Easy Makeup Money Saver!

We all know how expensive makeup can be. Lipstick is probably where most of your money goes since it can easily cost up to $25 a tube, and you go through more lipstick than you do other makeup such as eyeliner or blush.

Well, once in a desperate attempt to make my favorite shade of lipstick last longer because the shade had been discontinued, I decided to use a lip brush to get the most out of what was left. I was shocked to discover that by using the lip brush, it made my lipstick last another full two months! I could not believe that all these years I had thrown out the tubes once they had completely flattened out, without realizing that there was a lot left underneath. For me, it was like when you were a kid and you thought you had reached the bottom of the Pepperidge Farms cookies only to discover that there was one more layer under the empty paper divider. What a great feeling that was - just like getting two extra months out of your lipstick!

Using a lip brush has saved me a lot of money over the years as well as the time and hassle of going to a department store to purchase another tube. As a bonus, it's also recommended by a lot of makeup artists who swear it works better than applying the lipstick directly on your lips from the tube itself.

In an economy where it seems as if everything is getting more and more expensive, being able to save a little money here and there can really help out. Plus, you can use some of that money you save to pay for a sitter and have a much deserved night out - with great looking lips, of course!

* If you have discovered any money or time saving tips you'd like to share, you can email them to me at mc@todaysultimatemom.com.

Calming the Summer Chaos!

Is the summer chaos making you crazy? You know, kids running in and out of the house all day, eating nonstop so that by the time you finish cleaning up after one meal or snack, they're all back in wanting something else. Yes, summer is definitely in full swing and the novelty of sleeping late and having nothing to do has worn off. So, now what?

Now is the time to take charge of summer, if you haven't already. The only way to make summer fun for everyone and less stressful for parents is to attack it like you should everything else you do - you need a game plan and you have to be organized. Most people don't think of summer as an organized time of the year, but to get the most enjoyment out of the lazy summer months, you really do have to be organized. If you create a game plan for the summer, you'll keep your sanity, enjoy the extra time with your family, and create an environment for your kids that they'll enjoy.

With that said, the next big question is how do you do it? If you follow the tips below, you can find a way to take charge of your summer and make this the best one your family has had:

How to Take Charge of Summer:

1. Make a simple schedule for everyday. List what is to occur and a general time line. Don't set your expectations too high or be too rigid with your schedule, instead simply map out your day for the family so everyone knows what to expect and what is expected of them.

For example, my schedule looks like this:

8:00 or 9:00am - Breakfast
Clean up after breakfast, brush teeth, fix hair, make up beds, and get dressed.

Play time!!!

10:30am - Snack

Clean up after snack and play!

12:30pm - Lunch

Clean up after lunch, 20 minutes of reading or some other type of schoolwork, 2 chores, and then play!

3:00pm - Snack

6:30pm - Supper

Clean up after dinner and play!

8:30pm - come in from outside, bathe, get on pajamas, and brush teeth.

Read books or play games before bedtime.

9:15-9:30pm Bedtime!

Remember, not EVERY day is going to work like clockwork and your schedule will have to be flexible depending on the sports, activities, and camps your children participate in. However, coming up with a general schedule can give you and your family a guide to go by, so everyone knows what's expected. Once you come up with a schedule, go over it with your kids and post it on the refrigerator for all to see.

Note that I have designated times for snack and meals which helps to prevent the constant kitchen chaos that can occur when everyone eats at different times. This rule was a major life changer for me because with the four boys, I felt like I was always in the kitchen during the summer. As soon as I implemented the set meal and snack times, I felt a great sense of relief from having to constantly prepare food and clean up the mess.

2. Sit down with your family and create a list of all the things they'd like to do this summer. It can be things such as go to the local water park, visit a local museum or children's museum, hit the beach, go to the movies, visit your local library, schedule a sleepover with a friend, etc. Look at your family calendar and record each activity as your schedule allows. It's great to map it out so you alternate between one day just playing at the house, and then the next day doing a special activity or taking a little day trip somewhere.

3. Remind your kids that just because they are on summer vacation it doesn't mean that they are on vacation from helping out around the house! During the summer time you'll benefit even more by having your kids help out with the daily chores. Make a list of who is responsible for what and enforce it to help keep your house in order, and keep your sanity. You can't do it all by yourself and shouldn't have to!

Implement these three simple concepts into your summer, and you and your whole family will reap the rewards!