How I Quit Biting My Nails

Hellooooo lovelies! Once again, long time no talk. Seriously, I feel like every single intro to every single one of my posts is me apologizing for my lack of writing...ughh. And once again, my excuse is the same as always, with everything being so CRAZY I haven't had concrete time to sit down and create a post. Or, it could be that my brain won't slow down enough for me to stop and tell myself that I have time to write something. The thing with anxiety (or my anxiety at least), my mind always tricks myself into thinking I have to get EVERY. SINGLE. THING. done before I can finally relax. This is a pretty bad anxious habit that I am slowly working to break. Luckily for me, school is pretty much wrapped up, so now I don't have to worry about tackling a huge list before I can do something for myself.

Speaking of habits, I wanted to write about my nails, because I don't know about you, but the anxiety and stress used to cause me to pick! And pick...and pick. It was seriously not good. I would bite my nails like crazy and leave them raw and stubby. My hands are small AF to begin with, and you should seriously see my nails. Ask any one of my friends or come up and compare your hand to mine, my fingers and nails are so small! I have always loved long nails, but I hate the feeling of acrylics. The only time I ever got acrylics, Cruiser bit the acrylic (along with half of my nail) off by accident when I was feeding him an apple (sorry for the visual!). So, with all being said, my nails are already small to begin with, and the biting made them worse. It was something that calmed me down when I was stress and took away any tension I was feeling. But man, would it make my nails look worse!

I normally don't do New Year's Resolutions, but right before this past New Year's, I made a goal to quit biting my nails and picking my skin in 2016. And so far, through all of 2016, I haven't bitten my nails off or picked them like I used to! Yay! I have a lot of friends and classmates with this habit as well, so I wanted to make a little list of things that worked for me when it came to biting and picking my nails. But keep in mind before reading this that if the ends of my nails/a particular nail are hanging off, super loose, or cracked, I usually play around with it until it peels or falls off. This is the only thing I do, and usually only when I end up doing my nails myself. I don't bite, pick at hangnails (or create hangnails by picking). So, with this information in mind, here is my list:

1. At the beginning of your goal to stop biting and picking, start with a no-chip manicure, press on nails, or acrylics.
-I got a no-chip manicure a few days before New Year's, and from January-March, all I got were no-chips. My Valentine's Day no-chip manicure lasted for over three weeks and my nails grew to the longest they have ever been! It is nice to have something on your nails like a no-chip or acrylic, it really helps you avoid biting and picking! Press on nails aren't bad either, the photo below show press on nails that I used last week, I loved them but they were a little too long. Having something like press ons are good because they cover up your nails.

2. Then, take a break from the heavy manicures.
-I don't know about you, but going to get manicures all of the time can get expensive! It may work well for different people, depending how long it takes for their nails to grow. But acrylics and no chips can be hard on your nails! My nails were constantly flaky after my two month no-chip binge, so I decided to take a bit of a break and do my nails myself for a while.

3. Realize that when you do your nails yourself, they aren't going to be perfect!
-I for one, cannot do my nails well by myself. And this is not a put down, I promise, I truly just can't! Something always happens- they either smudge or chip the next day or something equally as frustrating. It is good to take a break from the heavy manicures, but seeing all of that chipped polish and exposed nail could make you want to pick. It is one thing if the end of the nail is coming off already and you peel it, and a whole other thing if you begin to bite again at the sight of an exposed nail. If your polish chips (which it will eventually, sad face), just paint over it with a new coat ASAP.

4. Or, go without polish.
-Going without polish can help your nails (both toes and fingers) heal and recover the right way. They usually say that it is best to take toenail polish off after a while (it usually stays on forever) because it is better for your nails. Same goes for finger nails, too! It is sometimes nice to give them a break. To resist the urge to pick or bite, use a clear coat, a few coats of nail repair, or some cuticle oil.

My Valentine's Nails got so long and lasted forever! 

Hopefully these tips all work well for you! And remember, there is no better time than now to make a new habit! If you just decided that you want to stop the picking and biting for good, welcome to the club! The journey won't be perfect but it will lead to healthier nails! Best of luck, and let me know if you plan on quitting biting and picking after reading this :)

Have a great day! <3

Grace

The Job Search - What I've Learned So Far

Hey everyone! As I'm sitting here typing this, I cannot believe that I have two more months here at school until graduation. Two! It is crazy thinking about how fast this college journey has been for me. It really did fly by.

My friends, family, and contacts on social media know that I am currently going through the process of looking for a job or internship for after graduation. Not only do they know that, but they are also all aware of what a process it has been so far. For a good laugh, here are a few of the unfortunate things that have happened to me during my search, but make for an interesting story:

1. During my first phone interview, the interviewer asked what my spirit animal was and I had no idea how to respond, so I said a squirrel.

2. I have no idea if some of my post interview thank-you emails have sent.

3. I was so excited about getting an email that when I wrote back, I spelled the name of the company completely wrong.

4. I completed a phone interview with my boyfriend sick in the room, and after the interview was over I ended up having to take him to the emergency room.

5. I called the co-founder of a company for a scheduled phone interview and she forgot our time and had no idea who I was.

Pretty great so far, huh? The job search definitely has a lot of ups and downs, and I have decided to share my tips of what I have learned so far in the process, because they have all helped me and I know that they will help anyone from any major who is looking for a job right now.

1. Start Early

-Why start early? Because it gives you a leg up on the job search. Prime time off of school such as winter break and spring break allow great opportunities to update your resume and practice some cover letters. Starting early gives you more time, helps you from feeling nervous about falling behind, and also ensures more possibilities of companies emailing you back and scheduling interviews.

2. Forget What the Rest of the Internet Says - Apply to as many places as you can

-**To a certain degree. I learned this the hard way when I signed up for ZipRecruiter and threw my resume out there for everyone to see. I ended up getting numerous phone calls for weeks after that, from companies in different states and ones that weren't even in my field. One of them even turned out to be a scam. Apply to a decent amount of positions, but for companies you have researched with realistic start dates and job descriptions. Apply to as many of the ones you like, because after all, the more you apply to, the better of a chance you have at getting a response.

3. Perfect Your Cover Letter

-Ugh, cover letters. Love em', hate em'. Cover letters are essential because they give you an opportunity to sell your self and highlight what would make you the perfect hire for a particular position. But just because they are essential, doesn't mean they are easy! I have gone through so many cover letter drafts, and have had to go through plenty of revisions to reach a final product (which can always still be revised). My piece of advice is to have friends, family, mentors, or professors look over your cover letter for you. Their feedback can be much appreciated and will surely make a huge difference. Plus, they would all be honored to help you!

4. Really Practice for Phone Interviews

-In this day and age, more hiring managers than ever are starting the recruiting process off with a phone interview if they have liked your initial application. Some people find phone interviews easy, while others find them petrifying (me!). Regardless, it is something we will all have to face during the job search. The best way to make the process easier? Practice. A lot. Know the company, as well as practice answers to common questions. You don't want a totally rehearsed answer, but having a mental picture of what you are going to say makes a huge difference. Also? Breathe. Slow down your speaking, smile, and be confident!

For more help, here are some of the most common questions I have received over the phone interviews I have had:

-What are you currently looking for in a job/internship?

-What made you want to major in Public Relations (insert your major)?

-Walk me through your resume.

-I see here that in the fall you held an internship title for this organization. Could you tell me a little more about that?

-Did you experience any challenges in that position?

-Tell me a little bit about yourself.

-Where do you see yourself in five years?

-What are some of your biggest weaknesses?

Besides that, make sure you come up with a list of questions for the interviewer at the end.

5. Clean Up Your Social Media

-Last week, I went on my Instagram account and deleted all of the pictures that had alcohol in it. Yes, sounds like a bummer. One of the pictures was a cute one of Anthony and I but I wanted to have my entire profile cleaned out and looking sharp. I wanted my profile to appear professional and polished. Anything that appears to be a little questionable, I would recommend deleting. Same goes for Facebook (and watch out for Twitter too!).

6. Get a LinkedIn

-And update it frequently. About a year ago, I didn't even know what a LinkedIn was. Now, I use it as a vital tool to get my name out there and keep in touch with the various contacts I have made through my networking. LinkedIn can also help you find jobs. I would recommend trying it!

7. Patience Is Key

-The whole job process is a huge waiting game. I am still looking after first beginning my search in January. As frustrating as it can be, good things take time. Tell yourself that what is meant to be will find you, and what passes you by was not meant for you. The more you practice and the more confident you feel, there will be peace in waiting. I promise.

8. It Is Okay...

-To have a breakdown. To cry. To want to give up.

Just don't stay there.

9. Always Send Thank You Letters

-Vital skill and employers look out for this!

10. Network

-Stay in contact with previous interviewers and companies, it could pay off in the long run.

11. Create a Portfolio

-Print out and keep a bunch of writing and work samples that you are proud of, as well as a reference list and some copies of your resume. This will be useful during an in-person interview, when recruiters need specific examples. I also like to have a sheet on hand of my social media handles and follower count. This all adds polish and will make you stand out from the crowd.

Well guys, there are my tips of what I have learned in the job search so far! Please let me know in the comments if you have found any of my advice useful :) We can all learn through this together. Now go out there and do great things!

XOXO,

          Grace

Valentine's Day Recap and February Life Update

I know that Valentine's Day has long passed, but I wanted to give you all a quick recap of what I wore and how I spent my day! Those closest to me know that Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. I have always loved it regardless of if I was single or in a relationship. I love the colors, the decorations, and the day of appreciation for loved ones. This Valentine's Day, I wanted to go with a special look for my dinner:

 I have had this adorable dress in my closet for so long and I wanted to break it out again! I wore it with nude heels :)

Close up of dress plus Valentine's Day nails! I love having a "party nail" done each time I go to the nail salon. It's my go-to!

In my opinion, this is the best lotion for Valentine's Day. Such a light, feminine scent. 

I love Bath and Body Works candles!

Anthony was sick with some sort of virus and I had to take him to the ER on the Friday of Valentine's Day weekend, and he still wasn't feeling to well when we went to dinner on Sunday. Regardless, we still made it special at the restaurant we went to for last year's Valentine's Day and Sweetest Day.

Now for a February life update. I feel like I have so much to update you all on that I'm not sure where to begin. For starters, I went to see a psychiatrist for the first time at the beginning of the month and was officially diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Hearing the news made me feel so much better, because things have been so hectic and crazy in the past few months and I needed an answer as to why I have been feeling the way I have. I have no problems or shame in admitting this on my blog because we all go through things in life and all have things that we go through to make us stronger people. I want to be more open about my anxiety because I would love to help people or give them any advice.

College is such a stressful time, and I feel so nervous in the fact that I don't know what my future holds. I still don't have a job secured yet and my mom and I have just put our Lake Barrington house up for sale. There are SO many changes that will be coming up, and I think that my lesson for these next few months is to find comfort in the discomfort and push through these uncertain times. It has been extremely hard for me lately, but I am going to accept this challenge because I want to get through this and not let anxiety and fear take my life over. I know that I am a great candidate and the right job will come to me at the right time.

I am currently working on positive self-talk and just loving myself over all. Feeling as anxious as I do, my self-esteem can be incredibly low at times and it is hard for me to accept compliments and say nice things about myself. I feel like I think of all of the things that are "wrong" with me instead of all of the things that are right. I know that this is a work in progress and it will take time and effort for me to start feeling more positive about myself. If anyone reading this is anxious or stressed, feel free to shoot me a message or send me a text. I am more than willing to listen and talk :)

I also want to start working on strengthening my relationships with my friends. I feel like my friend groups are shifting around so much this year and definitely will even more after graduation. Relationships may end but friends are always there, and I want to spend more time with them and let them know how much I appreciate them!

I hope you enjoyed my post! If someone is reading this and feels stressed, alone, or anxious, you are certainly not alone. We will all get through this together! :) Cheers to the month of love and friendship!

Grace

You Are Not a Failure

Those close to me know that within these past four months, I have suffered from some pretty bad anxiety. Ever since Cruiser passed away, I have felt so broken down. It feels difficult to write these words, as I don't really know what I am trying to say here. I guess that I am writing in the hopes that friends, family, and acquaintances who are feeling the same way as me might find a little peace or comfort knowing that they aren't the only ones who are feeling this way. Writing has always been therapeutic for me, but in the past few months, my writing has kind of stopped. So have a lot of things. 

I remember when I used to make an effort to look nice every single day. Makeup on, cute shoes, nice outfit. Dressing nice has always helped me feel better. Hello, I started this blog as a way to highlight the outfits I put together and how good they make me feel. But this semester, that all just stopped. I remember the very first day of school on January 11: I had picked out a grey cardigan, brown tank top, nice jeans, shoes, and a statement necklace to wear. I wore the outfit to my very first class and took it off shortly after, opting for more comfortable workout clothes for my cycling class. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, but after that first outfit on the very first day, I stopped trying. Every single day the past few weeks, my outfits have consisted of some kind of old sweatshirt found from my laundry bin, followed by a pair of yoga pants. No makeup, my hair either in a ratty ponytail or covering my face. I feel like that should have told me right then and there that something wasn't really quite right.

Despite taking two public relations capstone courses and three writing classes to finish off my minor, this semester hasn't had a terrible workload so far. However, I believe that an entirely different side of things is taking a toll on me. The job search has been rough and discouraging, my thoughts of having something lined up by now have been completely shattered. I have been riding a horse over winter break that I have grown very attached to and would love to lease, but I am still in school and do not have the funds to do so right now, so I have no idea if someone else will take him in the time being. I am feeling very disconnected from my sorority- a part of me just doesn't care because I just want to get out and graduate as soon as I can, but another part feels sad about how close I was to a lot more people last year and how things are so different this year. A lot of my other senior friends at school are off doing their own thing and some have already graduated. My best friend will be moving to Ohio in the summer to start her new job, and I have no idea how often I will get to see her. The anxiety I have been feeling inside seems to be on some sort of overload, so in order to make myself feel better, I try to make myself appear as put together as possible. Despite that, my illusion is starting to shatter. I find myself breaking down at the simplest of things and stressing myself out, along with the people closest to me trying to help. 

To top things off, I am sick with a sinus infection. This usually happens pretty badly once a year, around this time. I just hate being sick because I am out of commission; no school, and no working out. I feel like I can't do anything, and it makes me feel anxious. However, being home today, I have had a little more time to think about things. 

Why am I spending so much time at war with myself? Why? What is it accomplishing? 

What is trying to be perfect accomplishing? 

Not much of anything. Today, I have fully surrendered to the fact that I am sick. That half-marathon training will have to go on hold for a bit. I have surrendered to the fact that I may be feeling a little lost and anxious, but that is okay. I am not a failure for feeling how I do. No one is a failure for feeling sad, sick, or lost. 

College is a crazy time. We are making friends and losing them, navigating the ups and downs of dating life, getting our hearts broken, and figuring out who we are in the world. 

I have decided that instead of constantly putting myself down and hating on myself, I am going to practice self-compassion. This won't be easy, but I am already feel better. Along with self-compassion comes doing things that make yourself feel good and happy. Whether it is a certain snack, workout class, our outfit. Today, I took some cute shirts out of my closet and put them on my window box in preparation for taking them back to school. For the next few weeks, I am going to trade my sweatshirt and yoga pant combo (though nothing is wrong with wearing them!) in for my nice shirts and jeans.

It is time to start loving myself and feeling like myself again. 

Avocado Breakfast Toast

Hey everyone! So obviously it's January, which is the start fresh and get healthy month for most people. I always love new year's because it is time for a completely new beginning, and I love new beginnings and new chances to get things right. I think January is one of my favorite months because of those reasons. However, I do feel like people put way too much pressure on themselves once the new year hits, especially to eat healthy. It is hard to eat healthy in college all the time (especially in a dining hall or sorority house) and that is okay! I remember my old nutritionist told me to follow the 80/20 rule- if you eat good healthy 80% of the time, 20% of the time you can eat whatever you want! I love eating healthy foods but I also love chocolate, mac and cheese, eating out, and cookie dough. It truly is all about balance, so here is a super easy healthy breakfast you can try no matter where you live (sorority house, tiny apartment, dorm). You just need a toaster!

Spinach, Kale, and Avocado Whole Grain Toast 

I made this for breakfast today after a date night with my boyfriend that consisted of two different hot chocolate drinks and a huge slice of chocolate cake. Talk about the 80/20 rule..see, it's all about balance!

 What you'll need: 

1/2 avocado

2 slices of whole grain toast

1 banana (chopped and on a separate plate to enjoy)

Organic Girl Super Greens Mix

Kale

Trader Joe's Seasoned Kale Chips (crumbled up for taste) 

Put the two slices of whole grain toast in the toaster, and when they are done, cut an avocado in half and use one half to spread on the toast. Decorate your toast with kale chips crumbled on top (or salt, pepper, whatever you want!) along with two pieces of kale on top and spinach around the plate. It is an easy way to get greens in your diet and also helps you feel full for the rest of the day! 

Try it with some kale and cucumber water!

This breakfast (or even lunch!) is a great way to get your greens in and help you feel full and focused to conquer your day- whether it is a job interview, classes, or just a day of relaxing! Enjoy and let me know what you think :)

Grace <3

What's New- January 2016

Hey everyone! IT. HAS. BEEN. SO. LONG. I am extremely sorry for my lack of a blog post anywhere since this fall. Things started going slightly downhill for me as soon as Cruiser got sick. My last post was on September 17, and Cruiser passed away on October 1. When he left (even though I knew it was coming) my entire world shattered. When you get an animal (especially one as big as a horse) at an age as young as I was when I got Cruiser, you think that they are invincible and will be around forever. Cruiser's illness came at a complete surprise and progressed very quickly. It triggered so many memories for me: summers at my old barn with the gravel driveway and the beautiful track and outdoor arena- I can still smell the freshly cut summer grass and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as Cruiser and I cantered down the long side of the track. Days were free of worry and stress of school, what other people thought, and finding a job. I was able to go to horse shows I wanted because I was so young and times were easier financially. So many childhood memories were brought back, which brought along lots of anxiety because I frequently found myself comparing my life to when I was a kid (sounds weird, but it happened). But as a kid, there is no stress at all, no worries about what so-and-so thinks of you and if you don't get an A on a certain test, your grade will drop. Things were so carefree, and Cruiser leaving reminded me that I was just stuck where I was: miserable, anxious, and constantly stressed out. He was the last animal that my mom and I had, one with such a funny and stand out personality, who loved licking Starbucks drinks out of my hand and always posed for pictures because he knew there was an iPhone in his face and knew exactly when I was sad. I think that I lost a part of me when he left.

Along with Cruiser passing away, school was brutal this past semester. I enrolled in a very difficult combination of classes with some difficult teachers and LOTS of writing, so whenever I had free time, the last thing I wanted to do was write (as bad as it sounds). I felt myself withdrawing from my sorority and had many bad nights, and I honestly think it took coming home for winter break to make myself feel better again. I had also broken my toe in the fall by stubbing it (who does that except for me) so I was unable to run until the very end of the semester, something that helps relax me and make me feel better. With that, Cruiser being gone, and a super stressful class load, I was in much need of a break. It really took being home for a full month being surrounded by my best friends and mom, trying to get back on track. I've learned that I can't fight the present, and I have to surrender to what is. I think I get anxious because I compare my life to what it used to be, even though in reality I wouldn't want to be that young again. Whenever I start worrying about the future (will I be able to go to a horse show again? What if I can't handle my class load at school?) I simply take a deep breath and remind myself to surrender to what is now and what will be. I want to go with the flow and let life unfold in front of me as it should. I have also started writing in my journal again which has helped me tremendously. So with all being said, I'm back to blogging (kind of). I don't want to make any promises to blog every week, because I know this semester will be super busy too with sorority events and finishing up school, but one of my goals in 2016 is to write more so I know you all will hear from me more frequently than before! More posts to come, I hope you all had a wonderful start to the new year! :)

     Grace <3

When Things Fall Apart

Pretty please with a cherry on top excuse my lack of posting this past month... life has been getting in the way of things a little more than I would like recently. As some of you who follow me on social media may know, my horse Cruiser has been having some serious stomach issues that might be linked to an intestinal cancer. This news hit me right in the middle of my sorority's recruitment week, which is obviously stressful enough as it is. During this time, everything went out the door for me. My hope and faith basically went out the door. We went to visit Cruiser he has lost a lot of weight, but seemed to be happy that we came to visit him. Bringing an apple for him seemed to help- he brightened up immediately after we gave it to him. I was glad that he seemed to be feeling better when we left, but it was very tough because I am treating each time I see him as if it is my last. I have big dreams for my equestrian life- and even though I have outgrown Cruiser and was riding other horses at the barn, the comfort and stability of having my own horse would be gone.

When it comes to things like this, a lot of people don't really understand. Unless they have had a special animal in their lives that they have lost, it is usually pretty hard to. People may question why someone is so sad because of "just an animal" but they are wrong to think this. Animals are such special creatures in our lives and have little personalities just like we do, loving us unconditionally and always being there for us. 

The past few weeks have definitely been rough. However, I don't want to make this post all sad. When things fall apart, new things come together, sometimes exactly when you least expect it. On Labor Day, I came back to school from visiting home to participate in preference round for my sorority. Out of all the things I probably wanted to, giving a speech and then talking to girls who I didn't even know was at the bottom of my list. I felt emotionally and physically drained, and I had no idea if the second I would open my mouth, I would burst into tears. I shouldn't have thought that the worst would happen though, because the day ended up going great. I felt confident reading my speech (twice!) and met two amazing girls, Taylor and Jodie (hi) who ended up going Phi Sigma Sigma. Talking to Taylor made me feel a lot better, she had just lost a family member as well and we were both talking about our trials throughout life. Even though Cruiser isn't gone, it was still nice to have someone to relate to. I am so happy that they joined this chapter and if I had let my sadness get to me and ended up staying home, who knows what would have happened. 

Taylor and I 

I had such strong support from my sisters, family, and boyfriend. When the barn came down to Peoria last weekend for a horse show, he tagged along with me and we had a great time. I was still sad, but I am so lucky to have someone who will always be there for me by my side no matter how I am feeling. 

Fashion has been a lifesaver for me these past few weeks. Taking the time to make up a creative outfit and wear it to class distracts my mind and makes me feel confident. Plus, it's that wonderfully awkward time between summer and fall, when the leaves are starting to change and pumpkin spice everything is running rampant, but it is still hot out and summer clothes need to be worn before it gets too cold. I recently downloaded the WhatRUWearing app, which is an interactive fashion app for your phone that lets you upload photos of your clothes, OOTDs, and selfies. You can share these photos on the app and showcase them to other users. It is ADDICTING! If any of you have an account on WRUW, you can follow me and see my outfits @xograceelle with my pictures being uploaded in the Illinois location. I will definitely be using this app more to keep track of my daily outfits!

I am also currently obsessed with with We Heart It, a website and app that is similar to Pinterest. I think We Heart It is a little more cutesy, and I love all of the colorful, inspirational photos that there are and putting them into little collection albums. Check it out and let me know what you think! You can find my profile at http://weheartit.com/xxgracieoh :) 

I should be doing homework...

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me the past few weeks, it means so much to me and I am very grateful :)

                                                                     XO, 

                                                        

                                                                  Grace Elle