Book Loft Adventure Post!

New post up on BG by Christina!

http://bgbychristina.blogspot.com/2016/10/our-book-loft-adventure.html

Check it out + follow my adventures there! 

Christina xx

Pink Monday

Relax and have a Pink Monday!
I'm on v.a.c.a.t.i.o.n this week friends!
Christina xx

Recipe: Liberty Lemonade

Hey everyone--
Here is a refreshing, patriotic drink recipe just in time for your holiday weekend. It's super simple to make and perfect to share with your friends and family as you celebrate! Give it a try this weekend!
Have a very happy 4th of July everyone! 
Christina xx
Ingredients: Lemonade, Sugar, Frozen Strawberries, Frozen Blueberries 
Steps: 1. Start with lemonade. I used Minute Maid lemonade that I bought already made, but feel free to make your own lemonade to start with.
2. Sweeten the lemonade with sugar. For a punch bowl size of filled lemonade, I used 1 cup of sugar. You can put however much sugar in it as needed to get it as sweet as you want.  (Skip this step if you don't want to sweeten it)
3.  Next add strawberries.
4. Then add blueberries.
5. Pour your lemonade into a glass and add a straw & enjoy! 
(P.S- Be sure to drink within 24 hours because the fruit can ferment .. or just wait to add the fruit until you're ready to drink it! P.S.S- This warning is here because I made this mistake!)

Pink Monday

Have a pink Monday everyone!
Christina xx

DIY: "Popsicle" Sponges

Hey everyone--

I first saw a "sponge" popsicle on The Jealous Curator Blog. I thought they were so cute and I knew I could make them myself! This is great if you're looking for a fun, fast and cheap DIY project for the summer!

Supplies: Sponges, Popsicle Sticks, Hot Glue Gun Sticks, Hot Glue Gun
Steps:  1. Put a hot glue gun stick into your hot glue gun and plug it in.
2. Let the gun heat up for a couple minutes before use.
3. Take a sponge and at the bottom of it, in the center, gently pull the sponge in opposite directions to create a hole in the center.
4. Once the hole is there, pull apart the sides of the sponge in different directions (carefully!) and use your finger to make it a bit deeper.
5. Take a popsicle stick and put it into the hole that you created.
6. Continue to push it into the sponge until a good amount is left outside of the sponge to look more like a real popsicle.
7. Take the glue gun and place some glue along the inside edge of the sponge and press it down onto the stick for a few seconds.
8. Flip over the sponge and repeat step 7 to the other side. (Step 7 and 8 are to close the openings and connect the sponge to the stick)
9. Set aside the sponge and let it dry for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Once it's dry, you have an adorable popsicle sponge to make cleaning more fun!  
Have a sweet day! Christina xx

The Daily Sugar x Operation Smile

Hey everyone--

Today, I've partnered with Operation Smile to share a little bit about their organization and mission with you! Operation Smile (operationsmile.org) is an international medical charity that is committed to helping improve the health and lives of children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. They have a presence in over 60 countries and they provided more than 220,000 free surgeries for children in need!

What can you do to help? If you're wondering what you can do to help Operation Smile, there are so many ways that you can make a difference! No matter what level of time, skill, or money that you have to give, there is an option for you. 

My two personal favorite options:

1. Rent your textbooks from Campus Book Rentals (campusbookrentals.com) because they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rental! 

2. Send a note (online) to a child receiving surgery! 

To do this:

go to operationsmile.org > arrow down to the bottom of the page > click Smile Partners on the bottom left side of the page > arrow down to the Exclusive Smile Partner Opportunities section > click on Send A Note > you will then enter your name, email address and personal message of encouragement

(Takes just a few minutes of your time!)

"The need is great... we have the courage to take on the challenge. There are not enough human beings to take care of the need... We have to continue to do more, we have to challenge ourselves to do more."

-Dr. Bill Magee, Operation Smile Co-founder & President

I hope this collaboration helped inform you a little bit more on the difference that Operation Smile is making. If you choose to contribute to their efforts in any way, it will be greatly appreciated by many!

Have a very sweet day!

Christina xx

Wednesday Inspiration

Hey guys--

Here's a little inspo from Elvis to help you get through the week!

 I've recently been struggling through a lot of setbacks and I've been fighting the urge to dwell on negative thoughts. It's a struggle to stay positive in the midst of trials, but it's always worth it! Let's strengthen and encourage each other to not go bad!

Happy Wednesday!

Christina xx

Campus Book Rentals & Operation Smile Collaboration

Hey friends--

I've partnered up with Campus Book Rentals to let you know about their awesome company and partnership with Operation Smile! If you're in the market for textbooks, Campus Book Rentals has some really great perks for students!
Some of these include: - Save 40%-90% off bookstore prices -Free shipping both ways -You can highlight in the books -Rental periods are flexible - Donation to Operation Smile with each textbook rental
With Campus Book Rentals, you can save a great deal of money on textbook rentals! Even better, you can help a very worthy cause while you shop. With each textbook rented, Campus Book Rentals donates to Operation Smile. 

Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that transforms lives through surgery. They perform safe, effective cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries and they deliver medical therapies to children in low and middle income countries. Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft. A child born with a cleft has increased odds of dying before their 1st birthday. Many children that survive with a cleft condition have difficulty eating, speaking, hearing, or breathing. In many of these cases, parents and families can't afford the surgeries to help their children. Operation Child is being very proactive about this issue and our working in over 60 countries to heal children's smiles and bring hope where it's needed. 
You can help them make the difference in these children's lives! 
Check out their site today to rent today!   & Check out Operation Smile's website and adorable blog (The Smile Blog) for more information on the charity!
Happy reading!
Christina xx

Black + White

Hey everyone--

I have a new post for y'all finally! I was on vacation for a couple of weeks and then under the weather since I've gotten back! 

I centered this outfit around this fierce faux leather jacket from Charlotte Russe. I like to girly-fy pieces that aren't too feminine such as the classic leather jacket. I paired the jacket with a bit of lace and a flirty skirt to create a more lady-like meets glam look. 

& For any of you wondering, you can totally pull off a leather jacket for Spring! Just pair it with neutral or pastel colors and with your most flirty, feminine pieces. 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Christina xx

Wearing: Charlotte Russe Leather Jacket

Deb Shops Black Heels

Forever 21 Polka Dot Sunnies

Forever 21 Pearl Cluster Necklace

Forever 21 Lace Peplum Top

ModCloth Striped Skirt

Charming Charlie Striped Watch

Charming Charlie Black Bracelet

Online Shopping Guide: Born Pretty Review

Hey everyone--

Today I'm showing off this adorable watch from Born Pretty. Born Pretty is an online accessories boutique. They have a wide variety of fashion accessories and jewelry and a great selection of affordable watches. They seriously have the best prices ever! If you're in the market for some fun costume watches, you have to check out their site. This gorgeous watch has tiny rhinestones that move inside the face of the watch. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it and I love it's casual/glam vibe. 

My watch came packaged in the cutest little polka dot box with a bow on it. I loved everything about my experience with Born Pretty. The adorable packaging was just the icing on the cake. 

& I have some awesome news. Born Pretty is offering a 10% off code for my readers! And as I mentioned earlier, their watches are already super affordable! So hop over to their site and buy yourself some watches.

Code: CHDC10 

Happy Shopping! 

Christina xx

February's Treat: Sprinkle Surprise Cupcakes

Hey everyone--

Surprise inside cupcakes are my favorite treat to make right now. I made these for Valentine's Day, but you can make them for any occasion! I love these cupcakes because they're fun and sprinkle-filled, need I say more? Follow these instructions to make some of your own!

Christina xx

Ingredients: 

Cake- cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 1/3 cup of water, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, sprinkles, cupcake liners, cute toppers

Frosting- 1 stick of butter, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 two pound bag of confectioner's sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of salt, whipping cream 

Instructions: 

1. First blend dry mix, eggs, water and vegetable oil in a large bowl.

2. Place cupcake liners in  the cupcake/muffin tin cups.

3. Pour mix into cupcake/muffin cups.

4. Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.

5. Bake for approximately 20 minutes at 325 degrees F.

6. Take cupcakes out and let them cool completely.

7. When cupcakes are cool, scoop out the center of the cake and create a deep hole.

8. Next, pour sprinkles into the hole.

9. You're now ready to mix your frosting. Begin by blending vanilla, vegetable oil and butter together.

10. Then, add in salt and powdered sugar.

11. Slowly start adding whipping cream to the mix (about 1 tablespoon at a time). Keep doing this until you reach the consistency you desire. 

12. When you're frosting is fluffy and blended well, frost cupcakes using a piping bag. 

13. Top cupcakes with a themed topper and you're all set! Now enjoy with loved ones and share the surprise!

January's Treat: Kate Spade Inspired DIY Glitter Watch

Hey everyone!

 Has anyone else been lusting after the gorgeous Kate Spade glitter watches that were all over the web during the holiday season?  I sure have been! As a college student, I'm on a budget that would not allow me to buy the actual Kate Spade watch that I wanted. So, I decided to use a little bit of Mod Podge and loose glitter to create a watch inspired by the Kate Spade glitter watch that stole my heart. If you're in the same boat as me, get out that glitter and follow these 6 simple steps!

Christina xx

Materials: watch, mod podge, paint brush, loose glitter

Instructions: 

1. Dip a paint brush into Mod Podge and coat the straps of the watch. (This project gets a bit sparkly, so if you don't want your surface to be covered in glitter put down a towel or piece of paper.)

2. Sprinkle loose glitter onto the wet Mod Podge.

3. Let the glitter set for just a few minutes and then shake off the excess glitter.

4. Next, let the watch dry for a couple of hours.

5.  Then, put a second coat of Mod Podge onto the watch, over the glitter.

6. Wait until the watch is completely dry, then wear it to add a touch of glamour and shine to any look! 

Wearing: (Original) Deb Shops Watch

Top Shop Bow Bracelet

City Strolling

Hey everyone--

Are you making your New Year's resolutions? I'm working on my list right now. One of my fashion resolutions is to accessorize more and I'm starting early! If you're wanting to pick up a few new accessories for the New Year you should check out Deb Shops. Two of my most worn accessories right now are from Deb Shops, my jeweled statement necklace and my black gold chained bag. These two pieces are so versatile, they go with so many things and they add glamour to any look. & These leopard print pumps are another favorite in my closet. They are the perfect pop of leopard. As for classics, I'm yet to find replacements for my black skinnies and my white button up blouse.

Let me know your resolutions.

Have a fabulous New Year's eve!

Christina xx

Wearing: Deb Shops White Blouse 

Deb Shops Black Skinnies

Deb Shops Jewel Statement Necklace

Charming Charlie "C" Initial Bracelet

Charming Charlie Gold Chain Bracelet

Charming Charlie Sparkle Bracelet

Deb Shops Leopard Print Pumps

Forever 21 Faux Fur Vest

Deb Shops Black Handbag