Things I Love

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Beauty & Fashion, The Media
15 Comments

I haven’t done a “Things I Love” post since February. Can you believe that? Have I not found anything to love in almost 7 months? Not acceptable. It’s time to bring back the love, even though most of my time has been eaten away by Panera Bread. Working 5 days a week is not something that I LOVE, but I am grateful! On with the lovefest, shall we?

By now, I’m sure you know that Philosophy is one of my favorite cosmetic brands. I am in love with many of their super rich body washes and lotions. I treated myself to a new body wash a week ago: Rainbow Sherbet! It smells just like the fun summer flavors of raspberry, orange, lemon, and lime. Every shower feels like I’m bathing in a bowl of fancy punch. My skin is also loving the emollients. All of their body washes make me feel silky and smooth, so I’m loving the fact that this smells good enough to eat and still keeps me sexy and clean. I wish the scent lasted a little longer, but I still love it! They also make a body lotion and lip shine. Delish!

Even though I don’t have a teaching job (yet!!), I’m working on building my professional wardrobe. It’s a lot of fun, but much harder than you’d think. For me, I like to find classic pieces that can be worn with more than one outfit. I also like pieces that can be changed from day to night easily. I purchased this vest (but in black pinstripe instead) from Gap, and already road tested it for a night out. I rocked it at the Counting Crows concert with a pair of dark skinnies and a white tee underneath. I absolutely love how ot made the outfit look a bit rocker, but tailored. I never thought vests could come back (I rocked a few back in 5th grade), but am happy that they have, although now they are much more simple and sleek.

Gap gets two loveplugs this time! While looking for a new pair of flats while shopping with my Momma, she stumbled upon a wall filled with cute little foldable flats. They even come with a cute matching bag to store them in. Gap City Flats are super comfortable, so comfortable that I picked up two pairs (black and grey — big surprise!) so I could wear them as often as possible. I love how they hug my foot, and I also love the soft texture they have. I wore my black flats to the concert as well and with all of the running (we were a but late), and walking around the casino, my feet did not hurt once. I look forward to wearing these when I go out, or when I’m working. They are very versatile, and can go with a cute dress or a nice pair of jeans.

Last, but not least, Augusten Burroughs is an author that my friend Kelly got me into earlier in the summer. His true stories, hilarious tone, and attention to detail in his stories make me want to follow him around to see what a day in his life is like. He lives one state over, so that wouldn’t be too hard, would it? I started off with his memoir “Dry” and am currently reading “Possible Side Effects.” I am now tempted to go out and buy all of his other books, and an English bulldog (read and you’ll know). His writing is real, and I absolutely love it.

So, now that you know what I’ve been diggin’ since February, what’s been making you happy and love filled?

What’s in my bag?

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Beauty & Fashion, Daily Grind, Photos
5 Comments

What can I say? Some of my favorite blog posts and photos to look at on flickr are “Inside My Bag” posts. It’s just interesting to see what other people carry around with them. So, with that in mind I decided to provide you with a chance to glimpse into the bag of Christine. Here’s what I carry around with me on a daily basis, with one or two things missing. When school’s in session, add in folders for each class and a poorly organized five star notebook. The bag featured for this post is one of my favorites. It’s from the Coach Poppy collection and I received it as a Christmas present from my parents this year. I love the fun colors. It’s a great carryall as you will see below.


1. My Coach Poppy bag. =]
2. My wallet with various things inside of it.
3. My Juicy loves Sephora cosmetic case. (see below to snoop that!)
4. The New Testament, I’m currently reading Revelations.
5. A hallmark datebook. Nice portable calendar.
6. A mini composition book, perfect for jotting down notes.
7. My sock change purse.
8. BBW foaming hand sanitizer in Warm Vanilla Sugar.
9. Lubriderm lotion. I wash my hands a lot at work & need to keep them soft!
10. Pens, to write down said notes.
11. Chococat mirror.
12. A mini flashlight.
13. A penny, I always keep a loose one in my purses.
14. ‘Attitude’ inspirational coin.
15-19. Randoms: Pink pocket mini Swiss army knife, snowman charm, gum, rose in a tube, & Carmine’s NYC matches.
Not pictured: Keys, Menthols & my lighter


This is a simple photo, but inside my purse I always have my Saint Theresa medals. She is my patron saint so I always keep her with me. These were given to me by my mother, and you’ll see that I have two in here. When school is in session I keep one in my school bag and another in my regular purse.


1. My cosmetic case.
2. Advil and Tylenol. Usually people end up asking me for it, but no worries. I always keep it on me just in case.
3. Scrunchie. Too many times staying at Keith’s and nothing to tie my fro up with!
4. MAC Blot Sheets, to absorb my EVOO skin. =P
5. Nail clipper.
6. Blistex Silk & Shine chapstick. Tastes like Koolaid.
7. MAC Lustreglasse in Luminary (I believe!)
8. Aquaphor. I kept this in here when my tattoo was healing up, but it works wonders for super dry skin too.
9. My awesome nail file.

You might be thinking, “Damn, she’s got a lot of stuff in that bag,” but to me it’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need. Plus, it’s great to have a large bag when someone (Ah-hem, Keith!) wants me to carry some of his stuff. Even with everything above tucked into my purse, there is still room for a book and my glasses (which I take with me to doctor’s appointments just in case), a bottle of water and a whole bag of Goldfish crackers (I found this out while going to Newport in May with the high school kids).

What do you keep in your purses? Do you prefer a large tote, or something more compact?

Come on, Sniff me!

Sunday, January 24th, 2010
Beauty & Fashion
18 Comments

I’ll have to thank the adorable and talented Britney for inspiring me to make a post about my perfumes. I never thought of perfume as that big of a deal, always more of just a simple accessory I enjoy using. After watching her video, and thinking about my ever-growing scent collection, I realized that what scent I decide to use each day depends on my mood, how it will compliment what I’m wearing clothing wise, and why I have come to love each of my perfumes so much. Perfume shopping is hard for me since some scents can give me super awful migraines, so I am very picky! Either way, on we go to the wonderful world of fancy fragrances.

+ Curious by Britney Spears: This was my first ever Britney Spears fragrance I ever owned. My Mom gave it to me as a Christmas gift when I was a senior in high school. I love the light floral scent! There are also vanilla musk undertones and a hint of sandalwood. I love wearing this one because it’s not overwhelming and has serious staying power, especially when I apply it to the backs of my knees in the summertime. I could wear it every day, but I’m indecisive.

+ Fantasy by Britney Spears: The next year at Christmas, my Mom presented me with a Fantasy giftset. She knows me so well! This scent to me smells like cake, sweet, delicious, and a bit heavier than Curious. I’ve found that Keith also enjoys this scent which is always a plus. It reminds me of the beginning of school since I wore it on the first day of my Spring semester last year and a few people told me I smelled great. I also love the bottle which is pink with green gemstones.

+ Vera Wang Rock Princess: Kathleen and I went on a quest for this fragrance. Keith picked this scent as a sample to go with a gift he bought me from Sephora. I automatically fell in love with the scent and used up my sample size quickly. Who else would accompany me on this great adventure besides Kathleen? I went to Ulta first, knowing they would have it–but had no idea it would be $72.00, so we hopped to Walgreens, Kohls, CVS, and finally ended up at Marshalls where we each picked up a big bottle of it for $40.00. It has fruity scents of raspberry, bergamot, and peach. It’s great for going out, or just hanging out at home.

+ Bvelgari pour Femme: My Aunt used to let me use this perfume when I was younger and I loved how fruity and grown up it smelled. She surprised me with a bottle of it when I was a bit older and I use it only on special occasions like weddings and back when I was in high school, dances. It is a bit heavy so only a spray or two will do, and it has scents of violets and orange blossoms. It always makes me feel like a fancy rich women ala Karen Walker.

+ Victoria’s Secret Garden & Beauty Rush Sprays: These body sprays are my go to when I just want a quick spritz of scent without going crazy. My favorite is Strawberries and Champagne (Keith’s favorite on me too!!), and Love Spell. Love Spell got me out of trouble a lot in high school. I used to smoke in the bathrooms and it always kept me smelling fresh, haha. I also love Beauty Rush’s Passion Fruit Pop. All of their scents are fun, fruity, and playful in my opinion.

And for the perfumes I own, but haven’t worn yet? Paris Hilton’s Can Can, Britney Spears’ Believe, and Britney Spears’ Midnight Fantasy. I have them sitting on my desk in my perfume tray, but haven’t gotten around to trying them yet. Do you have any perfumes you’d like to try? What are some of your favorite scents to wear?

New Toy!!

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
Beauty & Fashion, Daily Grind, Photos
59 Comments

My old straightener was a dinosaur. It had huge hot plates on it which my hair dresser told me was bad for my hair and I should switch to a thin plated straightener. Plus, that old boy has been in my bathroom since I was in high school. Without further ado, I stopped at Ulta and bought myself a new straightener. A Zoe with a limited edition design and purple hot plates. Super!

I used it yesterday to test it out (much to Keith and my Dad’s dismay. They hate, HATE, when I straighten out my curls). First I wanted to see how long it was when it was straight, and it’s well past my shoulders now.

I decided to be silly and hide behind my massive amount of hair. The total straightening time was about a half hour which is amazing since my hair is so thick and curly. I also picked up some straightening product which also protects hair from heat. It’s by got2b and it’s called XL Conditioner. Amazing product for only 6.00!

When it comes to my hair, I absolutely love my curls. I didn’t really begin to appreciate them until I was in high school. Everyone I know loves my curls the best too. But sometimes it’s fun to have a bit of a change. All it takes is one drop of water and I’ll have a GIANT curl where ever that water drop fell. When I straighten my hair I feel like a different person. I also look so much like my Mom that it’s almost scary how close the likeness is.

This iron was only 29.99, so if you’re like me and only straighten your hair a few times a year (I’m lazy, what can I say?), this is an amazing straightener. It works, it’s pretty, and it’s not a drain on your wallet.

Gifts Under $20

Monday, December 21st, 2009
Beauty & Fashion, The Media
15 Comments

It’s officially Christmas week. The holidays we have been waiting for are slowly creeping up on us. To me, it seems like Christmas is still weeks away because this is one of my favorite holidays of the year (and probably because all of my shopping & wrapping is done!), but for many the stress of finishing last minute gifts is setting in. So, for those of you who are still wondering what to get that special someone: here you go! Gifts that will make people smile for under 20 bucks!

For your chill married friends: Give your friends this awesome tea set for Christmas. Target offers you The Tea Spot Tea & Teacups Gift Set. At a modest price of only $19.99 it comes with two fancy mugs as well as two different types of tea; Meditative Mind Tea & Snowflakes Tea. If you want to bulk it up, you can add a tin of tea biscuits or pirouette cookies and make your own fancy gift basket for only a few dollars more.

For the beauty junkie who has “everything”: I’m a makeup junkie who people say has pretty much everything under the sun. But there is one thing I can never have enough of, and that is lip gloss. Give her the Sephora Brand Magic Lip Gloss Set. It comes with six glittery shades which are perfect for fancy holiday looks, and the colors are gorgeous. I especially like the Silver and Gold. It also comes with a cute lip gloss brush and is only $10.00. Also, with every Sephora order you are able to choose three free samples, they can be for you, or for that makeup addict on your list.

For your SO’s parents or in-laws: For me, shopping for Keith’s parents used to be scary. I never knew what to get them. Now I know a lot more about what they like, but if you’re celebrating Christmas with your SO’s parents for the first time, why not try a Harry & David Snackbox? I personally love H&D products, especially their amazing Moose Munch confection. This snack box comes packed with Cheddar Cheese, Sesame Toast, Smoked Sausage, Caramel Moose Munch, Mixed Nuts, and Honey Mustard. With all of the yummy snacks in this box, and for a price of only $19.95, it’s a perfect gift to share.

For your creative writer pal: Do you have a friend who never leaves home without a small notebook or her journal? Do you often find her writing in her journal when you had plans to leave the house an hour ago? Does she tell you that her writing is “almost done?” This year give her the best writing journals she can ask for! A pack of Moleskine Journals is an amazing gift for any writer. They now come in this fancy and pretty pink, but you can buy them in a range of colors. Barnes & Noble is offering this gift for a very fair price of only $12.00 when you order online.

And for those other giftees that you’re stumped on:
Your little cousin or close friends kid wants to be a chef: Betty Crocker’s Kids Cook is an awesome full color book that has kid friendly recipes for that aspiring chef to experiment with. A few of the recipes are: Squeeze and Scribble Pancakes, Whatever Pizza, and Puddle of Fudge Cake. ($17.95)

Your guy who smokes but hates cold hands: Gap Fingerless Gloves. They come in a cool red striped pattern. Functional and badass at the same time. ($14.50).

Your college pal who likes planning and Harry Potter: Harry Potter 2010 Calendar. Awesome full color photos of your favorite witches and wizards. ($13.99)

While giving that perfect gift can be stressful, especially if you’re still shopping for it, I always remember Glamour’s advice from last Christmas. “You don’t have to be Ivana Trump to give an awesome gift.” I live by that. It’s always, ALWAYS, the thought that gets put behind the present you’re giving. Hope you all have a very happy holiday and a merry Christmas. Enjoy the festivities!

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