Makeup Monday: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

Dear Diary,

I took a little trip up to the Pittsburgh Waterfront last week. I (of course) decided to do a little shopping at Ulta. If you know me, you know I basically live in Ulta. My poor boyfriend had to wait while I shopped...

Anyway, I spent a long time in the NYX section. Y'all know how much NYX products mean to me! I decided to try the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream because I just love the matte lipstick that NYX makes.

Here's how it went:

The lipsticks are named after cities. So, my favorite city in the world is London, and that is the first one I checked out. I totally loved the color, but it was super similar to the color of Abu Dhabi- which is the color I ultimately picked. It is that brownish-mauve color that I love. But once I got home and tried them on my lips, I wish I would have gone ahead and bought London as well because the color was more mauve than brown, which Abu Dhabi ended up being (that brown color).


Here is Abu Dhabi:

The color is great, and I do love it, but I regret buying London (I will definitely buy this soon).

I love how smooth and almost silky the product is. It has a great long-lasting color and I would say it lasts pretty much all day (6-8 hours without reapplying).


I also bought Cannes, which is a more pink color and looks like this:

(top color)

Overall, I really like this product. I think it is a great buy, for just about $5! Perfect!

Top Ten on my Bucket List

Dear Diary,

I get to travel to the UK this summer, and I have never been so excited or blessed to do anything in my life. My mom and I are going to fly out to see my sister, who has been studying abroad in Ireland this semester. We will be there for fifteen days-just enough time to see all I want to!

Since I get to go to my dream country, I have been thinking about a lot of the other things on my bucket list. 

Here are the top ten things I want to accomplish/do before I die. 

10.) Run a full and/or half marathon || Back in high school, my best friend ran the Buffalo Marathon at 17 years old. My friends and I went up there to support her, and ever since then I have wanted to try to run one. Just imagine how accomplished you would feel-like you could do anything!

9.) Learn how to surf || I can't swim very well, so I'd have to practice my water-treading skills before this...Surfing looks like so much fun and such a good workout. I also love all the little fishies as well!

8.) Go on a hot air balloon ride || Unfortunately, my boyfriend is afraid of heights, so this might be something I do with a friend or my sister. I've actually always wanted to be proposed to in a hot air balloon. I'd love that view.

7.) Study abroad || My sister has now studied abroad twice. I've always wanted to travel, and I'm so excited to study in a whole other country! Maybe London, maybe Amsterdam, maybe Athens!

6.) Swim with dolphins || Dolphins are so cute! Again, I really should learn to swim, but I've got time!

5.) Go on an African safari || How amazing would that be?! Giraffes are my favorite animal, and I would love to be able to see them up close and personal. That would be beautiful, and such an amazing experience.

4.) Go on a mission trip to Africa || In high school, I was apart of the Interact Club and we were lucky enough to donate three water wells to a community in Niger. Ever since then, I have wanted to volunteer in that area. I feel like it is a life-changing opportunity, and I feel bad that I have everything I need and more, but the people who live in third-world countries have close to nothing. That is not fair.

3.) Live in a tiny home || I did a whole post on tiny homes here, check it out!

2.) Have my own talk show || This is a lifelong dream of mine. Jimmy Fallon, Johnny Carson, Ellen DeGeneres. I have always wanted to be a talk show host. (Eliza Grace at 8!)

1.) Have a family || I've dreamt about my wedding since I was 11 years old, and even walked around with a water ballon baby for a year (his name was Horatio). I've always wanted a family!


What are some items on YOUR bucket list?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Tiny Homes

Dear Diary,

Lately I have been addicted to watching tiny house tour videos on YouTube. I can't help myself! They are so amazing, and economically such great ideas. I have always been interested in interior design and architecture, and designing and even building, my own home sounds like the perfect experience.

I want to build my own tiny home after college...or at least that's what I am hoping for. The homes are usually around 200 square feet. That may sound small, but there are so many storage opportunities and space-saving tricks to use that makes the place seem so much bigger.

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The smaller houses can be built on a foundation (like above) or on a trailer for transportation (like below). Building on a trailer gives you the excuse to travel. This can make paying for rent on land such an easier process. 

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You can even do an "off-grid" tiny home, that makes you completely independent from plumbing, electric, and water. Plumbing can be solved with a composting toilet which uses saw dust to cover excrement and can be used in your garden. Electric can be supplied by solar panels, and water can be caught and filtered through a rain water collection process.

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Tiny homes are a great way to save money, especially if you decide to go off-grid. 

I love the sleeping lofts, as well. If you want more head room, people make their tiny homes in a "shack-like" way-with a slanted roof on one side, instead of both.

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All in all, I love the tiny home movement. I think it is such a great idea for singles, couples or small families. I would not try to raise an entire family in it...the close proximity might become a bit claustrophobic for  me! I just love this idea so, so much!

What do you think about the tiny house?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Makeup Monday: 5 Products I Need in my Life

Dear Diary,

I am a makeup fanatic. I am a bit embarrassed of all the makeup I own, but don't always use. Nonetheless, I can't help my addiction, and I cannot stop myself for craving more and more. 


Here is a little list of the makeup products I've been dying to get my hands on:

1.) Too Faced: Bronzer in Milk Chocolate Soleil || This bronzer is a little darker than the Chocolate Soleil color that Too Faced has, and it is perfect for my ivory skin tone. Since it's winter, I've been pretty in to all kinds of bronzer. I've been looking for some matte color, and this looks perfect. Unfortunately, it is pretty expensive for my taste- $30!- and that is why I haven't bought it just yet. Maybe if I'm feeling splurgy one day I will get it! 

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2.) Makeup Forever: HD Blush in Rosy Plum || This. Color. I haven't used it on my face yet, but I tried it on my hand, and I could not believe how creamy it looked for a powder blush. It also has an almost highlight to it, and you probably wouldn't have to apply a highlight with this blush at all. It's flawless. This one is also a little more expensive at $26 in Sephora stores. 

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3.) Maybelline: Long Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black || I've really been getting in to gel liners lately. They are perfect for every day upper lash liners. I usually use a liquid liner for my weekend-y activities, and a gel liner is fantastic for a smudge-proof alternative for daily treks to and from class! Also it is only about $10!

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4.) NYX: Eye Shadow Base in Skin Tone || I love primers! I tested this one out from a friend, and I fell in love! I applied it when I did my makeup in the morning, and my eyeshadow hadn't budged until I took it off before bed! I was amazed at how great of quality it was for a drugstore brand...then again I love NYX products. Bonus: It is only $7-can you say bargain?

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5.) Wet n Wild: MegaLast Lip Color in Rose-bud || I always have to have a lippie! This color is fantastic! It is the perfect shade of purple and red and I love it. I'm obsessed with this darker mauve lipstick color that I've seen a ton of people wearing lately. And, as always, this drugstore product is at an inexpensive $2.29-you really can't beat that!

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I hope you enjoyed looking at my list of products I've been dying to try! If any of you guys try these, please leave a comment telling me how you liked it! I'll be sure to leave a review of the ones I end up getting!

What products are you guys wanting to try out?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Hollywood Gush: My Favorite Famous Women

Dear Diary,

Recently, I made a post about my celebrity crushes. I love all the hunky, handsome men in Hollywood, but we all know women make a bigger impact.

From charities to campaigns, there are a few women in the spotlight that make me want to be a better person.

Here are just a few that I admire:

1.) Jessica Alba || Besides being one of the most beautiful women on Earth, she is also incredibly intelligent. She began her acting career when she was only thirteen years old. You may recognize her from the Fantastic Four movies.


2.) Emma Watson || I think this is pretty obvious. Not only is she Hermione from the Harry Potter movies, she is also a great activist in the feminism movement. She is so beautiful, and genuine. Emma even graduated from Brown University! 


3.) Lauren Conrad || She is one of my biggest role models. She is absolutely stunning. She is creative, and has a hard-working mentality. She started her own blog and designs after her acting career, and I aspire to be anything like her.


4.) Ellen DeGeneres || One of my favorite things about Ellen is her ability to make people laugh without being mean. She is an advocate for anti-bullying and animal rights. "Be kind to one another," is her motto. She is just an amazing woman who set a fantastic life for herself.

5.) Melissa McCarthy || If Melissa McCarthy had a role in a movie or a TV show, I've probably already seen it. Not only is she an amazing actress (I'm talking Sookie from Gilmore Girls),  she is brilliant and fearless and one of the funniest women in Hollywood. She reminds people that you do not have to be a size 00 to become a famous actress. She just does what she loves, and she is successful at being different. 


Who are your Favorite Famous Women?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

How To Get Through A Breakup: With Help From The Gilmore Girls

Dear Diary,

I have been going through some tough stuff these past few years. I have had a breakup or two...some things have made me really sit back and think about who I am. 

Maybe some of my readers may have gone or going through a breakup right now. This may relate to a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even a best friend. 

Here are a few tips to get through this hard time:

1.) Wallow. || Forget what everyone says about trying to "forget" your significant other right off the bad. I'm not sure of your specific situation, but I know it is hard each time. Eat ice cream, watch The Notebook three times in a row, order pizza for four and eat all by yourself. Spend that first day/night pitying yourself, use an entire box of tissues for your tears. It is O.K. Just don't wallow for too long. A day or two is as much as you need. Please, don't prolong this part. 

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2.) Get rid of their stuff. || A gift they gave you, their seater, scarf, etc., needs to go. Maybe give it all back to them, or even keep all the items in a box and keep it in the back of your closet for a rainy day. You don't need their stuff in your life anymore. This is an extremely hard part. I'm sorry that I can't make it easier, but I can promise you that you will get through this. Be strong.

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3.) Delete their texts/voicemails/photos. || I have to admit that this was probably one of the worst things I went through with my breakup. I loved reading through our old cute texts, and listening to his voice any chance I got. But the photos are where it hits you. Try saving the photos are computer in a file that is password locked. Or maybe print them out and put them in your box of their things. Just keep them somewhere that you can't easily access. You can't keep remembering the good times, and blocking the bad.

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4.) Think it all through. || You broke up for a reason. Maybe you were the one to break it off...it that case, don't second guess yourself. Really think through the reasons of the breakup and remind yourself to keep strong. There is a reason for everything, even if that is not clear at this time. If you were the one broken up with, I feel for you. It's hard. It may be a bit more difficult to realize the reasons you broke up. Try talking to your ex if you can. Remember the good AND don't leave out the bad.

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5.) Don't go crazy. || Please, please, please do NOT, under any circumstances, call your significant other eight times in a row, leaving messages reminding them of how much you love them-only to turn in to angry cries (i.e. "Why did you break up with me?!"). You're used to talking on the daily, texting, FaceTime, voice calls, Skype, whatever. I know. It is the hardest thing to go from talking 24/7 to zip, zero, nothing at all. But give it time. Wait at least three days after the breakup to reach out. Ask them how they are, but do NOT cry and beg for them to change their minds and take you back. Be strong, you have got this.

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6.) Move on. || Go out with your friends. Meet new people. I'm not saying find another person to replace them. Rebounds are almost never the best idea. Just get out of your room. Live your life. Smile, laugh, dance. You'll feel so much better. 

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I hope this helps those of you who need it. This can apply to both friends and significant others, so please take these to heart. 

What do you do when you're going through a tough time?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Makeup Monday: My Favorite Lipsticks

Dear Diary,

I started wearing makeup when I was 13, which meant I had no idea what I was doing. The only thing I wore on my lips was cherry chapstick and maybe a light pink lipgloss at times. Now that I am older, I have been getting into tons of lipsticks. Lately it's become some sort of an obsession!

I don't know what it is about lip color that gives me a boost of confidence, but I love it.

Here are some lipsticks I have been really digging lately:

1.) Revlon Colorburst Matte Lip Balm in Sultry || I love this color! It is a perfect mix of mauve and pink that I can wear every day. It literally lasts for hours and also, it smells like peppermint!

2.) Pixel Lip Butter in Appreciative || This is my go-to lipstick. My only complaint is that it doesn't stay on as long as Id like it to.

3.) Covergirl Lipstick in A Different Grape || This is a bit darker color for me, but I kinda dig it. It makes me look older and more professional. It's definitely a fancier color! As far as it's longevity, it stays on pretty well throughout the day.

4.) Rimmel London Kate Lipstick in Rossetto || I love this nude color! It is definitely the perfect natural lipstick for my fair complexion. It doesn't stay on for too long, but it lasts longer than the Pixel lipstick, for sure!

5.) NYX Matte Lipstick in Siren || This is much, much darker than I would normally wear for a lip color, but it looks really good on me! I was surprised at how much I have come to love it. The color is a deep red that looks great for Fall and Winter, and the color lasts all day.

Every one of these lip colors are absolutely amazing. They are definitely my top five favorite lipsticks that I have been wearing recently. 


What are your favorite lipsticks?

Until next time,


Eliza Grace 

Dorm Room Tour || The Chubby Diaries

Dear Diary,

I have been living in a college dorm for about 6 months now, and I have finally decided to film a dorm tour. 



Here is the video:









Who has or is living in a dorm? 

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Makeup Monday: Benefit They're Real Mascara

Dear Diary,

Something I've been pretty obsessed with lately is the "They're Real" mascara from Benefit. I have never loved a mascara more than I love this one-and that's saying something because I have a ton of mascaras. 

My eyes are not very long at all and they don't have much of a curl. With this mascara, I don't even have to curl my lashes before applying it. 

The Left picture are my lashes before I put on the mascara. 

The Right picture are my lashes after I applied the mascara

This is one eye done, and one eye without. Look at the difference!

 These are my eyes with mascara applied on both.

All in all, I am very pleased with this mascara, and I think it is now my go-to product! I am in love!

What makeup product is your current obsession?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

What Bothers Me? : Top 4 Pet Peeves

Dear Diary,

Although I might not show it, I get annoyed very easily. Those of you who know me pretty well probably already know that. I'm trying to become harder to agitate, and that is something I plan on working on this year. New year means new me, right?

Anyway, lots of little things bother me that others may not even notice that happen. I guess that makes me an observer-which is a good thing. I think.


Here are my  top 4 pet peeves:

4.) Bumping into a stranger without apologizing. || Literally being so rude may not bother you, but I want to trip you when you don't say sorry. Just be nice, ya'll.

3.) Being late. || You  make an appointment with someone-keep it. If there is an emergency, or you're having a bad day, that is understandable, but when you are constantly late for things, that is when I get annoyed. I am the person is at least five minutes early for everything, and I am very impatient. I hate waiting for that one person who thinks they need more time than anyone else.

2.) Excessively loud noise. || I live in a dorm. I realize that 18-year-old girls like to have fun, but after elevon o'clock on a Sunday night is not the time I want to hear you screaming down the hallway. Remember there are other people around you. Be respectful, please.

1.) Interrupting someone. || Excuse you. If someone is talking, you need to wait your turn. Please do not start talking in the middle of someone else's sentence. That is incredibly rude. Just pay attention and be courteous. 


I may sound a tad rude, but I am sure a lot of you can relate. My main message here is be respectful to the people around you. It really isn't that difficult! I promise!

Do any of you share my frustrations? What are your pet peeves? 

Until next time, 

Eliza Grace

Cutting Out Soda: Month One

Dear Diary,

I've done it. I've cut soda out of my life. 

I have been a bit skittish about doing this in the past, but I think it is time for me to just do it. The health benefits outweigh the pain of a headache or two, right?

The first couple of weeks were a bit rough, unfortunately. I had huge headaches, and I am not the type of person to take an ibuprofen (I hate medicine). I soldiered through it, though.


I don't feel any different really. Surprisingly I haven't even craved the sugary beverage just yet. I even ordered an iced tea at Chick-Fil-A for lunch!

The hardest thing to cut out is definitely going to be Diet Coke. I pretty much live on that. It's actually quite embarrassing if I do say so myself.

I'm not sure how much of a difference cutting out soda will make, but I'm excited to see how this will work out.

If you want to see my other New Year Resolutions feel free.



What healthy choices are you making this year?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

What I Want: Movies to See in 2015

Dear Diary,

2015 is going to be a great year for movies, I can feel it. I'm a huge movie watcher. I love going to the theater and buying popcorn and seeing s film on the big screen. Unfortunately, since I started school, it's been pretty hard to get to the movies. I want to try and change that, though, because I'm excited for what's coming out this year.

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1.) Pitch Perfect 2 || I have seen the first one at least 15 times. It's such an amazing mixture of comedy, drama, and music. I mean, come on, a capella has never been this cool.

2.) Avengers: The Age of Ultron || Yes, yes, and yes. It's got everything I need: the Iron Man suit, Chris Hemsworth shirtless, and Chris Evans' beautiful face. Oh yeah, and that action stuff, too.

3.) American Sniper || Bradley Cooper is amazing. I love war movies-even though I know they're so sad.

4.) The Wedding Ringer || I love Kevin Hart. I have a feeling this movie is going to be hilarious!


5.) Cinderella || I just can't get enough of princess movies!

I can't wait to see all of these movies, and hopefully I'll be able to write a review or two about them!

What movies are you excited for in 2015?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Music: My Favorites of 2014

Dear Diary,

I know this is a little late seeing that it's already a month into 2015, but I think this is necessary to discuss.

I think 2014 was a great year for music. I don't really listen to the same music as a lot of other people my age do. I'm not really into rap, dubstep, or a lot of country. I like indie music folk-rock, 80's rock, and alternative from the 90's and early 2000's. My sister likes to say I'm a "wannabe hipster," which isn't too far from what I am, if you define "hipster" as a thrift store shopper, unpopular music listener, and self-claimed loner.

Anyway, let's get to it.

10.) Hozier-"Take Me To Church" || I'm going to start of with a more popular song from Billboard's top songs of the year. We've all heard this one play over the radio millions of times. Check YouTube for some great covers, too.

9.) Fitz And The Tantrums-"The Walker" || This song was released in May of this year and I can't get it out of my head.

8.) Angels & Airwaves-"The Wolfapack" || Who doesn't love Thomas DeLonge from Blink-182? If you were a fan back then, you'd definitely love this song as much as I do.

7.) Josiah Leming-"Long Gone" || Josiah is one of my favorite singer-songwriters ever. I got to meet him back in early 2013 at one of his shows. He is one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever talked to. This song is definitely a display of how far he's gotten. I'm so proud of him.

6.) Alex & Sierra-"Little Do You Know" || I spent the third season of The X-Factor cheering this couple on. I love them so much, and I have so much pride for them.

5.) The Kooks-"Bad Habit" || Easily one of my favorite bands. If you haven't heard of them before, then I feel completely sorry for you. Flashbacks to 10th grade rush to mind. Love this song!

4.) Foster The People-"Best Friend" || I loved "Pumped Up Kicks" from 2011, and this song definitely tops that! Foster The People really know how to make a song a hit, that's for sure.

3.) The Script-"Superheroes" || This is currently the song I get ready to in the morning. Super catchy and easy to listen to.

2.) Real Estate-"Talking Backwards" || Folk-Rock at it's best. I love the sound that Real Estate has made for themselves. I have been listening to their tunes for a couple of years, and I swear they just keep getting better.

1.) McBusted-"Air Guitar" || Busted and McFly together. There's nothing more I can really say except that all of my dreams have come true. This song rocked my world in 2014, and is my top song of the year!

I hope you guys liked taking a look into what I enjoyed listening to this past year. Maybe I have even introduced you to something you haven't heard of before! 

What were your favorite songs of 2014?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace

Hollywood Gush: My Celebrity Crushes

Dear Diary,

I love the Hollywood hustle and bustle. I've always been intrigued with what's going on with celebrities, even though I know it's a bit trivial. 

I have been crushing on a few famous fellas lately, and I can't help but gush over them!

Here are some older:

1.) Matthew Broderick || I love him so much, I can't even explain it-just look at him. You may know him from Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) or Glory (1989).

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2.) John Cusack || I don't think I have to even say it. You may have seen him in Say Anything (1989) or something more recent like 2012 (2009).

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3.) Jon Cryer || This may sound weird for fans of Two and a Half Men, but I can't help it. I fell in love with him when he was Duckie in Pretty in Pink (1986).

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And here are some newer:

1.) Shia LaBeouf || I've had a crush on him since I was barely 6 years old. I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. He's from the Transformers movies (2007-2011) and the newer Fury (2014) with Brad Pitt.

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2.) Will Poulter || There's something about his cheeky personality and British accent that gets me. You may know him from The Maze Runner (2014) or the ever-so-funny Meet the Millers (2013).

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3.) Ed Westwick || My inner Gossip Girl fan is coming out! I can't help but love him. I can't help but love Chuck Bass-I don't think anyone can. You can see him in The Chalet Girl (2011) with his natural British accent. Swoon!

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There you have it, ladies and gents! 

Who are your celebrity crushes?

Until next time,

Eliza Grace