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