Happy Super Bowl Sunday? Who are you all going for (drop your team in the comments!) I, personally, am rooting for the Eagles...because as beautiful as he is, Tom Brady needs to retire. I'm ready to see him in insurance commercials or whatever retired athletes do these days. But today is not just an important day for football fans, but also for me...I'm relaunching! 2017 was definitely an interesting year–to say the least–but it is 2018 (oops already February) and I am ready to get back to blogging. One of my new year resolutions is to not only be a better, more active blogger, but also to be more open. The main reason I created #IAP was to have a place to share my thoughts, opinions, and life with you all! 

2017. Where do I start? I learned a lot in 2017. I learned about heart break, putting myself first, and knowing who my ride or dies are. Honestly they always say your twenties are your years of personal growth and they weren't kidding. But I really do not have any regrets, because I am a firm believer in what is meant to be happens. I did go through a break up in 2017, and like most girls, when it happened it felt like the end of the world, but honestly it was the best thing that could of happened because I bounced back better than ever and I really learned to love myself and really know my worth. My advice to anyone going through a break up, is to really take time to meditate and fall in love with yourself again! Honestly I had totally forgotten that I need to prioritize myself and my feelings. I am also the kind of person that gives way more than she receives so I really lost sight of myself and what makes me feel fulfilled. 

I know I have spoken about being a part of a sorority here on the blog, but I decided to disaffiliate. I honestly believe that you know when certain doors are supposed to close in your life and I felt that my days in letters were done. Personally, I wanted to focus more on school and my future (aka my jobs!) I still am friends with the girls and guys I met through Greek life and I am super grateful for the experience and do not regret it at all! 

I honestly am super grateful for everything that happened in 2017–the good and the bad–because it has given me new life lessons and living my best life (how cheesy am I?) in 2018. I am so blessed to have all the amazing opportunities in my life and I am ready to be the best version of myself. In 2018 you can expect a lot more from me on the blog and on my Instagram (I kinda am obsessed with stories!) I just want to really embrace my platform and share my life with you all, not that I think I'm super entertaining or anything, but I'm hoping you each can relate in a different way. 

So get ready, because I am back and I am better than ever! Visit the FOLLOW tab to make sure you are subscribed to the blog and following me on Instagram, because trust me you do not want to miss out. Thank you again for all of your support, love, and dedication to #IAP! XO

PS: The image is a sneak peek to my Museum of Ice Cream post so stay tuned babes! 

"Don't worry darling, people throw rocks at things that shine."

I can still hear my first grade teacher in my head saying, "if you don't have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all." And yet it applies even more to me today in my twenties, than it did to me then. We live in a society where being mean, or "savage", is encouraged...it is sad, but the truth. As a blogger and young woman, I know that bullying is still very prevalent. And now with social media, it is easier to attack people than ever before. It is a coward move to attack people through social media, probably because you do not have to be in front of their face, instead you just have a screen in front of you. But even though the person is not saying it to your face, it still hurts, especially when it is on social media for other eyes to see, read, and interpret. 

It breaks my heart to see, how many individuals a year are bullied whether it be in school, over social media accounts and/or text message, or even in your own family. It is NEVER acceptable to make a person feel less about themselves. Each and every person on this earth is unique and important in their very own way and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. No one, and I mean no one, deserves to be put down for any reason. What people fail to realize is that their words and their actions do hurt. It literally cost $0 to be nice to someone. 

To those that have been bullied (because that is what being mean to someone is!) know that you are worth it and that what they say about you or to you is out of spite, jealousy, and negativity. Like I began this post, "people throw rocks at things that shine." If someone tries to bring you down, it is because you are already above them. Don't fall to their level, and always take the high road (which I know is easier said than done). Just remember that God created you the way you are and that is amazing! Also keep in mind, you are never alone. 

I wanted to write this post today because I want all my readers to realize that they are incredible, special, and deserve all the happiness life has to offer. A lot of times being a blogger, I get a lot of criticism because I am open to the world, and with that comes to the positives and the negatives. People tend to not understand how much work and dedication goes in to being a blogger or vlogger. It takes a lot of time and effort to make sure that we produce the best content for our readers/viewers, all while being true ourselves and our styles. I absolutely love sharing my life, style, and perspective with each and every one of you. I love that I have this platform to be 100% myself with the world. There are a lot of people who think that my blog isn't a "job" and is just a hobby, but I am ready to be back in the blogging game and dedicate my heart and soul into it. Blogging makes me so happy and is such a beautiful part of my life. God honestly has blessed me with this amazing platform where I get to connect with you all and it honestly brings so much joy to my life. 

Please feel free to reach out and share with me. I love receive your messages on Instagram, e-mails, and comments! You all are absolutely amazing! Always remember, it costs nothing to be nice so always treat others the way you would want to be treated and never let anyone make you question your worth because you are priceless.

Thank you for stopping by the blog today! I hope you have an incredible week and stay tuned because I will be sharing my favorite moments from #SwimWeek very soon. XO 

Top: Princezza Boutique (similar liked above) | Skirt: Marshalls (similar linked above) |
Shoes: Steve Madden | Necklace: Taudrey | Ring: Alex and Ani | 
Bracelets: Taudrey, Taudrey, Henri Bendel, David Yurman, Alex and Ani