 Hello my favorite people! My favorite thing is sharing Miami gems with you all, and I got to share some with you all over on Instagram during my #ShopSmall series along with other small businesses I love. If you missed it I will be sharing them in this blog post (with a few more here) but you can also view them under my highlight on Instagram. Ready for some small businesses you will absolutely adore like me? ACCESSORIES
DESSERTS
FOODIE
CLOTHING
SERVICES
 
What girl doesn't love curls? While we all love to throw our hair in curls, we all are not fans of the long time (sometimes hours!) and the long-term damage it has on our hair. So ladies, put the hot tools aside and get ready for this little hack that will give your hair a salon-quality look without the hassle.
Step One - Wash your hair girl! Shampoo twice, condition once. Make sure your hair is clean and shiny. Step Two - Once you emerge from your relaxing shower, towel-dry your hair. Step Three - Apply a deep conditioner to your hair. These are two I have been using lately, (click here & here). Step Four - Part your hair down the middle and into two braids, try to make them tight as possible. Step Five - Sleep on it. Once you wake up, have some breakfast and about your morning routine. It is key to keep your braids in as long as you can if you want your curls to hold and to be full of volume. And voila! If you try this at home, share it with me! Post your photos online and tag me @itsapashion! It is a quick and easy way to get a salon-quality hairstyle, with no heat damage. Ready to curl girl?
SHOP THE POSTI felt inspired today to be as transparent as I think I ever have been on here. I have been diagnosed with anxiety for as long as I can remember. It was something I was ashamed of for a long time. It wasn't something I necessarily hid but I also wasn't one to promote it. Through my college years I have come across a lot of others with anxiety and I am happy to see mental health is being more regularly spoken about because there are on average 40 million adults in the United States alone that struggle with anxiety each and every day. When this whole "self-quarantine" concept came about I figured it wouldn't be such a big transition or deal for me. Personally, I am a homebody. Little did I know the impact it would have on my mental health and the mental health of so many others around me. One of the best sources to naturally relieve anxiety is to keep yourself busy and get out and about. I personally am at my happiest and best when I have a full schedule of things to do. The more the better! It keeps me from over thinking, motivates me to be productive, and keeps me moving. Sadly, quarantine has the opposite effect on the body and soul. While yes is it EXTREMELY important we all remain home and not out doing our regular routine, I think what we are all kind of glossing over is people's mental health. The first thing they tell you when you are suffering from anxiety, depression, etc. is to get up and out! Obviously that is not an option right now. I mentioned to a friend that I was shocked that in all these news articles and TV programs I have seen little to no mention about mental health resources readily available during this time. Which is what brought me to writing this post on my little platform today. SOCIAL ISOLATION DOES NOT MEAN STOP BEING SOCIAL. I know how horrible it feels (after 10 days of self isolating) and how much of a hit it is taking on my mental health. I have been worried more times then I want to admit, have had panic attacks, and felt so alone. I want people who are feeling like me to know you are not alone. I went on Twitter to see if there has been any mental health talk going on and there has. There are so many people who feel the same way (I will be attaching screenshots below!) It is not easy. Another remedy a lot of health professionals suggest is to keep a steady routine and let's face it this corona virus has thrown our routines out the door. It is so easy right now to coop yourself up in your room, to stay in your PJs all day, and to literally let yourself feel bleh. Trust me I've slept in later then I'll ever want to admit aloud. It is a toxic cycle that comes with the self-quarantine cycle. But I have decided to do plenty of research and provide alternatives and tips + tricks here so those who feel like their mental health and self-quarantine don't mix don't feel alone or like this is going to keep you down. I just wanted to remind you all to open a window, smile, and remind yourself that this is not permanent. We will all be out soon. I hope this post finds you well and brought some sunshine to this cloudy time. Stay safe & calm! Mental Health Tips + Tricks during COV-191. Self-Care Day: It is easy to let yourself feel bleh during this time. There is really nothing motivating us to get up and get dressed and do our hair/makeup/skincare routine. But let making yourself feeling good be the motivation. Start off with making yourself a yummy fruit smoothie (tons of studies show the Vitamin C in fruits helps with mood/anxiety). Then take a nice long bubble bath (imagine the episode of FRIENDS when Monica runs Chandler a bath). Do your skincare routine. Your skin needs it more than ever! Between all the junk food we are consuming and being cooped up inside, give your skin an extra boost! Do a face mask (feet/hand mask, under-eye mask...whichever you choose!) Cuddle yourself up in a comfy robe and watch a funny movie. Laughter truly is the best medicine. 2. Sit Outside & Read: Like I mentioned above Vitamin C is key! Sit outside and read a book (Hack: Apple Books has free books that you can choose from if you don't want to spend $) Whether it be a self-help book, a mystery novel, or any other book you've had on your list take this time to read. I will be reading "Where the Crawdads Sing" if anyone else wants to discuss! 3. Don't Sleep-In Every Day: This is the most difficult one for me. Anyone who knows me personally knows I love to sleep (haha!) When I have nothing to do my mind screams let's go nap. But right now we have to fight it. Sleeping in till 3:00 P.M. isn't going to help your mental health, trust me. Try to get on a sleep schedule, not only will it give you somewhat of a routine back. 4. Turn Off the News: While it is important to keep up to date with what is happening and what the CDC and government officials are advising us to do, don't fixate. I just have my Apple News notifications on so I can check in every so often and stay up to date but I have cut watching the news off. Also try not to rely on what your friends and family are sharing on Facebook and other social media platforms in reference to the virus. It is so easy to end up in a hole of media stories that'll just send you into a panic. Stay up to date, but don't stay on it. Let's face it the media loves to give us a story that will keep us digging for more and right now that's not what are focus needs to be. 5. Let Your Inner Artist Show: Order some puzzles, coloring books, and paint by the numbers on Amazon Prime. Make sure you disinfect your packages before opening but it is the safest way to get your art supplies right now. These activities will include bright colors and keep your brain busy, which will keep you from overthinking or getting bored. 6. Get Organized: Now is a great time to clean out your drawers and closets! I have begun cleaning out beauty products that my recent allergy tests deemed me allergic to so I can give to friends and family products that I have barely used or haven't used, donate unopened products, and trash what is expired or used (like mascara which you should NEVER share!) Watch Marie Kondo's special on Netflix and see what "sparks joy" and what doesn't in your home and make bags to donate to Goodwill or toss! That way you are utilizing this free time in a productive manner. 7. Call and FaceTime your People!: A lot of us are feeling lonely right now. If you are home with your family do a game night or movie night. But keep in mind a lot of people are either quarantining alone or with not a ton of people around. Check in on EVERYONE! You have the time now! Call an old friend to catch up, FaceTime your grandparents to see if they need anything, or have virtual wine nights with your BFF or girl squad on Zoom! We all are going to feel disconnected at one point or another so let's keep each other company...social isolation doesn't mean to stop being social! 8. Be One with Nature (Kinda): One of my favorite things to watch, other than Disney+ and Netflix, right now is LIVE streams from zoos and aquariums! It is so peaceful to watch the animals do their thing. Sit by a window with your tablet or computer and watch your favorite animals from afar. Trust me they are more entertaining than you think! My favorite is to watch the penguins and of course the meerkats at ZOO Miami! Here is a link for a bunch of different animal LIVE Streams, click here!      
EGet ready for some March Madness (and no not the football kind) I mean my monthly shopping picks! On this round-up you will find some of my favorite things trending in March/the springtime in general. I try to include items from all price points so there is a little something for everyone.
Just wanted to remind you that when you shop or even click on the links here on my blog I make a small percentage. This does NOT affect the price you pay whatsoever but it helps me continue to run IAP and get some shopping money (LOL!) I absolutely love sharing with you guys. What is your favorite item from this month's collection? What do you want to see more of? Comment below and don't forget to follow me on Instagram! Now with out further ado... #MyMonthlyPicks!
1. Quay Sunglasses - So chic and so affordable (under $65, plus 10% off when you sign up on their site!) They are the perfect spring accessory that will add the perfect touch to all your outfits.
2. Tie Dye Golden Goose Sneakers - Need the perfect item to splurge on? Golden Goose sneakers are at the top of my wish list and this is a pair I have been eyeing for a while now. They will go with literally everything and are so freaking cute! 3. To All the Boys Glow Recipe Set - Of course I am a sucker for this movie! Have a girl's night to watch both the movies and pamper yourself with this set. It's under $40 and makes the perfect gift! 4.Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat Conditioner - Just switched to this conditioner and I love it! It makes my hair baby soft and smells like a spa day. Plus it is under $8! 5. Bow Hair Ties - This 2-pack is the perfect set to add to your hair accessory collection. If you are having a bad hair day these hair ties will help tie the whole look together. Oh and did I mention they are under $6 for both! 6. LSF x Stoney Clover Pouch - Another item worth the splurge! I can't wait to begin my Stoney Clover collection. This pouch is chic and is a must have to keep your essentials organized in your bag. 7. Sugarfix Earrings - These earrings are too sweet to pass up! They are a fun touch to any day or night look. Plus, they are a Target (my holy grail!) find and are under $13. 8. Apple Watch Band - Currently in my shopping cart. I absolutely love that this band is under $25 and looks expensive. It is the perfect way to dress up your Apple watch. 9. WeWoreWhat Swim One-Piece - Trust me when I say this bathing suit is worth every penny! I recently purchased this one piece and I love that it is the perfect mix of cute and sexy. It is made out of quality material and flattering on all body types. 10. Prada Cardholder - I mean, how cute is this cardholder? This is the perfect investment piece if you want something designer, but do not have a large budget. The colors are elegant and I mean, who doesn't love Prada? 11. Knotted Slides - Another Target find! These knotted slides are not only perfect for spring but comfy! They will pair perfectly with almost any outfit. They come in 3 super cute colors/prints! 12. Weighted Blanket - This is my favorite item of all time. I sleep with mine every night and can't live without it now. If you struggle with anxiety or insomnia--you need this blanket in your life! 
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One of my lifelong dreams has always been to visit Italy. That dream of course became more prominent after watching the Lizzie McGuire Movie, but what girl didn't want her "sing to me Paulo" moment in her tweens? This January I jetted off to Lake Como, Italy for a relaxing getaway. It was the longest yet shortest 2019, if you get what I mean, and it was time for some pasta and spa time (if you ask me!) While I know right now with the outbreak of the corona virus no one is really planning a trip to Italy or anywhere for that matter, I thought it would be nice to start sharing some travel details, because once this whole Corona virus comes to an end (hopefully ASAP!) we will all be craving a getaway!Just an FYI--we traveled to Italy in the beginning of January, and yes I hate myself for getting this post up so late, Hahaha!
Lake Como was something out of a fairytale or something you would see on a postcard. It was just magical. It was probably the most serene place I had ever visited in my life. Since we visited in January it was cold (like the 40s). So yes this Miami-native was mucho frio. But the sun was always shining so to be honest the weather was for the most part a dream, especially during the day. This wasn't your typical European getaway. There was no extensive itinerary or site-seeing list. Our goal was simply to enjoy afternoon walks, sleep-in, eat fresh pasta, and of course take a "trip to the spa" as Sharpay Evans would say. We stayed at Grand Hotel Imperiale. I absolutely loved that the spa was included...I mean who wouldn't? And the view from our rooms was spectacular. My only complaint would be in the part of Lake Como we were staying in there were very few spots to eat "brunch"--meaning breakfast or lunch if you weren't up very early. Meaning if you wanted lunch at 2:00 P.M. you were out of luck. We also went during winter, which isn't their tourist season so many establishments were off for holiday. Another thing to keep in mind, is that Uber/Lyft is not available in the area so you have to rely on what is in walking distance. Unfortunately our hotel didn't offer convenient dining times (well for us at least either)...but that being said they always had the bar open where you can order toast (which included a thin amount of ham + cheese) and Caprese salad. So if that peaks your interest you are good to go! I always thought people were exaggerating when they said the pasta in Italy changes your life. But I can now confidently confirm that yes the pasta in Italy is life changing. There is just something about fresh pasta that is so good for the soul. It was worth every shot of insulin (which is how you all know I rate my dining experiences, Lol!) My favorite pasta dish had to be the fresh linguini topped with *warning this will make you drool* fresh truffles. YUM (I included a video below). Honestly will fly back solely for that dish. Now to the spa aka my new favorite nap spot. This spa was what my anxiety-free dreams are made of. It had a turkish bath complete with massage jets, a salt room, saunas, sensory showers, heated water beds, and more. You could find me every afternoon at the spa either napping or listening to a podcast or music on my Airpods (rip to my Airpods). lt was amazing. While Lake Como may be a summer destination, if you are looking for a relaxing getaway when it is cold...visit Lake Como! Between the Christmas marketplaces and the fresh pasta, you'll find your little slice of heaven. If you have been to Lake Como before, drop your favorite things to do there below! I love hearing from readers and sharing! I am in the process of relaunching IAP as you all know and I just want you all to know how much I LOVE your support. Whether it is subscribing, reading + commenting on posts, and/or following me on Instagram. I am ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. Ciao Bella (till next post!) 
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FOR HERFOR HIM
Ready for the day of love? I don't know about you all, but I struggle to find the perfect gift for Eric. Sometimes when I can't come up with the best physical item to gift, I gift an experience! Whether it be a romantic dinner
(our personal favorite is Ruth Chris) or tickets to an event or experience (like a zoo date or weekend getaway!) Whatever gift you choose to give, when it comes from your heart you can never go wrong. Always add a personal touch with a written card and make sure to date it so when they look back they can remember when it is from! Some gifts above I totally love and know your gals will too--whether you are gifting it to your BFF, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, or husband! There are tons of gift options from you to pick from. From a cozy PJ set for her to a shower speaker for him, the perfect gift is here for your valentine. For her, I totally recommend hopping on the Stoney Clover train and purchasing her this Stony Clover backpack, which you can customize for her with their selection offun patches! They have a store in Palm Beach, Florida that I am dying to take a day trip to! Another fun gift is this customized necklace from BaubleBar. It is perfect to add your initials. It's a chic + personal gift she will love! If you are dating or married to a total sweet tooth, I added two candy options in the guides! Because who doesn't love candy!? Now to focus on the boys! One of my favorite selection is this travel starter beard kit--it is only $30 and high quality products! If your man loves Disney like man, he will love this Mickey embellished watch from Nixon. Eric actually has one and loves wearing it when we have dinners or events. If you want to splurge this Valentine's Day, I recommend this Gucci wallet, it is the perfect piece that will last for years! To shop my top ten gifts to give her/him this Valentine's Day simply click on the images below the guides. Let me know what you like and what you'll be spoiling your loved ones with this February 14th! I hope this gift guide helped give you inspiration and made your hunt easier for the perfect gift. Hope your Valentine's Day is filled with lots of love and XO's! Stay tuned for more posts coming in February. As always thank you for reading & shopping along with me! 
Guess who's back? This post is way overdo because my birthday was back in May, but better late than never, right? I am excited to share what was probably one of the BEST birthday gifts I have ever received! For my 22nd (ew I'm old) birthday Eric and I went on Walt Disney World Animal Kingom's Wild Africa Trek. For those of you unfamiliar with Disney World tours, they offer amazing private tours that just add extra magic to any trip. Before I continue on I just want to mention that Disney did NOT sponsor this post, it was my birthday gift from Eric (but who knows maybe one day they'll sponsor Eric and I's love of Disney...we can dream!) Anyways, since I love animals, Eric signed us up for this amazing tour. Just an FYI, if you are a Disney Annual Passholder, you get a discount on tours, 15% off, so make sure to take full advantage!
On this tour you get up close and personal with the animals, like a true wilderness explore! There's some minor hiking, so keep that in mind. But it is not bad and adds to the adventure factor! We got to watch a feeding session with the hungry, hungry hippos (see what I did there?) We also got to see a training session of the hippos where we could ask the trainers all the questions we could possibly come up with (surprisingly I had a lot). We also got an up close look at meerkats...they are absolutely adorable! Honestly wish I could of brought one home with me! We also got hooked up and got to cross wobbly bridges (safely! I never once felt in danger) to see the gators from above--it was incredible. The next part of our tour that I loved was going on our own personal safari tour...imagine the safari ride in Animal Kingdom 2.0! They provided us with cooling cloths that felt AMAZING and cooled us off after the hiking and also gave us binoculars so we could really see all the animals. But to top it all off, we got to dine in the center of the safari while we watched the animals roam. It was beautiful. The view is one I will never forget. I tried to keep this post simple + sweet so I don't spoil anything for those of you who are ready for an African safari here in the USA! A quick tip I will provide is that they do allow you to take your phones on the tour and provide you a holder for them, but I definitely recommend not bringing your's and leaving it behind in the locker. The tour guides carry professional cameras to capture all the memories and will take any photo you request of you and the animals. They take a whole bunch and are included in the tour price so take advantage. Disconnect from the world and let yourself truly embark on this adventure. I definitely recommend this tour and if you are interested in learning more reach out and I will answer any questions you have! Make sure to check out all the photos in this post. Stay tuned for all the fun and exciting posts coming now in 2020! Until the next post, take it easy!
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After a year of growth and lots of hard lessons, I decided that I was missing a piece of me I used to love and that was writing and sharing my life with all of you. I have decided to take this blog in a whole new direction. I will be sharing more lifestyle posts whether it be my trips to Disney World with Eric or ways to update your resume in a way to catch future employer's eyes. I want this to be more than just a fashion blog. I want it to be your source to "creating your own future one day at a time..."
I am more motivated than ever to create this space to be something I am proud of and that you all love. I also want to share more insight to what it is like to have type one diabetes and tips + tricks for those who are also diagnosed. I hope this blog serves as a happy corner in your weekly lives. I'll be covering some of my favorite topics: fashion, beauty, lifestyle, travel, cooking, home decor, type one diabetes, DIY, and more! Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported me since the beginning of my journey creating it's a pashion! I am so, so grateful for this little community we've built and can't wait to see how much it grows! Wishing you all a very happy December. Don't forget to follow along for lots of FUN content + posts by subscribing & following. 
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Hi I am back! After my blogging hiatus, I've decided to return to what makes me happy, which is creating content and writing for IAP. When I created this blog, I wanted it to be more than a blog, but a place where I could not only share my passions, but also be a place everyone could come to for when they needed a break or inspiration. I hope when you read my posts you feel like you're talking to a friend!
Now before I get to the personal part of this post, I wanted to share these photos from one of the best vacations ever in Captiva, Florida at the South Seas Island Resort! I had such a great time with my family and Eric. The beach in Captiva is beautiful and the resort was amazing. I am feeling extra grateful that I got to enjoy it twice this summer! It really helped me relax and appreciate the people I love the most! I have been really negative lately. I'm currently in the process of looking for a new job, after leaving my last one. I am someone who loves having a routine and loves to be busy, so being bored makes me extremely anxious. It makes me overthink and stress myself out for absolutely zero reason. I realized that I needed to stop and hit the reset button and focus on the good versus stress myself out about thinks out of my control. I am very confident in myself and I don't want to lose that. I think sometimes in life when change occurs it can freak us out and make us question even the stable parts of our lives--I mean we are human! I am happy and I have so many things in my life I am grateful for that I decided to stop being negative. If you've been struggling with stress too I want you to to remember all the amazing things happening in your life and focus on that! I have a lot of great content prepared and I can't wait to share it with you all...make sure to subscribe & follow me on Instagram for even more fun content! PS: You can shop my looks (or similar ones if they sold out below!)
Shop the Post This post is sponsored by Bioré but as always all opinions are my own. We all need a little self-love every now and then! I absolutely love "me time". We live such busy lives that it is important to stop and take some time for you and pamper yourself. If you all have been keeping up with me on my Instagram stories, you know that lately I have been struggling with random breakouts (ugh!) so I was so, so excited to try out Biore's latest products: Blue Agave + Baking Soda Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask and Balancing Pore Cleanser--and they made the perfect editions to my night of TLC! What I adore about these two products is that they are designed to really focus on your pores. These products combine baking soda + blue agave to give you refreshing results in every use! The baking soda gives your skin a deep clean, while the blue agave nourishes and soothes your skin. As someone with combination skin, I can vouch and say that these products were made for my skin. I have sensitive skin and this product worked on my skin BUT keep in mind this product is NOT for sensitive skin consumers or those with sensitives to menthol as it may cause short term flushing of the skin, just as a precaution! My Steps to a Self Care Night1.) Singing in the Shower- Take a long, warm shower and blast your favorite playlist. You want to be nice and squeaky clean for your night-in! 2.) Girl Wash Your Face- Wet your face and pump the Balancing Pore Cleanser into your hands and spread it all over your face (giving yourself a little face massage!), and rinse well with warm water! 3.) Comfy Clothes- Throw on your favorite PJs or your boyfriend's oversized t-shirt! It is important to be at the ultimate level of coziness! 4.) Bites + Sips: Brew a warm cup of tea (my personal favorite is vanilla!) and pair it with something easy to snack on while comfy in bed (my pick is dark chocolate chips!) 5.) Cozy Up- Grab your favorite stuffed animal, fuzzy blanket, and slippers, then select a movie or series on Netflix to binge on (my pick is Grace & Frankie!) 6.) Face Masks Solve All- This is my favorite step! Now that your skin is clean, you are cozy, and have your movie or TV show ready to play...time to apply the Blue Agave + Baking Soda Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask, this cooling mask will definitely keep your cool, calm, and collected. It's super easy to apply—make sure your face is wet, then apply the mask and chill for 3 to 5 minutes (use these few minutes to light some relaxing candles and dim the lights), and then rinse well. 7.) Lay back, relax, and enjoy your night all clean and cuddled in your bed! Head to a store near you or even better, order online HERE to get your Biore Blue Agave + Baking Soda products today! You will want to add them to your daily or nightly routine, to give you the ultimate cool for your skin. These products really blue me away! 
 
It's Monday, so naturally I am working but dreaming about brunch. I was very excited to visit the Dior Pop-Up Cafe in Miami Design District last week. A designer brand and coffee? Basically screams Ash. My bff from blogging, Jennifer and I had to check it (Follow her on the gram here! She is an amazing makeup artist!) We went around 12:30 p.m. on a Sunday and it was not really packed. In fact we were seated right away. I love this rooftop cafe because, for a pop-up, they paid a lot of attention to detail with the white aesthetic, the greenery, and the Dior prints featured on some of the wood planks and in the animal figures.
I really loved that it was on the smaller side, just because it made the whole vibe more intimate. Jennifer and I were able to chat and catch up while enjoying the atmosphere and snapping pictures for the gram. The only complaints I really had were the lack of fans, because being that it is a rooftop cafe in Miami, it was really hot! Luckily they sat us in the shade so we weren't dying but we were sweating. The staff also is a little slow, we waited almost 40 minutes after eating for our bill, which for us wasn't a big deal, but we were catching up so it really didn't ruin the experience. I've read a few blog posts from other bloggers about the pop-up and they weren't thrilled with the prices. We went into it expecting it to be on the pricier side because .it's Dior, and in Miami Design District. But to be completely honest, everything was absolutely yummy! Jennifer had a quiche and I had a yogurt parfait and it we loved our meals! But I definitely recommend having coffees (even if you just go for the coffee!) I had a cafe latte and Jennifer had a matcha latte and they were divine. Trust us, it is worth the $12! You get an experience and gourmet treat! Overall, I think this pop-up is a glamorous gem in Miami and perfect for a girl's day. Treat yourself and get your girls together! Also, who doesn't love a good instagramable cafe!? I have linked my entire outfit below so after viewing the pictures, feel free to shop! Thanks for reading & shopping, wishing you all an amazing week!
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Jumper: BLUSH (similar ones: 1,2, 3) | Sunglasses: BLUSH (similar here) |
Shoes: Steve Madden (sold out- similar here) | Purse: Handmade from a shop in Amsterdam (similar here) | Necklace: Taudrey | Bracelets: Taudrey, Taudrey (sold out- similar here), David Yurman, David Yurman 
Hello friends! I have been promising you all Paris posts for a while now, so here is the first one! Eric and I love Disney, in fact we are annual passholders for Walt Disney World (in Orlando). So when we found out we were traveling to Paris, France you know we had to knock Disneyland Paris off of our Disney bucket list (Disney Bucket List- AKA go to every Disney park in the world!) So on January 1st, New Year's Day, aka our Disney World's crowd nightmare, but surprisingly it was very empty...to our surprise!
So let me begin by saying in my opinion you can conquer both parks in one day if you get there early. Eric on the other hand would recommend that if you can you do the parks (there's two) in two days so you can ride the rides many times as you please. Pro tip: you can purchase Disneyland Paris tickets from third party sites (like here) for less than the Disneyland Paris site will charge you. We got the park hopper and bounced from park to park based on what we wanted to ride, lines, etc. Also don't forget to print your ticket because there are no magic bands or even a card option (unless you are a Disneyland Paris annual passholder). Once you are in the park, it won't feel like Walt Disney World, if that is the park you are used to visiting, the parks are not beautifully decorated or maintained like they are back home, but do not let that discourage you from your day of fun ahead! As Eric said, "it is a Six Flags disguised as a Disney park." LOL! Another pro tip Eric and I learned from our adventure that we share with anyone planning to go to Disneyland Paris...PACK MEALS FOR THE PARK! The food in Disneyland Paris is subpar to say the least, which I know is shocking since it is located in Paris AKA the land of good food, but the meal options are bleh and they do not server traditional Disney snacks (no Mickey ice cream or cotton candy! Or Churros- the horror!) We recommend you stop at a market prior to hitting the parks and purchase ham and cheese baguettes and beverages, because the lines for snacks are longer than the lines for rides sometimes. So if you go to Disney World for the food, this may not be the place for you! Our favorite part about Disneyland Paris has to be the rides! The rides are amazing!! They have incredible rollercoasters and rides that are unlike ones back home. Also, we never waited in a line exceeding 30 minutes. So if you are that person that dreads Disney World because you hate lines, this is the park for you. Our favorite ride is Space Mountain, because not only is it Star Wars-themed, but it launches you out! We rode it multiple times!! Disneyland Paris also offers more single-rider lines too, so if you are like Eric and I and do not necessarily need to be sitting next to each other, this is another bonus to your Disney experience! Toy Story land has many different rides versus Toy Story land in Disney World, so make sure you check them out! We personally did not ride any because they are more meant for younger kids, and one that drops you, but we did stroll around (side note: it is much smaller than Disney World's Toy Story Land and does not have Andy's Lunchbox unfortunately). A ride that surprised us was It's a Small World! We don't really ride it back in Orlando because Eric finds the theme song super repetitive and if we aren't with kids it doesn't make the list. But since I had heard amazing things about the It's a Small World in Paris, we gave it a try! It was adorable and actually really enjoyable! Since we went during the Christmas season, they didn't just play the theme song, but also played Christmas tunes (how adorable is that!?) Also, they had some of the characters dressed as the three kings' men-as well as other Christmas characters-and Christmas decorations up! Overall Eric and I had a magical day in Disneyland Paris! We love riding new rides and creating memories in one of the happiest places on earth, so it was definitely a fun time. I definitely do recommend packing meals and purchasing tickets for low outside of Disney (wish we could back home lowkey!) but other than that I just suggest going with an open-mind and ready to ride some exciting rides! I absolutely love sharing these Travel Diaries with you all and hope you love reading them! I hope these tips + tricks help you plan your trip to Disneyland Paris. Trust us, it is worth the visit! If you haven't subscribed to IAP yet, what the hell are you waiting for? I promise I won't blow up your inbox and you will be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, and fresh content. Subscribe + follow along on the gram! 
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Hello new week! I know today I promised you all a post on how I organize my agenda, BUT I decided I wanted to share some of my spring favorites with you all and save the agenda post for later this week. Just a quick FYI in case you are new here to the blog... when you shop my posts or under Lookbook or Favorites, I may receive a percentage of the purchase. This does NOT affect your purchase price. If you see something on here or my Instagram you like please consider shopping directly from my links because it helps me (broke college girl-haha!) and continue to create content for IAP. Also keep in mind that ALL opinions and writings are my own and I will never share anything I do not believe in or don't like.
Now with all that out of the way, let's indulge in some of my favorite items for spring! As you know we are approaching March quickly so spring is almost here! And with tax return season here (hello extra pocket $), I wanted to share pieces that are perfect for all budgets. The first item I want to talk about are these Marc Fisher wedges you NEED in your closet. I own a pair so I can vouch and say not only are they super comfortable, but also go with almost any outfit and are easy to dress up or down. They are a closet staple! While we are on the subject of shoes, I love rainbow stripe sneakers, oh and did I mention they are currently 50% off, with an additional 20% off TODAY (2/18), so that's a total of 70% off! I think they are the perfect shoes to pair with a casual dress on the weekend or to add some color to .a basic leggings + white tee look. Now let's talk about spring break must-haves! As you all know if you have been following me for a while, I am a major LongChamp fan. I think they are timeless bags that both practical and stylish. Their weekender bag is one I have been dying to add to my collection. It is perfect for a quick trip and comes in lots of colors. This spring you'll be seeing a lot of pieces featuring knot-details and this bikini top is no exclusion, ps: it is under $50! Want to splurge on a cosmetic bag to stash in your purse or beach bag? This Tory Burch is the perfect one! It is bright and colorful to easily find in your bag and will be one that will last years! Another favorite of mine is this clutch that is adorable for any beach getaway! Have a formal event or wedding coming up this spring? I have you covered. I love this formal light blue dress for black tie wedding. On the accessory front, I love these earrings from BaubleBar and I am currently searching for a dress to pair with them for an upcoming event I have. They are so chic! If you have multiple events this spring, definitely get this 3-pack of statement earrings from BaubleBar. You get three bold colored earrings and for under $80! Finish off your look with a spritz of this finishing spray from MAC, it'll keep your makeup in place all night long and give you some extra shimmer! To wrap up this post I want to share my top three favorites from these picks. The first, is definitely a splurge but will make the perfect give for an important birthday or the perfectly daily piece that is timeless...a David Yurman bracelet. I own two personally and I literally wear them every day. Like I mentioned before they are timeless jewelry pieces that you will get years and years of. The second pick is this classic, white leather clutch from Tory Burch. This clutch is the perfect piece for all your spring and summer outings. And last but not least, This LND (little navy dress). I am in love with this dress and the details on the arms. This LND is perfect for date night. Hope you love these picks as much as I do and hope you can find at least one piece to add to your closet! You can shop all the items I talked about above and the many other spring pieces I love below. Have a wonderful week! 
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Ready for the new week? I am! A highly requested blog post from you all has always been my nighttime routine, specifically skincare! If you have been following me for a while you know I sometimes suffer with insomnia so I am going to start working on a blog post tailored to that and the tips + tricks I've learned to sleeping and getting a good night's rest along the way. But today I will just be focusing on my nightly skincare routine. I am constantly changing up my skincare routine every few months, just because I enjoy trying new products and my skincare needs vary. I will always keep you all updated and share my routines and the products I love and trust!
The first step is that before I take a shower I wipe off my makeup, especially my eye makeup. Currently I am trying out the Olay Effects Wipes and the verdict is that while they aren't my favorite wipes ever (keep in mind I have super sensitive skin) I love the smell of them and my face does feel fresh after using them. They just aren't life-changing (if you get what I mean--Lol!) The second step to my routine is to wash my face well in the shower. I am currently using the Caudalie Instant Foam Cleanser. FYI- While in Europe I stopped by a Caudalie store and purchased a big pack of their products to try out so currently all my Caudalie products are on the travel-size, but I will definitely be purchasing them again! To wash my face I use the Clarisonic Mia2 Brush and I use the Deep Pore Head Brush. I love my Clarisonic! And I actually have a post on it, you can read it here. Once I am out of the shower and dried off I apply cream on my body to help moisturize my skin overnight. If you follow me on Instagram, the other day on stories that sometimes I use Eucerin cream, specifically their cream tailored to Type One diabetic. Whenever my skin is really dried out this is my go-to cream, and I have naturally soft skin but ever since my type one diagnosis I go through phases where my skin can get really dry. My favorite cream of the moment is from Bliss. Not only is the scent refreshing and clean, but it is a really rich cream so it makes my skin baby-soft. When I put cream on my feet, I always put socks to really let it seep in. The fourth step in my routine is my face creams, my favorite part! Currently I mix a combination of Laneige Water Sleeping Mask and either Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet or Caudalie S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum. I also just started trying the Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel, and so far I really like it but I will have to keep you all updated as I use it more. My other step is I apply a Lip Sleeping Mask from Laneige, that is amazing. I swear by it! My lips are softer and are not chapped at all. If I have a headache before bed I will apply my Origins Therapy Peace of Mind On-the-Spot Relief on to my temples and it really does the trick! I get intense headaches/migraines so this is a lifesaver and I really appreciate that it is a natural alternative to medications, since I get them often. So this also isn't part of my night routine typically but sometimes I add some extra self-care and will put on a face mask. I am currently trying out Sephora's Clay Masks and I have to say I am impressed so far, let me know if you all would want a blog post on them! Also featured on my nightstand/skincare tray (btw mine is sold out from Target but I linked .a similar one below), is a can of Caudalie Grape Water, which I use when my face feels really dry or after a workout / Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Cream (scent: Focus), which I apply in the morning / and the last one is random, but special to me it is a little shot bottle of Tequila that my brother Nicholas gave to me on my 21st birthday because he wanted to give me my first legal shot, but instead I decided to keep it as a memento / I also have a little candle because what is more zen than a lit candle? Let me know what you all think about my nighttime skincare routine and if we use the same products! As always I have linked all of the products down below so they are easy to shop and/or check out. Also a brand NEW feature is that you can set up a sale alert below as well, so you will be notified when that product goes on SALE! How amazing is that? Don't forget to shop, follow me on your fav social media account, and subscribe so you never miss a sale, giveaway, or post. 
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Tray: Target (currently sold out but similar here) | Face Masks: Sephora | Wipes: Olay |
Face Brush: Clarisonic, Clarisonic Brush Head | Face Wash: Caudalie | Body Creams: Bath and Body Works, Bliss c/o | Face Spray: Caudalie | Water Mask: Laneige | Eye-Bags Gel: Laneige | Lip Mask: Laneige | Face Creams: Caudalie, Caudalie | Pajama Romper: Francesca's (old, similar here & here) 
Happy February & welcome back to my blog! One of my new year resolutions for the blog, was to not only share fashion, beauty, and travel/lifestyle but also write more meaningful posts that I hope you guys can relate to. Today I wanted to talk about self-love. This is a topic we see all over social media nowadays and even Justin Bieber is singing about it (in case you don't get the reference). When most people hear the term they think about taking a nap or putting on a face mask (because for some reason I think a sheet mask will solve 90% of my problems), but it is a lot more than that.
For years I thought I was so confident, and yeah part of me was, but for the most part it is was not genuine. When I hit my twenties I began to realize I needed a change. I needed to start valuing myself and doing things that would benefit me instead of always trying to please others. Someone once told me you will never have a healthy relationship with anyone, if you can't even love and have a relationship yourself. It was one of the pieces of advice I will never forget. It is important to be your own source of happiness! Your relationship, friends/family, and work can also bring you joy but you should be the main source. It is easier said than done and it will always be a work in progress but learn to put you first. Learn to embrace your flaws! There's a quote that goes: "You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” The hardest thing to do especially with social media today is not to compare yourself to anyone else, but we shouldn't. Since I have stopped comparing myself, it is like a weight off of my shoulders. None of us are perfect and we all have our strengths and weaknesses. As an older cousin to lots of young girls, I always want them to know their worth and the importance of loving themselves inside and out. So during this month of love don't just show extra love to your bf's/husbands, friends, and family but to YOU! Treat yo self! Have a spa day with a friend, start saving up for a fun trip, or have your favorite meal, but most importantly start (or continue) to work on your confidence and realizing you are worth so much! Thank you for reading my blog posts + I hope this post inspired you in some way! Also you can shop my look below. Have a great week!
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Sweater:Shop Aria Rose (currently sold out - similar here) | Jeans: GAP | Shoes: Adidas |
Purse: Handmade from a shop in Amsterdam (similar here) | Neckalces: Taudrey, Taudrey (similar here) | Earrings: Taudrey | Bracelets: David Yurman , David Yurman , Taudrey 
Happy Weekend my friends! This week has felt so long to me, probably because I have been fighting a cold or allergies...still not sure which one. If you are up North, I hope you are staying safe and are all bundled up. I can barely handle when it is 50 degrees or lower, so I can only imagine how bundled up I would be if I was there right now.
When I returned home from Europe a few weeks ago, there was a sweet, little package greeting me from L'Oreal on my desk. I had just come back from Paris, France so it was like having a piece of Paris waiting for me at home. They sent me three of their NEW Rouge Liquid Lipsticks. For those of you whole follow me on Instagram (if you aren't stop right here a second and follow me), you know that I love liquid lip stains are a staple in my makeup collection. The reason I love a good liquid lip stain is because I feel like the colors are more pigmented versus a lipstick. So needless to say I was very excited to try these out. To be honest my mom is a bigger user of L'Oreal than I am. I think she has probably tried almost every single product from their collections over the years, like they should totally have her as a spokeswoman, haha! But I always have loved L'Oreal's lip products and they also have some pretty amazing mascaras. The first time I applied the Rouge Liquid Lipsticks, I was in LOVE! They are really cool! They apply cold to your lip (the best way I can describe it is like apply a lip mask-feeling/tingle) and then within seconds dry matte. My favorite part though is that even though they are matte on the lips they don't dry out your lips!!! It is honestly one of the best lip products I have ever tried and I will definitely be re-purchasing. Another great thing about these lip products is you get a high-quality lip stain for just $11.99! My personal favorite is I Create, because it is the perfect pinky-nude. You can purchase these three and their other shades by clicking here! Trust me they are the perfect additions to your makeup collection. Also ladies they are kiss-proof so it is the perfect shade to wear one your Valentine's date! As always, thank you for reading today's post and I hope you have a very fun weekend! Make sure you are subscribed to my blog so you never miss a post, deals, and of course giveaways. 
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Happy 2019! I am so excited to share my adventures from Europe with you all. I spent my winter break traveling around Amsterdam and Paris. This trip was especially special for me because it was my first time in Europe. I've decided to break up my trip into different posts so I can really share everything in detail and so I don't give you all any overwhelming long post.
Our first stop was Amsterdam and to be honest, I did not have much knowledge on Amsterdam, but it has now become one of my favorite places ever! One of the most enchanting parts of my trip was visiting a little town called Zaandijk. It was like being in a story book! It is a small town in the Netherlands where you can see the windmills (which Amsterdam is known for), see farms animals, and there is even a museum. It honestly is a magical little town. Oh and the best part is their is a chocolate factory so the whole town smells like chocolate. As I walked around sipping on hot wine, a must when it is 40-something degrees out, I couldn't get over the beautiful greenery and water. They had little shops--which I loved and shopped at! One even had a cheese tasting, basically my heaven. I can never turn down cheese! This was also the first place I tasted stroopwafels and they changed my life. They are basically a thin waffle with a caramel-filling. You can actually purchase some at Target (I am going to link them HERE so you can see what I mean!) I will be linking my outfit details below so you can shop my look. Also scroll through the rest of my images below as well. Thank you for reading my first post of the new year and I look forward to sharing more of my travel diaries with you all. Don't forget to subscribe and follow me on the gram! Wishing you all an amazing weekend!
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Top: Thermal | Jacket: GAP (similar here) | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff | Jeans: Fabulux Boutique (similar here) |
Shoes: Kendall + Kylie (mine are sold out, but I love these) | Beanie: GAP (similar here) | Scarf: GAP (similar here) | Earrings: Taudrey (similar here)  2018. So much has happened the past year and while 2018 was full of ups and downs I am incredibly grateful for where it has lead me today. My year had a heartbreaking start, we lost my abuelo in January. I loved my abuelo so very much. He was the funniest and sweetest man in the whole world. It was hard to lose him suddenly, but I know in my heart that he is constantly watching over me and sending me love. He was such an incredible man and I actually had a Taudrey necklace made (thank you to Tiffany and the #TaudSquad for helping me create such a meaningful piece) with the quote "Take it Easy", because my abuelo always said that to me. I have dealt with anxiety since I was very young so it is nice to have this reminder always with me to step back and breathe. This year I also started two new ventures: I began working as the Marketing and Social Media assistant for a non-profit SCORE Miami Dade. This organization provides workshops and free mentorships to small businesses in Miami Dade county and it has been a lot of fun being in charge of their social media and marketing efforts. I also helped launched their first newsletter and that was amazing! I also worked with local artist Rey Jaffet to completely create + design his website. You can check it out here! I am incredibly happy that I have found my passions in life and it is amazing to see my hard work + dreams coming to life. I also turned 21 this year in May- yay! I was really happy to celebrate with my family that day. My family may drive me a little crazy at times but I love them a lot and I am grateful that they have loved and supported me through thick and thin. I was also very happy I got to celebrate at brunch with my friends! I love the people I surround myself with. Nothing makes me happier than a mimosa and good company! I also began to date my boyfriend Eric this year, you all saw him featured in my previous blog post! I am the luckiest girl in the world. We have had many adventures this year from Disney World trips, to our first airboat ride in the Everglades, and so many more. We also became A-List members for AMC so we see almost every movie that comes out in theaters and have become amateur movie critics--Lol! I will be sharing more of our adventures on the blog and on the gram in the New Year! I started my senior year this year and wow--I can't believe my 4 years at Florida International University are almost complete. It has been a crazy 4 years but I have grown so much from it. I have learned a lot not just about my major (my major is Public Relations,Advertising, and Applied Communication) but about myself and what I want for my life. I have been having a really good semester this Fall and I want to finish strong. 2018 also marked 2 years since I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. It has been a lot of learning and changing my lifestyle but I am proud to say that my A1C is coming down and I am managing my type one diabetes very well. I even started on the Dexcom G6 which has really great for helping me manage. Overall 2018 was a full-packed year, but I am excited for where I am at in my life today and I can't wait to see what 2019 has in store for me. Thank you to all my readers for all the love + support you all given me through the years. XO     You've got a friend in me... Quick shout out to my boyfriend for inspiring me to blog again. Honestly Eric is my biggest fan and best friend in the world and I could not be more grateful for him. In September, I finally got to visit Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (I am officially an Annual Passholder!) My brother Nick and I grew up watching Toy Story on repeat so this was a really exciting trip for me. I feel like Disney World is my escape. It is the best place to just "be a kid" and forget about school and adult-ing for a a minute. For those of you who have not visited or are not familiar with Toy Story Land, Walt Disney World (WDW) imagineers designed this land to make you feel like you're a toy in Andy's backyard. And honestly we all did! It was amazing the detail that WDW put into this land, there were toys everywhere like blocks and tables made out of "Baby Bell Cheese". Fastpasses are the way to go for the Slinky Dog rollercoaster, which is 10/10, but the line is on average 1.5+ hours long. Total side note, but I wore Converse High Tops... and ended up with mad blisters and purchasing overpriced Minnie Mouse flip-flops by the afternoon. While I absolutely adore my high tops, they just are NOT meant for the miles on miles you walked in WDW. Also for all my fellow type one diabetes readers, as you know our feet tend to swell easily. So I definitely recommend airy shoes because my feet were very swollen. While we are on the subject, I was extremely nervous to take on WDW as a recently diagnosed type one diabetic. What I learned from my trip is to definitely stay hydrated! I drank water pretty much every hour. It is really important as a diabetic to be hydrated, especially in the Florida heat. Another tip is to check your blood sugars often, but especially while you are just sitting in lines! This is the perfect time to either test or check your monitor. That way if your blood sugars are dropping you know to stop for a snack (and trust me in WDW you're in the land of snacks) or if you are running on the high side you have plenty of time to add some insulin before you step on the ride! I hope these tips help you whether you are heading to a Disney park or any other amusement park. I really want to start sharing more about my type one diabetes and how I manage it. Thank you for reading my blog and being such amazing supporters! I forgot how much fun it is to share with you all and look forward to sharing more content. Wishing an amazing week to you all!  
Hi my loves! I am so, so excited for today's post because I have been a fan of Converse since I was in like 5th grade (aka my awkward stage, don't ask for pics!) But Converse are a staple every girl (and guy) should have in their closet. Trust me, my low tops have been with me through three college tailgate seasons and always need a little TLC... I wash mine in my washing machine and they always come out almost new!
When the opportunity presented itself to collaborate with converse for their #ForeverChucks campaign, I instantly had to be a part of it! Honestly converse pair well with almost any casual look and they are the perfect shoe for when you want a comfy, easy option so you don't leave the house in your chancletas! This is my first pair of Converse high tops and I had been dyingggg for these! Call me your basic Lourdes girl (and proud!) because there is nothing better than a pair of white Converse. You will be catching me in these all of spring and summer! Honestly what I love the very most about my Converse is that they never go out of style, like me--haha! Tomorrow is EASTER! I feel like New Year's Eve was yesterday...2018 is literally flying by! I hope the Easter Bunny leaves some Converse in your Easter basket, and if not no worries, I have linked my favorite new pair below so you can style them with me! Let me know what you think about Converse in the comment section below. Thanks for stopping by the blog, I appreciate all of my readers so, so much! If you celebrated Passover last night, I hope it was amazing and to all those celebrating Easter tomorrow, I send my love. XO 
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This blog post was sponsored by Converse.
But as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you to the brands that make IAP possible! |
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DisclosureIAP is a part of affiliate networks, meaning if you click on a link or purchase something I make a small commission. This does NOT affect your purchase price. I also am gifted items, which will always say "c/o".
But as always, this does NOT affect what I choose to post/share with you all. This blog is an expression of me and what I love so I will only share that with you all!  |
