Looking for the perfect gift, but want to add a personal touch? Look no further! We’ve compiled our favorite homemade gift ideas under $25 below. They’re witty and creative and perfect for a girl on a budget! Read on for 8 easy homemade holiday gift ideas under $25 and be sure to check back for more gift ideas coming up!

1. For the Hostess with the Most-est

For festive, holiday ready glasses, check out Karin’s tutorial ‘Sharpie Paint Pens: Christmas Glasses’ from Heart Love Always!

2. For the Fashionista

Perfect for any make-up lover or glamour girl – just add a cute tag and a gorgeous shade of nail polish! Head over to Tater Tots and Jello for the free printable template!

3. For the Wine Lover

Spread vino-approved holiday cheer with this gift tag DIY from ’23 Christmas Gift Ideas, Consider These To Make Unique Gifts’ from I Do Myself (wine not included)! All you need is a bottle of wine, some ribbon, and a personalized gift tag (easy to create with a Sharpie marker, cardstock, and a single hole punch).

4. For the Child At Heart

The Partiologist’s ‘Disney Themed Christmas Cookies’ are the perfect gift for any Disney fan! Click here for the recipe!

5. For the Little Ones

Are your kiddos fans of Spiderman, Batman, and Superman? Head over to Ginger Snap Crafts for the ‘No Sew Super Hero Cape & Mask {tutorial}’ – an easy no-sew cape for your little superhero!

6. For the Girl Who’s Always Cold

Knit (or buy!) the perfect scarf and keep your friends and family toasty and warm this holiday season! If you’re a seasoned knitter, head over to All About Ami for the ‘Puff Stitch Cowl’ tutorial. Looking for a gift that’s already made? Check out Etsy for handmade scarves from crafty artists in deep blue, light gray, and mustard yellow!

7. For the Father of the Year

Head over to Etsy for this $18 mug from artRUSS or make one of your own with an inside joke, sharpie, and coffee mug!

8. For the Friend Who Loves Anthropologie

Surprise your friends with these DIY mugs that only look expensive! The water marble design video tutorial from What’s Up Moms is quick and easy and perfect for the friend who has everything!

Happy DIY-ing!

{This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

If you’ve ever looked at Kim Kardashian’s cleavage and wondered “How does she do it?” you’re not alone.  Many of us have wondered how we can take our cleavage to the next level, whether it’s for girl’s night, date night, or that high school reunion that’s coming up.  The good news is you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or buy expensive creams or lotions to get the same effect.  Makeup has been used for centuries to highlight, sculpt, and define, so it’s the perfect medium for creating believable cleavage with a cleavage contour tutorial.

Whether you’re looking for a way to (visually) boost what your mama gave you or define and sculpt your cleavage, we’ve got you covered.  Also, while a push-up or plunge bra isn’t required, it can help with achieving more cleavage.  Below, the best tips, according to 3 top beauty bloggers, for creating Kim Kardashian level cleavage.

Beauty Blogger Huda Kattan (Huda Beauty) uses shadowing to contour and sculpt her chest.  Her tools include a dark brown pencil (for shadowing), a lighter-than-her-skin-tone concealer (for highlighting), and a blending brush (to blend everything seamlessly together).  She reminds us to contour for the right reasons (do it only if it makes you happy) and the results from her contouring are pretty impressive.  Huda uses beauty products from Sephora, but the same look could probably be achieved with budget-friendly makeup from the drugstore!

Makeup artist Promise Phan (dupe2111) contours her chest and neck and creates defined cleavage with a contour stick, concealer stick, foundation brush, flat top brush, powder foundation, and highlighter.  She breaks her tutorial down into several steps to create a clear and simple process.  The entire tutorial takes less than 5 minutes!

If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, Katie Yancu (Katie Yancu) defines and highlights her décolletage in under 3 minutes. The result? Naturally looking cleavage with no chicken cutlets or fashion tape required!

What’s our best kept secret? A plunge or push-up bra can help with creating extra cleavage.  We recommend putting on your favorite bra before contouring.  Our favorites: Jeanie Plunge bra (30D-40G, 42D-44FF), Casey Plunge Bra (30D-40G, 42D-44FF), and Allison Super Push-Up Bra (30B-38D).

Videos: Huda Kattan, Promise Phan, Katie Yancu

Do you contour your cleavage? Tell us in the comments below!

Featured image via Got Celeb

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the women, brands, or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Some women have impressive collections of art, shoes, handbags, or dresses. I was never a shoe girl or a handbag girl, I never dreamed of fancy dresses or designer coats. Makeup, on the other hand, was a different story.

I’m a firm believer that the right shade of lipstick can change your life.

I remember some of my earliest purchases as being makeup-related. I spent Saturdays scouring magazines like InStyle, Lucky, Glamour, and Vogue. I diligently earmarked pages and saved my pennies for the lipstick du jour. I planned trips to Nordstrom and Sephora and worshipped at the altar of Hollywood’s most glamourous: Nicole Kidman, Christina Hendricks, Kate Winslet, and Gwen Stefani. Women who took their style notes from Old Hollywood glamour and the icons of bygone eras.

Women who, with a swipe of crimson, a flick of eyeliner, and a touch of mascara, could command a room without sacrificing any of their femininity.

These are the women I looked to for fashion tips and still do to this day.

These modern day icons made glamour, in all of its artificial yet mysterious finesse, seem so much more accessible to a girl with champagne taste on a beer budget (me). I learned that you don’t have to spend a fortune on makeup because high quality inexpensive makeup truly does exist (thank you splurge vs. save columns!). Through them, I also learned that the right shade of lipstick can brighten your face and your day and that makeup is designed as a tool to compliment your own unique beauty, not mask or hide what you might consider flaws.

Without a doubt, I learned that embracing your imperfections can make you even more beautiful.

Just look at Marilyn Monroe. She was frequently photographed in bold pink and red shades of lipstick. Her style was both fearless and effortless. Most importantly, she embraced her unique imperfections and became one of the most-recognized icons of the 20th century.

Source: 50-Best

 Featured Image via Pexels

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

What is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event in the United States that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express sponsored the first Small Business Saturday event in 2011 and it has been a success ever since!

The event encourages consumers to shop and support small businesses.

Additionally, many stores offer incentives and promotions to shop on Small Business Saturday. For a helpful list of participating retailers, check out the American Express small business store locator.

I’m a strong supporter of small businesses, from mom and pop shops to Etsy to Shopify and everywhere in between. I love shopping small because of the effect that it has on artisans and local communities. Many of my friends are artists, so I’ve seen the impact firsthand of local and community support.

By shopping small, you’re giving incredible artists, makers, and creators the opportunity to innovate and share their passions with you. It’s empowering to be apart of their journey.

It takes a lot of strength, determination, and drive for the artists to even get to the point of selling. 

Thus, shopping small year round and Small Business Saturday are pretty big deals.

In celebration of Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2016, here are the best reasons to shop small this holiday season:

1. Your purchase directly supports the artisan who created the product.

The artist or designer behind the product benefits directly from your purchase. This allows them the ability to grow their business, develop new products, support their families, and give back to their communities.

2. Shopping small benefits local communities.

Your purchase goes toward the artist’s local community and even your local community if you’re purchasing products at a fair, event, or hometown shop.

3. You can find one of a kind, handmade, custom, or unique products that aren’t available anywhere else.

Small businesses are the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts. Since you’re working directly with the designer, many small businesses allow a level of personalization that you just can’t get from a big retailer.

4. Small business owners are experts in their fields.

This is especially true for lingerie boutique owners, who are the best in the lingerie industry at providing professional bra fittings and lingerie advice.

In fact, lingerie store owners arguably know more about lingerie than almost anyone else in the entire fashion industry. They’re true problem solvers and product experts. They help women every day find bras that fit well by solving their bra fit problems.

Most significantly, these women are small businesses owners who need your support to continue doing what they love, which is helping the incredible women in their communities feel supported, beautiful, happy, and comfortable in their own bodies.

Related: Here’s How To Find A Local Lingerie Store You Will Love

For a lingerie retailer near you, check out our store locator.

If there isn’t a location in your area, try a quick online search. Some of the boutiques in the store locator also have online stores that you can shop directly!

Which small businesses will you be shopping at on Saturday, November 26, 2016?

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Emerald green is one of the best colors for autumn and winter and one of my personal favorites. It pairs beautifully with burgundy, navy blue, light gray, cream, and silver. Bold and universally flattering, emerald green works perfectly as an accent color for holiday jewelry, shoes, and festive accessories. I especially love mixing the pretty jewel tone with rhinestones, 24kt gold, sterling silver, and semi-precious stones for an unexpected and chic look. Below, my favorite emerald green bras for adding a little color to cold weather outfits:

1. Eberjey Edie Bralet $58

2. Cosabella Never Say Never Push-Up Bra $104.50

3. Cosabella Never Say Never Racerback Bralette $55

4. H&M Microfiber Push-Up Bra $17.99

5. Cosabella Never Say Never Contour Bra $87

6. Blush Sweetest Sin Bralette $42

7. Uniqlo Wireless Bra $14.90

8. Free People Call Me Darling Bra $48

9. Charlotte Russe Lace Racerback Bralette $10.99

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Which bras are your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

I have to admit, when autumn rolls around I become a bit candle obsessed. Every year around this time, seasonal scents magically appear on retailer’s shelves. Leaves change color, days get colder, and nights get longer. In short, it’s the absolute perfect setting for burning candles. In the spirit of treating yourself, aka the holiday season, I’ve already started my holiday shopping. While I tend to spoil myself around this time (tis the season!), I also love finding the perfect gifts for friends, family, and colleagues. Unsurprisingly, candles are my go-to gift. They’re personal without being intrusive, long-lasting, festive, and memorable. Best of all, there are candles for every budget (including some that are both inexpensive and high quality)! Truly well made, inexpensive candles do exist.

While you can buy candles pretty much anywhere, it can be difficult to shop for candles when you have rows and rows of options. Without knowing what brands and scents to look for, shopping online can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out the difference between scents like jasmine dreams and nighttime jasmine. From experience, I’ve learned that some fragrance combinations smell nothing like you’d expect and the product descriptions online sometimes aren’t very helpful at all!

Recently, I conducted a review of Bath and Body Works, Voluspa, and Diptyque candles, and a few others. I included my favorite scents from the brands and why I love them. As a disclaimer, my favorite fragrances often include notes of jasmine, rose, vanilla, lavender, and amaranth. I also love scents with notes of orange blossom, sandalwood, bergamot, pine, patchouli, plum, and peony. You’ll see these scents reflected in my review below and in the reviews to come in this series.

Without further ado, here’s what I discovered in my review:

$-$$ Bath & Body Works

Pros:

• Made of vegetable wax.
• Inexpensive.
• Seasonal scents.
• One wick and three wick.
• Long-lasting, strong scents.
• Scents that match their best selling perfume and body lotion fragrances.
• Frequent sales, promotions, and coupons.

Cons:

• They don’t always burn evenly, but they do burn cleaner than Voluspa.
• Like all candles, wicks will need to be trimmed as they are burned.
• Lotions and perfumes don’t always smell exactly like the candles.

Shop: Available at bath and body works locations and online at bathandbodyworks.com.

Pro tip: Sign up for their newsletter to be the first to hear about special promotions and receive coupons in your inbox.

I love Bath and Body Works candles because the scents are seriously long-lasting. I can burn one of their candles in my kitchen and the scent will slowly start to fill my entire home! Also, they have locations everywhere and in most major shopping malls, so buying gifts at Bath and Body Works is easy and convenient. What I love most about Bath and Body Works, though, is that they release new scents each season and holiday, so there’s always something new.

Overall, I’m loving their holiday scents this year (check them out here: Bath and Body Works 3-Wick Candles) and I’m really looking forward to their upcoming collections in the new year!

My favorite scents:

1. Bath and Body Works Winter Rose (seasonal) and 2. Bath and Body Works Fresh Balsam (seasonal)

3. Bath and Body Works Champagne Toast (seasonal and the perfect gift for a hostess!) and 4. Bath and Body Works White Gardenia

$-$$ Voluspa

Pros:

• Made of coconut wax.
• 1 wick ($8-$35), 2 wick ($16-$30), 3 wick options($18-$65).
• Great gift sets, like these: ‘Maison Holiday’ Votive Candles, ‘Maison Jardin’ Votive Candle Set, and ‘Maison Holiday’ Travel Tin Candles.
• Gorgeous packaging.
• They have limited edition 36 oz. (yes 36 oz!) Grande Maison candles! They’re $65 and the candle containers are huge!
• Fragrances are typically lighter than Bath and Body Works scents.

Shop: Available at anthropologie.com, voluspa.com, nordstrom.com, and select retailers nationwide

Pro tip: Sign up for their newsletter for updates on new collections and scents. Also, be sure to check out the Seasonal Sale on the Voluspa website!

My favorite scents:

1. Voluspa Perse Bloom (seasonal) and 2. Spruce Cuttings (seasonal and in a beautiful candle holder that reminds me of carnival glass)

3. Voluspa Amaranth and Jasmine (permanent) and 4. Crane Flower (permanent and a fan favorite!)

 Check back for Part Two!

Lastly, when burning your candles always remember:

Pro Tips for Candle Burning and Care:

• For a cleaner burn, make sure to trim the wick to 1/4″ before lighting the candle.
• For a new candle, the first burn should be for the recommended hours on the candle’s label.

Important Safety Reminders:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Never let children burn candles or play with candles, matches, or lighters.
• Be extra careful around glass and flames, especially if you’re wearing loose clothing or jewelry.
• Always be sure to burn candles in a well-ventilated area.

Feature Image via Volupsa

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Who makes your favorite candles? Tell us in the comments below!

The color of aquamarine, lapis lazuli, velvet, and forget-me-nots, blue is commonly referred to as peaceful and quietly confident. Color Psychology describes it as a color that is “linked to inner serenity, calm, and clarity.” In the world of art, the color blue is everywhere: From French artist Yves Klein’s bold deep blue (otherwise known as International Klein Blue) to the beautiful sky in Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night to Picasso’s Blue Period to Barnett Newman’s “Onement VI”.

A universally flattering color, blue is also the perfect color to brighten up a neutral lingerie wardrobe. Currently, the Jeanie Plunge Bra in navy blue and L’Agent Vanesa demi bra in peacock blue are my two favorites. The navy blue of the Jeanie Plunge bra is such a deep, bold blue and the lace and attention to detail on the L’Agent Vanesa bra is stunningly beautiful and delicate.

Below, our top picks in shades of blue:

1. H&M Lace Balconette Bra $19.99

2. Affinitas Molly Contour Bra $39

3. Parfait Carole Lace Bra $49

4. L’Agent Vanesa Non-Padded Demi Bra $92

5. Topshop Underwire Cordelia Bra $35

6. Elle Macpherson Zest Stretch Lace Plunge Bra $60

7. Parfait Jeanie Plunge T-Shirt Bra $40

8. Gossard Gypsy Plunge Bra $59

9. Charlotte Russe Lace Push-Up Bra $12.50

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Which bras are your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

No matter what you’re facing, it’s likely there’s a quote for what you’re going through. Unsurprisingly, quotes are among the most popular pinned images on Pinterest. This includes quotes on success, failure, confidence, taking risks, gratitude, setting goals, forgiveness, and self love.

Over the years, I’ve amassed a collection of quotes that is too large to list. Aside from being inspiring and motivational, they remind me that I’m not alone. There are other women out there who are currently experiencing or have experienced what you’re going through. You are not alone.

If you’re going through a tough time, you have everything you need within you to pull yourself up and re-align your life.  You can be an inspiration to other women. You may already be an inspiration to other women!

If you have only feelings of happiness and fulfillment, I encourage you to celebrate yourself and help anyone in your life who may not be in as happy a place as you. They may need you more than you realize. We are all stronger together.

In an analysis of the color red, the BBC described it as a manipulative color, one that is associated with danger, power, fire, and passion. Without a doubt, red lingerie is bold, eye-catching, and daring. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Although red lingerie is sold the most in February and December, it’s best when worn year-round. Wear it under a matching red dress for a monochromatic look or under your favorite t-shirt for a quick confidence boost. Whether you’re dressing for yourself or for your significant other, remember to exercise caution when wearing red. It’s a dangerous color that is guaranteed to get hearts racing. Below, our favorite bras in racy red:

1. Prima Donna Madison Scarlet Bra $134

2. Topshop ‘Triangle’ Cordelia Bra $30

3. Natori Feathers Longline Bra $76

4. H&M Lace Push-Up Bra $19.99

5. L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Danita Demi Bra $51.80

6. Heidi Klum Intimates A Corps Perdu Demi Wire Bra $45

7. Parfait Kitty Padded Bra $50

8. Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra $42

9. Skarlett Blue Socialite Long Line Bra $52

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Which bras are your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is the focus on giving thanks and paying it forward. It is a time for us to be reminded of everyone and everything we have to be thankful for and to thank and spend time with those who are dear to us. The holiday season is also an especially busy time for many of us, whether we’re welcoming our children home from school, spending more time with family than we’re mentally prepared for, entertaining and catching up with new neighbors and friends at home, or simply finishing up our last minute holiday shopping. That being said, no matter how busy you are, I encourage you to make time for yourself and thank everyone who helps, serves, and supports you this holiday season.

In this wonderful season of giving, we are excited to announce our Gratitude Is Powherful giveaway. Many of us are fortunate to have incredible role models- strong, amazing, powerful women in our lives who were grateful for. In fact, many of these amazing women have made us into the people we are today through their words, actions, and examples. They deserve all of the recognition, praise, and gratitude in the world.

Our giveaway provides you a special moment to nominate a woman who you are thankful for and tell us why you are thankful for her for a chance to win $3,000 in grand prizes toward a dream vacation. You can nominate a friend, family member, co-worker, mentor, or anyone to whom you are grateful for. Here’s how to enter:

Entering is easy:

1. Visit our website
2. Fill out the entry form online (or mail us an entry) with your name, the name of the woman you’re nominating, why you’re grateful for her, and your email
3. Agree to the official rules, privacy policy, and newsletter
4. Press “Nominate”
5. You’re entered!

Official rules can be found here.