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23 things I learned by 23

Posted in Lifestyle
on 01/23/2020

23. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE! This time of year is always my time for self-reflection and of course this lil annual post. So many great things happened at 22. Lots of challenges, sentimental moments (college graduation), and lots and lots of laughing so hard I couldn’t move/crying so hard I couldn’t get out of bed. Overall, a year of serious GROWTH. In order to conquer 23, I gotta leave a piece of my heart in year 22. So without ado, here’s my life lessons learned at 22. Hope y’all get a kick of reading because I sure love to write this post each year! 23, I’m comin for ya!

Twenty-three things I learned by 23:

  1. It’s ok to feel lonely sometimes. Honestly, this is something I’m still working on going into year 23. Being on the road, and most times, at places where I don’t know anyone at all can seriously be draining. I miss my friends and family. Sometimes I resent feeling alone because I want to be strong and independent. But I’ve got to learn it’s okay to FEEL. Loneliness is only temporary and sometimes you have to feel lonely in order to appreciate the feeling of contentedness.
  2. Stop caring what other people think. 
  3. Don’t let another’s validation dictate your happiness. Happiness comes from within. You are truly the only person who can make yourself happy. Putting your happiness in another’s hands never ends up well. You’ll never be whole if you rely on others to provide happiness. Make yourself proud and that’s all you can ask for!
  4. Joggers are literally gods gift to earth. Especially when they come in a matching set. A pro tip: Walmart has the best men’s sweatsuits for under $20 for the two pieces. NOT KIDDING. 
  5. Traveling is fun, but there’s no place like home. Growing up, I always wanted to get out and leave home. Once I actually did, I realized the immense appreciation I have for home. The feeling of going home after being away for a while is one of the best IN THE WORLD! 
  6. Forever 21 has been there for me through thick and thin, y’all. Last year I shopped there more than I ever had before. Maybe that’s because I a. love a good sale b. appreciate trends, but do not want to spend bank on them or c. that shopping online there is way too easy (although it does take 11,000 years to come in).
  7. Don’t watch a murder documentary before bed. Thought I already knew this, but clearly I didn’t and learned my lesson after many sleepless nights that resulted in me having to watch hours of That 70’s Show to not be creeped out.
  8. SILK PILLOWCASES are game changers for my fellow bed head queens. Don’t know about y’all but I always wake up lookin like I just got hit by a car. My silk pillowcase at least *HELPS* my hair look a bit better in the AM. Apparently they’re great for skin too? Idk about all that but 10/10 would recommend. 
  9. Dip nails are the best way to get bang for your buck. Get em done once a month and you’re good to go. They range from $35-65 just depending on where you go but they are so worth it! 
  10. Twitter humor is my favorite thing in the world.
  11. Be proud of your roots. I don’t think I’ve ever embraced my Louisiana roots more than I have this year being out on the road. Seeing a variety of places so vastly different from my home made me so so proud to be where I’m from. Not everyone can say they’re from the state with a national championship winning college football team, the best food around, and the most fun atmosphere/people!
  12. You can never have too many pairs of gold hoops. Swear to y’all, every time I place an order on F21 or ASOS I order another pair. They’re truly essential. 
  13. One direction still hits DIFFERENT! 
  14. Start saving money before it’s too late! Learned the hard way about this one. Now I’m on a strict savings plan because I need structure or I’ll spend all my money online shopping. It’s totally fine. That’s just who I am as a person (overspender, horrible saver) BUT I am getting much better.
  15. There is truly not much better than a good inky pilot g-2 pen. NOT ALL PENS ARE EQUAL.
  16. Look good, feel good! Those days where I actually put effort into how I look, I feel like I always have a bit of a better day. My attitude is more positive and I feel sooo much more superior. So I guess I’ll make it a resolution to try to do myself up a little each day and start things on a more positive note!
  17. There’s no such thing as too much sleep. I don’t think I will ever love anything more than my bed and a nice 9 hour night’s sleep. 
  18. Packing lighter is a valuable af life skill I still have not mastered. I legit live out of a suitcase for 9 months of the year, so I will say I have learned from when I first started working but I still could improve. I just am an overthinker and an overpacker (and man do they really go hand in hand). But hey, I’ve gotten my 53 lb suitcase down to under 40 lbs so that says something.
  19. I peaked in college. There I said it. LSU was the most incomparable time of my life thus far. I would do ANYTHING to be back in college again. Anyone have tips on how to get over college because I don’t think I really can? Help! But also GEAUX TIGERS.
  20. I think I’m starting to like football? WHERE IS MADISON CHURCH AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER? I’ll be real, I just never really got too into sports but once LSU was playing like they were this year, I freaking dove in (ESPN app and all). I still don’t understand too much of what’s going on but it’s called progress people!
  21. Don’t take yourself too seriously. What’s the fun in that? I’ve learned that life is not meant to be some serious thing that warrants zero mistakes. It’s ok to screw up and it’s ok to laugh about it!
  22. I think I’m meant to be a city gal. I’ve been able to visit NYC, Chicago, and LA this year and let me tell y’all – I THRIVED. Being able to walk everywhere? LOVES IT! Numerous things to do? YAS. I’m setting my sights for NYC after my current job is finished so hopefully y’all can catch me being a real life city girl soon.
  23. YOUR TWENTIES ARE WHERE IT’S AT. We are young and we are fun, baby! These past 3 years of my twenties have been so transformative, I can only imagine what’s to come. Catch my other “things I’ve learned posts” here, here, and here.

22, YOU WERE PRETTY SOLID. 23, YOU’LL BE EVEN BETTER. I JUST KNOW IT.

Ta ta for now! Loves y’all!

Skincare routine for a traveler

Posted in Beauty
on 12/04/2019

WOWIE. HI. SO many of y’all requested a travel skincare routine so here I am, delivering. I was trying to think of the best way to organize this so I guess I’ll just go through my AM/PM routine and share a few extras I use when I need a boost. Since I’ve been travelling for work and coming in contact with a variety of different climates my skin has been all over the place. For a little history lesson: I have done Accutane twice (and LOVED the results!) which has made my skin a bit drier than it’s usual super oily state. I don’t struggle with breakouts too much anymore but my main concern is normally dulless and dry skin since we are now in the THICCCCK of winter.

am

Wash face with this cleanser. Sometimes I use my Clarisonic if things are looking a little dull. After cleansing, I use this solution. It’s pretty much a toner and I really like how it makes my skin feel. I follow that with a hydrating serum and some moisturizer. Most days, I add a few tanning drops to give me some color and help my ever present line between my body/face color. Hehe.

pm

Take makeup off with this balm, this lotion, or this micelluar water. Not really a big makeup wipe girl because of how expensive they are and my access to the drug store while I’m travelling is limited, so I try to stick with a makeup remover that lasts a while. I cleanse after that with this cleanser. Sometimes with my Clarisonic, sometimes without. The cleanser is my favorite and I’ve been using it for 8 years so it’s PRETTY DAMN GOOD. After that I use that same hydrating serum and follow with this mask. It’s def my favorite skincare find of 2019. SO WORTH THE MONEY. I’m on my second tube it’s that bomb.

etc

If you know me IRL, you know my obsession with facial sprays. I am a fanatic. This one is my favorite and it’s super cheap. I use this after my makeup, after moisturizer or just for a pick me up when my skin is feelin dull. Not really a big eye cream gal, but I use this mask as an eye cream sometimes! It’s really an all purpose kinda thing for me. For lips, I love this lip mask before bed and this chapstick is my ALL TIME FAVE. I go through tubs of these like nobodies business.

LINKING ERRYTHANG BELOW FOR Y’ALL

 

The realities of post-grad life

Posted in Lifestyle
on 08/28/2019

HI MY FRIENDS. I missed y’all so much it hurts. It’s been TWO months since I’ve posted. I have been one busy girl. Post-grad life is happenin. IT’S HAPPENIN PEOPLE! In the midst of all the crazy, I’ve been collecting my thoughts for another #girltalk post. We’re adding another one in the series of transition, new beginnings and life updates.

Post-grad life. Let me just say it’s weird? Kinda scary too. I’m all the sudden supposed to be an adult and have it together? How rude! Growing up is hard, that’s for sure. Having a full-time job, saving money, being responsible, time management, etc… it’s just A LOT.

Now to clear the air, I am in no way trying to complain about post-grad life because I truly am so grateful to have the opportunities that I do. This year is something so special and I don’t want to take it for granted. I’m just here to say I feel ya. If post-grad life has you feeling a bit unfulfilled, I feel ya. If post-grad life has you missing home, I feel ya. If post-grad life has you questioning everything, I feel ya. I really do. What I will say is that it’s a season of unparalleled growth. It’s a season to test the waters, really figure out who you are, and what you want to do. It’s a scary time, but I just know the growth I’ll experience in this season will be so worth it.

I’m also here to say it’s all about the mindset. YES- this season is hard and it’s challenging but it’s what we’ve been working towards our entire lives. Remember when we would say “when I grow up I want to do/be…” like it was nothing! Like the world was still in our hands! Knowing we’ve reached that stage of life where we are “grown up” brings me an odd sense of calm.

THIS IS IT. Seize this season! There will never be another time to explore, create and take risks in like this one! Failure is eminent, but it’s what is so appealing about this time in our lives. Try and if it doesn’t work, try again. The time is now to do all the things you said you would “when you grew up.”

The adjustment has been challenging! I won’t lie. I’ve been feeling super homesick, nervous, and unclear of what’s to come. I miss all my friends and family and GOD DO I MISS COLLEGE. Between all the struggles and ups/downs, I’m going to promise myself to be grateful for this season. Things will never be like this again! Take advantage of it.


PS: I started LGIP before I got to college, so to be able to sit down today and write a post encompassing all the feels towards post-grad life is ABSOLUTELY INSANE. It’s a been quite the experience growing up on the internet!

What’s in my shopping cart this fall?!

Posted in Fashion
on 10/31/2018

FALL FASHION IS TOO GOOD, Y’ALL. Although my bank account does not thank me for splurging, my closet sure does. Since it’s finally cooling down over here in Louisiana (on a good day) I figured I would share with y’all a few things I am dying for!

TOPS

I swear everything I love this season is pink, blue, or animal print? Not sure what’s going on in my mind that’s making me think this way but I love it! As far as animal print is concerned, this jacket has me going INSANE. I need it. Bombers are in this year and I looove anything faux fur! Plus it’s under $100 price tag? *Add to cart*

Sweater season is back and although I may just suffocate if I wear a thick sweater with jeans and boots, I will sure as heck be wearing them with skirts and shorts galore! Some of my favorites this year are from Asos, Forever 21, and Free People. No surprise here! I’ll link this adorable pink balloon sleeve sweater (under $50), my favorite striped sweater, and a warm and fuzzy mock-neck you need to get your hands on.

BOTTOMS

I’m all about that comfort level when it actually gets cold. These leggings are my savior! They are comfortable, warm, AND have a wide wasitband that sucks it all in! I have the plain black pair from two years ago so I figure I should invest in another pair. The camo is calling my name!

In a recent Instagram poll on what y’all wanted to see, I got a request for going out clothes (on a budget). I’ll get to that full post eventually but here’s a sneak peak for ya. These shorts. Rose gold faux-leather can it really get any more fab than that? They’re under $60 and they are just so dang fun I can’t help it! Pair them with a black top and you’ll be good for a night out.

SHOES

So I’m on a shoe kick. I just want all the booties this year – they are so so good! My first pair I’m splurging on are these chunky black booties. They look comfy and I feel like I could kinda rock them year round! The snakeskin booties have been on my wishlist since last year. I just feel like they are super versatile and another good year round bootie to wear with jeans and shorts. I’m going crazy for these patent leather slip on sneakers. THE GREEN COLOR IS AMAZING. And they’re under $100 so I feel like I gotta grab em! Especially when our LA weather is so bipolar it’s nice to have a good sneaker to do when it’s warmer.

ACCESSORIES

My two obsessions this year: hats and dainty hoop earrings. I found this leather cabby hat and it is oh so cute. It would look so fun with  a little street chic outfit.

These hoops are THE BEST. I love how dainty they are and the rainbow is super cool for a little pop. You can’t tel they’re rainbow until you get close up! Layer them with other earrings to get that cool girl look that’s in this year!

Mid summer recap + reflection

Posted in Lifestyle
on 07/01/2018

HELLLERRRR my friends. Feels like it’s been AWHILE. Since the summer is about halfway through for most of you *cue the sobs* I wanted to check in and give y’all a lil life update. Most of you voted for some more girl talk kind of posts via my Insta stories a few weeks ago (thank you if you voted ILY A MILLI) so here I am delivering!

If you are new to LGIP, let me fill ya in. I moved to Fayetteville, AR this summer for an internship at RiffRaff. I moved here not knowing A SINGLE SOUL. Man, was it intimidating. I mean, I guess I would consider myself a pretty friendly person and I honestly believe I could talk to anyone (if you know me IRL you know I am a talker). I was scared, but I knew that I would be able to make friends if I put myself out there. Well I am happy to report, I have friends! Good friends, no, GREAT FRIENDS up here in Arkansas. Friendships don’t come easy and I will say opening up right away with all of these girls it has paid off.

Coming up here and being 10 hours away from home (I miss you NOLA) has been hard. I’m not gonna lie to y’all I have a had a mental breakdown or two up here. Nothing a fountain coke, bath, and drive around town at night can’t fix right? Wrong. I’m not here to complain about being away from home because it was all my decision to take this leap of faith but I don’t want y’all to think it’s been all sunshine and rainbows. I mean, hey, I miss home ALL THE TIME but I am trying to make the most of this amazing opportunity being up here by myself for the whole summer.

I’ve taken up journaling this summer too and it’s made HUGE difference. Keeping all of my thoughts caged up inside is not healthy. I enjoy getting them all out onto paper each night. Not only is it extremely therapeutic, but I really crack myself up and I love going back and reading my old journal entries.

Being up here has sparked a period of extreme growth for me. I mean, not having my family and friends to rely on 24/7 is really challenging. I am sooo used to living in the sorority house where you’re never alone, so being alone like this was a bit of a culture shock for me. My mom has always told me I was independent and I’ve seen that quality in myself this summer. I LOVE doing things alone.  My solo Target trips, drives around town, and dinners are truly some of my favorite things to do. Being alone isn’t something to be ashamed of so why should I stay cooped up at home? I guess this segways great into my next topic: boys.

Oh god, I hate em, I love em, and feel everything between for em. Y’all have heard me talk about boys before on LGIP and this is a subject I’m not ashamed to speak on. Yes, I am still single as a pringle. Yes, it’s hard seeing all of my friends and EVERY SINGLE PERSON on my Insta timeline in relationships when I am far from that. But I think at this point in my life, as much as I may resent it, being single is what I need. I needed this time to take care of myself. There is a time and place for boys I guess for me, it’s just not now?

I am not saying I’m anti boy AT ALL. For me personally, I’ve decided that if talking to a boy makes me question my self-worth I don’t think it’s what I should be striving for. If a boy doesn’t answer my Snapchat it by no means degrades me. It doesn’t make me any less me. I’ll eventually find someone who will want to talk to me, regardless of how weird I am! That day is just not today?! This is something that sometimes I feel like I’ve conquered this feeling, but other days I let it get to me. I’m a work in progress as I should be. I hope some of you girls can relate to this. I know it’s a feeling I’ve been feeling for quite some time now. Being single is ok. Being single is awesome!

As I hinted to earlier, I have had a mental breakdown or two this summer. Mostly “WTF am I doing?” “Why don’t I have a boyfriend?” and other classic quarter-life crisis questions. I’ll admit to feeling trapped. Being away from home has really urged me to want to travel and get out of my comfort zone. Moving to Arkansas was a huge step for me and it’s really challenged me to get out of my daily routine. I am a creature of habit, so sometimes that break in the routine can be really tough. But I really needed to be able to take a break in my routine so it’s been good.

Moving away from home has sparked an urge for travel. Not kidding, I dreaaaammm of getting out and seeing the world. Especially this summer, I cannot stop thinking about it. Maybe the fact that my time living in Louisiana will come to an end soon? My travel bucket list right now consists of: SoCal, NYC, Arizona and Austin, TX. It’s been great to get out of good ole Louisiana, but I will say it’s made me realize there truly is no place like home. I’m not so sure Louisiana is my vibe, but I guess I’ll have to travel a bit out of school and see where I feel at home? It’ll all come soon I guess (in less than a year from now I’ll be a college grad holy cow I cannot think that far ahead lol).

Sooooo if you’re still here after ALL OF THIS- thanks. No really, thanks for reading, following along, commenting on my Instagram posts – I really appreciate all of you! I hope you’ll continue to follow along with me on my adventures as I enter this INSANE season of life. LOTS N LOTS OF LOVE.

Here’s the link to my set: top and bottom. It’s been one of my faves lately – no really I’ve been wearing it allll weekend lol.

One month hiatus *one direction style*

Posted in Lifestyle
on 04/30/2018

OOOkkkk so hi. I have been MIA. Life’s been crazy! We haven’t talked in over a month y’all.. I totally feel like I’m on a hiatus One Direction style (ehhmm boys when will you reunite I’m waiting??). I’m wrapping up my junior year here at LSU which I honestly cannot believe…. I’ll do a junior year recap soon for y’all like I always do since those are some of my favorites to write.

But I’m back with a lil update on where I’ve been — aka not inspired, lazy and honestly confused about my life’s direction. Yes, I am a drama queen (don’t have to tell me twice). School wise, things have been easy… almost too easy. I’m pretty much done with all my fashion classes and I’ll finish up my second minor and major in the fall of 2018. But LSU, ya ain’t getting rid of me that quick cause this girl is gonna ride things out as long as I possibly can! I’ll stay in school until May 2019 for fear of missing out on my last SPRING SEMESTER of college (don’t wanna talk about it even though it’s a year away). Here’s what I’ve been up to in some of my classes this semester! Whoo for being creative!

I went to Nashville at the end of March for my spring break and ooooomg if you’ve never been ya GOTTA GO. We ate and drank our way to the entire town and I said sayonara to my bank account for good (no really I have yet to reclaim my once stable-ish financial state). But regardless, it was dang good time! Eatin, drinkin, dancin and just having a good time with good friends was exactly what I needed. If you’re in the mood for some pics keep on scrollin because I’ve got tons.

BEST GRILLED CHEESE. Get the pimento one tooo good. CMA Hall of Fame this was a great breakfast spot!!

After Nashville I sat down and tried to write a recap post, an OOTD, just something but I felt like I was in such a rut! I feel like I was just explaining to y’all a month of two ago about how uninspired I was but I’m back again on that same kick… Ughhhh maybe the summer will bring me some inspo #plzlord

I almost forgot to update y’all on my summer plans.. holy cow I am sooo excited! I’ve been following ShopRiffRaff since I was a junior or senior in high school and I’ve always been obsessed with them. Their branding is so on point and the girls that work there always seem to have SO MUCH FUN. I applied and was offered an internship there as an Operations Intern this summer in Fayetteville, AR. So yeah, I’m moving to AR next week for the next three months which I am really looking forward too but also scared shitless a lil bit too. I’m not gonna know anyone but it’s going to be such a cool experience to step out of my comfort zone (I’m lookin at you Louisiana)! I’ll share a lot more on my experience and move here once I get settled.

ALRIGHT THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL. That’s basically my life right now. It’s a bit chaotic but we are making moves people!! Happy May 1st~

Madison

Midweek motivation + things that motivate me

Posted in Lifestyle
on 03/22/2018

Happy day late hump day! I, for one, know a midweek pick me up is exactly what I need to finish this week off strong. Spring break is approaching and I cannot wait. I totally started this week off on the wrong foot so now I am *trying* to spread positive vibes! So, I thought I would share with y’all a few of my favorite motivational quotes. Make them your phone background for a daily reminder to get stuff done!

Here’s a few things that keep me motivated:

To do lists (can’t live without them for real)

Fountain cokes (y’all laugh but they really get me in the zone)

A good deep dive on Tumblr or Pinterest looking at inspirational quotes

Cleaning up my workspace (bye bye clutter)

 

We are almost there y’all. Take that motivation and make something out of it. Do whatever ya gotta do to get through this week! We can do it. Keep it positive and you’ll make it.

See y’all on the flip.

LGIP revamp revealed!

Posted in Lifestyle
on 03/05/2018



Hiiiii I am giddy typing this right now y’all. It’s finally here! LGIP’s revamp. Let’s just say this was much needed. Last month, I was in a major rut and I knew something needed to be done. This rebrand seemed like the best move for me! It brought me back to the reason LGIP came about: to have a fun space for us gals to hang out and share trends, tips and our love for fashion. LGIP is back in action with a new look and feel!

rebrandin starts like this…

I started off with a central idea of having the new layout being “girl power” centered! That’s where the lips came into play. Is it totally weird to say I love lips? In prints and in artwork they just give me such strong and girly vibes. From the lips came the color scheme. Neutrals with a kick! The coral color is my favorite paired with all my go-to neutral shades (blush and pink). I added in the cheetahs which represent strength (go girls). Then came the new layout which is something more user-friendly and a bit more modern/functional. There’s now a super fab slider up top with some of my favorite posts featured up there.

The whole new vibe of LGIP is gal-centric. I want LGIP to be haven for gals who are for the gals! Let’s have this be a safe space to try out new trends, have fun while doing it and celebrate being women. So with being said, welcome to the new LGIP! SO so happy to have ya here for all the seasons of LGIP. Click around and stay for a while!

Madison

 

Click to download a template for your own rebranding brand board.