One last purchase before summer ends...

I decided to make one last "summer" purchase before Labor Day. I picked up the Tory Burch Miller sandals in black patent. I've had my eye on these all summer and I finally pulled the trigger. I'm SO happy with them...it's a shame summer is ending. Here they are IRL.

My Life Planner is Here!

Very excited that my Erin Condren Life Planner arrived this weekend. Like many of the other bloggers I follow, I took advantage of the recent Plum District deal to pick up this fabulous organizer. I've already started to fill it in. I love being organized and this is going to be a great way of keeping my life in order.

New Rue La La Shipping

So excited that Rue La La has changed their shipping policy. You pay $9.95 for 30 days of shipping. So if you purchase something today you pay $9.95 and for the next 30 days you don't pay shipping again. They will have a ticker on your account that lets you know the number of shipping days you have left. I love it but I don't think my bank account does. :) Here's a video explaining it. And if you haven't already signed up for Rue La La I highly recommend you do. Here's an invite.

OPI's Holiday Collection

OPI announced their holiday collection inspired by the upcoming Muppets movie. This collection has some super fun colors perfect for holiday parties. You will definitely be seing some of these colors on my fingers and toes this winter.

Product Review: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray

I've always been a big fan of Bumble and Bumble products. Favorite Thing #33 and a staple in my hair routine has been and probably always will be Bumble and Bumble Prep. I wanted to try and add a little more body to my hair because while flat ironing does a great job a straightening it also flattens my hair. I've heard nothing but amazing things about Bumble and Bumble Thickening spray so I thought I would give it a try. After one use I was really, really disappointed. It made my hair feel like it had a heavy product in it not to mention it didn't have pleasant smell. I gave it to more tries and each time I hated it. Needless to say I will be returning this to Sephora for my money back.

I'm on Facebook

I started a Christina's Favorite Things Facebook page over the weekend. I'm still working on it but wanted to share it with all of you. Please head over to Facebook and "like" my page. In addition to featuring my blog posts I will have Outfit of the Day photos, deals from my favorite sites and special Facebook giveaways.

Girls Shopping Day!

This weekend one of my bestest friends was visiting and we hit the mall for a girls day of shopping. Here are some of my purchases. I was very proud of myself, I followed my new rule of one item in, one item out....stay tuned for few more ebay listings.

This ensemble was featured in the store window and I fell in love. The cardigan I already had in my closet but the skirt is J.Crew Jardin skirt and fine spun tank.

My friend found the chic J.Crew watercolor scarf and it worked perfectly. This is going to be a great outfit for Italy!

Picked up this great blouse at Banana Republic but I can't find it online. It also come in pink/blue combo.

J.Crew Stone Storm necklace. This necklace is gorgeous and is going to go with so many things in my closet. Online the color is listed as glamorous pink but the stones more orange in tone.

J.Crew Tippi sweater and Minne pants - I absolutely LOVE this sweater. I also got it a few weeks ago in black and purple.

Target Tuesday

I love taking part in Fabulous But Evil's Target Tuesday! I have a great shoe find to share with everyone!


On my weekly Sunday Target shopping trip (we have a Super Target so most of my grocery shopping is done there) I found these adorable purple patent ballet flats at Target for $14.99. The picture Target has online doesn't do the purple justice. It's a much deeper purple. Here's a picture I took on my iTouch.

Lusting over J.Crew's Fall Arrivals

Pretty in Pink Megan inspired me to share some of my favorite fall pieces from J.Crew.

Merino boyfriend sweatshirt - $89.50

Tippi sweater- $69.50 (already have this in purple and black)

Cowlneck poncho -$198.00

The Great caper - $398.00 (oh please go on sale)

Vintage tweed jacket - $198.00

Fabulous Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Thank you so much to Pocket Full of Pink for an amazing Pesto recipe. I made a batch over the weekend. I froze some and saved some for a meal this week. It was so yummy. Here's the recipe so you can make it at home.

Fresh Basil Pesto

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano Cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts

3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve with pasta, grilled chicken, on baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Thrifty Thursday - My Favorite "Coupon" Sites

Groupon started it all. From what I can remember, they were the first big "coupon" site to come out and start this big trend.

PROS: Have some amazing national deals to places like Red Envelope, Old Navy, etc.
CONS: Haven't had many deals lately that appeal to me. The reward system isn't very good...you only get $10 after someone signs up using your link and purchases a Groupon. I feel like everyone is signed up for Groupon now so it limits you.

The next company to jump on the "coupon" train. And I believe one of the first companies to start advertising on TV. They are very clever commercials.

PROS: Lately they've had lots of deals that really appeal to me and I love their reward system...three of your friends buy the deal you bought and you get it for free. This has happened to me a few times!
CONS: Don't know of any. Do you have any?

PROS: Recently redid their site...love their new look.
CONS: Not many deals that appeal to me but since they redid the site they've had some great deals. Similar reward system as Groupon but you only get $5 for each person.

PROS: Twice they featured deals from my favorite sushi place.

CONS: Other than the sushi place there haven't been any other deals that appeal to me. Similar reward system as Groupon and you can only invite through email.

This site gives great deals for deals from Etsy sellers. Works like the other "coupon" sites but with Etsy sellers. Click here to access.

PROS: Love exploring new Etsy sellers.

CONS: Very addicting and lots of amazing things I want to buy!

So those are the sites that I check out regularly. What sites do you check out for great "coupon" deals?