OILY FACE

Have you ever stepped into a public restroom and see how reflective the light shines on your face? Gross, right? If you have no oil blotting sheets handy, consider stepping into the stall & grabbing a sheet of...

...toilet seat cover! You might be thinking 'gross' because the bathroom does not have a toilet seat lid, which can have bacteria fly 6 ft. away after a flush! Grab a sheet way in the back. It works just as well. Yes, I do it -- & it's FREE !

JULES' FAVORITE...

LIP BALM: Cococare Cocoa Butter Lip Balm. If you know me, it's difficult to actually find something that works. My lips get really dry and it peels -- sometimes even bleeds from peeling (no exaggeration). I've tried what seemed to be everything: Chapstick, Softlips, Vaseline, Carmex (this works, but has a bad taste), Blistex, Burt's Bee -- no lie! I constantly had to reapply. I've actually switched from Chapstick brand to this because it works for me! 

The texture isn't too hard like the Burt's Bee, but isn't too soft like Softlips or Vaseline. The color is transparent and the taste isn't good nor bad. I will be sticking to this for the rest of my life.

Average Price: $2.

THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER

There are so many facial moisturizers out there that we all have probably experimented with. Some people think the more money you spend, the more the cream works. I think you're really just paying for the name.

What you want to shop for is the ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid and Petrolatum. Hyaluronic Acid help cells retain moisture to stay plump while Petrolatum keeps water from escaping.

I've learned that the true test in finding the right moisturizer is to see how your face feels throughout the day.

Back in high school, my skin used to be really dry & the moisturizers I've used before made my skin too tight. That meant I'm not using enough moisturizer or I had to change my moisturizer into a cream (thicker than lotion).

Now my skin type is oily, so if it got really oily later in the day, I've chosen the wrong moisturizer. I now use Eucerin Facial Lotion ($8-9) & will stick to it. What better way to double up your moisturizer by having SPF!

And remember, we only need to use a pea size, one for the face & one for the neck!

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...

...make a facial scrub!

simply mix about a tablespoon full of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar in a saucer or small bowl. don't stir it too much, you don't want the sugar to melt. making sure your face is clean, apply the mixture on your face using your clean hands in a circular motion. gently scrub your face for about 5 minutes, rinse and pat it dry. don't forget to moisturize ^.~)) my skin was really soft after i exfoliated. so guys give this a go and let us know what you think.

NAIL POLISH TRICK

i'm probably the only one who can't put on nail polish neatly but what the heck. i'll tell you what i do anyway. first, be sure to paint your nails in the evening. don't worry about being messy, especially with bright colors (ugh, lol). DON'T clean the mess. if you are like me, you'll probably just ruin them! don't worry, they will come off the next day! the skin's natural oils soften the nail polish. just wash off the excess polish and you'll have perfectly painted nails!

COMMERCIAL vs GENERIC

My cousin and I went to Target the other day because I needed to buy some hygiene products. They ran out of the St. Ives Apricot Blemish & Blackhead Control face scrub & just had the generic one by Target. I thought to myself that if I tried it once & didn't like it, I can return it. My cousin also told me that she's tried generic makeup remover & it works just the same. So I decided I'd try it.

Before I used it in the shower, I read the contents in the back of both tubes -- they are pretty much the exact same. Same exact ingredients in the same order.

The difference?

St. Ives has a sweet smell to it, brown in color, & thick in texture. Target's brand smells like Vick's, is less dense, and is more beige in color. Yes, odd for two products with the same exact ingredients.

My conclusion?

They work just the same. As long as it contains the same ingredients, I'd buy the product. Plus, it's a buck or two cheaper. The downside: you're afraid that it will mess up your face!

Tip: Just because someone's face is PERFECT & FLAWLESS because of the product they use, doesn't mean it will work for you. Everyone's face falls into certain categories (i.e. oily, dry, combination, sensitive, oily t-zone, acne, etc.) so that's the first thing you should start with when you're trying to figure out what products to use. You may already know this, but the temptations of that pretty face may redirect your best decision making into something that isn't best for you.

CANDLE WARMER ALTERNATIVE

Bought a candle warmer & now it's collecting dust? Here are a few alternatives in putting your candle warmer to good use!

BEVERAGES. From your Sake, coffee, hot chocolate, baby formula, herbal tea -- what ever it may be, keep your favorite hot drinks from getting cold. If your sitting outside cuddling with a good book, bring out the candle warmer & place your drink on it.

SMALL GARMENTS. Place small garments on the candle warmer while your in the shower on a cold day or a few minutes before leaving the house. Your socks, panties, bras, face towel or gloves will be warm waiting for you.

SCENTS. Besides using candles, I prefer using a cotton pad with a few drops of scented oils. It will fill your room quickly with the scent (unlike candles, in my opinion)! It last for a few days, but is worth it. Play around with scents for each room (i.e. kitchen with lemon or a food scent).

FOOD. As long as it's the right size & texture! Just place a napkin on your candle warmer and place your burger, brownies, or slice of cake right on top.

If your wondering if I really do any of these, the answer is yes. I use my candle warmer to keep my hot drinks warm. Currently, my candle warmer is in use to fill my room with the scent of coffee! But, what a tease it is. I have yet to try the Food & small garments.

Anyone out there have tried any of these alternatives or have any new ideas, leave a comment!

PRODUCT REVIEW: SMOOTH AWAY

PRODUCT: Smooth Away - As Seen on TV. This package includes a travel case, 1 large applicator -- the pink handle is the applicator, 1 small applicator, 5 large flex-crystal replacement pads, and 5 small flex-crystal replacement pads.

CLAIM: "Discovered in Europe", claims to Remove hair instantly and painlessly. It "Gently exfoliate while removing hair!"

COST: $9.99 @ Bed Bath & Beyond

EASE OF USE: Putting it together was easy. Peel the back of Flex-crystal pad & stick it on the applicator. Buff skin in a circular motion

REVIEW: My skin-type is sensitive, so I was very hesitant to try this out. When I bought this, I asked the lady if she had ever tried it. She responded no & told me that she had mixed reviews. I told her to tell me honestly what people have been saying. She just told me that a lot said it didn't work & also said if I didn't like it, to just return it.

I began with my right arm, rubbing in a light circular motion. Nothing happened. I had to put a little more pressure on it in order to work. The feeling of the hair being removed is like a light prick -- nothing painful. At first it looked like it just dried up my arm making it look ashy, really ashy. I managed to do my whole arm & took a break.

Afterwards, it began to burn a little. It's been 20 minutes & my arm still burns. I continue to use the same pad to see how long it would last -- approximately an arm & a half. I'm actually a little tired from it, lol.

CONCLUSION: Yes, this works. This is a clean way to remove hair. After the hair removes, it looks like dirt. Just brush it off.

Would I use this again? NO! Why? My skin is so dry that it began to itch. I just put Eucerin lotion on it and now it's burning. Smooth? Yes. But, I am not going to sacrifice my skin for this.

I know everyone is different. If any of you have tried this, please share your experience. Are they similar to mine, or have you had a better experience?

TEETH: TRICKS TO A BRIGHTER SMILE

We all want a bright smile. But, some of us can't afford to get it professionally done or buy teeth whitening kits. Besides brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day, flossing & visiting the dentistry, here are some (VERY) low-cost & easy tips to make your teeth look brighter. You may even find the things you need already in your home!

RED LIPSTICK (As long as you don't get any on your teeth). Red lipstick is always a great trick if you like to wear lip color. Avoid shades of Orange & Yellow. Choose your colors wisely. There are different shades of red out there that will suit your skin tone. Check out the difference from these 2 photos of Jessica Alba. *May had also informed me that wearing shades of pink / blushes will also make your smile appear brighter.

STRAWBERRIES. Brooke Shields has said her trick to getting her teeth brighter was to rub strawberries on her teeth. Strawberries contain Malic Acid which can remove surface discoloration. So when you're out somewhere eating Strawberries, rub them on your teeth to brighten them -- nobody will know!

WEAR DARK CLOTHING. When I say dark clothing, I don't want you to opt for the goth look (if that's you're thing, then that's fine). Just avoid wearing bright white clothing that can make your teeth appear more pale than bright. Compare both photos of Lucy Liu below. Fixate your eyes on her color of clothing & her teeth. Yes, there's a difference -- & It's not because of the lip color because they're the same.

SNACK RIGHT. Watch what you're eating. Certain foods & drinks will stain your teeth. Snack on fruits & vegetables such as celery, apples & carrots. Not only will this benefit your health, it will also prevent plaque to grow on your teeth.

BAKING SODA. Not only is it great for cooking, getting rid of odors -- it can removes stains. Just don't use it right out of the box daily, just occasionally. If you're afraid to use this right out of the box, try Arm & Hammer baking soda toothpaste.

Are there any other tricks that you might have? Leave a comment & let us know!

FACE: ASPIRIN MASK/EXFOLIATOR

If you're a beauty-tip addict, then you probably have already read this before. If you haven't, then keep on reading.

The aspirin mask is known to help reduce acne, scars, some redness and oily faces. Why? Aspirin is made of acetylsalicylic acid, which is a form of salicylic acid. Sounds familiar? This ingredient is found in many face cleansers for acne/oily skin.

*If you are allergic to aspirin, this is not for you.

Here is the basics of the aspirin mask:

What you'll need: A couple of Uncoated Aspirin (Uncoated for a better break down, but coated is also fine, it just takes awhile to crush), a few drops of water

Creating the mask: You may use a bowl for this. Add a few drops of water onto the aspirin & let it break down. Crush the aspirin & begin to create a paste by adding a few more drops of water. It should be able to stay on your skin without dripping off.

Directions: Avoid the eye area. Put all over face like a mask for a few minutes, 10 minutes max. When time is up, add a little water to exfoliate & massage -- DO NOT SCRUB. Rinse clean & pat dry. If your face gets dry, use a moisturizer.

That is only the basics. You may mix, match & create your own recipe to your face's needs. Many people add honey, tea, peroxide, oatmeal, or even yogurt. 

For other's recipes & questions, here's one of the many sites you can find: www.essentialdayspa.com - which I have already linked to the Aspirin mask forum.

If you are unsure, curious or want to know more, please search the internet for more information! 

*Trying this recipe is at your own risk! We are not responsible for your actions.

I have used this scrub & will in the future. I believe this is a great way to save money & is a savor for when you run out of your face scrub, like I just have! & when you need this, all you have to do is look in your medicine cabinet.

I only use this mask 2-3 times a week. This is a face exfoliator/mask, not a cleanser.

VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS

i'm not really into giving or receiving super expensive gifts. for me, the best gift is when that person really thought about it and, of course, the packaging. my husband found that i'm a sucker for gift packaging so whenever he gives me a present he makes sure the packaging is to my liking. anyways, valentine's is coming up soon and i've been thinking and searching for unique ideas to give to my hubby. he likes anything tech and those are expensive - so that's crossed out of my list. i found these 2 unique andwell thought out ideas online!

1. "oh happy day" blogger tied a big red balloon to a box and set it on the side walk near her husband's work. she tied the balloon so that her husband can see it outside his office! soo sweet, right? see the picture in her blog under VALENTINE'S DAY IDEA 3: SURPRISES

2. i think i'm going to do this one for my hubby and send it to his work place: send a WORLD'S SMALLEST VALENTINE via THE WORLD'S SMALLEST POSTAL SERVICE! you can order them here for $8. the package comes with a magnifying glass and sealed with a wax. isn't it awesome?

if you have any other ideas, don't hesitate to leave comments!

enjoy!

SNACKING

many students and people that are part of the workforce tend to skip meals or eat late. often we would spend money on unhealthy snacks where it's easily accessible such as vending machines. this is what i do to save money on snacks i can munch on during class or break at work

fruit snacks - grapes, watermelon, melons, honeydew, kiwi, orange, pineapple

• buy different kinds of fruits
  
• cut up the big fruits into bite size pieces (of course, you won't do this with apples and bananas)
  
• store them in the ziploc bags in the fridge so that you can just take them before you leave in the morning
  
• you can also buy reusable food savers at dollar stores, ikea, or your nearest grocery stores so that your fruits don't get crushed inside your purse

you can also do this with dried fruit mix and nuts - buy them in bulk or small packages! the best thing about this about this is that you can just leave them in your purse!

enjoy and have a healthy snack!

FREE COUPONS

When it comes to groceries, everyday necessities, clothing & whatnot-- it's always nice to save a little here and there.

I was searching for a restaurant that just opened in my area, and came upon sites that allows you to print coupons & save a few dollars in your wallet! Here are the sites you might want to check out if you are looking to save a buck or two on something:

CouponSurfer.com - Hundreds of coupons for groceries & online shopping. You must register.

Coupons.com - Coupons in your area and recipes. You must install a free coupon printer.

• The coupon printer contains security features needed to provide you with coupons you can use in a store.


• It does not install any third-party software, ad ware, or spy ware, nor does it collect any personal information.
  

Valpak.com - This is where I found the coupon to the new restaurant! Anyway -- Finding coupons in your area from health to entertainment to restaurants & more.

SmartSource.com - finds grocery coupons for you to save in stores.

AnyCoupons.com - Loads and loads of coupons for your favorite stores. It also includes new coupons, free shipping coupons, expiring coupons, Clearance & outlet coupons!

Hope this helps anybody out there who are tight on money!

CAR AIR FRESHENERS

Originally, I had these little pebble-like things that were scented. It came with the candle warmer & mesh bag that I bought at the fair. It did work for a little bit, but the smell faded very quickly. I felt like I wasted my money! So I made up a quick method & it works!

You simply just need 3 supplies: A small mesh pouch, cotton balls -or- pads, & your favorite fragrance oil (NOT perfume). I'm pretty sure you've already guess what to do with it & you're probably correct!

1: Add about 3-5 drops onto a cotton ball/pad, DO NOT SOAK! A few drops is really all you need! I used 1/4 of my cotton pad & it is very strong! BUT, if it's not strong enough for you, then go ahead & add more.
2: Put the ball inside the pouch & close the end.
3: Hang it in your car & you're done!

I know this is super easy & simple -- Maybe even a 5 year old could think of this! I hang this on my signal side. Everytime I open my car door, I get a wiff of the scent right away, even the people that ride with me do too. It's really easy & it definately works.

But if you try this, please let me know if it works for you too :)!

Other places you may use this in your bathroom, closet, or laundry room or wherever you please.

COLDER WEATHER - DRYER SKIN

Our skin is supposed to retain moisture and keep out the bad stuff. When temperatures are dropping, moisture evaporates, therefore, your skin cannot do it's job. Here's what you can do to keep your skin moisturized.

Cleansing - For your face, use creamy cleansers, nothing that has a lather. Then, rinse with warm water. If you have acne prone skin like I do, then use something that has benzoyl peroxide or beta-hydroxy acid.
For your body, use a moisturizing body wash. Like I said before, your shower should be 15 minutes at the max. Water can strip away skin's natural oils. Shower with warm water, not hot.

Exfoliating - Exfoliate your face twice a week to remove dead skin cells. Scrub your T-zone and massage your cheeks.
Every 2 or 3 days, lift away dead skin cells from your body with oil-based scrubs. Gently pat dry.

Moisturizing - Instead of lotion, use cream containing glycerin for your face (unless you have oily like mine).
On your body, use a generous amount of lotion after showering & before bed. Don't forget to pay more attention to those dry areas such as hands, elbows, heels and knees.

My skin gets very dry & itchy on a daily basis. Here are products I like to use to help tame it a bit:
- Eucerin Daily Replenishing lotion. I love Eucerin in general. It really keeps my skin moisturized & even though this may cost around $6+ for a bottle, it's worth it. May loves Aquaphor, which is also made by Eucerin.
- BananaBoat sunblock SPF 50. Sunblock is important. You should wear it EVERYDAY. Besides the fact that it helps prevent my skin from aging, protects my skin from the dangerous UV rays, it actually keeps my skin moiturized. It does feel a little bit greasy, but I don't mind it. Too bad this doesn't come in as a lotion.
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. When I was younger, my doctor recommended me Cetaphil body wash, back when the label was just plain blue. If you don't mind the fact that you won't be smelling flowers, or the tropics, or anything at all since this is fragrant free, you'll like this a lot.

If you know of any great products that you swear by, please share!

FLATTERING NATURAL NAILS

I would like to share with you an entry from my personal blog on how to have the most flattering natural nails (not how to take care of your nails). This tip can also be used on your toes!

LENGTH & SHAPE
The most flattering length is no longer than under half a millimeter. Its clean and it won't get in the way much compared to longer nails, obviously.

The most flattering nail shape (to me) is called a "squoval", which is square-oval. Usually shaping your nails into a mirror image of your cuticles.

To get the look, file your nails straight across going the same direction. That way you have more control on how much you file off. Then, round the corners. More round than square.If you're going to the nail salon, ask for "square-round". Which will be more square than round. Then ask them to round it a little more.

If they don't understand you, ask for square, then tell them to round the corners more. My nails are a little more square than oval. So, I don't know why I put "squoval". The photo below my nails are more of a squoval shape.

Note: if you want your nails a certain shape, but your nails are too short,grow your nails first! Nail salons will not be able to achieve what youwant if it's not possible with nails they can't work with -- Neither will you.

COLOR
Bright colors on your fingernails aren't as flattering as you may think. They're nice for your toes though. There are certain reds that compliment every skin tone. If you have fair skin, firetruck red would look great. If you're medium, blood red would be flattering. And garnet would be nice for darker skin tones. The nail polish I list are only examples of shades.

If you're aiming for something very light and clean, White is not the answer. White will look as if you had put whiteout on your nails, which just looks unnatural. Use white for french tips or designs. Instead, try something similar to Bubble Bath by OPI. You're nails will look more clean and natural than what white could do for you. And if you have a yellowish tone in your nails, the neutral tones will hide that. If you are dying to use a white color, trying something off-white such as Fit for a Queen by OPI.

(FIT FOR A QUEEN - BELOW)

OPI is only a suggested brand to use. It's very difficult to control & is expensive (ranging from 7 dollars). I don't really use nail polish, but when I do, I usually use Clear, Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails. Clear is always forgiving when you aren't really good at taking care of your polish.

Have fun experimenting :) !!

A FEW WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

With how bad the economy is today, prices are going up. People are getting laid off and it's difficult to find a job out there. Luckily there are ways for you to get around this problem by saving a little money here and there.

Here, I will share with you things I've learned through others, reading and teaching myself on how to save.

FOOD
If you're hungry and you have nothing at all to eat at home, the value menu's in fast food restaurants are there to help you save! Fast food chains are beginning to compete in the value menu's, so you have a wide-range to choose from!

If you're eating out at a restaurant, ask for a to-go box when you're ordering your drink. Why? Because trying to eat everything on your plate isn't good for you because you might be intaking more calories than you need. Pack up half of your food in the box & eat half of it there. You will have 2 meals for the price of one.

DRINKS
If you're thirsty and you're out on the go, buying AriZona tea in the can will not only save you a dollar or two, but they're only $.99 each! There are three servings per can, so it'll be sure you'll be quenching your thirst. If it doesn't, stock up! They come in many flavors.

Arizona isn't your cup of tea? Always check out news papers to check on sale items! Searching the internet is also a great way to find deals & coupons.

You can also buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up at home! The body needs at least 32 fluid ounces of water daily.

DINNERWARE
Instead of buying paper/foam plates, consider using plastic, glass or ceramic plates. You will be saving money throughout the year by not always investing your money in plates that you will be throwing out any way. Corelle is a great option if you're afraid of breakage. Don't forget to check out Corelle's clearance items and the $.99 store!

AIR FRESHENERS
Have a stinky room? Keep all your windows in your home open to ventilate through the house. Windows aren't helping? Try Renuzit Adjustable Cones going for $.94 at Target. Keeping one by your window will let the scent flow right in. I just bought the holiday edition in Apple & Cinnamon today & put it in our bathroom. *inhales* Oh the holidays are coming!

LAUNDRY
Replace bleach with Baking soda. Replace fabric softener with 1/2 cup of vinegar (it also helps keep dark colors from fading!). If you have soft water, you can use half of the laundry soap that was recommended & still get the same results. Replace hot water with cold water. Afraid to use cold water because you think it will not kill the bacteria? Use laundry soap similar to Tide Coldwater.

Here is a recipe by Vicky Rathje, founder of Aromas for Living, to make your own simple laundry detergent.
16 cups of Baking soda
12 cups of borax
8 cups of soap-flakes
3 tablespoon of lavender essential oil (I would use any essential oils to my liking).
Use 1/8 cups per load.

GASOLINE
Impossible to avoid! But it is possible to save gas. If you live a mile or two away from your destination, choose walking/skating/bicycling instead of driving. It will also be a good workout !

However if you must drive, try to avoid stepping on the break and gas like there's no tomorrow. Your engine will work less (thus using less gas) when you break and accelarate gradually.

WORKING OUT
There are ways for you to work out at home or outside instead of paying monthly payments for gym membership. If working out at home isn't motivating enough, you can sign up for an Aerobics/Strength training class at a college. 5 months for about $22 depending on how much they charge per unit.

Parking far from the entrance of a store will also help you burn off a few calories!

ELECTRICITY
Instead of using the air conditioner, keep your blinds partially closed & your window cracked open. Less sunlight in the house will keep your home cooler.

During cold days, warm yourself up with lots of blankets and sweaters. You'll save money on the gas bill.

Only use lights in the room that you're in. If you are leaving the room, turn off the lights. Phone chargers, computers, television sets (anything plugged into the surge) should be unplugged if you're not using them. You're phone charger is still charging even if you're not charging your phone.

The refrigerator is a major power consumer so try to avoid opening it for a very long time. The motor will work harder to keep the temperature low if the fridge is left open.

SHOWER
Buy your shampoo/conditioners, body wash in bulks. Use soap bars instead of shower gels. Think it's a little too disgusting after watching the Friends episode:
Joey: Hey, why can't we use the same toothbrush, but we can use the same soap?
Chandler: Because soap is soap. It's self-cleaning.
Joey: Alright, well next time you take a shower, think about the last thing I wash and the first thing you wash.
Then buy shower gels in bulks & use a washcloth instead of a body pouf. You can reuse your washcloth over and over again!

Your shower time should last you 10 minutes -- 15 at the max.

GETTING EXTRA CASH
A great way to earn a little money is to recycle your cans and bottles. If you have a relative that drinks a lot of soda, water or beer, ask them to save those for you. The more you gather up, the more change you'll have in your pockets.

NEED vs WANT

Always ask yourself this question when you are low on money.

Sometimes we all know what's the right thing to do, but we're really just lazy to do it. We're overcome by greed and we won't know what to do until it's too late. It's time to get off our butt & listen to your smart side (I'm really talking about preserving our mother (nature!))!

I hope I helped you guys with my tips! Do you have tips of your own that you would like to share to us? Let us know!

If you guys have any questions about anything, please don't hesitate to ask. We are nice girls, we won't bite!

P.S.

Shoe Pavilion is up to 40-60% off.