Changing My Life in 1 Year

2014 was a great year. I had started my blog, was halfway through my first semester at college (away from home to boot), and I had really been following my passions. 

It was New Year's Eve and I was in one of my usual panic modes. The 2014 version of me got very nervous in social situations and I almost couldn't bring myself to go to the New Years Eve party on the beach with my family. My dress didn't look right, my makeup was all wrong, and I just wanted to lie in bed.

I gave myself a few minutes to mope and I pulled out my phone and opened it to the notes app. There, I wrote my New Years resolutions.

I was tired of being happy on the outside, but not on the inside. It's a very funny state to be in because to everyone, you look ok. You have a blog that you enjoy to write. You have a loving family and boyfriend. You get good grades in school. 

I knew that 2015 needed to be the year that I was happy with myself and not just the things I had or what I could accomplish.

So I laid the groundwork for myself. I wrote down what I wanted and hoped that by this time next year, I'd be writing this blog post. 

I wanted to...

1. be more confident. Wear bikinis like they're t-shirts.

2. go without makeup sometimes and not worry about acne scars or imperfections

3. eat right. Not two bites of salad, but not a double cheesburger and fries. Find a balance and have a good relationship with food.

4. blog about beauty and health and things I really truly was passionate about instead of fixating on trying to be current and trendy

5. listen more and ask questions

6. stop worrying 

So, what do I have to say for myself as 2015 comes to an end?

1. I'm really proud that I can throw something on and not worry about how I look in it. Yes, I've lost a lot of weight and while it wasn't all intentional, (eating veggies does wonders I guess) I feel good and am confident to wear things I wouldn't have worn before. Do I wear bikinis like they're t-shirts? No. But no one does. Everyone has insecurities. At least this year I'm more comfortable and confident. Last year I was hiding in big clothes and this year I can't get enough of spaghetti straps. 

2. If you would have told me last year that I would move to wearing makeup about twice a week I would have laughed. Me? But what about all my acne scars? What about the fact that my skin doesn't seem to be one solid, flawless color? Oh well. I truly love the skin I'm in.

3. Sometimes I eat brussels sprouts and chicken. Sometimes I eat tacos. I am happy.

4. I've had some posts I've been really stoked about in 2015. I have gotten to share a lot about my life with you all and I love it. I try to write posts for every reader: college tips, fashion, health, etc. But I always write them for me as well. Writing has always been a part of my life and has helped me through a lot, so I love that I'm able to do it and have it be public for others to enjoy. 

5. I think I do this. I hope I do this. I'm going to continue to do this. After all, I met a lot of new people in 2015 and let me tell you, it was awesome.

6. You can't stop worrying completely. Everyone worries. But does your flat tire fix itself because you worried about it? No. I try to take things with a grain of salt as best as I can, and you know what? My skin is clearer and my heart is happier.

I know that lately, my blog has been a lot of reflections. But hopefully you can see that this is because 2015 was a year of change. I am a lot different than I was in 2014 and it is all for the better. I like to use this blog to look back on how far I've come and see how I can challenge myself even more.

If you're wanting to set some resolutions, I highly encourage you to challenge yourself. There's probably something in your life that you've always wanted to change or to make better. If you look at it, dissect it, write it down on paper or save it in your phone, you can see that there's really nothing stopping you. Maybe all that's stopping you is...you. You truly can do anything you set your mind to.

So buy an outfit you've always wanted to wear, but you've been afraid to try. Cut your hair. Sell your car. Apply for that job. Start that blog. Delete that guy's phone number. Whatever it is, you can do it.

Open the notes app on your phone tonight and change your life.

I love you all and I wish you a very happy 2016.

X,

Cristina 

What to Expect When Traveling Out of the Country

I've been traveling out of the country since I was still in Pampers. (Only at night, ok?!) As I've mentioned before on the blog, my dad is from Honduras. We visit every couple years and I get to see my many, many cousins. (My dad is #8 out of 10 kids!) We do a family reunion every couple of years and it's a great time to get to hang out with my huge family.

This December, it isn't time for our scheduled family reunion, but we are going to visit to have a relaxing and fun family winter vacation.

So...I'm not necessarily a "pro" because I haven't been all over the world. However, I have been to Honduras a handful of times and I've waited in the long, hot customs line for more hours than I've probably watched Netflix. Yup. So I'm kinda a pro.

Here's what you need to know about traveling out of the country:

Flights can be long
Luckily, the flight to Honduras is only two and a half hours. Still, it's good to be prepared. Not only do I bring books and magazines with me, but I always take my Evian spray mist. (#notsponsored) It's great to refresh my skin when I get off the airplane and into the hot and humid customs line.

It's different, but good different
As soon as the warm air hits me, I know I'm not in Kansas Texas anymore. I am definitely one to get anxiety in new environments, so I have to really focus on relaxing and not freaking out about being in a new place. Breathe in everything as a new experience!

You'll need to part with your phone data
Not just so you can relax on a vacation, but because data charges. Turn roaming data off and if you're not sure, just put your phone on airplane mode when not on wifi. But when you do find wifi, post a bunch of pictures so everyone can ooh and ahh at your trip.

Be up for trying new things
I am HORRIFIED (all caps because it's so true) of anything that stings. Jellyfish, stingrays, ....what else can sting? Oh, bees. Yes, I hate bees. So on a family vacation a couple of winters back we went swimming with stingrays. I thought about not getting off the boat at all and just taking pictures of my family participating, but then I thought "YOLO", so I jumped off the boat grabbed onto my dad for dear life and swam out to the stingrays. They were actually so gentle and pretty cute!

You never know what "new things" you can try while traveling out of the country. You might try to speak a little bit of a foreign language or try exotic food. Whatever it is, just do it. You may only get that experience once, so you won't want to miss out.

It's pretty easy to fall under the weather
Ask me what my worst fear in the world is. Go on, ask me...

Getting sick away from home.

It's happened to me a couple times and all those times have happened to be some of the worst days ever. Have you ever thrown up 4 times in an outhouse in 100 degree weather? 10/10 would not recommend.

The best way to prevent picking up any germs while traveling abroad is to wash your hands thoroughly, stay hydrated, and don't eat anything that has been sitting out. (We think this is the culprit of the outhouse incident of 2009.)

The weather might be different 
Before my boyfriend Cameron went to study abroad in Ireland this past summer, we spent an hour in Eddie Bauer getting him a rain coat. He tried on a a couple over and over, debating which one was lighter, which would be easier to roll up in his backpack, and which shade of green truly looked best.

It didn't end up raining much on Cam's trip, but the jacket was a good investment for sure. For Honduras, I pack lots of lightweight clothing, bathing suits, and good sneakers for any excursions.




So I'm actually in Honduras right now if you didn't know...#gotcha! My post scheduler is faulty, so Cam is posting this and another one on Thursday to keep up with my normal schedule. (He's the best.)

Be sure you're following me on Twitter and Instagram (@cristina96x on both) to keep up. Thursday's post is really, really near and dear to my heart so stay tuned, ya'll!

Hope your winter break is going swimmingly! (pun intended because I'm swimming like a fish over here!)

X,

Cristina

Last Minute Holiday Cards: Free and Fast!

I think sending holiday cards is one of the best ways to spread the holiday cheer, but let's face it - if you've just crammed for 5 finals and have made the trip home for break, you probably didn't have time to design one your self or visit the convenience store printer. 

I made mine in about 10 minutes with Picmonkey (totally free!!), so for this month's #galpalholiday linkup, I'm showing you how you can, too! 

1. Go to picmonkey.com and choose your template on the design button. I did the 8x10! 

2. You can keep the template as is or you can rotate it to make it horizontal, like I did. Simply go to the "rotate" option on the "Basic Edits" icon.

3. Next, import the picture you want to use for your card by clicking the butterfly icon for overlays and clicking "your own". 
Find the picture you want from your computer and double click!

4. Click on your picture and move it around to your liking. I wanted some white space for designs and text. 

5. This is the fun part: click the very last icon in the editing tools, the snowflake, and go to "Santa Land". Here you'll find fun holiday designs to add to your card. 

6. Choose a greeting with the "season's messages" tool.

7. Change the text color and click on it to resize it as you wish!

8. Add some stickers! I clicked on the "stockings" stickers to add some above our heads for a cute, fun touch. 

9. Once you're done adding stickers and designs, click on the text button to create your message! Play around with the sizing and font until you find the one that looks just right.

10. Save it to your computer, so you can print and share with friends and family! 

Now this was just an example, but I did actually make one for real! If you'd like to receive a holiday card from me, leave me a comment with your email :) And don't forget to check out the other posts in this #galpalholiday linkup! 



Wishing you a very happy holiday! 

X,

Cristina

Why I Blog

I was ironing clothes and I remembered something from a couple years back.

As I've mentioned before, junior year I was on drill team. At one of our competitions, I performed my solo and won the runner-up spot. I remember being completely surprised when they called my name seeing as the soloists that had gone that day were completely amazing and tough competition. Needless to say, I couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the night.

I bought a shirt there, the kind with the competition's name written in blocky, neon letters; I wanted to remember that day and my performance forever. Later that weekend, I even went to Hobby Lobby and got some iron-on letters. I stood in the teeny hallway of my house Sunday evening ironing letter by letter, carefully spelling out "runner up Miss Drill Team TX" beneath the competition name.

Monday morning at the crack of dawn I got up, got ready, and put on my new shirt. However, by the time I got to first period, I had hidden my shirt under my sweatshirt, ashamed for ever thinking something like that was cool. No one had said a word to me as I walked into school, but I told myself "Who cares, Cristina? Cover that up. It's lame to be proud of it."

In high school, it's really, really hard not to care what people think.

As I've mentioned before, I ended up transferring my senior year. There was no drill team at my new, tiny school. I ended up rekindling my love for choir and sang as an alto with some of the best people I ever had the chance of knowing. When I graduated high school, I was just me. Cristina. Used-to- dance, used-to-sing, and used-to-be passionate about something.

At the beginning of July my friend Sadie and I were texting back and forth about our favorite blogs. I don't know when the conversation turned to what we would do if we had blogs, but soon enough we were thinking of names and debating which platform was best to use. That night, I created this website. I get kind of offended about seeing those pins on Pinterest on "How to Start A Blog in 10 minutes" because it's much more complicated. You may have a website in 10 minutes, but content? Readers? Affiliates? That'll take time. But if you love it, like I do, it's so worth it.

I wasn't really worried what the people across the street would think of me posing in my front yard as my boyfriend or sister took pictures of my outfit. It doesn't really phase me when people wonder why Cam is snapping several pictures of me sipping coffee with a bulky DLSR. I'm just happy to have something that not only I feel passionate about, but others feel compelled to read and comment on.

Like I've said before, the "wow I love this" comments and the texts saying that my blog is more addicting to them than Gossip Girl mean the world to me. Blogging can be a lonely hobby. It's a lot of talking to a cursor on a blank page, a lot of emails back and forth to someone sitting behind a computer just like you, and a lot of taking pictures in your room of stationary objects that don't offer much company.

I'll type through my bad days and bad moods. I'll type to help me make sense of something or to help me make sense of something for others.

I've always written. When I was little, my dad worked for a company called Compaq (it was acquired by HP in 2003). He would bring home "notebooks" (def: laptops) that his company worked to produce and sell and I would get to play with them.

When I was in first grade, I learned how to use Microsoft Word. I would write about my dog, what I did after school, what games my sister and I played. I learned how to print them and how to change the color of the text.

When my penmanship got better, I wrote in journals. Sometime in middle school I wrote a story on the family laptop. It was a modern-day version of Cinderella and I had big hopes to send it to a publisher (not sure I even knew what that was). Then the laptop crashed and Geek Squad couldn't revive any documents.

In high school, I passed notes with Cameron for about three years. Sometimes they were just about weekend plans and sometimes they were more than that, but I was always writing and always sneakily stuffing them into his backpack or jacket pocket.

I should also point out that I read a lot. I read through the teen section at Barnes and Noble by the time I was 12, so I started reading the classics. Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, The Scarlet Letter (before we were asked to read it in school). I learned a lot of writing skills from my favorite authors: Sarah Dessen, Maggie Stiefvater, and Meg Waite Clayton. (Linked them, so you can read for yourself because they are so, so good.)

So I was just thinking of what I should write about for this Monday and since I've been reading a lot (my favorite books over again, magazine articles, old notes Cameron wrote me) I felt compelled to tell you a bit more about why I'm here.

It's always been the best thing for me to write out my thoughts. Within the next couple of months, I have some really deep stuff coming. Don't get weirded out by the sound of that - it's just that this year has been such a time of growth and I have some significant anniversaries/landmarks coming up that I want to share with you.

In addition to that, I'm planning on working on my new website this winter break. There's no telling whether I'll get a lot of work done on it and will be ready to make it go live soon, but I'm also not saying that's not going to happen. So just be ready for a whole new website just in case, ha ha. And if you're wondering, no...it won't be "Cristina on Campus" anymore. I always will be, but I thought of a more fitting title for a blog that holds the details of my life.

Stick around for all the fun!

X,

Cristina

Real Advice from Real College Girls

It's beginning to look a lot like...the end of the semester. Every post on Facebook is either someone complaining about how their 78 isn't getting bumped or an article summing up the semester in a slew of Jennifer Lawrence memes. I think it's valuable to look back on your semester, see if you met your goals, and see what you want to change for next semester.

I like reading the blog posts about what people have learned. What advice they can offer to others, younger and older, when it comes to surviving a semester full of exams, events, and sometimes lots of stress.

My reps are an awesome group of girls. Some of them I know from home and some have applied after we met each other here in the blog-o-sphere. They're college athletes, working girls, pre-med students, and even some high school girls that are working their tails off to apply to their dream schools. So I asked them what they learned this semester:

"This semester I learned that taking 4 online classes is not easy and it takes a lot of self-discipline. If it is possible, do NOT do this! I would suggest only taking one or two online....Also, going to bed before midnight really helps..."
-Katie, Stephen F. Austin University 

"1. Get ahead in your classes early on, it will help you when you hit a slump toward the end of the semester and bomb a test but your grade doesn't suffer because you've built it up all semester.
2. Don't be afraid to do things on your own. Go eat at the dining hall by yourself, it's really not that bad to be by yourself sometimes.
3. Try and get out of your comfort zone. ...I would rather stay in and watch rom-coms with friends than have a night out "frat-house hopping". But I have the opportunity to try new things...so even if I want to stay in and relax...it's good for me to try new things and go to a distinguished lecture series or go to Whataburger at 2 a.m...."
-Emma, University of Arkansas 

"I learned this semester to be bold, take risks, and to do what makes you happy because life is short and who cares what other people think. You deserve to be happy and live your life how you want to. Your true friends will understand, back you up, and stick with you through everything!"
Selena, University of Wisconsin  

"Having a job is great for having extra money, but remember to have time for fun as well! It can be draining, physically and mentally, to just go to school and work everyday. Take advantage of the days when you don't have to work and have a light school load for the day by hanging out with friends or just doing something outside if the weather is nice!"
Clarisa, University of Arkansas 

"Not everything is going to be your thing, and that's okay. I took a couple classes that I ended up not liking, and I got really frustrated. I couldn't fix my schedule, so I was stuck with those classes for the entire semester. I had some great friends in those classes, though, and we've managed to get through it together! I also learned that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. I took a class that not a lot of people took, but I ended up loving it and met some of my best friends in that class."
Brooke, Blog: Live The Prep Life, Colleyville, TX

"I tend to fall into the same habits each year no matter how much I tell myself differently. But, one valuable lesson I learned this semester is stop buying takeout. Whether it be a pizza while you're studying, a coffee every morning, or Taco Bell for lunch - I've done it all. Compared to food that you can cook yourself, your take out doesn't have as much nutrition in it which can really affect your day-to-day life (think acne, poor sleeping habits, too much bad food)."
Rachel, Blog: Seashells + Sparkles, Westfield State University 


I hope you had a wonderful semester! So thankful for these girls and their wise words.

X,

Cristina

Semester Reflections

After every semester, I like to talk about what I've learned and all that jazz. If you'd like to see what I thought after my first semester of freshman year and my second semester of freshman year, go ahead and catch up on those.

It's only been a couple months here, but I've perfected some really easy recipes which usually consist of me throwing together whatever is in my fridge. (How did you like my "I can't cook" recipe?) I've also gotten pretty good at grocery shopping which is a pretty big accomplishment for a 19-year-old food lover.

Blogging has really become my own little business and favorite hobby! I looked at my posts from about a year ago and I've come a long way. I've worked with brands I really admire and I've really started to find my place in writing about what really speaks to me. I've gotten more comfortable with being "different" and sharing more about me personally and it's really been going well.

I've found a workout that I really love (I'm a crazy Zumba lady now and I plan to be shaking it in class till I'm 99 so watch out!)  I don't stress as much about eating the right foods or being super healthy in all aspects. I just focus on nourishment and self-love and that has been so much better for me.

After being horribly scared that this semester would kick my butt, I totally turned around and surprised myself by doing really well which is all I could ever hope for as the semester comes to an end. I mean the harder it is, the better studying tips I can share on my blog right?

My hair has finally grown which may sound like a silly accomplishment, but I've really been hoping it would. I'd like to thank my wide tooth comb, natural products, and the fact that I almost never apply heat because I'm too lazy.

I have become less of a worry-wart. I definitely still am a worry-wart, but I think I've mellowed out about it. Where do I see myself in 3 years? Eh, who knows. But that's ok, because we can't really plan everything out, now can we?

I got to celebrate 5 years with Cam and boy was that sweet. I love that we live so close to each other this year and that I have a partner in crime for Target trips, Sonic runs, and road trips. We both are looking forward to heading home and seeing our families (and dogs!!!) and telling everyone about how many fun things we've gotten to do so far this year.

Not everything has been easy or enjoyable, but that's life. When I have a hard day, I sit here at my desk and just talk to all of you. I read comments, I put all my feelings into words, and I look through the screenshots I have on my phone from whenever one of ya'll texts me that you liked the post or even that it made you cry. I obviously hate ruining any mascara, but knowing that I've helped you or made you feel something - that makes my heart so happy.

I'll still be blogging Mondays and Thursdays over the break and I'm always taking pictures and trying to be funny on my Twitter and Instagram (@cristina96x on both!). Keep following along and thanks for being the best friends an internet gal could ever have!

X,

Cristina

The Real Trick to Surviving Finals

Ok so bear with this analogy: You know when you want to put your hair in a messy bun? You have an outfit that the hairstyle would look just perfect with and you do a dramatic lip color to match the glam of the topknot. Then, with all your heart, you try to twist your hair into the messy bun and it just looks...bad? Yeah, I hate that. But then when you go to wash your face and you pull your hair back..BAM. Perfect messy bun. It's the worst.

Ok so finals week is kinda like that. If you give it all the (negative) attention, it won't be good. See, it's not about how hard your finals are, it's about how hard you are on yourself. Everyone around you is complaining, crying, and retweeting depressing Twitter memes (guilty). Snap out of it! It's an exam. Obviously, it's very important, but if you feed it's ego and tell it it's big and scary, it will be.

I notice that I don't feel stressed until everyone starts talking about how stressful finals are. Then I'm like, "Wait, should I be stressed? I mean what if I fail? I would get a bad grade in the class. Oh no. I'm going to cry. I need a sandwich and a bathroom stall to reenact the dramatic scene in Mean Girls when she cries in the bathroom."

Chill......The trick to studying for finals is to not build it up to be something horrifying.

Find a stress free zone to study in 
This probably isn't the library. My campus' library makes me feel sad and blue inside, so I avoid it at all costs. I like warm environments like coffee shops or just studying at HQ (my desk in my room).

Take breaks; not just for Netflix, but for something meaningful
Go on a drive to look at Christmas lights, do some holiday shopping with friends, watch Elf. Taking an hour or two off will really keep your sanity and you can enjoy the holiday spirit.

Have a countdown
You can get an app for your phone or just be old fashioned (Me!) and use a calendar. Watching the "Days left till Winter Break" get smaller and smaller will really keep you in good spirits.

Group de-stressing
Your university (or dorm) probably offers something like movie night or a holiday party for everyone to get together and have some holiday fun while taking a break from studying. I personally like to go to group exercise class or take tonight for instance - my church group and I are having a gingerbread house making contest!


So don't think about your messy bun. Just grab the necessary materials - brush, hair elastic, and dry shampoo - and whip it into something amazing! Oh...we're talking about finals...I meant finals.


After writing this, I realized by the time you read this, some of you will have finished finals and probably already be home. (LUCKY DUCKS!!!!) So, if you're home already, I challenge you to this winter break bucket list:

• bake Christmas cookies
• perform a lip sync and choreographed dance to your favorite Christmas song
• send me the video so I can get a good laugh while studying for finals
• watch your favorite Christmas movie 
• don't forget a card with your presents - tell the person you're gifting to how much you love them!
• go look at Christmas lights
• try dark chocolate hot cocoa...it's SO good!
• don't count calories on any festive treat (give me all the peppermint candy!)
• keep checking Cristina on Campus Monday's and Thursday's for new posts!!!

Good luck and safe travels home!

X,

Cristina

The Struggle of Being Low-Maintenance

You might be the low maintenance one of the group if...

You realized by reading this you've been pronouncing it "mai-tenance" because that first "N" just takes too long to say and you're all about efficiency

I'm only half joking.

You have one outfit that is your "going out" outfit. One.

I mean if it only happens once every couple months you only need one, right? You don your trusty skinny jeans and booties ($20 at Charlotte Russe HOLLER) while your friends try on a slew of cute sweaters and every Kendra accessory the rainbow has to offer.

You've been using the same eyeshadow pallet since *cough* 7th grade
I mean you've barely dipped into it; this thing is practically immortal. You probably don't have proper brushes either. (Does a Q-tip count?)

You're the first one ready to go out, so you've downloaded games on your phone for when you have to wait for everyone.
I mean or maybe you sit there and read the WSJ, but let's be honest with ourselves here.

You don't have any Starbucks red cups pictures in your camera roll because the plain old $2 drip brew from elsewhere is much more appealing than a $5 latte
But would it kill Einsteins to get some red cups?!?!?

Your closet is more for storage than it is to hold clothes
I've got a TV, several moving boxes, a fan, and a yoga mat in mine, wbu??

When your friends all go to the bathroom and spend 5 minutes doing touch ups, you end up telling long stories about your old dog or ex-boyfriend just to kill the time that you won't be spending redoing your winged liner
Sorry, is this not relatable?

You own one fancy outfit
And it's the same one you wore to your graduation, your cousin's graduation, three weddings, a friend's limo birthday party, and it's probably what you'll be buried in.

You don't know how to contour
When I see one of those contour sticks, I get short of breath, I swear.

The last big hair change you made was changing your part
It's revolutionary, really.

You read blogs and watch makeup tutorials on Youtube, but never actually apply the tips of "the perfect winged liner" and "romantic side swept curls"
Because...well...you're a low maintenance gal.


Not hating on anyone if you can't relate to any of these/if you own a lot of Kendra. Honestly - teach me how to use a contour stick! Just trying to liven up your Monday. Have a great week, everyone!

X,

Cristina

Get Fit Without the Gym

Eat veggies twice a day
It's a simple rule to follow, just make sure it happens. For lunch, I'm usually starving after classes, so I only want to spend a few minutes making something. I'll heat up a black bean burger or veggie patty and then have something green on the side (even if it's out of a can because #college). For dinner, I'll make pasta or have some kind of lean meat like chicken or ground turkey and have some more greens.

My "I suck at cooking" fool-proof recipe for the BEST brussels sprouts:

• preheat oven to 400
• mix frozen brussels, a spoonful of olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl together
• lay out brussels on a cookie sheet or baking tray
• pop in the oven for 35-45 min (depends on how crispy you like them) 
• *some recipes say to shake them every 10 min, but ain't nobody got time for that. They'll just be darker on one side, but still delicious

Try to walk as much as you can
At school, I can easily get in a couple thousand steps before lunch. It's campus and you have to walk to get anywhere. At home, it's not so easy. My plan is to figure out how many steps I get on campus each day and try to match that by walking around my neighborhood a couple days a week. Walk your dogs, walk your kids, borrow someone's dog and walk it...just get those steps in.

Eat when you're hungry
One issue I had my first year of college with healthy eating was that I ate when I wasn't exactly hungry. Class got out for me at 11:35 and I always went to the dining hall to eat something so I could start studying by 1. Now that I live off campus I don't live by the dining halls hours. I eat whenever and want and whatever I want have in my fridge at the time.

If you do live on campus and have to eat by the hours of the dining halls/food vendors, grab a small plate if you're not that hungry and keep some healthy snacks back at your dorm for later.

Keep healthy food at home
Speaking of eating what's in my fridge, studies show that if you have healthy stuff, you'll reach for it instead of the junk. (Duh? Don't need a PhD to know that right? Sheesh.) I don't keep any junk food in my fridge or pantry for myself. Ok, ok unless you count the three bags of Twizzlers my mom gave me, but those were a gift. "Treat yo self" when you go out and stick to the healthy stuff at home for balance.

If you want to know exactly what I have on hand here at HQ, I did a post on that a couple of months ago.

"This isn't the end of the world"
So when I first started trying to eat healthier about a year ago, I had this mantra for myself:

It's hard to turn down a cupcake right? Sure. But, if you just think "this isn't the last time I'm going to have a cupcake. I mean, I can turn down this one. I'm sure it'll be someone's birthday sometime soon or I'll win a dozen cupcakes on Twitter or something and I'll get to have one then."

So the winning cupcakes totally happens sometimes, heehee. Follow Bliss Cupcakes on Twitter!


Last year, I was so hard on myself and strict about going to the gym at least 5 times a week. Now that I've moved to just focusing on being healthy and moving my body when I can, I've toned up more than ever and been a lot less stressed.

Make a green smoothie and think of me!

X,

Cristina

This is Not How I Planned Things...

In freshman year English, we were asked to write a letter to our future selves. It would be put into a "time capsule" and we would get the letters back senior year to see what our past self had to say.

I gripped a purple pen with purpose and began to write a letter to senior-year Cristina. I remember this all like it was yesterday. Mrs. Edwards was telling everyone to be quiet and get to work as this could not be taken home for homework and a kid named Ryan kept peering over my shoulder and constantly asking "whaterr you gonna write?".

I don't remember my entire letter verbatim, of course, but I do remember the key points.

"I hope you're still with Cameron. I don't see why you wouldn't be as you really love him."
"Hopefully you know what college you're going to and what you're going to major in."
And the kicker...
"You better be captain of drill team."

It's what I'd always wanted. I guess it was my high school 4-year plan. Cameron was a pleasant surprise as no one expects to find their best friend/soul mate at such a young age, but I was adamant about the whole "get straight A's and be drill team captain" bit.

I had been dancing for years and I was good. My coach was already urging me to try out for junior officer and I practically had my try out routine choreographed a year in advance. Girls that were in my grade on the team always cooed that I'd be captain when we were seniors, and though I acted bashful and reddened in the face when they said it, I had always hoped they'd be right. I treated every day like it was my chance to prove I was right for the part, even if I had three years until I could even go out for it. Always on time, hair slicked back in a ponytail, smiling and doing the moves the biggest and sharpest.

But then everything changed from the way it was in the picture in my head.

Things happen and sometimes they're the type of "things" that make you decide to transfer to a different school for your senior year. I had people at a school five minutes up the road that I really cared for that I felt I needed to be with for at least a year before going our separate ways.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions ever. I really met some good people and my priorities really changed...in fact I really changed. And definitely for the better.

I never got to read my letter. I'm sure when the teacher found it and said my name aloud to pass it out everyone piped up "she moved!" and it was discarded into a trash can or something. I don't really resent this. I know what it said and I know the goals I had set for myself as a fifteen year old who's sole worry in the world was that she'd be well-liked and accepted.

Here, I was a few miles away graduating with a class of 50 kids rather than 900. I had argued my points in Bible class enough to make my Bible teacher tell me on the last day that he would "definitely remember me". I had accepted my admission to a school I never thought I'd be going to and was excited for the adventure. And though I didn't dance anymore, I had taken up teaching at a place close to home and realized that it wasn't the spotlight I loved so much as helping people get better at their passion.

So this is definitely the longest story that has ever been shared on the blog before and what for? Because I learned through all this that you can't worry about the future. You can't try to plan for it. You can't write yourself a letter and expect all your hopes and desires to be exactly in tact when you get there.

I've been worrying lately even though I know I shouldn't. I'm almost halfway done with my second year of college and I really don't know what the next few years will bring. I know what classes I have to take and all that, but what internship will I do next summer? What kind of job do I want to pursue? Where exactly where I live and work post-grad?

We all have worries like this no matter what chapter of life we're in. Just think, college kids: a couple of years ago you were worried where you'd go to school and what you'd study and look! You're there now. And it's probably pretty hard sometimes, but you've made it.

Nothing is ever accomplished by worrying and they say God laughs when we make plans. These are two things I hold on to when I start to feel anxious about the future. I know the facts: I will graduate, I will get a job, and I will start my own home. I don't know how any of this will unfold, but that's the whole point.. I'm not supposed to.

If I could write a letter to my past self that she would open in freshmen year English I would write: "Don't worry. Let things happen organically. Strive for grace, not perfection. And when something is not good for you anymore, it's ok to walk away."


Thanks for hanging in there for a long story today. And stop worrying; it's bad for your skin.

X,

Cristina

Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

'Tis the season of giving and what's the best part about gifting during the holidays? Picking out presents for your loved ones? Shopping around during Black Friday for the best deals? Or the look on their face when they unwrap a heart-felt present from you? '

I'm leaning towards the latter.

The best gifts I've ever received are the ones where I felt thought of. Where someone took the time to think of something that would bring a lot of joy to my life in whatever situation I was currently in. The sticker price may be lower than a new pair of shoes or a purse, but it's the act of someone having you in mind and maybe even helping you out during the holidays that warms your heart.

Definitely read all the gift guides and sale alerts, but also remember the little things you can do to spread holiday cheer this season. 

Treat someone to dinner

If you're not sure what to get your BFF, text them and ask what their favorite restaurant is and then surprise them by treating them to it as their gift! College kids especially will love to have a meal with good company (especially one where they don't have to split something or order a water to keep the cost down). 

Scrapbook

My sister made my parents a scrapbook on our first Christmas as a new family together. She put pictures of everyone in it from the first few times we all hung out to funny snapchats we took at various dinners and outings. It was so special to have something like that. Everyone started crying...and then we laughed till our stomachs hurt at the fact that we were crying!

Do a "service" for them

Maybe your mom has had absolutely no time to go take her car in for an inspection. Take it in for her, get it washed, and bring her home a big Diet Coke. She will be so thankful to have a couple things checked off her to-do list as a present.

Go see Christmas lights

In middle school I had twin friends who had birthdays right before Christmas, so for their party we all got in a hayride trailer with hot chocolate and went and looked at lights in this one neighborhood that always went all out. Recreate this with your friends and family and treat them to some hot coco or cider while you go admire the decor around town.

Bloggers: Exchange a simple treasure this holiday season

Tiffani of Not Your Average Southern Belle and I are hosting an ornament exchange that we're calling #BloggersDeckTheHalls! If you would like to get to know other bloggers as well as receive and send a cute ornament, fill out the form below! All the information (guidelines, dates, and contact info) is there. We are so excited and can't wait to have you in this exchange with us! 

#BloggersDeckTheHalls Ornament Exchange Form 

What are some simple ways you plan to spread holiday cheer?

X,

Cristina

What I'm (Really) Thankful For... #galpalholiday linkup

There you are, minding your own business while helping yourself to yet another helping of mashed potatoes when someone decides it would be a "splendid" idea to go around the table and have everyone say what they're thankful for.

Umm, don't get me wrong, I'm one mega-thankful gal, but showing real life emotion in front of a table full of people is scarier than running out of pumpkin pie.

For this month's #galpalholiday linkup, I'm provided a list of 20 things to be thankful for, so you don't get stumped this Turkey day. Some of these are heavily sarcastic and some are heartfelt, but I'll let you decide...




1. Well I'm like really thankful we have all this food, because - YUM. Do you think anyone will notice if I stand on my chair to get an Instagram pic?

2. Also REALLY thankful for this chunky sweater dress because it's doing a magnificent job of hiding my food baby...bless.

3. Thankful for all my family here today!!

4. Thankful that no one has asked me about school or my post-grad plans yet.

*your uncle pipes up from across the table with "so, how's school?!" and you're...

5. Thankful that my mouth is full of food so all I have to do is nod my head and give a thumbs up.

6. Thankful for Thanksgiving break - especially because it involves my two favorite things: family and free food.

7. Thankful that I have a roof over my head and that my house is filled with love.

8. Thankful that I have great friends as company during the holiday season.

9. (a.k.a. Thankful to have someone who will watch childhood Christmas movies with me and not think it's weird)

10. Thankful for Black Friday and Cyber Monday because it makes me feel united with all the other Americans who have a shopping addiction and a burning desire to pull an all nighter at Target.

11. Can I be thankful for social media? Is that shallow? I just don't know where else I can watch videos of puppies in the snow AND a holiday version of Drake's "Hotline Bling" music video.

12. Thankful for puppies. And Drake memes.

13. Thankful for the gift of education and being able to better myself while learning in a prestigious environment.

14. Thankful for at least one week where I'm not stressing about any tests or assignments!!!! CAN I GET AN AMEN?!

15. Thankful for my health and the health of those I love.

16. Thankful for this Christmas cookie-scented hand sanitizer that's keeping flu season jingle-all-the-far-away-from-me!!

17. Thankful for whoever's idea it ways to get not one, not two, but THREE pies. I made myself a sample platter and it's delicious.

18. Thankful for technology so I can watch the snapchat story of the dog show while waiting on dinner.

19. Thankful for everyone posting pics of their food on Instagram because we need more positive images in this world and what's more uplifting than a heaping platter of carbs?

20. Thankful for this link-up. Add your links at the widget below and be sure to check out all the posts for this #galpalholiday 'Give Thanks and Get Stuffed'!




Hope you enjoyed a little chuckle. Happy Thanksgiving!

X,

Cristina

Let's Chat...

I'll spend hours creeping celebs, bloggers, and second cousins of classmate's to find out more about them. It almost bugs me how people don't share more about themselves sometimes. I guess I'm just a curious person and I wonder what the person behind the screen is really like.

So I've noticed recently that there have been more of you visiting my little corner of the internet and I'm stoked about that. However, I'd like for you to know more about me so we can favorite each other's tweets and comment "omg girl same" on each other's pictures. You know what I mean?

So here we go - some facts about me....



-In middle school, I used to rewrite Taylor Swift songs (circa "Teardrops on my Guitar" and "Picture To Burn") by making the lyrics more applicable to my 7th grade life. I kept them all in a notebook with a collage on the front of all the hot celebs in my Tiger Beat magazine.

-I had a "blog" in 7th grade, but I kept all the posts as drafts so no one would see them. So it was basically a secret online diary. I forgot the password and disabled the email I used for it, so I'm not able to look back on my 7th grade problems.

-I tell a lot of stories from 7th grade.

-I'm a book worm, but I like to reread books instead of find new ones. I read The Time Traveler's Wife every Christmas because in the book, the main character reads Wuthering Heights every Christmas. (And if you've ever attempted to read Wuthering Heights, you know The Time Traveler's Wife is an easier holiday read.)

-I have three sisters. One's old and two are new. But they are all beautiful and smart and cooler than me.

-I'm obsessed with dogs. All dogs are cute. I need to hug all the dogs.

-My last name is hard to pronounce because I'm half Honduran. My dad was born in La Ceiba and moved to the states when he was 15. No I am not fluent in Spanish. I can understand it pretty well and I'm getting better at speaking it.

-I love really sucky movies. Like movies that did horrible in the box office. For some reason they're my favorite, especially if the acting is bad/corny.

-I've watched the Gossip Girl series seven times through. Seven. I even know the names of the episodes by heart. Occasionally, someone will say I look like Blair Waldorf and I cry.

-I was a studio dancer for 13 years and danced competitively for 8 years. I was best at tap, but always sought to improve in jazz. My best accomplishment was runner-up Miss Drill Team Texas - I went home and cried and wore my tiara to bed. I go to Zumba now to fuel my love for dance.

-I'm a candy addict. I try not to buy it for myself, but somehow it just keeps getting in my house.

-I like oldies music and songs from musicals which really sucks for anyone who decides to give me the aux cord.

-My favorite place to eat at is Panera. It's my comfort food.

-I once got in a heated argument because a friend of mine insisted on calling it "Panera Bread". I told her you just say "Panera" and she got offended. Oops.

-Literally, every time I sit down to write a blog post I say I'm going to keep it short. And then you end up scrolling for centuries. I'm sorry, ya'll.

-I'm really bad at taking compliments. I usually just say "stop it" or "shut up" or "no you are!". But I really, really like compliments.

-I'm really stingy. Like it's bad. Like I won't buy a raincoat because I don't want to spend $80 on something that I only wear a quarter of the year.

-I did choir in middle school and high school and had a lot of fun with it. I got to sing the national anthem for the home baseball games and now I never make fun of people who mess it up on national television. (It's harder than it looks!)

-I like sending emails more than texts.

That's all, folks! Tell me something about yourself in the comments!

X,

Cristina

How To Deal: Holidays Away From Home

In college, the holidays have a different feel than they do at home. There isn't any room for an 8-foot tree in your dorm, there's no fireplace to hang the stockings by, and the dining hall can't do pumpkin pie like Grandma can.

Last year in the dorms, I fell into this "where-are-you-Christmas" depression when I couldn't really feel the holiday spirit. It's a little bit easier this year in an apartment (we can actually fit a Christmas tree), but I thought we all could use a post on how to keep the holiday spirit even if we're miles from home and living in a cement block (nice way of saying "dorm").

I asked my reps for their input considering most of them are spread out over the country on different college campuses. So without further a do (further a do? further to do? What's the saying?), here are the tips!

"Chai tea lattes are Christmas in a cup. I [also] have a little, 3-foot Christmas tree that I've had since I was little and I put it in my room every year and add a few little ornaments to it! Big sweaters aren't ugly, they are super comfy and festive! Watching Eloise at Christmastime, Elf, or any of the Holiday classics always gets me in the spirit."

-Caroline, Cy-Fair High School (Cypress, TX) 
*if you haven't noticed, this is my sister. And it's true, we love Eloise at Christmastime and used to reenact the scene where Bill and Rachel sing and dance at the piano together. #cute #sisterlylove

"I like to get in the holiday spirit by getting with my friends or roommates and creating a fun holiday themed recipe or even craft off Pinterest! I also like to add some decorations to my apartment. Just the other day I bought Christmas-themed hand towels for the kitchen...And lastly, getting started on my Christmas shopping gets me in the spirit! It's never too early to start on that!"

-Angela, University of Alabama

"Something to really make it seem like the holidays is to make your room smell like the holidays. Since no candles are allowed in the dorms, I'm going to use the Wallflowers from Bath and Body Works! The "Tis the Season" scent and "Sweater Weather" scent or the "Evergreen" scent would all accomplish the job of making it smell like the holidays.

A small wreath made of mini ornaments will be the final touch of holiday in my dorm room. I found a Pinterest DIY on how to make [one] and I can't wait to hang it up after Thanksgiving Break!"

-Emma, University of Arkansas

"Some things that I do to get in the holiday spirit in our little apartment is lots and lots of cheap Christmas lights! They are so easy and definitely make our home feel a little bit more like the holidays! We hang them up all around our living room and there are some hung up in my room too! ...Also, doing something as simple as making those little Christmas cookies from HEB (grocery store) helps keep the holiday spirit alive!"

-Morgan, Texas A&M University 

"I absolutely love buying Christmas lights and decorating with those...I'm also a huge sucker for those Christmas candles that smell like homemade cookies and Christmas trees! My roommates have bought those small fake Christmas trees in the past as well as wrapping the bedroom doors in Christmas-themed wrapping paper."

-Rachel, (blogs over at Seashells + Sparkles), Westfield State University 

"It is definitely very difficult to be away from your family during the holiday season because family is the first thing I think of during this time of year! To help get into the spirit of the season, the first thing I do is break out the decorations and the Christmas music! I am one of "those" people who has already been listening to Christmas music for about a month before Thanksgiving. I'm pretty sure my roommate will kill me if she hears Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas one more time!

Also my favorite holiday drink is apple cider. I just pour some in my little crock pot, put a dash of cinnamon in, and let it heat up slowly! It makes my apartment smell like a holiday wonderland!"

-Catherine, University of Arkansas


How do you get into the holiday spirit when you're away from home? Or if you do live at home, how do you make your room your own holiday wonderland?

Thanks for reading and thanks to my reps for being the best of help this season!

X,

Cristina

Be The Best "Online" You

We all know the horrific moment in elementary school when you showed up for picture day confident in your pink tee from Limited Too only to find Little Miss from homeroom wearing the exact same top. Is this a complete coincidence or did she hear you plotting your outfit with your BFF in art class last week? Either way, you shoot her a stink eye and complain to your teacher until she lets you call your mom for a change of clothes.

Ok, so maybe this didn't happen to you, but we've all had a similar experience. Maybe it was something more serious like someone copying your big history essay or your math test. Either way, it's relevant today. Imitation is not flattery.

This is the age of social media and if you repost, write essays, blog, and share statuses, these do's and don'ts will apply to you. And beyond that, some things in life just aren't nice of you to copy. So what constitutes these things?

It's not ok...

To use someone else's pictures without credit

Finding a picture on Pinterest and then posting it to your Instagram and pretending it's yours is not cool. Simply reposting someone's picture and not crediting them is not ok. Always tag the person you got it from and say "pic cred" or "repost"! 

To rip off someone's idea

Story time: I know a blogger who worked really hard to come up with her own product. She finally curated something that was a hot commodity on the blog market. To her dismay, she found that someone copied her idea after she launched! I mean, it wasn't just a similar product, it looked pretty dang identical. This was her baby, her creative project, and her business and it took someone a couple phone calls and a PayPal account to copy it. She was devastated.

It's pretty easy to follow the crowd or just copy someone. To be on the safe side, contact the person. All of us bloggers have a contact page on our site or in our social media bios. Let them know you liked their idea (whether it be for a product, photo shoot, or post) and would like to put your own spin on it.

To try to prove you're better, instead of just knowing you're awesome already!***
***This is like, so important
Do you know what I mean? Celebrate other people's accomplishments without having to talk about your own.

I'm in a really great group message with my two best blogging friends Cathleen and Rachel. We text about random stuff most of the time (like how cute Target's mugs are), but we also love to share our accomplishments with each other. It's so great because as soon as anyone shares their good news, everyone else replies with encouraging words and heart-eye emojis. We need more of this in the world!

No one likes feeling like their accomplishments are small or insignificant because someone else keeps putting them down or trying to "one-up" them. #1 Be happy for each other. #2 If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. 

It's ok...

To use popular hashtags and captions to generate an online presence

I'm sure you see a lot of us bloggers using the same hashtags on our pictures and that is totally intentional. This is our mating call to one another. When we search the hashtag we can connect with one another and network. This is how I've found a lot of the bloggers I work with today! 

To join in on the popular posts

Bloggers: It's ok if you make a "Holiday Gift Guide" even if you can name at least five other bloggers who have in the last week. It's gift guide season! Obviously, don't copy all of the things they listed on theirs, but if you happen to have some of the same, it's understandable. I mean, everyone really wants a pair of bean boots right? 

Non-bloggers: It's totally a-ok to re-blog or retweet as I'm sure you know. Literally will never get tired of the video of the girl with the bird flying around her room. 

To be in on the trends

So if you bought a poncho right now, I'm sure no one would try to accuse you of copying. It's just the latest trend! Maybe don't buy the exact one that your gal pal bought a week ago, but you know - enjoy what's in style and participate if you'd like!

What are your thoughts on what's ok and what's not ok in the realm of copying? Have a great rest of the week! 

X,

Cristina

How I (Finally) Got My Hair To Grow

So, let's travel back in time for a second, shall we? A 17-year-old Cristina had a short-lived, but very prominent mid-teens life crisis. She was feeling some kind of high-school induced angst and needed something to reflect her non-comformity in the age of messy buns and french braids.  She grabbed herself a Diet Coke from the fridge, located her keys on the Betty Boop key chain and sped off to the hair salon one spring morning for a "change". An 11-inch change.

I'll stop talking in third person now. So, what was I thinking? I don't know. I thought that change was good for the soul and was really feeling like my soul was a pile of high-school mush, so I took matters into my own hands and let someone liberate me of my long mermaid locks. Not my best decision.

The bob didn't look bad on me. Some days, I wish I had it back. But, alas, I missed my long hair and having several styling options each morning, so I sought to grow it back. As you can see, I've made progress. I don't really think I could say my hair is "long" at this point, but I've come a long way.

I didn't just sit around and twiddle my thumbs and wait to be able to put my hair into a braid or anything other than a headband...oh no. Just like I did when I decided to cut my hair, I took matters into my own hands.

So, are you wanting to grow your hair? Or maybe just give it a little extra TLC? Take it from someone who has (literally) been there and done that:

You don't have to stop applying heat, just be smart about it
I tried to go without heat on my hair, but let's face it - sometimes some great waves done by a curling iron are cuter than the natural look. I did cut back on how much I used heat (maybe twice a week at most), and I always used heat-protectant.

Shampoo sparingly 
Ever hear you shouldn't wash you hair every day? I think some of us do that just because we are lazy. It's ok girl, no judgement; that's actually healthier for your hair. Washing too much dries it out and causes you to "over work" your hair. Give it a break and give yourself a break. #winning

HOLY WIDE TOOTH COMB
All caps because I'm obsessed and don't know how I went so long without it. I only brush my hair with a wide-tooth comb and only when it's wet or really tangled. With the wide-teeth giving off less friction, your hair doesn't break as much like it does with a regular brush. And an added bonus: it makes your hair super soft.

Trim regularly
Ugh, this is the hardest for me to follow, but it has really worked for me. We all know how it goes - "your hair will actually grow better if you cut it". Yeah, yeah, yeah. But really! So don't make a fuss, just book yourself an appointment and enjoy how good it feels when they shampoo your hair for you.

If you're in the Cypress/Tomball area you need to go see Kate at Sweet Olive Salon! (located in Vintage Park)

Use products that are gentle on your hair and the environment

I'm always into looking for the most "natural" way to see results with anything, and treating your hair with kind products is one of the best ways to promote growth and overall health.

My friends at HASK beauty sent me this Argan oil shampoo and conditioner set to try and I immediately fell in love. The oil, unique to Morocco, repairs split ends and restores damaged hair, leaving it super soft and delicious-smelling (orange-citrus scent). They also sent an Argan oil hair mask and shine treatment are my new BFFs.

I've been using this stuff for only a week now and can already see and feel a noticeable difference in my hair!

HASK products are free of sulfates, aritificial colors, dying alcohol and other harmful ingredients that are no good for your hair. They have a wide variety in their Exotic Oil Collection, so you've got to check them out. Find them at CVS, Walgreens, and several other locations.

Though my friends at HASK sent me these goodies, all thoughts and opinions are my own. (And my hair really does smell amazing.)



What are you waiting for? Hair envy starts here!

X,

Cristina