Sparkles, Glitter, and Sequins - Oh My!

Long time, no blog! I've been super-busy the past few months (most important of all, I got married in September!) I know things will get crazy again for the holidays, but I do want to make a bigger and better effort to start blogging again!

I'm so glad that sequins, glitter, and all things sparkly are "in" right now. I think embellished items are so fun, and they can liven up an otherwise "meh" outfit. Recently, I picked up a pair of glitter flats at Payless for less than $20(!), reminiscent of these Steve Madden Heaven flats I've had my eyes on for months.

Steve Madden Heaven flats, $45.99 (often marked down for less) at 6pm.com

I've put a sequins scarf on my holiday wishlist. Here in Upstate NY, it's usually cold enough to wear hats, scarves, and gloves from the beginning of November to the end of March. It gets old after awhile, so a sequins scarf will definitely help to brighten things up and dress up even the simplest of wool winter coats. Some are light enough to wear with an everyday outfit!

Candie's Sequin Knit Scarf, on sale for $16.80 at Kohl's 

Allover Sequin Loop Scarf, $39.90 at Express

Sequin Embellished Scarf, $19.95 at NY&Co.

It seems like every nail polish brand has at least one glitter polish in their holiday collection/s, while some have put out an entire collection of glitters (think Wet n Wild Ice Baby, Zoya Gems, and China Glaze Eye Candy.) I'm lovin' the trend. Here are a few of my favorites.

Milani Purple Gleam

Nicole by OPI Disco Dolls

China Glaze Marry a Millionaire

Zoya Kissy

While it might seem like a daunting task, removing glitter polish isn't as bad as you think. Dip a cotton ball in polish remover and place it on your nail (I've heard the process is easier if you use 100% acetone, but I just use regular old polish remover), take a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around your finger to keep the cotton ball in place, leave it on for a few minutes, wipe, and the polish should come off in one swoop!

What are your favorite sparkly things for the holiday season?

Deals Galore for July 4

Hi, everyone! I apologize for the lack of recent posts. I've been super-busy with work (and trying to get to the gym after work!) Also, I had my bridal shower on Sunday; so much fun, but now I have the daunting task of putting everything away!
I know that we should all celebrate our country and independence on the 4th of July, but I hope you all get a break from work and are looking forward to a 3-day weekend! I know I am. On Saturday, we're having family and friends over for a get-together. It's Brian's birthday and it just happens to be our town's festival that day; we live across the street from where they're holding it, and they're having concerts and fireworks and other fun things! We're also going to my parents' house for a cookout; the weather's supposed to be nice and they have a pool, so I will definitely be taking advantage of that.

I've seen great deals popping up for the holiday weekend, so I thought I would share some of them with you. I've noted if they're available in-store and/or online; if I was unsure, I just noted what I could.
Aldo - extra 30% off sale sandals & free shipping on all orders - online - no coupon needed
Ann Taylor - 40% off everything - in-store and online - no coupon/code needed
Ann Taylor Factory Store -40% off the entire store
Banana Republic - additional 40% off women's sale items, additional 30% off men's sale items - in-store and online (code BRSTARS online)
Banana Republic Factory Store - 50% off the entire store, $15 cardigans, $10 polos for him
Bath and Body Works - Hello, Yellow! sale ends July 4th - buy 3 get 3 free Signature Collection, select Wallflowers $3, Signature Classics $3, up to 75% off select items - in-store and online (printable coupon for $10 off $30 in-store can be found here, or code TEN30 online)
Bliss - up to 40% off/50% off select items - online - no coupon needed
Bliss - Mega Bliss Bag ($97 value) with $75 or more purchase - online (code MEGA), On-The-Go Beauty Bundle ($100 value) with $100 or more purchase - online (code ONTHEGO)
Couture Candy - 22% off everything - online (code USA)
Delia's - free shipping on everything - online (code BLUE)
Express - $15 off $60, $30 off $120, $45 off $180, $60 off $240 - (in-store coupon can be found here, or code 1476 online)
Fred Flare - additional 20% off sale - online (code MUSTARD)
Gap - up to 70% off - online - no coupon needed
Gap - additional 40% off sale - in-store - no coupon needed
Gap Outlet - 50% off everything, shorts starting at $10
Hautelook - free shipping on orders over $50 - no coupon needed
Kate Spade - additional 25% off sale & free shipping - in-store and online (code SALE25 online)
Limited - 40% off everything - in-store and online (code FIREWORKS online)
LOFT -40 % off everything - in-store and online (code SHOP40 online)
LOFT Outlet - dresses 25-50% off, flip-flops $5.99, shorts $14.99, crops $19.99
New York and Company - sale up to 70% off, $25 off $60 (code 3190 online), and $60 off $125 (code 3189) - in-store and online
Nine West - 60% off sale (reflected in price) and $20 off $100 (discount applied at checkout) - online
Old Navy - deals starting at $5 - online - no coupon needed
Old Navy - buy 2 items, get one free -in-store - no coupon needed, $5 off a $25+ purchase (in-store coupon found on their Facebook page here) 
Outnet - 20% off everything - online (code SUMMER20)
Philosophy - $5 off $25, $10 off $50, $25 off $100 - online (code sweetsavings)
Rock and Republic - additional 50% off sale merchandise & free shipping - online (code ANOTHER50)
Sally Beauty Supply - 20% off a $25+ purchase - online (code 555952)
Steve Madden - additional 20% off clearance and sale - online - no coupon needed, free shipping on $75+ (code SMFREESHIP)
Yankee Candle - semi-annual sale ends July 5th - tarts and samplers $1, $10 medium candles, $15 large jars, $3 for $10 accessories - in-store and online

What holiday weekend deals and coupons have you spotted? Enjoy!

PS - The Trace Face Philes is doing a "Just Because" giveaway that includes many polishes that I have been dying to get - the OPI Nice Stems collection (mini sets that I can't find anywhere!!!) and the two new Serena OPI sets! You can enter to win her giveaway here -  contest ends Friday, July 8th.

"Healthy Lifestyle Change" Day 1 = Great Success

I promise I won't bore you with everyday updates about my "diet" and fitness accomplishments, but I thought I would share what I completed yesterday, because I was very proud of my first day back in the swing of things!
I started with 30 minutes on the treadmill - 5 minute intervals of varying speeds and inclines. After that, I moved over to the recumbent bike, where I did 20 minutes; I really like the recumbent bike, because I can definitely feel it in my legs when I'm done, and they just happen to be one of my serious "trouble spots". Finally, I worked my upper body and did some bicep, tricep, chest, and back exercises - I ain't gonna lie, I have flabby arms, and I want to tone them up for the "big day"!
Also, I ate much healthier than what's become a trend for me. There is only one dining hall open here this summer (I work at a local university), and healthy and vegetarian (even pescetarian) choices are VERY slim... I turned to Panda Express, grilled cheese, or cheese pizza almost every day. Yesterday, I had some French Onion soup (ridiculously salty, unfortunately) and a salad. The salad bar is pretty good, but I'm over the dressings they offer. As I mentioned in a previous post, I will probably end up bringing my lunch from now on, and I'll probably bring a bottle of dressing and just stick it in the fridge upstairs.

In technology news, I'm trying to figure out how to get my Couch to 5k app moved over from my old iPhone to my new one; I'm sure there's a way in iTunes, but my old iPhone is on its last legs, and my laptop is pretty crappy, too. I never got serious with the program, but I'm determined to this time around. I've never been a runner (in school gym class, I was always the one who came in last place for the mile run, wah.)

I don't really use the iPod on my iPhone much, aside from when I'm at the gym, so my song list consists of almost entirely workout music. Here are a few songs I enjoy listening to when I'm exercising:
Phoenix - 1901
Muse - Uprising
MGMT - Kids
Alice in Chains - Again
Lady Gaga - Telephone, Judas, Born this Way
Black Eyed Peas - Meet Me Halfway
Metric - Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Metallica - Don't Tread on Me
Chromeo - Bonafied Lovin'
Pendulum - Propane Nightmares

Quite a variety. What are your favorite workout tunes?

Finally, a post from me wouldn't be complete without something fashion-related, so here's something that I've recently been obsessing over: pink shorts. I'm hoping that tonight's trip to the outlet mall will fare me well and I will find a pair.

5" Chino Shorts in Shocking Pink, $42.50 at J.Crew

Workin' On My Fitness

Fact of the day: I'm a yo-yo dieter and an emotional eater. I was always a bit "heavy" growing up, and I wanted to change that after I left College #1. I set foot in a gym for the first time ever (besides school gym class, where I hated life and was an epic failure) and lost 45 pounds in 6 months. I was the smallest I'd ever been (a true size 6 for basically 24 hours, woo!), but I was also miserable - I was hardly eating anything and I was completely exhausted. Since then, I've gained and lost the same 30 pounds. It's hard for me to keep it off; as I mentioned, I'm an emotional eater. I turn to food when I am sad, stressed, angry... you name it.

With today being the 3-month mark until the wedding, I thought it would be a good time to start focusing on my heath and fitness. I have a gym membership, but I rarely go. Also, the town we live in allows us to use its high school fitness center, free of charge. FREE! So, what exactly is keeping me away? I've used every excuse in the book; to be completely honest, I easily get discouraged and it's hard for me to stay focused! I swear to you, I'm not one of those people who bought their wedding dress three sizes too small, so they have to exercise like crazy and starve before the "big day" so it will fit. My dress fit like a glove when I purchased it last summer; however, it's on the verge of becoming too small because of my poor eating habits and lack of exercise.

I'm going to watch what I eat; as a vegetarian/pescetarian, it's easy to fall for unhealthy (but readily available) items like greasy cheese pizza, grilled cheese, and french fries. I might start bringing lunches from home. As for dinner, as much as I don't like cooking, I'll have to start making my own dinners. Also, I want to get to the gym 3-5 days a week - probably closer to 5, until I know that my wedding dress is going to fit like a glove once again!

I hate dressing frumpy when I go to the gym. Buying some cute Lululemon workout wear as motivation to get moving is currently out of the picture, so maybe I'll pick up some yoga pants and cute tees from Old Navy or Aerie... champagne taste on a beer budget, my friends.

Bootcut Yoga Pants, on sale for $9.99-$15.00 at Old Navy

Please send positive vibes - I know I'll need it!

Spring/Summer Wishlist

I meant to post this yesterday (in honor of the fabulous Lauren's Wishlist Wednesday), but the day slipped away from me... I'm quickly learning that working a full-time job, taking care of a house and chores (attempting to keep alive all of the flowers and plants in our yard is a full-time job on its own, as I don't have a green thumb at. all.), planning a wedding, and having a normal life outside of it all is completely exhausting!

I do a lot of online window shopping; in turn, I end up with a lot of things on my wishlist. Since I do most of my shopping in-store and I tend to buy things when they're on sale, most items disappear before I actually have the chance to purchase them. (Sad!) I thought I would share with you some items on my late spring and summer wishlist!

Wedges
I'm 5'7", so I've often shied away from anything with a heel. As of late, I've become more open to the idea of pumps and wedges... especially wedges, since they're such a hot trend right now. Most recently, I bought a pair of espadrilles from Calypso St. Barth's line for Target - they are a perfect match to the dress I bought for my bridal shower at the end of the month!

Montego Bay Preserver Canvas Espadrille, on sale for $22.99 at Payless

I love how eye-catchingly sharp these are with the white and brown together... and you can't go wrong with $22.99! Plus, Payless is currently having one of their BOGO ("buy one, get one 50% off") sales.
Edit: I bought these last night with a 20% coupon (couldn't find a 2nd pair to take advantage of the BOGO sale), and I absolutely love them! They are very comfortable and look just as sharp in person as they did on the Payless site. Also, I've gotten a bunch of compliments on them, since I just had to wear them today. Success!

Colorful Striped Wedge Sandal, $35.50 at Charlotte Russe

A few years ago while I was eating dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, I saw a girl wearing wedges that had a striped heel. Since then, I haven't stopped thinking about how amazing they were! I've seen a few variations on striped wedges so far this season, but I like these because of how neutral the colors are. Charlotte Russe is currently having a "buy one, get one for $10" shoe sale.

Juicy Couture Dragon, on sale for $136.99 at Piperlime

One of my current obsessions is studs, so obviously, I love to see them on shoes. The wood heel on these is great, too. They come in brown ("luggage", to be exact), which I was immediately drawn to; however, after looking at both, I fell in love with the "pop" of the yellow. I bought my Kate Spade wedding shoes from Piperlime, and I had a great experience - super-fast (free!) shipping, and I was able to use my GapCard, which meant points towards a $10 rewards certificate! Piperlime occasionally offers online coupon codes, so be on the lookout for them!

Florals/Ruffles

I've always been a fan of floral prints and ruffles (especially together!), so it's great to see so many options available this season. Last weekend, I got an adorable purple and orange floral-print ruffled tank at TJ Maxx on sale for $7!

Tiered Ruffle Tank in Rhubarb, on sale for $24.99 at Gap 

I picked this tank up in both Rhubarb and Sugar Plum (a dark purple) a couple weekends ago when Gap had an additional 40% off/double points promo going on. These were actually less expensive in-store to begin with ($17.99 each); after all discounts and using a $10 rewards certificate, I ended up getting both for less than $10 each. One of the reasons I like shopping in-store as opposed to online is the fact that many items are usually discounted more in the actual store.

Heartsease Habotai Blouse, $98 at Anthropologie

I call Anthro my "dangerous" store; whenever I go in, I always get upset because I want to buy everything they sell. I love the colorful floral print of this blouse, as well as the ruffled sleeves and wrap-front detail. Whenever I'm out shopping with friends and pick something out, my friends call it a "Christina" ____ when they know it's absolutely made for me - I think they would call this a Christina shirt!

Gold/Rose Gold Jewelry and Accessories
I grew up a fan of silver jewelry; I wouldn't even consider wearing anything else. I still love silver (my engagement ring is white gold and I wouldn't have it any other way), but I'm becoming more open to gold and rose gold. Currently, one of my favorite pieces of jewelry is the Rococo Necklace by Lia Sophia -  a long gold chain with decorative swirling  medallions (hence the rococo name?) running the length of it... I'm actually wearing it today with the previously mentioned TJ Maxx tank!

Rose Goldtone Bracelet Chronograph Watch, $250 at Saks

It seems like everyone and their grandma has a Michael Kors watch. I've had my eye on them for quite some time; when they came out in rose gold, my heart skipped a beat - so gorgeous! I like the "mini" size of this one. Maybe someday...

Summer Nail Polish

As most of you already know, I have a huge polish collection... I'll get more in detail on that in a future post. Many polish brands have already released their summer collections; I've been fairly impressed with most of them, especially Zoya Sunshine/Summertime/Mod Mattes and China Glaze Island Escape. I'm really looking forward to a few things coming out from OPI - their Nice Stems Collection (a 4-piece collection of summery pinks), and the newest release from the Serena Williams "Glam Slam!" line - the England collection. Both collections will be released in June.

Play The Peonies, Come To Poppy, Be A Dahlia Won't You?, and I Lily Love You from the OPI Nice Stems collection

I've seen swatches of these, and they're all beautiful! Come To Poppy and Be A Dahlia Won't You? are perfect pedicure colors for summer!

Your Royal Shine-ness, Servin' Up Sparkle, and Grape... Set... Match from the Glam Slam! England collection

I can't wait to get Servin' Up Sparkle - and Grape...Set...Match? So AMAZING!

What items have you added to your wishlist? Happy shopping!