Standing Up To Bullies – Musical Style

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to audition and be cast in an amazing, new musical production. Her Song is an original musical aimed at fostering kindness and addressing the underlying causes of bullying. After several months of rehearsals, I was lucky enough to perform this exciting project with a group of amazingly talented people, in an absolutely gorgeous theater, the Ivoryton Playhouse. With thanks to the team at Stand Up and Speak Out and the Ivoryton staff, we enjoyed one week of hard work but fun-filled days, performing for local schools and the general public on an equity stage, alongside the awesome talent and friendly faces of Her Song.

After arriving at Ivoryton Playhouse, we headed straight to our dressing rooms in the backstage area, where we quickly got comfortable with sharing a room (girls in one, boys in another). From here, we made our way to the theater’s house and had our final dress rehearsal before opening.

During the time I was at Ivoryton, I can honestly say, it was the experience of a lifetime, alongside some wonderful people. We were lucky enough to perform every day, have Q&As with kids, and inspire people to take a stand against bullying. Each day we were able to enjoy something different, including fresh audiences, new energy, cast bonding, inspiring feedback and more. Could it get any better?

A huge thank you to the amazing team at SUSO for bringing me on this wonderful journey, my incredibly talented castmates for accompanying me and killing it together, and the team at Ivoryton Playhouse for providing such a great venue! So, whether you’re a teacher, student, parent, or just want to make a change, support the cast and crew of Her Song to bring the anti-bullying message to more communities in the future!

For more information on the musical and team, you can visit www.standupandspeakoutmusical.com.

Take a peek below at some of my favorite snaps from my Her Song journey!

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How To… Be Authentic

~ ogaidry ~ 2 Comments
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Hey everyone, today I’m doing something a little different on the blog. I got such a good response on the last post about happiness, so I thought I would continue the positive life series. Today, I’m talking about authenticity… what is it and why is it important? Read on to learn more!

For teenagers, this is a time in our lives when we are still figuring out who we are as individuals. It can be difficult to know what we want when we’re expected to do so many things. However, it’s important to stick to your morals and above all… do the right thing, even if society may not agree.

Authenticity means staying genuine to who you are. It is the degree to which one is true to one’s own personality or character, despite external pressures or outside influences. It means staying true to who you are, even if it’s the harder thing to do. Authenticity comes from your heart.

In the age of Instagram, it’s difficult to be authentic when filters and aesthetics are everything, and “likes” supposedly determine your self worth. While social media can be an awesome tool for connecting with your friends, it’s also stressful for a teenager who just wants to live their life. I’ve found way too often that I’ve been sucked into my phone, constantly checking it for updates on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Recently, I have been taking a break from social media, checking my phone only when necessary, and updating pictures on my feed only when I feel inspired. It’s important to post for you and not because you feel like you have to.

William Shakespeare once wrote, “This above all: to thine own self be true.” As both a drama geek and a “normal” human being, this advice still resonates with me today. It’s harder to form genuine connections when everything around you seems fake. Talking to people who appear to have no empathy or discernible personality can be exhausting when all they want to do is impress people who they believe are superior to them. I believe you should be who you are regardless of who is standing next to you or in front of you. Stop looking outside of yourself to “fit in”. Be consistent in who you are and let go of the need to satisfy someone else’s criteria to feel good about yourself. If you are always changing your personality to suit someone else, then you lose your true self. Why do that? What value does it add to your life? Treating others with respect and the way you expect to be treated and having the expectation that others should do the same is crucial to being authentic.

You cannot be authentic without first having a strong sense of character, being a good listener, and loving yourself. Self-reflection helps you experience less anxiety because you’re not concerned about what others may think. This makes you self-confident not arrogant or conceited. You have the courage to be who you really are.

So, let’s all do some self-reflection. Let go of the superficial agendas of trying to be better than others, or having more money, more stuff, etc. because “status” is temporary and subjective. Find a passion in something and pursue it. When you focus your energy on an inspiration of yours, the excitement leads you to be your authentic self. Remember, there’s nobody exactly like you in the world, so why try and be someone different? Being your true authentic self and living YOUR life is priceless.

I hope you choose to live your best, most authentic life from now on. Comment down below topics you would like for future posts!

See you soon!

xo, Liv

How To… Stay Positive

~ ogaidry ~ 1 Comment

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Hey everyone! I’m doing something a bit different on the blog today. Between the long, cold, days of winter and hectic school schedule, I’ve been feeling like January and February have been difficult to get through this year. Hopefully I’m not alone. Thankfully, February is reaching its end, but here’s 10 tips on how to stay positive. Read on!

  1. Start a journal. I am a huge fan of journaling because it’s where I can be honest and open with myself. Write out all your thoughts, hopes, dreams, feeling, etc. onto paper. Keeping a list of things that make you happy will instantly brighten your day.
  2. Do more for others. Volunteering is a great way to make others happy, which will in turn make you happy! Random acts of kindness are also a wonderful way to make yourself and people around you happy. Last week on Valentine’s Day, a girl at my school passed out lollipops throughout the day. Everyone seemed happier that day, which was so nice to see.
  3. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Your body releases endorphins when you exercise, which cause you to feel happy. Exercising doesn’t have to be conventional either. You can stay active by taking a yoga class, going for a walk in nature, or playing a soccer/basketball/tennis etc. game with your friends.
  4. Spend time in nature. The world is so beautiful that you can’t not be happy in nature. Chase sunsets and sunrises. Have a picnic on the beach. Go on hikes and adventures. Explore as much as you possibly can as often as you can.
  5. Simply release people or things that are underserving you. End relationships and friendships that don’t make you happy. Step away from toxic people and habits. Spend time with people who lift you up rather than tear you down. Hanging out with optimistic people will influence you to become more optimistic.
  6. Spend time with animals. This is a no brainer.
  7. Sleep. It’s so underrated but it’s vital. By getting more sleep, you will wake up refreshed, renewed, and ready for the day ahead.
  8. Smile more often. Smiling leads to positive thinking!
  9. Eat wisely. You are what you eat. If you eat food that’s full of life, like fruits and vegetables, you’ll be more full of life. Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Eating healthy can do wonders for your body and soul.
  10. Take care of yourself. Listen to music that makes you happy. Start a new skin care routine. Get your hair or nails done as a treat for yourself. Take a bath. Do whatever makes you healthy that will benefit you. Remember your worth and strive to be better than the person you were yesterday.

Share this with whoever you think needs it. Let me know what you thought of this different type of post in the comments. See you soon!

xo, Liv

P.S. Special shoutout to my talented photographer friends, Maddie #closelove and Jewelia, for taking these amazing photos and Abby for her fun-loving self!

How To… Work Out Safely in Winter

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

Hey guys! The holidays have come and gone, and the time has come to get back into shape. I know that this is the hardest time of year to stay in shape and keep up a healthy diet (all those incredible leftovers). Additionally, most of us who are in high school know that midterms are just around the corner, so it’s typical to feel unmotivated. But 2017 is a brand new year, and with a few tips from yours truly, you’ll be ready in no time to break a sweat! Read on to find out how you can stay fit during this chilly time of year.

  1. Plan ahead. Plan when you’re doing your workouts and pre-prep your meals. If you schedule it, then you can plan the rest of your day around it.
  2. Find healthier alternatives. While cookies and chocolate may seem amazing at the moment, the high fat content is not. Pinterest is a wonderful tool to look up healthier options. I also love drinking green tea because it de-bloats you!
  3. Buddy up! Enlisting a friend to workout with you just once or twice a week can help you get out the door and to the gym. It’s harder to blow off a workout if you know that someone is expecting you to join them.
  4. Don’t be afraid to go outdoors. However, if you do go outside, stay visible. In the winter the days are short and you’re more likely to be walking or running in the dark. Make sure to sport reflective and/or fluorescent gear! A flashlight is also a good idea! (Always remember to walk or run against the flow of traffic.)
  5. Join yoga or some other type of personal wellness class. When you join, you are committed and more likely to follow through. Also, most classes are indoors, so you’ll stay warm and toasty!
  6. If running is your thing, forget about speed. Snow and ice can make running a challenge. Get into a rhythm that feels easy and comfortable for you! Listening to music is a great way to find your rhythm.
  7. Don’t forget to drink water! You may be less likely to drink water because of the lower temperatures outside, but it’s vital to stay hydrated!
  8. Do simple workouts inside, like jumping jacks, running on the treadmill (if you have one or if you’re a gym member), sit ups, weights, etc.

You don’t have to go hardcore when you work out, but keep in mind that anything is better than nothing. Going for a quick walk is better than sitting on the couch any day! You can even go hiking, skiing, ice skating, sledding, or any other physical winter activity!

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! Let me know down below what your New Year’s resolutions are. Talk to you soon!

xo, Liv

New Year’s Resolution Ideas

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

Hi everyone! It’s Liv, and yes, I am still alive. After taking a much needed hiatus from blogging to focus on school, I am back and better than ever with posts for you all!

So you may or may not know that I love New Year’s resolutions. To me, the new year is a time of fresh starts and positive changes. So, to kick off 2017, I have come up with a few resolutions that hopefully inspire you to make this the best year it can be! To see them, read on!

  1. Eat more fruits & veggies.
  2. Drink more water.
  3. Read more books.
  4. Eat organic and less processed foods.
  5. Spend less time on your phone.
  6. Make more friends, and get closer with your old ones.
  7. Befriend someone you know is lonely.
  8. Challenge yourself to do one thing every day that is outside of your comfort zone.
  9. Keep a journal that you can read by the end of 2017.
  10. Strengthen your relationship with your family.
  11. Wear clothes that make you happy, don’t follow the herd.
  12. Make eye contact during conversation. Chin up!
  13. Go for more walks, and take in nature.
  14. Take better care of the earth – don’t litter!
  15. Try to be a better person than you were yesterday.

Don’t forget to leave a comment down below saying your resolutions for this year. Kill it in 2017! Talk to you soon!

xo, Liv

New York Minute Photo Diary

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

Happy November everyone! Autumn is flying by without a doubt, and with winter rapidly approaching, I wanted to upload at least one more fall related post before I hear jingle bells (get excited)!

This past weekend I went into the city with my bestie, Jill. We had so much fun walking around, talking, and seeing Dead Poet’s Society, our favorite movie now an off-Broadway play! It was such a gorgeous autumnal day that we took so many pictures, and, naturally, I wanted to put them on the blog. Enjoy and stay tuned!

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Coffee to start the early day
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More coffee… and an amazing brunch at Peacefood Cafe downtown
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Peacefood Cafe
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Adorable apartment in Greenwich
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Walking around in the beautiful Greenwich Village.
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NYU- my dream school!
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Outside Classic Stage Company – the perfect OOTD for the perfect fall afternoon!
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Buildings’ fall hues bring out the best in the season.

Have you ever been to New York City before? Let me know in the comments.Follow me on instagram at @howtoliv_  if you haven’t already! See you soon!

xo, Liv

Autumn Bucketlist

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

Hi everyone, Liv here! It’s time for autumnal-themed blog posts! I wanted my first fall post to be a bucket list, so that throughout the season you could be inspired to try a few and see what other posts I may have planned. Stay tuned and read on!

Fall bucket list:

  • Go apple picking
  • Get lost in a corn maze
  • DIY fall room decor
  • Make vegan treats (pumpkin spice latte, caramel apples, s’mores)
  • Take a hike and photograph pictures of the colorful fall foliage
  • Rake leaves, make a pile and jump in (bring out your inner child!)
  • Paint and decorate pumpkins
  • Roast pumpkin seeds
  • Go on a hayride
  • Visit a pumpkin patch
  • Carve pumpkins
  • Bake a pie and/or pumpkin bread
  • Get some fall scented candles
  • Visit a haunted house (I tell myself every year I’ll do it but it never happens)
  • Watch a scary movie with kettle corn
  • Cozy up by the fireplace
  • Indulge in fall fashions (wear flannel, cozy sweaters, beanies, hats, scarves)
  • Go to or plan a Halloween party
  • Try new nail polish colors for the season (…dark nails anyone?)
  • Go to a bonfire

    How many things can you cross off in a day? My amazing friend Abby and I were able to go apple picking, visit a pumpkin patch, search for the exit in a corn maze (it took us 40 minutes!), and eat some kettle corn, all within a few hours.

Follow me on instagram @howtoliv_ to see my all of my autumnal adventures! Happy Autumn!

 

xo, Liv

How To… Stay Positive During School

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

Hi guys! So, it’s getting to that point in the summer where back to school ads appear left and right. While the mention of the dreaded “H” word (homework, obviously) may make some stomachs turn, I’m here to help you stay positive during the year! Read on to learn how!

The most important thing to remember is that you are lucky enough to go to school and get an education, as some people do not even have that luxury. I understand, however, the struggle that school brings daily. You can make it a more enjoyable experience by doing the following…

  • Find Your Squad

Your social life at school is almost as important as your education. Finding the right group of friends can help eliminate some of the stress that comes with the school year. They can help lift you up when you need it and bring some much needed fun. I love the saying, “your vibe attracts your tribe”. Embrace who you are and the right people will click and bring out the best in you.

  • Avoid Drama

This is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT things to keep in mind (especially in middle and high school). If you see drama, do your best to stay away. It’s not cool to talk about people behind their backs if you wouldn’t say it to their face. Be nice to everyone and you’ll avoid issues!

  • Join a Sport or Club

Though I’m not an athlete, many of my friends are and have met great people through sports. For me, I can say that being in chorus and drama club is amazing. It is a wonderful thing to bond with people over common interests and a great way to make new friends! Joining a team or club is a distraction from the monotony of everyday school and a great getaway where you can have fun doing what you love to do!

  • Take Caution With Romance

High school is a time where many people start dating. While that’s perfectly fine, I advise you to be careful because lots of drama can occur with love lives. Personally, I recommend spending time with your good friends (male and female) instead of worrying about boyfriends/girlfriends. It will make all the difference.

  • Go to Events Like Homecoming or Prom

I’ve seen some of my friends opt out of going to school dances because they don’t have a date or they don’t think it will be fun. You don’t have to have a date!! Go with your friends and take lots of pictures. If you go in with a positive mindset, you are sure to have a good time. You may not want to go now, but you might regret it later. Memories are made at dances so it’s really important to take it all in.

  • Find Classes You Enjoy

True, not all of your classes are going to be super enjoyable. Personally, I would rather drink pickle juice everyday for the rest of my life than do math. Try to pick classes you like and get the most out of them. Come to class with an open mind and learn as much as you can.

  • Find Your Style

High school is a period of self discovery. Finding your style is a super fun thing to do during the school year. Experiment and see what you like. You need to own it and disregard how other people judge you. P.S. If you want a back to school style guide let me know in the comments or on my instagram 🙂

  • Make The Most of Group Projects

I will be the first one to say: GROUP. PROJECTS. SUCK. I prefer doing the work myself rather than having to rely on others who may not want to do the work or I have to re-do something that was not quite to the high standards I tend to set for myself. Listen to each other. Be patient with each other. If you use each person’s strengths, it will strengthen the overall project. Then all will be well and much less stressful.

  • Enjoy The Weekends

You don’t necessarily have to go to a giant party every weekend. Spending quality time with friends when you wouldn’t normally be able to talk during school is a wonderful thing. You can go out to brunch or chill and have a movie marathon; whatever makes you happy and relaxed. The best thing is enjoying each others company.

When do you start school? Let me know in the comments below. Have an amazing year!

xo, Liv

Summer Lookbook 2016

~ ogaidry ~ 2 Comments

Hey guys, I’m back finally! I was in South Dakota for about a week, and I’ll be gone for a month in New York, so I wanted to check in before I disappeared again!!

So for today’s blog, I am doing a summer lookbook. I’m excited to show you guys the looks I put together (featuring lots of sunglasses). Enjoy!

Outfit #1: 70s Sweetheart

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Lately I’ve totally been digging the 70s vibe! I paired a printed blouse with an adorable denim button down skirt. To spice it up, I added a pair of aviators and a brown floppy hat.

Outfit #2: Comfortably Chic

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A definite go-to for errand runs, I paired a white tank with my fave black and white “hippie pants” and my silver sandals. I also wore my elephant necklace which I absolutely adore!

Outfit #3: Festival Fun

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I love this Coachella inspired outfit so much! The top is from the H&M/Coachella line and I decided to pair it with these adorable printed shorts. For footwear, I went comfortable with my white Converse. To accessorize, I added a bronze statement necklace and my favorite, Lennon-inspired sunnies!

Outfit #4: Summer DressyIMG_2536IMG_2542IMG_2554IMG_2563IMG_2567IMG_2573IMG_2577IMG_2579

I think this is the perfect outfit for a summer party! I paired a cut out top with some ripped white capris and my same silver sandals. It’s simple yet extremely elegant.

Outfit #5: Brunch Babe

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As dressy and put-together as this looks, all it takes is the perfect chambray  dress and a few cute accessories. I paired the dress with some adorable peep-toe olive heels. Finally, I added a long chain necklace and my Lennon sunnies once again.

I hope you guys get inspired to try some of these looks for the remainder of summer! Don’t forget to leave a comment of future post suggestions!

xo, Liv

Current Beauty Faves!

~ ogaidry ~ Leave a comment

IMG_1773IMG_1772IMG_1771IMG_1770IMG_1769IMG_1768Hi guys! Thought I would share some of my beauty favorites on the blog today 🙂 The past few months I have been getting more into trying out new looks with some different products, so I wanted to blog about some new faves and tell you what I think of them! Also comment down below any of your summer favorites or any post ideas! Side note: for anyone wondering, yes all the products mentioned are cruelty free so you can look fab and feel fab because no animals were harmed!

  1.  Kiss My Face Sensitive Side – This stuff is AMAZING! I have really sensitive skin so I am always trying to figure out a good sunscreen and I really really like this stuff. It’s ultra moisturizing and it’s spf 30 with an 80 minute water resistance!! Previously, I used the generic CVS Pharmacy cheap sunscreen and it’s WAY too oily for me. I always broke out all over from using it because of my skin sensitivity. I visited the drugstore a few days ago and picked this up. I made sure it was both cruelty free and vegan, and it is, which is such a score! Definitely a summer favorite!
  2. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat – My new favorite foundation! I got this at Ulta and I love it so much (especially during the summer months)! It’s oil free with a matte finish, and it has full coverage. Struggling with oily skin, it’s fantastic to see a great oil free foundation on the market.
  3. Milani Baked Bronzer in 04 Glow – I like to use this bronzer as a highlighter since it matches my skin when I get tan in the summer. It has a sheer, luminous finish that’ll make you look like a bronze goddess!
  4. Doll Eye Waterproof Mascara – What can I say? It’s a savior in the summertime. I’m always looking for a bomb waterproof mascara and I finally found it. The next time you’re headed to a beach bash but you want your lashes to stay long and gorgeous, put on a few coats of this and you are good to go!
  5. Urban Decay Naked – I love this palette! It has so many golden shimmery colors… again a go-to for the bronze summer look!
  6. Nude Passion Lipstick – I like to focus my looks around my eyes so I don’t do bold lips typically. This lipstick from bareMinerals is so perfect for an everyday shade, it’s simple and effortlessly pretty.
  7. Tahiti Island Dream – Okay, so not technically makeup but I do believe this perfume fits in the beauty category. It smells like someone traveled to a tropical island and bottled it up in adorable packaging!
  8. Mist & Set – I love using this to set my makeup! It helps my makeup stay all day which is perfect for summer!
  9. NYX Concealer Wand – I use this to brighten my under eye area and this stuff works great! I feel like my lack of sleep contributes to my dark under eye circles so I use this to help solve that problem!
  10. Milani Dolce Pink Baked Blush – Another great Milani product! It has a mirror and blush brush included which is fantastic on-the-go! Milani stays winning with their gorgeous, cruelty-free products!

What are your faves of the summer (beauty or otherwise)? What upcoming posts would you like to see? Leave a comment down below!

xo, Liv