Friday Finds No. 6

Happy Friday my friends!! Another long week done and in the books, thank goodness. The end of this week was exciting for me because it means I officially have only six more weeks left of nursing school! I really cannot even begin to believe it, but I am so happy about it (!!).

Hope you all had a wonderful week, and are making the most of the summer - it's flying by! It is crazy to think we are already (sadly) halfway through July. With that being said, there is still plenty of time to do so much more with the rest of the summer. Go get out there and soak it all up!

Happy weekend!

NYC Summer Bucket List // I guess everyone is getting into the bucket lists this summer, and I'm not surprised! They really are a fun way to make the most of your summer. I thought I would share this New York City bucket list, because even if you aren't a (lucky) resident of the city, these are all things that could be done on a weekend getaway into Manhattan. As I always say, any excuse to get into the city! Some of my favorites are numbers 1, 5, 10, 12, 15, oh and how could I forget 21!

Blackberry Jalapeno Margaritas // Do these not just sound amazing!? I mean YUM. I stumbled upon this recipe the other day and my mouth was literally watering as I read through it. Not only is it beautiful but it looks like it would be so refreshing on a hot summer night. I am definitely adding this one to my list of new cocktails to try. That list is getting long - I'm going to have to plan a cocktail tasting party one of these days to try them all!

Lights Down Low // Where are all of my country fans out there!? Is anyone as obsessed with this song as I am? It has seriously been stuck in my head for the past week. It's so catchy I just can't help but keep singing it. And this video... I mean come on, can we say perfection. Serious #goals right there!

xo. G 

Summer Glow

With summer upon us and officially in full swing, I thought I would share some of my favorite beauty products to get that sought-after summer glow!

Growing up, I would spend my summer days bathing in the sun desperately hoping that I would one day have that deep, dark, bronze glow. Well after many unsuccessful attempts (& one too many sunburns), I came to realize that my Irish skin was not going to change anytime soon, and that I should learn to love what God gave me. To be honest, as I have gotten older I have come to love my fairer skin and wouldn't change it for the world. However, with that being said, I still do enjoy a little sun kissed glow during the summer months. I have found that the key is to keep it as natural as possible, and to most certainly not over-do it.

Below are some tried and true products that have become my go to whenever I am looking for that 'just in the sun' look. They have really become some of my favorites, and in the warmer months I find myself reaching for these the most. Give them a try to create a little sun kissed glow or to enhance whatever tan you might already have!

Shop here.. 

 St. Tropez Tanning Essentials // Gradual Tan Everyday Tinted Body Lotion 

Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder // Bronzer in Radiant Finish 

 Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment // Illuminating Wand

Happy Friday! Hope you have the most wonderful weekend, enjoy! 

xo. G 

Perspective

I run for a lot of reasons. The obvious being for the many physical benefits it provides, but also for the not so obvious - the immense mental clarity it gives me. Running has the ability to clear my head and put my thoughts into perspective in a way that nothing else can. It is a blessing and truly a gift.

I was running last night, and doing a lot of thinking. It was a beautiful, warm summer night (my favorite time to run), and I couldn't help but feel so very blessed in those moments. There was the most beautiful sunset, the kind that only a summer July night could create, and something about running in those idyllic summer conditions just really put things into perspective.

It is not uncommon for me to stop and think, 'wow, what a beautiful world I live in', while running but last night it was different. It was different because today I start my first day of pediatric clinical rotations, which means I will be spending my day surrounded by sick kids. I have seen sick adults, I have seen people truly suffering, and I have seen people taken away after their time here on earth is up. What I see today will be no different than that, but these are sick kids we are talking about, and that puts just about everything into perspective. 

These are children who may or may not have spent their entire short lives up until this point surrounded by the walls of a hospital. Children who don't get to enjoy some of life's simple pleasures like eating an ice cream cone as it drips down your hands on a hot summer's day. Children who may never be able to see those beautiful July sunsets, listen to the 'pop' of fireworks, or know what it feels like to fall in love. It breaks my heart that some of them will never know what it feels like to run. 

Nothing about it is fair, but it is perspective. Hundreds of thousands of children are sick and suffering, and whatever tiny troubles we encounter in our day to day lives pale in comparison to the battles they fight every day. I might not know which city I want to move to next year, but at least I have the ability to choose and the opportunity to go. I might still be brokenhearted, but at least I had the chance to experience love. I might be tired and rundown, but I am privileged to have the opportunity to go to school for a career that will allow me to help others. In the grand scheme of things, I am doing more than alright and I'm sure you are too. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's all about perspective. I am not saying that whatever hardships, troubles, or stressors you have going on in your life are unimportant, because that is far from the truth. We are only human and we are allowed to feel any and all emotions that come our way. Acknowledge what you feel but don't let it consume you. Deal with it and move forward. I promise you in the grand scheme of things it just doesn't matter all that much. At the end of the day remember to count each and every one of your blessings, and never take for granted the beautiful life you have been given. 

xo. G 

J.Crew Seersucker Bikini

I recently purchased this J.Crew french bikini top and my oh my I am in love. I mean does it not just scream summer to you!? Between the seersucker and the shoulder-tie bows it is pure perfection. 

I don't always have the best of luck when it comes to buying bathing suits that fit me well and look good, so I was pleasantly surprised when I put this one on. I feel like it was custom made for me because of how well it fits and how flattering it is on. It is absolutely one of my most favorite bathing suits I have bought in a long time. It was a total score! 

J.Crew has impressed me in the past by both the fit and quality of their swimsuits. My first purchase from their swim collection was a seersucker bandeau top and bikini bottom, and it is a bathing suit that to this day I still wear and love. I highly recommend checking out J.Crew's swim line if you are in need of a new suit! 

To make it even better, you receive free shipping and free returns when you shop from their swim collection. This perk is coming in handy for me right about now as the matching bikini bottoms I purchased with this top were a little bit too big, so I am exchanging them for the size down. Thank you J.Crew for making it so easy! 

Also, is anyone else still wishing it were the weekend? Still dreaming about the Fourth over here! 

xo. G 

Hello July!

Happy Fourth!

I feel like I was just welcoming back June and here we are with the Fourth of July upon us! I always have loved this month because to me it is the epitome of summer. Everything that I associate with and love about summer happens in July. Fireworks, thunderstorms, barbecues, beach days, fireflies - you name it and July's got it. Needless to say I am very excited. I have high expectations of you July, let's see what you've got!

Summer to-do list // If you remember from a couple weeks back, I shared with you my own summer bucket list. Well I'm not the only one who has a lot on their to-do list! Recently after sharing my bucket list, I came across Glitter Guide's summer to-do list, and let me tell you it's pretty great! So many things I didn't even thing of but I definitely want to do this summer. I have a feeling my summer bucket list just got a little bit longer...

Frozen Watermelon Marg // Is is just me or does this cocktail just scream summer!? Watermelon margs are always a crowd pleaser, and on a hot summer night (or day) the frozen version sounds even better! To make a great thing even better, this recipe includes topping off the margaritas with a watermelon popsicle. Don't think it can get much better than that! Give it a go and try it out for yourself.

7 Ways to Look Photogenic in Swimsuits // It's official. Bathing suit season is upon us, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. As much as I love being in a bathing suit during the warmer months of the year, I am never quite sure what to do when it comes to taking pictures in a swimsuit. I most certainly am not an expert in the 'posing in a bikini' department, so I was thrilled to come across these tips to help make taking bikini pics a little less awkward. Hopefully this means some cute bikini pics coming your way!

July Fourth Sales!

J.Crew Factory // 50% Off
BaubleBar // 20% Off
Gap // 40% Off
J.Crew // 40% Off Sale
Kate Spade New York // 30% Off Sale

xo. G

Patriotic Packing List

It's official. Fourth of July weekend is upon us, and let me tell you, I could not be happier! After a very long month of June this holiday weekend is just what I need. I hope that this weekend brings you some rest & relaxation, good times with friends and family, and a whole lot of red, white, & blue!

I thought it would be fun to share some Fourth must haves for wherever your Fourth of July plans take you. I won't be traveling anywhere this holiday weekend, but if I were, you can be sure that this is what I would pack in my weekender bag. The key is to keep it comfortable and fun with just the right touch of Americana. The great thing about dressing for the Fourth is that they are pieces that are classic and can be worn again and again. Below I'm sharing some of my favorites not only for the Fourth but for all summer long!

Enjoy and happy (almost) birthday America!

Shop Here...
Gap Embroidered Romper
Ray-Ban Round Fleck Sunnies
Alaina Marie Bait Bag Wallet
J.Crew Embroidered Swing Cami

BaubleBar Red Coco Earrings

Eliza Gran Straw Tote

J.Crew Deck-Striped T-Shirt
J.Crew Denim Shorts

J.Crew Seersucker Underwire Bikini Top

J.Crew Seersucker Bikini Bottom

CB Station Monogrammed Satchel

Jack Rogers Palm Beach Navajo Sandal

xo. G