Modern Mommie

OK, I know I'm on a homemade kick!  It's my sister-in-law's fault, she said she was doing it, and once I made my first batch of homemade deodorant I was hooked!!

This is what I've been using:

1/3 Bar of Fels Naptha
1/2 Cup Borax
1/2 Cup Washing Soda

Use 1 Table Spoon in wash.  This is a cost of $0.03 per load!!

I didn't use this on whites yet.  I've read that whites can become dull, and that if I do use this with whites I will need to add an oxygen cleaner to the wash.

I have to say I liked the lack of smell.  I am sensitive to perfume and so this mix had a nice clean smell that was not over powering.

I did it, I made my own deodorant.  There are lots of recipes out there, but I had these ingredients so I used this one.

1/4 Cup Baking Soda
1/4 Cup Corn Starch
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
2 Drops Essential Oil (I used Lavender)

Some notes from the field:

• It is easy to put way too much on!  So the first day I was extra greasy and had grease spots on my tank.
• I love the smell and the feel of this stuff.  This is working way better than Tom's ever did and so much cheaper.
• After mixing I put it in an old deodorant tube and the remainder in a small container. 
• When I apply it some does melt on the tube.
• I am using only one swipe and let it dry before putting my shirt on. 
• It's a little flaky but the cost and smell (or lack there of) it totally worth it!

I am in love with this homemade sugar scrub!  Who knew it could be so simple and AMAZING!! 
After I used this one time my dry skin was so soft and silky.  No need for lotion after the bath! 

Ingredients:
1 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Baking Soda
1/8 Cup Coconut Oil (or enough to coat sugar)
2 drops of Essential Oil (I used Lavender)

That's it just mix it up in a jar and you have very cheap, homemade, chemical free Sugar Scrub!

We fell into the Babies R Us trap, and bought the travel system.  We love the car seat, but the stroller is just too big (it's really nice, but not good for being in the car).

Top five best places to get good deals on baby gear!

#1 Craigslist:
Do a little research and look for the items you want.

#2 Garage Sales:
This is hit or miss but a great place to find clothes, toys, books and furniture.

#3 Friends:
Most of our friends where happy to share with us all the baby stuff that you only use for a few months.

#4 Consignment:
These sales are held frequently, and are more expensive than garage sales, but you will find great deals on large items.

#5 Grandparents:
If you are eying a dress or some new clothing, tell the grandparents and they are usually more than happy to help out!

I get so excited when I look at what I could be saving with coupons.  When I get to the store it is always a let down.  Coupons are a hassle, plain and simple.  The best deals are when there is a sale, and you have a manufacture and store coupons.  So to get the best deal you have to know the sale price, and how your coupons work.  I'm still learning the ins and outs.

Friday I went to Target to stock my freezer full of $0.30 frozen veggies.  The store had...NONE!  Same thing happened with Q-Tips, mouthwash, pizza and cleanser.  Now I've learned my lesson (the hard way) don't wait until the end of the week to take advantage of the store sale.  :(

Saturday, went to a different Target and it had all the frozen food and veggies I could desire!  I restocked my freezer, I bought $70 worth of food and got $40 in gift cards.  I feel wonderful!!  So good in fact my husband says he just can't keep up with me.  Crazy how getting a good deal can make me so happy.  Here's how I did it:

Store had a special, when you buy 7 frozen items you get a $5 store gift card.
10 Smart Choice @ $1.80, had $5 Target Coupon, $4 Manufacturer's coupon, Total $9.00
18 frozen veggies @ $0.97 Total $17.46
 - got $20 of Target gift cards for the 2 lines above
Moisturizer @ $6.64, had $2 Target Coupon, $2 Manufacturer's coupon, Total $2.64
Bleach @ $1.37, had $1 Target Coupon, Total $0.37
Mouthwash @ $2.89, had $1 Target Coupon, Total $1.89
Q-Tips @ $2.29, had $0.50 Target Coupon, Total $1.79
Liners @ $1.97, had $0.50 Target Coupon, Total $1.22
PAID: $34.37 and got $20 of gift cards


then had cashier ring this up separately (so I could use the in store coupons - even if you have two coupons they must be used on separate transactions.)


10 Smart Choice @ $1.80, had $5 Target Coupon, $4 Manufacturer's coupon, Total $9.00
13 frozen veggies @ $0.97 Total $12.61
5 Pizzas @ $1.00, had $2.50 Manufactures coupons, Total $2.50
 - got $20 of Target gift cards for the 3 lines above
Moisturizer @ $6.64, had $2 Target Coupon, $2 Manufacture's coupon, Total $2.64
Bleach @ $1.37, had $1 Target Coupon, Total $0.37
Mouthwash @ $2.89, had $1 Target Coupon, Total $1.89
Q-Tips @ $2.29, had $0.50 Target Coupon, Total $1.79
Liners @ $1.97, had $0.50 Target Coupon, Total $1.22
used the $20 gift cards
PAID: $12.02 and got $20 of gift cards

So Total I paid $46.39 and have $20 of gift cards!!!  :)

I had a whole shopping cart full!  I felt like I was stealing, we had gotten such a good deal!  As we were driving away I realized that couping is like garage sale-ing.  You might have to hit several stops before you get everything and it can be hit or miss.  But if you like garage sale shopping, then clipping coupons is for you!!  Who wouldn't want to get Free deodorant, mascara, eye liner, lotion, and more?!  So even though clipping is challenging, I think it's worth the hassle and someday...I will be a pro and not make so many mistakes.  A special thanks goes out to Clippin with Carie!  Her blog is how I knew about the great deal to be had at Target.