on the ladies. So in case you’re still looking for inspiration for what to get for the lovely women in your life, here are my top picks.

under $50

customized journal – my best friend Jessi once got me one of these customized journals from Minted.com, and it was so special! You can personalize it with photos, words, etc.

Speakable necklace – hey, how could I not include my own necklaces? 😉 Right now there’s actually a Black Friday (through Cyber Monday) sale happening – use promo code XMAS14 for 20% off all items. (FYI – did you know there’s a custom option now too?)

L’Occitane Voyage En Provence Set – L’Occitane is one of my favorite beauty brands, and this set is full of great travel-sized products. I love this idea because it’s something that someone wouldn’t necessarily buy for themself, but would come in so much handy. Great for the frequent traveler in your life.

HommeGirl beanie – just because it’s cool.

X-mini portable speaker – this is something that’s on my own Christmas list. It’s small enough to carry around with you and plugs right into your phone!

$50 – $100

Red Carpet Manicure Pro Kit – another one I may be a bit biased toward, ha (I do their social media). Red Carpet Manicure allows you to get a GEL mani that can last 2 weeks, and you can do it from the comfort of your own couch. This is a great gift that keeps on giving.

Tocca Fragrance Collection – I love all of the Tocca fragrances – they’re refreshing and feminine and just amazing. This set comes with rollerballs of all of the scents, so they’re perfect for on-the-go.

Polaroid Instant Print Camera – another one that’s on my own Christmas list. The look/tangibility of Polaroid photos is just so fun – a great gift for that sentimental friend of yours.

K. Banasik Wool Cashmere Wraps – my good friend Kristine is a clothing designer, and she recently started making these fun and cozy wraps – a perfect way to stay warm this winter while still looking stylish. These are selling for $350 in stores, but she has a special holiday sale going on right now for $80! More photos and details here.

$100 – $200

Ben Amun Liquid Gold Thin Snake Bracelet – every girl loves some arm candy. I love how chic this bracelet is, and it’s classic enough to go with just about anything.

SK II Pitera Essence Set – okay, so I haven’t used these products myself (yet), but my friend Martina told me about SK II and I read other great reviews about it. This set is a really great deal – perfect for your beauty/skin-care obsessed friend.

Young Living Everyday Essential Oil Collection – I’m a huge fan of essential oils lately. They smell amazing and can be used for a handful of different beauty and wellness purposes. Another gift that’s great for the friend that’s into wellness/health. Click here to sign up through my friend Emily

$200 +

Nespresso VertuoLine – okay, this is a pricier one. BUT if you’re looking for a gift to wow an important person in your life, this will do the trick. I recently got a VertuoLine and it has changed my life (no, really). It makes espresso and coffee, and it’s seriously some of the best brew I’ve ever had.

**********

Have you started any holiday gift shopping yet? What are some of your gift ideas this year?