my weekend 008

I took many photos this weekend, so more after the jump!

do you watch vlogs?

I just recently immersed myself into the vlog world. Do you watch vlogs? They're interesting to watch. It's kind of like reality television but better. Humans just like to observe other humans. And I am one of those humans.

Here are two that I'm interested in but I'm really interested in watching more:

First and foremost I am obsessed with Claire Marshall of Hey Claire. She is a down to earth LA makeup artist. She does makeup and hair tutorials, product reviews, fashion, and of course, vlogs.

Lilly Pebbles is similar to Claire but she's from the UK so she has a perspective that is different. (It's fun to hear her accent ;)) She's primarily a beauty blogger/vlogger but she does have fashion posts and of course, vlogs.

I have really dove into their channels but I'm looking for more! Suggestions?

IMPORTANT // PLEASE READ BELOW :)

I'm also interested in creating vlogs. But I also have this fear that they will go unwatched. BUT THEN I also just want to create the content even if people watch it or not. I was describing what a vlog is to a friend and she asked if it was a "video journal" and that's exactly what it is! So I think it would be fun to have these videos even if there aren't many views. (ALSO, I think vlogs will be fun in Europe so it'll be good practice.) I'm currently working on a vlog, would you be interested in seeing it? I appreciate your feedback!

- Christina

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image sources: 1 / 2 

kelly moore "chapel" bag

You guuuuys. I got it! Thank for your feedback on this post. Your comments were so helpful! As you can see, I went with navy. I love it. ::emoji with heart shaped eyes:: It's so functional, has a ton of pockets, and will work perfectly as my carry on/camera bag on my Europe backpacking trip. 

I used my Kelly Moore "Chapel" Bag this weekend because we had to reshoot our yoga video project. There is a ton of space for my cameras and gear. And I know it will all be protected because there is a ton of cushioning in there. If you want to know more about the functionality of this bag, check out this video. (The bag has a really cool wallet-type pocket that faces your back.)

What do you think?

- Christina

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my weekend 007

signs of fall

don't blink!

sister, sister

veggie grill yummies

pitaya smoothie wiiiith chooocolate

More after the jump!

tips to save money for traveling

My boyfriend, Keith and I have been saving money for our European backpacking trip for a REALLY long time. We've been planning this trip for years and it's been pushed back for various reasons. Since we've been saving for what feels like forever, I've gathered some tips to save money:

Stop buying things! 

There's a lot of extras that we don't need. I suppose that is easier said than done but whenever I think about something I could buy, I think about how I could spend that money on my traveling. I also think about whether or not that purchase will benefit my traveling. If it doesn't, I won't buy it. 

Eat mono meals/buy in bulk. 

Lately I've been incorporating more fruit in my diet. Typically those meals come in the form of a gigantic smoothie or just a large portion of fruit. For breakfast, I've been eating either a date shake (which includes just dates and water, sometimes the occasional banana) or oatmeal. I've been buying dates and oatmeal in bulk so those purchases go a long way. For lunch I've been having a small watermelon or 2 mangos. Both a small watermelon or 2 mangos run between $3-$5. Sounds like a pretty cheap meal to me! & very recently I've been having soup for dinner. Currently I've been buying it but soon I want to make it in bulk and freeze for the week.

Ride my bike to work. 

Imagine the gas you save! The exercise you get! I was riding my bike more frequently at the beginning of summer, but I've fallen off the wagon. I need to get back on!

Save in cash.
For a long time I would save my money in cash. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but when my money was something physical it was easier for me to put it away. When it's a number in my bank account it was easier to spend (and not notice it disappearing). I had my cash locked in a box in my closet for years and I would cash out a portion of my paycheck and put it in there. I never knew how much money was in there until I put it in the bank. Might be helpful to you.

If you need buy clothes, buy thrifted or vintage.
You might feel the need to get a new dress for a wedding or special occasion, so buy it thrifted! Check out my friend Katie's garage sale score. (Apparently, you can make an outfit for $5!)

Offer to eat in & not out. 

I find that most of my hanging out with friends involves a meal or getting drinks. Both of those things can more affordable if you do it at home. Offer to make dinner, which will likely become leftovers. Also be sure to pack your lunch for work (2 mangos or a watermelon makes that process easier).

Don't go out.

Don't hate me for this, but don't go out. If you do, do free things like go to the beach or park. There are books you probably own & haven't read or Netflix movies you haven't seen.

Don't buy books.

I've been inclined to purchase books lately. But I have so many on my shelf that I haven't even read. The library is also a good resource for book and movies. 

Create affordable gifts.

Sometimes you just have to spend money. Your friends birthday has come up and you're not not going to give them a gift. I have a couple (and more to come) ideas on how to create affordable presents. You can see them here & here.

There's typically free or cheap ways for every part of your life, you just need to think about it first. Some of these tips aren't realistic to some of you & some of the time I don't even follow them (did a tiny bit of shopping during Labor Day weekend). But it's good just to think about your spending and see where you can make some cuts.

What do you think? Do you have any tips?

- Christina

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send a package

Getting snail mail is the best. All I really receive are pre approved credit cards. Fun times.  Greeting cards are great, but a package(?!) is even better. When I was with Courtney, she expressed that she liked my headband. I already had one made so I knew right away I'd give it to her. I decided to make it extra special by mailing it to her. I also added extra things to make it more special. 

I hope this inspires you to make a gift package for your friend!

- Christina

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my weekend 006

Highlights from my weekend include:

Doing yoga videography. My friend Madison and I are working on getting some of her yoga classes on YouTube. Stay tuned! We filmed a 30 minute flow and a crow pose tutorial. I will start editing soon. So excited!

Using my Target gift card I got for my birthday. I needed to get some mascara so I checked out what ELF (a vegan makeup brand) had to offer in regards to lipstick. I got some new colors that have me out of my comfort zone. It's nice to try new shades & it doesn't hurt that it's only $3!

Going to California Adventure with Keith Sunday afternoon. We went to Cars Land and Paradise Pier. I think those are two of our favorite lands at the resort. We're always just drawn to them. It's so nice to have a Disneyland pass. We're gonna be sad when they expire next month. (We're not renewing our passes because we're going to be out of the country for 4-5 months! So NBD.)

How was your weekend?

- Christina

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leaving on a jet plane

It's real. It's real. It's real.

We bought our tickets. We're leaving.

Los Angeles to London

March 10th, 2015 - July 2015

- Christina

P.S. - We will be traveling all around Europe. We're just starting in London. ;)

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my weekend 005: labor day

beautiful backyard // seeing a private screening of amélie // friendly, hungry kitty

orange international street fair // cool dawg // pitaya bowl from growl juice pub

case of the mondays

My dear friend Teresa and I went to a pre-wedding party that consisted of great Greek food and a private screening of Amélie. 

Orange, California hosts a international food fair every Labor Day weekend. There aren't many vegan options but Growl Juice Pub (a local storefront) can save the day. 

Some of my Monday consisted of hanging with Caitlin at Native Son Alehouse. Good times.

How was your Labor Day weekend?

- Christina

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i need your opinion // kelly moore bag

I discovered this Kelly Moore bag a couple of weeks ago and I CANNOT stop thinking about it. My boyfriend, Keith and I are going to backpack across Europe for 4 months next year (!) and I need a carry on bag/camera bag/backpack for when we're out and about. If you check out this video you can see all of the features of the bag. It's a messenger bag/purse/backpack/camera bag. We will be using backpacking backpacks for all of our gear, but this will be good for my camera, laptop, purse supplies, the works! Also I really like how the wallet type pocket is a pocket that lays against your back when it's a backpack. I'm pretty convinced that I need this bag! (The price point is way out of my budget, but if I get it, it will be a birthday/Christmas present.)

So my problem is I cannot decide on a color. My original choice was navy but I'm always having second thoughts on the other colors. I think I like the orange more than the pink? I know that navy will match with more outfits... (The brown isn't even on my radar.) Can you see I'm having a hard time here? Do you mind helping a lady out? Please let me know what you think in the comments! Thank you!

P.S. - Also if you have any other suggestions or concerns about this bag in general, that would be appreciated too!

- Christina

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photos from kellymoorebag.com. collage by me.