Happy Tuesday! I was really thinking lately about my blog and the direction I want to take it. I was thinking about new layouts, filters, etc. when it hit me... I did not just start this blog to share my love of fashion and beauty with you all (which no worries, I still will!) But I started this blog to have an open platform to share my ups and downs with you all with life, my health (aka being a type one diabetic--while loving donuts & hating needles) and of course keeping in mind that just like me you all probably go through the same stuff. 

I honestly have always lived my life with no regrets. I believe that everything I go through in life whether it be negative or positive is for a reason and helps me to grow as an individual. I am also incredibly lucky that I have amazing friends, a sweet boyfriend, and family members who have seen me and loved me through thick and thin. 

I really want this blog to be a place where girls can go for more than the latest trends. I want this blog to be a place you can go to when you feel down on yourself and need to laugh; a place where you go to get some inspiration after a bad break up; a place where you can read my posts and be like wow! she gets me. A lot of bloggers out there make it look like they have the perfect life...and trust me none of us are perfect! We all have days we feel heftier than usual or don't want to get out of bed. 

But always remember that there is a brighter tomorrow... I know that sound cliche, but trust me. Learn to surround yourself with people that are your "safe havens", so when things get stormy you have your rocks. Learn to love yourself, even when you aren't at your best, and realize you can improve. Never stop loving you and always put yourself in the way of happiness. I know it's easy to read this and think yeah it's easy to read, but harder to live out but trust me, make little changes for YOU and you'll see the difference. 

There are so many people ready to see you fail and put you down, but always remember that people throw rocks at things that shine. Let it go in one ear and out the other. Replace their negative words with positive words in your head. 

I hope that IAP is a place where you can not only get your daily dose of all things fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, but also a place where you feel inspired. Hope you all have an amazing week and cannot wait for all the posts to come. Thank you to my dedicated readers who have always loved and supported me and IAP! XO

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!