2015.

Whew. 
That's the first word that comes to mind when I think of 2015. It was a tumultuous year. Many great things happened, but there were some sad things that happened, too. 

This is the most emotional year I've had thus far. I lost my grandfather early this year, which was something I really wasn't expecting. I lost touch with some people that I never thought I'd lose touch with. My self confidence and belief in myself and other things in my life was slowly going down the drain all year, only to suck it back up in the last few months of 2015. 

Despite all of the things that happened this year that weren't so great, the incredible outpouring of love that I encountered outnumbered the negative things that happened. I never knew the amount of love and admiration I could feel for someone until this year. I never knew someone could love me and my family so much until this year. Through a lot of my tragedy came love and peacefulness. God has definitely been holding my hand all year, and I have been squeezing his hand especially tight these past few months. 

I have really come to know myself and love myself. I've been reflecting on this past year all week, and I noticed how much the people in my life have affected the way I view myself, and also how all of the people I've met have unknowingly built off one another and helped me in some way. 

Towards the beginning of the year, I was craving friendship and wanting someone to notice me. It was my second semester of my freshman year, and I really wanted to have tons of friends and be social. I've always been shy, so making friends is hard for me because I never know how to approach people. But you know what happened? Once my sophomore year started, I just told myself to be myself and not to worry what people thought of me. I did this and the most beautiful thing happened. I made friends. I was able to talk to people. People talked back to me. What was this weird science?! Being myself helps you relate to people better? Crazy. It was amazing. I have the greatest, most beautiful, inspiring friends now. I thank God for them everyday. I am in awe of them all of the time. I love watching them do the things they love. I love them so much. It's funny how once you just forget about trying to make friends and just let things roll is when you find the people you never knew you needed. That was definitely one of my biggest highlights of this year. 

I also want to just take a moment and thank one of my professors. Each one I've had has chipped away at my shell I encase myself in, and has helped me begin to blossom into who I want to be. There's one in particular that will always hold a special place in my heart. I love writing, but I always felt like I wasn't good at it. I had this killer English professor that I just adored. He always made me feel like I was capable of doing whatever I wanted and was so incredibly understanding, especially when my grandfather died. I remember telling him I would be missing some class because of the funeral, but I ended up coming back to class earlier than I thought. I came to class and just the look he gave me when he saw me sitting there. There was a lot of care in that look, something I never expected from a college professor. He told me that I didn't have to be there, I was just in shock. I am so thankful for him. I don't think he realizes how much he affected me. He's the reason I started gaining more confidence in myself and my writing. He also told me that I, excuse the language, "kicked ass" and that was the coolest thing anyone has ever said to me. I felt like I needed to go buy a leather jacket. 

We had a really big snowstorm this year. I know lots of people hated it but I was so excited by it. I love snow and cold weather. Class got canceled and we played out in the snow. I just love snow. LOVE snow. 

One of my pieces got picked to be in our school's annual student art exhibit. I was so pumped but in shock that they thought my piece was good enough to get in. My work had never been in a show and I didn't know what to expect. I was so intimidated and I'm sure I looked like a dog with my tail between my legs, but it was so incredibly exciting. And just a month or so ago, I got accepted into the BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program, which was also nerve wracking. I had to sit in a room with all of the art professors and they were critiquing my work in front of me. It was scary but I learned so much. I'm so thankful for the experience and thankful that I am able to progress in my art career.

I saw Weird Al this year, I hadn't seen him since 2011. I don't even have to explain that one. I sat by a dude with a kilt on. It's an experience. 

David Spade has favorited my tweets six times now. The first time it happened I smiled like an absolute idiot. I'm just going to be blunt about this, if I was David Spade's age I would definitely be in line to date him. I adore that man.

And my apologies to Patrick Fugit, I've drawn him way too many times but he was kind enough to like each of them on Instagram. Even though an Instagram like really doesn't mean much, the fact that he saw something I worked on so hard means the world to me. 

I had the privilege to attend three beautiful weddings this year. Two of family members and one of a friend. So surreal to see us all old enough to even get married but absolutely gorgeous nonetheless. 

I also had the privilege to be in our church's annual Christmas play. I got to be the main character and I can only hope that I did her justice, because over the past few weeks I really grew to love her. She was a girl named Maria. I won't explain it well, so if you're curious listen to this song. It's "The Gift" by Garth Brooks, and it's what our play was based on. A wonderful, talented woman in our church wrote a play from it, and I am so thankful that I was able to be in it. I had been so worried about getting my lines and cues right, that I didn't appreciate the play and the song until the next Sunday at church. Our pianist played it and sang it during offering, and man, it hit me like a giant beautiful truck. I was so overcome with emotions. The whole story is just, awe-inspiring and I'm so happy that I was a part of it. 

One of my all time favorite moments of 2015 was Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep (spoiler alert: I slept one hour and looked like a zombie all Christmas day because I had no sleep) and this overwhelming feeling came over me. I felt like God was sending me a message saying, "Everything is going to be okay. I sent my son here to save you. You are washed clean as snow." My heart overflowed. I cried and smiled and laughed at the same time. I had never felt something like that before. Everything that was burdening me all year was just gone. God had bagged it all up and took it away from me. My prayers that I had been praying all year were answered. 

I am so thankful for this year. I'm thankful for the rough patches, because it lead me to the rosy patches. I am so happy, and I am so ready for 2016.

I hope you had a great year, and I hope 2016 is even better. 

God bless and lots of love to you all, and see you in the new year!

Rachel xx 

You Are Amazing.

I took these pictures last night after I got out of the shower. I looked into the mirror and laughed at my raccoon eyes. I started thinking about how many times I used to look into the mirror and hate what I saw. I remember looking and being so disgusted. My nose was too big, my eyelashes were too short, my hair was too frizzy, my teeth were too small. The list got longer and longer. 

You know what I realized afterwards? It's been nearly a year since I've looked into the mirror and absolutely hated what I saw. I no longer look in the mirror and continually stare like I used to. That girl who used to cry if her hair looked bad was gone. 

I never realized how detrimental those thoughts and "I'm so ugly" comments were until they stopped. I never realized how being so self-deprecating could ruin beautiful memories in your life. I remember looking at old photos and not remembering anything about the moment that was captured except for how I looked. Memories are tarnished and are impossible to clean if your mind is full of these damaging thoughts. I am so glad that those constant thoughts are behind me. They occasionally creep in and tap me on the shoulder, but I stick my tongue out at them and go on with my day. 

I realized that being pretty didn't mean anything. Sure, you may get more dates or boyfriends. Maybe I'm not conventionally pretty. Maybe I'm not a bombshell. You know what? I am okay with that. I used to only care if guys liked me. I just wanted one to look me in the eyes and sincerely tell me I was beautiful. You know what? That hasn't happened. And you know what else? I'm perfectly okay with it.

I was told for years that no guy would like me until I liked myself first. I spent my whole first year of college liking myself. The funny thing about it is, I suddenly stopped caring what boys thought of me during this time. I started liking myself because of myself. I was no longer motivated by anything except for peacefulness and happiness. I just wanted to feel happy. I found this happiness. I found how to be truly happy. I've grown so much as a person this past year. I'm at a point in my life I never thought I'd be at. If you told me a year and a half ago to go out in public without makeup and my hair down, I would've probably started crying. Well guess what past self, you went out today with no makeup and your hair down, and you still got smiled at and people still talked to you. You were okay. And you will be okay.

You know what I realized in this time of growth? I'll list some of them below.

1. Writing poems is a good way to release feelings.
2. Getting lunch with someone is a lot more fun than getting lunch alone.
3. Your face is thankful that you aren't wearing makeup everyday.
4. Almost Famous lights a fire in me that I never knew was possible.
5. With a little dedication, you can accomplish what you set your mind to.
6. Instant hot chocolate tastes so much better with milk.
7. I forget the world exists while I'm in antique stores/thrift shops.
8. Mom jeans from the 90s fit your body much better than those low rise things.
9. You don't have a consistent jean size. Because jean sizes are kablooey. 
10. I can make macaroni and cheese.
11. I don't have many friends, but the few I do have mean more to me than anything in this whole world and I would go to the ends of the earth for them. I thank God everyday for you all. Like, I want to personally go to your door and give you a big bear hug. You have no idea how much you mean to me. 
12. You aren't going to suffer forever. 
13. Not everyone thinks hairless cats are cute.
14. Loving everyone does nothing but improve your life. 
15. Wear heels.
16. Compliment people.
17. You can dress like Penny Lane if you want to. (I just love Almost Famous, y'all.)
18. School work is important but don't let it define your life. Make time for friends and for schoolwork.
19. If it's not funny, don't feel obligated to laugh.
20. Dance whenever you see Christmas lights or hear Hotline Bling.
21. Stare at every dog or cat you see as long as you can.
22. Writing letters/poems to people even if they never know about it feels so good. (I get it now, Taylor Swift. I completely understand.)
23. Get mozzarella sticks and eat them in your car while pretending you're singing a duet with Toby Keith. 
24. Create art all the time. Draw what you want and anything that inspires you. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better in your art and as a person. 
25. Be unapologetically yourself. You will find people who appreciate you for who you are.

It took me nearly 20 years to learn all of this. Life is beautiful. There is more positive happening than negative. Tell your friends and family you love them. Draw pictures of someone you admire and send it to them. (Thank you Patrick Fugit for always liking my drawings of you, you make my heart happy.) Tell people thank you. Listen when others are talking to you. Give people compliments about their character rather than their appearance. Run in a field whenever you can. Take pictures and scrapbook them. Hug somebody. 

Whatever you do, don't ever look in a mirror and hate yourself. There are so many things inside you that make you a great person. When you look in the mirror, look for those things. And I promise you will be happy. 

Have a great night. I hope you have a duet with Toby Keith soon.

<3 Rachel 

You Are A Music Box.

Life has been a bit hectic lately. The only reason it's been hectic is because I make it hectic. My mind can be very cruel to me, excruciatingly cruel. Feeling an emptiness in the pit of your heart and not knowing how to fix it is hard. 

There are so many good things in my life. Amazing things, actually. I think the reason for all of my heartache is just me being selfish and wanting more. Wanting more of things I don't need. Wishing I had a boyfriend, more friends, more money, just more of things I don't need because I already have all I need. I realize that sometimes, especially when I'm drawing or writing.

There's a world I can create that distances my mind from the actual world. The stresses of everyday life and my cruel mind fizzle away when I draw or write. It's such a strange, magnificent feeling. 

I've been keeping a notebook for a couple weeks now. I've been filling it with poems that come to mind. I never thought in a million years I'd find so much release in writing poems. I've already written eleven of them. Most are a bit sad, but there are some happier ones. I wanted to share one with you that I wrote a couple nights ago, along with a quick self portrait I drew tonight.

You Are A Music Box

So much is going on
and you don't quite understand
but you are a music box
you are held in His hands

You think that you are tarnished
and you can't be cleaned

but you are a music box

He has all that you need

You feel that you are not cared about

and you have become invisible

but you are a music box

your music is irreplaceable

You feel misunderstood

and all you want to do is make people smile

but you are a music box

don't you know you are so worthwhile?

You feel so discouraged

and your winder is broken

but you are a music box

for your words are well spoken

My child, your music is beautiful

and without you life would be dull

You are a music box

you make my life full. 

Have you ever thought about a music box? I really hadn't. I feel like we take advantage of the beautiful music it makes and we don't sit and take the time to appreciate it. I feel like I can relate to that. Being shy, it's been hard for me to make a lot of friends. I keep to myself a lot until someone winds me up, like a music box. It doesn't make music until you turn it on. I always assumed everyone hated me and didn't want to take the time to get to know me. I had no reason to think that. I don't remember anyone flat out hating me. I'm sure not everyone loved me, but I have no memory of someone straight up despising me. Anyway, feeling like an ugly duckling in a lake full of beautiful swans is disheartening. I still feel this way sometimes. I've gotten better but I still have my days. I've had professors and friends describe me as "delicate" and "dainty," that too made me think of a music box. It's fragile but can be beautiful. I am a very fragile person and I do feel like I am beautiful sometimes. There are just a lot of emotions I've been feeling lately, especially about myself. 

I've realized more recently how much I love writing. And being able to put a drawing with something I wrote is magical. 

I love writing. I never realized how much I did until a couple months ago. I've been taking a speech class and having to get up in front of people and describe something releases emotions in me that I didn't know were possible. We've been doing a lot of analytical things, from analyzing poems to people. I never realized how much I loved using words to describe people. My voice often quivers when I speak in front of people but I love it. It scares the daylights out of me but I enjoy doing it. 

I've always felt urges to draw random people I see, just because their features are so striking. I always felt creepy doing that, afraid someone would flip through my sketchbook and see that I sketched them. I'm still afraid to do that. I am very enthralled by people. I love being able to "sculpt" (you could say) their face with just my hands. Shading the dimples in their cheeks or the sharpness of their cheekbones. I had a professor tell me that I had a "geeky love for skin," and as creepy as that sounds, it's true. I love faces. I love looking at people's faces. 

I always thought describing people and emotions with words would be too complicated. But it really isn't. I love writing about people. I love how I am able to write about someone and they may never know it's about them. Writing has released emotions in me that I didn't know were possible. I feel like that's why I've been in such a whirlwind of emotions lately. I'm feeling every emotion tenfold. 

I've been questioning a  lot of things lately. I'm unsure of where my life is going to go after college. I don't know what kind of job I want. I'm afraid I'm going to be single forever. I see so many people already planning out their lives and I feel a thousand miles behind everyone. All I know is that I love to draw. I love to write. And I want to do both for the rest of my life. 

Art Stress.

The past few months have been insanely exciting but also incredibly emotional. This year overall has been that way, actually. 

Adjusting to life after some things and events that stalled my life a bit hasn't been super easy. I'm thankful to have a wonderful God above who has kept a smile on my face and has held me through it all. I don't know what I'd do without him. 

From about May to September of this year, I kind of lost my motivation to draw and create. I never felt inspired to draw or write like I used to. I drew here and there but not on a regular basis. It's weird how not doing something as little as drawing or writing throws me off. 

Thankfully, I've started drawing and writing everyday again. Ddrawing and writing gives me substance. I feel better when I do it. It feels right. You know when you ace a test or see someone you haven't seen in a while? That weird mix of butterflies and relief that you feel during those situations is exactly how I feel when I draw. It's like my insides are screaming "yes! You did it! You are doing great!" 

It's still weird to me sometimes to think that drawing and art is what I'm studying. I'm in school for this. It's not just a little hobby anymore. I'm in school to try and make a living off of this. Instead of buying textbooks, I have to buy pencils and paper and all of these fun things. It's weird thinking that my school work is creating art. My professors encourage us to draw and create everyday. It went from being in high school and being told not to draw/doodle during class to "hey, some people need to doodle to pay attention, so it doesn't bother me." I've been in college for nearly two years now and it's still strange to me. Drawing a portrait in my free time isn't goofing off anymore, I'm sharpening my craft. This is what I want to do forever. 

That being said, even though I'm incredibly inspired and thankful I'm here, I still get down sometimes. I'm surrounded by so many people that are artists, too. So many beautiful, creative, inspiring people. I admire their work and am so inspired by them. They unknowingly push me to be a better artist. I love being around these people. But sometimes I let the thoughts of "you can never be better than them. They are so much more talented than you. You have no future" slip into my brain. I hate it. I need to soak up the talent of these people and be driven by that. I see the sparkle in their eye and I am so inspired by that sparkle. I want to have that sparkle. But it's hard sometimes to be surrounded by all these amazing and interesting people, yet I feel like I'm the exact opposite. 

I've recently let people's words get to me again. I did a project in Literature class one day and I included a portrait I drew that related to the project. My teacher loved it. She was so sweet and asked me to sign it for her. I felt happy until some guy in the back snickered, "why? Is it going to be worth something one day?" It ate at me. I don't even know why. I felt like I had been punched. I hated it mostly because it made me flashback to a troll on Tumblr who told me that they didn't believe I was in art school because my drawings weren't good. 

An anonymous internet troll and this random guy in class, I let them crawl under my skin and make me feel worthless and I hate it. I know not everyone will like my art. I am okay with that. The only thing that irritates me is when someone makes snarky comments or is just flat out rude about it. You know Jackson Pollock? He's an insanely popular artist. His work isn't my favorite, but I don't think it's terrible. Everyone has different reasons they make what they do, and I respect that. I wish people would give everyone that same respect. Art is usually connected with someone's emotions, so I reckon when I make something and am proud of it then someone tells me that "they don't believe I'm in art school" or whatever, it hurts.

These thoughts have been rampant in my mind recently, especially since I have to do BFA reviews next week to see if I get accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Needless to say I'm insanely nervous. I'm really hoping I'll be accepted. I just wish I had more confidence in my craft. I love what I do. I love drawing. I just hate feeling like I'm still not good enough even after 10 years of drawing. I know it's just evil thoughts trying to bring me down, but it's still so hard to push through them sometimes. 

I don't understand my thoughts sometimes. I've accomplished a lot and it's weird that I still feel like I haven't done anything. 

I know God gave me this gift for a reason. I know he did because when I draw, I transport out of the present and calm down. I feel at peace and it just feels right. I can't imagine not drawing. I've been doing this for 10 years now. I know I must be in the right place. I just hope a feeling of "you are good at this, don't stop" comes soon. 

Little Feelings.

I’ve gone through a season of change recently. This year has definitely been one of the most emotionally draining, but instead of sitting around and crying about everything, I told myself I’d channel everything into something positive. God doesn’t put us through hard times to make us upset, we must learn from them and grow stronger in Him and as people. Here are a few “little feelings” I’ve been feeling lately.

You know when you get into a hot bath after a long day? Sit and feel how the water kisses you all over, making your skin tingle and it relaxes you. Or when you sit straight up and slowly glide your hand through the water. The strong yet gentle tug of the water on your hand. It’s weird how something as innocent looking as water is so strong. Then when you lean your head back against the wall and sweat drips down your forehead. It’s like, the water is so hot that you don’t even care. For some reason the sweat droplets running down your face feel like your old self falling away. It tickles and you smile. 

That feeling when you see your family members. See everyone’s faces light up and everyone hugging and all the joy that fills the room. Even though your family has gone through some of the darkest times and occasionally have disagreements. Once you see each other all that fizzles away and you are just happy to see them. That love conquers all the unpleasant feelings. 

When someone you love looks into your eyes and tells you that you’re beautiful. Someone who you’ve admired for so long. Someone who never really complimented you before. You can feel your cheeks turning red and all you can do is smile because you have no idea what else to do. They walk away and it feels like Hello Kitty came up to you and smacked you with glitter. 

That feeling when you can tell you’re connecting with someone. Like you can tell them anything and there won’t be judgement. Like, you don’t know where exactly everything is going to go but you’re just happy to know that you’ve found someone you can relate to. You can talk for days on end and the conversation never stops. You don’t have to hide anything and you can just be yourself. That feeling of freedom with someone you’ve grown close to is, well, freeing. 

Washing your face and putting on lotion and perfume. That feeling of cleanliness. That feeling of the lotion sinking into your sink and how days later you walk past a mirror and glance and notice how much better your skin looks. Spraying on a little perfume and then reaching up to fix your hair and smelling how the perfume blends with your skin. That feeling of loveliness. 

When you opt for water instead of the Cherry Pepsi. And noticing how your stomach doesn’t feel messed up. Knowing you’re doing something that is helping your body work better. But also knowing that it’s okay to drink a Pepsi and eat a cheeseburger sometimes, too. 

Slipping on a top that you’ve been gawking over for months. Looking in the mirror and liking what you see. How the straps glide perfectly over your shoulders and how it dips in your back. Where you’re showing enough skin to feel like a woman but not so much that you don’t feel like a lady. 

How the moles/birthmarks/spots that are on you are no longer annoying but feel like constellations all over you. Like each little bump and spot is from a specific time in your life. You can look down and laugh and remember where that scar came from, and reminisce to the time you were running and fell on top of a rock.  

Your memories of loved ones that have passed on are no longer sad. You remember the way they loved you and the way the thought of you. How they smiled at you when you were telling them a story or how you helped them when they weren’t able to do something. And now that feeling of emptiness you got when they left the world is now focused towards making sure you talk to everyone you love and being there for others, and not taking people for granted.

How you can finally look at that boy you thought you were in love with for so long, how you can look at him now and not feel upset. But feel okay knowing that even though that chapter in your life has closed, and you spent so much time wishing he’d just call you up, that none of that time was wasted because you needed that. You needed that slap in the face to know that all because he didn’t love you doesn’t mean you are unlovable. 

And after you forgot him you noticed someone looking at you. You are just sitting and talking with friends and you look up and he averts his eyes. He acts nervous when you come around. You can feel him staring at you even if he can’t see your face. It’s a weird feeling, but yet it makes you realize that there are other boys out there.   

Listening to music and letting it completely overtake you. Especially Sinatra. Hearing him sing those sweet words and just closing your eyes and fully taking in the words. Having little daydreams of life back in the days he was singing those songs. Daydreaming so far that when you snap out of it you don't remember where you are. Those are the types of moments I live for, when time seems to stand still. 

Driving through the mountains and looking at all the trees and clouds and rocks and all of this stuff that you don’t get to see all the time. Just staring out the window in awe. 

Going to the country and looking up at the sky. It’s completely black and all of the stars are super bright. You don’t get to see this in your hometown. You look up in complete disbelief. All of these little stars are there all the time, but you don’t usually pay attention/see them. You immediately begin trying to make shapes out of the stars.

When you start crying and can’t stop and someone comes up to you and gives you a hug and holds your hand. I never cried as hard as I did at my Grandaddy’s funeral. My cousin grabbed my hand. All of my family members hugged and kissed me and each other. It was a feeling of love and connection that I’ve never felt before. My heart still pounds thinking about the love in the room that day. 

That feeling when you face your fears. When you take a giant step into them and feel like your world is about to end but then realizing that it’s just the guy with red horns trying to take you down. You can sit and enjoy doing things because you know you are never alone. 

I’ve felt all of these little feelings in the past couple months. There are so much more but these are the ones on my mind right now. You can’t ignore these little feelings. 

And one of the most important feelings that I've felt over the past year is the feeling of self-love. Not a self-love that is narcissistic. I know if you google "narcissistic," "self-love" is listed as a synonym. It doesn't have to be a synonym. Self-love can be looking in the mirror and not wanting to cry. Looking in the mirror and saying "wow you look great today!" rather than "wow you are a cow." Self-love can be finally accepting yourself and loving the person you are becoming. Loving how you are finally able to wear your hair down without constantly worrying if someone is going to comment on how big it is. It's loving yourself enough to not be scared to go out in public wearing something you love. Self-love doesn't have to be a conceited obsession with oneself, it can be an accepting of oneself as you are and even though you know you have flaws, it's the way that you're made. God made you the way you are for a reason. Finally understanding that is what I think of as self-love. I've learned these past year is one of the most important things is to be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up. 

Feel those feelings. Feel everything so fully that it makes your skin crawl. Love life. Even if times are hard just close your eyes and thank the Lord that he gave you another day. You've got this and you are never alone. 

Feel. 

I'm an Avon Representative!

I just started selling Avon a couple weeks ago and I already love it. I love what the company stands for. I love the support I've gotten from my managers and sales leaders. I never thought I'd enjoy doing this so much! 

As a new rep, I'm still trying out some products so that I can share them with you. Here are a few things that me and/or my customers have tried and loved. 



Wash-Off Waterproof Mascara 

Avon's website describes this mascara as, "Wears beautifully all day. Streak-free mascara that will weather the weepiest of movies. Washes away with soap and water." One of my customers got this and told me that she's worn it quite a bit and hasn't had any smudging or transfer of product under her eyes. The packaging is simple and lightweight, it get's the job done! The wand is pretty standard, it's a little thicker than a basic mascara wand. There is a normal mascara smell, I still don't know how to describe the smell of mascara, but if you've ever took a sniff of your mascara, you'll know what I'm talking about. :p 

Buy it here! | Other Mascaras

Skin So Soft: Fresh & Smooth Sensitive Skin Bikini Line Hair Removal Cream

 Well, it's that time of year again. It's hot & we are all wearing bikinis. You don't have to dread it anymore because Avon has this lovely stuff! Avon describes this as, "The way to go for easy hair removal. Fragrance-free formula with aloe. Now with meadowfoam oil." One of my customers bought this and was telling me how amazing it was. She was telling me about how she tried Nair before and it never seemed to work for her, she found this stuff and decided to try it out. She said it worked like a charm the first time she used it! There are instructions on the back, so don't worry about not knowing how to use it. They're right when it says "fragrance-free", it doesn't have a scent at all. Try this out if you have sensitive skin or if Nair just doesn't cut it for you! (This pun was accidental but I'm so proud of it.)

Buy It Here! | Other Skin So Soft Products



Skin So Soft: Firm & Restore Body Lotion

This has become my personal holy grail product. Avon sent it to me when I became a Representative, and I wasn't really sure if this would do anything for me since it's a firming lotion. The back of the bottle reads, "This moisturizing formula with babassu oil rejuvenates skin's radiance and vitality. After just one week of use, skin looks and feels firmer and more toned. Dermatologically tested." It also states on the back how you're supposed to apply it on your hips, thighs, abdomen, arms, and get this- your buttocks. Being the 12 year old boy I sometimes am, I laughed out loud when I read that. 

I'm only 19. My skin isn't wrinkly yet and I don't have giant problem areas, but I've gotten quite a few stretch marks. Going from being normal height to pretty tall wasn't the kindest to my skin and I've honestly never taken the best care of my skin. I tried this out on my inner thighs and on other places I had some stretch marks and just not-so-pretty skin. 

AND GUESS WHAT LADIES

The stuff works. I hate that I didn't take a before picture to show you how much my stretch marks on my inner thighs have actually diminished. They aren't completely gone (I've only been using this stuff for a week) but you have to study my leg in order to see them. And this stuff smells so good and the scent lasts all day. It's light enough that it's not extremely noticeable but it smells enough that you can still smell it. Does that make sense? It smells floral, but a very subtle floral. I'm not big on floral scents and I love this. My legs also feel so incredibly soft just after one week of use. I am definitely buying myself another bottle when mine runs out. 

(Hope you enjoyed the unrelated Thor I snuck in here.)

Buy It Here! | Other Skin So Soft Products


I'm planning on doing these little reviews of sorts every month or two months or so, just so you can see what I and my customer's have been loving. You can go to my Avon site here and shop with me! There are always awesome deals going on, so go see if you can find something! :) 

-Rachel xx



Disclaimer: I am employed by Avon. Only one of these products mentioned below were sent to me to try out. All opinions are my/my customer's own. I was not asked by Avon to make this post, I just thought it'd be a easy way to show y'all some of the products. I wouldn't use/share something that I didn't like or believe in. <3 

What Are We Doing?

This is going to be a relatively short post, since this is a spur of the moment thought that I felt like I needed to write about. 

This whole Caitlyn Jenner thing has caused such an uproar on social media, mainly positive but a lot of it is very negative, and honestly? I'm shocked. Shocked at the negative response it's getting. 

Yes, I understand all of the Christian-based arguments on it. Yes, I understand why some think it's wrong. But then again, who are we to judge? None of us know what has been running through her mind for 65 years now. I don't know if y'all watched her Diane Sawyer interview, but she explained her walk with God and how she felt like she had disappointed him for some time. She explained how God has been a big part of her life, all her life. She talked about praying about it and everything. Just because she "isn't like you" or "is going against the Bible," gives you no right to judge her. God is a God of love. God loved Bruce. God loves Caitlyn. Are we showing love by pointing fingers and saying how "wrong" her actions are? I personally do not understand being transgender, I don't understand it at all. But it's not my place to judge because I do not understand. 

And I know this is sad and maybe it's just my problem, but there's certain Christians in this world that I am afraid to be friends with...and I'm a Christian myself. I've met young Christian people that I'm terrified to become friends with because I feel like they're going to judge me. I'lll start to tell them something and be like, "oh, no. I don't need to say that. They'll think of me different." I feel like I have to put my guard up with them sometimes. Which is so sad because I don't want anyone to feel that way, especially by a fellow Christian. How can we bring others in if we treat each other so harshly for being different? I feel ashamed to admit to people sometimes that I struggle with my relationship with God. I struggle a lot. We all need that Jesus-like love shown towards us. Instead of adopting this "holier than thou" attitude, we all need to be a little bit more understanding to those around us, and listen to them without passing judgement. 

We all have faults. We all fall short of being the Godly people we're supposed to be. I fall short. I've been feeling like I've been disappointing God lately. Do you know how sucky of a feeling that is? Can you imagine millions of people ridiculing you for your choices? Cheated on that test? Well, looks like you're going to hell. Had sex before marriage? Good luck getting into heaven. <-- Those are such toxic thoughts! We have no right to judge people for their choices. It is not our place to point fingers. Instead of throwing insults and judgement, why don't we start praying for our friends and worldly figures? Why don't we start just giving it to God and not let it worry us. We have our own lives to worry about and be accountable for, we don't need to add a zillion other lives on because we're afraid "they aren't being Godly." Pray for them. If you catch yourself beginning to pass judgement, why don't we start praying immediately that he cleanses us of those toxic thoughts and that we can be there for those people we may not necessarily agree with. 



Jesus was friends with tax collectors, prostitutes, and all sinners. Jesus is love. He was all about love. Jesus didn't neglect anyone because they were deemed "ungodly." He was there for his people. He was there to listen and to help them. He loved them. Why can't we do the same? 

We all sin and we all fall short of God's glory. But you know what? God knows that. We're human. We're going to mess up and be judgmental and sin and you know what the amazing thing is? God loves us just the same. He loves everyone. He loves Caitlyn Jenner. He loves murderers. He loves your mama. He loves your sister. He loves you. No one can take that love from you. 

We need to be more like him and love everyone. 

A College Girl's Closet, Part 1.

Over the past couple of years, I've been starting to find myself fashion wise. I don't really follow any trends verbatim. There are trends and styles and things I lean towards, but I don't know a word to describe the things I wear. I am influenced by anything and everything. I wear what I like and feel good in. 

I've been documenting some of my outfits over the past couple of weeks, and I wanted to show you them here. I know this probably won't be interesting if you don't care about clothes or anything, but hey, someone might find it interesting. 

A big reason I wanted to make this post is because I wanted to show that you can dress nice without having to burn a hole in your wallet. Most of the outfits I wear cost $25 or less. I am by no means a big spender. I rarely shop in high-end stores. I'm a hardcore clearance shopper. I'm a strong believer in taking old things and making them new and thrifting. And I was always that girl who got excited about hand-me-downs (and still do.) So here are some of the things that I wear. Enjoy them, and my crappy, super-quick photoshop skills. (Sorry in advance.)

This tank top has been my favorite thing recently. It fits like a glove and just makes me feel like Ariana Grande or something. I haven't worn a peplum top in a long time, and I'm starting to love them again. I paired the tank with my favorite jeans and suede Mary Jane's. (It rained when I wore this outfit. And nearly ruined my shoes. Suede + Rain = Not a good time.)

Tank- Kmart

Jeans- Forever21

Shoes- Kmart

This outfit made me feel like I was in a Cotton commercial, hence the title. All I did this day was draw for 3 or so hours, so I opted for something comfy. I've really been into tank tops recently. So here's a tank top. 

Tank- Stein Mart

Jeans- Wal-Mart

I really do heart One Direction. My good friend Jennifer gave me this shirt, which was my first One Direction shirt ever and I still get butterflies when I look at it. I always go for these jeans because they're comfortable and make me feel like a mom from the 90s. And more suede shoes! It didn't rain this day, thankfully. And I'm really proud of this picture because the two of me on the left look like some cool teen movie about a chorus line. (Coincidentally, I got my portrait of Harry back the same day I wore this, so cool.)

Shirt- Gift from Jen

Jeans- Forever21

Belt- Kmart

Shoes- Kmart

(Not sure why this didn't turn out white, oh well.) 

Yeah, these are pants. The coolest pants I've ever seen and owned. Probably the most expensive pants I've ever owned, clockin' in at a whopping $16. They're all silky and stretchy at the same time. It's like pajamas you can wear in public and not get weird looks from passersby. I just paired it with my suede ankle boots and a plain white tshirt. White tshirts are always good to have, they go with everything and you can dress them up or down.

Pants- Stein Mart

Shirt- Wal-Mart

Shoes- Kmart 

I was illuminated by our dorm's shower light in these pictures. Our bathroom light had just went out. You gotta do what you gotta do. High waisted pants have become such a comfort zone for me. Low rise pants always freaked me out. Crack kills, ya know? That's always my biggest fear. With high waisted things you don't have that problem. I paired these shorts with a black crop top with white polka dots. 

Shirt- Gift / Aeropostale

Shorts- Goodwill

My drawing professor loved this shirt. He asked me what I called it and me being the awesomely witty person I am, I said "I call it a shirt." I'll be here all night, folks. But back to business, how cool is this shirt?! A good friend of mine gave it to me and it makes me feel like a mermaid. It flows in the wind looks amazing with black jeans or leggings. 

Shirt- Gift / Forever21

Jeans- Forever21

Shoes- Santa Claus (thanks, dude)

I had a good hair day on my last day of freshman year. I was so happy. And I wore this tank top that I wore at my freshman orientation. Totally unplanned, but so sentimental. I've been loving the jeans and tank top look. I'm always cold so I gotta cover up some way or another!. These are the same jeans in some of the above outfits, they're my favorite and will probably be in a lot more of these outfit posts to come.

Tank- Goodwill

Belt- Kmart

Jeans- Forever21

Sandals- Kmart

Okay, can we just stare at this tanktop for a second. So cool. So so cool. I think that's a tennis racquet in the middle with a crown on top. Tennis? Crown? I play tennis, my last name is Prince. It's like a match made in heaven. It was actually a size too small for me but I got it anyway. The thing fits like a dream. How great is life. My mom jeans made another appearance. You'll probably see those a lot, too. 

Tank- Thrift Store

Jeans- Forever21

Belt- Kmart

Sandals- Kmart

(Best enjoyed while listening to Billy Joel's "Movin' Out.") I AM DONE WITH MY FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE. I celebrated by wearing jeans with a cat on them. How cute are these? I love them. I was going to cut them into shorts, but I love the way they looked as jeans. I opted for something comfy this day, since I was packing my car and walking around. My favorite part about this outfit? Everything is thrifted/hand-me-down except for my shoes. There's something magical about wearing thrifted or hand-me-down clothes. It's like you're carrying another soul with you, yet it becomes part of your soul. I know that's super cheesy, but I just love it. The scarf I tied around my head was my great grandmother's, I've had it for a while and never knew how to wear it. I felt like I was carrying a piece of her with me and that's a feeling you can't replace.

Scarf- Grandmother's

Shirt- Thrift Store

Jeans- Thrift Store

Sandals- Kmart

I just love clothes. I love expressing myself through clothes. I love looking different everyday, yet still the same. There will be a part two to this soon. I'm sorry that this wasn't a deep and thought-provoking post, but when I started this blog this was the type of stuff I wanted to post. I'm very much into beauty and fashion, I love reading posts like this and watching videos about it. I haven't forked up the courage to do that yet. I've always wanted to make videos but never had the guts. Maybe one day!

Until then, goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow. (Jane Curtin, Chevy Chase, or Tina Fey voice, you pick!) 

Love your curly haired girl who is currently wearing a Dog the Bounty Hunter Shirt

-Rachel xx

It's Mama's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, y'all! It has been such a lovely day spent with family, and I wanted to make a little post for all the amazing women in my life. 

This is my mom. We go way back. She is the rock in my life. She always knows what to say and what to do. She taught me how to be a Godly woman and how to love others. She's always the one who goes to concerts with me. (We're seeing Weird Al in a couple weeks, woohoo!) We share a love of One Direction, partially my fault for that one, haha! Anyone who knows her knows what an amazing person she is. She has the biggest heart in the world and would do anything for you. She is such a blessing and I'm glad God chose her to be my mom. I couldn't have gotten through life without you. 

This is my Grandma. I hate that I don't live close enough to her, so I'm not able to see her whenever I want. But the times I do get to see her, I cherish so much. I still get super excited when we go to her house. I love spending time with her and going out to eat seafood. (There ain't no seafood like South Carolina seafood, y'all.) She is so strong and loving and she means the world to me. She is such a blessing. I love you so much, I'll always be Doe Doe. :) 

This is my Granny. She is one of the strongest people I know, and makes a mean dirt pudding. These past couple months have been hard on all of us, and I can't imagine what she's had to go through. We were always a strong family and super close with everyone in my family, but I believe these past couple of months have made us even stronger. Granny is our rock. God knew what he was doing when he put my Grandma and my Granny in my life. My heart overflows with love for both of them. 

This is my Grandma Dottie (in the purple, I know this isn't the best picture, but it's the most recent!) I am truly blessed to have three grandmas in my life. Like, can you imagine having three? Holy cow. Even though we aren't blood related, you are such an amazing person and never fail to make all of us laugh with your stories. You are such an inspiring woman and I wish we lived closer so we could see you more. 

These are some of my wonderful aunts. (I don't have pictures with all of them, or none I could find right off hand.) I've grown up with lots of strong women in my life and I'm so thankful. There have been so many moments in my life that I remember with each of you. I know I'm always quiet and don't always say it, but y'all mean so so much to me. I get so excited to go to family reunions/parties/get-togethers. I love seeing everyone. I am just so blessed to have you all. All the advice, stories, jokes, and everything you all have told me, I hold in my heart. I still have all the birthday cards, the graduation cards, and everything. You all are so amazing and strong and just all around amazing women. You're all great mothers/have been like a mother to me and I can't thank you enough. Aunt Eva, Aunt Trish, Aunt Alicia, Aunt Teresa, Aunt Gail, Aunt Kay, and Aunt Claudia: I love you all so much!

A few of my cousins are mommies, so this is for you. Emmi, Parker is so lucky to have you as a mom. She is such a little ball of sunshine and I know she gets it from you. And thank you for doing my hair for prom, I know that was a over year ago but I loved it so much, haha! I need to get it cut again soon! 

And also a very happy mother's day to my cousins Sarah and Mendy. They are such wonderful moms as well and I miss them so much! 

Also, a very happy mother's day to my friend, Delaini. We didn't really become friends until senior year of high school, but I had so much fun planning events and becoming friends with you over that short time. You are such an amazing mom to Shooter. From the pictures and things you post, I can tell how much he loves you and you love him. I know you love him with everything in you and I hope you had an amazing first mother's day. <3

There are also many other women in my life that have been like mothers to me. They've always supported me and cheered me on. From being there if I needed someone to talk to, bringing me closer to God, giving me rides, feeding me, making sure I was okay, or just treating me like I was your own child (even if it was forever ago!), I appreciate you all so much and hope you had an amazing mother's day. You all are amazing mommas and I know your own kids love you dearly. So here's to you, Laurie Hinkle, Tonia Rozell, Michelle Hollingsworth, Mrs. Margaret Ann, Stacey Ballinger, Mrs. Maggie Puccini, and Mrs. Vicki Vickery. Y'all are a blessing and I thank God for your love and kindness everyday. 

I hope your Mother's Day was full of love and laughter, and hopefully a lot of sweets. 

-Rachel xx