If you’re anything like me, you’ve already started your gift shopping. And if you still have no clue what to get for some of the people in your life then you’re also like me! Shopping for others can be extremely difficult around the holidays, especially when you’re on a budget. Which is why Holiday Gift Guides can make your life go a little bit easier. And be honest, some of the random gift guides you see online are not always Black Girl friendly. So in the spirit of giving, I’m going to share with you some things that can be great gifts for every magical black girl in ya life. #ThankMeLater.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links where I may receive credit for your purchase. Read my disclosure policy for more information.

For the Naturalista

• Mielle Organics
  If you haven’t heard of this brand….where have you been?! Mielle has taken the internet by storm and I see why! The new Pomegranate & Honey collection smells amazing and leaves your hair soft and moisturized. It’s no wonder this product is always sold out! It is only available in Sally’s Beauty stores or online.
  Bonus tip: For the month of November, the entire adult line is BOGO 50% off at Sally’s! Mielle is also having their own deals! Be sure to get it before the deal ends.
  
• Curls
  I’ve been using Curls for a while now. I love the Blueberry Bliss collection (another set of products with an amazing smell). The edge control paste works so well on my edges, especially when my hair is wet. The hair growth oil and curling cream also leave your hair very shiny and soft. What more could a naturalista ask for?
  
• Eco Styler 
  Including Eco Styler is taking a risk but hear me out! Have you tried their new leave in conditioner?! Another product that is hard to get your hands on but such a great product indeed. My curls are always poppin’ after using this. Paired with the black castor oil and flaxseed gel and you have the perfect set for a wash and go!
  

For the Makeup Lover

• Juvia’s Place
  I love love love Juvia’s Place! Their eyeshadow palettes are extremely pigmented with a great color payoff. And they are very AFFORDABLE. This black owned brand caters to giving WOC a name in the makeup world and I say kudos for that!
  Bonus Tip: Their Black Friday Sale has already started! You can also search on Twitter or Instagram to find someone with a discount code to use with the sale.
  
• Crayon Case
  Internet comedian Supa Cent struck gold with her new makeup line! My favorite product has to be the Anglowla highlight. I always get so many compliments when I have it on. Perfect for medium-deep skin tones. I also have the eyeshadow palette which is great for someone who is into colors.
  
• Mix Melt Repeat
  MMR I hadn’t heard of until I went to an event recently. They offer customized lipsticks! Interesting right? You choose your color. Decide if you want a cream, matte or sheer finish. Pick your favorite tube. And bam! A special lipstick for a special person.
  

For the Book Worm

• We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
  Gabrielle Union has opened up a lot this year. Sharing stories about her trouble conceiving as well as being sexually abused. She has also been taking the time to make sure her voice is heard in the heat of the current political climate. Sprinkling a little #blackgirlmagic (and fountain of youth because she doesn’t age) just in time for the holidays in the form of her new book. She also has a new clothing line with NY&Company that would make a great combo with the book!
  
• You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
  Entrepreneurship among black women is on the rise and I’m always here for some #BlackGirlMagic! You are a Badass and You are a Badass at Making Money are 2 books that are valuable to help entrepreneurs keep pushing.
  

For the Unapologetically Woke

• Legendary Rootz
  This company is all over Twitter, spreading positivity among people of color. With sayings like “Black Girls are the Purest form of Art” and “Brown Sugar Babe” there is something that every black girl will feel special in!
  
• Blackberry Vine
  Blackberry Vine is a newer company that I happened to find on Instagram. Their celebration of the black community and black empowerment is what caught my attention. My favorite design is a toss up between the woman with hair shaped like Africa and the drawing of Colin Kapernick. If you’re on my Christmas list you may or may not be getting an item from this company.
  Bonus tip: They will have items in their shop discounted for Black Friday!
  

For the Fashionista

• Tracee Ellis Ross for JCP
  Tracee Ellis Ross has been my one of favorite auntie since Girlfriends. Her style is very quirky and fashion forward which her line with JCPenney’s incorporates. My favorite pieces from her collection are the bodycon dresses and thebutton down top that says “Life Needs Sparkle” on the back because duh!
• Fur Coat
  When it comes to balling on a budget you definitely have to look the part. My favorite statement piece for Fall/Winter is a fur coat. They come in handy because they can dress up a casual outfit and make a dressy outfit look even more over the top. I stumbled upon this year’s fur coat at TJ Maxx and have been in love ever since.
  

For the Techie

• Lumee Case
  For all my selfie lovers out there a Lumee Case is a must have! It is surrounded by a light so that your pictures and videos do not come out as dark and gloomy. It’s essentially a ring light on the go. I’ve had 2 different cases from this company (because I upgraded my phone) and they had my selfies lit (pun intended).
  
• Ring Light
  If you’re getting a gift for someone who is into photography, YouTube, makeup, fashion or hair a ring light is a great investment! Similar to the Lumee Case, a ring light provides lighting that is good for pics and videos however it is not as portable. A ring light can definitely take your pics to the next level. Amazon has plenty different types but the kind I have is linked.
  

Have any other ideas that you would like to share? Comment below! Happy shopping!

The post Gifts for the Magical Black Girl in Your Life appeared first on Running Erins.

I was sitting down with my blogger sister, Bri, a few months ago when she asked me who is my current style inspo. Without hesitation I answered, “Cardi B.” She had the most confused look on her face which was hilarious because if you know me, you know my style is definitely more of a comfy/cute. But I also love fashion (Rihanna is also an all time fave). I love seeing the way celebrities, or even other bloggers, put together an outfit. She continued by asking me “Well how would you describe your style?” And of course I said “Comfy/cute” at first but I followed it by saying “I also like to be a little Sophisti-Ratchet which is why I like Cardi B.”

Whether she is wearing Fashion Nova or Alexander Wang, you have to admit that Cardi B has been KILLING the fashion scene all 2017! From award shows to New York Fashion Week to her performance outfits. She displays her style in a way that is completely unique to her. She knows what works for her figure and she is not embarrassed by wearing inexpensive clothing. She can dress up in a ball gown or dress all the way down to something with little material. And I think it’s so dope!

Check out a few of my favorite looks from Cardi B in the gallery above!

*all pictures have been pulled from Cardi B’s Instagram*

The post Style Inspo featuring Cardi B appeared first on Running Erins.

“Have you ever heard of ThredUp? Why don’t you try that instead?”

I had heard of ThredUp before this but never used it. In fact, the only time I ever used a consignment shop was when I was a broke college student and needed a few extra bucks. Other than that, I always donated old clothes or gave them away. But since I am on this new path, trying to find financial freedom (aka I’m broke at the adult level) I figured I would give ThredUp a shot. Plus it made for a great story to share.

It took me about 3-4 days to receive the clean out bag in the mail. I had already cleaned out everything that I was getting rid of but I went through the bag again to separate the sell-able from the reusable. Once I filled up the bag I took it to the FedEx drop off down the street from work (they send you a prepaid label that is good for USPS and FedEx, which was easier for me). They offer return assurance so that you can receive the items back that they do not sell, however, I chose not to opt for return assurance because I would have given the items away anyway. There was really nothing for me to lose. I mailed the bag out on November 7th. I received an email on November 11 saying that it was received and would be processed by December 12th.

Once my bag was processed I saw that the company decided to sell 4 items out of my bag full. I wasn’t too upset about this because as I said earlier, the plan was to give them away. The most upsetting part was that the company was selling my items for a total of about $45 but I was only slated to get $1.75 back (that’s just enough for the vending machine). In fact, I didn’t even get my vending machine change back. The company charges a fee of $9.99 for shipping and handling (which is unclear in the beginning because they only mention the return assurance).

My items that were accepted/sold.

All in all, do I think this was worth it? Yes to have the experience. Would I do it again? No. I would much rather drop my clothes off at the Goodwill where I can get a tax deduction and know they will be donated than to have $1.75 that’s stuck in limbo.

But if you’re feeling lucky and would like to try ThredUp for yourself, use my link and you can earn $10 to spend on their website http://www.thredup.com/r/SCBEJP.

The post Experience with ThredUp appeared first on Running Erins.

To help you out, I’ve included a list of my top 5 small, BLACK-owned businesses that have gifts for the Millennial Queen in your life.

1. Pinkmoon Loungewear: Those sexy velvet shorts that you’ve seen all over the internet (Warning: they sell out fast! Turn on their Twitter/IG notifications to catch the pre-order). I’ve ordered 3 pieces from them and they are all amazing quality! The next release is scheduled for December 5th!
2. Legendary Rootz: Truly a brand that helps celebrate black culture. Legendary Rootz is known for their t-shirts with phrases that remind you to stay to true to who you are. (They have shirts for men too!)
   
3. Juvia’s Place: Great eyeshadow palettes for beginner to pro makeup artist/enthusiast. I had the privilege of seeing their booth at the IMATS NYC this Spring and was absolutely amazed at the product! (P.S. They started their Black Friday Sale early!)
   
4. Beauty Bakerie: Another great line of makeup products which have been featured on BuzzFeed, Nylon, and Teen Vogue. They offer cruelty-free products including lipsticks that barely move (aka smudge proof and kiss proof!).
   
5. Tees in the Trap: Does she luuhhh God & Trap Music? Is she sophistiratchet? These tees have fun and catchy sayings that anyone would love.
   

*Pictures do not belong to me. Images came directly from company websites.*

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