What Am I Doing Here ?

Sharing ideas, thoughts, news and all different kinds of information with the world has never been more easy. Blogging and social media have made it possible to express our opinion by publishing them on the internet for all our friends followers and subscribers to see. But, that is only the first step. After you start your blog it is all about consistently providing readers with new information. Looking back on my first post I laugh at how optimistic I was about blogging. That isn’t to say I don’t truly enjoying sharing my thoughts each week or creating new things to share. However, adding blogging regularly to an already hectic schedule of finishing my spring semester of my senior year, working, and coaching a high school softball team was for lack of better words ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!

Although it has been a lot to keep up with when I got my first comment and another popular blogger tweeted about Gracefully Gaudy I knew that I was making an impact with what I was writing.

Yet, I was still questioning just what that impact was and so were just about all my Facebook friends and my family. I mean I loved their support (and traffic to the page because I spammed all their newsfeeds) but I dreaded that one question they all asked: So...what’s your blog about?

This is where “The Huffington Post’s Complete Guide to Blogging” came in handy. I was reading the book and came across this quote.

"Pick a topic -- you can change it when you know what you're doing. This is like dating. Pick something that seems good, and if it isn't, try again. Don't get hung up on topic. As in dating, you'll know when you've found one that's the right fit. There are some obvious things, like pick a topic you have a lot to say about, pick something that interests you, pick something that will help your career. This is great advice, but you already know that if you look for a perfect match you'll never actually go on a date."-Penelope Trunk, a blogger and Boston Globe career columnist

Originally I picked Glitter which was more of a symbol for DIY projects. I love to craft and and I recently did a complete DIY Mexico themed bridal shower for my sister. I thought this would be the perfect place to share all my new ideas and interesting tips. But about two weeks into blogging I remembered I was a college senior and although my projects were budget savvy  I didn’t have a lot of spare time or money to buy the materials I needed.

But then I realized after reading “The Huffington Post’s Complete Guide to Blogging” my topic had fallen straight into my lap. I became a better blogger because I soon realized I could keep DIY projects apart of the blog but I could really expand Gracefully Gaudy to be about all the hobbies and interests I have in my life. I mean who doesn’t want to know about my favorite stationary or my thoughts on the nightmare of city parking. Am I right?

But even after blogging for three months I was still have trouble answering what Gracefully Gaudy was truly about. I tried to explain that it encompasses a lot of topics ranging from DIY projects to personal photos and even sports but I never feel like my answer did the page justice.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago when I was in class that I realized what Gracefully Gaudy is actually all about. For me I felt like Gracefully Gaudy was a place where I could share the things I love most in the world like like my family, beauty products, entertainment and so much more.

But in reality for new readers and subscribers Gracefully Gaudy is a beacon of positivity. It is a place where every post can put a smile on your face, courtesy of amazing GIFs, and witty remarks.

With everything happening in our world today the internet can sometimes be filled with an overabundance negativity. My hope is that Gracefully Gaudy can chip away at that and be a positive place for people to have fun as they come along with me for my journey we like to call life.

I like to believe that someday my blog will impact as many lives as the bloggers that I look up to like Anna Saccone Joly, SprinkleofGlitter, and HerPhilly. These women share their likes and loves all while spreading positive messages to their readers.

Anna has a husband, two children, six dogs, a successful blog, and an extremely successful Youtube channel and while she doesn't sugarcoat the bad days she does provide moms, women, and all different kinds of readers with inspiration.

Anna is very open about her life and readers connect with her because she is real. She struggles to make it to the gym everyday with a hectic life and like us all lack of motivation. Her positive attitude about completing a workout is just as inspiring as her funny remarks about missing a day or two. I relate with Anna and that keeps me coming back to her blog each day. Which is what I hope my readers can get from Gracefully Gaudy content.

Also, her children are absolutely adorable. Emilia and Eduardo are energetic, happy, and camera loving toddlers that she features every “Mommy Monday” along with other family members on “Throwback Thursday”.

I was inspired by Anna to include this in my blog because my family is so important to me that I wanted to incorporate them and what better way than to share personal stories with my readers. I think my Throwback Thursday posts have been not only my most popular but also my favorite to write.

Anna along with Emily Tharpe of HerPhilly also influenced me to step up my social media game. Early on I was hesitant to share my posts or even tweet at other blogger’s who I mentioned. But that all changed when Emily herself retweeted and responded to me.

I soon came to realize social media wasn’t such a dark and scary place! Now I share all my posts on every platform sometimes twice. When Emily isn’t posting new content she still tweets out posts from her archives to bring in new readers. I love this little trick.

Promoting my blog is just one of the few tips I have picked up along the way. Here are 5 important things I’ve learned and how Gracefully Gaudy continues to evolve because of them:

1. KEEP IT SHORT and to the point. Yes, I know with this post I am breaking this first rule but hey I have assignment criteria to stick too and heck I love being wordy !       

*Tip: Huffington Post says anything under 800 words is great because you won’t

be putting your readers to sleep !

        

2. BE CONSISTENT because your reader’s want to be able to rely on you. I’ve really struggled with this one and not because I don't have fabulous ideas cooking in my noggin. When it came down to it my homework needed to get done before I could ramble on about why the Pretty Little Liars finale left me feeling more confused than before.
   

*Tip: Make sure to plan ahead. I labeled my days so I knew exactly what topic I would be talking about and in the days before I could write down all my thoughts.

3. WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Not everyone is going to be into my glitter obsessed projects but hey they may stop by every week for What To Watch Wednesday because clearly I have great taste in television and movies. No but seriously I think I am a film critic and if I was I would say the world needs more rom coms less thrillers and no more Taken movies….EVER!

*Tip:  It is great to please your readers I mean that’s why us bloggers are here. But your blog should also be about you and that is why I started making my posts more personal as I developed Gracefully Gaudy. Putting a personal story can really help readers relate to you.

4. VISUALS, VISUALS, VISUALS. I can’t stress enough how important visual imagery is to my blog your blog everyone’s blog. Images, videos, and yes even GIF’s are the best ways to help your narrative flow. They keep your readers entertained and they show them instead of you having to tell them.
   

*Tip: Even if you aren’t a trained photographer you can still take amazing photos. I like

to watch youtube tutorials on framing and cropping so I use the best images.

5. HAVE FUN while you are blogging because for me that is why I started this page. I love to write and I couldn’t think of a better way to share all the fun I have then to put it out there on the line (yes, that is an Internship reference).

*Tip: Just Be Yourself

These are just a few things I have learned and I know there are plenty more but hey I am just going to fake it till I make it! So, stick around for more glitter glitz and glam with me on Gracefully Gaudy !

Spreading Positivity Through SprinkleofGlitter

Some days I can lose faith in the world. When I watch the news or scourer the internet I can’t help but wonder how society can be filled with so much hate. As I am writing a post that will be spread across the internet I wonder how people can sit behind their screens and bully others. Don’t get me wrong I love reading OhNoTheyDidn’t as much as the next gal but where have all the cheerful internet users gone?

It wasn’t until I came across SprinkleofGlitter that I found some much needed positivity on the World Wide Web. SprinkleofGlitter is run by British blogger and vlogger…yes the famous youtube star…Louise Pentland. 

Through SprinkleofGlitter Louise portrays her lifestyle as an avid DIYer, beauty lover, mother to 4 year old Darcy, and an overall inspiration of hope.

Every Monday Louise uses her blog to encourage her readers and spread a positive message with her #MotivationalMondays. On these days she posts a motivational mantra with a personal message as to why she connected with this specific quote. It's the small things that Louise talks about that fill your heart. 

Louise also uses her blog as a platform to document the many adventures she has with adorable and energetic Darcy. Whether it is just an ootd (outfit of the day if you didn’t know), pictures from their latest trip to Disney, or an honest remark about learning how to be the best mom she can be despite minor hiccups Louise remains positive. Ultimately, her portrayal of being a mother is inspiring for her readers. 

Other days she just updates her readers on all things going on in her life. Reading her posts everyday make you feel as though you are real life friends with Louise and just chatting together while you drink your morning tea. Yes tea, because she is British, and that is what we Americans assume everyone drinks across the pond. Right?

Anyway you put Louise is doing it right with SprinkleofGlitter. As a regular reader I can say that I am always inspired when I make my way to her blog. My resolution, and yes I know we are way past January, is to be more positive like Louise no matter what life throws my way. With graduation approaching I am going out into the work world with a new outlook on life. 

And what better way to end this post than with a cliche mantra of my own...

Ipsy Glam Bag Review

I am so excited to share this with you ! I recently signed up for the Ipsy Glam Bag. Ipsy is a makeup subscription bag that is delivered once a month and comes with a makeup bag filled with 4-5 full size makeup products all for $10. 

I have been contemplating whether to join for awhile and I decided to just jump in! March's theme was "Floral Fantasy" and I thought it was the perfect time as I wanted to transition my makeup for Spring. Also, I loved that each month had a specific theme and a bag to go a long with that. The best part is that you get 4-5 new beauty products for the price of almost one which allows you to sample all different makeup styles without breaking the bank. Plus, opening the bag to see what is inside is like a surprise present each month. 

Speaking of inside....here is a look at what I got for March. 

Coolway, Glow Oil Treatment

This is a 10mL sample size of a full size product worth, $29.95 

Make dry hair shine with this hydrating product 

NYX Cosmetics, Butter Lipstick

This is a full sized product, worth $6.00 at nyxcosmetics.com

Add a pop to your makeup look with this smooth lipstick

Pixie by Petra, Mesmerizing Mineral Duo

Full size is a 6-pan palette (.2 oz) worth $12 at pixibeauty.com. Sample size is .03 oz, worth $1.80      

Chella, Ivory Lace Highlighter

This is a full sized product, worth $18 at chella.com

Make your eyes shine by putting this product under your eyebrow and in your eye crease

Crown Brush, Oval Concealer Brush (C224)

This is a full size brush, worth $7.45 at crownbrush.us

I have been using the Pixie by Petra eyeshadow everyday. It has definitely become my go to eyeshadow. It matches perfectly with my skin and is great for a natural everyday look.  The lipstick is also amazing, it applies nicely to your lips and it matches perfectly with the eyeshadow. The only product I wasn't crazy about was the haircare Glow Oil. I have oily hair as it is so adding more just for some shine didn't really work out too well. But honestly, I have been loving everything in this bag and the bag itself and I can't wait for my April bag to arrive. 

If you like what you see subscribe to Ipsy by clicking my name

Allie Ipsy Link !

Here are a few pictures of the products in use:

Parking In The City

Graduation is only 40 days away and I can't wait...I mean if any senior says they aren't counting they are lying. Don't get me wrong I've loved my time at Temple University but as a commuter if there is one thing that I will not miss it is parking! I could take the PATCO from New Jersey but then I'd have to transfer to the subway and that is another hassle in itself.

Parking anywhere in the city is horrendous and is something that I will never understand. I have gone into the city to do an interview for a journalism assignment and spent more time trying to find a parking spot, even meter parking, than completing the entire interview. 

But the worst part is there are the people who are also parking their cars that make this experience even more dreadful. 

Space Saver
If your car leaves the spot it no longer belongs to you. I mean I get that for your life it makes it easier to come home from work tohave a spot near your house. But dammit if I have to park 6 blocks from school one more time because there are orange cones, lawn chairs, and trash cans lining the street I'm gonna explode. 

The person who doesn't pull up enough
I've found reasonable parking just a few blocks off campus near Temple's Suburban station only because I take 8am classes. But there could honestly be at least ten more cars on each side of the street if people knew how to park. If you can fit half a car in front of you and half a car behind well then you are doing it wrong. Like just please for the love of all that is good pull up, your precious car will not get hurt. 

Get out of your car
I am neurotic about being late for class so I always arrive to campus earlier than I need to. Sometimes I sit in my car and other times I don't. But, I always turn my car off so that any other cars trying to grab a prime spot know that I'm not leaving. Honestly, I have pulled up so many cars with people just sitting there. Minutes have gone by and the driver still hasn't moved or given me any indication they aren't leaving. Please just let me know you aren't going anywhere and I will gladly find another spot. Don't ignore the fact that I want to park there !

I know at this point a lot of you are saying just buy a parking pass. Well honestly, I'd rather not spend another $500 a semester to park. I mean I love the school but it isn't cheap to park on Temple's Campus or anywhere is the city for that matter. Also, my rant is now over and like I said I only have 40 more days left ! Then I will refuse to ever drive into the city ever again. Except for sporting events, and concerts, and shopping. Oh who am I kidding this vicious parking cycle will never end !

Throwback Thursday I DIY Halloween Costumes

Making Halloween costumes is something that I love to do ! My mom and Aunt Mary used to make our costumes every year. My sister Rachel and my cousin Kelly were Minnie and Mickey before I was born. Then Rachel and I were Peter Pan and TinkerBell one year. I don't remember because I was an infant but they entered us in a contest and we won !

Two years ago my cousin Jenna and I dressed up as a good minion and bad minion from Despicable Me. Besides the aluminum foil goggles the costume was super comfortable and everyone loved it !

In 2010, we visited Jenna at college in D.C. Kate and I made Four Loko costumes. Obviously at the height of the craze there were other groups of girls who had the same idea. I don't have pictures but let's just say we definitely beat them in a costume contest. Dying the sheet, cutting the letters, and adding the embellsihments was super easy. The hardest part about this costume was sizing the sheet so that it lined up right going around our bodies. When we got that right we used velcro to attach the two sides which worked really well !

Anyway you put it I love Halloween. Mostly because it is in my birthday month, my favorite season, I get to do a fun DIY and it gives an excuse to watch my favorite movie Hocus Pocus (who am I kidding that movie is saved on my DVR and I'll watch it whether it's Halloween or not). 

Hope you enjoyed Throwback Thursday. Let me know what some of your favorite homemade costumes were.

Tabloid Tuesday I Protecting Celebrity's Children

Celebrities whether they like it or not open their lives up to the public eye when they become famous. However, that is not to say that their children should also face the same publicity. No child, even if their parents are famous should be followed by paparazzi, have flashing lights in their face, or pictures of them sold for money.

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard created the “No Child Policy” that campaigns to stop news outlets from sharing, buying, or posting pictures of celebrities' kids without permission. Many celebrities are campaigning alongside Bell and Shepard to stop media outlets from using these photos.

Dan Shepard and Kristen Bell

Effective in January of 2014, stricter penalties were put in place in California for paparazzi. But, this has no stopped them from hounding celebrity's children. State senator Kevin de Leon assures that they will work to protect every child from harassment no matter who their parents are.

Some media outlets such as Entertainment Tonight and Us Weekly have agreed with Bell’s terms and signed her policy. These companies say they now just have the extra step of getting the parent’s permission.

Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence both refused interviews with Weekly magazines Life & Style, OK! and In Touch, and websites such as TMZ because the media outlets have not signed Bell’s policy. These sources continue to publish pictures of celebrities kids without consent and also refuse to comment on the matter.

In a world where social media and a strong online presence have caused children to be bullied and scrutinized posting a childs image without consent is completely wrong. Placing a child in the public eye because of their parent’s career choices is no excuse to expose their lives to the public.

Bell has said that while she loves her career she loves motherhood more and if something doesn’t change she wouldn’t hesitate to quit acting. Although the “No Child Policy” has garnered support from celebrities with children and even those without Bell has said more needs to be done.

Michelle Williams, most well know as Jen on Dawson’s Creek, thanked Bell for improving the situation.

In an Elle UK interview Williams says "Every month I send her a gushy, ‘You don’t know what you’ve done’ note." She continues, "Now my daughter and other kids aren’t scared to walk down the street anymore. It’s like a miracle."

Yet, there is still more to be done as paparazzi continue to photograph celebrity’s children. Last week Tina Knowles, Beyonce’s mother, got into a verbal battle with paparazzi as they surrounded her granddaughter Blue Ivy with cameras.

Like Blue Ivy, there is a certain amount of “fame” that surrounds Suri Cruise because of her parents being famous actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Since birth, cameras have chased Suri and media outlets have posted those images without permission.

In Bell’s opinion, "Suri Cruise is not fictional. She's a real little girl... and it's just not fair.”

The bottom line with this issue is that these children have the same innocence as those who are not born to celebrities. They deserve the same privacy that every child does and should not be exposed through magazines and online sources because their parents are famous. While more celebrities are joining the cause action needs to be taken to stop these paparazzi from invading the lives of children. Legislation needs to be improved in California and that can only be done if this issue gains awareness. 

Tabloid Tuesday I Defending Meghan Trainor

I've come across more than a few articles recently that said Meghan Trainor, most famously known for her song “All About That Bass”, was a bad role model for teenage girls. 
This assumption comes from judgment passed about other tracks on her debut album. Her songs “Dear Future Husband” and “Title” are the songs in question. However, these catchy tunes are nothing to get in a tizzy about.

In “Dear Future Husband”, Trainor sings

"Take me on a date

I deserve it, babe
And don't forget the flowers every anniversary
'Cause if you'll treat me right
I'll be the perfect wife
Buying groceries
Buy-buying what you need"

Feminists across the nation have been "hating" on the pop diva for this simple verse as well as others from her track "Title". 

Slate.com has gone on record saying while Trainor hopes to empower women with her song to make a man commit to a relationship her lyrics make her a bad example for young girls. 

Slate writes "“You gotta show me off,” she tells her would-be boyfriend in the song’s rap interlude.“You gotta treat me like a trophy./ Put me on the shelf.” Trainor is asking, quite explicitly, to be objectified, as if she were nothing more than a prize. And once again she is sending the message that a woman’s worth is defined by men"

In my opinion I feel as though her lyrics are being overly read into. Through her lyrics Trainor could also simply be expressing that she wants her boyfriend to treat her like a trophy in the sense that we are proud of our trophies and we don't mistreat them. Therefore, for a boyfriend and or a girlfriend treating their significant other like a trophy is not necessarily objectifying them. I agree that the term "trophy wife" has negative connotation but maybe listeners are missing the mark and Trainor's song should be heard as a satire. 

Her main goal is not centered around her status of being his girlfriend just because she needs the "title". She wants to be with this boy and although she uses somewhat misguided attempts to attain this I think what people really need to remember is this is just a pop song. 

If Meghan Trainor was writing a book on how to get a boyfriend or traveling to high school's giving presentations then maybe I could find some judgement of her words. Her song is meant to entertain and would the masses really enjoy it if she kept it PC?

For me I think it is way more enjoyable to hear the Nantucket native belt out lines like this in "Dear Future Husband"...

"I'll be sleeping on the left side of the bed (hey)

Open doors for me and you might get some kisses
Don't have a dirty mind
Just be a classy guy
Buy me a ring
Buy-buy me a ring, (babe)". 

This verse genuinely makes me laugh and when I hear it I don't automatically think that she 1. Is telling her Future Husband he can't think about sex cause she is the one who clearly alluded to it. I mean her words are playful and 2. It is not setting any of us back to the stone-age to think that when you are marrying someone they are going to buy you a ring. 

Is it just me or are Trainor's critics being to harsh of her word choice? 

With artists today who parade on stage in nothing more than bikini tops and rappers who use profanity ever other word I think we could find fault in most performers style. So, when I hear a Meghan Trainor song my first thought is to sing along, not to get offended that she is insulting females everywhere. 

I know when a person achieves celebrity status they automatically become a role model but in my honest opinion if I had to choose I don't think Meghan Trainor is a bad one. 

Her songs shed light on body image and standing up for yourself all with a retro pop feel. Some of her lyrics may be in question but hey we all learned from Hannah Montana that "Nobody's Perfect". 

Give her songs a listen and let me know how you feel in the comment section below:

                                         

ThrowBack Thursday I The Baby Years

I found these pictures recently when I was cleaning my room. They were in this amazing photo album that my Aunt Jo made for me. Although there were tons of pictures in there of just me I wanted to use these two because they have my beautiful mother Lynda in them. (If you don't know me, right about now your questioning how this chubby brown eyed babe came from that blonde beauty. But, I did!) We may not look alike but I am a lot like her and I wouldn't want it any other way. In this picture I am about one and even now at 23 I am still learning constantly from her. She has the biggest heart and would do anything for not only my sister and I but anyone who comes into her life. She manages to have an impact on the lives of all the people she meets. (Just ask the 100 kids she has babysat over the years!) I hope one day to be even half the mother she is. So, now that I am done being all sappy, enjoy these chubby baby Allie photos as your Throwback Thursday !

Friday Favorites I Glee

It's no secret that Glee has been one of the most popular shows since it's premiere in 2009. The creators pack each episode with drama, music, singing, and dancing. I mean what's not to love? The show tackles tons of social issues, bringing them to the surface and increasing public awareness.

As the series finale approaches I decided I was not ready to say goodbye to some of my favorite characters on television. So, I went back and watched the previous seasons on Netflix. And, let me tell you it was worth ever minute. I forgot how great the first season was. I mean no glee performance will ever top when they did Push it by Salt and Peppa in front of the whole school. I mean am I right or am I right? Since, the show is ending I thought I would share some of my favorite moments, songs, and episodes with you. 

One of my favorite episodes is from season two called "Blame it on the Alcohol". This episode is hilarious and I could possibly watch it on repeat all day. The one liners in this episode are amazing.

 Rachel throws a party in her basement with about six wine coolers and gives everyone drink tickets. Then Puck breaks into her Dad's liquor cabinet and the group gets drunk. 

Finn explains the type of drunk girls to Rachel

They are hungover but have to perform at the school anti-alcohol assembly.

They take a shot before the performance

Brittany and Santana puke everywhere on the stage.

I couldn't possibly make a list of all my favorite songs because it would go on forever. Especially because any mash-up on this show is genius and I am obsessed with it. But, I am going to try and name some that I really love. And that you should put them all on your playlists. 

"Don't Rain On My Parade"

(Just like Rachel Berry I am obsessed with Barbara Streisand. I know every word to "Funny Girl" and if I could sing this would be my dream role)

"Halo/Walking On Sunshine"

(As I said every mashup is amazing but there is something about this song that I just love)

"Home"

(This is one of my favorite songs. I loved the Glee version this season because it combined the veterans with the newbies)

"Smooth Criminal"

(If you don't like this epic battle between Santana and Sebastian I think you need to get your ears and eyes checked)

"Defying Gravity"

(I love when the cast does Broadway show tunes, and this is a classic)

"Push It"

(HILARIOUS)

"Valerie"

(Naya's voice and Brittany and Mike's Dancing...like do I need to say anymore)

"Loser Like Me"

(I love all the orginal songs on this show. My absolute favorite is Sanatana's "Trouty Mouth" song but I thought this song really sums up what the show is about.)

"Time After Time"

(I love Sam and Rachel together. They are so innately different but it just seems right)

"Don't Stop Believing"

(and finally what would a Glee song list be without their anthem)

I seriously could keep going but the reality is I don't have the time and this post is already getting insanely long. So instead of rambling on I am just going to post a bunch of the my favorite lines from a few cast memebers over the years.

Some great Sam Evans (my fav) moments:

 Santana:
 

Brittney S. Pierce:

    

Rachel:

Let me know down below what your favorite episode song or character is ! And don't forget to watch Fox on Friday nights at 9 :)