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...

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

     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.

   

     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

     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.

It seems that almost every sport (except my all time fav - football) is in season right now. Of course this makes for a lot of fans sporting their apparel around town and I am no exception. Though I've been born and raised in Kansas City, I'm die hard for Boston. Unless we're talking soccer in which case SPORTING KC ALL THE WAY. Sorry, I just get intense about sports. Anyway, here's some tips and tricks for how I style my sports apparel to elevate them just a little from your basic jeans and t-shirt.