Gift Guide for your Girly Girl

Gift Guide for your Girly Girl

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! If you’re anything like me, you love the joy of giving an amazing gift. 

The happiness of absolutely nailing the gift for your bestie, sister, or mom is literally one of the best feelings in the world. Usually I am even more excited about them opening their gift than I am about receiving any myself! As you know, finding that perfect gift can be super tough-there are just so many options out there. So, I have narrowed it down for you to pick any of these amazing options for the girly gal in your life! By the way-the jewelry in here is all from Diamonds Direct and they’re have a massive 20% off virtually their entire store until 11/22 so drop those hints to your bf or hubby ASAP on these pieces! Or buy them for yourself! 🙂

Under $50 Gifts

Olaplex

I swear by this hair mask. It rebuilds your hair from the shaft from the damage thats caused by highlighting or coloring your hair. It’s a must have!

Nars Blush

This has been my go-to blush for years and I absolutely love it!

Pillow Talk Lip Kit

My all time #1 favorite lip set- this is a must have.

Herschel Beanie

How cute is this pink beanie with floral details for the colder weather. It would be cute to take on a skiing adventure!

Freepeople Sweatpants

Freepeople just knows how to to comfy, laid back sweatpants! These are so incredibly soft and I love the feminine color.

Treasure & Bond Cuffed Beanie with Pom

Literally the cutest little snow bunny look!

Satin Sleep Set

I have been dying for a luxe sleep set like this! It is supposed to prevent hair breakage which I am here for!

Under $100 Gifts

Spanx Leggings

These couldn’t fit in my graphic above but everyone says they are 100% worth the hype and they are definitely on my Christmas list! I like that there is not a center split seam (no more camel toe!)

Bobbi Brown Makeup Set

Bobbi Brown just has the most amazing makeup. This set is perfect for the glam girl in your life (who might be you-I know I am that friend!)

Freepeople Sweater

Another cute item from Freepeople! Their clothes are always luxe, soft, and last for years.

Waffle Weave PJs

I don’t know about you but 2020 has been the year of adorable loungewear and this set is just the cutest and so soft!

Over $100 Gifts

Royal Jewelry Collection by Diamonds Direct

I am in love with these baguette diamonds on this pendent-it so unique and stunning. Time to drop some hints to the guys ladies (or buy it for yourself! You don’t need a guy to buy you diamonds!) Their entire showroom is virtually 20% off until 11/22 so act fast!

Coco Chanel Mademoiselle

This scent is so feminine and light, it’s one of my all time favorites!

Mixed Cut Diamond Open Ring

I truly have never seen a ring like this and am here for it!

Offset Baguette Diamond Earrings

These lightweight stunners are on my list for sure. I have very sensitive ears and I love finding beautiful statement earrings like this that I can actually wear!

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Running Shoes

These are the all time cutest sneakers of all! Nikes are always my go-to and these are definitely on my list.

Mixed Diamond Shape Bracelet

This bracelet is just so timeless and stunning!

Multi-Shape Fashion Ring

This ring is just stunning and is definitely worth going on the wish list imo!

Which is your favorite?! Tell in the comments and happy shopping babes!

Love ya like a sister,

Rachel

Shop this pic from @rachelprochnow

Spring Wedding Guest Dresses Under $50

Spring Wedding Guest Dresses Under $50
Wedding season is officially here! And that means different dress codes and different outfits for each wedding.

That can be daunting-sometimes the dress code being more casual to others being black tie! It can also get pretty pricey as you shell out cash for each different wedding. So don’t worry girlfriend-I have compiled a list of my favorite wedding guest styles and they’re all under $50 so you can look bougie on a budget!

1. Daisy Print Maxi Dress

Wedding Guest Dresses Under $50

2. Floral Maxi Dress

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3. Pleated Maxi Dress

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4. Feminine Pants Set

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5. Floral Mini Dress

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6. Gingham Print Mini Dress

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7. Floral Tie Maxi

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There ya go! I hope you enjoyed this guide to inexpensive wedding guest dress ideas! I am all about finding great styles for a deal. Let me know if you liked it by commenting below!

LYLAS

Rach

Most Instagrammable Places Around LA

Most Instagrammable Places Around LA
So you’ve booked your ticket to La La Land-you’re completely ready to go. As you google “awesome spots in LA” you feel the daunting task looming before you.

This city is HUGE.

And there are about 1,000 different ways you can fill your three day weekend and you want to create some awesome content and have a great time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worried girlfriend, I got chu.

I’ve detailed all the places I went for my LA trip last February so you don’t have to worry complete with exact addresses so you can find htem!

We stayed in West Hollywood near Melrose so most of these places weren’t crazy hard to get to and traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected or heard! Alright, lets dive right in!

1. Paul Smith Wall

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I have seen many pink walls in my day and this one is crazy awesome. It gets super packed though, so I would recommend coming early in the morning otherwise there will be a huge line formed outside it. It is also better for lighting and shadows if you come in the morning! Its located at 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

2. Beverly Hills Hotel

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This historical hotel not only has a beautiful aesthetic, but just an amazing vibe and is a staple to the Beverly Hills community. It definitely makes for some amazing photo ops, but I would recommend exploring inside if you have time! It is located at 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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3. Rows of Palm Trees in Beverly Hills

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There are not many places you can get rows and rows of palm trees AND the Hollywood Sign in the background! This is one of these unique locations. It is a super quiet residential area so not many people even know this location exists! Quite the find my friends. The location is on Windsor Blvd between 4th and 5th streets.

4. LACMA

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LACMA is stunningly beautiful. The art is phenomenal and definitely makes for some lovely captures! I recommend going first thing because this one gets very crowded as well! It is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

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5. Venice Beach

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This is one of the most iconic photo ops in California and it doesn’t disappoint. Tons of people are attempting to get the same capture as you, so keep that in mind, and you kind of have to stand in the middle of the street to get it. I would definitely recommend going in the morning to make this easier. We went at the busiest time though and we still got some amazing shots! It is possible just more difficult! It is located at Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

6. Santa Monica Pier

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I recommend doing Venice Beach and Santa Monica together because they are so close! Santa Monica has such an awesome vibe. Literally just walking around you’re going to get some awesome captures. I also recommend renting a bike and just cruising! It is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

7. Bluestone Lane Flower Shop

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If you know me at all you know I love adore flowers and I run on copious amount of coffee! So this place is my jam. Beautiful flowers and an amazing aesthetic. It is located at 8100 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (there are several but this is where we shot).

8. Disneyland

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This is such a no brainer! The happiest place on earth is without a doubt going to yield the best captures! If I could go to Disneyland every single day I for sure would! I love love love Disney!

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9. The Hollywood Sign

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Want a Hollywood Sign pic but maybe not really into hiking?! Don’t worry girl, I got you! Travel up to this location all the way and there will be parking and you just have to walk a short distance to get your capture with the sign! It’s also such a beautiful drive into the Hills of Hollywood! The location is 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

That’s it girlfriend! That is my overview of all the Most Instagrammable Places around LA! if you have a place that I missed, please let me know! La La Land is such a wonderful place and there are way too many amazing photo ops! These just happened to be my favorite!

LYLAS

Rach

My Weekly Work-Out and Diet Plan

My Weekly Work-Out and Diet Plan
I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t always super healthy.

My relationship with exercise and food in the past was unfortunately skewed, like the vast majority of women. But growing up doing pageants, I think it might have been even more exacerbated. I used to work out three times a day, counting the calories of everything I put into my mouth. All for a competition. But now, a few years removed from pageantry-I can look back and see that although I gained numerous skills from competing, my relationship with my body and food is so much healthier. So much of that is derived in my relationship with Christ! I know that my identity isn’t rooted in a crown, or the number of likes I get, or follower count. My identity-and yours-is rooted in Jesus alone.

He is the one who says you are beautiful.

You are loved.

You are known.

So I just wanted to preface this whole blog with that truth at the forefront of all our minds! It’s not about how we look. It’s all about what Jesus says about us. Also-side note- I love working out. Especially because I currently work three jobs. Yes-three jobs. Working out is my time to unplug from all social media, listen to my favorite podcasts or read a good book, and feel strong. I love feeling accomplished when I finish that ridiculous Kayla Itsines’ arm work out. Throughout this blog, I am going to walk you through what I do everyday and my diet!

Diet

So this is a toughie. I am a firm believer in moderation. Yesterday after my workout, I was feeling light headed so I bought some chocolate and ate it. And guess what-I feel great about that decision! I don’t generally chow down on chocolate everyday, but yesterday I felt like I was getting attacked by dementors (it was a hard day haha) and we all know the best remedy for a dementor attack is chocolate right?!? My point is-be kind to yourself. Be gentle with yourself. One piece of chocolate isn’t going to destroy your life. That being said, I practice intermittent fasting about five days out of the week. So I’ve found that if I eat an early dinner (around 5:30 pm) and have a late breakfast (around 11 am) my body responds to it well. I feel great and my weight stays at a place I want it to. But I don’t do it all the time. I ignore this when I’m out with friends on the weekend. A girl’s gotta live right?! Do not let a diet control your life.

I also eat very high protein. I love love LOVE tacos. My boyfriend makes fun of me because I love them so much. They honestly probably consist 90% of my diet. I make them at home and cook with avocado oil. I buy the extra-lean, grass fed beef to make them (it’s very important you buy healthy protein!). I also buy this almond cheese because ya girl doesn’t respond well to dairy. So my diet is generally high protein, low carb, and low dairy!

Ok-now here’s my workout routine!

Monday

45 minutes of Cardio! Cardio is super easy for me because I love catching up on my favorite shows, podcasts, or even reading during it. I buy giant hardback books and set it up with the elliptical and get lost in a story. Currently I am on book five of Game of Thrones. Cardio is also flexible because it can be a hike with your pup or a walk with a friend. It is basically low intensity cardio over a long period of time.

Tuesday

Leg day! So I have been doing Kayla Itsines’ BBG work out over the past four years and I cannot express enough how wonderful it is. I have had many personal trainers, but her workouts are my absolute favorite! You can learn more about her workouts here! Her workouts build muscle, but don’t make you bulky. They make you strong, but sleek. They’re pretty similar to HIIT workouts. On these strength days, I pop in my AirPods and listen to podcasts or Harry Potter on Audible! My favorite podcast currently is Potterless-the story of a grown man reading Harry Potter for the first time lol.

Wednesday

This is my toughest day of the week so I generally try to rest! I also have my small group this night so no workout unless I’m feeling crazy ambitious.

Thursday

Arm day! TBH arm day is the bane of my existence. Dwight Shrute said one of the defects of our kind is weak arms. Bahaha-just kidding. I do not support Dwight’s stupid, sexist comment. But this day is truly the WORST. I struggle through it. When I first started BBG there were actual tears. So I broke these workouts in half and decided that completing 15 minutes of it was a WIN! Don’t be afraid to change things up if you can’t handle it. Consistency is key. If you hate something, odds are low you’re going to be consistent.

Friday

45 minutes of Cardio! Go on a hike, read a book on the elliptical, or go on a walk with a friend!

Saturday

Ab day is my FAVORITE! Generally I don’t sweat as much this day which is great because I don’t have to wash my hair after. Once again, I do BBG for all of these strength days!

Sunday

45 minutes of cardio!

Well, there ya go! That is my detailed workout schedule and diet plan! Keep in mind, that while arm day might be super challenging for me-it might be a cake walk for you! Abs might be harder for you or legs! Its so important to listen to your body and decide what you consider a win. You might need to adjust certain things to ensure consistency. I’ve found that if I hate something, I can be all gung-ho for it for about a week, but then I just stop. So find something you love. This happens to be what I love because my job requires so much interpersonal interaction. So I love flying solo when it comes to working out. It’s basically my introvert time. But if grabbing a buddy motivates you then DO IT! But most importantly remember that your identity is not rooted in exercise or diet-your identity is rooted in Christ alone. Also-if you have any workout tips or podcast recommendations please let me know in the comments!

LYLAS

-Rach