Friday, October 30, 2015

$500 Nordstrom Gift Card (or $500 Cash via Paypal - winner's choice) GIVEAWAY!


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Hi beauties! Happy FriYAY!!! Today I'm teaming up with some awesome bloggers to bring you a FANTASTIC giveaway that I'm actually super jealous of and wish I could win for myself! Lol! See all the details below. XO Christine
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $500 Nordstrom Gift Card or Cash (via Paypal) - winner’s choice

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 11/27 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.


Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

Sale Alert!


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Just had to share that the above items are on sale!! (Tops under $25 and as low as $18!) Click on the images above for details. I don't know about you, but I've been eyeing that tote for a while... :)

Thursday, October 29, 2015

20 Things About Me!

Hi there! How are you all doing today? I hope everyone's having a good week.

I've noticed that some of you repeatedly comment on my blog, and for that I want to say THANK YOU! It really means so much to me that anyone visits my blog and takes the time to not only read what I have to say, but also comment. I appreciate your support and enjoy reading each and every comment. So for that, I thank you. That being said, I feel like we don't know too much about each other. Where are you guys from? What do you do for a living? Do you have kids? Pets? What are some of your hopes, fears and dreams? What do you do for fun? I thought it might be nice to do a post where we get to know each other a little better. I'll start, and if you want to comment below with some things about you as well, I would love to read them.

So here it goes:

1. I'm Christine. I'm 26.
2. I live in LA and have lived here for 4+ years (it will be 5 in June 2016.)
3. I was born in New Jersey and raised in Northern California.
4. My idea of a perfect Saturday at home is waking up early, going for a walk, making a delicious breakfast at home or going out for brunch, taking a nap, lounging around in bed reading, working on my blog, eating sushi for dinner, and getting a big group of friends together for a movie night.
5. I love to travel. Some of my favorite destinations include Paris, London, Stonehaven (Scotland), and Maui.
6. I don't have any pets but I would like 2 dogs and 2 bunnies. (So they don't get lonely!)
7. I love movies and I could watch the same movie a hundred times (seriously.) Re-watching movies is sort of a pastime of mine.
8. I have an incredible sweet tooth. SH and I ate dessert every single day while we were in Scotland this summer, lol so when we got home we decided to do a sugar detox (no more sweets, sodas, pastries, juice, etc.) We've been doing it for at least 2 months now. It was really hard at first, but now I'm used to it. I lost 8 pounds unintentionally during this detox just from avoiding sweets!
9. I love to read and I'm an incredibly fast reader. My favorite genre right now is Sci Fi, but I also love coming of age stories, fiction, and children's literature.
10. I don't really like to exercise - this is something I am trying to change so that I develop healthy habits now. (Any workout/exercise suggestions welcome!)
11. I drink a large cup of tea every morning and every afternoon.
12. Luxuries I love: mani/pedis, super soft blankets, yummy smelling candles, massages.
13. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and Christmas is a close second.
14. I work as an academic advisor.
15. I have a handbag problem - handbags are the first thing I want to look at in any department store and the first thing I want to spend my money on :)
16. I'm an only child.
17. I don't drink coffee.
18. I kind of love junky food - pizza, hotdogs and hamburgers - but I try to limit my intake for my health.
19. I love my friends dearly - my longest friendship to date is doing on 17 years :)
20. I'm an ISFJ.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Wednesday Wishlist... Splurge Vs. Save

Splurge...Bag Problem
1/2/3/4/5/6


Save...
Bag Problem Cheaper Version ;)

1/2/3/4/5/6

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Hello and happy hump day! Are you constantly impressed with the insane handbag collections that huge name bloggers have?! I know I am. I'm swooning with bag envy (in a good way) over every other Instagram photo. The leather, the shapes, the colors, the functionality, the style, oh it all makes me swoon! I love handbags so much! My "splurge" picks are the ones I would LOVE to have in my closet if I had, you know, $2500 to spend on EACH handbag...  see the "save" picks for some cheaper versions of those styles! What do you think of my picks? (Just a side note- The Kate Spade bag under "splurge" is almost $300 and the Michael Kors bag under "save" is also $300. This is the same amount of money. It's all about how you spend it! I consider a $300 prada-look alike a "save" and a $300 red Kate Spade satchel a splurge. It's all about how you look at something and choose to spend your money!)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Dunnottar Castle...

 
Enjoying the ocean breeze!
...Over the ocean wind.  And hangry.




Skirt: Topshop  | Shirt: Olivia Moon | Jacket: Cupcakes and Cashmere

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 Hello lovelies! Here are some more pics from Scotland! (This was a rare occasion on our trip where I got to wear a skirt. Scotland is pretty cold, even in the summertime!) These photos were taken at Dunnottar Castle! It's on a gorgeous seaside cliff and absolutely breathtaking. This was one of my all time favorite stops of the trip. We went to many castles but none were as romantic as this ruined medieval fortress! The castle is also very close to the adorable village of Stonehaven. I loved everything about this day. If you ever visit Scotland I highly recommend making a stop at Dunnottar Castle. But pack a jacket because as you can see it was incredibly WINDY!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Army Green...






Jacket: Cupcakes and Cashmere | Sweater: Nordstrom (no longer available, similar here) | Jeans: Joe's Jeans | Flats: Sam Edelman (similar here) | Scarf: Zara (similar here and here) | Bag: Balenciaga | Rings: David Yurman (mine is blue topaz) and Kendra Scott

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More pics from Scotland!  
I hope you all had a lovely weekend! I can't believe it's Monday already... the weekend went by so fast! We were camping in Joshua Tree and saw James Van der Beek at a local diner on our way home, lol! So random. Anyway I hope you all have a great start to the week. Happy Monday :)

Thursday, October 22, 2015

London Calling



Just a silly fun one with my hair blowing in the wind :)
Jacket: Cupcakes and Cashmere | Top: Cupcakes and Cashmere | Jeans: Joe's Jeans | Flats: Lucky Brand (similar here) | Hat: Nordstrom (less than $30!) | Bag: Balenciaga 

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Over the summer I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with SH and my parents. We had the best time! We started our trip in London, where these pictures were taken. London weather is not very summery so I got to wear some fall clothes a little early. I looove this Cupcakes and Cashmere hooded jacket. It's super light and adds a little something to any outfit, but I particularly love pairing it with striped tees. I absolutely love its material and color, and I can't wait to wear it a lot more this fall! 

 Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

What to Read Wednesday

Good morning lovelies! Here is what I've read recently and would like to share/recommend to all of you!

1. I just read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin for the second time.
"The Happiness Project synthesizes the wisdom of the ages with current scientific research, as Rubin brings readers along on her year to greater happiness." quote from the author's website.
I love this book! I find it very uplifting. It takes you on the author's personal happiness journey while providing some simple tips for how to improve your own life and boost happiness. Rubin's tone is funny, honest, and, I think, very relateable. I highly recommend it as a light, quick read.

2. I also just finished Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach. "Devi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet." quote from the author's website. If you like Sci Fi, you might like this book. It's another easy read, funny, and kind of quirky with a badass woman as the main character.

3. I'm on the second book in the Paradox Trilogy by Rachel Bach - Honor's Knight. I don't love it so far but I'm going to keep reading so I can read the final book in the series. I hope it finishes strong! Stay tuned.

4. In my last What to Read Wednesday (which you can find here) I mentioned I was reading the Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton. I finished it shortly after I wrote that post - I loved the book! I loved it so much I ordered it for one of my bff's birthdays earlier this month! I want to give it to all my female friends. It's a really touching story with a good historical context. The author wrote another book called The Wednesday Daughters which is connected with the first and is next on my reading list.

5. Another book on my reading list is the final book in the Paradox Trilogy by Rachel Bach - Heaven's Queen.

What have you been reading lately? Any recommendations? I hope you all have a lovely day!
evi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet. - See more at: http://rachelaaron.net/series.php?SID=1#sthash.LaKOUdcb.dpufDevi
evi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet. - See more at: http://rachelaaron.net/series.php?SID=1#sthash.LaKOUdcb.dpuf
Devi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet. - See more at: http://rachelaaron.net/series.php?SID=1#sthash.LaKOUdcb.dpuf
Devi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet. - See more at: http://rachelaaron.net/series.php?SID=1#sthash.LaKOUdcb.dpuf
Devi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet. - See more at: http://rachelaaron.net/series.php?SID=1#sthash.LaKOUdcb.dpuf
Devi Morris isn't your average mercenary. She has plans. Big ones. And a ton of ambition. It's a combination that's going to get her killed one day - but not just yet. - See more at: http://rachelaaron.net/series.php?SID=1#sthash.LaKOUdcb.dpuf

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

5 Lovely Links

1. Jennifer Lawrence got paid less than her male co-stars and this is what she had to say about it

2. Balmain x H&M Collection: What to Expect - read it here and check out the lookbook here

3. Why Can’t We Just Let Girls Be Girls? Readers on the Term “Tomboy” - an interesting article on gender, and what the word "tomboy" really implies

4. Forget the pumpkin latte; 9 great recipes for pumpkin that taste like pumpkin - check out these mouth-watering recipes here!

5. What to do for Halloween in the L.A. area - loving these great ideas! 

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I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Blanket Scarf + "Plum Scene" Lips







Sweater: Asos | Jeans: Joe's Jeans | Boots: Sam Edelman (exact here, similar here) | Blanket scarf: Zara (similar here) | Bag: Kate Spade | Watch: Citizen | Bangles: Alex and Ani | Bracelet: Tiffany and Co  | Rings: David Yurman (mine is blue topaz) and Tiffany and Co | Lipstick: Smashbox

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If there's one item you totally need for this fall / winter, it's a blanket scarf! It's the perfect cozy/cute fall accessory. I loved bundling up in this one in Chicago last weekend. The colors are so vibrant and it's super soft!

Have a lovely Monday! Thanks for reading! 

Friday, October 9, 2015

Fall Gold Macbook Giveaway!


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 Hi friends! Happy Friday!! Today I am teaming up with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you this fab fall giveaway! Enter the rafflecopter below to win a Gold Macbook. Good luck!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: Gold Macbook ($1299 value)
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck! (Please email becky@ohmygoshbeck.com with any questions.)
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 11/6 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 8, 2015

My Fall Outfit Picks!



Flannels, flared jeans, blanket scarves, oh my! While we may be roasting in this LA heatwave, that's not stopping me from wearing and shopping fall items like boots and scarves. Many of the scarves and tops I've linked are just $20 and under! I've been looking for a good over the knee boot for fall and I've put up my favorites. Make sure to click the arrow to the right to shop all my picks!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

October Bucket List


I am just so excited to wish everyone a happy fall and happy October because this weekend SH and I are headed to Illinois to visit his family! Last year we had the best time visiting an apple orchard, playing in corn fields and hanging out in Chicago. Check out last year's posts about the visit here and here. Well it's been October for a full week folks, so here's my October bucket list! I've already baked pumpkin bread (the Trader Joe's brand is my fave) and I hope to have some apple cider and visit an apple orchard this weekend. What's on your fall bucket list?

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

5 Lovely Links

1. How Angelenos and New Yorkers Dress SO Differently - read it here
2. A Daughter Photographs Her Mother's Breast Cancer Treatment here

3. H&M Features Hijab-Wearing Model in New Campaign - very interesting and cool article
4. Must see video!! - Mighty 20-pound French bulldog scares off three bears from Monrovia home 
5. Some cute and punny Halloween costume ideas here

Monday, October 5, 2015

Wine tasting in Temecula


 



 Wearing: J.Crew dress | Steve Madden flats | Rocksbox necklace: use code mapleandmintxoxo for your first month free! | J.Crew bracelet | Sunnies from thriftstore in Edinburgh

Hey beauties! Happy Monday! These photos were taken last weekend in Temecula. I went wine tasting with a few friends at the most gorgeous wineries I've seen in SoCal yet! We stopped at Leoness, South Coast, Wilson Creek and Faulkner! Faulkner was the last one we went to and definitely my favorite. It was beautiful weather, quite hot and sunny so I was so glad I wore a summery dress. I wore this preppy, thrifted J.Crew dress I got on Threadflip.  If you want to shop my closet, head to Threadflip.com/mapleandmint. I'm pretty much obsessed with Threadflip and have found so many cute things on there! (I talk about my amazing Balenciaga bag find on Threadflip here  if you haven't read the post yet.) Have a great week!
 

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