Saving Money

I LOVE finding a deal, and with the economy the way it is right now, I know we could all use some tips and tricks to help save money. Over the past few weeks I have made it a mission to spend less money while still being able to do the things I love, like pampering myself, and going out to eat! So here it is.... My Consumer report on how to spend less and still do the things you LOVE.

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons- I seriously can't sware by these enough! There are so many coupons out there, all it takes is a little looking and you could save yourself hundreds of dollars every year. Look through all the coupons that come in the mail (grocery store ads, manufacturers coupons, drug store ads... everything!), Sign up online at your favorite resturants websites and get coupons to your email for free meals and up and comming deals, and google search "coupons for ____" whenever you are thinking about buying something, or going out to eat, and you can usually find a coupon that you can print out right from home. By signing up online I have already gotten coupons and deals from: Red Robin, Pizza Hut, Mimi's Cafe, Cheesecake Factory, Bath and Body Works, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Shutterfly, RedBox and Clinique.

Find Some Amazing Blogs- Here are some blogs that are either always having giveaways, giving homemade ideas, or giving out coupons: http://www.todaysgiveaway.net/, http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/, http://www.mycraftcoupons.com/

Sign on up!- If you sign up at better homes and gardens they will send out a weekly email that will have some good budget friendly meal ideas. I have been loving the emails that have meal ideas with 5 ingrediants or less... it has really help me cut back to only buying a few ingrediants, while still being able to make something tasty!

Pamper Yourself at Home- So I totally took this from LittleBirdieSecrets.... but I thought these homemade spa remedies were great and budget friendly so here are a few of my favorites!

Yogurt Face Mask

1 cup of yogurt
1 Tablespoon of Tumeric powder (used in Indian cooking)
Mix well and brush evenly on your face. According to BH&G, yogurt is a “natural source of lactic acid, which organically dissolves dead skin and leaves your face feeling smoother”. The tumeric is used as a brightener.

Avocado Hair Mask

Half an avocado, mashed
1/2 tsp. olive oil
1 egg yolk
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Brush on wet hair paying attention to the ends. Let it sit a minimum of 30 minutes. Shampoo out.

Pomagranite Sugar Scrub

Ingredients: 2-3 teaspoons pomegranate seeds
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon oil- whatever you have on hand-canola, olive, etc.
Directions: In a small dish, add pomegranate seeds and 1 tablespoon of sugar, crush with a spoon, adding the sugar on top of the seeds will help keep them from splattering and will also help to extract the fragrant juice.
Add oil & 2 more tablespoons of sugar and mix together. Apply to clean feet and hands using a circulation motion to exfoliate and moisturize, rinse and pat dry
*Double up on the ingredients to make a larger amount for a full body scrub.

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath

1 cup sweet almond oil (light olive or sesame oil may be substituted)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 TBS vanilla extract
Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Enough for four large luxurious baths.
Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water – then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.