Mabel's Labels Back to School Promo & Free Shipping

It's never too early to begin planning for the next school year and as the saying goes "the early bird catches the worm!" Help the little scholars in your life stay organized with Mabel's Labels. Identify clothes, footwear, books, backpacks and more with the Ultimate Back to School Combo. Save $3 and receive a coupon for $5 off a Laptop Lunches Bento Box (while supplies last) when you purchase the Ultimate Back to School Combo. Hurry, because this early bird pricing expires on 7/31. 

I'm also excited to share with you that Mabel's Labels now offers free shipping to the US on all orders. No minimum purchase necessary. Save with early bird pricing and take advantage of free shipping by shopping Mabel's Labels! 

Product Review: Pink Papaya's Pumpkin and Goji Berry Anti-Aging Facial Mask

I guess it's about that time...

For me to start using anti-aging products.  I'm 33, no wrinkles...except for the lines under my eyes due to lack of sleep. But other than that I'm wrinkle free and I'd like to stay that way.

Lo and behold comes along a product that has anti-aging properties and it happens to be one of my not-so-guilty indulgences are facial masks.  I received a jar of Pink Papaya's Pumpkin and Goji Berry Anti-Aging Facial Mask courtesy of my Pink Paypaya's representative, Stacia (click here for her FB page).

Anyho...on with the story.

I received the jar on June 2 and I've used it about ten times since then. First I must say a little goes a long way, the jar is still about full and I'm not necessarily light handed when it comes to product application :-p

The second thing I noticed is that the acne around my jawline (from a combination of stress and hormones) begin to dry up...POW! Take that acne!  So that was a great bonus.

The mask itself goes on smoothly, barely has a smell and is a fairly thick consistency.  Its a clay mask, but doesn't tighten as much as my Freeman clay mask. Which means, that I can smile and exhibit other expressions while I have it on without extreme pain from the mask cracking, so that's a good thing.

So far the masking is working. Total Beauty.com gives the mask a 10 out of 10 rating, I can see why.

To get the scoop on Pink Payapa and learn more about the Pumpkin and Goji Berry Mask, visit: http://www.pinkpapayaparty.com/PAMPERME.

Product Review: Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Dust It

I received a sample of the Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Dust It complementary in my Spring Influenster Box.

First impression was that wasn't going to work on my curly hair.  I am really hesitant to use products, especially styling products that aren't marketed specifically for curly and/or natural hair. But the whole purpose is to try an test the products in the box, so since that is what I committed to do, that is what I did.

And...O...M...G

The stuff really really works!

Let me just say how happy this makes me, my current quest in life is for big hair. So I've been growing my hair to get the length. My hair icon is Tracee Ellis Ross. Her hair gives me life!

I digress...Dust It come out as a powder, but it really is a gel and somehow magically it gives hair volume. I don't know how it works, but it works.

In hindsight, I really should have done a before and after. Oh well, here's the after. My hair isn't "done" in this picture. I was just playing around with the product because honestly I didn't think it would do anything. I added more product to the front of my hair and I'm currently rocking a big curly and sexy 'fro!

So if you have curly hair like mine, you can either apply directly to the roots or as I did, sprinkle some in your hair rub together and apply close to roots. I kind of "shook up" my hair to help with the volume effect as I applied. 

$1 off one Almay Liquid Lip Balm

Secret Clinical Strength Loyalty Reward Program

I may be late, but I just got wind of this program.  The Secret Clinical Strength Loyalty Reward Program is a great program if you purchase these products regularly.  If you purchase 4 Secret Clinical Strength products (excluding trial size) you can get a coupon for 1 FREE Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant.

For details click here.

You simply download and complete the form and send in either the UPC codes from the product or your receipts.

I've only purchase 2 of the Secret Clinical Strength Deodorants so far, so I haven't had a chance to redeem.

Money Managed: The Cost of Cash

I've been doing my own little experiment for the about the past 8 months.  I thought what if I skipped online bill pay and using many of the features of my bank account and just paid cash.  Paid bills with cash, used cash at the stores, etc...

It has truly been an eye opening experience.  I've learned a lot, quite a few things I wasn't aware of and have made some changes for the better.

Here's what I've learned from my little experiment.

Cash is hard to part with
You go to Walmart for milk, eggs and shaving cream.  You come back with a new umbrella, 2 cans of paint, 3 dozen soda cans and a cart full of other things you picked up that you didn't even know you needed in your life until you saw them at Walmart and you forgot the milk.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!  So you get to the checkout and the total is $104.93.  Handing over plastic credit or debit is a lot easier than forking out a Ben Franklin! Paying with cash makes you think about your purchases and second guess whether or not you really need that item at that price.

I routinely use programs that allow me additional savings that can only track with use of my debit cards, so plastic is great for those reasons.  I probably will not be an all cash purchase kinda gal for this reason, but I sure do make sure that whatever I am purchasing is worth the money I am spending.

Takeaway: Keep a diary of your purchases.  If you look back at your spending and you are not proud of where you put your money, make some adjustments.  I really like Starbucks and a latte a week is perfectly fine for me. But one a day is just too much.  I think about how much I could save and with compounding how much I could have if I kept that money in my pocket.

Paying in Cash Can Be Expensive
The practice of check cashing ad paying bills at bill payment centers nets the owners of these places a pretty penny.  A pretty penny at your expense.  When I quit writing checks and making payments online I would either phone in payments or go to a bill pay center...both cost.  I'd rather keep my money.  Cashing ad hoc checks and payments to me at the check cashing center also is a loss...they keep some of the money. No bueno!

Takeaway: Automate payments that are fixed, such as a car note, insurance payments, mortgage.  Pay variable bills online for free but audit bills first for no hidden charges or fees. Many banks have services where you can deposit checks right from your phone and it's free! I no longer "cash" ad hoc payments, I simply snap an image and deposit it to my account and keep my money!

Save it, Forget it!
Final thoughts, save your money by paying yourself first! I won't go on a long rant how I prefer entrepreneurship to working a traditional job but I will say

when you own your own business you get to pay your expenses first, while Uncle Sam is left to take taxes on the remainder. When you work a job, your taxes are taking out off the top ---ugh!  No matter what you make, save something...put it away and forget it.  And when I say forget it, I mean don't touch it.  I have a "layered savings plan" that works for me and I will be sure to share that in a future post.

Takeaway: Pay yourself first!!

$1 off Any Bodycology Product

I'm a sucker for bath and beauty products, so when I saw this $1 off Bodycology  coupon I just had to have it!  You can find their products at many retailers including Target.

Click here to get your $1 off coupon

My Desk Is A Mess...

One of the things I severely lack in my home is storage space. When my home was built, it wasn't built with many storage options and the storage available is small and filled.  And when I say filled, I don't mean filled with junk.  But filled with things we use daily and weekly.  And don't think we use much, because we don't and we are serial "spring cleaners". Meaning, we don't hesitate to throw out, thrift or freecycle items that we don't use or no longer have a use for.

Despite this, for some reason I've never really sought out storage solutions.  Just not having space has become a way of life and I've decided that that is no longer cool.

So I am on a quest to find storage solutions that are functional and also nice to look at.  The Container Store is on my places to visit. I will start with my office area and expand to the rest of the house. Time to get the mess under control!

For some visual inspiration, here are a few pics of what I desperately need and the look I am going for.  Know of any places to visit that have great storage solutions? Let me know in the comments below.

Raise Money For Your School With Mabel's Labels

With the back to school season just around the corner, help start a Mabel's Labels  fundraiser for your child's school or daycare! Once the fundraiser has been set up you can shop through a specially created website link and your group gets a percentage of all sales. No more hauling boxes and filling forms because Mabel's Labels handles all orders, payments and deliveries.


Get started today!

Love Jewelry? Have a Flair for Fashion? Launch Your Business as a Stella and Dot Stylist!

Now is the perfect time to launch your own business and join Stella & Dot's growing team of Stylists! Stella & Dot creates flexible, work from home business opportunities for entrepreneurial women. Create the success you deserve. And for a limited time, Stylists who sign up between now and June 30th will receive an extra $100 in product credit for a fabulous start to launching their own business! To find out more information visit www.stelladot.com/stylist. 

Get started today! 

FREE Little Debbie Snack Cakes @ Harris Teeter

Did you get a 75 cent off Little Debbie snack cake coupon in the mail? If so, head on down to Harris Teeter and get a box of Little Debbie snacks for free! Selected packages are on sale for 1.50, when your coupon doubles its will be free :-)

I am not sure how I got the coupon, it came in the mail this past week. So if you have a coupon and a Harris Teeter nearby, feel free to grab your free box!

Win A You Be-Natural Beauty Bundle!

You Be-Natural Beauty Bundle

Bundle includes:

• Keratin Strengthening & Conditioning System
• Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo
• Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner
• Curl Moisturizing & Defining Spray
• Smoothing & Defrizzing Creme

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN

GOOD LUCK!!

It Pays To Shop Stella Dot in June!

In June, it pays to shop with Stella & Dot! For every $50 you spend you will earn $25 in Dot Dollars to redeem for yourself in July. You can apply the $25 Dot Dollars for every $50 you spend between July 3rd-11th, 2013. Don't worry about forgetting your Dot Dollars because on July 3rd you'll receive an e-mail with your promo codes and each code will represent a $25 Dot Dollars award. 




The Spring Awakening Necklace is an exquisite statement necklace that can be worn with a simple top or can be used to accessorize dressy attire for benefits and galas--the options are endless! The Tempest Bracelet was designed in collaboration with Lizzie Fortunato and is made up with mixed blends like the silk ribbon and brass cupchain. You may have seen this bracelet spotted on singer Natasha Bedingfield! Go in style with the gorgeous Lily Chandeliers . These earrings feature aqua stones in gold-plated settings. Be sure to check out Stella & Dot today and start earning your Dot Dollars! 

Happy Shopping!

L'Oreal EverCurl Sample Giveaway

You can get a:

• Hydracharge Shampoo
• Hydracharge Conditioner
• Hydracharge Leave-In Cream

Click here to enter!

Hurry and enter before the link expires!!