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2021 Vision Board

My 2021 Vision Board

Creating a personalized vision board is always a great idea for starting the New Year. Not only does it give you a chance to sit down and reflect on the past year, but allows you to set intentions and goals for the New Year. Having something that fits your aesthetic and inspires you each time you see it can be a game changer! This past year was challenging, seemingly chaotic, leaving people around the globe feeling lost at times. Now more than ever, finding and utilizing sources of inspiration can be extremely beneficial. In this post I show the steps I took in creating mine, and which apps made the process easy and enjoyable!

Start by jotting down some goals or resolutions you have for the new year. I found this extremely helpful in referring back to when picking out my pictures for the vision board. Once you have your goals, you can then start to find images to fit your overall vision.

Choose images from Pinterest. To find photos that would fit the style I had in mind, I simply typed in my goal finished with “aesthetic”. For instance, one of my goals was to read more. So, I simply typed in “reading aesthetic” and up popped pictures that were visually appealing. After doing this for each of your goals, you’ll have compiled a folder of your 2021 images and will be able to design your board. Below I have linked my Pinterest which contains photos for different aesthetics that you may like!

Nichi: Collage & Stories Maker or Canva. Of course you can print your pictures out and collage them by hand, but if you don’t have access to a printer or would rather have technology do it for you, I have two resources for you! The first app I discovered and used was Nichi: Collage & Stories Maker. It’s free from the App Store and offers the cutest templates, stickers, and creative ways to collage your photos. It lets you choose 9 photos and allows you to personalize your collage with fun stickers and edits. Another resource you can use if you’d rather create it on a laptop rather than phone or tablet, is Canva. They have an abundance of cute collage templates and stickers as well. I actually made one vision board on each for both my phone and laptop wallpapers.

Lastly, putting these vision boards to use is what it’s all about! Whether that be printing your vision board out and framing it to have on your desk, or just setting it as your phone/tablet/laptop background, having it in a place where each day you are reminded of your goals and feel pleased with what you’ve created is a small step in reigniting that drive and discipline for the New Year.

I hope this post helped motivate you and kickstart the new year! Stay safe and be kind 🙂

Links:

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Spring/Summer Haul

Long time no see!!! I’ve been in quite the funk lately. Struggling to find the motivation to be productive and keep a steady routine. I’m feeling super grateful that my family and I are healthy, and I hope you all are staying home and in good health as well! I’ve found myself online shopping much more than I should be, so I thought I’d show you guys some pieces I’ve compiled over the past couple months!

Stay tuned for my loungewear outfits next week!

Zara / Lime Green Ribbed Top : $5.90

This little green tank is one of my new favorites for every day use, AND only $5.90 from Zara. I know, such a good steal. Great quality, and this green color is really in right now for Spring and Summer! Here I’m pairing it with some low-rise, straight-legged jeans from &OtherStories.

Zara / Soft Touch Cardigan : $35.90 & Cropped Soft Feel Top : $19.90 

This little set is from Zara as well. It comes with this matching bralette/top and cardigan! So easy to throw on, yet makes you look put together right away. This nude color is always a go-to for me. This little outfit will have people thinking you’ve got your sh*t together!

Misguided : Pink Oversized Washed Denim Shirt : $28

This oversized button up is everything! I actually got it on Poshmark, but it is originally from Misguided. I will link a similar shirt below! Here I just threw it on with some jean shorts, and rolled up the sleeves. This would look really cute with some lace-up heels to dress it up! If you’re on the shorter side, you could probably even ditch the shorts and just wear it as a dress!

Mink Pink / Aurella Knit Cardigan : $66

This fuzzy hot pink cardigan is from Planet Blue, and its brand is Mink Pink. Wearing a good quality cardigan achieves such a chic look, when just throwing over a simple tank. The tank I’m wearing here is mentioned above. Linked below is the cardigan, and it is actually on sale right now… so grab it while it’s still in stock!

Aritzia / TNA Venice Bra Top : $38

This little black cutout top is from Aritzia. I’ve already gotten so much use out of it. I usually just throw it on with some sweats, which automatically dresses the outfit up a bit (You’ll see in next week’s post). You can also work out in it, as it’s made of breathable material and hugs you tightly.

Zara / Print Crop Top : $19.90

This pink zebra top is from Zara. It actually didn’t look this short online, so when I got it in the mail I was a little disappointed. However, with some very high waisted pants, I think its a great little top to have if you wanna spice up an outfit. Again, a comfortable piece, that makes it look like you spent time getting ready. I paired it with some trousers that I got from Goodwill a while back, but will link similar one’s below!

Nasty Gal / Cowl Us Later Satin Mini Dress : $25.20

I got this super cute and affordable dress from NastyGal! It has a cowl neck, and adjustable straps. It’s super flattering, and again, this green color is perfect for the summer. I’m also pretty tall (5’9), so most mini dresses are too short on me. But, this dress is the perfect length – not too short or too long.

Target / Women’s High Neck Bralette Colsie Neon Pink : $13

TARGET. Yes, Target people!!! Target deserves more hype for their basics. I have gotten SO much use out of this basic tank. It is a stretchy, spandex-like material, so it really sucks everything in. Highly, highly, highly, recommend purchasing! And as you can see, pinks, greens, and nudes, are what I’ve been loving in my wardrobe recently.

Urban Outfitters / Couldn’t find online

I’ve been loving sheer tops recently. Just throw on some jewelry, wear over a cute bar or bralette, and achieve an effortless, sexy-chic look. As I said earlier, this nude color is always a favorite of mine in my wardrobe’s color palette. This specific one is from Urban Outfitters, but I got mine from Goodwill a while ago. Super breezy for the warmer weather, and a nice twist on a basic t-shirt.

Nasty Gal / Off The Hook And Eye Puff Sleeve Bodysuit : $18

Black usually isn’t really a Spring or Summer color, but I thought I could get some good use out of it when I’m in need of a good night time outfit. I got the bodysuit from Nasty Gal. It’s nice material, and the shape of it is extremely flattering. Paired with some ripped denim shorts and black square toes heels would be super cute for warmer weather!

Zara / Couldn’t find online

Lastly, this edgy blouse from Zara is one of my new favorites. I love how it’s a different style than most blouses out there, and really cinches in your upper waist area with ties in the back. You can also dress it up and wear it to work with some trousers and tank under. Or, can dress it down with some denim jeans like I did here.

Links to items mentioned

Quick 5 Ingredient Bagel Recipe

I found this quick, healthy bagel recipe and had to share! Only takes around 5-10 minutes to prep, and 25 minutes to bake. If you try this recipe out, take a picture and tag @verve.blog on Instagram!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • Everything bagel seasoning (your seasoning of choice)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and yogurt in large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Once combined, lightly flour your surface and knead dough into a ball as shown.

Step 3: Separate ball of dough into fourths, and roll out as shown.

Step 4: Move dough to baking sheet with tinfoil, and combine links to make bagel shape.

Step 5: Lightly brush egg wash onto each bagel. This will give it that nice golden color, and allow the seasoning to stick easily! Sprinkle your seasoning of choice onto the bagels. I use Everything but the Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joes (Linked below).

Step 6: Place baking sheet in 375 degree oven for 25 minutes and VOILA! We dressed ours with an egg and avocado but anything will taste amazing!

Links to items mentioned :

Trader Joes Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Everything-Sesame-Seasoning/dp/B06W9N8X9H

6 ways to wear a scarf.

Scarfs are so underrated. Not only are they extreeeemely versatile, but they are so chic and add a different component to your wardrobe. The one I’m styling is a silk scarf bundle from Fortiv, which is an amazing sustainable brand based in Canada that uses wilted flowers from local florists before they are composted! Check out her work at https://www.fortiv.ca

Belt

Fold the scarf to fit your belt loops and tie around your waist into a bow! So simple, yet adds and extra pop to any outfit.

Long front knot

Fold the scarf in half, creating a triangle. Grab the two opposite corners and tie them into a knot around your body. Once tied, shimmy the fabric down on your sides to have more coverage.

Short front knot

Hold the scarf up so that it is hanging down in a rectangle shape. Tie the short side of the rectangle around your chest into a knot – the rest of the fabric will drape down pretty long. Finish by tucking that extra fabric into your pants!

Back tie

Hold your scarf so that it is in a diamond shape. Fold the top part of the diamond down so that you now have a triangle. Use that as the front of your top and tie the back in a knot.

Tucked

Do the same steps as the back tie style, except this time change the look by folding the lower part that is hanging down, up into the top of the scarf.

Bandana Style

Fold the scarf in half, so that it is in the shape of a triangle. Place on top of your head and tie a tight knot underneath your hair. Voila!

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Her

Valentines day is “celebrated” differently by everyone. Some people love it, some hate it. I personally feel like we shouldn’t need a certain day to spoil your significant other, because we should be spoiled every day.. obviously! (kidding not kidding)

I am obsessed with gift giving though – so I am all for another reason for me to buy something. (my bank account thinks otherwise) Anyways, I’ve put together a Valentines Day Gift Guide for Her – AND I kept everything under $50 because I know we all out here struggling after Christmas season. Links to products mentioned are at the bottom of the post.

BOXFOX

Box Fox is a website that offers super cute pre-made boxes of themed, or personalized items packaged and mailed right to the door of who you want it sent to. The top box comes with a rose quartz roller, rose water travel spritz, and a lavender face mask. ($48.50) Trust me guys, you don’t know what these things are, but she’ll love it. The bottom box comes with a milk face mask, candle, and sugarfina almond milk bears. ($26) There are of course also more expensive boxes that come with more things, or you can even personalize your box and choose what you want in it. It comes wrapped in the CUTEST box and ribbon, and includes a card that you personalize with a message. I honestly couldn’t think of a cuter, quick Valentines Day gift for your GURL.

ANTHROPOLOGIE CANDLE

These two candles from Anthropologie are the cutest and most fitting gifts fro Valentine’s Day. The top candle is a floral pressed candle, so it has flower petals pressed into a gold trimmed rim.($34) The bottom candle is called the love candle, which clearly is just shouting at you to get it for her for the day of LOVE. ($28) Gifting a candle is a simple gift that can be made romantic and thoughtful by choosing ones like these!

JEWELRY

Jewelry is ALWAYS a good gift. These two pieces are amazing quality from a website called Gorjana. They are so cute and dainty, the perfect necklace to layer. You can also never have enough jewelry!! The pink one is the power gemstone charm for love which is obviously just perfect for Valentines day. ($48) These are pieces that are both simple and gorgeous, and they will be able to wear forever!

Amara Solitaire Necklace and Power Gemstone Charm for Love Necklace

SILK SCRUNCHIES

These silk scrunchies from slip are not only trendy at the moment, but also are designed to avoid hair creases and be extremely gentle on your hair. ($39) If your significant other already wears scrunchies, then I suggest this even more because I promise you they will fall IN LOVE with them. If they travel a lot, then you can also look into slips silk sleep masks ($50) which are so boujee and will make them wonder how they’ve been living without it!

BOUQUET OF ROSES

These roses can be delivered to whomever you want!!! They are BEAUTIFUL. If you want to make your girl smile, and have something beautiful to stare and think of you for the next week, I highly recommend something like this. This specific bouquet is from a website called BloomsyBox, and they deliver these to the door. ($39.99) This is such a classic and romantic gift to give to your significant other – even if you can’t spend the day with them!

PERSONALIZED POUCH

The Daily Edited sells super cute personalized accessories and pouches. They are big enough to hold a lipstick, keys, and your cards/cash. This trendy company is also high end and everything is amazing quality. You can get her initials printed on the front and she will love it! ($50)

Links to items mentioned

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Him

Not sure if this is for all girls, but I will find any excuse to spoil my boyfriend. Example A: Valentines Day. Below I’ve put together a Valentines Day Gift Guide for Him – AND I kept everything under $50 because I know we all out here struggling after Christmas season. Links to products mentioned are at the bottom of the post.

PERSONALIZED WALLET

These personalized wallets from Etsy are such a cute gift to give to your significant other! You can have their name printed on the front, and then are able to put a personalized message on the inside of it! Such a simple, yet thoughtful gift. ($30)

PERSONALIZED BRACELET

The top personalized bracelet is from Wanderer bracelets. You can choose to put initials, the date of a significant event, or even your own phrase. The bottom bracelet is from Etsy, and you can have a saying, date, or whatever you want engraved on the metal! This is a super meaningful, yet stylish and masculine accessory that is the perfect Valentines Day gift! ($34)

YETI MUG

A Yeti beer insulator, tumbler, or mug is such a great gift to give anyone. They are not only extremely durable, but also stylish. I really love their neutral steel color option because it just looks higher end and sharp. You will definitely get your money’s worth out of these with prices of each style ranging from $20-$50.

LULULEMON BOXERS

Lululemon boxers are something your significant other won’t know they needed until they have them. They are a bit pricey for just one pair ($28) but that’s why it’s such a great gift to give someone rather than them buying it for themselves. They are great for working out, or just wearing every day, because of their comfortable breathable material!

FACE PEEL

This is an amazing exfoliating product that has sleek packaging for your man. All they have to do is scrub some on their face and any dead skin will come right off. Not the most romantic gift, but definitely useful and will last them a very long time. Their face will literally feel like a baby’s butt.. amazing if you ask me!

Links t0 items mentioned

DIY Rustic Desk

This past year, I moved into a new house and was able to start decorating my room from scratch. I decided to go for the beachy look with a touch of rustic/farmhouse style! After looking days on end for desks that would fit the style and size I wanted, I was out of luck. So – I took it into my own hands and built one from scratch. Follow along to see how I made it!

MA T E R I A L S

  1. x4 : Wooden crates
  2. x1 : Wooden plank (Up to you on how long you want your desk, I used a 6ft x 1ft 3inch pre-sanded piece)
  3. 1 Can Primer (I used KILZ All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer)
  4. 1 Can White Paint
  5. 1 Can Wood Stain (I used Mission Oak Satin color)
  6. x6 : 2-1/2 Steel Zinc-Plated Corner Brace
  7. x4 : 4in Steel Zinc-Plated Corner Brace
  8. Paint Brush
  9. Sponge or rag
  10. Drill + screws for braces
I got all of my materials from Home Depot!

DI R E C T I O N S

  1. Apply primer to wooden crates.
  2. While waiting for primer to dry, apply stain evenly to wood plank using a rag or sponge. Tip: If you get stain on your hands, soak them in oil and it will come right off!
  3. While waiting for stain to dry, apply your paint to the crates. (I only needed 2 coats to cover them)
  4. Apply as many extra coats of stain to the wood to get your desired color.
  5. Stack 2 of the crates on top of one another, and secure them by drilling the 4in. corner braces onto either side. Repeat this for the remaining 2 crates. These will be the base/legs of your desk in the end!
  6. Position the crates at a width that you’d like the desk, and place the stained wood ontop.
  7. Secure the table top to the crates by drilling in the 2-1/2 inch corner braces to the corners where the wood plank meets the crate.
  8. VOILA! You have your very own, personalized, rustic desk!
Connecting the two crates together using 4in. braces.
Connecting the wood plank with the top brace using 2-1/2in. corner braces.

When I was buying the crates to make the desk, I bought 2 extra ones to use as storage under my bed. It makes the rustic theme flow throughout the room and gives me extra storage!

The overall price of all the materials totaled to be around $100.

Jewelry Favorites

I used to go through jewelry pieces pretty regularly because I would buy cheap necklaces/earrings from places like Forever21. They would go green within a matter of days… yet I would keep rebuying more because I wanted that trendy gold layered look.

Pathetic. I know.

After coming across the realization that even though I was spending so little on the jewelry, I was in reality wasting money and time, I decided to look into brands that offered higher quality jewelry. I am so happy to have now found my holy grail jewelry pieces that I can wear every day with not the slightest bit of tarnishing!

Necklaces : Two of my necklaces are from Gorjana which is a jewelry company that has a large range of gold plated necklaces, earrings, and rings. You can buy these necklaces in a pair, and then choose to either wear them layered together, or separately. I asked for this pair for Christmas, but would highly recommend investing in jewelry from this company! They are such great quality and I never have to worry about them losing their color, or having to replace them any time soon. The next necklace that I layer is from Mejuri. This necklace is pricey as well, but something that I can wear and have forever without worrying about its quality. My boyfriend actually got me this necklace for Christmas. These necklaces are the perfect gifts to ask for because it is something you can use forever, but might not necessarily want to spend on yourself!

Gorjana / Parker Layering Set : $108
cristinadrossos
Mejuri / Honey Necklace : $65

Earrings : The pairs of earrings that I interchange regularly are from J&CO. Jewelry. I rarely take these babies out and they still maintain their color, shine, and quality. They are so cute and dainty which is exactly what I love. I got the mini endless hoop earrings set, the sparkly huggie hoops, and the mini skinny bar stud earrings. The mini endless hoops come with 2 pairs of small gold hoops, and the sparkly huggie hoops and skinny bar earrings come with one pair. I personally think they are quite inexpensive for the quality that they maintain, and highly recommend to anyone looking for a new pair that will last them years.

Sparkly Huggie Hoops : USD $26
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Mini Endless Hoop Earrings Set : $25

Links to items mentioned

Staple items to have in your wardrobe

I decided to put together a list of some pieces I own and am able to mix/match every day to create new outfits! These are all things that I absolutely love and are essential to my closet.

This is the first post on my new blog!! Ahh SO exciting.

I am no professional, just a girl going to college who loves reading things like this and thought my insights might be of use to others interested in fashion like me!

Over the past, probably few years I’d say, I have compiled a collection of clothing pieces that I don’t know how I ever lived without.

Below I have listed the staple items I think everyone should have, as well as pictures to see how I rearrange different outfits with the same pieces! Each outfit that I am wearing only involves the 9 staple items I mention below. It’s crazy how just a few items can be re-worked to fit so many different styles and occasions! Links to my items as well as similar items are linked at the bottom of this post.

  • Blouse : Lately I have been soooOOOooO obsessed with blouses. This one pictured was only $4 from Goodwill! I love the versatility that comes with wearing blouses. In the first picture I tied the bottom of the blouse into a knot for a more casual look, in the second picture I tucked the bottom of the blouse into my bra, and in the third picture I wore it as is. A lot of people nowadays are so quick to cut their t-shirts because they want the cropped look. I’m all for the cropped look, but also love to wear my things as is sometimes as well – SO I use this little trick of tucking the bottom of my shirt into my bra, and it comes in hand very regularly.
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  • Pair of sweats and sweatshirt : I am currently obsessed with the boyfriend sweats/sweatshirt from Aritzia. I can wear them together, separately, dressed up, dressed down, or even layered. Not to mention the quality and feel of the material is to die for! For size reference, I got the sweatshirt in a 2 and the sweats in a medium! A dupe that I’ve found are fruit of the loom sweats and sweatshirts at Walmart. They only cost around $7 a piece and serve the same looks!
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  • Pair of denim jeans : I recently got a pair of Levi’s for Christmas that are distressed and straight legged style. I’ve always struggled finding a pair of jeans that fit my body right (don’t we all), while also being comfortable enough to wear them all day. For size reference, I got them in a size 26! Jeans are always a good gift to get since they can be quite expensive. When I buy on my own, I’m often able to find cute jeans on the sale rack of Urban Outfitters, or from a good thrift store if I get lucky.
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  • Graphic T-shirt : If anyone knows me, I live in graphic T’s. However, they can often be pretty pricey – no one wants to pay $40 for a cotton t-shirt!! Although I’ve caved and bought the occasional overpriced T-shirt from Urban Outfitters, most of my graphic T collection has come from Goodwill. (Stay tuned for my post on thrifting tips!) Not only are they comfy and non-restrictive, but they can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. Depending on the occasion I can wear it as is, tucked in, or tucked under my bra to get the cropped look.
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  • Blazer : I never really realized just how much use I could get out of a blazer. I now have a couple blazers, but seriously think everyone would benefit from having one in their closet! In the pictures, you can see I have a white linen blazer, as well as a fuchsia colored blazer from Zara. I spent a little more on my Zara blazer but love how it holds its quality if you’re looking for something a little nicer! If you are looking for something cheaper to just try out, H&M also has some really cute blazers for less!
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  • Plain T-shirt : Having a good quality, basic t-shirt is a definite staple to your wardrobe. I’ve always been reluctant to invest in a good quality t-shirt (and by invest I mean over $20) because to me I didn’t think it was anything special to spend my money on. However, after getting this t-shirt from Aritzia, I was SHOCKED. The softest, thickest, yet breathable, thing EVER. Not only does it feel amazing on, but it just makes my outfits look so much more put together, in comparison to the cheaper Brandy Melville or Urban Outfitter t-shirts that I’ve had previously. Below I linked the one I have on, plus a few other similar ones as well.
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  • Cool pants : By cool pants, I mean pants that aren’t just your average jean. I love these pants from Aritzia. You can’t see too well in the pictures, but they have awesome stitching on the front where the pockets are. I am obsessed with the shape of them, and for all you tall girls – these are the PERFECT length. (I’m 5’9) Pants that are “different” have become one of my most favorite things to shop for. I think that having just one pair in your closet is perfect to dress up, down, and basically wear with any basic.
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  • Denim shorts : Last but not least, a solid pair of denim shorts! It is so difficult for me to find shorts that fit me the way I want, are the style I like, and cover everything I need covered. These are probably the first pair of shorts to cross off all those things. They go up on the sides, which is very flattering on your figure, are distressed in the front, and go low in the back to cover your butt. They remind me of One Teaspoon shorts, but with a little more coverage and less pricey. I bought this pair from a store in Oahu called Homecoming Honolulu, but will have a pair similar linked below!
cristinadrossos

Links to items mentioned

Similar items

Welcome to my blog!

http://instagram.com/cristinadrossos

Hello! To anyone who might be reading this and might possibly be interested in who I am:

My name is Cristina Drossos!

I currently go to college in Oahu, but am originally from California. I have always had a passion for fashion, beauty, interior design, health, and basically all things creative. I have spent so much time on all of these aspects, and have learnt so many things that I wish I knew earlier. After a couple of years, I’ve realized that blogging would be a perfect outlet for me to express myself in all of these segments, while hopefully helping other people who come across this on the way. I plan on posting clothing hacks, styling tips, DIY projects, and many more. I am so excited to start this creative outlet, and share a part of me with all of you!

I came up with the name of my blog when I was figuring out what mood I wanted this blog to be. I came up with the words: energy, passion, and style. From there I came across the word verve. The Merriam Webster definition of verve is, “the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance (energy and vitality)”. I really couldn’t think of a better name. Like c’mon, verve. It just fits.