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Product Review: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit

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I sometimes struggle with unwanted hair on my face, neck and chin. I don’t like using razors because I don’t like the razor bumps, irritation and minor cuts. Plus, I would have to shave at least 2-3 times a week in order to maintain these areas. I heard about wax strips and wanted to give them a try. I found a product at my local pharmacy called the Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit — it’s for the face, eyebrows and bikini area.

Salley Hansen Wax Strips
Great for eyebrows.

Benefits
– Plenty of strips (34 to be exact; 17 double sided strips in 3 different sizes)
– very affordable at around $5 per box
– strips can be cut to fix up your eyebrows or lip hair
– gets the job done quickly

I mostly use these wax strips when I want to shape up my eyebrows. I simply cut an eyebrow shaped oval at the center of the strip, then separate them (creates a total of four sticky strips) and apply either below or above the brow. After smoothing it out with my fingers for a few seconds, I quickly yank the strips off. The discomfort only lasts for a few seconds and you get a clean curved eyebrow shape. You’ll figure it out with a little practice. There are a couple of cloths inside that contain a finishing oil to wipe around the brow area.

Personally, I find that when I use this product, I only have to do it once or twice per month to keep my eyebrows looking good. I also use them when my sideburns get a little bit out of control and for removing annoying lip hair. I highly recommend this product for beauty conscious women who want an affordable an easy way to get rid of facial hair. Compare the cost of one box to going to a nail salon for eyebrow waxing.

I give the Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit 4.5 stars. It would be at 5 if they provided a variety of eyebrow shaping cutouts and a tiny scissor for convenience.

Review by Jade B.

 

Product Review: Shea Body Butter by Tree Hut

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I get dry skin — especially in colder weather. Most lotions are too thick or heavy and clog the pores. Worst of all a thick, heavy lotion makes my skin feel tacky and dirty. Other products are way too thin and within minutes my skin is dry and ashy again! I finally came across a really great skin care product on Amazon called Shea Body Butter with Hawaiian Kukui Extract made by Tree Hut that I like. It’s a little bit on the expensive side at $10 per jar, but it’s worth every dollar in my opinion.

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter
This jar of Shea Body Butter is about empty now…

Benefits

– smells incredible (warm scent that reminds you of a tropical paradise)
– leaves skin feeling softer, longer
– certified organic shea butter for sun protection and paraben-free
– contains safflower oil cocoa butter
– kukui nut oil absorbs fast and helps soften skin

After applying this body butter to my skin I immediately felt the difference and I didn’t have to use much to cover my skin. It didn’t feel like it was clogged my pores and didn’t make me sweat. I totally recommend this product to people who have dry skin or who are prone to ashy skin.

I give Shea Body Butter with Hawaiian Kukui Extract made by Tree Hut 5 stars.

Review by Jade B.

Review: Magic Bullet NutriBullet 12 Piece High Speed Blender/ Mixer System

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I have been eating healthier for some time now. Yet, I wanted to add a protein drink/smoothie that I could consume in the morning that would give me energy to start my day. My old blender was subpar and couldn’t really process food down to a smooth consistency. I found the perfect replacement blender to accommodate all of my needs: the Magic Bullet NutriBullet High Speed Blender/ Mixer System. Now, I would not use any other blender, nor will I purchase an expensive smoothie from a juice bar again.

Benefits
– it’s very easy to use
– does not take up a lot of counter space
– dual uses chops nuts and grains & makes smoothies.
– pulverizes contents to enjoy a true smooth smoothie
– even capable of turning the seed or nut of your choice into a fine powder
– many accessories ex. lids, 2 different size containers
– not wasteful, utilizes the whole fruit and vegetable
– affordable (and worth the cost over time)
– available in 4 colors to help match your decor

Since this blender has many uses I’ve saved a lot of money. I buy my fruit and veggies in bulk and freeze them for smoothies, which equates to no food spoilage. Everyday I enjoy the versatility that the blender offers. It has also helped me control my weight because instead of a standard breakfast, I have a fruit-filled smoothie instead. I recommend the Magic Bullet NutriBullet to everyone who wants to enjoy a healthy & nutritious meal replacement.

Posted by Lorraine

Review: Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea

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Lately I’ve been testing out an array of teas. I want to gain more energy in a natural way to help me get me through my long days that require a lot of thinking and writing. I’ve opted for energy drinks in the past, but they are full of caffeine, sugars and chemicals. Plus they are expensive to maintain on a smart budget.

So I tried a product called Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea. It can be consumed hot or cold (think of a summertime tea).

Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea

Benefits

  • certified 100% organic & sustainably grown with fair trade
  • provides natural energy, raises metabolism, regulates appetite and aids in digestion
  • full of necessary antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and b vitamins
  • yerba mate’s main ingredient is mateine — it assists with mental and physical stimulation
  • affordable (you can get 24 tea bags for about $4)
  • quick steeping, strong and robust taste

Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea comes from the rain forest of South America and is the national drink in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. It’s not my favorite tea, but some days I have a craving for it. The only way I can describe it’s taste is “robust.” I do feel a little burst of energy when drinking it — especially after a couple of cups. The brew can be added to smoothies and other drinks for a quick antioxidant boost.

I would give this Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.

Posted by Jade

Meaningful, Affordable Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

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You’ve watched week after week as your friends, family and strangers braved the chilly weather and crowds to take care of their Christmas shopping. Now it’s getting closer to December 25 and you’re officially a last minute shopper! Here are a few affordable last minute Christmas gift ideas for the procrastinators out there:

Dollar Store Care Basket

Who doesn’t love browsing the aisles at the dollar store? Go in there, grab a pretty $1 basket and fill it with a mixture of the following items:

– Spa gear, like foot scrubbers, bath soap and nail clippers.

– Candy and gum (the dollar store has those really great candy boxes for a buck).

– Scented candles and decorative items.

– A nice mug or cup tied with a bow (the bow is also available at the dollar store).

– Useful knickknacks like lighters, pens, mini notebooks and cellphone accessories.

Once you get in the store, you’re going to be overwhelmed with PLENTY of ideas for your dollar store care basket. It’s an affordable gift that will cost you around $20-$25 and be worth every penny. It’s a great idea for a young person who’s at college or someone who has just moved into a new apartment.

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

An Inspirational Audiobook

Inspirational AudiobooksAround the holidays people need a whole lot of inspiration. They are busy, distracted and sometimes stressed about their finances or work. One simple yet very meaningful gift idea is to send someone you love an inspirational audiobook. Amazon has an audiobook service called Audible that allows you give books as gifts electronically. Just click here, redeem your free membership, log into Audible with your Amazon ID and find the title that you want. Press the button on the product page that says “Give As a Gift.” You can also gift someone a membership—scroll down to the bottom of the page at Audible and click the “Gift Center” link.

Fully Loaded Gas Card

If you have a friend who drives a lot, she’ll love you even more than she already does if you buy her a fully loaded gas card. Even if it’s just a $20 card, that is going to make a huge difference to someone who has to spend a lot of money every month on gas. Visit a popular gas station chain to ask about gas gift cards.

A Gift to Promote Good Health

yogiteaMany of us don’t take the vitamin supplements and nutrients that we need for good health simply because we don’t have them in our house. One simple last minute gift idea is a package of vitamins and health supplements (like teas or green powder). Put together a small gift basket containing a multi-vitamin, vitamin C, D, Omega-3 fish oil and other necessary nutrients. Add in health teas like hibiscus and antioxidant rich green tea. Someone who either doesn’t know much about health products or is having health concerns will appreciate this gift, and it may encourage him or her to start new healthy habits in the New Year.

Encourage Their Passion Project

Everyone has a passion project, whether they will openly admit it or not. A passion project is something that you would pursue with great passion and interest, whether it’s painting, writing or traveling the world. Think about what may be your recipient’s passion and then give them a gift that encourages them to pursue it. For instance, if their passion is to travel the world, you might give a gift of a foreign language class, a book about world destinations or an Airbnb gift card toward an international room. If their passion is painting, buy them a couple of canvases and a starter paint set. Your passion project gift can be under $35 and still be priceless.

Meaningful gifts are possible, even if you’re short on time. Use these ideas as inspiration when you’re shopping for affordable last minute Christmas gifts for someone you love.

 

Quick Tips to Organize Coupons & Receipts

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The best way to save money, ensure you’re getting the best deals and also track your spending is to have easy access to your receipts and coupons. Here are a few tips for how to organize coupons and receipts in your purse or bag.

Coupons1) Purchase a few coupon holders at your local Dollar Store to use for both coupons. When labeling your holder, arrange coupons by the general layout of the supermarket. For example, frozen food coupons together, aisle foods together and all household products together.

2) Go through your coupon holder every month to clear out expired coupons and make room for new ones.

3) To keep your store receipts in order, take a mailing envelope and label it with the type of store or business (home improvement, grocery store, pet shop, restaurant, gas station etc). Make yourself get into the habit of placing the receipts in the appropriate envelope each time you come home from shopping so that you can always accept them for returns.

4) Keep your business receipts separate from personal ones in their own envelope and be sure to write down the purpose of each purchase.

5) For major purchases it’s a great idea to make a photo copy of the receipt for your records. Most receipts ink fade rapidly, way before the return policy expires. This is a great way to ensure proof of purchase.

6) If you don’t always carry your purse with you, keep your coupon holders and receipt envelopes in your car so that you always have a chance to save some $$.

Posted by Eve

Photo credit: Flickr/Chris Potter