Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Awesome discovery: MyCokeRewards.com



Truth be told, I drink coke: A LOT. Granted, while I mainly indulge in Coke Zero and Diet Coke, it still pains me to know that I am addicted to caffeine. However, what is great is that I finally figured out how to put my addiction to good use: www.mycokerewards.com!

Seriously, check it out. Basically, for every Coca-Cola product you drink (individual bottles and cases of cokes) there is a code number located on the bottle cap or on the case of cans. Simply register with the website, enter your codes, and wham! You get 3 points for every bottle of coke you drink, and more for the cases of coke you enter!

What do you get with these points? Well, do you like free yearly-magazine subscriptions to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Fitness, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and other popular media? When you save up 100+ points, you can get free magazine subscriptions, all for drinking soft drinks that you would have consumed any way!

Check it out, and start tallying up your points pronto!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Those dishes just won't do themselves....



With the recession still impacting the tightness of our wallets, it is important to save where we can. Fortunately, you can kill two birds with one stone by mixing your own dishwasher detergent-- not only is it all-natural (and safe), but it also is so much cheaper than the store-bought fare

First of all, add equal parts Borax andbaking soda into a Gladware, or similar product, container. I recommend using 2 cups of each, but add as much or as little as you like, as long as they are equal amounts to one another.

If you wish, add 2 cups (or whatever your decided ratio) of your regular powdered dishwasher detergent to your mixture. This is not necessary, but you can preserve your typical store-bought detergent longer by doing this.

Make sure to mix everything together very well. I like to snap the lid shut on the container and shake it for a few seconds. However, do whatever works best for you.

Add two or three tablespoons of the soap to your dishwasher. If desired, you can add some distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle, as well, to eliminate hard-water stains.

Seal your mixture tightly and place in a convenient location. Viola!

Monday, August 24, 2009

On the rocks, hold the calories...



When it comes to "budgeting," I generally refer to 3 things: money, time, and, yes, calories. Unfortunately, as a 23 year old grad student, I have a fondness not only for frugality and name-brand items, but also yummy alcoholic beverages. However, were you aware that the average frozen margarita can have about 400-600 calories, or that a 5-ounce serving of spumante (piddly amount!) can pack around 138 calories? Well, in order to have our liquor and drink it, too, I have comprised a collection of low-calorie options for alcohol. Read on!

1) First of all, never underestimate the health benefits of a red wine. The average 5-ounce serving of a dry red wine is 83 calories, which truly isn't terrible. One glass a day of red wine packs a huge punch of antioxidants, heart disease-fighting properties, and other delicious benefits. Vella (you know, the wine that comes in a large box) has an absolutely delicious red wine, properly titled "Delicious Red." For 5 liters of wine in a box, you are also chalking over a mere $13. Can it get any better than that? (Also, boxed red wine is great for having in your fridge if you like adding a bit of wine to your favorite pot roasts and other fancy recipes.)

If you are more of a fan of fruity, girly drinks (like me), then a little ol' site called Hungry Girl will be your saving grace. A blog created by the ingenious Lisa Lillen, HungryGirl offers low-cal versions of your favorite comfort and junk foods. Thankfully for us, it also offers low-cal versions of cocktails and other delicious alcoholic drinks, complete with the alcohol. While I recommend scurrying through the website (and the two best-selling books, the first with an entire chapter devoted to alcoholic beverages), I will share their margarita recipe here, complete with my own twists:

Hungry Girl's Low-Cal Frozen Margarita

You will need:

*2-3 tablespoons of silver tequila
*To-go packs of Great Choice zero-calorie lemonade mix (an entire to-go stick, or 2 servings)
*2 tablespoons of lime juice
*3/4 cup of diet lemon-lime soda
*A few cubes of ice

Simply combine all ingredients in a blender, pour, and enjoy! It's only 100 calories :)

Want more low-calorie recipes, such as low-cal mojitos, mudslides, and daiquiris? Check out Hungry Girl's website and books for more!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sephora Swap: NARS Orgasm Blush vs. Cover Girl's Cheekers in Pretty Peach


vs. If you ask any die-hard Sephora fan, "What's the 'it' blush of the moment?" the answer would be clear: NARS Blush in Orgasm. While NARS carries a highly respected line of blush, lipsticks, and the like in naughty-sounding titles, is it's signature cheek product really distinguishable from the rest? Well, let's find out!

NARS BLUSH in ORGASM: Retailing for $25 at your nearest Sephora, or its website equivalent, this 0.16 ounce unit is presented in a very pretty package. It goes on smoothly, lasts for hours, and, let's face it: when you whip out a NARS blush packet from your pocket, you earn credibility from anyone who knows what they are talking about in beauty and fashion. As far as the most popular color Orgasm goes, it tends to be VERY peachy, and may not show up well against tanned or darker skin types. However, it is a very smooth, gorgeous color.

COVER GIRL CHEEKERS BLUSH in PRETTY PEACH: For 0.12 ounces, this blush costs a mere $4.50 at your local drugstore or super-center (a.k.a. Walmart or Target), making it a definite bang for your buck. Additionally, the color goes on very well and, much like its Sephora counterpart, lasts nearly all day. The color Pretty Peach is the closest color twin I've found to NARS's Orgasm, but I prefer also one color up, Deep Plum, which is actually still pretty light.

THE VERDICT? While each product is essentially the same in terms of results, color, and longevity, is there any reason why you shouldn't stick with Cover Girl Cheekers Blush? It is fraction of the cost, and much more readily available in your area. However, I would suggest, if you have darker skin, to try Deep Plum, and to use a professional blush brush to apply the blush to your cheeks.

"You have puuuurty eyes"....


From Loreal to Neutrogena, it seems that everybody has a magical solution to help reduce eye puffiness, prevent wrinkles, and overall revitalize your eyes. However, if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a jar of eye cream, please read on...

For a range of eye problems, such as sore, tired eyes, buy a few teabags at your local grocery store. Depending on what is ailing your eyes, you may want to buy different flavors. For instance, buy peppermint tea to revitalize tired eyes, or chamomile or lavender tea to soothe sore eyes. Place the tea bags in a glass of warm water for about five minutes. After removing all of your makeup, preferably at night before you retire tobed, lie down and place a tea bag over each eye. Remove anywhere from five to ten minutes, depending on how long you want the effect to last.

To prevent and treat wrinkles and puffiness of the eyes, simply head to your local drugstore and purchase a tube of Preparation H, or any other generic hemorrhoid treatment cream. Dab a bit of this cream to the wrinkles of your eyes to help fight against wrinkles, or dab onto the puffy areas of your eyes. Wear this to bed, and wash off in the morning.

In order to moisturize very dry eye areas, dab a bit of petroleum jelly onto the area. You can also rub petroleum jelly onto your eyelashes to moisturize them and make them appear longer!

Cure your acne scars with lemons


If you have read my other articles on acne, you now are able to successfully battle future acne attacks. However, what can you do about those pesky acne scars from the past days of poor skin care and misguidance from TV advertisements? Have no fear-- you don't need to shell out tons of money at the dermatologist; instead, all you need to do is take a trip to your grocery's produce section....

First of all, wash your face with your regular cleanser. Make sure that all of your makeup is off, and that your skinis clan and dry. Don't apply a serum, moisturizer, or toner yet.

Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon into a shallow bowl. Cut a piece of gauze, or a paper towel, down the middle, and soak the gauze or paper towel in the lemon juice for a minute or two.

Either lying down or reclining slightly, slightly wring out each piece of lemon-soaked fabric and lay them over the portion of your face that is riddled with acne scars. Make sure that the lemon juice does not come into contact with your eyes or your hair, as it can sting or discolor. Leave the soaked fabric in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on how sensitive your skin is. You may need to only leave them in place for 5 minutes or so until you can gauge your skin's reaction.

Repeat this procedure abut 3-4 times a week, until your scars noticeably fade.

An easy, breezy coffee dessert.... yuuummmmm!


There is no doubt that, following a meal, dessert is perfect and satisfying. However, what is NOT satisfying to some is the hard, dutiful work of cooking and/or baking these post-meal pleasers. If you are scrapped for time, but still want to satisfy your craving for sweets, this easy-to-make, delicious dessert is perfect for you...

First of all, put two or three scoops of Breyer's All-Natural Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in a small bowl (or soda glass, if you prefer). As mentioned previously, it is possible to use other ice cream, but Breyer's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is simple, delicious, and has the perfect texture.

Second, either using freshly-brewed coffee or warmed coffee from earlier in the day, pour coffee over the vanilla ice cream. The coffee should be warm or slightly hot, depending on your preference. Also, adjust the amount of coffee you place on top of the ice cream accordingly-- for coffee-flavored ice cream, drizzle a few tablespoons over each ice cream scoop. For more of an ice cream/coffee float, use much more (about a cup to 2 scoops) and place it in a tall, fancy glass.

If you desire, garnish your dessert with various toppings, such as whipped cream, chocolate covered espresso beans (found the cheapest in the candy section of Wal-Mart), chocolate shavings, and the like.

Serve your dessert to your guests-- or simply yourself. Enjoy with a big spoon and a sweet tooth!

Organize Your Cleaning Supplies with an Over-the-door shoe organizer!



Crammed under the kitchen sink, shoved into the back of the broom closet... wherever you tend to store your cleaning supplies, you can save a lot of time, energy, and space by storing them in a creative way...

First of all, you will need to round-up all of your cleaning supplies. Once you have them in one area, sort through them and pitch any supplies that are expired, unusable, or the like. If you have multiples of the same cleaning supply (which is common when you can't find all of your supplies easily), then designate an area where you can store these extras.

Next, purchase a hanging shoe organizer that you can hang on the inside of a door. The organizer should be plastic, as well as have pockets. You can find them very cheap at Big Lots (about $4) or other stores. I recommend getting the 24-pocket or 18-pocket organizer, as it will give you more storage space.

Hang your shoe organizer on the inside of a closet or utility room door. You can use your broom closet, coat closet, or even laundry room door-- wherever it is most convenient for you to store your cleaning supplies!

Now, place one cleaning supply in each pocket. You can organize the arrangement of the cleaning agents however you would like-- arrange by color, type of cleaning supply, etc. Now, you will have saved a lot of space, as well as instantly organized your products!

How to "un-dog" your apartment....


Living in a small apartment with a bigger dog can be a challenge in its own right, but one of the trickiest cleaning challenges is to "un-dog" the canine scent that has the tendency to loom. Here are a few pointers to help your space smell as fresh as possible.

First of all, you will want to clean up any unwanted mess from your pooch. Make sure to quickly blot up and clean any urine or vomit stains as quickly as possible, as this is the only true way to completely rid your carpet of potential permanent stains and/or smells. There are several products at pet stores that have enzymes that could be helpful. However, the important thing is to blot as much as the urine up, and then apply some kind of agent. I use vinegar when I have nothing else, and it tends to work well for me.

When your carpet is clean of urine and other doggy stains, generously shake baking soda all over the carpet. There are some vacuum powders made especially for pets available at Wal-Mart and other stores, but baking soda works very well on its own and is cheaper. Leave the powder on for at least 15 minutes. Leave it on even longer, up to 24 hours, for stronger smells.

After the time has elapsed, vacuum the powder off of the floor. If you are using a vacuum cleaner that is for specific pet use, it will more than likely get a great majority of pet hair up as well. If not, you may want to use a lint roller to remove excess hair from shedding. You can also use a wet washcloth for smaller spaces.

Following vacuuming and hair removal, you may opt to use a spray that will make your carpet smell even more amazing. Carpet Fresh is cheap and available at Wal-Mart and other stores, and even has a specific type for pets. Spray this over your carpet after vacuuming, and feel free to use it even as a touch up without vacuuming.

Repeat the procedure as much as necessary-- I like to do this once a week, but you may need to do it more or less, depending on the size of your home and the number of dogs you have. In the meantime, feel free to use scented candles, oil burners, and even Glade plug-ins to help your home smell puppy-free.

One word: booooooooobs....


As a girl who is, for lack of better words, "petite," I have had to learn over the years various ways to increase my cleavage and give myself the appearance of larger breasts. While your bra size certainly doesn't define you, a more proportionate-appearing figure can help increase your self-esteem. The following are some tips to give yourself the appearance of larger breasts... without the risks (and costs) of plastic surgery.

MAKEUP TRICKS. A trick of both makeup artists and party girls alike involves taking a bronzer or brown eyeshadow and lightly dusting the inside sides of your breasts. This creates the illusion of more cleavage by highlighting the sides of your breasts and attracting attention to the center. This simple trick can be done if find yourself needing more cleavage in an outfit-- it is fast, simple, and inexpensive!

FIND A PERFECT BRA. While those Fruit of the Loom bras may be comfy, are they really doing your bust line justice? The answer is probably "no," and therefore you should take advantage of your local Victoria's Secret store. They will properly measure your bust line and tell you your proper cup size. This is very important because wearing a bra that is either too big or too small for you can not only make your breasts look smaller, but it can also lead to droopiness to your breasts. After getting your measurement, they will give you bras to try on and help you find one that fits your frame. I highly suggest trying the Very Sexy push-up bra with gel curves. It will likely give you the appearance of having not only cleavage, but also an extra cup size. Bras from Victoria's Secret are expensive, but there are many deals that sweep through the store, and the website often has cheaper prices than the store. Also, the Very Sexy bras that I have are convertible, and can be worn as a strapless, backless, and halter bra.

PUMP SOME IRON. While lifting weights will not increase your bra size, it will help tighten the muscles underneath your breasts, therefore helping to lift your breasts up. This can give the illusion that they are larger, and you will, more than likely, have more cleavage as a result. There are many fellow eHow articles on how to isolate and strengthen these areas, and another great article containing 6 exercises is http://health.msn.com/fitness/fit-zone/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100187698. Remember, never start an exercise routine of any kind without consulting with your doctor first.

POP HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS. Some people have had success with herbal supplements, like saw palmetto, which are available in health food stores, but one supplement that I had particular success with was called Bountiful Breast. While the name sounds comical, this supplement stimulates your pituitary gland to start producing more hormones to increase your bust. As someone who tried it, it increased my bust from a 34-A to a 34-B in a few months. However, it is very expensive (a 1.5 month supply is $135), but there is a money-back guarantee if no success occurs. As soon as I am able to make more money, I definitely will try it again. However, it is still very recommended to see your doctor before you try any supplement. You never know if any complications would occur, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Everyone loves lip plumper, right???


Lip Venom, Besoplex, Too Faced Lip Injection-- you name the lip plumping agent, and I have, more than likely, tried it-- twice. However, I have always been disappointed by the lack of effective lip plumpers available... until I discovered how to make my own.

In a small jar (or pill box, or any other available container), place a decent amount of petroleum jelly in the center. Depending on the size of your container and the amount of lip balm you wish to make, you can add as much or as little as you like. However, I recommend starting off with two or three tablespoons.

Next, place two drops of Cinnamon leaf oil in the middle of the petroleum jelly. Follow that with two drops of your peppermint/spearmint/menthol oil. Make sure to test it on your lips before proceeding. If you like your lip balm very strong (like me), add a drop or two more of cinnamon oil. If it is already too strong for you, add a drop of your mint oil and/or another tablespoon of petroleum jelly to even it out. Follow by adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for added kick.

Make sure to keep your lip balm in a very tight container. Apply once or twice a day, as desired. Make sure, however, to alternate uses with plain petroleum jelly or Chapstick, as this concoction can dry your lips if used in abundance.

Questions, concerns, song and dance routines? You know the drill.

Feeling Romantic? Make some homemade fortune cookies!



While everybody loves getting a delicious fortune cookie at the end of a Chinese meal, not everyone loves the rather generic messages contained inside. For Valentine's Day, or any other romantic celebration, a great idea to surprise your lover (or friend, child, parent, etc.) is to create a customized goody with a hidden message that is just as special as it is delicious...

FIND A RECIPE. While I would love to take credit for creating the recipe for these homemade fortune cookies, I would be lying if I said that I didn't have some help. The recipe I prefer is as follows: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fortune-Cookies-So-Easy/Detail.aspx. These are easy and low-cost to make, and turn out beautifully. You can also check www.foodnetwork.com and www.allrecipes.com if you want a different version.

WRITE THE SPECIAL MESSAGES. After you determine how many fortune cookies you would like to create, take your sheet of plain, multi-purpose copy paper, and, with a ruler and pencil, draw 3 inch long by 1/2 inch wide strips on the paper. Cut the strips out, and begin writing your messages. For extra flair, you can even write these messages on fancy paper instead of basic white paper. For the messages, you can write lines of a poem, inside jokes, or just sentimental thoughts and wishes on each strip. Place the strips of paper, with the messages written on them, in a nearby bowl for easy access.

CONSTRUCT YOUR COOKIE. After following the directions and baking these cookies until they are golden around the edges (which is VERY important), remove the cookies from the oven. Working quickly, take one message and place it in the center of a cookie. Fold the cookie over, sealing the edges shut, and mold the sides so it resembles a horse shoe shape. I recommend also placing them in a muffin tin until they set, as the recipe suggests, as to prevent them from popping open. Repeat with the remaining cookies and messages.

DECORATE YOUR TREATS. After all the cookies are cooled, begin melting the almond bark according to the directions on the package. You can use the microwave for this, or a double-broiler on the stove (I recommend the easy way-- the microwave!). While I like chocolate, you can also experiment with white chocolate and other flavors. While the almond bark is still warm, gently dip the cookie in the chocolate, sprinkle it heavily with red, pink, or other colors of sprinkles, and set it on a cookie sheet with wax paper. Repeat with the other cookies. You could even skip the sprinkles on some cookies and draw a design or initials on the chocolate coating with writing icing.

PRESENT YOUR PRESENT. You could serve these cookies directly after a meal, or all at once for a sweet surprise. A great idea is purchasing a gift box in the shape of a Chinese take out box (available at Wal-Mart for about $2) and place all of the cookies in there, wrapped in tissue paper. Regardless of how you present them, the recipient will adore all of the time and thought that go into these fortune cookies!

Organize Your Plastic Bags (without one of those overpriced things!)



Whether you reuse those plastic bags for packing lunches, or picking up after your pet, there is nothing more annoying than having a collection of free-flowing plastic bags roaming around your living room. However, there is no need to spend much money on expensive bag-storing systems. Instead, opt for a stylish, yet practical method...

First of all, gather all of your plastic bags into one area. If you have an obscene amount of these bags (as I recently did), then recycle most of them at your local Wal-mart or grocery store. Most of these stores have bins in the front of their buildingsthat are delegated for this use.

Secondly, you will need an empty tissue box. Make sure to use one that has the plastic top, where each bag will be able to be routinely plucked. Use either a recently empty box that you have lying around, or, if you are very aesthetic, head to your local Walmart or Target to purchase one that resembles your tastes. These boxes now come in every shape, color, and design-- don't be afraid to choose ones that reflect your personality or decorating scheme!

Next, insert each bag into the empty box. When you get more bags, place a few in the empty box and recycle the rest. Whenever you need a plastic bag, simply turn to your new box and enjoy!

How to Organize Your Life With Your iPhone (for the technologically-competent)


By reading my other articles, you must come to conclusion that personal organizing is more than a hobby for me-- it's a passion. While I love using my handy notebook for organizing my every day life (see my other articles for more info on this approach), sometimes it is simply easier to save space in our purses or pockets to utilize our iPhones for our organizing purposes. The following suggestions are for all iPhone users, regardless of the version, to help jump-start their organizing while saving them space.

First of all, make sure that you have an iPhone (any version) and access to iTunes. Also, it is important to ensure that all of your updates for iTunes and your iPhone are current.

Secondly, go to iTunes, and look up "To Do's" in the box that says "Search iTunes Store" at the top of the page. An application called "To Do's" by AustinBull Software should pop-up first, and it will be a red square with a check mark in it. It is a free application, which is even better for frugal-minded people like myself! Click "Get App" underneath the application, and wait until it downloads.

In order to successfully transfer this application to your iPhone, you will need to plug your iPhone into your computer using your iPhone adapter-- it is a white cord with a USB connector on one side, and on the other side a device that slides into the bottom of your iPhone. Wait until your iPhone is recognized by your computer (it will show itself on the side iTunes), and then click on it. Make sure that the box for your applications is checked, and then press the button to sync your iPhone.

After properly removing it from your computer (don't just jerk it out!), check to make sure that your new application appears on your iPhone. Touch it on your iPhone screen, and first click on your "To Do Lists" on the first page. Here, you will be able to add various "To Do" folders in order to organize your life. They already provide several folders such as "personal," "household," and other lists, but feel free to add your own. I also added a "Wants" folder (where I list all of the things that have caught my eye lately, which is great for your birthdays and Christmas celebrations), a "Today" folder (where I list specific things that I must accomplish for that day), and others. Get creative with this-- you can make folders for recipes you want to cook, books you want to read, movies you want to watch, school tasks you must complete, and anything else you can think of!

To add a task to a specific folder, simply go to "To Do's" from the main page, click on it, and then click on which folder you would like to add something to. Then, click on the "+" sign, and type in your task. You can even determine the due date for each task, and label it as either urgent, important, or regular in importance. Each folder will automatically alphabetize your list of tasks so they are easy to find!

Also, "Grocery List" and "Calendar" are two other functions located in this application's main page. You can keep track of important dates on the calendar function, and supplement the grocery list for a "needs," or shopping, list. Make sure to list things that you need-- such as food, personal hygiene products, and the like. The rest can go on your "Wants" list.

P.S. Organizer/ToDo by YadaHome is another great application, but costs 99 cents.

Questions, concerns, song and dance routines? Leave me a comment!

How to Save Money on Your Groceries


Despite the appeal of grocery store chains like Whole Foods, with the current economy most of us have to save money on everything, including groceries. Fortunately, we can still eat like a king (or queen) with proper guidance and creativity...

First, you will need to create a budget for your weekly groceries. The size of your budget will depend on the amount of people in your household, as well as any special dietary needs, such as vegetarianism. For example, I allot myself $30 a week on groceries, and generally I eat quite well! However, write down how much money you can spend each month on groceries, and divide that down to how much money you can spend each week. For instance, if you can spend $100 a week, on food, then that is a great start. Take out your grocery money in cash for the month, and store each week's allowance in a safe place, in its own envelope. Having a set amount of cash will help you spend less than if you used your credit card.

Next, you will need to plan out your meals for the week-- this is very important. Make sure that your meals are nutritious, as well as frugal. One way to do this is to limit your meat consumption, and to incorporate more vegetables and grains into your diet. Make 1 night a week pasta night, where you serve whole grain pasta, tomato sauce, and a variety of toppings, such as mushrooms and spices. Additionally, if you do not want to cook one night (and, trust me, you won't always want to cook), designate Friday night to be movie and a pizza night, where you can pick up 1 or 2 large pizzas (about $6 for an extra-large pizza at Aldi's) and cook them yourself. Become creative! The important thing is to write down all of your meals, stick to your schedule, and write down all of your needed ingredients for the week.

After you have all of your meals planned, make sure you buy supplies for breakfast and lunch. For example, Instant oats are great for breakfast, as are fresh fruit (found very inexpensive at your local Aldi's or other discount stores). Also, make sure to include potential snacks that your family will want to eat, preferably healthy ones. A good rule of thumb for estimating snack needs is to think of two snacks a day-- one between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, or dinner and bedtime.

Know where to shop! While you can get great deals at certain stores, such as Walmart and private grocery stores, I recommend going to discount stores, such as Aldi's. They have great produce, and most of their products are fractions less than what you would find at Walmart. Additionally, try shopping at the Dollar Tree for spices and canned goods, as well as at Big Lots for ethnic foods and harder to find treats, and especially herbs and spices (most of them are only $1). Overall, I recommend doing your basic shopping at Aldi's or a similar store, while looking for extras at other stores.

Do not underestimate your available resources! If you and your family are struggling financially, apply and see if you are eligible for food stamps or other related services. As a social worker, I know that these programs exist to help people out, and if they are available to you, do not be afraid to use them. We all have difficult times.

Another great resource for food is Angel Food Ministries. This program can provide families and singles of any income level with wholesome, restaurant-quality food for a terrific price. One box of their food, which is very nutritionally-sound, will feed a family of four for a week, and is only $30! You can order as many as you want, and there are also other boxes, full of produce, ethnic foods, etc., that you can also order. This is a terrific program, and there are host sites everywhere. More people should take advantage of this program!

Eliminate certain luxuries from your diet-- trust me: your wallet AND your waist will thank you. Cut out sodas, for example, and instead buy club soda and mix it with half of a cup of juice. Also, cut out frivolous snack foods, and instead snack on fruits and veggies. Additionally, try to cut out alcohol. However, if you cannot, try to invest in a box of wine (Vella makes a great brand), preferably red, and limit yourself to 1 or 2 glasses a day.

Questions, concerns, song and dance routines? Leave me a comment!

Save your skin with baking soda!


For years, I struggled with horrible acne. However, after many encounters with products that promised miracles, such as Proactiv, I finally stumbled upon the best acne medicine of all-- baking soda.

First of all, clean your skin with an acne-fighting facial cleanser. While some people prefer Proactiv or soap, I highly recommend Mychelle facial products. They are great for your skin, organic, and contain acne fighting ingredients. They work wonders!

While your skin is still wet, make a paste of baking soda and warm water. Place a substantial mound of baking soda in your container, and add just a little bit of warm water to the mix. Stir with your hand in order to see if the consistency is adequate. You will want a consistency that is slightly thinner than toothpaste.

Next, after you have mixed your acne medication, take a little bit of the baking soda solution and rub it on your face. Gently circulate it on your skin, particularly your acne-prone areas, for about 20-30 seconds. Wash off the mixture with warm water.

Store your baking soda paste in the container in a convenient place, such as the bathroom. It should last you quite a while, and you will have beautiful skin... naturally and cheaply! Use once a day, or twice a day, as long as it does not irritate your skin.

Another great idea for storage is to store baking soda in a salt shaker (or even a mini-cocktail shaker, like the kind you find for $1 at Target-- very cute). This way, you can simply put the dry baking soda in your hand and mix it with water right before you put it on your skin.

Questions, concerns, song and dance routines? Leave me a comment!