The holidays are here, the most wonderful time of the year....but it can also be a stressful time. So many of us are wrapped up in the struggle of finding THE perfect gift for everyone on our list. Year after year, this can be a struggle. It doesn't have to be, though. Really, it's just about finding unique, one-of-a-kind items that show you care and bring some cheer to the holiday season for both you and the person you're giving to.

There are plenty of ideas out there, especially for those people on your list who are tricky to buy for. One really great idea? Christmas socks are always a fun, colorful, versatile go-to for those tough-to-buy-for women on your holiday shopping list. They're something that go with every outfit and every personality. Right now, they're one of the trendy items you can grab. 

I always add in a pair with my gifts for friends and the females in my family because honestly, you can never have enough socks....and these colorful Christmas patterns will certainly bring a smile to everyone on your gift list's face. 

Check out the full selection by clicking the link above. You'll find various patterns to choose from, all at a great price. 

Do you love getting fun socks as a gift? Tell me in the comments!

Disclosure: This article was written as a part of Intellinfluence. I do receive payment in exchange for this piece <3

As a teacher, I love getting new clothes... but I'm on a budget. I'm a huge fan of Stitch Fix, but I can't always afford some of their high prices.

Enter Poshmark, a true game changer for any fashionista out there. Poshmark is a fashion buying and selling platform (it even has its own app). All sorts of women sell items on there. These are not used, holey clothes, though. Many women sell items new they just haven't used or items that don't work for them.

I have gotten some amazing steals on Poshmark, including Liverpool jeans (usually $88) for $20, brand-new. The shipping is fast, and the community is truly great. Here are more reasons I love it. If you want to give it a try, use this link and code LADETWILER and you'll get $10 for signing up and giving it a try!

My favorite Stitch Fix brands are all on Poshmark. But you can find anything. Did Kohls run out of your size in your favorite Lauren Conrad jeans? Find it on Poshmark. Are you sad that Target doesn't carry Sam & Libby shoes anymore? Poshmark.

​You can get any brand your heart desires at a fraction of the price, truly.

There is a search option where you can filter new with tags items only if you don't want anything used. I have bought tons of New with Tags items from Stitch Fix at about 70% off the regular price.

Each item has an offer button. You can offer the seller a lower price. Also, if you like items with the heart, sometimes sellers will send you offers with special discounts. It's really fun to try to get a better deal, and you can really get some steals.

You don't have to, but if you want, Poshmark makes it easy for anyone to sell items they have that they don't want. Do you have some clothes with tags on them you just haven't worn? Turn those clothes into cash. It's easy to get started, and Poshmark takes just a small cut.

Sign up with my code LADETWILER to get $10 off your first order. But HURRY, this offer won't last long! Click here and then use the code to claim your free Poshmark cash.

It's summer...which means more time for me to shop for and try new beauty products.

I wanted to pop in and tell you about some of my absolute favorite buys right now. These are super affordable, easy ways to elevate your beauty routine. The best part? These products ACTUALLY work (I've tried them all myself).

Check out some of my favorites and be sure to tell me some of your favorite products in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!

My summer styling vibe? Wash and go. I don't like to spend hours with hot tools and perfecting hair that will probably ending up a little bit windswept anyway.

Not Your Mother's Products are great because they are cruelty free, super affordable, and are effective. I love this texturizing spray. It gives you those mermaid-like, natural waves and adds some body to even limp hair. I just spray it in after my shower, comb through, scrunch, and go. That's it!

You can find this product at Target and Ulta. I even found a trial size which was perfect for giving me a chance to try it (I think the trial was only $2.99).

The full size is currently $5.99 at Ulta, and they have this line Buy 1, Get 1 50% off. 

I know it's weird to have a toothpaste on my list of beauty products...but it is too amazing not to tell you about it!

This toothpaste is black...so yes, rinse your sink well after each use. But it works so well! I feel like I've used Crest Whitening strips every single time I brush. 

I drink a lot of coffee and deal with stains, but this strips them right off. I'm serious, my teeth are so much brighter now. The toothpaste is only $5.99 at Target, so way cheaper than White Strips and way easier. 

Honestly, I've tried basically every brand of foundation out there and hate almost all of them. They are too shiny, too sheer, too heavy, too dull. Plus, I am super pale, and none of the colors are actually ever pale enough to give me a perfect match.

I grabbed the Flesh Firm Foundation stick this weekend at Ulta...Game changer!! I've never used a stick for foundation, but I'm in love. You just scribble it on your face and then use fingers, a sponge, or a brush to smooth it in.

It actually matched perfectly! They have SOOOO many different shades. There were actually 3 pale shades I was debating between because they all matched. It was amazing! You can also get the stick in a lighter or darker color for highlighter and foundation.

Right now, the Flesh foundation stick is on sale for only $12 at Ulta. Give it a try. it's really worth it. Plus, it gives you the chance to control your foundation...you don't have to coat your whole face. I'm in love, truly.

This is a little bit of a pricier find on my list, but it's worth it if you want to up your brow game and are sort of clueless about how to do it.

I've never done a lot with my brows because I'm terrified to look like I have totally fake, drawn on, or crooked eyebrows. 

Enter Urban Decay's brow gel. It's sort of a like a cream but goes on like a powder. It's so simple! You just feather it into the brows you have. No drawing. No lines, no figuring out angles. It just enhances what you have and fills them in. I love that the palette comes with two shades. Both of the shades work on my brows, which is awesome. And it doesn't budge all day. Even in the shower, it doesn't smear.

Even on days I don't do my makeup, I do my brows now because it makes such an impact. Try it and see.

It's $29 for the palette, but I've had mine forever. It really lasts. And it comes with the little applicator, too. Check it out at Ulta.

Eyelid primer is essential if you want your shadow to last all day or in this heat. I've always loved Urban Decay's, but it is sort of pricey.

Morphe has an option that is half-price at only $10. And the best part? It is just as effective as Urban's, if not more. I use it every day. Grab yours at Ulta for only $10 (You can use Ulta coupons on it, too). 

Again, I know this is an odd beauty item, but it is so effective that I had to share.

Here's the truth...I've always sweat. A lot. A lot a lot. Even the clinical over-the-counter deodorants would leave with me sweaty and with gross stains I was hiding. 

I always wanted to switch to an all-natural deodorant because of the health benefits and because I'm a firm believer in cruelty-free products. However, I was highly skeptical.

And then I switched to Native.

This deodorant smells great....and the best part is that it works. 

Now listen, the switch over isn't perfect. You can read lots of articles about the detox process. Basically, it takes your body a week or two to adjust. And you can be a little smelly and sweaty (Not appealing, I know). But once you get through that stage, it's amazing. 

I seriously sweat so much less now. Like I apply my deodorant in the morning and that's it. I'm dry for the day. 

I know it's weird. I know it sounds odd. I didn't believe it at first either. But honestly, if you switch to a natural deodorant, you'll find that you need less and sweat less.

You can get Native at Target or on their website. I love their sales. My favorite scents are the coconut vanilla, the Rose, and the Blackberry Green Tea.

If you want to give it a try, use this link and you'll get a free mini deodorant with your purchase. 

Shipping is always free! An added perk.

I love Drunk Elephant products so much, I’m giving you a chance to win a $20 Drunk Elephant gift card! Just like this video and comment with which product in the video you would love to try. I’ll pick a random winner on June 30th.

I started using Drunk Elephant products in the fall, and I've been an obsessive fan ever since. I love that these products are cruelty free, all natural, and actually work! I also love that even though they are expensive, they last for so long that they actually are a great value. Be sure to check out my video for tips on which products are must-haves, and then be sure to enter to win the gift card.

To learn more about the products in this video, visit The Drunk Elephant Website.

Also be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more makeup, clothing, and book reviews <3


**Facebook, Youtube, and Drunk Elephant are not affiliated with or sponsoring this giveaway.

Whether it’s to your coworkers, your new boss or significant others family, we all want to make an impression--preferably a great one to the people around us. Considering our appearance is the first thing that people see, a great way to show off unique aspects of yourself is through the use of visuals! We all have personality features that we want to show off. Whether you want to highlight your more vibrant side or your more artistic side, there are certain ways that you can make a great impression both within the office and anywhere else you may go throughout your day.

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Makeup is no doubt one of the best things to experiment with. We all have set makeup looks depending on if you’re going to work, date night, or a night out with the gals. With the wide-range of makeup products and colors available, the use of makeup is the perfect tool to show off your personality. The great thing about makeup is that you can easily alter your appearance in just a few simple steps. Depending on whether you’re going to a boardroom meeting versus getting drinks with your friends, your makeup looks will vary. If you’re going straight from the office to a social gathering, one of the best things you can do is create an easy day-to-night look. Something as simple as a bright red lip will make your look pop in the office and beyond. As makeup has the power to show off certain aspects of your personality, you can pick and choose what looks you want to rock depending on where you are. If you’re inexperienced with the use of makeup, there are luckily tons of tutorials available both online and in makeup stores such as Ulta or Sephora to hopefully give you the exact show-stopping look that you’re going for. ​

As Billy Baldwin said, “Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” There’s nothing like decorating your own personal space to reflect your exact tastes. Whether you live by yourself or with a partner, the use of home decor is the perfect outlet to show off your personality and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Finding your exact style for your home can take time. Where you live, how old you are, if you’re a single-family home are all factors in how you design your home. Depending if you want to give your home a beachy feel, a more boho vibe, or a complete minimalist look, designing your home in a way that accurately reflects you is the perfect way to make a name for yourself. Whether you’re inviting coworkers to your home for happy hour or friends over for a movie marathon, showing off your decor tastes is just one other way for people to get to know you. If you feel like you don’t exactly have the eye for interior design, the best thing you can do is start with buying bigger items that you absolutely love. If you find a carpet that you can’t live without or a couch that seems too good to be true, don’t hesitate to snatch up those items as they will be a base for designing the rest of your room.

No matter how you choose to show off your personality, having some form of an outlet whether it be your makeup, your hair or your home decor is key in showing off your best self to the world!

How do you make a great impression?

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I bought this top a few weeks ago because I love a cute off-the-shoulder and mint green. It's a nice polyester material that won't wrinkle, and I love the sleeve detail!  It is currently on sale for only $13.99 (+$3.99 shipping), and comes in several colors. Go check it out here for your perfect summer date-night look.

Sometimes those spring and summer nights get chilly...and this teal sweatshirt is a perfect, chic way to stay warm whether you're by the lake, on the boardwalk, or just in your backyard. Check out the fun floral and polka dot mix. For only $14.99 ($4.99 shipping), this sweet sweatshirt is sure to make you look stylish for less. Go see the other photos of this must-have here.

Calling all dog lovers who need a comfy tank for summer! I love this brand of products. I even got my dad a T-shirt from this brand for Christmas with his beloved Bull terrier on it. 

They have so many breeds, so go check it out...and the comfy racerback is perfect for days lounging at the dog park or on the sofa with your pal. This tank runs $14.99 with shipping at $3.99.

I'm so in love with Maxi dresses these days, truly. Paired with a jean jacket and some cute wedges, they look so cute for everything from work to a weekend brunch with the girls.

This one is super affordable at only $16.99 ($3.99 shipping). I seriously just bought one similar fromStitch Fix that was $58. 

Head over and see the other beautiful colors on this one.

Everyone loves  good, sparkley flip flop...especially when it ships free! I'm loving these cute ones for only $10.99, Free shipping (Originally $29.99). Dress up your cute summer outfits without sacrificing comfort. Head over and see all the color options here.

A puddle of tears soaking into his hoodie when your world is falling apart.

A pair of hands tugging you tighter, holding you together so the pieces don’t shatter.

A homecooked meal on a weekday, nothing fancy, just the two of you sharing food and sharing chores and sharing in your day.

A look across the room that says he’s got your back, no matter what, even when the throngs of people around you are closing in.

A meeting of the minds in an almost magical way that allows you to share in a wordless inside joke.

A midnight kiss on the cheek when he thinks you’re sleeping, when no one’s watching, just because he feels the need to express his love.

A patched heart, sewn together with his words and careful gestures, that is strong enough to outlast any of the past’s destructive events.

A playful scream when he tickles you in the kitchen, flour smeared on your cheek as you wiggle away, angry at the annoyance but secretly relishing in the simple laughter.

A hugged pillow, squeezed against your chest, when the rift between you feels ever growing, when you question if it’s all going to work out.

An awareness that even on his worst day, he is the calm in the storm that is life, the presence that keeps you grounded, and the hand you crave to touch.

An apology, an acceptance, a step towards him because you are magnetized to the man who lights you up, even though he’s not perfect.

An undeniable chemistry, whether you’re wearing leather and lace or stained, holey cotton.

A feeling of acceptance, of knowledge, on a level no one else can understand.

A knowledge that whether life is wild, untamable, monotonous, horrifying, unbearable, or calm, he will be there, cheering you on in chasing your goals and picking you up when you shatter to the ground.  

Love is two of you against the world, pulling together even when you feel like pulling apart. It’s a commitment to the sentiment that you will raise each other up when your arms are shaking from the exertion.

Love is, against all odds, unstoppable, unquenchable, and sometimes unfathomable.

Yet, above all, love is what sets the heart on fire and sparks us to life, opening our eyes to who we really are and what we can become together.

Love is...

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As an Ulta Beauty Club Member and a Sephora Insider, I'm all about getting a good bargain to support my cosmetics addiction. However, over the years, I have found that some products truly are worth the extra money.

I've tried dozens of lotions, potions, serums, and products. Below, check out the five beauty products I've tried and loved. These are the products I feel are actually worth splurging a bit for.

I gave Dry Bar a try last year. I was skeptical; the hefty price tag made me hesitant. However, the results made me a believer.

This is actually the line of hair products that will change your bad hair days. Truly.

I am a huge fan of all of their products, but the charcoal shampoo is my favorite. It is super cleansing and helps get rid of all of the build-up products in your hair. This one is great, too, because you can use it once a week, which makes the price tag worth it.

You can give the Dry Bar On the Rocks Charcoal Shampoo a try for $10 for the trial size and see if you're a fan, too. 

I have been looking for moisturizers and serums to take away my fine lines, big pores, and patchy/oily skin for years. I hate to even think about how much I've spent in the search for the elusive cream to change my skin.

Stop spending money, do yourself a favor, and invest in Drunk Elephant.

I love that this brand is all-natural and cruelty-free (something I'm very passionate about). More than that, I love that the products work.

I've been using the day and night sampler kits as well as the cleanser and Peptide cream. It's been a month, and I've seen a dramatic change in my skin. Seriously.

It's smoother, the wrinkles are fading, and I feel like I need to wear less makeup. 

I recommend starting with the day and night sample kits ($23-27). They've lasted me over a month, and it's a great way to see what you think without the commitment. 

Head over to the Drunk Elephant website, or head to Sephora, who also carries the kits.

I tried the sample of the Shape Tape concealer and was super impressed. My dark circles disappeared in a second.

I was so impressed, that I bought the Shape Tape moisturizing foundation. It offers full coverage without the cakey feel I hate in a liquid foundation. I got my foundation on sale at Ulta for $19, but I still feel like it would be worth the $39 price tag. It has become my favorite foundation (and again, I've tried a ton, from Younique to Bare Minerals to Born This Way, you name it). Head over to Ulta to find out more.

I am a brunette with bright blonde highlights. I hate how halfway to my salon appointment, my highlights have faded a bit and just don't pop.

Enter Kenra's Brightening Shampoo. The violet base magically transforms your blonde back to the bombshell color you want after just one wash. Seriously.

I didn't believe it at first either...but in one wash, I saw results. If you use it a few days in a row, you'll see a dramatic change. At $26 for a full-size bottle, it's really not too much of a splurge, either. I use it about once or twice a week to brighten up my locks.

Check it out at Ulta, or wait for one of their Liter sales and stock up.

I'm an Urban Decay eye shadow snob. Ever since my first Naked Palette, I haven't gone back.

Their colors are gorgeous and super blendable. They help you get that perfect, runway worthy eye look without a lot of skill. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry, I'll wear just one color...and I still get compliments.

​My favorite palette lately is the Heavy Metals palette I got for Christmas. It's got a side for day and a bold side for night. Make a statement. Life's too short for boring eye shadow.

I used to think brushes were a waste of money. Until I started watching Youtube beauty experts like Christen Dominique and realized brushes are everything.

If you don't have a high-quality blending brush, I would say this should be your first investment. It ups your eye shadow game tenfold with just one brush. 

I love the It cosmetics brushes....I have a whole set I got on sale. The quality and the airbrush look it gives you is stellar.

Check out the brushes here, and then tell me in the comments what your favorite brush brand is. 

Lindsay Detwiler is a romance author with Hot Tree Publishing and a thriller author with Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. To learn more about her work, beauty tips, and more, visit her on Facebook.

Are you stuck in a rut? Feeling unmotivated? Having trouble getting off the couch and getting after your goals?

Maybe it's the winter blahs, or maybe it's just that life has got you a bit down. We all go through periods of feeling uninspired, tired, and just lacking the zest we need to get through it all and achieve.

As a wife, teacher, and author, I've definitely been through ruts where I feel like I can't move off the couch let alone chase those wild, crazy dreams I'm after. However, I've also come across some tips and tricks that quickly turn the attitude around and help me get back on track. Check out my tips for getting inspired quickly, and then tell me in the comments what does the trick for you.

No, I don't mean fly to Fiji (although that would be nice right about now as the Pennsylvania winter winds are whipping about outside). Getting away from it all might mean a weekend without the kids, a night in a hotel, or simply going for a 15-minute walk by yourself. The point is we all need a break from our routines and the noisiness of our lives. Take a few minutes to yourself just to be, just to breathe, and just to think. You'd be amazed how a clear head can get you pumped up to chase after your goals and to figure out what you really want.

Positive attitudes beget positive attitudes.

Surround yourself with people who have an "I can" mentality instead of an "I can't" attitude. Grab a coffee with one of your go-getter friends. Bounce some ideas and frustrations off of your spouse who keeps you grounded. Go online and connect with others in your field (If you're a writer, check out the Sprints and Spirits group run by Audrey Hughey for inspiration).

​Also, be sure that when you're out of your inspiration funk, you can help serve as the inspiration for others.
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Sometimes when we're in a rut, we just need to think a little bit about what sparks joy for us in order to get inspired. Take some time out of your day to list things that make you happy--both things that you do every day and things you would like to do. 

​Writing a concrete list can be a good reminder of what matters most, what priorities you have, and how you can achieve them.

Sometimes when we lack direction in our lives or the motivation to steer the direction of our journey, it is because we are goalless. 

Writing down goals for both the short-term and long-term can help you find some motivation. By setting realistic goals for both the short and long-term, you can also find a sense of direction. When we think about our goals, we can get overwhelmed and not know where to start. Goals help us develop a plan, and a plan helps us achieve and move forward.

What goals matter the most to you? What would you be proud to accomplish this week? This month? This year? 

Recognizing the good things in your life and the things you've already accomplished can help get you back on the right path to finding inspiration. What are three things that you are thankful for today? What are three things that went right?

Don't let yourself fall into a piteous rut. Even the worst day or time in our lives has shining moments. Recognize them, illuminate them, celebrate them. This can help change your attitude to a more optimistic one, which in turn can lead to higher levels of inspiration.

Visualization is a powerful tool to get you inspired but also to help you recognize what matters most to you. 

Ideally, creating a physical vision board can motivate you. Make a collage or use technology to collect images that represent where you hope to be someday. What are your ultimate goals? What legacy do you want to leave behind? What things bring you joy?

Even just visualizing your goals can help get you inspired. Picture your ultimate end result. What will it feel like to accomplish your dreams? Who will be there with you? What rewards will you reap? What emotions will you experience?

Picturing your ultimate end-goal can help you persevere through the tough times. It's sort of like dangling the carrot in front of the proverbial donkey.... it can keep you moving and striving to push forward.