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'

Top 5 Favorite Bloggers

Hi all! I feel like every time I write there's always a whirl wind of things going on. Life is crazy sometimes. Scratch that-- all of the time. Earlier this week, I had two interviews scheduled and a lot of my time was taken up with prep work and dealing with the aftermath of those interviews. "Aftermath??" you may be thinking. Yes, aftermath.

It was all very dramatic and my poor roommate had to listen to me very curtly argue with a difficult recruiter that attempted to convince me that "$12 an hour was a good salary". She was trying to take advantage of the wrong girl! I did all my research and knew exactly what was a fair market value salary for that position with my experience and the number was WAY more than the meager $12 an hour. I was actually able to take matters into my own hands and negotiate with the firm myself (instead of going through the agency) and to her surprise they were willing to raise the salary. Unfortunately, it was still not what I was looking for, so I had to turn down the offer. Moral of the story, do not use staffing agencies to find a job! Even if it's to supplement your own job hunt. They only have their bottom line in mind and will say whatever they can to devalue your worth and experience. Lesson learned!

As a result, I've honestly been feeling a little uninspired and stressed (to say the least). I've definitely been lagging in the blogging department lately. I did have a 'Yinzerita' for the first time last night to celebrate my victory over the agency and my strong conviction to stick to up for myself in the face of the mean 'real world'. I'm getting off topic. Oops!

But as a result of my lack of inspiration, today's post is going to be about my top 5 favorite bloggers to go to for inspiration. Ladies who I can visit this blog and have 15 new ideas bustling around my head in no time flat! I've come across all of these bloggers through different Facebook groups and immediately become obsessed! I hope you find as much inspiration and enjoyment from them as I do!

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Jasmine Maria

I've been following this lovely lady on Instagram for a while now, and her makeup photos are always so stunning! Putting on makeup is one of my favorite things to do. I like to think I have my routine down pretty well, but her makeup is phenomenal! Her pictures are so inspiring. I want to immediately run to my makeup bag and start experimenting. Her blog is just as inspiring, too!

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Absolutely Annie

I've only recently been introduced to this blogger, but her style is right up my alley. Very clean cut and always so adorable! Her every day style matches right up with my own. I'm allll about that shirt dress! And how adorable are those sandals?!

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Coffee with Summer

Coffee with Summer is one of those blogs I can visit for really anything. I love all of her posts about blogging. I've been blogging for two years now, but I feel like there are so many aspects I still have to learn about. Summer always has helpful tips. I know what I'm reading is quality information that will help me tackle whatever aspect of blogging I'm tying to figure out. And don't even get me started on her 'wedding' posts! The flower accents on her chairs and the darling 'find the key to your seat' idea?!? Wow. I'm tryna get married just to have a wedding as amazing as hers! 

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The Confused Millennial

This amazing blogger brings tips and inspiration about how to survive as a Millennial, because, lets be honest, we could all use as much advise to help us navigate the 'real world'. My favorite series she does is her "Inspiring Millennial Series". I first watched this series when it featured Stephanie O'Connell and was hooked!  Stephanie is an actress turned financial blogger living in NYC. During this episode, they talked a lot about what it was like for Stephanie to go from being a broke actress in NYC to writing her own book, "The Broke and Beautiful Life, and becoming a kick-ass entrepreneur! I love how honest and insightful all of Rachel's posts are. They seriously give me so much to think about and ways to improve my own life! 10/10. Hands down!

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Twenties Girl Style
If you want a look into what future, financially stable Rachel will look like once she gets a full-time job, her wardrobe and blog will look pretty similar to Ashley's! All of her pieces are exactly what I would purchase if my wallet loved me. Every time I visit her page I have to immediately fight the urge to start online shopping. It's truly a terrible urge to fight. If you want to know the latest, affordable trends and spot on ways to style outfits, visit her page! 




This is by far not a comprehensive list of all the blogs I'm currently obsessing over. Lets be honest, there are just so many and I spend an obnoxious amount of time reading blogs and obsessing over bloggers that this list would stretch for MILES if I included everyone. So let me know who your favorite bloggers are in the comment below! Until next time.

xoxo,

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

10 Shows to Binge Watch This Summer

Hey, there! I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday. It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh and I'm enjoying my only day off with my lovely blog. I can't believe we're about halfway through the  summer! I feel like it has flown by and I haven't even accomplished half of the things I set out to do. So in commemoration of all the time I've wasted watching tv and binge watching shows and I decided to bring you a list of my favorite tv shows of all time. At least one of these shows is bound to be a hit with you! They are all "binge watch" worthy.

10 Shows to Binge Watch This Summer:

10. Grey's Anatomy

I binge watched 6 seasons in two months the summer after I graduated high school. Needless to say, I was obsessed.

On Netflix

9. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette

I actually wasn't a fan of these shows until this past year. Mainly because I had never watched them and thought they were stupid. Now, I still can't say these shows are cinematic revolutionaries, but they're hella addicting and very dramatic.

8. American Horror Story

So much horror, so little time. I've never actually watched a full season of this show. They always came out during the semester and I was always busy with finals. Must. Catch Up. 

On Netflix

7. Gossip Girl

SUCH a classic. I could watch this shows for days and never grow tired of it. Blair Waldorf is my spirit animal.

On Netflix

6. The Vampire Diaries

I've been watching this show for years now. I started the summer after I graduated high school (it was the summer of tv shows, I guess) and have been hooked ever since. There's a book series that go along with it and that's honestly where I got started. The books aren't anything like the series, but they're both soo good. Highly recommend!

On Netflix

5. The Catch

I talked about this show in my Friday Favorites post and there's only one season of it out so far. If you want to start a new show, but don't have enough time to devote to catching up on season after season, this is a quick watch and extremely entertaining! I got my boyfriend, his friend, and his friend's girlfriend hooked on this show! That should at least give me a little credibility!

4. Modern Family

Wow. Just wow. 

3. New Girl

I don't want to give any spoilers away, because if you haven't watched this show yet, you really should turn on the TV straight away and watch it, but Jess is me in real life. 

--Awkward, thinks she funny, isn't usually that funny, dorky. The whole nine yards!

On Netflix

2. Pretty Little Liars

I will forever be obsessed with this show. Shockingly, I have not read the books and I should probably get on that at some point. Aria is my favorite, by far, but all the girls are amazing. I want to meet whoever is the stylist of that show. A+ A+ A+

On Netflix

1. Game of Thrones

This is another show I didn't watch for the longest time. I had seen the books in the bookstore I worked at and wanted to read them and watch the series, but I never got around to either of them for the longest time. There's a reason why this show is the most talked about and the most watched show. It's all around not what I had expected, but everything I could possibly ask for. 

Writing this post is making me both hungry and itching to turn on my tv and ignore the piles of work I should be doing. We'll see how long I hold out. I'm always in the business of finding new shows to watch, so be sure to leave your favorites in the comments below and I will be sure to add them to my list! Don't forget to add me on all of the social medias. I like the color pink and retweet pictures of cats. So if that's your thing, I'm your girl! Until next time,

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat- rgolden 75 / Bloglovin'

Afternoon Tea Time .03

Happy Fourth of July!! Today is always such an exciting day and I'm even more excited to be spending the 4th in Pittsburgh for the first time. I'm still getting used to the idea of not living with my family anymore and this holiday definitely makes that feel a lot more real. Since this is a new month I wanted to update you on last month's goals and revamp them for July!

1. Read two books - I completed this goal! I thought this would be a breeze, but with all of the interviews I've been prepping for and applications I've been sending out, this one has proved to be a bit of a challenge. This month I read The Hollow Boy by Jonathan Stroud and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.
      Me Before You has been a very popular book lately. I have yet to see the movie because I wanted to finish the book before I saw the movie. I'm so glad I decided to do this. The book was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to watch the movie!
      The Hollow Boy, on the other hand, is less known. This is the final book in a children's horror trilogy, Lockwood and Co. It may be a children's series, but I actually had to read the first book in the series for a class I was taking in Undergrad. The book has a lot of interesting themes and is such an easy read. If you're in the mood to be scared, this is a series for you!


2. Exercise more - I honestly can't say I've been exercising more, it more or less has plateaued. The heat is still a huge deterrent for me and I haven't been going as much as I should. However, this past month I did have a huge burst of energy and ran 5 miles during one run, so I can't exactly say I'm slacking either.


3. Learn how to cook one new dish - I'm going to chalk this one up as a win. Although I didn't learn any fancy new recipe, I was able to make buffalo chicken dip for the first time. It was absolutely amazing and was such a win in my book. I'll definitely have to get more creative next month, though.


4. Drink more water - check!


5. Go for one walk a week - This was one of the simplest goals for the month, but it really helped with my mental health. At least once a week I've been able to take some time outside to just hangout. Summer in Pittsburgh is so lovely and these moments outside make it even better!


6. Finish Pretty Little Liars season 6 - Wow. Last season was so insane! I was not expecting any of the things that happened and this season is not letting me down, either! I'm so glad Ezra and Aria are back together. Aria is my spirit animal and Ezra is by far the hottest guy on the show. Power couple.


7. Spend more time with friends - I was so excited with how this goal panned out. June was filled with Bachelorette viewings, Hairspray watching and plenty of wine.


8. Reach 1500 followers on IG - I have unfortunately not been able to reach this goal. When I set out I had a little over 1,000 followers. Around 1030 and now I have over 1250! While I wasn't able to reach my goal of 1500 I think 200 followers in one month is pretty good!










I have no idea where June went or how it's already July! The time has flown by so quickly.

New month, new goals

1. Read two books - I'm keeping this goal the same as last month. I was debating on whether to up this goal to three books, but I have a feeling I'm going to be swamped with work, so I don't want to stretch myself out tooo thin.


2. Get in an exercise routine - Last month I made my exercising goal pretty vague. Creating a routine for my blog has really helped to keep me motivated and on track.  If I set up a routine, I know I'll be more likely to stick to it, instead of being sporadic with my workouts.


3. Learn how to cook one new dish - I kept this goal pretty simple last month, but I'm going to see how creative I can get this month!


4. Catch up on 'The Vampire Diaries' - Last month I caught up on PLL, but I'm equally obsessed with TVD. I know I have a lot of shows to keep track, but even if I just get it started I'll feel like I accomplished this goal. I was so sad Elena had to leave, but they ended her character in the best way possible.


5. Reach 1500 followers on IG - I'm so determined to make this number and I'm halfway to this goal already! One of the things I love about having this goal is the fact that I feel like I have a plan when it comes to my IG. My theme is perfected--I'm actually starting to feel like a real blogger now!


6. Start writing my weekly blog posts the weekend before I want to upload them - I've been reading a lot more about blogging and different tips and tricks to help you along the way. One of the tips that keep cropping up is writing your blogposts in advance. And not only in advance, but writing all of the posts for the following week at once. That way, when you go to upload them, there's not much you have to worry about the day of. I think this will really help me when I get super bogged down with work.


7. Research/ learn more about SEO - I still have no idea how to applies to my blog, but I keep hearing about it everywhere. I really need to get a good understanding of this and apply it to my blog/writing.


8. Finish two Summer Bucket List items - I can't believe the summer is halfway over! I still have so much I want to do with my time. I really want to get a cappuccino at a local coffee shop and go kayaking, but we'll see where July leads me!





I have a feeling July is going to fly by as quickly, if not more quickly than June, but hopefully I'll get all of my goals completed for the month. What are your goals for the month? I'd love to hear about them, so be sure to leave them in the comments below! That's all for now. I hope you all have a lovely Fourth of July! Until next time,

xoxo,

50 Fun Facts About Me

Hey all! Things are a little crazy this week (when aren't they?). I actually have a new project that is currently in the works. I can't wait to tell you guys about it! But any-who, for today's post I figured a quick and dirty list of facts about yours truly would be fun! I've seen this type of post around lately and I love the idea letting you all in on a few things you may not know. These are so fun to write and even more fun to read!

50 Fun Facts About Me: