Nostalgia. "A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a person or place in the past," or so Google says.
For me, it's a blessing and a curse.
Nostalgia is like looking through old photographs without needing them there in your hands. It can be found in memories, in people, in a place, in an old ticket stub.
It's nice to look back and think of all the good memories made, the moments passed. We're constantly reminded how precious life is and that we should accept each moment as it comes. Sometimes, at the time, you don't appreciate what's in front of you. But fondly reminiscing about the past can help that.
I'm a hoarder. On my walls in front of me as I write this are old concert tickets, ranging from Paramore to Wolf Alice and Hairspray the Musical. Beside me are polaroid photo prints detailing my life from 6th year to last year. At the time, some of the people in the photos were my favourite people, and now I can't remember the last time I spoke to some of them. I keep telling myself I should print new ones.
In that sense, nostalgia is a curse. It's a constant reminder of the people that are gone, of things that didn't go right. Of bad timings, missed opportunities and regrets. Sometimes I find myself thinking so much about times in the past that I fall down a spiral and forget to enjoy the moment of today.
That's the worst part about nostalgia- once it grabs you, you forget to enjoy today.
While I look back and think about how much I miss certain times and places and people in my life, I know in a few years time I'll think the same about today.
Because that's the most comforting thing about nostalgia- knowing that some day in the future, today could be a memory I miss.
Rachel x
nostalgia.
3.16.2018
Nostalgia. "A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a person or place in the past," or so Google says.
For me, it's a blessing and a curse.
Nostalgia is like looking through old photographs without needing them there in your hands. It can be found in memories, in people, in a place, in an old ticket stub.
It's nice to look back and think of all the good memories made, the moments passed. We're constantly reminded how precious life is and that we should accept each moment as it comes. Sometimes, at the time, you don't appreciate what's in front of you. But fondly reminiscing about the past can help that.
I'm a hoarder. On my walls in front of me as I write this are old concert tickets, ranging from Paramore to Wolf Alice and Hairspray the Musical. Beside me are polaroid photo prints detailing my life from 6th year to last year. At the time, some of the people in the photos were my favourite people, and now I can't remember the last time I spoke to some of them. I keep telling myself I should print new ones.
In that sense, nostalgia is a curse. It's a constant reminder of the people that are gone, of things that didn't go right. Of bad timings, missed opportunities and regrets. Sometimes I find myself thinking so much about times in the past that I fall down a spiral and forget to enjoy the moment of today.
That's the worst part about nostalgia- once it grabs you, you forget to enjoy today.
While I look back and think about how much I miss certain times and places and people in my life, I know in a few years time I'll think the same about today.
Because that's the most comforting thing about nostalgia- knowing that some day in the future, today could be a memory I miss.
Rachel x
While the rest of red carpet season saw black dresses and tuxedos for the #TimesUp movement, stars took a break from black and burst into colour for the 2018 Academy Awards.
Every year, the eyes of the fashion world gaze upon the Oscars red carpet to see what trends emerge and what designers are having a good year. Some celebrities are affiliated with designers (like Jennifer Lawrence and Dior), so the guessing game ends at what colour or style they’ll wear on the night. Others are a complete gamble. I’ve rounded up some of the key trends spotted on the red carpet this year, so you don’t have to.
Metallics
Shades of gold, silver and bronze were a key trend this year at the Oscars. Jennifer Lawrence stunned audiences in a silver and grey Dior dress, while Molly Sims was a vision in an embellished, plunging Naeem Khan gown. Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot opted for a fringed, metallic Givenchy dress, accompanied with silver accessories.
Red
Some celebs decided to match the carpet they walked on by opting for shades of red. Award-winner Allison Janney opted for a long Reem Acra gown, while Meryl Streep chose a similar option with Dior. Leslie Mann took to the carpet in Zac Posen, matching her lipstick to her dress.
Bows
Although not a winner on the night, Ireland’s own Saoirse Ronan was a vision in Calvin Klein. Her nude-pink dress was simple at the front but the large bow at the back added the wow factor. Emma Stone shocked viewers by opting for trousers, but the belted waist really brought the look together. Nicole Kidman looking stunning in a vibrant blue Armani gown.
Rachel x
Oscars 2018 trend report
While the rest of red carpet season saw black dresses and tuxedos for the #TimesUp movement, stars took a break from black and burst into colour for the 2018 Academy Awards.
Every year, the eyes of the fashion world gaze upon the Oscars red carpet to see what trends emerge and what designers are having a good year. Some celebrities are affiliated with designers (like Jennifer Lawrence and Dior), so the guessing game ends at what colour or style they’ll wear on the night. Others are a complete gamble. I’ve rounded up some of the key trends spotted on the red carpet this year, so you don’t have to.
Metallics
Shades of gold, silver and bronze were a key trend this year at the Oscars. Jennifer Lawrence stunned audiences in a silver and grey Dior dress, while Molly Sims was a vision in an embellished, plunging Naeem Khan gown. Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot opted for a fringed, metallic Givenchy dress, accompanied with silver accessories.
Red
Some celebs decided to match the carpet they walked on by opting for shades of red. Award-winner Allison Janney opted for a long Reem Acra gown, while Meryl Streep chose a similar option with Dior. Leslie Mann took to the carpet in Zac Posen, matching her lipstick to her dress.
Bows
Although not a winner on the night, Ireland’s own Saoirse Ronan was a vision in Calvin Klein. Her nude-pink dress was simple at the front but the large bow at the back added the wow factor. Emma Stone shocked viewers by opting for trousers, but the belted waist really brought the look together. Nicole Kidman looking stunning in a vibrant blue Armani gown.
Rachel x
With the arrival of the biggest snow storm Ireland's seen in 40 years, I've found myself with a lot more time on my hands than usual. And so, I'm trying to use that time to write things that aren't local news stories or college articles.
I remember back when I used to blog frequently, there was a point when I scoffed at beauty reviews. If you're a long time reader, you'll remember I originally started out writing about nail art and makeup reviews (usually from the bargain basket from Tesco). After some time, it felt like everyone and their mother had a beauty blog, so I told myself- no more beauty on the blog. But now I've grown up and I'm no longer as obnoxious as I used to be. So without further ado, here are some skincare products I've been loving lately to tackle that dreaded winter skin.
- Superdrug 'calm skin' 2 in 1 moisturiser & serum
I've honestly been raving about this product since I accidentally discovered it before Christmas. After coincidentally writing an article on the effects stress can have on the skin, I decided my skin was just that- stressed. I spotted this line of Superdrug's own brand and decided to give the moisturiser a whirl. Of all the products listed, it saved my skin from dryness and I can't get enough of it. Better yet, it cost less than €5 too!
- Urban Decay 'rebound' prep priming spray*
I got sent this product recently to try out, and as a huge UD fan, I knew I'd probably like it. I'm really lazy when it comes to applying makeup and always forget to use a primer, but I find this spray does the trick. It's the perfect end to my skincare routine and start of my makeup! I find it adds a last minute freshness to the skin and prevents my makeup looking cakey or settled.
- Revo watermelon lip balm
I stole this (unused) lipbalm off my lipbalm hoarding sister and I feel like I've become addicted. At first I wasn't too keen on the watermelon taste, but now I can't stop applying it. It's the only lip product I've used over the colder months that's actually left my lips looking and feeling better.
- Garnier rose water toner
I feel like toners were a must have a couple of years ago, but it's been years since I've used one myself. I picked this up randomly one day and it's definitely helped to put some moisture back into my skin. The rose scent is gorgeous too!
- Superdrug 'Vitamin E' gentle oatmeal exfoliator
Another bargain beauty buy, this exfoliator is my hangover saviour. I only use this once or twice a week so not to damage my skin, but I love using it after a night of partying. There's nothing worse than post-drinking skin, and this makes my dead face look alive instantly.
Rachel x
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
My favourite skincare picks for dry, winter skin
3.02.2018
With the arrival of the biggest snow storm Ireland's seen in 40 years, I've found myself with a lot more time on my hands than usual. And so, I'm trying to use that time to write things that aren't local news stories or college articles.
I remember back when I used to blog frequently, there was a point when I scoffed at beauty reviews. If you're a long time reader, you'll remember I originally started out writing about nail art and makeup reviews (usually from the bargain basket from Tesco). After some time, it felt like everyone and their mother had a beauty blog, so I told myself- no more beauty on the blog. But now I've grown up and I'm no longer as obnoxious as I used to be. So without further ado, here are some skincare products I've been loving lately to tackle that dreaded winter skin.
- Superdrug 'calm skin' 2 in 1 moisturiser & serum
I've honestly been raving about this product since I accidentally discovered it before Christmas. After coincidentally writing an article on the effects stress can have on the skin, I decided my skin was just that- stressed. I spotted this line of Superdrug's own brand and decided to give the moisturiser a whirl. Of all the products listed, it saved my skin from dryness and I can't get enough of it. Better yet, it cost less than €5 too!
- Urban Decay 'rebound' prep priming spray*
I got sent this product recently to try out, and as a huge UD fan, I knew I'd probably like it. I'm really lazy when it comes to applying makeup and always forget to use a primer, but I find this spray does the trick. It's the perfect end to my skincare routine and start of my makeup! I find it adds a last minute freshness to the skin and prevents my makeup looking cakey or settled.
- Revo watermelon lip balm
I stole this (unused) lipbalm off my lipbalm hoarding sister and I feel like I've become addicted. At first I wasn't too keen on the watermelon taste, but now I can't stop applying it. It's the only lip product I've used over the colder months that's actually left my lips looking and feeling better.
- Garnier rose water toner
I feel like toners were a must have a couple of years ago, but it's been years since I've used one myself. I picked this up randomly one day and it's definitely helped to put some moisture back into my skin. The rose scent is gorgeous too!
- Superdrug 'Vitamin E' gentle oatmeal exfoliator
Another bargain beauty buy, this exfoliator is my hangover saviour. I only use this once or twice a week so not to damage my skin, but I love using it after a night of partying. There's nothing worse than post-drinking skin, and this makes my dead face look alive instantly.
Rachel x
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
Every year, I post my yearly round up (if you're curious and would like to have a look at previous years, click here, here and here). This year, it's taken me a little longer to put together what I want to say. It's been a strange one, a long one but a great one. Some of the highlights of the year for me included;
- New York, Chicago, summer camp- my three months in the USA, arguably the best three years of the year and possibly my life to date.
- My other travels- Prague with some of my favourite people, and Amsterdam with one of my dearest friends.
- Winning blog of the year at the Hybrids.
- Getting my first tattoo.
- Starting my first job as a journalist.
- My first front cover, albeit not written by me.
Just some of the highs, some of the most brilliant parts of the year. Not pictured are the lows, the heartaches (all three of them, some temporary and some not), the broken friendships, the tears. They remain in the deepest depths of my memories.
Usually, I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to the year and hello to the next year, but this morning I found myself slightly frightened by the prospect. I graduate next year and god knows what will happen after that, where I'll go or what I'll end up doing. I suppose that's the underlying thrill of it all, the uncertainty of the future.
As for 2018, for once I don't have any expectations. I usually write a list of things I want to achieve, or problems I want to overcome. A 'same ol' me but better'. This year, I'm just going to take things as they come. Of course there's the usual 'new year new me' hopes- to lose a bit of weight, avoid negative people and finally settle into a relationship, but I think my main hope for the year is a lot simpler- happiness in whatever it is I end up doing.
Whether it's been a good or a bad year, I hope all of you find comfort in leaving 2017 behind and moving onto to a sparkling new year. It's been weird and wonderful, and I'm eternally grateful to those who made the year what it was for me.
Rachel x
Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018
12.28.2017
Every year, I post my yearly round up (if you're curious and would like to have a look at previous years, click here, here and here). This year, it's taken me a little longer to put together what I want to say. It's been a strange one, a long one but a great one. Some of the highlights of the year for me included;
- New York, Chicago, summer camp- my three months in the USA, arguably the best three years of the year and possibly my life to date.
- My other travels- Prague with some of my favourite people, and Amsterdam with one of my dearest friends.
- Winning blog of the year at the Hybrids.
- Getting my first tattoo.
- Starting my first job as a journalist.
- My first front cover, albeit not written by me.
Just some of the highs, some of the most brilliant parts of the year. Not pictured are the lows, the heartaches (all three of them, some temporary and some not), the broken friendships, the tears. They remain in the deepest depths of my memories.
Usually, I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to the year and hello to the next year, but this morning I found myself slightly frightened by the prospect. I graduate next year and god knows what will happen after that, where I'll go or what I'll end up doing. I suppose that's the underlying thrill of it all, the uncertainty of the future.
As for 2018, for once I don't have any expectations. I usually write a list of things I want to achieve, or problems I want to overcome. A 'same ol' me but better'. This year, I'm just going to take things as they come. Of course there's the usual 'new year new me' hopes- to lose a bit of weight, avoid negative people and finally settle into a relationship, but I think my main hope for the year is a lot simpler- happiness in whatever it is I end up doing.
Whether it's been a good or a bad year, I hope all of you find comfort in leaving 2017 behind and moving onto to a sparkling new year. It's been weird and wonderful, and I'm eternally grateful to those who made the year what it was for me.
Rachel x
The familiar ping of an email. Avoided for a couple of hours, until I sit down with my soup and sandwich on my lunch break. An interview request- this time, one for me and not from me. Just a few weeks ago, I was delighted to speak to the Irish Examiner about what it's like to be part of 'Generation Z', the controversial snowflake term and how I started blogging.
Generation Z | OOTD
12.25.2017
The familiar ping of an email. Avoided for a couple of hours, until I sit down with my soup and sandwich on my lunch break. An interview request- this time, one for me and not from me. Just a few weeks ago, I was delighted to speak to the Irish Examiner about what it's like to be part of 'Generation Z', the controversial snowflake term and how I started blogging.
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