jgg's necessities!

Every lady needs a few tricks up her sleeve!  Here is the inside scoop on what is putting extra pep in my step these days...

I have a split personality with my music this summer. 

Vampire Weekend Modern Vampires of the City and the Music From Baz Luhrmann's Film: The Great Gatsby are getting equal and plentiful play in the car and my office lately.  If you haven't listened to the Great Gatsby soundtrack yet RUN to get it, it is SO fun and moody (just like the movie!). My personal favorites are "bang bang" and "over the love" - though all of the songs are amazing and the soundtrack is perfectly arranged start to finish.  The new Vampire Weekend cd is amazing. It's the usual VW quirky moody rock and will definitely be the anthems of the summer in our household. "diane young" is forever stuck in my head.

I recently tried a few new face products from the Boots Botanics line at Target and of course, love them.  The Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm sounded so interesting to me and got good reviews online.  Let me tell you this stuff is crazy good. You slather this balm on your face and remove it with a cloth (included) and warm water and it leaves your face clean and luxuriously soft. Apparently hot cloth cleansing systems are popular in Europe, I had never heard of them before.  I am also loving the Rosewater Toner. It smells just like roses and is the perfect dash of freshness for my face this summer.

I'm obsesses with a retro-ish black bathing suit this summer. I just ordered this one online for a steal, especially compared to some of the more pricey options. I like to have a nice one piece on hand for the summer in case an event calls for one.

THESE wedges from Sole Society. I don't usually wear a heel this high except for special occasions, but this wedge is very comfortable to wear. I ordered them to replace the old Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges that I had gotten years ago.  Those had pretty much expired and these are a really great replacement. They go with anything and are easy to wear.  They are perfect to pair with skinny jeans and a tee or maxi dresses this summer.

Confession: I really dislike sunscreen. I know it's a necessary evil and so lately I've tried this sun oil by Loreal and really liked it. It leaves your skin moisturized and is easier to put on than regular sunscreen (plus no random white streaks if you don't rub it in all the way).  I don't think I will use it every time I am at the pool or beach but I am definitely working it into the repertoire.

What fun new finds are you enjoying lately? Dish!

jgg's necessities... winter survival!

Here's a little peek into my winter bag of tricks... I absolutely can't get through the day without depending on one of these...

Minted Rose Lip Balm

I feel like I am reaching for this all day long. So much in fact I just had to buy another to keep on hand. And it's neutral enough for chapped lips that if my husband or kids need a little something they don't mind the flavor (have you ever tried to hand your husband your favorite lip gloss when he is in a pinch? mine usually doesn't care for that!)

Kiehl's Creme de Corps

I got a sample of this in my November Birchbox and I LOVE it.  It's perfect for my dry hands.

Cozy Scarf

LOVE this. I wear it around the house even, it keeps me so warm.

The Lumineers

I know it's technically Christmas-music-season, but this cd is so peppy I can't help going back for it time and time again.  Although when it does come to Christmas music I'm hooked on either this band: A Very She & Him Christmasor the XM Christmas Pops channel (channel 75 I think it is).  It's really a beautiful channel.

Gap Deconstructed Jeans

I've been living in them. I usually do this with jeans in the winter though, wear one pair until I can't stand them anymore.  This pair is on sale too if you might like them also!  Order a size up though...

Initial Necklace

I ordered this for myself as a very small treat for the hard elf work I have been doing.  Hey, it's not easy planning, buying and wrapping all these gifts!  Plus, my husband has been super busy with work... this is my version of a "gold star" for myself for surviving December (so far).

Gap Parka

Although I got this for 40% during F&F at the Gap, it was still a bit of a splurge and it's one I haven't regretted.  I absolutely LOVE this coat.  LOVE.  It's made my winter a nicer place to be.

What are your winter must haves or December survival necessities!  Please share!

jgg's necessities... (my must have items these days)

Time for another round of jgg's necessities... all the products, thing-a-ma-jigs and doo-dads that I am personally USING & LOVING.  (it doesn't make this list unless I'm full tilt in love with it)  Without further ado....

Elsa boots from Sole Society.

Word to your mother I love me some SS shoes.  These boots haven't really come off my feet since arriving (much like the last pair I ordered from them).  They are comfy and seem to go with everything. AND they are leather (for that price, I know, right!?!?) A great "mom" shoe too!

Red.

Girl, it's too embarrassing to tell you how loud and how much I listen to this cd.  I've always loved Taylor. Some how she hit this one out of the park.

TRUE & CO.

Hate shopping for underpinnings? I do, or did.  Last time I went into the mall "undies" store (you know the one) I swore I never would again. Uggh, I hate that place.  Enter True & Co. no creepy sales people, no "bra fittings" (leave me alone!) and really gorgeous (GORGEOUS!) products. I am SO hooked on this service and I bet you will love it too.  You wouldn't believe how gorgeous my bras are these days!*

Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Aging Oil +

Ignore the "oil" part of this product. It actually IS oil, but it doesn't feel like it. It just feels like youth in a bottle. My skin has never been so soft! I found this in my recent Birchbox and I am hooked.

The Wizard of Oz: And Other Wonderful Books of Oz.

I already starting Christmas shopping and this year I mean to do it with intention. Number one on the list for the littles in my life? Beautiful and fun books.  They are keepsakes, they are not plastic and they are fun for the family.  This one tops the list for my nieces. (We've been reading Pooh's Library as a family and it's SO sweet and funny - a great way to end the day!)

Pasta with Pancetta and Leeks.

My friend Abby kept telling me to make this. So I did. Now I'm telling YOU to make it. Everyone in my family cleared their plate (that never happens) and there were zero leftovers.  Seriously good!  

*TRUE & CO offered me to try their service free of charge. The opinions are all my own. Seriously, you will love this service!

jgg's necessites! (my must have items these days...)

It's time for another installment of jgg's necessities... all the must haves I'm using and loving these days.

Nars 'Orgasm' Blush

Now that the summer is over I've ditched the bronzer and am back to blushing.  This hue is perfect for a  'just fresh from the outdoors' glow.

Knee High Socks

These are going under my boots pretty much all the time.  SO cozy! (edited to add: these yellow ones are no longer available, but I love these too!)

Plaid Scarf

I have a plaid scarf from Old Navy last year that is so warm I can't seem to take it off.  This one is Men's... but just as warm (and cool!), I'm sure.

Rockstar Cords

These cords fit like a dream... I'm so smitten with them.  I really want one in every color, but these are my top three colors!

Solar Oil

My nails start looking fierce (and not in a good way) once the weather cools... solar oil keeps them moisturized and helps guard agains nasty hang nails.

Voluspa Pomegranate Patchouli Candle

I'm in full candle burning mode. This scent is absolutely my favorite and has been for a while. mmmm....

What are your must haves these days?

jgg's necessities! (my must have items these days...)

A while back a reader left a comment asking if maybe I would share my "must haves" from time to time.  So I let the idea ruminate for a while and then "jgg's necessities" was born.  This series will be a fun one to feature the products that I use and love on a daily basis including current crushes or items in heavy rotation in my closet at the moment.

A lot of times writing content for this blog is on an inspiration basis (what inspires me or catches my eye)... this series will take that inspiration to a practical level.  I won't talk about it here unless I have actually tested it out and integrated it into my life.  Deal. Deal?

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

This has been my go to styling product for the summer... it's helped me get easy, beachy waves all summer (and I think I'll use it into the fall too!)

Black V-Neck

Who would of thought? This little tee has been an absolute staple in my wardrobe.  With leggings, jeans shorts or jeans, I wear this ALL the time! (I suggest buying a size up for a relaxed feel) I even wore it on my birthday night out (it's becoming like a second skin!) :)

Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee

I first found this cologne in my Birchbox a few months back and knew immediately I had to buy a full version.  This may be the scent I still wear when I am old and grey... it's musky and sweet and a little sexy.  (oh and it smells nothing like Vanilla, I don't even usually like Vanilla scents!)

Sexy Boyfriend Jeans from Gap

I have already sung praises of these jeans here on the blog before.  But I wear them a lot (ahem, A LOT).  I like dressing them up and down and after being a die hard skinny jean lover (still am) for several years it feels good to have a looser pair of jeans on (that are still flattering!).

Michael Kors Watch in Clear and Rose Gold

This watch is on loan from a dear friend (isn't that insanely sweet of her?).  Wearing it makes me think of her and smile.  Plus, this watch is SO beautiful and goes with everything!

Jouer Tinted Moisturizer

Another Birchbox find!  This stuff is the best, it's super light weight has a 20 SPF and helps prolong my (quickly evaporating!) summer glow.  I've also used it a few times mixed with blush on my cheeks for a night out.

Yes to Cucumbers Eye Gel

I think I have talked about this product before on the blog also.  But this stuff is inexpensive and a day doesn't go by where I don't use it.  Eye cream - hands down - is the number one thing that keeps me looking young.  I've tried the expensive stuff and still keep coming back to this.

Nude Flats

This pair is similar to a pair I bought recently at Gap on super clearance.  I wear them a lot. I find that they go with everything and are casual but refined.

Aviator Sunnies

I've had this pair from Forever 21 for like 3 years - which is pretty awesome considering they were less than $6.  They have broken a few times and by the grace of God I have somehow fixed them each time.  This summer might have been the end of them, they aren't really sitting on my face very well anymore!  I'm thinking of (maybe!) splurging on these! (what do you think?) Or maybe I'll just buy another $6 pair!