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Summer is here :) Make use of colors to brighten your mood.

13 June, 2012 by

Today’s Thoughts @twakstar

It’s funny how frugal/green living has become the latest internet trend. It’s great for the environment and saves families money by cutting out non essentials. My mother, the hippie, taught me all I know… and it’s time I pass some of her tips and tricks on to ya’ll!

Image via Flickr

“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday and present thoughts build our life tomorrow: OUR LIFE IS THE CREATION OF OUR MIND.” – source unknown

 

“We learn who we really are by closely observing our behavior towards the people in our lives. We meet outselves in these others. They are our reflections. They are perhaps, parts we ourselves have not yet learned to love.”

Wednesday June 13,2012. Hump day.

Most magazines will offer a few issues or two at some point during the year (if not on an on-going basis). Subscribe then write “cancel” on first bill. Although you won’t get but the one issue free, it can save money in the long run because if you like variety you may end up with four or five different subscriptions of which you only read one cover to cover.

Many magazines contain similar articles so rotate them and get a different one each month. For example you could rotate Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and ELLE. Some magazines are worth getting all twelve issues. When searching for free subscriptions online beware that some may require you to refer friends or complete surveys. Read the fine print!

One of the best free sites I’ve found that just requires business information is Mercury Magazines.  They offer a few big name titles, but their small publications good as well. Downsides are the sometimes lengthy subscription forms and may take two months or longer to start receiving your subscriptions. On the upside you can also make a few bucks just for subscribing through Inbox Dollars. Sign up and then go here for their offer.

Save a few bucks and a few tree as well by opting for the online or e-readable version. Normally just a fraction of the cost of the print issue!

Here’s an idea…

You know those perfume samples that you get in many fashion magazines? Try this idea for those times you forget to put your own scent on before heading out of the house.
Cut each “flap-area” where the perfume is, into two or three sections. Tuck these small rectangles into your wallet, glove box, or other holder (small jewelry box, or card holder) I used a business card holder. Anything works, storing them will just help fragrance last longer. The very top and bottom of each page (about an inch) you can get rid of, most of the fragrance will be in the middle of the page. If you have a lot of these pages, you could make your actual “sample” bigger. You will be thanking yourself the next time you get stuck somewhere… (I used my first one the other day, came in handy that’s for sure!)
- If you find a particular scent you like do a Google search… chances are there will be a free sample offer on the official website (they are promoting a new scent many times). Here’s one from my lastest issue of Marie Claire, from Coach.

Gift idea – DIY :

DIY Birdhouse

Buy or make a birdhouse and paint it.
It is more personal to build one yourself, it is not hard and actually quite fun when you see the finished product! But if you are not comfortable with doing it or just don’t have the tools, find a local person in your area who does and support local/community business. Or better yet, get Dad or your spouse to give you a personal lesson. Not only willl you get a great gift that you made, but it’s a great way to spend some quality time with the man in your life.

How To Build Your Own Bird House

DIY Guide to building a birdhouse. This easy to make bird box can be built in 1 day out of one 6 foot long 1″ by 6″ plank of cedar. Attract more wild birds into your garden (or provide for those already there). www.self-sufficient-life.com

Paint or stain your finished product – do this part yourself. Especially if you buy at a large retailer. Itit will show you put effort into the gift – and didn’t just grab something from Walmart.

Another thoughtful DIY gift idea:

Short on cash? Send Mom or Aunt Sue a “special delivery”. Go through old magazines and cut out articles, recipes, and pictures they would read. Put all your findings however you like – collage, separate into groups, whatever – use some creativity. Mail in a large greeting card envelope or mailer. Put some of your pictures cutouts on the envelope too. Anything goes, get creative or keep it minimal. Personalize it to match the person who is receiving it.
Here is one I sent my Mom. Contents include recipes I want to learn how to cook (something we can do on my next visit), coupons to stores I know are close by, health articles, postcard with historic scenery from my town, photographs, and of course a few letters. I started doing this because I don’t have unlimited calling on my phone, so it’s cheaper to write, and since we both enjoy writing it works for us. Mailed once a month, it was easiest and more cost effective than adding minutes to my cell phone. I started adding recipes and short articles, etc. because it adds variety to the letters and I can share things with her I find. If your recipient enjoys art of any kind, they are sure to love your creativity. And they will appreciate your effort and the personal touch.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Metallic colors are hot this summer when it comes to your fingers and toes. Try a shiny gold or a deep copper hue to stand out on the beach. If you notice the cap on the bottle getting stuck, or hard to open and close try this tip:
Can’t get the cap off your nailpolish from last year? Try this tip:
This is best done after first use of nail polish, but will still work if not. Put a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline is most common brand) around the grooved opening. This will keep the grooves “lubricated” and prevent any stuck on polish from hardening – the culprit behind your stuck-on cap!
Another way to keep nail polish “fresh” is to store in the refrigerator. If this isn’t for you, store in a cool, dark area – stay away from the bathroom if possible due to the added humidity levels. My pick is the bottom shelf in a dark closet.

Why not try matching eyeshadow and nails?

Try to be open and go with the metallic shades of eye shadows and nail colors. Thinking that these colors are only for special occasions is a common misconception. There’s nothing wrong with adding a little bit of sparkle to everyday outfits.

Treat yourself:

Four steps to a “luxe” manicure from Marie Claire (and essie nailpolish):
1. Preop your nails with a base coat (essie brand grow stronger). This prevents breakage.

2. Apply two coats of your nailpolish – try using a bold color for best results (gold, red, metallic blue). Try a shade from essie for gorgeous color impact.

3. Layer on some bling or spice it up with a glitter nailpolish or clear metallic polish on top. essie is promoting this style of manicure with five new multi-dimentional luxeffects finishes.
4. Seal, protect, and shine with a clear top coat and dry.
Make the perfect “dot” on your nail designs by dipping the tip of a sharpened pencil in nail polish instead of regular nail brush.

Did you we tend to wear different colors according to our mood? Bright colors when we are happy and content, darker colors when we are gloomy or sad. There are many things in your life that affect or even change your mood. Your child’s laughter, the pile of bills on your counter, chocolate, and even the color of your walls. Yes, you read that right; the color of your walls can affect your mood. 

 

paint your mood this summer!

 

Here’s a few last minute tips & tricks you can use in your eveyday life, with stuff you already have:
  • Spray cooking spay on both sides of shovel as an ice repellant
  • Rublightly salted citrus peels to remove tea/coffee stains
  • Avoid rock hard brown sugar and preserve the moisture by dropping 3 inch long citrus peel into the bag
  • Use newspaper instead of paper towels with glass cleaner
  • Use a coffee filter to clean dust off TV and scomputer screens
  • Clean cheese grater with pulp side of a lemon – removes stuck on residue
  • Place half an onion overnight in cellar to clear dank basement air
  • Use dried out citrus peels as kindling for a fragrant fire starter
  • Use a bath of salt water to remove dirt from leady vegetables
  • Ripen tomatoes in half the time by placing them in a bowl with an apple and covering with plastic wrap
  • Use black tea to scour rusty garden tools – brew a few pots and soak tools for a few hour

 

Summer time (for the northern hemisphere) is just around the corner. Winter is almost arriving to the southern hemisphere. Are you planning a trip? Here are some tips for when you start packing:

Cooltips: Travel-Related New Uses for Old Things 

 

 

 

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