Last Minute Gift Idea: DIY Cupcake Bath Bombs

December 24, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 1 Comment

I’m not gonna lie, the holiday season can be pretty hectic. And finding last minute gifts for friends, co-workers, and second cousins twice removed just adds on to the craziness. If a surprise gift exchange at your job has you worried with no idea what to get people, here’s a ~yummy~ idea that you can DIY right in your kitchen: cupcake bath bombs! Bath bombs have become super popular this year because they’re so aesthetically pleasing, they smell good, and they turn your bath water bright colors (and anything that magically turns things pink and purple is already awesome).

So basically, I have a slightly last minute gift exchange and had no idea what to get people, but after scrolling through Pinterest and finding bath bomb recipes, I decided to make some of my own to give as gifts. I found this “recipe” for cupcake bath bombs on Trending With Tori‘s YouTube channel and followed the instructions. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup epsom salts
2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
3/4 teaspoon water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 drops of neon gel food coloring

These ingredients are for making the bath bomb part that will dissolve when you put it in water. You probably already have most of these items at home. I didn’t have citric acid or epsom salt lying around so I ran out to the grocery store to buy them. For the frosting part of the cupcake bath bomb, here’s what you’ll need:

3 tablespoons meringue powder
1/3 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract

So I kinda messed up…For some reason I thought that meringue powder was royal icing powder (which I already had at home) and I used royal icing for the frosting instead! No wonder my frosting turned out slightly goopy! In any case, it still dried well and they look great, so it’s okay.

I didn’t take photos of me in the process of making the bath bombs because I literally made them last night and didn’t have really good lighting. The first thing you’re going to do is get a large bowl, ideally one that you don’t use to cook things in. Gather all of your dry ingredients and mix them together with a plastic fork to evenly distribute them. Put this bowl aside and in another bowl, combine your coconut oil, water, vanilla and almond extracts, and food coloring of your choice. It doesn’t have to be specifically gel based — you can use whatever food coloring you have on hand.

So this part is where you’re going to want to take things slow but work quickly…if that makes sense…You’re going to add the coconut oil mixture one tablespoon at a time to your dry mixture. After each addition, mix thoroughly. Adding the wet ingredients little by little prevents the baking soda from completely reacting with the liquids. You want the texture of your mixture to become something like wet sand, but not too damp or too dry. I ended up using up all of my coconut oil mixture.

Prepare a cupcake baking tray by lining the holes with cling wrap. If you have silicone cupcake liners, they would work so well and make the bath bombs look even more like cupcakes. I didn’t have them so I just used cling wrap over my tray. Fill the molds and remember to press down very firmly. This mixture made exactly 10 bath bombs.

Let them sit out for around 30 minutes. I got hungry and had to grab a snack, so I let them sit out for about 45 minutes. To make the frosting, add the meringue powder and warm water to a bowl and mix it with an electric mixer until it becomes white and foamy. This took around 3-4 minutes of mixing for me. Add powdered sugar until the mixture is stiff and you can pipe it with decorating tips. I actually ended up using closer to three cups of powdered sugar in total, but maybe that’s because I didn’t use meringue powder…

Next, I piped the frosting onto the “cupcakes” using a resealable bag and a decorating tip. Be sure to add the sprinkles right after piping because they start drying fast! Boom, now you have adorable cupcake bath bombs that you DIY’d! I can’t wait to give these as gifts because they’re super pretty. Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for great gift ideas for everyone in your life!

What are your last minute gift ideas?

The Collegiate’s Ultimate Winter Bucket List

December 13, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara Leave a Comment

Thirty-degree weather? Check. Heavy coats, gloves, hats, and scarves? Check. Cup of hot chocolate to warm your hands while you walk to class/work because you forgot your gloves? Check. Winter is basically here — fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you feel about the cold. I totally wanted to create a fall bucket list earlier this semester but then I got caught up in other blog posts and class work and all that other fun stuff, so I’m making it up by creating a super fun winter bucket list! Bucket lists usually motivate me to get things to done that I really want to do, and they’re a great way to organize ideas for fun outings and activities. If you’re intent on not spending your winter recess with Netflix and a blanket (as amazing as that sounds) add these ideas to your bucket list.

1. Make a gingerbread house.

Not only do gingerbread houses look cute on Instagram, but they also make for a cute girl’s night or family activity. This is a holiday tradition you can’t pass up, and there are so many ways to get creative with it. I suggest looking up gingerbread house decoration ideas on Pinterest. But if you don’t have the patience or the architectural skill to build a gingerbread house, you can never go wrong with holiday cookies! Just the other night my friend and I baked literally mountains of cookies in the midst of finals week!

2. Have a secret santa exchange with friends.

I have always been a fan of secret santa exchanges because you don’t have to buy a gift for every single person in your friend group, which means you can save a lot of money and put more focus and thought into one gift for one person. Of course, what usually happens is we all get that one big gift that our giftee really wants and then we get something small for everyone else in the group, like homemade cookies in treat bags or tiny bundles from Bath & Body Works. This is a super fun exchange and you can even make it into an event with dinner and hot cocoa.

P.S., if you need gift ideas for EVERYONE in your life, be sure to check out my Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide!

3. Have a winter-themed photoshoot.

Over the past year, I have really come to love taking pictures of things — college events, my food, selfies, nothing in particular — and I often grab my suite mate or my camera savvy bestie and take photos of me outside doing things to use for blog posts (like the one below!). Photos are really fun ways to look back on the things you’ve done, so this is a great idea for your bucket list. Get your friends and grab someone’s phone and get creative. There’s also a lot of photoshoot inspo to be found on Pinterest.

4. Send holiday cards to friends.

Travel back in time to when email didn’t exist and a text message was basically like a dream. Sending holiday cards feels so much more personal than a quick text message. I’m not shitting on text messages (they’re still really thoughtful) but if you want to go the extra mile and show your friends and family that you’re thinking about them, invest in a pack of holiday cards and fill each of them with your favorite memories from the last year, things you love the most about them, etc. I have never sent holiday cards to people but this year I really want to. My relationship with stationery went from love to obsession in a few months time, so this is a great excuse for me to purchase cute cards, pens, envelopes and embossing tools that I don’t actually need.

5. Have a hot cocoa night with family or friends.

Seeing as this is a winter bucket list, something related to hot cocoa has to be on here. Or maybe it’s because I recently got a new Keurig and have been making peppermint hot cocoa in my room everyday for the last few weeks…Anyway, hot cocoa making is the perfect indoor activity on a dreadful day. This would be a great time to sit down in front of the tv with family and just chat and enjoy each other’s company. I know I won’t have much face time with my family this winter recess because I’ll be off to Europe to study abroad as soon as January begins and I’m coming back two days before the start of my spring semester. And of course, I also want to have as many hang outs with friends — old and new — before I leave, so this one is definitely on my bucket list.

6.Have a good, long talk about college, your relationship status, and other awkward things with your parents.

Well, this is probably inevitable, but maybe hot cocoa will make it less awkward (see above). Your parents and family members will ask questions about your last couple of months of school, so you might as well get it out of the way. If the person you’re dating is not a topic of conversation you’d like to have, some other ideas include the classes you’re taking next semester, how far along you are in your degree program, which professors were the absolute worst this semester, and how many all-nighters you pulled (a little sympathy is nice sometimes).

7. Discover a new place to eat in your area.

This could be a cafe, restaurant, deli — anything, really. While I do have some favorites that I wouldn’t mind revisiting over and over again, I also love trying out new places to get food. I usually look to Instagram and websites like Cosmopolitan and Popsugar to tell me which New York City eateries are dishing out the hottest new Instagram food craze, then I make it my mission to go out and try it for myself. If anyone knows any must-visit eateries in New York City, do let me know in the comments! I’d love to visit them this winter!

8. Pet a reindeer.

My reasoning behind this one is simply that I just really want to pet a reindeer. Honestly, I’m not even sure if there are even farms or places where you can pet reindeer. I’m not even sure it’s safe to pet reindeer, as they’re probably really sensitive animals and you wouldn’t want to scare them. I’m not a reindeer expert, but that would be my guess. I do know, however, that you can pet tons of cute kitties in New York City thanks to the cat cafe! It’s called Meow Parlour and it has been on my bucket list all semester! But if you manage to get to pet a reindeer, though, you should totally take a picture and tag me on Instagram so I can cry tears of joy and be jealous at the same time.

9. Learn how to crochet.

I’ve been crocheting for maybe five or six years now and it’s definitely one of my favorite pastimes during winter. I always feel so inspired (and motivated) to crochet warm beanies, scarves, and headbands to wear out. Once you’re in the zone, it’s so easy to crochet for hours on end while you sit in front of the tv. So cozy (and a bit addicting!). Did I mention that crocheted items also make beautiful gifts for friends and family?

10. Reflect on your semester.

This is a very college thing that everyone should do at some point before they return for the spring semester. Reflecting on your semester allows you to see where your strong points were, where your weaknesses were, where you ended up by the end of the semester, and where you want to be by the end of the next one. It is essential to setting new goals because how do you know what to aim for if you don’t know where you stand? In order to have a fruitful reflection, I suggest getting a small journal to record your thoughts on your semester. You can even turn it into some type of bullet journal to make it prettier and more fun to look at. I know it’s easy to just want to put the semester behind you (I’m not even home yet and I already want to put this semester behind me) but taking time to think about things can help you be on top of your game next semester and avoid making any mistakes that were made during this one.

11. Check up on your bank account and other financials.

This may not be very fun — especially if you ran out of meal points during the semester — but, like the previous point, it’s definitely an essential. I’ll admit that throughout the semester, even though I said I would be diligent about my financial tracker and my expense tracker — I certainly wasn’t. In fact, I completely forgot I had made one. So I like to save the winter break for cleaning up and reorganizing myself financially. Plus, if I need to run to my bank for any reason, I have enough time to take care of everything because I’m at home.

12. Ride a ferry boat.

I rode a ferry for the first time last winter and personally, I thought it was magical. I had never been on a boat before so the feeling of gliding over water, the wind in your hair, and the seagulls swooping overhead was so cool and surreal. Like, it literally gave me life. I know that not many people would see it that way, but if you’ve never traveled over water before, use this winter to do so. Of course, the cold weather isn’t ideal for standing on deck with the seagulls (I learned that the hard way) but nevertheless, it’s still pretty fun. You can read all about my experience on the Staten Island Ferry here.

13. Go to an animal shelter and keep the animals company.

Socializing animals is a fun way to spend the day. Many of them are happy to be petted and played with (if the shelter allows you to take them out of the cages and hold them — ask first!!!). By the way, this is a super cute and unique date idea for the winter time! Making your furry friends happy is always so heart warming. Always make sure you call up your local shelter first to see if you’re allowed to come in and pet the animals or bring them treats.

14. Go on a carriage ride.

Last but not least, add a carriage ride to your list. This may not be a super unique thing to do during the winter because literally everyone and their mother is going to want to try to take a stroll through the city by horse drawn carriage in the spirit of the holidays, but it’s certainly worth doing if you haven’t done it yet. This is definitely on my winter list alongside going on a bus tour around the city.

What’s on your winter bucket list?

The Collegiate’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

November 24, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 3 Comments

I know the holiday season isn’t just about exchanging gifts, but it’s a widely recognized part of it. Buying gifts for the people in your life — gal pals, parents, siblings, boyfriend — is fun at first…then you realize you’re struggling majorly and running out of ideas, time, and possibly money. Ah, don’t you just love shopping for people? I started thinking about the fun gifts that I’d want to buy for my friends and family and then realized that some of these ideas might also be perfect for other peoples’ friends and family. Thus, this blog post was born! If you’re totally stumped on gift ideas, hopefully this gift guide will give you some inspiration.

~For your friends + sister~

the sporty girl

water bottle ~ yoga mat ~ cellphone armband

If you have a friend or two who love working out at the gym, get them some cute workout essentials they’ll surely love. Personally, I’m a huge fan of reuseable water bottles with funny or sassy quotes — they make the gym so much more fun! A yoga mat is perfect for taking to the gym even if they aren’t into yoga because they can use it to lay on when doing crunches or planks. I have been meaning to treat myself to a cellphone armband for a really long time now! If your workout clothes don’t have pockets for your phone but you still want to listen to music while you workout, this is a must!

the writer

kate spade journal ~ pen gift set ~ magazine subscription

Okay, they probably already have too many journals to count but I doubt they’d complain about these ideas! It’s so great to have so many places to get your thoughts out when you need to, so you can never go wrong with these ideas. A pretty pen set will probably make your friend cry tears of joy, especially if they’re a major stationery junkie. If they like to write, they may also like to read, so get them a subscription to one of their favorite magazines. Seventeen magazine subscriptions are only $10 for one year!

the beauty queen

liquid lipstick ~ makeup sampler ~ beauty subscription box

Colourpop is a great pick for liquid lipsticks — they’re only $6 each and there are so many shades to choose from! Check out my swatches and review of some of Colourpop’s lipsticks and eyeshadows. There are so many cute makeup samplers available at places like Sephora and Ulta. This is a great gift for the up and coming makeup guru of your group, or that friend who’s just really into makeup. I’m currently obsessing over beauty subscription boxes! There are so many cool services out there, so you can find one that suits your budget and get them a couple of months worth of boxes.

makeup mirror ~ nail polish set

A makeup mirror is a perfect gift if your friend is away at college — it allows you to get your makeup done in the comfort of your room rather than trekking to the bathroom on a busy morning! You can never go wrong with a nail polish set — there are so many cute ones. And if you want you can buy a nail file, nail decals, and other nail art supplies to create a DIY nail art bundle.

the fashionista

blanket scarf ~ sassy sweater ~ jewelry

Blanket scarves are literally the best things right now! I don’t know what I would’ve done without mine in today’s weather. This is a super cute, affordable gift that your friend or sister could use all winter long if she doesn’t already have one. And if she does, I’m sure she’d appreciate the growth in her collection (just avoid getting her one with a pattern she already has). A college girl’s closet isn’t complete without a sassy sweater! Like, come on, you need to have at least one of those. You can never go wrong with cute jewelry. Icing and Claire’s have some really adorable pieces at very affordable prices.

phone case ~ wristlet

Get her a phone case that matches her aesthetic. There are some really cute ones that have pockets on the back so you can hold your ID card, some money, a credit card, etc. A wristlet is a great idea for those nights out when you don’t quite want to bring a large bag but also want to make sure that you have all your essentials that are inside your wallet with you.

the adorable techie

instant camera ~ portable charger ~ laptop case

Instant cameras are the cutest things ever!!! Seriously you’ll be the world’s best friend or best sister if you give this is a gift. I have an Instax Mini 70 and it is just so darling and so perfect for college. You can read all about it (as well as other cool college things) in my post on 9 Things You Need To Make College Life Easier. A portable charger is Godsent. You will be a lifesaver if you gift this item. Sometimes we forget to charge our phones but we rush out of the room or house with 40% battery. With a portable charger, you can charge your phone no matter where you are. Laptop cases are an essential college tech accessory if you don’t want a dirty laptop. Laptops are expensive, so treat them right!

the girl who’s always busy af

spa set ~ planner ~ insulated thermos

You can DIY a spa set with a couple of cute things from Target. Grab some bath bombs, face masks, bath salts, and nail polish and put together an adorable little bundle for your workaholic bestie. Planners are EVERYTHING to someone who always has a million things to do. There are so many cute ones, too. Does your sister seem to never have the time to sit at the breakfast table and enjoy a cup of coffee? Get her an insulated thermos so she can have her morning tea or coffee on the go.

Related: 6 Handbag Essentials For The Winter

the traveler

luggage tag ~ travel tote ~ books for the plane ride

Adorable luggage tags are great for spicing up your suitcases, and it makes it so much easier for you to identify your belongings. If your friend is studying abroad this upcoming semester, get her a cute travel tote to carry all her essentials in style. A good book is a great way to not be bored on long trips, and they’re especially handy if there’s no wifi on your train or ferry. Find out what’s on her reading list and gift it to her.

beauty travel bag ~ compact mirror

A travel makeup bag is essential for keeping your beauty products in one, neat place. If your friend doesn’t have one yet, this is a fantastic gift. And if she doesn’t use makeup, she can still use it for storing essentials such as lip balm, cotton balls, Q-tips, and more while she’s on the go. A compact mirror is a great travel essential for checking yourself from the comfort of your airplane seat, which means no having to get up and walk to the bathroom!

the girl who just loves her bed

bedroom slippers ~ a warm throw ~ decorative pillow

Bedroom slippers are a must in college dorm rooms, especially when you have to go from your carpeted dorm room to the cold tile bathroom in the hallway. A warm, fuzzy throw is really going to come in handy this winter season. You’ll probably get bonus points if you throw in a hot chocolate kit, too (a mug, marshmallows, cocoa mix). And who doesn’t love decorative pillows? There are so many that fit a wide range of personalities and aesthetics, so picking one out will only be half the fun.

~For your momma~

the cook/baker

cooking bundle ~ mason jar dessert set ~ recipe book

You honestly can never have too many spatulas, spoons, and adorable measuring cups (especially because when you need them the most is when you can’t find them). This is a great gift for mom, especially if she’s always complaining about not being able to find the kitchen timer. Mason jar recipes are, and always will be, the cutest things ever! They’re so simple but so pretty and they turn into something even prettier. You can never go wrong with a recipe book, especially if your mom is the adventurous cook type of person. And if she isn’t, getting her a recipe book might motivate her to step outside her comfort zone.

the homebody

a photo frame ~ a bathrobe ~ art canvas

Are there just too many pictures cluttering your family photo albums? Show them off with photo frames. My mom always has a picture for a photo frame. You wouldn’t find a single unused frame at our house. A bathrobe is the perfect, everyday gift for literally anyone — not just mom. Bonus points if you get her a monogramed one. Art canvases are another great way to decorate the home and add personality.

throw pillows ~ scented candle ~ coffee maker

Does your mom have a not-so-secret secret throw pillow collection? No? That’s okay. Just like in a dorm room, having decorative pillows give personality to a space. This makes throw pillows a super great gift. My mom lives for scented candles, and there are so many pretty ones that smell AMAZING and (quite literally) brighten up a room. Getting your mom a coffee maker is your excuse for spending hours gazing at beautiful Keurigs. There are so many models to choose from!

~For dad~

the techie

selfie stick ~ activity watch ~ ipad cover

Seriously, what dad doesn’t want a selfie stick?? Selfie sticks aren’t as “basic” as society tries to tell us they are. My dad has one and it has made large family photos really easy (and more fun!). There are so many really inexpensive ones, too. If you want to encourage dad to pay more attention to his exercise habits, get him an activity watch. This may be a bit pricey, depending on your budget and the kind of watch you get, but if you can swing it this is a great gift. If dad’s ipad cover is literally falling apart, this is a great time to treat him to a brand new one.

the outdoorsman

sunglasses ~ touchscreen gloves ~ puffer vest

For my dad’s birthday back in October, I got him these great sunglasses that were designed specifically for outdoor use and can reduce any glares and protect your eyes from the sun, and he loved them! He wears them when working on his hobbies outdoors and when driving (and they’re very stylish if I do say so myself). Everyone should have touchscreen gloves this winter because it’s not fun trying to use your phone with your bare hands when it’s brick AF outside. A puffer vest is a great cold weather gift that he can actually use over and over again.

the dad whose closet needs some sprucing up

fun ties ~ a scarf ~ a belt

If your dad has that one jacket that you wish he’d get rid of, this is a great way to find him a replacement (and hope that he gets the hint). There are so many men’s style items you can get him.

also…

You can never go wrong with getting either parent (or both parents) apparel from your university’s shop. My college has a bunch sweatshirts, half-zips, t-shirts, and hats that say “Stony Brook Mom” and “Stony Brook Dad” on them, so those make great gifts!

~For your brother + bf~

the gamer

game controller ~ book of cheat codes ~ video game

If your brother or bf has been in the market for a new game controller, this is a great opportunity to gift him one (and show that you’ve been listening to his complaints of not being able to find his old one). A book of cheat codes would also be very much appreciated. When my brother and I would play video games, we were always scouring the internet for cheat codes to unlock cool things. Of course, you can never go wrong with just getting him a new video game he’s been eyeing.

the musician

concert tickets ~ portable speakers ~ headphones

Gift your brother or boyfriend tickets to their favorite band (so you don’t have to listen to them enjoying their music at home). But they might need some quick concert tips so don’t forget to check out that post! Portable speakers are so great, especially if your brother is off to college or if your boyfriend is already away at college. Headphones are perfect for when you don’t want to disturb the entire library, or when the entire library is disturbing you. I also have a post on great music to listen to while you study!

the sports fan

wall clock (of his favorite team) ~ sports jersey ~ duffel bag

Get your boyfriend something that’ll make him think of you every time he looks at it — like a clock! If he goes insane over merchandise from his favorite sports team, this is definitely a great idea. A sports jersey is also a cool gift if he doesn’t already have one (or six). I think that everyone needs a duffel bag because they hold a lot of stuff so it makes carrying your belongings so much easier. I use my duffel bag whenever I go home so I don’t have to carry four different bags.

the cook/foodie

waffle maker ~ cooking classes ~ shot glasses

Giving your boyfriend a waffle maker will make it so much easier for him to make you Saturday morning waffles! Ah, nothing like breakfast in bed. It doesn’t have to be a super fancy one; you can probably find one for around $30. Cooking classes would be a super cute thing for the two of you to do together. This place in New York City lets you make your own chocolate so that would be a really cool option. If your brother’s dorm room needs some sprucing up, get him cool shot glasses he can use for decoration, or something like that. But mostly for decoration!

You can never go wrong with…

personalized items

mug ~ bag ~ journal

Personalized items such as monogrammed mugs, bags, and journals always make fantastic gifts. Plus, the little personal touch is very much appreciated! One year, I got one of my closest friends a t-shirt with her name designed on it and she absolutely loved it.

a watch

kate spade ~ kohl’s ~ addidas

I know this one isn’t very creative but it still works great because it’s something they can use everyday. There are definitely so many great brands out there, too. And who knows, maybe you might find a cute one for yourself, too!

Cards Against Humanity

cards against humanity

Any board game is a cool gift, especially for a college student who wants to have fun with friends while staying in on a snowy Friday night. But Cards Against Humanity is seriously one of the best games you’ll ever play.

~5 fast tips for giving gifts~

1. Always find out if they already have something before you decide to give it as a gift.

Does your friend already subscribe to Seventeen magazine? Does your boyfriend already have Rock Band 3? Try to find out in a sneaky way so that you can avoid wasting your money on something they don’t need a duplicate of.

2. Save up in advanced if you need to.

The money you have in your piggy bank right now may not be enough to get dad a fit bit, so you might have to save up in advanced. I know some people may not think about gift giving months in advanced, but if there’s a gift a family member or loved one has really been dying to have and you need to do a bit of saving up for it, it’s pretty worth it. Put away $10 per week if you need to; save every $5 bill you see — whatever works.

3. Avoid buying shoes for someone.

I avoid buying people shoes because first, something I think is cute is DEFINITELY not always cute to my mom. Essentially, your taste might be completely different from someone else’s. And second, sometimes a person’s shoe size ranges depending on the brand and width of the shoe, so you can’t always be too certain unless you see them try it on first.

4. Picky person? Get them something they use a lot of.

You already know that they clearly like it and use it often, so you don’t have to worry about them not being satisfied with the gift. If they’re running low on something they really love, this is the perfect gift idea.

5. Include gift receipts where necessary.

If you get someone something like perfume or a bath set and you don’t know if they’ll love the scent, include the gift receipt so they can return it if they need to. If you bought them a purple duffel bag but you don’t know if they’ll like the green one better, include the gift receipt.

What’s on your holiday shopping list?

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How To Get At Least 8 Hours Of Sleep In College

October 4, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 9 Comments

If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you probably now that I’m an avid believer in adequate sleep. Actually, no, that’s an understatement — there are no actual words that can describe my intense love for those blessed eight hours. I know lots of people hail coffee as the ultimate way to survive the daily grind that is college but, really, it isn’t. Your best friend is sleep! It’s very unhealthy to go to bed at 3a.m. to wake up at 7a.m. I know that getting at least eight hours of sleep every night is WAY easier said than done (cuz assignments, studying, extracurriculars and maybe a party or two here and there), so I’m going to share with you my tips for sleeping well.

Btw, I’m totally NOT a sleep expert. I’m just a college gal who may or may not have kind of, sort of mastered the art of a good night’s sleep. I hope…

1. Stop squandering your time during the day.

I’m not saying that you should be studying every time you get a moment to catch your breath, but spend some of your free time during the day productively. This way, you’ll have less to do in the evening and at night. Hint: it really helps to start utilizing organizational methods so that you know what assignments should be completed, and can allow yourself enough time to do them. Check out my guide to getting organized for tips on how to do that!

2. Avoid drinking coffee at night.

If you know that coffee will keep you wide awake for the next four hours, avoid it all together. I know, sometimes a caramel macchiatto from Starbucks is just so tempting, especially when you feel like you just need a tiny boost to keep you up for just another two hours. Try drinking iced water to wash away any sluggishness you might be feeling. It really wakes you up without keeping you up half the night. And if you’re really itching to head to SBUX, their Cool Lime Refresher is just so, well, refreshing and won’t have you up until all hours of the morning.

3. Stop forcing yourself to stay up late to do work.

Heavy eyelids, decreased attention span, and long, drawn-out yawns that come every 30 seconds are my cue to close the books and get ready for bed. If I don’t finish assignment, I add it to tomorrow’s to-do list. Besides, trying to study when I’m clearly unfocused will not result in my retaining the material. As long as you’ve managed your time properly, you should be able to hold off on assignments when you’re too tired to do them and still finish them on time.

4. Gradually go to bed a little earlier.

If you normally go to bed around 3a.m., you probably won’t be successful in going to bed at 10p.m. Try to go to bed an hour earlier every couple of days, or even one week at a time to ease you into a new schedule of sleeping earlier. For me, going to bed and falling asleep by 11:30p.m. is normal and comfortable. I’ve even been able to fall asleep as early as 10:30p.m., which is pretty rare for a lot of students!

5. Eliminate anything that could hinder you from falling asleep.

If you could watch videos on Facebook for hours and hours, put your phone away when you go to bed. If your suite mate or roommate is playing music so loudly you can’t hear yourself count sheep, ask them politely to turn it down. You’ve made it this far, don’t let anything distract from your goal of getting some shut-eye!

6. Empty your bladder before bed.

I have been in the situation where I’m too lazy to use the bathroom before I go to bed and then I end up waking up in the middle of the night because I just REALLY have to pee and would probably wet the bed if I just ignored it and went back to sleep. Sometimes, you may not fall back asleep right away when you wake up in the middle of the night, so make sure you do what you can to minimize the likelihood that you’ll wake up in a few short hours.

7. Establish a sleep routine.

Have a set time when you wake up and go to bed every day and night. This might take some practice, but eventually your body will get used to it and you’ll be able to wake up around your desired time without having to really set an alarm. This is also a good way to practice not sleeping in. As hard as it may be to actually lug myself out of bed in the morning (especially during the winter when I don’t want to leave my warm bed!!!) I like getting up early before my classes start so that I can take my time and get ready for class (my eyeliner wings won’t sharpen themselves!) and do any work that I have to do.

8. Don’t go out every single night.

Every night doesn’t have to be a party night. Take comfort in spending some time alone in your room. This is the perfect way for you to relax a little before you hit the hay by giving yourself a mini spa night, or squeezing in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. If you go out, you might not return until very, very late and you definitely don’t want to turn that into a habit.

9. Make your bed as comfortable as possible.

You won’t get much sleep if there are cookie crumbs all over your sheets because you love snacking in bed. You might also find it hard to sleep with clothing strewn all over your bed. Keep your bed as a place for sleeping only. If you have back problems or just can’t sleep on a hard mattress, invest in a mattress pad/topper to make it much softer. If your head is too low with just one pillow, stack a second one on top of it. These small changes can make a huge difference!

I really hope these tips help you build a more adequate sleep schedule because college is rough and one of your best weapons against the ups and downs of college life is proper sleep!

What are your tips for getting proper sleep in college?

12 Ways To Avoid Getting Sick In College

September 30, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 5 Comments

This lovely picture was taken by my boy Jack Yu from Yongjianyu.com

Being sick in college is one of the most miserable experiences you’ll have. What’s worse is that it can be really easy for colds and viruses to be transmitted when you’re in college because you’re living so close to others in such small spaces. Yep, germs, snot and who knows what else are everywhere, and will not hesitate to give you absolute hell. So now that I may or may not have just sent chills down your spine (or was that because of the cold you may or may not be catching???) here are some ways that you can avoid getting sick.

P.S. I have only gotten sick twice in my five semesters of college! I think I’ll give myself a pat on the back for that.

1. Bundle up when it’s cold outside.

I’m not trying to catch a cold just because I wanted to wear a cute tank top and shorts one last time before I send them to the back of my closet. Not dressing appropriately for the weather is one of the easiest ways you can get sick. I know there are lots of events like football games and homecoming that we all want to look cute for, but always consider the weather before picking an outfit. You might need to grab a scarf or a light jacket before heading out.

2. Don’t share food or drinks.

DON’T DO IT. That one sip of your friend’s soda can change everything. Your friend could be just starting to recover from a cold and if they’re still contagious…good luck.

3. Avoid sick friends.

While we’re still talking about friends, if yours are so sick they’re coughing up a lung, try to spend as little time with them as possible. I know, that sounds totally mean, and if you were sick you’d want to be surrounded by love and warmth from your friends, but I don’t think they’d want you to catch what they have. You can’t avoid all contact with your sick friends, but try to be careful.

4. Don’t feel shy about asking your friends to cover their coughs.

“Hey, do you mind coughing into your sleeve? I just don’t want to get sick.” This is a pretty polite way to ask a friend to be more aware that they could be spreading germs and getting others sick. You’re obviously not going to say, “COVER YOUR COUGH, B*TCH.” I know misery loves company, but don’t feel bad for nicely saying that you don’t want to get sick.

5. Get your sleep!

I feel like I mention getting adequate sleep in literally every single post, like the one on how to deal with stress in college. But seriously, words cannot describe how heavenly sleep is. Get it. I know that being out on your own without a curfew to chain you to your bed can make you feel invincible, but you’re going to feel like absolute crap if you don’t sleep enough.

6. Sanitize workout equipment before using it.

First off, not everyone who uses the workout equipment wipes it down when they’re done with it, even though it’s basically like the unwritten law of sanitary gym practices. Second, if that person has a cold and they blow their nose, wipe away some snot, cough into their hands and then touch the buttons on the treadmill, the handles on the elliptical and all that other stuff, you’re picking up whatever they put down. Make sure you give everything a quick once over with some wipes before using it.

7. Throw in some healthy meals where you can.

Building healthy eating practices can really boost your immune system and make you feel healthier overall. That’s not to say that people who eat healthy never ever, ever get sick but eating healthy can reduce your chances of getting sick and even help you recover quicker if you do. I love eating spinach and rave about it to anyone who’s willing to listen! Try fun ways of incorporating healthy veggies and fruit into your diet, like making smoothies or popsicles.

8. Don’t wash your hair and immediately go outside.

My momma always warned me against going out with wet hair, especially when it was cold outside. I used to see lots of girls in school do it, but then again I also used to hear those girls complain about being sick all the time. You may not get sick after doing it just once, but don’t make this a habit. Make sure your hair is at least 80% dry before going out into the cold.

9. Wash your hands often.

This one is something we’ve been hearing since kindergarten. Wash your hands especially if you were just somewhere that’s notorious for containing a lot of germs, like a bathroom or junk yard (no, I have no idea why you’d be at a junk yard, but let’s just go with it).

10. Clean your space regularly.

All the dust collecting on your table and couch can really aggravate your allergies and can even make you sick. Mold can also do this, so keep an eye out for any hygienic issues in your dorm room that you might have to report to an RA, though I hope no one’s dorm room actually contains that much mold…Make sure you vacuum, dust off, and wipe down any surfaces. You can also take turns doing this with your roommate or suite mates.

11. If you feel a cold coming on, act FAST.

If your throat is starting to feel some type of weird, dry way, you’re probably getting sick and this would be a wonderful time to grab those cough drops and start drinking hot tea like it’s your job. Don’t wait for you to actually start running a fever before you decide to start doing something about it.

12. Relax!

Being stressed AF can weaken your immune system, so make sure you listen to your body and treat it right! If you’re really tired and just need to sleep, SLEEP! If you feel like you need to just take some time to chill and watch Gossip Girl amidst your 50 obligations, go for it! Remember to put yourself first.

What are your tips for avoiding getting sick in college?

11 Things To Do When You Feel Overwhelmed In College

September 16, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 7 Comments

Is it bad that I’ve only had three weeks of classes and I already want the semester to be over? No? Okay, good. Don’t get me wrong, I do love most of my classes and I feel like they’ll only get better and better, but I wish that were true of the amount of work I have to do! I definitely feel like I’m always doing homework, no matter how much of it I complete; when I finish one class assignment, I have to start preparing for the next. Ya know what I mean???? And if you have a packed schedule, it feels way crazier!

I’m very good at managing multiple tasks and I don’t get stressed often at all, but this week it really hit me hard and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t upset about it. If you’re in the same boat as me, here’s how I started dealing with this stressful week and how I will continue to manage it.

1. Keep track of your assignments and obligations.

I know, doing more work is the last thing you want to do at this point, but at least knowing exactly what you have to do will help you stress less because you won’t have to rip your hair our trying to remember what assignment you had to do for Chem lab, or when your English paper is due. My post on how to get organized in college has more snazzy organization tips.

2. Break up your obligations into manageable bits.

Don’t try to complete assignments for five classes in one night! Knowing your limit can really help you pay attention to your own needs as a human being because, believe it or not, you still need to eat and sleep. If you know that you get tired by midnight and can’t focus anymore, aim to complete assignments for just two classes that day and you can plan to do the others on other days. Also, if you know that one particular assignment is very big and you doubt you’ll be able to finish it in one sitting, plan ahead to break it into chunks so that, first of all, you don’t procrastinate the assignment, and second, it feels more manageable.

3. Reconsider your schedule.

I’m not saying you should drop every single class that requires you to put in a little more effort than you expected, but if there’s a class that’s giving you absolute hell, or you feel like the number of credits you’re taking is a bit too much for you at the moment, drop it. I can be really stubborn when it comes to this because I used to think that just powering through it — no matter how stressful it might get — is better than quitting. Boy was I wrong! There’s no shame in needing to drop something from your schedule! This is something I learned during the first two weeks of class last spring. For the record, I absolutely do not regret dropping the class I dropped! Good riddance!

4. Give yourself a break.

Like, actually take a night off to just chill and do something you want to do. If you feel like you need an hour or two of “Gossip Girl” treat yourself to it! If you just feel like taking a nap, more power to ya. I hate forcing myself to do work when it feels like my brain is turning to mush! Besides, I’m unable to retain what I’m studying if I can’t get my brain to focus. Even if you aren’t tired, it’s still important to take a *short* vacation from the books and just hang out with friends, chill by yourself, or do something fun.

5. Cut out any social drama.

Seriously, this is the last thing you should be worrying about when you’re already stressed. Being mad at your friend or having one of your friends be mad at you can honestly really hit you hard; I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t feel even a little upset if a good friend of mine was angry with me for something. You don’t need to have this take over your mind, so to try to avoid drama, misunderstandings, and all that other annoying stuff, be straightforward and honest with your friends about everything — if someone does something you don’t like, tell them politely! Don’t talk crap behind their back because they’ll likely find out and it’ll cause so much unwanted crap!

6. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

If you’re like me, then you probably love getting involved in pretty much everything going on and you tell yourself, “yeah, you got this, you can take this.” Stop doing that. You’ve likely got enough on your plate as it is, and adding more obligations to that smorgasbord won’t help you feel less overwhelmed! There are definitely some things that I would have loved to do this semester, but I know that if I add anymore obligations to my schedule I basically won’t sleep. Like, at all. We can’t be the president of every club we like, and we can’t grab every part-time job we’re able to swing.

7. Drop whatever doesn’t work for you anymore.

This might be what you have to do if you somehow managed to fill your plate a little too much. If there’s an obligation that demands too much from you and doesn’t give you even half the return you expect after putting in so much work, then maybe it’s time to let it go. There are some things that are definitely worth the blood, sweat, and tears (even if there are lots and lots of tears) but use your discretion to figure out what just isn’t, especially if it’s the thing that’s causing you to feel the most overwhelmed. I know that just dropping something sounds even a little selfish but you shouldn’t have any qualms about looking out for your personal health!

8. Do some work in the company of friends.

Friends who struggle together stay together, after all. That was totally a joke (kind of). But I find that when I’m literally losing my sh*t I tend to feel better if I at least do it in the company of others. Ranting to your besties about how much work you have to do feels really good, and in return you get to hear them rant about all the work they have to do and that kind of reminds you that you’re all in the same boat together. But it’s cool because you’ll get through it together, too. Seriously, just talking to a friend about how you feel can make a difference. Likewise, if you feel that speaking to a therapist will help, don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment.

9. Exercise.

That doesn’t mean you have to go hardcore at the gym and run six miles to sweat out all your tension; doing less strenuous activities can also be very alleviating so don’t forget about those! Simply taking a walk around the track while you listen to music can help you unwind. If your campus gym offers free fitness classes, definitely take advantage of those, too!

10. Take a nap.

I never nap. Ever. But if I feel like I have the weight of 30 textbooks on me, then a nap sounds pretty damn good (I’ll probably take a quick one after I’m done with this post!). Naps are very refreshing and I feel like when I wake up again my mind is a lot more clear and I have a little more energy to complete any tasks that need to get done. But also don’t force yourself to take a nap if you aren’t actually that tired because you’ll likely just end up laying in bed playing with your phone for three hours instead.

11. Appreciate the little things in life.

I always enjoy getting to play music in the morning while I brush my teeth and shower. I love putting on lively, happy music so that I start my day the very same way. It’s small and sounds cheesy but it makes me look forward to the rest of my day, and even makes me feel like I can just fly through everything and basically be a badass. My post on how to make your mornings more exciting has more suggestions on small things you can do.

I hope you found this post really useful and if you are feeling very overwhelmed right now, I hope you’ll consider trying out one of these tips! Of course, everyone’s different and what may work for me may not work for you and vice versa.

What are your tips for managing stress in college?

6 Things To Do To Make Your Mornings More Exciting

September 2, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 4 Comments

Sidenote: The cupcakes in my photo have absolutely NOTHING to do with boring morning routines. I just thought it was a really pretty, fun picture on my camera roll so I decided to use it for this post! Aren’t they delicious? Anyways…

Sometimes I hate waking up early in the morning. Correction: I hate getting out of my nice, warm bed early in the morning. Waking up at 7a.m. to get ready for class can be such a mundane routine, and the list of things I’d much rather be doing goes on and on! Despite the drawl occurrence, I have found a few ways to actually make getting out of bed in the morning much cooler. No, seriously! I actually like, and maybe even look forward to, waking up early just because of a few small changes I’ve been making for a while now.

So you’re probably wondering what *magical* things I do to make some of the most boring morning activities surprisingly appealing. Sadly, there’s no actual unicorn magic involved here. But you can use your cool college student powers (that was totally the most bogus thing I’ve ever made up, and so to quit while I’m still ahead I’m just going to cut to the tips now!).

1. Play music while you shower.

Instead of listening to the water trickle from the showerhead in the morning, I like to listen to some Beyonce, Pitbull, and some of my other favorite artists. It really just makes me happier and makes me feel more lively and ready to take on the day. Plus, I also use the songs as a way to tell approximately how much time I’ve spent showering. I adore really long showers, but I can’t spend a lot of time showering because I have class to get to. Plus, it’s inconsiderate because my suite mates would need to get ready to start their days as well and I wouldn’t want to hog the bathroom. Each song I listen to is approximately three minutes long so I make sure that I don’t stay in the shower for longer than three songs. Btw, you don’t have to pay money for music — just use Pandora or another free music service! My post on how to save money in college has even more tips for not completely ruining your bank account in college!

2. Wash your face with a really nice smelling facial cleanser.

There are so many delicious smelling facial cleansers now from brands like Neutrogena and Olay. They all smell so yummy that it makes me so happy to use them in the morning! It even improves my mood if I wasn’t feeling so great before. Maybe the nice smells release endorphins in your brain or something (this is why I’m not a science major!). I currently use a facial cleanser from Neutrogena® for acne because it was recommended by my dermatologist and, unfortunately, it doesn’t have any distinct, beautiful smell (*sad face*) but I have tried the grapefruit line from Neutrogena® and the the Morning Burst® line from Clean & Clear® and both are heavenly!! A good facial wash is also one of the things I mentioned in my college beauty essentials post because it’s such an easy way to clean your face and get totally refreshed in the morning before class. What’s your favorite facial wash right now? I’d love to hear what you guys are using!

3. Create a breakfast tradition.

Is there one specific place on campus you just love eating breakfast at? If you can, make it a habit to go there and order your favorite breakfast items to start the day right and satisfyingly. Don’t succumb to the bad habit of not leaving yourself enough time in the morning to have an actual meal — this can actually ruin your day because you’ll be hungry and in a miserable mood. My favorite place to have breakfast is at my school’s Starbucks because I love ordering an iced green tea latte with an everything bagel with cream cheese. Perfecto! Another breakfast “tradition” you can do is simply having “pancake day” with your roommate or suite mates. Your group can get together and make and enjoy pancakes together. Plus, this is a great way to bond and get to know each other better. You’ll definitely look forward to these food-filled mornings!

4. Walk to class with friends.

If someone who lives on your floor in the residence hall is also in your first class of the day, introduce yourself and walk to class with them. Walking across campus by yourself is really boring and not very fun. Having someone to talk to can really lift your spirits and make you feel really good about going to class — even if it’s at eight in the morning! Plus, having a friend to sit with in class can also make the class itself more enjoyable — especially when you have to sit through six straight hours of lectures all day long!

Also, if your schedule is nauseatingly long and tiring this semester, be sure to check out my post on how to survive back-to-back classes.

5. Change up your hairstyle regularly.

I don’t know about you but my *super diverse* lookbook for hairstyles consists of my hair let down or in a really simple ponytail. Clearly, I’m super creative when it comes to styling my hair. Taking a little extra time to have fun with your hair in the morning can really make you feel more excited to go out and start the day so everyone can see how cool your hair looks and compliment you (compliments are always nice to hear, haha!). Plus, you get something pretty to show off on Instagram! I actually would like to start varying my hairstyles more to make things a little more fun. There are so many interesting ways to add a little pizzazz to a simple bun, braid, or ponytail and I’d definitely like to start trying them out!

6. Do ANYTHING that’s a little out of the ordinary for you!

Go for a quick jog before you start class. Do some yoga in your room to loosen up before you start the day. Go to the most peaceful spot on campus and just sit there and chill for a few moments — do ANYTHING that you wouldn’t normally do! Changing things up a bit can be really exciting, especially if you initially think you won’t like the change but you end up loving it. Personally, I think I might try to do some yoga in the morning because I feel like yoga is very out of my element; the movements are slow, controlled, and graceful, but I’m used to very fast-paced workouts so this would be an extremely interesting change for me. I might end up liking it and I may decide to include it permanently in my daily routine!

What’s your favorite way to spend the morning? Also, I’m looking for new hairstyle ideas! Let me know in the comments if you have any!

8 Ways to Stay Close With Your High School Friends – Guest Post by Alyssa From Living In Full Bloom!

July 20, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 1 Comment

How to stay close with your high school friends

Hey there! When you graduate high school, you and all your friends are going to be going in different directions. You all have your own lives and your own goals, and most of you will probably be moving away from your home town. This doesn’t have to mean, however, that you can’t be friends anymore! My three best friends and I all went in different directions, and we are still very close three years later. With these tips, you too can stay in contact and remain close with your high school friends!

Keep in mind that it is possible that you may grow apart and realize you simply aren’t the same people you were before – and that’s fine! These tips are focused on helping you stay in touch with those friends that you still feel connected to and want to maintain a relationship with!

1. Make a Facebook group chat with your best friends.

You can share anything strange and exciting that’s happening in your life, just like you would have in person! The Facebook group chat I have with my best friends is still used almost daily three years later!

2. Another fun way is through snapchat!

I make an effort to maintain a “snap streak” with my high school best friend, which means we each snap each other at least once a day! This lets you see a different side of each other’s lives through photos instead of words!

3. Call and text each other!

My advice is to strive to communicate with your friend at least once a day. Even just one text or snapchat! If you start to forget, you may suddenly realize it’s been two weeks before you talked last – and that is how friendships start to fall apart!

4. Snail Mail!

While this isn’t for everyone, I know most people love getting mail when they are in college! Exchange addresses and send each other letters every month or so – add a few stickers, or photos, and just share your lives! Handwriting letters to someone definitely makes you feel closer to one another!

5. Skype or other video chatting services!

Sometimes when you really need to talk to someone, texting or calling just isn’t enough. For me, I can more easily share personal things with my best friends from high school, because they have known me longest and I feel comfortable with them. I tell my best friends everything about my life, and when I really need to talk I know I can always turn to them!

6. Visit each other at school.

One of my favorite things to do is visit my friends on their campus, or have them visit me! Have them bring a sleeping bag (those dorm beds are not meant for sharing), and have a sleepover just like you did in middle school! Show them around your new home and introduce them to your new friends! College campuses almost always have fun, free things to do – my school for example has a gorgeous art museum and a free planetarium!

7. Make plans for holidays and breaks!

During your first few years at school, you will probably be spending your holidays and breaks in your home town, so coordinate with your friends and make plans to hang out while you are all home! Once you permanently live in your college town this may get more difficult, so enjoy it while it lasts!

8. Go on vacation together!

Make a plan with your best friend(s) to go on a road trip or go on vacation together over the summer. Last summer I went camping with my three best friends for a weekend – it wasn’t very expensive and we had so much fun! This summer I am going on a road trip with one of them – a bit more pricey, but definitely worth it! It’s important to make new memories with your friends, not just depend on your times together in high school!

So, with these tips, you should be ready to move away to college without worrying about losing any of your best friends! With just a bit of effort on both sides, it can be easy to stay close (and become closer), even from hours away! If you’ve gone through this before, what advice would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

Guest Blogger: Alyssa Larsen

Alyssa Larsen is the writer behind Living in Full Bloom, a blog focused on helping collegiate and twenty-something girls thrive and live to their full potential in the years before, during, and after college. She is currently a junior at Ball State University, and loves history, reading, traveling, going to concerts, and late night dance parties.

You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

5 Types Of Pinterest Boards That Will Make Life Easier

July 8, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara Leave a Comment

I, like many other people, could spend hours looking through cute DIY projects, recipes, and outfit inspiration on Pinterest. It’s such a great site for organizing everything that inspires you in one place, but sometimes some pins just sit there — never to be visited by us again. But there are so many ways you can actually use what you pin in your everyday life, and they make things so much easier! I haven’t been a user of Pinterest for as long as many others have, but the boards I’ve created and the things I’ve saved have been super useful to me, and I hope that everyone is able to say that that’s their experience with Pinterest as well. That being said, here are the types of Pinterest boards that can make your life so much easier and that you must have.

1. Professional outfit inspo.

This is one of my favorite boards because I got a summer internship and muscle shirts and short shorts aren’t exactly allowed in an office. I’ve found so many outfit ideas that make me look well put together and like a professional, even though I haven’t even graduated from college yet! It’s basically like having your own little lookbook, and you can definitely find professional outfit inspo that’s suitable for all seasons.Of course, it definitely depends on the type of work you do, and the dress code of the company, but you’ll still be able to find pieces that can fit. Having ideas for professional outfits is also great for upcoming job interviews and meetings. You won’t have to worry about not knowing what to wear!

2. Hacks.

Hacks are literally blessings! Without a doubt, they make performing tasks and living life much easier, and they can even teach you how to still get something done cheaply. So a Pinterest board full of ideas for making your life easier will seriously make your life easier! I’ve found and pinned hacks from how to remove every type of pesky stain to dorm room meal hacks. One of my favorites is probably hacks/uses for nail polish around the house, because I HAVE A LOT OF NAIL POLISH! You can find hacks for literally anything, and to be honest, searching for them is a lot of fun too. If you’re a college student, you should definitely stock up on the multitude of dorm room hacks. If you love cooking or baking, different food hacks would be super helpful for you the next time you make dinner.

3. Recipes/cooking inspo.

Need to cook dinner for your boyfriend or girlfriend, but you’re drowning in the 20 billion recipes the internet is throwing at you? Maybe mom’s old recipe box just isn’t cutting it anymore. Having a Pinterest board of delicious recipes can save you so much time when looking for meal inspiration. And you can choose your own difficulty; you can create a board strictly for super easy recipes, or recipes that will really challenge you. You can also recipes that contain specific ingredients (like avocados!!) and you’ll always be up to date on whatever’s new in the food world. I’ve found some of my new favorite chicken recipes by doing this. I’ve also found more ways to eat healthier that I love so much!

4. Room decor.

Whether you’re thinking about decorating a college dorm room or an entire apartment, these kinds of boards will help you put together the space of your dreams (or at least come very close!) There are so many styles and looks you can search up, and you can save articles that give you helpful tips when it comes to decorating. I love finding new ways to decorate my dorm room — where to place DIY art canvases, subtle ways to add some color to the room, how to dress things up with some plants without going overboard…you get the idea. If you need some dorm decorating inspo, also remember to check to see if certain items are allowed in your college’s dorms.

5. Gift inspo.

There are literally so many things you can give gifts for: Christmas; Mother’s Day; Father’s Day; Birthdays; Teacher Appreciation Day; Valentine’s Day; Best Friends Day…the list goes on and on, and sometimes you don’t always have the time and energy to sit down and really think about a great, fun, unique gift idea when you need to. This is where the helpfulness of a Pinterest board for gift ideas comes in. I personally love buying small things and creating my own gift baskets or bundles out of them. This way, it’s so easy to really personalize the gift and make sure that you’re giving the recipient exactly what they love and would use. Pinterest doesn’t just have DIY gift ideas (so that’s great news if you’re not into DIY projects). I found some awesome Harry Potter themed gifts (yessssssss) and also some really awesome, sassy mugs that I’d be so excited to give as gifts. Also, this Pinterest board really takes the hard work out of coming up with funny, adorable puns for the gifts!

This is definitely a really fun board to put together!

So did I convince you that you just need these kinds of Pinterest boards in your life? These boards are serious time-savers after you create them, and you’ll really enjoy putting them together!

What are some other really useful Pinterest boards?

13 Things You Need To Throw Out Right Now: Wardrobe Edition

June 19, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara Leave a Comment

I’ve been doing lots of cleaning lately and have been coming across so many items that I’ve kept in my room for far too long. Last week I told you all about Things You Need To Throw Out of your room, but this time I’m back with the wardrobe edition, because THERE IS SO MUCH CRAP IN MY CLOSET (and maybe in yours, too!) I know you’ll be super busy cleaning out your closet after this, so let’s keep this intro short and sweet and get right to it.

1. Anything that can no longer fit you.

If you’ve thickened up or slimmed down, most of the clothing you have may not be able to fit you anymore. Sometimes I’d accidentally buy a top or pants that were a little too tight for me and I used to tell myself, “oh well, I’ll use this as motivation to lose some weight.” I’m being totally real here: more often than not, those were empty words for me. So now I just get rid of things that have become too tight for me. You can always try to find the same thing in a more comfortable fit.

2. Things you promised to use as a DIY project but didn’t.

I love doing DIY projects, but over the years I’ve accumulated so many old pieces of clothing that I promised to make a cool muscle shirt out of, or a cute pair of shorts but I never got around to doing any of it. Just skip the arts and crafts and toss whatever’s taking up space in your closet. Re-vamping a few things is cool and all, but if you were super into it you’d probably have done it already.

3. Shoes you don’t wear anymore.

Maybe that sale from two years ago was just way too good and you had to snatch those boots…and the sandals, and the flats, and the high heels. But you’ve forgotten about them over the years and instead bought brand new pairs of shoes that you’re in much more love with. If they’re just sitting there collecting dust, it’s about time you kicked your kicks to the curb.

4. Clothes that just aren’t your style anymore.

My style has changed so much from high school — from athletic to my version of goth to preppy to girly to college kid? Well that might as well be a style. Anyway, I have found so many things that I just cringe at now and probably would never even think of wearing. These are definitely the types of things you just need to let go of.

5. Things that have seen better days.

I know you’ve been through so much with your favorite blue t-shirt, and your cardigan has been there for you through thick and thin, but you just need to move on from really beaten up clothes. I usually have a hard time letting go of things — including six pairs of black leggings with rips near the crotch and thighs ‘cuz chaffing — but they serve no purpose when they’re that damaged. This goes for clothes with stains you can’t remove, bleached things, things you got hair dye on, etc.

6. Anything that makes you feel extremely uncomfortable when you wear it.

I used to love wearing bodycon dresses and skirts, but now I personally prefer things that are a looser like skater dresses and skirts. It’s just a personal preference of mine. But I had so many dresses from when I was really into bodycon, but I knew I wouldn’t be wearing them again, so it was definitely time for them to go. This also goes for shoes that hurt your feet badly.

7. Clothes that still have the tags on them.

We’re probably all really guilty of buying clothes and never wearing them once. If you look hard enough you might even be able to find something more than two years old that still has the tag on it! I wouldn’t put these in the garbage but I would definitely try to give them away to someone who would actually like and wear it.

8. Your middle school uniform!

I shit you not; I actually still had my blue polos and khakis from middle school! Old gym uniforms may be okay for wearing around the house or for sleeping in, but I doubt you’d wear a shirt with your school crest stitched onto it to an interview, or a date, or a hangout with friends.

9. Broken or ripped bags.

I’m literally the self-proclaimed queen of screwing up bags of all kinds. I’ve gone through more bags in high school than I could count on one hand — all ripped or with broken straps and zippers. Over the years I’ve managed to create a bag graveyard in my closet and they’ve all just been sitting there. *cringe* These bags need to move onto a better place.

10. Broken sunglasses (or ones that keep breaking).

It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see a broken pair of loyal sunglasses, but you can’t keep trying to salvage what’s no longer there. Toss this pair out and get a new one.

11. Jewelry you haven’t touched in years.

Jewelry was like my natural high — rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and all — but since entering college I have become less and less of a jewelry snob and have taken to wearing more simple pieces on a daily basis. So my room is scattered with wild pieces of statement jewelry that haven’t seen the light of day since high school. You haven’t touched them in so long and you probably won’t ever.

12. Tarnished jewelry.

This is a no-brainer. Tarnished rings sometimes turn your finger green, and rusted necklaces and bracelets just aren’t as pretty as they were before.

13. Broken watches you got for less than $20.

I’ve somehow managed to break three watches in one year and I STILL kept the broken pieces for NO REASON at all! I got every watch for under $20 and I had no intention of trying to get them fixed, so I should’ve tossed them a long time ago! Good riddance!

Keep in mind that tossing things in the garbage isn’t the only solution here — you can also donate some of the things on this list to clothing and shoe drives in your neighborhood, or the poor boxes at your neighborhood religious organization. Shoes you don’t wear anymore and things that aren’t your style anymore are great candidates for this option. You can even try to sell your clothes at yard sales or by taking them to stores that buy back clothes.

What are your tips for cleaning up your closet?

5 Easy Ways To De-Clutter Your Phone

June 16, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 2 Comments

We’ve probably all been guilty of an overly stuffed cell phone at some point or another. Hell, some of us are probably still guilty of having so much junk on our phones that we’ve forgotten why we saved half the things we saved. Dude, I get it; I’ve done it all before. And that’s pretty much how I got inspired to create this blog post. I had so much crap on my phone that I sometimes had a hard time trying to find that picture I took last weekend, or that really inspirational quote I saved on my phone. Well, you get the idea. So here are some really easy ways that you can get rid of all that phone clutter literally with your eyes closed.

1. Delete the repeats from your camera roll.

I absolutely love taking a ton of pictures of every plate of food I eat, fuzzy animals behind bushes, and New York City sunsets just as much as the next person, but there’s no need to have 10 pictures of the same slice of cake on your phone. I like to save my pictures to my computer (even all five angles of the same one) so that I can delete all those repeats from my camera roll. I do still like to keep just one angle of that pie or just one shot of my nail art just to show people.

2. Delete badly taken pictures.

You’re probably not going to post it on Instagram or use it in a portfolio — it may pretty much never get to see the light of day, so you might as well get rid of it. All it’ll do is take up space on your phone and clutter all your nice pictures. I’m super guilty of this — I have so many photos that I’ve taken impulsively or at the very last minute and they’re just not my best work at all.

3. Get rid of apps you don’t use or don’t like.

Sometimes I download games that I’m so addicted to for like three months straight, but then at some point I lose interest or forget to play it again, and it just sits there on my phone. Believe me, it was so difficult for me to delete Dragon Story (yes, Dragon Story) once and for all. I’d be saying goodbye to the big, bad dragons I had been raising for months, and the habitats I had created. But I hadn’t touched the game in almost a year, so it was time to say see ya. I also really didn’t want to delete Flappy Bird or Candy Crush, or Temple Run, but I’m so glad I did because they were all just taking up space.

3. Delete old to-do lists from your notes.

I’m in absolute love with to-do lists and will write one on literally anything I can get my hands on. I even do grocery lists too! I have found to-do lists from January that I saved as notes on my phone! There’s really just no point to keeping these notes stored on your phone anymore.

4. Delete text messages from more than two months ago.

Oh man, don’t even get me started on the number of text messages I had sitting on my phone from 2015!

See what I mean? These can easily be deleted, and they should be. Oh, and while we’re talking about messages, delete those texts that you get from companies and things offering you something that you probably don’t want.

5. Try to de-clutter your phone every couple of months.

This is another super simple way to keep your phone de-cluttered. I’m going to try to clean things up every three months because it’ll be less overwhelming than building everything up from the beginning of time!

Ah, now doesn’t that feel better? Doesn’t your phone feel squeaky clean? Good as new, ain’t it? Well, not exactly, but it still feels like a weight has been lifted from your spirits when you clean out your phone!

What are your tips for de-cluttering your phone?

16 Things You Need To Throw Out Right Now

June 9, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 1 Comment

So I recently started the dreadful task of cleaning up my room because (and I’ll be the first to admit this) my room is a breeding ground for junk, clutter, and unnecessary items. Well, I finally got sick of it, so I decided to start cleaning things up. As I was tossing things out and finally seeing the pretty surface of my desk once again, I started thinking about all the crap I’ve been keeping that I should’ve tossed a hella long time ago. And thus, this blog post was born!

I’ll definitely admit that I sometimes have a certain paranoia about throwing some items out: what if this receipt from two years ago is actually really important?? What if the second I throw out my old pair of converse I’ll realize that I need them?? What if this random object that I’ve never had a use for and don’t know what it is suddenly has a use?? So if you’re a pack rat (like me) or you’re just terrible at judging between junk and, well, not junk, here’s a little guide that will make your next clean-up SO much easier!

1. Old receipts, to-do lists, etc.

Good news: if you’ve had no use for the receipt you received after shopping at H&M two years ago, you definitely won’t have a use for it now. Go ahead and toss it in the garbage along with any other old papers you forgot were there. Sheets of paper strewn all about only adds to your clutter.

2. Old or expired makeup or skincare products.

Don’t mess with lotions, lipsticks, foundations, moisturizers, or any other product that goes on your skin if it’s been sitting there for a long time. Chances are it’s probably not good anymore, so don’t keep it for later use and risk getting a rash or worse.

3. Worn out hair elastics.

You know that point where your hair elastic has seen so many ponytails and so many twists and turns and there’s basically no life left in it? Throw it out at that point. I’ve used worn hair ties before and it’s actually pretty annoying because at some point the coating breaks and the elastic material gets in your hair and makes it all sticky. Let’s not.

4. Dried up nail polish.

This very clearly serves no purpose to you anymore since you can’t paint your nails with dried up nail polish. I like to reevaluate my nail polish collection maybe twice per year to see what’s still good and what’s become a sticky, globby mess for the garbage can.

5. Expired coupons or deals.

I was so annoyed to see how many coupons from last year I had scattered on my desk. I didn’t pay attention to them when they were still good, so I’m definitely not going to pay attention to them now. Needless to say, you shouldn’t feel bad at all when tossing these things.

6. Anything broken.

This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how much broken stuff I found when I was cleaning up! Like everything else on this list, broken items just take up space. Sometimes broken things can be fixed so here’s my rule of thumb for that: if it can be fixed but I still won’t use it and I can’t give it to someone who will, then it goes in the trash. #sorrynotsorry.

7. Excess cups or containers.

Small organizers are great for, well, organizing, but sometimes there are ways to put all your belongings in one big container rather than having multiple all over the place. I wouldn’t throw out those extras unless they were really beaten up or couldn’t be used somewhere else.

8. Empties!

I am SO guilty of leaving empty bottles of hair product and makeup all over the place! Do yourself a favor and (finally) discard the empty perfume bottles and hairspray cans.

9. Products you can no longer use.

If you’re constantly switching up the products you use on a day-to-day basis, then you need to let go of the ones you’ve found substitutes for. Likewise, old prescriptions need to go.

10. Really old snacks.

It sounds gross but let’s be honest here; you’ve probably forgotten a granola bar under textbooks and God knows what else at least one time. If it’s been months and the snack in question is now smushed beyond belief, smells weird, and/or looks like it’s no longer food, do yourself a favor and throw it out.

11. Pens that have run out of ink.

Pens without any ink are a definite no-go. Let’s be real — you probably aren’t going to try to buy ink refills anyway. Also toss any empty lead pencils if you know that you aren’t going to buy lead refills.

12. Filled up notebooks that have no sentimental value.

Of course, you wouldn’t toss a journal full of your thoughts and ideas now would you? If you still have your ninth grade history notebook sitting on your desk, it’s probably time you got rid of it.

13. Those extra buttons that come with some clothing.

The buttons are there in case you need to sew them in as a replacement, but (at least in my experience) that has never happened, so I usually just end up throwing those buttons away.

14. Product boxes and old packaging.

I am SO guilty of keeping my old iphone box, laptop boxes, and all these other packaging materials that I don’t need. You’re probably not returning anything, so the boxes only take up space.

15. Old, juiceless batteries.

I find these everywhere! Then sometimes I even end up trying to use batteries that are no good because I think they’re good, BECAUSE THEY WERE SITTING ON MY DESK INSTEAD OF INSIDE A TRASH CAN.

16. Empty tape rolls.

That feeling when you try to grab a piece of tape from the roll, but then you realize that it’s actually empty…the pain. Is there a disappointment greater than this?

Hopefully I’ve alleviated some of your clean-up worries! I definitely feel that keeping these in mind will at least give you a basis to go off of when trying to figure out whether or not you should toss an item once and for all.

What are your tips for cleaning up your space?

9 Things To Do This June If You Suck At Thinking Of Things To Do

May 24, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara Leave a Comment

Alas, May is coming to an end, but that means June is just beginning! Time for some fun in the sun, hangouts with friends (now that school’s out) and binge-watching Netflix. Well, not too much of Netflix, though. In the past I haven’t gotten out much and I haven’t done too many things with my summer, but this time I intend to make great use of my three months of no school and I’m taking it one month at a time. If you’re determined to not go all couch potato on society this summer, then take a look at my bucket list for some inspiration for fun things to do this June.

Try a wild milkshake from BlackTap. If you haven’t heard about the craze over the most insane, over-the-top milkshakes at BlackTap…clearly, you’re not one with insane, over-the-top milkshakes…BUT they’re really cool-looking. There’s something so intriguing and almost magical about stacking cookies and cotton candy on top of milkshakes. A few months ago, my friend and I wanted to go to BlackTap, but we were running out of time and we had heard that it takes hours to get in because the lines are so long (because the milkshakes are so amazing!) So I’m determined to finally go and give those milkshakes a try. If I had to pick one flavor off the top of my head to try right now, it’d probably be the coffee flavored one because (thanks to the two Starbucks conveniently located right on my campus) I’ve come to enjoy sweetened, creamed(?) coffee drinks. But I’ll probably go with the most insane flavor they have!
Join a Twitter Party. Twitter parties are usually great for talking and networking with other like-minded individuals. Some Twitter parties are used for promoting certain products while others have a specific topic of discussion, and participants use hashtags in order to partake in the conversation. I’d love to get in on a Twitter party because I see it as an opportunity to talk to other bloggers who might be able to give me a few pointers, plus I also really want to make some blogger buddies! There may not be chips and dip, and you won’t find anyone in some corner somewhere playing spin the bottle, but it’s still a great way to exercise your Twitter account in a new way.
Go out with friends. My friends and I each went our separate ways after graduating from high school, and we haven’t seen each other in many, many months. One of our friends has a dance recital in June and it’ll be a chance for all of us to hang out while supporting our friend. Maybe your friend doesn’t have a dance recital coming up, but seeing some shows or movies with friends or just hanging out is a great way to spend time away from your computer screen.
Create and enjoy healthy food from Pinterest. Healthy meals always seem to be popping up on Pinterest, and I don’t know about you, but every time I see an egg-filled avocado with toast, I actually feel motivated to eat it (this coming from the girl who took a spoonful of avocado to the tastebuds and promptly shuddered and spit it out). My plan is definitely to surf Pinterest to find some #foodgoals and then actually create and eat them. This is a great way for you to kickstart a new lifestyle, or become interested in foods you never thought you’d be interested in. Who knows, maybe there’s even a culinary genius inside you, and maybe you’ll put your own creations on Pinterest!
Have a professional looking photoshoot. It’s really important to have professional looking headshots, or just clean, well-staged photos of you looking your best. Seriously, you never know when you might need to quickly upload a new profile picture for a new job or LinkedIn, so better safe than sorry. I’d love to have this type of photoshoot with some of my friends, so that way we’ll each have a plethora of nice shots to choose from. These pictures would work great as LinkedIn profile pictures, business card images, email signatures, and more. Definitely use part of your summer to clean a few things up professionally, even if they’re as small as changing your profile picture from a wild Friday night to interview-ready.
Make chocolate at Voila Chocolat. I’ve been baking since middle school, and have worked with chocolate on many occasions. I’ve used chocolate for molding, tempering, garnishing, and simply just baking chips into warm, chewy cookies, but I still want to learn more. I’ve wanted to come to Voila Chocolat since Valentine’s Day, but couldn’t because of the weather, so here’s my chance to do so! Voila Chocolat actually offers educational classes where you can learn things — like the science of chocolate — so I’m really excited for that. There are definitely other classes out there that allow you to have fun while learning how to create culinary masterpieces. Learning new things is always a productive use of your time, so don’t hesitate to through some fun (and good eats) in there!
Eat at all the cafes on 5th Avenue. Well, maybe not all of them, but I definitely would like to discover new eats on 5th avenue this June. I actually got started on that journey and on Friday I went to a sandwich shop called Potbelly, and the sandwiches there were pretty good so I can’t wait to see what other eateries I’ll discover in that area. I’m hoping to find a burger place next, or maybe even a shop that specializes in really healthy food. You don’t have to go straight to 5th avenue — pick your favorite neighborhood, or a neighborhood you’ve always wanted to explore, and gradually eat at a new restaurant or cafe every time you’re there. This maintains the element of surprise because you don’t necessarily have to plan a trip to a cafe, and who knows what you’ll discover next time!
Go to blogger events. I’m still in the process of scoping out some cool events geared toward bloggers/college writers/girls-who-dream-of-the-magazine-industry, but so far I’ve found a few (that aren’t in June) that I will be attending. Attending events that are targeted toward your career goals is a great way for you to network and put your name out there, and at the very least meet people who may actually play a huge role in your future. You never know, right? There are conferences for people of many different trades and professions, so make sure you put yourself out there and take a look at some of them. Some events are literally as easy as ‘Like’ the event’s Facebook page for head-counting purposes, and show up!
Go bowling. I love bowling, and I’m fairly good at it, but I haven’t gone bowling with friends in probably over a year! This is on my bucket list because it’s an activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing, so it’d be nice to go back to the basics to cover old, familiar ground. If all else fails, you definitely can’t go wrong with partaking in an old activity that you know and love well, whether it’s hiking, fishing, swimming, or others!

I hope my list has inspired you to create your own June bucket list, or to at least give yourself the chance to go out and explore and have some fun.

What’s on your June bucket list?

How To Avoid Overspending On A Shopping Spree

May 19, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara Leave a Comment

I love shopping. I love buying new outfits for class, for work, and even for cafes because I’m constantly inspired by my favorite tv show characters, and my celebrity role models, not to mention the fact that my tastes have changed quite a bit since freshman year of high school. As a college student whose fashion desires may not always suit her budget, I’ve learned how to still buy the things I want while watching my wallet (or my parents’ wallets!) Here are some things I’ve picked up that help me spend cautiously.

Leave your cards at home; bring cash instead. Isn’t it weird how you don’t feel as bad when you’re swiping a card compared to if you were gingerly pulling bills from your purse one-by-one? Sometimes, that guilt is a good red light going off in your head that tells you to really stop and consider your purchase. You’re less likely to overspend if your method of payment is cash. Only use a credit card if it’s an absolute emergency, or if the purchase is extremely important. Try to avoid making small, frivolous purchases with a credit card, because if you accrue too much interest you may not be able to pay it off.
Have a plan in place: what exactly are you looking for? I like going shopping with an image already in mind of what I need. Let me re-phrase that: I literally have the picture of what I want in my mind, from the printed pattern to the lace detail. But other times I just write out a list on paper, or I type it on my phone. Maybe this summer you’re looking for crop tops, maxi skirts, and a new pair of sunglasses. Write it down so you don’t forget what you came to the mall for (but if you do forget, that’s understandable — the mall can easily cloud our judgment with all the beautiful things being sold). Knowing exactly what I went shopping for also ensures that I don’t leave with too much unnecessary stuff and none of what I initially went for.
Stop and think: do I really need this? This is one question that I ask myself if I’m not too sure if I should make the purchase, and I don’t want to spend unnecessarily. Do I really need that hat? Well, it looks cute but I’m not much of a hat person. Another question you might want to consider is: how often will I wear this? It looks good with that mannequin’s outfit, but what other outfits will I wear it with? If you can’t figure out at least a handful of times when you’ll wear the item, then you probably shouldn’t buy it. Will I actually wear it? I have some clothes that still have the tags on them. Needless to say, I probably shouldn’t have made those purchases all those years ago — could’ve saved a nice chunk of change. Sometimes we make purchases in the heat of the moment and then forget all about them. These questions aren’t to dissuade you from buying anything ever again, but rather they’re for helping you reflect on the usefulness of your purchase.
Will you be comfortable in this? One of the easiest ways to save money when shopping is to simply not spend money on things that won’t make you comfortable. We can often overlook a minor discomfort for a short amount of time, but if a piece of clothing makes you so uncomfortable that you can’t do the tasks you need to do, then it’s not worth the money. This is especially important when buying shoes, because who wants to wear a pair of shoes they can’t walk properly in? Comfort is one of the simplest treasures in life — don’t spend it away.
Check out the sale racks. Sometimes I find some really good things on sale, then I get really happy because I got them for such a low price which means I saved money. Stores like Charlotte Russe also have a section for ‘last chance’ items — items that unless you snatch them up now at their very, very low price, you’ll never see in stores ever again. Ever. Take a look at that section for something you might like, too. Discounts are a girl’s best friend, after all.
Look for the best deals on accessories. I love, love, love jewelry so much! Over the years I’ve accumulated a very large collection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, but my tastes have changed and I’ve given away a lot of stuff that I don’t put to use anymore that someone else could. When I shop for accessories, I don’t want to spend $10 on just one pair of tiny studs. Forver21 is a good place for finding modest jewelry at a good price. I like shopping at this store called Six for pretty phone cases and bracelets and rings for reasonable prices. Also, don’t grab those 2 for $10 deals if you can’t find a second set that you genuinely like. You’re only wasting money, so you’re better off paying less money for the one pair.
Be conscious of price tags. You don’t have to be the price tag police, but make sure you’re aware of the general costs of the things you’re buying. Knowing your limit and knowing where you stand on that limit can help you avoid spending more money than you intended to. Another thing I like doing is setting a budget that’s a little less than the total amount of money I have on me. For example, If I have $200, I might set a budget of $125, so that no matter what, I still don’t spend all of my money.
Can you purchase this item later for a lower price? When you let go of that love for instant gratification, shopping without overspending becomes a lot easier. If you can buy an item in a couple of weeks or a couple of months for significantly cheaper, you should definitely wait. This may not happen often, but sometimes waiting can be the difference between spending at the original price of $300 and spending $200 (which actually happened to me a few months ago, so it was a good thing I waited so long!) Simply waiting is also a good way to spend less money when shopping. Some stores even let you sign up to be among the first notified of when the item goes on sale.
Look out for online coupons. I never used to concern myself with looking for coupons online, or downloading coupon apps, or anything like that, but after seeing my friends and some family members save a nice chunk of change by finding and being that customer who sits at the cash register waiting for their coupon to go through, I now believe that one should take pride in the lavish use of coupons. For some reason, I actual find the coupon hunt exhilarating because it’s such a rush of excitement when you find a kick-ass deal!

The next time you see the inside of a mall, I hope you’ll think of these tips for saving money like a pro! What tips do you have for saving money on a shopping spree? Let me know in the comments!

6 Important Things All Bloggers Should Know How To Do

May 16, 2016Jasmin - Macarons & Mascara 2 Comments

I’ve been a blogger for nearly three years now and I can definitely say that there’s more to blogging and having your own website than just writing posts regularly and sharing them on social media. I’ll admit that when I started this blog, Macarons & Mascara, my checklist didn’t exactly include certain things that it should’ve included — I began picking up on these points as I went along, and through some trial and error. We all know the saying, “you live and you learn,” which coincidentally I’ve been saying a lot lately, but sometimes you don’t get so lucky because knowing what you needed to know from the beginning might’ve been more beneficial to you. So here are some things that, from my experiences, can benefit any blogger greatly if they start learning how to do.

Read and understand Google Analytics. So you signed up for Google Analytics and you can now track your pageviews and whatnot. That’s all great, but if you don’t know how to correctly read your stats, you won’t know how your site is performing. Plus, you won’t be able to set accurate goals for yourself. Just last week, I finally sat down and decided to do some digging to find out what all those numbers on Analytics mean, and I can definitely say that I now have a much better understanding of how many people read my posts and how many unique monthly visitors I get among other things. Once you learn how to read all those numbers, you’ll already be on your way to improving your experience as a blogger.
Tell people exactly who you are and what you do without rambling. In other words, you need to know how to tell people about your unique brand. What is Macarons & Mascara? Who’s the target audience? What’s covered on the site? What makes Macarons & Mascara stand out amongst other lifestyle blogs? These are some questions to think about when you’re trying to tell people about your blog. Your goal is to try to tell people why they want to follow your posts without dictating what might as well be an essay. If you don’t understand your own site, you can’t expect others to.
Know what looks good on a page. This is an element of design that is sometimes overlooked. This is an important point because you want to make sure your site is visitor-friendly. Sure, you may know that your social media widgets are located all the way at the bottom right corner and you need to scroll past exactly 10 articles to get to them, but do your visitors know that? A cluttered page almost never looks appealing. Sorry, but it’s pretty true (#toughlove). If your visitor feels like they’re suffocating in content, images, words and buttons, chances are they won’t want to come back to your site. Use your discretion and if possible, get a second (or third, or fourth) opinion on the layout of your site.
Use social media because it can give you an advantage, not because it’s there. There’s so much more to tweeting a link to your latest blog post, or pinning a graphic you designed on your blog. I like to think of social media as a strategy, because it requires a lot of thinking and planning when you’re trying to get your work to appeal to people. Social media is a powerful resource, and you shouldn’t post links all willy-nilly because you might find that you’re wasting your efforts if people don’t find what you post. That being said, if you aren’t sure how to really get the most out of your online profiles, try researching the best strategies to use on each platform. I started doing that for Pinterest (because I had no idea how to work it) and I’m really pleased with how my boards are coming along.
Find really good blogging resources. Don’t underestimate the power of people trying to help you. Maybe if I had gone looking for these resources when I first started this site (or even before) I might’ve had more blog success. There are definitely guide books, sites, and other things out there that can really help bloggers blossom and have a tighter grip on the reins. Personally, I really recommend resources from the Blogger Babes because everything is concise and very helpful. What resources for bloggers do you find helpful? Let me know in the comments!
Know when to take it up a level vs. when to keep things where they are. Don’t move too fast or you might hurt yourself. Contrary to what many might think, I think that you don’t always have to keep things dynamic. There are definitely times when you need to take a step back and cover all the bases before you move forward. Likewise, some changes may be premature and can waste your efforts. Don’t concern yourself too much with what changes you see other bloggers tackling. Those changes may be great as future goals, but right now you need to focus on what’s actionable for you. You’ll get there when you get there.

These are definitely things that I wish someone had told me when I launched this site, but I guess we never stop learning. I hope you fellow bloggers out there found this post useful, and if you want to chat with me, ask me questions, or anything else you can get in touch with me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, or all of the above!

What advice would you give to fellow bloggers?