0 Chris10's Monthly Must-Haves: October

Sarah's House

Sarah's House is a new show that I L-O-V-E on HGTV.  Words can't describe how I feel about the farm house that she renovated.  Her style is superb and I would kill to have a house that looked like that one day!!!!  The episode that I first watched was about her re-doing a farm house bathroom.  She chose this really pretty yellow fabric for the drapes and she scored an old claw foot tub for $200.  This show is really fun to watch if you are into remodeling homes and I like how she sets a budget yet every room looks so elegant.  This is a must-watch (Saturdays at 8:30 pm/7:30 central) on HGTV!

Awesome Leggings

Last year, one of my friends had a CAbi party at her house.  I went and scored these great black leggings.  Now, I know these days everybody has a pair of black leggings, but these are really great.  They are thicker so they don't feel like I am wearing tights under a dress and they have this great rouching right above the ankle that gives the leg a very slim look.  I have several pairs of leggings and these are by far my favorite.  Now is the perfect time to sport the leggings/flats look!

Taco Soup

Taco Soup is a really great tailgating food to serve this time of year.  It is so easy to make plus it is very warm and hearty.  There are so many recipes out there on how to make it, but here is one that is super easy from my friend Celeste.  Here's a tip that I learned the hard way: Make sure you brown your meat BEFORE it goes in the crock pot!!!!! 

Mums

These flowers are a must-have for any doorstep!  Mums are so beautiful and perfect fall flowers.  When I think of fall, I think of pumpkins and mums.  Southern Living has some great ideas on how to decorate with mums for the fall!

Ramen Noodles

Okay, this one might sound really weird, but anybody that was friends with me in elementary school can relate to this must-have. Dry Ramen Noodles + Chicken Seasoning = Yummy Snack.  I know it is probably not good to eat the Ramen Noodles dry but they are so crunchy and taste so good with the seasoning sprinkled on top!!!!  We use to eat this all the time at school and our parents would get so mad at us for eating it dry!!!!!  The only time Raleigh went to Sam's with me was months ago and he had to have the industrial size of Ramen Noodles.  I have run out of ways to eat them so I have resorted back to my childhood with this snack!

Autumn Scented Candles

I really must-have candles that smell like fall.  Changing your candles with the season is such an easy way to transform the smells of your home.  When guests walk in the door and they smell hints of cinnamon or whiffs of golden apple, it makes them feel all warm and cozy inside.  Pier One has some really great candles that are slow-burning so they last through the season!

Baby Uggs

I found some super cute baby Uggs at Target!!!  The ones that I found were less than $10 and are perfect to for the girls to wear with their little leggings as the weather gets cooler.  They are just too darn cute!!!

Fitted Leather Jacket

While you are getting baby Uggs at Target, swing over to the Ladies section and score this awesome leather jacket from Xhilaration.  It is only $35 and is a great jacket to throw over a little tank with some jeans.  Raleigh calls me Grease Lightening but I don't care because I love this jacket that much!!!!!

Chocolate-Orange Cupcakes

If you have never had the combination of chocolate and orange you are missing out!  I made this delicious cupcake recipe from Giada and it tastes as good as it looks.  Instead of topping it with orange slices, I put one candy corn in the center for my garnish to make it festive.  This is a delicious yet sophisticated cupcake!

New Do

This month I really want a new hair style when I get my hair cut.   I love Heidi's new bangs that she is sporting on this season of Project Runway.  Only problem is A. I don't look like Heidi Klum and B.  Again, I don't look like Heidi Klum! Over the years I have had really short hair and have worn it both curly and straight, dark and light.  My hair really won't grow much past my shoulders so I think I want to stay close to my same length but just change up the style.  Any suggestions????

Till next time, let your light shine!

Blessings, christen

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2 Chris10's Monthly Must-Haves: September

Marching Band Music

Our neighborhood has two small colleges that surround it and I love hearing the marching bands practice as we go on our afternoon strolls.  Something about hearing the beat of the drum and the blast of the trumpet just puts some pep in my step!  When we were at Auburn, I loved hearing the band play because they made the football games so much fun!  Marching Band Music = Fun Fall Football Games!

Dooney & Burke Purse

My mom found this purse on sale for my birthday and I absolutely love it!  The color is a perfect transition from summer to fall and I love that it is roomy but not too big.  The purse is called the Dillen Juliette Hobo and can be purchased online at dooney.com.  I think the reason I love these purses so much is because I remember when I was little my mom would carry the old school black and tan bag with the duck logo on it.  Dooney purses are very well made and last forever so they are definitely worth the splurge.

J Crew Toothpick Cord

The perfect fall pant to go with the purse!  I have not purchased these pants but I really like the look of them.  I'm not sure if they will fit me right because my body-type is not toothpick, but I still adore the way they look in this picture.  If you can sport the skinny, these would look really cute for fall!

Coupons

One of the ways I try to save money is by clipping coupons.  I attended a Southern Savers Coupon Class and it was really helpful for me to get started.  I usually shop at Publix and I love their BOGO deals.  Recently, I have started the CVS Extra Care program and I think it is a pretty good deal.  One tip that I learned at my workshop was to create a separate e-mail account just for coupons.  After I set up that account, I started to subscribe to all my favorite products online newsletters to receive their promotions and coupons.  This has helped me to get more coupons on one product so I can save more money!  I am still learning the best ways to save, but this has been a helpful way for me to break into the world of couponing!

The Beach

Okay, I know this one might seem a little strange for September, but I really needed to go to the beach for Labor Day!  This really is a great time to go because it is the last hoo-ra before feeling like you should put the swimsuit away.  The weather is usually not too hot in September and the water is very refreshing instead of feeling like bath water in the middle of the summer. 

Emily Giffin Novels

When we were at the beach, my sister-in-law let me borrow Emily's book called Love the One Your With.  It was so good!  This is the same author as Something Borrowed, which I have not read yet.  I will admit that it is totally, 100% a book for girls to read on the beach but that made it a perfect fit for me on vacation.  It was an escape, not something that really made me think deep about a particular subject.  It does have some loose profanity in it, but it is not a vulgar book by any means.  Emily's writing style is very relative and I felt like I knew her characters.  Isn't the cover cute as well?  Enjoy!

Babycenter.com

One of my friends recommended that I join this website to receive weekly updates about our babies.  I have really enjoyed receiving these updates and it has given me lots of helpful tips on ways to engage with the girls.  Also, whenever I have a concern about them crying or feeding, this website has given me helpful advice and I have learned that they are just being babies! 

 Toomer's Corner Lemonade

Known as the best lemonade in the country, Toomer's Corner Lemonade is the perfect blend of tart and sweet.  This drink is a must-have for anyone visiting the loveliest village on the plains. Toomer's Corner gets its name from the drug store where this lemonade is sold.    One of the most popular Auburn traditions is for students to roll Toomer's Corner with toilet paper after a winning game.   This lemonade and the history of the drug store symbolizes what is means to be an Auburn Tiger.  War Eagle!

Cynthia Rowley Band-Aids

How stinkin' stylish are these band-aids?  Who knew you could look so cute sporting a cut?  Cynthia Rowley has come up with a new line of designer-looking sticky sanitizers and I can't help but want them.  They sure do beat the plain Jane beige cut-covers.  Look for these next time you are at your local drug store!

Thomas Donuts

These donuts are the most delicious donuts I have ever tasted!  They are big, fluffy, and the chocolate icing is superb.  Thomas Donuts has a locally owned donut shop at Panama City Beach, Florida. Early bird locals line up and wait each morning to get a dozen of these yummy donuts for their breakfast.  If you are ever in the area, it is on Front Beach Road in Santa Monica Beach. 

Till next time, let your light shine!

Blessings, christen

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2 Chris10's Monthly Must-Haves: August

1. Reebok EasyTone Shoes

I asked for these shoes for my birthday and I have loved them so far. Personally, I like the look of these shoes compared to the Sketchers but I hear that the Sketchers work just as well when it comes to toning your backside.  I am still breaking them in but I really do feel like they are working the back of my legs and my bootie.  Pushing the girls in their stroller has been something I have looked forward to doing and now I get an even better work out with these shoes.  Raleigh bought these in a half size smaller than what I normally wear but they actually seem to fit better than my normal size. 

2. Mark Anthony Strictly Curls

If you have curly hair like me, I would recommend you trying this product!  I am constantly looking for a styling cream that keeps my curls soft instead of crunchy.  After I scrunch my hair with a towel, I allow my hair to air dry for about 10-15 minutes.  Once it has dried a bit, I apply about a nickel size amount of product into my hands and then I scrunch it into my hair.  Strictly Curls helps my hair to not frizz and to keep its shape throughout the day!  This item can be purchased at Ulta for under $10!

3. DC Cupcakes

Okay, I officially love this show!  It is about two sisters, Sophie and Katherine, that ditched their corporate jobs to follow their dreams.  Two years ago, they opened Georgetown Cupcakes and since then business has been booming.  I love, love, love, the look of their cupcakes; particularly their signature swirl :)  They look so yummy and I would die to know how they get their frosting to be so puffy instead of looking like Duncan Hines (not hating on Duncan Hines but there is a difference in the way it looks!).  The show is interesting for me to watch because I love 

baking and it is fun for me to see all of their different flavors.  

Check out the show on TLC!

4. Craftsman Style Homes

One day my dream house is a craftsman style home.  I want a big front porch that looks comfortable and inviting.  On Sunday, Raleigh showed me a new development in Auburn that has these style homes.  We are suckers for older homes but the ones that we looked at had the character of an older home but it also had newer features such as drywall, open living spaces, and lots of closet space!  A girl can dream, right?  Especially a girl that has an architect for her husband?  Maybe one day.... :)

5. OPI Bubble Bath Nail Polish

What girl doesn't love to be pampered every now and again?  My toes have been in desperate need for a pedicure and I love this color!  It is very soft and sophisticated.  One of my favorite things that I love about this color is that it goes with any outfit and it still looks natural.  Also, I had a hunch but while searching for a picture of this polish, I ran across an article that says that Giada on the Food Network also wears this color on her show.  So, since she is my favorite Food Network Star this is officially my favorite nail polish color!

6. Cherry Limeade

Oh my goodness, I could enjoy this drink right this minute!  Nothing is better on a hot summer day than a Sonic Cherry Limeade.  One can beat the heat with this very yummy drink and the perfect time to purchase is during Happy Hour (2:00-4:00) because they are half off!  That means I can get a medium instead of a small!!!!  This drink is perfection in a cup.  

7. Green Room Notebooks

One day while I was at Target, I ran across a set of these notebooks.  Mine came in a pack of three and I use them all the time.  They weren't that expensive and they are good for the environment.  A must pick for your back to school list!!!!

8. Moses Basket

While the girls were still in the NICU, I realized that I would need some type of basket to carry them up and down the stairs in our house. Moses baskets are portable, woven baskets that have handles attached for carrying babies from room to room.  I had my eye on one of these baskets at our local childrens' store but it was rather expensive.  Since that basket was a little out of my price range, I headed to the Internet and found a much more reasonably priced basket at Overstock.com I have just ordered this basket so I haven't gotten to use it yet, but all of the user ratings seemed to give it a thumbs up.  The two things that sold me on this basket were the attached hood and the gingham pattern because that matches our nursery.  Once the girls outgrow this basket, I can use it to store toys or transport dirty clothes.  I think it is so pretty and reminds me of the olden days.

9. Mixed C.D's

Who said we still can't have mixed c.d.'s in this age of I-pods? Raleigh is so making fun of me right now!!! My sister-in-law made me two mixed c.d.'s recently that I have really enjoyed listening to.  One was country and the other was christian.  My favorite songs off of these c.d.'s are American Honey by Lady Antebellum and Shine Your Light by Nicole Nordeman.  One thing that I loved about these mixes was KB labeled each song's title and artist.  So, when we plugged it into our I-tunes, we didn't have to look up all of these songs in order to label them correctly in our music library.  Giving a friend a mixed c.d. is an easy way to show some thoughtfulness!

10. Applique

Recently, I was given a fancy sewing machine and I am trying to learn how to use it!  One feature that I want to learn how to do is applique.  In regards to sewing, applique is a type of needlework where pieces of fabric, embroidery, or other materials are sewed onto another surface.  Applique is so cute for any age but is especially adorable for children.  I am hoping to take some of my plain white onesies and burp cloths and snazzing them up a bit with some cute applique designs.  A family friend told me about this great website called Planet Applique where you can download different images and fonts onto your computer.  Of course, you have to have a transfer system that can connect the image to your machine but if you have that capability there are so many cute ways to make ordinary clothes look special.  I am hoping to get good enough at doing this so I  can make little outfits for the girls and for baby shower gifts. 

Hope you enjoyed this month's Chris10's!

Till next time, let your light shine!

Blessings, christen

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5 Chris10's Monthly Must-Haves: July

Hello Friends!

I am excited to introduce a new series that I will be doing each month on the blog.  It is titled Chris10's Monthly Must Haves and each month I will showcase ten things I absolutely adore!  Hope you enjoy!
 

Food

With the summer heat in full steam, now is the time to head to your local Farmer's Market to pick out some fresh fruits and veggies.  Last week, I picked up some peppers and made my friend Susanne's home-made salsa. This recipe makes a ton of mild salsa but if you want to give it some more heat, leave in some of the pepper seeds. If you have a food processor, this is so easy!  Tip: When dealing with peppers, try to wear plastic gloves while you core out the seeds.  If you don't do this, your hands might get a warm sensation from dealing with all the heat!

Home-Made Salsa
Ingredients:  
2 large chili peppers, 2 large jalapeno peppers, 1 yellow pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 6-8 green onions, 4-5 sprigs of fresh cilantro, 2 16-20 oz. cans of peeled tomatoes, 1-2 tablespoons of salt, 1-2 teaspoons of black pepper, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
First, core all seeds from the peppers.  Then cut up the peppers and put into a food processor and place into bowl.  Next, cut the white part off the onions and put into food processor.  Cut off stems of cilantro and put into processor and add all into bowl.  Open the can of tomatoes and pour just the sauce into the bowl then place the whole peeled tomatoes into the processor and grind.  Add salt, sugar, and pepper over the mixture.  Stir all ingredients together, seal the bowl and chill in refrigerator.  Enjoy!

Music

I can't stop listening to Jimmy Needham's, Forgiven and Loved.  It reminds me of Jason Mraz and I just love sitting in my lounge chair listening to it.  Perfect easy-going song!

Scripture

If any of you are like me, you have heard scripture verses all your life but tend to forget where to find it when you need it most?  It has been a goal of mine to try and memorize scripture each month but it has been hard to stay accountable.  So, one of my girl friends and I are going to memorize two scripture verses each month.  At the beginning of the month, we will each write down a verse on a note card and give it to one another to have memorized by the end of the month.  The great thing about writing it on a note card is we can put it on our mirrors while getting ready, in our cars while stopping at red lights, and in our purses to pull out when we need it most.  This month, our scripture verses are from Isaiah 26:3, "He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, whose thoughts are fixed on Him." and Deuteronomy 33:26-27, "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.  The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'

Home

I found this great soap at Target and it was super cheap.  I love the way it makes my hands feel and the Lemon Verbena matches my kitchen perfectly!  I went to their web site and love what they say about their product, "Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day makes honest, hardworking cleaners that work like the dickens on dirt. Remember, keeping clean is easy. All you need is a sensible pair of shoes, a little elbow grease, and the right soap."  So southern, don't ya think?  To find all of their products click here.

Fashion

While I was out buying hostess gifts, I ran across some letter pendants that can go on necklaces and bracelets.  I scored some teeny tiny A & M pendants and I bought a 16" and 18" chain for them to wear as a double necklace.  It is my way of always having Adeline and Maralee close to me!

Kids

Speaking of Adi and Mar, I found the best gift for them!  Last week, this item was featured on The Today Show and it automatically became a must-have for me.  These pacifier holders are called WubbaNub's and they are so practical and cute!  If any of you have little ones, you know how easy it is for them to let go of their pacifier.  These cute animals are attached to the pacifier and it makes them so much easier to grasp.  Also, what I really love about this product is hospitals have started to use them for infants! 

Books

Last summer, I read The Shack in two days.  It is a book that forces you to think outside the box and ask, "What if..?"  I thoroughly enjoyed it and I promise even guys will have tears in their eyes after reading this page-turner!!!

Lifestyle

This month is our three year anniversary and we are going to just have a stay cation!  For those of you that aren't familiar with this term, a stay cation is when you stay in your town instead of traveling for vacation.  Actually, our whole summer has been a stay cation but we have had lots of fun!  So far, we have kayaked, gone to a baseball game, had a couples massage, and have lounged in our very own backyard.  The thing that I have enjoyed most about our stay cation is that we have gotten to do things that have been on our bucket list for Montgomery and at the end of the day we don't have any luggage to unpack!

Hobbies

My friend Stephanie and I both have little girls and agree that a girl is not dressed without a bow in her hair!  So, we have embarked on the wonderful world of bow-making.  We were cracking ourselves up trying to learn the master techniques of forming these cute products.  We used everything from a lighter to a hot glue gun to perfect these mini masterpieces.  It was a really fun way to catch up and enjoy each others company for an afternoon.  Bow-Making Tip of the Day: Purchase some liquid starch to make the ribbon firm.  Just place the liquid starch on the ribbon and then place the ribbon in between tissue paper before you iron.  The tissue paper protects the ribbon and the iron makes it stay firm!  That allows you to make lots of fun shapes like this dragonfly bow.

Movies

Toy Story 3 is a must-see if you haven't already!  Raleigh and I are HUGE fans of Pixar (the company that created Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up) so we are always at their movies on opening night.  I promise adults will love this movie as much as kids.  In fact, Raleigh read a fun article that stated that this movie would probably have the largest following of all Pixar movies because most adults saw the first Toy Story when they were children.  Woody's horse, Bullseye reminded us of our dog Obi :)  The film will make you want to laugh, cry, and hug the person you are with so try to catch this while it is still in theaters.


I hope y'all enjoyed these monthly must-haves!

Till next time, let your light shine!

Blessings, christen

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