Free Haircuts in Provo

If you're in Provo, The Paul Mitchell Academy is sponsoring free haircuts on BYU's campus in Brigham Square (just outside the WSC) Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 pm. Think it's time for a change but want to save money? Give it a shot! There will probably be a line but it's worth it--plus, there are lots of grassy spots for kids to run around in while you wait.

Can't make it but are desperate for a cheap fix? Let me know, and if you trust me, I'd be happy to cut it for you. Or teach you some magic tricks with bobby pins!

Free Cottonelle Sample

Walmart is offering a free mini-roll of Cottonelle toilet paper. It's something we all have to buy anyway--why not get some for free?

Walmart is also offering free samples of Gain detergent, poise pads, Parent's Choice baby formula, and Crest whitestrips!

Freebies! Redbox and General Mills

Thanks, Linds, for passing this on!

First off, if you ever rent movies, you need to sign up for Redbox because as nice as it is to get a movie for $1, it's even better to get it free! You get a free rental code when you sign up that can be used anytime.

Also, check out Inside Red Box for a free rental code every Monday!

Looking for more free samples? Sign up for General Mill's new promotion: Pssst. Signing up involves a short survey about products you buy. The site will then pass along promotions, coupons, free samples, and product tests.

I also have an easy giveaway running on 5 Things Cooking right now, so submit your recipes!

More Cleaning Tips

Want to brighten and freshen up your carpet? Generously shake cornstarch over your carpet and let it sit for an hour. Just vacuum it up and you'll remove the oils and dirt that have seeped into your carpet!

Make ironing faster by placing a long piece of aluminum foil along the length of the ironing board underneath the pad. The foil will reflect the heat back up, essentially letting you iron both sides at once!

P.S. Like the new look? I actually made this background myself...

An easy St. Patrick's Day project

Thanks to my friend Staci, who was always creating random cute things for me when we were roomies back in the day.

Make leprechaun hats out of styrofoam cups and green markers! Simply draw whatever pattern you want on the outside of a styrofoam cup. If you want to get super fancy, make a simply design on the inside lip of the cup.

Then, bake the cup in the oven for a few minutes and it shrinks to leprechaun size. The edge up the cup curls up to make a brim.

A preview...

I'm crafting again. Thanks to Linds for passing this great idea on to me....and congrats to my friends with adorable little girls and to my husband's genetic programming for letting me make dresses for your cute girls as I have none of my own :o)

Here is the pattern/instruction link and her cute little girl showing off her new look.

If you are interested in learning how to sew this is a great starter project! You use the back part of the shirt for a pre-made bodice, the front part for pre-sewn buttons, and elastic in a simple casing for ruffled sleeves. All it requires you to sew are a few hems. You can get as fancy or as basic as you want by adding trim!

Here are the BEFORE shots of my handiwork:

Marian

Olivia

Callie


Ok, I wasn't going to post this yet (surprise!) but they're just too cute.
So, here are the two I've finished.

Am I amazing, or what? (trust me--they're just THAT easy.)

Household Cleaning Tips

I have a great book called "Mary Ellen's Helpful Hints" that covers everything from stain removal to food preparation and everything in between. Check out 5 Things Cooking for her tips on keeping food fresher for longer!

Here are some great cleaning tips for removing tough stains or making your own cheaper and more environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Save time and money by using the cheapest brand of dishwashing detergent available, but add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the dishwater. The vinegar will cut the grease and leave your dishes sparkling clean.

To quickly remove food that is stuck to a casserole dish, fill with boiling water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda or salt.

When a drain is clogged with grease, pour a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a kettle of boiling water. The grease will usually dissolve immediately and open the drain.

A small nick in the rim of a glass can be smoothed out by using a soft nail file. Scratches on glassware will disappear if polished with toothpaste!

An inexpensive oven cleaner: set oven on warm for about 20 minutes, then turn off. Place a small dish of full strength ammonia on the top shelf. Put a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf and let it set overnight. In the morning, open oven and let it air a while before washing off with soap and water. Even the hard baked-on grease willw ash off easily.

To get rid of odors in plastic containers, place crumpled-up newspaper (black and white only) into the container. Cover tightly and leave overnight.

Water spots on stainless steel can easily be removed with rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or club soda.

Club soda is also a great stain remover for carpet!

Need a cheap laundry spot remover? Mix 2 parts water with 1 part rubbing alcohol.

Avoiding the "mom butt"

Anyone who knows me and clothes knows two things:
1) I love to bargain shop and can find anything at Ross
2) I am PICKY about jeans but unwilling to spend big money.

Most of all, I hate the dreaded "mom butt." So I was cracking up and totally enlightened when I stumbled upon this post explaining how it happens and how to avoid it! It's all about pocket placement. I can always pick jeans for myself but hadn't been able to put my finger on exactly why it worked or didn't. So, if you get a minute, check this out and get enlightened!

The same girl ran a test on her own mother, transforming an admitted "mom jean" wearer into totally hip and fabulous! Mom, next time you're here (i.e. TOMORROW!) we're headed to Ross. Trust me.

Update: Photo coupons and blog updates!

New Snapfish coupon for 20% off everything! Enter coupon code: SPRING09

Expires March 8, 2009.

Also, I found another great site for cute (and free!) backgrounds! Check out Aqua Poppy if you're looking for a new look.