Beauty 4 Moms

Pin It Now! The title really says it all. Here are the dates and schedules for upcoming (& past) Sunday coupon inserts.

January
1/3: 2 Smart Source & 2 Red Plum & General Mill
1/10: Smart Source & Red Plum
1/17: Smart Source & Proctor & Gamble
1/24: Smart Source & Red Plum
1/31: Smart Source & Red Plum

February
2/7: Smart Source & General Mills & Procter and Gamble
2/14: Red Plum
2/21: Smart Source & Red Plum
2/28: Smart Source & Red Plum

March
3/7: Smart Source, Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
3/14: Smart Source& Red Plum
3/21: Smart Source& Red Plum
3/28:2 Smart Source & Red Plum

April
4/4: Procter and Gamble
4/11: Smart Source & Red Plum
4/18: Smart Source & Red Plum
4/25: Smart Source & Red Plum

May
5/2: Smart Source & Red Plum & P&G
5/9: Smart Source
5/16: 2 Smart Source & Red Plum
5/23: Smart Source & Red Plum
5/30: No Inserts

June
6/6: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
6/13: Smart Source
6/20: Smart Source & Red Plum
6/27: Smart Source & Red Plum

July
7/4: No Inserts
7/11: Smart Source & Red Plum
7/18: Smart Source
7/25: Smart Source & Red Plum

August
8/1: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
8/8: Smart Source & Red Plum
8/15: Smart Source & Red Plum
8/22: Smart Source & Red Plum
8/29: Smart Source & Red Plum & P&G Insert

September
9/5: No Inserts
9/12: Smart Source & 2 Red Plum
9/19: Smart Source & Red Plum
9/26: Smart Source & Red Plum

October
10/3: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
10/10: Smart Source & Red Plum
10/17: Smart Source & Red Plum
10/24: Smart Source & Red Plum
10/31: Smart Source & Red Plum

November
11/7: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
11/14: Smart Source & Red Plum
11/21: Smart Source & Red Plum
11/28: No Inserts

December
12/5: Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
12/12: Smart Source & Red Plum
12/19: No Inserts
12/26: No Inserts

Click here to preview this Sunday’s coupons early so you can decide if you want to buy another newspaper.

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Go to Facebook to get your free one-night movie rental for Monday, June 21 to use at your local Redbox. Don't forget, your unique code can only be used on Monday. You need to first “Like” Redbox on Facebook and go to their “Fan Freebie” tab to get your unique code (be ready to write this down).

Click here to find your closest Redbox location. These codes can only be used at the Redbox kiosk and not online to reserve movies.

Shareable codes:
DVDATWAG (works only at Walgreens locations)

DVDKROG (works only at Kroger locations)

DVDONME

BREAKROOM

Thanks goes to Freebies4Mom for sharing these!

To stay on top of all the best freebies, coupons & more follow me on Facebook. There you can share the goodies you've found and interact with hundreds of other frugal friends.

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Martha Stewart has the details on how to make hanger sachets to keep your closet smelling sweet!

Here are the materials needed:
-14-by-20-inch piece of loose-weave, breathable fabric, such as fine cotton gauze
-Bone folder or chopstick
-1/4-inch linen tape
-Cedar blocks or muslin pouches filled with lavender
-Hanger

Visit Martha Stewart and follow her 5 simple steps to make your own hanger sachets. Not only would these be great for your own closets but wouldn't they be great for a Mother's Day gift too!

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Here's another simple do-it-yourself Mother's Day gift. Once you have the materials handy it should be a cinch to make this photo transfer tote bag from Martha Stewart.

The materials you'll need are:

-Photo of your family, child, pet, or anything mom would love
-Computer and ink-jet printer
-Iron-on transfer paper
-Scissors or craft knife
-Canvas tote, purse or make up bag

Visit MarthaStewart.com for instructions on how to complete this project and make your own cute bag!

Pin It Now! Today's DIY Mother's Day gift idea is photograph jewelery. This is one of many adorable idea that comes from Martha Stewart.

Items you'll need:
-Chain for necklace or bracelet
-Miniature self-adhesive frames (sold at crafts stores)
-Scissors
-Metal pendants
-Jewelry glue
-Jump rings (to attach charms to chains)
-Flat-nose pliers

I don't want to steal Martha's idea so head on over to her website for the how-to of this craft. If any of you have tried this and have any suggestions please share them with everyone in the comments.

Pin It Now! Today I just have it in my head to do something crafty or artsy. You know that compelling urge, don’t you? It’s like a gnat that keeps buzzing around your head until you swat it. Or in this case, do something about it.

Pin It Now! Take a look at this fascinating article from Associated Press. I would have never thought of this!

MILWAUKEE – Here’s a way you might save $20 this year: Change the font in the documents you print.

Because different fonts require different amounts of ink to print, you could be buying new printer cartridges less often if you wrote in, say, Century Gothic rather than Arial. Schools and businesses could save thousands of dollars with font changes.

Data on the subject from Printer.com, a Dutch company that evaluates printer attributes, persuaded the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to make a switch. Diane Blohowiak, coordinator of information-technology user support, has asked faculty and staff to use Century Gothic for all printed documents. The school also plans to change its e-mail system so it uses Century Gothic.

“The feedback we’ve gotten so far has been positive,” she said. “Century Gothic is very readable.”

The school of 6,500 students spends about $100,000 per year on ink and toner cartridges. Although students and staff can change the default font to something more ink-intensive, Blohowiak said the university expects to save $5,000 to $10,000 per year with the font switch.

When Printer.com tested popular fonts for their ink-friendly ways, Century Gothic and Times New Roman topped the list. Calibri, Verdana, Arial and Sans Serif were next, followed by Trebuchet, Tahoma and Franklin Gothic Medium. Century Gothic uses about 30 percent less ink than Arial.

The amount of ink a font drains is mainly driven by the thickness of its lines. A font with “narrow” or “light” in its name is usually better than its “bold” or “black” counterpart, said Thom Brown, an ink researcher at Hewlett-Packard Co., the world’s top maker of printers.

Also, serif fonts — those with short horizontal lines at the top and bottom of characters — tend to use thinner lines and thus less ink than a “sans serif” counterpart.

Read the full article here.

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Rite Aid's Single Check rebate program can at first glance seem intimidating so I’ve written a simple 5 step process to help explain the process so everyone can understand it and save big! Head over to Steals & Deals to see my guest post explaining it all on their blog.

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SO CUTE! These are just adorable!!! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. : ) Oh, and you might like to swap the marsh-mellow out for a donut hole for extra yumminess (and a few extra calories). Yum!

Directions:

Frost cupcake. Place the large marshmallow in the center. Lightly frost candy eyes and press onto the marshmallow. Frost the back of the jujube candy and put below eyes to for a nose. Frost the short piece of licorice lightly and press underneath the nose to make the mouth. Press mini-marshmallows all around the cupcakes and the face to make the lambs coat. Frost the tips of the pink jelly beans to make ears. Stick the purple jelly beans in the front and back of the cupcake for feet. Curl the long piece of licorice and press into frosting to make the lamb's tail.

Fluff Frosting:

• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
• Pinch fine salt

Whisk the milk and vanilla extract together in a small bowl.

Slowly beat the butter and sugar, in another medium bowl, with an electric mixer until incorporated. Raise the speed to high and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the sides of the bowl down with a rubber spatula.) Add the fluff and salt and reduce the speed to low. Add the milk and vanilla mixture, scrape the bowl down, and mix until fully incorporated. Raise the mixer to high and beat briefly until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Use immediately.

Yield: 3 3/4 cups

This ingenious cupcake recipe came from the folks over at Food Network! Check them out for info on how to make just about everything in the kitchen. : )

Pin It Now! Have you seen reviews on my blog or others' and thought "I wonder how I could be a review blogger"? Well, if so, I have a great resource for you! The Product Review Place is an active community ran by women bloggers who already know the ins and outs of blogging. They have created a community where bloggers and companies come and work together. The PR Place offers opportunities for bloggers of all levels of experience. If you're interested, check it out and be sure to come back here and let me know what you think it. Membership is completely free and they will never spam you. If you join be sure and tell them that Beauty4Moms sent you (and tell me please). If you have any questions about The PR Place just let me know and I'll do my best to answer them.


Visit The Product Review Place

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These Easter Egg Dippers would be a great recipe for the kids to help out with. Let me know if your family enjoyed this fun recipe. : )
Directions:

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I about squealed when I saw these birdies! Aren't they precious? What a perfect topper for Easter cupcakes!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (about 5 ounces)
• Vanilla Cupcakes
• Chocolate Buttercream
• Yellow and light-blue food coloring

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating pan once. Set aside to cool.
2. Lightly frost cupcakes with 1 cup chocolate buttercream; set aside. Tint 2 tablespoons reserved buttercream pale yellow; place in a pastry bag fitted with a #349 Ateco leaf tip; set aside. Tint remaining buttercream light blue; place in a pastry bag fitted with a #11 Ateco plain round tip, and pipe three bluebird heads, 3/4 inch in diameter, onto each cupcake. Using leaf tip, pipe yellow beaks. With a toothpick, add melted-chocolate eyes. Form each nest with 2 tablespoons toasted coconut.

Makes 1 dozen

This sweet recipe came from MarthaStewart.com

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I have loved peanut butter eggs for quite some time now and I have to say that these are the pretties eggs I've ever seen! Aren't they absolutely gorgeous? I can't wait to try this recipe to see if they taste as good as they look. If you try it leave me a note telling me what you thought of it.

Supplies:
Milk Chocolate Flavored Candy Wafers
Make'n Mold Candy Filling - Desired Flavor
Fillable Candy Mold, such as mold #4130

Directions:
Melt Make'n Mold candy wafers according to package instructions. Use a spoon or shedless paint brush to apply a thin layer of melted candy wafers to candy mold cavity surface. Chill 5-10 minutes. Form small balls of Make'n Mold candy filling, and gently press into shells. Do not overfill, leave about a quarter of an inch at the top of the candy mold. Spoon a small amount of melted candy wafers over the candy filling. Tap the candy mold gently to smooth the surface. Make sure all the candy filling is covered. Chill 10-15 minutes.

This is another recipe idea from A.C. Moore.

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These chick cookies look yummy and oh so cute! If you try the recipe let me know how it turns out. Happy Baking!

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For the long-time personal finance guru's this topic of interest might be repetitive to you, but for the newbies who are seeking order from financial chaos, Mint.com is the latest technology in budget maintenance.

Mint.com is an online personal financial and budget management service designed to help people meet their financial goals through a user-friendly website. Over one million people use this free site to manage their budget, pay bills and get education on saving money, tax returns, free tax prep, loan payments, and investments. The site is safe and secure and offers specific guidance for anyone using the service while still allowing them to remain completely anonymous.

Mint.com lets people see exactly what they are doing with their money. It offers fun quizzes to help people choose and open the best IRA for them. It includes online budgeting tools to track current spending and set budget goals. It compares bank accounts, credit cards, CD, brokerage, and 401(k) products to find the most appropriate and cost effective option for each user. It connects all accounts in one central location. Regardless of the services someone chooses to use on Mint.com, they can all be accessed via any web browser. Mint.com can also send time-critical email and text message alerts to pre-established telephone numbers or email addresses.

One unique feature on Mint.com not commonly found on other financial planning websites is their blog section. This section, MintLife, offers an entire portion of the site dedicated to providing financial news and advice. Common topics include getting out of debt, housing, retirement, student life, becoming wealthy, frugal living, employment, and the economy.

Mint.com offers all of these services, and many more, for no fee. It does not require the installation of any special software and can be set up in as little as five minutes. Once the account is set up, adding or deleting account options and features is only a click away.

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I'm excited to share this guest post from one of my favorite writers! Tammy is the owner of Garden Glimpses and a guest contributor at Heart of the Matter. Enjoy!

Diamonds and marriage go together. Having recently celebrated my 29th wedding anniversary, I glanced at the diamond wedding band on my hand and smiled. It is not my original wedding ring as years of wear and tear managed to damage the delicate band and diamond to a point of no return. The sturdy brilliance of my replacement ring represents our years of committed marriage with all its ups and down.

When we marry, our lives together represent a diamond in its natural form. Not always pretty, but definitely full of potential. Our marriages can be compared to the four qualities that are looked for when shopping for a diamond ring: color, clarity, carat, and cut.

Diamond color: The degree to which a diamond is colorless. The less color, the higher the rating.

How can a marriage become colorless when you combine two very colorful people? Does it mean we become plain, bland, and dull? No, not at all. In fact, I think it can mean quite the opposite. Through the years the two blend together to become a wonderful well working one. A husband and wife team that have learned the value of unity and endeavor to be their best as they balance the strengths and weaknesses of one another with God at the center of their lives. Like a prism that looks colorless, yet when God’s light shows through their relationship the multi-colors are revealed.

Diamond clarity: The presence of natural phenomena called inclusions which are the tiny feathers, crystals, or clouds only seen under high magnification. Flawless diamonds have no inclusions on the surface or internally. Many flawed diamonds still maintain their integrity with no visible inclusions.

How can a marriage become flawless when you combine two imperfect people? The reality is that none of us will become perfect, but we certainly can maintain integrity as we allow God to look at our flaws and allow Him to help us with those things that may cloud our marriage. When it comes to marriage, a good test to see how your are doing it is to read through a familiar wedding Scripture – I Corinthians 13:1-10 using your name in place of the word LOVE. It’s easy to see our shortcomings and yet as you consider the end of that passage, when God who is perfection is part of our lives the imperfections disappear as we apply grace over and over again to one another.

Diamond carat: The unit of weight of a diamond, not size. One carat can be divided into 100 points. Value rises with weight.

What adds weight to a marriage? There are many factors that can add solidity to our marriages. Making simple connections with one another in the midst of busy homeschooling lives is critical. It’s easy to put our children first, but the value of putting our spouses first is worth 100 points. Simple acts of kindness such a a little note in his lunch, making sure his favorite clothes are clean and ready, a loving voice message. Reading about our love languages and applying those gifts to each other or engaging in a study such as Love & Respect which has wonderful marriage principles to apply. Time spent one-on-one is truly priceless and builds the weight of intimacy in a marriage relationship.

Diamond cut: The angle and proportions of a cut will determine the diamond’s fire and brilliance. The shape and how well the cutting has been executed will also influence the cut.

What trials have shaped your marriage? It is well known that all marriages will have conflict in some manner. The key, however, is how we will allow these to affect our relationship with one another. Will we allow the angle of the cuts to destroy or to be a healing cut of pruning that we can grow from? Keeping God centered and relationship focused will execute healthier cuts during difficult times. Marriages will flourish and become stronger if both partners are willing to become humble and speak those difficult words of “I’m sorry” or “Forgive me” adding a dimension of brilliance to their relationship.

My husband and I have a long way to go to our Diamond Anniversary, yet we are both willing to consider the color, clarity, carat, and cut of our marriage to allow it more polishing as our Heavenly Father works in our relationship. May all of our marriage relationships continue to grow and flourish with our Heavenly Father’s love as that truly is the Heart of the Matter.

Married in 1980 and still living in the same house in a woodsy rural setting, Tammy’s homeschooling journey began in the fall of 1987 when her oldest turned six years old. As rather new believers professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, homeschooling was a way to live out the principles found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Through all the challenges of life Tammy has stayed the course growing to a family with nine children who presently range from preschool age to college graduates married with children. Her role has transitioned from learning everything she could about homeschooling to becoming an encourager to others coming along the way. Please visit Tammy at Garden Glimpses.

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AR: After rebate, the cost of an item after you receive your rebate.

Blinky: Grocery or drugstore coupon dispensers with blinking lights.

BOGO: Buy One Get One

B1G1F: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

BTFE: Box Tops For Education

Cat/Catalina: Catalina coupon, a machine near the cash register that prints coupons when your receipt prints.

CRT: Cash Register Tape - Coupons that print with the receipt

DH: Darling Husband Not exactly a couponing term but one I've been asked a lot about. : )

DND: Do Not Double, Sometimes found on manufacturer coupons.

ECB: Extra Care Bucks from the CVS' loyalty rewards program.

ESRs: EasySaver Rebates, Walgreens monthly rebates program

FAR: Free After Rebate.

IVC : Instant Value Coupon - Walgreens’ store coupons found in ads

MFR: Manufacturer

MIR: Mail-in rebate

MIR: Mail-In Rebate

NAZ: Name Address and Zip Code

NED: No Expiration Date - I like those!

OOP: Out Of Pocket. Meaning the actual cash you pay after any discounts & coupons have been redeemed.

OOS: Out Of Stock

OYNO: On your next order

P&G: Proctor & Gamble Company or sometimes referring to P&G's Sunday insert

Peelie: Coupons on the product packaging that you peel off.

POP: Proof of Purchase

PP: Purchase Price

PSA: Prices starting at

RC: Rain Check

RP: Red Plum – Sunday Newspaper Insert (fabulous coupons!)

RR: Register Reward – Walgreen’s name for their Catalina’s.

SMP: Specially Marked Package

SCR: Single Check Rebate, Rite Aid monthly rebates program

SS: Smart Source – Sunday Newspaper Insert (more fabulous coupons!)

TMF: Try Me Free, some products have a mail-in rebate that refunds the total money you spent to purchase the item, so you can “Try It Out” for free. (I won't use this abbreviation)

UPC: Universal Product Code, bar code on a product

V: Valassis – Sunday Newspaper Insert

WYB: When You Buy

YMMV : You mileage (or manager) may vary, some stores may allow you to score a deal, some may not.

If you can think of another I should add just email me to let me know and I'll update the list. I'm sure there are some I've forgotten!

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While I can’t eliminate laundry from your to-do list, I can help you save money on laundry with these frugal laundry tips.

Laundry can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be. Not all tips are right for every one; just choose the ones that will work for you and enjoy lower utility and laundry supply bills!

Here are 9 different ways to save on the cost of doing laundry, ranging from quick and easy to long-term solutions. Enjoy!

1. Buy Energy Star rated appliances. That Energy Star emblem means they use less energy therefore it will cost you less to use. When replacing old or worn out appliances, check first for the Energy Star for your replacement choices.

2. Cut dryer sheets in half. One box lasts twice as long when you cut the sheets in half. As soon as you buy the box, break out the scissors and cut your dryer sheet expenses by 50%! Or you could use each dryer sheets twice, this works just as well with less work!

3. Use correct amount of laundry detergent. Be sure to read and follow the recommended amount of detergent for your size load. Detergent caps are misleading! Often they will have 4 or 5 lines but only require detergent for the first line or maybe the second for a large load.

4. Use less detergent and liquid fabric softener. Are you strong enough to skip the diluting and just use less? More power to you!

5. Clean the lint trap before every load of laundry. A clean lint trap lets your dryer work more efficiently and dry clothes faster. Spend the extra 20 seconds and empty it before you start the dryer. Every 3 months scrub your lint trap with soap and water to eliminate invisible dryer sheet residue. Plus, a clean lint trap cuts down the risk of a dryer fire!

6. Line dry your clothes. Hang items to dry outside or inside over store bought racks. Personally, I don't use a dryer for undergarments (they'll last a lifetime longer and hold shape better if you don't!), nice shirts or sweaters, & t-shirts with large print on them (they will crack & look older faster if you dry them).

7. Do less laundry. Wear jeans several times before washing, use bath towels more than once (change wash cloths daily). Sweaters and jackets easily be worn more than once if you wear them layered with a shirt underneath. Make sure you hang up clothes that can be worn again so that they’re not wrinkly or washed by mistake.

8. Dry loads back to back if possible to keep the dryer from heating up again (save time and energy).

9. Wash in the coldest temperature recommended for your clothes. Save your water heater energy when possible. Cold water temperatures are proven to clean just as well as hot and will also help to preserve the fibers of your clothing so it won’t wear out as fast.

Pin It Now! Of course, these are only my opinions but I think they're good ones. : )

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day, and while you walk, smile. This will lift your spirits every time!

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Thank God for what He's done, talk about what is going on in your life, & read the Bible (The first two parts of this can be done while walking...the last part if you have the Bible on an Ipod).

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,
"Today I will__________ . I am thankful for______________ ."

4. Drink plenty of water & eat a piece of fruit.

5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

6. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college student. : )

7. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Remember to agree to disagree.

8. Do at least one sacrificial thing for someone else each day.

9. Each night, before you go to bed complete the following statements:
"I am thankful for__________."

Pin It Now! The other night my husband and I were flipping through TV channels when we discovered Food Detectives. Have you seen the show? I love it! Their crew performs studies to debunk myths through the use of science.

Does drinking sufficient amounts of water daily really help improve the appearance of skin? After giving one identical twin the appropriate levels of water for a week and the other twin half the serving, not surprisingly, the one who drank more had radiant, luminous skin. As for me, I sure need to drink more water! Here are some fun facts from the episode I think you'll enjoy.

• It's in the numbers: Our skin is made up of two to three gallons of water.
• Find your number: Figure out your daily intake by using the formula: weight/2 = how many ounces of water to drink each day.
• Are you dehydrated?: According to Dr. Jeanine Downie, who appeared in the episode, Caucasian skin tends to show dehydration with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while darker-toned skin appears blotchy.
• The solution: If your skin lacking luster and your water consumption is low, don't fret. Start drinking the acceptable levels now and you'll notice an improvement within days. What a wonderfully fast, easy, and cheap way to get luminous skin!