3 little luxuries under $3

Does any one else make impulse buys with the attitude of "treat yourself"? Me too. I love a good excuse to unwind and indulge sometimes. However, I am a believer that pampering yourself doesn't mean breaking the bank. I want to share with you three items that feel luxurious, but don't cost very much at all.

1] Sinnling vanilla pleasure candle from IKEA. $1.79
Lately, I've been lighting candles almost every night. No matter what I'm doing, there is most likely a candle or two burning in the background. These ones from IKEA smell great and are so inexpensive, you can stock up and feel no guilt. I must admit, the vanilla scent isn't incredibly strong, but the sweet berries scent is noticeably sweet and scented. Plus, they make a great housewarming gift!

2] Aussie 3-minute Miracle Color Conditioning Treatment, available at most drug stores. $2.97
I bought this after Kate from The Small Things Blog recommended it via Instagram. I thought, if a hairdresser recommends this treatment it must be good. And for $3, I didn't have much to lose. This product definitely proved its worth after the first use! Normally after I shampoo my hair, I put this on my ends while I wash my body, exfoliate, shave, etc. After about 3 minutes and a quick rinse, my hair feels silky smooth and stronger. This is a product I use about once or twice a week, when my hair is really feeling dry or damaged from heat styling. Try it, you will not regret it! Bonus: it smells light and feminine, with hints of camomile.

3] Vitamin C Microdermabrasion from The Body Shop. $2.50.
I'm all about a good face mask lately, but I must admit, I probably don't exfoliate my face as much as I should. With that in mind, I decided to try this microdermabrasion scrub after my best friend gifted it to me. It. is. good. The beads are not too coarse, but it really does get rid of any rough patches or dead skin on your face. I felt like it even cleared up my complexion a little bit. It has a pleasant smell, and the packet will last me two uses. If you're really feeling like giving yourself a complete spa treatment, exfoliate, then put on a mask for 10 minutes. Your skin will feel rejuvenated!

I hope you take at least 3 minutes out of your busy day and try some of these $3-and-less luxuries, or give them to a friend who needs some relaxation. What are your favorite ways to indulge on a budget?

xoxo,
G

BÓhem bistro: a restaurant review

A few weeks ago, one of my best friends and I were looking for a cute little place to grab dinner during the week, in order to celebrate my birthday. She recommended BÓhem Bistro in Seven Fields, PA. After looking at their website, and hearing about the rustic decor, I was sold.

The atmosphere of this place was cozy, warm, and european-inspired. They even have an outside patio with string lights, which would be great to relax on in warmer months.

[Beautiful lighting fixtures.]

[Wine bottles hanging from the ceiling in a light fixture.]

[Love locks outside of the bathrooms.]

My girl friend, Alexandra, and I were in awe of the pretty decor and rustic touches. But, the true test was the food.

[Soft pretzels and peach beer.]

First, we both ordered the Dogfish Head Festina Peche beer - delish. BÓhem had their Oktoberfest menu available, so then we eagerly ordered the soft pretzels with beer cheese, spicy mustard, and cinnamon sugar. Yummmmy. I highly recommend these. The mix of sweet and savory was one that I really enjoyed.  

[Our main courses.]

For my main course, I ordered the fig, blue cheese, and balsamic glaze flatbread with a side salad. Alexandra ordered the caesar salad and potato pancakes. I wasn't a huge fan of my flatbread, to be honest. The blue cheese was slightly overpowering, and I realized that I'm not a huge fig fan. Oh well, you live and you learn.

[A birthday treat!]

We topped the meal off with whiskey chocolate cake. Alcohol plus chocolate?! Sign me up. Luckily, there was no birthday singing at this place. Phew. Note the wood chop block that most of the courses are served on. No detail was overlooked here, and I can certainly appreciate that.

Alexandra and I had a great time. Isn't catching up with your best friend over dinner the best?! Overall, BÓhem Bistro was a lovely experience. I could go on and on about the atmosphere. Honestly, I think I just ordered the wrong main dish. All the other guests' dinners looked delicious, so I'm excited to go back in the future and try something new!

Are there any other restaurants in the Seven Fields area that you love? Let me know by leaving a comment!

xoxo,

G

one month mark

This past friday marked four weeks at my new job. After some reflecting, I realized that I learned a lot in four short weeks. Time has absolutely flown by. Although I am certainly not claiming myself to be an expert in career growth and development (quite the opposite), I want to share some of the things that I've learned to do in order to grow in your current position.

1] If you don't know, don't ask...yet. I am slowly adopting this mentality. At some point, your manager wants you to be self-sufficient, for the most part. I certainly encourage asking questions when you begin training, however, at some point you must figure things out for yourself. Chances are, you have the tools you need to solve the issue. What I mean by "don't ask...yet," is the notion that if you're struggling with a task, think through it logically, look back on your notes, and use every mean that you can to solve the issue at hand. Then, if you cannot do it yourself, you can ask someone. By forcing yourself to figure it out alone, you are learning more than you would if someone simply told you what to do.

2] Be nice to everyone. The doorman/woman, the building manager, the stranger you run into in the hallway. Smile at everyone and always be courteous. You never know who you may be running into, or if you'll be collaborating with them someday.

3] Get to know your co-workers. Too often people fall into the "can you do this for me?" or "you need to complete this" mentality. Which is completely normal in a work setting. However, I encourage you to get to know your co-workers on a personal level. Get to know what they like, their family, what their weekend plans are. This creates a more human element to the relationship, which I think boosts both parties' productivity. You might have more in common with your colleagues than you thought.

4] Learn about other departments. It will help you learn more about the company than what you would learn from keeping in only your department. A week ago, I was interviewing someone for an internal story I was writing. I simply wanted to know some information on an event, but the person I interviewed actually ended up teaching me so much about a product line that we carry. It was awesome, and I left the interview with a greater knowledge of something that can ultimately help me do my job better.

5] Give your brain a break, and go out and do things during the weekday. Whether you plan dinner with a friend, a movie night with your boyfriend, or simply shopping at the mall alone, get out and do something during the week. This allows you to break up the week and refuel. I find that if I sit on my couch after work, I feel unproductive and lazy. Planning these things keeps me active and simply makes me feel good!

6] Buy a steamer. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in the morning and realized that the outfit I so carefully picked out the night before didn't appeal to me in the morning. So, back to the closet I go. Most of the time, the button down or blouse I want to wear has a few wrinkles in it, but I don't have enough time to iron it. So, I switch on my steamer, and in about 1 minute the water is boiling and ready to steam. It might sound silly, but it's a lifesaver for rushed mornings. Plus, you'll head to work knowing that you look polished and professional.


What has allowed you to be successful in your career? Comment below! Or, let me know if you are interested in this type of blog post!

xoxo,
G

anthro pop-up market

A few weeks ago, I received an email from Anthropologie about a "Pop Up Market" they were hosting at the Bakery Square store in East Liberty. The market would feature locally-made goods, and because I'm a believer in supporting local artists and I love purchasing unique items, I figured I would head down and check it out.

[Pop-Up Market sign outside of the Anthro doors.]

It was an adorable event, I must say. Plus, I'll always look for an excuse to peruse the racks of an Anthropologie store. They had about 6 tables set up in the front of the store (complete with bunting draped across each one). Many tables featured smaller items, from flower arrangements to stationary to succulents. It was right up my alley.

The card display caught my eye almost immediately, because of the perfect typography and simple designs. I purchased a card that reads "home is where the heart grows." I plan to frame it and incorporate it into my not-yet-started gallery wall. It'll be up someday and I'll be sure to share!

[Typographic heaven.]

The creator of these beautiful cards is Jessi Evans of Orchard - a paper & stationary company. She was super sweet when we chatted briefly at the pop-up market, and also offered me a post card in lieu of a business card. I loved that little touch! Definitely check out her website, she has some really unique designs.

I am hopeful that Anthropologie will host more events like this one in the future. Even though I didn't buy much, it was enjoyable seeing local small businesses and artists' work on display.

Have you been to any other pop-up markets in the Pittsburgh area? Let me know, I'm always looking for more!

xoxo,
G

bright flannel+neutrals: weekend OOTD

This past Saturday morning, the boyfriend and I went down to East Liberty, one of our favorite neighborhoods in Pittsburgh (more on this later this week). Because I am dressed business casual all week, I knew I wanted to relish in comfy-cozy duds on Saturday.

I've been dying to wear a good flannel/sweater combo lately, and this colorful flannel was the one that stuck out to me that morning. When I popped my sweater over top of the flannel, I realized that the plaid actually had hints of burnt orange in it. I was pleased that the colors tied together so well - enough of a contrast and not too matchy.

[All about neutrals with a hint of color.]

[flannel, similar | Target
sweater, last year | Madewell
pixie pants | J.Crew
boots | Karen Scott
purse | Tory Burch]
[Sidenote: I'll never get over the awkwardness of fashion blogger pics. Now I see the argument for blogger selfies... Kind of.]

[I'm a sucker for a good elbow patch.]

[My J.Crew Pixie pants are on repeat throughout fall and winter. Think of them like your favorite pair of leggings, but thicker and more structured.]

Next time you want to resort to your favorite neutrals, add a pop of color! You won't regret it.

xoxo,

G

october ipsy: first impressions

I received my Ipsy bag in the mail two days ago - so of course I want to give you the low down about the products I received. And yes, I was so excited that I tried them all within 24 hours of receiving them. Here goes nothing!

bag | Not bad! I like the color, and the quilted pattern is kinda cool.

Revlon Bold Lacquer mascara | I was pleasantly surprised to see that this product was full sized! I am very picky with mascara, but I thought this mascara was nice. It has little fibers in it to make your lashes longer and fuller. I didn't notice much volume, but I did notice more length in my lashes. The formula wasn't clumpy at all, which I definitely appreciate. However, the mascara did flake a little after all-day wear.

Doll 10 H2Glo highlighter in Champagne | I'm a fan of this highlighter! It is a nice size sample, and it is subtle enough that it's not overbearingly sparkly on your face. I put this on my cheekbones and under my brows. I think it could be used as a cream eyeshadow too! It reminds me of the Benefit Watt's Up highlighter.

Figs & Rouge hand cream | This is a "nice to have." The packaging is adorable, and the mango mandarin scent is nice - not too strong. I think I'll throw this in my bag, car, or leave it at my desk for when I need hand cream in a pinch.

Epice purifying exfoliant | I've been needing a new exfoliator since my LUSH Ocean Salt ran out, so I was happy to receive this. The exfoliants in this face wash are very fine, so it is gentle enough for sensitive skin. I tried it last night, and I found that my skin was feeling pretty smooth afterwards. Not sure if I would buy a full size of this item, but it worked well. I wasn't super overwhelmed by it, though.

The fifth product that I got a sneak peak of in my "glam room" (your online account featuring the monthly products you receive) was not in my bag. I emailed ipsycare, and luckily they were happy to send it to me. It's a red lipstick by Noyah, which might be nice to have for autumn and the holidays.

To be honest, I liked this bag, and it was of course exciting to receive it in the mail, but I was a little underwhelmed. The products were nice, but not rave-worthy.

Stay tuned for next month's review!

xoxo,
G

celebrating the little things

As some of you may know, it was my birthday this past weekend. My birthday honestly snuck up on me this year... I guess that's what happens when you grow up and you don't have age-related milestones to look forward to. I had so many things going on and before I knew it, it was October.

I think as I get older, I appreciate the simple things so much more. That doesn't mean I wasn't aware of them when I was younger, but when you grow up, you become truly grateful for things that once seemed so average.

[A card from my best friend's perfect mom.]

Thursday night was my family birthday celebration at a local restaurant. On Saturday, my boyfriend and I decided to go to brunch and then head up to Fort Ligonier Days. Fort Ligonier Days is a festival that commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian War. Tyler and I ate our way through it, essentially. It was just what I wanted on my birthday. We also got to shop around at the cute little vendor booths and local boutiques. It goes without saying, I was in heaven.

In typical Greta fashion, I had to do some birthday shopping. Listed below are my purchases from Saturday.

1] Green Bubble Gorgeous olive oil soap
2] Curly Girl Design card
3] Blue Q makeup case

[Green Bubble Gorgeous soap | this smells like apple cider for your body, and it's organic!
Curly Girl card | the saying couldn't be more relevant. I'll probably frame this in my apartment.
Blue Q case | meant to be for pencils, but I think this would be adorable for makeup brushes and other little things.]

[I can't lie, I love when Tyler makes me go into the menswear shops. I love gathering inspiration from classic masculine pieces.]

[The Green Bubble Gorgeous booth was precious. I loved the bunting, bright colors, and organic body products.]

[Ligonier is so charming.]

[Pretty doors left and right. Can this place be my home someday?]

[Eating a rice krispy treat bigger than my face on the way home, complete with sprinkles - unintentionally matching the card I bought that day.]

After we were done at Ligonier Days, Tyler and I shared a long car ride home with lots of laughter, and then ate takeout on my couch. I loved it. It was a perfect day: a birthday full of little things that meant so much to me. My heart was basically exploding. I also get to see two of my best friends this week to continue the celebration - I cannot contain my excitement!

Birthdays are a great reminder of the little things that are truly important in life: health, good friendships, laughter, and love.

Today, and everyday, I want you to celebrate the little things.

xoxo,
G

hunter packable rain boots

One of my favorite things about fall is getting cozy. Wearing layers, lighting candles, and snuggling up on the couch with a cup of tea = yes. yes. and yes.

I'm always looking for fashion pieces that will transition well into winter, because, let's be real, the winter in Western PA never ends. The Hunter 'Tour' Packable Rain Boots are definitely an investment that will last you for many seasons and years to come.

I received my Hunter boots as a Christmas gift last year. I had asked for the Hunter Original boots, but because of the holiday season they were sold out. My dad asked the associate at Nordstrom for an alternative option, so they recommended the Hunter packable boots (aren't dads the best?). I'm SO glad that the original Hunters were sold out. The packable Hunters are without a doubt a favorite for chilly months. This version of the boots move with you when you walk and they are very lightweight.

To be honest, I search for excuses to wear these. I wear these boots even when it's not raining, because they're super super comfortable and the forest green pairs well with a lot of pieces in my closet. Wearing these boots also gives my leather riding boots a little bit of a break. An added bonus: they are flexible and meant to be packed away. So, if you're going on a winter getaway, you can pack these and still have room all those (necessary) outfit options in your suitcase!

These boots are also great because you can insert fleece liners for extra warmth when it's snowing. And, if you're thinking ahead to spring, I find it super cute when people wear casual dresses or jean shorts with rain boots. Need I name any more reasons to snag these?

what I'd pair them with: plaid, chambray, cozy brown or grey sweaters, leggings, denim.

Do you have any favorite pieces that last you from fall through winter? Let me know by leaving a comment!

xoxo,
G

73 questions vogue series

Vogue has hit the nail on the head, especially in the YouTube area lately. They have started a series where they ask influential people 73 questions. It's pretty amazing. The interview with Reese Witherspoon is one of my favorites, and the Anna Wintour interview is, of course, fabulous. Where do I sign up to be Reese's best friend?

I love getting a sneak peak into these ladies' daily lives and quirks. Although, admittedly, I am not someone who regularly keeps up with celebrities. Even so, I think the whole Vogue series is just so fun and revealing. It's neat to see these people in their element, and listen to their responses to the interviewer's questions.



xoxo,
G

OOTD: easy layers

Yesterday was a pretty relaxing Sunday - my favorite kind of Sunday. My boyfriend and I took a trip up to the outlets to shop, and then went to a casual dinner. This was the first weekend in Western PA that really felt like fall - complete with 50 degree weather and changing leaves. So, I happily piled on the layers. I wanted to keep it comfortable for our errands, so I resorted to some go-to pieces - chambray and flats. I chose to do a denim-on-denim look, but broke it up with a dark sweater and light trench coat. The key with wearing double denim is choosing two different shades, and breaking it up with another color or two, whether it be a belt, sweater, or colorful necklace.

[chambray tunic | Old Navy]
[black sweater | JC Penney]
[trench coat | Joe Fresh for JC Penney]
[jeans | J.Crew Factory]
[flats | Tory Burch]

[collar details]

[two collars are better than one!]
[bangle | Kate Spade]

[signs of fall: red leaves, acorns, and flats]

Lately, I'm all about mixing high-low pieces. I love a good deal, but I love a good investment piece equally as much. I think spending a little more money on pieces that are staples is totally justifiable. Even though a tan trench would typically be an investment, I scored this one in the summer at JC Penney for $9.88. These are the perks at shopping at the end of a season (a favorite pastime of mine)!

happy layering!

G

style inspo: OP

I am feeling some major fashion inspiration from Olivia Palermo as I transition my wardrobe from summer to fall. There is something so effortlessly chic and put together about her style, and I am all about it. Is it just me, or is there something so cool about Olivia, but you just can't put your finger on it? Whatever it is, keep doing it, girl.

Here are some of my favorite autumn outfits that I will be re-creating from OP.

[Layers of black patterns/textures.]

[Blue+black is a YES for me lately.]

[Fun fact: the necklace she is wearing in this picture is from BaubleBar.]

[Fall layers, complete with plaid.]

[Denim + denim + comfort. This would be a great weekend outfit.]

[Perfect option for a chilly night out.]

I'm kind of obsessed with her. And when I say kind of, I mean very. Follow me on Pinterest for more OP obsessing!

xoxo,
G

brand focus: baublebar

BaubleBar holds a special place in my heart, and it is not simply because of their gorgeous & affordable fashion jewelry. I chose this company to focus on for my senior capstone project in college. Because of this, I've researched the company from front to back, and I've concluded I'm in love with it.

BaubleBar was founded in 2011, and has seen immense growth in the past 3 years. Without getting into numbers and other boring things, BaubleBar has had awesome collaborations with people such as Blair Eadie, Courtney Kerr, and Ingrid Nilsen (to name a few) and continues to prove itself as the destination for fashion jewelry.

While in NYC this year, I was able to make an appointment with two friends at The Bar at BaubleBar in the Flatiron District. Let me tell you... It was one of the neatest shopping experiences of my life. The Bar at BaubleBar is attached to their corporate office, and it is located in a larger office building. Once we arrived on the 6th floor, we were greeted by a young girl named Isabelle, who was our stylist for the appointment. We were offered champagne, but politely declined (it was 10:30 am). The three of us shopped around the little showroom for about a half hour before we made our final decisions. It was a pretty difficult choice, because we loved so many pieces, but we each ended up getting something beautiful and unique.

Notable: If you want to stop at The Bar, you must make an appointment prior. It's totally worth it if you're in the NYC area!

Drawers & drawers of gorgeous pieces.

I love the simple aesthetic of the room, because it puts the focus on the jewels.

Big decisions!
I ended up going with the Maharaja necklace, below the pink one (no longer online - but here's one similar).

After the appointment at The Bar, my love for the company was further solidified. I currently only have two pieces from BaubleBar, but I plan on purchasing many more. They are so versatile and glamorous.

Above is the necklace I purchased while in NYC from BB. I literally wear it with everything. Black dresses. Navy tops. Florals. Plaids. Chambray. You name it, this necklace goes with it.

This mint beauty was a graduation gift to myself (#treatyourself). It is from the BBxAnthropologie collection. It is no longer online, but here is a gorgeous alternative. I usually wear this with navy or white. I like to keep things simple and let the necklace be the focal point.

Needless to say, my wish list on BaubleBar grows by the day. I'm currently most coveting this necklace & these earrings.

Do you have any BaubleBar pieces that are on repeat in your outfits?

xoxo,
G