Say Goodbye to 2014: New Year's Resolutions

Dear Diary, 

It's that time of year again. Each year I decide on making a New Year's Resolution. Now the problem with this is that I either start off fantastic and and forget about it by March, or I forget about it until March-and then start.

I have a problem. 

I need to stop this pattern of resolution destruction. Picking easier resolutions could help, but so could better motivators.


Here are some resolutions I believe everyone should try to make this coming year:

1.) Take a walk each day. || Not only can this make a stressful day a little bit easier, it can also take the place of your daily physical activity. Take a 45 minute break and walk briskly around the block. You can do this first thing in the morning as a wake-me-up, or try it in the evening after work. 

2.) Stop drinking soda. || I'll be the first to admit that this one is the hardest for me. Unfortunately, these sugary drinks are bad for your teeth, let alone your waistline. If there is one food you cut out in 2015, let it be soda. Try infused water, tea, or soy milk (I love almond milk!).

3.) Go on a technology diet. || I don't mean completely cut technology out of your life, but take an hour from each day and don't look at your phone, laptop, TV. I know it's hard. Spend quality time with your family and friends, read a book, or maybe you can use this time for your walk.

4.) Sleep more. || I'm not giving you an excuse to sleep during the day. I mean try getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. As a college student, I know how difficult this can be. Sleeping has so many great benefits including focusing more, fighting of sickness, and improving your physical and emotional health. 

"Sleeping can do all that?" you may ask.

         Yes, yes it can.

Here are some tips to keep you motivated all year long:

1.) Start a Pinterest board! || I can literally write for hours about how much I love Pinterest. They have amazing articles about working out and healthy recipes (If that's your resolution), as well as motivational signs and posters you can hang up. 

2.) Let your friends in. || Don't do this on your own. Friends and family make a great support team.

3.) STAY WITH IT!! || Experts say it takes approximately 21 days to turn a new activity into a habit, and 6 months to become apart of your personality. Be sure to remain patient and reward yourself when you reach your goals. 

Hopefully this helps those of you who were wanting some help deciding on what to do this year. 

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Let's Talk About Books: My Reading List

Dear Diary,

I love reading. I grew up with books being that my grandfather is an author and my mother loves to read and write.

Reading is like an escape for me. I can pretend to be in another life. I love picturing what the characters and places look like in my mind. 

A few books that are on my reading list are:

1.) Girl Online by Zoe Sugg || I have been subscribed to "Zoella" on YouTube for the past 3 years. She is an amazing woman, and I love what she has to say. This book is said tohave a combo of romance, social media, and drama. She even sold more copies of her book than any other debut author from the UK-even J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter book.

2.) My Life With The Walter Boys by Ali Novak || I love, love, love this story. I read it online a few years ago, and fell in love. It's another teen romance, that I just can't get enough of. Check it out on Wattpad-trust me.

3.) Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire || This book is about a good girl who meets a bad boy in college. Cliché? Maybe, but I don't really care. I love a bit of drama in my teen romance book.


4.) Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
|| This is more of a sad book in my opinion. It is about a woman who grew up in the foster care system, struggling to find who she is. 


I'm excited get on these books. Let's see how many I can tackle before I have to go back to school for Spring semester! 

What books are on your reading list?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

The Holidays: Overplayed?

Dear Diary, 

My views on Christmas time are a little bit different than other girls my age. My sister adores Christmas. When I say this, I truly mean it. She starts listening to Christmas music in March. She wants to put up decorations on November 1st (although earlier would be more ideal to her), and she has a countdown started on or before New Year's Day. 

I, on the other hand, get rather tired of it. The meaning of Christmas is amazing. I am a Christian. I grew up with the stories of Jesus Christ and the Christmas ceremonies, complete with plays, at church. I love Christmas, so please do not get me wrong when I say it is somewhat played out.

Unfortunately, I grew up with my sister wearing out Christmas for me. I don't blame her for being so spirited about the holiday, honest. I just don't get as excited as I used to about it. 

Christmas is a special holiday for me. The family all comes together, and no matter how much they annoy me year-round, Christmas day is full of love and patience and kindness. 

Each year, though, it seems as though Christmas loses its flare. People start celebrating earlier and earlier, causing them to forget the true meaning. Don't worry, I won't relay the story to you-hopefully you know it. 

To me, Christmas should be celebrated with the extradorinary specialness it deserves.  

Does anyone else feel the way I do?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Makeup Monday: What is an E.L.F.?

Dear Diary, 

At a very young age,, I fell in love with makeup. As a young girl, my parents did not allow me to play with makeup, let alone wear anything associated with it-nail polish, lipgloss, or even ear piercings. So I snuck my friends' eyeshadow, powder, and I would even pay for them to buy me an eyeliner pencil.

I spent my early teens watching makeup tutorials and trying to find my own "look." 

Eyes, Lips, Face. We all know the brand. E.L.F. offers just about everything needed in the makeup realm, including palettes, brush sets, lip glosses, foundations, nail polishes, gifts sets, and even custom orders. I, myself, own a mineral face primer, flawless finish foundation, liquid eyeliner, concealer, and much more. I am constantly recommending these products to my family and friends. Not only are they inexpensive, they have such great quality comparable to other high-end products. In my opinion, they are one of the best quality makeup companies available in “drugstores.”

Unfortunately, the word “drugstore” has been used to downgrade many great makeup brands. Drugstore products are amazing. Not everyone can afford a $67 foundation (i.e. this one from Chanel), and they shouldn’t have to! Drugstore products offer great alternatives to those expensive products that, let’s face it, we wish we could afford it.

You can watch my E.L.F. haul here.

You can buy E.L.F. at K-Mart (this is where I buy it from except when I am online), Target, and even some Rite-Aid’s, and CVS’s.

What are your favorite makeup brands?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

What Do I Do When There's NOTHING To Do?

Dear Diary, 

Being home from college is such a strange transition. I have been living on my own for three months in a big city, being able to do anything I want at the drop of the hat. Now I have to ask my parents to do anything and go anywhere. 

Nevertheless, I am having a blast not worrying about anything. 

Since I've been cooped up on my house, not being able to do virtually anything, I have compiled a list of activities that can keep anyone occupied (even a college student!).

1.) Learn something new! || I just got this "Crochet for Beginners" book that comes with year and crochet (sticks?), and that has been keeping me busy the past few days! I have even learned how to start a scarf. 

2.) Start a Pinterest. || I have been on this site for over 4 years now! I joined back when it was 'invitation only,' and it shows. This can keep me occupied for literally hours. 
Follow me here---> pinterest.com/lizig96 

3.) Catch up on some Netflix. || Let's face it: it is an addiction. I have watched so many series, I should be committed. A few I have been absolutely loving lately are:

Hart of Dixie || I just recently started watching this one, but I love it already. Drama, hot guys, fashion, and Southern charm. Need I say more? 

Parenthood || I binge-watched this one. I finished the first 5 seasons in three weeks. I have never been so proud. 

Gilmore Girls (but of course) || I would not be myself if I didn't add this one. Mothers and daughters will love this show. A little bit of comedy, a little bit of drama, and a whole lot of love. Plus-Melissa McCarthy starting her career. What could be better than this? 

Brothers & Sisters (act fast-this one is taken off streaming 1/4/15!!) || Drama. Drama. Drama. Family drama is fun to watch-as long as it isn't your own family, of course.

Gossip Girl || Every girl's dream: New York City, friends, and boys. I honestly didn't think I would like this show, but I fell in love after the first episode. Can you say Chuck Bass?

The Office || I can't even explain how much I love this show. Steve Carell at his best. This will keep you laughing throughout the whole series. Trust me on this one.

4.)  Workout. || Can you say Freshman 15?

5.) Cook/bake || Even if you aren't exactly a gourmet chef-my family won't hesitate to tell you that I am not- cooking something on your own can be quite satisfying. Try something easy to start off, like cookies, or a homemade Mac n' Cheese. 


Anyone else have suggestions I didn't mention?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

P.D.A.: How Far is too Far?

Dear Diary,

Something has been bothering me lately.

PDA (public displays of affection).

No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you will see it. 

My boyfriend and I have discussed our views on the topic. This is on our list of things we actually agree on. There are only a few "acceptable" public displays of affection in my book:

1.) Holding hands || So sweet.

2.) Hugs || Obviously cute and nothing too touchy-feely.

3.) Hand kisses, kisses on the cheek || Anymore is cutting it a little too close for me.

There are also a couple of unacceptable ways to show your love in a public setting. These include, but are not limited to:

1.) Making out || Let's face it: that is disgusting. I do not want to see tonguing on my way to class. I am sorry.

2.) Fondling || We know you love each other, but do you have to grab on your significant other's body to prove that you do?

As a person in a committed relationship, I honestly do not understand why some couples deem it necessary to show their affection in inappropriate ways. 

Basically, if you would be embarrassed for your older family members to see your "affection," do not do it in public. 

Leave the more "private" things for more private time and areas. Make it something that is special for the both of you, and not for the crowd around the subway station. 

What are your views on P.D.A.?

Until next time, 

Eliza Grace

Freshman 15: Workouts That Work

Dear Diary, 

I have gained weight. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I know I have. Those Starbucks runs-sometimes 3 times a day, staying up until 4 a.m. working on that Psych paper due at 8, and running to the dining hall to get my curly fry fix has finally all caught up on me. 

If you are in the same boat I am, you need to workout. Sometimes it is hard to get over to the gym, especially when you are taking 6 classes this semester-I apologize for that. 

Here are some easy workouts you can do when you don't have time for anything else:

1.) Arm circles. || Stand straight up and extend your arms out at a 90° angle from your body. 
     1.) Start turning your arms from your shoulder clockwise for 30 seconds.
     2.) Keep your arms up throughout the entire exercise, no matter  how hard it becomes.
     3.) Repeat first step, but counterclockwise. 
    On average, you can burn between 15-20 calories per 40 arm circles!

2.) Jump rope! || If you don't own a jump rope, they aren't expensive at all, and this can be
     a great workout. If you don't want to buy one, try jumping jacks, or burpees. Jumping
     rope for 5 minutes can burn up to 68 calories!

3.) Burpees (Alternative to jump rope) || Stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart.
     1.) Kick your feet back in a push-up position and do a push-up
     2.) Kick your feet back to your original position-jump and clap your hands in the air
     3.) Repeat. 15 reps=1 set 
     Burpees can burn up to 15 calories per minute!

4.) Lunges. || Do walking lunges down the hallway.
     1.) Stand up with your legs shoulder-width apart. Keep your hands on your hips.
     2.) Step forward with one foot about 2 or 3 feet from your stance. Keep your back
          straight
     3.) Bend both knees to a kneeling position. Do not allow your knee to touch the ground. 
     4.) Pause at this position, then repeat. Can burn up to 45 calories.

5.) Dance! || Turn up One Direction and rock out for a bit. This is definitely a de-stresser, as
    well! Grooving can burn up to 26 calories!

I hope this helps any of you college gals, or just us that have put on a few pounds-no shame. 

What do you do to burn a few calories?

Until next time, 

Eliza Grace