next steps

I realize it's been awhile since I posted – mostly because I was trying to figure out the next step. Continue to blog? Take the blog in a different direction? Etsy? Portfolio site? Video? Or simply... take a break? And then, I blinked, and a year had gone by... pretty unreal. 

But even though I haven't been blogging, I have been keeping busy with other creative projects. Below is a sampling of illustrations, videos and even a few photos from the gallery opening where three pieces of my art work were chosen. I have to say, It was a pretty cool year.

Even though I don't know which direction my creative passions will take me, I know I'll keep exploring, experimenting and learning. In the meantime, you can find me and more of my projects here:

Behance   •   YouTube   •   Society6

Thanks for all the encouragement, support and best wishes to everyone,
Christina

The movie list and Kate Hudson

This past year, I really wanted to catch up on movies - the classics, the iconic films of new and old that were groundbreaking at their time - and the ones that I often would hear  "you mean you've NEVER seen (fill in blank)?!?"

Although the list is neverending, I feel I've been able to cross a few off my list this year. Star Wars, Casablanca and The Godfather, to name a few. One I recently watched, maybe not quite as well known, was Almost Famous. It reminded me one reason I love movies. When an actor or actress lights you up and somehow makes you feel stronger, smarter, more confident and simply happier just by watching their movie - it's an amazing feeling. On screen and off, Kate Hudson is one of many that does that for me. Not sure if it's her sunny disposition, her effortless California style (casual or dressy) or just her overall radiance and inner glow. Whatever it is, I think it's awesome.

1 • 2 • 3 

Check out the my 'love her' pinboard for women that, in one way, shape or form, I find inspiring. Who's on your list?

Top 10 tips for shopping at the Mall of America

For over ten years now, my cousins and I have been making a yearly overnight trip to the Mall of America in Minnesota. Because we have such a great time together, we've upped it to twice a year, and it still retains that giddy excitement every time. We've found some amazing deals and also have had a few regrets. Let's face it, the place is crazy huge and when you're with friends, the time passes WAY too quickly. To help out anyone that's thinking about making the trip, I've narrowed down my top 10 tips for making the most of your experience.

1. Plan your stay DURING the week. 
MOA turns into crazy town on the weekends. Taking a day of vacation or two is worth the lines and headaches. When you go during the week, you own that place. Trust me. 

2. If possible, stay at Raddison Blu.
The brand new hotel that's connected to the mall is pretty spectacular. Modern architecture, contemporary art work, gorgeous bar and restaurant, I could keep going. No worries about the weather when you can simply walk across a little skywalk and you're there. PLUS, from anywhere in the mall, you can call the concierge and they will come pick up your bags. *insert jaw drop here*  True story.

3. Make a list.
Sometimes I can walk into a store and be so visually overloaded that my mental list simply disappears. Check your closet before you go and figure out what you're looking for.  CLEAR is one of my favorite apps for list keeping. Worth the 5 bucks easy.

4. Dress smart.
This can be a tough one. Pick something that's comfortable, you can slip in and out of quickly AND still feels like you. (if you're anything like me, feeling like a sloppy tourist will bring down the mood and overall experience ;) I generally opt for comfy ballet flats, skinny jeans and a loose top. Don't forget a lightweight cross-body purse to keep your arms free.

5. Drink up.
Keep a lightweight water bottle on you. It's insane how thirsty you can get there. There are water fountains in the food court and by bathrooms that you can fill up at. This also saves you on blowing your budget on overpriced drinks.  

6. Keep track of sales more easily.
Download Malltip. You can add your favorite stores and it will let you know what sales they're having. It also shows you a map where the stores are located in the mall, which is immensely helpful in such a huge place. 

7. Take photos of your faves.
It's hard to say if you'll run into a better deal five stores down so take quick photos to keep track of everything you've found. You'd be surprised at how much you can forget, especially 6 hours and 20 something stores later. Review the list at lunch or the end of the day and go back for the best of the best.

8. Skip local stores.
Hit up the stores that you may not have access to normally. There's only so much time and you want to get your full worth out of your trip.

9. Sign up, know more.
MOA has a great site that you can sign up at to get deals, news, store listings, hours and more. 'nuf said. 

10. Take a map.
It's a little old school, but to help save my phone battery, and avoid hunting down directory kiosks every hour, I take a mini map with me. I printed out a floor plan and added some of my favorite stores. Click here for the interactive directory map. 

I hope this helps if you're planning a trip to the Mall of America or any larger shopping center. Check out some of my wish lists and finds here, here or here.

Happy Shopping Friends ;)

fall fashion wish list

Although I'm a little sad to move my summer dresses to the deep dark sides of the closet, I have to admit, I'm kinnnnda getting excited about fall fashion. Quite honestly, fall fashion, sometimes, is the only thing that keeps me from being completely destroyed about the dropping temps. I love digging out my warm coats and scarves and all the winter accessories I'd somehow completely forgotten about. Drinking delicious hot coffees and cocoas while cozying up in chunky knits... my favorite jeans... knee-high boots... layers of tops in jewel-tones ... the list goes on.

This fall my wish list is all about quality leather items in various chocolate shades, the softest knits I can get my hands on and delicate gold jewelry. Luckily, our annual Mall of America trip is right around the corner, so I'm hoping to cross a lot of these off my wish list very soon. :)

• watches (thanks to Casey for opening my eyes to these beauties) And I can't decide! I want both!

• classic riding boots from ALDO (TOP of the list)

• tote (I want the real leather but this Target one is a great inexpensive substitute)

• thigh highs (I want a pair in every color)

• locket

• ring 1 • ring 2

• coffee girl inspiration • fireside inspiration

#100happydays Challenge

So awhile back I signed up for the 100 Happy Days Challenge. The goal is to share a photo via social media every day that makes you happy. It's not about competing or showing off - but rather slowing down and finding those little moments that make you smile inside.

I thought, hey, I already write in a gratitude journal and instagram pretty regularly - this should be an easy win-win. Surprisingly, it's been much harder than what I thought. Time does what it does best sometimes and flies by and then before I knew it, I'd missed days. I could've quit (by not posting every day I had already failed the challenge) but instead, I decided to keep going. Challenge myself to get to 100. 

I'm currently at Day65 and even though I still miss days, I can definitely say I've gotten better at keeping my eyes open for those beautiful little moments. 

If you're a big fan of photobooks and instagram, check out Blurb. I just finished my third book and couldn't be happier.  

instagram watercolors

I recently returned from my annual Craft Retreat get-away. It was my third year attending and it did not disappoint. I met amazing girls, ate tables of incredible food, tried new drinks and walked away with tons of new artwork. win, win, win and ... win. :)  

One of my projects was exploring the idea of using a few of my favorite instagram photos and extending the photos with watercolor. Hope you enjoy. :) 

NYC Anthropologie Window Display Photo

Banana Pancakes - inspired originally from one of my favorite songs and artists

Downtown Chicago

Check out some of last year's Craft Retreat creations. 

Finerminds & some SoulPancake

FinerMinds by Mindvalley has been such a great resource for me lately. It's packed with uplifting advice and cute, pull-on-the-heart-strings videos. Articles about happiness, wellness and personal growth. It's the best pick-me-up tool I look to on an almost daily basis. 
I wanted to share this poster on some advice given by Arianna Huffington. Some of the steps you've probably heard before but I figured it doesn't hurt to get a reminder from time to time. :)  

source (and to see larger)

Here are two incredible videos also found on Finerminds by SoulPancake. If you're in need of some quick warm-fuzzies please please check them out.

Capture Your Joy

Amazing Happiness Experiment