T.J. Maxx Wishlist | My Latest + Cutest Summer Finds

Last week, I shared my morning routine with y'all. This week, I wanted to share my latest (and cutest) finds at T.J. Maxx. I love T.J. Maxx for not only their designer brands, but their affordable prices. Everything in this wishlist is under $60.

Handmade Large Fields Clutch by Bujibaja // $24.99

If you know me, you know that I love tassels. This clutch is perfect for a night out on the town. Pair it with white capris to make the colors truly pop.

Pleated Cut Away Halter Neck Tank by Cable and Gauge // $14.99

This top also comes in black—I want both! This would look super cute paired with white pants and fun shoes. Maybe even that clutch I mentioned earlier?

Similar: Sterling Silver Pearl And Blue Quartz Necklace by Iris and Lily // $29.99

During the summer, I like to keep my jewelry down to a minimum. Tan lines, am I right? Statement necklaces are one of my favorite ways to accessorize. They're effortless!

Boat Shoes by Sperry // $39.99

Sperry’s are a classic! I especially love these because of the colorful fabric. These shoes are another great alternative to summering up any outfit.

Printed Millennium Skort by Zac and Rachel // $14.99

This skirt has my name written all over it. I love the fit, length, and print! Not to mention the price! Perfect for Saturday nights downtown.

Similar: Made In Italy X Band Leather Wedges by Don Uorri // $24.99

These shoes are a summer staple. They can be dressed up or down depending on what you’re going for. I'd pair them with white capris for a family BBQ and a mini skirt like the one above for a night out.

Juniors Smocked Crochet Joggers by Surf Gypsy // $14.99

These pants are absolutely adorable—I’m obsessed with the color. Pair with a white crop top and you're in style to run all of your Sunday afternoon errands.

Straw Floppy Hat With Animal Print Underbrim by Laundry by Design // $12.99

A sun hat—another summer staple!! I’ve been by the pool these couple of weeks and realized I needed a sun hat to protect my hair, scalp, and face. This one is perfect because it has a wide enough brim. (However, I went to Marshall's the other day and couldn't find any hats. I was so bummed!)

Made In Spain Leather Thong Sandals by Yokono // $24.99

I love these shoes, as they’re so easy to slide on when you're running out the door.

Strapless Belted Jumpsuit by Cloth & Stone // $59.99

Jumpsuits are so trendy! My sister just purchased one from Charming Charlie’s for $10. I need to hop on this trend! (No pun intended!)

Round Straw Crossbody by Imoshion // $16.99

Straw bags are also so in season! I love this one because of it’s shape. I also like that it has a crossbody strap-- perfect for traveling to the beach and beyond.

Belted Sarong One-piece Swimsuit by Rachel Rachel Roy // $29.99

And, lastly, I had to include a swimsuit. The deep cut and the front bow combination is both modest and stylish!

*I went to Marshall's last week and found some amazing brands on the clearance rack like Lilly Pulitzer and Polo Ralph Lauren. Go! Go! Go!

My Summer Morning Routine ft. Updated Skincare

Good morning, Everyone!

Today, I'm sharing my morning routine with y'all! With the academic year coming to an end, I'm able to sleep in and focus on my personal goals, whether they are related to my blog, fitness, or spirituality.

8:00 A.M. - Wake-up

Alexa wakes me up at 8:00 AM. The first thing I do is check my phone-- Messages, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. I've also been getting in to using networking apps like LinkedIn and Shapr.

8:30 A.M. - Get Workout Ready

By 8:30, I'm ready to get up and moving. I brush my teeth, throw on leggings and a sports bra, and pull out my yoga mat. (I found an adorable one at T.J. Maxx if you're on the lookout for one that won't break the bank!)

8:45 A.M. - Workout

Last year, I got into the habit of following a consistent workout schedule. I've never felt so confident! Click here to checkout my Poppin' Workout Routine.

9:30 A.M. - Shower

Right after I workout, I hop in the shower. My shower routine is a little different from day to day. Today, my shower routine consisted of: shampooing and conditioning my hair. As for my legs, I exfoliated them and followed up by shaving with my favorite razor.

9:50 A.M. - Skincare

Between the stress of finals and a certain time of the month approaching, my skin has been suffering.

Step 1: Dry cleanse skin with foam cleanser.

Step 2: Massage thoroughly into the skin.

Step 3: Add water and rinse.

Step 4: Exfoliate (every 2-3 days).

Step 5: Spot treatment.

Step 6: Moisturizer with SPF.

10:00 A.M. - Finish Getting Ready

Comb the tangles out of my hair, get dressed, etc. I usually let my hair air dry. I've been loving this spay from Garnier.

10:30 A.M. - Plan My Day w/ A Morning Snack

I am definitely a planner kind of gal. Most of my days include: blogging, responding to emails, running errands, etc.. (My mom actually just picked me up a new Lilly planner for the 2019-2020 academic school year. I'm so excited to see which one she got me!)

11:00 A.M. - Get To Work!

By 11:00 A.M. I am in the zone! With the school year over, I can focus on my blog and personal goals like I mentioned earlier. I've been able to get back into the schedule of posting once a week. I've also been able to pick up a few freelance gigs-- I'm super excited for those articles!

Comment below: What's a must-do in your morning routine?

9 Things High School Graduates Should Read Before Going Off To College

Congratulations, Class of 2019! 

I am so proud of all of you. Here are 9 things I think every high school graduate should know before going off to college:

1. You did it. Give yourself a pat on the back.

You graduated high school; that is a huge accomplishment! Don't underestimate how great of an achievement this is.

2. Preserve REAL friendships.

Good friends are hard to find. Believe me, I would know. If you have that friend in high school, don't lose touch-- no matter how far the distance is between the two of you. Like the tassel was worth the hassle, a good friend is also worth the hassle.

3. Don't let a relationship define you.

A friendship or a romantic relationship. Don't let a romantic relationship influence where you go to school. (No matter how serious!) My high school boyfriend and I ended up breaking up a year into our college careers. If I would have went to the same college as him, I would have major regrets. Going to my own school allowed me to grow and develop into the person I truly wanted to become.

4. Attend your college's orientation events.

No matter how corny. I ended up going to one and meeting a ton of great people. I even met one of my best friends there!

5. Use your college's resources-- no matter how smart you are.

I love going to my college's writing center. Having another set of eyes look over your 20 page English paper is truly a blessing. They'll fix that run of sentence you wrote at 1:00 A.M.

6. Show your professors you care. 

• Arrive to class early. I like to show up about 10-15 minutes early.
• I know it was cool to sit in the back of the room in high school, but this is college. Sit in the front.
• Go to their office hours. Professors remember the students who show up to their office hours.

7. Living with another human being is probably a little different than you anticipate.

Many, many people think that their roommate is also going to be their best friend. (I was one of them!) I hate to be the one to break it to you, but that's not always the case. When you room with someone, you're exposed to their true colors. And, they're exposed to yours. You might realize that you two have a different set of interests or even priorities. Some people are drawn to the party scene, whereas others are drawn to making President's List. Regardless, stay focused.

8.  Don't forget to call mom and dad.

Mom and dad have been your biggest supporters since day one. Trust me! They've watched you flourish into the beautiful adult you are. Don't forget to send them a text letting them know your acing calculus. And, don't be afraid to reach out to them for help. If you and your roommate aren't seeing eye to eye, they'll be able to give you advice on how to deal with it.

9. Challenge yourself.

In the beginning of my freshman year, I was scared to try new things. I was scared to go against the norm. I decided to challenge myself and I'm graduating next semester. I completed a four year degree in two and half semesters. Not to mention, I'm graduating with two minors. Challenge yourself. Your future self will thank you for it.

Congratulations, Natalie! I am so proud of your past, present, and future achievements. You are going to do incredible things with your life.

Spilling All The Tea On This Past Academic Year (Fall '18- Spring '19)

My last full year of college has come to an end. I was a sophomore, junior, and senior all at the same time; it was awesome! Though this was only my second year of college, the amount of credits I've obtained classified me as a junior. In the spring, I had enough credits to be labeled a senior. I will be finishing my bachelor's degree this fall. I couldn't be more excited!

I thought it would be fun to wrap up the semester by spilling some tea from these previous semesters: academics, friendships, relationships, life lessons, etc.:

I got inducted into Delta Epsilon Sigma.

Delta Epsilon Sigma is an honor society that recognizes students in the top 20% of their class and those who are also dedicated to community service. Being inducted into this society was truly a memorable experience. It was the first of many during this academic year.

I met someone special.

Over the summer, I talked to a few boys, but one in particular sparked my interest. I quickly opened up to him about my past relationships, my current interests, and my future plans. In September, he repeatedly asked me to go on a date with him. I kept putting it off-- I had to leave campus every weekend to take care of my grandmother who had cancer at the time. Eventually, our schedules aligned and he took me on a super romantic date: a stroll in the park, Olive Garden, and my favorite cookie place for dessert. He later asked me to be his girlfriend and without hesitation I said yes. We've been dating for a little over eight months now and it's been magical. 

I lobbied for comprehensive immigration reform.

For one of my classes, Immigration, Law, and Social Justice, I had to go to Washington, D.C. and lobby. (I was scared out of my mind!) I specifically lectured on the psychological impact detention centers have on detainees. This class opened my eyes to the experiences immigrants encounter in their source countries and host countries. Read more about Berks County Detention Center by clicking here. 

I made President's List in the fall.

This past fall, I managed to pull off a 4.00. These classes were intense. As you can see, I took: Immigration, Law, and Social Justice, Personality Theories, Developmental Psychology II, Statistics for Social Sciences I, Social Psychology, and Intermediate Spanish for Social Services. My favorite class by far was social psychology. I learned so much.

And, in the spring too.

In the spring I took: History of Art and Protest, Honors English: Television as Narrative Art, Honors Sociology: Sociology of Happiness, Statistics for Social Sciences II, Lab Experiences in Sensation and Perception, and Spanish and Latin American Culture through Film. This past semester was definitely a lot harder than my fall semester, but I still managed to pull through and make President's List.

I learned what it means to be a true friend.

A true friend doesn't pressure you to drink. A true friend doesn't send you underhanded text about you going home on the weekends to take care of your ill grandmother. A true friend doesn't lie to you about dinner plans. A true friend doesn't-- you get the point. Instead, a true friend respects you and supports you. I’ve never been so disappointed in someone before. 

Girls and boys LOVE drama.

When I was younger, I thought only girls were drawn to drama. Boy, was I wrong! Boys are just as catty as girls. They like to take what you say, twist it, and then gossip behind your back. In this situation, I learned that it's okay to permanently remove yourself from a situation. By doing this, I saved myself from countless sleepless nights and a ton of tears. I was also able to focus on my studies and make President's List both semesters by ridding the unnecessary distractions. 

I presented my research at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) 2019 Honors Conference.

I presented on the impact of immigration on mental health. You can click here to read my essay.  I broke it down into four different categories: documented immigrants, undocumented immigrants, documented children with undocumented parents, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. I not only learned a lot about this population, but I learned that this is a population that I would like to work with in my future endeavors. 

I was inducted into Psi Chi. 

Psi Chi is the international honor society in psychology. Being inducted into this honor society made me realize that I did make the right decision in choosing to study psychology.

Those who try to pull you back are behind you for a reason.

I remember seeing a quote on Instagram and/or Pinterest regarding jealous friends. Something about appreciating their jealousy-- they're people who think that you're better than them. I couldn't agree with this statement more.

I'd be nowhere without my parents.

My parents guided and supported me with everything: boy troubles, jealous girl drama, character development in Breaking Bad, social psychology experiments, etc. I can't thank them enough for everything they've given me. I say this all the time, but I truly mean it: I can't wait to give back to them. Because of them, I’m doing better than I ever was. 

Read similar blog posts here:
What I Learned During My First Year of College
Lessons I Learned In High School

A Letter To My Best Friend on Mother's Day

Hey Mom,

Can you believe I’m done next semester? These 2 years flew by. I know I owe it all to you-- the dual enrollment classes, summer courses, and maxing out on credits. However, I know I didn’t make it easy on you. There were a lot of morning phone calls and evening meltdowns, but you said, “Guil, you got this.” And, you were right. I got this.

Speaking of which, I reached out to that company we were talking about a few weeks ago. They said yes to the brand deal! You were right.

Oh, and Mom, remember the girls I was telling you about? The partiers? The ones you told me to stay away from? I heard they’re failing a couple of courses this semester and won’t be able to graduate on time. I'm glad you told me to prioritize my education. You were right.

But, wait-- I know how you’re always telling me to stray away from the hear say. You were right about those boys too; the ones who twisted my words and started a bunch of drama. I don’t talk to them anymore. And, guess what? No drama! You were right.

Speaking of boys, remember the one you told me to give another chance to? I did. And, things are going really well. I’m not rushing anything though. You always say, “If it’s meant to be it’ll be.” And, you’re always right. I’ll let this one play out.

Thank you-- for always being right. Thank you for always giving me the best advice. When I was fifteen, I remember coming home, crying to you. I asked you how my group of girl friends could turn so cold. You told me it was because they were jealous of me-- my looks, intelligencce, etc. Looking back, I realize they were jealous of me because of the incredible parents I have.

You always put my sister and I first, whether it’s buying us a new shirt we see at the mall, driving us to soccer practice, or hosting prom for 25 of our friends and their families. Or, the last french fry. You always let me have the last Chik-fil-a fry.

I can’t wait until the day I can use the education, the one you gave me the ability to receieve, to get a job. A job that will help me help you achieve all of your dreams and goals in life. You deserve it more than anyone.

XOXO,

Guilianna

My Boyfriend Guesses The Price of Girly Things

This week, I'm introducing my boyfriend, Andres, to some of my favorite girly products. I have lots and lots of products, so let's get into it:

Revolution Ultra Palette Golden Sugar 2 - Blush, Bronze & Highlight

Andres said that he thought this palette is on the market for $23.95. He said, this was a high-end product because of the large mirror and the variety of colors. He was off by $13.95; it was only $10.

Revolution Jewel Collection Jelly Highlighter Prestigious

He was pretty on par with this one. He estimated it to be about $7 flat. His reasoning behind marketing so low is because "it's really just liquid" and it's just one shade. In this case, he was only off by $2! This highlighter is actually $9. And, it's worth every penny.

Amazonia Clay 12-Hour Highlighter by Tarte Cosmetics

When I revealed how cheap the Makeup Revolution highlighter was, I wanted to throw him a curve ball with this high-end highlighter. This highlighter retails for $29. Andres said it was probably only $13. It costs a little bit more than the previous one because it has a mirror. He was shocked!

Maybelline Fit Me Blush

This might be my favorite thing that Andres said during this challenge: "The fancier the color, the more [expensive] it is." That's what he estimated it to be $12.50, instead of the actual price of $5.99. (Side note: I absolutely love this blush-- and the color is pretty fancy!)

Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer - C2

Andres was, again, pretty on par with this product, my favorite concealer of all time. I will never change up my concealer ever again. I love the formula, coverage, everything! Andres guessed that this product was $8 due to the small container. And, he was right on-- this product retails for $7.

Cucumber De-Tox Foaming Cleanser by Peter Thomas Roth

This is my holy grail face wash. I've gone through so many bottles. I think I'm on my 6th? 7th? They last a long time too! Andres said this was probably $18. This product is actually on the high-end; it's $35. But, hey, it's worth it!

Yes To Face

I love, love, love face masks. I think they're so much fun! And, my boyfriend definitely knows this by the countless masked selfies I send him. He wasn't surprised when I asked him how much he thought one of my go-to face masks costs. He estimated Yes To face masks to go for $5. They range from $2.99-$3.99. Pretty close!!

Clearly Brighter Dark Circle Eye Roller

Again, Andres was pretty on par. This eye roller retails for $12.99 and his guess was $15. Only $2 off!

U by Kotex Cleanwear Ultra Thin Fitness Pads

And, this guess was my favorite guess of all. A 30 count box of pads is approximately $6.99. Andres guessed it retailed for $40. Thank God it doesn't cost this much. I would be working a part-time job just to supply feminine hygiene products for myself.


Andres, you did a great job at guessing these prices. I am so appreciative you took part in this little challenge on my blog. Send me some more blog post ideas you want me to feature Andres in!

Checkout Andres' social media:

Instagram | Twitter

My Journey To Happiness: My Favorite Ways To Practice Happiness

Let me explain: I'm practicing to be a psychologist. So, I over analyze events and people. It's just what I do. So, it's no surprise that I over analyze myself in certain events. We all do, right? Let's put that aside and focus on happiness.

Here are my favorite ways to practice happiness:

Letters of forgiveness.

Apparently, forgiveness is a huge contributor to happiness. And, it's one of the hardest things for me to do. It's especially hard for me to do when your friend deliberately lies to you-- over and over again. I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this.

Best possible future self exercise.

Once a week, I like to spend 10-15 minutes envisioning and/or writing about my best possible future self. I tend to write about different aspects of my anticipated career, a psychologist for immigrants. I think about being a teacher or a non-profit organizer. Thinking about those things allows me to set goals for myself and work towards them.

Set goals.

Whether they are short-term or long-term, set them. I set them everyday in my planner:

• Finish English paper
• Email back X company about sponsorship
• Go grocery shopping
• Be awesome

Adopt a fitness routine.

There's a million and one studies that support the idea that exercise decreases stress levels. I can definitely say that I've branched out of my comfort zone in terms of fitness. For example, I have recently taken up zumba-- BEST. DECISION. EVER. It kicked my butt, but totally worth it. I've also experimented with crazy gym equipment. (The kind you think only the baseball team uses!) I've been able to sculpt my body into the shape I want, which has in turn helped me develop confidence.

Writing.

I've always gravitated towards writing when it comes to expressing myself. I like to write short journal entries, and even more so, poetry. It's the perfect coping mechanism for when I'm upset or angry.

Expressing gratitude. 

One of the most important exercises of adopting a happiness program is to include expressing gratitude. Over the past few months, I have attempted to show gratitude towards my family. With finals right around the corner, I am a little on edge and stressed. Appreciating and thanking my family for everything they have done to help me is super important.

Experience flow. Constantly.

In more ways than one I experience flow: blogging, listening to music, spending time with my family, writing, etc.. Do whatever makes you happy and passes the time by.

Meditation.

Three words: This. Is. Hard. It has taken me some serious practice to learn how to meditate. I like to lie down on my bed. I also like to either light a candle or use a diffuser to stimulate my senses. Then, I use the Meditation Minis Podcast on Spotify to complete my session. I highly recommend this station, as the sessions are only 10 minutes long.

My Sister's College Announcement: Florida Southern College

Congratulations to my sister, Natalie! She has recently committed to Florida Southern College, home of the Mocs. She will study biology in hopes of becoming a veterinarian.

Natalie, I am so excited for you and what your future holds. Your character, intelligence, and motivation will make such a unique and powerful impact on the world. Being in the top 5% of your class, pursuing a male-dominated field, saving animals... is there anything you can't do? 

Congratulations, Florida Southern College! You chose an incredible woman. 

8 Do's and Don'ts of Traveling With Your S.O.

A few weeks ago, I went to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida with my family. (I'm sure you saw pics on Insta and Twitter!) Like every other vacation, I had a blast! However, this one was a little different because I traveled with my boyfriend. B-I-G step; I know! Instead of doing a typical travel diary, I thought I would share some of the do's and don'ts for the next time you travel with your bae.

1. DO pick a destination you are BOTH interested in.

This was kind of, very last minute. However, we both have a love for Disney, so it worked out! We're in the works of planning our next adventure now.

2. DON'T under pack.

Be sure to double and triple check your suitcase. You don't want to have to worry about clothes, toiletries, etc. on your getaway. Click here to checkout my carry-on essentials.

3. DO plan.

Take the time to go through Pinterest and see what cool things there are to do in the place you're visiting. My boyfriend and I watched a ton of YouTube videos on the best places to eat in Walt Disney World. We made sure to hit at least 3 of them-- yum!

4. DON'T be afraid to go with the flow.

Not everything goes according to plan. Don't let it ruin your mood! Role with the punches; everything will work itself out.

5. DO compromise.

I really wanted to go on the Frozen ride in Epcot. My boyfriend was so sweet and waited the 2 hour wait with me. However, I made sure to do the same thing with him when he wanted to hop on Soarin'. 

6. DON'T demand high standards of one another.

Treat each other as if you were back home.

7. DO take lots of pictures.

This is going to be one for the books-- I promise!

8. DON'T be afraid to try something new.

2019 is all about trying new things and making the most out of them. Step out of your comfort zone with one another!

My Poppin' Workout Routine

With summer right around the corner, I thought I would share my current workout routine with y'all. Over the past year, I've become addicted to working out. It's true: when you see results, you become obsessed. I've noticed a huge difference in my legs and abs. 

Leg Day

• Side Kick Squat (5x each leg)
• Hip Thrust (15x)
• Donkey Kick (20x each leg)
• Side Lunge (5x each leg)
• Single-Leg Hip Extension (10x each leg)
• Side-Lying Leg Raise (20x each leg)
• Plie squat (20x)
• Hip Bridge Hold (1 minute)

Repeat 3 times. Sometimes, I get bored doing this routine 3 times, so I'll change different exercises. For example, I'll do curtsey lunges instead of side lunges, rainbows in place of single-leg hip extensions, and jump squats instead of plie squats. 

Ab Day

• Speed Walk (0.5 miles)
• Cross Jacks (30x)
• Side Knee Raise (10x each leg)
• Full Plank (1 minute)
• Sit Ups (20x)
• Russian Twist (20x each side)
• V-Sit (1 minute)
• Single Leg V-Up (5x each leg)
• Bicycle Kicks (30x)
• Cat Camel Exercise (5 breaths)
• Cobra Pose (5 breaths)

Repeat 3 times.

Bikini Body Day

• Butt Kicks (30x)
• Squat Jump (20x)
• Plank Hip Twist (10x each side)
• Donkey Kick (20x each leg)
• Single-Leg Hip Extension (15x each leg)
• Squat Thrust (20x)
• Vertical Leg Crunch (20x)
• Side Plank Knee Crunch (15x each side)
• Up and Down Plank (10x)

Repeat 2 times.

If you don't burn by the end of any of these workouts, then you're doing somethings wrong. My butt always burns by the end of the third set. My abs burn after the first one; they still need some work.  My workouts are inspired by the 7M Women app. The app tracks your workouts and the calories you burn. I love it! (Not sponsored!)

Get Ready With Me: Airport + Carry On Essentials

Let's get airport ready! In this blog post, I'm sharing how I get ready for the airport and a tropical vacation. We're gonna cover my go-to hair look, my go-to makeup, and a super comfy outfit. I'll also highlight some of my carry-on essentials.

Let's get started:

Hair

I like to keep my hair pretty simple because I know I'll be putting my ahead against the window for a nice power nap. I like to enhance my natural hair texture by blow drying it straight. I'll also throw a big clip in my carry on along with several creaseless hair ties. 

Makeup

Same goes for makeup: I like to keep it relatively simple. I start off with a base to moisturize my skin and minimize my pores. To even out my complexion, but still keep things light, I like to grab my BB cream. Then, I follow up with blush, mascara, and a clear gel to set my eyebrows in place. To ensure this lasts all day long, I use my favorite setting spray from Urban Decay.

Outfit

Yoga pants are my go to! They're heavy enough for this chilly weather, but cool enough for the south. I like to pair my yoga pants with a soft tee, like one from J. Crew. I have one that reads, "On Island Time." Could it be any more appropriate for a Florida vacay? Then, I like to wear comfy shoes. I love my yoga mat flip-flops from Sanuk. I'm noticing a pattern-- cozy.

Weekly Prep

I definitely like to give myself a glam treatment before going on vacation because I'll be taking lots and lots of pics. I actually did a blog post a couple of years ago on how I prep for a big event. Click here.

Carry-On Essentials

I am actually squeezing a week's worth of clothing into my carry-on bag. I have been watching packing and travel videos on YouTube religiously. Below is my carry-on list. I'll be throwing all of these items into my Hunter duffle bag. It's a dream bag!

• 5 Tops
• 5 Shorts
• 1 Dress
• 2-3 Pairs of Leggings (Black, navy, and gray)
• 2 Pairs of Shoes (Sandals + Sneakers)
• 10 Pairs of Underwear
• Accessories (1 necklace, 1 ring, a few bangles, 2 pairs of earrings)
• 3 Pairs of Sock
• 3 Bathing Suits
• 2 Cover Ups
• 1-2 Sweatshirt(s)
• Make-Up
• Skincare
• Toiletries 
• Pads/Tampons
• Laptop + Charger
• Cell phone + Charger + Headphones
• Camera + Charger + Lens
• Planner + Pens
• School Work

Let me know what your must-have essential is for a tropical vacation. Is it a Lilly Pulitzer dress? Or, maybe a retro bikini? Comment below!

Follow my social media links for exclusive content from my trip:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Snapchat - guiliannamarie 

20 Things I Learned About Friendships & Relationships

This post might come off as a little sassy, but we're down. With V-Day right around the corner,  here are 20 things I learned about friendships and relationships:

1. Patience is truly a virtue.

First, let me start off by saying: I am very sorry to anyone who caught me while my patience was running thin. I definitely struggle with possessing patience, but I'm working on it.

2. People throw rocks at things that shine.

When you're in a relationship with a wonderful person, your friends might try to break y'all up because they're jealous. Jealousy is a very ugly trait.

3. There are different types of love. 

And, I love that.

4. Exes are exes for a reason.

Don't stalk them on Instagram and Facebook. As Elsa would say, "let it go." (My mom taught me that one.)

5. Don't go to your ex's work.

It's awkward for everyone. Really. Trust me on this one.

6. If you breakup with a guy, and he asks if you can still make-out on the weekends he's a jerk.

No comment.

7. Don't make promises you can't keep.

It's hurtful for everyone.

8. Jealousy is an ugly trait-- that a lot of people wear.

When you are thriving, friends, even those who you think are your real friends will try to bring you down.

9. If your "real" friend talks bad about other girls to you, she's probably talking bad about you to other girls.

Who knew Mean Girls wasn't just a movie?

10. Love wholeheartedly.

Always. Always. Always.

11. If someone doesn't support your goals, they're not worth your time.

If someone says, you shouldn't-- ignore.

12. Those who can't accept you at your worst don't deserve you at your best.

We all have highs. And, we all have lows. It's important to still love someone through those periods.

13. Don't kiss and tell.

It's no one's business what goes on between you and another human being.

14. Don't fight for someone that you're over.

What's meant to be will be.

15. Say what you want to say.

If you want to tell someone you love them, say it. If you want to tell someone that you want to marry them, say it. If you want to tell someone that you want to move to a new state with them, say it (but also mean it). You never know what you might be missing out on.

16. Most people are good.

Most. Some are crazy.

17. Family is always a true friend.

I can always count on my family.

18. Different people cross your path for different reasons.

I've met people who have encouraged me to do my own thing and follow my own dreams. I appreciate those people and thank God for having them cross my path.

19. Commitment is a choice.

Believe it or not.

20. Loving is living.

Without love, you're not really living. Love is everything and more.


I hope y'all have a wonderful Valentine's day, whether you're celebrating friendships, lovers, or yourself! Stay safe!