Home-Based Businesses are on the rise! To learn more about how to make your Home-Business a success or, to explore new Products/Opportunities of having a Home-Based Business be sure to attend the Home-Based Business Expo on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Fiesta Fountains in Mesa.
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Makeup, a necessary evil for many (if not most) women, can be expensive. Just one or two of the basics can add up fast.
Enter e.l.f. and its “revolutionary, value-priced cosmetics.”
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Chuck E. Cheese believes in the value of a good education. Have your child bring in their most recent report card and they will receive FREE tokens for good grades.
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Friday, March 27, 3p.m.-7 p.m. — Tempe Union High School Students
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. — Open to high school students Valleywide
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Arizona, Cheap & Free!, Rachel Harris, Beauty & Life on a Budget
Que’ Specials at Valley Famous Dave’s… Only $6.99!
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Have you ever seen a cool product and instantly thought to yourself…why didn’t I think of that?! I sure have. So, in this column, I salute the women who have turned their vision into savvy stuff that helps us gals out. I had a blast finding unique items that either make us look good or make our lives easier. Unique and sweet stuff to know about. Read on to see if there is a woman-inspired creation that may be just what you have been looking for!
The Why-Didn’t-I-Think-of-This Mom-Must-Have
The DripStik
When I stumbled onto this cool mess-free kid device, I couldn’t wait to share it in this column for all of the Moms out there! The DripStik is a colorful holder for frozen treats. Children stick popsicles in one end and the little bowl catches every sticky drip. Flip the DripStik over and there is a place for ice cream cones to stay put and catch the drip with every lick! I love this! I found this one at a new toy store in Ahwatukee called Brilliant Sky Toys & Books for only $5.99. It is also dishwasher-safe and comes in several fun colors. Kudos to creator and mother of five Mecinna Price for her cool and clean kiddie creation! Learn more about her story and the DripStik at www.dripstik.com.
Mom-Made Mommy Fashion Saver
Modest Middles
If you are expecting a baby, are currently nursing or know someone who is awaiting that special delivery, check out this wardrobe wonder. Nifty nursing tank tops called Modest Middles have been created for the mother who wants to discreetly feed her baby and wear pre-pregnancy fashions. Sound too good to be true? Well, Phoenix mother of four Amy Maschue turned her idea into a functional fashion piece sure to please both Mother and baby. The U-shaped neckline enables Mom to wear the tank with the top of the piece fitting snuggly underneath the bra line, so that the tank’s long torso stays perfectly in place consistently covering her back, sides and stomach while nursing. Brilliant! Modest Middles are sold for $29.99 through the website at www.modestmiddles.com and in various Metro Phoenix boutiques that include Ralph Infant & Child located at 4747 E. Thomas Rd.
Star-Inspired Bra Booster
Cleavage Cupcakes
When it comes to the bust, you can’t stop gravity, but you can give yourself a surgical-free lift thanks to a woman-created innovative company called Her Look. Similar to what the stars wear under their bust-revealing styles, this product is creatively called Cleavage Cupcakes. Made of silicone gel, these breast enhancers fit neatly in the bottom of a bra or bathing suit to give your girls a little rise just like cupcakes magically rise during the baking process. Only this recipe gives an instant boost to your bust with no waiting on risky surgical results. I much prefer this cute pink box to booking an appointment with a surgeon! Created by Kerry O’Brien, her Her Look company offers all sorts of problem-solving and figure-enhancing undergarments. Cleavage Cupcakes sell for $44.00 for a box of two crescent-shaped enhancers that can be worn multiple times. Available through www.herlook.com and department stores that include Sax Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
Good Eats That Keep on Giving
Sunshine Specialty Foods
Chandler Mom Judy Egge turned her taste buds brainstorm into a tasty business. I got my first yummy and spicy bite at a hockey mom gathering. Judy brought a tray of her homemade Stuffed Jalapenos to our potluck party. I was instantly hooked and wanted to taste and learn more.
Sunshine Specialty Foods offers a line of recipe-saving relishes called ReLish This! and each jar is low in sodium and sugar, is gluten-free and is all natural. Plus Judy tells me that one serving is zero points for Weight Watchers members. With flavors like Sweet & Hot that is packed with zucchini, peppers, onions and habaneras and Sweet & Tangy made with zucchini, peppers and onions, I have found her creations to be delicious. Each jar can be transformed into a quick dip for a party appetizer, a main course enhancer or even dessert. Judy’s new Pina Colada flavor is so versatile that it can be used for tangy chicken fingers, as an ice cream topping or for a mixed Pina Colado cocktail! As a busy mom, I like that one jar can do it all including a quick dinner idea or a yummy party food on the run. Her website at www.sunshinefoodco.com is loaded with easy recipe ideas. Each 10 oz. jar sells for $5.95 at AJ’s Fine Foods, Whole Foods Markets, local farmer’s market events and also at her website. Judy is a regular vendor at the downtown Chandler Farmer’s Market located just south of Chandler Blvd. and Arizona Avenue. She is there every Thursday afternoon from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
A Sister Steps In For Soothing Skincare Line
DDF
Doctors Dermatologic Formula skincare line was created by a man, Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, F.A.A.C.S., but he tapped a women near and dear to him to help perfect his product’s marketing to us gals. That woman is his sister, Elaine B. Linker and together they have made true dermatologic products available to consumers. Elaine is also a nutritional expert and her expertise contributed to her brother’s dermatologist surgeon skills to make a truly professional line easily available to women. Plus the DDF line offers items for delicate skin types with products that are fragrance-free like the Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew with SPF 15 and an organic sun block that won’t irritate delicate skin conditions like Eczema. Thanks to Elaine and her brother, this first-class formula can be purchased without a prescription at Ulta Beauty Stores and at www.ddfskincare.com.
So, here’s to the girls who give us great gadgets, flavorful foods, body boosters and more. After all, it takes one to know one and I always get a kick out of supporting women-influenced businesses. You go girls!
I once read that Diane Sawyer’s career philosophy is as follows, “I don’t read my good press and I don’t read my bad press.”
See the thing is when you work on TV, there’s a lot of good. And when people tell you how much they love you, it’s easy to fall deeply in love with yourself. But then, there’s the bad. And when it’s bad, it is usually really bad.
Never before have I seen so many coupons, specials and sales. With the tanking economy, deals on beauty products are plentiful.
So, I did a little research and went beyond the coupons to uncover some specials that are almost too good to be true. From double coupons to homemade stuff, I was happy to find a couple of ways to spring into spring with some steals and deals that you have got to know about!
Most of my segment planning includes trips to my local drug stores to scour the shelves for unique and cheap items that also work well. This time around I took the time to actually ask a salesperson what weekly deals were taking place. She couldn’t wait to share with me several of the ongoing promotions that customers need to know about.
Those little in-store coupon books called the Walgreens EasySaver Catalog has deals that are truly unbelievable. First of all, they can always be combined with regular coupons found in the newspaper, so instead of waiting and searching for grocery store double coupon weeks, Walgreens offers this deal year-round. For example, I scanned my newspaper coupons while holding my Walgreens EasySaver book looking for a match on something that I needed. I found an Almay $1 off coupon for blush, so I paired that up with the $3 coupon in the EasySaver and ended up getting the $11.99 blush for only $7.99, a 40% savings. So, combining coupons is a winning combination for the consumer. Another surprising offer in the EasySaver book comes in the form of a rebate that is better than any rebate that I have heard of. Buy a product that has an advertised free rebate coupon, send in the rebate and you get 100% of what you paid back! Yep, I said 100% so the product ends up being free, and even better, if you choose to take your refund back in the form of a Walgreen’s gift card instead of a check, then you get the refund plus an additional 10% credit. So in this instance, the drug store pays you to shop there! The beauty advisor that I spoke with and she told me that customers that know about this not only regularly go for the gift card, but use that card to pay for their prescriptions or give the cards as gifts. Now that is smart shopping!
Saturdates, as Walgreens calls this event, is another money-savings promotion to know about. Every Saturday the beauty advisors give out free samples and additional coupons for products that are being introduced to customers. As much as I go into this drug store, I had no idea that this department was so specialized with well-trained experts offering the latest and greatest in beauty steals and deals.
Online drug store deals can be found at www.drugstore.com with regular coupons that are sent directly to your email. Free shipping is also offered on orders that are $25 and over.
SPRING STUFF I LIKE FOR UNDER $10
If coupons are not your style, but you still want superb savings on spring stuff, then I did a test-run on a few items so I could try it before you buy it. Here are some of my favorite finds…
Favorite Fashion Spring Cleaning Deal:
My petite purse always gets attention from women who stop to ask me if my little handbag really works for me. I tell them that it truly does! I bought this little imitation of the full-sized designer bags and I love it. I no longer have the shoulder pain that my heavy handbags were causing. Called a Mini Fashion Purse, it is made by Hollywood Color Company. I found mine at Walgreens for $7.99. Do some spring cleaning and downsize your big bulky purse for this light-weight petite purse.
Favorite Best Buy Beauty Deal:
Shimmer skin for spring styles with Olay Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons. This body wash adds a multi-tasking tone of shimmer and moisture so that skin glows under the more revealing spring and summer styles. Mica minerals are combined with moisturizer and body wash which enhances the body with a more radiant and even sheen. At only $3.99 for a 10 oz. bottle, the price is right plus this product is like getting a body wash, moisturizer and shimmer all in one very inexpensive bottle.
Favorite Copy Cat Deal:
If you like Victoria’s Secret scents, but can’t afford the price, then head to your local Walgreen’s and try the Sexist Fantasies line. Several types are offered that smell like Victoria Secret’s Dream Angel and other fragrance brands. The copy cat Sexiest Fantasies line offers a 7.35 oz. of a body spray called Strawberries & Champagne for $6.99 while a comparable bottle from the Victoria line will set you back right around $23.
Favorite Cheap Beauty Trick Deal:
Many of us are trading in our fake fingernails for next-to-nothing home manicures. So, if you miss that finished manicure look and your formally long nails, try the Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen. It is not only is easy to use, but it also comes in french manicure pinks with white tips for right around eight bucks. And a cool beauty trick to know is that short nails with a french manicure naturally look longer than they really are. Several nail technicians told me this and I tried it and it is true. Plus, most nail salons will give you a polish change with french manicure colors without the full manicure for under $10.
Homemade Spring stuff for your beauty cabinet
If you have a next-to-nothing beauty budget, try making some of your own beauty items. In my last segment, I gave show host, Lisa Haffner the money-saving book called “Banana Peels, Baby Oil, Baking Soda and Beyond” by Reader’s Digest. That book is filled with homemade ideas for beauty, cleaning and more. I also like the concoctions that are shared in the Reader’s Digest book called “Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things.” Both books can be purchased at the Reader’s Digest website at www.rd.com. I have a few recipes for radiance that I’ll share here…
Bad Breath Buster Mouthwash:
Spring pasta recipes are delicious, but often come with garlic in the dish. The book says to rid your breath of garlic, simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with half of cup of water and then swish in your mouth, discard and rinse. For a painful canker sore, this mouthwash provides some much-desired relief as well!
Home Manicure Nail Builder:
Tis’ the season for pretty Easter pinks and French manicured hands. For stronger nails, the book says to soak your nails in a bowl of mayo for five minutes followed by a warm water rinse. Sounds crazy, but works!
More Manicure Miracles:
Use good ol’ vinegar to soften cuticles and to prolong the life of your nail polish. Soak fingernails in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar before you begin the manicure. Prepped and softened nails will be easier to file and work with. To stretch your beauty budget for longer lasting nail color, dampen your nails with vinegar, let dry and then apply your nail color. Reader’s Digest says that your nail color will not fade or chip as fast.
So spring into savings by making homemade beauty items. Or try some of my favorite finds that I listed in this article. And don’t forget about clipping coupons. You can get through this recession looking your best, even on a shoestring beauty budget!
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About Rachel Harris
You know the whole social networking thing has blown up when your parents ask you to be your friend on Facebook. Well that happened to me a few weeks back when my dad sent me a friend request.
I remember when Facebook first started you had to have a college e-mail address to join. Now a days anyone can join – even your parents 
This week Facebook will roll out a new design that not only will affect your personal Facebook pages, but also significantly change fan pages.
The biggest changes include fan pages and personal profiles having more similarities and the status box at the top of the page will be a ‘What’s on your mind’ box eliminating the “is”.
The first change hopes to open up the doors between the average people on the site and those celebrities who have the fan pages. The second change will bring a Twitter like quality to Facebook with a what’s happening right now feel, much like Twitter does.
The competition between social networking sites will always be there. To me it seems as if these Facebook changes are a direct result of the rise of Twitter.
That’s the thing about the Internet, it changes daily.
And oh by the way I accepted my dad’s friend request. There is room for everyone in the social networking craze.
When it comes to washing your face, did you know that there is a right way and a wrong way to do it? Getting all washed up the right way can help keep your skin healthy.
After talking with several skin experts, I learned some industry tricks that use less of your beauty products, but give your face more benefits at the same time. Plus I discovered that certain tips can also save you money when it comes to knowing how much to use and how to apply. Using the products correctly can stretch your beauty budget. And although I regularly research and write beauty articles, I was surprised to learn that I was doing several things wrong with my own daily cleansing routine.
How often do you wash your face? I thought I was right on task with my nightly facial routine, but it turns out that I need to add a morning cleansing as well. To do my research, I visited the experts at Just For You Salon & Spa in Tempe. With over 15 facial treatments available to women, men and teens, this salon has done their homework and have very knowledgeable and gentle aestheticians. I went in for a European facial and discovered the best way to cleanse my face for youthful and healthy skin. I highly recommend treating yourself to a facial or least once or twice a year to get a personal analysis of what skin type you sport. Knowing how oily or dry you are will help you decide what kind of products to use.
Here is what I learned….
1. Wash face every night and every morning. Several things happen to your face as you sleep. Your skin may sweat in the night and pillow cases pick up of dust and other environmental particles that can settle on your face as you sleep. Plus, your body is very busy while you slumber and your cells are rejuvenating themselves during this period. So, when you wake, dead skin cells need to be removed with your morning facial cleansing. Also, interesting, the experts told me that blackheads can form on your nose as dead skin cells fall from your face and land on that big thing that sticks out and helps us to breathe! That is why so many of us get blackheads on our nose. So, instead of waking up to a makeup application, do what Mom always said and wash your face first.
2. Be like the Three Bears and make your water temperature just right. Hot water will strip your skin’s natural oils resulting in a potential dry and flaky face. Cold water can cause broken capillaries. Warm water is best because it loosens dirt and clogged pores. So, although we love steamy hot showers in the winter, you are not doing your face any favors with water that is too hot.
3. Save money and use only a dime-sized amount of cleanser. Paying attention to how much you pour will make your products last longer. Every little bit adds up to savings.
4. Save your skin by knowing how to apply your favorite product. Gently pat your cleanser on and apply under your eyes from the outside in. This will stimulate circulation to the cells without the tugging motions that can further emphasize those dreaded under-eye bags and lines through time. The aesthetician I spoke with told me that seeing teenage girls pull the skin under their eye to apply eyeliner makes her cringe because they are starting a bad habit that is sure to show up in their later years. So, Moms teach your daughters now how to properly massage face to not only cleanse, but to also help with the elasticity of skin. She will thank you years later! One last tip from the expert that did my facial that seems obvious, but I sure wasn’t thinking of, it to use the pads of your fingers when washing your face. Don’t let your fingertips do the cleansing because even clean nails may have bacteria underneath that would love to face off on your face. Simple, but excellent advice!
5. Take the time to exfoliate. Our show makeup artist Karen Hall surprised me one day when she noticed that maybe I had not been exfoliating. She was right and I couldn’t believe that she could tell because I had only skipped this step for a couple of weeks because I just got too busy! Well, Karen and the aestheticians I spoke with all agree that exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin because this suggested bi-weekly step will remove the dead skin cells that dull the complexion. Karen has a great money-saving scrub – simply mix baking soda with a little jojoba oil, apply and rinse off. For those of you that have seen Karen on the show, you might remember that she is in her late 50’s, but looks like she is in her late-30’s. Her advice is from both personal and professional experience! Don’t overdo it, either. More then twice a week could be too rough on your delicate skin. One thing is for sure – you will see a noticeable difference if you add the art of exfoliation to your weekly routine. It is the step that most women skip!
6. Save your skin and possibly your life with a moisturizer that protects. Arizona is the #2 place in the world right behind Australia for skin cancer so make sun protection an everyday part of washing your face. This is crucial. Plus, apply moisturizer on damp skin so that the moisture is locked in giving you a little extra coverage in our very dry climate.
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About Rachel Harris
Just when you think the holidays are over, Valentine’s Day sneaks up on you and your unsuspecting budget! Since I am somewhat of a romantic and believe that the little things can help to keep a marriage interesting, I decided to try and come up with ideas and gifts that are almost free or at least under 20 bucks.
February 14th can be overlooked as a commercial holiday or it can be used as an excuse to remind each other that love can help sustain us through difficult times. So go ahead and celebrate V-day without breaking the bank. Read below to find out how and start planning now!
Perhaps one positive outcome of these trying times is that folks are forced to get creative and go back to the basics when it comes to gift giving with next-to-nothing to spend. I tried two different gift-giving ideas over the last six months and it turns out these two projects come in as my husband’s all-time favorite presents. A pleasant surprise to me and a reminder that an act of love can be even better than a purchase of love.
First, think about a hobby or interest that your man enjoys doing to help him reduce his stress. For my hubby, he is an avid reader and his many books enable him to escape at night when he gets home from his high-stress job.
So, I simply grabbed my kids’ old play room book shelves and moved them into our bedroom by our bay window. Next I added an old lamp and scooted a comfortable chair over by the shelves. Last, I filled the book case with his favorite books and magazines, but left space for him to add as he pleases.
In less than 20 minutes, I had created a reading area just for him and he loved it! He sits there every night to unwind with a good book. Why did it take me all these years of marriage to think of this? Because the economy forced me to get creative.
So, if your guy likes to build car models, for example, take an area in your home and make him a hobby hutch. He will love it!
Although I have known since I met this man in 1985 that he loves peach cobbler, I just really never got around to making him one. After he asked me to please not spend money on his Dec. 9 birthday, I honored his wishes and only purchased a few grocery supplies that made the most delicious peach cobbler on earth! I went through cookbooks that I already had on hand and found a recipe that he thoroughly enjoyed.
Again, a practically free gift that gave him great pleasure as he gobbled down the cobbler in his new reading area. Get creative and you will surprise yourself with what you can come up! And take it from me that you can do it, because I am neither a baker or an interior decorator.
Both of these ideas work perfectly and similar acts of love could be your cheapest and best Valentine’s Day gift yet!
Childhood Comfort Kit
Why are the good ol’ days called the good ol’ days? Because childhood memories are filled with carefree good times so put together what I’m calling a childhood comfort kit filled with his favorites from long ago.
I called my mother-in-law to find out what sweets and snacks my husband loved when he was a boy back in the ’60s. I then filled a basket with old time Orange Crush that the grocery stores now sell. I added his favorite nostalgic snacks and candies like a Moon Pie, candy cigarettes and PEZ.
You can put together a good amount of his all-time favorites for under $20. He will not only be impressed that you did the homework to uncover his long-forgotten faves, but he will also have fun forgetting about today’s stresses while munching on yesterday’s comfort foods with his sweetie by his side.
Antique candies can be found in Water & Ice stores and at www.candyfavorites.com.
Why Not Spa Stuff for Men?!
Spa gifts are usually given to women, but why wouldn’t a man want to be pampered, too?
So, give your guy a spa basket with instructions on how you want him to use it. For example, fill his spa kit with a manly bath gel and send him off for a tub or shower. Then tell him that he is to report back to you for a back rub with massage oil that is also included in his basket.
Finish your gift pack with a nice bottle of wine and a candle. Like the Target commercials say, in this economy the new spa is the home spa, but why do the ads always show the man pampering the women? Go for it with your guy and relieve some of his stress with a nice back rub. And for us long-time married folk, this forces us to schedule some togetherness time away from the kids and the mortgage payments!
I found an inexpensive and nice massage oil called Aura Cacia Euphoria Aromatherapy Body Oil and wonderful wines at Sprouts Farmers Market locations. They even have a tasty chocolate Vino in their unique collection that are fair-priced and perfect for your Valentine’s spa surprise for him.
For the Doting Dad
For Dads of babies and toddlers, hand print frames are always a great gift that will touch his heart on Valentine’s Day. As You Wish Valley locations have frames that are fun to make with your little one’s hands and fun to give. Plus your baby’s father can proudly place it on his desk at work. My gal pal, Kim made one with both of her kids’ hands on either side and the cost came in right at $20. Creating the gift together also gave her some fun quality time with the kids. Plus she tells me that the photos she took of her 4-year-old daughter making the frame came out so cute that one of those pictures filled the frame perfectly. So the experience also became part of the gift to Dad….perfect for Valentine’s Day.
One of my favorite inexpensive kid gift ideas for a Daddy that can be done in one day is the customized note pad. Simply take your child’s artwork to any FedEx Kinkos and watch your kid’s creation become a pad of personalized paper just for Dad. Two 52-page pads came in right around $20 and I’m certain that my husband has the most unique pads of paper in the office.
Photo gifts are also fun and many websites and drug stores offer all kinds of items that can display any photo you choose. My favorite item that my husband enjoys is the warm fuzzy blanket that has a shot of my son playing hockey on it and the sturdy clip board that displays his hockey portrait. I found quality clip boards for under $20 and a wide variety of photo gifts at a website called www.framemyphotos.com and at Walgreen’s.
Manly Mags
I never thought about giving magazine subscriptions as gifts until my Mom started the tradition several years ago. She ordered Health Magazine for me and Sports Illustrated Kids for my son. Now we both cross our fingers every Christmas and hope to find a renewal slip under the tree.
If your man is outdoorsy, give him a subscription to Field&Stream Magazine. For the fitness buff, surprise him with six months worth of Muscle & Fitness. My husband has grown up in a family of train lovers, so he regularly receives Model Railroader.
A magazine subscription is the gift that keeps giving because each time an issue comes in the mail, he is reminded of you, his sweetie! To keep your budget under $20, check www.discountmags.com where a big selection of special interest magazines average around $15 for a one-year subscription.
Plate Up Your Love
Want a unique gift idea that will set you back only $3? Plate up your love with a cupcake from Sprinkles. This unique cupcake bakery originates from Beverly Hills and has only one location in Scottsdale at Camelback and Scottsdale Rd. With a variety of different flavors like chocolate marshmallow, pumpkin, ginger lemon, mocha, dark chocolate and many more, he is sure to love this plate of sweet stuff that comes in a special gift box. Pair it up with a love letter that is titled "Why You Are The Icing On My Cake" and thank him for how good he makes your life. Give him the best cupcake in town with a love letter and all for under five bucks…now that is Valentine’s Day on a budget!
So, whether you spend 20 bucks or 20 minutes putting together a reading area like I did for my hubby, you can bet that he will appreciate being appreciated on that fun day we romantics call Valentine’s Day. Happy Heart Day to you and yours!
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About Rachel Harris
With the new year, comes a lot of "new" and "improved" beauty products, but which ones are worth your hard-earned money and which ones are all flash and not worth your cash?
Since this column enables me to try before you buy, I thought I would be your personal beauty shopper and get the scoop behind what’s new. I found some great stuff, some unusual items like a revolving mascara wand and some goods that just aren’t good. Read on to see what new in 2009 beauty products.
Coming Soon to a Beauty Counter Near You: Hot or Not?
Since this stuff isn’t even available until next month, I was thrilled to get my hands on a couple of samples to give you a sneak preview. It is called Pro-X Professional by Olay and it is a new skin care line that so far, I just love.
Developed by a team of renowned dermatologists from around the world, Pro-X signals skin to perform more like it did when it was younger by repairing the moisture barrier and boosting surface-cell turnover rate. Six different skin care remedies are offered in the Pro-X line starting with the Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 that was very gentle on my sensitive skin. Plus I always look for an SPF with 30 or above, so it meets my own skin protection guidelines. This is especially important since Arizona has the second highest rate of skin cancer in the world. After I apply the repair lotion in the morning, I follow it up with the Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex which helps lessen my dark circles and usual puffy eyes that I get from being a busy 41-year-old mother of two! Next, I apply the Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment, which is something I have become more interested in since I hit the big 4-0! I also give the line’s night treatments a big thumbs up with the Hydra Firming Cream working its magic as I get my much-needed beauty sleep. There is a reason they call it beauty sleep and Pro-X has tapped into this by working with the restorative cells that come out at night to make skin more firm by plumping and locking in moisture.
Since I fear face lifts and botox and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy face creams, the Pro-X line which sells for $42.00 for each product is my new 2009 anti-aging line. Look for Pro-X starter kits next month in drug stores.
Vitamins in the Nail Polish Aisle: Hot or Not?
I do like Sally Hansen’s nail products, so I was intrigued when the company introduced their new Nail Essentials Dietary Supplement. You get 30 tablets filled with 3.0 mg of Biotin plus antioxidants for $12, which is not a bad price, but I did not find these vitamins to be the miracle cure for weak nails. The box claims that the jar is filled with easy to swallow tablets, but I thought they were horse pills. Although it never hurts to take a vitamin, it does not replace healthy eating. I took these vitamins through the holidays and as soon as my diet went on vacation, so did my nails, even with the pills! So, I found that adding this vitamin to the daily vitamin that I already take did not significantly strengthen my nails as long as my diet was off. This was very interesting to me because I just heard a medical report on the radio that says that the #1 factor in maintaining a healthy weight, strong nails and beautiful hair starts with diet every time. Even rigorous exercise won’t work as well without a good diet. So, this one isn’t necessarily not hot, but I didn’t find the vitamins hot enough to add to my regular routine.
An Infomercial Surprise: Rotating Mascara – Hot or Not?
I have to laugh when I think about how I stumbled onto this one. My 7-year-old daughter called out to me last month to hurry into the living room to see if this advertised mascara would be good for one of my segments. First of all, I didn’t realize that my 1st grader even paid attention to Mom’s column and secondly, I prepared myself to let her down easy since I was certain that an infomercial product would not interest me. Well, kudos to the kid because the commercial did intrigue me enough to order a bottle and I can’t believe it – but I like it! Spinlash Mascara comes with a wand that rotates 360 degrees for easier application and thicker lashes. I like the fact that the wand comes in a separate package so it can be used with your own favorite brand of mascara. I happened to like the company’s mascara, but I read a lot of reviews that did not care for the mascara, but loved the wand. I ordered mine by calling their phone number, but I don’t recommend that because the automated voice processed my order, but tried repeatedly to sell me additional items. Good news – it is now sold at Target for around $15. It can also be found at www.drugstore.com and comes complete with the rotating wand, separate mascara and a AAA battery.
Fun and on my hot list!
Recycled Razors: Hot or Not?
If it is green, then I want to immediately believe that it is good and this one did not disappoint. Recycline Preserve Razor Recyclable shavers are made with 100% recyclable handles in a variety of colors. Not only are the handles made from recycled yogurt cups, but when you are finished with your blade, simply squeeze the arms and remove the head for plastics recycling. The bad news is that I discovered that the City of Phoenix won’t take #5 plastics, which is what the razor handles fall under, but if you want to do your earth-friendly part, then simply mail the handles back in Recycline’s postage paid mailer. I got my mailer free from their website at www.recycline.com. It was super easy because the site enables you to print out a postage-paid mailer that can be affixed to your package. What a cool way to go green while getting rid of unwanted hair! I got my package of four recyclable razors at Sprouts Farmers Market for $7.25. Earth-friendly and hot!
Nail Company Expands to Lips: Hot or Not?
Since I love Sally Hansen’s nail products, I was curious to cross over to their lip gloss when I read that they were adding lip items to their line in 2009. They call it the Sally Hansen Lip Lab and there is a lot to choose from. I bought the Miracle Cure Lip Saver for $8 at my local drug store because I wanted to see what makes this product a lip saver and a miracle. I will stick with Sally for my nail needs, but I found the lip saver less than pleasing. The odor was a bit strong and the gloss was a bit sticky plus there is no mention of any SPF protection and recent studies suggest that the sun’s harmful rays may reflect off of lip gloss thereby increasing one’s risk of skin cancer on the lips. Since we live in sunny Arizona, it is definitely something to keep in mind when buying and applying lip gloss. So, I still say that Sally Hansen is hot in the nail department, but I say that the lip saver is not hot.
Hot or not, it is fun to try what’s new in 2009. Here’s hoping that we all get a little help with keeping our beauty and our life on a budget in the new year!
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Another Christmas has come and gone, but you can’t start counting calories yet because New Year’s Eve is next. With festive food and yummy cocktails, this event comes right on the heels of the many Christmas calories you didn’t count. If you are like me and gain several pounds each holiday season, you may want to head to that New Year’s celebration with a calorie-conscious drink order in mind. I decided that this year I would think before I drink and find out which cocktails have the lowest calorie count.
Since many of us also make New Years Day plans, I decided to learn a few makeover-the-hangover beauty tips to boot. Another plus is that my morning-after beauty plan is a fast fix with minimal makeup and quick hair.
As I did my research, I found a few surprises when it came to adding up liquid calories. See if there is something on my low-calorie cocktail list that makes you thirsty.
Oh, how I love a good martini, but I don’t like them dirty or straight up. Nope, not sugar-craved me! I always order the kind that is made with all of the sweet stuff. Any martini glass that sports a lot of colorful flavors always gets my attention. But, do they all have to get my waistline, too?!
In doing my research, my favorite report comes from a Glamour Magazine’s online article called "Best & Worst Drinks" which gives us a gals a guide of cocktail calories. It may be pretty-in-pink, but that Cosmo comes in at 251 calories when made with 3 oz. citrus vodka and 5 oz. each of Triple Sec and Lime juice with a splash of cranberry juice. Glamorous green is the better choice with the Sour Apple Martini containing only 160 calories for a 2.5 oz. sour mix and .75 oz. each of vodka and sour apple liqueur. How do you like them apples? Sour sounds good to me, so I think I’ll go green for this round.
Say so long to a Long Island Ice Tea which averages about 780 calories a serving and yes to bubbly bliss because the average glass of champagne has only 100 calories to think about .. or should I say not think about! After dinner drinks are always tempting, but stay away from White Russians that pack a punch of over 400 calories and move away from the Mudslide which easily slides close to 900 calories into your drink! If you love Bailey’s like I do, then simply order a cup of coffee with a small serving of Baileys minus any whipped cream because creamy dreamy Bailey’s is sweet enough on its own. A cup of coffee with Baileys comes in around a tasty 120 calories. Consider decaf so you will sleep better post-party.
Red wine is divine because vino contains healthy antioxidants (in moderation of course) and one small glass of red averages about 100 calories per glass.
White wine sports a similar calorie count, but since reds have the flavnoids and antioxidants that may beheart-healthy in moderate amounts, I’ll toast to red.
Remember, stick to one or two glasses max for optimal health benefits minus the dreaded red wine hangover!
If you are looking to mix, not nix, a tasty treat on New Year’s, check out the book Hungry Girl by Lisa Lillien or her website at www.hungry-girl.com.
This book dedicates an entire chapter to calorie-conscious cocktails that taste great without going straight to your waist. My personal favorite is her 104-calorie Mojito Madness recipe found in Chapter 12.
Last but not least, I left out beer simply because most bottles come with calorie-counting labels, so if you prefer a good brew, go for lite beers and don’t forget to check the back of the bottle if you are keeping track of your liquid calorie intake.
Like so many other things that are changing in my 40s, my tolerance for multiple mojitos or oversized wine glasses filled to the rim is not what it used to be. Not only do I wake with heartburn or an upset tummy, but the sleepless night and swelling from the alcohol show up in my morning mirror. So, I have put together a few makeover-the-hangover tricks to get your looks through the dreaded next day.
First and foremost, drink water before you drink, with your drinks and all day the next day. H20 will help to flush out those tasty, but testy, toxins that leave many gals feeling bloated and swollen. Next trick is to put a pony in your hair. Ponytails give the face an elevated look that pulls droopy, tired eyes up. My favorite under eye pick-me-up is DDF’s Eye Erase Gel. Born with bags, I have tried just about every under eye concealer out there in all price ranges, shapes and sizes. Some left me looking like a tired raccoon, others gave me dry patches while some brands eliminated my cash, but not my circles. DDF goes on smooth and works fast. Ulta Beauty Stores sells the line or visit www.ddfskincare.com to order online.
Another trick that I discovered quite by accident is to mix my blush colors. I regularly combine my pink shade with a bronze one. I only tried this because my compact had them stored side-by-side so my big blush brush accidentally picked up both colors. To my surprise, I liked the look. I was even more surprised to read a Good Housekeeping beauty article that says that CBS early-morning anchor Hannah Storm does the same thing for a pick-me-up that makes her look more alive. Who knew?
Last but not least, open up your eyes with a bit of mascara and look fresh with a clear lip gloss. These makeover-the-hangover tips are fast and easy with a quick pony tail and minimal makeup which is my favorite part, especially the morning after too many martinis.
So, raise your glass filled with that low-calorie cocktail and toast to a fun night, a quick-fix morning and a happy and healthy new year! Cheers to you….and to your beauty and life on a budget in 2009!
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Every time I sit down to write this column, there are usually several items or ideas that I can’t wait to share because they worked so well.
With 2008 wrapping up, I thought it would be fun and informative to bring back what I call my award-winning favorite finds that readers and viewers told me they liked, that tested well and continue to hold up nicely months later. Take a look below to see the best beauty bargains and favorite finds tested by me, my gal pals and supported by the research I did for your budget and for mine! Special thanks to my gal pal panel of women ranging in age from their 20’s to 60’s who regularly test and report back to me their opinions of the good and not-so good stuff that I include in my column.
Not only did I find a face cream that is a fraction of the cost of the more expensive brands, but it also performs well. Discovering a product that is inexpensive and top quality is a rare find, so Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream tops my list as my #1 favorite find of 2008. In a recent study done by Good Housekeeping Research Institute, the Olay cream hydrated skin cells better than several leading creams that retail in fine department stores for up to $350. In fact, as an example, if you place the $350 La Prairie face cream next to the $25 Olay jar, you will notice that the containers are exactly the same size at 1.7 oz. each. However, the La Prairie comes in a glitzy round silver box placed inside another big fancy box and the container has an oversized lid. So you end up paying the price for all of that attractive packaging that is not necessary. Best of all, the Olay passed the Good Housekeeping test and continues to be the favorite find of my gal pal panel as well!
In my opinion, this eye shadow is unbeatable! Maybelline Shadow Stylist does it all. It glides right on, looks beautiful and lasts all day. The unusual bottle looks more like lip gloss because it comes with a wand that just whips out of the container and applies to the eye lid in an instant. Application is easy and mess-free. One bottle does cost $6 at drug stores, but it will outlast your cheaper eye shadow every time.
Of all the hair product lines, I continue to favor Goody because the company has unique ideas that work. Two of their hair brushes work overtime to style your mane and solve issues like flakes and dullness. Goody Therapy Copper Styling Brush is infused with copper-plated bristles which kills 88 percent of the fungus that causes dandruff. I found that it did quickly rid my scalp of those annoying white flakes with a few strokes. I bought this brush at Target for just under ten bucks.
Goody also introduced a brush that wakes up dull hair called Goody Styling Therapy Add Shine Hair Brush that I found for $8.99 at CVS drug stores. To give hair that celebrity-desired silky look, this product is infused with Jojoba oil. Plus it has flexible bristles that are gentle on the hair. The added oil helps to repair dry and damaged strands while adding a nice silky shine. My hair really did look nice after using this innovative tool, but make sure you read the directions first because this brush may melt if you try to use it with a hair dryer. It also does a good job of taming the frizzes.
Although $28 is a lot for a bottle of sunscreen, DDF Organic Sun Protection UV Moisturizer is the only sunscreen, and I mean only one, that doesn’t irritate my daughter’s sensitive and Eczema-laden skin. I also have bouts of the itchy annoying Eczema skin condition and to my dismay, my daughter inherited that from me. However, her condition is much worse than mine and she can even be heard scratching her spots in her sleep at night. She scratches those patches until they bleed, bless her heart! I have noticed that her most severe outbreaks come in the dead of winter and the height of summer. So, when I am slathering other brands of sun block on her skin, she cries that the stuff makes her Eczema burn and sting. DDF to the rescue for her skin and for her temperament which improved her stress and my stress as a struggling mother trying to protect her from the sun, but also soothe her body. For sensitive skin conditions, this price tag is well worth the results. DDF is sold at Ulta Beauty Stores and www.ddfskincare.com.
In addition to covering products, I also like to include natural remedies that you probably already have on hand. This year I showed sugar scrubs, yogurt facials and tea tree oil solutions. These items were all top notch, but my all-time favorite find can be found right in your kitchen cupboard…good ol’ olive oil. For your hair, nails and skin, the beauty boost that olive oil gives many of your body parts just can’t be beat, especially for the price. One of my favorite 2008 segments included my 10-year-old son who served as a good sport and let me demonstrate how to combat dandruff by spraying olive oil in his hair followed by applying a crushed aspirin. This comes from my favorite book by Reader’s Digest called Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things which is a wealth of useful information that sells for only $16…a great last minute gift idea, too!
Another one of my favorite books, 501 Easy Health Tips by Kellie Collins suggests soaking your hands in a warm bowl of olive oil once a week. I also know a nail tech that regularly gives her clients hot oil soaks to fix dry and damaged nails. So, the next time you grab some olive oil for your favorite recipe, stop and give yourself a manicure, too.
Before bedtime, simply rub some olive oil all over your feet (or use an olive oil spray can and spray away) put on your socks and sleep while your feet enjoy nature’s pedicure. I tried it and the next morning my heels looked great in my sling-back heels. Plus my husband stopped telling me that my feet felt like sandpaper under the covers!
For an all natural moisturizing lip gloss, dab a bit of olive oil on your lips so you can touch up your kisser while you cook that holiday meal. Olive oil benefits are endless and almost free since you can just borrow from your pantry to stretch your beauty budget.
For brittle weak nails that peel and won’t grow, I really put this one to the test because not only did it work when I used it, but after I got lazy and stopped applying it, my nails went back to their weak and unattractive state. The powerful potion is called Duri Rejuvacote and after I showed it the first time, several viewers told me that they tried it and still swear by this bottle six months later. In a matter of weeks, my former acrylic-eaten nails became strong, vital and natural nails, which was truly a first for my hands. I have never had strong finger nails. Duri Rejuvacote can be worn over nail polish or alone as a clear cover.
I first learned about Rejuvacote from nail pro Kathy Weishan, who specializes in natural nails and healing nail beds that have been covered by the fakes. Kathy provides pampering hot oil manicures and more at Just For You Salon & Day Spa located at Warner Rd. & McClintock in Tempe. She sells Rejuvacote for $14 a bottle and she can be reached at 602-531-9335.
Last but not least, I bring this quick fix trick back because I have had several viewers ask me to show it again. In the category of you get what you pay for, Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion at $23 a bottle is definitely a pricy potion, but one that works well and enables you to skip shampooing for a couple of extra days. This product was recommended to me from both a Denver hair stylist and my gal pal, Becky who swears by the stuff. Becky tells me that this product really adds volume to her fine hair. I personally like it for the mornings when I wake up late and don’t have the extra time to wash and blow-dry. Working the powder in my scalp absorbs excess oil and gives me an extra day to put off a shampoo, which by the way, is healthy for your hair. Plus, dirty hair actually makes a better up do, so using this potion will provide more lift when massaged into the roots while absorbing the excess oils. This results in a beautiful bun or terrific twist with little effort and a lot of time saved! Find it at www.aveda.com or in Aveda store mall locations.
So, there you have it — the 2008 Beauty and Life on a Budget award winners for best products that pass my gal pal panel test! I’ll be back soon with the lowdown on what’s hot in the 2009 new product beauty bag…hard to believe another New Year is upon us. And if you have a product or idea that you think would be great to cover in my column, add a comment and let me know here because the best ideas usually come from each other as us wonder women who balance budgets, families and our own beauty dilemmas need to stick together!
Happy Holidays!
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Looking for a little lift, tuck and trim underneath your favorite holiday attire? Want to indulge at that Christmas party without sucking in your tummy with every yummy bite? Creative undergarments to the rescue!
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In my search to find affordable bras, panties and other types of unmentionables that lift, smooth, flatter and also enhance the areas that you want to emphasize, I found some brilliant buys. Stuff that lets you cheat what is underneath so that you can eat at that celebration. So, don’t get dressed for your holiday event without checking out the rest of this column because I’ve got you covered in the areas that matter most under your holiday best.
Body Wish: Tuck Tummy, Slim Thighs and Lift Behind
Body Fix: Power Panties by Spanx
In my quest to find the best body slimmer of the season, for the third year in a row, the Spanx line wins first place. Having tried the line myself, I also interviewed several local fashion buyers and they all agree that Spanx has got your butt, tummy and thighs consistently covered! Not only is the shaper underwear comfortable, but it has a soft waistband with no binding rubber cord, no leg band so your thighs look smooth under dresses and pants and the tummy control is unbeatable. Praise to the power panty is also given by the fashion experts because of the cotton crotch, so these are worn in place of undies. Plus the design does not have those pesky panty lines. I bought my pair for $30 three years ago and they continue to hold up and hold me up nicely. Get your pair at The Purple Skirt boutique in Ahwatukee or Scottsdale, Nordstrom’s or www.spanx.com.
Body Wish: More Cleavage & Pulled Together Bust
Body Fix: Gather-the-Girls by Pure Style Girlfriends
As the box asks, are your girls having a bit of separation anxiety? As we age and carry babies, our breasts not only tend to head south, but they also seem to go in separate directions! Pure Style Girlfriends has created a clever cleavage aide with a clever name to boot! Gather-the-Girls is an adhesive strapless shaping bra that offers two functions. If more cleavage is what you need for your black halter dress, the nude-colored strapless bra sticks to your skin and has adhesive tabs beneath the underarm that work with the front clasp to boost your bust. If you want to pull yourself together (and not in the mental sense) then the center clasp can be adjusted to gather your girls as the product’s name so perfectly describes. Personally, I would much rather use this bra then go under a knife so I am thrilled that this magical item sells for only $46! You can gather your own set at The Purple Skirt or visit www.PureStyleGirlfriends.com for more details.
Body Wish: Temporary Breast Lift
Body Fix: Pure Style Girlfriends Breast Lift-Up Tape
I just know that they wear these in Hollywood! The Pure Style Girlfriends Breast Lift-Up Tape looks quite odd, but does the trick! Two inches of immediate lift is promised on the back of the box. I didn’t measure, but I did notice that things looked higher, especially under my dressy blouse. For cup sizes A to D and a price of only $18.00 for a box of six adhesive strips, it is worth trying, especially this time of year when the dress demands that breasts defy gravity! Keep in mind that the product offers six hours of perkiness, so keep an eye on your watch and bust as if you were Cinderella anticipating the clock striking midnight! Or just keep an extra pair in your purse and reapply when needed….the things we gals do for our girls!
Body Wish: A Bra for the Demanding Dress That Shows Skin
Body Fix: Victoria’s Secret 100 Way Strapless Convertible Bra
Most convertible bras can only be worn 3 to 4 different ways, so I was pretty impressed to discover a bra that can be converted into 100 unique styles.
For your favorite backless dress, strapless top or one-shoulder gown, this bra will do the trick. It can also be worn as a plunge bra for deep low cut clothing and as a racer back, which is a life-saver for the many fun holiday styles that challenge your bra drawer. The versatility of this undergarment makes it worth the $50 to $60 price range.
Body Wish: Skirts & Pants that Firm Fanny & Tone Tummy
Body Fix: Spanx Tights & Bod-a-Bing! Skirt
Tights are nice in the winter because they are comfortable and warm. Spanx set their sights on making tights that flatter and firm as well. Plus the Tight-End Tights are reversible so you get two colors of black and brown in one pair. Another plus is that the product is made of moisture-wicking material that keeps your lower half cool and dry. To body shape your bottom and firm up your legs, these babies will set you back $34 at www.spanx.com or The Purple Skirt locations.
Spanx also offers Tight-End Tights that are footless and flatter your bum and thighs in the more casual holiday styles like a tunic worn with leggings or a skirt with boots. For 26 dollars, I love this idea!
My three-year-old tried and true slimming skirt is also made by Spanx. Called the Bod-a-Bing! Skirt, this sexy black piece has the Spanx technology built right into the garment. It is my most slimming skirt and it has seen me through holiday weight gains plus it can be worn casually or dressed up. I paid $68 and it is the skirt that just keeps giving…and slimming…and smoothing…and lifting! I love this line and I continue to appreciate my trusty skirt!
A Couple of Other Hollywood Quick Body Tricks
Hollywood Tag Tamers covers those pesky clothing tags so that women who don’t want to clip their labels to retain the garment’s value can keep the scissors at bay and the tags neatly hidden. Visit www.hollywoodfashiontape.com for more details.
To protect yourself from unsightly sweat circles under your arms, Pure Style Girlfriends offers ultra-thin disposable style liners called Haute Stuff. Although I don’t tend to sweat much, some of my sheer silk holiday blouses have come close and kept me on red alert with frequent arm checks…not fun! A box of 16 adhesives sells for $18.00 which is money well spent if you can prevent those dreaded sweat circles!
Another company that has our trouble spots covered is called Her Look. Items like Takeouts add a full cup size to your bust line. This line also offers an attractive support slip and fashion tape. Check it all out at www.herlook.com .
So, if what is underneath is what really counts, then count on some of the above undergarment styles for a quick fix. All of these products were created by women for women and I don’t know about you, but I’ll take their advice and all the help I can get as my body changes with my age! And thank goodness we don’t have to wear those old-fashioned uncomfortable girdles! Thank goodness for today’s sexy, sleek and sensible undergarment cheats that let us eat and be merry.
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