Espresso at Home

Did you know that you can easily (and inexpensively) make espresso at home? Instead of a fancy espresso machine, you just need one of these guys:

I purchased one after enjoying a daily espresso in Europe. While I still enjoy my regular coffee, a stove-top espresso maker is a nice addition to any kitchen, and a great gift for your favorite coffee addict. You just need finely ground coffee, water, and a stove-top! It couldn't be easier. 

 You'll also need espresso cups. The tiny size gives them potential to be the most darling items in your kitchen. Here are my favorites:

{top to bottom}

Pantone // Hotel Collection // Kate Spade // Etsy

The Pantone cups are so fun and colorful, while the Hotel Collection bone china (available at Macy's) is simple and classic. Obviously, I adore the polka dot Kate Spade set. I found the final set on Etsy - each cup depicts a different French street scene. Love!

xx, 

Rachel

Hey, babe.

"Hey, babe" is a simple phrase that has become the slogan of Frank Body and the nucleus of a pretty smart marketing plan. Frank Body is a company offering just two products, both of which are natural, coffee scrubs packaged in a simple brown paper bag.

The whole website is very cheeky.

See what I mean? I have never seen an advertisement for the scrub, but Instagram is buzzing. I decided to try frank for myself, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the product was even better than the sassy marketing.

What I Liked 

1. The ingredients
Coffee, orange essence, sweet almond oil...all stuff I feel good about putting on my skin.

2. The frank effect
After rinsing the scrub off, I was left with super smooth, moisturized skin. Totally perfect for spring weather and showing more skin!

3. The smell
Mmmmm, coffee. Combined with the orange essence, the smell of the scrub totally woke me up before I even neared the coffee pot.

4. The customer service
I purchased frank with PayPal, and they automatically sent the confirmation email to an old email address (PayPal's fault) and an old mailing address (my fault for not completely deleting?). I emailed customer service to inquire about my order, and they were so helpful - and stayed in "frank" character the entire time.

What I Didn't

1. The wait

After jumping in the shower, turning off the water, and scrubbing up...you get to wait around for 10 minutes to let frank work some magic. I generally like my showers to be more efficient. Considering how much I love everything else about this company though, I can work on cultivating patience. 

Of course, I had to join the rest of Instagram with a little #frankeffect love...

.

Have you tried frank?

xx,

Rachel

Wanderlust Inspired Beachwear

I know it's only March, but with temperatures climbing above 50 degrees (finally!), my mind is on swimsuit season and summer adventures.

I was recently introduced to Maderas Beach Co., a small collection of travel-inspired beachwear. Rebecca, the designer, started the company at just 25 years old after visiting Nicaragua and becoming inspired by her surroundings. The line is perfect for the wanderlust-stricken because all the pieces are functional, versatile, and tough enough to stand up to more than just lying by a pool.

The bikinis are reversible to save you luggage space. They're also - get this - custom made to fit your measurements. Hallelujah. The Papaya Boat Bikini is my favorite:

Maderas Beach Co. also offers bags and wraps. I love this tote for beach days, and the wrap comes in 14 colors! Anyone who has traveled knows how awesome a versatile wrap can be. It becomes your beach towel, picnic blanket, skirt, and instant appropriate coverage when visiting nations with different customs for women baring skin. 

             

I can't wait to make my first purchase and support an awesome twenty-something female entrepreneur!

xx,

Rachel




*The opinions conveyed here are entirely my own. This post was not sponsored by Maderas Beach Co.

Monday Mantra

I always find myself needing a little extra motivation on Mondays. In case you do, too:

xx,

Rachel

I Must Have Flowers

"I must have flowers, always, and always." - Claude Monet

Today, I picked up these beauties for a sunny start to my weekend....

Decided I need to smell like a flower with this Tory Burch perfume, featuring notes of peony and tuberose...

Explored Pinterest for stripe + floral outfit inspiration....

Do you sense a theme? I'm so very ready for springtime!  Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

xx,

Rachel

Black and White All Over

The color combo of black & white feels so fresh for this long-awaited spring. 

{clockwise from top}

Zara // J. Crew // BCBGMAXAZRIA // Burberry Prorsum // J. Crew

Do you have any black and white pieces on your spring shopping list?

xx,

Rachel

Ciao Bella

On a whim, I ended up taking an Italian night class once a week around this time last year. I was surrounded by people (easily) twice my age, and the instructor was the most adorable picture of elderly Italian perfection. Listening to him recall stories of his hometown in southern Italy, and speaking the language (poorly) myself, I fell in love with the country.

How could you not? On my trip, I was able to see Naples (briefly), the Amalfi coast, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice. I spent some seriously amazing days hiking in the mountains and enjoying the beaches...including the black sand in Minori.

Rome and Venice provided a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with lots of history and great shopping.

Given my obvious ardor for Italy, it should come as no surprise that I love Kate Spade's newest collection, inspired by Capri. Here are my favorite pieces:

            

  

  {from left to right}

             Bella phone  case // Cedar Street Monday handbag // Six  Month dot scarf

 Isola wedges // Capri Espadrille Maise handbag // Owen skirt

What are your must-have pieces from the new arrivals?

xx,

Rachel