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

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

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