The current increase in demand for natural beauty products is at an all time high. Cheers to that! Us consumers are being smarter and more ethical when it comes to purchasing our daily products. More of the big named brands are catering to this change, but wouldn’t it be better to support the brands who were meeting these expectations all along?

Maple Holsitics is one of those brands. They have become one of my favorite brands and its easy to see why. For those of you who do not know about this brand, they are a beauty and personal care company specializing in natural and holistic products that enhance hygiene, health and daily living. All their products are PETA Certified and cruelty-free. Headquartered in New Jersey, their products are made in the USA using naturally sourced ingredients. They offer premium natural and sustainable products at an affordable price.

Not only is this brand cruelty free but they also promote sustainability by offering their own recycling program. For every six bottles you return you receive a free bottle of shampoo or you can choose to have an equivalent donation made to an environmentally-friendly charity instead. No matter what you choose, all of the returned bottles are recycled and made into new ones. Pretty cool right?

Last time I partnered up with Maple Holsitics, I reviewed their Silk18 Conditioner. This time I got to test out their new Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) provides many benefits to various health and beauty practices. For the hair specifically, ACV removes build-up and restores volume while giving your hair a natural shine. Maple Holistics' ACV Shampoo is made with natural ingredients like ACV (duh), sunflower oil, argan oil, jojoba oil and more. It is sulfate and paraben free. From color treated hair to sensitive hair, this shampoo is made for all hair types.

When it comes to the smell of vinegar, you either love it or hate it. I am one of those weirdos who absolutely loves the smell of vinegar. But don't let the fear of the scent keep you from testing out this shampoo. My first initial reaction to this ACV Shampoo was that it smelt nothing like ACV. Instead of an acidic scent, all I could smell was citrus with a hint of apple.

To cleanse your hair, rinse then apply a quarter-sized amount of product to your hair. Fair warning, this shampoo does not provide a lot of suds. So if you prefer your shampoo to be very sudsy, like myself, be generous with the amount of shampoo you use. Lather the shampoo and let it sit in your hair for 2-3 minutes before you rinse. The effects won't take in right away, so be patient. Since the ACV Shampoo is meant to really tend to your dead hairs, be sure to pair it with a nourishing conditioner, my favorite is Maple Holistics' Silk18 Conditioner.

After using the shampoo several times, I noticed my hair felt softer and fresher for a longer period of time. Overall, this is a really good shampoo. It is gentle on your hair and not acidic whatsoever. If you experience a lot of build-up in your hair, this shampoo is a good option for frequent usage. For me, build-up is not one of my main concerns. But using the ACV Shampoo once or twice a month for a real deep cleaning is something I will do!

Finding a brand that cares about both the environment and their customers is a hard find. That’s why I really love Maple Holistics. They put their customers and the future of our world first by creating these natural premium products. I can’t wait to see what new products they come up with next!

For the last year or so, there has been a lot of chatter about climate change and how to combat it. From the banning of plastic straws in several places to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal, living a greener life has been the talk of the year. But how does one make a start to achieve this? There are many solutions, but one of the simplest, yet challenging option, is reducing the use of single-use plastic items.

Whether it is plastic bags in our landfills or plastic straws that made their way into our ocean, plastic pollution plagues our ecosystem. In 2011, the Plastic Free July initiative was created as a global movement that encourages its participants to refuse single-use plastics all through-out the month of July. Over the years, the initiative gained momentum due to the worldwide support for the cause. Millions vow to take the pledge and are up for the challenge. But what does it truly entail?

The idea of not using any plastic products for an entire month sounds impossible. But the whole point of the challenge is to replace single-use plastic products with reusable and sustainable alternatives. Wherever you go, try to utilize reusable products whether that's while you're at work, school or running errands. Eliminating plastic from your life is a daunting task since we rely on it so much. But do not let this discourage you, as long as you make an effort, you make an impact.

Here are the four easiest ways you can make a difference this July:

• Swap plastic bags for reusable canvas tote bags
• Opt for a reusable water bottle rather than multiple plastic bottles
• Utilize a reusable straw or go straw-less
• Bring in your own reusable cup to coffee shops or cafes instead of using a disposable one

Plastic has been in use since 1907 and appears to be the go to material for just about everything. Contrary to popular belief, it is not recyclable or biodegradable. Instead, the material sits in a landfill. Eventually, the plastic breaks down into little particles that pollute our soil and ocean. All of the plastic that has been created and used over the past century is still here on Earth. The UN currently estimates that there has been 8.3 billion tons of plastic produced since the 1950s. With all the amount of plastic currently on our planet, it is no wonder that the plastic free and zero waste lifestyle choices have become so popular.

If you already cut out single-use plastic items and want to challenge yourself more this July, here are some other things you can do to reduce your plastic usage:

• Avoid buying prepacked items in grocery store, instead choose loose products, bonus points if you have reusable produce bags!
• Say no to take out and yes to dine in, and bring your own container in case you don't finish your meal
• Stop using bin liners/trash bags, dump your waste right into the bin or try composting.
• Say goodbye to plastic food wrap, utilize reusable containers or invest in beeswax wrap

Besides reducing the amount of disposable plastic items we use in a month, the ultimate goal of Plastic Free July is to break some of these wasteful habits that we are all guilty of. Whether we like it or not, the little choices we make every day add up. By making the smallest changes, you can make a massive difference. Hopefully, this month long challenge will help you to find eco-conscious alternatives that can become second nature to you. If you wish to join the challenge, sign up on Plastic Free July's website.

Can you believe we are already on Day 24 of Blogmas? And that tomorrow is Christmas? As Blogmas and the holidays start wrapping up, it's time to start thinking about the New Year. One of the best things about the New Year is the fact that it is a fresh start. New Year, new you, am I right?

Now it's easy to say all this but it can be rather difficult to actually follow through on making plans for the upcoming year. What are you supposed to even do? Get a new haircut? Try a new style? Clean everything and anything? If you have no idea where to start, follow these steps and tips to help you be get ready for the upcoming year.

Step One: Reflect On The Past Year

In order to get ready for the New Year the best first step to take is to take a moment to reflect. What went great this year? What didn't go so well? Taking the time to pause and really think about what you could do better is a great way to start thinking about what resolutions you want to make.

Step Two: Make Your Resolutions/Goals

The most popular thing to do for the New Year is to make resolutions, this tradition is as old as time itself. New Years Resolutions have such a negative connotation. In a recent study, it was discovered that not many people actually follow through. So this year, make goals instead. When making a goal, make sure it is realistic and attainable. Write them down, so you don't forget and you can reference them throughout the year.

Step Three: Get Organized

The best way to prepare for the New Year and accomplish your goals is to get organized. Invest in a planner! This year, I purchased a Passion Planner for my 2019 Planner. The Passion Planner's whole purpose is to help you accomplish your goals. If you need an aid like that invest in one, there are so many different types of planners out there. Or why not make your own! Use a system that works best for you. Having a planner will help you keep you organized. Also, why not organize your space? Organize your desk, your room, and anything else that is cluttered. Having an organized space will help you feel more so much better and ready to take on the New Year!

Step Four: Make A Timeline

The best way to accomplish any goal is to set a deadline. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time, Rome was not built in a day. Think about how long it will take to achieve the goal and decide on a realistic finish date. After making a deadline, make a timeline of what you need to do each day to accomplish your goal. Having this all figured out will only make accomplishing your goal even easier. Friendly reminder it takes 30 days to start a new habit. Creating a routine will help you!

Step Five: Declutter

Throughout the year you probably accumulated a lot of new things and stopped using some old things. Take this time at the end of the year to go through all your things and declutter. Go through your closet, your room, your pantry, your refrigerator, and etc! Take a bag, fill it with things you no longer need or enjoy and either donate it or recycle it. Once you've gone through all your things your space will look more organized and you will feel lighter.

Step Six: Remember to Relax

One thing humans are great at is getting stressed out. If you're the type of person who is always stressed throughout the year, RELAX! Being stressed is not a good feeling and it is not good for your body. Take some time to do things for you, do things that make you happy. Life isn't a competition, just take each day at your own pace. As long as you finish the race you're still a winner.

Starting a new year can be overwhelming, especially if you're not ready for it. But think of it like this, you have a fresh start. You have a chance to make this year better than the last one. So get out there and let's crush 2019! Until tomorrow.

When Christmas comes to mind, the first thought you have is spending time with your family and carrying out your annual traditions. But for some people the holidays can be a really lonely time of the year. Maybe they don't have a big family or maybe they don't celebrate the holiday. There are so many reasons why someone ends up being alone during the holidays.

First and foremost, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being alone for the holidays. For some it can be upsetting to not have plans. Instead of wallowing, make the most out of it! Here are some fun things you can do all by yourself this Christmas.

Volunteer. One of the best things you can do if you're alone on Christmas is to volunteer. You can spend the day feeding the homeless at a local food pantry or homeless shelter, or even spend some quality time with the elderly at your local senior center. Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, so if you're feeling lonely this is a great way to interact with people during the holidays.

Go On An Adventure. Sometimes the best thing to do when you're alone is just get up and go somewhere. Take a drive to somewhere you have never been before and make a day out of it. Or go to your local park to get some fresh air. If you're feeling really adventurous book a last minute vacation! A change in scenery is always a great idea.

Have A Real Self Care Day. Being all by yourself is one of the best times to have a self care day. Why not treat yourself, stay in your pajamas all day and do some online retail therapy? Or give yourself a real pamper day, you can't go wrong with a face mask, a hot bath, and a candle or essential oil for a nice ambience. Maybe you can spend the day with a good book and some of your favorite food.

Go To The Movies. Surprisingly, some movies are actually released on Christmas Day. And some of those movies actually go on to be nominated for Academy Awards. So why not go down to your local theater and see a good movie? Going to the movies by yourself always appears to be taboo but instead it is truly a liberating experience. On the plus side, you're in a dark room full of people watching something (hopefully) wonderful!

Be Productive. When you're by yourself with no distractions that is the perfect opportunity to get things done. If you have work to catch up on, why not get it all done? Or maybe you have a project you have wanted to start for a while. There's no time like the present. Make a cup of coffee or tea and get to it!

If you're spending Christmas alone, do something that will make you truly happy. There's no shame in spending time by yourself, especially during the holidays. If you don't want to be alone, reach out to someone you're close to. Maybe they'll extend an invitation to their event, or maybe they'll spend the day with you doing one of these fun activities. Until tomorrow.

With only 10 days left in the year, New Years is right around the corner. It has me thinking about what 2018 had to offer. There were some highs and there were some lows. Some goals were accomplished and others were not entirely met. Some lessons have been learned and growth has occurred.

2018, you were a long year that went by rather quickly. As I'm thinking about what I learned this year, I'm also deciding what I will take to into the New Year and what I'm going to leave behind. Looking back, here were some important lessons I learned this year.

Say goodbye to negativity and hello to positivity! Whether you have a negative mindset or have someone in your life who always focus on the bad, just let it go. Life is so much better when you have a positive attitude. Negativity holds everyone back. If you leave the negative attitude in 2018 and 2019 will already be better.

Don't waste your time with people who don't care about you, this lesson hit me good this year. Instead of being sad or mad that you aren't close to someone like you used to be, realize that it is okay. People change and grow apart, sometimes when you take a step back you realize that person wasn't meant to be in your life anymore. As long as you made the effort and did your best, there's nothing you can do about it. So good riddance! Focus your energy on people that want you in their life and actually enjoy spending time with you.

Stay motivated. When negativity comes and clouds up your life, a lack of motivation is closely behind. I know I certainly felt this way, especially closer towards the end of the year. No matter how your life is going it's important to remember to never give up. Whatever you wish to accomplish you can and will do it! You got this!

Remember you come first! It can be easy to get swept up in life and forget to do things for yourself. But self care is the most important thing you can do. If you're not going to take care of yourself, remember no one else will. Sure you have supportive friends and family, but they don't always know exactly what you need. Remember you and your mental health come first, no matter what.

Along with the lessons learned over the year it's always good to focus on what positive things happened this past year. Whether that was the amount of traveling I did or all the new things I tried this year, 2018 was a year filled with adventures. With that being said, I hope 2019 is filled with even more adventures and amazing opportunities for us all. How was your 2018, what are looking forward to most in 2019? Until tomorrow.

Whenever this time of the year rolls around, the talk of holiday traditions comes up. But what makes a tradition a tradition? Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior. Most of the time, traditions are set by families and are passed down from generation to generation. But that's not the only way to start a tradition.

Starting a tradition is something you can easily do. A tradition can be something that you do every year out of habit or something you want to incorporate into your life. And you don't need to make it a whole family affair, you can create traditions for your friends or just yourself! If you need some ideas for making a tradition here are some simple ideas.

Baking Christmas Cookies! Whether you're baking cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, or making them as a dessert for Christmas you can't go wrong with baking some festive cookies. You can go all out and make them from scratch or you can get the pre-made dough from the grocery store. There's no such thing as a wrong Christmas cookie.

Make or Buy an Ornament Each Year! Getting an ornament that commemorates each year is a fun little tradition you can start on your own and eventually pass down to your future family. Maybe you can buy an ornament from a memorable vacation you took that year, or you can make one that reflects all your favorite moments from the year. If you keep this tradition up, your future generations will have so many family heirlooms!

Donate! The holidays are all about giving back, so why not make it a tradition to brighten up someone else's day. Donate money to charity, donate items to local organizations, or donate your time, there are so many ways to give back.

Go See Holiday Lights! Many places and people decorate for the holidays, so why not make it a tradition to go out and view them? Take a walk around a neighborhood with some awesome light displays or attend a local tree lighting. If you're lucky enough to live near a store that does elaborate holiday displays why not take a look at those every year, they're always changing! It's a fun thing to do during the holidays so why not make a tradition out of it?

Make A Winter Bucket List! One tradition can be making a list of all the things you want to do during the holidays each year. You can add things like watching your favorite holiday movies, making gingerbread houses and all of the other classic winter activities. The fun thing about this tradition is that it can change every year!

If you don't have any specific holiday traditions, it's never too late to start making some. Traditions are what make the holidays so special and bring a lot of people together. What are some of your favorite traditions? Let me know! Until tomorrow.

Every year, I always go to Disneyland around this time of the year to view the holiday decorations and partake in the festivities. But this year, I decided to mix it up and go to another theme park in Southern California and see what their Christmas season is like. I was lucky enough to go to Knott's Berry, or shall I say Merry, Farm with one of my best friends. My best friend, Michelle, has a Knott's season pass and every year when she renews it she gets a free guest ticket. This year I was her lucky guest and we had a holly jolly time.

If you have never been to Knott's Berry Farm before, the best way to describe it as a hybrid of Disneyland and Six Flags. I say this because they have a fair amount of children's rides and have a cartoon mascot, Snoopy from Peanuts, yet they have a ton of thrilling coasters that are similar to what Six Flags has to offer. But specifically for Christmastime, Knotts has so much to offer this holiday season. Here are some of the highlights!

Festive Decor! When walking around Knott's, you truly can feel the holiday cheer. The park went all out on garland and wreaths. All throughout the park you can see the decor, and even some Christmas tress. Even in Camp Snoopy you'll find Christmas decor that makes up a perfect photo opportunity.

Christmas Craft Village! One thing that makes Knott's Merry Farm so unique is their Christmas Craft Village. So many local vendors set up booths in Ghost Town to sell some one of a kind knick knacks and trinkets. You can even see demonstrations of chainsaw wood carving and glass blowing! The craft market really looks like as if the Etsy homepage came to life!

Live Entertainment! Throughout the park you'll find Christmas carolers, a holiday saloon show, and two other live shows that feature the Peanuts gang. There is also the ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! It is always a fun thing to watch, however it is only performed on the weekend. Sadly I did not get to see this show, but if you happen to go to Knott's on the weekend during this festive season, I highly recommend you watch it!

Festive Food! Knott's is well known for their boysenberries and fried chicken. But if that's not festive enough for you, then you can always go to Santa's Cabin or Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, both are sponsored by Hershey. In Santa's Cabin, you can find fresh baked cookies, pastries, hot chocolate, and even seasonal craft beer and hot holiday spiced wine. In Mrs. Claus' Kitchen you can actually decorate your own holiday cookies!

Nightly Snow! In Southern California, you can't always find snow during Christmastime. But luckily for us locals, theme parks create some snow to give us that festive feeling. On Ghost Town's Main Street and School House Road you'll find snow every night with a light show synced to some of your favorite holiday songs.

Knott's Merry Farm will continue to run until January 6, so there is plenty of time to get your holiday cheer on before Knott's Berry Farm returns. Also if you are looking for something to do this New Years Eve, Knott's will have special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the holiday. It really is a blast and something fun and festive that the whole family can enjoy. Until tomorrow.

As time goes on and on, climate change gets worse. Let's face it, our planet is dying. So why not do something good this holiday season and give out some eco friendly gifts? Whether you're shopping for a family member who doesn't believe in climate change or a friend who is living their best green life, check out my guide of green gifts to give this holiday season.

Something everyone should have is a Reusable Water Bottle. Plastic bottles are so bad for the environment and for you. When you drink out of a plastic bottle, little particles of plastic leak into the water you're drinking. Gross right? Instead choose to give a reusable water bottle as a gift, literally everyone can use one.

For your candle lover, why not get a Soy or Beeswax Candle? What's wrong with regular candles? Turns out they're bad for the environment too. Candles are made with paraffin wax, which is full of hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon is essentially what fossil fuels are made up of. So if you want to get an eco friendly gift for a candle lover, choose an organic candle made from beeswax or soy. If you want to be even more eco conscious, choose an essential oil diffuser instead!

The war on plastic straws has been going on all year long. So if some of your friends and family haven't hopped on this bandwagon yet why not get them some Reusable Straws? Now you can find so many different types of reusable straws out there. Stainless steel, glass and even retractable keychains, there is literally a reusable straw for everyone.

For the person who can't start their day without a cup of coffee, give them a Coffee Traveler! The United States alone throws out around 108 billion disposable cups per year. So the perfect eco friendly gift for a coffee lover would be a reusable coffee cup. So many stores sell reusable cups for both hot and cold beverages. You really can't go wrong with any one of these!

One of the most eco friendly resources out there is bamboo. Bamboo can make literally anything, cutting boards, toothbrushes, sunglasses, bathtub trays, and so much more. You think it, they probably have it. Since bamboo is a natural resource, it can break down and decompose unlike products made out of plastic. So when in doubt choose Anything Made Out of Bamboo!

For the environmentally conscious tech obsessed, you can't go wrong with a Portable Solar Charger. Portable chargers are a handy thing to have no matter what, but what's really cool about the solar ones is that you don't need to constantly recharge them. If it can feel the suns rays, it will charge up. How cool is that?

A Tote Bag is just a fancy version of a reusable grocery bag. They tend to be big and roomy so they can hold loads of stuff. Plus they are durable so you don't have to worry about them ripping right away. A tote bag is versatile and can be used for anything, like as a purse, a beach bag, a shopping bag, and so much more. If you want to go the extra mile this holiday season, use a tote bag instead of wrapping paper or a gift bag. The planet will thank you.

Giving green gifts this holiday season is one way to help save the planet. Not only are you lowering your carbon footprint, you are encouraging others to do the same. By giving these eco friendly gifts, you're encouraging your friends and family members to get into greener habits. We only have one planet so let's take care of it so we can have many more years to celebrate the holidays! Until tomorrow.

When Christmas comes around, there's one question that is always asked. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Santa sees everything, like it says in the song, he sees when you're sleeping and he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good. So have we all been good for goodness sake?

Let's take a moment to think about this, were we good people this year? Some definitely have not been, others have been good, and others have been medium. If you think about it, every action we make can have either a negative or positive value. Every action either contributes something good or bad into the universe.

Now it is fair to say that people can't be perfect all the time. Human beings make mistakes, that's how we learn and evolve. So if you haven't been the best version of yourself this year, it's never too late to turn over a new leaf. Here are some suggestions to help you go from naughty to nice.

Be Positive. If you want to be a nicer person, the first and easiest step to do is to just be a positive person. If you're constantly negative, you're only bringing yourself and others down. Getting into a positive mindset will do wonders!

Do Something Selfless. One quality that always gets someone on the naughty list is selfishness. If you have some self absorbed tendencies, try cutting back. Stop thinking about yourself and think about others. Go out of your way to do something for someone else. Even the smallest gesture will give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Be Grateful. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, take a second to appreciate everything you do have. Be grateful for your friends, family and all the other great things in your life. Show your gratitude daily, and never take anything for granted.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Throughout our lives we all experience moments that just make us angry and upset. Instead of lashing out and harping on those experiences, it's better to just brush it off and keep on living life. Of course if something does happen that really hurts you and you need to address the matter, try to do it in a positive way. Instead of focusing on the pain, use it as a way to grow.

Admit Your Mistakes. If you know you've been a complete nightmare this year, own it. Apologize to whoever you hurt, make it up to them. But most importantly, forgive yourself. As long as you own up to the mistakes you've made and are ready to make amends, you're on your way to becoming a better person.

If you want to be a better person this year, the first step is to realize is that everyone makes mistakes. Life is all about self improvement, and Santa knows that. Just because the year is almost over, that doesn't mean it's too late to start being the best version of yourself. Start now and take that mindset into the New Year. Until tomorrow.

Shopping for presents during the holiday season is one of the most stressful things about this time of the year. It can be even more difficult if you have no idea what to get someone. Whether you're stuck on what to give your mom or the person you barely know in your workplace gift exchange, follow these tips to overcome your gift giving struggle.

Think About The Person. Think about who you are shopping for. What do they like? What do they need? What reminds you of them? What's something you two have in common? Did they mention anything they really want or need? Asking yourself these questions is a simple thing to do when starting the gift idea process. When you're done doing that, make a list of all their interests and needs, then take it from there.

Do Some Research. If you're really stuck and have no clue what to get someone try to fish some ideas out of them. Take a look at their social media, see if they've posted anything or created an online wishlist. Or ask the people who know them the best for some help. Or you can take the direct approach, ask the person if there is anything they wish Santa would bring them this year. It can be a fun conversation topic and it can actually help give you some ideas!

When In Doubt Be Practical. When you get really stuck an easy thing to do is think of the things this person will actually find useful. Because the worst thing you could do is give someone a gift just because you have to give them a gift. You can never go wrong with giving someone a practical and useful gift. Simplicity is always key.

Don't Procrastinate. When you have no idea what to give someone, sometimes putting it off seems like the best idea. This isn't always the case. Instead of putting it off, keep it on your mind. Maybe while shopping for gifts you know you need to get you will see something that will help inspire you.

Just Have Fun. The whole point of Christmas is to spread joy and good cheer, and it's important to never lose sight of that. If you're still stuck on what to get someone, think about what would bring them joy? What is something fun for them? Giving them something that is simply enjoyable or provide an enjoyable moment is something every one needs.

When it comes to buying gifts, don't take it all too seriously. The whole point of exchanging gifts is to spread joy and show the people you care about how much they mean to you. Don't sweat the small stuff. Whatever you end up getting or doing for someone this holiday, I'm sure they'll appreciate the effort you made and that's all that really matters.

Now it's time for me to follow my own advice, there are two weeks until Christmas Eve and I do not want to be one of those last minute shoppers out there! It's time to buckle down and finish up all my Christmas shopping. How about you, how do you overcome the gift giving struggle? Let me know! Until tomorrow.

One of the most popular holiday traditions is the daily unveiling of an Advent Calendar. Every year, Advent Calendars seem to get more and more popular. Today, companies make all sorts of Advent Calendars. You have your traditional paper ones, your beauty ones, your candy ones, and even some have been made for socks. But where did the tradition come from?

The term Advent comes from the Latin origin which means coming. Advent is the period of four weeks before Christmas. The term "coming" is used to signify the birth of Jesus. Advent Calendars began in the 19th century as a way to countdown to Christmas. The first forms of these calendars were started in Germany by making 24 tallies on a door and wiping one off each day. Wow! Haven't we come a long way since then?

When paper calendars started to become a trend in the 1900s, the traditional Advent Calendar we know of today became the standard. Each calendar is made with 25 different slots, or doors, and behind each door is a holiday themed scene. Over time, Advent Calendars have evolved and now include prizes behind the doors.

Advent Calendars have come a long way since they were first introduced! Here are some pretty cool Advent Calendars that are currently available.

Traditional Advent Calendars

Peanuts Advent Calendar. Each box reveals a holiday antic and features all your favorite Peanuts characters.

Sweet Christmas Advent Calendar. This holiday sweet treat themed Advent Calendar has all sorts of Christmas characters and activities hidden behind each slot.

Twinkle and Shine Advent Calendar. If you want to learn more about holiday traditions from all around the world, this advent calendar teaches you a fun fact each day!

Beauty Advent Calendars

The Body Shop's 24 Days of the Enchanted Advent Calendar. Inside you will find 24 beauty favorites from The Body Shop that will revive and re-energize your body and mind.

Ciaté London Mini Mani Month Nail Set. This comes with 20 mini nail polishes, one full-size polish, a mini treatment, a mini top coat, and nail transfers.

Nyx's Sugar Trip 24 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar. This beauty advent calendar is filled with 24 different makeup products including lipsticks, eye shadow and highlighters.

Candy Advent Calendars

Lindt Bear Advent Calendar. Who doesn't love some Lindt chocolate?

Reese's Countdown Christmas Advent Calendar. You really can't go wrong with a Reese's candy every day.

Godiva's 2018 Advent Calendar. By far one of the most popular chocolate Advent Calendar.

It may be nine days into December, but that doesn't mean it's too late to get in on the fun of an Advent Calendar. I'm definitely thinking of buying one! What about you, do you have an Advent Calendar? Until tomorrow.

The holiday season is meant to be a happy and cheerful part of the year, but for some people it can be a difficult time filled with nothing but stress and anxiety. That's not what the holidays are supposed to be about. But luckily there are numerous ways to make sure you're living your best life this holiday season.

Happy Planner, a popular planner created by Me and My Big Ideas (MAMBI), has created a challenge to help ease your stress during this holiday season. It is called the Happy & Healthy Holidays Challenge. Instead of over-indulging, over-spending, and over-committing yourself, Happy Planner wants you to focus on being more mindful and having the best intentions.

The Happy & Healthy Challenge is hosted by Stephanie Fleming, the co-founder of MAMBI and Happy Planner. Every Sunday until the end of December you will receive an email from Happy Planner that includes a video, a note from Stephanie, and some special downloads. The downloads include: the worksheet, wallpapers for your phone and computer, and inspiration cards. Each email also explains what each "gift" will be.

Here are the six gifts, or traits, that Happy Planner will be focusing on during this challenge:

Gratitude — the first gift that was given to us during the week of Thanksgiving. Perfect timing right?

Health — and of course this is the second gift given right after Thanksgiving. After over-indulging is delicious Thanksgiving food it makes sense to get your health and diet back on track. I also view health as staying healthy and taking precautions to make sure you're not getting sick. Flu season is right around the corner people!

Presence — is probably the most important gift, and it is the focus for this week! Being present in the moment and showing up is literally half the battle.

Creativity — will be the fourth gift in the challenge. I'm intrigued to see what this one will hold!

Self-Care — is a necessity and is the fifth gift of the challenge. Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you have to do. From what it sounds like this week is going to be more than just treating your self.

Joy — is the sixth gift given to us which will arrive just in time for Christmas!

Planning A Happy Life — will be the final gift given to us so that way we are the most prepared for the upcoming New Year.

Every video for this challenge is posted on Happy Planner's Youtube channel. It includes Stephanie introducing each gift and going over the worksheet for the week. She also shares her progress with the challenge, yes even the co-founder of Happy Planner is participating in the challenge too!

Along with the inspirational videos, comes the worksheet! Now, a worksheet doesn't always sound like a lot fun, but for all the planner people out there, this is exactly what fun looks like. Each worksheet introduces the gift of the week and includes an inspirational quote. From there you have five little boxes to fill out. First is your intention for the week, how are you going to implement the gift of the week into your life? Next is the planning section where you map out exactly what you plan to do to carry out your intention. After that you choose a helpful habit, something you want to do daily that goes along with your plan for the week. The next section is a spot for your daily thoughts, the boxes for each day are not a very big. And finally, the last box is a spot for your weekly reflection.

If you want to participate in the challenge, you can go to Happy Planner's website and all of the past weeks and worksheets are in the blog selection. You can also see more content on Happy Planner's Instagram account. Every Monday, Stephanie goes live on the Instagram and continues talking about the gift of the week and shares what's going on with her! The challenge also has its own social media hashtag: #myhappyandhealthyholidays!

Even though the challenge has been going on since Thanksgiving, it's never too late to pick it up. The challenge is meant to help you do all the things you want and were probably going to do this holiday season. The challenge helps you hold yourself accountable and set your intentions, it's not meant to add any extra stress to your life. If you're waiting for the New Year to reset, why do that? Why wait to reset? Why not get a head start now? I know I will be! Until tomorrow.

Sending out invitations for any kind of an event can be a hassle and super expensive. Especially if you’re using old school methods like sending out hand written cards and letters via the post office. And let’s face it, Facebook invites, while quite popular and super convenient, are just so impersonal. Plus we all know at least one person who doesn’t use Facebook religiously. But thankfully there is a new solution to send out invites for just about anything in a simple yet formal way. Paperless Post is a website where you can download templates and even create your own kind of cards, invitations and all other kinds of special announcements. From birthday party invitations to wedding announcements, Paperless Post has everything you’re looking for. And by some off chance they don’t have what you’re looking for, you can always upload your own design and have it printed and sent out.

Now this sounds amazing, but there must be a catch. How much does this service cost? Well the website uses its own currency called coins. You can purchase coins on the website, and the exchange rate is the following: 20 coins = 10 USD, 60 coins = 15 USD, and 100 coins = 20 USD. Most templates start off at 2 Coins, but the price will vary based on any extras you decide to add.

Paperless Post also offers premium quality templates that were created by some of the most popular stationery designers. You can find customizable invites and cards from Kate Spade, Jonathan Adler, Sugar Paper, Rifle Paper Co. and many of your other favorite designers.

Sending out an invite or even a card with Paperless Post is so simple and easy. When you find the template you like, you are able to customize it on their website or their very user friendly app. Once you’re finished designing, you have to create or sign into your account. If you have a Google Account, you can login with that. After that you will see how much your design will cost to send out. The envelope is an extra coin, and if you add a patterned liner that will be another extra coin.

One of the biggest trends in beauty right now is supporting vegan and cruelty free brands. Some of the most popular brands out there have made the commitment to abstain from animal testing and use organic ingredients that do not include any animal by products. That’s right, some of your favorite foundations and creams have animal fats and tissues in them. Gross, right?

But what does cruelty free actually mean? If a company claims to be cruelty free, that means they do not test on animals at any point during the creation of a product. However, there are no restrictions on claiming to be cruelty free. For example, a company could claim to be cruelty free by saying they do not conduct any animal testings but an outside party could request for an animal testing on that product in order for a retailer to sell it. Situations like this are tricky and occur frequently. Take a look at China.

Animal testing is required by law in China. For any beauty products to be sold in China the company must have their products tested on animals. So to be technical, if a “cruelty free” company sells their products in China they are NOT cruelty free.

Sadly, animal testing is still relevant in the time we currently live in. With modern science and technological advancements, there are plenty of other ways to make sure that the products we use are safe. Like with in vitro testing, samples of human cells are used to test products in test tubes. Plus there are already over 5,000 beauty product ingredients that have already been tested and deemed safe to use. Companies can use any of those ingredients to formulate their products without needing to use any form of testing.

In some parts of the world like: the European Union, United Kingdom, Norway, India and Israel a ban on animal testing on cosmetics has already been placed. In 2016, Taiwan introduced a bill that bans animal testing on cosmetics and it will go into effect in 2019. Other countries like Australia and South Korea are considering to put a ban in place. Even my hometown state of California recently proposed legislation that will ban animal testing on cosmetics in the state.

If you agree that the products you use frequently should not be testing on animals, there is something you can do to stop it. If you want legislation to be passed in your state or country, write to your local government representatives! Plus don’t forget, as a consumer you have power! You have a choice in what companies you invest in. If you want to make a statement and show these big companies that what they’re doing is wrong, stop buying from them. And, feel free to write to them and let them know that you do not condone their policies and will not purchase from them until they make a change.

One common misconception about cruelty free beauty is that is expensive. While a lot of brands that are cruelty free are high end brands, there are some affordable drug store brands out there that are cruelty free! Elf, Nyx, Milani, Wet and Wild, Hard Candy, Sonia Kashuk, Yes To and Alba are all cruelty free drug store brands.

If you decide to make the switch and support only cruelty free brands, here are the major logos and endorsements you should look for while shopping: These three logos are the most trustworthy ones out there for companies who have a cruelty free status. If you don’t see any of these logos, that’s okay. Not every cruelty free company invests in these logos, since they do have to pay an extra fee to be able to be certified. You can always check Leaping Bunny and PETA’s cruelty free brand database. Just be careful when shopping, some companies will create fake logos to trick you into thinking they are cruelty free. If you’re not sure, it’s always helpful to check out the brand’s website and read through their policies and make an informed decision from there.

To see a full list of cruelty free brands and the long list of brands that continue to test on animals, check out Cruelty Free Kitty. This website helped me so much when I first decided to make the switch to cruelty free products only. Even to this day, Cruelty Free Kitty still helps me out in so many ways! I’m constantly checking to see what brands have changed their statuses and find some new brands to try.

There are plenty of other brands out there that make cruelty free versions of the products we all use on a daily basis. Dare I say, some of these products are even better than the originals. Here are some of my favorite cruelty free brands out there: It’s unsettling to think about how many major companies still rely on these unethical and antiquated practices. But luckily, more and more companies are straying away from those cruel and unneeded methods. Making the switch to support only cruelty free brands was one of the best decisions I have made, and I hope you decide to do the same.
Until next time.

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and time is running out to get all your shopping done. This time of the year can be stressful whether that's due to financial reasons or a lack of time or not planning ahead. Needless to say once the big day comes, there's nothing we want to do more than relax.

Think of all the people who work hard all year long and never take a moment for themselves to relax. If this sounds like someone you know, and you still need to buy them something for Christmas, this gift guide was made for you! Cozy gifts are great for everyone! Who doesn't want or need to relax and unwind?

Pajamas That Give You The Warm Fuzzies! Pajamas are a perfect gift for relaxing in the holidays. Who doesn't want to be warm and fuzzy while sipping cocoa or eggnog by an open fire? Store like Old Navy and Target currently have some epic sales going on for their pajamas. Who wouldn't love some warm and fuzzy holiday themed pajamas for the end of the year?

Clouds For Your Feet. A nice pair of slippers as soft as a cloud is a perfect cozy gift. Zappos is paradise for shoe shopping. They have every possible shoe style and every well known brand out there. They have over a thousand different slippers! Odds are you're bound to find at least one pair, that your giftee will like! If slippers aren't what you're thinking of, then go with fuzzy socks instead!

Nap Kit. What's more cozy then having the perfect napping accessories? Getting a fuzzy blanket, eye mask and a soft pillow should do the trick. If you want to make it super personal, Joanns sells kits where you can build your own fleece blanket. It may take some time, but the work you put into it will be appreciated.

A Robe No-One Wants To Take Off. Nothing screams coziness like a fluffy robe. I'm not going to lie, I have a fluffy robe on my Christmas wishlist too. With the colder weather, we can't help but want to bundle up, even when we're not outside. Bed, Bath & Beyond has a great fluffy bath robe, but you can find nice robes anywhere like Target, Wal Mart, Kohls, Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom, Macys, and etc.

Relaxation Kit. When in doubt, make your own relaxation kit. You can get a box or basket and fill it up with little trinkets. Candles, bath bombs, face masks, bath products, essential oils, etc, etc, there is literally so much you can do. Plus you can find any of these items at basically any store in America. It's something easy and quick to put together.

A Good Book To Curl Up With. If someone's idea of relaxation is curling up with a good book, why not treat them to a new read? Barnes and Noble has some special offers going on at the moment, which includes 50% off select books. Picking out a book for someone else can be tricky, but if you know their general interests odds are you can find them a decent read! Let's keep our bookstores up and running!

The options are endless when it comes to picking out the perfect cozy gift. What's important to remember is to think about what would really make this person you're getting a gift for relax. Maybe they're the mani-pedi type, or maybe they're the Netflix and chill type. You know them best, so put yourself in their shoes. Good luck shopping!

Until tomorrow.

Christmas is getting closer and closer, so if it hasn't been done yet, it is about time to get the Christmas Tree all decorated and ready to showcase. Not too long ago, my family and I picked out and got our tree delivered all in one day. In fact, it only took 45 minutes. I'm not even joking, I think that was a world record. On our way to our normal Christmas Tree lot, we discovered it was no longer there. Our original game plan changed so we were headed to another lot we knew of. But along the way to the other Christmas Tree lot, we discovered this new one and figured why not check it out.

Stumbling upon this Christmas Tree lot, was the best thing to happen to us. We hit the jackpot. Not only did they have standard green trees and offered flocking services, but they already had trees that were already flocked and came with a stand. At a decent price too, might I add. Within, ten minutes we had our tree picked out and paid for. They even offered to deliver the tree right now, the guy put the tree in his truck and followed us to our house. And just like that, our tree was now perfectly perched in its traditional spot.

The next day, my mom and I were hard at work decorating the tree. Normally each year, we have a specific theme for our tree. Most of the time, it's based on places we've traveled to or big life events or silly fads. My pitch was for a rose gold tree, which got denied, multiple times. But nevertheless, my mom decided on just a simple color scheme this year: pink, green, and purple. Lucky for us, over the years we've accumulated a lot of colorful ornaments, especially pink ones.

We put on the ornaments, the lights, and added lots of ribbon/bows, and voila our tree is now complete! Not too shabby, right? Personally the ribbons are my favorite, and not to mention some of the pink ornaments actually look rose gold. So in the end both my mom and I were winners.

Seeing a bunch of different Christmas Trees, always gives me inspiration for possible themes for the next couple of years. I already have a bunch of ideas! What are your go to decorating styles for your Christmas Trees? Let me know and comment below!!

Until tomorrow.

Christmas time may be the most wonderful time of the year, but not for your wallet. This time of the year is when we spend the most money. Whether that's because things are just super expensive or because we feel so generous around this time of the year, it's easy to spend a lot of money without even realizing it. And when you're living paycheck to paycheck, feeling festive can be tricky.

But have no fear, this guide is here to help you get your money's worth this holiday season. Follow these tips and tricks to make sure you're staying within your budget but also going all out this Christmas at the same time.

Set Up A Budget! First things first, in order to know what your spending limit is you have to set it. Make a list for all possible categories: gifts, decorations, Christmas tree/supplies, food, wrapping materials, etc! Think of everything you might need and set a limit you think you can stick to.

Do Some Research! The next step that comes after planning your budget is obviously to do some research. In order to make an accurate budget, you're going to have to know how much things cost. Make a list of the things you'll need and price check them. You can look online, via apps, or in weekly ads to find the most accurate prices. When you're researching look and see when specific items you need might be on sale. When you're doing research, always make sure to price match. Using the Google Shopping search option is the best tool for price matching for a specific item. Search the item you want, and Google does the rest! It will tell you which stores or online retailers have the item you want for cheapest. Nifty right?

Shop The Sales! The best way to shop smart and get a bang for your buck is to shop when the items you want and need are on sale. Sadly, not everything is always going to be on sale. But, odds are that some of the things you'll need will be on sale eventually. Michaels always has amazing Christmas clearance and sales throughout December. Currently, all decor, ornaments and any other Christmas supplies is 70% off! Plus they're always having daily door busters. Big stores like Target, Wal Mart, Kohls, and all those other department stores also have a lot of sales during this time of the year. Pay attention to their weekly ads so you don't miss out! If shopping online is more your style, make sure you sign up for Ebates. Ebates is a website that offers cash rebates back based on what websites you shop at. If you sign up and click on the links to any of the retailers listed on their website you'll get a percentage back of what you spent. Cool right? If you want to join Ebates, use my referral link here.

Utilize Coupons & Apps! Let's face it, couponing is a hassle. Who wants to spend hours clipping coupons from the newspaper or weekly mailers. Sometimes the coupons aren't even that great and don't save you that much money. But, utilizing specific store's apps and mobile coupons can help save you some time and a little bit of cash. Target's app, has Cartwheel, which is basically their own online coupon database. While websites like RetailMeNot will often post online promo codes and in store coupons online. Let's face it any little bit helps.

Check Out Discount Retailers! Discount stores are heaven sent for holiday shopping especially when you have designer dreams but you're budget isn't on the same level, yet. Stores like Marshalls, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and Ross are great stores for looking for expensive style items without breaking your bank account. Even stores like Dollar Tree, 5 Below, Daiso, and even the 99 Cent Store have great affordable options for holiday decor and stocking stuffers.

Pinterest Hack It! No matter what grand idea you want to execute this year, be positive, it can be done! When in doubt, there's a DIY Pinterest hack for it. Pinterest has an infinite amount of tutorials and guides for crafts and DIYs you can do. Whether you're looking for a new easy recipe, or looking for some decor inspiration, Pinterest has it all.

Reuse & Recycle! Instead of throwing out decor and wrapping paper from last year, a big way to save some money is to reuse those items. Keep your gift bags from last year, especially if they're in good condition! You can use them to wrap up presents this year. However, saving torn up wrapping paper may not be as effective. You're better off just tossing those pieces in the blue bin unless you can find a way to upcycle them. Upcycling is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. There are plenty of guides online (especially on Pinterest) on how to upcyle during the holidays.

Christmas doesn't always have to be an expensive time, especially if you plan accordingly. If you follow these tips, you definitely will be ballin' on your budget this year!

Until tomorrow.

One of the most chaotic places during the holidays that you don't really think of too much about is the post office. This time of the year is the post office's busiest time of the year. Think about it people send out Christmas cards, order packages from online retailers, and some even send out packages for loved ones who can't make it to the holiday celebration this year.

Since the post office is so busy around this time of the year, it's clear as day there will be some struggles. The post office isn't perfect, I know this for a fact. I have a great disdain for the United States Postal Service, due to their incompetence and struggles. Which can be even more stressful! But in order to avoid those struggles and mail things out with ease this holiday season, follow these tips!

Be Timely. Waiting until the last minute to order presents or ship things out can be the biggest downfall of the holiday season. If you're doing some online shopping this year to avoid the crowds make sure you order your packages in a reasonable amount of time. Waiting until the last minute to do your shopping, especially online shopping, is one of the worst things to do. You'll either have to pay a lot more for expedited shipping or your items won't show up on time at all. Some websites will post on their pages when the last day to order is to make sure you get your items on time. Best practice is to allow for two weeks for standard shipping. Also if you're going to mail packages and cards, estimating for two weeks works too. Either way if you plan for two weeks, odds are it's going to get where it needs to go sooner rather than later! If you can't make that deadline, take a look at USPS's Mail By Date deadlines. Christmas is two weeks away so if you haven't ordered your items yet get to it ASAP!

Shop Smart. If you know you're ordering something online that you're going to have to ship somewhere else, use the location of where it needs to go as the shipping address. That way it gets where it needs to go and it saves you some time and extra shipping costs. Some online retailers will even include gift messages. Specifically, Amazon offers gift wrapping and gift boxes at an extra cost, and it will be wrapped in the package. But if you need to send out a package for the holidays, try other delivery retailers like UPS or FedEx. They can be a little more expensive, but they have an overall better reputation than USPS. Also, if you are a Triple A member, UPS offers a ten percent discount on your order.

Plan Ahead. The post office is going to be busy no matter what, except when it is closed. Check your local post office to see when they open and close. The busiest times will be in the morning, during lunch breaks and in the evenings once everyone is off work. There will be very few amount of moments when it won't be crowded, especially when Christmas is getting closer. According to USPS, the busiest day at the post office is projected to be on December 19, while the busiest days for deliveries will be December 22. So to make sure you're not stuck at the post office all day, make sure your packages are all taped up, labeled and ready to go. To save a lot of time, you can order and print out a label at home, put in on your package and then just drop it off.

Patience Is Key. If you're going to wait in the long lines, relax and be patient. You're not the only one who will be annoyed and stressed. Just try to keep calm and carry on. Bring something to keep yourself occupied. Bring a book, a newspaper, or check your social media. Do something that makes you less stressed and it will help pass the time.

Be On The Lookout. Lately, lots packages have stolen from door steps. Which is a real jerk move, especially during this time of the year. Speaking from personal experience, I'm going to warn you now the United States Post Office won't do anything to help you at all if a package of yours is stolen. So we have to take matters into our own hands. It is all of our duties to make sure we keep an eye out for one another. If you know something is on the way to you, check your tracking information constantly and try to be home for the expected delivery day and time. If you're not going to be home, you can always have the post office hold your packages and you can pick them up at your convenience.

Sending and waiting for packages is one of the most annoying and unavoidable things that must be done during this time of the year. But as long as everyone keeps a positive mindset, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle this year. As long as you follow these simple tips, your post office struggles will be nonexistent.
Until tomorrow.

During this time of the year a lot of people tend to indulge, whether that is with food, sweets, or alcoholic beverages. Since this time of this year is a time for celebration, it's not uncommon to get a little crazy and over indulge. The holiday season is all about having a good time and celebrating with your friends and family so it's not uncommon to overindulge in some adult beverages. And when that happens it leads to the ever classic hangover.

For those of you who have never experienced a hangover, first of all you're so lucky. Second of all, keep doing what you're doing. A hangover is literally the worst thing in the world, and the most common consequence of drinking too much alcohol in one period of time. Now what classifies as a hangover? Well it can be as little as feeling tired and sluggish next day or even as big as feeling nauseous and even vomiting. Every person has a different tolerance level and is bound to have different reactions. But nevertheless here are some tips and remedies for surviving your hangover.

Stay Hydrated. After a night of binge drinking, your body is definitely dehydrated. Treat a hangover like a cold, drink lots of fluids and keep your body hydrated. While you rehydrate, it will flush out any impurities that are left in your body. My go to drink is either a water, a Sprite or a ginger ale. Sometimes it may not be the healthiest option, but it's just a great pick me up and treat for the soul.

Eat Something Light. When you're dealing with a hangover sometimes the last thing you want to do is eat anything, especially if you're feeling nauseated. But in order to feel better, you're going to have to eat something eventually. Having something light like bread, crackers, or even soup. You want anything that will be easy on your stomach.

SLEEP! The best thing to do for a hangover is just to sleep it off. Rest will literally be your best friend. Taking multiple naps and even just resting throughout the day will give your body time to recharge, which is really what it needs to do.

Get Some Fresh Air. Whenever I experience a hangover, the last thing I want to do is any form of exercise let alone moving around. BUT, if you get your blood flowing and heart pumping you will start to feel a little better. Taking a walk outside in the fresh air or even just sitting outside for a little bit will do wonders.

Take A Shower or Bath. Sometimes your body just needs a little bit of TLC. Take a nice warm shower or bath so you can relax your muscles. Take the time to truly pamper yourself, use a bath bomb or face mask so you can truly relax. It may seem like freshening up really won't really make a huge difference but little things like that will really help ease the hangover pain.

Avoid Taking Pills. If you have a major headache that feels like a jackhammer is pounding in your skull, it may be tempting to take a pain reliever. However, some pain medicines are dangerous to mix after consuming alcohol since it can heighten some risky side effects. Instead, take a warm wash cloth to your head and rest with your eyes closed. If the pain is truly terrible, avoid taking a tylenol and take some kind of ibuprofen instead.

Unfortunately there is no magical pill you can take to cure or prevent a hangover. However, someone should really start working on that. Whatever your hangover ailment may be, there will always be a way to treat it to make it less sufferable for you. As long as you follow these tips, your hangover pains will not be so painful.

Enjoy this holiday season, take all the time you want and need to celebrate with your loved ones. End this year with a bang, and don't be afraid to indulge a little.

Until tomorrow.

Participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange can be a really fun holiday experience. Some families draw names to make the whole gift exchanging experience easier. Or maybe your work is putting on a Secret Santa gift exchange to lift up some holiday cheer. Sometimes even groups of friends will put on a Secret Santa for fun. Either way, it's supposed to be a fun experience but that doesn't mean that it can't be stressful.

There's always a chance you could pick the name of the person you know like the back of your hand, but if you're not so lucky (like myself) you'll pick the name of someone you don't know very well. Last year (and even this year) for my job's Secret Santa I picked someone that I hardly knew at all. But luckily, someone in the office came up with a genius idea to put together a Google Doc where we all could share our likes and interests. For me, this was a huge help! Since I knew nothing about my person, I was able to look at her likes and put together a decent gift for her.

But sometimes you don't get a crutch like a document filled with gift ideas made by your person, even though that's a really good idea. So for those of you struggling to figure out what to get your Secret Santa this year have no fear. Here is what you can do to be the best Secret Santa:

Think About Your Person. This may be an obvious tip but it truly is the best place to start. Close your eyes, picture the person. What's their style like? When you think about them what are they doing? Do you and this person have a memory or a significant event where you two bonded? Little questions like this can help you figure out the core personality of your person which could lead to an amazing gift!

Check Out Their Social Media. This may make you feel like a stalker, but if you do not know anything about your person and have zero clues about who they are this will help a lot. Just by going to their Facebook page you can literally look at pages they've liked and maybe even shared. The same goes with Twitter and Instagram, you can see what they've posted about or even check out other posts they have liked. Sometimes even checking to see what kind of accounts they follow can help you narrow down your search.

Gather Some Intel. Now you don't need to be a spy to complete this task. All you need to do is figure out who knows your person best and ask them for some advice or if they have any suggestions. Or if you're feeling really brave, you can casually talk to your person and try to get to know them a little better. Just be careful and don't let them figure out you're their Secret Santa! If you start eating lunch with them everyday and are constantly playing twenty questions they will definitely figure it out.

Make A List. When you write something down it can help you visualize and think clearly, especially if you are completely stuck. Take the time to gather what you know and write it all down. This will help you come up with some possible gift ideas. Maybe you can even narrow it down to the actual gift!

Stay In Budget. This may be an obvious tip, but remember to always keep to the set budget. Even if you get your best friend, you may want to spend an excess amount because you really care about that person. But it is important to keep in mind about everyone's feelings. Also don't be that person who spends less than half of the amount. If finance is a huge issue for you, you can always opt out. No one will judge you for not participating. As long as you play fair and stay in the budget it will be a great time!

If You're Still Stuck It's Okay To Be Generic. Sometimes there are people who are just difficult to figure out what they could possibly want or even need. And that's okay, because they probably don't know what they want either. In these circumstances a gift card is probably your best bet, and that's perfectly fine. Whether it's for their favorite restaurant, store, coffee shop or even the movie theater, that could be the most practical gift and it will be appreciated.

When in Doubt Listen To Your Gut. If you're unsure or not positive that your person will like what you've picked out, don't stress over it. If something called out to you, trust your instinct. It called out to you for a reason. As long as you do your best and put some thought into it, your person will appreciate the time and effort you put into their gift. If they complain and say you're the worst Secret Santa ever then that's their problem, not yours.

The point of Secret Santa is to have fun! If you received someone you don't know very well don't dread it, look at it as an opportunity to get to know them a little bit better. Be sure not to give any of the secrets away, the whole point of Secret Santa is that it is supposed to be a mystery! It starts to lose the magic once everyone knows who has who. Don't stress, and remember to have fun! And as long as you follow these suggestions, you will slay your Secret Santa gift exchange this year!

Now you tell me, are you participating in a Secret Santa this year? Do you have any tips and suggestions you want to share? Comment below!

Until tomorrow!