100th Blog Post and Plans for 2014!!!

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I sat down to review a product I have been testing out and noticed that this is my 100th blog post! It doesn't seem like I've had my blog that long.

So, have you picked your New Year's resolution yet? I have so many and I have no plans on narrowing it down. I will be making major changes this upcoming year and I can't wait to include you all along the way! I will be making more content on my YouTube channel and am working toward figuring out a schedule and hope to have consistent content available in the near future. Also, I will be doing more with this blog and possibly working on a new layout at some point next year. I'm looking to do more product reviews, DIY's and much more! Psst...don't forget random giveaways on most of my social media from time to time as well. So fun! :)

I am also going to be putting jewelry up on my Etsy shop that I created this year. I will be announcing the opening of my shop when the inventory is up and ready to sell. There is no set date on that as of yet, but I will update as progress is made. I thoroughly enjoy making quality jewelry pieces for myself as well as friends and family. I feel I am ready to expand my hobby and start selling my creations to the public. On top of that, I will be finishing up my Associates degree this Winter semester so yes...busy, busy my way, but the drive is there and I am ready for anything.

I found that doing my blog posts, creating YouTube content, making jewelry and doing projects really makes me happy. So, for 2014 I plan on going for it and not holding back. Many things happened this year that really deterred me from my goals, but I have overcome those obstacles and am ready to take on 2014 with a fresh start and outlook.

A New Year is a time to start over, get over the past, look toward the future and go for it! I would love to hear what you have decided for a New Year's resolution. Feel free to leave a comment here, on my Facebook page or on Twitter. Be sure to hash tag #mayday1101 or tag my name @may_day1101 on Twitter so I can find it easier. I hope you all are having a wonderful week! Check back soon for a product review of Meaningful Beauty!

Where To Find Me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mayday1101

Twitter: @may_day1101

Instagram: @mayday1101

YouTube: www.youtube.com/mayday1101

Keek: @mayday1101

CVS Clearance!!!

It's that time of year again! CVS is having their annual 50-75% clearance sale on select makeup items, nail polishes, etc. Look for the round pink and green stickers on products.

Also, keep an eye out for price tags crossed with red or black marker. Sometimes they haven't gotten around to putting the clearance stickers on yet or may have run out of them since they will be marking down a lot of products.

The type of clearanced products may vary by store, but one thing goes for all stores...the good deals go fast!

Think stocking stuffers for the makeup lover in your life. As someone who enjoys both makeup and great savings, I would love to see what you get. Feel free to post your awesome finds on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/mayday1101 or tag me on Twitter @may_day1101 or Instagram @mayday1101. Be sure to use the hashtag #cvshaul

Can't wait to see what you find! Don't forget to share this post with your friends. :)

Black Friday/Cyber Monday: How to Get FREE Shipping and Cash Back

It's that time of year again! How are you spending it? You can choose to go to the stores and wrestle for that last toaster and stand in line for hours to save a few dollars OR you can get most of those deals online from the comfort of your own home. What's better than that? Well, let me tell you. lol

How would you like to get cash back on your purchases from thousands of stores online? Ebates can do that for you. Sign up for ebates and go to the site you wish by going through the ebates site first and you are on your way to earning cash back. Ebates sends your "big fat checks" through paypal or you can have a check sent to your house. All you have to do is go to ebates.com, use the search engine to enter the store you are looking for, click the shop now and it will take you to your desired website. That's it. You can place your order on Walmart, Ulta, Macys...and much much more. A few days after your order is verified, you will see money in your Ebates account. This is clipped right from my very own account. This is just from my recent Christmas shopping online purchases.

 

 

So, if you feel like you do a lot of online shopping, this could be the right choice for you. Click this link to be taken to ebates so you can check it out for yourself and see if it is something you would use. :) http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=wYQ2DuOa1JcghQy80JKSFw%3D%3D 

 

This is my referral link, but there is no obligation to sign up. Now, what about free shipping you ask? A lot of websites are offering FREE shipping on any purchase online. Look for coupon codes on the homepage of the website. Also, Amazon offers many different programs that you may qualify for to get FREE shipping at this busy shopping time of the year. They offer Amazon Prime, Amazon Student and Amazon Mom. I have a past blog post that I will link below that will fill you in more on those programs. 

 

How To Get FREE Shipping on Amazon: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-get-free-shipping-on-amazoncom.html

 

 

I hope this blog post was helpful to you and that you enjoy your online shopping experience this year. I did all of my Christmas shopping online last year and I loved it! I saved time, stress, wear and tear on my vehicle, no filling up the gas tank, I was warm, wore my pajamas lol, and the list goes on and on. All of my shopping will be done online this year as well. With that, I leave you with one question...What are you most excited for this holiday season? Feel free to leave a comment below or on Twitter. Be sure to tag me @may_day1101 and use the hashtag #tistheseason. Have a great day everyone! 

Tip Tuesday: Don't Juggle Too Much (How To Not Feel Like a Circus Act)

WELL, HELLLLLO THERE!!! I know...it's been a little bit since I have done a Tip Tuesday or a blog post in general; I have had a lot going on. I thought the lessons that I have learned from being so busy could serve well as a Tip Tuesday or maybe even just a life lesson. Even if I can help just one person, this information will serve well.

Without going into a long heart-felt story (I'll save you the tears and the whoa-is-me type feelings), I have found myself in a juggling act so to speak with family, education, career, housework, ect. Free time? What is that? I would love to know. So, I found myself feeling as if I was juggling all these things in the air and nothing was getting accomplished. To add to the juggling act, more responsibility was getting put on me so now here comes the circus act...juggling and spinning dishes on a spindle. That is what I can equate my life to until just recently (hours ago to be honest).

So where is the Tip Tuesday in all of this you ask? Here it goes. We live in a world where people expect instant results. We get tugged in so many different directions and for some reason society nowadays has become to act in an ‘I want it and I want it now’ mentality. One person can only do so much and when all you are doing is this circus act, nothing is getting done and you could come across as irresponsible when that is not the case at all. This is when you need to take a step back, re-evaluate everything you have going on and reassess what is really important. For me the list goes something like this:

#1 in my life is my family.

#2 is everything else.

With that being said, we still need time to enjoy ourselves as well. A lot of times when we become adults, we get caught up in this fast-paced world and we can even lose ourselves in it. Yes, we need to make sure family, education, career and things like that are met, but all those spinning dishes? I think some of them just need to be let go. If it is something that is sucking the happiness from your life or it's just too much and it's not an absolute need...then why do we need to keep it spinning? No one wants to look like a circus clown.

These are my thoughts on it anyway and I would love to hear yours as well. Feel free to comment with those thoughts right here or even share this post with someone who it may help. I am in no way a counselor or suggest that you take this advice. This is what I have found to be helpful in my life and if you find that it is helpful for you in any way, it was worth sharing.

That's it for this week's Tip Tuesday! I hope that I can let go of a few more spinning dishes :) so that I can bring more consistent content coming your way! Until next time! :)

Tip Tuesday: Don't Overlook "Cheap" Drugstore Cosmetics

Just because the price is cheap, doesn't mean it's not a good product. One brand in particular has really got my attention. That would be the Wet n Wild cosmetics line. Over the years their eye shadow, nail polishes and even lipsticks have vastly improved. The color is more pigmented, the formula is more creamy (not that chalky stuff) and I am just really impressed at how much they have reinvented themselves as a great product for little out of pocket.

If you can forego the fancy packaging, then you will love Wet n Wild as their packaging is pretty simple and I'm sure that helps with lowering the sticker price. I must warn you though that it can sometimes be a hit and sometimes a miss, but the great thing is most drugstores will return the product if you are unsatisfied as long as you have your receipt. I hear they have just release some new limited edition eyeshadow icon palettes and I'm also hearing great things! Hmm...might have to go and check it out.

Let me know if you have tried Wet n Wild products. If so, what did you think of it?





This is not a sponsored blog post. All opinions are my own.

Tip Tuesday: The Difference Between Organic and All Natural Food

Did you know that All Natural and Organic is not the same thing? You would be surprised at how many believe the labels. Have you ever looked closer or researched the meanings? If not, here is the gist of what these two labels mean.

Organic: In order for a food product to be labeled as Organic, it has to pass intense regulations to guarantee that it was grown or made without the use of growth hormones, pesticides and that it isn't genetically modified (GMO).

All Natural: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not clearly defined what All Natural can be used on so many companies throw it on their labels to entice a buyer.  While they may not contain artificial coloring or flavors, they will still more than likely have the dreaded high fructose corn syrup, even more sodium and will often still have preservatives.

Many companies know that healthy looking labels and pictures of fresh products on their pictures sells product...even if they are stretching the truth. Don't be fooled by the pretty colors and always read the labels. Look for the Certified Organic or NON-GMO Certified. If you would like to know more or would like a video on this, please leave a comment below.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday! Be back soon with more Tip Tuesdays and hopefully some fun Fall projects. :)

Tip Tuesday: Must Have Items In Your Purse

We all have our staple items that we feel need to be in our purse; wallet, makeup, comb and other random items. Here are just a few things you should consider throwing in there as well:

Bandaids-I know what your thinking. How often am I really going to use bandaids? Wait until you need some and you don't have any. As a Mom, I've been there and it isn't fun. Throw a few in a snack sized ziploc and you are good to go.

Qtips-This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the bandaids. Have you ever had something get in your ear? Or even worse...your EYE? Qtips come in handy. Trust me...it's better than using your finger.

Nail clippers-You will want to thank me for doing this if you ever break a nail. Lol

Flashlight-You never know when you will really need it. Get a tiny one or put a flashlight app on your phone. When you need one you will have it.

Baby Wipes-These are such a life saver. Especially for those who have kids. It's like an on-the-go washcloth.

Feel I left something out? Do you have a must have idea that every woman should have in their purse? Let us know in the comments below. See ya next Tip Tuesday! :)

Tip Tuesday on a Wednesday: Back to School Savings Tips

Here are some tips that could save you big bucks on back to school shopping items.

Coupons: I know I say this all the time, but really, coupons make a huge difference in your bottom line. Remember, some stores offer double coupons. Also, you can stack a manufacturer coupon and store coupon together to save even more!

Price Match: A lot of stores offer a price match guarantee if you have a sale ad from a local competitor. They don't want to lose your business to "the other guy" and it saves you gas and time which is also saving money. Be aware that most stores do not match a percentage off, but will match a dollar value for an identical item. Check out the store policy ahead of time to make sure they price match. Then...stack those coupons! :)

Clearance: Summer clothes are being clearanced out so stock up on fun colors for the kiddos because most young ones love to wear bright colors no matter what season it is; bright socks, tshirts, and tank tops. Tank tops? Yes, girls sometimes have a shirt that can be a little sheer. Tank tops work just like a cami to cover up what you don't want seen and you can get them really cheap right now.

That is it for this week's tip. Working on an organization video next week that I hope you all will love! Stay tuned.... :)

Tip Tuesday on a Wednesday: Take a Picture Just in Case

Recently I had seen a post on Facebook that I wanted to share with you all. More and more I see postings of missing people and this is a great idea to do just in case:

 

Whenever you are about to leave somewhere with your family, take a few minutes to take picture of each family member. Hopefully you won't need them, but if something happens or if someone ends up lost or missing, you will have pictures of exactly how they look that day and what they were wearing. Everyone that has a camera or camera phone in your group should do this.

 

It's sad to even think about and a lot of people think it couldn't happen to them...but it CAN.

This also is a great idea for anyone that has a special needs child or child that tends to run off in stores. Pull the picture up on your phone so the workers helping you look for your child will know exactly what to look for.

 

I hope this Tip Tuesday (on a Wednesday this week) was helpful. Be sure to check back for weekly tips or sign up to have my blog posts emailed to you. :)

Tip Tuesday: Must Show Drivers License at CVS For Nail Polish Remover

Hi everyone! Here's a very interesting Tip Tuesday for you this week. Have your I.D. ready on a beauty product at CVS. According to my local news here in Michigan, CVS will now be requiring you to show your drivers license to purchase nail polish remover. Yes, you read that correctly...nail polish remover! You will need to be 18+ years old to be able to make the purchase.

 

Apparently, acetone is an ingredient used in the production of methamphetamine (meth) and CVS will be tracking these purchases in hopes to help reduce the making of this illegal substance. Will all pharmacy and grocery stores hop on the bandwagon of carding for polish remover? Only time will tell. I will link the article here if you would like to learn more.

 

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday. Not my typical type of tip (say that 10x fast, lol), but I wanted you all to be aware. My question to you is this: How do you feel about being carded for nail polish remover?

 

Check out last week's Tip Tuesday by clicking here--- How To Make Nail Polish Color More Opaque

Tip Tuesday: How To Make Nail Polish Color More Opaque

We all do it. We buy nail polish because of the beautiful color we see in the bottle. Unfortunately, when you apply it to your nails it isn't always as vibrant and can even apply quite sheer. Here is an easy tip to help get that beautiful color you were expecting:

Apply a white nail polish before applying the color you want. You will find this brightens the color and  makes the polish appear more opaque.

Extra Tip: Make sure to always apply a base coat to protect your natural nail from discoloring. Also apply a top coat to help your manicure last longer.

I hope this Tip Tuesday was helpful. Be sure to Subscribe, Like and/or Follow to stay notified of uploads, give a video request or stay in the loop regarding upcoming projects. Links to them all right here:)

YouTube www.youtube.com/mayday1101

Instagram @mayday1101

Twitter @may_day1101

Facebook www.facebook.com/mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Make Your Lipstick Last All Day

Tired of reapplying your lipstick all day? Instead of using lip liner only to line your lips, use it to fill in your lips as well. Then put your lipstick on over it. This will help keep the color longer between reapplying. When the lipstick starts wearing off, the liner will give you coverage until you can reapply.

 

I hope this week's quick and easy Tip Tuesday is helpful. Don't forget my giveaway contest is still going on until August 7th on my YouTube channel www.youtube.com/mayday1101
Be sure to check out the description box under the video for all the rules and how to gain additional entries every day. Have a great day everyone!

Smashbox Giveaway #tryitkit

 

Hi everyone! I just wanted to give you all a heads up that I uploaded a giveaway on my YouTube channel today. One lucky winner will be getting a Smashbox Cosmetics Try It Kit. Check it out here to find out how to enter. Good luck! :)

 

 

 

Tip Tuesday: Have a Family Fun Day on the Cheap

Let's face it; this economy is tough on everyone right now. Even so, we still want to provide our family with a day of fun without breaking the bank. How do we accomplish this? Check with your local library. Many libraries offer free passes to local attractions such as museums and other places of interest in the area. This could help you save big, especially on gas/travel expenses because it's in your own town. Save a little more by packing your own lunch, snacks and drinks and use a little bit of spending money at the gift shop for the kiddos instead of those expensive food carts.

Just be sure to plan your trip ahead of time and check with your library on how many free passes you are eligible for. Know that if they offer free admission of 4 per family and you have a family of 5, then you will have to pay for 1 ticket.

Extra Tip: If you have one or more extra people, use the free passes on the adults (check the rules and exclusions on your particular pass) and pay for the children's tickets if you can. Generally speaking, a child's ticket is usually cheaper than an adult ticket.

I hope this Tip Tuesday has been helpful. Be sure to Like my Facebook page Mayday1101 and/or follow my blog to stay notified of new Tip Tuesdays, videos and upcoming giveaways.  And don't forget to share this Tip Tuesday with friends so they can enjoy a day of fun with their family too. Have a great day everyone!

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara Review

In this video, I talk about Rimmel's NEW Lash Accelerator Endless mascara. Find out what I thought about it here...

 

 

This mascara was given to me complimentary from Influenster to test. All opinions are my own. If you would like to join the Influenster community, check out there website at www.influenster.com. Have a great day everyone! 

Tip Tuesday: Just Do It!

Really quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. This is advice that I have decided to take on myself as well. JUST DO IT! Be the kind of person that does and not the kind that only dreams of doing. We all get one life and no matter what people think about you it doesn't matter. It's all about how you feel about yourself. Don't let anyone hold you back from your dreams or your passions. Put yourself out there and start your own adventure.

 

 

Sure, we all make mistakes and it can be scary to go out and try something new; learn from them. Don't let anything stop you from growing and learning because in the end, you will be filled with regrets. Maybe you have always wanted to learn a new hobby...go sign up for classes. Maybe you have always wanted to dance...turn up the music! The point is that you are the maker of your own happiness so get out there and ENJOY!

 

 

I hope this Tip Tuesday will inspire you to try something new or something that you have always wanted to do. To be notified of more Tip Tuesdays, be sure to LIKE my page on Facebook at Mayday1101 (click here). Have a great day everyone! :)

Tip Tuesday: Pretty Up With Pink

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a major weather person. By that I mean, my mood can be brought down by dreary days and a cloudy sky. The same is true if it is too hot; it makes me tired. I don't know why I am that way, but I have been as far back as I can remember. I enjoy being outside so I'm not too happy that I get that way, but I can either sit and sulk or do something about it. Because of this, I have found a few ways to get myself out of that mood and on with my day.

On those days when you just feel under the weather or tired, try to lift your mood by putting a little bit of pink on. Whether it is a touch of blush, some lip gloss, jewelry or even a piece of your wardrobe; the added color is sure to bring a little pep to your step.

By wearing a pink blush or lip gloss, you have a more awake and lively look to your face. Be sure to keep it light because pink can be overdone. As for an outfit, you can go several different directions. A hot pink is great if you like an edgy look. Or you could even go with a soft pink for a softer more feminine look. Oh, the possibilities!

Here is one day look and one night look to give you a little inspiration to throw on some pink.

Influenster: Sunkissed VoxBox

I got a knock on my door this morning and as I looked out to see who it was, I saw the mail lady holding an Influenster VoxBox! Yes! I qualified for the Sunkissed VoxBox which was just loaded with goodies. To learn more about Influenster, click this link where I get more in depth about the program. click here

I have to say I'm am extremely happy with all the products that I was given to test and review complimentary from Influenster. They are all products I feel that I will use. The best part is that this program is FREE!

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15: $12.99

 

 

 

 

Dr. Scholl's For Her: $10.99

 

 

 

 

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics: $3.99-$4.99

 

 

SinfulShine with Gel Tech: $2.99

 

 

 

Another great thing about this box was that it was all full-sized products. I've really enjoyed being able to test and review products through Influenster. They are looking for your honest opinions and always welcome constructive criticism if a product is not up to your standards. This is a great way to test out products without cost and for companies to get feedback about their products. Also, there is a whole community of Influensters to conversate with on the review page on their site, as well as other social media platforms. Check out Influenster and consider joining this great community of influencers at www.influenster.com

 

 

Dont forget to check back soon for my First Impressions video of my Sunkissed VoxBox items. Like me on Facebook at Mayday1101 or Subscribe on YouTube at mayday1101 to be notified of new video uploads. Have a great day everyone! 

Videos Now On Instagram

Watch out Vine and Keek...Instagram wants in on the short clip competition. We all know and love Instagram for the creative ways of picture taking and fancy filters. Now they have expanded their product to keep ahead of the others. You can now upload 15 second videos on Instagram. Yes, you read this correctly. You can now post short clips as well as photos on this app so make sure you update your app on your phone if you do not already see this new feature. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @ mayday1101. Lol

 

More to come soon so be sure to follow my blog or sign up for email notifications because giveaways are coming in a couple weeks. You don't want to miss out. :)

Tip Tuesday: Get Ready For Summer Break With the Kiddos

If you work from home or are a stay-at-home Mom, then summer break means break for the kids and more work for you. lol I mean that in the nicest way possible. Let's face it...kids are a lot of work and they want all of your attention. It makes getting your work done that much more difficult.

A few tips to help:

Plan a summer schedule. Things are different now from Monday through Friday during the summer. You still need to get your work done, but your kids need to be entertained. Find some creative ways to keep them involved in an activity while you get your work done. Arts and crafts are always a good idea.

Take a break. All work and no play, well, just sucks! lol Don't push off your work until it's crunch time, but make sure to take some time to enjoy these moments with your kids. They aren't kids for long and as they get older, it won't be as easy to get them to want to hang out with you. You know how it is...parents are lame.

Work Hard. Play Hard. Enjoy!

That's all for this week's Tip Tuesday! Look out for more to come here and on my other social media platforms. FIND ME HERE:

 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/mayday1101

Twitter: https://twitter.com/may_day1101

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Instagram: http://instagram.com/#mayday1101

Lockerz: http://lockerz.com/u/mayday1101?ref

Tip Tuesday: Get Organized

One thing I never was as I was growing up was organized. When trying to head out of the door for work or an appointment I would be searching for my keys, purse, a missing shoe, etc...something would always be "misplaced" that would throw off my whole day. Well, to be misplaced they would have to actually have a place to be to begin with right? That was my problem. My parents use to tell me that I would be late for my own funeral. That's how unorganized I was. lol

Now that I'm older (and hopefully somewhat wiser, lol), I know the importance of having a designated place for things...especially important things. For example, I no longer flop my purse down wherever when I get home, I have a place for it. It saves so much time and avoids the headache and stress of trying to find something.

In a perfect world everything would have its place in your home, but finding the perfect most functional place takes trial and error. For instance, you don't want to set your purse next to the front door where anyone can have access to it and you don't want it stashed away in your bedroom because it would be a pain to go and get every time you needed it. You have to find what works for you in your life and go from there.

For those who are as unorganized as I was (and admittedly still working on it...hey, I'm human. lol) take baby steps by starting to put your shoes in an organized fashion in one area, find a designated spot for your keys, and hang your coat up instead of throwing it over a chair or wherever it lands. Trust me, after a week it will become habit and you will see how things start to become easier in the morning when you are trying to get out that front door.

I hope this week's Tip Tuesday was helpful. Don't forget to Like me on Facebook at Mayday1101 or subscribe to my YouTube channel also at mayday1101. Things have been a little delayed because of unforseen circumstances, but a lot will be happening soon on both so be sure to Like and Subscribe so you get notified when things get posted or uploaded. Have a great day everyone! :)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/mayday1101

Twitter: https://twitter.com/may_day1101

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Instagram: http://instagram.com/#mayday1101

Lockerz: http://lockerz.com/u/mayday1101?ref=mayday1101

 

Tip Tuesday on a Wednesday: Save Anywhere

Saving is so easy that if you set your mind to it you can save money just about anywhere. For those with a smartphone, search for money saving apps like RetailMeNot to find both In-Store coupons and Online coupon codes to tons of stores.

Also, you may see that I post about scoring free items at local drug stores like CVS on my Facebook page, Mayday1101. You can also score free items at your local grocery store as well. Keep an eye on the coupons they hand you with your receipt at check out. They are called Catalina coupons. Check those before tossing them away because you might be surprised to find a coupon for a FREE item on one. Also, they have been known to print $1.00 off any shampoo purchase, oral care purchase, etc. If there are no exclusions or size restrictions on the coupon, go grab a $1.00 shampoo or toothbrush and you just scored a freebie my friends!

I went shopping the other day and got 1 toothbrush, 1 shampoo, 1 dishsoap, 1 papertowel roll and all of it was FREE because of those Catalina coupons! :)

I hope these tips were helpful. Until next week's Tip Tuesday...have a great rest of the week everyone!

Tip Tuesday: Giveaway Update!

Quick Tip this week: Subscribe to my YouTube channel mayday1101! Today is my birthday and I'm feeling generous! lol I will be making a video soon and hope to have it edited and uploaded by Monday, May 20th. Finals week has me a little behind or it would be up already.

I will be introducing myself and what I hope to do with my channel as well as a Smashbox cosmetics giveaway! Only subscribers of my YouTube channel will be included in this giveaway so be sure to click that Subscribe button to be notified when the video is uploaded. (Thank you to the 30 subscribers who have stayed with me waiting for another one. I will explain where I have been on that video as well.)

While you are waiting for that, check out the one and only video I have up so far on my channel; a DIY holder for hair ties. I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful day (well, it's beautiful here in Michigan today) and you will see me in my next video!

Tip Tuesday: Best Days of the Week to Book a Flight

We all love a weekend getaway, but don't overlook the weekdays. Booking a flight to depart on a weekday and return on a weekday could save you a lot of money. Rates are much lower on the weekdays so it's the prime time to search those discount flight websites and save some money. Airline tickets cost the most on Fridays and Sundays so try to avoid those if you can.

That's all for this week's Tip Tuesday. Quick and simple this week. Stay tuned to this blog, my Facebook page (Mayday1101), and my YouTube channel (mayday1101) because there is much more to come very soon. Just trying to get through the rest of my college semester with some of my sanity left. lol Then I will have much more time to devote to my DIY projects, giveaways and more! Have a great day everyone! :)

Take Your Child to Work Day

Today is Take Your Child to Work Day! I decided to have my son stay home with me to see all that I do around the house in a day. He is also learning about my college courses that I am currently taking as well as what all of this takes to accomplish while trying to entertain 2 small children (his little brothers). I think he has a new-found respect for all that I do for them since he has had to help with laundry, dishes, cleaning floor...and knowing there is still more to do today. He wanted to know when break time was and was not happy to find out that there is no break time. lol Don't worry though, I let him sit it out for a little while.

I'm going to let him write a little about his experience here because blogging is also a part of my life. I have some exciting projects in the works that I can't wait to share with you all very soon on my YouTube channel. He is helping with some of the prep work and research on that today as well. Be sure to subscribe to my channel by clicking here ---mayday1101--- so you are notified when these projects and giveaways (Yes, I said giveaways) are uploaded.

My son's experience so far today:

Today has been the best in my life. It has been awesome to see what my Mom does. I want to do this every day because it is fun to spend time with my Mom. Except for the housekeeping because that thing is a real pain in the neck. I like laundry but I do not like dishes. I want my own blog and youtube channel someday to talk about books and video games.

I love that he gets to see my every day life of what I do to care for my boys and how I am constantly working towards a better life for them and myself. Did you take your child to work with you today? I would love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment below. Have a great day everyone!

Tip Tuesday: Plan Ahead

Growing up, my parents always told me to plan ahead. This holds true in all that we do in life from career choices, investing/saving money...even laying out your clothes the night before so you are ready to go. Planning ahead of time saves so much time and stress in the future. It's never too late to start.

This is something that I still struggle with as an adult, but have really been working on it a lot these past few weeks and thought I might share this with you all and maybe spark a fire for someone out there to start planning for themselves as well. A good way to start is to get a journal, planner or calendar and plan out the upcoming week; pencil in appointments, errands and even meals if it will make your week easier. Oh, and don't forget to put in a little time for yourself to relax and enjoy your accomplishments at week's end. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday! More to come soon, so be sure to check back often. If you want to stay in the loop on everything I have going on, head on over to my Facebook page Mayday1101 and click that Like button. Is YouTube more your thing? I have a channel on there as well that I will be posting on again in the very near future also mayday1101. Upcoming giveaways happening on YouTube soon as well so be sure to Subscribe. Have a great day everyone!

Tip Tuesday: How to Get Soft and Sexy Feet

With the sandal and strappy heel weather approaching, it's time to get your feet looking good. If you are like me, the winter months wreak havoc on my feet and I have to work extra hard to maintain good skin...especially on the heel of my foot. The cold tends to make your skin dry and some people will find that the skin can even start cracking. Not a good look for revealing foot fashion we see in the spring and summer. Here are a 3 easy steps that have helped me get my feet feeling soft and sexy (If feet can even be defined as sexy. lol) because I am ready to show them off in my new kicks...purchased on clearance of course. lol

Step 1: Use a pumice stone in the shower to rub off the dead skin that is on your feet.

Step 2: Fresh out of the shower, use a thick foot lotion or good quality body lotion all over your feet. Look at the ingredients...alcohol should NOT be towards the top of that list if at all.

EXTRA TIP: The higher up on the list the more of that ingredient is in the product.

Step 3: Put on a pair of cotton socks and wear them to bed overnight.

You will find a drastic difference in the appearance of your feet after the first time of doing this. Remember to do this on a regular basis for optimal results. You should also pamper yourself even more by giving yourself a pedicure the next day. Your feet will thank you for it. ;)

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Tip Tuesday! Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook at Mayday1101 to stay in the loop on any new blog posts or upcoming YouTube videos and the always enjoyable…GIVEAWAYS!!! Links to where you can find, follow, like and all that other social platform type stuff down below. Have a great day everyone!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/mayday1101

Twitter: https://twitter.com/may_day1101

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Instagram: http://instagram.com/#mayday1101

Lockerz: http://lockerz.com/u/mayday1101?ref=mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Gasoline is Expensive. Want More Out of Each Gallon? Here's How!

Really quick Tip Tuesday this week. To get the most bang for your buck, fill your gas tank in the morning when the ground is still cold. Gas holding containers are underground and the colder the temperature, the more dense the gas is. You get the most out of your money by going early in the morning before the temperature of the day rises.

Told you that would be quick. lol Have a great day everyone!

Throwback Thursday: My 1st YouTube Video!

This is the 1st YouTube video that I ever put up. It was around 7-8 months ago with the intentions of making more. I'm hoping to get started on that this upcoming week so keep an eye out. Oh, and a giveaway on my YouTube channel in the near future as well. Don't forget to subscribe so you will get notified and the video will show up in your subscription feed. Be sure to leave me a comment letting me know how you organize your hair accessories. Let's share ideas! :)

YouTube Channel: mayday1101
Faceook: Mayday1101
Twitter: may_day1101

Tip Tuesday: Stacking Coupons at Kohl's

Yes, you read the title of this post correctly. You can stack coupons on a purchase at Kohl's. As long as the coupons belong to you. You can stack all of your dollar off coupons in one transaction OR you can stack your dollar amount coupon(s) and one percentage off coupon together. This worked quite well for me just the other day. I purchased a $35 pair of sunglasses for $2.11 out of pocket. Not too shappy huh? :)

Just remember that you are unable to stack multiple percentage off coupons in one transaction. I hope this Tip Tuesday was helpful.

EXTRA TIP: For those who don't have time to print out your coupons, remember you can pull them up on your phone and the cashier can scan them right from the screen. Quick, easy and saves on paper and ink on top of the money you will save in the store.

Now on to the exciting news...Tomorrow is the 1st day of SPRING!!! Who else is ready for Winter to be over with? I know I am. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook at Mayday1101 and basically every other social media platform with the same username. lol Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!

Tip Tuesday: The Ibotta App

I want to tell you about another savings app I found for your smartphone. It's called the Ibotta app. It's an app that will pay you when you purchase items. All you have to do is look on the app and see if there are any products that you want to buy that are on there. Then complete a task or two (usually a survey or opinions about the product) and it will unlock the amount Ibotta is willing to pay if you purchase this item.

Once you purchase your items, you will scan a picture of your receipt on Ibotta and they will verify and put the money into your Ibotta account. Once you reach the threshold amount, you can either have the amount deposited into a PayPal account or you can choose to donate the money to any school in America.

Want more? If you love the Ibotta app (and I'm sure you will), you are given a referral link and will earn $1 for every friend who registers and signs in through your link. For more information, check out there website here.  https://ibotta.com/

That's all for this week's Tip Tuesday. Be sure to Like my Facebook page Mayday1101 for Tip Tuesdays and much more to come. Have a great rest of the week everyone! :)

Tip Tuesday: Retail Me Not

Retail Me Not is a great app to have on your phone. If you are out shopping or surfing the internet deals, check this app for extra coupons from stores you love. They have stores like Bath and Body Works, Kohl's, Forever 21 and much more. Scroll through the coupons or search for the store you are purchasing from at the moment. They have online or in-store coupons depending on what the deal is.

I hope this Tip Tuesday has been helpful. Stay tuned for some new content coming your way in the upcoming weeks from my blog, Facebook page and Yes...my Youtube channel...Finally! lol :) Have a great night everyone!

Tip Tuesday: Organizing Tip For Your Linen Closet

How many times have you gone to your linen closet to get a clean sheet set and have to dig around for the matching fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillow cases? Well, I have a quick and easy solution on how to keep it all together.

Fold your sheets and place them inside of the pillowcase. You will find that they stack neatly on the shelf and everything is in one place. If you have more than one pillow on your bed, be sure to include the extra pillowcase inside as well. You can sort them by the bed size so that way you know which set goes to a particular bed.

A real easy Tip Tuesday this week. I hope you enjoyed it and be sure to come back soon! Have a great night everyone!

First Impression: The Taste: Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC

Photo Courtesy of Influenster, The Taste

 

 

I'm so excited because this is my first, First Impression that isn't a beauty or household product, but an actual television show! Once again, I need to thank Influenster for introducing me to something new. As many of you know, I am a full time Mommy and also go to college so I don't get much television time in. However, after watching the previous episodes on abc.com I will be taking the time to watch the rest of the season.

I love cooking competitions and this one does not disappoint. I get caught up in the Gordon Ramsey shows, but this is great twist on the traditional competition shows. "The Taste" is based on many different cooks ranging from Executive Chefs to home cooks who love food. What makes "The Taste" different is that the judges (Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludo Lefebvre and Brian Melarkey), who are all professionals base their decisions on one spoonful taste of each participants dish. This makes it especially different because they can potentially vote off a member of their own team.

The judges are entertaining and poke fun at each other. Ludo (bless his heart) has a French accent that I can't understand when he gets upset, but I can't stop listening to that beautiful accent at the same time. If you decide to watch, Melarkey likes to get on Ludo's nerves...and it works! lol Feel like this may be something you would like to join in on? You can catch all new episodes every Tuesday 8/7c on ABC. This week's episode (tomorrow) is about a household staple...the almighty sandwich. If you would like to watch the previous episode you can do so by clicking this link: http://abc.tv/Z3jimp

I hope you enjoyed my First Impression review of "The Taste" and don't forget to come back tomorrow for an all new Tip Tuesday which I post every week right here on mayday1101. Have a great day everyone!

I Support The 2nd Amendment

Love me or hate me for it, but I must remain true to who I am. With that, I would like to state that I support the 2nd Amendment; my right to bear arms. In light of recent tragedies, everyone seems to be pointing the finger at the weapon and not the men commiting the crimes. While I don't see a need in my life to own a machine gun and have a bullet belt strapped across my chest, I do own a gun for hunting purposes and plan on passing it down to my oldest son when he is old enough to head out to the woods and hunt as well.

While I am of sound mind and would not intentionally injure someone, I would have no problem using a gun or any other weapon for that matter to protect myself and my family. For my fellow Mom's out there, I'm sure you know what I mean when I say the Mama Bear comes out and you have no fear to go the limits to protect your children. Even if it involves shooting to kill an intruder. This is not my normal Tip Tuesday, product review or fashion blog posts, but after coming across this tshirt on Amazon, I decided to let you all know a different side to me outside of the girly topics you are all so use to. I would love to hear your thoughts on the 2nd Amendment. Please feel free to leave your comments below. Whether you agree or disagree is your right and I respect your decisions so please do the same by keeping any comments mature in demeanor. More girly things to come soon so don't you worry my fellow beauty/fashion friends. Now who else would rock this shirt? I know I would. I think it makes a great gift for others who feel the same way. Hmm...I just might do that. :)                                                 

If you are new to my blog, please be sure to check out my new Facebook page Mayday1101 to stay up-to-date on my weekly Tip Tuesdays, other fun posts and upcoming giveways. Have a great day everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tip Tuesday: Get Creative With a Valentine's Day Present For Him

Need help with a last minute gift idea for your man?

I can help you with that. Most men aren't that picky when it comes to getting a present on Valentine's Day so a little effort usually goes a long way. Men are usually the ones that are worrying about finding the perfect gift for you!

I like to call it the RE-UP box. Simply buy things he uses everyday that he would definitely repurchase. Buy items like his favorite deodorant, cologne, styling products and even razors. If he buys the regular cheap razors, give him a treat and buy him a nice one. Package them up in a cute decorative box and some tissue paper and you are good to go!

This is a perfect idea for your husband and even safe for the couple that just got into a relationship not to long ago and are celebrating their first Valentine's Day. I hope this Tip Tuesday has been helpful and I'll be back soon with some DIY tutorials. Yay!

Revlon Facebook Valentines Giveaway?!

If you were to look at my nail polish collection, you would find a majority are from Revlon. I definitely love the brand so of course I liked them on Facebook. And I'm glad I did or I wouldn't have seen their post made just a little bit ago. Be sure to like Revlon on Facebook and check their News Feed tomorrow for a chance to win some free items!

 

Posted less than 1 hour ago:

 

"Pssst! We have a LOVELY Valentine's Day surprise ONLY for Revlon Facebook fans. Check your news feed tomorrow. "Like" if you love free stuff!"

 

So, what are you waiting for? Good luck everyone! Don't forget to let me know if you win anything. :)

Target Style Free Seasonal Beauty Bags No More?!

So, I heard a rumor that Target Style was no longer going to be offering the free seasonal beauty bags that they would give away on their Facebook page. I decided to ask them myself. Unfortunately, they have confirmed that the last and final beauty bag was the one offered for the Fall (October 2012). That's too bad because they had some wonderful samples in those mini makeup bags, plus it was FREE! lol

Click here to see what was inside my FREE Summer Beauty Bag from Target Style.

That's too bad that they stopped, but offers must end sometime right? In my opinion, they should keep things like that in place and forego having high-end brands with high-end price tags in the store. If you ask me, I think the Neiman Marcus collection was a big fail. Yes, the items were beautiful, but I don't know anyone that would have paid $50 for 4 Christmas bulbs for their tree just because they were from Neiman Marcus. When I shop at Target, it's to bargain shop. That's why we love Target right? Just my opinion.

Well, hopefully they will have something else exciting in the works soon. If so, as soon as I find out, I will be blogging to you all about it of course. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! :)

Don't forget to check out and Like my Facebook page, Mayday1101.

Tip Tuesday: Saving Money Isn't Always the Best Option? Say What?!

If you're like me, you are really into bargain shopping. But be careful. Depending on what it is, saving now could cost you later. For instance, if you are having repairs done on your house you want to go with the person who is going to do the best job for the price. That doesn't mean, get estimates and take the cheapest one. Do your research or beware.

Take for instance my situation. I am currently a renter and have no say or control over the "upgrades" that take place inside and outside of my home. They recently replaced the siding, windows and doors with energy efficient ones. I am grateful for the new look because it is a wonderful improvement. The problem is, they went with the lowest bid for the job. The work isn't fully completed and there are huge nails all over my lawn. Let's not forget the cigarette butts and empty packs that I've had to pick up as well. One of them tried smoking in my house while putting on the new front door! Um...no! He got really upset when I told him he needed to step outside.

Long story short, get references by looking online. Even better, get referrals from friends who have used companies for services in the past. It will save you a lot of heartache later on and you are more likely to have clean and professional service from someone who cares about the quality of their work and reputation of the company.

I hope this Tip Tuesday (and kind of a venting session, lol) was helpful. Don't forget to visit my NEW Facebook page Mayday1101 (click here) and Like my page to get notified of new blog posts and Tip Tuesdays. Also, giveaways coming in the near future! Have a great day/night everyone!

First Impressions~Palmolive Fresh Infusions

I was so excited to open my mailbox to find a Brand Challenge box from Influenster inside. I was also excited when I opened the box to find my favorite brand of dish soap. I've used the classic Palmolive for years because I have sensitive hands, so I couldn't wait to try these products out as well. I was given 3 Palmolive Fresh Infusions scents to try in Lemon Thyme, Lime Basil and Ginger White Tea. I love the bottle design compared to the original. It seems so sleek and modern. I've decided to take Influenster up on this challenge and also take their recommendation to give one to a friend or family member to test out as well. I'll be passing one of these off to my Mom in a couple of days.

 

I of course had to smell all of them and they have great scents without being over-powering. My favorite scent has to be the Ginger White Tea. Just smelling it makes me think of the word clean. I've been a member of Influenster since March 2012 and absolutely love the community that is being built on their website. Check out Influenster (click here) for yourself because I'm sure you will love it! I should have a video coming up soon all about Influenster, Vox Box Challenges as well as Brand Challenges...oh and of course a First Impressions review of #PalmoliveFreshInfusions! :) But in the meantime, if you want to try some of this awesome dishsoap out for yourself, you can find them at your local Walmart.

A link to the Palmolive® website: http://bit.ly/VMwX1V

A link to Influenster's review page: http://bit.ly/101WrXn

 

 

If you like this review and want to see more from me, please check out my Facebook page Mayday1101 (click here) and click that Like button. 



*Disclosure~ I have received these products complimentary from Influenster to test and review. All opinions are my own.

Tip Tuesday: You Can Do It!

For all of those who have made New Year's resolutions, this is the week where many falter or lose ambition. Don't let that be you. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track, whatever your resolutions may be.

1. Evaluate the resolutions that you have made for yourself. Are they so complicated that they seem unattainable? Try breaking each resolution or goal into steps and work your way towards accomplishing it.

2. The Buddy System! Surround yourself with positive people who are working on things similar to your goals. You will find that you have more ambition to attain your goals if you surround yourself with positivity. The opposite will happen if you surround yourself with negativity.

3. This is the most important. Believe in yourself! You are stronger than you know and you can achieve anything with hard work and dedication!

Remember...You Can Do It!

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday! For those just finding my blog, please be sure to Subscribe and head on over to my Facebook page, Mayday1101 (click here) and click that 'Like' button to be informed of new Tip Tuesdays, upcoming projects and of course...GIVEAWAYS! Have a great day everyone!

Happy New Year & What To Expect This Year!!!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2012 is over and now it's day one and a fresh start for things in 2013. As read in my previous blog post, I have decided to stop my Facebook page, Mandy's Money Saving Tips so that I can focus more on my blog and other projects. I have a lot planned for this year and can't wait to get started and share as much as I can with you all.

 

I saw this awesome picture today and just had to repost it. I'm not sure who made it because a friend downloaded it and posted it so I can't take the credit for it. All I have to say is what a wonderful way to look at this year. A clean slate to build on your resolutions. It's quite fitting for me as well because one of the things I am planning on working on this year is a novel that I have been wanting to write for a long time. I have finally decided to stop wasting time (years to be honest) and to just DO IT!!! I hope I can inspire anyone reading this to do something that they have been putting off. Just get up and do it, because nothing will change if you don't change it.

 

A dream of mine was to be able to create children's books, but for the last 4 years or so I have really wanted to do a novel, or series of novels, which I have kept secret until now. I know it will take a long time to create and I can only hope that when I do finally finish it, that I will be able to get it published. What a dream come true that would be!

 

Before I go, I want to let you know that Tip Tuesdays will resume next week along with many other fun projects I have planned. I can't wait to get started. Once again, Happy New Year everyone and I can't wait to go on this journey together! :)