The Northwest Nerd & Southern Belle

Struggling with figuring out your colors — literally? You’re not alone. Turns out, there's a whole world of color theory, consultant services, and surprising truths about what shades make us look alive or like we just survived a flu season. Spoiler alert: rust is not your best friend, and black isn’t always slimming—who knew?In this episode, we dive into the hilarious chaos of discovering your personal palette with a side of witty banter. You’ll discover why some women pay big bucks for color analysis, how it can boost your confidence, and why rust might just be the color of mechanical failure (and your new favorite shade when properly muted). Plus, we explore how knowing your season could make dressing as easy as ABC—if only you believe in fairy tales and Tupperware franchises.We break down the secrets behind color consultants, share funny stories about trying to look “vibrant” after illness, and debate whether our best colors are just what help us feel good or something deeper. Whether you’re tired of wasting money on trendy makeup, battling the “muted rust” trap, or just want a good laugh at how seriously we take our palettes, this episode is your new colorful BFF.Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered why they look better in navy than in red (or secretly dreams of being a “blue autumn”), this episode offers playful insight AND practical tips—minus the confusing math or the Pinterest perfectionism. Glow up your wardrobe, boost your confidence, and maybe even laugh at your own bananas color choices.And hey—if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Eh, I look like I’m aging in reverse,” then this is your sign to embrace your colors and ditch rust for coral. Because life’s too short to wear boring shades—or to settle for a sweatshirt that makes you look like you’ve been struggling from the flu for way too long.Tune in, get inspired, and start thinking in new hues. Your wardrobe will thank you... and so will your mood.It's witty, relatable, painfully funny, and surprisingly enlightening—just like your best friend’s makeup drawer.

Most of us underestimate the power of tiny shifts—and in this episode, The Nerd & Belle reveal how embracing just a few unexpected trends could transform your 2026. From decoding viral Pinterest predictions to debunking the wildest aesthetic crazes, they show you why trusting your instincts beats hype every time.Ever wondered if a splash of muted color or a daring new scent ritual could elevate your style and well-being? You’ll discover how understanding your personal color palette can boost your confidence, why certain buzzy trends like alien core or cabbage rebrands are less about fashion and more about cultural signals, and how simplicity remains the best strategy amidst all the noise.Join two friends as they humorously dissect the trends Pinterest and pop culture are touting for 2026—like glacier aesthetics, mismatched glam, and fragrance layering—and why most of it is just playful distraction. They break down the science and psychology behind these predictions, revealing which trends are worth your attention and which are best ignored. Plus, stay tuned for surprising insights on how small, authentic choices—like a favorite Coldplay cover or understanding your color season—can have a big impact.This episode is perfect for trend skeptics, style explorers, and anyone tired of feeling overwhelmed by the endless, often silly, predictions about the future. Whether you’re planning your wardrobe, wellness routine, or just need a good laugh, Rachael and Sara remind you that authenticity and simplicity still win.Get ready to rethink what’s truly worth following—and how you can create your best year yet by trusting yourself more. Don’t miss out on the subtle shifts that could make all the difference in 2026.

The Belle recounts the tale of her Kappa reunion to the general bewilderment and education of the Nerd.

If anyone is counting there was more than a 6-month lapse in episodes of our much-anticipated podcast. We'd like to point out that we nailed our Dilly Dally summer and both the friendship and podcast survived.

Getting back at it feels so good, and we're on a roll. Join us for a random, funny episode where we discuss a little bit of this and that...skincare don't care, "we do not care club," summer bathing suits and making friends with influencers at waterparks, and how awesome it is being in our mid 40's.  Let's not underestimate The Belle.  We play a rousing game of "Yay or Nay" and we get fired up about dressing like the Statue of Liberty, headbands, Barbara Bush hair, Sharpie makeup, hot dogs, and the rise of the Dilly Dally summer. 

The Belle had an eventful fall. On this episode of the pod, The Nerd and Belle update the listeners on The Belle's wild plans for an unconventional wedding. So unconventional, the groom didn't even know about it. In typical Belle fashion, she pulled it off despite some adversity and tied the knot to the love of her life.  Get all the deets here.

We bet you thought you'd never hear from us again....well, we're back, but not without some bumps and bruises.  Last summer (2024) The Nerd (Rachael) was in the thick of treatment for breast cancer. She was diagnosed in March and got the full meal deal of treatment until she finally made it through and treatment ended in February of 2025. She felt so bad to drop the ball on the Belle and the podcast, but there was just no way she had the energy or stamina to continue on the pod during treatment.  Thankfully, though still recovering, The Nerd is CANCER FREE and thankful to be here. Cancer was no joke, a very terrible road, and not one she wants to repeat.  This episode was recorded in the middle of treatment so we are posting it very late, but hopefully it shows in real time what we were dealing with. We were sad to have to take a break and we hope to be a lot more consistent going forward!

Happy Birthday to the Nerd! The Nerd is doing her best with Lent and The Belle is trying to find her best ministry: a pumpkin ministry, a Beyonce birthday ministry...and The Nerd is freeing her from all of them.

Who loves a good story? The Belle got drug tested and lives to tell. 

The Nerd interviews her friend, business partner, and author Jodi Cowles to discuss books, Jodi's recent projects, and the plight of the unknown author.