Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Sign up for Opinion Outpost – I made $150 so far in Amazon Gift Cards

 
Rewards include  cash, Amazon gift cards, game points, donations to your favorite charities, and more. Everyone is also automatically entered to a $10,000 sweepstakes by joining and taking surveys. Sign up Here
The minimum cash out for Paypal is $10 and only $5 for Amazon gift cards.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Jewelry in Candles

Two things almost any girl loves-

Jewelry


and


Candles.



Jewelry in Candles gives you both and for a fantastic price.  I was recently lucky enough to be given the chance to try both the JIC (Jewelry in Candles) tarts as well as an actual candle by the lovely and dedicated Ms. Suzanne.

LOVE IT.

The tarts smelled amazing...seriously....citrus with a hint of something else but definitely left my office smelling lovely..Love Potion is a real winner.  I got a pair of the cutest earrings.... see below:












Darling aren't they? 


Now I did say that I got to review both the tarts and the candle and well...I still haven't gotten to see what "goodie" I got in my candle (they hid that sucker good) but here is what I can tell you. 


Neapolitan isn't just for ice cream anymore. 

This candle is luscious and thankfully stays off my hips.  Here are the initial pictures. 








I burn this while I am cooking and it makes me want to go out for ice cream so bad!

They have many scents and they come with different types of jewelry including necklaces. 


Wanna try one for yourself?

Click here!

Got a question? Suzanne can answer them!  Find her here!!!

Wanna join in this amazing venture and make some summer money? Click here!!!











Free $2.00 in Points for ShopYourWay

 
Screen Shot 2014-05-21 at 9.17.29 AM
Sponsored Link
 
You can score Free Kmart and Sears Credit which can be used to score FREE STUFF!  You will get a Surprise Amount of credits. The points will NOT be added to your account right away. They will be added  on 5/25.
  1. Sign up for personal shopper: CLICK HERE and hit  “I Agree to Personal Shopper Terms and Conditions”.
  2. Click here for the Kmart AD, Look for the photo as pictured above and click on it to see how many points you get.  <–$1
  3. Click Here  for the Sears AD , Look for the photo as pictured above and click on it to see how many points you get. <–$1
HELPFUL TIPS:
  • If it keeps asking you to log in – MAKE SURE YOU ARE LOGGED INTO YOUR SHOPYOURWAY ACCOUNT. If that does not work – switch browsers.
  • If you get a message that they do not have any ad’s for your zipcode, enter 90001
  • **THE POINTS WILL NOT BE ADDED TO YOUR ACCOUNT RIGHT AWAY** The first 7,000 members to view the LocalAd and click “get started” will be awarded $1.00 in points (1000 points) to use 5/25/14 thru 5/31/14.Ask to redeem your points at checkout, in store or online. Limit one per member. Offer ends 5/22/2014 or sooner. By accepting Shop Your WaySM member benefits and offers, you agree to the Shop Your WaySM terms and conditions, available at www.shopyourway.com/terms.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Yeah- I coupon- why don't you?

So several years ago I use to coupon hard core- I also had more room than I have now, more time than I have now and well more of everything that what I have now. But my friend Maria got me back into and this weekend we decided we were going to hit the stores and see what deals we could grab.

Well Stores ended up being CVS. I love CVS and there is one right next to my house so that makes it even better. Saving money and saving gas- win win!


I did three trips this weekend and here is my haul:

First Trip-


OOP- $7.48  TMC- Approximately $52

Second trip was after work...didn't grab as much but came out better with the OOP cost:


$1.77 OOPS   TMC- Approx $15-$20


My Last trip I got some big items, namely the Aveeno which retail for $7.49 a pop- and the Crest BE which is $4.99 a box. 
OOP:  $20.24  TMC: $53


Recap:

All Laundry Pods- 4
Edge Shaving Cream- 4
Skintamite Shaving Cream- 1
Toothpaste- 6
Mouthwash- 2
Dawn Dish Soap- 8
Aveeno Body Wash- 3
Playtex Sport- 1

Approximate Cost of Merchandise: $125.00
Total Out of Pocket Cost: $29.49

That is 24% of the total cost meaning I saved 76%.



Yeah- I love couponing...



So yeah- I coupon.....



And why aren't you?


Friday, June 14, 2013

How to Make Deodorant Cream

How to Make Deodorant Cream via http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/06/how-to-make-deodorant-cream/

how to make deodorant cream by Frugally Sustainable
The skin is our body’s largest organ…
…and everything we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Today — with modern farming and mass production processes the way they are – be assured…there are so many toxic chemicals added to commercially-prepared body care products! Chemicals known to adversely affect the body’s immune system, reproductive system, and nervous system.
Years ago — around the time that I took the dive head-first into natural health — I started looking for alternatives to commercially-prepared EVERYTHING. Starting with locally-grown foods to medicinal salves to making my own shampoo…I found that where there is a will there’s a way!
Likewise, I immediately became curious about all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant.
My entire life prior, I had been an avid anti-perspirant user — the feeling of being sweaty just grossed me out – and initially it was all the correlations made between using that and getting breast cancer…that got the wheels turning. Then when my mother was diagnosed with, and won her battle against, breast cancer…I left anti-perspirants without hesitancy.
There are many reasons why we should be concerned about using anti-perspirants and commercially-prepared deodorants! Here are just a few:
  1. There are hidden dangers in the active ingredients of conventional deodorant (i.e. Aluminum, Parabens, Propylene glycol, Phthalates, and Triclosan). Current researchshows a strong link between anti-perspirants containing aluminum and Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, birth defects, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. These potentially hazardous chemicals have no place in our homes and certainly no place under our arms.
  2. Let the body do what the body will do! I believe that when we attempt to inhibit the natural functions of the body we negatively effect the rhythms created for a purpose. Humans were meant to sweat.
It was all of these concerns combined that led me to create my own solution.
Since then, I have created several natural deodorants that have been used by many with AMAZING success:
All of these are the traditional stick variety.
Recently — and after the request of several of you – my creative drive kicked in and I set out on a Deodorant Cream making mission.
Deodorant Cream Recipe
Ingredients
-2 ounces (approx. 4 tablespoons) shea butter
-2 ounces (approx. 4 tablespoons) sesame oil
-1 ounce (approx. 2 tablespoons) non-nano zinc oxide powder
-5 tablespoons arrowroot powder
-0.5 ounces (approx. 1 tablespoon) raw beeswax
-1/2 teaspoon non-GMO vitamin E oil
Optional Ingredients
***I love adding a few of these ingredients. They are optional — and add tons of odor-fighting goodness — but not necessary for effective use of this product.
-aloe vera extract
-comfrey leaf extract
-calendula extract
-essential oils of choice
Method
  1. Using a kitchen scale, measure the ingredients.
  2. In a double boiler or small pot, melt shea butter, sesame oil, and beeswax over low heat.
  3. Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly.
  4. Add arrowroot powder and zinc powder. Whisk until all powders are dissolved and well combined.
  5. Add vitamin E oil, extracts, and essential oils (if using) at this time. Stir.
  6. Pour mixture to a sterile container — one such as these – and allow to cool on counter.
  7. Label product and store at room temperature. Shelf stable for at least one year, depending on quality of ingredients used.
To Use
Using fingertips, apply to underarms daily or after showering. A little goes a long way!
Notes
-Zinc Oxide. For safety’s sake, be sure to use only non-nano zinc oxide. Zinc oxide powder is not only a sun protectant, but an antioxidant that is able to soothe, protect and help heal the skin. Likewise, it contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal propertiesNon-nano zinc oxide is not absorbed by the body and has been proven to present a very low risk to human health.
-Sesame Oil. For centuries, this oil had been widely used as healing oil for all sorts of health problems. Its’ quick penetrating, highly-stable (low risk of rancidity), anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties make it best suited for all skin types. Used topically, common skin invectives such as staphylococcus and streptococcus can be easily eliminated by the regular application of oil on the skin.
-Beeswax. Beeswax – one of nature’s most incredible raw materials –  provides a superb germ-killing, protective barrier for the delicate skin under the arms.
Where Can I Get This Stuff?
-Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need for this remedy! I LOVE the quality of their oils and essential oils. It’s your one-stop-shop!
-The Bulk Herb Store also carries a few of these ingredients if you’d like to price check.
-From Nature With Love likewise carries a HUGE selection of high-quality raw materials.
I do have this Deodorant Cream available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

How To Make Homemade Blush

ViaV

Keep in mind that with all makeup there is a continuum of “what works” for every individual. This is especially true when we start making things like bronzer, blush, or foundation. What works for me may not work for you. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to adjust and adapt this recipe to work with your skin tones and desired outcome.
With that in mind, you should probably know that I’m extremely pale. And I’m not a huge makeup person. Therefore, my blush of choice is light and subtle. So rather than give you an exact recipe, I’m giving you the jumping off point to find your perfect shade. Are you ready?
All natural homemade blush. Easy and awesome!

All natural homemade blush. Easy and awesome!

Monday, April 29, 2013

How To Make A Solid Perfume Locket...

This is a fantastic tutorial for making your own solid perfume with a sensual, seductive aroma and only natural ingredients. Plus it can be stored in a beautiful locket which gives it an almost antique like feel. This wonderful tutorial comes to via (http://www.designsponge.com)
Creating your own solid perfume is extremely satisfying. One of the joys of having a solid fragrance is that you can easily carry it with you, or even wear it on your body in a locket, without worrying about it spilling. I like to make perfume in small and beautiful containers that grow more precious and treasured with use. You can enjoy the experience of applying a solid perfume unobtrusively throughout the day in an earthy and sensual ritual that is quite different from dabbing on a liquid perfume. Solid perfume will scent only you, not the environment around you.


Materials
  • 1 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil (available at whole foods and natural grocery stores)
  • 7 drops frankincense essential oil (you can get some of Mandy’s essential oils here)
  • 7 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
  • 5 drops fresh ginger essential oil
  • 6 drops wild sweet orange essential oil
  • heaping 1/2 tsp. grated beeswax (available here)
  • eyedroppers (available at drug stores)
  • small nonmetal pan for melting wax
  • shot glass or small cup
  • small compact or pillbox for finished perfume
Instructions
1. Pour jojoba oil into the shot glass. Add the drops of all four essential oils to the jojoba oil and stir.

2. Melt the heaping 1/2 teaspoon of beeswax.


3. Remove from heat and stir in the jojoba/perfume blend.

4. Reheat for just 10 seconds, stirring.

5. Immediately pour the mixture into your container.

6. Let cool undisturbed for 15 minutes.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Somethings are more Important.....


This hits home to me more and more as I find myself missing out on things and giving up things to make a paycheck, there has to be a way to find a balance or otherwise focus more on the things that are important.
SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?"
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?"
SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make $100 an hour."
SON: "Oh! (With his head down).
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow $50?"
The father was furious.
DAD: "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $ 50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

DAD: "Are you asleep, son?"

SON: "No daddy, I'm awake".
DAD: "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $50 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling.
SON: "Oh, thank you daddy!"
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

DAD: "Why do you want more money if you already have some?"

SON: "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do.

"Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $100 worth of your time with someone you love? If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

Some things are more important.



Friday, April 12, 2013

14 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy...

Ease the pain, itching and swelling associated with poison ivy with these 14 home remedies using ingredients you already have in your home and garden. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all contain the same substance (urushiol) which can trigger an allergic reaction that leads to rashes, itchiness and painful swelling. 


First wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any traces of the urushiol (especially helpful if done within the first 30 minutes of contact). Washing contact area in a heavy salt water or meat tenderizer and water mixture is helpful too.
Once the residue has been washed off, and if done quickly after exposure, you may get lucky and have no reaction at all!
If itching, redness or rash, blistering or painful swelling occurs over the next day or so, try one of these remedies:



  • Baking Soda Bath: Use lots of baking soda and hot water (as hot as you can stand it).
  • Epsom Salt Wrap: To help with itching, dip a clean cloth in a strong solution of Epsom salts & water then cover the affected area with the cloth and bandage.
  • Mint Tea Bath: Either toss a few bags of peppermint tea into a tub of hot water or add handfuls of freshly picked mint, let “steep” for a few minutes before soaking in bath. Can also make a batch of “Tea” by brewing a pot of strong peppermint tea, allow it to cool then soak cloths in tea and apply to affected skin as a cool compress (or just dab with a cotton ball). Regular tea can also be helpful (make it strong and chill first before using).
  • Jewelweed Infusion: Either rub the affected skin with the “sap” from a broken stem of jewelweed or fill a pot with the herb (including stems & flowers), cover with water then bring to a boil. Simmer until it has been reduced by half. Strain, refrigerate and use topically on affected skin. Can also freeze into ice cubes or small packs and use as needed so if you have a bunch growing nearby, stock up on it when it’s in season and prepare a batch to use year round.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar & Oatmeal Bath: Add 1 cup of each to a bath and soak. Can try dabbing apple cider vinegar on rash for relief.
  • Oatmeal Paste: Mix water and oatmeal to make a paste then apply to affected area, allow to dry before reapplying.
  • Mint Lard Salve: Roughly tear a handful of catnip or mint leaves, toss them in a pan and add a half block of lard. Melt over medium heat then reduce to low heat and let slowly cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with lid and allow to cool awhile. While the lard is somewhat warm and still liquid, remove any large bits of the leaves then pour off the lard into a clean glass jar. Allow to set then use as a salve on affected areas.
  • Diaper Rash or Hemorrhoid Ointment: If you’re in a pinch and have one of these on hand, they can help reduce the painful itch and swelling.
  • White Household Vinegar: Either add a few cups to bath water or dab directly onto skin. Can mix with salt before applying.
  • Buttermilk: Add a couple cups to bath water or mix with a bit of sea salt and dab directly onto skin.
  • Honey: Smear over rash area as needed for relief.
  • Banana peel: Rub the inside of the peel over the affected area.
  • Calamine Lotion: Apply generously on skin as often as needed.
  • Aloe Vera Gel: Apply over affected area as often as needed.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

How To Make "Fake" (& Natural) Febreze For Just $0.15 Per Bottle...

Did you know you can make a bottle of Febreeze for just $0.15? Plus, this Febreeze (if you use the natural alternative I suggest) is completely natural. IMPORTANT: The recipe calls for the use of fabric softener. Commercially available fabric softener is toxic so replace that with homemade fabric softener instead or simply add essential oils.A Big thank you goes to (http://starneslifefamilylove.blogspot.co.uk)




What you'll need:
1/8 Cup of fabric softener (I used Downy April Fresh)
2 tablespoons Baking Soda
Hot tap water
Spray bottle (I used my empty 27 oz. Febreze bottle)

Preparation:
Using a funnel, pour fabric softener and baking soda into your spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with hot tap water and shake well. Don't forget to twist the nozzle over to the LOCK position if you're using a Febreze bottle, or you might fall on your hiney. Now go spray every fabric surface in your house and take a nap on your very comfortable and now un-stinky couch. :)


Homemade Fabric Softener
Ingredients: Can double this recipe
  • 3 cups warm water
  • 1.5 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup natural conditioner (you could use non-natural conditioner too to save money)
  • essential oil (optional. I accidentally bought a conditioner that smelled terrible! But with some orange essential oil it smelled fantastic. Just add enough drops till you can smell it)
Direction: Pour all ingredients into a half gallon container and stir. Don’t shake or it will make an extreme mess! Add essential oils if desired and stir again!
To use: Add the same amount you would the store bought kind about 1/4 cup during the rinse cycle.





Tuesday, April 9, 2013

DIY Scented Plugin With Essential Oils


Plug-in air fresheners are not good for our homes. Like most commercial air “fresheners” they contain toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to our health.
Just some of the side effects of these products include: infertility, headaches, nervous system disorders, memory loss and even cancer. But, luckily, I just came across a fantastic tutorial which reveals how to get rid of this horrible toxic liquid and replace it with health giving, wonderfully fragrant, toxin free essential oils. (via: http://holycrickey.tumblr.com)



1. remove the wick part (which ironically looks like a cigarette) empty and rinse out the bulb
2. find an oil you like. i chose peppermint because its pretty cheap and it makes my house smell cool and clean. i highly recommend orange, lavender, cinnamon, roman chamomile, clary sage, lemon, rose, grapefruit, jasmine or ylang ylang oil. 
3. pour the oil into the bulb
4. i fill it up about 1/3 of the way but it will last lay longer if you do the whole thing. 
5. fill the rest of the bulb with water, but not to the top or else inserting the wick with make it spill. put the wick back in the bulb.
6. screw it back into the plug in part and enjoy refreshing, healing air that won’t make your hair fall out.