This Blog Has Moved!

This blog has moved! Please visit

www.sweethydrangeas.com

for all new content!

Love, Christina 

HUGE Announcement: I'm Engaged!

Hi. Hello. Long time, no blog. How are you? Good? Me too. Why you might ask... Well, Briam and I are officially engaged! OMGoodness!!!! 

I'm so freaking excited. I could not be happier than I am right now. It was so sweet, simple, and unexpected. I feel more in love with him now than I did when we were just BF and GF. I don't know if that sounds silly, but it's how I feel. We do have a date, November 15, 2017. So far away, right? Well that's because I'm going for my MBA next year and we wanted to wait until after I graduate to get married. And that also gives me ample time to plan the most beautiful, perfect wedding! And guess what? You guys get to come along with me during the whole thing! 

My whole heart is happy. I've waited almost 7 years for this. And it's finally here. 

I hope you all can join me on this journey (one of many I seem to be taking) and can gain inspiration and happiness. I love you all and am so happy to be sharing this special moment in my life with you! 

I'm so in love with my ring! He went to Jared! 

You know I had to pick up a wedding book! 

Beauty Review: Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Products

I do Love me some Bath & Body Works products! But you guys already know that. So today I wanted to share with you my review of the Stress Relief line. All fo the products are amazing and if you watch below, I'lll tell you why!

Products Mentioned:
Body Wash & Foam Bath
Luxury Bath
Hand Sanitizer
Body Cream
Hand Cream

My Weight Loss Journey: The Beginning

Ready to start this with me? Again? Watch below. 

For more information on the diet I'm following, click here!

Baking Beauty: Perfect Pumpkin Bread

I love pumpkin bread. Like, seriously. As a dessert, in the morning, with chocolate chips, with cranberries, all by its perfect self. I love pumpkin bread almost as much as I love bacon. And that's saying a lot. So when I found this amazing pin on Pinterest claiming to be the "World's Best Pumpkin Bread", I had to check it out! After deciding that the recipe was the one I wanted to use a a guideline, I ran to Walmart and got all of my ingredients!

I kept 1 loaf at home for Briam and I (mostly eaten by Briam!) and brought the other loaf to work. (Mostly eaten by my dear friend who happens to love pumpkin bread!) It was so much fun baking this! It was maybe 10:30pm and Briam and I decided to bake. I love being in the kitchen with him, definitely a fun at-home date night!

Ingredients You'll Need:
2 Cups of Canned Pumpkin (Libby's, of course!)
3 Cups of Granulated Sugar
3/4 Cup of Canola Oil
1/3 Cup of Water
3 Large Eggs
3 Cups of White Flour
2 tsp of Baking Soda
2 tsp of Table Salt
2 tsp of Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp of Ground Nutmeg

How To Do It:

* Preheat the oven to 350 *

1. Combine ingredients 1-5 in a large mixing bowl. 

2. Combine ingredients 6-10 in a separate mixing bowl. 

3. Combine the 2 mixtures gradually. (I did 1/3 dry mix at a time)

4. Pour the mixture into 2 9x5 loaf pans. Spray your pan with a non-stick spray if your pan is NOT non-stick. 

5. Cook your loaves in the oven for 45-55 minutes. Make sure to use the toothpick method to test the doneness of your bread! 

My recipe is an adaptation from this recipe found on The Frugal Girls website! 

What is your favorite version of pumpkin bread? The original or jazzed up?

Motivational Monday: Forgiveness

Today we are changing up Motivational Monday a little bit. I'm still going to be posting quotes and writing down some feelings, but for the most part, everything I have to say will be in a video. I think this a cool way to express myself to you guys in a way that is more personal than just words being typed down as I think. In a video you can see a persons raw emotion and connect with them on a deeper level. I hope you guys enjoy this new and improved version of Motivational Monday!

Today's Quote:

So this post/video went up a day late because iMovie decided it wanted to quit every time I tried to upload the video to YouTube! But better late than never! 

Beauty Review: Korres Lip Butter Glazes

Ready for a new beauty review? Well then here ya go! Today I am reviewing the Korres Lip Butter Glazes. The 4 flavors/colors that I have are Jasmine, Pomegranate, Quine, and Raspberry. You can find them at Korresusa.com for $14 each. I genuinely loves these lip butters and use them all often. The Quince and Raspberry colors are perfect for fall, but you could wear them any time of the year. Check out the pictures down below and the video to hear all of my comments about this product!

From left to right:
 Jasmine, Pomegranate, Quine, and Raspberry

October Favorites: Beauty, Fashion, & Lifestyle

October was such a fun month! Obviously, if you've been reading my blog, you know that I went super crazy with Halloween tutorials, but I loved every minute of it! It was so fun creating different looks and transforming into a crazy character! But besides Halloween, I had some beauty, fashion, and lifestyle favorites that I wanted to share with you today! Make sure to watch the videos and check out the pictures down below! 

BEAUTY

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

Halloween Tutorial: Pretty/Sexy Mad Hatter (Video)

For this look I wanted to do something simple and easy but still representing the Mad Hatter vibe. I wanted it to be fun and flirty, but recognizable as the character. And because the Mad Hatter is a dude, we had to make it a little sexy for us ladies! 

Product List: 

Revlon Color Stay Foundation

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in brightener

Fantasy Maker's Painter's Paletee (Black)

White Eyeliner

Ulta Eyeshadow in Envy

Ulta Eyeshadow in Going Green

Ulta Extreme Wear Gel Liner in Dublin

Ulta Eyeshadow in Cherry Bomb

NYX Doll Eye Mascara

Ulta Eyeliner in Plum (Lips)

Mark. Lipstick in Chacha

Halloween Tutorial: Sad Peacock (Video)

I really had no idea where or how I was going to create this peacock look. So I sat down, grabbed my makeup, and did what I felt looked good. I really like how this turned out. Pretty, simple, and mask looking! Halloween done in a flash! 

Product List: 

Revlon ColorStay Foundation

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Brightener

MAC Studio Fix in NC15

MAC Bronzer in Golden

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Ulta Eye Crayon in Oasis

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Ulta Eyeshadow in Turquoise

Ulta Eyeshadow in Honey Bee

Ulta Eyeshadow in Mesmerize

Ulta Extreme Wear Gel Liner in Perfection 

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold

Fantasy Makers Painter's Palette in Day of the Dead

NYX Doll Eye Mascara

Duo Lash Adhesive

False Lashes

Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Cotton Candy

Ulta Brilliant Color Lip Gloss in 11 

Halloween Tutorial: Easy Sugar Skull (Video)

I was so inspired by all of the beautiful Sugar Skull looks I've seen on YouTube and on different websites all over the internet, but man, they look so complicated! The makeup artists behind all of the amazing looks have some serious skills! Now don't get me wrong, I think I have some skills too, but not that many, or that good. So I decided to create a simple and easy Sugar Skull look for those of us who don't have mad skills. 

Product List:

Revlon ColorStay Foundations

Professional White Cream Makeup

elf HD Powder

Ulta Eyeshadow in Sin City

Fantasy Makers Enchanting Body Crayon

Fantasy makers Painter's Palette in Wildcat

Fantasy Makers Painter's Palette in Day of the Dead

Professional Black Cream Makeup

Halloween Tutorial: Sexy Black Widow Spider (Video)

I have to be honest, I was really sure how I was going to create a sexy, cute, but understandably black widow spider look. But I love how this turned out. With the golden/brown smokey eye and the dark red lips, I'm really proud of my black widow spider. Just throw on a block unitard and go be sexy!  

Product List:
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC15
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Brightener
MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC15
MAC Bronzer in Golden
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold
Tape
Urban Decay Naked Palette: Half Baked, Sin, Virgin, Smog, and  Darkhorse
Ulta Extreme Wear Gel Eyeliner in Perfection
Professional Black Cream Makeup
Black, Purple, and Green Glitter
NYX Dollhouse Mascara
Sephora Showstopper Lashes
Duo Adhesive
Ulta Lipstick in 201 Red Haute
Ulta Brillant Color Lipgloss in 11 Sangria

Halloween Tutorial: Mermaid Inspired (Video)

I love love love how this look turned out! Briam and I had fun creating the scales with the stockings, as you'll see in the video! Make sure to get yourself a cheap pair of stocking so you don't mind ruining them, Also, don't forget to take the take off BEFORE you do the scales LOL! 

Product List:

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC15

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Brightener

MAC Powder in NC15

MAC Bronzer in Golden

NARS Albatross

Tape

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tenacious Teal

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Edgy Emerald

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Electric Blue

Avon 8 in 1 Water Colors Palette (Light Blue and Dark Blue)

Bombshell Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad

Starlooks Kohl Eyeliner

NYX Dollhouse Mascara

Fantasy makers Painter's Palette in Day of the Dead

Glitter Body Paint

False Lashes and Duo Adhesive

NYX Matte Lipstick in Shy

Ulta Brilliant Color Lipgloss in 01

Halloween Tutorial: Harley Quinn (Video)

This was pretty freaking fun to film and create! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Halloween makeup tutorial are my favorite! This Harley Quinn look would make an awesome costume by itself, but as a couples costume with the Joker, even better! Stay tuned for that tutorial in the next 2 weeks, featuring Briam! 

Product List:
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC15
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Brightener
NYX HD Powder
Fantasy Maker's Painter's Palette in Devilish Queen
Tape
Huggies Wet Wipes
Ulta Cherry Bomb Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Oil Slick Eyeshadow
NYX Dollhouse Mascara
Red False Lashes

Halloween Tutorial: Cleopatra (Video)

This was so fun to film! As much as I love creepy Halloween looks, pretty ones are just as fun! With the help from some fancy decals and a headband from Spirit Halloween, the rest of the makeup was probably things you already have! I hope you guys enjoy this! 

Halloween Tutorial: Creepy China Doll (Video)

It's October! And now that means every M-W-F you'll get to see a new Halloween tutorial! The first one I did is this super creepy china doll! Some of the products I used were purchased at Spirit Halloween, others I already owned! Check out the tutorial and get pumped for Halloween! 

Fashion Inspiration: Autumn Begins

With yesterday being the first official day of Autumn, I wanted to create 3 looks that are perfect for the season and different occasions! I create these looks based on what I like and what I would wear if these looks were in my wardrobe. I love being inspired by different seasons and Autumn is probably my favorite. The colors, textures, fabrics, styles, and so much more! Although it doesn't really feel like Autumn in SoFla, there was a cool breeze this morning that made me happy!

Sweater / Skinny Jeans / Riding Boots / Handbag / Bracelet Set / Watch / Lipstick / Nail Polish / Perfume / Eyeshadow Palette / Gloves 

Button Down / Straight Leg Jeans / Booties / Handbag / Watch / Necklace / Lipstick / Nail Polish / Perfume / Sunglasses

Sequin Tee / Skinny Jeans / Thigh High Boots / Clutch / Earrings / Necklace / Perfume / Eyeshadow Palette / Nail Polish / Lipstick

Which look is your favorite? What other Fashion Inspiration posts should I do? 

Chloe + Isabel: A Sapphire For September

September is the month for sapphire's and before the month is gone, you need to get your fix! Chloe + Isabel have some gorgeous pieces in their sapphire collection for Fall! From beautiful basics to amazing statement pieces, Chloe + isabel has everything you need! 

Shop the entire collection here, or check out my favorite picks from below! 

Jardins Du Trocadero Statement Bracelet

Morningtide Stretch Bracelet

Jardins Du Trocadero Two-Row Necklace

Tangier Deco Statement Ring

Morningtide East-West Pendant Necklace

Crystal Square Drop Earrings

Morningtide Drop Earrings

Motivational Monday: Start Now and Live Your Dreams

The other day I was doing my usual routine at work, fixing clothes, folding panties, etc. But the conversation I was having with one of the girls I work with was a little different. Typically we talk about our boyfriends, makeup, funny things, and what not. This day we were talking about our dreams and our goals for the future. She's very good at her job, I mean really good, but I know she doesn't want to work in retail forever. 

She had mentioned that she was thinking about going back to school for interior design, but wasn't too sure about it. I had questioned her a little bit about her hesitancy and listened to her concerns. Turns out, she and I are pretty similar. The whole "jack of all trades" type. I like a bit of everything, and i'd like to actually accomplish a bit of everything. So does she. 

I guess my little story for you was to stress the importance of doing what you love no matter what. You can work, go to school, have a family, and still pursue your dreams! There are so many ways to accomplish so much these days! Online course, self teaching, night school, and much more. 

I have a friend who works 2 job and is going to school to be a surgical technician. Another is working, raising her daughter as a single mother, and going to school to be a social worker. I'm working, running a blog and 2 YouTube channels, and preparing to go for my MBA. 

There is always time for you to live your dreams. Start now and you'll never regret it. 

Baking Beauty: The Best French Toast I've Ever Had

There's no question that I love a good Sunday brunch. Wake up early, go grocery shopping, come home and make an awesome meal. Sometimes it's biscuits and gravy or pancakes, but today it was the best french toast I've ever had. I think it even bests my dad's french toast... shhh! Don't tell him.

So naturally I wrote down the recipe as I went, had Briam test it, and now I'm here, writing this post for you! There are a few things in this recipe that can be changed to suit your tastes better, or to suit what you have in your kitchen. So no worries if you don't have everything in the recipe! 

If you try this recipe, show me! Tweet me @cmxoxo or IG me @christinamartinaxoxo to show me your best french toast recipe! 

Makeup Tutorial: I Can't, I'm Sick... (How To Look Socially Acceptable When Sick)

If you read my last post (here) you know that I have been pretty under the weather recently. And sometimes when you're sick, you have to leave your house. Well yesterday I was in serious need of some groceries, but I looked like a zombie. So I did what any other ordinary 24 year old would do, I did a makeup tutorial! Because, why not?

So the whole concept behind my makeup tutorial was that I looked like a giant sack of potatoes and did not want to look like said potatoes. So I pulled myself together, put big girl clothes on, pulled my hair back, and made my face look socially acceptable! 

Lush 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion and Be Fine Daily Moisturizer

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer, Korres Concealer, Revlon 24hr Colorstay Foundation, and Maybelline Dream Lumi  

MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC15, MAC Bronzin Powder in Golden, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush, Bare Minerals Well Rested Concealer, NARS Albatross Highlighter

Bare Minerals 5 in 1 Eyeshadow, Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, Rimmel ScandalEyes Liner in Nude,  OFRA Eyebrow Pencil, and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in Honey and NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair