Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Her

Hey bros! Brothers? Brethren? (Please take ample notice of the "She's The Man" reference, thanks.)

Today I asked my gorgeous Valentines, the Cristina on Campus representatives, what was on their wish lists for Valentine's Day. So if you're about to do some last minute shopping for a special girl in your life, I have some great suggestions. 

"The one way to my heart is through my stomach! Whether it's making me dinner or buying me chocolates, I'd think you were the best valentine ever!" -Anders, Ole Miss

"My Valentine's Day wish list is relatively simple (I think)

-Hot chocolate when I wake up

-a day of adventures followed by a cute dinner date

-daises"

-Kylie, Midwestern State University

"One of my all time favorite Valentines gifts is something hand made to compliment my favorite chocolates, as simple as it is, dark chocolate Hershey's kisses." -Emily, Texas A&M Commerce

"Personally I just want some quality time. Nothing fancy. It's a day to celebrate your love for each other. I know people say Valentine's Day is stupid and you should show your love everyday. But we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and sometimes it's nice to stop and show your appreciation for each other. Everyone wants to feel loved and you can never go wrong with flowers! Good luck boys!" -Sadie, Blinn College

"Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks gift cards! If your mom, sister, or girlfriend don't like those too much, you can always get her a manicure gift certificate. I know roses are kind of cliche, but flowers are still really nice to get. Your Valentine's gifts don't have to just be for here though. Get something ya'll could both use like a movie night box (popcorn, candy, other yummy junk food, Redbox gift card, etc." -Katie, Stephen F. Austin University 

"...Little personal tokens such as a bag of my favorite candy, some of my favorite flowers, or baking me my favorite cookies, I believe, is more personal, sweet, and truly shows someone you care about them." -Elizabeth, John Brown University

Well there you have it, guys. I hope this helps! 

X,


Cristina

Happy Moments

I was inspired to write this post by a birthday card I received in the mail. My great aunt sends me a beautiful (and often times sparkly) card every year. Thinking about "happy moments" as I put this on my shelf made me think of all the little things I try to do within a day to lift my spirits. I thought I'd share with ya'll today, so you, too, can find your own little happy moments to motivate you throughout your school days and work weeks.

1. I tend to gravitate towards the bright nail polishes and use them often as a mood booster. My favorite brand is no secret. The three Essie bottles here are Fashion Playground, Enuf is Enuf, and Sittin Pretty (which I am wearing now).

2. I got this Clinging Cross a couple years ago. I've linked it here so you can shop it and read more into what it's all about. But basically, it's something to physically cling to as you pray, walk to class, wait in a doctors office, etc. just like how we cling to Christ daily as we seek His grace.

3. Here's a little peek at my bookshelf (gray, paint chipped galore, ancient...so glam right?) where I've found a home for my new print. I keep some good reads here to make me laugh like "Nice is Just A Place in France" and "Psychos". I also have some Friends DVDS.

4. I am a tea person, for sure. Tazo is my current favorite (at Target they are 2 for $6). I have many different kinds, but I religiously drink the Zen green tea in the morning to wake me up and boost my metabolism and the Refresh Mint at night to soothe and calm me while also fighting off any sniffles.

5. I journal and do a daily devotional. The blue journal pictured here I've kept since my sophomore year of high school. I tend to write down little thoughts or things that are making me frown or even making me smile. The floral print is my food and exercise journal. I write down what I eat and what I do for a workout each day just for a health reference. The middle book is my daily devotional, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. I'm only about a week in, but I love the message. The back of the book has 1000 blanks for me to write three things I'm thankful for each day. Talk about a spiritual boost.

I'm always up to trying something new to brighten up my day. Where do you find some of your happy moments?

X,


Cristina

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Him

It's not too late to shop for him for Valentine's Day! I've been inspired by my own valentine, and put together a few gifts that I've either gotten Cameron over the years or something that he really enjoys to use/wear! I know not all guys are the same, but hopefully this will give you an idea of what you need to wrap up in some pink and red. 

(from left to right)

1. So I lied on this one - Cameron doesn't actually own this phone case, but he recently got an iPhone 6. I think Valentine's Day is a suitable holiday to buy your guy "tech-y" stuff. Shop HEX cases here.

2. I'm not an expert at guy clothes, but I'd have to say guys deserve comfy sweats, too. I prefer Under Armour brand, so I've linked those here.

3. Fraternity Collection bow ties and sunglass straps are so fun! Follow @fratcollection on Instagram and Twitter for giveaways. That's how I won a gift for my guy...you could, too!

4. Buy him a flannel so you can steal it. Shop this Patagonia here.

5. Oops, I lied again. This Google chromecast is actually something Cameron got for me, but I didn't dare leave it out. It's tech-y and may lead to one or two blanket-fort Netflix screenings. 

6. A while back, Cameron found the brand Knockaround. He has a couple different pairs of sunglasses from them, and especially loves how inexpensive they are. Dorm room guy with designer taste, maybe?

7. I. Love. Calvin. Klein. Cologne. I think it was our first or second Valentine's day that I got Cameron Euphoria. Recently, we stopped in the mall to smell the new Euphoria Gold and loved it. (It isn't on Sephora's website, but we found it in Macy's.)

8. James Avery is the bomb where I'm from - rings, charm bracelets, earrings galore! I really do love their men's collection and would highly recommend checking it out for V day. I particularly love this bracelet because it's engraveable. Insert anniversary date, name, or "Taken by Cristina" here. 

9. Ben Howard is everything, and real fans have his album on a CD. I kinda feel like he does a lot of manly love songs, but then again I am also not a singer-songwriter-really-cute-artist-who-I'm-seeing-this-weekend expert. (Heehee)

Have a great week and stay tuned for one more very special gift guide later this week!

X,

Cristina