FASHION - LOVE IT AND GOTTA HAVE IT!!!  
Redbook May 2012 Issue

All of these awesome items were in Redbook's May 2012 issue.  I'm going crazy and gotta have them.  And the best part?  The prices are ridiculously affordable!

Check it out . . .



Annalee + Hope dress, $29.99; burlingtoncoatfactory.com 

Wallet, $30; bigbuddha.com 

 Love 21 by Forever 21 dress, $27.80; forever21.com


 Bangle set, $38; sushmapatel.us




Sneakers, $17.94; oldnavy.com

 

BEAUTY PRODUCTS MUST HAVES!!!

 This awesome pallet takes the guess work out of applying eye makeup.  Follow the chart on the pallet and you’ll know exactly where to apply each of the four shades.
O Magazine, April 2012 Issue

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Perfect Eyes Kit ($9.00 – avon.com)

This is so cool!!!  Flip a tiny switch on this compact and LED Lights illuminate the mirror.  Wherever you are, you’ll have the bright, clear light you need to get ready for your close up.

O Magazine, April 2012 Issue

Physician’s Formula pH Matchmaker Blush, Bronzer, and Lip Gloss

Why did I think this was the best foundation to try?  The newly created and tweaked True Match Foundation comes in a whopping 33 shades, but how in the world do you figure out which one to use?  Here’s the best part – You download the Match Maker app.  The “FREE” app suggests colors based on your answers to a brief Q&A.   How cool is that?

Redbook Magazine, April 2012 Issue

L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation, $10.95

We all know that Burt’s Bee products are awesome.  But this one was picked in the Best of the Naturals products in Good Housekeeping magazine.   Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm outperformed the competition in all categories, including leaving lips hydrated.  

Good Housekeeping, April 2012 Issue

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, $7.00

GREAT TIPS

Household Tips

Love Having Fresh Flowers in your Home?  To make the blooms last longer, add a few drops of bleach ot the water in the vase.

All You April 2012 Issue (Dwyer Paulsen)

Table Salt Can Do That?

Work table salt into greasy marks on fabric to help soak up the stain before tossing into the wash.
All You April 2012 Issue

To wash sinks, pots and pans, or stained coffee cups fast, mix liquid dish soap with table salt to form a gentle scrubbing paste.

Good Housekeeping April 2012 Issue
 
Want a Quick Way to Clean your Microwave?

Zap a bowl of water with half a lemon in it for five minutes to loosen grime.  Then just sponge the walls clean. 

Good Housekeeping April 2012 Issue

Beauty Tips

Remedy a Fragrance Overload – Spray way too much?  Here’s a quick fix:  Moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and wipe the skin where you over-spritzed.  Alcohol dissolves the oils that release perfumes scent on your skin and the cotton ball gently exfoliates the skin’s surface, which also helps to remove the fragrance.

Alan Hirsch, MD, Director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation
Oprah Magazine April 2012 Issue

Make it Last All Day – Heading out after work, but hesitant to re-spritz?  Make your fragrance last all day (and then some) with this a.m. trick.  Rub an unscented body lotion where you plan to mist (best spots are at your pulse points like your neck, inner wrists, and behind your ears).  It captures the scent so it stays on the skin without evaporating.  IT WORKS – I TRIED IT!

Red Book Magazine May 2012 Issue

SHOPPING (AND SAVING)
(My Personal Favorite Subject)
 
The New and Improved JC Penney

Have you all been wondering what all of those new JC Penney (JCP) commercials are about?  I know I have.  Here’s the deal:

Save with JCPenney’s New Pricing Plan:  The retailer claims that everything in the store is marked down by an average of 40% below 2011 prices.  Signs screaming “Sale” or “Discount” have disappeared and prices are now listed in whole dollars ($9 or $10 rather than $8.99 or $9.98).  Even more helpful, the retailer now has red stickers on its everyday low prices and distinguishes its clearance items with blue stickers.  But JCP hasn’t done away with sales entirely.  There will be 12 month long promotions tied to the calendar for holidays.
Reported by Consumer Reports ShopSmart Magazine – April 2012 Issue

After visiting a JCP store, ShopSmart reported that the store seems to deliver its promised savings.  Most of the items they reviewed were discounted by 40% or more and some even offered savings of at least 50%.

Another good reason to give it a try?  A store revamp that will include mini shops within the store (Sephora is already there) and services like expert advice similar to Apple’s Genius Bar. 

I can’t wait to stop in and check it out! 
 
SAVE SAVE SAVE on Beauty Products!!
Reported by Consumer Reports ShopSmart Magazine April 2012 Issue

I was pretty surprised and somewhat shocked to learn the difference in prices at drug stores vs. WalMart and Target.  Both WalMart and Target can save you big bucks on beauty products.  It had the lowest prices on the most items that ShopSmart reviewed.  There were a ton of them listed in the magazine, however, I can’t list them all, but here are some of examples of very impressive savings:

Clairol Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo
      WalMart:  $2.79       vs.        Drug Store:  $4.18

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
     WalMart:  $3.97       vs.        Drug Store:  $5.60

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
     Target:  $5.18          vs.        Drug Store:  $9.02
 
ShopSmart also reported that websites are the place to go for higher-end brands.  If you are looking for Aveeno instead of Vaseline, or a natural brand like Burt’s Bees, you might find the best deals online (Amazon, Drugstore.com, harmondiscount.com).  Just don’t forget to take shipping costs into consideration.  They also reported that supermarket prices are pretty competitive, which I found to be pretty surprising. 

GREAT APPS/WEBSITES!!!!
Some tried; some recommended

Coupon Sherpa
Download this "FREE" app, which allows you to redeem local in-store coupons instantly without having to clip or print them.  Click on a merchant and link its loyalty card to your account.  Select the available discounts you want and they will be applied to your purchase when your loyalty card is scanned.   Predicted Annual Savings:  $71.00
Recommended by Real Simple Magazine - April 2012 Issue. 

GasBuddy
Find cheap gas nearby.  Compare local prices at the "FREE" GasBuddy app (or gasbuddy.com).  Also, before you fill up the tank, check to see if it's cheaper to pay with cash rather than credit. 
Recommended by All You Magazine - April 2012 Issue.

ErrandTracker.com
Map the Most Efficient Route to Save Gas!  On your computer or iPhone, create a list of the places you need to go, and the "FREE" website/app ErrandTracker.com shows you the most efficient route.  That way you can eliminate doubling back and wasting gasoline.
Recommended by All You Magazine - April 2012 Issue.

Google Catalogs (MY PERSONAL FAVORITE APP)
Prevent paper pileup in your mailbox by downloading the "FREE" Google Catalogs app and you'll get instant access to over 400 digital catalogs from more than 125 brands. 
My Personal Opinion:  This is one of my favorite and most used apps (and I have a lot of apps).  I find catalogs for stores that I love and had no idea that there were even catalogs available.  For example, there are catalogs for West Elm, The Container Store, and World Market to name just a few.  You can also mark your favorites, with a Google Account, so you can always go back to your faves.  Love it!!!!
Recommended by Good Housekeeping - April 2012 Issue.

FASHION
Ideas, Tips, Favorite Products, Recommendations . . .

GENIUS IDEA!!!!  

Build your own Fashion Stylist’s Toolbox:  This “emergency” kit is like the one stylists use on photo shoots (InStyle Magazine, March Issue).  

Must Have’s:

·         Double Stick Tape (create a hem, close gapping, or keep straps in place).
·         Handheld Steamer (so much easier than ironing).
·         Lint Roller
·         Needle & Thread (a must for popped buttons).
·         Safety Pins (have both large and small sizes)
·         Small Scissors.
·         Seam Ripper.
·         Static Eliminator.
·         Stain Remover (erase spots as soon as they happen with the Tide to Go pen).
·         Wrinkle-Obliterating Spray (BEST INVENTION EVER!!!).

For must-have supplies, the pros hit Manhattan Wardrobe Supply (www.manhattanwardrobesupply.com).

FASHION WEBSITES

Are you cleaning out your closets?  Check out these websites to donate, swap or consign the clothes you are discarding.  (InStyle Magazine, March issue).

Copious.com - Use your Facebook and Twitter accounts to connect to buyers and other sellers on this social marketplace. Known for everything from handmade beaded bracelets to Fendi bags.

I-ella.com - A charitable spot where users can buy, borrow, swap and even lend apparel and accessories, then donate 10 percent of the transaction fee to one of three causes featured each month.  Known for logos galore (Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton).

Portero.com - A place for super-high end, pre-owned accessories.  Portero Luxury lists handbags, watches, and fine jewelry.  There’s not cost unless your things sell.  Known for investment timepieces (Cartier and Rolex).

SPRING TRENDS - ORANGE IS IN! 

Love these products!!!!! (O, The Oprah Magazine - April Issue). 

And they are all under $100.00!!! 

Voluminous Maxiskirt @ Joe Fresh - $69.00

Tangerine Pants @ Loft.com - $50.00

Nine West Tote - $69.00

 

Huh . . . Very Interesting
Woman's Day April 2012 Issue

I found the following to be very interesting:

If you love the "sweet" stuff like I do, we know it doesn't do our teeth or our waistline any good, but it could be making you a nicer person.  In a series of studies published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, subjects with a sweet tooth were rated as more agreeable and were more willing to volunteer to help others.   

Who's happiest?  Research proves that these folks have mastered the art:

*  The cheeriest folks in America?  "Hawaiians" says a recent Gallup poll.  (Well duh - I could have told you that one). 
*  Biotech Workers are the most satisfied employees in the country, according to the job-search website CareerBliss.com.  Next on their list:  Customer services reps (which I find very hard to believe) and teachers. 
*  Life does get better as we age.  According to a Stanford University study, "Older Americans" are the most content generation with satisfaction peaking at 70.
*  People who enjoy creative pastimes, like visiting museums or performing in local theater are singing a happy tune, as reported from an iPhone survey the Mappiness Project (professor George MacKerron).
*  And apparently people who earn $75,000 have reached the plateau beyond which more money has no measurable effect on day-to-day contentment (according to Princeton economist Angus Deaton's research).

So if you are not happy you need to move to Hawaii, get a job as a Biotech Worker, keep your job as a Biotech Worker so you can make at least $75,000/year, age gracefully, and get artsy!!!!  Sounds like a plan.  : )

What would make me happy????  This fabulous belt!!!  And it's only $16.99!!!! 

Merona Rope Belt in Jute, at Select Target Stores

Woman's Day "Fun Finds" Under $20.00 April Issue

FOODIE TIPS
Food Network Magazine - March Issue (The Chocolate Issue)

Who knew?  White Chocolate is an impostor!  Although it is made from cocoa butter (the fat from cocoa bean), it isn't really chocolate because it has no cocoa solids, the dark-colored stuff that gives real chocolate its identity, deep flavor and antioxidant punch.  by Ellie Krieger, Food Network Star

The best type of chocolate for dipping (i.e., pretzels)?  When making chocolate fondue, I find that the easiest thing to do is melt semisweet chocolate with a small amount of grape seed oil, (grape seed oil has little or no flavor, so it won't change the original flavor).  The oil adds a little slickness, which lets the chocolate spread evenly without affecting the taste, and it gives a nice shine to the dipped foods.  by Robert Irvine, Food Network Star

Who Knew?  There's a coffee for Chocoholics!  Choffy, roasted and ground cacao beans, can be brewed just like coffee.  The treat has a smoky chocolate flavor with a hint of bitterness.  It's slightly more caloric than coffee (20 calories, compared with 2 calories for an 8-ounce coffee), but it's fat-free and contains only trace amounts of caffeine (roughly 24 mg, compared with coffee's 100 mg or more).  $20.00; drinkchoffy.com

BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO TRY (perfect for travel)
Highly recommended by Diane Vadino of
Nylon Magazine (March Issue)

These very cool new products are also perfect for Travel.  Check them out . . .
Or if you have tried any of them yet, I would love to hear what you think. 

ALMAY OIL-FREE MAKE-UP ERASER STICKS
Found this on drugstore.com for only $4.40

SEPHORA COLLECTION UNIVERSAL ATOMIZER - (I SO NEED THIS)
At .15 fluid ounces (about 55 sprays) it's well under the TSA-mandated limit of 3 ounces for carry-ons.  And the price of $15.00 @ Sephora. com is fantastic.

SUPERGOOP SUNSCREEN WIPES
I found on soap.com at $34.00 for a 40 count box (same price as supergoop website but only for a box of 21). 
Kind of pricey, but I think it might be worth it since I hate putting on sunscreen and this just seems so easy.

DID YOU KNOW????
HGTV Magazine, February/March Issue
(My new favorite magazine - love it soooo much)

DID YOU KNOW . . .
  That you should clean the inside of your washing machine?  If your machine has an odor, they suggest to fill it to capacity with hot water, then add a gallon of plain white vinegar and run a normal cycle. 

  (My wonderful new Samsung Front Loading Washing Machine has a cycle specifically for this task.) 

DID YOU KNOW . . .
  You can put the lint screen from the dryer in the dishwasher?  If you want to give it a thorough cleaning, this will do the trick.  Wash it on the top rack every three months or so suggests Fred Holzhauer, Green Chef at Method. 

DID YOU KNOW . . .
  Using too much detergent can actually make your clothes dirtier?  (I didn't)  Overdosing creates excess suds, which results in residue on clothes that attracts dirt and odors.  Trust the fill lines and pay attention to load size. 

DID YOU KNOW . . .
  That if you notice a lot of lint (more than usual) that it's a signal to calm down on the bleach, the hot water, or both.  Fred Holzhauer, Method

NEW SPRING BAGS
LUCKY MAGAZINE APRIL 2012 ISSUE


LOVE LOVE LOVE THE NEW SPRING BAGS I FOUND IN LUCKY MAGAZINE.  Here are some of my fav's and they are reasonably priced.  Of course, Lucky Magazine includes a lot of bags that are absolutely stunning, but unfortunately I can't afford most of them.  I do love looking at them though. 

TWO-HANDLED SATCHELS

The Bella-Donna can be found on handbags.com for $105 - love the tassels!!!


WRISTLET CLUTCHES

This adorable clutch is on express.com for $25 - I usually don't use clutches but I might use one with a wrist strap.


LADYLIKE MINIS

This Kate Spade bag is fabulous and kind of pricey at $398, but might be worth the splurge (or at least will keep my eye out for a sale).

LIGHTWEIGHT KNAPSACK

This absolutely adorable knapsack can be found at roxy.com for $62 - I think I have to have this one!!! 

WHIMSICAL CLUTCHES



 Lucky Magazine had so many adorable clutches in the shapes of pink lips, birds, fish, apples, etc. but they were really really expensive (like over $1,000 expensive).

But they had this cute star clutch for $48 at modcloth.com.  In fact, they had so many cute things on this website that I saved it for future viewing. 

Cool Website and Apps
Check these out - found them in ShopSmart Magazine March Issue

StarStar - Open this on your smartphone and they will hook you up with where-to-find info for just about anything you might think of (or need).  You dial ** and then whatever it is your looking for, for example **GSCOOKIES or ** WEATHER from your smartphone and info comes to you instantly in a text message.  The article mentions that this service is still growing, so they might not have everything available yet.

I haven't tried it myself yet, but I will eventually.  I find that if ShopSmart recommends something it is really good.  Let me know if you get a chance to try it out and what you think.  

Check out this FREE App - TabBuy for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.  It will bring some pretty cool stuff from various retailers to your phone, will apply coupon discounts, and will let you buy it with one tap (that's kind of scary, but very cool).  Again, I haven't tried it yet, but if you have let me know your thoughts.    

High Rated Kitchen Gadgets
ShopSmart Magazine by Consumer Reports March Issue

I am always looking for high-rated products that actually work and that are reasonably priced.  I pulled these from the ShopSmart Magazine and they were all rated "The Best".  They can all be found on Amazon.com.

BEST JUICER:  CHEF'N JUICESTER

BEST GRATER:  OXO GOOD GRIPS BOX GRATER
I love that it has a container on the bottom to do the catching.

BEST ZESTER:  BEATERBLADE ZESTNEST
Love this and think I really need it.   

 BEST CAN OPENER:  OXO MAGNETIC LOCKING CAN OPENER 

Great Products and Gift Ideas!!! 
Country Living March Issue

BE CREATIVE!

At spoonflower.com you can put anything on fabric - from artwork and photos to old family letters.  I wish I can capture the picture from the article on Country Living magazine (page 21).  They reupholstered a chair in fabric with an old letter that dates from 1882 that they uploaded to the website.  It is one of the most beautiful chairs I have ever seen and I had to share. 

FAVORITE ETSY FIND!

This artist from Etsy.com (Jason Lefarrera) creates pictures of state birds with high resolution scans of the state maps.  It's so cool.  You can find it at etsy.com/shop/laferrera starting at $50.00.

Cool Savings from All*You's March Issue

$ SAVINGS
All*You March Issue

You can earn cash back when you shop on-line: All you have to do is visit a rebate web-site when shopping on-line. When you shop through one of these sites you will receive a percentage of your total dollars spent.
The article I read lists four (4) of these websites as follows:

Ebates has more than 1,200 websites and sends you a check quarterly.
Fat Wallet has more than 1,000 retailers and sends out checks weekly.
Mr. Rebates has more than 2,000 retailers and sends out monthly checks (or PayPal deposit).
Price Rank has almost 2,000 retailers and sends out a monthly check.

They each have their own sign-up bonus and special sales so check out which works best for you.

DID YOU KNOW???? 

"Military families overseas can use expired coupons for up to six months past their expiration date.  You can find out which bases need what coupon by visiting ocpnet.org. 
     from Melissa King "thismommysavesmoney.com"

Some great tips from All*You's Super Saver this month - Diane Marletto

-  You can swap services and products under Craig's List.  Under the For Sale Section, there's a Barter tab.  (For Example:  Pro HandyMan to Trade for Your Massage and $100 Ann Taylor Gift Card for $100 _____ Gift Card). 

-  Check out freecycle.org - a site where people post items they want to give away.  You can view by location.