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Please check out my new blog home!  Still on the web and better than ever.  New videos posted there twice a week.  Beauty, fashion, food, and other fun. Click below!

www.insideoutglamour.com

Attention, Shoppers, here's the DEAL

For someone who loves to write about women's interests, I honestly don't do a lot of shopping.  I couldn't help but share this info and even give a little free promotion to the stores running good deals.  Please be certain of this, though: with two small children in retailing tow, this info is faaaaar from exhaustive!

So, a lot of my best girls love Charming Charlie, and who wouldn't?  Right now, many, many accessories have been marked down by around 25% AND made buy one, get one FREE!  I got the sandals above and another pair for next to nothing.

Cotton On had adorable tees and swim seperates for $5!  And jean shorts for $10.  And many other fashionable bargains.  I'll be back there soon!

Happy retail therapy and blessings!

College Send-Off Gift Basket

First, let me give a little teaser that a new, better blog from me is heading your way!  I've been posting less here while I do some design and layout.  I CAN'T WAIT to share it, but I'm trying not to prematurely.  Also, good news, I'll be doing a giveaway at the launch.  Stay tuned.

This was a gift basket for my sweet friend Bethany, who is leaving for her freshman year of college (so proud of you, girl!).  Maybe she'll have some good ideas for dorm room decor or organization to share with us soon.  So, I have a little confession... All items here came from the dollar store.  I'm not trying to be a cheap gift giver; I had a budget of $10.  We stay-at-home-mamas (among other savvy women) have to be disciplined and clever.

The base idea came from Camp Clem. It's a blog with some very savvy chic ideas, especially for gift giving.  I love the idea of a laundry basket filled with laundry goodies.  And, that big fat bow was made from a plastic tablecloth. Side note: wouldn't it be cute with a fun print?

 My shopping list was something like this:

laundry basket
table cloth (I believe the dollar store only carries one size)
a box of laundry detergent
dryer sheets
detergent for delicates
bleach
cleaning brush
microfiber cloth
package of clothes hangers 
clothes pins

I tried to buy the basket, bow, and contents in keeping with Bethany's decor colors as much as possible.  To make the bow, I cut the tablecloth in half vertically. Then, I just threaded it through the holes in the basket, weaving in and out, skipping a few holes as I worked.  I tied it with the standard bow.

Here are the contents, so you can see them clearly.

And, there you have the completed basket!

Best wishes to all those who are college bound!  Blessings!

House Straightening Solution

I wish I were selling a self-cleaning house, but no such luck.  I have found a tool that makes straightening the house a lot easier.  If while cleaning, you tire of making many trips around your home, this is for you.

Here are your new best friends:  personal junk baskets.  They are placed in a high traffic area, and anyone straightening the house puts strewn items there.  Then, the basket is taken into the room where the junk can be unloaded.

I have been called a label junkie, yes, but this project needs labels.  They are personal baskets after all.  I needed to make some cute ones inexpensively.  The paper stock is the back of a colored index card.  I found packs of scrapbook style letters in the dollar bins at Wal-mart.  I gave them a "laminated" finish, by wrapping them in packing tape.  That's right, I'm cheap.

The baskets came from the Dollar Tree.  I like the look of them.  When my family is using them as we should, they function extremely well.  Even my four-year-old helps put items in.

I've wanted to make these baskets for a while, but another blogger beat me to the crafting punch.  I like the way she places them on the stairs.  Check out her post about the baskets and doggie-proofing the stairs at http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2010/05/tool-time-tuesdaypvc-time-again.html.  Here's a pic of her work.  Blessings!

DIY Booger Wipes...yes, really!

Grrr!  Colds!  Here, my darling son is showing frustration for his ailment.

If you're not yet a mom or grandma, save or pin this info somewhere.  It may come in handy.  My friend Amanda introduced me to the booger wipes you buy at the store.  They do a great job of breaking up the crusty noses that plague your little ones during a cold.  They're also a bit medicinal, for what bit of saline gets into the nose.  They're wonderful, and I love that they were invented by creative moms. I buy them to keep in the diaper bag.

The price tag is a bit of a budget buster, though.  At a local discount store, a package of 30 costs $4.38...!!!  I gave a lot of thought to how I might be able to create similar results at home.  So, I adapted this recipe for saline nose drops to create a formula for wipes anyone could make.  Disclaimer:  this is not quite as simple as pulling out a pack of wipes, which is why I recommend them for home use.

2 cups of warm water
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of baby oil

Mix the warm water and salt together until the salt dissolves.  Add in the baby oil and shake to mix.  You will need to shake/stir the mixture before each use as well.  Store mixture in the refrigerator.  And now to answer a few questions you may have...

Why do I need to store it in the refrigerator?  Saline sprays and wipes normally have preservatives to prevent mold and bacteria.  We're avoiding the use of those preservatives.  You may want to warm the wipe for a few seconds in the microwave before using it on your kiddo's face.  As wattage varies, please check the temperature of the warmed wipe before use.

What material should I use for the wipe?  You can use a baby washcloth, or a soft cloth cut to washcloth size.  I love flannel for this purpose.  Using old t-shirts would be a great way to upcycle.

What's the best way to wet the wipes?  This is a matter of preference, and mine is to put the mixture in a spray bottle, which is stored in the refrigerator.  I spray the wipe, hold it in my hand for a few seconds to warm it, and use.  Secondly, you can put the refrigerated mixture in a container like an old baby wipe tub.  But, this will require you to put your hand in that chilly water and wring out the wipe.  Lastly, you could wet and wring out the wipes and store the wet wipes in a tub in the fridge.  You may find this to be the most convenient.

These wipes are working well for my little ones.  They've had plenty of crust on their noses lately.  I am hopeful I'll soon be able to put this recipe away for a while.  Special thanks to my mom for her help with the photos.  Blessings!

Infuse Your Style with Some Aniston

Can anyone make a t-shirt and jeans look as good as Jennifer Aniston?  Not many.  She is over-the-top beautiful.  And I'm hard-pressed to find a pic of her which looks outdated.  Her taste is almost--and I mean this in the nicest possible way--a non-style.  Almost.  Her style is more than the clothes on her body.  How can one mimic this beauty-is-more-than-skin-deep magnetism?  Read on.
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Anniston wears casual classics almost exclusively.  She's a woman on the go, looking comfy as she moves.  A style that requires white tanks and jeans?  Awesome.  This is a particularly good look for full time moms and those in child care.  To keep it from looking frumpy, don't neglect your simple accessories.
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Speaking of accessories, Anniston proudly wears hers more than once.  I love this about her.  It's so refreshing to see a celebrity getting her use out of something.  It requires courage, since there seems to be some unwritten Hollywood law about not being caught in the same item more than once.
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Notice, too, that when Aniston dresses up, she sticks to classic, form-fitting pieces.  It seems to be her philosophy no matter what degree of formality or length of dress she's wearing.  This dress is surprisingly one of her most complicated looks, which isn't saying much.  Lovely.
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Most importantly to her look is the fact that Aniston takes care of herself.  She has a reputation for healthy eating and has reportedly said she works out seven days a week, according to fitsugar.com.  She is also an avid runner.  Fitness is certainly working for her.  I recently saw a quote that said, "Don't be angry for the results you didn't get from the workout you didn't do."  Yikes.  Well, this is clearly not a problem for a devoted Aniston.
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While Jennifer's highlights may not be completely natural, she doesn't appear be in any fights with her hair.  You know the kind I'm talking about...color so far from a person's natural color, or hair that is a far cry from it's original texture.   In so many ways she's using what her mama gave her.  Simple hair, lightly bronzed skin, and a beautiful smile make her seem approachable and like you'd like to be Friends.

Blessings!

Makeover the Leftover

When you're stretchin' that dollar, eating leftovers is a big help.  But, my family resists eating leftovers in the same form they were originally cooked.  Sometimes I honestly just let them tough it out.  However, I often use the leftovers to make a new dish as well.  This is one of my family's favorites, using leftover chicken.

You'll want to start with 1/2 to 1 lb. of cubed leftover chicken and a bag of Birds Eye Steamfresh Brown Wild Rice With Broccoli and Carrots.  On the back of the bag is a recipe for delicious Asian rice.  It includes the other ingredients you'll want to have on hand, like a little butter and soy sauce.

I cook the rice according to the recipe on the back, adding in my leftover chicken.  I also cook up an additional cup or two of plain rice to stretch the meal--and my buck--a little further.

Two ingredients in their recipe really make it shine.  One is toasted sesame seeds....YUM.  You have to keep an eye on these guys, so they don't burn.  Cook them at 300 degrees for about three minutes.  Give them the attention you would give bread under a broiler.  To cut down on mess, I line my pan with foil and cooking spray.

When mixed, the dish looks like this...

But, don't forget the green onions!  They make  many a dish, this one included.  And, as a bonus, they make it more colorful and appealing.  It's even tastier than it is pretty, though.





Likely the only ingredients you wouldn't already have on hand are the Steamfresh bag (often on sale for $1!), and the green onions (about 70 cents).  It's a recipe worth trying.  Here's a link to other recipes using the same bag:  http://www.birdseye.com/vegetable-products/steamfresh-veggie-rich-rice-pasta-blends/brown-wild-rice-with-broccoli-carrots.  I look forward to trying those, too.

Blessings!

Lazy Day Spritzer

I love a spritzer.  Whoever thought, "Hey, let me mix something fizzy with something flat," I'd like to thank you.  I wanted something sweet but mostly sour, that I could whip up in a sec, and that isn't full of calories.  And, here's what was mixed!

Lazy Day Spritzer
several bits of ice
5 oz. Check (or other brand) club soda
5 oz. Country Time lemonade, made according to label directions
2 slices of lime

Mix ice with soda and lemonade.  Squeeze lime slices into the mix.  Garnish with additional slices, if desired.

Oh, and as a bonus, it's very inexpensive yet nice looking.  Try it as your poolside staple this summer!

Blessings!

About Face

Hi there! I'm excited my esthetician friend, Lisa (above), agreed to stop in and share some expert advice from her industry.  She answers for us, "Why is a facial so good for you?"  Here's what she had to say...

When someone says, "I just had a great facial," most people think of expensive creams and glamorous services that cost a bundle.  The hype of the beauty industry has most people believing that a facial is nothing more than a pampering indulgence for special occasions.  That could not be further for the truth.  The health benefits of a facial far outweigh the beauty benefits.  In tandem, however, they produce the healthy glow of beautiful skin we all want.

Facial massage is one of the most pleasurable and intimate aspects of topical facial treatments.  However, it is about more than just feeling good.  It can improve many skin conditions and has a calming effect on the nervous system that helps reduce stress and tension.

Facial massage can greatly benefit acne, rosasea and other inflamed skin conditions.  Acne is a wound to the skin, and increasing blood flow encourages the healing process.  Bringing oxygen to the skin's surface kills the anaerobic bacteria responsible for breakouts and provides significant improvement.  Similar to acne, rosacea and other sensitive skin conditions involve chronic inflammation, which also benefits greatly from the enhanced circulation associated with facial massage.

The exfoliation provided in a facial is a process in which the top layers of the skin are removed, so that the newer, younger cells may reach the surface.  As we age, this "sloughing off" process becomes slower and slower.  When our pores are clogged with dead skin cells, they are "stretched," resulting in the appearance of larger pores.  High ozone levels and pollution are culprits as well, sitting directly on the skin, not only clogging pores, but also being absorbed into the skin's cells.  These toxins are going directly through the skin into our bloodstreams.  Monthly facials and a weekly routine of exfoliation can keep the skin clean and smooth with an even skin tone.  Discolorations fade and often disappear.  The skin looks and acts more like younger skin.

Another major health benefit of regular facials is regulation of the immune system, detoxification, and reduction in fluid build-up.  These benefits are achieved in a facial that incorporates lymphatic drainage.  The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system.  The lymph system, which is carried through a colorless fluid, runs alongside the blood vessel system.  When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymphatic fluid builds up and the entire system can become toxic.  Lymphatic drainage uses specific movements to clear the blockages, which helps remove metabolic wastes and toxins through the lymph nodes situated around the face and neck.  The waste that is filtered through the lymph nodes is then eliminated from the body.  The results improve the appearance of the skin by reducing puffiness, rejuvenating collagen fibers, and slowing the aging process.

Lisa Frank
Esthetician, Makeup & Eyelash Artist
Bella Vita Salon and Boutique, Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Thanks to Lisa for the good info...I definitely learned a lot!

Here are some helpful hints on how to get a good deal on a facial!:

• Subscribe to spa newsletters, which often contain coupons.
• "Like" your favorite local spas on Facebook.  You never know what they'll send you.
• Keep an eye on group discount sites like Groupon and Deal Chicken for hefty savings.
• Call your esthetician and ask for a deal.  Services are often negotiable.

Blessings!

Tried and True Tuesday...Jewelry Junkie Solutions

OK, I admit it...I would be right at home at an Accessorizers Anonymous meeting.  I found this cute idea (link below) for what to do with bangles.  So, a dear friend brought over a specialty ginger ale the other day--thanks, Steve, bet you thought you were just bringing a beverage.  These bottles were perfect for my cause, and I love the sentimental value as a bonus.

Dangle earrings are my favorites!

Earrings are hung on one of those wire cubes for building shelves.  Earrings are spaced perfectly.  I've seen more attractive ways to display earrings, but this is perfect in a pinch and could be hung on a wall also.

Below: the inspiration link.  Check out this site.  Although written in Spanish, any language speaker can find good ideas!  http://www.decoratrix.com/ordena-tu-bisuteria-en-cajas-recicladas/47459/

Blessings!

Shrimp Festival Fun

Saturday was kind of a bucket list sort of day.  I'd wanted to go to the Shrimp Festival at Fernandina Beach, FL for as long as I've been a Floridian--9 years now.  So happy that this year a call to my friend about going to see a bike turned into a day at the festival with her, her sister, and my daughter.  It's their family tradition, and what a fun one to have.

Here's a little glimpse into the work of my favorite featured artists there (my opinions are non-compensatory and unbiased).  I also can't forget to mention the many booths of antiques, like this one.  Their presence was especially refreshing because I'm highly unlikely to go into an antique store with my two little demolitionists in tow.

These beautiful glass fish caught my eye right away.  I love their shapes and colors.  For more info, check out artist Rich Fizer's site:  www.richfizerglass.com .

My photos don't do justice to this artist Kasey Ortoski's use of shells, pearls, and crystals on classic, adjustable headbands.  She also creates custom pieces.  Look at A Whirl and A Twirl: www.awhirlandatwirl.com.

The displays in jewelry artist Nicole Wayne's booth were unlike any other.  The freely-hanging plaques caught my attention, and then so did the jewelry.  As a person who has done a good bit of dabbling in jewelry making, I'm typically a critic.  But Wayne has a gift for putting components together in such a lovely way.  See more at www.nicolewayne.com.

So, we went for more than the food.  But, if I could take a picture of the smells, you'd want to be there in a heart beat!  It's always the first weekend of May, and hopefully the date is burned in my memory.

Blessings!

In Favor of Good Skin

I'm gonna make a confession.  My face is acne-prone; combination of dry, normal and oily; and sensitive to many products.  I am elated enough about a new-to-me product that I'll endorse it here without compensation:  Clinique's Even Better Foundation.

While visiting my aunt, I used hers one morning.  It made skin look even, as the name boasts, and for me, that's a feat.  It also has illuminators, which made skin glow.  Like, expectant mom glow!

I got my own foundation and continued using it.  The sunscreen thankfully didn't make me react.  And, my skin looks more even now after I've taken it off.  That's right.  It is formulated to actually correct skin flaws.

Clearly, I'm sold.  Give it a shot.  This is me at bedtime, wearing the foundation.  No foundation (or even a decent camera, were I using one) can cover my exhaustion, but we're keepin' it real.  Side note: have brag about the new paint on the bathroom walls: a surprise from The Husband while I was away!  The best surprise!

Blessings!

Pinterest Organization

Are you tired of the "p" word yet?  Pinterest, pinterest, pinterest.  Well, I can't get away from it, that's for sure.

But, going back to the title...  Pinterest has a bazillion ideas about organizing, and my organization board is one of my favorites.  However, what I mean by organization is getting purposeful about using Pinterest to simplify your life. 

As an example, four years ago I fell in love with this bedroom from a Southern Living (issue April 2008).  So, I clipped it, put it in a sheet cover, and filed it in a binder, as I was in the habit of doing.  But, now I have pinned it (and many other previously clipped ideas) and thrown the paper out.

Another thought... I found recently that I didn't have time to go to the gym.  So, I pin workouts that I can do when it's convenient.  It's saving me time and money.

I love magazines.  Actual print will likely always be a draw for me.  However, I am less tempted to stock up on them, knowing that Pinterest is available for my use, thereby saving my money.  Let's all hope Pinterest founders escape legal trouble.  Time to brainstorm...how can Pinterest simplify your life?

Blessings!

Tried and True Tuesday--Sticky Situation

Seems like everyone in our neighborhood is trimming their trees back.  And (after silently wishing they wouldn't) I have a compulsion to want to curb-pick all the branches.  They're just beautiful in their own right.  I gave in to my compulsion recently and found something to do with the sticks.  Appropriate because I'm from "the sticks."  Maybe that's why nature always inspires.

I found a neat little project to try on More Design Please.  It's a top notch design blog with some fun DIY ideas. Here's what I made using many varying size twigs, an old cd, brown cardboard, a glue gun, and some fishing line.

The concept of the project is very easy.  Cover the cd with something brown, and glue a bunch of sticks to it.  It was easy but suprisingly time consuming, taking a couple of hours to complete.  But maybe that's just me, calculating the stick's sizes and arrangement too much.

When the wreath was finished, I loved the result.  Here, I used fishing line to hang it in front of a mirror.  But, I think it would look even better as a grouping of three.  Hoping I'll eventually have time to make a set.

Blessings!

Tips for Cooking in Batches

I have a friend Amber who works seriously long days.  She swears by cooking in batches.  I would like to try this just so we'll have more to share with people who are sick and so we can have company over on a whim.  Lots of good ideas out there for how to freeze batches.  For liquid and side dishes, food can easily be put into zip bags and frozen flat.  That way they stack easily.

For foods that are baked in casserole dishes or slow cookers, you can line the dish with foil.  Use non-stick spray, and assemble as usual.  Then freeze until firm.  Transfer foil and food into an extra large freezer bag.  Before cooking as usual, you'll need to thaw it for 24 hours or so.

How about a repurposing idea?  Take cereal boxes and the like, and put a zip bag inside, folding the top of the bag over the top of the box.  Fill the box with your food, zip the bag shut, and then you can store the box vertically in the freezer.  Just don't forget to label it with what's really inside.

And here's my favorite tip...  Vacuum sealing is the best way to avoid freezer burn.  If, like me, you don't yet own a vacuum sealer, close food in a zip bag, leaving a 1/2" opening.  Insert a straw and suck out the air until the bag takes the shape of its contents.  Remove the straw and immediately finish closing the bag.  Genius!  Wish I'd thought of it.

Here are a couple of other sources for smart freezing:


Yummy quiche above and other tips at Wise Bread.

I can't believe it, but there are people (read:moms) who only cook once a month!  Here's a guide to getting started at Once a Month Mom .


And, here's the go-to site my friend Amber uses.  Find great tips at A Turtle's Life for Me .

For myself, I'll soon just start cooking double batches of our meals, and freeze 1/2.  I'm a believer in reducing waste, so I plan to wash and reuse my freezer bags.  Freezing should be great for the budget as well as the clock.  I'll keep you posted.  I'd love to hear about your own batch cooking experiences.  Blessings!

Source:  Southern Living, November, 2008 issue