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My 2018 Favorites!

December 31, 2018

Happy New Year’s Eve! I cannot believe we are almost to 2019 (THANK GOD though for real), but I wanted to share some of my absolute favorites from this past year. Personally, 2018 was a hard, messy year, so instead of explaining why (at least right now) I thought I’d focus on some of the exciting things, including my fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle favorites. I hope you all have a wonderful, happy and safe New Year’s Eve! Cheers to the best year yet in 2019!

FASHION & BEAUTY

My Favorite Purchase – OTK Heeled Boots

These boots literally look amazing with everything – being the perfect neutral color and are surprisingly comfortable for long periods of time. I wore them tailgating for an Iowa State game back in November, then wore them through the entire Iowa State game and had zero complaints on comfort, even with all the standing and walking we did! Plus, they are under $50 so what’s not to love?

My Favorite Makeup Product – Lorac PRO Blurring Translucent Powder

One of the makeup products I’m always looking for is a good powder. I have extremely oily skin and it doesn’t seem to matter what I apply beforehand or afterward, I struggle to keep an oil-free, matte face during the day. I found this powder and absolutely fell in love! It actually keeps my skin shine-free throughout the day and might need a touch-up before dinner or night plans, but it’s done the best for me so far. It has a steeper price tag than I’d like at $32, but it also works longer, so I need less of it. Totally worth it!

My Favorite Skincare Product – OLEHENRIKSEN Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum

I don’t even know what to say about this because I’m SO obsessed. Olehenriksen was kind enough to send this to me and I was really excited to try it out because I love all of their products. This though, by far, is one of their BEST! It has retinol in it, so if you are pregnant, DO NOT use it, but it literally just makes my skin glow and feel amazing after I use it. I highly recommend it!

My Favorite Hair Product – dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

This product is a LIFESAVER for my blonde hair and the bottle lasts forever. It just takes a little bit and you can literally use it every day, even to replace washing and conditioning. It leaves my hair feeling silky smooth and smelling like heaven.

SOCIAL MEDIA

My Favorite Instagrammer – @rachmartino

I’ve been following Rach Martino for years (I somehow ended up on the same H&M campaign as her – which is how I found her) and I’ve been following her ever since! Her style, makeup, and life in NYC is inspiring and fresh! This year, I feel like she has really stepped up her Instagram game (I mean it’s always been amazing, but dang girl!). I feel her passion in each and every single photo she posts AND she is just as obsessed with Halloween as me. In fact, she actually WON Halloween this year if you ask me! I can’t wait to continue following her into 2019 and I can only highly recommend you do the same!

My Favorite YouTuber –  SMLx0

Don’t ask me how, but I just discovered Stephanie this year, she goes by SMLx0 on YouTube and all her social media accounts. There are so many reasons I love her, but I think the number one is how open and honest she is in every single video. She has the most AMAZING skin, does beautiful makeup tutorials and is freakin’ hilarious on her vlogs. I was SO disappointed (but don’t blame her) that she didn’t do Vlogmas this year, but still loving watching her old Vlogmases… you should do the same! If you don’t follow her already, I highly recommend hitting SUBSCRIBE on her channel!

LIFESTYLE

My Favorite Song – “Fake Love” by BTS

Music is such a passion of mine, yet I never talk about it on my blog. Not sure why because it is honestly the most motivating thing for me when it comes to work, working out and just generally to express my feelings. I found BTS – the South Korean K-Pop group that is basically taking over the world – on accident. I LOVE mashups and even have a mashup playlist on YouTube. One day while working out, YouTube played this glorious BTS Mashup of “Fake Love” and “I Need You”. The music hit my ears and I felt like I was in heaven. It was a beautiful mashup and I had to know more about the individual songs. I listened to both, and love both, but immediately became obsessed with “Fake Love”, released earlier this year in May. The song itself is quite sad, and when you look at the lyrics in English, you can quickly see that. I tend to relate to and love sad music most, but it still had a great upbeat, dance vibe. Plus, when you watch the music video, you will lose your mind. The graphics, the choreography, the fashion, the members singing and acting and dancing and OMG. I’m obsessed. Just obsessed. I fell down a deep dark (actually quite joyous) rabbit hole of listening to all their past music, learning more about them, watching them come to America to perform and finally calling myself a part of their fan base, ARMY, because I truly am. When “Idol” came out in August, I was part of the streaming party and just love the message of their recent music: Love Yourself. Anyway, I could go on and on, but yes, I LOVE this song and encourage you to listen/watch if you haven’t yet.

My Favorite Musical Group/Artist – BTS

See above LOL. I am obsessed. I basically feel like a 13-year-old girl all over again. But honestly, I think their message through their music is so strong and powerful. I also love how their music transcends language limitations and they have fans all around the world, all while singing in Korean and Japanese. Some English mixed in yes, but they only have one true fully English song. I love that. I think it’s great they are sticking to their roots – and while I would love some more full English songs, I also love that I can continue horribly *attempt* to sing along to the Korean lyrics (I fail every single time).

My Favorite Purchase – Revolving 16-Jar Spice Rack

Okay, this one is kind of a “lie” in a sense because I didn’t buy it – it was actually a birthday gift for my husband from my sister and brother-in-law, but it has CHANGED our lives in the kitchen. We love spices, but I hate kitchen messes and our previous spice organization rack just wasn’t as simple while actually cooking in the kitchen (aka, it left several spices out all over the place before we put them back). Plus for the under $35 price tag, it is SO WORTH it.

My Favorite Moment of 2018 – 30th Birthday Party Bus

This is hard because even though I’ve said it time and time again that 2018 was one of my worst years personally, there are also SO many great memories I will never forget. From turning 30 to traveling to Las Vegas, New York City, San Francisco and celebrating our one-year anniversary – many moments this year gave me life. I have to say though, my 30th Birthday Party on my party bus was SO MUCH FUN. I love dancing and being around friends, and everyone was having a fantastic time. I really could relive that moment over and over again! Oh and my husband was geeking out and rocking out as our party bus DJ, which was freakin’ amazing – love you babe haha!

TRAVEL

My Favorite Trip – Door County, Wisconsin for our One-Year Wedding Anniversary

This is so hard because traveling is always so much fun! I definitely have to say my trip to New York City and New Jersey for my friend’s wedding is a very VERY close second, but our 1st anniversary trip to Door County, Wisconsin was amazing. We got to bring Emma with us to stay at a dog-friendly hotel right on the water in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, was in walking distance (literally a few steps) to their restaurant, in walking distance to a gorgeous state park – and in short driving distance to each beautiful spot of the peninsula. I’m hoping to share some more travel content in 2019, including recaps of my trips and top recommendations from my excursions. But Door County during fall definitely topped the list this year! Funny since I normally (and probably unreasonably so) assume the further away I travel, the more fun/better the trip will be. Sometimes your next door neighbors (aka next states over) have exactly what you’re looking for!

The views from one of the state parks!

Emma is the cutest back-seat passenger!

Sister Bay, Wisconsin on a gorgeous fall day! We attended Fall Fest here and had a blast.

And so – there are a few of my favorite things [from 2018]! I again, hope you have an amazing New Year’s Eve! Cheers to a fresh start in 2019! I will be sharing more tomorrow, as well as a full 2018 Beauty Favorites on YouTube soon, so stay tuned my friends!

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  1. Amy's Fashion Blog says

    December 31, 2018 at 10:13 PM

    Happy New Year.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Rachel. Welcome to Rachel's Lookbook. Here you can find everything from fashion and beauty to travel and lifestyle.

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Hello friends! It’s been awhile again (surprise, Hello friends! It’s been awhile again (surprise, surprise) I’ve been around... been creeping around here 😂 but haven’t posted in forever!

So hello hello! I know the world is still in a crazy state - and I haven’t lost sight of that. But like many people, I’m trying to take it all one day at a time and find joy in the small things. Aside from that, things have been busy!...

* I started a new job in November! I’m excited to be back at a software company and looking forward to the day I get to meet some of my co-workers in person! 💻💃🏼
* My husband and I celebrated 3 years in October 👰🏼‍♀️... we were able to celebrate with a nice home-cooked dinner (by the hubby of course 😏☺️) and a bottle of wine from the winery he proposed at @ridgevineyards
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And this is one of the only pictures I’ve taken this year 😂 I actually did my hair and makeup for Thanksgiving (ya know to hang out with my husband and dog), and even though my curls only lasted two seconds, I look happy and I was happy and I am happy (as happy as I think anyone can be in the middle of a pandemic). So wanted to say hi 🙋🏼‍♀️ and hope you’re taking care! 🤗
I love you and I love fall. Still love looking bac I love you and I love fall. Still love looking back at our engagement photos 😍 #throwback #engagementphotos #youaremyeverything
#Ad Having battled oily skin for years, the heat a #Ad Having battled oily skin for years, the heat and humidity that comes along with summer makes it even tougher to battle breakouts. It's also a struggle to find the right moisturizer that keeps my skin healthy, balanced and glowing all while reducing irritation. This summer has been especially hard as I've struggled with "maskne"! That's why I'm beyond excited to tell you about the Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel Moisturizer from @muradskincare! This moisturizer is a game-changer for someone like me with acne-prone, oily skin. This oil-free moisturizer helps minimize impurities while balancing your skin's microbiome for healthier-looking skin. Since using this, my skin is clearer and healthier looking! I have battled so many breakouts around my chin and on my cheeks this summer - but am so relieved to be seeing results and seeing clearer skin while also getting the crucial hydration I need. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, ginger root, and Korean red pine extract, this moisturizer will hydrate, balance, and improve the look of your skin as well no matter your skin type or needs! I am telling you, you do not want to pass up adding this product to your routine! It is available at @ulta, @sephora and Murad.com. I am a long time user and lover of Murad products but have to say, this is one of my all-time favorites. Have you tried their new Clarifying Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer? #ulta #sephora #MuradSkincare #MuradPartner
Woman’s Best Friend 🐶 Happy #NationalDogDay t Woman’s Best Friend 🐶 Happy #NationalDogDay to my FURever friend @emmaminiaussie ❤️ Equal parts sweet and sassy, she makes life so much better and brings joy to everyone she meets! Swipe through to see her when she was just a little pup 😭🥰 & to see how much she loves taking selfies with me 🤣😂
It’s been awhile and A LOT has happened in our w It’s been awhile and A LOT has happened in our world since I last posted to my feed. There is a lot I want to say and I will be posting a lot more soon, but first & foremost...

Black Lives Matter.

I wish I had posted about this in my feed sooner, but I honestly didn’t know what to say or how to say it. I spent way too long overthinking it versus just doing it. I know that’s not an excuse, and I know I have to do better. I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting and educating myself as well as finding ways to help and be proactive. I am committing myself to do more and do better. I know it’s not enough and I’m not sure it will ever be enough... but I will never stop trying. 

The most important thing I learned is that my silence in the past was unacceptable and a huge part of the problem. I thought not knowing what to say and worrying about saying the wrong thing meant it was ok to be silent. It WAS NOT and IS NOT ok.

I have so much more to learn and to do, but one thing is for sure... I will no longer be silent. I will continue to keep the anti-racism resources link in my bio - as it has been a great resource for me and know it has been for many others. Again, I’m not excusing myself for not posting in my feed sooner but I will continue to share and hope to keep the momentum going 🖤 Black Lives Matter 🖤
Hey friends! How are you?! We made it through anot Hey friends! How are you?! We made it through another *very unusual* & crazy/scary week. I hope you are staying safe & well!
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Yesterday we took Emma @emmaminiaussie to the vet for her annual vet check up. It was her first appointment at a new vet since our move, and we had to let her go in alone. My anxiety has been off the charts lately, as I’m sure it has been for many of you, and heightened even more by this. Emma is truly our child, our daughter, and I am always anxious wanting to ensure she’s happy and doing well.
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Sitting outside in the car waiting for the call from our new vet was difficult, but I’m so happy to report her health at almost 8 years old is wonderful! She’s thriving and it makes my heart so happy. Another great reminder during these times to be thankful for what matters most - your health and your loved ones’ health (including your fur babies 🐶). So with another long caption today just wishing health and safety to all of you right now! And another thank you to essential workers on the frontlines ❤️🙏🏻 #emmatheminiaussie #loveconquersall #stayhealthy
Hello Instagram family… it’s been awhile. I ha Hello Instagram family… it’s been awhile. I have not posted in my feed since February… and so this is going to be a long one since life as we know it has completely changed over the past month. 
I decided I needed a mental break from Instagram - not all social media - just Instagram. I have been unmotivated to post on this particular platform and was constantly posting old photos/photoshoots just to have something to post. So I took a break to refresh. 
Well, as you know, things started to escalate pretty quickly with COVID-19. I was just about ready to start posting again and BOOM. Just like that, everything in our world changed. It didn’t feel right to post my latest outfit at that moment… 
Things are still escalating, but I’m back here today because I’m longing for connection more than ever and because I want to say THANK you to so many people. 
Things are scary right now. They are uncertain and unfathomable. We are all trying to adapt to a new normal. I don’t have much to add to what others have been saying, but I do want to say I’m thinking of and praying for everyone, especially those directly affected by the pandemic. 
I also want to say thank you to everyone putting their lives at risk to help our country and our world during this time. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to healthcare workers, delivery drivers, grocery store workers, pharmacy/drugstore workers, app-based gig workers out in the field, restaurants who are feeding healthcare workers and feeding children lunches, teachers going above and beyond, to those helping get their parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors and others who are vulnerable the essentials they need to get through this. You are all HEROES and I can never express enough gratitude for what you are doing. 
I don’t have much else to say, but I hope to continue to connect with you all again on this platform. THANK YOU to everyone who is putting an effort into making a difference during this pandemic. Staying home means so much right now if you are able to! We will get through this together if we work together. Stay safe, stay well, and be kind ❤️ #stayhome #besafe #thankyou
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