SURPRISE!!!!!!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016



I know that I've been teasing this forever, and the big surprise is finally here! That's right, guys- after almost two years of the same blog design, Totally Graced finally has a completely new look! I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely in love. As many happy memories as I have with the old blog design, I've known for a while that it was in desperate need of a facelift. Technology has never been my strong suit, so I kept putting it off, but finally towards the end of June, I decided to bite the bullet and just do it. Ever since, it's been a whirlwind of trying to learn everything possible to make this site the best that it possibly can be!

I absolutely couldn't have done it, though, without the help of one of the sweetest bloggers I've ever gotten to know. I'd mentioned in a blog post that HTML was my eternal enemy, and a day or so later I received an email from Vanessa over at Simply Me, asking if I'd like some help with some technical things. She's helped me make this site a MILLION times better, and I can't thank her enough for putting up with all of my craziness. She also absolutely saved my life when I was uploading this at midnight and had several technical difficulties. XD Vanessa, thank you again SO much!! You are wonderful!! Everybody, go hit up her blog and send her tons of virtual brownies because SHE DESERVES THEM ALL!!!!!!! 

Honestly I'm just so happy to finally have white space. XD As much as I used to love the chevron, it was just way too cluttered. I've also toned down some of the pink, so hopefully it's easier to read!!

Besides the design, I've finally gotten around to adding About pages!! Oh my gosh, it seriously shouldn't be that hard to figure out how to describe myself but it really is. Anyways, there's now an About Me page, as well as one About the Blog. I'm actually really happy with how both of these turned out, the blog page in particular, and I'd love for you to check them out. 

I honestly can't believe that the Blogiversary month is already over. Thank you so much to everyone who's stuck around all month for all of the crazy festivities- I really hope that you've enjoyed it! I've had a lot of fun with it, and I'm super excited for all of the years of blogging to come!

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Before I finish this post, I wanted to let you all know about something SUPERBLY COOL. Over the summer, I've had the opportunity to be a part of Freckled Minds, a teen art society founded by Morning and Ava. Morning led up the creation of an epic magazine called Paper Comets, and I was honored to be a part of it. A bunch of super awesome bloggers contributed to it, and the magazine is finally coming out TODAY! You can find it over at Freckled Minds as well as on Morning's blog, so GO AND CHECK THAT OUT! I'm super proud of it, and I know that you're all going to love it. Here's a list of all of the epic girls contributing! (Yes, I stole this from Bethan- I'm too tired to find everyone's links. XD)

Morning - Ups and Downs
Rose - Self Known
Ava - Quiet Land
Abbie - Abbiee
Rachel - Silver Mess

So, be sure to check this out! You don't want to miss it. 


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So, DO YOU LIKE THE DESIGN??? WHAT DO YOU THINK?? I've been dying to share this, so I WANT TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!!! Are you excited about Paper Comets? Have you enjoyed the Blogiversary month? I'M SO SAD THAT IT'S OVER! So let's all share some brownies down in the comments section. LET'S CHAT!!








Random Happenings + A Survey!!

Monday, August 29, 2016


It's so crazy to think that we're coming to the end of the Blogiversary month! Wednesday is the last day- and I think that I've definitely saved the best for last. There's a big surprise coming that I cannot wait to unveil. ; ) What will it be? You'll have to wait and find out on Wednesday!

Aside from the blogging world, life has been good lately. I'm beginning my second week back at school, and so far it's gone well. I'm definitely missing summer like crazy, but I'm excited for what this year has in store. I'm also super excited for some fun things that are coming up in September- I'm already making up a schedule, and it's looking pretty great!

As I did last year, I wanted to put together a survey, to get some of your thoughts on this blog, and what I can do to improve in the year ahead. I would really appreciate if you would fill it out, so that I can know what you would like to see- I just want this to be a better place for you all! If you would prefer to fill this out in the comments instead, you are more than welcome to do so. 




I also wanted to thank you all SO much for your amazing response to my vlog- you are the absolute SWEETEST, and I'm so thankful for you all!! 

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What do you think Wednesday's surprise will be?? What do you have coming up this week? Did you fill out the survey? Did you watch the vlog? LET'S CHAT! Tell me all about your lives!!

TOTALLY GRACED Q&A VLOG

Friday, August 26, 2016


           

Well guys- I DID IT!

I've wanted to do a vlog for so long, but I always let my anxieties get the best of me, and never did it. But I made up my mind that there I was GOING to do a vlog for my Blogiversary celebration, and here it is!

It was actually a lot of fun to make this. I was really nervous (which is kind of evident for the first few minutes), but pretty soon I just felt like I was sitting there talking directly with you guys. SO WE BASICALLY JUST WENT ON A COFFEE DATE.

(Was I drinking coffee? No. But half the time I don't drink coffee even ON coffee dates, so sit down and watch this with a cup of coffee, and you can say that we've officially gone on a coffee date. )

Apologies & Disclaimers

1. I'm so sorry- it's 35 minutes long. *facepalm* I honestly had no idea that it was so long, as you can see by my shock at the end of the video.

2. I would like to apologize for my extreme awkwardness- this is me in real life, guys. I look all nice and put together in the video, but in reality I'm wearing leggings and socks, and I made the video balancing my laptop on two crates and two Harry Potter books.

In case you were deluded into thinking that I have my life together. There you go.

3. I also apologize for the not-so-great quality, I did it on my laptop's webcam, through an application that I've never used before. I didn't want to use a legit camera, mainly because I figured y'all didn't need to be able to see every pore on my face.

4. In making this, I've realized that I probably talk with my hands a little too much. Or a lot too much.  It's kind of a running joke at this point- one time, a theatre speaker said something like, "No one talks like THIS in real life! *gestures all over with his hands*" And my friend turns and goes, "Obviously he's never met Grace Anne."

Yep. That's me.

End Disclaimers & Apologies

I really do wish that it wasn't so long, but I literally had FOUR PAGES of questions, and I wanted to get to everything. Maybe sometime I'll do another vlog? I don't know. I'll have to think about it, haha. Pretty sure that after watching this (if any of y'all actually do), you won't want any videos from me for a long time. XD

Anyways, I hope that y'all enjoy this, or at least get some vague sort of amusement out of it. If you're bored out of your mind or home sick or something (although I hope none of you are sick! That would be sad.), then here's thirty five minutes of awkward to entertain you. Thank you all so much for your questions! I had a lot of fun answering them. : )

ALSO! BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! I'm not the only one celebrating! It's KATIE GRACE'S BLOGIVERSARY! She's doing an amazing vlog and giveaway, so GO CHECK HER OUT!! 

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So, I want to know- do you like vlogs? Would you ever want MORE VLOGS? Did you make it through this without cringing yourself to death? Is there anything I DIDN'T ANSWER?? (If so I'm really sorry!) WHAT ARE YOU THINKING RIGHT NOW?? Let's chat!!!


50 Things I've Learned From Blogging

Wednesday, August 24, 2016


Let's be real- blogging is one big learning experience. Most of the time, in hopping into the blogger world, you're entering a world that's completely new to you. So naturally, as with any new experience, you learn a lot. Here are fifty things that the last two years of blogging have taught me. 

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1. Good lighting is everything.
2. When suffering writer's block, obviously the best idea is to procrastinate on twitter.
3. VSCO and A Color Story are lifesavers.
4. Staring at a screen long enough will make you want to stab your eyes out.
5. You can take 1000 photos, but you'll be lucky to get two good ones.
6. The number of followers that you have really doesn't matter.
7. That being said getting a new follower is basically the most exciting thing ever.
8. There's lots of screaming and flailing.
9. Blogging is a great excuse to introvert.
10. You're never done. Never.
11. Social media is the greatest thing ever.
12. It's also the worst thing ever, but we're being positive here.
13. Sometimes you just have to give up and go eat chocolate.
14. Comparison will make you miserable. Don't go there.
15. Bloggers are literally the most helpful people ever. Don't be afraid to ask if you need help.
16. Everything will take an hour longer than you think that it will.
17. Canva will be your best friend. It's free. Use it.
18. DON'T use lousy iPad apps for your header images. Learn from my mistakes.
19. Just because someone has a blog with a large following, that doesn't automatically make them arrogant or scary.
20. The more white space, the better.
21. It's totally normal to have 89382981 drafts.
22. Just because your blog doesn't look like A Beautiful Mess doesn't make you a failure.
23. Make a contact page.
24. Talk to people. Reach out. Bloggers are some of the coolest people ever- get to know them.
25. Be yourself. Trust me- if you're being fake, we can tell.
26. Write about what you're passionate about. Don't be something that you're not just because you think it will get you pageviews. Write with passion. THAT'S what people want to read.
27. Reply to comments. Leave comments. ALL THE COMMENTS.
28. Similarly, if someone's doing a fabulous job, TELL THEM! You'll make their day.
29. Don't look back at your first year of posts. It will make you cry.
30. Give credit where credit is due. If you got an idea from someone, say so. Don't steal it.
31. Time management is a very important skill.
32. The word "aesthetic" will soon become a staple in your vocabulary.
33. Don't feel like you constantly have to be perfect. You're human. It's okay.
34. Sometimes a post will randomly not get any comments and it's not your fault.
35. Pageviews can be amazing one day and terrible the next. Oftentimes it has nothing to do with you.
36. You'll quickly gain an incredible typing speed.
37. Taking aesthetic photos of food is fun because then you get to eat the food.
38. Sometimes the most random ideas for posts are the best ones.
39. Keep a notebook for blogging. Write down any ideas you have, because otherwise, trust me- YOU'LL FORGET.
40. You can get a blog post out of almost any experience.
41. Set a schedule, but don't stress over it. If you post a day late, it isn't going to be the end of the world.
42. Have a stockpile of generic posts ready. You're going to get busy, and it's nice to have something already written.
43. Read as many blogs as you can. You'll gain friends AND inspiration.
44. Guest posts are the most fun and exciting things ever.
45. If you try to do a cute DIY or recipe and it fails, post it anyway- I dare you. ;) It's fun to look back on.
46. You'll start to acquire tons of random items used for no other reason than blog props. It's okay. They're pretty. And trust me- it never hurts to have extra props around.
47. People are either going to think that you're awesome or you're crazy. (Or both) It doesn't matter either way.
48. Bloggers have the best book recommendations. (Looking at you, Olivia)
49. Sometimes, you just need a blogging hiatus to save your mental health.
50. You end up blogging for no other reason than the fact that you simply love it.

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What have YOU learned from blogging? 

Why I Blog- Hannah @ Grace In Everything

Monday, August 22, 2016


GUYS!! I am so beyond thrilled to welcome the lovely Hannah of Grace In Everything to the blog today!  Hannah is such a beautiful soul, and her posts always brighten my day. If you're not following her, then I'm honestly not quite sure what you're doing with your life. ; ) Kidding, of course, but seriously- GO FOLLOW THIS GEM! After you've read her lovely guest post, that is. I asked Hannah to share why she blogs, and naturally she came up with the most eloquent response of all time. Take it away, Hannah! 

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“Oh, so you blog?” a non-blogger asks. “What’s that, like an online diary?”

“Um, not really,” I reply. “It’s more like this online community sharing life together across state and national boundaries. It’s more like self-discovery to the upmost. It’s more like an outlet to use what God’s given me to help others. It’s more like a lifestyle. It’s more like grace in everything.”

“Okay, cool,” they reply, but they don’t understand. Few people do.

For blogging is more than a diary, although I have stolen diary entries to use as blog posts. Blogging is more than preaching at people, although I have done a few of those as well. Blogging is more than tutorials, photography, poetry, or book reviews.

Blogging is sharing your life with others.

And that, my friends who I will probably never meet, is why I blog.


I had another blog before Grace in Everything, one called Perfectly His. And I liked it. I posted good posts, deep and theological. I had many of them, but I didn’t love it. It wasn’t a lifestyle.

Why?

Because I didn’t read other blogs.

I didn’t share my life with others and in turn let them share their life with me. I just threw up words and left them there for the cold internet to welcome them.

With Grace in Everything, though, I did something different. One day I simply decided that I didn’t want to do this alone, and so I made one of the best decisions of my life: I started reading other blogs.

Something exciting then happened, I made blogging buddies! I saw glimpses into other girls’ lives and found encouragement there. From comments and posts, we became this odd sort of community that kept me coming back for more. Suddenly, it didn’t just matter to me what I posted and read, it mattered to the community.


Very soon I discovered that the lifestyle of blogging takes work. To make it meaningful, I had to put in the hours, the pictures, the late nights and frustrating afternoons. But the more I put into it, the more I loved it and couldn’t imagine giving it up. Those around me didn’t understand this, though. They thought that I should re-prioritize blogging. They didn’t understand why I blog.

I blog for the satisfaction of being a part of something bigger than just me. I blog for the people, because I find that God gave me a skill with words and vision, and He is using this skill to bless others.

I blog because I enjoy it. Putting the words together, figuring out new strategies, answering comments, reading other bloggers’ words. These things feel like a different world, a world where space doesn’t matter so much. Where words take on a beautiful meaning. Where it is acceptable to use ALL CAPS, italicized, and bold words.

I blog because that’s how God teaches me. I discovered that when making blogging a lifestyle, I welcomed God’s grace into more arears of my life. The theme of my blog rooted itself into my life, and God taught me so much more through my own words than He probably taught to anyone else. I’m now always looking for a blog post, a glimpse of God’s grace in the everythings of life. Blogging makes me so much more aware of my soul and how this world expresses God’s grace.


Who knows where blogging will take us (wait a minute, God knows). But for now let us thank each other for the privilege of being a part of God’s kingdom here in the internet world, which isn’t as cold as I once thought. Let us embrace the work because we know that it leads to love. Let us keep our eyes open because then we will see more clearly the grace in everything.

Thank you so, so much Grace for this opportunity to share with your blog my thoughts. Thank you for the reminder to myself why I blog. Grace, you have it down! I have never met another blogger more consistent with commenting and posting than you! Your blog always inspires me, makes me laugh, and sets an example for all blogs what a blogging community should look like! Here’s to my blogging twin, Grace!

And to all of my blogging friends, even if we haven’t met yet, thank you. And grace be with you,


Princess Hannah

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FOLLOW HANNAH!


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Don't run off without leaving Hannah some love down in the comments!! 



Flashback Friday- Second Year of Blogging!

Friday, August 19, 2016


Year One, down.

Whew.

I'd like to think that this past year of blogging wasn't quite as bad as my first year. Nothing can be bad as that first year. 

With one year under my belt, I think I finally started to get a little bit more into the swing of blogging. I started to do more blog series, connect more with other bloggers, and finally learned that iPad apps are not the best idea for making header photos. (That was a good realization.)

I learned so much this year- about how to create things that people actually care about, and how to really connect with other bloggers. It was a good year, and I did have some posts that I was pretty proud of that came out of it. There were still plenty of flops, but growth is nice to see.

I started doing Weekly Wrap-Ups, finally having an actual post series on my blog. (Speaking of Weekly Wrap-Ups, I should do one soon. Kind of miss those.) Not all the series that I attempted worked out so well- the nail art challenge was a flop. I did it once, and then got swept up in the craziness of life and forgot. Good going, there.

In October, we celebrated Julie Andrews's birthday, because as a proud citizen of Genovia, it was necessary. There are two things that we Genovians must do- celebrate the queen's birthday, and eat lots of Genovian pears.

I should go get some pears.

Anyways, after that, November was full of Thankfulness Thursday posts. (Hey, another series I didn't fail on!) November was also the month that I went to New York City for the first time, and I posted all about the helpful things that I learned, such as how to find non-sketchy pizza places, how to navigate being AT THE SCENE OF A FLIPPING MURDER, and that running in heels is easy when there's a stage door close by.

In December, we wrapped up 2015, which was fun. Looking back on it, 2015 really was a good year. I actually kind of miss it a little.

January was super exciting because I had my first guest poster on the blog! Rachel was starting up her amazing blog, Silver Mess, and I had the pleasure of participating in her blog tour. Those were some fun emails. : )

February was a slightly dull month- I was so busy with rehearsals that creativity was at a bit of a low. We'll just forget that month.

In March, my life was changed. I read All The Light We Cannot See and died. I am eternally grateful to Olivia for talking about this book 24/7, thus prompting ME to read it and talk about it 24/7. She's the best. Later that month, the Princess Diaries 3 was confirmed and I died. Again. So, March was an eventful month.

April was another February-esque month. I had a lot of stressful stuff going on that month personally, and it's kind of evident in those blog posts. I actually remember trying really hard to keep putting out decent content, but looking back it's kind of just like, "honey, no." I did have my first guest post ever go up on Silver Mess, which I was crazy excited about. (as in clicking on the email, reading it, and screaming.) Rachel's blog is the coolest, and I loved getting to post for her.

May was ALSO crazy exciting, because prom happened!! Y'all were asking for photos like crazy, so I spammed you all with the fabulous prom process. At the end of the month, there was even more excitement, because the best thing that has ever happened in the blogosphere took place- The Pancake vs. Waffle war. Who knew that one simple tweet from Olivia could start a friendly civil war? (Gosh Olivia, first you killed me over a book and then you started a revolution! You're powerful.)

In June, I recapped 99 Things I learned sophomore year. That was really fun to put together, to be honest. XD I also got to take part in Abbie's Explore Us series, which was SO fabulous. Not going to lie, when I got the email from her asking about it, I may have possibly screamed because ABBIE IS THE BEST. So posting on her blog was the coolest.

Then in July, I asked myself, Why Not? I also turned 16, which was pretty awesome. <3

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You guys literally blew me away with all of the amazing content in the past year. When I was putting this post together, I was trying to make a list of all the incredible posts that I remember reading, and it got insanely long. This is just a FRACTION of all the amazingness that has happened in the past year-

Katie Grace was a literal superhero, and wrote 20,000 words IN A DAY. Still don't understand how she did that, even after reading her post. She also talked about the struggles of blogging, and it was like, the most legit thing ever.

Abbie held the amazing Exploring the U.S./Exploring US series, and it was so cool. Getting to see what different bloggers have been exploring, all the while seeing Abbie and her sister adventure across the US and save whales was incredible. I know she had tons of other amazing posts as well, but I can't remember the titles and she doesn't have an archive so I can't link any more. BUT SHE'S ALWAYS AMAZING SO.

Tane wrote this beautiful piece about trust, that I really loved. 

Freckled Minds launched this past summer, and IT'S SO AWESOME GUYS. You don't want to miss what's coming.

Hannah- oh gosh, I fall in love with everything that Hannah writes, so just including a couple of posts is hard. She wrote this lovely piece on time, that I adored. She also wrote this beautiful post about Tangled and how Jesus becomes our new dream, that I fell in love with. Her post about beauty also really struck home with me- love love love.

Aaliyah wrote a beautiful letter to her past self, that I just loved. She also started the Growing To Live movement, which is basically the coolest thing ever.

Jacy just seems to spout of wisdom left and right, and her posts are always so incredibly eloquent, my gosh. I loved this one in particular. 

Cait was, as always, the best of ever. Her post on absurd things that have happened to her throughout book blogging was basically the funniest thing in the world, She also gave some fabulous bookstagram advice that really can apply to any Instagram user.

Rachel not only launched Silver Mess this year, she filled it to the brim with FABULOUS content. Her "reflecting" post was so raw and honest, I loved what she said about wanting an adventure, and she created the Team Pancake vs. Team Waffle tag, so she wins at life.

Vanessa posted the absolutely coolest post called "What You Don't See." Her concept was ridiculously brilliant- you'll have to give the post a second look to realize what's actually going on.

Olivia posted something that was literally the epitome of summer. She wrote the most beautiful poem that I desperately wish wasn't fictional. And her post about her sister's upcoming wedding? The tears were real.

Kate...oh my goodness, I can't even describe her work. Just go read everything. Read this. And this. And this. And this. And just everything on her blog because it's all perfect and my words are too inadequate to possibly describe it.

Mary Shelley has been posting about her trip to Colorado, and it's been so insanely cool to read. Her casual journal entries are more eloquent than basically anything I've ever written in my life it's great.

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There are so many more posts that I wish that I could include, but being the blonde I am, I can't remember for the life of me where I found them. I swear I have the memory of Dory sometimes. SO IF I DIDN'T INCLUDE YOUR POST I PROBABLY JUST COULDN'T FIND IT. 

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How has this past year gone for you? 

Strange Things All Bloggers Do (But Don't Talk About)

Wednesday, August 17, 2016


Let's face it. We bloggers are strange creatures.

I mean, think about it. We spend half our lives on our laptops (usually being awkward and antisocial), writing up posts for hours on end, creating content for a bunch of people that we've never actually met. When you think about it, that's not the most normal way to live your life.

But we love it, and that's why we do it. As bloggers, however, in addition to being a bit strange on our own, we tend to pick up some rather strange habits as well. It's natural, it comes with the job- but a non-blogger might look at us and go, "Well what the heck is wrong with them?"

It's a common question at this point. But really- can you blame them? Let's take a look through just a few of these bloggerly type things.

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1. Assuming strange positions to get the perfect photo.

This can include standing on a chair or bed, crawling on the floor, etc. Because sometimes, you can't get that perfect lighting easily. IT TAKES WORK! (And sometimes like two hours for a single photo but yaknow....)

2. Googling tons of information on HTML and crying because none of it makes any sense.


I'VE TRIED SO HARD BUT I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW BLOGGERS MAKE THEIR SITES LOOK SO PERFECT WITH HTML. TEACH ME YOUR WAYS I BEG.

3. Gathering random bits of packaging to use later for photo ops. 

(Is this just me? But the other day I got this really pretty piece of string tied around a journal and I'm OBVIOUSLY not going to just throw it away that could look great in a blog photo.)

I'm pretty sure that I'm basically a squirrel at this point because I have SO MANY things that I keep for no other purpose than blog photos. IS THIS NORMAL?? PROBABLY NOT.

4. Staring at a blank blogger screen for hours because WRITERS BLOCK IS DEATH.


It's the literal worst and it always seems to come when you need to have a post up in exactly 22 minutes or you become the worst blogger ever because you haven't posted in ten million years. 

Dramatic? No. 

5. Taking more photos of food than is probably necessary. 



IS IT MY FAULT IF FOOD JUST HAPPENS TO BE SUPREMELY AESTHETIC?? I THINK NOT!!

#6. Also (kindly) forcing family members to take photos 24/7.

My family is kind of just used to it at this point. Everything is a photo opportunity. E. V. E. R. Y. T. H. I. N. G.

#7 Use blogging as an excuse to get out of socialization. 

"Hey, want to go to that party tomorrow night?"

"Oops, I can't, um...I...I gotta blog! Bye!"



#8 Adopt a new vocabulary.

I cannot tell you how many times a day I use the word 'aesthetic' now. Thanks, blogging. 

(My sister would also like to add that looking for 'aesthetic' things drives you to take photos of bizarre items. "For example, a pineapple.")

#9 Developing passions for hot beverages, journals, and mugs. 

If you aren't obsessed with cute journals, mugs, and at least one form of a hot beverage, ARE YOU ACTUALLY A BLOGGER??? I don't think that you are. 

#10 Answering pretty much every question with "blogging".

"What are you doing?" Blogging.
"What's that photo for?" Blogging. 
"Why are you on your laptop all the time?" Blogging.
"Why can't you hang out?" Blogging.
"Why are you stressed?" Blogging.
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU???"

....Blogging.

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So, let's add to the list- what other strange things do bloggers do? BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS I HAD TO CONTROL MYSELF AND STOP AT TEN.

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p.s. I did a guest post over at Joanny's blog, and I'd love if you'd check it out. You can find that HERE. <3













Why I Blog- Aaliyah @ Growing In His Image

Monday, August 15, 2016


Oh my goodness guys, I am SO EXCITED! Today, my FABULOUS friend, Aaliyah, is guest posting! She is the absolute coolest person ever, and I'm so beyond thrilled to have her posting here today! She blogs over at Growing In His Image, and if you don't follow her, I will personally chase you down and pelt you with grapes. You don't want to be pelted with grapes. SO GO FOLLOW HER!! That is, after you read her post, of course! I asked Aaliyah to share why she blogs, and her response was amazing. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Hello, followers of the lovely Grace Anne!! I am so excited to help celebrate Totally Graced's second birthday! Blogversaries are so exciting. <3 EEP! This post is short and sweet but these are the three most important reasons of why I do what I do even when it's hard. Without further adieu, let's get into the post!

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The topic Grace asked me to write about is Why I Blog. 
At first, I didn't think much about it other than it was a very fitting topic for a blogaversary. But while I was thinking about what I would write it really got me thinking....

Why do I blog..?

When I began my blogging journey I was an eleven-year-old who just wanted to copy everything her big sister did. She had just started a blog and so naturally I thought it was a STELLAR idea. I never knew what an amazing journey it would be. My blog is now four years old. HOW?!?! I don't think I've ever stuck with something for so long in my life, haha! 

I'm going to tell you up front that blogging is by no means easy. Blogging takes time. I know a huge audience isn't important (unless it's your literal job but ya know), but if you want people to read your posts you have to take the time to write a good post. And then there's pictures that have to be edited, blog design, comments to answer, formatting, yadayadayada. Don't get me wrong, it's a blast. But it takes time and effort. Unless you pride yourself in being a crappy blogger. BUT I'M GETTING OFF SUBJECT. *laughing emojis* Sometimes I don't feel inspired. At all. Sometimes I just really don't have the time. Or sometimes I do have the time but I just don't feel like writing. Soooo why do I do it..? Why do I keep up with it..? Here's some reasons. 


The People

Through blogging, I have met so many people that I wouldn't have known otherwise. One of my best blogger friends is from South Africa. I live in Kentucky. There's no way our friendship could have happened if we weren't bloggers. I have friends from California, the Carolina's, Vermont, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, EVERYWHERE. It blows my mind that if I hadn't started a blog that I wouldn't have known these people exist. And these people are amazing people. They BLOW MY MIND. I love them. 

And also even the people that I'm not good friends with but they just read my blog. Their sweet comments and support keep me going. If I didn't have these lovely followers constantly giving me amazing feedback I don't think I would have kept blogging for as long as I have. The blogging community is literally one of the best things ever, I think <3

HAVING A PLACE TO SHARE MY WRITING/THOUGHTS

I love this. I love being able to share what's on my heart to so many people. And most of the time they are going through the same things. I love being able to inspire people, encourage them, and shine a light. And to be able to share my writing as well. To pull out my journals and copy it and share. Or, what I do 99% of the time, just write a poem on the spot. 

JESUS

Oh, Jesus. Blogging gives me a platform like nothing else. I can reach anyone in the world. ISN'T THAT FANTASTIC?!?!?!?!?!? I can share Jesus with everyone who comes across this blog. I have the ability to spread hope. 
And I can also share my struggles. I can tell people, "Hey, look! I'm here too. It's hard and I'm trying to be hopeful but I really don't see it from here." I can get encouragement. I can let people know that it isn't just them. And then sharing about coming out of those struggles and seeing His marvelous light in a completely profound and new way and sharing that too. 


These and so many more reasons are why I blog. The need to write. The need to share. The need to give hope in the darkness. And also to share my extreme love for buffalo dip BUT YA KNOW. ;)


Thank you, Grace Anne, for this wonderful opportunity. I enjoyed it!! MUCH LOVE FOR YOU!! :'''')
-aaliyah xx

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FOLLOW AALIYAH!!


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Don't run off without leaving Aaliyah some love down in the comments!! 



Waffles and Chocolate For All Because.....IT'S TOTALLY GRACED'S BLOGIVERSARY!!!!

Friday, August 12, 2016


That's right.... TODAY'S THE DAY!!!!!!!!!

My little baby of a blog is officially TWO! THAT'S SO CRAZY! (This post is probably going to be full of caps lock. I apologize in advance.) It's seriously weird to think about the fact that I've been running Totally Graced for two years now. I still remember the day that I set it up- sitting on the couch in my living room with my parents, throwing around name suggestions and trying to figure out how to work Blogger. (I have to say, I'm really glad that I went with 'Totally Graced' as opposed to some other options. I'm not even going to say what they were, but trust me- they were bad.)


The amount to which this blog has grown, from an itty bitty blog with maybe ten pageviews a day to what it is now- it's INSANITY!! I loved how Cait compared her growth on her blogiversary, so I'm going to do the same. : )

First Blogiversary-
Pageviews- 8,046
Blogger Followers- 27
Email Followers- I was blonde and didn't know how to check this. XD
Instagram- 0
Pinterest- 0
Twitter- 0

Second Blogiversary-
Pageviews- 26,424
Blogger Followers- 65
Email Followers- 13
Instagram- 160
Pinterest- 37
Twitter- 60

It honestly blows my mind that you all read this blog, that you take time out of YOUR day to read my crazy ramblings! Thank you, thank you all so much.


Oh my gosh. SO MANY PEOPLE. Like, I probably wouldn't be blogging if it weren't for a TON of different people.

My mom, who listens to all of my rambles about blogging, came up with the name Totally Graced to begin with, and actually was the person who suggested I start a blog in the first place. She helps me stage 90% of my shots (particularly the ones involving food- I'M SO BAD AT FOOD PHOTOS, GUYS.), and tells me when an idea is good or when it's just pathetic. She's so insanely supportive and I love her to death.

My dad, the tech brains behind the blog! Thanks for helping me figure out what the heck technology even is, because we both know I'm quite challenged in that area. ;) He listens to the blog rambles pretty much weekly on the drive back and forth to ballet- pretty sure he knows more about my blog (and Hamilton) at this point than he ever would have wanted to, haha!!!

My sisters, for letting me steal their stuff (and room!!) for blog photos constantly, listening to the rambles, and reading every post. They also try really hard to remember all of you guys's blogs, too, because I talk about them all the time. (Basically if I read your blog, they've heard of it and have probably attempted to remember your name and site by now.)

SOPH! My favorite editor and the best advice giver on the planet- this girl is the reason my blog isn't an utter mess, tbh. She checks half of the things I do before I post them, as a saner voice. (Also a makeup goddess who I'm in the midst of trying to convince to start a blog herself- wish me luck!) 

MY BLOGGER TRIBE!!! You guys make blogging so much more fun, and I'm so blessed to have gotten to know such incredible people through blogging. Abbie, Kate, Olivia, Rachel, Aaliyah, Mary Shelley, HannahAutumn, Vanessa, Katie Grace, Morning, Jacy, Abby, Julia, - you are all so incredibly talented, and you all inspire me daily!!! 

To my real life friends, H & C, who've read this since the beginning- thanks for not telling me I was insane when I first started and was awful. XD Y'all are the real MVP's. 

And...YOU!!!! If you are reading this right now, then I am immensely thankful for YOU!! I still can't get over the fact that y'all read this blog, and you leave the most encouraging comments in the entire world. I might not be blogging today if it weren't for all of your encouragement, so THANK YOU!! 


Patience, young grasshopper! We're getting there! So. Upcoming year. What's happening on the blog? 

Well, for the rest of August, we still have the rest of the blogiversary celebration! Nope, it's not over yet!! It's still party time over here, and I'm SUPER excited for what's coming up! So this party month still has lots of good things coming. 

As for the rest of the year..well, who knows? I'm currently planning September's blog posts, and I'm strangely full of inspiration. Like...a giant notepad full of inspiration. It's surprising, but I'm really, really excited for everything that's coming. 

I also really want to expand even MORE this year, with some social media growth, and a bunch of guest posts here on Totally Graced. I know that y'all get tired of my rambles every now and then- you need a new voice!! So I'm in the midst of working out some super awesome guest posters, that I'm super honored to have here- they're all amazinggggly talented and inspire me so much. 

Other than that..well, I don't have too many more plans. World domination might be nice. But other than that? I just want to keep blogging. I'm hoping to bite the bullet and finally make this more public to the people in my life, as opposed to keeping it my little secret. That's a scary thought, but I know it's definitely for the best. It shall be an adventure!!

Again, I cannot thank you all enough for your encouragement and loyalty. WAFFLES FOR YOU ALL!!! *showers you with virtual waffles and chocolate* 

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Blogging- The Realities and Flat-Out Fails

Wednesday, August 10, 2016


If we're going to be honest here, let's just come out and admit it- blogging looks a lot prettier than it actually is. As bloggers, we try our hardest to show the absolute best parts of life- the aesthetic images, the cute outfits, the gorgeous, delicious recipes. But what the readers rarely see is the amount of effort that it takes to get those images, and the fact that we as bloggers have developed over time the talent of making things look a LOT prettier than they actually are. I don't know about you, but I rarely eat my breakfast on a super cute patterned plate with a coordinating mug, flawless lighting streaming in behind me, with my artfully-placed waffle with strawberries on top and a vase of flowers on the table in front of me.

Like, never.

But those are the images that you tend to see when you're scrolling through blogs, or Instagram accounts run by bloggers. I'm not going to lie, I do the same thing. Literally, 85-90% of my best shots are staged. Yes, occasionally there's that gorgeous sunset, or adorably candid moment that I luck up and capture, but most of the time, if I want things to look good, I have to stage it. Ask any blogger- we all do it. And then there's the editing process- brightening the photo, boosting the contrast, sharpening it. It takes work to get that aesthetic!

In honor of the Blogaversary Extravaganza, I wanted to go behind the scenes of blogging, and show you all the realities of it. Because hey- I'm about as far from perfect as you can get, so this should be pretty funny.

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1// Flatlays


The other day, I posted this lovely flatlay photo on Instagram. Because obviously, this is my workspace and I use it all the time. (To be honest, I was pretty proud of that photo. XD )

But you want to see the reality?



That's what it actually looked like. (Tip: white posterboard is a life saver.) It literally took me a good 15-20 minutes, and eleven shots to get it right. Then I tossed it into the A Color Story app to brighten it and make it look prettier, resulting in the shot that ended up on my Insta. 

2// Early ideas for a "good post"


Whyyyyyyyyy, tiny self?? WHY did you think that one sentence was worthy of a post???

(Which granted I'll always be mad at Gaston for that BUT STILL that's beside the point.)


I also had a thing for sharing random Pinterest memes. True, they're typically funny BUT THAT'S WHY PEOPLE FOLLOW YOU ON PINTEREST, BABY GRACE ANNE. THEY WANT ACTUAL CONTENT ON YOUR BLOG. *sigh* And I wondered why I couldn't get followers.

3// The Animal Variable


On Easter, I thought it would be a great idea to take a selfie with my cat. What could be cuter?

.....

There's a reason that selfie was never posted. 

4// Instagram vs Life

First off, we have the Instagram dessert.


(Not going to lie, this was really good.)

Now, the normal dessert.


Fattening and messy and glorious. 

5// Room Shots


See, when I post photos taken in my house, this is what they look like. Neat, clean, attempting to be aesthetic. (By the way the photo of my cat is 100% unedited. Cross my heart. I can't believe it either.)

But what you DON'T see is that literally on the other side of the bed I have a pile of clothes, probably haven't straightened my room in at LEAST a week, the tabletops are cluttered with makeup and a thousand bobby pins. I'm wearing no makeup and yoga pants. Real me. 

6// The Embarrassing Amount of Photos Taken


So many photos that are never used. Half the time I have like, 20 copies of the EXACT same photo. Why? I'm not sure. (Also ignore the random shot of water bottles on my camera roll. I believe I was asking my mom if we bought the right brand at Costco. XD ) 

7// The Judgement

As I mentioned in the previous point, as bloggers we take a lot of photos. Like..a lot. Oftentimes in public. Which results in the non blogger people being like-


Nothing like lowering your phone in shame as the waiter nears the table when you're attempting to Instagram your food. I'm not trying to be a stereotypical white girl, I swear. 

- - - - -

Well, if any of y'all were ever under the illusion that I have my life together, I have officially shattered that for you. And I'm quite okay with that. There are sooooo many more photos that I could have included in here of what my life actually looks like, but I kind of decided that you didn't need to see all of my gross hair days. I'm sparing you. 

Point of all this being, blogging isn't perfect. Nothing is. Sometimes, you just have to embrace that! No one has everything together, no matter how much you think that they do. So, the next time you see a flawless Instagram image, just think- there's probably a lot more behind that image you'll never see.

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So, now I want to know- what is YOUR blogging reality? 







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