February was such a great month. I knew in my bones it would be. I accepted a new job, I got back on track with my fitness goals, and I got to do some incredible things.

One of my favorite things I did was, I attended a networking event put on by Bloggers Who Brunch & Bumble. At this I met some incredible women who inspired me to keep chasing my dreams. I can honestly say that these girls will be lifelong friends. I know that we will continue to inspire each other, whether that be via Instagram or over mimosas.



One of the most challenging things I did this month was commit to LA Workout Junkie. This accountability program started by Teddi Mellencamp is a 15 day commitment to clean eating, detoxing your body, and pushing your limits. It wasn't easy but it was so worth it. Sadly on day 12 I couldn't keep up with the cardio and walked away (No pun intended!) But I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get back on track.

For Valentine's Day I got to cross something off my bucket list, by seeing Johnny Swim in concert! My boyfriend is an absolute gem for taking me to a concert where he only knew one song (which they did not play.) I had the biggest smile on my face all night and am anxiously waiting to see them again. Also, I'm lowkey wondering how much they would charge to play at my wedding and if it's too expensive if I can just have a private show from them instead of a wedding?


Bachelor Winter Games aired this month and I did NOT expect to love it so much. I did not watch it initially, but because I had heard from everyone how it was the best show the franchise had put out, I quickly tuned in. I loved that it was a light-hearted show, with not much drama, and had a great cast. I am hoping this international cast will make its way onto Paradise this summer.

My read this month has been Faith Forward Future by my pastor Chad Veach. It has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, yet brought me comfort in the chaos I have been experiencing lately. It has been a humble reminder that God created me with a purpose and has known that purpose before I was even a thought to my parents. It is my purpose to pursue this, pursue God, and to live abundantly.

I spend a lot of time on Instagram...a concerning amount. I love using it to keep up with friends and family around the world, to stay up to date on the latest trends, and to develop my blog. Today I thought I'd share my 5 favorite Instagram accounts! Let me know in the comments your favorite accounts so I can check them out!



Simply Lauren Rose
Lauren is an East Coast blogger whose Insta feed is full of her daily outfits.

Bumble
I have Bumble to thank for my relationship, but I also thank them for their daily posts about love and self care.

Katie Ryan
This hilarious little human is my spirit animal.

Join Blush
Blush is a company that provides life-coaching for women, which was started by my amazing therapist. Their Instagram account makes you laugh at the harsh realities of growing up and "adulting."

Bibles x Coffee
This account posts beautiful imagery of the scriptures to keep me going throughout the day.

Each month I receive a box of love and encouragement on my front porch. This month's Loved and Blessed Box had the theme REFLECTION.

Valentine's Day may be over, but that doesn't mean you have to stop having fun with your sweetheart.

Bonding Bees gives couples the opportunity to make date night a priority without having to find a babysitter, break the budget, or leave the comfort of their own home. It gives couples a unique, creative date night experience, with fun, themed boxes.

Bonding Bees sent me their January date night box, which focused on celebrating the new year. The date included a time capsule, a cocktail kit, a game to play, and cookies. Information came with the box explaining our date night and providing us with extra ideas for a fun night.


As an added bonus, each month Bonding Bees features a couple of the month and gives to the charity of the couples choice.

To get started with Bonding Bees, visit their site, and select between a variety of pricing options for you and your honey to enjoy date night! Use code kickback15 at checkout for $15 off your first box!

Happy Valentine's Day! I am so grateful for all the love in my life and am using today to reflect on all the love surrounding me. While I was on my run this morning I passed by a church and began thinking about the greatest love of all...the love of eternal life. I am so grateful for a God who loves me regardless of the mess I am!

1 John 4:19

I am also excited to announce the winner of the Valentine's Day Sephora gift card giveaway....Cambria P.! Congrats! Please e-mail me within 48 hours and I will get that sent your way!

Much love babes!

This is the point in the season of The Bachelor where I start to hit snooze and could care less about what's happening in each episode, up until hometown dates. Because I am in ZERO rush to catch up on whose hoops Arie is sticking his hand through, I decided to check in with a previous Bachelorette contestant for this week's TV Tuesday.

Cue the man with the thousand watt smile who vied for Rachel Lindsay's final rose, Iggy Rodriguez. This larger than life personality was a fun one to chat with. He shocked me by sharing he worked with Nick Viall pre-Bachelor franchise and by sharing his love for The Bachelor began with an ex girlfriend. Iggy started watching the show when a girl he was dating would have her weekly girl's nights every Monday. Iggy started to join in on the wine, popcorn, and gossip sessions during Juan Pablo's season, and realizing what an awful choice ABC had made in casting, Iggy knew he could do better.



He was cast for Rachel's season, continued his look for love on Bachelor in Paradise, and is now trying to get back to some sort of normalcy in Los Angeles. Upon completing the show, Iggy returned to a different lifestyle and new attention. Grateful for the relationships he had made on the show, Iggy said the only people to truly understand Bachelor Nation is Bachelor Nation themselves. "You dive into some real shit real quick. You talk about things you don't talk about with anyone else because you've just never been in this situation," said Iggy.

To get back to reality, and not reality TV, Iggy began working for a luxury event company in Santa Monica. This allows him to still have his hand in the entertainment industry while focusing on developing his career.

In regards to this season, Iggy is just as bored as I am. Finding Arie's romantic interactions, awkward and weird, Iggy has found entertainment in contestants Bibiana and Bekah M. And who knows...Iggy hasn't closed the door on a Bachelor return, so maybe one of these ladies and him will find each other in paradise next summer!

For more of Iggy, follow him on Instagram @iggy_rodriguez

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. This time of year has me feeling the love and it is reflected in my music choices. Here are ten of my favorite love songs:

One of my favorite parts of blogging is diving into the work of others in my craft. Here are FIVE of my favorite Valentine's Day related posts from other bloggers! Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas, Something Beautiful The Blog
This post is chalk full of Valentine's Day gift ideas for the ladies in your life. Whether it be your mom, sister, or bestie, Daryl-Ann has great suggestions at a variety of price ranges.

Valentine's Cocoa, Mix & Match Mama
Shay Shull adds a new take on her slow cooker hot chocolate just in time for Valentine's!

Valentine's Day Giveaway, Hallie Katherine
My cousin's wife runs one of my favorite blogs & Instagram accounts, and I'm not just saying that because we share a last name. Hallie shares a watch she is gifting her sweet hubby for Valentine's Day, as well as running a giveaway with Jord Watches for readers. Go check it out & enter!

Valentine's Day Outfit, Lauren Rose
Lauren curated a beautiful outfit perfect for a variety of Valentine's Day events. Whether it's dinner with your love, movie night with the girls, or just an average day at work, Lauren's outfit idea adds perfect touches of pink for the holiday.

5 Valentine's Day Date Ideas for the Couple That Likes to Stay In, The Modern Day Girlfriend
Arianna has five fun-filled ideas that are budget friendly. They're perfect for couples that want to stay in on Valentine's night, but still want to spend quality time together!

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It's a new month, which means setting intentions and redirecting focus. January tried me tough, but I am ready to dive into February. I set some time aside today to think about what I wanted to achieve in February. Here are some of the things I do on the first day of the month:

1.) Pray. I love to spend time in prayer, asking God to close whatever doors need to be closed, and guide me to which open door to walk through.

2.) Set Intentions. Being intentional with my time and how I choose to spend the month allows me to direct my focus on the proper things that will help me reach my goals.

3.) Goal Set. I review my 2018 goals and break them down into something that can be achieve in February. For example, I have a goal set this year to pay off all credit card debt, which can seem daunting. However, when I break it into a smaller goal to focus on this month, it seems much more manageable.

4.) Review Finances. I update my budget for the month, adding in any special events. I am trying to get financially right this year, so I need to be intentional with where my money goes.

5.) Look over my calendar. I have a lot on my plate right now, so I need to be aware of what is coming up. Let's just say I triple booked a day in March without even realizing it because I have been so scatterbrained lately. Staying on top of my planner and utilizing it to its full potential will really help me with this.

6.) Plan blog posts. I try to do this prior to the first day of the month, but on the first day of the month I like to write as much as I can and come up with a plan to tackle all my posts for the month.

I hope these tips help you be intentional with your time this month!