Current Winter Favorites

Current Winter Favorites: 

I decided to compile a list of items that I really like or use often. Most of the things here, I found on sale or got as a gift. I used these items non-stop for a while and decided to share the love I have for these things. 

1. Penfield Carson fleece: goo.gl/1nVDU7

Long story short, someone stole my Patagonia in November, and I had to painfully purchase another jacket. I found this penfield jack on sale, and it is the best thing that's happened to me. It is seriously so so warm, and I really recommend getting your hands on it if it's still in stock! I got it for under $80!!!

2. J. Crew Factory necklace: goo.gl/1a3pXI (not exact)

After midterm hell week in November, I decided to treat myself and order this necklace.  With the additional 40% off sale, I got my necklace for $19. I literally love it, and wear it anytime I have to dress up a sweater or dress.

3. Benefit They're Real eye liner: goo.gl/ABkVSz

THIS PRODUCT IS MY HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT. IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND STAYS ON ALL DAY. I bought this on vacation when I ran out of my eyeline, and handz down, this is the best. It's magical, as it is a gel liner in pen form, and it is so so easy to use. This eyeliner is my religion. 

4. Vanille Perfume: http://goo.gl/wJYqpH

If you want to smell like a warm sugar cookie, this perfume is just for you. I got the mini one at Anthropologie for $8, and it smells so freaking delightful. I mean who doesn't like that warm sugar/marshmallow smell. It's wonderful. 

5. Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki: http://goo.gl/nOPOe9

If you have been following this blog for a while, you'll probably know that I am an avid Haruki Murakami fan.  That's why, I had to pick up his latest novel. Honestly, this novel is not my favorite work of his, but it's still a really good read. It's a story of self realization and self identification. If you are into symbolism, stories about friendship, and dreams, this book is for you. Also, read Kafka on the Shore (my favorite). 

6. Anthropology candle: http://goo.gl/AOFnm4

I bought it on sale for $8, and it has made my room smell glorious. Thnk u anthro candle, thnk u. 

7. Polaroid camera: My sister got this for me, and I really appreciate this gift. It's definitely not a necessity, but it's a great way for me to record my college adventures and times with my friends and family. I can't wait to use it next semester and the next couple of years.

*All these things were purchased over the course of a couple months*

Current Winter Fashion Wishlist

Check out my tumblr link for more information about these items: 

http://firstyearwendy.tumblr.com/post/108213641394/current-college-winter-fashion-wishlist-here-i

-rachel

Favorite Places to Study in Boston

If I had to choose only one thing I love the most about Boston, it would most definitely be studying or reading a wonderful book in a beautiful place.  I remember how wonderful it is to look out the window and people watch, seeing all the laughter or the arguments that come along with life.  Call me crazy, but I actually really enjoyed my time studying in these places, and it was probably my most memorable experience so far.

Below, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite places in the Boston/Cambridge area to settle down with a nice book or to tackle that paper *that is due tomorrow and ofc didn't even touch l o l*

Hopefully, some of my native Bostonians will agree with this post, and future Bostonians will be able to study at all these wonderful locations.

*In addition, I did not add Starbucks/other chain stores bcuz everyone knows about them, but these places are also great places to go study as well! (:

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(links below are clickable. click on study spots to go directly to their websites)

NUMBER ONE

Boston Public Library 

Picture I took while studying

credits: bijansebet.com

Location: 700 Boylston St    Boston, MA

Wifi: Yes

Vibes: There are all sorts of different people there.  There are college students, grad/PhD students, med students, other working adults, teachers, etc.  It's really really quiet in the huge hall that you go to study in, and I feel like I am studying in this elaborate European castle. That is so because BPL's architect was inspired by the Sainte-Geneviève Library in France (first public lib) as well as works of the master Alberti and Roman piazzas.  The murals on the walls are by Joseph Singer Sargent who is one of my favorite artists.  However, because of its magnificence, there are a ton of tourists so be prepared for that.  

Why I like it: It's super beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Because you aren't allowed to talk loudly or sleep in the study hall, you get a lot of work done.  Seeing other people working really hard and not goofing off really motivates me to study harder. 

Recommendations: Go with a friend so that you can save spots if you need a break from studying and need to get up and walk around a bit.  There are also guards in the study room who make sure you don't fall asleep and don't bring food in the hall.  I really like getting my papers done here as well as rewriting notes/terms.  Depending on the time of day you go, the lighting is a bit dim so be prepared for that if you are going to read a lot.  It's packed during finals week so make sure you get there early if you want a spot.  

Nearby: There is this really good salad spot called SweetGreen's that I really recommend if you get hungry.  Their salads are very filling and prevent you from getting drowsy.  

NUMBER TWO

WIRED PUPPY

There is also outdoor seating!

Location: 250 Newbury St

Wifi: Yes

Vibes: I was going to originally recommend The Thinking Cup which is nearby because I prefer it more, but it does not usually provide wifi. (can ask baristas sometimes).  Also the Thinking Cup is always packed and is a bit pricier. Anyways, the Wired Puppy is a nice place to work if you don't have too much stuff. It's a very quaint, cozy basement-y cafe, and I really like working here when I want to drink a nice coffee while working.  The people who generally go here are very *hip* and not your typical Starbucks goer.  

Why I like it: The ambiance is very nice and the music is very calm that complements concentration.  Also their coffee and drinks are very good and high quality.  It's a super cozy spot, and hopefully not a lot of y'all go there so I can continue going there and have the place all to myself. (hahahahaha) 

Recommendations: Don't do work that requires a lot of erasing/coloring/etc. etc. It's quite a small space so be considerate. (Also pet peeve: when people sprawl papers at cafes)

NUMBER THREE

Pavement Coffeehouse

Location: 4 locations in Boston. Check site for specifics. 
Wifi: YES
Vibes:  Pavement is super cozy and a great place to read multiple sources and essays.  Each location has a different vibe.  
Why I like it:  I have only been the Newbury location, but I really enjoy studying here.  It's a great place to go if you aren't planning on getting a crap ton of work done. It's more chill and relaxed and it's perfect for a rainy Saturday afternoon. 

NUMBER Four 

Voltage Coffee 

Location: 3rd. Street, Kendall Square (MIT)
Wifi: YES
Vibes: HANDZ DOWN, my favorite place to study.  Everyone at Voltage is super hip and intelligent.  Everytime I walk in, I overhear conversations concerning the mind, metaphysics, i/o, web design and so much more.  The crowd here is generally very young, usually college students and young adults.  A lot of people who work at start ups near the Kendall area frequent here often as well.  I have also run into people from the Google site a couple blocks away, working on some interface here.  Everyone here is very interesting and the vibe I get from here is the "look at me I like coffee and art" aka why this place exists.  
Why I like it: The unique aspect about this place is the fact that it also is an art gallery.  I have so many cool works from up and coming artists, and I love how they seamlessly integrate the art into the cafe.  The atmosphere here is also very work-friendly, with many seating arrangements and free wifi that is high speed. The staff is super friendly, and I recommend trying their loose leaf teas. They are divine.
Recommendations: light reading or laptop work rather than hardcore booksprawling and mad erasing

NUMBER FIVE

Tatte Bakery and Cafe

Location: There are a couple locations, but I usually go to the Tatte near the Kendall stop at MIT! FYI, Voltage Cafe is right across the street from Tatte.
Wifi: yes
Vibes: One warning. This place is super crowded and overwhelming, but it is still one of my favorite places to brunch and do some light reading.  The atmosphere is very bright and cheerful, and everyone is so happy to be relaxing and catching up with friends over brunch.  You can always spot someone drinking coffee while holding a book.  
Why I like it: While I won't say this place is the most practical place to study, I have studied hear before and got a lot of work done.  I love working while eating a pastry and sipping on their delicious brewed coffee.  It's loud at times and can get busy, but still, the view and the aesthetic of the place is worth to check out as a study spot. 
Recommendations: Go during non-meal hours if you want to study there.  It can get quite busy during the weekends as well as breakfast and lunch hours. Order their shakshuka. DO it. It's heaven in a plate.



OTHER PLACES: Here are some other places that I have yet that go to that my friends have recommended.  Cafe Nero, MIT libraries, Crema Cafe, and the Thinking Cup. 

Thursday Tunes: Wild Sheepchase

It's been a while since I have updated this blog.  I have a draft of a really cool post about things to do in Boston that is going up soon.  Anyways, this whole semester has been super busy and super hard to find time to blog.  So I decided to just post a new playlist that I made on 8tracks.  I've been compiling these songs for a while now, and I think the list is pretty superb.  I have everything from Childish Gambino to FKA twigs, so please enjoy.

-rachel

Wild Sheepchase from rkwon on 8tracks Radio.

Follow Me Around Boston: Allston Area

This video was actually supposed to be for my college's fashion magazine, but I ended up not getting any sweet finds at the thrift store so I ended up not editing it till now. LOL.

Anyways, the video just shows me walking around Allston, eating good food and walking around in beautiful weather.  Anyone in Boston should give Allston a try for good Asian food and desserts.  Also I really apologize for my awkwardness.  This is why I prefer blogging.

-Rachel

What I have been up to: Week of July 7-12

Honestly, I'm not doing anything outside of work.  I have been catching up with a lot of my high school friends over coffee and good food, and I have been taking a lot of alone time.  I haven't been able to go shopping (which is good, because I'm not splurging on things I really don't need), and I have 3 weeks to go until I am able to leave for a mini-vacation.

Bscly, this was my week in pictures minus all my coffee shop visits with friends.  Srsly, I was in my bed watching Netflix and Youtube beauty guru videos.  Is this really my first summer of college?

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I ordered a sweatshirt online a couple of weeks ago, and it finally came! I have been OBSESSED with Donald Glover since sophomore year of high school, and I finally got to see him live in Boston back in March.  Let me tell you, it was one of the best concert I have been to, and I am considering going to see him again in September.  Gambino's whole theme with his latest EP was surrounded on the Internet and its development.  He hosted several hackathons and even developed an app for the concert which was interactive and super badass.

I have wanted this "Learn to Code" sweatshirt for a while, ever since he started selling them on tour.  Since I was working at a computer science center, and my love for Gambino is infallible, I justified the hefty $55 price tag by convincing myself that I would wear it every day with purpose and finally purchased it.  All I'm gonna say is that it's the most comfortable pullover I own, and even though I get so many weird stares in public,  I have no regrets.

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This is where I am currently interning. 

I thought the windows and the light shining in had this really calm effect 

It has been raining a lot in the South, and sunny days are pretty limited.  So when I saw the sunlight shine through the glass, at work, I had to take a picture.  Work gets pretty monotonous sometimes especially when the system is down for server updates.  However, I really appreciate the calm aspect of my internship compared to the internships of my friends in Manhattan who are constantly running around.  I really like the vibe here.  It's more laid-back and not as cut-throat as Boston was.

Ignoring my chipped off nail polish, I really like this printed pants and Jesus sandal combo I wear to work.

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I also stopped by the bookstore this week to pick up some books.  I haven't read in so long because of my laziness and my lack of wanting to read after reading pages after pages of my textbooks during the school year, and it finally got to me.  It makes me really sad that bookstores are slowly closing down due to Amazon.  While ordering books on Amazon is convenient, that sheer excitement and anticipation we get from discovering new books while scouring through shelves is irreplaceable.  

My taste for books as well as tv shows and movies has evolved over the year.  I no longer am interested in the romcoms, romance novels, or even comedy.  I am really fascinated in books and movies where people are vulnerable, alone, blind, and sort of twisted.  I have been liking books that are filled with literary references and are difficult to understand at the first read.  I really don't know why I'm like this, but now I am unwilling to watch or read anything that is not Kafka-esque. (hence the blog name) I know this needs to change (forreal doe).

  

        So naturally, I was attracted to the Nabokov section at the bookstore and picked up two of his novels.  Ada is so messed up, I love it, and I am so so so excited to read Invitation to a Beheading, because it is described as being inspired by Kafka. 

I also picked up David Morrell's Murder as a Fine Art, and I literally think it's one of the most gory and raw books I have read in my mind.  I have only completed the first 2 chapters, but those two chapters left me in so much shock and horror that I had to reread them.  I think that all the hype I read online about the novel is worthy, as I am obsessed.  

He compared the murderer to Titian.  Literally how perfect is that. The inner art history nerd in me is fangirling very hard. 

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Other than that, I have been watching The Killing religiously on Netflix because the 4th season is premiering on Netflix.  I really like the show because it really shows how a painful a death in a family is and how it can break down a family, and how intertwined politics and crime is.  It's a great show, and I recommend it to those who have a thing for criminal shows. 

Hope everyone has a great week and a new video will be up either tonight or tomorrow, I promise! 

-Rachel

                                                                                                                                       

Tuesday Tunes

Cool Vibes mix #1 from rkwon on 8tracks Radio.


Some of the music I have been currently obsessed with.  I would describe the mix to be calm and instrumentally beautiful.
A lot of the artists feature on my playlist are British/UK singers.  This playlist is the perfect mix to wind down to.

-Rachel