In today’s economic climate, many find it an extreme challenge to get ahead and keep money in their pockets. With gas prices off the charts, the price of food climbing the ladder with ferocity, and the costs of housing, phones, children, etc., life can carry with it overwhelming financial stress. However, money saving options do exist in the world, providing a plethora of outlets; helping to pinch those pennies and ultimately save money for those more important things in life. While many may cut out coupons from the daily newspaper, other highly valuable options do exist. Websites such as Ebates, Mr. Rebates, iGive, and UPromise not only offer easier, more convenient shopping alternatives, but they also offer great deals in receiving coupons, rebates, and guided information regarding keeping the cash in your wallet.

Ebates

How it Works:
This company was started in 1998 by two District Attorneys with reputations of prosecuting those committing fraud and identity theft.

The website offers 21 categories for shopping, including Baby & Kids, Clothing, and Music & Movies.

In order to get any rebates or coupons, one must set up a free membership through the website. Upon doing so, a member has instant access to savings. Simply select a category and see the websites that provide a certain percentage of cash back. For example, if a person is interested in purchasing toys, and a toy store is offering 8% cash back on all purchases, a member must click on the website offered through Ebates. Ebates will take note, adding an 8% total of whatever is spent to the member’s account. It’s that simple. Four times a year or more, Ebates will send a check to the member via snail mail or directly to his or her Paypal account. If a member chooses to do so, Ebates will also donate the rebate to the member’s favorite charity.

There is also a section at the bottom of Ebates entitled “Ebates Daily Double”. Here resides a section for those companies who have doubled their rebate value. Taking a look at the Daily Double provides an excellent opportunity for saving.

Mr. Rebates

How it Works:
Mr. Rebates, launched in 2002, offers 2000+ online stores to shop from. The Better Business Bureau gives this site an A+ rating.

Similar to Ebates, Mr. Rebates encompasses the same saving concept. However, Mr. Rebates adds a number of categories to its shopping list, for instance: Automotive, Garden, and Green Shopping.
Typically, the rebate confirmation will only take 3-5 business days through this website. However, it may take up to 30 in some cases. Choosing a category through this site will not only provide what coupons are available, but the cash back percentage. Mr. Rebates also has the option of friend referral, offering more money to those friends accepting the request, and using the service.

iGive

How it Works:
Just like Ebates and Mr. Rebates, iGive allows a member to set up an account, taking advantage of many shopping opportunities. However, this site adds its own little flair. Upon setting up an account, a member will be asked which cause he or she would like money donated to. For example, if a person wants to rescue retired greyhounds, iGive will donate the rebates acquired to whichever greyhound rescue charity the member chooses. An excellent source for charities who need funds, iGive provides extra funds for those needing it most.

upromise

How it Works:
This site, like the others, transforms rebates, providing them to those seeking out a college education in the future. Here, a member may choose a budding child, be it a daughter or son, grandchild, or niece or nephew, and put the rebate money aside, saving it for that child’s college education.

Each of these sites provides a great deal of savings; the perfect way to keep cash in your pocket or the ideal way to donate to those you feel need it most.

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Jeff Acaits is a freelance writer who has previously covered personal finance matters including private student loans.

Photo courtesy of Free Web Photos

Have you ever wondered how to get that red carpet movie star look without breaking the bank?  Let’s face it, in these economic times, we are not as willing to go to Sephora, Ulta or other high end retailers to get those key products we love to make us look fabulous. And, if you are like me, you are a drug store beauty junkie who loves scoring amazing quality products that deliver the look for less. Discover the best drug store makeup and tips on applying makeup!

To begin with, one of the keys to making drug store makeup look fabulous is to first determine which brands deliver high impact intensity and quality.  This may mean you have to do some research on the internet.  It may mean that you discover these products through trial and error. I have found that some of the best drug store makeup brands include Milani, Wet n Wild, L’oreal, Black Opal and NYX.  The other key to making drug store makeup look fabulous which is just as important, if not more, is the technique or method of application and the tools you use to perfect the look you are going for.

Eyeshadows

Start off with an eyeshadow primer such as Lumene Eyeshadow Primer to even out the color of your eyelid, prevent creasing and intensify the color of your eyeshadow. You can even use your foundation powder or a concealer to prime the eyelid. Next, apply the shadows with good quality brushes such as Essence of Beauty.  Please do not use the little applicators that come in the compact.  Also, when applying eyeshadow, use a pack and blend method instead of rubbing which breaks down pigments.  Again, please blend blend blend because there is nothing worse than looking like you just slapped on some eyeshadow.

Brushes

To begin with, good makeup brushes are very important tools which will ensure you get the best application. Six basic brushes that you to have in your kit have are: powder brush for applying loose/pressed powders, blush brush, concealer brush, eyeshadow contour brush (which can also be used for blending) for creating depth, small/medium eyeshadow brush for all over application, smudge brush to create softer eyeliner. Brushes come with synthetic and natural hairs. Synthetic hairs are best used for creams such as cream eyeliners and lipsticks, whereas natural hairs are best for powder products.

Brows

Brows give shape and dimension to the face, so start off with making sure your brows are groomed.  This can mean waxing, tweezing, or shaving.  I personally have been using Ardell Cold Wax strips which are very easy to use.  They come with 21 shaping strips for above and below the brow.  If you need to fill in your brows:  lightly fill in with a powder such as Ardell Brow Defining Powder or use a pencil to fill (with light feather strokes) such as Beautique Brow Pencils which are soft and sharpen very nicely.

Foundations

For foundations, start with good skincare which should include cleansing, toning (optional), treatments, moisturizer/suncreen.  When your skin is in good condition, your foundation goes on more smoothly and will only need to be used to polish your look instead of performing a massive cover up.  After your skincare regimen, use a foundation primer such as Rimmell Fix & Perfect Primer to smooth out your skin and keep your foundation on longer.  And please make sure your foundation matches.  Test your foundation along your jawline.  It should match your neck.  If applying liquid, use a foundation brush instead of your fingers for better coverage.  If you are using a powder you can either use the latex sponge that comes in the compact for fuller coverage or use a powder brush for more sheer coverage. If you are using a cream to powder, use a stippling brush.  Next apply your concealer, if necessary, and then blend.  Set with a finishing powder.

Lips

Begin with an exfoliant to slough off dead skin.  Use a lip liner that is close to your natural lip color or that is very close to the lip color you are using.  Fill in your lip.  By doing so, you not only give shape and definition to your lips but the lip liner will also help the lip color adhere to your lips longer, providing longer lasting wear.  Next apply lip color with a lip brush for precision application.

Blush

Again, please don’t use the applicator that comes in the compact.  Use a blush brush with longer bristles so that you get more of a wash of color on the cheeks and don’t look like a clown.

With these tips and the right products, you are well on your way to looking fabulous on a budget!

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Khalilah Neals is founder K. Neals Management, a makeup artistry, beauty, and image management company providing services for all occassions. With 12 years experience in bridal, runway and film, Khalilah has a passion for bringing out the best in her clients. Her artistic and analytical eye for detail has made her a sought after makeup artist. Khalilah has years of management experience with several beauty/clothing retailers such as bebe, Cache and Sephora and has worked as head makeup artist on several independent films and television shows. She teaches her 4 point makeup consultations to clients, provides wardrobe consultations which includes revamping and maximization and has recently participated as one of the makeup artists for DC Fashion Week. For more information, visit www.knealsmgt.com

Image courtesy of: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Rule #1 – Be open minded!
Don’t go shopping for a specific item because you probably won’t find it! If you go in looking for a size 8, black cocktail dress, you’ll likely come out empty handed. Instead, go in looking for a cocktail dress and look at sizes 6, 8 and 10 because alterations work miracles!

Rule #2 – Shop often!
Take the time to browse Goodwill and Thrift Stores regularly since the inventory changes daily! Remember, browse does not always mean buy! Consider your shopping excursions “treasure hunts” because you won’t always find a treasure! I promise, once you discover your first amazing deal…you’ll be hooked!

Rule #3 – Be friendly with employees!
Make friends with an employee, and you just might be able to get them to call you when a certain item comes in! This is especially true at consignment stores. My mother is a knitter, and one of her “friends” called her when 100+ skeins of yarn were donated and put on sale for 25¢ each! Being friendly might also help you bargain on the price!

Rule #4 – A bargain is only a bargain if you can use it!
Only buy items you absolutely LOVE! If you start buying items just because they’re a bargain, you’ll quickly run out of space!

Rule #5 – Use your imagination!
Look beyond the chipped paint or tarnished silver, and imagine what a good cleaning or fresh coat of paint will do! I have a friend that loves to brag about her $10 chair – it was a thrift store treasure that was in perfect condition, but it had very dated upholstery. Of course, she had to spend a bit on new fabric, but the chair now looks like something out of a designer magazine!

Rule #6 – Shop in upscale neighborhoods
Yes, you can find consignment shops and thrift stores in upscale neighborhoods, and this is where the treasures are waiting! Cocktail dresses abound in these stores because many of the woman in these neighborhoods attend charity functions regularly and will not wear the same dress twice! My teenage have a closet full of Polo and Jos. A. Bank khaki shorts all from Goodwill, all for $5!

Please click on the title of this article to let me know what treasures you have found when shopping thrift stores and consignment shops.

Nothing said I<3U like DIY. Make Mom smile this Mother’s Day with these homemade spa gifts. (She doesn’t have to know they weren’t expensive.)

Vitamin E Facial Scrub Recipe
• 1 cup salt (fine)
• 15 drops vitamin E oil
• 2 tsp olive oil
• ¼ bar leftover glycerin soap (or regular gentle soap)

You know those scraps of bar soap that are so small that they slip through the shower caddy and don’t lather well at the sink? Don’t throw them out! Instead, use them to make your mom a moisturizing (yet exfoliating) facial scrub. She’ll never know parts of it were recycled.

Use a cheese grater to grate the bar of soap into a mixing bowl. It will probably clump. Pour the salt and oils into the bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a pretty jar. Label, slap a ribbon on it, and present. She can use this same scrub on her hands, feet, and joints, too.

Remind your mom that, as with all facial scrubs, she should never scrub her face so much as massage it, since scrubbing can damage and irritate skin cells, causing dryness and even blemishes.

Antioxidant Sugar Scrub Recipe
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp Epsom salt
• 3 green tea bags
• 10 tsp olive oil
• 2 tsp honey

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl (including the tea; pour in the leaves and discard the tea bags). Add the oil and mix, then the honey, and mix. Pour the homemade sugar scrub into a pretty jar, label, and you’re done. Green tea contains wonderful antioxidants to slow the skin’s aging process, as does honey. Olive oil (and honey) moisturize stressed skin while the sugar and salt will slough away dead skin cells.

Calming Rose Facial Toner Recipe
• 1 cup rose water (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup chamomile tea
• ¾ cup witch hazel

The color won’t be rosy and pretty, but this facial toner will change Mom’s skin for the better. Witch hazel is a well-known astringent, and rose water and chamomile tea will together calm and soothe damaged skin.

To make your own rose water, place 2 cups of fresh rose petals (make sure they’re organic; Mom doesn’t need pesticides in her pores) into a saucepan with just over 2 cups of water. Let it simmer over heat until half of the water has evaporated. Cool, strain, and pour into a jar.

Brew a pot of boiling water, pour into a measuring cup, and walk away for 15 minutes. When the water feels like a warm bath to touch, add the chamomile tea. (Adding tea to boiling water is the surest way to burn the leaves and produce a bitter beverage. Plus, the best nutrients come out at lukewarm temperatures.)
Add the tea to the jar and then add witch hazel. Label and provide a small packet of cotton pads.

Mom’s Spa Door Hanger
• Felt (two colors)
• Fabric glue
• 30” Ribbon
• 3X5” index card

Cut two 9”X7” rectangles of felt in your mom’s favorite color and then a 4”X6” rectangle in white. Cut a 2”X4” window in the white sheet.

Prepare a 30” ribbon and glue to the short sides of one of the two larger pieces of felt. Continue applying glue along all edges of the felt, but leave a 2” space at the center of the bottom edge. You’ll add stuffing through there.

Place the second piece of felt in the same color on top of the one with glue and press down.

Glue the edge of the white piece of felt to the center of the larger felt to create a window, where you’ll write a message. Let the glue dry before continuing.
Fill the pillow with cotton balls or tissue (and a few pinches of potpourri, if you’re game) so it’s just barely puffed, not bursting at the so-called seams. Glue shut and let dry. Write a message, like “Spa Zone: Do Not Disturb,” on a card to display. See full instructions here.

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Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching Pfizer scholarships as well as non-profit management scholarships. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

One of the most common complaints that people have about their teeth is that they’re discolored. So many things can affect the color of the teeth. Drinking soda, wine, coffee, smoking, and eating highly pigmented foods can all result in the yellowish tinge that everyone hates.

If a person has some extra money to spend, they could always visit their dentist for a quick whitening treatment. Unfortunately, in this economy, most people don’t have the extra money to spend on teeth whitening and dental insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost. This is why an increasing number of people are getting creative and looking in their own cabinets for products that can help.

Are There Low Cost Ways to Whiten My Teeth?
Teeth whitening is one of those beauty treatments that sounds difficult and expensive, but it really isn’t – this method can fit any budget. Most people can whiten their teeth from home, using products that are already in their cabinets. However, if you have been smoking for years and are dealing with significant stains, home whitening may not be enough. These treatments are better for people that only need to get their teeth a few shades whiter, not eliminate severe stains.

Two great products for at-home teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. While this may sound a bit odd, since hydrogen peroxide is usually used to clean out cuts and scrapes, it does work. Next time you’re out shopping, look at the ingredients in a few high priced teeth whiteners and toothpastes. A lot of the time these products include hydrogen peroxide and/or baking soda.

How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home:
To whiten your smile, swap your normal mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide or mix it 1/2 & 1/2 with the mouthwash. Swish the liquid around your mouth and through your teeth for a good minute before spitting it out. Once you spit it out, go ahead and rinse your mouth with water to get the taste out.

Right after rinsing, brush your teeth using a baking soda/toothpaste mixture. To make this mixture, put a tiny bit of toothpaste into a small cup, and then mix in one teaspoon of the baking soda and half a teaspoon of water. Once the concoction has been thoroughly mixed together and is the consistency of a paste, use it to brush your teeth. Brush your teeth for two minutes, just as you do regularly, and then spit it out. Upon completion, you will have successfully created a whitening treatment comparable to many popular products you’ll find in stores.

Remember to do the two step whitening process once a week until you have reached the results you want. Once your teeth are good and white, limit yourself to using the whitening treatment once every month or two.

If done too often, this treatment will wear down the enamel on your teeth and make you more susceptible to cavities. So while you may have a white smile, you’ll also have a mouth full of sensitive teeth and cavities, which may actually be worse than a little discoloration. Fortunately, while following these steps, without overdoing it, you will be able to easily whiten your teeth, while saving hundreds on the cost of professional whitening treatments.

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About the Author:
Sally is a 29 year old writer with a passion for health and wellness, frugal living, and culinary arts. In her free time she enjoys playing with her two English bulldogs.

T.J. Maxx is located right next door to my daughter’s dance studio, so I often spend an hour browsing the T.J. Maxx bargains!

Let me tell you, if walk up and down every aisle at T.J. Maxx, you just might be amazed that the deals exist far beyond the clothing racks! Stores like T.J. Maxx are the secret to living the good life on a budget!

20 Great Things You Can Find at T.J. Maxx and probably never thought of!

1. Chi Hair Products (not the flat irons, just the shampoos and conditioners!)
2. Pet Beds
3. Skincare Products – yes, you can afford high end skincare at T.J. Maxx!
4. Fitness Balls, Yoga Mats and Weights
5. Workout Outfits
6. Undergarments to help you suck it in like Spanx at a reasonable price!
7. Skechers Shape-Ups toning shoes
8. Purses
9. Calphalon Pots and Pans
10. Dishes
11. Glasses
12. Gourmet Food Items like pasta, pasta sauce, soup mixes, coffee and salsa.
13. Scrapbook Paper and Kits
14. Notecards and Stationery
15. Accessories – an inexpensive way to add a decorative touch to your home! Don’t miss their seasonal decor!
16. Furniture – especially chairs and small tables
17. Artwork
18. Mirrors
19. Throw Pillows – a quick and inexpensive pick me up for a tired sofa!
20. Sheets – yes, you can afford Egyptian cotton!
21. Towels
22. Children’s Toys and Books
23. Baby Gifts
24. DVD’s
25. i-homes and other accessories for i-pods (my daughter told me to add this one!)

 
Please click on the title of this article to share your T.J. Maxx bargains!

We all wish we had extra money lying around to splurge on a monthly (sigh, weekly) trip to the spa, but most of us don’t have that luxury. The good news is that you’ve had a portable spa in your pantry all this time: honey. It’s going to save your skin, your bank, and the environment, since it’s all-natural and much better for the ecosystem once it goes down the drain than any chemical-laden beauty product.

Why Honey Is Great For Your Skin
1. It’s humectant, meaning it promotes moisture.
2. It’s antibacterial, meaning it kills germs on your skin while moisturizing it, so it’s acne-friendly, too.
3. It’s a source of antioxidants, meaning it slows your skin’s aging process.

Darker varieties of honey tend to have more antioxidants. Manuka honey from Australia, while more expensive, has been proven in various studies to contain more antimicrobials than other varieties.

The bottom line here is that honey in your beauty regimen is an anti-aging cleanser that doesn’t over-dry. That’s why it’s the key ingredient in countless skincare and beauty products, but companies make these products exorbitantly expensive. Why not buy the honey itself and try out these DIY recipes to be a budget beauty?

Basic Honey Mask for All Skin Types

• Just under 1 tbsp honey
• Optional drop of lavender or tea tree oil for troubled skin

Wear it during a bath (try the honey bath recipe below) or during your morning house errands routine. Just splash a clean face with warm water to open pores and apply honey that’s been mixed with just one or two drops of essential oil. Lavender is great for inflamed or troubled skin, and tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that helps with acne. Wait 15 minutes up to 1 hour and rinse with warm water.

Honey Mask for Dry Skin

• 2 tsp honey
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ tsp almond oil
• 2 tsp organic yogurt

Combine ingredients and apply to face, washing 5 to 10 minutes later with warm water and a mild facial cleanser. The egg whites cleanse your pores, the almond oil moisturizes, and yogurt exfoliates. Use full-fat yogurt for dry skin and nonfat for combination skin.

Honey-Yogurt Face Scrub

No need for plastic microbeads in this all-natural scrub. The environment, your skin, and your wallet with thank you!

• 2 tsp organic yogurt
• 2 tsp almond or oatmeal, pulsed in a food processor to a fine consistency
• 1 tsp honey

Combine ingredients and gently apply to face, using almonds or oatmeal like any scrub. Wash with warm water.

Honey Bath

Legendary beauty Cleopatra used to take a concentrated form of this very bath!

• ¼ cup of honey
• 1 cup organic milk

A good way to mix the honey with the bathwater is to pour the honey directly into a jar and add warm bathwater. Screw on jar’s lid and shake vigorously. Once the honey is mixed in the jar, pour it into the bath with the milk. Maybe try the honey hair recipe below while you lounge in luxury.

Honey Hair Mask

• 2 tbsp honey (depending on length of hair)
• 1 avocado, peeled and stoned

Mash the two ingredients in a bowl and apply to hair, not neglecting your scalp. Put on a shower cap and wash as usual 30 minutes later.

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written by: Maria Rainier
Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online universities, and what online degrees mean in an increasingly technological world. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.