A Little Disconnect

The view of downtown from the Monongahela Incline this weekend.

Peek-a-boo! I really do apologize that I have so many of these silent periods anymore. For some reason it has been so difficult for me to get organized and get my thoughts together. But I'm working on it, I promise! It is not entirely a bad thing though. Through the past week I have been generally inactive on most of my social media. I mean, it helps that I have had reading and assignments galore for classes. What I'm saying is, it's been a nice little period of disconnect for me. I've been trying to look at my phone less and enjoy my quiet, down time and take some more time to experience the world around me. This past weekend I got the chance to get off campus and spend an evening (dinner included!) downtown. It was definitely well-deserved, I think, after all of the stress I have experienced lately. I didn't get the position on campus that I interviewed for; however, I'm over that now...there are other opportunities to get involved! I have also been blazing through my most recent read, "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" so expect a new Book Club post soon! Hopefully, I can back on the blogging horse again. But please be patient with me. :)

<3 Ashley

How have you been lately?

The Effects of Social Media

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I feel like anymore I get inspiration for topics by scrolling through my blog feed. I came upon Jenni's post today on Story of My Life for Blogtember and felt a need to put in my two cents: How has social media and blogging effected your life?

An excellent question, I think! Social media has made communicating and sharing information these day so fast and easy. It is also a lot easier to reach more of a mass audience if that's what you're looking to do. But there are some effects that it's had on me that I would like to maybe reverse a little. I think the new found ability to share pictures and what I am doing have made me less of a private person; I used to pride myself on keeping things to myself. It's nice to have some memories just for yourself right? So I am starting to pull back--just a little--on instagramming and tweeting.

On the other hand, I was also a very shy person. Communicating through social media is so much easier since you're not exactly talking face-to-face with your subject. While my confidence isn't totally through the roof, blogging and social media have certainly helped me in pooling my ideas and delivering them in a way that I am satisfied with. Social media does still have both its pros and cons but I do have to thank all the platforms that I am a part of for giving me a launching pad on which to voice my opinions and interests.

<3 Ashley

How has social media/blogging effected your life?

Day 30: Letting Go

Photo: here

I am sorry for my complete silence yesterday. The internet was down here and on top of that a marathon of Inside the Actors Studio. So honestly, there was no chance of me ever being online. But good news: the internet is back and Tropic Thunder isn't on until 2! So here I am offering the last of the 30 Day Blogging Challenge posts: React to the term 'letting go.'

Letting go is certainly something that I need to do more of! I have a tendency to dwell; I try not to, but my brain just seems programmed to remind me of things that really put me on edge. I think that letting go does involve acknowledging the problem, but instead of worrying about it try to learn from it. Know what you could have done differently but then let it go. Free yourself from the worry because it will only hold you back; letting go means moving forward freely.

What does "letting go" mean to you?

<3 Ashley

Day 26: The Best

Day 26: Describe the qualities you like best in yourself.

After yesterday's discussion about the worst qualities I want to take the time to discuss some of the best qualities. As quick as I am to rattle off things I would like to improve about myself I also am very well aware of my redeeming qualities.

My smile. I always get complimented at work, school, other public venues about my smile.

My sense of humor. I value a great sense of humor in others and have also been able to get some laughs myself. I try not to take some things to seriously because half of the time...they really aren't that serious.

My intelligence. While I say that, I am not the kind of person to tout that intelligence around others needlessly (in fact, I hate people who do that!)

What are some of the best qualities that you like in yourself?

<3 Ashley

Day 25: The Worst

Photo: here

Day 25: What are some of your least favorite qualities that you have?

While I consider myself to be very comfortable and happy with who I am, unfortunately I am one of those people who can easily list my least favorite things about myself. At the same time, I don't exactly think that's a bad thing. It's even further proof that no one is perfect. If we were perfect we would have nothing to doubt or pick at. It's just our nature.

I hate how shy I am when meeting new people. I wish I was more outgoing.

I doubt myself a lot. I wish I was more adventurous.

Lack of motivation. Maybe I just haven't found my passion yet.

What are a few things that bother you about yourself? (don't worry! Tomorrow will be more positive, I promise!)

<3 Ashley

Day 24: Stress Monster

Photo: here

Day 24: What was one time that stress got the best of you?

I say that I am the kind of person who stresses easily, but I think that most of the time I am just being a total drama queen--I can be quite the actress. However, I do remember one time during my junior year of high school that I had a complete meltdown. It was my first year taking any AP courses so I was relatively new to the heavy workload that came along with the class. Studying for AP European History required making 60+ note cards and reading excerpts from two of our ridiculous textbooks. I was down to the wire making the last of the notecards so that I could at least skim the chapters so that I would be ready for the review the next day. It was getting very late and eventually, stress and mental exhaustion got to me and I completely broke down in tears. My mother came in and calmly told me that I needed to go to sleep. She then, jokingly, told me that she would still love me if I failed the test. I ended up doing moderately well on the test, not quite my best.

What I learned was, I don't stress easily. But when I am on a tight deadline and I have a heaping load of work then yes...I will start to stress out.

How do you handle stress? What stresses you out?

<3 Ashley

Day 21: Favorite Posts

Day 21: List your 5 favorite posts on your blog.

I have written about a lot over the past year on this blog, and today is the day that I get to highlight some of my favorites for you!

1. Reflections: Freshman Year 
I loved all of the feedback I got on this post! This was by far my most popular piece that I've written all year. Whenever I reach something that I consider to be a milestone I like to take a breather and think about how far I've come, how I have changed, and what I need to work on.

2. Shopping Tips: Too Expensive?
This post was the result of a shopping trip and personal experience. I find it's always best to write what you know, and I love sharing tips that I have found to be successful (at least in the situations I have used them in!)

3. Spring Inspired
I believe this was written when it was still quite cold in Pittsburgh; there may have even been snow on the ground! I don't do many styling posts but I thought it would be nice to get a little glimpse of spring and what was coming. It was a hopeful post!

4. Some Down Time
I am a big supporter of what I refer to as sanity time. This post was written during a point when it was cold out, everyone else was in a late class, and I had no work to do. What a beautiful time!

5. The Final Countdown
This was written during finals week at the end of the fall semester. That is the time where, if you haven't learned yet, you learn how you study. This post was just as list of things that I found helpful for me.

What kind of posts are you interested in? (Consider this feedback! I will use it for the upcoming year!) 

<3 Ashley

Day 20: A Small Struggle

Day 20: Write about something that you have been struggling with.

Motivation. It has always been something that I struggle with. I find myself to be very fickle and it is difficult for me to stay committed to something for too long. How I was able to keep up with this blog for a whole year is beyond me. I must really love it. But sometimes I do find myself lacking the motivation to keep it up to date, or maybe it's just that sometimes I lack the inspiration. Whatever it may be, it's something that I have to work on. I also think that I get very nervous and scared sometimes when I am faced with a task or other scenario, and that ends up affecting my motivation. They say that the first step is admitting that you have a problem. All I can do at this point is work and push myself to stay committed.

What is something that you struggle with?

<3 Ashley

Day 19: A Day in the Life

Photo: here

Day 19: Write a "Day in the Life" post.

I have waited the whole day to write this. I thought a Sunday would be a nice day to do this because it was more relaxed, more things were done on a whim and 6 hours wouldn't be eaten up by work.

7:30 AM: Rise and shine!
8:00 AM: Out for breakfast with mom. A latte and breakfast sandwich on a croissant for me.
9:45 AM: Make pasta salad for today's lunch
10:30 AM: Family watching a show about pizza. Lunch plans go out the window and we decide to go out for pizza instead.
11:30 AM: Inhale three slices of some pretty good mushroom pizza. No regrets here!
1:00 PM: Watching the Golden Girls with mom; dad reading trying to block it out (but he totally enjoys it...I know it.)
3:00 PM: After sneezing 5 times in a 30 second period I break and take a Benadryl. Complain to anyone about my lack of sleep over the past 3 days due to stuffy nose and sore throat.
3:15 PM: Research moisturizers; a small rash has formed on my face from this one that I am currently using. Confirmed: I have sensitive skin.
3:30 PM: Some journaling. I like to have a private little notebook to write down any thoughts that I want to get out of my head.
3:40 PM: Continue reading "The Devil Wears Prada." The sequel, "Revenge Wears Prada," is being released on June 4, I believe.
6:30 PM: I should probably eat again; dig out some of that pasta salad that was supposed to be for lunch.
7:00 PM: Watch "P.S. I Love You" because it's been awhile.
8:00 PM: About the time that I start crying. No matter how many times I watch this film, I will sob throughout the entire last half of it!
9:30 PM: Commence blog writing and ideas for tomorrow.

There you have it! I know...it's a pretty intense life. Haha! But really, this was one of those days that I enjoy. It was very laid back and quite lazy. Who doesn't love one of those days once in awhile!

Day 18: That One Thing

Well hello there!

I apologize for my silence yesterday; I worked from 12-4 and really didn't feel motivated to write anything up. Plus, due to my severe lack of pinning (thanks to lack of time and horribly slow internet service) there was no way I was going to be able to throw together a TGIF Pins post. Today we are going to a birthday party for my great aunt so I thought I would write this up quickly.

Photo: here

12 more days are left in my participation in the 30-day blogging challenge, and I have been less than perfect with keeping up with it. A few days have been tossed aside, but for the most part I think I have been pretty good and have received some great comments on a few posts--we're really getting to know each other now! :)

Today I will talk about the one thing that I have always wanted to do, but have yet to do. I have to admit, I had to think long and hard about this. I am not the kind of person who dwells on things so it took some time to think about something that I have wanted to do but I was successful! I have always wanted to go zip-lining! I had the opportunity to travel a short distance by zip-line in my freshman year, but that would have required me to climb to the top of the rock-climbing tower, and due to fear and a severe lack of upper body strength that did not happen. But sometime I would like to experience zip-lining (without having to rock climb!)

What's one thing that you've always wanted to try?

<3 Ashley

Day 16: Stay Golden!

Photo: here

Today's post is all about television! TV shows come and go and I get into quite a few of them. But more often than not I eventually stop watching. I cannot tell you how many episodes of Pretty Little Liars I have missed! However, there is a show that I feel has stood the test of time and has been a constant for me since childhood: the Golden Girls. I have been watching those four sassy, Florida ladies since I was young with my mother. Now I own all seven seasons on DVD; you can expect that I watch them constantly!

What is your favorite television show?

<3 Ashley

Day 15: Simpler Times

Photo: here

We are officially half way through this month long blogging challenge and these prompts just keep getting deeper and deeper and call me to really put some thought into my answers. Today I am asked: What do you miss the most? I am the kind of person who tends to over think things; I feel that this question is very general and can be interpreted a couple of different ways. This question in particular prompts recollections of certain aspects of a period of time or material things that I don't have anymore. So I will venture to answer both ways...just for kicks.

I miss the simplicity that childhood held. As much as I love the wonderful journey I am on I will be completely honest...school is hard, and I hate getting up to go to work. I miss how much more comfortable I used to feel being goofy, unknowing and without a care. All problems were smaller and not so serious.

Now let's get out of that deep area and get shallow for a bit. :) I miss Barbie...back before she was accused of causing self-esteem problems. I just liked dressing her up. I also loved going to the store and seeing all of those collectable Barbie dolls--Millennium Barbie anyone? Side note: Do they still make those collectable dolls?

What do you miss the most?

<3 Ashley

Day 14: Favorite movie

Photo: here

Of all of the movies in my collection all of which have been viewed countless times I have a top 3 group of movies that are go-to films for me: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and The Nanny Diaries. Out of those, my favorite would probably be Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn was such a beautiful and talented actress who really shines in the film. I love watching the relationship develop between Holly and Paul in this film and I love the ending. I have made a habit of watching this film on rainy days when I am stuck inside and just want to stay in bed.

What is your favorite film?

<3 Ashley

Day 13: Oh Boy!

Finally! I have been waiting for this kind of topic forever. I feel like in some way or another we all appreciate this one. Let's talk about the fellas! Day 13 is: List your 5 celebrity crushes. I find that 'crush' sounds a little too middle school for me, but...well it works. I am not going to say much; pictures are worth a thousands words after all, right?

Bradley Cooper

Gerard Butler

Chris Evans

Robert Downey Jr.

Ryan Gosling

There it is (in no particular order!) my very important list of attractive males. Enjoy, stare on, take you're time...you're welcome. ;P

Who are your top 5 celebrity 'crushes'? (That word still bothers me...any other words we can use?)

<3 Ashley

Day 11: A Girl Can Dream

Photo: here

Like any other girl growing up I have always had hopes, thoughts and dreams regarding my future; what my house would look like, what my husband would be like, what kind of job would I have, etc. In fact, I still daydream about those things every once in awhile when I should probably put focus somewhere else. A few times this past semester my friends and I would be up late talking about living as neighbors in a cul-de-sac in North Carolina (outside of Charlotte) and spending nights sitting outside talking, watching our kids and all sorts of other things! I am not sure how much of that will actually come true but I do know that I want to live in close proximity to a city. In terms of careers I am still set on my hopes of becoming a magazine editor. That dream was brought about after watching films such as "13 Going on 30" and "The Devil Wears Prada" and it has stuck ever since.

I look forward to the future and will welcome all changes with open arms. I can't wait to see how things turn out! Just as long as I am able to keep in touch with family and friends and be in living and working situations that I am happy in I will be very content.

What are your dreams for the future?

<3 Ashley

Day 8: Why Blog?

Photo here

I am having way too much fun waking up at 11 every morning. Unfortunately, come Monday that will be a thing of the past as I get back to work. But I am very happy that I did have this break between school and summer work.

Anyway, today's topic is one that has recently interested me to read about. Over the past few weeks I have seen a number of bloggers sharing with their readers why exactly they started blogging in the first place. Today I am going to do just that.

Since 8th grade, I have wanted to pursue a career in writing/publishing and had flirted with the idea of blogging. Everyone that I talked to about my plans always suggested that I start a blog and begin networking. About a year ago, with college on the horizon, I started this little blog. I liked the idea of blogging and had enjoyed following and reading some others before starting my own. I had every intention of making it a fashion blog since fashion was quite the obsession of mine--even more so than it is now! However, half the time I didn't even know what to talk about. So I took a step back and and reconsidered the angle I should take. What did I like to talk about? Well pretty much everything! That's when I decided that All That Glitters would become a lifestyle blog. One year later I still enjoy it very much. Along with doing a fair bit of writing I also look at blog as a social opportunity. I have enjoyed talking to so many people with some interesting perspectives.

If you have a blog, why did you start blogging? Leave your link!

<3 Ashley

Day 6: Zodiac

So it would seem Day 5 of this challenge was skipped. I just couldn't bring myself to do it yesterday. I will tack it on to the end of the month.

Photo: here

Cancer the Crab.

Some keywords to identify with Cancer are gentle, conservative, nurturing, feeling, defensive, and contemplating. Those under Cancer are typically able to adjust to different environments, often retreat into themselves when sad or hurt, and also tend to try to blend with their environments and not become the center of too much attention. They prone to moodiness and try to avoid too much change to their environment. They are intrigued by objects with a history to them (antiques, photos, etc.)

Being born on July 13 means that I am a Cancer. How much do I think the above description matches my own personality. I'm convinced they just wrote my personality out as the sign's description! It is for the most part completely similar. I do tend to keep to myself and stay quiet, and have pride in the fact that I am able to adapt to most situations and environments that I find myself in.

Do you think your personality matches what is described by your sign?

<3 Ashley

Day 3: Madam President

Photo here

I must admit that I feel quite spoiled by all of this time off that I've allowed myself to have. I gave myself two weeks between the end of school and the start of summer work. Hey! If you have the opportunity to take a break, wouldn't you take it? But two weeks is certainly moving faster than I would like it to. I am going to miss the late rising, enjoying reading outside all afternoon and the overall relaxation. The real world awaits! 

But the real world can wait just a little bit longer. Today's blogging challenge prompt requires some imagination and is one that we've all thought about at one time or another: If you could be president for the day what would you do?

Currently, I find this to be a difficult question because I don't want to be president. I've seen the job that guy has to do and let me tell you, he can keep it! That's a job where no matter what decision you make, thousands will love you and thousands will absolutely abhor you. However, if you had asked this question to my 8 year old self you would have gotten a much different and more comical answer. If 8 year old Ashley could be president for a day she would destroy all of the boys, there would only be 3 days of school in a week and Aaron Carter would First Man (?) Aren't we glad I wasn't voted into office? Haha!

So now I shall ask you,

What would you do as president for a day?

<3 Ashley

A Liebster Award for All

I know that I already did this, but I thought that since we are limited to 11 bloggers to nominate, I would do it again and nominate some of the other blogs that I didn't last time! I received this Liebster ("sweet" in German!) Award nomination from Emily at A Pile of Good Things, so I would like to extend a thanks for that.  Go ahead and check out her blog!

As I explained before the rules are as follows: state 11 facts about yourself, answer questions asked by the blogger who nominated you, ask your own (11) questions, nominate 11 bloggers to continue the award circulation.

11 Facts About Myself:
1. Shoes are my true weakness.
2. I love writing.
3. My favorite color combo is black, white, gold, and pink.
4. My favorite beverage is hot chocolate.
5. My favorite thing about the weekend is Sunday brunch with the girls.
6. I treasure any alone time I get.
7. I can speak Spanish almost fluently.
8. My favorite sport to watch is football (American)
9. I love sewing and knitting.
10. I have high-fived a member of the New Kids on the Block (be jealous!)
11. I still love buying CDs rather than making iTunes purchases (though I must say, Spotify is becoming something that I consider to be a gift from the gods!)

11 Questions Asked by Emily

1. What is your favorite book?

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

2. What's the worst part about blogging?

Constantly worrying about keeping up to date and not being able to post as much as I would like to.

3. What's your favorite place to shop at?

Francesca's or Forever 21.

4. How do you get the hang of Thursdays? (I'm sorry, this was an essay question and I couldn't resist. Be creative!)

I just keep telling myself that the week is almost over. Thursdays really aren't that bad for me. I just remind myself that it's not Wednesday (that day is awful)

5. What's one makeup/beauty product you can't live without?

Moisturizer. I have one color of nail polish ( Elle Tropical Blush) that I am obsessed with. Lipstick is a constant as well.

6. If you could see anyone in concert who would it be and why?

Train! I have seen them already. Best concert I have been to so far. But I have been told that Coldplay live is a pretty life changing experience.

7. What would you say to someone who wanted to start blogging?

Dooooo iiiiittt! What do you have to lose? As long as you have an interest and an aptitude for writing or photography, you will gather some kind of following no matter how small in the beginning. But it does require that you devote a good chunk of time to it.

8. What's the best part about you? (No skipping this question)

My hair. And my sense of humor :)

9. What scares you the most about the future?

Not knowing exactly what I'm going to do. Being a twenty-something right out of college really does terrify me.

10. Where's Waldo? (See 4)

Right next to me.

11. If you could relive one day over again, what day would it be and why?

Thanksgiving this past year. For some reason it was so much different from all of the other ones before.

11 Questions by Me

1. What is your favorite movie?

2. How would you categorize your blog?

3. Mint or cinnamon gum?

4. What is one place you would love to travel to in the world?

5. What is one bad habit you would like to try to get rid of?

6. Who is your favorite fashion designer?

7. What is your favorite blog to read?

8. What do you drink for breakfast? Coffee? Orange juice?

9. Who inspires you most?

10. What is your favorite day of the week?

11. What would you want to be your last meal?

As far as blogs I nominate, I nominate everyone reading this! If you have a blog that you want to advertise post the link down in the comments. Go ahead and do what I did here on your blog and nominate some of your favorites! 

<3 Ashley

Liebster Award

Hello all! Just when I was laying in bed before starting my day thinking about my blog post for the day, I received the blessed news that I have been nominated for the Liebster (that's sweet in German!) Award. It is award that is given to new-ish bloggers with less than 200 followers. Thank you to Lily at All Time Clas-chic for the nomination!

If you are nominated and choose to accept, here are the steps you must follow:
- Tell 11 things about yourself
- Answer 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you
- Come up with 11 questions for the bloggers you wish to nominate
- Nominate 11 bloggers (Remember: Under 200 followers!)
- Notify them that they have been nominated!

11 Things About Ashley:

1) Still a major teeny-bopper (*NSync for life!)
2) I cannot go near a cup of black coffee; put some milk in it!
3) My goal in life is to be a magazine editor (published or online!)
4) I am a major in Communications also pursuing a certificate in public and professional writing.
5) I am semi-fluent in Spanish, and this semester I am attempting to learn Italian
6) My current celebrity crush would probably be Gerard Butler
7) I collect stationary
8) I sew and knit.
9) Currently laying the foundations for a potential business in selling bags (keep and eye out over the coming months.
10) I am a dog person.
11) My favorite time of the day is the evening.

11 Questions from All Time Clas-chic:

1) What is your favorite piece from your wardrobe now?
My white blazer!
2) Best book you've ever read?
I love "Waiter Rant" by Steve Dublanica. Basically the seedy underbelly of the restaurant industry. Very interesting; some strong language otherwise pretty funny.
3) Would you be able to live without music?
Physically yes. But it would be a pretty dull life, wouldn't it?
4) Do you like traveling?
I haven't done much of it. But I would love to do it! Can't wait for study abroad in Florence!
5) What's your favorite movie?
The Ugly Truth (a go-to movie for my friends and I)
6) What's your sweetest memory from your childhood?
In Pre-K a boy called my house and my dad answered the phone. He told my dad that I was pretty :)
7) Any beauty products you can't live without?
Moisturizer for sure! I also have one color nail polish (other than black and red!) that I can't live without; Tropical Blush from Elle
8) Do you have any pets?
One dog; a collie named Sammy :)
9) What's your favorite quote?
"Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress." -Coco Chanel
10) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
23. Graduated from college, and hopefully at the beginning of a long and beautiful career.
11) What's the most adventurous thing you have ever done.
Went to college and gained some independence.

11 Questions for My Nominees:

1. Who do you most admire?
2. What did you want to be when you grew up? Is this still the same?
3. What was your motivation to start blogging?
4. What is your 2013 New Year's resolution?
5. Flats or heels?
6. What is one thing you have to have on you at all times?
7. By the age of 50, what do you hope to have accomplished?
8. What is one of your biggest flaws?
9. Now what do you like most about yourself?
10. Writing or photography?
11. Whose life would you want to live for a day?

*drumroll*

My 11 Nominees!

1. Girl Friday
2. Polished Perfectly
3. PattyGraceKelly
4. MC Squared
5. Lucie's Closet
6. Little Urban Sweetheart
7. History Beauty
8. Bella Lu Rosa
9. 306 Days Sydney
10. Tanja's Lookbook
11. Just, Simply, Hanny

Once again, thank you Lily for nominating me. I am honored that you considered my blog for this!

<3 Ashley