Some Good Organic Beauty Products

Looking to switch to some organic beauty products, but don't know where to start. Here are some items to try that have great reviews and work comparably to non organic brands. If you have sensitive skin like me it's worth a look.
Try your local Health Food store or online shopping sites for deals.

Tela Beauty Organics Measure Shampoo, $50- Works really well.

One with Nature Lemon Verbana Soap, $3- Smooth lather, works great.

Aveda All-Sensitive Body Formula, $19. Not greasy, feels smooth.

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub Egyptian Geranium With Adzuki Bean & Cranberry, $33- Soft, works good.

Hamadi Shea Pomade, $24 -Smells really good, works well.

Photo from thenest.com

6 Newlywed To- Do's

So, you're married, now what? Here's a list of some things you should get done now your back from your honeymoon.

1) Clean and store your wedding dress; have your dress dry-cleaned within six months. Check that they specialize in wedding dresses so that they use the right solvents. Ask them to stuff your dress with acid-free tissue and store it in a box. Put it in a cool dry closet for storage.

2) The name change. Try to do this within around 90 days of you wedding. You need to change your drivers licensee, passport, credit cards, checks, and social security card. Check sites like the DMV and socialsecurity.org for more info.

3) Tax Time. Now that you're married, you need to decide whether you're going to file together or continue to file separately. It isn't a law that you have to file jointly but it is recommended. Consult your accountant to see what they advise.

4) Thank you's.  Make sure to send your thank you cards in a timely manner. It is best to send them out within 2 months of your wedding.  Set aside time to do them, it doesn't have to be all at once, but get a start on them soon.

5) Money talk. Hopefully you had this discussion before you walked down the aisle. Most couples decide to merge their "single accounts" into a "joint" account. Take a trip to the bank to fill out the  paperwork and get new debit cards and checks made.

6) Paperwork. You have more paperwork to fill out and more talking to do. You will need to decide life insurance beneficiaries, health insurance policies, and forms from work you will need to fill out.

photo from thenest.com 

Build Your Own At Home Gym For Under $100

So, your New Year's resolution is to get fit, but you don't want to pay for that gym membership! Here are some items you should get for your own at home gym, on a budget.

1) Resistance Cord. You can get this at Target for around $15. Great for stretching and building, what else, resistance.

2) Medicine Ball. You can also get this at Target or a sports store for around $20. This is great for balancing, stretching, and core training.

3) Free Weights. Range in price from about $15 to $30 on Amazon, weights vary to from 5 to 15 lb. These will obviously get you toned.

4) Yoga Mat. Priced for around $23 at Target, this is a perfect item for workouts. You can use it for doing yoga, obviously, crunches, and stretching.

5) Swiss Ball. Grab one of these at Walmart for around $20. This ball it filled with air, so it is light, it's also big. A Swiss ball helps with yoga, core training, toning and more. This is my personal fav workout item.

So there you have it, great workout items for under $100. No excuses now!! -Mason

pictured above Swiss Ball, from thenest.com

Ways to Shop Smarter

You're newly married and looking for ways to save some cash. Below are a few tips on doing just that. Give them a shot, you might be surprised.

1) Don't go out and buy fresh flowers, instead buy a flowering plant, they last.
2) Find your library card. Borrow newly released books and movies, free.
3) Don't go to the movies, download online or use cable on demand services, or rent through the mail.
4) Check out amazon.com or overstock.com before you go out shopping, you can get great deals on these sites.
5) Use online coupon and cash back sites like Mr. Rebates. You get a % back and can find online coupon deals.
6) Buy groceries at Walmart or Target, they really do have better deals and you can save some cash.
7) Work out at home and freeze that gym membership, you really don't need it.
8) Instead of going out to dinner with friends, host casual parties at home and try pot luck, everyone brings something.

Best Gift Giving Websites.

Last minute shopping for the holidays? Here are some sites where you can get great deals.

amazon.com

One stop shop for all your shopping needs. Perfect for holiday gifts, great deals to be found. 

overstock.com

Like amazon has great holiday deals to be found, plus reasonable shipping.

bluefly.com

Has great deals on designer items at a fraction of the cost, especially good for women's items.

rosssimmons.com

Looking for good deals on jewelry, find them here.

 

bidz.com

bid on jewelry and get amazing deals on all items. 

zappos.com

One of the best sights to buy shoes, you heard me right ladies!

You can get pretty much anything you need on these sites. Take a look. You can also check coupon sites like Mr Rebates; sign up and get % back and coupons for certain sites. These sites are great year round. Happy Holidays

Gift Giving Budget Tips for the Holidays

So you are newly married, or a couple looking to save cash over the holidays. How do you give great gifts and not blow the bank? Here are some tips on saving on holiday gifts.

1) Give group gifts instead of individuals. This will save you money. Give a group friendly gift so that the whole group your giving to can enjoy it. For example, a new dvd player might make a great gift for your sister and her family. Now a days you can get a great deal on a dvd player. Try movie passes for the film buffs in your family, this way several people can use them.

2) Personal IOU's. Give your husband an IOU for several massages from you, or give your wife a "I'll do the dishes for a month" certificate. Get creative and think of things you can do for others that they want or need. This is very personal and will be appreciated.

3) Samples. My mom always gives my aunt all of her makeup and perfume samples she's collected through the year. These are fun little stocking stuffers and can take the place of a large gift.

4) Search the sale bins. You can find great deals at pre holiday sales, you just have to brave the crowds.

5) Make a gift. I know it sounds cheesy but it is the thought that counts. Make a gift basket with a bottle of wine, some crackers and cookies. Put it all in a creative container you might have around the house or a small bucket you can find at the store.

Don't just rush out and buy a gift. Think about it first and make a list. This way you can plot out what you need to get and what else you might do creatively.

Surprising Find

Looking for a great bed? Take a look at this 1940's inspired microfiber tufted bed at Walmart. $439 to $514. Great deal! Tufted Bed at Walmart.

picture from Walmart 

Blending Styles

For many newlyweds who aren't already living together, blending home styles can be a challenge. Here are some tips from me on easing the transition.

1) Come up with a game plan.
Talk about your styles, likes and dislikes before you begin to move.

2) Communication.
Come up with your most important pieces, the items you can't part with and discuss how you can incorporate them into your home. If you are worried about too many "important items" set a cap of 5 or so furniture items each.

3) Find common ground.
Discuss what colors for example, you both like and narrow it down. Many time this means a neutral color that you can both live with.

4) Don't monopolize.
Try to compromise and realize this is BOTH of yours home. Incorporate both of you into the space.

5) Start a new.
You might have to start a new and get rid of most of the old stuff and buy new pieces together. This way it's "your" stuff as a couple.

If you are having a hard time consult a designer or interior decorator, they might be better equip at blending. Try to have fun with it, after all it is an excuse to go shopping!

picture from thefrisky.com