On Repeat #50



RACHEL
Icarus - Bastille
      I didn't expect to like this song so much, but there's something incredibly catchy about it. Pop rock tends to have that effect I suppose. I really enjoy the back vocals of this track, and of course the fact that Bastille hails from London is a bonus. I've now downloaded the entirety of Bad Blood and it seems like there's a good mix of slow and upbeat songs. Very interested to see how that plays out.

TESSA
All Night Longer - Sammy Adams
     Can we tell I'm completely over finals/school/life in general really? By the time this is posted I will be 4 exams away from sweet freedom. Until summer classes start that is. I've always been a Sammy Adams fan, but kind of forgot about him for a while. He was a recent rediscovery on Spotify, thanks in part to Jen's wonderful "Thugnificant" playlist. Ever since last week when Rachel and I actually ventured out with people (what? Shocking, I know), I've been listening to him a lot more. He's got some great summer/party anthems and he's got a sound similar to Hoodie Allen so of course I'm a fan. Not to mention his face...
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May Playlist

It's been awhile since I've shared with you guys what's been making a rotation when it comes to my music. Obviously you get bits and pieces with On Repeat every week but I decided I'd open up my playlists once again to show you guys what I've been listening to. I know we're still barely into May, but this is a collection of what I've been listening to over the past couple of months, and I have a feeling most of this will still be making the rounds on my summer playlists. Hopefully you'll get introduced to some new music or rediscover some old favs.


Childish Gambino
    I mentioned that I got into his newest album, because the internet, sometime last month after putting it off for a while. It's still been making the rounds on my most played and I've also rediscovered a few old favorites from him. His music is one I turn to for commuting and working out. His collaborations are always on point, and I really wish him and Chance the Rapper would just put out an album together already (a la Jay-Z & Kanye) because I'm really convinced they can do no wrong.
Listen to: WORLDSTAR, The Worst Guys, You See Me, Bonfire

Iggy Azalea
     My most recent On Repeat pick is of course still being played. I can't get over her style and how awesome this album is. It's a good one to blast with the windows down, and I've been known to rap every single word to Fancy at parties recently. My bad. Not to mention she collaborates with Rita Ora on this album, who was pretty much my queen last summer. If you're in the mood for some serious girl power, turn her on and you won't be disappointed.
Listen to: Fancy, Black Widow, Goddess

Shakira
    I've ever ventured much into Shakira's music beyond her hits, but her newest album was listened to on Jen's recommendation and I am in love. Not only is Shakira absolutely adorable on The Voice, and of course we already knew this, but the woman is ridiculously talented. Her new self titled album really shows her range of style and definitely makes me appreciate her as an artist. There's more to her than just a couple hits for sure.
Listen to: Dare (La La La), You Don't Care About Me

Sammy Adams
    Okay so I'm definitely giving you a sneak peek of my On Repeat pick, and I'm sorry but I couldn't resist. Did you really think I was never going to mention Boston's Boy on this blog? I didn't think so. Sammy Adams is another long time favorite of mine who I've been recently rediscovering. I really wish he would drop a new album as it's long overdue but I guess I'll settle for Hoodie Allen's new releases in the mean time.
Listen to: Summertime, Blow Up, Jets Over Boston, Comin' Up

Tyga
    I've said it before and I'll say it again: Tyga is so underrated. Possibly the most underrated on the music scene. And I really don't care if you disagree with me there. He's done a lot of catchy stuff but he's definitely not a one and done. Plus, I will bet you anything if you drive with the windows down listening to his stuff you will feel 100% bad ass, and he's the perfect artist to turn to when I'm getting ready to go out.
Listen to: Dope, Switch Lanes, Bang Out

Little Mix
     If you want some serious Spice Girls like girl power, Little Mix is your answer. I wasn't a big fan at first, but I've been converted with their newest album. Not to say that their debut album wasn't good, I just didn't click with it as well as I have with this one. They've definitely helped me power through some study sessions this semester and I've had moments where I've had to really stop myself from dancing on campus to them because they're just that catchy.
Listen to: Salute, About the Boy, Mr Loverboy, Competition 

Honorable Mentions/Randoms
    This section is dedicated to those random songs/artists that have caught my attention, but I haven't necessarily been listening to their whole discography as with the one's above. Not a Bad Thing - Justin Timberlake, Loyal - Chris Brown, Trophies - Young Money, Stoner Girl - MOD Sun/Pat Brown, Love Is Overrated - Shwayze. There's a few other's on the playlist as well that I haven't gone over, but these are just the stand outs for me.

What's music have you been loving lately?

xx
Tessa
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Tuesday Talk | Finals Study Tips

     Finals have crept up on us here at FBG - cue a few minor breakdowns, several pleas for graduation to hurry up, and a lot of coffee. If you're also trying to hang on to that GPA, no worries. We've got you covered with a few of our study tips. We wish you ladies luck with finals!

RACHEL
Unplug
     Studying is such a personal venture that nothing is a universal solution. However, I have found that avoiding unnecessary contact with the computer or cell is hugely beneficial. I am always for an occasional break from texts, tweets, etc. - but it becomes especially important whilst I'm studying. The last thing I want to do by the end of the semester is write a research paper, so distractions automatically become more alluring. Try doing as much work as possible without a computer. Use the 'Do Not Disturb' mode on your phone. Do a little preliminary research for your essay and then log off to write an outline by hand.  Then you can return to the computer with a clear idea of what you want to write, so you're more likely to stay focused. Need to nail a final? Print off a hard copy of your study guide (definitely make one if it's not provided for you) and keep it with you to get in a little studying whenever you can. I quite like to do this, and then give myself a break. I'll watch television, and on commercial breaks mute the TV and read through my study guide. This is also helpful if you have any downtime at work or between classes, since you won't need access to a computer or heavy books on hand.

TESSA
Take a Break
      
       Seems that I'm taking the opposite route of Rachel a bit here, but to me, nothing is worse than the looming endless studying I have. The biggest thing I've found that helps me is to just take a break and walk away. At some point, you can only cram so much, and there's no use in stressing out more. Not to say that you shouldn't study at all, but taking a break can be hugely beneficial. Even if it's just taking 20 minutes to do a quick work out, or go grab froyo with a friend, or catch a few minutes of a game, it's well worth it to keep your sanity. This is really helpful if the subject you're studying for is one you're absolutely dreading (for me, abnormal psychology) or you're really stressing out over it. So take a deep breath, and take a couple minutes for yourself. At the end of the day, it's just a test, not life or death.

JENNY
Get out of your house/apartment
       
       Many people are able to study in their apartment or house. I was even able to last semester on a consistent basis. However, last finals and this entire semester I've taken a different route and basically lived at the library. Last semester, my friends and I camped out at a table on one of the quiet floors of the library and buckled down for twelve hours at a time. Granted, this method isn't optimum for those who can't study for longer periods of time but we would often take breaks to get food or go home for a quick nap (emphasis on quick). The best part about having your friends there is that they motivate you to get work done because everyone absolutely has to study. Also, when you want to go home for a nap or to grab a quick bite, you don't have to pack up all your stuff! Bonus.
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Alloy Eyes

   
     Out of necessity, my morning makeup routine is quite elementary. I’m not one to employ the ranks of several eyeshadows for a single look. Instead, I opt for simple, yet effective products that don’t skimp on longevity. Cream eye shadow is the answer to my cosmetic prayers. A subtle wash of bronze is a fail-safe option, and I have two I rely upon.

     Now that I’ve acquired a few of MAC’s cream bases, or ProLongwear Paint Pots, they’ve become a staple in my makeup arsenal. Indianwood is an orange-based bronze, which isn't done justice in photos. I use it alone, blended a little through the crease and taken along the bottom lash line for added definition. For full opacity, fingers work best (though I do use the Real Techniques Brow Brush for the lash line).  If you’d prefer a sheer metallic wash, a fluffy blending brush will do the job. I find synthetic bristles work best with cream products. However, natural bristles will do in a pinch. To up the shimmer, I also enjoy throwing on a bit of Urban Decay’s Half Baked, just at the center of the lid.

     On the budget end of things, Sonia Kashuk offers the same effect for less. The Pearlescence Longwear Creme in Tiger’s Eye is a nice alternative to my earlier mention. Though a slightly more icy bronze once on the lid, opacity is adjustable and creasing is held at bay. Fingers or a brush will blend this out equally well, but the texture is a little lighter than a Paint Pot so more layers may be required.

xx
Rachel
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On Repeat #49




TESSA
Goddess - Iggy Azalea
     I've been curious about Iggy since gifs of her Fancy video started going around, but put listening to her on the back burner for a while. Her album was recently released on Spotify so I decided to give it a try and I haven't really stopped playing it since. She's definitely an acquired taste as her style is different from most things out today. There's still a few songs that I'm not so hot on, but a majority of her album is a good "go out and kick today's ass" kind of vibe.

RACHEL
West Coast - Lana Del Rey
     This past month or so I've unfortunately been pretty uninspired musically. Nothing has really caught my interest. After having a rummage through Spotify I found Lana's new single and it seems there is a light at the end of the tunnel. "West Coast" upholds her typical laid back vibe and solid lyricism. I'm definitely a fan of the instrumentals in this track as well. This has rekindled my love for her older work, especially "Body Electric" and "Gods & Monsters"I can't find a reliable date for the release of her next album Ultraviolence, but I'm fo sho keeping an eye out.

JENNY
Summer - Calvin Harris
     I think I've found a serious summer anthem.... this has the catchy, drive with the windows down feel that I desire so much during the summer. Things are finally starting to grind up for finals and I need all the positive party vibes I can get to push through them. My only issue with this song is the music video. What is happening? I still don't know. There's no real plot and it doesn't even remind me that much of summer. Fail, Calvin Harris. But thank you for producing another song I can blare in my car.
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Video | April Favorites





     I've been loving quite a few things during the month of April, so have a look for some nice summery discoveries! Please don't forget to like, comment, and subscriiiiibe!

xx
Rachel
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Basic Eyeliners

     Happy Wednesday (and last day of April, and 10-year anniversary of Mean Girls)!

     Today I have a quick post on what basic eyeliner combinations I use on a pretty consistent basis. I tend to wear pencil eyeliner on more natural days. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll put on liquid eyeliner. I tend to stay away from gel eyeliner mostly because I've never used it and I don't use twist-up eyeliners very often because I don't like the application as much as pencils.
     I'm a pretty normal girl - I fluctuate between black and brown eyeliner. During fall and winter months I probably wear more black just because it's too harsh in the summer and I like the dramatic look during that time of year. When I wear just the pencil, I use Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx ($19). I find that this pencil has great lasting power and blends well. When I want to wear liquid eyeliner, my personal favorite is Cailyn Idefine Liquid Eyeliner ($18). I received this in a Wantable box last semester and have been obsessed with it since. I believe it's the best liquid eyeliner I've found so far.

     For brown eyeliners, my tried and true pencil eyeliner is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil ($20) in Demolition. This is a dark brown (but distinctively not black) pencil that keeps my eyes looking natural on more low-key days. If I feel like a little more flair but still maintaing a chill makeup vibe, I use my Stila Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Dark Brown ($20). Many people swear by this liquid eyeliner but I personally find the felt tip can become a little worn down. When I run out of this product, I may look into more colors in the Cailyn brand.

Well, that's all for me today! Catch y'all later.

xx
Jenny
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