My New Favorite Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, I am a less-is-more kind of girl. You'll often see me wearing pearl studs and perhaps a simple necklace, but I rarely add more baubles than that. I enjoy supporting independent designers, so I was thrilled to receive a surprise from 9th & Elm.

They couldn't have selected more perfect pieces for me. Those pearl studs of mine got a badass upgrade -  9 mm bullets. Pearls are so very ladylike that adding them to bullet jewelry makes me smile. You can find the earrings I'm wearing below here, but there are a ton of great bullet jewelry pieces too.

Blame it on my Texan roots or sorority life, but I love a good monogram. Although monograms fill my apartment, they hadn't crept into my jewelry box - until now. I am in love with this gold monogram necklace and I'm so touched that the lovely people at 9th & Elm thought of me.

xx,

Rachel

*The opinions conveyed here are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for this post. 

Spotlight On: fresh® Beauty

On my latest Sephora trip, it became obvious just how enamored I am with the fresh ® products. Here are my picks for spring beauty:

Soy face cleanser
Normally, I'm fairly practical when it comes to cleansers. After all, you just wash it off after a minute, right? Wrong. This stuff is amazing, and worth every penny. I don't normally classify my skin as sensitive, but after using this gentle formula for a couple days, my skin was noticeably smoother and more even. I'm sold.

Sugar lip treatment

Something between a stain and a balm, these little guys are my addiction. As I'm wishing for warmer weather, I appreciate the fun and totally wearable shades (and the SPF!). 

Brown sugar body polish

I'd be happy to receive this for any birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Columbus Day...whatever. Luxurious and gentle, it made this list for its ability to transform not-so-attractive ghostly winter skin into stuff that you actually want to show as the temperature climbs. 

Do you have a favorite fresh® product I need to know about?

xx,

Rachel

Grown-up Snow Days

This winter, being especially harsh, has me missing the heat of my "other homes" - Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. I’m a Southern girl, but Cincinnati currently manages to hold my heart despite its icy days. To survive this long (...dark…freezing…) season, I’ve learned to embrace the art of the grown-up snow day. While we might not get a full day off like back in the glorious days of student life, I still believe in embracing the current circumstances. After a slow commute or afternoon spent reminiscing about days where snowfall meant day-drinking and/or sledding with your roommates, sometimes you just need to take extra care of yourself. 

1

 If you're staying in, loungewear is the mandatory attire in my book. I love the line Tink + Tiger - luxurious, coastal inspiration, and a perfect lookbook. 

2

I buy fresh flowers weekly, if only to remind myself that spring will be here soon enough. I'm into pink tulips right now. 

3

L'OCCITANE hand cream is essential with brutal cold and blustery days. 

4

This throw, available from One Kings Lane, reminds me of log cabins and cozying up in the mountains.

5

Hot yoga has become my savior for when I just can't shake the winter chill. Nothing warms you up like a workout in 105 degree room. 

6

All diptyque candles are amazing, but this one (with orange, clove, and cinnamon) is my favorite for chilly nights. 

All you lovely people stay warm out there.

xoxo,

Rachel