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Category: The Single Diaries

  • Jen Hack’s Life Hacks | Easy Ways to Find Volunteer Opportunities

    Jen Hack’s Life Hacks | Easy Ways to Find Volunteer Opportunities

    Want to give-back during this giving season? These 3 websites make it easier than ever to lend a helping hand

    Volunteer
    This time of year I find myself looking for ways that I can volunteer some of my extra time. I’m sure many of you find yourself in a similar boat. It’s like all of the gift-receiving that’s done during the holidays needs to be balanced out by doing a little gift-giving.

    Since college, I haven’t fully committed to volunteering with a single organization. These days, I find myself giving bits of my time whenever the right opportunity presents itself.  Finding those opportunities however, seems to be the most challenging bit.

    This year, I’ve found three websites which seem to offer a solution. These sites make it easier than ever to search, find, and get started with opportunities in your area.  If you’re in the gift-giving spirit you’ll definitely want to check these out!

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  • Guide to Gifting on the Go

    Guide to Gifting on the Go

    5 online finds to make this season of gifts the easiest one yet

    gifts on the go
    PHOTO: Somewhere Lately.

    You know what magazine editors love (aside from Chanel, of course)? Fresh flowers or a great gift basket. No time to shop for the best items? Don’t know how to put one together? There’s an app for that. Read on for 5 finds that will make the season of giving easier.

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  • 7 Great Christmas Gifts for Your Guy

    7 Great Christmas Gifts for Your Guy

    Symon says! Contributor Symon Roger shares his recommendations for budget-friendly gifts your guy will actually appreciate

    gifts-for-your-guy

    By: Symon Roger

    Last Christmas was a complete disaster for me. I don’t want to sound rude but when I unwrapped the over-sized t-shirt and jeans my girlfriend had picked out for me, let’s say I was less than enthused.  To make matters worse, she had full expectations that I would wear my new wardrobe as we paid our Christmas visits to friends and family. It was clear I had other intentions for her gift. When she saw the unenthused look on my face, she snapped, “This is what I could get within my budget. It’s a pity you don’t understand fashion”. Needless to say, that relationship didn’t last.

    Don’t take me for a total jerk quite yet. I understood that she wanted to be sweet and buy something for me. I also knew that she was also under a lot of pressure not to spend too much as she had other cost concerns. I myself had some bills that needed to be tended to before I dished out dollars for presents. The thing is, I would have rather her saved her money than spend it on a gift I truly disliked. It was a lose / lose situation for us both.

    So my advice for all of you girls is that you’re better off buying nothing than buying bad gifts for your guy.  You’re probably wondering then what makes for a good gift. After all, it’s not always possible to know what men really like. (We have weird minds I know : ) To give you a hand, I’ve come up with a list of budget-friendly gifts under $50 that your guy will truly appreciate. Some of these may not seem obvious but trust me, he’ll appreciate them!

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  • Jen’s Holiday Wishlist + GIVEAWAY!

    Jen’s Holiday Wishlist + GIVEAWAY!

    We all deserve a little something special. Add these great gifts to your wishlist and enter for a chance to WIN one for yourself!

    Wishlist

    I can hardly believe how quickly Christmas is approaching. Just this Monday, I celebrated my birthday, which for me, officially signals the start of the holiday season. Naturally, this also set me in motion to create my yearly wishlist. Though we all know the season is about giving, there’s no need to exclude yourself from the mix.

    To make shopping season even better, Allisa Jacobs is gifting one of her super adorable clutches to one lucky Single Diaries reader. All you have to do is follow us on Twitter and Allisa on Pinterest.

    Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for yourself or for a girlfriend, I think you’ll find something you love on my wishlist.

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  • Single Girl Reads | Winter Reading List

    Single Girl Reads | Winter Reading List

    Catherine’s Winter Reading List 2014

    winter reading list
    PHOTO: Bonnie Barton.

    It’s raining, it’s pouring… I didn’t realize until a couple weeks ago when the first rain of the season hit San Francisco just how much I love rainstorms. With cold air and longer nights, it’s the perfect weather for curling up with a good book. This season’s picks are a little deeper, a bit more emotional but, like my fall picks, will probably strike a chord. Brew your hot beverage of choice (I go with hot cocoa or apple cider), switch on your holiday lights, snuggle with your most-loved blanket, and get ready to revel in some reading.

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