Tried and True....

~an inexpensive way to smell good for everyday wear~

~We use Surf!!~ ~A really great and cheap mascara~

~THE best lipgloss around..~

Wouldn't it be great to have a blog all about products, gadgets, recipes, good lip gloss, and all things woman?? As the recession swings it's ugly arm and punches us stay at home mom families( and all other families for that matter) right in the gut, it would be nice to have a blog about what's good and what's not out there. I find myself wasting my money on things that were not all they were advertised to be. After a few tries, I throw it away with a gruff growl.

For example, I just found a superb carpet cleaner. We had several stains in the kids rooms that I have tried many products on to remove without success. However, by a fluke, I picked up a carpet cleaner at Wal-Mart that I had not previously tried, and gave it a whirl. Lo and behold..it worked like a charm!! Not only did it work, but it deodorized the carpet and left a rather pleasant smell.

Wouldn't having the perfect recipe to take to the family Christmas Party be just as delightful? Instead of wasting money on random ingredients for an even more random recipe, how about using a recipe that you KNOW is good. A recipe that has been tested and approved by your closest friends or family. I have made countless dinners that would have made Martha proud in appearance, yet choke after tasting.

Case in point, wouldn't it be great to have your friends steer you in the right direction on which products that are tried and true in their very own families? I always call my sister or my mom when I have found something that they "have to have!" Like, for example, Mac lip gloss in Oyster Girl. I fell in love with this color and knew my sis would too. I have bought countless bottles over the last few years of glosses that were not so great. After a few wears, i realize that it's just not the right color, OR that it will stay on my lips only if i keep my mouth closed and not talk, drink, or eat any food. Hmmm...don't think that's gonna work! WASTE of my time to take it back, so I usually keep it in a box and secretly hope that one day it will be the right color for me. Waste, Waste, Waste!!

Well, maybe one day in the near future us blogging mommies can start this blog pertaining to all things MOMMY and GIRLIE!! Think how much time and money it would save us..we would get it RIGHT the first time!!

In the meantime...here are a few great things that I have come across...

~Surf washing powder...cheaper than liquid and lasts much longer..and the smell is yummy!

~Green Works natural glass cleaner...by Clorox..safe around kids, no harmful chemicals, AND it cleans granite without spots or streaks...runs about $2.50 at Wal-Mart

~Mac lip gloss..any color really...

~Kids n Pets Instant All Purpose Stain and Odor Remover...non-toxic!! (this is the carpet cleaner i was raving about~

~Cover Girl Lash Exact mascara..in a purple tube...it's fantastic

~Love's baby soft perfume...4.95 at Wal-Mart...Presley is a HUGE fan

~John Frieda clear color gloss...adds shine and gives a boost to your color..Wal-Mart again!

Please send me your favorite, must-have products, or any useful information that would help save a few pennies during these dark and gloomy days of the recession.

Pinching Pennies,

me