Rachel Lynn: August 2016

My Trip to the Strip District

Hey, everyone! Can I be the first to say that I have no idea where August went or this entire summer for that matter! I feel like there are so many things I want to get accomplished and no time to get them done. On the bright side, though, I have a lot of exciting collaborations coming up. I've been playing around with a bunch of different outfits and styles and I can't wait to bring them to you!

The last time we spoke I was telling you all about this adorable outfit. Off the shoulder crop tops and pom shorts-- is there anything cuter?? I mean, probably, to be honest. But as far as outfits go, this is the tops! What I didn't tell you during that post, though, was the amazing night I had in between photo shoots.

The Strip District in Pittsburgh is such an interesting place. There are so many unique shops, markets, and eateries. This trip was only the second time I had been there and I can't believe it took me so long to get back there! One of my favorite things lately is trying out new, off the beaten path coffee shops. Don't get me wrong, I love Starbucks. 100%! But as much as I love a good Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato, I love the vibes of a non chain coffee shop. Each one has a unique spin on the typical coffee shop experience. Each one an adventure in itself. I could sit in a coffee shop for hours, blogging away and be perfectly content!

Besides the overwhelming feeling of future adventures, there were two stops on the trip that stood out to me as places I want to highlight..

Grandpa Joe's Candy

The first is called Grandpa Joe's Candy. Imagine all of the candy your grandparents used to bring whenever they came over your house or the candy they always had stocked on hand when you came to visit. Now multiply that by 50 and that's Grandpa Joe's Candy store! I walked in and wanted to put up a tent in the corner. Now, granted, I would have gone into sugar shock in a half hour, but the amount of colorful candies was so enticing! Everywhere I looked there were walls and walls filled with vintage and modern candy. Anything you can think of this shop has! 100% worth the trip.

Bar Marco

If you're looking for a killer happy hour, this is the place to go. This Italian restaurant features a small list of happy hour drinks to choose from, but don't be disappointed. If you don't find something on the list to your liking, the bartender has got your back. Simply tell him a list of flavors and a type of alcohol that you like and he creates a drink based on that description. They're extremely accommodating. And their food looks stunning! I haven't gotten the chance to try it yet, but I was so excited to see focaccia on the menu! When I studied abroad in Italy that was definitely a favorite of mine. This restaurant is a chic slice of Italy in little old Pittsburgh. Oh, did I mention there are wine bottles decorating the walls? **swoon

On top of all the excitement that has been the last few weeks, recently my guest post on Remington Ready was published. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your work up on someone's page. I can write whatever my little heart desires on my page, but for someone else to believe in me was just so inspiring and humbling. Definitely a step in the right direction!! Check in out here. :)

Also, before I forget (because God knows I'm good at forgetting), shout out to Morgan K, the winner of my CaseApp giveaway! Thank you to everyone who participated. Until next time...

xoxo,

Off the Shoulder Crop Top + Pom Shorts From Sammy Dress

Hello, all! Welcome back to my blog. This week I had the pleasure of making my way down to the strip district for a lovely night out with the girls. We strolled along the streets, looking in all of the cute markets and writing to do lists for future trips. I now have a long list of coffee shops, markets and restaurants I'm dying to try out.

As we were strolling about, we happened upon this wall and I knew it would be the perfect place for a photo shoot. This particular mural is titled, City Lung by Ian Thomas. These blues work so well together and were the perfect backdrop for my outfit of the day!

Outfit Details: Shorts / Shirt

*Disclaimer: This outfit was gifted to me by Sammy Dress for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I'm teaming up with Sammy Dress to bring you this outfit of the day. If you've been following me on Twitter and Snapchat you know that I am so excited for fall! I can't wait for the crunch of the leaves and the crisp morning air. But while it's still summer I plan on soaking up as much of it as I can. This outfit is the perfect "last kick of summer" outfit. I've been all about off the shoulder pieces this summer. I just can't get enough of them! These comfy, cute pom shorts were the perfect pair for this adorable off the shoulder crop top. I love how simple yet adorable this outfit is. Not too loud, but still bold! My kind of outfit. And can we just look at those sleeves?!

I'm such a sucker for bell sleeves!

I can definitely see myself wearing this outfit as much as I can before the cool weather sets in! Can you blame me?? Sammy Dress is the perfect place for on trend fashion. They have such a wide range of styles and all at affordable prices!

Be sure to check Sammy Dress out:

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Shout out to my girl, Kayleigh for being the wonderful photographer she is and Madrid for putting up with my shenanigans. You da best <3

I had so much fun shooting in this adorable outfit and can't wait to bring you next week's outfit of the day courtesy of Sammy Dress! Be sure to be on the lookout for that. It will be filled with another adorable off the shoulder shirt. :) Until then follow me on my social medias and stay up to date on all things Rachel Lynn!

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat: rgolden75 / Bloglovin' / Pinterest

Life Updates + 10 Inspirational Quotes

Hey, everyone! I hope your week has been off to a good start. For those of you following along my Instagram and Snapchat, you already know I spent the weekend visiting my family in Erie and have, since then, safely returned to Pittsburgh. I was knee deep in cleaner, helping my mom get the house ready before she starts her second to last class of her Masters, and nose deep in the newest Harry Potter book. 1,000% recommend a read! You won't regret it.

Before that, though, things had been pretty quiet on the blog front and that is because earlier this week my grandfather passed away. It was a difficult time for my family, as I’m sure anyone who has lost someone close can understand. At first, I thought I would be able to keep up with my usual two posts per week, but as time progressed I knew this was not something I would be able to accomplish. Certainly, no one blames me, but one thing this week has taught me is that when life happens, sometimes you have to put things on hold and focus on yourself. And that’s OK.

If you don’t take the time to take care of yourself, everything else will slowly start to slip.

As much as I like to think I am, I’m not superwoman. I can’t do it all.

So today’s blogpost, along with being a mini update on the life and times of Rachel Lynn, is a reminder that even though you can’t do it ALL, there is still so much you can accomplish. Taking a few days, or weeks or months off is not a bad thing. People will honestly respect you more for it because we’ve all been there at some point in some capacity.

Below are a few of my favorite inspirational quotes. Whether you’re going through a tough time, just got out of the woods, or ready to take life full on, there’s something here for you.

When nothing is sure, everything is possible. -Margaret Drabble

New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. -Lao Tzu

Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. -Thomas Edison

The harder I work, the more luck I have. -Thomas Jefferson

The best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. –Theodore Roosevelt

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties. -Erich Fromm

If you're doing your best you won't have any time to worry about failure. -H. Jackson Brown Jr.

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. -E. E. Cumings

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over. -F. Scott Fitzgerald

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. -Mark Twain

That's all for today! I just received a few packages in the mail, so be on the lookout for a few outfit of the day posts. Be inspired, do wonderful things, and never forget even if you can’t do it all, there are so many wonderfully exciting things you will accomplish!

xoxo,

Friday Favorites .04 + GIVEAWAY

Hey, everyone! So I'm going to keep today's post short and sweet because I have unfortunately misplaced my keys and have to tear my life apart to find them. How's your Friday going? Anywho, today I'm going to spend some time talking about all of the things I'm loving this week. Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: CaseApp gifted me the phone case and laptop skin in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Starbuck's Mocha Macchiato
If you haven't tried this drink at Starbucks yet, you really should take a trip there! I love macchiatos and the mocha twist is the perfect touch. It's the perfect transition drink from summer to fall. It's iced, and not too heavy, but definitely rich enough to go along with the changing seasons.

CaseApp
CaseApp is new to me, but I've been loving all their cases and skins. Everyone seems to be on a marble kick lately, and it's safe to say I'm right there with them. They have such a huge selection of marble cases and a ton of other cute designs. You can even custom create your own! That's right, they have custom iPhone cases and custom laptop skins. How clutch! Okay, this is going to sound weird, but I can't stop touching my phone case--it's so soft! I have no idea what material they use to make it, but it's unlike any other I've had. And just look at this laptop skin? How cute is that! Be sure to use code RACHELLYNN20 to receive 20% off your order.

Short Hair
For those of you who follow me on Snapchat (rgolden75) you already know that yesterday I chopped my hair! This is easily the best haircut I've had in a while. I'm still able to curl it, but it's short and fun and has a bounce to it.

Jewelry courtesy of Rocksbox

Use code RGOLDEN95XOXO to get your first month free

Everything Fall
I know it's still August, and usually I would dread the changing of seasons, wishing it could stay summer for forever, but lately I've been so excited for fall! I can't wait to wear jeans and a scarf, go apple and pumpkin picking and wake up to the crisp feeling in the air. There will definitely be a plethora of fall posts in my future!

Booties
Another reason I'm so excited for fall! I'm all about this style and can't wait to pick up a few pairs for myself. They work so well with every outfit-- so classic and practical.

Maybelline Daringly Nude Matte
Sometime last week was National Lipstick Day and I completely missed out. Naturally, your girl can always go for some new lipstick, so I decided to treat myself. On the recommendation of a friend, I decided to pick up this shade and haven't stopped wearing it! If you're in the market for a nude, I would highly recommend this shade.

Delicate Jewelry
I used to be known for all of my statement necklaces. I wouldn't go anywhere unless I was wearing one. Lately, though, I've really been vibing small, delicate necklaces. I'm able to layer different pieces together, without any one piece dominating the others.

Make Me... by Britney Spears, G-Easy
Wow. What an amazing song. I couldn't for the life of me think of the name of this song or the words in it. The only thing I knew was the "you make me ooo" part. Naturally when I tried to google it the only thing that came up was J.Biebs. lololz I was so relieved to find the name and have been listening to it on repeat ever since. Seriously, this is such a good song!

As promised it's time for a GIVEAWAY! Today I've teamed up with CaseApp to give one of my lucky followers a free product of their choice! All you have to do to be entered is subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram! Easy enough. :) For extra entries follow my social media accounts listed below. Once you're done, be sure to leave a comment below with your email confirming you've completed the entry! The giveaway will run until 8/19/16 11:59pm and a winner will be randomly selected within 48 hours.

Twitter
Facebook
Snapchat: rgolden75
Bloglovin'

It's as easy as that! Well, I'm off to search for my keys. Hopefully the day will end better than it started! Happy Friday :)

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat: rgolden75 / Bloglovin'

The Reading List of an English Grad -- Fantasy

Hey, everyone! I hope you're all having a fabulous week. Mine looks like it's going to turn into another whirlwind of a week, but I'm definitely not complaining about it! I'm the type of person that thrives when busy. Today, though, I'm going to slow it down a bit for you and talk about what I love to do to unwind more than anything else-- read. Ever since I was a small child, I loved reading. Library class was my favorite. I had a goal in grade school to read all of the books in the library before I graduated. Pretty ambitious for a small child, but I loved to read, so it was a challenge I was more than willing to accept!

As an English student, I read a LOT in college. Some of the books were pretty tedious and others I just couldn't put down. So today I've decided to start a series about all of the books I've had to read for college. I love finding new books to read and would love to help someone else find their newest favorite novel! As an English Lit major, we were allowed to take a few electives. One of the electives I took was a Fantasy class and this was by far, one of my favorite classes. The teacher was so insightful, yet fun at the same time, and because the books were of a genre we were all invested in, the discussion was interesting and definitely got heated at times. So without further ado...

The Reading List of an English Grad -- Fantasy edition:

1. The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - If this list hasn't started off on a good note for you, I may have lost you already, hahah. I had always wanted to read the Lord of the Rings series, but for whatever reason, I had never gotten around to it. This book surpassed all of the hype I had heard about it. Tolkien was truly a genius writer and his books are just as magical as the characters he writes about. 10/10 would recommend!

2. The Tolkien Reader by J.R.R. Tolkien - This book isn't a novel, but if you're obsessed with Tolkien and his novels, this book gives excellent insight into how he wrote and his thought process.

3. Lirael by Garth Nix - This book is actually the second in a series called 'The Old Kingdom Trilogy'. I honestly had no idea what to expect when I first started reading this book and was a little confused when I found out we were reading the second book of the trilogy. After diving in, though, I had no problem catching on to all of the characters. This book may not have the same fame as some of the others on this list, but it definitely held its own in my book! (pun intended) I can't wait to get my hands on the first book of this series and finish what I started.

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Does this book really need any explanation? With all of the hype around The Hunger Games these past few years, you would think everyone and their mother has read the series. I was so excited when I saw this on my syllabus. I would take any opportunity to read this book again and talk about it in an academic context-- or any context for that matter!

5. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman - Wow. What an amazing book. Unlike the other books on this list, this particular novel is a very quick read! Only about 200 pages. Don't be fooled, though. There's a LOT going on it in. This particular novel takes on the magical world and the read world side by side. This class focused, in general, on the unlikely hero in all of the novels-- mainly the children as heroes and the adults as causing the trouble. I lent my copy to my mother earlier this summer and she really liked it! It's one of the first books that comes to mind as a quick, easy and intriguing read.

6. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud - If you've been following along my summer goals (June, July, August), you've noticed a slight obsession I've had with Jonathan Stroud. Here is where it all started. Yes, this novel is for children, but it is SO good! Thematically and literarily interesting enough for a term paper or two! This novel takes a look at London in an alternate future where ghosts are not only prevalent but an epidemic. The only solution to this problem comes at the hands of children. Literally. The government hires children to eradicate the problem. In this novel, children are the powerful portion of society and the adults rely fully on them. A very, very interesting and exciting read.

7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling - Yes, I got to read this amazing novel for class. Yes, it was everything I remembered it to be.

I can assure you not all of the classes were this exciting. Although I enjoyed all of my classes and the reading material that came along with them, I certainly had my fair share of Renaissance plays and 19th century British Literature. Fun fact, I was in a small group discussion during a British Literature class on a day around Christmas when a girl in my group set one of her papers on fire as a joke. I seriously thought I was going to get kicked out of class. Thankfully, we had seminar in the Cathedral of Learning and my teacher thought the smell of burning paper was due to the fireplaces they light around Christmas in the common area. Never a dull moment.

That's all for today! Be sure to subscribe if you have not already to keep up with everything Rachel Lynn. Also, help me reach my August Goal and follow me on Instagram! I love flowers and coffee and pretty dresses. It's a good time, I promise! Until next time,

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat: rgolden75 / Bloglovin'

Floral Print Zaful Dress

Happy Thursday! It's just about the end of the week, and I couldn't be more excited. I know it's only four days in, but I've already been hard at work with my August Goals. I only have four episodes left until the final episode of Gossip Girl and I'm both excited and sad for it to be over. I've been watching this show on and off for five years (yes, it's crazy it's taken me five years to finish this series). In other news, I was so ecstatic to receive this package in the mail and I'm here to tell you all about it. Today I'm bringing to you my latest collaboration with Zaful.

*Disclaimer: Zaful gifted me the dress and sunglasses in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shop the look: Dress / Sunglasses

I am low-key obsessed with this company. If I could buy all of the pieces on their site, I would! They're all so chic and modern. This adorable, round collar, a-line dress immediately stood out to me and I knew I had to have it. The back has the perfect amount of cutouts, but the front is still conservative. I also have the worst time finding dresses in the right length for me. Most dresses, even if they're supposed to be short, fall way too long on me. This dress is perfect, though. I can't tell you how excited I was about this find. This dress would be great if you're attending any last minute weddings. And, guys... it's twirl-worthy. That's what I call the perfect dress!

While on their site, I also snagged up these two glasses. I've been dying to get my hands on a pair of statement sunglasses this summer and these are exactly what I was looking for. Their sharp, gold edges give a crisp look to any outfit and I just love how reflective they can be!