Howdy everyone! Long time no talk. I’m back from Hawaii and ready to get back into my normal routine (especially with blogging!). I had the absolute worst internet connection in my hotel room and felt so isolated from all of you guys ;).
Anyways, here are some random musings as of late:
1. I’m missing Kyle like crazy.
He’s off in Europe with his parents and younger brother for his Mom’s birthday and currently in Rome. He’ll be back in about a week (he’s already been gone for about 1 already) and I’m excited to see him again! He sends me emails and pictures everyday, though, so I’ll survive.
2. Makeup shopping is overwhelming.
When I was in Hawaii, I went to the local Sephora to try to find some new makeuping tools. I usually stick to drugstore brands since they’re much more affordable, but vacation is for splurging, right ;)? It was fun to sit in one of the stations and have a makeup artist try out some of the products on me. When I first walked into the store, I felt SO lost. They have approximately 535,830 brands of eyeliner alone and I would have left empty-handed if a sales associate didn’t come to my rescue! They also have an interesting new tool that is based off skin graft technology that analyzes your skin tone and brings up exactly the right products. In the end, I got a new foundation, eyebrow pen (I have the most nonexistent eyebrows ever and it actually looked pretty good on), bronzer, and mascara. I mean, how could you resist a mascara named “Better Than Sex” hahah?
3. I LOVE shopping at TJ Maxx.
There is probably nothing better in the world than the satisfaction of getting a really really really good deal on cute clothes. Okay, maybe eating a huge slice of chocolate cake or petting a really cute puppy OR eating a huge slice of cake while petting a really cute puppy, but I digress. Just go with me on this one. Hooray!
4. I can’t get over how powerful this video is.
My friend posted this on facebook. It definitely spoke to me and is so worth watching. Let me know what you think.
Mary Lambert: I Know Girls (Body Love)
5. I’ve missed my kitchen and recipe experimenting.
Even though I love going on vacation (who doesn’t?), I also love my routine at home. I guess I still have Maui on my mind, though, since the first thing I cooked up was some Swai fish with a panko, pecan, and coconut crust! I accidentally used sweetened coconut, so it was a bit sweeter than I would have liked. Oh well, you live and you learn!
6. I feel like my workout have been so uninspired lately.
Not sure why, but I have basically no motivation to go to the gym and everything I do there seems to be a bit half-assed. I think it might have something to do with Kyle being gone, since he’s my “fun” workout buddy and we spend at least one day of the week either playing tennis or going hiking. You get back here quickly, Kyle, or I’ll probably turn into either a couch potato or slug! Or some weird hybrid and everyone will make fun of you for dating a couch slug. OKAY? Okay.
I don’t feel too comfortable going out on a hike by myself, so if anyone has any tips to make exercising more enjoyable, I’m all ears!
Anyways, that’s all I can think of at the moment. It’s good to be back!
xo Christine
OOo my heavens, you must share that coconut fish recipe! It sounds to die for.
& um isn’t kyle one lucky guy. I can’t get over how alike him & his brother look. Are they twins?
I need to make a few tweaks to the recipe before I’m ready to reveal it to you guys, but it’s comin’ :D.
They do look pretty similar! Kyle is older than his brother by a few years
I agree about the whole make up shopping thing..there are SO many products you often don’t know where to start!! I tend to stick to the ones I usually buy and occasionally deviate off if something is on offer!
I love recreating dishes that I’ve tried on holiday as well; I always return feeling inspired ahha
Haha I’m glad someone feels my pain when it comes to makeup shopping!
That fish looks amazing, I thought it was a picture from a magazine! Talented giraffe aren’t ya.
Still cannot believe you have 2 months of holiday left. I just got given my assignment guide for the year. A weekly 3000 word paper for 1 subject. Shoot me now!
Thanks Arman!! I AM one talented giraffe, thank you very much <3. Best compliment EVER!!
That sounds disgustingly painful. My condolences 😉
TJ maxx is a danger zone for me. Once I go in, I’ll never leave. Ever. I usually beeline straight for the running/yoga clothes (typical). You should try Zumba! I get a great workout in and it’s fun! Hopefully this week flies by so you and Kyle can be reunited
you two are world travelers!
I actually do the same haha! I can’t go and NOT buy workout clothes. Sigh. I’ll be going to Zumba this weekend I think, my gym only offers it one day a week, unfortunately :/, Yes ma’am we are!
Hahaha, everytime I’ve gone to Sephora, I usually leave with nothing because I can’t make up my mind! I went on a makeup shopping spree a few days ago. I threw away basically everything & started from scratch.
I find that my cooking tends to be Hawaii-inspired after returning from a trip too. Although, after coming home last year, I cried in the grocery store when I spotted the bananas because… THEYRE JUST NOT THE SAME. And I wanted to be back on the beach.
Bold of ya!! I love experimenting with new makeup once I get it, but the process of actually finding and buying it isn’t so exciting for me haha.
Hahah oh my gosh I feel you!! I got a pineapple as soon as I got back and was so disappointed. I need the real stuff in my life!
Cute TJ Maxx finds! That’s definitely a favorite store of mine. When I get in a workout rut I check out Pinterest for ideas and write out a workout ahead of time so I won’t get there and slack!
Thanks, Kelly! Love that store to death!
Ohh such a good idea! Pinterest is great resource :).
So glad to hear that you had a good time in Hawaii and welcome back!!
So many fun things about this post! First off, I love ALL of your finds from TJ Maxx! They have such cute stuff! And what a bummer that Kyle is still gone…but he’ll be back before you know it! 
Also, for workouts you could always do some youtube/online videos, too, for a change of pace…if you don’t want to venture out on your own. I’ve found some really fun workouts that range from mellow yoga, to high intensity cardio.
Thanks Elise! I’m obsessed with that store. It’s like a black hole and pulls me in every time I’m in the area ;). That booger better get back soon hahah!
I’ve never thought of using youtube before. Free workout videos, here I come!
Omg, TJ Maxx is the BEST. IT’s all so cute! Sounds like you had an awesome trip- I’m so jealous!
Totally obsessed with that store! My vacation was wonderful 😀
Kyle’s Eifel Tower picture is awesome. I think that’s really cool that you two are emailing back and forth while you’re away.
And you found some great things at TJ Maxx! I always end up skipping the clothing and heading straight for the bags and household goods.
Haha isn’t it a cool one? I’m glad we’re keeping up a correspondence. He’s wonderful at making sure to keep me updated about what’s going on in his life :)!
Really?! I usually am not too much of a bag person but the household goods always call my name! I guess I know I’m getting old when I get excited over plates 😉
Glad you’re back! I absolutely love Kyle’s Eifel Tower picture. Cute finds at TJ Maxx!
It’s good to be back!
It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling when you come home from vacation. It’s nice to be back in “comfort” but it’s never uncomfortable to be sitting on a beach every day 😛 If you’re looking to spice things up workout-wise, I would go to a group class. You get instant motivation from the instructor and everyone else! Also, those outfits from TJMAXXX are too cute!!! You found some great stuff!
Hahah I couldn’t agree with you more! My butt loves the beach. That sounded weird, but whatever ;).
I’ll look into some group classes! I know there’s a Vicious Abs class tomorrow that leaves me handicapped by the end ;). Sounds like a good time!!
Woot woot! I love a good clothing haul!
I LOVE makeup shopping haha. Totally don’t find it overwhelming but that’s probably because I’m obsessed with it 😉
Workout ruts totally happen every now and again, to get out of them I usually just make myself go to a class or do a DVD of some kind.
Hopefully this week goes by fast for you so you and Kyle can be reunited!
Haha I need to steal you and take you shopping with me then!
Can’t wait for him to get back
Haha omg I love that mascara name. & that top is gorgeous on you & the peplum one is really cute too!
Isn’t it too funny haha? Thanks Jessie! I’m excited to have a chance to wear them
The TJ Maxx price tags of about $7-$40 are really amazing too. You never feel too guilty splurging on some new items
And you got some really great pieces. Love that translucent shirt!
Yesss I love great deals! Except I end up getting way too many items since everything is so well priced ;).
I didn’t know the tool using the skin graft technology exists–that’s way too cool. I agree that makeup is so overwhelming; unless there’s an occasion that calls for it, I usually go without just because I have no idea where to start or what to use or anything!
I thought you’d be interested int hat fact since you’re gonna be Dr. Beth one day ;). For me, makeup is definitely one of those things I go without a lot since I’m constantly either at the gym or too much of a sweaty mess to care haha!
Adorable outfit- I love TJ Maxx! Such cute clothes and low prices. Always a win 😀
Couldn’t agree more!
Oh can you share your fish recipe? It looks delish! You TJ Maxx clothes are so cute! I go there a lot when I’m at my mom’s house (the one near me is not great). For fun gym tips, I suggest going out of your comfort zone and trying something totally new. That keeps me motivated. I love trying new classes and new sports.
Once I perfect the recipe it will be up on the blog :D! Bummer that the one near to you is just so-so. Thanks for the tips! I’m looking into some classes that are going to be happening tomorrow at my gym!
Kyle is really cute
I love the eiffel tower pic 
Isn’t he ;)?!? Love that boy!
Girl! I’d be more than happy to go to Sephora with you and help you pick out some stuff! That place is seriously one of my favourite places to shop, and makeup I probably my biggest kryptonite… I just wish it was a little easier on the wallet 😉 And I definitely know what you mean about being happy to be home. I was in Vegas for a week or so and by the end I was more than ready to be back home… Nothing quite like being in your own bed and kitchen.
I NEED you to come with me sometime ;)! Haha oh my gosh I totally feel you. My wallet basically cried when I saw how much all of my new finds were costing me! Love my bed and kitchen so much
That fish looks absolutely amazing!!! You should share the recipe… 😛
I love your TJ Maxx finds! I don’t know if I’ve ever even been in that store… But I have a terribly hard problem turning down good deals on clothes so maybe I better check it out!
I definitely get lost when I go into makeup stores too. I usually just end up getting bareminerals or tarte because I find that other brands hurt my eyes which sounds weird, but it’s true haha. Maybe it’s a good thing I can only use certain brands or I would be so overwhelmed, I would probably walk out with nothing. 😉
I’ll be sharing it as soon as I perfect it! You NEED to get yourself over there- so many great finds :). Bareminerals looks awesome! It really makes you glow
I love bargin shopping!…and YES vacations are for sure meant for splurging!!!
Glad we’re on the same page!! 😀
I had no idea about the skin graft technology at Sephora, how cool!
I love your finds at TJMaxx, the plum color looks so good on you!
I agree finding a good deal on fashion is one of the best feelings.
Your fish looked so colorful and beautiful, you’ll have to remake it with unsweetened coconut and post the recipe!
And getting back into a routine is always hard after a vacay. Don’t worry, it will come back to you soon!
Isn’t that awesome? They had just released it for use in the stores the day before I went, so I lucked out! I’ll definitely be posting it :). Thanks for the support!
Check Pinterest for workouts, I’ve gathered some of my best workouts from that site and one I thought looked easy had me in tears it was so hard LOL!
Great tips haha! Oh man, sweat and tears! What else could you want ;)?
Aw, I’d miss my man like super crazy if he was gone for that long!! Not fun! But Hawaii, yes fun!
Welcome back girl!
Can you come to ATL and take my credit card and do my shopping for me? I love everything you got but I have the hardest time picking things out! K, thanks.
That fish sounds yummy, minus the sweet coconut! Whoops!
Your exercise slump is a bummer – how about signing up for a race? ORRR going to Pinterest, picking the fitness category and blindly picking a circuit workout? That’s always interesting…
I know right?! I’m lucky that we spent part of our vacations away at the same time, though, so I was kept busy!
Haha that would be a dream come true! I love shopping for clothes!
Big woops on my part! The fish was way too sweet haha! And this is coming from a girl with a sweet tooth ;).
Everyone has been mentioning Pinterest, so I’ll definitely use that as a resource :). I actually made a circuit to do today and really enjoyed it!
Thanks!!
I had no idea that TJ Maxx had such cute clothes! I’ll have to go to one next time I see one. You and Kyle are so adorable!! I love that ya’ll do some kind of physical activity every week. Try looking on YouTube for some workouts. It always helps me when I am doing a workout along with the person on the screen.
They have the best things there, definitely go and check it out :). Aww thanks!! I love being an active couple. I think the endorphins fuel our love ;). Love that idea!
LOVE some TJ Maxx!! So glad you had a great trip…That pic of Kyle “holding” the Eiffel Tower is fabulous!
Ohh baby that place is the best!!
It looks like you’ve been having a really great summer so far. Time flies (unfortunately) so I’m sure Kyle will be back soon.
I’ve been on a serious blogging hiatus this summer, but love getting back into routine as well, so I know what you mean.
I always work out alone, but would probably be more inspired if I had a friend with me. I’m sure you’re doing better than you think though
xoxo Jackie
somethingaboutthatthing.blogspot.com
This summer has been an especially great one :). I have some friends who go to the same gym as me, I’ll have to call them up to take a group class with me!
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE TJ MAXXXX to the MAXXX! Ah aha h! I especially love their candle section! 😉