Why Do People Blog?

I am so sorry this is a SUPER long post... but I promise it is worth the read. Enjoy! Wishing you all a happy Tuesday! 


Let’s start with some blog history! I started this blog last Monday, totally random, I know. Some people might ask why would you start a blog now? Well, it’s a Monday night... and I am trying to avoid doing homework and studying for finals. However, the main reason I started this blog was because of my Writing 121 class and a paper I wrote for the class. The paper was all about why people blog and what the point of fashion blogging is. After writing the paper I came to a conclusion, people blog because it is an outlet for them to express themselves in a non personal type of way. 

I have been looking at blogs for about a year and a half; I always thought these girls who wrote about their Marc Jacobs watch, Prada bag, and Gucci shoes just sat on their butts all day at the computer bragging to others about what their sugar daddy bought for them. I know that sounds very superficial and stereotypical, but I am sure I am not the only one who thinks that about fashion bloggers. I mean, seriously, these girls are like in their mid twenties wearing $900 Jimmy Choo shoes, how in the world is this possible? I want to wear Jimmy Choo shoes for fun too, I apparently missed the bandwagon :(. When I was doing research for my paper, I looked at several blogs, The Pink Peonies,  Lily’s Style Guide, The Daybook, Pioneer Women, and Gal Meets Glam. These blogs are all pretty different in regards to what they blog about. However, I did notice a similarity amongst them, they all seem to be young and they all have expensive taste when it comes to clothing. They wear designer clothing, and do not seem to mind the price tag that accompanies such items. After comparing all of these blogs I did find that they all have sponsors on their pages. It is probably safe to say that whoever sponsors the blog gives them free things to use or to wear in their blogs; hence the $900 Jimmy Choo shoes. For example, on Rachel Parcell’s blog called The Pink Peonies, companies like J Crew and Tory Burch are main sponsors. Rachel usually wears at least one article of clothing or accessory from one of the sponsors she has on her page. Rachel also makes money from each advertisement on her blog. That is also how she affords those beautiful Jimmy Choo shoes.  

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Why do people blog? That is a question I asked myself quite often before I wrote a research paper 

for my Writing 121 class a few weeks ago. I am an avid blog reader, there are about four blogs I read every day, mostly fashion blogs. Rachel Parcell who has been blogging for a little over a year, and claims to blog because it is a way for her to express her two loves: fashion and graphic design. While looking on Google, I found a website called The American Multi-Cinema and in their digital libraries I found an article called “Why We Blog.”The article stated “bloggers are driven to document their lives, provide commentary and opinions, express deeply felt emotions, articulate ideas through writing, and form and maintain community forums”.(36)  This pretty much sums up the reasons for why most people blog. It is just like a journal, only more people can read it. I use my blog to write down all these silly ideas and thoughts in my head. It is a way for me to let off some steam.

I am sure most of you reading this blog right now are familiar with blogs and might even have a few favorite blogs you read on a regular basis. You might even be a blogger yourself. There are blogs for pretty much everything, and I mean EVERYTHING!  I am sure most of you probably know what the word “blog” means, however I bet there maybe a few of you that wish you knew the definition, lucky you I granted your wish! A “blog” according to dictionary.com is a “journal written online and accessible to users of the internet.” Blogging became popular about 20 years ago, surprising I know! I have only really heard a buzz about blogging for a few years or so. Blogging has been around longer than I have been alive! When the internet became larger and online networking arose, blogging became popular. Now blogging is a serious tool in online media, promotion of businesses, and a way to express oneself. Blogging is a creative way to create business opportunities and to market yourself. Ree Drummond is a perfect example of this. Ree who started her Pioneer Women blog to keep herself sane in a family full of children, cattle and ranch life, far far away from civilization.  Ree is now a super successful chef on the Food Network all because of her blog. Ree gives me hope that I one day can open my own high end boutique and become super successful. The way to become successful is by using technology  to promote yourself and your business. 

Through writing this blog I have learned that fashion blogging and just blogging in general is a way for people to express themselves and to leave a mark on the world. I am really glad I started my blog, and I am excited to continue to blog myself. I hope one day that my blog will lead me to bigger and better things in the fashion industry, help market myself, and being a successful boutique owner. 

Miss Sassy Pants

Dorm Life 101

As this year is coming to end, I am reminded of all of the wonderful memories I have had while living in the dorms. I will admit it, I was skeptical at first about living in the dorms. I mean would you blame me... who wants to live in a box for a year with some random person, and share a bathroom with 30 other girls.. Uhhh NOT ME, that is for sure. However I was pleasantly surprised when I met my now current roommate. It was amazing how fast we clicked. She has been there for me through the thick and the thin this entire school year. I am so thankful I had such a wonderful roommate. Living in the dorms was an experience I will never forget. I have met so many new people, including a girl who I now consider one of my best friends. There was of course the dorm romance as well. My floor has become my second family; helping me with homework, friend problems, and boy drama. This was an experience I wouldn't change for anything. I am so glad I decided to live in the dorms and I highly encourage everyone to try it as well.

The boys down the hall from me duck taped me to my ladder one night during finals because they were bored. 

Me and my roommate Laura in matching sweatshirts. 

My roommate and I laughing and watching TV.

My roommate and I. 

12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Living In The Dorms

1. Invest in a good robe, preferably a cute one. Because there is nothing worse than walking back to your room with just a towel on, and a cute boy walks by, gives you a weird look,  and getting back to your room realizing your towel wasn't covering your entire body.... yup this happened to me... more than once might I add.
2. Be creative with ways to organize. Go to the Container Store, they will assist you and make sure you get everything you need.
3. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes will become your new BFF. I use them to clean everything! 
4. Buy a Swiffer Duster. I promise you will get more use out of it than your new bikini you bought for summer.
5. You do not need as many clothes as you think you do. I in high school, never wore the same outfit twice. However college changed that in me. Now I only wear yoga pants and sweatshirts. Dressing up seems like a chore; too much effort. 
6. Buy BLACK garbage bags from Costco. Black garbage bags are not see through, therefore you can take out anything you don't want public. 
7. Bring a door stop, to keep your door open. This is how you meet people and how to make friends. 
8. Go to Target and buy a $9.99 quiet fan to keep your room cool during the warm months. Dorms do not have air conditioning. 
9. Invest in good speakers, so you can be better than everyone else on the floor. This will also ensure that  you will have the friendly room, and everyone will want to come hang out with you. 
10. Do not invest in an expensive rug for your dorm room because it will get ruined.
11. Go to the dollar store and buy utensils, plates and bowls. There will be plenty of times when you want a late night snack.
12. Lastly, save money, you are going to need it. 

Sister

Words Cannot Describe How Much I Love You 

As I mentioned before I am an older sister. My baby sister is honestly the most beautiful person I know. She is caring, intelligent, thoughtful, poised, stylish, athletic, and honest. We have had our ups and downs; I admit I have not always been the role model for her, but I am trying to improve myself.  I wish I told you more often how much you really mean to me. Even though you are my baby sister I look up to you and want to possess qualities that you have. I cannot wait to spend time with you this summer. I look forward to our sister sister sleepovers. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you more than words.

The Meaning of Friendship

Seven Years Strong

Stephanie, Me, Morgan and Katherine

I have known these girls since I was in the sixth grade. This past year we all went our separate ways; freshmen in college, 3 different schools, west coast to east coast. It is amazing how even though we are all starting new chapters in our lives, when we all get together it is like nothing has ever changed.

Keep Calm And Paint Your Nails

Keep Calm And Paint Your Nails 

For as long as I can remember I have loved pink and glitter, known as Princess Rachel. Being a college student I am prone to sleepless nights and bad eating habits. The words "I'm stressed out" has become my go to phrase. I have found painting nails, are like therapy; a way to de-stress and clear my head. I was home for the weekend, visiting my family and my sister and I were driving around town and decided to stop in Ulta Beauty Store. I picked up this OPI nail polish called Pedal Faster Suzi!