Before I purchased my dSLR, I really enjoyed film photography.  There is a feeling that cannot be captured any other way.

Click photo for source

“Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film.”

-Author Unknown

Just a few things that I love and look forward to this summer.  Also, here’s a playlist of songs I can’t stop listening to as I impatiently await summer.

Summer Awaits.  Click below for playlist.

 

I hope everyone else enjoys their summer!

“If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.”
– Bern Williams

Things have really been a whirlwind in my life.  Haven’t written in this blog since January, and a lot has been going on:

• I graduated from college!  More info on my about me page.
• During the semester I had been applying to tons of dance-related internships, and in July I will be heading to Lewiston, Maine as an arts administration intern for Bates Dance Festival!
• Danced my heart out—it was lovely.
• From the photo above, I also purchased a new camera!  Just a starter Canon Rebel XS since I have never used a dSLR before.  Learning as I go along.

But within all of this greatness, comes some bad things too.  I recently (as of yesterday) had to move back in with my mother, due to the ending of a three-year relationship.  It is still very fresh and things are very rough for me right now.  I’m sad enough to say that the blog right now is sort of a distraction point.

This blog is going to become more freeform as I can not become to tied into it—but also helps me express something/anything.  I’m leaving it with this quote, which is relieving but also painfully true.

“Relationships are like glass.  Sometimes it’s better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.”  -Unknown

For breakfast, I’ve been addicted to making oatmeal, especially Kath Eats Real Food whipped banana oatmeal.  It is just so delicious and creamy!  But for today, Foodie Friday, I made Chocolate Whipped Banana Oatmeal!

I followed her original recipe mostly, she even has a video, which is helpful!  Here’s what I used:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 3/4 cup of water (Just use 1/2 cup if you like thicker oatmeal)
• 1/2 cup of almond milk (I used Almond Breeze Original)
• 1/2 of a banana
• Pinch of salt
• Vanilla extract
• ~ 1 Tablespoon of ground flaxseed
• ~1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ~1 Tablespoon cocoa powder

It is so yummy, I will definitely make it again!  I would add more toppings, but I wasn’t in a topping mood today.

I just got home from working at a coffee shop (I can never get anything done at home!) but I’m a little indecisive with lunch today.  My boyfriend comes home from work soon, so I thought I would hold myself over with a protein shake.

As luck would have it, I just received my package with the Blender Bottle inside.  I’ve been wanting something like this for a long time, hoping I could bring it to school with me so for a quick meal.  Today I whipped up an Orange Julius Protein Shake.

• All the shake had was equal parts orange juice and almond milk, and a scoop of vanilla soy protein powder.

For my first time using it, I really like the bottle!  Everything was incorporated and it didn’t leak when I was shaking it!  I definitely will get the smaller size!

So far, I’ve been using Whole Foods Vanilla Soy Protein Powder, mostly because of the low cost.  I want to try something else, preferably without soy, vegan, and relatively affordable.  Do you have any suggestions?

See you around dinnertime!

thanks for reading, Christina

Hello again!  Wardrobe Wednesdays are when I discuss all things fashion and clothing related.  Today I just decided to show you what I am wearing.  It is a pretty casual day inside working on getting stuff together for school.  This morning I applied for graduation!  It’s official!  Yet today is also heavy on the internship applications and planning.  So lots of cover letter and resume writing!

I am definitely more on the side of wearing dresses and skirts as casual wear.  I do have my sweatpants days, but rarely a jeans and t-shirt day.  I’m much more comfortable in a dress and tights.

I also wanted to talk about what I enjoy about fashion and clothing.  I like the accessible.  I like finding clothes that are affordable and enjoy scouring thrift stores.  While it is nice to oogle at designer clothes, I’m not one for going out and buying it.

What I’m wearing:

• Grey dress:  Ross, $8 (I love the collar of this dress!)
• Blue cropped shirt: H&M, $10 (Came with a different dress)
• Black tights:  Costco, $10 (For two)
• Black oxford shoes: Target (online only), $30

Who knows if I’ll be leaving the house today, but I hope everyone else enjoys the rest of their day!  I definitely have some yummy food in mind for Foodie Friday!

thanks for reading, Christina

Flight of the Conchords are the greatest!

For this weeks makeup look, I chose to follow a YouTube makeup tutorial.  I think some of the girls (and guys!) are amazing makeup artists and it’s entertaining to sort of follow along.

Now, I know many people new to makeup or are wanting to try new looks feel like they need to buy every single makeup item the person is using.  But for the look today I substituted with similar shades I had and it worked perfectly fine.  Here’s the video I used:

I followed the first look in this tutorial.

Here’s what I used:

1. I applied Cover Girl CG Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer in Light to Medium all over my face.
2. I used MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC35 to cover blemishes and scars.
3. I used Revlon Age Defying Moisturizing Concealer in Medium in my undereye area.
4. I set the tinted moisturizer and concealers with Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation in Creamy Beige.
5. Then on the outside area of my face (below where I apply blush, jawline, and sides of my forehead) I applied NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny.
6. Then I applied Rimmel Blush in Pink Sorbet on the apples of my cheeks, moving up.
7. I primed my lids using MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre.
8. I applied NYX Single Eyeshadow in Deep Bronze to a little above the crease in my eye.
9. Then using Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten, I used a fluffy eyeshadow brush to blend the line where the first color ended.
10. I lined my upper lash line with Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pen in Black.
11. hen I filled in the lash line and lined my upper waterline with Ulta Automatic Eyeliner in Black.
12. I curled my eyelashes and applied two coats on upper lashes and one coat on lower lashes of Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Blackest Black.
13. As always, I filled in my eyebrows with NYX Brow Kit in Taupe/Ash.
14. If I’m going to wear a darker lipstick, I always make sure my lips are smooth and soft beforehand.  I used Nivea Kiss of Milk and Honey Lip balm.
15. Finally, I patted on Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Bordeaux on my lips and then blotted with a tissue, for a more no-fuss look.

Hope everyone enjoys their Monday and I will see you on Wardrobe Wednesday!

thanks for reading, Christina

Anyways, I think I will make this my first Foodie Friday post!  I know it’s Saturday, but whatevs.

Cookbook Reviews:  Appetite For Reduction and The Vegan Cookie Connoisseur

Images from The PPK website and Second City Vegan Blog

After Christmas, I went on a cookbook buying spree and purchased these two cookbooks.

I’ve been a big fan of all of Isa Chandra Moskowitz (and Terry Hope Romero) for a very long time.  Moskowitz’s new book, Appetite For Reduction is no different.  This has quickly become one my my favorite savory cookbooks because the recipes are both very easy and filling, not to mention healthy.  For lunch the other day I made two recipes from this book, the Mac and Trees and Buffalo Tempeh.  Both were very easy to make and so delicious!  I definitely think the tempeh recipe will be in regular rotation.  Also, the combination of cheezy sauce and broccoli really cannot go wrong.

I have made other recipes from this book, and all of them are just as easy as this one!

I purchased Kelly Peloza’s book The Vegan Cookie Connoisseur on a whim at Border’s one day, because I am a sucker for strictly vegan baking books.  While I have read the book (Yes, I read cookbooks just like novels) last night was the first time I have made a recipe from it.

The book is so lovely.  I like that it is hardcover and that it stays open on my kitchen counter when I’m making a recipe.  Also, there are pictures for every cookie recipe!  The first recipe I made was for the Giant Bakery-Style Double Chocolate Cookies and boy these are a doozy!  She had some other variations of these cookies so I added raspberry extract (recent TJ Maxx score!) to them.  While they were supposed to resemble the giant cookies you see in stores like Costco, I made them tablespoon-sized and it made a whole lot of cookies (about three dozen)!

They were extremely chocolately and delicious!  I am really looking forward to making more of her cookies!

See you on my first Makeup Monday!

thanks for reading, Christina

• Another Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin English Muffin with some Earth Balance
• A sliced apple with a blob of Trader Joe’s Raw Almond Butter
• Trader Joe’s Vanilla and Cinnamon Black Tea (It’s the best, and a holiday exclusive so I’ve been stocking up) with a splash of Almond Breeze Original Almond Milk

A very delicious breakfast but also quick because I am off to meet up with one of my professors to discuss the upcoming (and last!) semester.

See you later…with some tasty cookies and goodies.

thanks for reading, Christina

Last years Valentine’s Day skiing trip…my first time ever!

I am fortunate enough to live about 30-45 minutes away from some awesome ski resorts so my boyfriend and I were really excited to go more often this season.  I am also no authority on ski advice as this trip I went on today was my second time, but my boyfriend has skied his entire life and was on ski team for many years (which makes him a great teacher!).  I’m not going to go into what skis and poles and boots I bought because the boy took care of that and since he was knowledgeable we were able to find great deals on all of this equipment at thrift stores.  I have a pair of like-new skis, poles, and boots for not more than $25!  But…I suggest you consult someone with some knowledge on ski equipment first.

Okay,  I am going to talk about some important points for heading out on a skiing trip:  Finding a deal, how to dress for skiing, makeup and skin care (because you know me!), and eating before the big trip!

Finding a deal: I do use Groupon in my area to find great deals and some skiing towns have coupons for rentals or places to stay while skiing, it’s nice to check out.  The deal that Kevin and I utilized for out trip was just to scour the various ski resort websites near us.  Luckily, Mount Rose Ski Resort had daily specials that were awesome!  Today, all students with their current ID only had to pay $35 for a full-day lift ticket.  This definitely appealed to the broke college student in both of us.

How to Dress for Skiing: While I am no means an expert and I do not have endless amounts of money to spend on winter apparel, I definitely like what I have put together to wear.

• Layer, layer, layer:  For example, today I wore some thick knee-high wool socks, lycra pants (dance pants actually), a light base layer (I got mine at Walmart for $10) and an Old Navy fleece over that.  I was quite comfortable and warm!
• Scour the thrift store:  For the layer for that, it definitely needed to be waterproof.  My boyfriend and I were wandering Saver’s one day and came across a skiing jumpsuit, a bright fuchsia, almost brand new!  I immediately tried it on and it fit perfectly!  Hundreds of dollars saved, I got it for $25!
• Extras:  Definitely consider bringing a hat, gloves/mittens, a neck warmer or scarf, and goggles.  Don’t forget the goggles, your eyes will thank you on a sunny day!  Here’s a picture from last year, looking like I am just trying to stay standing on those skis.

Makeup and skin care: Now I would prefer not to go up there with a full face of makeup, but I found an alternative for looking great but also staying protected.

• Using a proper sunscreen is very important in the higher elevations, so that was the first thing I considered.
• While my daily face moisturizer has SPF 15, I felt it wouldn’t be enough for the day, so I used killed two birds with one stone by applying Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Tinted Moisturizer in Natural to Tan with clean fingers on my face.  This tinted moisturizer has SPF 50 in it, so I was set!
• I applied one coat of mascara on my top lashes, used a little undereye concealer, and a little bit of blush.  Then I finished it off with Nivea’s A Kiss of Protection Lip Balm, which has SPF 30 and I brought it up to the mountains with me.

Eating before the big trip: One of my favorite parts!  My boyfriend always talks about his experience on ski team, having to wake up at 5 am every day to head up to the mountains (not fun for a high schooler on break!)  He said most days they would grab a grocery store donut or not eat at all.  Not a good move.  I have no specifics because I believe breakfast is the most important meal so make sure it is balanced and hearty to sustain you for a while.  Here’s what I ate:

• A toasted Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin English Muffin with some melted Earth Balance.
• A sliced pear sprinkled with cinnamon.
• A couple of spoonfuls of Voskos Honey Greek Yogurt.

I hope you enjoyed my little put together guide for your next skiing trip, because 75% of it is to have fun up there!

thanks for reading, Christina

Hello guys!  Today I had somewhere to be at 9:00 (I know, it’s not early…but lately I’ve been waking up at 8:30 everyday) so I did a quick an easy makeup look today!

After my appointment, I really had the urge to book it to Walgreen’s, but I stopped myself.  The makeup no-buy has been a challenge but ultimately I will feel better in the end.

Here’s what I used:

1. First, I put some Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer along my t-zone area with my fingers to smooth my skin out.
2. Then with clean hands I smoothed on Cover Girl’s CG Smoothers Tinted Moisture in Light to Medium all over my face.
3. I put a very small amount of Physician’s Formula Conceal Rx in Soft Yellow in my undereye area.
4. I also placed a little bit of Maybelline’s Age Defying Face Perfector in Light/Medium in my undereye area.
5. I used a concealer brush to place MAC’s Studio Finish Concealer in NC35 where there are blemishes, scars, etc.
6. I used a flat top face brush (Specifically E.L.F.’s Studio Powder Brush) to apply Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation to set the tinted moisturizer and concealer.
7. Using Ecotools Blush Brush, I placed Milani’s Blush in Mai Tai on the apples of my cheeks, sweeping upwards.
8. I placed E.L.F.’s Studio Blush in Gotta Glow on my cheekbones to highlight.
9. Using an angled eyeliner brush, I filled in my brows softly with NYX’s brow kit in Taupe/Ash (Only using the Ash side)
10. I curled my eyelashes, then placed two coats of Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Blackest Black on top lashes and one coat on bottom lashes.
11. Finally, I put on Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Cherries in the Glow (seriously my favorite lipgloss—but also discontinued!) on my lips.

It may seem like a lot of steps but they can be done quickly with some practice.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!  I’m heading to sushi for lunch—yay!  Also, tomorrow my boyfriend and I are planning on going skiing which I am so excited about and I plan to show you what makeup (if any really, just sun protection tips) I am wearing tomorrow!

thanks for reading, Christina