Beauty Basics: DIY Pomegranate Lavender Body Scrub

I'm a huge fan of sugar scrubs! But they can get seriously pricey at the stores! What normally costs me $8-15 at various places, I just made at home for under $3. So if you've ever wondered how you can make your own sugar scrub, then I've got you covered. It's much easier than you think! 

What You'll Need:

1 C of Pure Cane Sugar

1/2 C of Coconut Oil

1 TBSP of Vitamin E Oil

1 tsp Pomegranate Oil

1 tsp Lavender Oil

1 Jar for Storage

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and transfer into storage jar. You are now ready to scrub yourself into a silky smooth bliss! 

What are your favorite DIY beauty products? 

My Top 5 Songs To Get You Motivated and Pumped

We all have those songs. The ones we play on the loudest volume possible. The ones we play when we're sad, happy, excited, getting ready to go out, working out, etc. Today I wanted to share with you my current top 5 favorite songs that get me motivated and pumped. Each song has a specific purpose for me, depending on what kind of situation I'm about to face. And I'll share those with you too! 

1. Going To Work - Shake It Off by Taylor Swift 

2. Getting Ready For The Club - ***Flawless by Beyonce 

3. Working Out/Running - Animals by Martin Garrix

4. Date Night With Briam - Shower by Becky G

5. Feeling Good - All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor 

What songs do you listen to when you need some motivation? 

From Fat to Fierce: My Weight Loss Journey | Week 2

So at first I felt disappointed in myself that I had only lost 1.6 pounds. But then I realized, after much self loathing, that I should be proud of my accomplishment. I ate pretty healthy for the week, even got to enjoy pizza, worked out for 5 days, and still lost weight. I didn't have to starve myself or slave at the gym! My disappointment came from a never ending need to see large results, quickly. That's why I was so pumped last week. But if you stop and remember, if you saw my vlog, I started the week (5 days) doing the 17 day diet. And it was so rough. I felt like I was dying and cried almost every day. Towards the end of the week I downloaded his amazing app called My Plate, and I've been happy ever since. 

So the point of this post, besides showing you all what I accomplished this week, is to be proud of ANY accomplishment you make! Only lost a little like me? BE PROUD! Didn't lose weight but lost inches? BE PROUD! hey, at least you're still getting smaller! Just don't ever let yourself get down for the things that you do that are actually good! I step forward is a step in the right direction! 

Beginning Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins)

Weight: 265.2

Neck: 16.25

Chest: 46

Right Bicep: 17.5

Left Bicep: 17

Right Forearm: 11.75

Left Forearm: 11.25

Waist: 44

Hips: 53.5

Right Thigh: 30.5

Left Thigh: 30.5 

Right Calf: 16.5

Left Calf: 16.5 

Week 1 Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins) 

Weight: 258.4 (-6.8)

Neck: 15.75 (-.5)

Chest: 44.5 (-1.5)

Right Bicep: 17 (-.5)

Left Bicep: 16.5 (-.5) 

Right Forearm: 11.5 (-.25)

Left Forearm: 11 (-.25)

Waist: 42 (-2) 

Hips: 52.5 (-1)

Right Thigh: 29.5 (-1)

Left Thigh: 29.5 (-1)

Right Calf: 16.25 (-.25)

Left Calf: 16.25 (-.25)

Week 2 Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins)

Weight: 256.8 (-1.6)

Neck: 15.25 (-.5)

Chest: 43 (-1.5)

Right Bicep: 16.75 (-.25)

Left Bicep: 16.25 (-.25) 

Right Forearm: 11.5 (0)

Left Forearm: 11 (0)

Waist: 41 (-1) 

Hips: 52.5 (0)

Right Thigh: 29.5 (0)

Left Thigh: 29 (-.5)

Right Calf: 16 (-.25)

Left Calf: 16 (-.25)

Inches Lost: 4.5

Pounds Lost: 1.6

Total Inches Lost: 13.5

Total Pounds Lost 8.4

Motivational Monday: Trust Your Journey

This is something that I have to remind myself everyday. It's hard when you see your goals and they feel so very far away. I know I've talked about understanding your happiness and following your dreams and what not, but that can get really hard sometimes. I find myself having to step back, take a deep breath, and continue moving forward. I have to trust my journey. My step-mom likes to say, "It's not your time." Eh, moms always know best, right? 

Most recently, and my step-mom unintentionally laughs every time I freak out, a large amount of people I know have been getting engaged and/or married. And every time I see a status on Facebook or a post on Instagram, I lose my shit. And I don't mean to be profane, but I really don't know how else to describe it. I seriously just lose it. Best example, and God bless Briam for handling my "moments" with stride, I saw on IG today a post about a Maid of Honor proposal and how that date had already been set, despite getting engaged like 3 weeks ago. And the month, October, has been my month for ever, as long as I can remember. I legit lost it about this girl planning her wedding in October, MY MONTH. Poor Briam just looks over at me and says, "November is nice too! October is scary, with Halloween and all. November is about being thankful. That's better for our wedding." Bless him. Bless him so much. 

I told this story to my step-mom and she just laughed. Because she knows that I'm not losing it in a "jealous, crazy, psycho" way, but in a "Why isn't it my time?" way. 

So the whole point of this post is that if there is something in your life that you really want, but aren't receiving, then it's not your time. We don't always remember that God has an exact plan for how our lives are going to turn out. And of course He's not going to lead you in the wrong direction. So just know that it's not your time. You will have what you want one day, and if it doesn't happen, God will provide you with the peace to accept that. You'll never be left hanging. 

Trust your journey. 

Friday Favorites: Delicate and Beautiful

Favorite Accessory: Delicate Stone Necklace

Found here!

Favorite To-Do List: Smiles and Champagne

Found on Pinterest, of course!

Favorite Travel Destination: Scotland

Found here! 

Favorite Friends: BKF - Best Kitty Friends

For more kitties, click here! 

Favorite Room Decor: Rustic Master Bedroom

Home decor, galore!

Have a wonderful Friday!  

Ipsy Bag: August Unboxing and July Review

Who's ready for the monthly ipsy unboxing and review post? I'm not. I have to be honest, I'm kind of disappointed in the selection of products in my bag this month. Maybe I'm being too picky, I don't know. Maybe once I start using the products I'll change my mind. 

What I got in August's ipsy bag:

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, Coastal Scents Forever Blush Sample, Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer, Absolute New York You're The Balm in Grape, and Lord & Berry Black Silk Mini Kajal Khol Liner

What I'm excited for:

The UD Perversion mascara. I'm a huge UD fan, so I can't help but be excited to try their newest mascara. I loved the mascara last month, so obviously this one will be a winner too. 

What I'm on the fence about:

Everything else. The blush sample is SO bright and the bronzer that comes with it is So orange. I haven't been a fan of any Dr.Brandt products in the past so, who knows. The lip balm smells like those grape lollipops with bubblegum inside that we used to eat as children. And it has sparkles. What? And I'm so disappointed in the size of the liner. I've gotten full size liners and even bigger samples than that. It's so small. I'm gonna lose it in a hot second the minute it goes in my makeup bag. 

Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil

Not gonna lie, I didn't use this. I don't have time to go outside, slather myself in oil, and hope for a tan. I'm sure it works great considering that their other products are good, but I won't find out until another time. 

Tints & Sass Fabulous Lip and Cheek Stain

This stuff is amazing! I wore it out one night for my friend's 21st birthday party. We went to the club, stayed out all night, had pizza, and this stuff didn't budge! I had pouty pink lips all night long! It was slightly drying, but hey, that's what chapstick is for!

Bare Minerals 5 in 1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow

Nope. No thank you. Way too creamy, creases easily, doesn't blend well, not even a good base, bad applicator. I really can't say enough about how much I disliked this product. And the color makes me look sickly. So that a no go on this one. 

Pur Waterproof Big Look Mascara

LOVE THIS! This mascara is the bomb. Seriously. It makes my lashes look full and my eyes awake. It really is waterproof and it doesn't have nearly as much fall out or smudging as my other waterproof mascaras. And not to mention the tube is pretty cool too! 

Be Fine Food Skin Care Daily Moisturizer

I really enjoyed this. I feel like it made my skin happy. It wasn't oily or overly moisturizing. Just the right amount of everything to sooth my skin after a long day. And it smells like a spa, so I'm down with that. 

If your not an ipsy bag member, become one! It's only $10 a month! It cures your beauty fix and is well worth the cost. Each bag is worth way more than what you pay. And you get to keep the cute little bag!

Click here to sign up for your own ipsy bag!

How To: Kill a Migraine in Under 30 Minutes

I have a horrible track record for getting headaches and migraines. Most of them start out as harmless headaches, and if not taken care of right away, turn into vicious migraines. Like need a freezing cold, dark room, 4 Excedrin, a bottle of gatorade, absolute silence, and a giant icepack. Now of course I do use these individual to help put a stop to the beginning of my migraines, and they are amazing. These are the things that personally work for me, some may or may not work for you, trial and error is the best way to find out. 

1. Gatorade

Research shows that drinking 8oz-16oz of Gatorade can help reduce your head pain almost immediately. And for me, it works. When I'm at work, it isn't easy to find a place to hide that cold and quiet. But I can keep a Gatorade with me just in case I begin to feel a migraine creeping up on me. Keeping it in the fridge in the break-room, to keep it nice and cold, and easily accessible if I need to drink it quickly. 

2. Hot Shower

If I'm driving home and I can feel the pressure beginning to set in, the first thing I do when I get home is take a very hot shower. The steam from the shower and the hot water help calm my head and make my body believe that my bedroom is colder than it really is. I like to sit in my tub while the shower is on and let the hot water hit the nape of my neck. That has proven to be the most effective for me. 

3. Ice Pack

Opposite of the hot shower is the ice pack. I lay flat on my back with the ice pack underneath my head. I take long, deep breaths and keep my eyes closed. If it gets too cold, I'll turn on my side and rest the ice pack closer to the root of the migraine. Mine typically come from either the sides or the base of my skull. Every now and then a sinus headache comes along, but that's a whole other story. 

4. Bananas

I love bananas so I'm pretty happy that they help with migraines. Some morning I just wake up with a raging migraine. So the first thing I do is head to the kitchen for a banana. Bananas increase serotonin, therefore decreasing the amount of pain you feel. 

5. Excedrin

I know that there are many people who forgo medicine when they have migraines. Those people are amazing troopers, and I am not one of them. I am a cry baby who needs her pain meds so my head doesn't explode. I always attempt to exhaust the first 4 options before resorting to Excedrin. But trust me when I say, I always have it in the house and in my purse. There will be times when you don't have access to Gatorade, a hot shower, ice packs, or bananas. So you have to do what you gotta do and take the medicine. 

Fashion Inspiration: Back To School

I love back to school time. I'm kind of envious that I don't get to experience the first day of school jitters this year. I'll just have to wait until next year. Anyways, I've put together 3 pretty awesome outfits for back to school that I think anyone could rock! What are your favorite back to school fashions? 

Skinny Jeans / Sweater / Ballet Flats / Tote / Bracelet / Watch / Perfume / Eyeshadow / Nail Polish / Lip Gloss / Mascara

Boyfriend Jeans / Shirt / Tote Bag / Sandals / Watch / Necklace / Nail Polish / Perfume / Eyeshadow / Lip Gloss / Mascara 

Skinny Jeans / Striped Shirt / Sandals / Bracelet / Handbag / Nail Polish / Perfume / Lip Gloss / Mascara / Watch

From Fat to Fierce: My Weight Loss Journey | Week 1

This isn't just a weight loss journey, this is proving to be quite an emotional one as well. And that's okay. Sometimes we need to breakdown entirely to rebuild completely. This isn't the beginning post or the I hope I'm going to do this post. This is the "I've already been at this for a week so I'm kind of committed" post. Follow along with me on this journey as I attempt to not only transform my body, but also transform my mind. 

Each week I'm going to give you a basic run down of my feelings. Gettin' all emotional up in here! I'm also going to include my weight and measurements of each new week. You'll be able to see how many inches, in specific areas and in total, I've lost as well as how much weight. I don't have any before pictures, as I'm sure you can guess I try to avoid the camera at all times, but I do have a video showing you my beginning body frame/size/whatever you want to call it, my "before". My sister tagged me to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and of course I wasn't going to say no, so I did it. But that'll be at the end, so if you want to see that, scroll ALL the way down. 

Beginning Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins)

Weight: 265.2

Neck: 16.25

Chest: 46

Right Bicep: 17.5

Left Bicep: 17

Right Forearm: 11.75

Left Forearm: 11.25

Waist: 44

Hips: 53.5

Right Thigh: 30.5

Left Thigh: 30.5 

Right Calf: 16.5

Left Calf: 16.5 

Week 1 Weight (lbs) and Measurements (ins) 

Weight: 258.4 (-6.8)

Neck: 15.75 (-.5)

Chest: 44.5 (-1.5)

Right Bicep: 17 (-.5)

Left Bicep: 16.5 (-.5) 

Right Forearm: 11.5 (-.25)

Left Forearm: 11 (-.25)

Waist: 42 (-2) 

Hips: 52.5 (-1)

Right Thigh: 29.5 (-1)

Left Thigh: 29.5 (-1)

Right Calf: 16.25 (-.25)

Left Calf: 16.25 (-.25)

Total Inches Lost: 9 

Total Pounds Lost 6.8 

If you want to join me on this journey and want to share anything with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, use the hashtag #CMxoxoGetsHealthy

P.S. - Please no negative comments. This is a place for positive words only. If you have something negative or snarky to say, take your crap else where. 

Motivational Monday: Live Your Dreams

There's something that I tend to say to my family, mostly Briam and my dad, a lot. And that lovely phrase would be "Trust me, I got this." I can remember saying that to my dad so long ago, it's amazing. And somehow, each time I say it, I actually do have a handle on the situation. Maybe it doesn't seem like it, but I do. 

The best/funniest example I can think of is one of the more recent situations. In May, I graduated with my BA in Organizational Management. I seriously had no idea what I was going to do. I kind of figured I was going to fold panties for a living and hope that my blog would make me millions one day.   At this time my dad and I began walking in the mornings together just to workout and have some daddy-daughter time. Every morning we would walk, no joke, he would ask "Do you know what you're going to do?" and I would reply "No, but trust me, I got this." and about 2 months later, I decided I was going to get my MBA and I applied to my grad school of choice, and I got in. 

I got this. 

And now the most recent situation is me trying to get a handle on my weight. If you read my post about avoiding the freshman 15, then you know that I did not avoid the freshman 15, and that I have gained around 100lbs since I started college. Being the nice man that my father is, he's always asking about my health and trying to give me not so subtle hints about my weight, out of love of course. And every time it's brought up I say, "Trust me, I got this." Hopefully I really do "have it" this time. 

But I guess the point of this is that no matter the situation, you got this. When everything looks outright impossible, you got this. Whether it's school, your weight, your future, finances, what ever it is, you got this. I have been in every boat imaginable and I can relate to almost anything situation you are going through. My step-mom always tells me that when things go bad, you allow yourself to feel the pain for 1 day. That's it. After that, you pick yourself up and get it together. 

You all know that I'm a huge advocate for doing what make you happy. And if you have a dream that is larger than life and you just can't see the end result, you got this. I believe in you. 

In light of recent events, if there is ever a point where you feel you need to talk to someone, I'm always here. I will help you through whatever it is you are going through. There is no shame in asking for a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on. You must do good things for others in hopes that one day if the tables are turned, they will do good things for you. 

Quick Life Update

I just wanted to stop by and show you guys some love! I've been a little MIA lately, nothing bad has happened, but ya know, sometimes you just need a break. Last week I worked over 40 hours at PINK. I'm a part-time employee. Jokes. So last week was super stressful and very tiring. And then this week, I started a new diet and have been trying to avoid the internet because I'm notorious for sitting on the "Food" board on Pinterest all day long wishing for homemade mac 'n' cheese. And then screwing up my diet. I have started daily vlogging though. My first vlog video is uploading as I type this so I will make sure to embed the video down below so you can see what a terribly exciting life I lived today. Everything should be back to normal on Monday, regular blogging and more daily vlogs to follow as well! Hope you all are doing great! 

Also, I've recently discovered "Retail Robin" and I'm am beyond excited that this exists. 

Fashion Inspiration: Summer Style Savings

Ever wish you could buy gift cards at a discount or sell your gift cards for cash? Well I've got the answer to your problems, Raise.com! Here you can search for your favorite stores and purchase gift cards at a discounted price. This is perfect for revamping your summer wardrobe and getting extra stylish without breaking the bank. Whether you need new workout clothes or want a new bikini, Raise has got you covered! The possibilities are endless when you have the freedom to chose where you want to shop for your summer style! Save your cash and visit Raise.com now!

Amp up your summer wardrobe buy buying gift cards here: BUY

Need some extra cash for summer activities? Sell your gift cards here: SELL

Theme Park Look

Get your American Eagle cards here!

Summer Workout Look

Get your Under Armour cards here!

Beach Party Look

Get your Buckle cards here!

How would you style these summer looks? 

How To: Avoid Getting Sick - My Top 5 Tips

I used to be notorious for getting sick around very important events in my life, for example, exam week.  And being sick doesn't really help you study effectively for your midterms and finals. I also used to get sick during high volume months at work, holiday time and back to school season. But after implementing my top 5 tips, I've felt so much better and my colds seems to have run for the hills! Of course there are seasonal allergies, but that's what the allergy doctor is for!

Take a Daily Multi Vitamin

Drink Emergen-C Daily

Stay Hydrated

Wash Your Hands and Use Hand Sanitizer

Get Plenty of Sleep

How do you avoid getting sick? 

My Favorite and Most Used iPhone Apps (What's On My iPhone?)

I love seeing what apps other people have on their phones! It's like a sneak peek into their technological world of wonder and amazement. Really I just like to know what apps people are using for their pictures and shopping! Below are screenshots of my phone showing you all of my apps and how I organize them. I try to keep my apps organized so they don't get out of control and then I can't find what I'm looking for.

My most used apps:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Candy Crush
Pinterest
Snapchat
CVS

What are your favorite apps to use? 

Motivational Monday: Look For All Possibilities

No matter your situation in life, there is always possibility. A possibility to make better of your situation, to grow and become a better person. Sometimes the darkness seems to hard, but if you look hard enough, there is always a light. Something that I always like to keep in mind is a quote that my dad liked to change up a little bit, "When one door closes, another one opens. Well, maybe, the door doesn't open, but the window does. But don't stare at the door too long or the window might shut."

If you think about that a little further your realize that sometimes the possibility is not right in front of you. Sometimes you have to go looking for the possibility. But it's always there. A window or a door, possibility is ready for you. If you have big dreams, find every possibility you can take to make your dreams a reality.

For example, my dad likes to tell me that I have champagne tastes on a beer budget. As true as that may be, I know that one day I'll have champagne tastes with a champagne budget. But if I just sat around and did what I currently do for a living (folding panties) I would always live on my beer budget. So I decided to make a change. In 10 months I'm going back to school for my MBA. I know it's going to be rough and I'm going to rack up a lot of student loan debt, but I have faith that the job I get after school will provide me with enough financial stability to pay off my loans in no time.

I'm taking my situation, analyzing it and where I want my future to be, and I'm creating possibilities to make that a reality. Something that I strongly believe in is the power of positive thinking. If you will it to be, then it will be. If you haven't read or watched The Secret, then you should. It was the best book I've read in a long time. Now I know I'm not going to manifest $1M out of thin air, but I can manifest possibilities with the power of positive thinking.

You can change your reality, you just have to make it possible. 

Swanky Sunday: College Essentials

There are things we all need to bring to college that don't seem like essentials, but the really are. So today I'm going to help you decided what are the non-essential essentials that you should pack up before you move to college. All are optional depending on your situation, but some come in very handy! 

Rain Boots / Longchamp / Laptop Case / Winter Coat / XL Pillow / Blanket / Baseball Hat / Sneakers

Insta Weekly: July 26 - August 1

Make sure to follow me on Instagram: @christinamartinaxoxo

The Best Places To Shop For College Dorm Rooms

I love when I start getting back to school ads in my local paper! All of the awesome things for dorms rooms, the new organizational tools, and the amazing prices! Today I'm sharing with you my favorite places to shop for college, and everything you need for your dorm bedding! 

Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Target

Walmart

Dorm Co.

Macy's

Kohl's

PB Teen

Where are your favorite places to buy everything you need for college? 

Friday Favorites: Spirited College Gear

Favorite Winter Spirit: VS Pink Varsity Crew 

First of all, I live in the basic varsity crews from Pink. And now they have them in college gear! Pretty darn exciting! Get yours here! 

Favorite Workout Gear: Nike FSU Running Shorts 

I still have my Nike shorts from the first day of orientation. I was in the bookstore with my dad and fell in love with them. It was my first college spirit purchase. Workout in them or just lounge. Get yours here!

Favorite Car Decal: FSU Nole Girl

Because every college girl needs to rep here school! Get your decal here! 

Favorite Dressy Game Day Top: College Hautees FSU Racerback Top

The sorority girls on game day always looked stunning. And now you can too! This top from College Hautees is so cute and perfect for a dressed up game day! Get yours here. 

Favorite Jersey: VS Pink FSU Bling Jersey

And for those times when you really want to go all out and show your college spirit, you have to bring out the jersey! And this blinged out version from Pink is beyond perfect! Get your jersey here!