Free things? We all got time for that #carabox

You're kidding if you scroll past this post. We all love free things am I right? The fact that you can open up your mailbox or front door (for a package) and you get so excited it's like christmas.

Thanks to Wifessionals Cara Box program, I made a friend and got fun gifts!

Through this program you get paired up with someone (near) similarities to some of your descriptions and I got paired up with Tiffany and we went together like two pretzel sticks in some peanut butter. Aka ya know, real well.

Trendy lady, amiright?

Although she is older than me (Like every blogger is because I sometimes resemble a fetus..weird right?....), we were able to connect right away! Luckily enough, we were both just becoming blog friends before this program even happened! Shout out to my girl fate. 

Getting to know each other and sit down to open one anothers' emails was sometimes the highlight of my day. It turned out that we had a good amount of things in common (camp in PA woo!), and we knew how to instantly brighten each others day!

Clearly you can see she got me cool shenans that I enjoy. From the tiara crowns (seriously wuddup I love them #pageantproblems), to the massive over load of peanut butter (couldn't been any happier), to the That 70's show greatest hits and even a college cookbook/koosie/some snail mail/keychain/doodle book. Yeaaaaaa she's clearly the bee's knees and I'm pretty sure everyone wishes they had her as a cara box sender. It's so cool that she wasn't just like oh hey random girl please tell me your interests so I can go search through my house for random products I don't use that I could give to you because I could care less. You're right. Thats a bit much and I hope NOONE would ever be like that. Like excuse me why would you apply for carabox-in' in the first place!!!! Our conversations flowed and we're sometimes never ending. 

I even contributed to our friendship too! It shouldn't be one sided-ya know! I even got to learn about her. Like her LDR boyfriend, where she's from, what ethnicity she is (GO ASK HER. Or don't. but go blog stalking!) and seriously waaaaay more. 

Want to be friends? She doesn't bite. You may even be sending fun packages, too!

stalk her blog, twitter, and instagram!

Real life friends do real life things

Baby bloggers unite! Also real life friends who blog unite! I am so excited to share with you guys my girl Jenny. Jenny from the block, obvi. We are real life friends! We went to camp together one year and have had maaaany mutual friends and stayed in touch!

Look this is us even:

Bad picture but ya get it.

Now go read her fun posts on DIY and check out her blog, too!

*********

Hi I'm Jenny from Sprinkles & Sundresses and I am so happy to be guest posting for Rachel! She has been like my blog big sister since I'm very new at this and she's teaching me the ropes! She also gave my design a fancy new makeover- basically she rocks.

Rachel and I both love DIY crafts and we're both starting our sophomore years of college so I thought I would show you some decorations I made for my dorm room!

1. Initial Collage

This one is super easy. I purchased the wooden letter at A.C. Moore as well as some Mod Podge (which if you aren't familiar with, its basically magic collage glue). First, I cut out pretty patterns, words, and symbols from magazines I had lying around. I glued them down with a glue stick and then coated it with Mod Podge. It dries clear and keeps the edges down- like I said, magic. And it comes out super cute!

2. Design-Your-Own Poster

This one is only sort-of DIY. I saw the quote on pinterest and I loved it. It's super fitting for me right now since I'm transferring to a new school and while it's very exciting it can also be nerve-wracking. I used the website Zazzle to put that quote on my own poster! I used a picture that I took myself in St. Thomas. It's a great website and I definitely recommend it! I also got it laminated once it arrived in the mail. It will make it last longer and protect it while I move in and out of dorm rooms over the years. I also make collages with my pictures of family and friends and get those laminated as well. It's relatively inexpensive and it creates really long-lasting decorations. 

3. Brightly Colored Bulletin Board

This project was way easier than I thought it would be! You can buy cork squares at any office supply store and I picked up some pretty colored fabric at my local craft store. Then I stapled around the sides like this:

Repeat with your remaining squares and voila! You have beautiful bulletin boards in all of your favorite colors that you can arrange however you want!

Want to see how all of my crafts look in my actual dorm room? Check out my blog to hear about my transfer experience and see pics of my dorm! 

And if you would like to see more from me feel free to check me out on pinterest or twitter or bloglovin! I would LOVE to hear from you. 

Stressing and ripping my hair out. see pictures below. I swear.

978-0205685172.

You're thinking, are you a robot? Or is that an international phone number? Nope. 

That is the ISBN of a book I am dreading to buy. 

I just got assigned reading at my first class (which was yesterday) and due by tomorrows class.

I have never bought a book through my university's bookstore.

I am all about saving money, which I have!

Unfortunately since this book is at such a high demand by my professors monotone voice, I need to skedaddle my behind to the book store. UGH. Heck he's not even my professor. Well ya see, he is but hates being called DR. (you have your PHD flaunt it dude), nor Professor (Like excuse me who are you). He just prefers mister. WE ARE NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL. Jeez, why can't you just let me feel old for like a sec?! Alright, awesome.

This is also the first semester I have gone without buying my books before hand. #Lazycomeswithage.  On the reals, there are so many perks of buying a book online. 

...like you save a HELLA amount of money. I'm talkin' 40-90% over here. If you are a college lady (or gent, hey yo!) you know how we do aaaaanything to save money! I'm not sure even why college text books have to be so much money when throughout high school you never pay a single cent. Can it just be the other way? Maybe?

If you rent or buy (you can do both...keep reading!!) through www.campusbookrentals.com you get FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS. Now remind me why you would ever turn that down? Nope not me. 

I hate to give you lists here but I think its so important especially if you are in college so here are some other key facts about CampusBookRentals.com, and I am excited to use!

-YOU CAN HIGHLIGHT IN THE TEXTBOOKS. great reading tool in college. I am so excited I rented a book from them and are trying it out ;)

-flexible renting periods. I've had experience with flake-y renting companies (going unnamed) and lost a ton of money because of the inflexibility of their time slots. Make sure they are reliable sites, like this one ;)

-They donate to operation smile. Which I think is so important. read up here

while pausing to write this post I literally was just in an hour panic for buying books. I decided to go on CBR and I just bought a 150 dollar book for $14 plus shipping and it's the same price no matter the rental period. It just saved me so much!

this is me stressing out yesterday when trying to figure out books. 

DO YOU NOTICE MY ACNE?! HELP!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can also rent out the books you have bought and YOU GET PAID. (via www.rentback.com)

RentBack is a new initiative that allows students to rent books they own to other students. Why is it so awesome? It makes it 2 to 4 times better to rent it out than to sell it back!!!!!

Anyone want to buy me my books for the rest of the years? Great. This lady is uber stressed already. And it's only day three of classes.....

*This post is my personal opinion only, however, I am receiving compensation with this post*

Pictures speak louder than words +GIVEAWAY

School has been nothing short of super fab. I am so happy I made the right choice in transferring to a school that I can nowwwww call home! 

I will update ya'll on life once I run on home this weekend (2 hour drive each way.ick.) and will get my camera cord. 

I went searching earlier and frantically ripped apart my room and I think my mom just confirmed it was sitting on my desk at home.....

I got something to share. I told all my friends in my orientation group that I have a blog, and I'm pretty sure they all think it's really awesome since I told them I get free things from it.

Hiiiii if you are reading this!!!!!!! I love love love friends. woo!

Since I am camera cord-less, I will show ya pictures (cue the iphone picys) and captions to go along so you can see what I've been up to.

P.S blogging and having a life is super harder than I thought....

-Saturday orientation was awesome and took us on a tour of downtown Lancaster, PA. Seriously one the main reasons why I transferred here! It is such a cute little town and the scenic drive to the Lanc is one I wouldn't ever replace!

Yummy chocolate ice cream with some Kensie clothing accessories! (Give away coming up next week! Ya besta be entering!)

They took us to the Amish markets as well (we all know I love amish stalking). I can't wait for a fun fall day to check it out with some friends! 

Couldn't resist snappin' a pic of this door! My group (TWEEEENTYFIVEEEEE) thought I was crazy when asking for selfies to be taken infront of the door until........

I told them I blog!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, its a big deal. You know I don't tell people about it. Like ever. 

Everyone was so supportive about it though and I told them to come get in a picture for their "five mins of fame" on my blog!

Ultimately, we roll deep and we all love each other. I got lucky with the greatest group ever!

I love window shopping yes I do I love window shopping how about you?

It works better when you know you are a college kid....

Being trendy and artsy. Ya know the drill!

I LOVE this doorway. I'm not sure what it was for but we passed it and I was like oh hey obviously photo opportunity here. Group 25 had fun with it! They even pointed out (sarcastically and not sarcastically) things to take pictures of! 

Dorm pics and life are soon to come!

*************

This month, the seven of us have teamed up to give one of our lovely readers a Kiel James Patrick bracelet (any bracelet of the winner's choice, $40 or under) and $15 store credit to Brenda's Etsy Shop! 

One of my personal favorites by KJP. Buy here.

The Sponsors: 

Rachel at Sunshine & Sinatra // Kriselle at Through the Eyes of a Cali Girl // Hannah at Words as Palindromes // Jacky at Keep Calm & Blog On

Dylan at Sartorial Spice // Brenda at From Me With Love  // Ashliegh at The Darling Prepster

Enter below for your chance to win the bracelet and store credit!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gummy bears+Chocolate=Genius

I'm sure you've seen my tweets or shoutouts to chocolate covered gummy bears before. Being that I was craving them and I can barely find them ANYWHERE, I decided to make my own after googling some recipes!  Here's the one I went off of!

It was a really easy recipe to follow, but I thought to myself what the hell is shortening. I am no cook or baker at all so this was a pretty difficult task for me. Heck I can't even make eggs. Waffles is where its at!!!!!!!

                  

I put a batch in the freezer and a batch in the fridge to see which would come out better. I also had the fam taste it and my mom couldn't get enough........and ate my whole fridge batch (mostly) that I was going to bring to school with me.

If you've never had it, I'd check out your local candy store before you make it. Unless you are cheap (which I completely understand), or have no access to a candy store, bake away! Except its not so much baking. Ya know what I mean. It was reaaally easy to make in the end, and I can't wait to make some more when I come home next!

What are some of your favorite candies you just simply cannot get enough of?

Oh you're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I'm not reeaaaally leaving. 

But as you know, I am back in school mode and between social life/academics/and everything else in between blogging might be a bit rough. 

I don't want to leave!!!!!!!!

So I'm not. I'm going to try my best to keep ya updated!

Look out for a fashion give-away within the next week on the blog.

And eventually of my dorm room. 

Because who doesn't enjoy looking at all of my DIY crafts AND pretty decorating!?

Also, a few guest posts here and there. 

And hopefully at least once a week post by moi.

And other shenans.

We'll see where my free time takes me.

Sooooooo Rachel, what are your first few weeks of school consisting of? Good question guys, because I was going to share with you eventually but you brought it up so thanks!

+Well. First, definitely first, making friends. I am never a person to start a new adventure where I know next to noone but yep, I know next to noone. We'll see how this one plays out.

+I am doing informal (fall, obvi) recruitment. Not sure the chapter, but I know I will be so very happy wherever I end up and I cannot wait to be part of a great group of girls!

+Learning my new campus map like the back of my hand. I can't count how many times I know I will be getting lost. Ugh...Thank gosh for their mobile app or I'd end up partying with the Amish somewhere...

+School work. BLEH. Anyone want to trade? Anyone? Bueller? ? ?

So if you email me right away, don't think I'm ignoring you.

Just think I'm having a nice date with my books.

Don't you wish you were me?

In the mean time....if you are interested in letting your voice be heard over yonder on this space of a blog, email me! sunshineandsinatra@gmail.com

It can be about anything. Giraffes and elephants, why you enjoy organizing your closet so much (chances are thats OCD. I am guilty of this), or even just fun facts about yourself, I'm open to you taking over my baby blog! 

So excited to spend pretty days at my new schools pond. Lots of instagram opportunities. Maybe I can even get in some fashion photo shoots there without being judged?! ;)

Yea, this isn't fake. Or from the notebook or anything. It is gorgeous though!

I hope ya stick around to my whenever-i-get-a-chance-to-blog blogging and see where my college adventure takes me!

If you want more up to the minute (Ok...hour.....or day....) follow my instagram and twitter

Thanks blog world for keeping me entertained all summer. Keep doing you. Couldn't have done it without you. Miss ya already, bud!

Off to school today, and my 100th post!!!!!

Happy 100th post to this baby blogger!

Yeah yeah we say we get to know someone through their pretty designed about me's and all of their awesome posts. But I bet you don't know THAAAAT much about them. In reality. Like, I bet you didn't know that my man Obama and I share the same bday, right? Unless of course you're a real life friend and somehow discovered my blog. Again.

As you read this I am treking my way to school. gulp. I am going to freshman orientation (gag me with a spoon. I am not a freshman). I do however, hope to make new friends and I am excited and scared to see what is in store for me. #Startingfresh

Sooooo in honor of 100....here's to learning about me!

I eat peanut butter like it's my job. During the summer I eat it at least once a day. I have peanut butter ice cream, peanut buttered candy (obv), and my favorite is peanut butter and banana (and sometimes fluff!)

I despise feet. Seriously that's all you need to know about it. 

I've gone to jewish camps my whole life. Yes, I am a Jewish blogger. I went to day camp my whole life and then I was in a youth group that I went to camp through them for three different summers and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I've had some of the best times in my life at sleep away camp.

When planking was 'in'....

Even if I'm in a huge bed, I'd rather cuddle. Does that mean I'm needy or something? ergggg

I've traveled to Israel twice. Once in the 10th grade and once in the 12th grade on a trip called the March of the living (post to come eventually, promise). The March of the Living is a two week trip to Poland and Israel, and while in Poland you visit many concentration camps. It was a life changing trip I wouldn't EVER trade for anything.

The beautiful breathtaking city of Jerusalem. Spring 2012. 

I was in a Bollywood film freshman year of high school. It is called "New York" and directed by M night Shyamalan. I'm only an extra though. My brother is a little leauge baseball player in one of the final scenes. 

I have a younger brother and an older sister. 

I went to a One Direction concert MDW 2012 as a spur of the moment decision. #notFangirling

I've gone to see The Maine four different times. So scene of me, right? I still love them!

I was in a Jewish youth group (B'nai B'rith Youth Organization) during all four years of high school and I couldn't be prouder. My youth group really helped me find and develop who I was, as well as enriched my leadership and people skills, and made such great friends. The greatest part is that we can go months with out talking and pick up where we left off. I couldn't thank this organization enough for giving me a life changing experience through many different ways.

I could eat sushi every day, if it was healthy. Or a panera tuna salad sandwich. Orrrrrrr a bacon, egg, and cheese from Dunkin. All great choices, am I right?


I could watch Breakfast at Tiffany's, Bring it on, and the Lizzie McGuire movie countless times and never be tired of it.

I had braces for 8 too freakin' long years of my life. From 4th grade to the summer before senior year. Serious Rachel struggles.

Now ya know, what ya didn't know!
I hope you still stick around! If you do, you are a gem.
Keep doin' you.

Monday letters, shout out to YOU! (yes you)

Although I've been slacking with my consistency of answering emails, I have read all of your heartwarming and helpful comments. So dear blogging community, I love you all. Thank you for being the biggest backbone in support I could ever ask for! I look up to you all as bloggers, friends, and mentors. You all know how to make me giggle, and be passionate about the work I wish to put forth into my blog. You have all said I am a beautiful, confident girl who don't need no man (Ok, so maybe you didn't use those exact words) but I really appreciate your support!

Dear Y O U, hey! Thanks for sticking around after my mopey single-girl post on friday. I love all of my followers, so with that look out for a fashion gift give away in the beginning of September! I am so excited to review some products!

Dear Ileana (my cara box gal), thank you for our constant back and forth messages! It gives me something to look forward to daily. I love sharing my life with a complete stranger and you always being there! Thanks! And I hope you enjoy your package which is soon to be on the way to your door!

Dear Tiffany, you are truly amazing. Not only am I inspired by all that you've done in your life thus far, but I loveeeee chatting with you. I appreciate the fact that you actually think I can sometimes be hilar and you enjoy my ramblings. I cannot wait to receive your cara box and review it! I hope we continue to email after our required time ;)

Dear Lauren, You know my love for you is beyond compare! I am so happy our silly little emails about  burping turned into a real friendship. And how we can text eachother. and how I adore the 13 pictures you texted me early in the AM the other day just to make me smile. Although we've never met, I feel like I have known you for ever! You always somehow know when I'm down and send me fun things to make me smile! (Like hamburger birthday cards!) Xo. 

Dear Lauren, I appreciate you wanting to be my friend even though the DC Blog date-ers + Boyfriends are minus a boyfriend. Where is my prince charming?!?! Thanks for letting me frantically text you when I was so worried, and thanks for picking up your phone and letting me curse the whole phone call from the ride home from B's. 

Dear Ashley, the very first blog friend I ever made, your email about sorority recruitment to your emails about silly things to make me smile, makes me appreciate you to the stars and moon and mars and back!  I thank you so much for checking in on me, and always reading my posts (even when you can't find them for three weeks...)

Dear school, I'm coming for ya! All of ya better be ready for some dorm pictures! (When  I am finally settled in)

Dear Orange is the New Black, thanks for taking up my whole sunday. And I'm still not done with you. DOES ANYONE ELSE WATCH THIS SHOW? I am newly obsessed and I can't seem to figure out why!

Dear Flu meds, you are the love of my life. Make me feel better soon. Por favor. This lady has some syllabus week to attend... :P #SoCollege

Seriously, go watch Orange is the New Black. 

Maybe don't read this post. But any kind words help.

So if you've seen from twitter, I am now single.

You dont have to read this. I am just venting and will probably feel outrageous for posting this by later today and delete it. So consider this maybe your lunch time read? Like a gossip magazine.

I couldn't tell you why I am now single either.

Remember just last week when it was my birthday? or when I went to DC and had the greatest time ever?

I don't get why those three strong words (I.L.Y) have to determine everything about a relationship. You can still be happy knowing you love eachother, although it helps to say it once in a while to.

How do you know when you love someone?

Questions that have been running through my mind all morning.

So besides being a sappy teen (I'm 19. Still a teen. Still immature) and sitting on pinterest and tumblr liking and favoriting and reposting sad quotes and pictures, I am off to run. To clear my mind.

I am thankful for my director at work who understood me enough to let me leave early, because I was not feeling work today. I just wasn't there.

I've been up since 6, trying to hold tears back, and trying to avoid sad songs on my shuffle. 

But when they come on sometimes I just cant help but think I'm in a movie and cry and scream and put my music on the loudest volume ever. 

(See I'm sometimes funny when I'm sad)

Here's to changing my blog around. Single Rachel is here to stay. 

Sorry to be so mopey but I have realized that the blog community is a beautiful thing and I use my blog to express myself. 

Shout out to Lauren at Lights in the Sky for letting me call her after I left B's and be hysterical to her. and she listened.

Also shout out to Lauren at Letters and Lipstick for suggesting I eat weird breakfast tacos (whatever that is...ohhh texans...) and for her trying to make me laugh. Also go check out my post today on her blog. 

Hope your day is much happier than mine.

Love you all, bunches. I mean it too!

I need your help. No really, I need it.

Help a bloggy friend out, por favor!

I am seriously having the HARDEST time trying to find the right planner for me. 

Yes, I do love the Lilly Pulitzer ones (that I had last year), but no I will not spend 34 dollars plus shipping again.

Yes, I do want a monogram one so people will think I'm cool (and for my own personal pleasure), but everything is too darn expensive. 

Yes, I do love the ones by May Designs, but do I reaaallly need it that badly?

It's sad that this is such a debate in my life right now.

Maybe just because I'm too cheap to pay 20$ for an agenda? Plus shipping? 

No way josé. Count me outtie. 

Help me pick! I asked you guys via twitter, as well as other friends, and I just can't seem to find which I want! Based on prices and all. Ya know, Cheap-o over here. But it's totally understandable.

I even heard about The Pink Pelican!

Do I just stick with a CVS one? (Too boring!)

Please help! Any advice for this silly problem at hand is appreciated!

Shoot me an email! Or comment below!

Thanks ya'll rock!

Happy throwback thursday because I miss my blog date to DC with Lauren!

How and what to pack for college

Let me be honest, I thought packing would be easier the second time around. I am also probably the worst person to help you pack for college, so have fun and I hope I waste a few minutes of your time. If you skip over this post because quite frankly, this means nothing to you, rock on. I get it. 

If you are a college freshie jumping into the wonderful world of college, or even an upperclassman who has no clue what to stick into your plastic storagebin next, grab your wine coffee(?), or anything caffeinated and lets get it started in here.

Cue the throwback. On a wednesday.

H&M Blazer: ONLY $10! I've had a blazer for over 2 years (from Urban) and it's still in perf condition! You are going to need one wether for a job interview, spicing up a cute outfit, or just to walk around campus to make it look like you are official and have a job/internship. You'll need it, I promise! If you want a better quality one obviously check out J.Crew, Banana Republic. Ya know the drill.

LBD, but obviously. 

I love the ones from Dress Up Boutique (Only $19, get it now) and Nordstrom. 

Reasons why you need a LBD? must I even explain? Formals/Date Party/Ceremonies/Casual days/interviews/party rockin'/and so many more.

+  A MANY lazy outfits. Duh. Please don't be that girl that dresses up every day to go to class. #Leggings&GymShorts

+  A bathing suit. Ya never know when you'll need it

+  Random shirts and bottoms you think you'd never need. Super Hero Mixer? Better be packing your batman shirt. Neon American Apparel Spandex? Highlighter/Neon party, you know it. Frayed "Rocker-T?" Last minute halloween outfit, courtesy of your closet!

Dont ya just love my blonde frizzy hair?!