"Because I'm Chuck Bass"

A great philosopher once told me, personally, something along the lines of you're a princess and you should never have to pay for your own meals. Well actually, I'm kidding about the great philosopher unless you consider my dad while consuming an (accidental) $50 order of a strawberry daiquiri (because he was feeling pretty yolo-ish). On the reals, my dads pretty great. Tipsy or nah.

Which brings me back to my struggle of going halfsies on a date. (Ok yes, I guess I am spoiled). In regards to my opening sentence: I don't like paying for dates until we are dating. My opinion? I think the mister should be paying only to realize how he should impress the girl of his dreams (ok really she was the only girl that swiped right...kidding). I'm traditional and I don't care that you're in college or living the post-grad life. Suck it up and do it. Or don't date me.

After rereading what I just wrote, I seem stuck up. Where is my fendi purse and celeb friends to boot? Nonexistent or I wouldn't be spending my free time blogging up a storm. Although Blake Lively's now doing it, SO if Serena Van Der Woodsen is doing it, that means I should do it too, right?

Which leads me to my next problem I know all too well. Sometimes, I have a big mouth. It's actually just really funny because if you'd ask even a best friend of mine they wouldn't even know what my fall plans are for school, where I'm going on my next vacation, or who I'm even dating (sometimes). I've been known since my sleep-away-camp-chofesh [read: free time] days of being what we liked to call A SKETCHMONKEY. Meaning, I was secretive. So yea, back to my point of having a big mouth which really just DOESN'T make sense to you anymore, oui? With that being said, I'm like an open book at a wedding party when it comes to telling people I blog. I try to keep my mouth shut about it but I don't understand how people can be so hush hush over something that is technically THEIR WORLD. Not judging, because I get it and I hate when people joke about my blog to me to my face.

see chofesh:

Shit always went down during chofesh. #JewishBoyProblems
— JewishBoy Problems (@JewBoyProblems) July 30, 2014

With kiddycup, I shared with him the blog and he enjoyed it in doses only when I dared to show it to him to watch his giggles with me thinking on the inside (with my face BEAT red) shit is he giggling because he thinks its funny, that I'm cute, or that I'm a freaking loony bin person who he should probably hit up a restraining order with? Clearly, he stuck around for a good amount of time until I wrote my angry post. My very very angry emotional post. Which is now, for great laughs. Just like my break up post from my long time boyfriend (who I weirdly never let read my blog). Note: I don't recommend posting when in an angry mood. Or pre-brunch.

My real question is, when should you let someone in? You know the nice (questionable) tinder guy you met who you are sort of "dating" (whatever the fuck that means these days) and you accidentally told him that your a blogger (and to NOT mind the weird artsy pictures uploaded on instagram). I've dealt with the awkwardness of having a guy who you thought was really great and decided hey what the hell let me blog about him and all his jewish perfect glory until he decided that binge watching silicon valley and every other HBO show under the sun wasn't cutting it in his night time routine post work and click on my blog where I practically express that I wouldn't mind having his children. Yes, on the internet. 

He who does not exist anymore around my life (he only lasted about two weeks, I think), still likes to get updates on my life via blog then text me (probably sur la toilette. Which means on the toilet in french, FYI).  You know, if only he wasn't so creepy for wanting to read a college girls blog about absolutely nothing. Then again- my fault for blogging about him right? PS IF YOU STILL READ HEY SMILE BECAUSE THIS IS ABOUT YOU

Like any upper east sider (cue SVW or BCW), they don't know how to keep their mouths shut when it comes to shoving their friends out on the streets stuck in the latest goo they call drama. In Serena fashion, this wouldn't be an issue because clearly Dan is a better blogger than her. He's able to be a better blogger than me and not open his loud mouth (which he's been known to have) because well, shit, he's gossip girl.

And for Blair? Well, she doesn't have this problem because...HE'S CHUCK BASS.

How to tackle your to-do list

Have you ever found yourself full of exciting opportunities and responsibilities, but completely overwhelmed by the number of bullets adding up on your to-do list?

We’ve all been there- saying “yes” to every offer, trying to make the most of your time (especially college!), and ending up with one big mess of a task load. Saying yes to everything is an issue in itself, but we can leave that for another day. Given the work you have, how do you manage your time? Unless you get into the right mindset, you’re far more prone to feeling anxiety and getting less done.

This summer I’ve decided to take on two internships and it’s been an absolute blast. I love both jobs, all of the people I work with, and the feeling I get after a long day of work. Never have I felt so fulfilled- but also exhausted. Even though I’m smiling on my walk home, I sometimes can’t sleep as I’m running through to-do lists and things I forgot to do at the end of the day. These are the ways that I keep my head on my shoulders and get everything done:

Prioritize, Don’t Multitask

Everyone finds themselves in the position where the boss is asking you to do three things at once, your roommate is asking you to pick up dinner tonight, and your mom won’t stop calling you. Instead of trying to deal with these things simultaneously- stop. Think about what needs to get done now and what can wait. The end result? You’ll probably get it all done faster than you would’ve if you’d tried to do it all.

This works differently for every person. I like to break up tasks by what kind of mindset I need to be in to complete the work. Instead of completing my work for one internship before starting work for the other, I do all of my creative work at once (writing, design) and all my more technical work (analyzing data, working with spreadsheets) separately. Some people don’t function like that- and that’s okay. Find what works for you!

Carve Out Time to Relax

Right around midterms, I felt completely distraught and overwhelmed by the amount of work I had. I found myself aimlessly wandering all the way up to the Empire State (I lived about 25 blocks downtown) and calling my mom to get some guidance. After venting for about 20 minutes, she calmly asked me: “When’s the last time you went to Central Park?” Confused, I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had time to travel that far uptown. It was then that she prescribed her best remedy for my stress- 2 hours of Central Park a week.

image via

Apps Help

I’m a firm believer that some apps out there are doing really great things to help make peoples lives easier. Some of them are a little pointless, but many of them have helped my productivity skyrocket. One that I use constantly for work assignments is Trello. It’s an easy way to keep track of the status of assignments that a group is working on. It works on the computer and as an app on your phone and it’s saved the day with many group assignments.

As simple as they may seem, I’m an avid fan of the Reminders and Notes apps that come on every iPhone. They’re so simple and straightforward- easy for jotting down those pesky thoughts in the back of your head that just need to be written down.

And last but not least, the holy grail of productivity apps: Acompli. This app combines email, calendar, contacts, and files in a way that changed the way I organize. Everything’s there with a really beautiful interface. My Acompli app sits right between Messages and Safari on my bottom row- yep, we’re on that level.

Listen to Motivational Music

That means different things for everyone. When I really need to sit down and get in the groove, EDM and hip hop just don't do it for me- I get my best work done to Ingrid Michaelson. I can’t explain it, but as I write this post I have Ingrid’s Spotify profile on shuffle. Maybe her soft lyrics don’t help you, and that’s okay! Just find the music that makes you want to hustle and save it. Use it when it’s crunch time. You’ll be doing your work with a smile on your face and the tunes will serve as grease for when the gears in your brain get stuck.

Making playlists is generally very important. Make a playlist for walking to important meetings, for celebrating a success, for picking yourself up when something doesn’t work out. Music soothes the soul, especially when you pick it for yourself! Ditch the Top 100 playlist and mix it up with what makes your ears happy.

PS- I’m also mildly obsessed with Lo-Fang. Check out his music, it’s super calming!

Write it Down

If I had to pin down the one way I keep it all together, it’s writing everything down. Whether it’s on the sticky notes on my desk or the Notes app on my phone, I make sure that at the end of the day I can look at all the little thoughts I had and figure out what needs to get done. The same goes for plans- if it's not in my calendar, it doesn't exist.

A lot of people like apps that sync notes across your phone and computer, but personally it just doesn’t work. I can count on the fact that I have 10 minutes to organize my thoughts before I go to bed every night. I can’t count on there being wifi every time I need to write something down or access the list. And if you’re anything like me, your brain buzzes at a million miles a minute. The best way to slow all those thoughts down is to get them out of your brain rand onto a piece of paper- even a virtual iPhone one.

-via Lori Berenberg

Love on Lori some more: Instagram / Twitter 

Original DoucheCanoe

You shine like the light from the sun. So 1 what does that even mean? Is that considered english? You're telling me (read: Lizzie) she's a bright obnoxious girl who only hides when a sad gloomy pale day in her diary commences?

We've been told ever since AIM profiles and cliche chick flicks have been a thing, that dudes just suck its how it goes. Also our moms have tried to warn us, dad's overprotective of any male that gets in about a 50 foot radius of us, and us girls? We just want to RUN the world. My girl L to the Izzie? Her mom was anal about almost everything how did she NOT warn her about guys such as Italy's #1 most wanted douche canoe, Paolo Valasari?

Granted her mom probably never went abroad anyway so how could she stop her. But then again, it wasn't her mom getting playa-played by a gorgeous foreigner...it was HER. How did Lizzie not listen to Gordo? Didn't her and Miranda used to get a good laugh and judgement phone sesh after school about loser guys? I mean luckily they didn't have tinder to turn to...Lizzie may or may not have turned out to be loon.

How could Lizzie fall for Paolo...

-A loser in aluminum foil (circa aim profile days)
-A dude who made her turn into a bad ass chick who left her 8th grade GRADUATION school trip.
-Um, how old is he? #Jailbate
-He tries to set her up. SHE KNOWS SHE WILL BE LIPSINGING THE SONG AT THE AWARDS SHOW...doesn't she think about that type of stuff before she goes to bed at night? That ish would keep me up (she totes should have subtweeted him...)
-She had to be quiet when talking to him in public. If thats not a booty call/sketchy type of situation, I don't know what is ya jerk.
-Someone who's not Gordo....Like girl, stop friendzoing him he's a nice jewish boy. GET SUM.

Honestly, I'm all for charming the lady pants off a girl but Paolo clearly didn't take the class in Girls 101 at his local University (or shit, is he in high school still? Unsure).

Psh, that face don't charm me

Despite Lizzies outfit repeating ways pre-Italian pop star cat fishing the world type of sitch, she came home fabulous...and grounded (#childhood).


YOU'RE NO MARGARET CHAN.

Do you go halfsies?

High Chai Maintenance. Thats what they tell me, at least. Some call it JAPPY -- others call it spoiled. Like Kim Possible *cue text message tone*, there is a sitch. All hypothetical, of course.

For the sake of argument let's gossip about Jack and Sally. Jack and Sally met like any other 21st century couple these days (leaving the possibilities up to you). They've gone on dates, are definitely into each other, and it's all been a walk in the park. For reals for reals. 

Date 4 comes up. Like every other date, once the bill comes Sally reaches for her bag of choice (cluch, duh), and offers to pay. Now, Sally has gone on many dates (interpret as you will, again) and has never had to pay. My homegirl is definitely fine with paying but shouldn't you pay until you date just to prove she's worth it? I mean I know my girl S and she is definitely worth more than a walk in a park. More like a boat ride in the hamptons. She shook it off and didn't pay much attention to it. After all she was less than crazy (mediocre-ly?) crazy about him so why would she let a silly little traffic jam stop her?

Date 5 came around because let's be real girls are stupid. Sorry, Sal. A fine time it was, or so she says. He almost killed her on a boat (story to possibly come...must ask Sally), and even by car....Those crazy drivers.... They went minigolfing, Jack paid. She said she lost but I would at least hope she got a few good rounds in... Dinner time came -- better late than never -- and she up front offered to pay this time. No hesitations came from around the dinner table. So she handed over the big bucks and made a snide remark about going halfsies. To sum up jack, he said: Why offer to pay if you don't want to pay?

And thats the way the cookie crumbles.

My questions for you:

Is Sally really a JAP (jewish american princess) (read: SPOILED)?

When do you think guys should let you start paying? Are there real defined rules?

Does Jack have a right to complain about the fact she shouldn't complain because she offered?

#TEAMSALLY #FLOWERPOT

What I instagrammed VS What I'm doing

The fact that multiple people have sent me THIS article says a lot about who I am. Basically this is an article on the fact that I know too much about wasting time staging and editing the perfect instagram picture but in reality my life isn't nearly as glamorous. The best part of all this? I'd like to say it's true. But in my defense I CANNOT stomach the fact of a picture with bad lighting and an ugly filter. Easier said than done but not everyone can be as artsy as the chosen few *hairflip emoji*. For all you nosey fans, trust me I love being a nosey reader sometimes too...this ones for you homegirl. Oh...and homeguy because I'm sure theres one or two of you floating around...

1. #FOODPORN

What it looks like...

Post shopping spree I decided to devour the most magnificent item that would look best with a filter from a chic restaurant. I was obviously in a rush to go do some Birkram Yoga but it's okay...I think I'll sit in my car for a few and let this bad boy digest. 

What really happened was...

I was hitting up some errand returns and stumbled upon a new #BRUNCH place that offers take out. Hello, score! I was on a solo outing so why would I sit there (during peak times) and stuff my face (mess and all) for a party of one? Don't think so. Also I was in a rush to get to point B, so at point A Rachel's belly was very stuffed. P.S: My iced coffee had too much cream in it....le vom.

2. MORNING ROUTINE

What it looks like:

Waking up with the sun. Turn on coffee pot. Scramble through my rings of the day *pending*, about to read the next greatest novel (maybe true), and some GLAMOUR. Soon followed by running out the door, sunnies in hand.

What really happened was...

I was deciding where to put my monogram (via the comfort of my bed). Got up, went downstairs to get coffee (made by...my dad...Thanks dude<3), sat at my desk, awkward left arm hovered over my right arm to get the perfect arial view. Back to bed. Pick filter. Clean up mess later. 

3. JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL....

What it looks like: I have ample amount of coffee dates in said park where I go to sing with the musicians, break dance with the strange crew, and croissant in hand. 

What really happened was...

I just got done an interview and walked x amount of blocks to my favorite park just be-freaking-cause. Right after this picture was taken, I spotted an old ex and his new arm candy and proceeded to the nearest trashcan. Sorry, TMI freak the freak out and call everyone in my phone list to call me the heck down.

4. I WOKE UP LIKE THIS.

What it looks like: I have a fabulous photographer who enjoys taking time out of his day to photograph moi. 

What really happened was:

Things going through my mind include: This photo was supposed to be a flop. Do I look awkward? Should I smile? Well, damn who let me be a fashion blogger. This will probs look better with a filter, right? Ohhhh I like this one maybe I should put it on the blog. I planned this outfit because I'm finally not wearing black. Let's go get 7/11. My photographer is my brother. 

If you want to stalk more (it's really okay I wont judge), check out my other pretty instagrams here. Welcome to the land of the weird and home of the artsy. All are welcome. 

Playdate in the Parc

You're truthfully something else if your first thought on a monday morning isn't oh hey, four more days until friday! Question of the day: ARE YOU EVEN REAL? Phew, okay. Now that we got thaaat out of the way...

This past friday I had the chance to go on a fun date in the city with Mr. Prepmaster himself. Don't believe me? He was skipping between towns and was able to stop in the city for the day to be such a blogger with yours truly.

Besides people watching in the park [Rittenhouse], taking polaroids out the wa-zoo, and being on a caffeine high (times 2 alert), I got to show Mr. (chocolate) Kennedy around! He was such a fun date to explore the city with! We stopped in Zara and judged some clothes (see: This bad boy), ate lunch at Parc (the perfect Parisian feel...in America) {I got the beet salad...SUPER YUM}, and saw the cutest old couple #lesigh.

As for my outfit of the day, I may or may not have gotten strange looks. Here's what I was sporting:

Top: Forever 21 / Shorts: Ross (I SAID WHAT? yep. how cute are they?) / Shoes: DSW / Bag: H&M

Alert the fashion police, I just committed a crime *pending if officer has fashion sense or not*. It looks a bit funky in pictures, I will admit, but if you #tbt it to the 80's, I'm sure mixing patterns was a thing -- a trendy thing. So my response? WHY NOT [take a crazy chance...]. My bad, the Hilary Duff / Lizzie McGuire fan girl in me had to take on that opportunity to quote a famous song of my childhood. It's how you say...legendary?

Thanks for coming to play, Chan! I had a FABULOUS day with you. If you're loving on his style, make sure to check out his instagram and BLOG! My new motto? Who needs a man when you've got Chan?

Other places visted: 

Barbour Philly

Elixr - Getting our coffee fix!

La Colombe - where the x2 in Coffee x2 comes in

Who can help when Mom can not?

Sometimes rough days [or weeks] are just inevitable. We're run down, feeling sicky icky, and consider changing our middle name to netflix for crying out loud. You get the gist. When my mom isn't there to pick me up, I turn to other shenanigans that can not only help me but you, too!

What gives me strength? My momma:

1. Retail therapy, a given (however I don't think my parents appreciate that one). So what am I going to do with this addiction (admitting is the first step)? I plan on going through my closet, seeing of the clothes I need and definitely dont need (read: haven't ever worn/don't plan on wearing ever again) and try to donate or sell them. Obviously, donating is the better option.

2. Relaxation. Feeling under the weather is no fun. You don't plan on ever leaving your pretty little fleece blankets and your eyes are either glued to your computer or television. Time and time again (no really), my dad tries to glue into my mind that relaxation is the answer to all my problems. Most times, it is. Feeling at peace with yourself only brings happiness, health, and good vibes. (I sound like a yoga instructor?)

3. Tylenol. Mom's, dad's, and grandparents alike can only kiss our boo-boo's and make them feel better to a certain extent (or age in our lives, truthfully). With the help of Extra Strength TYLENOL®, during times of headache central I'm back in action in NO time. For 20 years, Extra Strength Tylenol® has been the #1 doctor recommended brand of pain reliever.


Want to make a change? Check out the www.TylenolStoriesOfStrength.com facebook page and share your story and you could win a weekly prize!


I have received information and materials from McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL®. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post.

Blogging isn't normal

You sit down at lunch with friends. They talk about their newest tinder crush, plans for fall, and how we are all dreading heading back into real life mode. Hah, whatever that means... They proceed to ask you what have you been up to recently? 

Your truthful response would be: Well, I've been trying to keep up with my blog but sometimes I get so lazy because it's summer. I spend my days off from work trying to keep up with taking pictures for my blog, scheduling posts, setting up sponsorships, and figuring out your editorial calendar. Oh! And I've had a few blates set up!

Your actual response: Eh, not too much.

When trying to explain blogging to people, they just don't get it (unless they are a blogger, duh). When I tell people I blog, it's pretty strange to talk about my best friend and then have to explain something like "Oh yeah, She's [Rachael] my best friend. Because we only met once and because we met through le internet." They usually reply with something like well didn't you think you'd be catfished or something crazy like that? I mean yeah that would suck but let me be honest and say I wouldn't mind because I would be meeting my wonderful man crush, Nev (note: His chest hair is JUST as mesmerizing as his face). Call me, maybe?

I'm the dumb-ass who let real life people that know me read my blog. During my sunshiney (and sinatra) days, I was hesitant. But now I've rebranded and for some strange reason I'm sharing my blog with the entire universe (even college professors).

The downside to sharing your blog on personal social media is that anyone can find it faster than your picture to filter to instagram speed. A friend, who is a boy, decided reading my blog for fun was a good idea. It's 2014, don't guys have something BETTER to do with their time besides reading a girls blog about bad dates, weird gadgets, and their besties? I thought so. *hair flip emoji* He texted me while reading all these archived shitty posts. The only good thing about old post still being public is that I can judge how weird of a blogger/person/writer I was then. I then got the river of text messages judging me for wanting a wine bra (it's still cool...), how he never heard of the last song, my weird love obsession with KiddyCup (#vomcity), a letter to a future boyfriend, what a boyfriend season is (its real), and ultimately why the eff you would meet a blogger and drag both of your boyfriends since they didn't even understand it. 

He then said he got sucked into the inner workings of my mind. I'm pretty cool, I guess. As my face was getting beat red and I was READY to never talk to him again, I realized it was my own problem. He's no blogger but he said it best when he said something along the lines of, pretty cool how you just put yourself out there. And it's true, we do. We share mostly what we would put in a written down journal. 

I love blogging and hate writers block (which I've had since my rebrand, truthfully). All bloggers are nosey to an extent. We swoon over finding new people to obsess over be besties with, gawking and tearing up as we read their love stories, and sharing secrets with people we've never met THEN meeting them and talking as if you've shared laughs over coffee too many times before. 

So yea, chances are I'd rather have a blate than do a lot of other things I need to check off my to do list. I want to update the unknown randoms on my latest kiss-and-tell, and even all my fashionista ideas. But on the reals, I would NEVER want it any other way.

Sheesh, blogging is weird. 

Celfie Is The New Black

 

Buy 'celfie' shirt here

Alert the fashion police, I just pulled a stunt. Not any super bowl scandal (read: nip-slip), or uploading pictures and having 'razzi chase after me as I chop off all of my hair (I WOULD CRY). If I had a solid standing bucket list (you see I always make one then totally forget about it and rarely try to achieve things on there), this would be on it and as of late, it would be marked with a cute little check (or sticker, if I'm honest). THIS is synonymous for wearing something that doesn't involve an ounce of black (alright Mrs. Technical, the writing doesn't count).

With finally getting my feet wet into the world of a fashion blogger (despite my hashtag OOTD on insta, always) I decided to invest in a nicer camera, a tripod, and too many macchiatos to count. Whenever I'm driving, I'm always scouting out locations and am so tempted to stop, take a pic, chose a filter, and voila! I actually did that the other day (see here)! I need to realize that I cannot always count on endless nagging and bribes to my brother for a 5 minute shoot. Little does he realize that he actually has a good eye for pictures AND after the first two minutes he actually enjoys it and it ends up being 5+ a few good minutes and memories.

In other news, here's what I'm looking forward to:
1. My birthday...in 21 days!
2. School year starting up again. Meaning plaid, the crunch of leaves, and fall (which I'm starting to enjoy? I guess this is what growing up does to ya). Who doesn't love the feeling of new school supplies?
3. Expanding my inspiration board!
4. Read this (#Jetset): The Vacationers
5. Miss Teen USA (Aug 2nd) and State pageant season! Can't wait to see who will take home the jersey state crown and follow in Emily Shah's footsteps...
6. Orange is the New Black: Season 3 (I know I know, I still have a year *grunts*)

What are you looking forward to?

Shop the look (all similar):

More Seychelles...

Street Stylist: Meet Lori

Newbie on the block...where you can find her: Bluestone Lane in the West Village- it's a perfectly styled shop that also has a full food menu (amazing avocado toast!).

Can we go coffee shop-ing?: Stumptown on 8th St- it's right by NYU, has lots of bookshelves and dark wood which is super conducive to finals studying.

The City MUST have: Pushcart Coffee- it's in Chelsea and has tons of seating, amazingly sweet baristas, and great coffee.

A few of her favorite things (+ locations): For sushi, Miyabi on 3rd St (they deliver)! For a nice dinner, Saxon + Parole on Bleecker and The Smith.

We're ready for weekend brunch- show us what ya got!: If I'm feeling nautical, Jeffrey's Grocery- they have great avocado toast, oysters, and eggs benedict with crab. If I'm going out with the girls, The Wren. For the classic NYC brunch experience, Lafayette (be ready to Instagram your heart out).

Where can we find you?: The Highline. It's gorgeous during the day but every tuesday the Amateur Astronomers Association comes and lets you look through their telescopes.

Touristy spots you love: I live on Union Square so that's a tourist pit in itself. Otherwise, I love going to Bryant Park and Midtown around Times Square (hello, Broadway and lots of hidden gems), even though there's usually a mob of tourists.

Best Instagram spot: Local flower bodegas, shops with nice tiles, and West Village houses are definitely NYC favorites 

For all things Lori (I know, she is pretty awesome), follow along on instagram & twitter.

Sculptures & Stripes

Hat: H&M

Top: Forever 21
Shorts: unknown

Bag: Longchamp
Shoes: BOC
Watch/Sunnies: Charming Charlie's

Ring: Etsy (reads: The Best Is Yet To Come)
Camera: Amazon

If you don't wear black and stripes in the summer, are you even a fashionista? I originally may or may not have typed fashioninsta...which seems like an appropriate job title or even future major I need to invest in. I think I'd be perfect for it!

I was a first timer at grounds for sculpture (Hamilton, NJ) when I went with my real life/blog friend, Jenny! But let me talk about the endless supply of photo opportunities. From being in an actual painting (surreal, ha ha), to peacock spotting and more! (read Jenny's post here). I live so close to one of the coolest places on the East Coast (in my opinion) and I'm baffled like hello excuse me why didn't I make this trip sooner?

It's Magic [A review]!

The other day while purchasing a new striped black tank (are we surprised? no) the wonderfully happy tatted up lady wished me a magical rest of the day. I sort of shook it off and went on with my shopping (read: I hit up Dairy Queen). Magical, magical, magical, I kept thinking...no really. It is way too underrated of a word and that can bring spirits up so high. Truthfully from that moment on, I think I've looked at all things both extremely magic and not so wizard-like with a "+1".

When I think of magical..I think of a happy place/thing...which is what Blo/Out is. If you're in the city visiting a friend, a company trip, or even a local with a case of much needed stress relieving...you better take my recommendation into consideration. Luckily, within a 50+ mile radius of my home, I have a Blo/Out location ready to take my appointment (via phone or online)! Before this past trip to the beautiful castle (read: Old City area), I had a chance to check out the one in Rittenhouse Square.

The Washington Square location is exactly what a dry bar should be...relaxation...mimosas...champaign...girlie movies on loop...and the wonderful color palette we all love and adore(and probably put on our Myspace/Xanga/AOL instant messenger profiles at one point or another). Can you say "hello, beautiful"?  I went sans partner-in-crime but saw the happiest group of ladies leaving satisfied, giggling, and picking the perfect filter for their latest instagram update. Cue C1 on VSCOcam...my personal favorite.

My personal favorite 'blo' away touch is the lifespan of my locks...fit for a queen! Each time I've gone I've been able to get at least TWO days out of my hair. How? Ask for lots of volume and curls. I was so happy when leaving my Blo/Out appointment for my hair is FINALLY *somehow* getting back to my natural color. What's their secret?!

The treatment, the hospitality of the staff, *the coffee/drinks*, the cleanliness of each store (trust me, it's spotless) and the feeling you get after you leave? Comparable to strutting your stuff like theirs no tomorrow. The streets of Philly are YOUR runway/catwalk. 

Blo/Out has different styles to chose from (such cute up do's) AND will feature you on their instagram. I mean, you tell me something cooler than that. Call up Pitbull because shawty's fire burning on the dance floor!

Wether you're testing a new style for an upcoming date, or just want to feel truly MAGICAL, you better be booking your appointment with Blo/Out bar. STAT. 

Note: Ask for Jen! Highly reccomended. Great customer service. 

Washington Square location

All opinions are 100% my own however I was compensated for this post.

Oprah up in this palace (a giveaway)

If only I could be compared to Oprah...but then again a half plus one ton of things would be different about me. Probably the fact I'd be more generous, meeting celebrities on the regular, and having a voice that only angels gossip about. However, I figured I'd show up to the party TWO days in a row to give ya a lil sumin' sumin'. If you don't giveaway instagram worthy things, are you even giving something away? EXACTLY. You get me.  If they are instagram worthy, you then know they are probably some of my favorite things.

1. Nail polish (X2) Le duh. I'm sure you and your mom and aunt AND grandma included could spend hours in target/your local drug store just picking out what polish to get next (although you have a color WAY too similar). Que Sera!

2. Bon Weekend Tote. I think it doesn't get much better than a cute tote for all purposes alike. Beach, errands, gym. You name it, it's on its way there. Thanks to The Atelier Shop you can get your own (or like ten, for that matter) here.

3. Every blogger (and person) loves to instagram their food, si? Ok truly you can tell I love my instagram. However, if you win this bad boy you get a $20 giftcard to PANERA. Possibilities (and filters) are endless.

Entre! Entre! Entre! Contest ends July 9th at midnight.

Must live in U.S to enter.

Winners entries will be verified. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

This is what dreams are made of

Once upon a time, a sunshiney princess took a rocketship or two off into the land of fashion and has yet to make her way back to homebase. In fact, she's taken off into new layers in the sky (past all the fluffy clouds, I assure you) and we all think she's gone...for the better!

That's where princess Rgord comes in. Her instagrams rarely disappoint, her mirror #OOTD's are an always, and she has a minor in shopping until she drops (Shopping is synonymous with advertising...right?) You too? Great. Stick around, chances are you'll be great friends. And not the BFF type. The cool friends with super long analogies and insiders that only you understand.

Besides her love for fashion, Rgord hits up everything in between. Bad dates, wanderlust, and the time she met Miss USA? Yep, she's blogged about it. The great news I just got word of is that those bad boys won't be going away any time soon. Need entertainment? Homegirl has got you covered.

There's many reasons why Rgord is the up and coming fashion blogger to know. Right about now, you're probably shaking your head times ten and chuckling to yourself as you get acquainted with all the freaky fabulous details of this corner of the web. But it's true.  Why?

1. Her style isn't juuuuust one type (cliche response right?) She can't describe her style in just one or two words. It's everything to beanies and timberlands (it happens often) to the preppiest floral skirt and Chinese Laundry heels.

2. The reason we read blogs (most days) is to relate. Especially with fashion bloggers, ever too often do we read about their new million trillion dolla bag that we ever so crave, but would have to sell everything we own just to get about 1/10th of the material for the bag alone. Bloggers, especially Miss Fashionistas should be able to share with readers their fashion tips and tricks and ish (yea, ish is applicable because I said so) because we are relatable. Now where my H&M lovers at? 100% always guilty of loving on it hard.

Follow along for whatever reason it may be. Like her outfit instagrams? Flipping sweet. Think her writing is stellar and you just want to giggle your bottom off? Stay over! Giggle your little heart out, eat some chickfila, drink and be merry...for tomorrow...we blog!

And by tomorrow I mean, stick around if you'd like to see a pretty cool giveaway just because you are awzum.

Click around I have some pretty funky-monkey things to see! Make sure to follow along using bloglovin and my persona favorite, insta.

X&O's (but not the mushy kind)...