loves of 2014

I had this idea to create a collage filled with an assortment of things I loved during 2014. I feel like it would be fun to look back in the future and see the clothing I wore or what music I listened to. Overall, 2014 was a pretty good year for me. I started to chase my dreams by creating this blog and I had the opportunity to travel to some pretty cool places. However, I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store because there will be huge life changes for me including going off to college! I also have a lot I want to accomplish blogging wise for the next year so stay tuned for new posts. :)

Fashion | This year was probably the most revolutionary for me fashion wise because I learned to invest in simple pieces. During the spring and summer, I wore high waisted shorts with everything. As the weather cooled down, I started wearing tons of hats and splurged on these Free People boots that I am obsessed with. 

Quotes | I spent a lot of my free time this year browsing Pinterest for inspiration. I always came across the most meaningful quotes which hit me hard. There is just something so uplifting about people's words and I have fallen in love with their writings. If you don't follow me on Pinterest, you can by clicking here. 

Music | Music is definitely my life, however; very rarely will I buy an entire album on iTunes. Therefore, the album has to be somewhat decent if I am willing to invest in the whole thing. These three artist have made the top of my list this year with their new releases: Taylor Swift, Foster the People, and Hozier. Be sure to check them out if you are looking for some new music. 

have yourself a merry little christmas

If you read my Christmas wish list, then you would know I asked for a new camera lens. I am so grateful I received a new lens from my parents on Christmas. My cousin and I went to take a few photos the day after and I am obsessed with the quality. It's one of those things where you can never turn back now. I think to myself, "how was I using that starter lens for so long?! boy was I missing out!" We found this abandoned barn/house with a lot of textured details and it was perfect for taking rustic photos. I dressed a little more casual than usual with these joggers my best friend gave me for Christmas. I broke out this leather jacket I have had for 5 years along with my new favorite booties from Urban Outfitters. 

JACKET (OLD, similar) // TOP // PANTS //  BOOTIES // BEANIE // EARRINGS  

a christmas lookbook

Three more days you guys! I am so excited for Christmas since it is my last before I head off to college next year. I had this idea to put together a little "lookbook" full of a compilation of outfits to wear around the holidays. I wanted include about five outfits but unfortunately time caught up to me and I only ended up shooting two. It worked out though because one is more casual and the other is dressier!

For the first outfit, I played it down a bit. I took this simple navy dress and layered a plaid button down over it. I threw on a festive, red, beanie and some ankle booties. The look is definitely effortless but still holiday appropriate with the bright red beanie and lipstick. Now, the second outfit is a little more creative. I spotted (no pun intended) this leopard coat in my mom's closet and knew I had to style it somehow. I paired it with a simple black came, sequin shirts, and thick black tights. To add a Christmas touch, I finished the look with a pair of red heels. 

Click the links below to see where everything is from!

 DRESS // SHIRT // BOOTS // BEANIE // BAG (sold out, similar) 

COAT (old, similar) // SHORTS (old, similar) // TIGHTS // SHOES 

d.i.y. holiday gift guide 2014

If you are like me, then you probably want to buy gifts for every person in your life. I just love the holiday season, especially the giving part. When you have 20 people to buy for and you are on a budget, gifts can get complicated. I put together a DIY gift guide so that you can give gifts to all your loved ones when working with a small budget! p.s. these will be really fun to make in the next few days leading up to Christmas :)

1. Wooden Makeup Brush Holder

Anthropologie version

I totally stole this idea from Anthropologie. They had this exact makeup brush holder on their website and I really wanted it for Christmas. However it was $30 and I figured I could just make my own! Thankfully, my uncle was able to put it together over Thanksgiving and I am so grateful he did it for me. It looks identical to the one online. 

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of plywood into two separate pieces. 

2. Round sharp edges and sand rough surfaces if necessary. 

3. Stain the wood to the color of your liking. 

4. (Optional) Texturize the wood piece by dragging a knife 

across the surface and making little slits. 

5. Drill nails through the back piece of wood so that the two pieces hold 

together but also so that the nails do not show through the front piece. 

6. Drill a variety of different sized holes on the top of the two 

wood pieces. I would drill about six to eight holes.

7. Viola! Now it is time to test your makeup brushes and 

make sure they fit. 

2. Candle iPhone Speaker

This gift is a perfect way to recycle your used candle jars. As a Bath and Body works candle fanatic, I have plenty of burned down jars that I was waiting to recycle. Ever heard of putting your phone in a glass cup to use as a speaker? Well yeah, the glass candle jars do the same and are the perfect homemake speaker. 

Steps:

1. Cut the leftover wax in the candle jar into pie slices with a knife. 

2. Scoop out the wax with a spoon and throw it away. 

(it is okay if you cannot get all of the wax out at this time)

3. Rinse it in the sink with warm water and remove any stickers on the jar.

4. Put the jar in the dishwasher and wash it with the dishes. 

This should remove any leftover wax and loosen the wicks

 at the bottom of the jar. 

5. Use craft paint and paint the outside of the jar completely. 

6. Use Hodge Podge glue to make a ring at the bottom of the jar.

7. Sprinkle glitter over the glue and shake the remaining pieces off. 

8. Time to let it dry. Add a cute phone case and some candy to finish off the gift!

3. Memory Jar

I actually made a ton of these and gave them to the girls in my Bible study as Christmas presents. Since the new year is right around the corner, this is the perfect gift. Every time something good happens, you write it down and stick the piece of paper in the jar so that you can go back and look at all the good memories you have had over the year. 

Steps:

1. Recycle or purchase a mason jar from the craft store for $1.

2. Remove the lid and paint a coat of craft paint on the outside of the jar.

3. Once the paint is dried, put on more coats until you achieve the 

desired finish you want (rustic or matte). 

4. Use Hodge Podge glue to make a ring at the bottom of the jar.

5. Sprinkle glitter over the glue and shake the remaining pieces off. 

6. Make sure to include a cute pen and note pad so the memory jar is complete. 

4. CD Christmas Present

I don't know about you but I am constantly creating new playlists for my car especially since I don't have an aux cord. My best friend is always begging me to make her a CD so Christmas is the perfect time to do so! 

Steps: 

1. Burn a CD with a cute Christmas album or any other album. 

(LOVING the She and Him Christmas album)

2. Fold a piece of red paper hamburger style and trim the sides to fit the disc. 

3. Glue the each of the two sides of the paper together that are adjacent to the fold. 

4. Hole punch the center where the hole of the CD lies.

5. String white ribbon throughout the hole and wrap it around the CD.

6. Add a decorative tag and tie the bow so it looks like a Christmas present!

Hope this gave you a couple ideas for some quick gifts you can make for friends and family! Let me know if you try them!

christmas shopping

It feels like years since I last posted... okay maybe two weeks! Good news though, I am on Christmas break at last! I could not be more excited to spend this time with friends and working on my blog. Today, I went to the mall and did a little last minute shopping to grab some gifts for my parents. Surprisingly, I didn't have to fight many crowds. I chose an easy, casual outfit to wear that would make trying on clothes a breeze (except it didn't because these boots are a hassle to pull on and off). These boots are my new favorites from Free People. They have a lace up back and gorgeous ombre detail at the toe. I'm also loving my hooded cardigan from Target because who doesn't like a hood?! Make sure to click the links below to see wear everything is from :). 

SWEATER // TEE // JEGGINGS // NECKLACE (similar) 

// BOOTS // BAG

laid back vibe

It's finally the time of year for Christmas cheer! haha don't you just love my rhyming? Seriously though, I am so excited for the holidays coming up. I have about 2 more weeks left of school and then I will be on break at last.. hello Netflix. Recently, I've been loving the casual and cozy look. Even though the weather isn't too cold, I enjoy layering jackets and pulling on some boots. I bought these boots from Target on Black Friday and I am obsessed! Since I am not tall, I try to go for shorter boots. These pair made a perfect addition to my collection. :)

p.s. how cute are these bike shop decorations?!

Jacket: Alter'd State | Tee: Forever 21 (similar) | Jeans: Target | Boots: Target

xoxo, jg