RACHEL FOX FRAZIER
  • HOME
  • Rachel
    • About
    • Connect
    • Speaking
  • Ministry
  • LIfestyle
  • Thoughts
  • Other Things
    • Lifeway // Reaching Girls Beyond the Church
    • Lifeway // Moments That Matter
    • Lifeway // Holiday Travel
    • Lifeway // 5 Ways to Partner with Parents
    • Whole Hearted Quiet Time // Devo. Review
    • The Juice Edit // Sabbath
    • Delight // Summer Series

All Things Lifestyle

3 NEW YEARS EVE ALTERNATIVES

12/26/2019

1 Comment

 
​I'm just going to say it...you don't nee alcohol to have the best time ever on New Year's Eve. In 2017 a study was done that concluded that 40% of deadly crashes involve drunk drivers, and more pedestrians are killed on NYE and NYD than any other day of the year. I'm not trying to scare, but trying to encourage you to be smart & safe during your plans for the New Year. Here are 3 NYE alternatives that ensure you still have a great time with your friends.
  1. HOST A DINNER & GAME NIGHT // Invite your friends over for a late dinner around 7 or 8! Have a full three course meal with a cute NYE theme. Then after you finish dinner, throw on Dick’s NYE Party in the background on the TV, and whip out a stack of your favorite party games! 
  2. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY // If you and your friends love to move, grab your friends and go line dancing for the night! OR you can make your own playlist, throw on your colored lights, move the furniture, and dance the night away on your living room floor! 
  3. MOVIE MARATHON WITH YOUR PALS // You don’t have to stay at home for this! Instead of opting for a night in, plan a strategic night to movie-hop at the theatre! As soon as one movie ends, have another to pop into! Also, plan to bring snacks (or money for snacks) accordingly. Maybe you’ll get snacks for the first movie, and your friends get snacks for the other movies. This is a great way to stay occupied while also not being bored at home - just make sure to bring your blue light glasses!
1 Comment

21 Affordable dresses Under $100 That You Can Wear to Winter Weddings

12/24/2019

0 Comments

 

I've complied some ~cUtE~ dresses that you might want to snag for this winter wedding season! Click the picture or description for links to the products! (sorry if all the dresses look the same! teehee :] ) ~eNjOy~

Picture
Picture
Picture
- Shift checked ruffle neck // $90
- Yellow corduroy button front // $90
- Tweed button pocket // $90
Picture
Picture
Picture
- Maroon floral // $25
- Mock Turtleneck Knit Mini // $25
- Red jumpsuit // $30
Picture
Picture
Picture
- Cheetah midi // $69
- Plaid long sleeve // $69
- Green velvet maxi // $76
Picture
Picture
Picture
- Tie shoulder lace baby doll // $99
- Flower wrap dress // $69
- ​Puff sleeve mini dress // $79
Picture
Picture
Picture
- Blossom button-up // $70
- Light pink babydoll // $68
- Red ponte knit midi // $99
Picture
Picture
Picture
- Floral long sleeve minidress // $50
- Elbow sleeve midi rust colored // $59
- Long sleeve button maxi // $98

Picture
Picture
Picture
- Tan turtleneck ribbed midi // $85
- Metallic long-sleeve // $55
- Long sleeve velvet midi dress // $65
0 Comments

3 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE VACATION THAT YOU’LL THANK YOURSELF FOR

12/19/2019

0 Comments

 
  1. CLEAN YOUR HOUSE // I can’t tell you the amount of stress this gives me beforehand. You have to get your itinerary together, pack your family, AND THEN DO THIS?! And my answer is yes, I promise it’s worth it. It doesn’t have to be stressful. If you know you’re going on vacation at the end of the month, plan out what you can clean or pickup every day for 10 minutes. Set your timer and then pick up and work as much as you can -- you’ll be surprised. It’s easier to pack, you’ll have your laundry done, and you’re less likely to forget something if everything is in its proper spot. BUT THE BEST FEELING OF ALL… is when you come home from a wild vacation and a packed day of traveling, and YOUR HOUSE IS CLEAN. It’s the most glorious feeling and I promise that as soon as you do this for one trip, you will want to do it for the rest of them!
  2. PLASTIC BAGS // It sounds weird, but I’ve tried it and it works!! Plan out your outfits, get a gallon bag, put said outfits into gallon bag. Do this for you, your husband, and definitely your kids. It will take extra work beforehand that seems ridiculous, but you’ll be prepared like you’ve never experienced. It’ll be a no brainer to get up and get everyone, including yourself dressed. And as far as dirty clothes go, you can just pop the dirty clothes back into the gallon bag -- it’s fool-proof!
  3. ​FRIDGE CLEAN OUT // And by this I simply mean to be cognizant of what’s in your fridge like 2 weeks out and leading up to your trip. I’m convinced there are few worse things than wasted groceries. So be smart. Don’t buy a gallon of milk that will expire during your absence. If you have hummus that is going to expire while your gone, eat it for a snack. If you have a couple fresh veggies that still need to be used, chop them up, drizzle olive oil, and pop them in the oven -- don’t waste what you have! I promise this is also a smart idea because you don’t want critters to invade your home. AND you don’t want your house smelling when you come back! *Also a free piece of unnumbered advice: empty all your trash before leaving too!*
0 Comments

Let Me Order for You: Tampa

12/17/2019

0 Comments

 
Being a Florida native has always been one of my pride and joys, but I really didn’t know that about myself until I moved 2 states away. Tampa, specifically was my hometown for 22 years, so needless to say… I’ve seen this city go through it’s foodie highs and lows -- remember when we had 17 fro-yo places? Yeah, me too, still weird to me. ANYWAYS, I’ve decided to start a cute little series called “Let Me Order for You”! Consider it my restaurant suggestions to you if you were to ever spend 24-hours in a city. And today we’re talking about the city of Tampa! **Disclaimer… I realize that it is unrealistic for anyone to eat this much food, but I wanted to get my all my two-cents in** Anyways! Let’s begin!
MORNING TEA/COFFEE: The Lab or Foundation or King State or Buddy Brew. I truly cannot decide, and that is okay with me. Options are our friend.
BREAKFAST: Oxford Exchange. This place is overpriced for sure, but it’s an EXPERIENCE. Everything is so perfectly crafted and the instagram-worthy content you’ll get around every corner is worth it to most. This place is boujee and grand, and I genuinely think you need to eat here, or just walk into the building.
BRUNCH (or what the Hobbits call “second breakfast”): Daily Eats. I literally have never had a bad meal here. If you like tater tots, get the tater hater as an app to share. For my entree, I usually get the buffalo chicken rice bowl and it’s very yummy, but again, I’ve never had anything that I wish I never ordered. *also weird side-note: they have unique milkshakes, so that could be fun.* Or you can go to Datz -- american food done unique, but oh, so right.
LUNCH: Capital Taco. Try a bunch of different tacos & make sure you get the chips and queso, I’m getting physically distraught right now knowing I won’t be able to have them anytime soon. Or hit up Armature Works. This place isn’t actually a place… well it is, but it’s basically a redone train station that now has a bunch of restaurants inside of it and a large open room for seating! This place is super aesthetic, intentional and has a lot of options.
AFTERNOON PICK-ME-UP: Blind Tiger Cafe (Ybor location) for coffee & then hop over to Hyppo (Ybor location) right down the street for gourmet popsicles and very friendly service.
DINNER: Berns Steakhouse is quite literally world-renowned, so order whatever you want. Also it’s fancy and very expensive… just letting you know. And if you’re not feeling that, I suggest Roux for a well done french-cajun-southern meal, Ulele for visually appealing, fusion food, or Columbia Restaurant to get authentic Spanish and Cuban dishes, this place is a Tampa tradition.
DESSERT: Literally after you get a steak at Berns, go upstairs to the Berns Dessert Room -- the Bananas Foster is life-changing. And if you don’t want to go to the same place, try Wright’s Gourmet House. I promise you will not be disappointed.
LATE NIGHT SNACK: Jeremiah’s. Some people will say Bahama Bucks is better, but those people are wrong. Cookie butter is my favorite flavor.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of my fave Tampa spots! If I missed some of your favorite places, let me know in the comments below! & if you ever have a friend traveling to Tampa and asking for food recommendations, use this as a friendly, little guide!
0 Comments

10 THINGS YOUR HAIRSTYLIST WISHES YOU KNEW

12/12/2019

1 Comment

 

I do not get my hair done, like the most I ever get done is a 3-4 inch chop every year, so I am definitely no expert to talk about this! BUT I knew that haircare and going to the salon are things everyone has to do and a topic most people can relate to. SO, I asked my friend Mel, who is a hairstylist, if she could give me at least 3 tips for people to know, and BOY -- she gave me more than that! She dished out tea that you wish you would have known sooner and she literally wrote this whole entire blog & for that, I am thankful!
(Side-note: when I read through these I was like YIKES. I am so low maintenance with my hair and yet I STILL have done some of these things! BUT these things are not said to make anyone feel bad or anything like that, these are just a list of things for you to know that might make life easier on you and your hair gal pal). SO without further adieu, MELODY COKER ON 10 THINGS YOUR HAIRSTYLIST WISHES YOU KNEW….

1. Being late to your appointment is actually a big deal.
More specifically if you show up 15 or more minutes late, we will run behind the rest of the day and we have more people after you to take care of. Hairstylists typically work on 15 minute intervals which is why showing up “late” is actually a big deal. So plan ahead and be on time to your appointment.

2. Texting or scrolling on your phone is totally okay. Taking a phone call…not so much.
When you take a phone call during your service it makes it more challenging for us to do our job. We do not want to work around your phone and it takes time away from us finishing your service, and the last thing we want to do is sound rude and tell you to put it away.

3. Be HONEST about your hair history!
Being honest about what color/chemical services, previous cuts, and past/current products you use is crucial information that hairstylists need to know! We don't care that you boxed dyed your hair at home last month, we need you to tell us so that we can set up realistic expectations and goals for your hair journey with us. False or withheld information about your hair can jeopardize your hair.

4. Not everyone can have the same color transformation as Kim Kardashian.
This meaning that not everyone can be platinum blonde - or some other unrealistic expectation. Sure Kim K manages to rock it, but she also spends well over $3k to get that look, spending half or more of her day to achieve it. We want to make you happy, but a hairstylist’s main concern is not your feelings - it is the integrity of your hair that we care most about in this situation. So it’s not us trying to be mean or tell you false information, because trust me the stylist that told you she can give you that look in one day for less than $250 is lying. Setting realistic expectations for your hair is so important.

5. You truly do get what you pay for!
​A good quality hairstyle isn't always cheap. Understand that we as stylists apprehend having a beauty budget, however, going “cheap” is never worth it and you end up paying more for it later to have it fixed by a good quality stylist. If you need to have a set beauty budget, just ask your stylist what options you have - believe me we would be happy to discuss that with you. There is a reason things cost as much as they do. A good stylist puts in the time and continuing education to ensure the greatest quality and results for all guests.


6. No-Showing your appointment actually hurts us financially.
When a stylist doesn't have a guest in their chair, they do not get paid. This is why no-showing or canceling last minute is one of the worst things you can do to your stylist. When this happens there is no way to get that spot filled with something else, and most likely we have already configured how much we were going to make that day to add it to our paycheck. Literally having a person in our chair is our bread and butter. Most salons now send reminders of your appointment by either text, call or email a few says prior giving you plenty of opportunities to reschedule ahead of time if need be. As soon as you know you won’t make it in, call and reschedule - don't just assume we are still getting paid.


7. Why is pre-booking so important?
Pre-booking is imperative and we stylists will stress the issue with you often because you are not guaranteed your next appointment at a time that works best for you! It is always best to schedule your next one to two appointments before you leave to ensure proper care for your hair and so we as stylists can maximize our time together, versus “trying to squeeze you in” and everyone getting stressed out about it.


8. Yes, we are also therapist. No, we do not mind it.
We love to hear about your life and want you to have a safe place to discuss your life events. Or even if you just want some quiet “me” time while getting pampered. We are here for you and want you to know that if you need advice, a sounding board, or for us to be quiet - we love that you want to share those things with us.


9. Should I tip my stylist?
If you were satisfied, absolutely you should! Your stylist worked very hard to make sure you look and feel your best. How much you ask? Truthfully the average is anywhere from 15-25% of the total service received. Entirely your call on how you want to deliver that! The real secret to tipping: it pays to take care of your stylist. Honestly, when you tip well and take care of your stylist - you get more perks because we will go above and beyond for you!


10. The dirty secret to good hair products…
Many people wonder why hairstylists try to get you to go home with that fancy shampoo and those styling products. Reason being is NOT because we are trying to make more money off of you. As a matter of fact we make very little from product sales. We want you to leave with those good quality products because we believe in the product and want what is best for you and your hair. Believe it or not, but buying the good quality products from your stylist make your expensive color job last SO MUCH LONGER. Even if you don't get color at all, that shampoo your stylist suggested for you is what she believes will be best for your hair in order for your hair to look its best. (P.S. the drug/grocery store does not know what is best for your hair). After all, why would you not invest in the products that will keep your hair healthy and at its best when you just invested in a luxury service?

We hope you've enjoyed these tips, tricks, secrets, and suggestions about all the things for your next visit to the salon! Hope you have a great & happy hair day :)

1 Comment

Layering Pieces I'm Loving at Target Right Now

12/5/2019

0 Comments

 

I love clothes! My husband (you can call him Fraz) and I went to target on Monday night & I really wanted to try some cute outfits on. Then I thought I'd share them because... why not!
These are awkward pictures in the dressing room of clothes I think 1. make cute outfits & 2. could be used for layering. Sorry I pretty much keep the same jeans & shoes on. And I'm also sorry if you are uncomfy with mirror pics, Fraz couldn't take pictures because he was in the laundry aisle & I also would've been slightly embarrassed. That being said, below each set of pictures you'll see an item description & size I'm wearing. Click on the description for a direct link if you care -- enjoy!!

Picture
Picture
Black button ribbed long sleeve // wearing size medium
Grey cardigan ​// wearing size small
Picture
Picture
Light chambray top // wearing size x-small
Cream knit sweater // wearing size large (I opted for an over-sized look)
Picture
Picture
Snake print elbow sleeve dress // wearing size small
Faux leather jacket ​// wearing size small
Picture
Picture
Tan snake print tank // wearing size medium 
Mauve-ish long cardigan // wearing size medium ​
Picture
Picture
Picture
New York sweatshirt // wearing size medium, but should have sized down
Red ribbed turtleneck ​// wearing size medium 
0 Comments

2019 GIFT GUIDE

12/3/2019

1 Comment

 
​It's hard to figure out what to get people during the holidays, but I've created this quick gift guide for you (and for me, let’s be real - lol)! Each guide will have a set of 10 items ranging from “very affordable” to “splurge worthy”. I’m not going to be fancy and explain why you need these things or tell you what these items have meant in my life (you're welcome)… the goal is for you to be inspired and feel a little less stressed during this busy holiday season.

FOR HER

FOR HIM

​FOR PARENTS OR FAMILY

FOR BOSS OR COWORKERS

1 Comment

    Archives

    May 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Rachel
    • About
    • Connect
    • Speaking
  • Ministry
  • LIfestyle
  • Thoughts
  • Other Things
    • Lifeway // Reaching Girls Beyond the Church
    • Lifeway // Moments That Matter
    • Lifeway // Holiday Travel
    • Lifeway // 5 Ways to Partner with Parents
    • Whole Hearted Quiet Time // Devo. Review
    • The Juice Edit // Sabbath
    • Delight // Summer Series