Final Flashback Friday of 2016

Hey there!
2016 has been a year… one for the books. AMIRITE?? It has been full of lots of ups and lots of downs for myself (and apparently for others as well). So many things happened that I sorta don’t even know where to start but I wanted to post one final Flashback Friday’s post for the year because I enjoy doing them so much! Keep reading for more about what I was up to this past week.

flashback fridays hertaintedlips

Aside from being shocked by all the celebrity deaths this year, I have been feeling uneasy about the ending of this year. If have been feeling so exhausted – mentally and physically – and have had a lingering headache for 4 days already! I feel the weight of frustration and sadness slowly lifting yet my mind feels “heavy” – I can’t really put it into words. It is sort of like this irritating pressure.

I am super excited for a new year and new beginnings. I just want to let go of 2016 and all the crap that I had to endure. I have positive things coming in 2017 and I am super excited about that. I will be graduating this upcoming semester and I have a performance review coming up at work which could mean a pay raise – those two things alone have got me excited.

Another thing I am looking forward to is my Best Friend’s wedding. I can’t wait to dress up and join her in celebrating this new chapter of her life with her. I’m also having to search for a new place to live because the building I am currently residing in is being sold and I believe they may be planning renovations. Everything is going to work out towards the end of the semester so things should hopefully work out seamlessly.

I am looking forward to new beginnings!

Since I am out of school for a couple more weeks I have mostly been working and getting other things in order that I wasn’t able to the past couple of months. I have been doing a lot of organizing, planning and purging. Out with the old, in with the new. Even though I haven’t been feeling well I have been in a very positive and inspired place lately so I have been riding that wave the best I can.

Adios 2016! What are your plans for New Year’s Eve and what are you planning for 2017? Let us know in the comments.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.

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Flashback Friday’s: End of The Semester Edition

Dear Fellow College Students,
You can take a deep breath.
I am hoping that you had a great semester and that all of your papers, presentations and finals are turned in and no longer something on your to do list. You have done all that you could have possibly done (hopefully) to make this a successful semester.

*Cheers to you and high five if you are a graduating Senior*

You made it to the end of the semester! It is time to enjoy the Winter Break.

flashback fridays hertaintedlips

This semester was actually a fairly “easy” one for me compared to some of the more recent ones that I have had. Mainly because I enjoyed the courses and Professors that I had. It was full of great information and great people to share and learn it with. Even though my life was all turned upside down I was able to finish the semester fairly unscathed. I am super excited for next semester (and scared out of my mind) because I am taking my two Senior Projects and will be graduating (finally).

I only had 2 courses this semester and they were both online. One actually ended back in September so I am happy that I had about 2 months of just having 1 course to deal with. I’m so happy that they were online because when I went to Georgia while my Dad was hospitalized and after he passed away I think I would have had to drop the course since I was away for so long. Online courses aren’t for everyone, however, they can sometimes be a huge blessing.

I am proud of myself for getting through this semester even while I felt like the world was crumbling beneath my feet. My college career has a been a long journey and I will write about it more on a separate occasion because there are some topics I want to touch on that would do better in a different post. I will probably work on that during the winter break.

I am currently working on a post of resources for college students – it has been sitting in my draft folder since last semester – and it will be posted at the beginning of next semester so be sure to be on the lookout for that. I feel like I had so many more resources to share so I wanted to go back and edit it a bit more before I launch it out to the interwebs.

If you haven’t had time to go shopping for others make sure you check out my gift guides and be sure to check out this post featuring Companies That Give Back When You Make A Purchase This Season.

Thank you so much for stopping in and I hope to chat with you soon.

What are your plans for the Winter Break? Let us know in the comments.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.

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Give While You Shop This Season: Companies that give back when you make a purchase

Christmas is right around the corner and I’m sure that most of you are out there shopping in stores or online trying to find the perfect gifts. What’s better than getting something cool for someone you care about? Being able to know that your purchase will also help someone else in need or that is going through something challenging.

Every year I try to donate money, food or gifts to people less fortunate than myself. My life may not be perfect but I know I am extremely blessed and have things that I sometimes take for granted. That is why I decided to put a list together of companies that give back to those in need. So while you are shopping this holiday season make sure to check out the companies below.

This post includes affiliate links.

Sock Panda: The winter months can be cold and dreary – a cute pair of socks is not only a fashion statement but can also keep you warm as well. With every monthly Sock Panda subscription purchased they give a pair of socks to someone in need.

soapbox soaps: This soap company donates a bar of soap to a person in need in the US and abroad with the purchase of every product sold. Each of their products has a Hope Code which you can enter into their system and see which project your purchase will support.

House of Light Goods: This company empowers single mothers in Mexico to break the cycle of poverty and abuse as well as help impoverished families. They sell beautiful scarves, pillow covers and blankets.

H&M Foundation: Some of you are H&M shoppers. According to their website “For each H&M gift card sold between November 3, 2016 – January 8, 2017, the H&M Foundation will make a donation to UNHCR. The entire donation will be directed to school supplies for refugee children through the UNHCR program, “Educate a Child” focusing on education for refugee children.” Their Foundation also has other projects to help those in need as well.

Warby Parker: If you have vision problems you know how useful having a pair of glasses is. For every pair of glasses purchased, a pair is given to someone in need.

TOMS Shoes: Their One for One® program matches every pair of shoes purchased and gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

yoobi: This brand is sold exclusively at Target and they have bright and fun school supplies and accessories. When you make a purchase with them they donate an item to a Yoobi Classroom Pack. These Classroom Packs are donated to classrooms.

Avon:
There are three causes that Avon currently give proceeds to upon purchase of select merchandise. They also allow you to make monetary donations as well.

  • Empowerment:The Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program has committed nearly $50 million, in over 50 countries, to organizations and programs focused on awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs to help end the cycle of domestic and gender violence.
  • Pink Ribbon/Breast Cancer Crusade:Purchase supports the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, supporting women who are battling breast cancer and funding research to find a cure.
  • Mark M.Powerment:100% of the net proceeds from sales of the mighty pretty m.powerment bracelet ($20.92) is donated directly to the m.powerment by mark (Managed by the Avon Foundation for Women) philanthropic initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner abuse.

Project 7: Purchases help to give back for 7 different areas of need – clean water, emergency relief (housing), tree planting, meals for the hungry, malaria treatments, school education in developing nations and anti-bullying programs.

People Water: Even though this may not be a “gift” – the gift of clean water is pretty major if you ask me. Buy a case to keep on hand for house guests. Every bottle purchased = an equal amount of clean water to a person in need.

Do you know of any other companies that give back to those in need? Let us know in the comments.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.

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Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers for Her

Just because she is an adult that doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t have a stocking above the fireplace. If you aren’t going to do a stocking stuffer you can always do a vase or cute gift bag/sack.

Here are 10 stocking stuffer ideas for her.

This post includes affiliate links.

Gift Guide Stocking Stuffers For Her

1. Game of Phones – This card game requires a group of friends or family members with cell phones. Hours and hours of fun for her next girls night in.
2. Avon Care Silicone Glove Holiday Hand Cream – colder months mean dry skin. These mini hand creams are the perfect size to fit in her purse or keep at her desk.
3. Natico Decision Maker and Paper Weight – It is sort of like the Magic 8 Ball for grown-ups.

4. A pack of her favorite pens or paint brushes. I personally love Pilot G2 Gel Ink Pens in Fine Point.

5. Purse Light with Automatic Sensor – This is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Yes I’m a dork, but that is besides the point. This light senses when something is coming towards it (your hand) and turns on so you can see deep down in the crowded purse of yours. Super cool.
6. Crazy pairs of socks from SockPanda – If she is a lover of crazy socks gift her a monthly subscription.
7. A gift pack of her favorite tea or coffee flavors.
8. A travel charger for her phone so that she can keep it charged during all her trips.
9. Passport cover – for the travelling woman.
10. Gift Cards – So many options to give – Visa Gift Card’s, Sephora Gift Cards, MAC Gift Cards, Amazon Gift Cards, Starbuck’s Gift Cards and more. Think of her favorite place(s) to shop and gift her with the power to buy what she wants!

Before you even start shopping online I recommend that you sign up for ebates. It is free to sign up and you can get special savings and cash back at many of the online stores you already shop at. To make it easier also install the ebates Chrome extension and log on to your account. When you are shopping online it will alert you of cashback and deals that are available at that website and all you have to do is activate it.
Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.

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Gift Guide: Gift Ideas For College Students

Hello there! Happy Holidays. Are you still looking for gift ideas for the college student(s) in your life? Well here is a list of gift ideas for college students that I came up with as well as some stocking stuffer ideas as well.

I hope you find this gift guide useful.

This post includes affiliate links.
gift guide for college students

Gift Ideas For College Students

Gift Ideas For College Students – Stocking Stuffers

  • Ear Buds: You can never have enough ear buds! To drown out the noise of roommates (and strangers on the bus that want to talk to you) or to enjoy some relaxing sounds while at the library – a set of ear buds is always comes in handy.
  • Portable phone charger: These come in handy all the time. Late night study sessions at the library, trips on the bus or long days at school can drain your phone battery – give them a gift that will keep their phone charged throughout the day.
  • Walmart Gift Cards: Whether they live at home, on their own or in a dorm they are going to need items for school. From supplies to room decor and everything in between there is something for everyone.
  • Gift cards to their favorite food places. Or even a Starbucks Gift Card
  • Office supplies: There are hundreds of options to choose from. Think printer ink, their favorite pens.
  • Amazon Gift Cards: Amazon has thousands and thousands of items to choose from and if they already have a Subscription to Amazon Student they can enjoy the benefits of free 2-day shipping as well.

Before you even start shopping online I recommend that you sign up for ebates. It is free to sign up and you can get special savings and cash back at many of the online stores you already shop at. To make it easier also install the ebates Chrome extension and log on to your account. When you are shopping online it will alert you of cashback and deals that are available at that website and all you have to do is activate it.
Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

What other gift ideas for college students would you recommend? Let us know in the comments

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.

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Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty & Makeup Gift Sets

I used to love getting gift sets when I was younger.

My grandparents would usually buy us makeup or nail polish sets and as we got older we would were upgraded to bath and body sets – with scented body wash or bubble bath, lotion and a cute wash cloth. Here are some of my favorite gift sets that I have been eyeing lately.

Holiday gift guide for her beauty

Beauty & Makeup Gift Sets

avon mark Nailed It Gift Setmark. Nailed It Gift Set.
Includes four bottles: one base coat, two festive polishes, and one top coat.
I am absolutely in love with nail polish. Anyone that knows me, knows that I have an obsession with having every color ever available. This gift set is so pretty and perfect for the holidays. It can be worn to holiday parties and long after as well. I love that it includes a base coat and top coat!


Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set

Includes: 8 of Kat Von D’s best selling Mini Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks in Plath (deep russet red), Santa Sangre (poison apple), Mother (dusty mauve pink), Lovesick (mauve nude), Backstage Bambi (vivid hot pink), L.U.V. (rich violet), New! Roxy (bright grape), Echo (satin navy blue).
These liquid lipstick colors are so gorgeous. I wouldn’t even know how to pick which color to wear!

NARSissist Hardwired Eye Kit

The colors in this kit are colors I would normally purchase separately so I love that they all come together in one package. The brush looks like it is good quality and I think that it would create some beautiful, bold looks.

Before you even start shopping online I recommend that you sign up for ebates. It is free to sign up and you can get special savings and cash back at many of the online stores you already shop at. To make it easier also install the ebates Chrome extension and log on to your account. When you are shopping online it will alert you of cashback and deals that are available at that website and all you have to do is activate it.
Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

What are gift sets are on your list this year?

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase something featured here. This commission will be invested back into hertaintedlips.com as well as help me buy a cheap bottle of wine or some Starbucks. For more information please read our disclosure page.

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