Reading List of an English Grad -- Issues of Place and Space

Happy first day of autumn!! Wow, could I not be more excited. Tonight I plan on working on one of my Fall Bucket List items-- my Littles are coming over and we are continuing to watch Stranger Things. Not going to lie, I got pretty freaked out the last time we watched it, but I'm still super pumped for it! Last time I brought you all a Reading List post, it came from my fantasy class. That was easily my most favorite class at Pitt! This time I'm bringing to you my first ever college lit class reading list. These books were a little more scattered about, as they dealt with a theme more than a genre. This theme encompassed the issue of places and spaces. If you really want a broken down analysis of why these books fit into this category, I'm sure I could scrounge something up, but suffice it would be long and arduous and not really something I want to get into at the moment. :P So without further ado, the Reading List of an English Grad.

Issues of Place and Space:
1. Agamemnon by Aeschylus
  Greek tragedy--classic English lit reading material. Clytemnestra is one powerful female character! 
2. Once and Future King by T.H. White
  This book was by far my favorite! The single book had three parts written in it. The first part-- the part we read-- was basically The Sword in the Stone and the coming of age of King Arthur. The first is full of so much hope and growth. Apparently, things go down in the next two parts, but we didn't get that far. 
3. Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Murakami
  Okay, full disclosure this novel is actually insane. At first when you read it, you think you know what's going on. The book is split into two--half of the book is written about Hard Boiled Wonderland and the other half about the End of the World. Already confusing enough, but then 3/4 the way through the novel it starts playing mind tricks on you! Such a good book, but definitely a challenge.
4. Waiting for the Barbarians by Coetzee
  Another great novel that plays with the use of time and space. I don't honestly think things get resolved at the end. It's another one that really makes you think. Coetzee is an amazing writer! 
5. Maggie, a Girl of the Streets by Crane
  Okay, guys, I'm going to be real with you. I didn't actually read this book. This was the last book of the semester--around when I had finals-- and we weren't tested on it and I wrote my paper on another novel so I just didn't read it. (Oops)






What's your favorite novel that really makes you think?? Leave it in the comments below and be on the lookout for the next installment of this series! And, as always, make sure to follow me on my social medias. I'm sooo close to reaching my Instagram goal for September! Follow me to help to complete my goal!! :) Until next time, 

xoxo,

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Fall Bucket List 2k16

Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of Rachel Lynn! A lot of productive things have happened here since last I've posted. Mainly just a lot of editing and formatting that I've been meaning to get to. It's amazing what you can get accomplished when you have an afternoon to yourself. While I sit at my desk being productive, I can't help but notice the fall weather that has most certainly started moving in. Guys, I could not be more excited!! If you've caught wind of my Pinterest page, you know I've been pinning fall inspiration like mad. Fall fashion, DIY, food, scenery, make up--literally every thing that is fall inspired I've been crazy about.


So before the fall season officially sets in, I wanted to create my Fall Bucket List to insure I have as much time to cross things off as possible. I did a really good job on my Summer Bucket List, but I decided to pull a few items off of that list that I wasn't able to get done to work on during the fall. So without further ado, my Fall Bucket List 2016.

Fall Bucket List 2016:
1. Go apple picking
2. Go for a bike ride
3. Take a hike
4. Go to a pumpkin farm
   I've never done this and always wanted to! I hope this year will be the year! 
5. Go to a haunted house
6. Go on a hayride
7. Drink apple cider
8. Make one fall inspired dish
9. Host a scary movie night
10. Finish Stranger Things
   ITS SO GOOD!
11. Watch American Horror Story
12. Tailgate at a football game
13. Attend a football game
14. Carve a Jack-o-Lantern
15. Learn how to bake pumpkin bread
   My grandmother makes the best pumpkin bread!
16. Craft a fall inspired DIY
17. Navigate a corn maze
18. Drink a pumpkin spice latte
    No, I have not had one yet.. shocking.
19. Have a scary movie date
20. Watch Hocus Pocus
21. Try hot yoga
22. Go to Fright Nights at Kennywood
23. Write a handwritten note and send it to someone
24. Go trick-or-treating or hand out candy
  Yes, I may be too old for the first part of this... 




I seriously can't wait to get to work!! What's on your fall bucket list?!

xoxo,

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Periwinkle Striped Off the Shoulder Top from Sammy Dress

Welcome back everyone! Today is another gorgeous Fall afternoon. And yes, it is definitely now Fall. My window is currently open and there is a definite chill in the air. Nothing too drastic, but you can feel the temperature start to change. I love it! As an update, I did watch Stranger Things last night and it was sooo good! My littles and I were thoroughly terrified and thrilled. I can't wait to get more into the series! As for today's post, I'm bringing to you another on point transition outfit for those Fall days that feel more like summer. I picked up this beautiful off the shoulder top from a familiar shop, Sammy Dress. 

*This top was given to me by Sammy Dress in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I am such a sucker for bell sleeves and I have been for a while now. I even wrote an entire post about bell sleeves last summer! This shirt just might take the cake for my favorite bell sleeve top. As much as I love burgundy, blue has always been a close second. I love how light and fun the blue in this top is. It's fitting enough at the top to show some curves, but loose enough not to show too many curves. A perfect compromise! I've paired the top with my favorite pair of high waisted jeans to make the top more appropriate for the cooler fall temperatures. 

I was also gifted this pair of jean shorts, but post-grad life has not been kind on my body and I can't honestly fit these over my butt .....oops. Aren't they so cool, though?! I was pretty disappointed when I first realized, but this will just be great motivation to lose weight for next summer, though!

For those of you who read my last post on Sammy Dress, you know how excited I am about them and all they have to offer. This site is so easy to navigate and I love the hundreds of items to choose from. But don't let me convince you! Check out their pages below to see for yourself. :) Happy shopping!

Be sure to check Sammy Dress out:

Online Shop

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

G+

xoxo,

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Rose Wholesale Black Bohemian Dress + Lace Up Heals

Hey, everyone! Today is hump day, and I hope you're excited to be halfway through the work week! Tonight I'm having a movie night with my littles and we're going to start Stranger Things. I've heard only great things about this show, so I can't wait to start it! I do also get nightmares easily, (oops) so we'll see where this little adventure takes me. Anywho! Today I am bringing to you the second outfit I received from Rose Wholesale. (Be sure to check out my first post here!)

*These items were given to me by Rose Wholesale in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Wow, am I crazy about this dress! When I first saw it on Rose Wholesale's site my mouth dropped. This dress is seriously stunning. The attention to detail in the pattern, the fit, and the comfort all give this dress a huge A+! This pattern and color palette is also perfect for fall. It's another great transition piece from RWS. It can be worn during the hotter temperatures because of the light material, but once things start to cool down, it can easily be worn with tights, a jacket and a scarf for a perfect date night outfit. 

God knows I can't talk about this outfit without mentioning these shoes. I mean, wow. These black lace up heals are so fierce! I've always wanted a pair of lace up shoes and this were such a good find. The fabric is suade, so it works well with the fall season, but still has the peep toe and cut out sides to allow breathing room on those hotter days. 

These shoes paired with this dress give a sexy, yet modest feel. Not to tight, not too revealing, but still bold and in control. Both of these can always be dressed down, too, which is a huge plus for me!

I know I said this in the last RWS post, but I'm crazy about their site. It's super easy to navigate and they have a ton of options. I could spend hours glossing over the adorable shirts, comfy sweaters and killer shoes! And their clothing is hella affordable! Be sure to check out their pages below. :) 

RoseWholesale:

Online Store

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

G+

So I know this is the part where I usually wrap things up, but I wanted to give a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who read and/or commented on my post yesterday. I was so taken aback by the overwhelming support. To say this has been something I've been struggling with for a while now would be an understatement, but knowing I have the support of my readers, as well as my friends and family really means the world to me. You all are the best and this blog would be nowhere without you. <3 

Okay, okay, enough sap on my part! :) See you next time.

xoxo,

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Real Talk: Life Post Graduation

 Hey, everyone and welcome back to my blog. For those of you who are new, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Rachel and I am a 22-year-old fashion/lifestyle blogger and recent college graduate. Nine times out of ten, the immediate response to hearing that phrase is "Congratulations! You must be so excited" and my immediate internal thought is not quite as excited as they would have guessed. While I usually like to keep things upbeat and fun here on Rachel Lynn, this has been something that has been weighing down on my mind lately. I've been inspired by other bloggers telling their story and being real, so for today's post, I'm going to take a few minutes and be real with you guys.

A friend of mine explained education and post grad in a way that really stuck. We are programmed our whole lives to move forward-- to move up. We go from grade one to two... from five to six... all the way up from junior to senior. Each year, we progress forward. And this progression is inevitable. It's what we are taught from an early age. If you aren't progressing-- moving forward, moving up-- there's something wrong. You've done something wrong.


When I graduated I felt the world at my feet. I walked across the stage at my department graduation and could image all the different paths my life could take me. At times now, I honestly have the same feeling. I am young. I will be the first to admit that. If I want to up and move across the country-- or across the world for that matter-- I could. There's nothing, save finances, holding me back. But as I sit in my apartment right now, contemplating my future, I don't feel the same excitement I once felt. And that's because life isn't always a constant growth.


Sometimes you sit still and wonder where the path you're on is leading you.

You wonder if it's leading you anywhere worthwhile at all.

And that's where I'm at right now.

"Where is this taking me?"


Because quite honestly, at this point in my life, I'm at a standstill. I'm a waitress at a restaurant in town. Cool. Good job. Glad I got an education for this. I spent my entire collegiate career convincing everyone who asked that an english degree wasn't a waste of time. That I could do something with my time when I graduated college. They all looked at me with skepticism. They all questioned who would want to hire an English Literature graduate.

And I was so confident that someone would immediately hire me. I got great grades, made the Dean's list, took up not only one but two leadership positions and studied abroad in a foreign country in a language intensive program. I helped produced an amazing musical, helped coordinate a service sorority with over 200 members, completed over 150 hours of service, got an internship with the government and worked my ass off to finish undergrad a full semester early. I am a dedicated, loyal, hard working individual, but if someone asks me what I'm doing postgrad? oh... I'm a waitress.

Now, I know something will come my way eventually because it's not that I haven't gotten job offers. Common sense and my dedication to finding the right job tells me that it will eventually find its way to me if I keep working hard. It just takes time finding the right job.

And this is what they don't tell you when you graduate. While there are some individuals who go on for more education and individuals who get hired right out of school, there are some who wait. Sometimes, you don't move forward. Sometimes you stand still and wait. And while I'm enjoying this odd time in my life, I can't help but wonder when it will end.


So I'll continue to fill my time with blogging, serving tables and anxiously awaiting interviews, because I know eventually I will get hired. Eventually, I will take that first step. It just takes some people longer than others. And for those of you out there in limbo with me, seriously, you're not alone. It happens more than you know. Hang in there & keep doing what you're doing.

xoxo,

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Summer Bucket List 2k16 Revisited

Welcome back, everyone! If you follow me on any social media (Pinterest especially, wow), you've noticed that I'm crazy about Fall. I seriously can't wait for it to start. Just thinking about all of the things I want to do this fall makes me want to jump out of my chair and get to work! I've been putting off revisiting my summer bucket list, though, because I still feel like there were so many more things I wanted to accomplish. This summer flew by! Everyone's been saying it lately, but it is still undeniably true. So today, I'm bringing you my Summer 2k16 Bucket List Revisited.  Enjoy!





Summer 2k16 Bucket List: Revisited

1. go to a concert

I went to a tailgate for the first time and saw Florida Georgia Line with some friends. I honestly did realize the amount of people who show up for a tailgate and the amount of people who don't even come for the actual concert. Like, wow, people sure know how to have a good time. Definitely a success!

2. go kayaking

FINALLY! Guys, I was so excited to go kayaking. It was a lot more physical work than I was expecting. Partially because I stopped the boat every time I tried to turn... but it was still a lot of fun! 

3. go boating

I went deep sea fishing for the first time! Now, while I seriously thought I was going to die on the boat ride out to sea and had to sit for the first hour staring at the island so I didn't vomit, once I got my sea legs I was standing on the edge of the boat and caught my first ever fish! I don't know if our captain was just getting a rise out of me, but apparently, it's good luck to kiss your first fish, so that's what I did! 

4. go on a road trip

18 hours down to Hilton Head Island was quite the trip. It was supposed to be a lot shorter than that, but we made a few wrong turns here and there. Next time, we'll probably fly!

5. try hot yoga

6. try any type of yoga

   Monday, August 8th, 2016: Yoga in the Park

Every Monday and Saturday during the summer, there's yoga in a park right by me. My friend Cara and I went and it was a lot of fun--sweaty, but fun and relaxing. 

7. write a letter to 18 year old me

8. wake up an hour earlier 

 Surprisingly, I did a decent job of this! I used to be the worst at waking up. Now, I'm certainly not a morning person yet, but I'm working on it.

9. have coffee in a local shop

    Thursday, July 14th, 2016: Big Dog Cafe

   Saturday, August 6th, 2016: CommonPlace 

 My newest favorite thing to do is drink coffee in a local coffee shop! Don't get me wrong, I love Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but there's just something about a unique coffee shop and a beautifully crafted cappuccino. 




10. go for a bike ride 

This summer, when my family went down to Hilton Head Island for a week, my little sister and I went bike riding along the beach. It was exactly what you would imagine. So calm and peaceful. We also rode by ponds swarming with alligators. A few were a little too close for comfort! 

11. go for a bike ride with my boyfriend

12. have a picnic

13. go to a festival

    Sunday, June 12th, 2016: Pittsburgh Arts Festival

  We saw a lot of unique, local art shops and grabbed all their business cards. Once this girl has a little bit more spending money and an apartment to furnish, she has a bunch of places to check out. 

14. go to a beach/the ocean

Hilton Head Island is so beautiful! 10/10 would recommend. 

15. have a bonfire

16. watch a sunset

17. watch a sunrise

18. go to an amusement park

So, this one I didn't technically accomplish, but my boyfriend has had tickets for Kennywood all summer. We've just decided to wait to go during their Fright Nights around Halloween. This Bucket List Item will be transferred to my fall list!

19. go to a water park

20. go on a scavenger hunt

21. visit Phipps

22. go for a hike

23. swim in a river in the middle of nowhere

24. watch fireworks

25. stargaze

26. go to the zoo

     Saturday, July 16th, 2016: Pittsburgh Zoo

My dad and little sister surprised me one Saturday and we all went to the zoo. Definitely a fun day!

27. write a handwritten note and send it to someone

28. lay in a hammock and read a book

29. visit an aquarium

      Saturday, July 16th, 2016: PPG Aquarium 

Wow, I love fish. and sharks. and any aquatic! This was super cool for me! 

30. go thrifting

I wasn't able to make it as big of an adventure as I wanted to, but I went thrifting with a few friends of mine in search of the right jeans to create our high waisted shorts, but we just couldn't find any that worked for us. Next time! 

31. make high waisted shorts from thrifted jeans

32. sign up for a race

33. host a bake-off 

34. see a summer blockbuster

      Monday, June 27th, 2016: Finding Dory

35. go to a barbecue

36. go to a baseball game

    Tuesday, June 21st, 2016: Pirates vs Giants

   Friday, July 8th, 2016: Pirates vs Cubs

I love going to baseball games in the summer! It's such a classic, summer sport. I'm not a huge fan of sports in general, but I love going to these! Can't wait for next year :) 

37. have a water ballon fight

38. have a Netflix marathon during a thunderstorm

I've gotten through so many tv shows this summer! It's the perfect thing to do with the sun goes down and you're not tryna blow all of your money at the bar. And yes, there was plenty of rain involved. 

39. eat an obnoxious amount of Dave and Andy's 

     Monday July 25th, 2016

So I clearly didn't mark the date of every time I did something on my bucket list because I definitely got ice cream more than once this summer. Dave & Andy's is so clutch in the summer when all the students are gone. My favorite flavors were black raspberry and kahlua. mmmm.

40. eat gelato!

41. go camping

42. go to a drive-in movie theatre

43. learn how to swing dance

44. brunch at least every other week

    Sunday, June 12th, 2016: Waffles INCaffeinated

    Sunday, June 26th, 2016: Crepes Parisiennes

Once again, I definitely didn't mark down every time we went to brunch because I can think of 3 other brunch dates off the top of my head. I don't know about you guys, but brunch is my favorite. You seriously can't get much better than that. 




I definitely knew starting off that I wouldn't be able to accomplish every single item on my list. I mean, it is quite extensive. But it was a lot of fun making it and it really held me accountable. Every day that I could do something I wanted to go on an adventure. And now, I have a bunch of leftover ideas for next year or even this fall! I've heard drive in movies are best during the fall because the bugs are gone. I can't wait to write that list! Be on the look out for that and many other Fall related posts! Until then, 

xoxo,

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