Brunch Notes: March 3

(throwback to when we had our own winter wonderland for a few days)

Happy best day, SATURDAY!! ☕ Grab a latte and let's spend our Saturday a.m. together.

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If you haven't seen my previous Brunch Notes then here you go. Brunch Notes is a weekly Saturday morning post to bring you my favorite happenings & articles & just things from the past week that I would love to chat to you about if we were able to meet up for brunch IRL. #mimosasforsure

 
I totally understand you ladies are busy goal-getters. You barely have time to eat a proper breakfast at times, let alone spend the day surfing the web. Weekly Brunch Notes was inspired by YOU.

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25 Tips To Stay Safe As A Solo Female Traveler on Hey Ciara

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My health & wellness board has been my favorite thing on Pinterest this week for getting a bunch of healthy food inspo and just health in general. #summerbod

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Love this article from Audrey on wearing confidence this Spring. 

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CoverGirl feautured its first ever model with vitiligo in the #IAmWhatIMakeUp campaign and it's the best video you'll see today. 

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Ok, this wasn't from this week but it was too good not to share. I totally related to Ester Ledecká, the Olympic alpine skier, and snowboarder from the Czech Republic, who won the Super-G competition when she gave her reason for wearing goggles during the press interviews!

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AirBnB just announced the launch of 2 new luxury tier. Can someone say GIRLS TRIP!!! 

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 This gal bought a week of healthy food from Trader Joe’s for under $50.

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Since Danielle has PERFECT hair I think we can all agree we are so glad she posted a hair tutorial!! 

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If you've always wanted some Hunter Boots but have never wanted to spend $150 for a pair, well now is your chance to score some for under $50!

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Unless you've been living under a rock (jkjk) but seriously I'm sure you've heard about ice rolling. I've seen it going around a lot of beauty YouTubers and just blogs in general. So if you are curious has to what it is/benefits, Krista did an in-depth review of ice rolling. I kind of want to give it a try now ;)

Fav song of the week: Toss-up between "God's Plan" by Drake and "The Middle" by Zedd

Reading: Picked up Girl Code by Cara Alwill Leyba and Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone. 

Happy weekend babes!! Any special plans?

Why Graciela | Brand Goals

Happy Thursday!!!

Today I want to do something a little different and just chat about this blog and why I started it. I am getting a lot more traffic on here and some new readers (welcome!) and since I actually haven't really done this type of post yet, I thought it's about time I do. Not only will reading the "why" behind this blog help you as readers when you are on here but every time I write out my brand mission + goals it always re-inspires and motivates me. It's a win-win. ;)

So...

Why Graciela?

Well, first things first. The blog name. My name is Grace, not Graciela, but since I am part Latino I liked the idea of using a different variation of my name and Graciela is a Spanish variation of Grace. I love the elegant sound it has and it just sorta stuck.

I've always loved fashion and follow some fabulous fashion blogs, and have always wanted to start a clothing line and do some modeling (like for fashion campaigns). When coming up with the idea for this blog, I knew fashion would be apart of it somehow, and occasionally I will share some style tips or some of the latest trends, because come on, girls love fashion and just feeling confident in their style and most of the time we can instantly bond over shoes. :) For example, when I'm out and I see a girl with either some cute shoes or some to die for handbag, I always compliment her and ask where she found them. That sparks an instant connection between us that often leads to a full conversation, all because of fashion!!

When it comes to the blog I will at times talk fashion and what's on my fashion wishlist because more often than not fashion opens a door to more. Fashion is relatable and fun and I have found that it can be a bridge to lead to more conversations and real talk moments. Fashion can open the door.

Beyond fashion, my brand goal has always been to provide value. I always get asked either by real-life friends or followers what does it mean to be a girlboss or how can they because they are in college or work full time or that they are only 16. Many think that to be a girlboss you have to start a company or blog or be an entrepreneur or be 30 years old and that is totally not the case!

To me being a girlboss is learning to become the best version of yourself in all areas of life and going after your dream life. So if you are in college you can figure out what is important to you and give 110 %. If you are in a full-time job, you can figure out the areas of your life that are important to you and balance it out so that you are becoming your best self in all those areas. And if you are in high school, GIRL you have such a great opportunity being in that age group and pursuing a girlboss mindset. The world is waiting for your greatness.

If you are a superstar in school or work but don't give time for working out or personal development time or family/friends or faith (or whatever your non-negotiables are) then I personally think it's difficult to be my best in one area if I'm not giving the time of day to another. Make sense?

I'm not saying each of those areas has to be perfect and a finished project, but being a work in progress is better than nothing.

This is where I want to fill the gap of providing relatable content. If you have questions on fashion, being a girlboss, personal development, what I use for skin care, real-life talk, quick recipes for an on the go lifestyle, literally whatever you want to know that is where Graciela blog comes in. You have crazy busy lives as aspiring girlbosses so sometimes you don't have time to research the latest trends or see what the best podcasts are currently or maybe you don't know where to start when it comes to creating a morning routine. Girl, I got you. These are the things I want to chat about and just help you with on your girlboss journey.

The mission of Graciela is for the everyday girl. It's where women can come to be inspired to be the best version of themselves. My goal with every post is to inspire women to find the ladyboss within herself and win in all areas of her life. 

I am super excited to share all the March content I have planned especially related to Women's History month! Talk to you in the next post!

remember to always glam up, goal up and never give up!

How To Make A Vision Board | digital + print

 

Every successful person seems to agree on this one important factor: you need to visualize your future achievements not just in your mind, but on paper. Vision boards are one of the most powerful visualization tools to help you organize and embrace your goals.

3, 2, 1...Happy NY!!! | goals, dreams, & aspirations

shop the outfit
faux fur jacket (similar) (similar) | crossbody/clutch | velvet booties

Welcome to the first post of 2018!

I wish we could have had an NYE blogger party full of champagne boomerangs, glitzy glam dresses, and Insta worthy photo booths. How fun would that be!?

18 Ladyboss Books To Help Slay Your 2018

I'm sure like myself, many of you are beginning to or have already been compiling a to-read list for the new year. Here is a list of must-read motivational books for female entrepreneurs, many of whom are on my reading list this year.

7 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Winter

There's just a certain vibe about winter that makes you want to snuggle up under your favorite blanket, turn on Netflix, and hunker down with hot coffee in your favorite Target mug. But...there's also something about winter that can leave you feeling drowsy, blue, and just blah.

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide | Under $25

Mom, Sister + BFF Gift Guide

How To Stay Intentional During the Holiday Season | Advent 2017

Happy First Sunday of Advent!

Today I wanted to share my heart with you all because this little blog is a place that I want you to be able to come and just hear truth and be inspired whether it's about being an authentic #LADYBOSS or my favorite devotionals.

Cyber Monday Roundup + Charitable Brands That Give Back

Happy Monday, Cyber Monday that is. Personally, I think you get better deals today than on Friday AND you get to shop while in your pj's with a Hallmark movie playing in the background! Win-win situation!

 In addition to the regular retail deals and sales I wanted to roundup some brands and products that are making a difference during this busy shopping season. I have listed some AMAZING life-changing brands below, where I'm sure you will be abale to find a ton of gift ideas + give back at the same time. 
Happy shopping!!!

Thankful

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

I can't believe I am already saying that! This Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a minute and share a few things that I am truly thankful for. I hope you take some time today and this weekend and just write down every little blessing.

Gift Guide for the White Elephant Party | Under $40

Bath & Body Works relief line (body lotion, body wash, body scrub) | mirrored sunglasses ($12)| succulents ($15)| Sugarfina 3-piece box set ($28) | portable charger ($20) | oversized sweater ($22) | crossbody purse ($22) | wine glass set ($36) | snow globe ($21) | Himalayan salt lamp ($20) | Starbucks tumbler ($15 local Starbucks)  | throw blanket ($29)

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!!

I'm sure many of you today are traveling to be with family, doing lots of food prep and last minute shopping. Today I'll be heading to COSTCO to pick up the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal, Pumpkin Pie!! What about you do you prefer Pumpkin, Pecan or Apple pie?

If they haven't all ready, Christmas parties will soon start ramping up and your gift list is going to be all over the place trying to get the perfect gift to fit the theme at all the parties. A common party that you'll probably be attending at least once this holiday season is a white elephant party. Basically, the premise of a white elephant gift exchange is that you show up with one gift, draw numbers to see who goes first, and then let the opening begin. As every participant unwraps their gifts, they can steal away the other's newly acquired goods. Super fun and you really can bring whatever gift you would like. It could be a silly gift or it could be a really unique one that most would never think to gift. 

What parties are you looking forward to this season? Do you have a favorite white elephant gift that you give? 

Gift Guide for the Caffeine & Foodie Friend

Starbucks gift card | coffee snob mug ($14) | Peets dark grounds ($12) | holiday blend k cups ($14) | Starbucks variety k cup pack ($25) | Starbucks cup ornament (local Starbucks shop) | Lush coffee body scrub ($12) | French press ($50) | coffee guide print art ($14) | Starbucks Italian grounds ($11) | stainless steel straws ($6) | Starbucks sticker ($3) | iced coffee sticker ($3) | coffee now crew ($80) | Kate Spade thermal ($18) | marble tumbler ($30) | syrup gift set ($30)

popcorn maker ($40) | popcorn cheese seasonings ($24) | caramel popcorn ($9) | Hellofresh gift card | Mayan hot chocolate ($12) | merlot infused coffee beans ($20) | coconut jam ($12)| champagne gummy bear chocolate bar ($12)| veggie spiralizer ($28) | edible cookie dough ($50) | hot sauce gift set ($40) | marble rolling pin ($25) | Chipotle gift card | Sugarfina champagne bubbles ($7)

Today's gift guide is probably my favorite so far because how can you go wrong with coffee or food!!! I got the munchies while writing up this post and had to restrain myself from consuming more than one cup of coffee. ;) Food themed gifts is a great opportunity to be unique in your gift giving and really make the recipient feel special and that you put a lot of thought into the gift.

Do you have a foodie/caffeine lover on your shopping list this season?

Gift Guide for the Beauty Guru

ipsy beauty box gift card | Drybar gift card | chocolate soap bars ($28) | gingerbread house set ($42) | cleaning brush glove ($39) | flawless base set ($20) | makeup travel bag ($25) | beauty blender duo ($25) |  BYREDO hand cream ($36) | mask sampler kit ($25) | light up cosmetic mirror ($22) | Fresh sugar lip collection ($38) | beauty blender holder ($6)

spinning lipstick organizer ($40) | dead sea mud mask ($15) | Naked heat palette ($54) | diamond sponge ($10) | Nars gift set ($24) | makeup spinning organizer ($27) | makeup pouch ($18) | wow brush ($23) | Too Faced "under the kissletoe" set ($25) | NYX lip set ($39) | IKEA makeup drawer organizer ($129) | rollerball gift set ($28) | Kiehl's dry relief duo ($16)

Happy Thanksgiving week friends!!!

I don't know about you but I absolutely love experimenting with makeup products...basically, I'm a wannabe beauty guru hence the iconic IKEA drawers I included that every Youtuber and their mother has!!!

Beauty is such a great gift during the holidays — from makeup brushes to fragrances, eyeshadows to lipsticks — you can find affordable gifts or go for something luxe that your loved one wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. It's a great time for you to not only gift fun beauty products but you also have total freedom to ask for items that are out of your comfort zone so you can test out new products. 

What beauty/skincare product are you absolutely dying to try???

Gift Guide for the Fitness Friend

bluetooth headphones | sports bra | exercise mat | long sleeve | jacket | "green juice" gummy bears | Rx bars | armband | white Adidas | cargo Adidas | gym bag | high-waisted grey leggings | Fitbit Alta | pink tubular Adidas | high waist midi leggings | Adidas grey | floral print capri leggings 

A common new year goal of many is to get in shape and lead a healthier life. I personally think today's gift guide would be great for literally ANYONE, to encourage them to start 2018 on a health kick. These fitness gifts would also be highly loved by the friend who is always off to their favorite Soulcycle, Crossfit, Zumba, or weight class. Who doesn't love new leggings and cute sneakers!? Also, I was SO excited to come across green juice gummy bears...hello 2017!!! This is such a fun unique gift to give to your fitness friend and family members!

Gift Guide for the Fashionista + Jewelry Lover

Fri-Yay loafers | fashion book | wool hat | pom-pom key chain | sequin bomber jacket | aviator sunglasses | handbag | faux fur earmuffs | marble iPhone case | dupe Gucci belt | velvet joggers | chevron faux fur | eyelashes ball cap | loafer mules  

Cartier dupe | tassel fringe | trinket tray | double stud pearls | mantra bands: She Believe She Could, Enjoy The Journey, Dream | trinket tree | ear crawlers | initial bar pendant | gold stackable rings | piñata tassel | spinning initial | bar pendant | crystal bangle | white agate jewelry box | GLAMring holder | Alex & Ani bangle

Happy Friday ladies!!! Wow, Black Friday is a WEEK from today! I feel like I just published my first gift guide on November 1st!

Today's gift guide is for that chica in your life who is always on top of the currents trends and is always the one you and your friends go to for fashion advice.  Having to shop for someone who is obsessed with the latest fashion can sometimes be intimidating and challenging because there's SO much you could get for them. These are some great starting point items to get you going and crossing the fashionista off your Christmas shopping list. 

What is a favorite current trend of yours at the moment?

Gift Guide for the Hostess

gold dipped glasses | marble coasters | Sugarfina holiday candy | dish towels | faux fur wine bag | copper measuring cups | wood salad bowl | Kate Spade book | monogram board | mistletoe candle | pink Himalayan salt | mocha hot chocolate | black tip matches | lavender and cedarwood lotion set

Okay, ladies Thanksgiving is next week!! I guess you could say it's the official start of the Holiday season. No matter your age or whether you have a big family gathering, a Friendsgiving dinner, or a holiday soiree, bringing a hostess gift is always appropriate. It's the season to give to others and if someone is so kind to host a party, the least you can do is give a little something back. 

A very common and classic hostess gift might be a nice candle or a quality hot chocolate mix. However, I've gathered a few more fun and unique, and still perfectly appropriate, gifts in this hostess guide. Who wouldn't love to receive some gourmet candy or a set of lavender lotion!?

What is your favorite thing to give as a hostess gift? 

Advent Calendar Roundup

1. 24 Days of Tea | 2. NYX Lippie Countdown | 3. QVC 24 Piece Kit | 4. Mrs. Prindable Sweet Treats | 5. Nail Polish | 6. L'Occitane | 7. No7 Beauty | 8. Ritual Advent | 9. Atelier Cologne | 10. Clinique Holiday Swag Box | 11. OLE Glow Skincare

The Advent season officially begins on December 3rd, so whether you countdown from the official start of Advent or start your countdown on December 1st, you'll find the perfect Advent Calendar in today's roundup. The typical Advent Calendar has boxes of chocolate that you open every day of Advent but how fun would it be to open a new beauty or skincare product for 12-24 days!!? Yes, please! These are also some fun ideas to give as gifts to the Thanksgiving or holiday hostess!

Do you use an Advent Calendar? Do you like a chocolate one or a beauty theme?

Brunch Notes: November 11

Happy best day, SATURDAY!! Grab a latte and let's spend our Saturday a.m. together catching up on recent happenings this week.

 How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season on Life To Lauren

 Thanksgiving Outfit Guide on Fran Acciardo 

Trader Joe's has all the Thanksgiving things out right now. They have turkey stuffing kettle chips which sound super weird but I'm really intrigued to try them. 

I think having a Friendsgiving would be SOO much fun, especially with fellow bloggers!!!

 

Pieces for Killer Thanksgiving Outfits on Dash of Serendipity 

How This Woman Went From Wanting Marriage, Family, and Success to Having It All in Just One Year on Verily Magazine

4 Women on How They Prep for the Workweek on The Everygirl 

These Steve Madden Mules are currently on sale this weekend for under $50 and are perfect for basically all seasons.  

Really want to make this salad for Thanksgiving dinner...mostly just for the Feta cheese.

I screamed out loud when I saw this new Halo Top flavor!!! Life goal: have a freezer dedicated to all things Halo Top.

 

 Anyone else strategically plan out and tape all the Hallmark Christmas movies?

Gift Guide for the College Girl

planner | gift cards to Ulta, Target, Starbucks | fairy lights | daily tote bag | wireless headphones | portable charger | essential oils | waterproof bluetooth speaker | slippers | naked eyeshadow palette | roller ball perfumes | makeup remover wipes | travel coffee mug | hydro flask | face masks | graze healthy snack box | K cups | footie blanket 

I am really excited to introduce today's gift guide because almost everyone knows or has a college girl in their life. There are so many things that I took for granted before I went to college like having my own bathroom or little things like being able to light a candle and have that whole cozy homey feel. One of the items that I want to give a special highlight is the Pedi Pocket blanket with a foot pocket. This is probably one of the best gifts for any college student because I know I found myself many nights in the library or even in my dorm where my legs and feet would get so cold and I would just want to curl up while studying. This will be college gals new BFF. 

I definitely put myself in this gift guide and thought about what I would be ecstatic to receive as a gift and not have to worry about getting it myself. What seems like a small gift like makeup wipes will actually make any college girl SO happy!  

What is something that you love to gift college gals?