Future Talk

There are a lot of words that can be associated with the word future. Excitement. Anxiety. Possibility. Unknown. Fear often comes to mind when thinking about what is to come in life. There is always so much pressure to have everything figured out right now, at this exact moment in time. I don’t think having plans or goals is a bad thing at all, I actually think it is really important, however I do believe that having expectations that everything will go as planned isn’t always the best for us. The truth is that rarely do things always work out exactly as we expect them to, and life isn't always as perfect as we might hope. 

Recently my present hasn't been shaping out as ideally as I would like. Since the start of the new year, I feel as though I have been in this weird kind of funk. I’m not completely unhappy by any means, but life has just felt sort of blah. Reflecting back on the past few months, I can see where this feeling is coming from - it’s just been a combination of things. Having graduated almost a year ago, I feel like it really hit me recently that there is no going back to the college lifestyle I loved so much for four years. Moving back home and no longer being surrounded my friends, who became my family, has been quite the adjustment. On top of that being in an accelerated nursing program throws on what feels like constant stress and pressure. No fun. Some days it just seems like I will never make it through and become the nurse I so look forward to being. And to top it all off I have lost people who I thought were going to be in my life for the long-haul. Heartbreak is hard to deal with on the best of days, so on those off days, it feels exponentially worse. I feel like I am complaining, which I don't like. I have my health, a wonderful family, the absolute best friends, and many opportunities that I am blessed to have. I am very fortunate and I know that. However, some days, weeks, and months are just a little bit harder than others. 

On the plus side (because yes, there always is a positive), I have done a lot of thinking over the past few months. A little soul searching one could say. I have found that although the future can be scary and overwhelming to think about, it is also very exciting. How you view the future and the feelings you associate with it all come down to your perspective. The future really is all unknown, no matter how much you try to plan and have it all figured out. But here's the thing, you can either let that scare you or you can see the beauty in it. The beautiful thing with the future is that you can literally do whatever you want and there is so much still to come. 

In this little funk of mine, I have discovered that yes, things might not be going smoothly or feel perfect right now, but on the plus side it won't be like this forever. At only twenty-two, some would say my life is only just beginning. I have a first job to look forward to, moving out of my parents home to a new and exciting place, meeting new people, traveling to new places, falling in love again. There really is no shortage of things to look forward to - the list goes on and on. When I think of the future in this way, I have an overwhelming sense of excitement and gratitude. I have chosen during this rough patch to focus on this and look forward to the future, and it has made a world of difference. 

Of course the future is just that, the future, and you can't live there just like you can't live in the past. The present is really all we have, and we have to do our best to make the most of it. However, being excited about what is to come, instead of fearful, can really make all the difference. The future is is full of endless opportunities and experiences, and we have to do our best to take full advantage of that. As they always say, the best is yet to come! 

xo. G

Easter Sunday

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter yesterday! I had a weekend filled with Easter celebrations with family and friends, which was so nice. There is nothing better than being surrounded by the people you love. Easter is such a beautiful holiday and one that is filled with so much meaning to those who celebrate it. I have such fond memories from my childhood of Easter celebrations with cousins, Easter egg hunts, decorating eggs, and of course getting all dolled up for Easter Sunday mass. My mom used to go all out with my sister and I - dressing us up in the most beautiful Easter dresses with bonnets. Although we lost the bonnets years ago (thank God), I still love to get dressed up on Easter. It is a tradition I am sure will live on for the rest of my life.

Thankfully yesterday was a beautiful spring day here in New England. I have been dying to rip the tags of of this chambray dress, and I was thrilled that the weather allowed me to yesterday. It wasn't the warmest of days but the sun was shining, and in the spirit of Easter, I decided the dress was making it's debut. At this point not much can stop me from breaking out the spring dresses. It is officially spring and I am going to dress like it!

I found this dress a few months ago at Forever 21, and it was such a steal that I just had to get it. I wasn't able to find the exact one, but there are quite a few similar ones here, here, and here on their website! I also did this post last month all about chambray dresses - definitely check it out for more options!

What I love so much about the chambray dress is that it is so versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the look you're going for. I obviously dressed it up a little bit, but the look was still fun and casual. I layered this multistrand pearl necklace with this crystal necklace, along with my everyday jewelry. The belt is completely optional, but I liked that wearing it belted gave more shape to the dress. Not only that, but also a nice pop of color! The belt I'm wearing is old, but here is another fun alternative.

To complete the look I threw on a pair of peep toe sandals, which again are from last year, but I am loving this similar pair from Steve Madden. Final touches included a berry lip and this adorable Kate Spade clutch. It is actually a cross-body, but because of a detachable strap it functions as both. Multi-function items are a win in my book!

Hope everyone is having a lovely Monday so far and your week is off to a great start! 

xo. G

Lilly

Is it just me or is anyone else jonesing for summer and the warm weather that accompanies!? Although it is officially Spring, I am still waiting for the weather to catch up. There have been a few beautiful warm days here and there recently, and yet I woke up to snow on Monday. Welcome to New England in March! You just never know.  

This past weekend I was up visiting a friend up on the North Shore of Mass, which naturally involved a little bit of shopping. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend making a stop to MarketStreet in Lynnfield. The shopping is to die for - think J.Crew, Lululemon, Sephora, Vineyard Vines - the list goes on. Not to mention, there are a few great places to wine and dine (The fresca margarita at Temazcal.. YUM). You could easily make a day out of it. I definitely recommend checking it out! 

While shopping my friend and I found ourselves in Pink Parkway, a Lilly Pulitzer signature store, and let me tell you, walking in there was like stepping into mid-July. The bright colors and adventurous prints scream summertime to me, and although we are still a few months out, I couldn't help but try on a few new arrivals. 

As you can see from the above photo, I love love love the southern charm print. I grabbed it in both the romper and the slip dress, and honestly it's still up in the air as to which one I liked better. The romper is super fun, but you also can never go wrong with a silk racerback dress. Can we just take a second to talk about the parfait set in pink flamenco!? SO fun. I have been seeing it everywhere and just had to give it a go. Unfortunately the size I tried on was a little bit big, and the store was out of the size down, otherwise it would have been perfect! My friend tried it on too, and it looked great! I know it's a new style to Lilly, and the crop top makes it a little more out there than your normal Lilly styles, but I think it is totally worth checking out and absolutely adorable! If they had it in my size, it would have totally been mine. 

The items I tried on are just a few things that have caught my eye lately. Lilly has so many prints and styles that I am loving this season. I mean when do they ever not? Check out some of my favorites below!

Keep dreaming of summer in Lilly until the warm weather rolls around. I sure know I am. Enjoy!

Shop here... 

Strappy Maxi Dress

Cathy Shift Dress

Mila Lace Detail Shift Dress

Melba Jumpsuit

Ivy Crop Top & Short Set

Gretch Skort Romper

Did anyone else notice the last romper there is the 'Gretch' romper? I promise I didn't make that one up! I think I need it just because of that alone.. 

xo. G

Friday Finds No. 3

Happy Friday!

This week has felt like one big Friday because I have been on spring break, but I will still welcome the weekend with open arms! It has been so nice to finally have some down time and a break from school, and I have taken full advantage of it.

I hope that if you found yourself on spring break like myself that you enjoyed the time off, and if not, I hope this weekend brings you exactly what you need, whether it be a lot of fun or a little bit of down time. Hopefully a little bit of both!

 Enjoy & tgif!

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GiGi New York X Vaseline Lip Therapy // Can we just take a minute to talk about how adorable this is! What a brilliant idea, seriously. Vaseline teamed up with GiGi New York and I am loving the result! I am a big fan of a good monogram, so I was thrilled that not only could I get the leather tin holder monogrammed but I could also personalize the lip therapy tin! I might just have to make a purchase from GiGi New York to snag this offer while it lasts! 

Brooklyn // I have been dying to see this film ever since I first watch the trailer, and this past weekend I finally was able to do so. I had high expectations for the film and it absolutely met them - not surprisingly of course, it was nominated for a number of Academy Awards. History has always been something that has been of interest to me, and I was so fascinated watching this film and seeing not only what life was like in America in the 50s, but also what so many people who immigrated to this country had to go through. It was really amazing and eye-opeing. Of course there was an element of romance thrown into the story as well, so naturally I the story even more. On top of it all, Brooklyn was based upon a novel, which I may just have to read now… 

Seven in Seven // Talk about amazing. The strength of the human body never fails to amaze me. I think running just one marathon is such an accomplishment and something that not many people can say they’ve done, but SEVEN marathons in seven consecutive days all around the world, now that’s really something. Must say that takes the cake! It just goes to show you that you can literally do anything you put your mind to and push your body to do. Also can we just talk about the woman who accomplished this is a single mother who works two jobs. Talk about girl power! What an inspiration. 

Travel Inspiration // BIG NEWS. I have such exciting news to share with you all. In September I will traveling to EUROPE for a month! Yes a month, 30 days to be exact. It's a little bit terrifying, but I am mostly over the moon excited!! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to see what is out there in this wonderful world of ours! I seriously cannot wait. September 2nd, hurry up! If you're looking for a bit of inspiration to get out there and see the world, or to book a trip, this will seal the deal. I will leave you with this... "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

xo. G 

Parabo Press

Yesterday was an exciting day! My prints from Parabo Press finally arrived! I have anxiously been awaiting their arrival and was thrilled to find them waiting in my mailbox. I first mentioned Parabo Press in this post a few weeks ago, and as promised, I told you I would let you all know how my prints came out. 

To answer that, they're PERFECT. I was impressed from the moment I opened up the shipping packaging which revealed the loveliest presentation and packaging! The prints themselves came out as just as I had envisioned. Both the image itself and the matte paper they are printed on are high quality. I am loving that the paper is thick enough to prop up and display just about anywhere. I am looking forward to deciding where I want to showcase mine! 

I ordered the 4" square prints, but they also come in 5.5" for an additional upgrade! They are sold in sets of twenty-five, and for less than twenty dollars, these prints are such a fun way to display your snapshots. Parabo Press doesn't stop there though! They offer a variety of other print options, photo books, and desk calendars. Such great gift options if you ask me! 

Be sure to download the Parabo Press app to check out and take advantage of all the options offered. I promise you, you won't be disappointed! 

Thanks Parabo Press! 

 xo. G

Lace Up Sandals

Although the warm weather around here last week wasn't here to stay, it gave a sneak peak of what is to come. Hopefully next time it rolls around, it will be back for good! With that being said, it also gave me a glimmer of hope that soon enough we will be able to pack away our boots and winter shoes for good. As much as I love wearing boots and booties in the fall and winter seasons, I am equally as excited when spring rolls around so I can break back out the sandals!

This season I have been finding that lace up flats and sandals are the new big thing! I'm loving it. Whether you are a ballet flat girl or high heels are your go-to, you can find a style with the lace up detail that fits whatever look you are going for. There is something for everyone! Below I've rounded up some of my favorite styles, and although I love them all, I am really into the Sam Edelman sandals (third down on the right column). You can just never go wrong with a block heel! 

Now all we need is a little bit of sunshine, a little bit of warmth, and a fresh new pedicure. Hope to see you soon spring!  

Shop here... 

M.Gemi Brezza Flats

J.Crew Leather Ballet Flats

Sam Edelman Tasseled Lace Up Sandal

Steve Madden Sandal

BCBG Lace Up Sandal

Sam Edelman Lace Up Sandal (!!!)

Top Shop Ankle Tie Sandal

Sam Edelman Dawson Sandal

xo. G

Spring Break Must Haves

{Forewarning: this post is fueled by nostalgia and a walk down memory lane.}

It’s that time of year again. I’m not sure there is much I associate more with the month of March than spring break. March in New England tends to be very gloomy and gray, so it is no surprise that people head south for the warmth and sunshine that only tropical destinations can provide. Who can blame them right!?

Exactly one year ago, I was in sunny Punta Cana surrounded by some of my closest friends having the time of my life. Sending thirteen twenty-somethings in their last semester of college to an island for a week is recipe for a good time. There is just nothing quite like spending your days on beach, afternoons by the pool bar, evenings out to dinner and then nights wherever they took us - for five days straight. Also, did I mention it was 85 degrees and sunny every single day. Pure perfection if you ask me. The things I would do to go back and relive that week all over again (tears). And I wouldn't hate a Miami vice poolside right about now either!

To me that week, with those people, will always be one of my fondest memories when I look back on my senior year of college. I don't say that because it was a wild & crazy spring break like a scene out of a movie, because I promise you it was not. It was a week to celebrate the accomplishment of being graduating seniors, to enjoy each others company, and to make the most out of every moment we had left together. Although there was still a lot of fun ahead of us in the weeks that followed before graduating, we knew those moments would be fleeting. It was the beginning of the end in a way, but being together in paradise was a hell of a great way to kick it off. I have said it before and I am sure I will say it again, but it truly was a wonderful week, in a wonderful place, with wonderful people. I would do anything to experience those moments just one more time. 

Anyways, enough with my nostalgia and sappiness! On a much happier note, I figured that since spring break time is upon us, I would share some of my favorites for a tropical vacation. I think the second best part of going on a trip is shopping for it! I know I most certainly enjoyed the shopping and the lead up to the trip almost as much as I enjoyed the actual trip itself. Since I am sadly not traveling anywhere tropical this year, I figured I would still pretend like I was. Below are just a few of the things I most certainly would have packed away in my suitcase. 

For anyone who is lucky enough to be traveling somewhere warm, I hope this helps you prepare, or finds you already on the beach somewhere with a coconut in hand! Enjoy and make the absolute most of it!

Shop here... 

Design Darling Lavender Turkish Towel

Kate Spade Passport Holder

Steve Madden Cutout Bootie

Straw Tassel Tote (Similar)

Triangl 'Milly' Bikini

J.Crew Linen Tunic

Bobbi Brown 'Beach' Eau de Parfum

J.Crew Metallic Sandals

J.Crew Scalloped Bikini

Clinique SPF 30 Sunscreen

J.Crew Resort Dot Dress

Karen Walker 'Super Lunar' Sunnies

And just a few more pictures for good measure... 

xo. G

Spring Things

For those of you who don't know, it is forecasted to be seventy degrees today in New England! Yes, seven- zero. I don't know about you all, but I couldn't be more excited about this! I found myself waking up in a wonderful mood just knowing it was going to be beautiful out. After a long winter it is always so refreshing to have a few days here and there where the temperature surpasses sixty degrees. Although it technically is not spring yet, this weather is a reminder that spring (and summer!) are not that far away. Thank goodness. 

With a change of season comes a change in wardrobe as well. Nothing is more exciting than breaking out the sandals and sundresses again after being bundled up for months. With this quick glimpse of spring temps I was feeling very inspired to check out whats new for the spring months. I am a total sucker for anything scalloped, so this scalloped cami is a must have. I think I need it in every color! And these tortoise shell sunglasses are to die for, I'm obsessed. Because the weather during the spring months isn't too hot or too cold, there is an endless supply of options in the wardrobe department. Check out the rest of my finds below! 

It is safe to say I am more than ready for the warmer weather, but for now I will be happy with what I can get! If you are blessed with the warmer temps today, make sure you get outside and soak up the sunshine. Enjoy! 

Shop here... 

J.Crew V-neck Sweater

Vince Camuto Peep Toe Bootie

Marchesa Crystal Cluster Earrings

J.Crew Striped T-Shirt Dress

BlankNYC Distressed Boyfriend Jeans

J.Crew Gold d'Orsay Flats

J.Crew Scalloped Cami

Tory Burch Jolie Fleaur Eau de Parfum

Illesteva Tortoise Sunglasses

Tory Burch Perry Tote

xo. G 

Friday Finds No. 2

Happy first Friday of March! Can anyone else believe how fast this year is already flying by!? It is crazy to me, but I can't complain because it means being one step closer to being done with nursing school (!!!). 

With that being said, I've been super busy recently with midterms coming up next week, and I haven't been able to put out as much content as I would like to. I am going to try to step it up a little bit once midterms are over and things settle down a bit. 

In the mean time, thank you all for reading what I do post! It means the world to me.  

Cheers to a wonderful weekend! 

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How a Password Changed One Mans Life // I read this article and all I could think was "wow". It amazed me how something as simple as a change in a password could have such a profound impact on one man's life. I have always been a strong believer in the power of positive thinking, and I think this is just another example to prove that a change in attitude for the better can really make a world of difference. I think everyone at some point in their life has faced a rough patch where it felt as though everything was going wrong, and it is really easy to let that bring you down. We are all human, and that is a natural response, however how you choose to handle it and choose to let it affect you is what matters. And yes, I say choose, because I one hundred percent believe that the choice is yours. No matter how hard it may be, choose to be positive. 

Parabo Press // Guys. I cannot get over how excited I am that I came across this app! Ever since I was a kid, I have always loved taking pictures. I can absolutely thank my mother for that because growing up my mom was always the one taking pictures at any opportunity she had. I will admit that it used to drive me nuts, but I could not be more appreciative now because it is so fun to have so many wonderful memories caught on camera. I think that is one of the reasons why I take as many pictures as I do. I hope that in the future I will be able to look back and smile at all the good times I captured. Although I am great at snapping the pics, I do not keep up with printing them out, which is something I think is important. However, thanks to parabo press, I can now easily choose the pictures I want to print right on my phone, and have them delivered right to me! What could be better? I currently have an order in the mail and on the way, and I cannot wait to see how they turned out. I most certainly will keep you posted! 

Rule Yourself // Of course the gymnast in me loves everything about this video. Although I never got to the level of expertise that these girls are at, watching this video still brings me right back. The USA women’s gymnastics team is amazing. These girls seriously rock. I have so much respect for the time and effort that they put into a sport that is the furthest thing from easy. I was thrilled to see them in a video that highlighted their hard work and dedication, and that also had such a great message behind it. I think this is such an inspirational video for anyone, not just athletes. You most certainly don’t have to be training for Rio 2016 to rule yourself. 

Pain to Power // Maxie does it again with this one. She is truly amazing. I have been following her blog for a few years now, and I have yet to be disappointed. Although I have never met her, Maxie is one of the most inspirational people I have come across. Her outlook on life, positive attitude, honesty, and complete fearlessness are qualities I wholeheartedly admire. If I am having a bad day or a rough time with something, I always know that I can find comfort in her words and advice. If you are ever looking for some inspiration, I promise you that you will find it in her words of wisdom. 

xo. G