Catching Up

Well, hello, everyone!  I'm so sorry about the lack of posting.  The end of the semester and Christmas season got the best of me and I neglected this little spot.  I just thought I would give a little update today and let you know I'm still functioning (mostly).

Probably the biggest thing was I finished my first semester of graduate school!  I'm so happy to be on break and get re-energized for the next semester.  This is the first time since high school I've had a job and worked, so it definitely took some getting used to.  I learned a lot in and out of the classroom and I hope I can learn from my mistakes this semester and improve.

Also, CHRISTMAS!  I had so much fun this year spending time with family.  My mom's side always has a big gathering on Christmas Eve.  This was the first year Gordon got to see the madness that happens when all the younger kids open their gifts.  It was hilarious and reminded me of how enthusiastic I would be about new toys and goodies when I was that age.  I was very spoiled Christmas morning (anyone want a post on that?) and it was great to relax and enjoy the day.

I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday so far!  Tell me what you've been up to in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

(Also, yes, that is me in a onesie holding a Skyhook.  If anyone knows that video game I will love you forever.)

  

Color of the Season: Red!

Hello, everyone!  For the month of December, a color that seems to pop up more and more is red.  I'm a big fan of this shade all year round, but the Christmas season definitely begs for more of this color.  I decided to make a list of a few of my favorite red things.  There's a bit of everything here, so I hope you enjoy!

Essie in Russian Roulette
This is a classic red shade I adore.  It doesn't lean towards the cool or warm side of the red spectrum, it is just good 'ol red.  As with all Essie nail polishes, it goes on smoothly and gives a great finish after two coats.  I also love that there is no sparkle or glitter in this, making it much easier to wear.

Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner in 69
I just recently picked this up and I absolutely love it.  I also chuckled at the name because I'm still a 13-year-old.  Anyway, it works well under the red lipsticks I have that match this shade.  I have also worn this on its own for a more matte effect.  It doesn't dry out my lips either, which is always good!

OPI Nail Polish in Dear Santa
Now, this polish is for those of you who want a little sparkle and glam to your nails.  This is a classic Christmas Party nail color that I will definitely be rocking at some point this month.  I love OPI polishes because they are so easy to apply and last for several days without chipping.  This color is a bright red with a bit of gold shimmer that is absolutely divine to look at.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Very Cherry

This is the best drugstore red lipstick I own.  It has a very creamy and moisturizing formula with a very slight shine.  It is incredibly pigmented for a drugstore product and works like a dream.

Dress- Anthropologie
I got this dress a few years ago when I stopped in a London Anthropologie.  As soon as I saw it on the rack, it was love at first sight.  It hugs my figure in all the right places without being a full bodycon dress.  Also, the little bows on the side are such a cute detail.  I love wearing this with nude heels and a classic trench coat.  Unfortunately, they do not make this dress anymore, but the link above will give you a better idea of what it looked like so if you want something similar you can hunt around for it!

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape
When I first opened this in a Sephora gift set I was terrified of it.  It is a really  bright red/pink color in the pot.  Do not fear, grab a stippling brush that is near! (Oh, God, that was awful)  I barely tap my Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Contour Brush into the pot and then dab this onto my cheeks.  It gives the perfect just-came-in-from-the-cold flush and will look divine on so many skin tones.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Strawberry
Oh my goodness, this scent is amazing.  I don't usually go for really fruity scents, but I loved this too much to pass it up a few months ago.  I always use body butters during the winter because the skin on my legs dries out slightly (especially after shaving).  The scent is very intense when you first put it on, but after a few minutes it much more mild and wearable.   

Rebecca Minkoff Bag
My mom actually found this beauty hiding in a TJ Maxx.  Go figure!  I don't mind the "B" on the front since my last name is Bell.  This was my first Rebecca Minkoff bag and since then I've been hooked.  It's surprising how much stuff I can fit in there since it doesn't look too big!  It is made so well and puts up with my hectic life beautifully.  

What are your favorite red beauty products?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

Christmas Traditions

I'm finally writing a Christmas post!  I absolutely adore this time of year.  Everyone seems to be in such high spirits and it's absolutely contagious.  The first few weeks of December are always busy since I'm studying for finals, but I thought I would take a little break (more like procrastinate) and share with you my favorite Christmas traditions.  And, yes, that is a Hello Kitty ornament. :]

Empties!

Well, hey there, everyone!  I don’t know if anyone else has this problem, but when I run out of products, I seem to run out of several at once.  It feels great when I use something up because I’m such a hoarder when it comes to beauty products.  I feel like I can also give a more in depth review of something after I’ve used up the entire thing.  So, without further or do, here’s my product empties!

Fresh- Soy Face Cleanser

I got a sample of this several years ago as a 100 point perk from Sephora.  I was in need of a new cleanser and thought I would give this a try.  Since then, I have not used another cleanser.  This is a gel-like cleanser that lathers beautifully.  It’s suitable for all skin types and even removes makeup!  I usually use this after my cleansing balm to make sure my skin is makeup-free.  It does a great job of removing everything I need it to without stripping my skin of moisture.  I would highly recommend picking this up!

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Just as a warning, my review of this product is going to sound a bit odd.  I love this specific can because it does not leave a white cast.  The smell is also amazing and not overpowering.  However, I find after several days of using this there is a distinct build-up of residue in my hair.  Batiste in general is a great brand because the product is around $7 and does do the job well.  However, if you want a dry shampoo that is a little lighter, I would go for something else.

RImmel Fix and Perfect Primer

The only way to describe this product is a shrug of my shoulders and say, “Eh.”  I liked the texture; thick with a definite silicone feel.  Unfortunately, I do not feel it does a good job of extending the wear of my foundation.  Since my skin is on the oily side, I need something a little more heavy duty than this.

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream

I got this little wonder in my ipsy glam bag a few months ago.  The smell is very spa-like.  It's fresh and light with a hint of floral notes.  This absorbs fairly quickly and does a wonderful job at keeping my hands soft.  I won’t be running out to buy it soon since I have so many hand creams to get through, but I would definitely recommend this.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

Everyone in the beauty world has talked about this at some point or another.  It really is worth the hype.  It smells wonderful, works well, and this tiny bottle is great for travelling.  This stuff is a little too intense for my face, but it works splendidly on the ends of my hair.  Since my hair is thin, I get split ends very easily.  (Random Tangent: Looking at split ends under the microscope is horrifying.  Would not recommend for the faint of heart.)  Using this every time I wash my hair has helped with that and adds some needed hydration.  It is very expensive, so depending on your budget, that can be a con.

Not Pictured: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash- PinkGrapefruit

Something I have struggled with since my teens is body acne.  It’s not something anyone likes to admit they have, but it happens.  I have been using this stuff on and off since high school.  I love the pink grapefruit smell and it lathers beautifully in the shower.  I have found that this product does not fix current breakouts, but helps prevent future ones from happening.  I use this everyday and it does not dry out my skin.

Aaaaand, that's it!  What are some of your recent empties?  Would you recommend them?

Until next time!

Rachel

Giving Thanks

I know most of us are in the full swing of Christmas season, but I want to take it back a bit before I jump on the bandwagon.

This past weekend was Thanksgiving here in the US.  I had all of these grand photo ideas to go with blog posts, instagram, and twitter.  Gordon and I were on pie duty and I wanted to photograph our success and/or struggle with the recipe.  I also wanted to write a nice post for Thanksgiving Day talking about all the people in my life I appreciate.  As you can see, I did none of that. 

I’ve seen a few bloggers talk about “switching off.”  Sometimes we get so caught up in our online life that it’s hard to be present in real life.  I think it’s so important to take some time to be with those you love and do the things you love without feeling the need to document every second.  Now, don’t get me wrong, making a permanent record of certain memories is very valuable.  It’ll be fantastic to look back on those photos or blog posts when you’re older and remember details that may have been otherwise lost.  There are times, however, where our full attention is needed.  We can’t spend 20 minutes setting up a shot or picking the perfect filter.  Take moments as they come, the good and the bad, and fully experience them.

I will cherish the moments I had this weekend with Gordon and my family.  The conversations, the meals, and all of the love that was felt was incredible.  Even the boring moments where I was doing work and Gordon was keeping me company were amazing.

So, I challenge all of you lovely people to look up from your screens and log out of your social media accounts.  There’s a big world out there for the taking.

Until next time!

Rachel

Whistle While You Work

Image Source

This weekend was rather dull for me.  I have an exam (tonight, actually!) and spent most of the weekend studying.  With finals season about to hit, it seems that all of my professors are piling on exams and last minute assignments before we completely give ourselves over to studying day and night.  

Coming up with a proper method for studying has taken me a long time to figure out.  At times, it was an extremely frustrating process.  Why was I not retaining information that my classmates effortlessly did?  What was I doing wrong?  My grades would suffer because I did not have a method that worked for me.  So, this post is for anyone out there who is in this situation and needs a little guidance.  I have been in your shoes and I hope my advice helps!

Environment

Where I study or do homework is the biggest factor for me.  Do you like having background noise like music or a television show?  Do you like being comfy on the couch or at a desk?  Are you too distracted at home and need to go out?  Take the time to figure out what works best for you.  Personally, I like a relatively quiet setting.  I'm usually at my dining room table with soft music on in the background.  I love going on Songza and listening to the Classical for Studying Plasylist (how fitting!).  Also, for anyone who has Spotify, Erik Satie is a wonderful pianist with simple and calming melodies.  These are great options for those of us who need some background noise, but don't want anything too distracting.

Method

This was the hardest thing for me to figure out.  Do you need to take an active role in studying (retaking notes) or a passive role (rereading your notes)?  I found that an active role works best for me.  I need to take two sets of notes; one during lectures and the other from the textbook.  I will then compare the two and see if anything from the book was not covered in lecture.  Then, I'll combine my sets and rewrite them.  That may seem tedious, but rewriting my notes really solidifies everything for me.  If you're not too keen on that, writing important terms on flashcards is another great method.  Study groups are also a great way to review information.  Asking each other for clarification on a tough topic or "quizzing" each other is a great way to get a deeper understanding of the material.

Take a Break!

If you find that you're falling asleep on top of your notes or have read the same line 5438345 times, it's time to relax.  Take a few minutes to catch up on blogs, text your friends so they know you're alive, or get a snack to help you recharge.  You need to be diligent about your breaks, however.  If you only need 15 minutes, do not get distracted and turn that into an hour.  That has happened to me more times than I care to admit.  If I take a break for too long, it's so hard for me to get back in the swing of things.  No matter how long your break is, do not feel guilty about it.  Not everyone can study for three hours with no break.  We're not machines, after all!

I hope these tips make studying a little more bearable!  Work hard, take a deep breath, and go in with a positive attitude.  You will rock. :]

What are your study tips?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

Review: ipsy November Glam Bag!

Hello, there!  One thing I love about the beauty world is the ability to try so many different things without having to buy the full size of a product.  Most beauty stores have some kind of rewards system where you get to try a mini or deluxe size of a product (mostly) guilt free.  It's such a great way to expose yourself to different brands and break out of your comfort zone without the commitment of a whole new product.

That's also why I'm a huge fan of mail beauty services like Birchbox and ipsy.  In case you aren't familiar with these types of services, you are able to customize what type of products you would like to try.   You can get skincare, hair care, makeup, or even snacks in these boxes.  Each month you will get a variety of samples sent right to your door!  The mail services vary in price to fit every budget, even us broke post-college girls.  

I have been an ipsy subscriber since August and I have really enjoyed it so far.  I love the variety of products you get in each bag.  Most of the brands I get I have not heard of, which is exactly what I want out of a beauty mail service.  I love anything that enables my addiction. ;]

Anyway, after all that blabbering, let's get on to the review!

The Bag

Every month, ipsy sends the products in a different makeup bag.  While I love this idea, the bags can be very hit or miss for me.  I understand it's hard to cater to thousands of people's tastes, but I was a tad disappointed in this month's bag.  The silver glitter with bright pink seems a little tacky.  The bag itself is decent, I'm just not a fan of the design.

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray
I haven't used this enough to give a full review, but I have enjoyed it so far.  The smell is amazing and doesn't leave my hair feeling crunchy or sticky.  Has anyone tried this?

J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint in Mad Splatter

As soon as I took this product out of the bag I gasped.  The color is stunning.  It's a perfect dark magenta color that can be built up to look a little more on the purple end of the spectrum.  They remind me of the OCC Lip Tars in terms of the packaging and consistency.  Not sure if the staying power matches up as well, but this product still lasts a long time.

Starlooks Gem Pencil in Ultra Olive

Now, don't be intimidated by the name like I was.  I was afraid the color would be too yellow for me and make my eyes look all weird and zombiefied.  My goodness, I was wrong.  This liner is so pigmented and shimmery that I can't even.  Yes, white girl can't even level.  I'm also pretty sure this is a full size which is a nice plus!

SeaRx Birchsap Moisturizing Lotion
This product is a tad confusing.  It says on the tube that I should not put it on my face, but various things online are saying that's okay.  Just to be safe, I have only been using this on my hands.  It has a lovely mild smell and absorbs incredibly fast into the skin.  I like it well enough, but it's not something I will be running out and buying the full size of. 

it Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye in Neutral Medium
I have always wanted to try this product so I was really happy to see this in my bag!  This is an incredibly thick concealer that works well under the eyes and on other areas of the face.  Even though the tube is super small, you only need the tiniest amount of this stuff.  It has wonderful staying power and matches my skin tone really well.

All in all, I really liked this month's bag of goodies.  Are you a subscriber to any mail beauty services?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

Tutorial: Everyday Fall Look

Well, hello there, everyone!  I hope you all are having a great week so far!  I'm back today with my everyday Fall makeup routine.  I've been really into champagne eyes and pink/berry lips.  I think that combination works really well this time of year without being too intense.  If you want to see how I do my makeup on a daily basis, keep reading after the jump!

A Cherished Bond

I'm going to be honest with you all, I have gone through so many introduction drafts for this post it's overwhelming.  After all of the metaphors and images I could craft with words, there is only one way to properly start this post: 

The bonds that you make throughout your life should always be cherished.

Seems a tad obvious, I know.  There are times in life where we get a bit lost in our own world.  Our schedules are filled with appointments, obligations, and responsibilities that often leave us drained by the end of the day.  There are times where after a day of classes and work I just want to go to bed and sleep until the cycle needs to start again.  This past weekend, I was able to put down my weekly planner and reconnect with an old friend.

I drove to Virginia to see a childhood friend of mine.  I have known her since the first grade, which makes this a whopping 16 year friendship.  During the college application madness in high school, I knew one of her top choices was a school in Virginia.  Several months later, when I heard she was accepted to that school, I was a mix of ecstatic and selfishly upset.  My best friend was going to school in another state, hours away from me.  I had no idea how to maintain a friendship with that amount of space between us.  I was always terrible at keeping in touch with people who moved away or did not go to the same school as me.  The last thing I wanted was to lose touch.  

It did not take as much work as you would think.  Phone calls, texts, sending stupid pictures (usually of cats) through Facebook or email, and the occasional surprise visit was all it took.  I realized we did not need to talk every day.  All we had to do was make time for each other.  I understand not all friendships work the way mine does, but the point of this post still applies to everyone.  Make time for those who mean the most.

It's easy to get lost in our own lives.  It's just as easy to take a moment and appreciate those around you.

Until next time,

Rachel

October Favorites!

Another month has gone by all too quickly.  I don't know about you guys, but I had a great month.  I've gotten into a groove between school and work, got in some great quality time with loved ones, and, of course HALLOWEEN.

In terms of favorites, this month is all about rediscoveries.  Even though I did a haul a couple of posts ago, I have been pretty well behaved (sort of) in terms of buying new makeup.  So, let's get on to my (first!!) monthly favorites!

Recovery Nights

Everyone has busy weeks that require a fair amount of recovery.  With Halloween weekend came three parties, all of which were amazing.  However, after several days of only a few hours sleep and a hangover resembling the movie "Drumline", I needed something to help me bounce back.  Here is my routine for a recovery night.

Glamorous Vampire Halloween Tutorial

Well, hello everyone!  I'm sorry about my absence; school life got crazy with the midterm season.  Now that I'm all finished with that, I thought I would bring you a tutorial in time for Halloween!  This is for anyone who wants a more glamorous look on the wonderful night of mischief.  If you want to know how to get this look, keep reading after the jump!

An Accidental Haul

It was the typical situation: "Oh, let me pop into Sephora and get that one thing I need." Then I get to the register with six things in my basket.  Wait, how did those get there?!  And when did I get a basket...?

So, I thought I would share my accidental haul with you all.

Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop Eyestick (On the Verge)- To be fair, I have been eyeing these little beauties for a while.  This is a cream-like eyeshadow that comes in a stick form.  I love that it's a twist-up so I don't have to worry about sharpening it.  All of them are stunning with amazing pigmentation.  The one I chose is described as a "iced grape shimmer."  It's a lovely shade, perfect for those who want an Autumnal eye look but are a little apprehensive about super dark shades.

Urban Decay Flushed Palette (Naked)- It is impossible for me to go in Sephora and not walk out with something from Urban Decay.  This brand is so solid and I've never gotten anything from them I didn't like.  This palette did not disappoint!  I have a hard time with bronzers because of my skin tone.  I'm not super pale and I'm definitely not dark enough to be considered medium.  This bronzer does a great job with warming up my complexion without making me look like a dirty Oompa Loompa.  The blush and highlight shades are also stunning.

NARS Audacious Lipstick (Raquel)- I was in the checkout line (so close...) and remembered Fleur de Force saying she had just picked these up.  So, Fleur, if you ever read this I'm blaming this purchase on you.  Not gonna lie, part of me picked this shade because it was as close to "Rachel" as I was going to get.  Despite vanity being part of why I picked this shade, it is a beautiful color.  It's a pinky beige with a satin finish.  It also gets major bonus points for not drying my lips out.  

Benefit It's Potent! Eyecream- This was the reason I was in Sephora.  I had a sample of it a few months ago and loved it.  I had other eye creams I needed to use up first, so I held off on getting it.  I use this at night and I have started to notice a reduction in fine lines and dark circles.  Nothing major yet, but progress is always good!

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara- This was my 100 Point Perk for the day.  I've never tried any mascaras from Marc Jacobs and I'm very impressed with this so far.  It gives wonderful separation to my lashes as well as great volume and length.  The best part: It doesn't smudge on my lower lashes!  Thank you, tiny Buddha.  

Share your accidental splurge stories below and tell me about anything you've been eyeing up at Sephora!

Until next time,

Rachel

Perk Up, Honey

As I sit and type these are the things closest to me/on me: I am wrapped in a fuzzy white robe with two blankets on my legs, cold water, throat lozenges, a constantly growing pile of tissues, and reruns of old British detective TV series.  Sounds super attractive, right?  This, ladies and gents, is what happens when I get sick.  Since I am very well acquainted with the common cold (I swear I get it, like, 8 times a year), I decided to list my tricks for recovery as well as some "sick day makeup" tips.

• It is okay to stay home.  I know this seems obvious, but for a workaholic like me pushing myself to the limit is all I do.  Challenging myself to do better and be better was how I got through undergraduate.  This method can be productive, but it can also set you several days back on the road to recovery.  Your bosses, friends, and professors will understand if you need a day off.  More often than not, the best medicine is a day of rest and relaxation.

• Keep the makeup light.  If you absolutely have to go out, save the dramatic eyes and lips for another day.  Tinted moisturizer, concealer, powder (if you need it), brows, blush, and mascara are the only things I bother with.  Even though that sounds like a lot, it takes me less than five minutes to put all this on.  Occasionally, I will put on some highlighter to give my skin a little more life.

• When you think you've had enough water, drink one more glass.  This is something I've had to learn the hard way.  It may sound odd, but I do not get thirsty very often.  I have to think about keeping myself hydrated even when I'm not sick.  Water is so important because it helps flush those nasty toxins out of your body.  The last thing you need on top of your other symptoms is dehydration, so drink up!

• Give your skin a little TLC.  Even though I have combination skin, I pick a moisturizer that is slightly more... moisturizing.  (Was that redundant?)  My nose area especially needs this since it gets dry from constant contact with tissues.  Lately I've been using the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream Moisturizer, making sure to use a little extra around any areas that are particularly dry.  This stuff is great because it gives me that moisturized feeling without feeling like a grease monkey.

These are my main tips, but please share yours in the comments!  I hope all of you are well and stay healthy!

Till next time,

Rachel

Travel Makeup!

Since I mentioned I went on a little trip in my last post, I thought I would talk about the makeup I brought with me.

It was a bit difficult packing for this since I wanted to be able to do a heavy concert look as well as a light everyday look.  When picking out the products to take, I found I was picking things that I knew would work and have tried multiple times.

The Base
Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Primer- I desperately need to go buy a full size version of this.  It's a bit of a strange texture that's hard to explain.  It doesn't have that super silicone feel (which I don't mind) and it dries to a more matte finish.  It works well with all of my foundations which can be a problem for me with some other primers.

Rimmel's Match Perfection (True Ivory)- Remember how I said about six lines ago I picked tried and true products?  I'm about to contradict myself.  I bought this foundation earlier that day to try out.  I'm sure most of you know about this/have it, so you know that it is a great product.  I was able to build it up to medium-full coverage for the concert and sheer it out for the everyday look.  All in all, I love it!

Bobbi Brown's Corrector (Porcelain Peach)- I bought this a few weeks back and I have completely fallen in love with it.  As you will see in future posts, I struggle with dark circles and this really helps tone down that darkness.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Fair)- Even though I'm based in the US, I had a friend who lives in Ireland mail this to me since the UK blogging/YouTube scene loves it so much.  I like it, but I do find it can crease under my eyes if I wear it for too long.  It is great for covering blemishes or areas that need extra coverage the foundation didn't give.

Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder (Transparent)- This stuff is sent from the heavens for people like me with combination/oily skin.  It's a drugstore price with a high end result.  I'll sing this powder's praises until the end of time.

Benefit Dallas Blush- I love using this product as a blush as well as an interesting contouring technique.  The muted plum/purple tone of this blush is what makes it work for a contour.  For the concert I put this right below where I would normally put blush and it gave such a nice effect.

The Eyes
Lorac Pro Palette- This is the perfect travel palette for me with a row of matte shades and a row of shimmer shades.  The combinations are endless for this palette and the super sleek structure makes it easy to travel with.  I won't ramble too much about this since you all have probably heard other people sing its praises.  Count me in on that choir.

Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner (Black)- Ever since I bought this, I haven't used any other liquid eyeliner.  It lives up to its name and does not budge until you decide to wash it off.  Perfect for the concert in the hot venue!

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Duo- When it comes to mascaras, I go through phases.  Right now I'm feeling the I-want-my-lashes-to-look-like-falsies-all-the-time phase.  This gets the job done.  As a word of caution, I will say this can sometimes make your lashes sticky.  I found that putting the white mascara on the middle to tip of the lash works better than going from root to tip.  That might just be me, but I thought I'd pass the knowledge on!

Tying It Together
Anastasia's Brow Whiz (Soft Brown)- I don't think there's a blog out there that hasn't talked about this product.  This amazing brow pencil is worth all of the hype and the shade selection is perfect.

MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick- This is one of my only MAC lipsticks and I use it constantly.  It is a peachy colored cremesheen formula that pairs well with almost any look.

Now that you've read this novel of a post, what are your travel makeup essentials?  Comment below and share!

Until next time!
-Rachel

Mini Vacation

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I took a trip to Philadelphia to see the amazing BANKS perform.  Not only was it an amazing concert, but the entire weekend was absolutely lovely.  It was a much needed mini vacation after a long week of work and academic responsibilities.

There is something special about walking around an unfamiliar place.  Philly reminded me of a smaller New York City.  It's lively, with lots of unique shops, bars, and great hang out spots, but it's not as intense as NYC.  Everyone moves at a more relaxed pace, which was just what I needed.  We spent a fair amount of time walking around Rittenhouse Square and exploring the alleys that branched off of it.  Everyone we spoke to was so friendly that we were almost taken aback by it.  I guess that's why they call it the City of Brotherly Love, eh?

I would absolutely love to go back and explore it even more (and take more pictures!) since we only had 1.5 days there.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia?  Are there any places you've been wanting to travel to?

We'll chat soon!
-Rachel

PS- How adorable is that coffee shop name in the first picture?!

An Introduction

Well, hello there!

I'm glad you managed to stumble on over to my little blog.  Let me introduce myself to you.  My name is Rachel and I am a very recent college graduate (Yay Class of 2014!).  In this blog I plan to ramble chat about pretty much anything that seems interesting.  Beauty, skincare, life chats, movie reviews... who knows!  So, please, stay a while and lets get to know each other.

Since I'm new at this, any blogger veterans out there that have any advice to give would be much appreciated. :]

We'll chat soon.

~Rachel