My Gift Guide!

Looks like this month is all about random, but inshAllah useful posts ;)

 

I have been in the gift giving mood for the past few months and thought I would make a "guide" aka list :P of what I suggest/ recommend to give to someone special or for a special occasion! I hope this is helpful for someone. I know I will be coming back to this in the future :P

Have an idea in mind
Although it can be a little frustrating, I realized gift giving is more fun when you have some ideas already in mind (or written down ;). For some people, it might also be good to start off with a budget in mind, especially if you are buying gifts for more than 2 people. I personally don't have a budget because I feel that if I am giving gifts because I really want to, especially items I already know I want to give someone, I will buy it no matter what the price is. But then again, with a mindset like mine, you will be in for a shock at the amount you spent and could easily become broke :P I also try to come up with gift ideas of things I would love to receive. For example, if I want to give a few nail polishes, I would give them in colors/ brands I like or would like to try for myself.

Bundle of joy
I like to give a little bundle of gifts because I think there is more of a chance that the person will like something and because it is just fun to come up with different items. Who wouldn't like opening a bunch of gifts?! To make things a little more fun, make the person guess what is wrapped up! After wrapping the gifts, I write a clue on a sticky note for each gift describing what could be inside. For example, for a 5 year journal, I wrote, "Something to look back at after 5 years." Make sure to tell the person to guess first :)

Last minute savior
If you really can't think of anything to give or have little time to get a gift ready, $ would be the last minute savior. Although anyone would like to receive some cash, to some people it looks like little thought was put into the "gift". InshAllah after reading this post, you won't have to resort to this :)

Personalize it!
A card is an obvious thing to add to any gift. If nothing else is personalized, make a card yourself. If you are creative, make the time to personalize/ make a gift. Whether it is a card, scrapbook, album, etc. put some effort into giving at least 1 item that you made yourself. It will make the person feel a little better that someone took the time to make something for them! If you do buy a card, write a meaningful message to add a little something personal.

For any occasion/ gender
1. Gift cards- Find out (casually) where the person likes to shop and include a message with the card.
2. Books- I think books make great gifts, even for those who don't like to read. Find out something the person likes, like a hobby or interest, and give a book on that particular subject. You are sure to find something!
3. Body sets- It is nice to give (and get :) something useful like body lotions, shower gels, fragrance spray, etc. If you know the person likes a particular (type of ) scent or shops at stores like Bath and Body Works or The Body Shop, give them something from there. I think body products like the ones I mentioned can be given to males or females. There are obviously some scents that are more feminine/ masculine than others, so smell different ones before you purchase any for a particular person.
4. Perfume/ cologne- Again, if you know the person's "taste" for scents, you can try giving them a perfume/ cologne (set). This would be easier if you really know the person or they have mentioned liking or wanting a particular scent in the past. Since these are usually more expensive than body sprays, make sure the scent is something you know the person likes and will put to use.

For females on any occasion
1. Jewelry- Find out if the person is into wearing jewelry and what type, but avoid getting something like a ring where you have to know the person's finger size. A nice dainty necklace or stretch bracelet in a style/ color that goes with any outfit would be ideal.
2. Makeup- Again, find out if the person is into wearing makeup, what type, and color. If they are new to makeup, give them something basic like your favorite mascara, nail polish, or lip product (obviously all new). If they like experimenting or are more into makeup, try something like an eye shadow palette, or blush/bronzer duo. Also, you can never go wrong with brushes or helping them restock products you know they like and use ;) Try http://www.bhcosmetics.com/

For males on any occasion
1. Any electronic/ gadget/ tech-y stuff like a micro SD card or flashdrive. You can personalize it by adding pictures of a specific occasion with specific people in it, including the person receiving this! For example, the person's graduation, wedding day, birth of a child, etc.


ETA 10-18-14
For students (if you are a teacher)
Find out their favorite colors, movie/ book characters, and candy (any allergies?), so you can start gathering the below items based on their preferences.
1. candy
2. stickers
3. school supplies
4. coloring book (with crayons ;)
5. educational activity book
6. story book
7. games


By occasion
Graduation
- If it specifically for a high school graduate, look into gifting them a Q &A a Day for College: 4-Year Journal I bet it would be fun to look back through after 4 years of college memories :)

Wedding
- To bring a (newly) married couple a little closer, look into gifting them a cute Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People.
- You can never go wrong with a Mr. and Mrs. mug set :P
- If the couple is moving in together for the first time, why not gift them with home necessities/ décor? This could also be in the form of gift cards to stores like Bed Bath and Beyond!

Baby event
- Baby clothes
- Baby toys
- If (new) parents didn't receive a baby's 1st journal/ album from the hospital for them to fill up, then look into buying one for them! Maybe something like this? If you buy it in advance, make sure you know the gender or just keep it gender neutral.
- Pregnancy/ parenting book
- Necessities/ décor for baby's room

Random bits
- Unless you know the person's size or taste for clothes, I wouldn't suggest gifting clothes for those 2 reasons.
- If there is a business/ organization you like and want to support, then add in some of their business cards!
- Something I will try to keep in mind for the future is buying sets of items and separating them for a few different people.

Pros and Cons of Taking Summer Class

Since I have finished a summer class a few weeks ago, I thought I would break my thoughts down into pros and cons of taking summer class(s). Including this summer, I have taken 2 summer classes total in my 3 years of uni. Next year I plan to graduate (inshAllah :) so I don't expect to take another summer class again! I was reallllly unsure whether to take a summer class, and before I finally decided to just do it, I listed the good and bad of either of my choices for myself. This is what I will be sharing here. InshAllah this will be useful for anyone else who may be undecided like I was ;)

Pros
- if a specific class is required, get it over with asap since you will have to do it eventually
- makes the semester during the school year a little more manageable/ less stressful

Cons
- extra fee (check with your college)
- want/ need a (long) break ;) after a year of classes = lack of motivation
- have plans already/ will be really busy, so hw might suffer a bit

There isn't much of a difference in the number of reasons to go one way or another. It all really depends on your willingness to just do it (no matter how much you don't want to). Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on taking summer classes!

Pros. & Cons. of Continuing Your Education After High School

I thought about doing this post after I came to the conclusion that college/ university is actually worth the effort. Now I know school isn't for everyone, but if you have the option to continue your education after high school or don't know what you want to do with your life, then I highly suggest attending some sort of college/ university/ trade school, etc. Simply put, below are my reasons for why I feel this way.

Pros.
1. learn a wide range of subjects
2. different perspective on life
3. preparation for future career
4. more free time (if you schedule your time wisely)
5. taste of independence and responsibility
6. learn more about yourself (i.e. interests) by doing things out of your comfort zone
7. chance to make money (i.e. job on campus or refund)
8. make new (lifelong) friends
9. fresh air and "exercise" (by walking ;) on campus

Cons.
1. expensive
2. time-consuming
3. will feel boring/ pointless sometimes
4. concerned about safety

For anyone currently in any sort of school, hang in there. I know it may feel like torture sometimes, but one day, you will miss (some of) your past experiences. You will look back on these days and smile/ laugh at the good times and memories you had. Just a reminder to myself and others to stop complaining and start enjoying.

I'm sure there are more reasons than what I have listed here, so let me know what you think in the comments below.

50 Shades of Me "Tag"

I saw a video yesterday on 50 Shades of ??? and thought I should do it as well. Sounds interesting and you get to know more about a person. This is similar to the 50 random facts tag, but I like the title of the one I chose :)  Some of these facts about me are well known to those around me, others more personal, but worth sharing nonetheless. Hope you learn something new about me! Please share some shades of yourself too down below in the comments :)

1.      I <3 to blog and have 6!
http://nawawis40hadith.blogspot.com/
http://learnislam2day.blogspot.com/
http://sfraww.blogspot.com/
http://satisfiedwithislam.blogspot.com/
http://knowledgeseekersf.blogspot.com/
and the one you are reading right now ;)
2.      I enjoy reading and writing for fun, even for school/uni. sometimes :0
3.      Besides the above, I also like to learn, scrapbook, watch movies, and go shopping.
4.      I like to collect books (that I have read, like, or will eventually read.)
5.      I also collect US state quarters and have 48/50 so far.
6.      I am not quite, "innocent", conceited, or anti-social like some people think.
7.      I talk, laugh, and argue a lot.
8.      I am an Asian-American-Muslim.
9.      Besides, food, clothing, language, and art, I am not a fan of cultures, not even mine.
10.  I would rather clean than cook.
11.  I love to eat, but still am thin for someone my age.
12.  I hated 5th grade, mostly because I was bullied.
13.  I learned to ride a bike in 5th grade.
14.  My favorite grades were 4th, 8th, 12th, and iA senior year in uni. ;)
15.  I can remember 2 experiences when I thought I was going to die.
16.  I am obsessed with almost every Gucci for women fragrance.
17.  I <3 children.
18.  My bucket list includes riding a motorcycle, going on a hot air balloon ride, learning to swim, traveling, writing a book, getting happily married and having a family of my own, adopt an orphan, teach and write for a living.
19.  I've wanted to become a teacher since I was in 4th grade.
20.  I am a student in uni. studying to become a teacher :)
21.  I am a health freak though I don't look it and believe in taking care of the one body we have.
22.  Besides a future in teaching iA, I can become a lawyer (want to debate?) or doctor (^) if I wanted to.
23.  I hate blood and guts.
24.  I've been to England and my parent's home country the summer of 2007.
25.  I am fluent in English, not my parent's language.
26.  I use to be obsessed with animals, but don't like them anywhere near me (unless there is a barrier between us...)
27.  I disgust bugs and rodents.
28.  My favorite food is pizza and pizza flavored pringles (so addictive!!)
29.  I am a big list maker and am usually good at sticking to a routine/ schedule.
30.  I hate the smell of coffee.
31.  One of my pet peeves is dry skin.
32.  I really believe that everything, good and bad, happens for a reason.
33.  I <3 all colors, but wear a lot of black accessories, and never white, yellow, or orange entirely.
34.  I don't have a problem seeing animals/creepy creatures (killing or being killed), but can't stand people looking/ doing the same (Orcs anyone?)
35.  I can be very sarcastic and mean sometimes.
36.  My worst fears include my mom dying young, marrying the wrong guy, and having children.
37. I <3 the ocean scene.
38. I am interested in fairytales with a twist (Disney movies and OUaT).
39. I have taken an interest in makeup and all things beauty, especially skincare.
40. I use to have "jet" black hair, but it lightened since vacation in 2007 due to the sun I think.
41. Some of my favorite childhood cartoons include Arthur, Adventures of Jackie Chan, The Magic School Bus, and What's New Scooby Doo.
42. Sometimes I tear up/ cry out of anger :(
43. I am the middle child of 3.
44. I <3 the combo of tomatoes, parsley, and peppers :)
45. I HATE racist and sexist people.
46. Also hate liars, 2 faced and sloppy people, and hypocrites.
47. I believe that everyone can try and should aim to be smart (school smart and have common sense), attractive (personality and appearance), and religious (not a hypocrite or part-time).
48. I have a weakness for music...
49. I want to learn to cook Mediterranean food, sew, and get into more arts and crafts.
50. I say Oh My God a lot.

My Updated and Extended Shopping List :) UPDATED: 3.15.14

I am making this list for myself so I can come back here when I am ready to buy and remember what I have been eyeing ;) But of course, this may be useful to others somehow! This list is an extension and update to my last mini "wishlist" I include different categories like skincare, fragrance, clothing, etc. Here is what I came up with so far :)

UPDATED: 3.15.14

Makeup
I'm on the search for a good nude lipstick (Loreal Fairest Nude?)
Setting spray

Skincare
L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (Bioderma dupe?)
My Beauty Diary Mask
Slow It Body Lotion from European Wax Center
Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial

Fragrances     
Especially Escada

Tools
Makeup brushes, especially for the eyes
Epilator for hair removal (expensive, but saves money and time long term ;)

Clothing
Denim jackets and skirts
Leather moto jacket
Trench coat for Spring and Fall
More maxi dresses ;)

Accessories
Bag for uni. and going out
Affordable Channel inspired crossbody bag in black, something like this

The Many Uses of $

Besides shopping for oneself, here are some ideas I came up with that we could do with our money instead. What else could we do with $?

1. buy gifts
2. donate to charities
3. invest in a business/ stocks
4. start your own business
5. save for an emergency/ vacation/ future

2013 New Year Goals

Since it is the beginning of another new year, many people make new year resolutions/goals. Likewise, I have been doing the same for the past few years. This way, you can see what you accomplished after a year. In other words, this is a simple way to be responsible for what you have or have not done/changed. Here are my goals for 2013. Feel free to share yours below in the comments :)

1. journal everyday (in my new daily journal <3)
2. use habitator daily and vary goals monthly (check http://productivemuslim.com/the-productivemuslim-habitator/ to see what I'm talking about and to print copies for yourself and others)
3. stop bad habits
4. donate monthly
5. save more money than I spend on myself
6. be a better blogger
7. finish Quran and English translation http://allahsquran.com/read/index.php
8. finish 2-3 IOU classes http://www.fanarinstitute.com/
9. memorize and understand new chapters from 30th part in Quran (use Touched by an Angel)

P.S. I did a recent post on my writing (and reading) blog on a book haul. Curious? Check http://sfwritinginwonderland.blogspot.com/2012/12/barnes-and-noble-book-haul-4.html