Friday's Feature {1/22}

Case App:
Have I ever mentioned I'm a sucker for something personalized?  Well, I am.  When the people at Case App reached out to me just before the holidays, the timing was perfect - we'd just taken our family photos for our Christmas cards so I wasted about two seconds decided what my case would look like AND they offered to throw in one for Derek for his Christmas stocking - perfect stocking stuffer!

I'm no good at technology but their site was super user friendly and I had both cases designed in a matter of minutes.  Like I said, I like personalized but you don't have to use a photo.  A quote, a graphic from the internet, a monogram (was my second choice!), etc. you can pick anything! I had Derek's design picked out almost as fast as my own.  I had just had fun the weekend before playing around with the panoramic options on my phone and had taken some cool shots of Beaver Stadium and knew that's what I wanted to use!

Another huge plus for me is that I still have an iPhone 5s and most of the designer and nicer cases that are sold right now are just for the iPhone 6 so it's a great option for any size phone.  I'm also not a fan of bulky cases so I love that it hugs right around the edge of the phone and is nice and slim.  (For reference, Derek's case is for a 6).  He was so impressed with the case in his stocking and actually never uses a case but said "Wow, I think I'll actually use this." Win!

Both cases turned out with nice clear imaged and I was so impressed with our new items.  You can also create laptop and iPad skins - the options are endless if you browse the site for a bit.

Now, Christmas is over but Valentine's Day is right around the corner and this could be the perfect accessory to include as part of your gift! You can scoop up one of your own for a 20% discount with the code "CHRISTINADEREK20."  The code will be valid until next Friday, 1/29.  You can find their website right here or check out their instagram @caseapp too.

Other Happenings:

+ Who is ready for this blizzard? I said last night you know you're growing up when your excited for a weekend snow.  We'll both be home with nowhere to go so bring on all the snow (if we would have had some like we usually do before now, I might not be saying the same!)  We were suppose to head out of town Saturday to see a friend but now that we're home with nothing to do - I'm ready for the snow party!  This graphic cracks me up…

+ Makeup brush cleaning.  I shouldn't share how long it's been since I've done so (the fact that I can't even remember what I used last time should say something) but definitely share if you have easy ways with items that can be found around home!

+ I was always hoping that the twins on The Bachelor would get the two-on-one date but didn't think it would actually happen.  Last night I saw the first (to my seeing) commercial with the fact that it is both of them on it.  Very interested to see how that will play out!

+ I'm sure I'm not the only one still obsessed with the pineapple trend even though it's winter and these earrings are too cute and now on sale! 

+ If you missed yesterday's post, make sure to check out a new sponsor Sarah and get to know her a bit as well as check out her great giveaway!


If you're getting snow, enjoy it and stay warm! If you're not, enjoy your weekends out and about!

Linking up today with the Friday linkups -

 Five on Friday, Oh, Hey Friday, and Friday Favorites (x2)

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Makeup Routine Favorites + Sponsor Spotlight

Confession: I'm not a big makeup girl.  Well, let me rephrase that - I love wearing makeup and have my favorite few items but I'm not always searching the rows of Sephora and Ulta for the newest items.  Most of my products I've either had for years or gotten a recommendation for or copied my mom or one of my best friends.  I don't usually test out new things unless someone else likes them because they usually end up as a "miss." Before the holidays I got asked a lot about products I used and what my routine was so today, I'm sharing all my favorites.

During the weekdays, my makeup takes me probably five minutes or less.  On the weekends or when were going out it takes probably 15 minutes or less, probably even 10 or less.  If I knew what I was doing better, it would probably take more.  Wouldn't it be great to have a makeup artist???

My two keys are lipstick and blush.  I don't feel "made up" until I've got something on my lips and rosy cheeks.  To avoid this being too long I'll share storage, lips, eyes and shadows today saving bronzer, brushes and blush (and face) for next time (purely because I like how the three B's sound together).

Storage:
Like everyone, I fell in love with nice acrylic storage cases that the Kardashian girls use but would it be smart for someone who isn't even a makeup expert to spend $200+ on one case? No.  One of my best girls found a great alternative and I copied.  It's been about two years and I've never had a better or more organized storage setup.  I can't find my exact one any more but this storage set is just about the same, except mine has all the long rows.  I got similar matching items to hold my brushes as well as nail polishes.

There's plenty of other variations that you can get or items to go along with the setup like additional compartments to stack on, lipstick storage on top, or just a lipgloss case.

Lips:
Lipsticks the list could go on and on - this area is my absolute favorite but I am fully a YSL girl.  I have a couple other brands but it's only because I started using them before my YSL obsession and continue going back.

Most days I'm wearing YSL color 26 rose libertin and just recently I started adding Sephora brand rouge shine color 18 just dating on top. (one of the only things I just tried on a whim myself).  This has been my favorite for longer than I can remember whether for day or night, whatever time of the season, it never gets old.

During these cold winter months another combo I like is Sephora rouge shine color 13 forever yours with YSL color 09 rose stiletto over it.  Another big favorite, but only for summer (well, usually - sometimes nights out too) YSL color 19 fuchsia - if you're looking for a hot pink that will really pop, this is your color. 

If I'm going for a lipgloss I love the simple nyx butter gloss (I'm not huge on lipgloss, for me I can just "feel" that it's on my lips and can't deal) but my absolute favorite is eclair - it just has such a nice, simple and feminine look. (Tiramisu is a close second - has anyone ever just read the names? They are the best!)

Eyes:
For liners I go simple and swear by CoverGirl perfect point eyeliner (expresso or black onyx) for the bottom and Physicians Formula eye booster 2-in-1 lash boosting eyeliner and serum on the top (in any of the three colors, depending on the day).  The Physicians Formula liner goes on so smoothly for a liquid. I've been using these two for years and years.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right??

If I use a primer (which is rare - only if it's something special) my go to is Urban Decay primer potion.  

I've tried my fair share of mascaras to find one that really pops and so far my favorite is Benefit They're Real but I'm still on the look because while it's good on, it does take work to get off. (Once I didn't realize there was more than one They're Real product and accidentally grabbed the push up liner and walked out - I was back the next day to exchange).  I don't always do my brows but when I do I use Benefit brow zings shaping kit.  

Lastly, I love this Tarte curler.  This is another one where I've used it for years and am just hooked.  Plus it always comes with a mini mascara to try and I like that too.

Shadows:
Again, as simple and basic as it gets - the original Naked palette is my go to.  I have the second and third palettes and have probably used them only a handful of times.  The neutrals in the original are my favorite and out of the palette there's about 4-6 colors that you can see the bottom which are clearly my favorite each day.  Recently I've also been loving two of the Nyx three shadow palettes - most of the colors for each of these is pretty similar but I love them for traveling because they are compact and easy to pack.

That's it today on the makeup front.  Do you have any favorites I should try because like I said, I usually only go on recommendations??? Next time… bronzers, brushes and blushes (and face care).

Sponsor Spotlight: Meet the Shaneyfelts
In addition to talking makeup today I'm excited to share with you a new sponsor, Sarah from Meet the Shaneyfelts.  She got married just under two months before me and did the same whole build a house thing with her new husband as I did so it's fun to follow along.  She shares some great recipes (hello green chile chicken tacos!), shared the process of building her house similar to the process we went through (she's got the best hardwood floors!), and has a Sense of Sarah series where you can get to know a little bit more about her.  She's also got a great giveaway below - don't miss out!

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Hey y'all!  I'm Sarah and I'm so excited to be sponsoring Christina's blog for the month!  I've been reading Christina's blog since I started mine over a year ago.  I'm 28 years old and from a small town in north Alabama.  I married my husband on July 26, 2014, and it was the most perfect ceremony and reception ever!  (I know everyone says that, but ours really was haha!  The dance floor was so full the whole night!)  

I am a seventh grade English teacher by day and a graduate student by night.  I love reading, shopping, fashion, baking, exercising, and talking!  I started Meet the Shaneyfelts as a way to document our life as a newly married couple along with a few recipe posts thrown in the mix

Here are a few facts about me:

Favorite food: Pizza and all sweets

Place wanting to travel:  I'll go ahead a list our vacations for this year--Dallas in September for the UA vs USC football game, an all-inclusive this summer, and possibly a cruise in December with my BFF and her husband

Favorite cocktail:  I love Amaretto Sours but I really prefer and Angry Orchard or glass of white wine

Favorite TV show(s): The Bachelor, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Real Housewives of BH or the OC, Fixer Upper, Grey's, Scandal, and The Pioneer Woman

Favorite Store:  Anthropologie is my most favorite store ever!

Favorite Sports team:  I'm a graduate of The University of Alabama so Roll Tide!

Favorite Holiday:  other than my birthday (haha) I love Christmas!

Christmas, Pizza, a year of travels ahead, college football, Scandal - so many favorites that I love here! I hope you all enjoyed getting to know a little bit about Sarah and make sure to stop by her blog and say hello!  

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*If you're interested in being a future sponsor, click here for more information.
*Affiliate links used, see sidebar for more information.

Happy TGIT!

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday today.

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Looks & Life Lately {13}

Well we're halfway through the week.  I'm still not a huge January fan but the weeks are starting to go by a little faster and I don't hate the lazy weeknights to just enjoy being cozy.

A new year means tons of new paper goods around here.  I love having a cute wall calendar to look at.

I didn't want to let go of all the Christmas decorations right away so I kept the table going and switched out the Christmas plates for tartan monogram napkins - a win in my book.

monogram napkins - mark & graham 

Girlfriend thinks all bags are for her when we get home; she always has to take a peek

I think this was the closest to the front of the line I've ever been for the Lilly sale despite always logging on right at 8am

This tunic dress is one of my favorites - I love a simple black/white as well as window pane look.  Date Night looks: tunic | earrings 

Just a casual Friday night at Home Depo and your husband playing paparazzi.  With the new year start and clean out.  I thought it was time to add some extra organization to our closet.

My favorite kind of night with a margarita in hand (especially these) and some chips, salsa and guacamole.

Mondays are so much better now.  I've also been on such a hot chocolate kick, it's the perfect little after dinner treat.

We usually make this bridesmaids bread to have on hand when guests come over because our guests are usually asking for it.  If you need a simple bread to make (and are a lover of almond/vanilla flavorings) definitely give this a try! 

Since we didn't travel over the holiday we didn't see Derek's family so his parents made a visit down to celebrate Christmas the first weekend in January.  It was the perfect time to celebrate and an extra event to look forward to after the holiday.

We had my parents and brother over for a night at our house and a little holiday party which we're hoping to make a new tradition in efforts to not be so busy during Christmas break.

feta dip | mom's hot frito dip

Up until this week the weather hasn't been too cold so we've been trying to take advantage of extra walks anytime we can.  No walks this week and I don't expect any for the rest of the week either - winter is really here.

dress: here (just $15 now and 30% off on top of that!)

Last week two of our best college friends happened to be in town the same night so we had a great time having dinner, drinks and catching up.

And just because… 

Linking up with Jenn & Jessi for "What's Hap-pinning Wednesday"

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Holiday Recipes {Appetizers & Dessert}

Since we weren't traveling anywhere over the holiday and did some hosting, I enjoyed testing out some new, easy and delicious recipes.  I have go to meals to serve when I'm hosting or if I'm going to someone's house and bringing something it's an appetizer or dessert so that's the category of the recipes today.

I of course used some old favorites like cucumber bites for appetizers and feta dip for appetizers and holiday pretzels as well as thumbprint cookies for dessert but wanted to take the free time and hosting opportunities as a chance to try out some new things.

I've tried chocolates covered strawberries, pretzels, rice krispie treats before and I was terrible at getting the chocolate melted.  It turns out, I'm still terrible.  So is Derek.  We managed to get it done but does anyone have any tricks???

Cake Batter Truffles:

I could just go ahead and call this my new favorite dessert - or basically a simple cake pop without the pop part.  Personally, I like the white chocolate type better but I did a little bit of each and we had zero left when holiday week was over.

Ingredients:
+ 1 cup white cake mix
+ 1/2 cup flour
+ 1/2 cup sugar
+ 1/4 cup butter, melted

+ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

+ 2 tablespoons milk
+ white chocolate chips or candy melts
+ milk chocolate chips

Directions:
Whisk together the cake mix, flour and sugar then stir in the melted butter, vanilla and milk. The mixture will be moist and you'll easily be able to mix into even balls.  Refrigerate for about a half hour. Melt the chocolate, dip the truffle into the chocolate and roll it around with a fork for an even coat.  Top with sprinkles.

Holiday Bark:

I've wanted to make bark for the longest time and now I can see why people like it so much - this little dessert was so delicious.  Like all my favorites, it was so easy.  It probably took less than a half hour to make and it made a ton.

Ingredients:
+ 15 oreos, broken into pieces
+ 1 1/2 cups pretzels, broken into pieces (the small skinny ones work best)
+ white chocolate chips or candy melts
+ sprinkles

Directions:
Lay wax paper on a baking sheet and line with the oreo and pretzel pieces.  Once the chocolate is melted, evenly drizzle over the mixture and then top with sprinkles (color for whatever your occasion may be - I used gold/silver for NYE).  Let dry at room temperature or in the refrigerator until hardened. Break into pieces and enjoy.

Simple Chocolate Fudge:

I'm trying to learn more and more of my mom's recipes and had been asking to make fudge but she said it was a lengthy recipe and I might just find something better and easier online and this one sure is easy.  We cut this up into little pieces mixed with my holiday chocolate pretzels for Derek to take into his coworkers before Christmas.

Ingredients:
+ 3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
+ 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
+ 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
+ pinch of salt

Directions:
Melt the chocolate chips in a saucepan with the sweetened condensed milk and pinch of salt slowly on low heat.  Once melted then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Line an 8x8 baking dish with wax paper (let some hang out the edge - it will be easier to pull out) and pour the mixture into the dish.  Let cool and refrigerate for two or more hours (I let mine sit overnight).  Take the fudge mixture out of the pan and cut into small squares.

Mimosa Punch:

I've mentioned our family Christmas drink before - Christmas Cheer - but that's a little bit strong for first thing in the morning.  I wanted something special to enjoy while opening presents and found this mimosa punch to try - it was a hit amongst everyone and the punch bowl was clear by the time the afternoon rolled around.

Ingredients:
+ orange juice
+ grand marnier
+ champagne
+ ginger ale
+ strawberry and orange slices

Directions:
Other than a bottle of champagne and about 3/4 cup of grand marnier, I didn't use any other specific measurements - just really my judgement because you can't go wrong!  Just make sure to get enough OJ and ginger ale in there to balance out the mixture.  The fresh fruit floating on top is the perfect touch.  You can even splash the top of your glass with an additional splash of champagne if you'd like.

Pepperoni Dip:

It's no secret we love dips and I won't pass up any occasion to test one out.  We had "day after Christmas dinner" at my parents' house on the 26th and I was in charge of an appetizer so I went with this along with some red/green peppers for dipping to be festive.

Ingredients:
+ one 8 ounce package light cream cheese
+ one can cream of mushroom soup
+ one pepperoni (cut into pieces)
+ parmesan cheese for topping
+ pepper slices, fritos and/or tostitos for dipping

Directions:
It can't get much simpler with three main ingredients but just put everything into a small crockpot and cook on low for about 1-2 hours until creamy with stirring occasionally. Turn up to high if you're in a time pinch.

Kielbasa & Pineapple Bites:

Kielbasa is a staple for happy hours at the lake during the summer and & of my best friends made this appetizer for a Thanksgiving gathering and it was delicious so I just had to try.  Plus a lot of the ingredients for the glaze, you'll probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:
+ turkey kielbasa
+ 14 ounce can pineapple slices (you won't need them all but save the juice)
+ 3 teaspoons teriyaki sauce
+ 1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce
+ 1 teaspoon honey
+ 1 teaspoon pineapple juice (from the can of slices)

Directions:
Put one piece of kielbasa with one pineapple slice onto a toothpick and place onto a baking sheet.  Combine all the liquid ingredients into a small bowl to create the glaze then brush the mixture onto each bite.  Cook for 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees.  Enjoy (there wasn't one left on the platter).

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