Color my world...

Ok, so I am no longer a "natural" brunette...with age comes grey and I'm willing to admit that! I've found that I can color my own hair without looking like I do (hence without paying the outrageous salon prices for a similar result). But, I just found what Redbookmag.com calls an "old trade secret" that may help you if you color your own hair and have a sensitive scalp.

Add two packets of "Sweet 'N Low" (yes the little pink packets you find in restaurants!) and an ounce of skim milk to your color formula before you apply the mixture to your hair. Apparently this prevents any reaction to the hair dye chemicals! I plan to try it next time, but if you do, please let us know (even anonymously!) if it works for you!

Honey, I'm home!!!

Ok, so admittedly, I've taken a rather long break from my blog, but I'm back and have lots of new "penny pincher" ideas for you! Be sure to share the link with your family and friends...given the ongoing issues with the economy, it certainly can't hurt to save a little money! Look for new ideas starting tomorrow and, as always, please share your own! Happy (bargain) hunting!

Santa wants to know what's on your list!

Hellooooooo.....Anyone out there? I am working full-time and preparing (as you no doubt are) for the holidays and would love to post amazing suggestions for you but am looking for topic suggestions...Please help!!! What are YOU looking for? Grocery deals? Great inexpensive ways to entertain? Amazingly easy, inexpensive recipes? Fun, cheap ways to entertain your family during the holidays? I will search out ideas and post them, but I need to know how to meet your info needs!
Please post comments or e-mail your requests to me at HBEdm@aol.com. Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Gifts that will make a "Cool Yule"!!!!

Ok, so I admit it...I am a sucker for nostalgic gifts...If you are looking for a gift to evoke memories of Christmases past, check out The Vermont Country Store at www.VermontCountryStore.com (or call 1-802-776-5710). You will find board games from your childhood, perfume scents you thought had long since faded away, toys for kids of all ages that will bring back memories! It was truly a walk down "Memory Lane" going through their catalog...Check it out! (and the prices are reasonable too!)....
HO HO HO!!!!

Kids' Wardrobe for $13? Check this out!

A recent issue of "Redbook" magazine suggests checking out thredup.com, a site that allows parents exchange boxes of good quality clothes for hand-me-downs from another family. Via the site you can arrange home pickup and delivery...all you pay is shipping (about $13/box)!

This sounds even more efficient than consignment shops...anyone tried it yet? Please let us know (my kids are beyond this age-wise, but wish it had been available years ago!).

Mending SOS

A few hints from "Good Housekeeping" (10/10) magazine to keep things in "one piece!"

* Keep dental floss on hand for sewing buttons - much stronger than thread and you can get the right shade using a permanent marker!

* Save hotel sewing kits that you get in your bathroom accessories for quick mending at home or on the road.

* Use emery boards to buff stains from suede items in your wardrobe (is suede even still an "in" material?)

* Utilize garment tape or craft glue to quickly repair hems, accessories or broken shoe heels...at least as a temporary solution!

Any other suggestions from our road warriors? Please share!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

Alas, I missed almost a month of blog posts, but all with good reason. I have been busy being a penny pincher! (surprise!). First, all of my Christmas shopping and cards are done (though even I have my limits...can't postmark them until Dec. 1st!). And we had a houseful of guest for Thanksgiving dinner...must say I tried a "Martha" craft...bought Ferraro Rocher (sp?) candies...added googly eyes, feather tails and little orange paper beaks for nameplates on the table...I really need to find an outlet for my Band Mom/Sunday School teacher/Girl Scout leader alter-ego!!

Any holiday excitement, mishaps, fun, etc. to share? Feel free to comment!