Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Last Minute Gifts

Every year we make our lists and check them twice.....but we always forget to buy a gift someone!  Or maybe you are looking for a budget friendly, heartfelt gift to give.  Nothing can beat a homemade gift!  Here are a few recipes for some quick and easy gifts:

BAVARIAN MINT FLAVORED COFFEE
1/4 C. Powdered Creamer
1/3 C. Sugar
1/4 C. Instant Coffee
2 T. Powdered Baking Cocoa
2 hard candy Peppermints
Process in a blender on liquefy until well blended.
*Store in an air tight/decorative container such as a mason jar.
*Attach directions to container: Use by tablespoonfuls according to taste.Spoon in cup and add hot water.

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS
1 1/4 c. water
1 c. salt
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
Heat water and salt together until salt slightly dissolves. Add to flour mixture.
Mix with hands until dough is smooth. Roll out. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on
foil lined baking sheets. Place in 300 degree oven for about 1 hour. Turn often.
Feel free to paint an decorate as you'd like!  This is fun for the kids and makes great gifts for grandparents!

INSTANT PEA SOUP MIX
Mix and pour into jar: -- (makes one soup mix)
1 cup green split pea flour -- (dried split peas ground to a fine flour)
2 tablespoons chicken broth powder
2 tablespoons dried onions
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups non fat dry milk powder
Attach to the jar:
To make soup: In medium saucepan over medium high heat, whisk soup mix into 6 cups
boiling water. Stir about 1 minute until mixture is incorporated. Turn heat to low, cover
and cook 2-5 minutes. Note: if desired, add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
(mixed, peas & carrots, or carrots), grated potatoes, minced celery, or ham to
boiling water and proceed as above. This soup thickens upon cooling. To reheat, add
a little milk or water to soup & heat.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Makeup on a Budget

Ok, so most of us saw Cassandra Bankson on Good Morning America, or at least have seen her YouTube videos:




If you don't know, she is the teen who undergoes a remarkable makeup routine everyday to hide her acne.  I was stunned when I saw her video (and so was the hubby!)  What she does is amazing!  However, not everyone can afford to pay $59 for powder, so I compiled a list of less expensive products that I think would work well!  So here ya go!
Products Used:Price:Try This:Price:
Smashbox AntiShine       $27 Sephora "Trick of the Trade" Anti Shine$18
Hourglass Veil Primer                  $17 Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer$12.99
Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in 125 and 120  $40/eachRevlon Dream Liquid Mousse$9.79/each
Mac Studio Finish Concealer NC 30$17 Revlon Colorstay Blemish Concealer$9.99
Mac NC5$23 Covergirl Professional Loose Powder$5.29
Smashbox Halo in Light$59 Could not find a substitute.
Makeup For Ever Microfinish Setting Powder$30
$8.95
Mac Fix Plus Spray$10 Really no trade off here!$10
Total:$263 $84.80



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Couponing For The Holidays!

It seems as though the one time of year it is vital to save money...we spend the most!  I love cooking for groups of people, so it's no surprise that I love Thanksgiving!  This year, my husband has to work, and my side of the family is going out of state.  So I have left an open invitation for family to come to my house for dinner!  Problem....we are living on a very strict budget!  One income is no joke!  My goal this year is to do "Thanksgiving with Coupons"!  Let's see if I can make a traditional dinner, with all the fixings, and spend as little as possible!  Now...what should be my target budget?