WOW long time no blog pals.  

after a few texts from friends about how I need to hop back onto posting and my responses of “it’s really hard to blog AND explore New York City at once”, I’ve decided…sure, nothing being hard has ever stopped me before (okay you got me precalc) but I can do that! My sincerest apologies for the lack of spell check or grammar or formatting on this post, the whole thing was in fact typed on my phone in New York 😁

New York is an absolute blast. I’ll have more posts on that once I get back and have time to upload pictures to my laptop and take a bath to get back in my Christmas break mode, because right now I feel like I’m just a city girl going full speed 24/7. The views are amazing, the shopping is amazing, the food is, you guessed it…amazing. Overall I’m head over heels in love with the place and can only hope to come back multiple times in my life! 

News years has always been quite a confusing holiday for me. Starting from being young and celebrating with my family and going to bed at 11 pm because the NYC ball drop is an hour earlier than my hometown time zone, to where I am now and getting to bed before midnight is an accomplishment so this holiday doesn’t seem much different than any other night. 

The phrase “new year new me” has always gotten on my nerves as well. New you? What about the you that existed December 31 @ 11:59 pm? Hate to break it to you people of the world, but he/she is still you come January 1st 12:00 am. You’re you. You are yourself. For as long as you live. But who in the world said that wasn’t the most AMAZING thing? Think about it, you get to be exactly who you are for your whole life and there’s no one who can do a better job at it? Cool? Yeah… HECK yeah.

So this new year, don’t make any silly resolutions or promises to be a new person. Be yourself, improve yourself, embrace YOURSELF. You are the only you that the world has been honored to meet, so take advantage of it. Be the absolute BEST you possible. 

My pal and I love to remind each other to “be unapologetically you” and it’s my favorite phrase to live by now. Be yourself with no regrets, no worries, no fear of judgement. You’re you, and if you do what you’re proud of and what you love, there’s nothing to apologize for.

So happy almost 2016 my friends. The year I graduate high school, the year I start college, maybe the year I’ll finally be brave enough to attend the dentist alone (we tried it once and I was NOT a fan). Make your resolution this year to be yourself, unapologetically. 

Until next time, happy new year, may it be filled with luck and love and lots of smiles, Ally ✨

It’s almost the end of December… can someone pinch me? because I don’t believe that is real life. this month(year) has absolutely flown by and every single day gets busier and more hectic within my own life. that being said, I still try to take time to myself and find the spare time in my craziness to catch up with pals and to do things that make me happy, which is what the holidays are all about in the first place!

I’ve been majorly snap-happy over break with different shopping trips and coffee dates. My pal Rachel and I bond over long life chats (and soon to be college town chats!!!) and macchiatos and have the time of our lives. She is honestly the greatest when it comes to listening and talking and just all around being a 10/10 friend. We have a signature go-to coffeehouse that is to die for and the atmosphere is half the game. make sure you find those kinds of places, they’re real important when it comes to sanity saving nights and studying by yourself. a place where you can get a quality cup o joe AND feel comfortable breaking out the textbooks all alone is a place everyone needs in their lives.

Christmas shopping is one of my favorite things, and even though I have to restrain myself from buying gifts for myself (still guilty this year), I’ve always loved picking out things for my close friends and family. secret santas are also to die for & my pal laura (who was also my secret santa last year! crazy!) had me again this year and got me the most ally scarf i’ve ever seen. I absolutely adore it and can’t wait to post all about it here soon!

I’m spending tomorrow shooting outfits to be pre-posted while I’m spending the holidays IN NEW YORK CITY with Andie. We bot have heaps of excitement for all the adventures we’re about to have (oh and the shopping, 100% the shopping). I’m more than sure you’ll see plenty more on that coming up on my instagram feed here soon!

Well I hope the break has so far been treating you well, stay warm, stay happy, stay sparkly!

until next time, xoxo, Ally

Frannie’s Holiday Shop// seriously the cutest things ever for you or anyone you love who is on your shopping list this season!

25 ways to get into the spirit when you’re just not feeling it// we all have those days…here are a few ways to put a festive pep in your step!

Gluten Free Sugar Cookies// there’s nothing more fun than Christmas cookies and there’s no better way to devour plenty than to make them gf and ready for your eating desires!

happy holidays and stay tuned for super fun posts now that my finals are over!

xoxo, Ally