Valentine’s Day – love it or loathe it, it’s looming on the very-near horizon. Personally I’m not a fan, but perhaps that’s just my inner bitter spinster self talking — assuming someone took it upon themselves to shower me with gifts, I’d be perplexed, but I surely wouldn’t question it. (That’s not a hint, by the way — I’m about to leave the country with my worldly possessions on my back. The last thing I need is a cheap teddy bear occupying valuable space). But let’s not allow my sour-grapes attitude get us down! Instead, let’s explore the ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in relationships of various permutations! Whether you’re in an exciting new fling or a tried and true relationship, we’ve got you covered…

The Relationship: ‘It’s Complicated’
You’re not together but you kinda are. Do you do the whole Valentine’s thing? Do you do it ironically? Ignore it altogether? Make some offhand remark about it? Oh god, what if he thinks I’m being clingy?

Potential gift: A decent shag and a wry “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

The Relationship: Two Weeks in Wonderland
You haven’t been together long, so Valentine’s Day is uncertain territory. Likes and dislikes, inside-jokes, wishes and dreams are yet to be concretely understood by either party, so anything highly personalised is out of the question.

Potential gift: At this point I’d say it’s socially acceptable to present your lover with a box of chocolates and a rose. With a cute smile, an arched eyebrow and a shrug in order to diffuse any sense of absolute earnestness.

The Relationship: The Three Month Sweet Spot
Everything is still new and exciting, but you know more about your mate now. The sex is good, you’re still all gooey-eyed around each other and others exclaim ‘Awww you guys are so cute together!’ That is, until you engage in a very elaborate and public make out session, at which point others mime vomiting and avert their eyes.

Potential gift: Dinner at a restaurant, a bottle of wine and some edible body paint.

The Relationship: The Six Month Itch
Things are potentially going a bit tits up. You’ve had at least one serious argument that involved tearful words, but had admittedly great make up sex afterwards. You’ve contemplated breaking things off, but decided to wait it out a bit longer.

Potential gift: An awkward picnic that ends in an argument.

The Relationship: One Year Down.
Things are now comfortingly predictable and boring. Congratulations!

Potential gift: Dinner at that place you always go to, a movie and maybe some routine sex.

Whatever you do for Valentine’s Day, don’t get too caught up in it. There’s no point in winding yourself in knots over a box of chocolate and a wilted rose.

What to see what He Said he’s getting for his girlfriend (or, er, hookup? friend with benefits?) this Valentine’s Day? Head on over to COEDMagazine.com and read alllll about it!

[Image via ra2 studio/Shutterstock]

[There are over 100 million sites on the Internet. 100 million! You might think you know about all the important ones (CollegeCandy, Gmail, Google, Facebook…), but there are thousands of other sweet sites out there (like FashionStake, GoFobo and Sparked) and more showing up every day! We get it – it’s not easy or fun sifting through the crap and porn to find those gems, so we’re gonna bring the gems to you. Just sit back, kick up those feet and allow us to introduce you to the diamonds in the internet rough.]

Is it just me, or does it seem like Christmas came out of nowhere this year? I know there have been Christmas decorations in every store and Christmas commercials on TV since before Halloween, but it just seemed so far away. I guess I’ve been too busy lately (read: indulging in too many Sixteen and Pregnant marathons), because it wasn’t until just a few days ago that I looked at my calendar and suddenly realized Christmas was right around the corner. I’m usually done with my shopping by early December, but this year, there I was with the rest of the last-minute shoppers, braving the crowded stores on the last Saturday before Christmas.

Hopefully none of you have been slacking this year like I have, but just in case, let me remind you: there are just two shopping days left until Christmas. Yikes! I can’t make those lines at the mall disappear, but I do know a way that all you procrastinators can still get great deals on your gifts: Spreezio.

Spreezio is a free searchable database that allows you to find shopping deals and coupons at stores near you.  Spreezio finds deals based on the location and distance radius you provide, but what makes it different is that with Spreezio, you decide what you want to pay. Besides location, you also enter a discount percentage (anywhere from 5-95% off) when you search, and Spreezio will search for all stores in your area that can match that discount. Soon, Spreezio will even be adding interactive features to allow merchants and shoppers to barter back and forth, allowing you to get the best deal possible.

You can also find for deals on particular items on Spreezio. Type in a keyword, such as “Louboutin” (or even just “shoes”), and you’ll get a list of all stores with what you’re looking for at the price you want.

Once you find a deal that works for you, print out the coupon, take it to the store, and make your purchase — it couldn’t be easier!

Now that you know about Spreezio, you better get shopping!

There’s plenty more web where that came from. Check out the other sites that are on Laura’s web radar!

Yup, building snowmen....still fun.

HAPPY OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF WINTER!

It’s hard to remember when you’re spending half of your day bundling up in the thickest, warmest, heaviest things you own just to walk outside to get the mail, but it’s is the most wonderful time of the yearrrrrrrr! Yes, really. Andy Williams was not lying when he gleefully belted out the season’s staple song back in the 1960s, and his holiday tune still rings true today. Even if it takes my hands a full 7 minutes to warm up after being outside.

Winter is one of the best seasons for a multitude of reasons that I just don’t have enough time (or Redbull) to list. But, because I need to share the gloriousness of this beloved season, I compiled the top 10 reasons why winter beats summer, spring, and fall’s seasonal asses every year.

[Click on any image to view the slideshow.]

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Holiday season is by far my favorite time of the year. It’s a season of excessive desserts, eggnog, sample sales, boots and of course, lots and lots of gifts.

What’s not to love?!

No matter which holiday you celebrate, gift giving is a staple of the holiday season. But there is some major pressure when picking out a gift for that special someone. And in this not-so-fabulous economy, a lot of people don’t have the resources to buy the perfect gift anymore.

Well, like I always say, if you can’t buy it make it. (Okay, so I don’t usually say that on day-to-day basis, but you get my point.)

Homemade gifts can be some of the most cherished and beloved gifts. There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up as they unwrap and enjoy a gift you made especially for them. But not all homemade gifts are created equal. Frankly, some just plain blow. Hard. Re-gifted presents and macaroni necklaces won’t cut it anymore, so I’ve rounded up a list of the best homemade gifts that don’t suck.

Any type of baked good. Except fruitcake. That junk is gross.
Seriously though, don’t give someone a fruit-cake. That’s like slapping someone in the face or saying “You are so unimportant to me that I baked you this unappetizing and incredibly inedible looking cake.” Need some ideas? Check these out.

Scrapbooks & Calendars
Pull out your markers, construction paper, and pick your best photos to craft the perfect photobook or calendar featuring you and your favorite friends. Or if you’re not feeling like Martha, head to Shutterfly to craft an online photobook or calendar yourself. It’s easy, fun, and shows someone that you put time and thought into their gift.

No Sewing Skills Necessary Fleece Blanket
This blanket is a no-crafting-skills-needed fleece blanket, perfect for keeping someone warm throughout the holidays. Pick fleece fabrics in fun colors or prints unique to the very lucky recipient of the gift! And if you’re feeling extra generous, throw in a copy of their favorite movie, a box of hot cocoa and some popcorn for the ultimate winter night activity.

Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar
I mean… it’s cookies in a jar. Where could you go wrong with this adorable idea? All you need is a mason jar and the ingredients for baking cookies. Fairly simple. You can make them in bulk and wrap the mason jars in pretty festive holiday ribbons!

Camel Cape for your Fashionista Friend
My favorite DIY queen, Erica Domesek of P.S. – I Made This…., gives you step by step instructions and pictures for this perfectly trendy (and warm!) camel cape. This will be the perfect gift for your fashionable friends.

Family Recipe Book
If you’re known for you superb cooking skills (or how hot you look in an apron), this could be the perfect gift to give your hungry friends. Put together a list of your best concoctions and give the gift of Betty Crocker.

Chocolate covered spoons for Java Junkies and Chocoholics
These delectable dessert treats are perfect for your coffee junkie and chocoholic friends.

What You’ll Need: Some plastic spoons, ribbon, sprinkles, and melting chocolate.
What You’ll Do: Melt the chocolate, and dip the plastic spoons in the chocolate. Add sprinkles or java chips! Let the chocolate spoons cool and harden on wax paper in the freezer. Wrap spoons in cellophane paper and wrap with a bow. Festive and delicious!

For even more DIY gift ideas, click here and here.

Come back all week long for even more holiday gift inspiration!

[There are over 100 million sites on the Internet. 100 million! You might think you know about all the important ones (CollegeCandy, Gmail, Google, Facebook…), but there are thousands of other sweet sites out there (like FashionStake, GoFobo and CourseRank) and more showing up every day! We get it – it’s not easy or fun sifting through the crap and porn to find those gems, so we’re gonna bring the gems to you. Just sit back, kick up those feet and allow us to introduce you to the diamonds in the internet rough.]

Do you have a large group of friends you want to buy gifts for this holiday season, but lack the cash to get a great gift for each of them? (Editor’s Note: Story of my life, people. It’s hard being this popular!) Secret Santa gift exchanges are a fun solution!

If you’re not familiar with Secret Santa (also called Pollyanna or Kris Kringle), it’s a type of gift exchange where everyone in a group draws the name of someone else to purchase a gift for, instead of each person having to buy multiple gifts.

Elfster makes planning a Secret Santa exchange so much easier! To use Elfster to plan your Secret Santa, get started by registering for the site.  Once you do that,  create your gift exchange by filling out the name and description of the exchange, setting a spending limit (optional), and setting dates for signing up and exchanging gifts.  Then, use the site to send your friends an invitation e-mail to sign up and join your Secret Santa!

Once everyone has signed up, Elfster will randomly select names and send them to each participant in a confidential e-mail.

Next, search for gifts by category, price range or keyword, and add them to your own wish list that your “secret person” can use to help select a gift for you.  The site also has a feature which allows you to ask your secret person anonymous questions to help you decide what to get him or her!

By doing all the hard work for you, Elfster lets you focus on the fun parts of Secret Santa: getting (and giving) presents!

Check out what other awesome websites have been getting us all hot and bothered.

The holiday seasons are all about eating too many dips, spending way too much money on frenemy gifts, and watching Elf on repeat. This year we’re prepared to take the stress and the frustration out of holiday gift giving by giving you the ultimate gift guides to buying the perfect presents for your favorite people (and we’re splitting into 3 different price ranges so you can choose the gift based on how much you actually like the person!). So set this series as your favorite because all week we’re bringing you the best.

‘Tis better to give than receive, right?  Well, technically speaking.  Except when it comes time to figure out what the hell you’re getting the man in your life this Christmas.  And they say we’re hard to shop for!?  Psh, please. Give me a couple Twizzlers and a three-karat diamond and I’m just peachy.  (Sarcasm?)

To ease the process of avoiding iTunes gift certificate and the ever classic “here’s a card and a blow job,” here are a few alternative ideas…

[Click on any image to start the gallery.]

Need more ideas? Come back all week for ideas to give everyone on your list (the BFFs, the parental units, the party girls in your life…) this year!

[There are over 100 million sites on the Internet. 100 million! You might think you know about all the important ones (CollegeCandy, Gmail, Google, Facebook…), but there are thousands of other sweet sites out there (like GoFobo, FashionStake, and Philo) and more showing up every day! We get it – it’s not easy or fun sifting through the crap and porn to find those gems, so we’re gonna bring the gems to you. Just sit back, kick up those feet and allow us to introduce you to the diamonds in the internet rough.]

The holidays are almost here again, and if you haven’t finished (or even started) your gift shopping yet, you’re in luck: it’s almost Black Friday.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the biggest shopping day of the year.  Malls are absolutely crazy on this day: expect huge crowds, long lines at checkout, and parking lot road rage… but if you’re willing to brave all that (and wear a helmet), you can get some amazing deals.

Black-Friday.net posts leaked ads and sale info for Black Friday ahead of time, giving you an edge over the other shoppers.  Come up with your plan of attack before hitting the stores by searching through the ads (which are organized by store and product category) and making a list of items you want to purchase–there’s even a feature on Black-Friday.net that lets you create one and either save it or print it out!  Then, when Friday morning rolls around, you’ll be able to enter each store and go straight for what you need, cutting down on the amount of time you’ll have to spend dealing with all the craziness…and the risk of losing that $9.99 42-inch plasma TV.

As great as Black Friday is, it’s not the only day to find great discounts on holiday gifts.  On Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, there are tons of amazing deals on the internet–and Black-Friday.net has information on those as well!  Big online retailers like Amazon and Overstock have specials and major markdowns, and other stores will offer Cyber Monday sales on their websites in addition to their Black Friday deals.

So whether or not you’re willing to brave the malls on Black Friday or prefer to do all your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home on Cyber Monday, Black-Friday.net has you covered so you can score all the best deals!

Romance?  No.
Chocolate?  No again.
Flowers?  Absolutely not.

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is about spending two weeks trying to find the perfect gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend and often failing miserably. Then spending another two weeks talking about said failure with your friends. It’s exhausting and its not what should be occupying your time.

This year, instead of you and your partner both exerting your energy worrying about getting each other the “perfect gift,” why not focus on gifts you can share together? It takes the stress off of your shoulders and brings the focus back to what this holiday is really about: spending time with the one you luuuurve.

Sexy Lingerie. While possibly a little bit cliché, this gift will always work (especially when you bust it out again in March, April…you get the point).  You get to look really hot in some expensive Victoria’s Secret get-up and he gets to get hot when he sees you. Then you both get to enjoy what happens next. And again in the morning.

Weekend Getaway. If you’ve been dating for a long time and you want to do something ultra romantic, plan a weekend trip to a bed-and breakfast.  Spend the days wandering in and out of shops in the cozy little town and the nights snuggling in your quaint little room. If that’s too much to plan, booking a nice hotel in your college town for the night is a cheaper and easier alternative. It may not seem like much, but it’s amazing what a clean room without roommates can do.

Concert Tickets. If candy and chocolate is not your thing, check out who’s playing around town and split a pair of tickets with your man.  If that sounds too pricey, you can also always look up an open mic night or a café concert for something different, intimate and special.

A Date Day. Instead of doing gifts, plan an over-the-top date! Get breakfast together, come home and watch a movie, feed each other chocolate, cook a meal together, spend the night together…anything that keeps the two of you together for the entire day.  Valentine’s Day is a great day to just be with the person you love (cheesy, but true) and just clearing your schedule for the other person can sometimes be enough.  So enjoy!

Hearing me out? Read on.

- If you want to go traditional, mix up the monotony. Candy and flowers are nice and don’t break the bank, but apparently they are not great for the planet, so why not choose something a bit different this year? A box of fair-trade, organic chocolates won’t run you more than 20 bucks, and they’re made with more care and better-quality ingredients than that Russell Stover collection.

- Does your boo like to spin the tunes? Make him a mix CD. I know, I know—that’s so sixth grade—but really, it’s a very thoughtful gift that can’t come from anyone except you. Go through your playlist and mountains of CDs to pick out songs that remind you of that special someone, burn ‘em off, and make a pretty liner and cover for the CD. Done!

- Are you the anti-Martha Stewart? That’s all the more reason for you to get down in the kitchen and cook up a meal and dessert that will have your lover falling at your feet (out of devotion rather than food poisoning, we hope). Dust off that cookbook, because you know he’ll appreciate your effort of putting together something special just for him (and staying home is way more romantic than attempting to snuggle in an overcrowded restaurant). Buy top-quality ingredients, and leave yourself plenty of time to prepare. And hey, if all goes south, take-out Chinese is way under $30.

- You crafters out there might enjoy making a scrapbook for the one you love. There are a few costs up front—the actual book and the craft materials—but the rewards are great if you happen to be dating someone who is a hopeless romantic at heart and will flip through the book over and over again. Toss in pictures, movie-ticket stubs, e-mails the two of you have sent each other… Whatever reminds you of your relationship in a happy way is a go.

- Finally, try giving the gift of yourself, since there’s clearly nothing hotter (or cheaper…not in that way!) out there. Grab a sexy lingerie set (there are tons of hot, cheap options out there), scatter some rose petals from your sweetie’s door all the way to his bed, light a few candles for ambiance, then give him something he’ll never forget. Could there be a better gift? We think not.