Friday, August 23, 2013

Beauty Army Unboxing: August 2013

My third Beauty Army box! Even though I get to pick out the samples that I want, I always forget what I picked out so it's still a surprise to me when it arrives! This month Beauty Army threw in a few extras and I'm pretty excited about them! Keep reading to see what I got and watch the video for all my reactions! 



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Weight Loss Wednesday: Week 1

I'm quite surprised this week. I didn't think I had lost weight. But honestly I did feel like my body had changed a little bit so I'm not too surprised by the inches! I'm very happy with my first weeks progress. I have the motivation to keep going and try harder this week. Watch my video below to hear about a new thing I'm going to try this week! 


Weight Goals:
Starting Weight: 244.6 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Current Weight: 241.8 pounds (-2.8 pounds)

Pounds to Lose: 111.8 pounds

Measurements:
Left Forearm: 10.75 inches (-.25)

Right Forearm: 11.25 inches (-.25)

Left Bicep: 16 inches

Right Bicep: 16.25 inches (-.50)

Chest: 43 inches (-1.0)

Waist: 40 inches (-1.0)

Hips: 51 inches (-.50)

Left Thigh: 29 inches (-.25)

Right Thigh: 29.25 inches (-.25)

Left Calf: 15.25 inches (-.25)

Right Calf: 15.5 inches (-.25)

Total Inches Lost: 4.5 inches


Ipsy Unboxing: August 2013

It's time to open my second ipsy bag! The them for this months bag is "Glamour Academy" and I am beside myself with excitement and anticipation! Keep reading to see what I got in my bag and watch the video for all of my reactions!





Get your own ipsy glam bag here! 

Monday, August 19, 2013

Motivational Monday

Need some motivation for your Monday? Check out these 5 inspiring and uplifting quotes! 






Share your motivation with me on Instagram and Twitter by using the hashtag

#cmxoxomotivationalmonday

Mani Monday: Two Tone - Orange and Gray

I love a two tone manicure. So for this #manimonday, I wanted to show you guys one of my favorite color combinations right now! Orange and gray work perfectly together to make a fun and simple mani!



Products I Used:
Sephora by O.P.I Base Coat
L'Oréal 109 Orange You Jealous?
L'Oréal 560 Greycian Goddess 
Essie Good To Go Top Coat

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Style Time with Chloe + Isabel: Pendant Necklaces

I love a simple pendant necklace. Nothing too fancy, but just enough to pull together your outfit. These 5 necklaces are perfect for any occasion and only cost $28! Don't forget the Chloe + Isabel have a life guarantee and are great for people with sensitive skin! With back-to-school right around the corner, it's time to add these amazing accessories to your fall wardrobe!

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5 Ways To Style It!
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How would you style any of the pendant necklaces?

Get any or all of these necklaces here!

Who wants FREE jewelry? 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Recipe: BBQ Steak Kabobs

I was basically raised on steak and potatoes. I loved it. Maybe not the best, but to me, it was heaven. This recipe brought me right back to my childhood. These super easy steak and potato kabobs are the perfect way to end the summer grilling season right! 

Ingredients:
3 C Steak - 1" pieces
2 C Small Potatoes
1 C BBQ Sauce
1 Shallot - diced 
1 C Baby Bella Mushrooms - diced 
3-4 tbsp Butter 

Optional:
Leftovers for cooking


Directions:
1. Cut up your steak into 1 inch cubes. Place in a bowl and marinate with the BBQ sauce for at least 2 hours. I waited about 4. 

2. When it's time to grill, load up your kabobs by alternating between the potatoes and the steak. I used 4 kabobs but you could make however many you need or want!

3. Grill for about 15-20 minutes. Go ahead and prep and left over meat and the leftovers you want to cook inside aluminum foil "tent bowls" and place on the grill as well. 

4. While the kabobs are grilling, go ahead and chop your shallot and mushrooms. On medium high heat, sauté them until they are nice and tender. 


5. Once the kabobs are done, pull them off the stick and put them on a plate. Top with your leftovers, extra meat, and mushroom/shallot topping. 


Things I Love: Ballet Flats

What fashion piece can be worn during all seasons and to every occasion? Ballet flats, of course! These shoes are beyond amazing and work for work, school, and even date night. There are so many different styles and colors to match with every outfit. Check out my four favorite ballet flats below! 

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Which is your favorite?  

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Food Tip: Planning Your Grocery List

My name is Christina and I'm a horrible grocery shopper. There, I admit it. It's a serious problem that I'm working on. I've been known to browse through the grocery store and buy only snacks. Or only meat. Or only cheese. Things that are great, but have no meaning when you don't buy other things too. 

So to help myself become a better grocery shopper, I have come up with a way to become more organized with my shopping list and make sure that I get exactly what I need for the week! Make sure to watch the video below to see how I have become a somewhat decent grocery shopper! 




Fashion Haul: Victoria's Secret PINK

Somebody went to Victoria's Secret. Somebody did a lot of shopping in the PINK section. That somebody is me. I did a good amount of damage to my Angels card. 

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I love PINK so much. I'm obsessed with the sexy, fun, comfortable vibe of their clothing. Buy all the PINK things. 

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PINK Haul Breakdown:
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Crop Bandeau in Black Geo (2/$30 = $15)

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Lace Bandeau in Deep Teal (2/$30 = $15)

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Layered Lace Bandeau in Pink ($24.50)

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Allover Lace Bandeau in Green Sequin ($24.50)

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Bling Raglan Tee in Vanilla Bean ($39.50)

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Slouchy Raglan Tee in Pink (2/$40 = $20)

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Slouchy Raglan Tee in Peach (2/$40 = $20)

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Essential V-Neck Tee in Neon Mint ($19.50)

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Lace Back Tank in Hot Pink ($24.50)

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V-Back Tank in Aqua Green ($22.50)

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Side-Tie Tank in Jewel Blue ($19.50)

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Bling Perfect Zip Hoodie in Heather Charcoal ($89.50)

I know it's a lot, but I couldn't help myself. 

PINK is having some amazing sales right now, so stop by a store near you or shop online

Weight Loss Wednesday: The Beginning

If you saw any of the posts on my other blog (which no longer exists anymore) then you know that I tried to start losing weight. Well that failed. And there aren't any excuses, but I can try to give you some. But I won't. The point is that after a few things happening in my life over the past month I'm ready to start again, and for real this time. 


Weight Goals:
Starting Weight: 244.6 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Pounds to Lose: 114.6 pounds

Measurements:
Left Forearm: 11 inches

Right Forearm: 11.5 inches

Left Bicep: 16 inches

Right Bicep: 16.75 inches

Chest: 44 inches

Waist: 41 inches

Hips: 51.5 inches

Left Thigh: 29.25 inches

Right Thigh: 29.5 inches

Left Calf: 15.5 inches

Right Calf: 15.75 inches


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Splurge and Save: Back to School

It's almost time to be going back to school! I know some schools start this week, but mine starts on the 26th! Only 2 more weeks of summer left! But now is the time to be "back to school" shopping. There are so many great deals and discounts going on that it's beyond amazing. I like to dress a little warmer in school just because the classrooms tend to be so cold! In this splurge and save, you save a grand total of $453. That's a huge savings. That's also a lot of back to school clothes! 

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Would you splurge or save? 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Motivational Monday

Check out this five inspirational and motivational quotes to get you through your Monday and the rest of your week! 






Share you weekly motivation with me on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #cmvlogsmotivationalmonday

The Importance of Family


Family. It's a simple, special, meaningful word. It encompasses all the feelings and people that make your life what it is. Your family could include everyone from your immediate relatives to close friends and of course significant others. However your family is made up, they are important. Your family is the structure that will always support you. You need family.
  

My dad has always been my number 1. He was a single father who tried his hardest to ensure that I would grow up to be a strong, independent woman. I like to think that I am. I can build a shelf without asking for help. I can use power tools. But he also taught me to never be afraid to ask questions. There's no shame in needing help. He has always been my biggest fan and best friend. 


When I danced in middle school and high school, even before that when I danced at a studio, he never missed a performance. He was always there, with his camera of course. He made sure that I was at every practice or class and that I worked even harder outside of that to better myself. He believed in me. 

He instilled in me that my education was the most important thing that I could possess. It was something that no one could ever take away from me. I changed my major 5 times, and each time he said that I could do it and would succeed. He didn't care where I got my degree, or what I got it in, as long as I got it. He put the power of knowledge inside me and everyday I continue to learn. From him I also got my work ethic. I bust my butt at every job that I do. I refuse to "half ass" anything. When I start something, I do it right and I do it big.  


Briam. My love. If you read my little confession about our "half"iversary, then you know how much this man means to me. He loves me unconditionally and I wouldn't change him for the world. He is my rock. My soulmate. Something that I've always held very important is that my partner be liked and accepted by my parents. Thankfully, he is. Briam and my dad joke all the time. The plot little schemes against my stepmom and I. They're trouble makers. But we love them. Briam opens up a whole new world for me. Being that he's from Puerto Rico, I get to experience a completely different culture compared to my own. I've tried learning Spanish, took it for 2 years at FSU. Still can't say more that 20 words. I tried.


Now because my stepmom doesn't like pictures, here are the flowers I brought her yesterday at the family BBQ. Pretty, right? Just like her. We've had our differences. And boy have some of them been huge. But what matters is that I've been able to grow and mature over the past 7 years and have come to love respect her as not only my dad's wife, but as a strong mother figure in my life. She has come to be one of my dearest friends and someone that I can always call to talk to. She understands how to handle my moods and rollercoaster emotions. She knows that I have a good heart and helps me grow into a better person each day. 


My mom passed away when I was 16. But my relationship with her was long gone before that. When my parents got divorced, I was about 4 years old, my mom decided that if she couldn't have me to herself, then she didn't want me in her life at all. She got into a bad life of drugs, bad boyfriends, and an unhealthy way of living. She smoked at least 1 pack of cigarettes a day and rarely ate. She did at around 90lbs. She was so peaceful, just laying there.

When I got the call that she had passed away, the woman on the other end of the line decided that it was my fault that my mom was dead. That she died of a broken heart and I caused it. A part of my soul died that day. How does one recover from being told that you killed your mom? That if I was there for her then she would've kept fighting? 

When we had to clean out my mom's trailer, I saw a giant picture of me when I was a baby hanging on her living room wall. She loved me. She just knew that she could never be the mom that I needed her to be. I have yet to figure out what's more painful, losing someone you've spent your whole life knowing and loving or losing someone who was never there. I have so many questions that will go unanswered. I will never get to hear her say that she really did care for me. She brought me into this world, and for that, I'm grateful. 

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I've always wanted a sister. Someone that I could talk to, well, just because. K is a great person and a great stepsister. She is doing so much good in the world. She has such a deep and caring heart. We, too, have had many ups and downs in our relationship. But I think that we've both come to a point where we can love each other for who we both are. She's a beautiful soul, inside and out. I couldn't ask for a more unique, special, and loving sister. She's taught me to be a nonjudgemental person. You have no right to judge someone when you don't know their story. She's made me a better person. 

Supporting each other is something that just comes naturally in my family. If there's a goal that we have or a project we're working on, we do whatever we can to help each other. Whether it's losing weight or accomplishing a life's dream, we go 110%. 

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My dad loves NASCAR. He loves adrenaline. He's a rush junkie. Watching him get to live one of his dreams by driving at the Homestead Speedway in Miami was amazing. It was one of the happiest days of his life. He's been through so much that he deserved every second of happiness. 

And that's what we do. We make each other happy. 

Now I don't know about you, but my animals are a huge part of my family. My dad's cat, Baby, is a giant fat ball of love. She loves my dad so much. And now, I'm pretty sure she thinks Briam is her boyfriend. I'm trying to convince my parents to put her on a diet because she seriously takes up 3 sqft tiles on the living room floor. 

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And then there's my cat. Well she was Briam's cat but then I moved in and claimed her as my own. I call her Kitty, but his parents call her Gorda. Even though she only weighs 6 pounds. My dad's cat is the real Gorda. 

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I love Kitty. She's pretty old. Briam thinks she's 16 or 17. And she's had a large amount of health problems. She's had worms, her ear bit open, a stomach infection, and hypothyroidism. She's cost us an arm and a leg, but she's worth every penny. I don't know what I'm going to do when she's gone. She's pivotal part in all of our lives. 

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Don't let her cuteness or size fool you, she can be quite the terror. And she's an attention hog. God forbid you be doing anything but paying attention to her. She loves belly rubs. If she's not napping or eating, you better be giving her a belly rub. 

I enjoy dressing her up. And taking her for walks on her leash. She doesn't like any of it. In fact, I'm pretty sure she hates it. But she still loves me.

And that's the main lesson. Regardless of what you go through in your own life, or within your family, you must always love each other. Love heals everything. If your love is true, then the problems will work itself out. My family is proof of that. Our love and support for each other will never die. 


DIY Project: Glitter Mason Jars


If you know me, you know that I'm obsessed with glitter. And mason jars. And makeup. So what better way to combine all three than to create a makeup brush holder! I love DIY projects and even more when they can be used as functional tools in my life. Follow these simple instructions to get beautiful, glittery mason jars! 

What You'll Need:
2 Mason Jars 
1 Can of Elmer's Aerosol Glue
Glitter
Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton Pads
Paper Towels or Newspaper

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Optional Stuff:
2 Bags of Marbles
Makeup Brushes 

Where to Buy:
Mason Jars: Walmart, Publix, Michael's, Hobby Lobby
Glue: Walmart or any craft store
Glitter: Walmart or any craft store
Rubbing Alcohol: Any drugstore
Cotton Pads: Any drugstore
Paper Towels: Your kitchen...
Marbles: Any craft store

Do It Yourself:
1. Prep your mason jars by cleaning them with the rubbing alcohol. Having a clean surface will ensure that the glue and glitter stick to the inside of the jar. 


2. Once your mason jars are cleaned and dry, carefully spray the inside of the jars with enough glue to coat the entire inside. I "swooshed" the jars around to make sure that no part of the jar was missed. 


3. Dump your glitter, in the color of your choosing, into the jar and begin turning the jar so that the glitter covers the entire inside surface of the jar. 


4. Once you've double checked the jar to make sure that there are no spots missing glitter, dump the remaining glitter onto the paper towels or newspaper. Discard the extra glitter. 


5. Let the jar dry for at least 2-3 hours before adding anything inside. I've decided to add marbles to the jar to make makeup brush holders. I filled the jar about half way in one jar and 3/4 of the way in the other to accommodate for my smaller travel brushes. You could always add flowers or seasonal/holiday decorations. 


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Let me know if you recreated these DIY Glitter Mason Jars! If you do, make sure to connect with me on social media and show me your picture using the hashtag #cmvlogsDIYglitterjars

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