Friday Roundup 9.15.17

higher ed happenings //

• To start off with some lighthearted news, a reporter investigated this screenshot that has been circulating the web recently to find out whether or not it was real or a hoax
• Paola Garcia, a student at Transylvania University, stated that another student at the university has been posting personal information as well as threats against her due to her immigration status. This comes after Trump has announced his plan to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. 
• Louisiana State University’s Phi Delta Theta chapter is under investigation for hazing after the death of Phi Delta Theta pledge, Maxwell Gruver. LSU has currently suspended all fraternity and sorority operations indefinitely while the investigation takes place.

wishlist //

• I haven’t been doing a lot of online browsing in the last few weeks, but on a trip to Target, I noticed they have started carrying the A New Day clothing line in its stores. I have browsed around both in store and online and I am really enjoying the simplicity of the pieces and their ability to be worn at work. I have bought the Utility Popover Shirt it is very comfortable.
• It's September, which means I have Halloween and fall already on the brain. This Candy Corn Sweater from Modcloth is absolutely adorable. I could see this as a tasteful work wear piece for those who can’t dress up in their office for Halloween.

hallthatjas updates //

• Things have been a little busier than usual around here, hence the two week hiatus, however things are starting to normalize again.

Holiday Sets I'm Excited For

While the weather is just starting to cool down here in North Carolina, every store has already begun its preparations for Christmas. Hobby Lobby is decked out in trees and tinsel, Yankee Candle is starting to break out the Christmas scents, and make up companies are finally releasing their much anticipated limited edition holiday collection. 

Holiday collection are a great way to try out brands and colors for cheap since they usually contain a lot of shades in deluxe sample sizes.cHere are some collections I am looking forward to seeing!

1. Lorac MegaPro Palette - $59

With 32 shadows, this palette is Lorac's largest yet, with double the amount of shades in previous Pro Palettes. The price isn't bad when you consider the Lorac Pro still runs at about $40 for 16 shades. Lorac has always done a great job with shadows, and I prefer the Pro Palette to Urban Decay's Naked Palettes because they have the perfect amount of shimmer without being too glittery.

I love the diversity of shades between colorful and neutrals, and I am specifically looking forward to the berry colors (Merlot looks amazing). However, while I am a sucker for neutrals, it does seem some of the neutral shades are a little too close to each other to show a huge difference when applied.

The Lorac MegaPro Palette comes out on Lorac's website and Amazong on October 7th, so mark your calendars and set your alarms, because I have a feeling these are not going to take long to sell out!

2. Tarte Kiss & Belle Deluxe LipSurgence Lip Set - $34

This set seems like an amazing value to me. I have been eyeing the Tarte lip colors for quite some time and $34 for such a wide variety in shades and finishes seems like an amazing deal to me. 

This set comes with  four lip tints (Dreamy, Alluring, Innocent, and Dainty), 2 matte lip tints (Eternal, and Fancy), and 2 lip glosses (Kiss and Belle). If you are on the fence about trying Tarte lip products this is a great starter set (as the full size lip tints run about $18).

I do wish they had included at least one darker berry shade, but overall the colors seem to be worth it. This is definitely on my holiday wish list and it is already available online and in stores!

3. Too Faced Melted Kisses - $30

I have seen a lot of positive reviews of the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks, and while I have not had the chance to try them out for myself, this holiday set might just be the think that lets me.

This set comes with four deluxe sized shades (Nude, Peony, Berry, and Fuschia). I like the broad spectrum of nude to dark berry and from what I have heard and seen they are long lasting.

I honestly don't think I am going to make it through the season without picking this up because I have had my eye on them for quite some time. These are available at Macys and Sephora!

4. Tarte Chic to Cheek Deluxe Amazonian Clay Blush Set - $34

I truly am a sucker for Tarte so it is only natural that they appear again on my holiday wishlist. I have previously used the Tarte Cheek Stain and I loved it, but I have been looking to expand my blush collection for the upcoming winter months. The Amazonian Clay set is amazing and every time I have walked into Ulta I have debated picking up a shade, but every time I seem to talk myself out of it.

This set comes with four deluxe sample sized blushes in the colors Amour, Classic, Prim, and Daydream. I like the variety because I want to be able to switch things up whenever I want. The packing is beautiful without being unnecessarily bulky like some blush sets (I'm looking at you, Benefit!)

Just like the lip set, this collection is already available online and in-stores!

While this is just the beginning of the Holiday Collections, I think I have found some winners that are going to end up in my makeup drawer before 2014 ends!

Some Vacation Lip Finds

I am currently on a weeklong beach vacation so I can try to relax a little bit before school starts next week; and while I haven't been wearing many lip colors to the beach I did recently pop into a Walgreens for some drinks when I came across some lip displays that I couldn't bring myself to leave without. So instead of just leaving with a drink and maybe a snack, I left with three different lip colors too!

1. Burt's Bees Lip Crayons in Napa Vineyard and Niagara Overlook

Now I have been hearing a lot about these new Burt's Bees Lip Crayons but every time I went to a Target to pick one up they were already sold out! However, down here in Florida they happened to have all of the colors and let me tell you it was very hard picking which colors to grab because they all so pretty. I ended up settling on Napa Vineyard and Niagara Overlook because I have been hear Napa Vineyard is the best color and I thought Niagara Overlook would be a great "my lip but better" shade.

These lip crayons are absolutely amazing! They don't feel drying at all and they are truly matte. They have great staying power through both eating and drinking and they apply really evenly and smoothly. I like that I can use these without a lip balm and my lips still look and feel great.

Napa Vineyard is a great red and doesn't move around once applied. I found that it didn't really leave a lot of marks on things like coffee cups. It does take some work to get it off your lips at the end of the day but it is not terribly hard if you are using a washcloth and rub in small circles. What I really like is that when I took it off it didn't really stain the rest of the skin around my mouth (which a lot of red lipsticks seem to do for me).

Niagara Overlook is pretty much the same as far as application and staying power goes. It is definitely my perfect "my lip but better shade" and it is really smooth as well. They were both about $9 each but they were definitely worth it.

2. Wet n Wild Lipstick in Just Peachy

There was a huge display of Wet n Wild Lipstick at Walgreens because they are currently donating a portion of their lipstick sales to the American Cancer Society. These were only $2 a piece and I decided to try and exhibit self control and only pick out one shade, Just Peachy.

This lip color is also truly matte and is really easy to apply. The color payoff is great and while it doesn't last as long as the Burt's Bees crayons do, they do last for quite some time. It is smooth to apply and really easy to make even and the color is really nice.

I do recommend using lip balm under the lip stick because while it is not particularly drying on the lips it is not hydrating either. I also really enjoy the shape of Wet N Wild lipsticks because I find the flat and rounded top a lot easier to apply than typical lipstick shapes which tend to have that point on the top. I will definitely be popping back by Walgreens to pick up some more of these colors.

My Obsession with Coupons (Part 3)

 I have given tips and tricks on how to obtain and organize coupons, but I thought wrap this how-to up with some tips and tricks to remember while shopping with your coupons.

Just because you have a coupon for it, doesn’t mean you have to buy it.

This is actually one of the most common problems I have seen with people using coupons. A lot of people think just because they have a coupon for it, they have to buy it. However, if you keep this mindset you might end up spending more money on things you don’t actually need.

Try to only clip coupons for the things you use frequently in the house, or on the things that you enjoy and might want to treat yourself to. Make a concise list before going to the store keeping in mind the coupons you already have and plan to use.

Make sure to read the coupon fine print and expiration dates.

When I was a grocery store employee this was one of most annoying things to encounter. People would have coupons for items and have the item in their cart, but failed to read the fine print stating they need to buy two of the item to use the coupon, or certain products are excluded to use the coupon and they need to run back to switch out the item therefore holding the line up.

Prevent this from happening by always reading the fine print of the coupon to make sure your items are eligible for your product. You should also make note of when your coupon expires for the same reason! That is another reason why my list is so helpful, I know when each coupon expires and the condition to receive the discount without having to go through my entire list!

Look out for store specials (Double Coupons, etc.)

Stores like Harris Teeter and Lowes Food occasionally have specials such as double coupons where all coupons up to $1.98 double (meaning a 1.50 coupon would actually save you $3.00) Specials like these really make your couponing efforts worth it. I have frequently gotten items for free with specials like this (having a coupon for $0.75 off one small bag of m&ms double meaning my m&ms are free!)

Keep an eye out for deals like these by looking up your local grocery stores to see if they have specials like this or keeping an eye on the paper!

Coupons aren’t just for groceries

You can find coupons for just about any product or service out on the market. Make sure to check store websites and e-mail newsletters for coupons for your favorite products. Stores like Victoria’s Secret and the JC Penney make-up counter post coupons quite frequently for free trial products or little freebies such as lip gloss or underwear.

Restaurants also have coupons available to make your night out a little easier on your wallet! Check websites for deals such as free appetizers or free desserts!

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will maximize your savings with each trip to the grocery store and leave your wallet feeling a little heavier than it used to.

My Obsession with Coupons (Part 2)

Now that your floor is covered in coupons that you have clipped and printed and now you are trying to get them all into one spot you are going to have to find some nice ways to organize them. No problem, there are tons of way that you can keep your coupons handy and available for your next shopping trip!

Burlap Accordion File Container by Esty Seller: Divine Joy Cards

Mini-Accordion Folders

These mini accordion folders are nice because they are small enough to fit in your bag and be completely portable, yet they have different sections so that you can quickly thumb through them and find the coupon you need. I find it helpful to separate my coupons based on category (for example: one for frozen, one for bath and beauty, one for cereals and crackers).

I recommend making a master list of the coupons you have, their specifications for use (for example: buy one, get one), and their discount price so you don’t have to spend all day thumbing through the folder while at the store. Instead you can quickly check off each item and keep moving quickly and effectively.

Where to find them: You can pick these up at any office supply store. They have a variety of colors and patterns to suit your style and flavor. Etsy also has some very cute ones, if you are looking for a little something extra. Some of my favorites are: here, here, and here.

Envelopes

When I first began couponing, I used regular postal envelopes labeled with different grocery sections. Then when I went to grocery shopping and I was looking for coupons while waiting in the grocery line, I could quickly flip through the different folders and pull out coupons.

Just like the accordion folder, I recommend making a master list of all your coupons (or at least the coupons you plan on using) before heading to the grocery store.

Where to find them: Again, you can find these at any office supply store or even any drug store! You could also make your own (with plain or patterned paper if you want to be flashy) by folding some paper and securing the ends with a glue stick.

 Mini Small Coupon Organizer / Binder Holder Sleeves Pages by Etsy Seller: JWIllustrations

Coupon Page Protectors & Binder

This is perhaps my favorite way to organize my coupons because it gives me the ability to see what each coupon requires for use while I am shopping. The page protectors have slots for each individual coupon which you can then stick into a small one-inch binder (complete with tab dividers if you want to get really fancy) and thumb through them when you are preparing your lists or while you are at the grocery store.

Where to find them: These are a little harder to find than the envelopes or the accordion folder. You may be able to find them at some office supply stores (some places may even call them trading card protectors, but they are basically the same thing). You can also find them here on amazon for relatively cheap.

Hopefully, with these tips your coupons will find themselves a cozy, organized home without leaving your floor a paper-y mess. Make sure to look out for Part 3, where I will wrap up with some helpful tips to remember while shopping with coupons to make sure you get the maximum deals possible!

My Obsession with Coupons (Part 1)

I have no “normal” hobbies. I can’t sing, I can’t dance, I can’t swim, I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time.

However, just because I am uncoordinated and unskilled in many disciplines doesn’t mean that don’t have any hobbies. I have tons of hobbies: I browse the internet, I blog occasionally, and sometimes I even manage to accidentally pick up a book and read the entire thing without forgetting about it half-way through. One of these hobbies I’ve picked up over the last few years working in a grocery store is couponing. As a broke college student, it is definitely one of the more useful skills I’ve acquired.

Working in a grocery store through much of my high school career, I have seen my share of coupon kings and queens who manage to buy 15 bottles of ketchup for only $0.15, and after carefully watching and mimicking what I’ve seen, I have managed to compile a list of useful tips and techniques to help even the most casual couponer save money! 

 

The Sunday Paper is a Goldmine

I have found that the Sunday paper holds some of the best and most useful coupons. Sadly, you do have to pay for the paper (which is around $1.50-2.00 in a lot of places) but the potential coupons you uncover will definitely earn you your money back tenfold. You can always thumb through the paper at the store before purchasing to see if the coupons for that week are going to be useful to you before purchasing the paper.

Pros: The number of coupons in here is extraordinary and you will also find a ton of coupons from local businesses you might not find anywhere else.

Cons: You have to buy the paper.

The Internet Has Tons of Free Coupons

If paying for a Sunday paper is not within your budget, there are tons of free coupons available online. These coupon sites allow you to look through their database of coupons and virtually “clip” them. When you have looked through all the coupons you simply click “Print Coupons” and all the coupons you have clipped and collected will be printed.

My favorite online coupon sites are: CouponSuzy CouponMom Redplum

Pros: Absolutely free.

Cons: You do have to print them (which can be done for free at your local library). You also have to download the “coupon printer,” which takes a few minutes. However, I have found the coupon apps of the sites I have listed to be harmless.

Mail Flyers and Newsletters 

I know a lot of people see these flyers in the mail and think “ugh, junk mail” but if you look carefully some of these hold some pretty amazing coupons while also alerting you to some of the local deals. One of my favorite mail flyers is the redplum one I get in my mail box about every two weeks.

Pros: Just like the online coupons, these coupons are absolutely free.

Cons: They might appear to junk up your mailbox and you can’t control when they come.

Writing the Company 

This one may seem a bit weird, but trust me, it actually works. With some companies, if you write them either 1) asking for coupons directly or 2) commenting on their services they will send you complimentary coupons!

Pros: Absolutely free

Cons: It takes a bit of work to write them as well as the fact that you might have to pay for postage if you are sending a letter. Also, there is no true guarantee that the company will respond with coupons. I really only recommend this one if you are either bored with nothing to do, or if you like a product so much you are willing to take the gamble.

With these tips you are sure to find tons of useful coupons for your favorite products and services. Look out for Part 2 for tips about how to keep all of your recently acquired coupons neat and orderly for your trip to the