What I'm Loving Wednesday

GIVEAWAYS!

Fat to fabulous.. is giving away an amazingly cute Kate Spade thermos! Um, I need this, like, now. Soo go check out her blog but DON'T ENTER SO I CAN WIN IT! Just kidding you can enter.. I guess. :)

College Prepster is giving away a Marley Lilly Monogrammed necklace. Also something I die for. The pewter flourish pendant? Gimme dat.

Coffee at Nordstrom is giving away a Vera Bradley jewelry case. So cute!! Go support one of my blogging besties. :)

I've been planning my giveaway for 200 followers! It should be up later this week. I am SO excited!

Presentations = done.

I've had 2 presentations this week. Now that they are over, it marks the end of those 2 classes for me. I'm also finished with my International Marketing class and only have 2 finals next week and I am DONE with my last Fall semester. But I am really excited about it because I can't wait to be on Winter Break!

Source: seasonal-love.tumblr.com via Julianna on Pinterest

Sweatshirts, fuzzy socks, scarves, and UGGS (around the house).

Necessary for the freezing cold weather we have now. Where did that come from?? Sunday/Monday started out in the 70's.. now it's in the 30's. Not cool, weather. But thank God for warm clothes! And coffee.

Miranda is perfect!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Just what I needed to jump start my work out every day, eat nothing diet! Just kidding. Kind of.

Adobe Illustrator

I've been teaching myself the basics of Graphic Design.. at least for the blog world. And it has been SO fun! If any of you design your own stuff, or know of any websites that are helpful in this endeavor please let me know! I love learning more, and finding new resources, and learning more. :)

This picture.

Source: tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

No words.

(Okay I have a couple. 1) Rob 2) I honestly thought this was one of those from AwkwardFamilyPhotos..)

ONE WEEK LEFT OF SCHOOL
And I'm free. Yipeeee.

Top 5 Tuesday: November Favorites

First off, I HAVE 200 FOLLOWERS! This is amazing! I will have a 200 follower giveaway up sometime this week. :) You guys are AWESOME!!



Grab your own button!

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Hoping I don't find a new favorite tomorrow then this list will be a lie! :) This could quite possibly be the most random list of favorite items ever published.. don't believe me? Just wait..

1. Coffee

This is my lovely coffeemaker. It's a Melitta One:One Single Serve Coffeemaker and you use little individual pods to make a single cup of coffee. Last year around this time, I bought 4 (yes 4) packs of  16 pods.. let's do some math here.. 4 x 16 = 64 cups. I still have 2.5 boxes left, but it is slowly weaning away. The flavor coffee pod I drink is vanilla flavored, then I add some (okay, a lot) vanilla coffee creamer, and a little dash of milk. SO good, I even drink it at like 10 at night. It doesn't affect my sleep, luckily. A hot cup or travel mug of coffee makes ANY cold day better.

2. Socks

I've always been a plain white, low ankle kinda girl. But I got a free pair of socks from J.Crew that are just the cutest. Then I participated in a sock swap and Melissa sent me these lovely Ralph Lauren socks that I've been wanting! Add in the cold winds and the exceptional rain we had yesterday and those socks REALLY came in handy. I've even been wearing them to bed (but always wake up with them on the floor).

3. Bath & Body Works Hand Lotion

The Dark Kiss Shea Cashmere Hand Cream from Bath & Body Works has been a lifesaver the past couple weeks. The cold and wind has been destroying my hands and I've had to apply this a couple times a week to keep my cuticles from peeling. Not to mention this stuff smells AWESOME and the scent stays on you for hours. Even my boyfriend said "Wow, your hands smell good!" and he pretty much hates every scent I wear.

4. Hot Tools Curling Iron

My Hot Tools Ceramic 1 1/2 inch curling iron. I don't curl my hair TOO often, but I think I curled it more in the 2nd half of November than I have for at least the past 6 months. I figured out the perfect way technique for curling and I've been loving the curls.. especially on the second day! Still looking for that perfect hair spray but waiting to try out the Moroccan Oil kind from my great friend Kels. :) I definitely recommend this curling iron to anyone looking for one because I have tried MANY curling irons and this is most definitely the best one.

5. CHI Silk Infusion

This month I didn' t use a lot of product in my hair. After getting out of the shower, I would just put my leave-in conditioner in and then this. I was even using this before straightening my hair when I couldn't find my Tresemme heat protectant. I've always loved this stuff. It smells so good, smooths my hair out, and makes it so soft and shiny. This is definitely a staple product.

I can't wait to read all of your Top 5 Tuesdays! :) Thanks for participating!

Christmas 2011 Gift Guide: Men

Christmas Gift 2011: Men by rachelrx featuring Forzieri

P.S. Tomorrow's theme for Top 5 Tuesday is November Favorites!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

LinkyTools Messed Up My Linkup!

So LinkyTools decided to tell me my free account wasn't really free today. And it decided to tell me when I come to look at the list so I can read all of your lists!! So what I'm going to do is 1. never use LinkyTools again 2. post the list of people who linked up here. I am so sorry if anyone tried to linkup and couldn't, or if you came to look at people's posts and couldn't see them! Ya live and ya learn. THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who participated.. record number. :)

Classy Southern Charm

Everyday AEM

Flip Flops and Combat Boots
Check... One... Two... Three

Page: Twenty-Two

Mommy Musings

Katy @ Brown Eyed Girl

Heart Like Mine

Sarah @ Simply Sarah

The Bluegrass Belle

The Friendliest Flower

Anna @ Adventures of a Type-A

Peaches & Pearls

Rebecca @ Southern Bliss

Allie @ Creativity & Cardigans

Charlotte @ From Carolina Cotton to Illinois Corn

One Fine Day

Mine to Live... With Faith, Hope, Love, and Coffee

Elena @ PinkZin

Emily @ Life of Emily

My New Wife Life

Sweet Carolina Girl

Sweet City Love

Ali @ West of Prep

College Contemplations

Sunni @ Pearls and Curls

Whitney of Washington

Trainin to be a Texan

If you'd like to still participate please linkup here! :)

Thank you for your patience. :)

Top 5 Tuesday: Thanksgiving

Before we begin this week's Top 5 Tuesday, I would like to thank all of you who have participated so far! I never knew this link-up would grow so fast!! I am so proud of it and all of you for being such great supporters of my blog! To help y'all out some more, I made a survey so I can learn what works best for you in terms of getting the topic out, getting more ideas, and how I can improve. I would greatly appreciate if you would fill it out, it will only take a couple seconds. :) Thank you so much!

I will make my announcements on my Twitter and my Facebook, so please make sure you follow me on both of those sites! :)



Grab your own button!

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This week I'm highlighting my favorite things about Thanksgiving.

1. Food

Thanksgiving dinner is literally my favorite meal. I wish Thanksgiving dinner happened once a month. I can honestly say everything I eat on Thanksgiving is one of my favorite foods. My plate looks something like this:

Thanksgiving Meal by rachelrx on polyvore.com

And yes, I made that on Polyvore. Yes, I had some time on my hands.

2. Family
This was a couple Thanksgivings ago.. probably one of the last times we took a family portrait, haha. But I really miss my family when I'm at school and since they only visit Athens once or twice a semester, I like being able to spend a whole week with them at home.
Unfortunately, this year we didn't get to spend time with any of our extended family because my mom had to work at the last minute. :(

3. Games/Football
There's just something about being stuffed with food, then laying on the couch watching football. I think it's an American tradition and without it Thanksgiving just wouldn't feel right! After all, football as background noise to a nap is one of my favorite things - especially when it's my home state Detroit Lions playing! My family also plays games like Apples to Apples, Cranium, etc. frequently during the holiday seasons. We may even have a game night with friends this year.

4. Black Friday
I. Love. Black Friday shopping! There's just something about staying up all night, getting coffee at 10pm and waiting in the freezing cold hoping some crazy stampede may happen (not involving you) and racing around to get deals before everyone else. Last year (and for the past 4 years) I've gone to the outlet mall to get some good deals. This year, since Target is opening at midnight instead of 2/3/4 (whatever time it opened last year), I think I will skip the outlet mall and head to Target. I obviously don't need to partake in J.Crew's Black Friday since I can get that stuff whenever! So Target it is. Post on all the Black Friday deals coming tomorrow!

5. Relaxation Time
Eating a lot of food = naps.
No school = sleeping in late, staying up late
I will be catching up on sleep, catching up on blogs, and catching up on schoolwork, but the great thing about it is I get to do it on my own time!! I've already been sleeping for much longer and it has felt soo great!

Feel free to make your post about ANYTHING related to Thanksgiving: your traditions (I LOVE hearing about traditions!), what you're thankful for, favorite foods, etc. I am so thankful for all of you participants this year. :)

NEW LINKUP SECTION:

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

With only 3 days left until Thanksgiving, I'm sure most of you have already thought about what you will wear on the greatest holiday besides Christmas. I know I planned my outfit a few weeks ago but then again I am a little OCD when it comes to special occasion outfits. And let's be honest I will probably change my mind the day on Thanksgiving Eve. Don't worry.. I had some backup options planned as well. :) But just in case y'all are worried about what you should wear I have made a couple outfits!

Great for a night in with your family. Great for when you eat seconds (let's be real.. thirds) and you just need some comfy clothes.. that transition well into Black Friday shopping!

Thanksgiving 2011 - 2 by rachelrx featuring flat heels

Perfect for going out to dinner, or dinner with the whole family or boyfriend's family. A little more dressed up, but still comfortable.

Thanksgiving 2011 - 1 by rachelrx featuring cable knit socks

Trendy and dressy. Perfect for any occasion really. (This would be my outfit of choice!)

Thanksgiving 2011 - 3 by rachelrx featuring chiffon tops

If you have already decided, what are you wearing for Thanksgiving?? Please tell me in the comments so I can get some good ideas. :)

Glory, Glory.

Sad news came about an hour ago to the Bulldawg Nation. Our great Larry Munson has passed away at 89. Larry was (literally) the voice of the Georgia Bulldogs for over 30 years and I am so proud to say I was there for his last year announcing (2008) and that I'm here witnessing his last season alive as well.

You will be greatly missed!

Hunker down.

#winitforLarry

OOTD

Shirt: Old Navy

Scarf: Primark in Oxford, UK

Jeggings: Target

Cowboy Boots: Nashville

Professional Dress

Well, it is time to face reality: time to begin to apply for post grad jobs!

Here's to hoping my job search turns out better than Rory Gilmore's...

Interviews can be nerve-wracking:

Is my resume okay? How firmly do I shake hands? What's my biggest weakness, strength, fear? 

But honestly, talking about myself is not something I get nervous about. I'm usually really nervous about whether or not my outfit is appropriate. Will the company see me as unprofessional if I show my personality with my more casual wardrobe, or will they see me as trying too hard to be stuffy in my overly professional suit?

I will not wear jeans to an interview, but I do not own a business suit. So I have to get creative with the wardrobe I own. With some research, I have found some tips and tricks to business casual dress. I hope this helps some of you out there who are about to graduate! And if you are already in the business world I would love to hear your advice and your own experiences with dressing up!

Dress (mostly) in neutrals.

Stick to the basics: white, back, gray, beige, brown, navy for the main outfit components. With that being said, one piece can be used to brighten the outfit. Use a statement necklace, patterned shirt, or bold skirt. But not all three at one time!

Business 2 by rachelrx featuring a teardrop necklace

Cover up.

Skirts should be knee length at the shortest, but make sure you test it out while sitting down! Shirts should cover the shoulders. Closed toe flats or low heels are appropriate. No flip flops or stripper heels! Make sure you can not see any midriff, cleavage, or backside (butt) cleavage. You are not going to a club!

Business 3 by rachelrx featuring sheer tops

Invest in a pencil skirt and a blazer - but they don't need to match.
A pencil skirt can be the basis of your entire wardrobe. Wear it with a blouse, layer with a cardigan, add the blazer. You can do so much with a plain black skirt; it can be dressed up with different belts, different shoes, and different tops. Blazers can be worn in and out of the office, with skirts, and with pants.

Business Casual 1 by rachelrx featuring shiny belts

Research the company culture.
All companies are different. Some may be more casual than others. For example, interviewing for a Finance position on Wall Street would definitely require a full suit. However, interviewing for a creative role at an Advertising Agency is much more casual - they want to see your personality! Make sure you know how the employees function day to day and you will also look more prepared for the interview.

Best Stores for Business Attire:J.CrewAnn Taylor LoftBanana RepublicTarget
If you are still unsure of what to wear, contact the Human Resources department and ask about their dress code policy. They should be able to help!

Maybelline Baby Lips & Lots of Lashes - BzzAgent Review

Last week I posted about my first package from BzzAgent, the online word-of-mouth/Buzz Marketing website. You can read that post here for more information on what the website does.

I am a BzzAgent. I am NOT being paid to review this product, or being paid to share certain information or opinions. I WAS sent a package full of products to use for myself and give to friends. I will ALWAYS give you guys my 110% honest opinion of any reviews I put on my blog, I will always distinguish between products I have bought and products I have been sent. I want you all to trust me and I would not risk losing that trust over some free swag. :)

So this is what Maybelline sent me:

Baby Lips

Baby Lips comes in 6 different flavors: 2 clear tints, and 4 colored tints.

The formula is made with shea butter, vitamin complex, and Centella (a herbaceous Asian plant that gives plumpness and hydration.. good to know. haha)

They also have an SPF 20, so you know these things are great for your lips!

I tried all of the colored ones: Cherry Me (bright red), Pink Punch (bubblegum pink), and Peach Kiss (peachy.. duh). I was most excited about the Peach Kiss color, but was kind of disappointed at how "frosty" the color came out on my lips! I expected just a glossy finish with a small hint of a nude color, but it came out kind of a fine, sparkly, orange.

However, the Cherry Me and Pink Punch I LOVE. These two colors are not shimmery at all, and they are very glossy and feel very moisturizing. I think I would be most likely to use the Cherry Me because it is a more natural color on my lips, whereas the Pink Punch is fun for going out, but not every day.

Pros: 

Very moisturizing

Includes vitamins, shea butter, SPF, and that weird Asian herb

Glossy, not sticky

Perfect amount of pigmentation

Adorable packaging

Lots of product

Cons:

Peach Kiss is randomly shimmery

Tastes waxy/lipstick-y

Lots of Lashes

This mascara is just like the original Great Lash, except it's equipped with a brand new, heart shaped brush that is supposed to get to all of those pesky eyelashes a normal brush would not be able to reach. It isn't yet in waterproof, but comes in 3 different shades.

I found the formula to be wonderful: volumizing without clumping, a good consistency, goes on wet but dries to a nice shine, and does not leave your eyelashes crunchy. However, I did not like the brush! It was hard to maneuver the larger part on the edges of the eyelashes and the tip of the brush collected too much product. After a few applications, I sort of learned how to use it, but it still felt too complicated.

Pros:

Formula

Washes off easily

Does not clump

Great pigmentation

Leaves soft, flexible lashes

Cons:

Complicated brush

Brush is small

Too much product comes out on the brush

Compared to the original Great Last, expensive at around $7

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Baby Lips products. I'm iffy on the Lots of Lashes, and I think if you want a dependable, basic mascara you should just stick to the original Great Lash.

Please let me know if you have tried out these products!
I would love to hear your opinion as well. :)

P.S. Products I didn't use will be going towards my next giveaway! :) Get excited!