Behind The Blog Q&A

One of my favorite things this past year of blogging has been getting to meet other blogger's.  Even though I know some about them, it's come to my realization that you may not know much about me! Sure, you can probably guess my favorites from the kind of posts I write, but you don't really know ME. Today's post is going to be all about that. 

I've asked my followers on Twitter and Instagram to send me any kind of questions they have, and I'm glad to have received many!  I've also included some FAQ on my own, to help you get to know me.  I'm glad to share some of myself with out, and without further a do, here's some little things about me!


01. Why Did You Start Blogging?
I first had the thought of blogging a few years back when my mom said to me "you should start a blog!" during one of my long rants about Broadway.  The idea has been in my head since then, and it always sounded like a bunch of fun.   I mean, doesn't it sound awesome to write about whatever you want, and perhaps even have an audience?

It was about two years ago I decided to start my own Broadway blog, sadly I had no clue how to promote it!  I had one post that was popular for about a day or two, but nothing afterwards!  I since retired that Blog, and birthed Candidly Darling.  I began this blog because I wanted somewhere to write about what I'm passionate about, and I'm so glad I've found my place to do so.  

02. What Blogging Props Do You Use?
I actually don't use much!  I've an extremely budgeted person, I don't even have a proper camera!  The only main props I really use are my iPhone 6S Plus and my Laptop!  I use a bunch of apps, which you can read about here, and edit everything on my laptop.  

I'll of course use "props" when I do product review posts, but other than those, I really don't have much.  I'm intending on hopefully getting a MacBook this Christmas, so hopefully my blogging game can improve then!



03. What is The Best Thing You Like About Blogging?

What Makes You Happy About It?

The best thing about blogging is getting to let it all out.  It's so wonderful to express yourself and have an audience.  Even if you don't have much of an audience, it's great to just write about what makes you happy!  For instance, theatre makes me insanely happy.  Nowadays you can find me writing tons about it, just because it's what I love!

What makes me happy to also getting to teach some of my readers new things.  That's why I enjoy writing blog advice posts, even my travel posts, they're often so well received.  Why you ask?  Because people love learning new things!  My NYC posts have all gotten mostly positive comments, and it makes me so happy to be able to give everyone my tips, even if they're not the absolute best!



04. Who is Your Style Icon?
I've honestly had so many style icons in my life it's unreal!  This ranges from celebrities to my friends IRL.  I really am the kind of person to base my style on others, guilty as charged, I'm not the type of person to have much confidence in my own fashion sense!

I'd say my biggest style icon is for sure, the queen herself, actress Diane Keaton.  From Annie Hall to her endless real life style (which Annie Hall actually WAS her own style!), Diane just inspires me endless. She's not afraid to go out and try new outfits, even if they are way out there sometimes!  Her confidence is one of the biggest reasons why I adore her, and I'm constantly looking up to her!



05. What is Your Best Childhood Movie?
Hands down, Anastasia.  Anastasia was very special to my late grannie and I, in ways that could be a post of its own.  Let's just say, this movie will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

If you haven't seen my praise for the Broadway show, I'm a huge fan of it, too.  If you're ever in NYC, you must go see Anastasia on Broadway!



06. What is Your Favorite Place in All of NYC?
Oh gosh, so hard!! I love everywhere in NYC, it's after all my favorite city in the whole world.  Besides the endless theatre's I love to be at (my favorites of those are The Winter Garden and New Amsterdam!), I'd say my favorite place is The Plaza Hotel.  

I always make it a routine of mine to visit every time I go to the city, and there hasn't been a time when I haven't!  It's such a beautiful place, and there's just something about it that I love to my core.



07. When Do You Plan to Move to NYC?
I've been planning this move my whole life practically haha!  I am pleased to say that I plan to move there in the summer of 2019, and I hope to my heart that I can make it work.  New York is my happy place, where my friends are, and where my opportunities are.  Moving there will complete my heart, and boy do I hope I can do it.

If you have any advice on moving to the city alone, I'd be more than happy if you could comment or email me!



08. What is Your Dream Job?
For years now my biggest dream has been to be a famous actor, on Broadway and in film.  I love Broadway with all my heart, and my reason to moving to the city is to make that dream come true!  Recently I've also been desiring to be a Broadway Dresser like my friend is.  It's a job to have whole auditioning!

A Broadway Dresser is one who is in charge of costumes for certain cast members, and they look like they have quite the fun life!



09. If You Could Travel Anywhere in The World, Where Would it Be?
My grandmother was raised in Scotland, and traveled all over the world as an adult. I've always been inspired by her to do the same.  Ever since I was little, we dreamed of going to Scotland and St. Petersburg, Russia together!  I'd have to say my top place is St. Petersburg, but I also have dreams of going to Scotland, London, and Copenhagen!



10. What's The Worst Thing About Blogging?

The worst thing about blogging is probably the pressure!  I'm always feeling pressure on whether or not my blog is good enough, and it's almost stressful.

11. Why Do You Love New York So Much?

I just love how it's so alive!  Where I have lived my whole life, it's always been nothing but boring.  New York is fun, alive, and never sleeps.  It's for sure the biggest reason why I simply love The Big Apple.  I also love how it has all Broadway shows, it's such an unlimited option to seeing a great show!

12. What's The Best Show You've Seen This Year?

The best Broadway show I've seen this year, and probably ever, is Anastasia.  Anastasia has always been very special to me, and my friend Christy Altomare starring in it, only made it a million times for amazing.  The show itself is beautiful and unique, it's truly a grown up version of the movie.

13. If You Didn't Live in America, Where Would You Live?

Probably London!  I actually was looking into London for a bit, but at the end of the day, new York is the love of my life.  I would however love to live in London one day, though.

14. What's Your Favorite Food/Recipe?
My favorite dish that I'll have at any restaurant is definitely Wedding Soup.  My favorite recipe is my grannie's Zucchini Bread recipe.



15. How Do You Stay Inspired?
I always stay inspired by listening to music!  Music always cheers me up or gets me going.

16. If You Could Change Anything About Yourself, What Would it Be and Why?
I try not to regret much, but if I could change anything, it'd definitely be my jealousy and insecurity.  I try my best not to be jealous or envious of others, but sometimes I find myself in that state.  I also am aware I put myself down a lot, and I wish I could refrain from doing so as well.



17. What's Your Favorite Quote?
"Always Be a First Rate Version of Yourself, not a Second Rate version of someone else" - Judy Garland

I hope you loves enjoyed my little Q&A!

Feel free to tweet me if you have any other questions, I'll gladly answer anyway! And come say hi on Instagram!

Sunday Chit Chat #01

Well babes, it's officially Sunday, the start of a new week.  Last week was also my last week of summer, how sad.  Did you have a wonderful week? I sure hope you did, because I was very fired this past week!  I began school, and even though I've dreaded it, my schedule doesn't seem as bad as the year prior.

I'm so excited to share my week joys with you!  Knowing my summer was ending was an eye opener, and I really was savoring every moment of summer I had left.  Last weekend I really took advantage of my last summer days with my family, including one particularly unique trip.  Here's some of my favorites to share with you today, and have an amazing week. 

01. Book Shopping
I finished The Girl on The Train within two days the other week, and it was one of my most addicting books I've ever read.  I did watch the film, and it was extremely disappointing compared to the book.  So definitely read the book instead of watching the dreadful movie.  Anyway, I went to Barnes & Noble as a result of having nothing else to read. I bought City of Bones, A Darker Shade of Magic, and Ready Player One. All books I'm so excited to read!

02. Finishing Stranger Things
I know, I'm a little late to the party.  I actually watched the first episode months ago and loved it, but I only got Netflix the other week!  I finally got around to finishing the entire series, and I am now so thrilled for season 2!

03. Amish Country
My family wanted to go to Amish Country to get my good food, and so we adventured out.  My gosh, what a change for this city girl!  It was extremely interesting, to say the least.  Seeing a different way of life was educational, and it was such a funny trip, especially since we got lost in the middle of nowhere!

We also stopped by at the Lake beforehand, which I always love doing.

04. Going Back to School
This wasn't a favorite, but it was nice to see my friends again.  It's good to start new beginnings, so therefore in a way it's good to go back to sure. I sure do miss sleeping in, though!

05. New Choker
My favorite choker brand of all time, Gagged Choker's, released a brand new collection the other week.  Gagged Choker's are created my Broadway's princess Jasmine, Courtney Reed, along with some Dresser's I know and love!  They hand make every single choker, and they all are so unique and gorgeous!  I bought the new Aladdin themed one, "Street Rat", and boy oh boy I'm madly in love with it.

11 Things Broadway Has Taught Me

If you haven't guessed it already, Broadway is my life.  Although there are lots of sappy reasons why I love Broadway there are also certain things that it has taught me.  Theatre has been a major part of my life for the past few years and there's nothing in the world that I would trade it for.  I have made so many friends and there's so many things from being in theatre and from loving Broadway.  Theatre has also had a positive impact on my life and I truly do believe that it has guided me in the right direction since I was a child.  Needless to say I would be lost without Theatre and I also know a lot of people would feel this way as well.

Today I'm going to share with you 11 things at loving Broadway and Theatre has taught me.  There's probably a ton more than I list now but these are the essential life lessons I've learned throughout my years performing.   Whether it's from the amazing people and actors I've met to simply performing onstage myself, Theatre truly is the love of my life and I'm very glad to share this with you today

1. We're All Doing The Same Thing
One time a few years ago and my very first voice class, I was extremely nervous when we were warming up our voices.   Then someone said something that I will never forget nor have I ever, "It's okay, we're all doing the same thing".  I often think about this when I'm in a nervous situation or awaiting an audition but I'm very anxious about.  You see is actors we're all doing the same thing.  We're all following our dreams and we're all willing to embarrass ourselves to achieve those dreams.  

Like the cheesy lyrics from high school musical "we're all in this together", and it's true.  

2. Being Brave
It takes an awful lot of courage to get up on that station embarrass yourself, let me tell you. this is actually one of the things I love most about performing.  For simple show you can go out on stage and be someone else, anyone else that you want.  You can create a character in an entire mindset for a completely different person than you are, and that is very special to me.  Theatre has taught me to be brave to go out and do the bold things that I would never normally do in my life

3. Strength
Performers are the most amazing people I've ever known.  Mainly because most actors have so much inner strength in themselves.  It's very painful to go to an audition and not get that audition, and often times some people may feel the need to quit performing.  But the strongest actors will keep on going and keep auditioning and auditioning again until they finally get an audition callback.  It takes an awful lot of strength not to give up.

4. You Are Special
Everyone is unique and theatre has really showed me how many people out there are so unique.  Everyone has a story, everyone has a background, and theatre really brings that all together. Theatre has also taught me that I am special and I am my own person and that I can get up on stage and be myself (along with someone else!).  

This applies to everyone, so always remember that YOU ARE SPECIAL!!

5. Be Outgoing
I have always been a very shy and timid person, and Theatre has really brought out the best of me.  Theatre has taught me to talk up more and be myself more because there is nothing more important than knowing who you are.  Sure sometimes I am a very shy person but usually when I am around my fellow theatre friends and probably the loudest person!  I'm so thankful for us Broadway and theatre making me more outgoing than I've ever been in my life.

6. Find Your Talent
You really find what you're talented out when you're performing.  Maybe you discover you're actually not a great singer after all, but rather a great actor.  You can also find out what you're comfortable doing and what you're not.  If theatre isn't your thing, it just isn't your thing there's nothing you can really do about it.  But it should encourage you to go venture out and find what you are talented at and what you are extremely passionate about, and that is the dream you should follow.

7. You Can Handle it All
Rehearsals can be long and exhausting, and theatre has really boosted my tolerance up.  You can also learn to withstand more drama and more tough situations.  Broadway in Theatre really builds you to be a stronger person than used to be.

8. Be Yourself
There's not a better place for you to truly be yourself, than when you are performing.  You really cannot be the best you can be unless you are being truly yourself.  If you aren't who you really are, then who are you?  

9. Not Everything Lasts
Whether it's post show depression, or you're really sad that your favorite show just closed, nothing ever really lasts!!  Broadway has made me really more tolerant to knowing things are more short lasting than they are long-lasting.  Although it's always wonderful to live in the moment and enjoy every second you have with what you love. One of my favorite shows on Broadway is closing next month, and boy am I going to be depressed!!

10. Stars Are People, Too
Broadway stars are honestly the most sincere and kind hearted people I know.  Sure there is rude ones now and then, but most of them are just absolutely down to earth and grateful for where they are.  I'm actually friends with a few of them and they really taught me how to not be "starstruck" so to say.  If you are ever stagedooring a show, don't be nervous to go up and talk to your favorite actor they love hearing the kind words you have to say to them!

11. It's Another Day of Sun
As a song from La La Land says, it's just another day of sun.  At the end of the day, you just have to keep doing the same thing until you get good results.  You'll wake up in the morning, try your best and follow your dreams, and that will lead you to the life that you want to live.  And when they let you down, you'll get up off the ground, the morning rolls around and it's another day of sun.

My Favorite Free Apps to Use as a Blogger

Blogging definitely requires way more than just writing up a simple post.  Whether it's from editing, planning, or even checking your stats, you're probably going to want a way to do so on the go.  For me, there's some "go to" apps I love to use as a Blogger, and I'm pleased to share them with you today!  All of the apps that I am listing below are free, and my favorites that make it just a tiny bit easier and more organized while blogging.  So here are my favorites and top picks, I recommend you try to use these if you are a Blogger!

Buffer
Buffer is an amazing app that many bloggers I know use.  It is used to schedule tweets at certain times of day, mainly to promote your blog.  You can schedule these tweets to post links to all sorts of different blog posts you've written, that way you don't have to manually do it yourself.  A great way to boost traffic!

Preview
Preview is another great planning app that I use, only instead of Twitter, it's used for Instagram.  It's setup is exactly the same as Instagram, that way you can test a certain theme to see if it works with the rest of your photos or not.

Bloglovin
There's always a conflict with who loves Bloglovin and who doesn't, I personally love the app.  It's a great way to follow your favorite bloggers and see all their new posts on the go.  The app actually did have some controversy over traffic for bloggers in the past, but I still enjoy to use it anyways. You can also connect your blog to your account and your posts with go directly to it after you post something new.  You can also follow my Bloglovin to keep up with my latest Blogpost's here!

Wordpress
I recently switched from Wordpress to Blogger for various reasons, but before I did, I used the Wordpress app a lot.  I'm rarely at home much, so it was very easy to write up a post on my phone and save it in my drafts through the app.  It is also a great way to check your stats if you have a blog through Wordpress!

Twitter

Twitter in my opinion is the best app you can use as a Blogger.  You can be yourself, engage with other Blogger's, and boost your traffic.  It is such a fun app and community to be a part of, and there's all types of solutions to getting more traffic for your Blog.  My personal favorite way to engage is taking part in various Blogger Chat's, and I've even hosted a few myself.  If you would like me to do a more detailed post on how I get my Blog across various platforms, comment below!  You can also follow me on Twitter here.

My Top Dining Spots in New York City

I have eaten at many different types of places and situations in the Big Apple, from sit down restaurants to on the go hot dog stands.  You really have to teach yourself what's good and what's not, this is very important to having the best eating experience in the city.  These places I am listing are one's that I have personally been to, but there are plenty and lots of other great spots in New York, I encourage you to research them if you plan on visiting the city!

IL Cortile - Little Italy

I had the pleasure of dining in this restaurant during my last year's summer trip to the city.  It is located right in the heart of Little Italy, and I went after a "shopping" experience in China Town, which is not far at all.  This restaurant is pure and homemade Italian, with a real memorable sauce.  I myself ordered the Chicken Parmesan, which I remember being delicious.  Though, this is a very traditional joint, be weary.  I happened to check my phone after I finished with my family, and one of the waiter's did remind me of the dinner manors!

Joe's Pizza - West Village

Now this tiny joint in West Village, has been my top favorite pizza spot of all time!  It is a very tight and crammed place, as most pizza joints in the city are!  The pizza is absolutely incredible, and any lines you have to wait in is worth it!  If you are a lover of New York pizza (and lets face it, who isn't?) then this is definitely the place of your dreams.  There is also a little park right across from the joint that is a lovely spot to relax!

Lombardi's Pizza - Lower Manhattan

Lombardi's was founded in 1905, which gives it the title of the very first pizzeria in the United States!  This restaurant serves the best of Neapolitan pizza, and it is one of the finest places in the city that I've been to.  This is a classic that you must try at some point during your New York experience, to get to have the original New York pizza!

Junior's Restaurant and Bakery - Midtown

Junior's is known as the perfect spot to have a bite before seeing a Broadway show, mainly because it is located in the heart of most Broadway theatre's.  I was actually waiting until intermission of Hello, Dolly! (which is in view of Junior's literally) let out because I was going over to pick up playbills.  I decided to stop and have a bite at Junior's.  I had a delicious hamburger, along with the most amazing piece of cheesecake ever.  If you ever visit, you must try the strawberry cheesecake!

Majestic Diner - Midtown

Now this is much more of a breakfast option, but it is an option.  The Majestic Diner was a block down from my hotel, so I stopped there to eat in the morning.  I had the most delicious trench toast, and they had plenty of other delicious looking items on their menu!  I highly suggest it if you need a quick but good breakfast.