Review: Dollhouse by The Kardashians

I finally finished a book and it feels good! (Because it doesn’t happen very often!) I got the Kardashian novel for my birthday back in November from one of my best friends, Jessica. We are pretty open Kardashian fans. Can we just say it’s our guilty pleasure?

Anyway, the book is by all three Kardashian sisters along with the help of writers and editors. They used their imaginations to make a fiction story that is loosely based off their own lives. There were quite a lot of profanities just in the first ten pages which I was a little surprised about. But that wasn’t the only surprise. The plot line was pretty scandalous with cool twists that made you say, “What?” and it made you wonder if it really happened in real life or if it is made up. There is a lot of juicy drama and talk of sex, but I should have assumed it would be filled with it!

It was a fast read because the reading level is probably not very high for this book. English majors and creative writing minors would probably scoff at the grammar and some of the slang words used in the book, such as “slore.” Some of the dialogue and slang was a little much, but it was a fun read and something to use to escape from reality for a bit!

If you don’t totally hate the Kardashians, have the time, and want to have an easy read filled with some scandals, I would recommend this book! It is definitely a book for some girly girls J

Sparkle & Shine,

Rachel

2 Days

This week I had 2 particular days that were really big for me.
First was Tuesday when I was awarded the Susan B. Anthony Scholarship. I was awarded a long side two other wonderful women that work at Emporia State. I was so excited, thrilled and honored to even be recognized and awarded along side these women that have been contributing to women for years. I caught a glimmer of how Taylor Swift feels when she wins things and is awarded among other great musicians. I was happy to have close friends come as well as my advanced fiction writing class. I was glad that Professor Webb, one of my role models, could make it. Just last year she was getting one of the faculty awards and I had watched. Now just a year later, she was watching me. I couldn't be more thankful and feel so delighted about this award. I have an awesome plaque and an amazing necklace with a medallion that was designed by one of the great women of ESU years ago and it gets passed to the new person each year. I found out that I am the 30th person to get this award. A good even number. :)
Yesterday was also great because I went to the Meet and Greet with the new President of ESU, Dr. Shonrock. I had a plan and I was on a mission to ask him if his wife could speak at the next BUILD Beauty meeting. I even made an index card with my information and everything. There was a good group of people there and I stood with some friends and waited patiently for my turn. Eventually he came over to our group and I finally got my time to pitch the idea! I gave him the card and everything! Now I am just waiting to see if she can do it! :) I was filled with energy afterward because I was so excited I took the chance and opportunity. As I have mentioned before, it is all about taking chances. Even if she doesn't contact me or it doesn't work out, I am still glad that I even tried. Who knows what can happen if you don't try, right?
That night, I went to see a visiting writer read her poetry and that was inspiring. I had never been to one of the visiting writers before. It was a neat experience and I can't wait to get some time to write! I have been so busy!

I wanted to share that with you. It has been a rough last half of year or so, but it is nice to have some good things coming my way again. I am making sure I savor it.  :)

Sparkle & Shine,
Rachel

Professor Webb and I

Susan B. Anthony

Today, after giving a campus tour in such beautiful weather, I checked my phone to see I had a voice mail. I listened to it and it was the woman from the Ethnic and Gender Studies department letting me know that I have been selected to receive the Susan B. Anthony scholarship. I could barely contain my excitement and tried to hold back tears. I called her back and she let me know the details of what was to come next. This coming Tuesday, there will be a ceremony where I will be introduced and even get a medal that is passed to the new person each year. There are going to be a couple other awards announced as well. I applied for the scholarship a couple weeks ago. It was for people that have impacted and educated women here at ESU. I really felt like I had a shot and even had a couple friends contact me to let me know I should apply. That made me feel like I had an even better chance. After filling out the application, answering the essay questions, and turning it in, I was selected. I am so happy and had tears of joy. Something I hadn't felt in a while. My hard work is paying off and I feel so honored to be selected due to what I have been doing for women here at ESU.

I googled Susan B. Anthony because I wanted to learn what she was all about. She worked hard for women's rights and really wanted to see women finally get the chance to vote. I believe it was 14 years after she passed away, the amendment was passed that gave women the right to vote. I also learned she would give 75-100 speeches a year for 45 years. I would be honored just to be able to give a few speeches for women. It definitely inspires me that I can do big things.

This award really means a lot to me and I am so thrilled about it. It makes me want to strive even more to impact people's lives, especially women. I hope that this is just the beginning, one of the first stepping stones, to something great and that I can have the opportunity to change people's lives and have more accomplishments like this in the future.

I thank everyone that has supported me, listened to my ideas, told me I can do it, listened to me rant, watched me cry from frustrations, and more. I've been so blessed with a great support system of loving family and friends. Thank you. :)

Sparkle & Shine,
Rachel

Workout!

At the last BUILD Beauty meeting, I challenged the girls to work out. We talked about the word strong and what it means to be strong physically and emotionally. I knew that I wanted to get back into working out. This last summer, I had gotten a membership to the YMCA up the street from my house and worked out almost every day and loved it! After everything I went through the last semester, I lost about 10-12 pounds. I had been working towards that and it was kind of a blessing in disguise when I lost the weight even though it wasn't in the most healthy way. My confidence went up with my body and it motivates me to get to the gym to tone up and keep that weight off that I had been wanting to get off in the first place. Another reason that I have been going is because I need a healthy outlet to do something with my stress and frustrations. Let me tell you, it helps a lot! Last week was the tip of the iceberg for me on some stuff. Life has been pretty rough to me lately and I've been getting fed up. I had planned to work out, but after a bad night, I was anxiously waiting to get in the gym Monday night. It has been refreshing and has done wonders. I encourage all of you to get active and work out at the gym if you have access to one. If you are unmotivated or something let me know and I will give you a pep talk and try to get you pumped up to go! You will feel so great after. I especially like the workouts where I sweat a lot! And I like the tired feeling when I get to bed because it lets me know that I worked hard. Let me know how it goes and again if you need some motivation, let me know! :)

Sparkle and Shine,
Rachel

Review: Maybelline Baby Lips

One of my best friends, Jessica, told me about this product and thought I should review it on my blog! Couldn't pass it up! I was intrigued by this product and it didn't take me long to get because I have been searching for something like this. Something that was a lot like chapstick, but has color like lipstick or lip gloss. I have problems with lip gloss and lipstick because they either dry out my lips, doesn't stay on long, or is super sticky. 

I got the "Cherry Me" in the Baby Lips line by Maybelline and I love it! It is a pretty bright red, but doesn't show up that bright on your lips. It is just enough color and it's not overwhelming. It has a nice taste of cherry and goes on smooth. NOT sticky! I was very happy about it and really happy with the price too! It is just $2.99 at Target which is rather cheap compared to other lip products that can be as much $7 at Target. I definitely recommend it especially if you are looking to jazz up your chapstick collection! (Lol) 

Sparkle & Shine,

Rachel

Zoiks!

A couple weeks ago, I auditioned for our improv group on campus. I have been wanting to do it pretty much ever since I found out about them my first semester as a freshman. I was on the fence about it, but reminded myself that it is all about taking chances now. What the heck, might as well and see what happens. Put myself out there!
I went and tried my best and had fun with it too. I probably cussed as much as I have the last 3 years combined in the 2ish hour span I was there. Hey, it was for humor and I didn't mind letting loose a bit. Plus, part of it was for a game we played, so I didn't have much choice in the matter!
I didn't make the cut, but it was okay. I tried! I was told by one of the Zoiks! members that's in advanced fiction writing class with me that I had originally made the first cut for call backs but they had to dwindle it down a little more and took it to a vote. I was then cut, but he told me I did good and should try out next semester. Who knows, might as well try again, right?
But I think what touched me the most out of the whole experience of auditioning for Zoiks! was another person that auditioned as well. There was a freshman boy who is handicapped and that has disabilities that tried out in his wheel chair and all. Just that alone makes me admire him for trying out even when he may not be as capable to do things that other people can do. He did really well and what he could which was inspiring.  My favorite part about him was at one point one of the Zoiks! members that was conducting the auditions was poking fun at him (not in a bad way) and he told him, "you can make as many crippled jokes as you want and I will laugh my ass off." The Zoiks! member replied and said "good because they're going to keep coming." It was all in good humor. It was amazing to see that this guy can embrace his condition, poke fun at himself, and have a sense of humor about it all. It doesn't seem like he lets his disabilities and wheel chair hold him back.
Like I said before, I had been on the fence about trying out. After that experience and seeing him give it his all and talking with him, it really made me not feel bad that I didn't make it and was instead glad I did it. He didn't make it either, but I don't think he was upset at all. I think he had fun too. Now I think about how courageous and brave he was to put himself out there and that I should do the same. It makes me thankful that I have the capabilities to do great things and I shouldn't waste that. He didn't hold back even when he already has things holding him back. I have no excuse. It was so inspiring and I am thankful to have had that experience. If I hadn't gone, I wouldn't have had it!
Sparkle & Shine,
Rachel

BBQ Hot Dogs and Macaroni & Cheese

This is one of my favorite meals to make while at college. It is super cheap too. You can get a pack of 5 boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese from Wal-Mart for about $5 and a pack of hot dogs for less than a dollar. I like to whip it up for lunch a lot. It is really simple. A lot of people like hot dogs in their mac and cheese. The BBQ puts a nice twist to it and adds an extra flavor in the mix! It takes about 15 minutes to make so it is nice for those busy days and filling to keep you going!

All you need is a box of macaroni and cheese and 2-3 hot dogs. I slice them up and put them in a small skillet on the stove. I pour in the BBQ sauce and stir it around to evenly disperse and let them cook while the mac and cheese is cooking.

It tastes really good when you mix it up :)

Enjoy!

Sparkle & Shine,
Rachel

Starbucks

Every girl should try the yummy deliciousness of a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino! It is definitely a sweet treat with a hint of coffee. This is a good drink to indulge on while visiting with friends (like I did this weekend), taking a break from studying, after a long day, or maybe when you are craving something sweet while on your lady gift! So good and worth the few "bucks". :)

Sparkle & Shine,
Rachel

Our Roommate Mystery

Anna and I share a room in our apartment and Paige had the other room with her own bathroom. When she decided to transfer at semester, she found a replacement roommate for us. We have been getting a long quite fine with our new roommate, but we have noticed some weird and fishy things. Here are a couple links to a couple videos Anna and I made that goes with our mystery.
It seems that when we go home on the weekends, she uses our room, bathroom and things. She makes our beds, uses our shower, and there are some other things have we have noticed and found that you can see in our videos! Now we just don't know how to confront the issue, if we even should and how we would even bring it up or talk about it! If you have any advice for us, please comment, email me, or somehow let us know!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1SLnuhQmWY&feature=BFa&list=UU28392Y8hNiFnHGfJOI6p3g&lf=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfHdxKVuNVc&list=UU28392Y8hNiFnHGfJOI6p3g&index=1&feature=plcp

Sparkle & Shine,

Rachel

Share

A couple weeks ago, I emailed my pastor from my church back home. We started a series about doing no harm and doing good. He encouraged us to email him with things that we do to "do good." I decided to do that and tell him about the Pay It Forward program I have been working on for Ambassadors and BUILD Beauty. While I was at it, I wanted to include some other things that were on my mind. At the last service he discussed a topic that is pretty dear to me, the gay community. He talked of how he accepts everyone no matter if they are gay or not because God loves all his children. By the end of the service, I was holding back tears of joy. I was so happy that the church I go to does not look down on the gay community. I also mentioned the tough time I had last semester and my want to forgive. He also talked about the topic of forgiving at church recently and it has been something I have thought about. He emailed me back shortly after I sent mine and it was great having that connection and communication with my pastor. He asked me in the email if I would be willing to be acknowledged for what I have been doing here at ESU and the other things I talked about in my email. I already knew I was not going to be able to make it to church that coming Sunday because I was going to a bridal show with my sister. So we taped a video of me talking about it at our carnival thing we had the day before. He played it at church the next day and my mom and dad went to watch. My mom was able to record it and record what he had to say. It was such a great feeling sharing what I have been doing here and hopefully inspiring others, getting to share my stories and the importance of the gay community in my life, and also the tough time I had just a few months ago and how I want to forgive. It can be personal stuff, but I was glad I could share. I got to speak and have what I had to say be a part of the service. It was really special to me and it makes me thankful that I took the time to sit down and email him. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to share all that and connect better with my church. All you have to do is take the time and take the chance!

Sparkle & Shine,
Rachel