Brita Water Bottle

I made a recent discovery, thanks to Rebecca Woolf over at Girl's Gone Child: Brita makes a water bottle with a filter right inside of it!!! 

Image courtesy of Target

This makes me incredibly excited, because a school-based therapist, I am at a different school almost every day. I bring a water bottle with me, but it only holds about 20 ounces of water. There are no community water resources available in schools besides drinking fountains and sinks (both of which have disgusting-tasting water), or vending machines. So...I end up drinking only about 1 bottle of water during the day, or I end up buying a bottle of water at some point during the day. This is costly and so not "green." 


Enter the Brita water bottle, with a filter right inside of it! It's only $10 at Target, and refill filters are about $9 for 2. According to Brita, each filter lasts about 2 months.


I bought one and tried it out for the first time today...fresh-tasting water!!! Ahhhhh...refreshing!!!

Paint Your Walls Like A Pro! FrogTape Review

This past weekend, my (patient, awesome, and selfless) hubby and I painted an accent wall in our room, changing it from red to blue. Now I don't know how much experience you have with painting, but we've done our fair share in the Collins household (mostly thanks to my need to constantly change things up...sorry hubby). 


Anyway, we made a couple of really great discoveries that will save you time and errors the next time you paint.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

The first one I'll tell you about today is FrogTape. 


FrogTape works better than Blue Tape, and here's why:  
"FrogTape® is the only painter’s tape treated with PaintBlock® Technology. PaintBlock is a super-absorbent polymer which reacts with latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape, preventing paint bleed." (From FrogTape's web site)


It worked wonders on our painting job, and kept the mistakes of paint getting where we didn't want it to get to a minimum. 


We also learned a very valuable lesson from FrogTape's web site, which is to take the tape off while the paint is still wet, rather than letting the paint dry and then peeling off the tape. I'm sure you've been in the same boat as us: you let the paint dry, take the tape off, and what comes off with it? Inevitably some of the paint you intended to stay on the wall! Ugh!!! Not so if you take the tape off while the paint is still wet!! Genius!


The one bummer about this? If you're doing more than one coat, you have to tape twice, which is definitely more time-consuming (and annoying), but it cuts down the time overall of having to do touch-up painting on all the parts you didn't mean to paint that went through other tapes you might have tried. 


The next time you have a painting project, check out FrogTape!


*This post is written from my own experience and opinion of this tape. Your experience might be different. I take no responsibility if the tape doesn't work as great for you.

Icy-Cool Reusable Ice Cubes

I know...it's been forever!! 


In true Busygal fashion, I've been busy, busy, busy with work and life! 


I wanted to share with you this great discovery I made at Cost Plus/World Market. Reusable Ice Cubes from Icy-Cools! I don't know if they're still at World Market, I haven't looked lately, but you can order them straight from Icy-Cools (see link above), or you can order them here through Amazon, and they're a little bit cheaper.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

As a school-based therapist, I continue to provide therapy services to our clients during the summer, which means I've had a summer full of parks and home visits. As a result, my lunch has to stay cold in my hot car. We've also had a lot of beach trips, road trips, parties, etc this summer in which we've needed to keep food cold. These reusable ice cubes have been great!

First, and most importantly, they keep my food cold! But the other thing I love about them is that they leave more room for food in my insulated lunch bag. Most ice packs are so big, they take up so much space! The reusable ice cubes are helpful because I can put all my food in first, then dump the ice cubes in and they surround all my food, keeping it nice and cold! One more great thing about them: the container they come in can be re-used to store them in your freezer!

Revlon Nail Enamel

Maybe you gals can relate to this... 

I love getting my nails done, but often I leave the nail salon feeling like my nails don't look any better (or worse) than if I did them myself. Crookedly-filed nails, too much nail polish globbed on so it takes forever to dry and almost certainly leads to smudges, little cuts from the cuticle cutter thingy... I don't know...maybe it's just the nail salons in my area of LA, but I've had this experience many times. 

Maybe the nail techs are over-worked and pressured by bosses to get everything done as quickly as possible, which leads to sloppiness. 

Anyway...this has led me to get over my belief that "I can't do my own nails," and with a little practice, they usually look pretty decent when I do them myself! One thing I've found that helps a TON is having a good quality nail polish. 

Image courtesy of blog.en.chatelaine.com

I have found that Revlon Nail Enamel (which you can get at any drug/grocery store, or Target) is really easy to use. It's not too thick or thin, it dries pretty quickly, and it lasts quite awhile (when you put on a base and top coat). They have a great selection of colors too. 

The trick I've found to making it look like you've gotten your nails professionally done is in fact to add a top coat. It gives them that glossy, finished look. 

Get pretty, Busygals!

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Busygals In the Kitchen - Vidalia Chop Wizard

Yes...I am shamelessly advocating an "As-Seen-On-TV" item. 

Image courtesy of e-stealth.com

I know the commercials can be cheesy, but the Vidalia Chop Wizard ROCKS! 

Sidenote: don't you love how the demo of the person doing something in a conventional manner is always seemingly completely inept at said task? Check out the link to the Vidalia Chop Wizard, you'll see what I mean :).

Image courtesy of giftshomewares.com

Okay, all joking aside, this thing is AWESOME! I kept seeing it at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and even though it was $20 (remember, I'm cheap frugal), it seemed like a good investment. I am glad I trusted my gut, because it has been SUCH a time-saver in the kitchen! I'm probably the slowest chopper on the face of this planet, and recipes that say meal prep takes 5 minutes takes me about a half hour - really, I wish I were exaggerating, but sadly, I'm not. With the Chop Wizard (and my handy dandy Garlic Zoom - you can see my post about that baby right here), it truly does take me the time that a recipe allots. 

Image courtesy of vegetablesonwheels.com

And chopping onions...forget it. I look like I've just heard the worst news in the world after making one slice into an onion...my eyes are like a faucet, tears streaming down my face! Not so much with this little contraption! The chopped onions go straight into a container below, and the effect of the onions on my eyes is minimal compared to regular old knife-chopping. 


I truly think this is a worthy investment, and it has been very helpful to me. I hope it helps you out as well!


Do you have any kitchen gadgets you can't live without? I'd love to hear about them!!!


Happy chopping, Busygals!

Busygals get SPICY! 99¢ Only Store Spices

Isn't it annoying when you only need a teaspoon of a spice for a recipe and it costs $5? 

If you know anything about me by now, you know that I LOVE a good deal and saving money (some would say I'm frugal...I say I don't like getting ripped off and taken advantage of ;)...tomato, tomahto...)

Anyway, once again, the 99¢ Only store's got your back! They offer many spices for...you guessed it...99¢! While they don't have every spice in the store, they do have quite a good selection! Next time you're there, check it out and save a few bucks!

A Busygal's Substitute for Shaving Cream

This tip comes from none other than Dad (thanks Dad!)! 


Out of shaving cream and in a pinch? Hair conditioner works GREAT, and sometimes better than some shaving creams! 

Image courtesy of http://www.health-care-beauty.com

AND...if you're in the market for a new shaving cream, might I suggest Trader Joe's Honey Mango Moisturizing Shave Cream with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for men and women (honestly, did you expect me to suggest something not from Trader Joe's? :) ). It is the best shaving cream I've found out on the market, and it's only about $3!

Busygals in the Kitchen - Oxo Good Grips Soap Squirting Palm Brush

Fun fact about this Busygal: I am a total sponge-a-phobe (I don't think that's a technical mental health term, but just go with it people...). I hate touching sponges, they gross me out. 


I discovered the Oxo Good Grips Soap Squirting Palm Brush while at Ashley and Ryan's house (two of the most GRACIOUS and natural hosts you will ever meet in your entire life) for one of their many wonderful social gatherings. 


At the end of a laughter-filled night, I was helping with some dishes, and I picked up the Oxo Good Grips Soap Squirting Palm Brush in their sink. I was very impressed! 

Photo courtesy of www.digitaloffice.ca5

At home I use one of these, which is great, but sometimes it's hard to get into nooks & crannies with it, and junk can get stuck all over it and it can get ruined pretty quick. 

Photo courtesy of www.bedbathandbeyond.com

This baby keeps my hands away from the nasty scrubbing part, but gets into all those hard-to-reach spots, and gunk doesn't stick to it as easily. The top of it has this cool little button you can push that allows you to squirt some more soap onto the dish you're scrubbing for extra sudsing action! This thing has been a great addition to my kitchen for scrubbing dishes, and I'm sure you'll love it too!


You can find it at Bed Bath and Beyond.


Happy cooking and cleaning, Busygals!

BusyGals, Get the Wrinkles Out of Your Lives! Downy Wrinkle Releaser

As you all know, I've recently returned to the workforce (woohoo!). 


Well there are some mornings that I wake up to discover that the outfit I was planning on wearing is riddled with wrinkles! Luckily, I have had Downy Wrinkle Releaser around my house for a long time, thanks to the wise suggestion of my dear friend Laurel, an event organizing, creative, caring Busygal. 

How awesome are my cell phone photography skills? I know, I know...

Now honestly...who has time for ironing clothes in the morning before work? Not this Busygal! You spray a little bit of this magic in a bottle on your clothing, give it a little tug and smooth-over, and voilà!, wrinkle-free clothes! 


One thing I have been doing if something is really wrinkled, is I hang it in the bathroom while I shower so that the clothing gets a little steamed, then I spray some Downy Wrinkle Releaser on there and the wrinkles come right out. 


Go out and get yourself a bottle, it's seriously such a lifesaver in a pinch!!!

Get Natural, Busygals! A Review of Tom's of Maine Deodorant

 I don't know about you, but when I step back and think about how many products I put on my body on a daily basis...shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, lotion, toothpaste, perfume, makeup, and the list goes on...and then how many chemicals are in each of these things, it honestly freaks me out a little bit. 

Now I'm no health guru by any means, but I was raised in a home where natural products, such as vitamins and plant-based products, were used and encouraged (thanks Mom!). My childhood has stuck with me, and to this day, I try to use natural products when it's convenient and not crazy-expensive.

One thing I have heard since a child is that aluminum zirconium, which is found in most deodorants, is no good for your 'pits. I did a quick google search, and it sounds like it's a hotly-debated topic as to whether or not aluminum really causes cancer, or Alzheimer's, or a myriad of other problems, but my thought is, "Hey, if you can avoid something that's even rumored to cause problems, you might as well!"

Which brings me to a product I have been searching for most of my teen and adult life for: Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Care Deodorant Stick. I have always tried to avoid 'mainstream' deodorants. I've tried to steer toward natural ones, but I have always ultimately had to return to deodorants with aluminum, because, to my disappointment, the majority of the natural ones I've tried simply don't do their job.

I was close, but still wasn't completely resigned to the fact that I would never find a good natural deodorant. On a whim, I snatched up a Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Care Deodorant Stick in Fresh Apricot while browsing around Target. The label made claims such as, "natural," "24 hour odor protection," "long lasting," "aluminum-free" (ding ding ding!!!). I had low expectations, to say the least, given my previous attempts with others, but I figured it was worth a try.

Image courtesy of healthdesigns.com

To my completely pleasant surprise, this sucker does the trick! It smells light and fresh, not too overpowering, and it WORKS!!! And the ingredients are all-natural as far as I can tell (click here for all ingredients). It is also offered in the scents of: Lavender, Lemongrass (I think I'll try this one next time!), or Unscented/Fragrance-Free.

If you're in the market for a new deodorant, prefer products with natural ingredients, or are selectively cautious about chemicals in products (like me), then I would highly recommend checking this deodorant out! I believe you can purchase it at most drug stores, Target, and possibly even grocery stores.

Stay fresh & natural, Busygals!

Another Great Use for the Frakta Ikea Bag

Courtesy of IKEA web site

In a previous post, I talked about the IKEA Frakta bag for carrying laundry. Recently, I have discovered a few more great uses for the bag...carrying around large items, such as gifts and party items! I usually depend on my saved Trader Joe's bags to carry items around to parties, but sometimes they're just not roomy enough when large items are involved. 

As we were making the 'rounds' yesterday for Christmas, I remembered my IKEA bags, and I'm so glad I did! I carried two families' worth of Christmas gifts in two Frakta bags. Instead of stuffing a grocery bag full to the brim and not being able to use the small handle, these bags made it easy and spacious to pack, and the shoulder strap kept my hands free to carry other items we were bringing. Since our elevator in our building is currently broken and we live on the third floor (UGH), it cut our usual multiple trips down to the garage into one!

Our 2010 Christmas Card and Costumes from our 5th Annual Collins Costume Christmas Party

In addition, a few weeks ago we hosted our annual Costume Christmas Party (we like to have fun, and our guests have a blast at this party every year! This year's theme was Nascar). We rented our complex clubhouse rather than hosting at our condo due to the amount of guests who were attending. Using our four IKEA bags made our lives much easier, as there were only two of us lugging all of the food and beverages for 50 guests, in addition to decor to the clubhouse. I'd say it easily saved us an extra five trips, because the bags are so spacious and sturdy! In a Busygal's world, that's a lifesaver!

Next time you have multiple gifts or other bulky items (food for a party, etc) try out your Frakta IKEA bag, it'll save you time and energy! And don't forget...it's only 59¢!!

Keep Your Hair In Its Place, Busygals! Scunci

Do you have hair ties that slip out of your hair too easily? I've found that Scunci makes some great hair ties called "No-Slip Grip" that keep your hair tie in place, and I've noticed they don't lose their stretch quite as much as regular hair ties. They're especially great for the gym or pool! 

Image courtesy of scunci.com

I have also tried their "No-Slip Grip" headbands. For me, they don't work quite as well, but I haven't found any headbands that stay put on my head (maybe I have an odd-shaped head, who knows? :) ). I will say that out of all of the headbands I have tried, they work the best. They're great for the gym, keeping your hair out of your face while doing makeup or washing your face, or for general fashion.

Image courtesy of scunci.com

Have another hair product tip? Comment below and share with the rest of us!

Straighten Up, Busygals! Hai Flat Iron

Image courtesy of stylusco.onsugar.com

I discovered the Hai Convertable Ceramic Flat Iron from my hairstylist a couple of years ago, and it worked amazingly when she was using it on my hair! I asked her about it, and she said they sold them right there in the salon...for $160. My hopes were dashed...I was not about to fork over that much money for a straightener! Puuhhleeeaase! 

However, I couldn't get that straightener out of my head (nor could I stop looking at my beautifully smooth hair)! I had to have one! I did a quick little online search, and within a few minutes found the same flat iron for a THIRD of the price!!! YES!!! I immediately purchased it and have been loving it ever since.

Click here for a current link I found on Amazon - you might want to do a little more searching, but this is the best deal I found.

No more frizzy hair, Busygals, enjoy!

Busygals in the Kitchen - Clare's Busymom Menu Method

Busygals in the Kitchen is a series within my blog that I have created. As a Busygal, I am often searching for the easiest way to make simple, quick, delicious recipes that are healthy and not too expensive...I'm sure many of you are in the same boat!

I often run across great ideas through friends and Twitter and others' blogs for how to make grocery shopping and meal prep a more simple process, all while saving money! Below are tips from fellow Busygals who know how to make meal prep more simple! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clare's Busymom Weekly Menu Method

image courtesy of coolcanucks.ca

The first tip comes from my friend Clare, a VERY Busygal - wife, business owner, AND mother to an amazing son (click here to read her blog about her adventures in motherhood) -  she needs to be as efficient with her time as possible, as you can imagine! She shared this great idea with me:

 "I hate going to the grocery store over and over because I forgot stuff or I don't have enough of something for a recipe or dinner. I have used grocery lists forever, but sometimes things weren't on my list. Plus, whenever you make those extra stops, you totally spend too much money. So every week I write out a menu for dinner. I plan each meal and when we will use leftovers so I don't waste food either. Usually its pretty flexible too, so I can swap days. And if I know I'm going to be really late one night, that's either a leftover night or a do ahead meal night. It has saved hours and tons of money!"

Brilliant! And talk about organized!

Below you will find a sample of a weekly menu she's personally created and used (recipes are below thanks to a few requests from fellow Busygals!). She says, "Sometimes we don't go out at all, so this week is kind of a treat."

Clare's Sample Menu:
Mon:    flank steak in tortillas with chimichurri
Tues:    fish (to be determined depending on what looks good), asparagus, salad
Wed:    ravioli, salad
Thurs:  date night (dinner out)
Fri:      Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches (best recipe ever if anyone wants), Robinson
           baked beans (also best recipe ever, esp to feed a crowd), side salad
Sat:     dinner out
Sun:    leftover ham sandwich dinner

Grocery list:
Italian parsley
Lettuce
Asparagus
Avocado
2 packages King's Hawaiian bread rolls
Curry powder
Red wine vinegar
1 lb shaved honey ham
Flank steak
Fish of some sort
James' yogurt
Milk, cream, 1/2 1/2
2 cups shredded swiss
2 cans each of: cannelini beans, kidney beans, pork and beans, diced tomatoes

Recipes

Hawaiian Ham sandwiches

2 pkg Kings hawaiian rolls
1 lb shaved ham
2 cups shredded swiss
3/4 cup melted butter
1 1/2 Tbsp poppyseeds
2 Tbsp dried minced onion
1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Spray 9x13 pan with Pam (make it super easy and buy a disposable pan). Cut rolls in half, remove tops and set aside. Place bottom halves in pan (tight squeeze). Mix butter, poppyseeds, onion, and mustard and spread half of mixture over bottom rolls. Layer ham on rolls, then sprinkle with all the cheese. Put tops on rolls and spread with remaining butter mixture. Can make ahead to this point. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 min. Old fashioned recipe but amazingly yummy, cheap, great leftovers...I could go on. :) And I don't even like sandwiches very much!

Robinson Baked Beans

4 slices bacon
1 thinly sliced onion
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 15 oz can lima beans (or cannelini if can't find) drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 larger can (about 20 oz) pork and beans
1 7.5 can diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp Lee and Perins

Brown bacon, remove and saute onion in grease til soft. Add all other ingredients including bacon and simmer 20 min. Put all in covered casserole and bake covered at 375 for 45 min, uncovered for 20 min. This just gets better and better every day. I usually triple the recipe for James' bday or whenever I make it and we eat it all week. You can't mess it up either. Change it all you like with dif beans, leave out the bacon, etc. No one needs to know you essentially just opened up a bunch of cans. :) {My kind of cooking, Clare!}

Alright, Busygals, it's time to dish! Have you ever tried Clare's menu idea? If so, how has it worked for you? Has it saved you money? Stress? Time?

Do you have other ideas and tips to share? Curious minds (like this Busygal) want to know! So click below and comment away, I want to hear your experiences and other grocery shopping and saving tips!

Don't forget to check for other posts titled Busygals in the Kitchen for more great ideas! 

Create that menu and shop, Busygals!

Great Face Wash Towelettes for Busygals on the Go!

 

Image courtesy of fashionpulsedaily.com

I grabbed these little face wash towelettes from...where else...Trader Joe's (that place feels like my second home as of late!). 

Make-Up Remover for Sensitive & Dry Skin With Oats are PERFECT for traveling or taking to the gym. Very compact, no messy liquid to spill all over your bag, resealable, and really effective! They are moisturizing, soft, and simple to use. 

For a more in-depth review, here is a great blog about them. I couldn't say it any better! When perusing this blog, I found that there is a link to all products Comodynes makes...check it out! Uh oh...I might have a new addiction... ;) Comodynes product link

Swimming Busygals, Save Your Hair and Skin!

If you read my post about fitness, and specifically swimming, and were inspired...YAY! Good work, Busygal! I'm sure by now you've noticed the health and fitness benefits of swimming, but you've probably also noticed that residual chlorine smell remaining on your skin and hair that is less than pleasant. But would this Busygal leave you hanging like that? Of course not!

TriSwim makes chlorine-eradicating shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and other products. They're a bit on the pricey side, but all in all, swimming is a relatively cheap sport equipment-wise, so I think these products are well-worth the investment. 

Image courtesy of triswim.com

But, if you know anything about me by now, you know I love to save a buck whenever possible. So far, I've been using just the shampoo, and it seems to do the trick. For my skin, I've read that citrus-based body products (with lots of moisturizer to help with the dry skin that chlorine causes) can be great for getting rid of that pesky chlorine smell. 

I love using Trader Joe's Refresh Citrus Body Wash with Vitamin C (added bonus - it's Cruelty-Free!). I've tried their Refresh Citrus Conditioner, and I can tell you right now...save your money. It does not moisturize my hair enough to comb through afterward.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

So you go, Busygal! Keep up the good work with getting in shape, and save your hair and skin in the process!

Busygals Get Lacie!

I often find a lot of good products that make my life easier, and I love sharing this information with friends and family, and anyone else who's willing to listen...hence, the Busygaltips blog and Busygaltips twitter were born. 

But I also rely on friends for ideas and products that they've discovered. My friend Sandy, who has shared other great ideas, such as the idea for pet hair removal and an easy earring backing fix (click on the links to see these blog entries), is also responsible for this fantastic find. 

Some panties can be pretty uncomfortable, and seriously, what can make your day worse than being uncomfortable all day (uncomfy panties rank up there with too-tight pants and blister-causing shoes - for a tip to prevent blisters, click here)? 

Image courtesy of victoriassecret.com

Victoria's Secret has invented maybe the most comfortable panties in existence to save you from a ruined, unpleasant day. The Lacie Thong is one size fits all, and you can get 3 pairs for $30!

Freshen up those feet, busygals!

As a Busygal, running around all day from one event to the next, flats can be a great way to go to save your feet. But...wearing flats barefoot can cause some unwanted foot issues, if ya know what I mean. 

I made an amazing discovery that has saved my feet, and will save yours too!

Image courtesy of kiwifreshins.com

Kiwi makes some amazing shoe inserts called Fresh'ins that will make wearing flats much more pleasant. For some odd reason, you will not find these shoe inserts where all of the other shoe inserts are located. At every Rite Aid I've visited, Kiwi products have been in their own special little section. So when you head to your local Rite Aid, save yourself some time by asking the salesperson where they carry their Kiwi products. 

Save your feet, Busygals!

For Champagne-Loving Busygals

I dont know about you, but I love a glass of bubbly once in awhile...thanks mainly to a few classy friends, my appreciation for it has grown.

One of my absolute faves is Martini & Rossi's Asti champagne. It's crisp, sweet, and refreshing, but it can also cost a bit more than I'd like to spend sometimes (I will say, though, for a special occasion, it's well-worth the price...it's not really that
expensive...maybe $10-$15, depending on where you purchase it).

Image courtesy of istockphoto.com

As usual, Trader Joe's comes to your wallet's and tastebuds' rescue.

For just $5 a bottle, TJ's offers an Asti champagne (maybe it's more appropriate to call it sparkling wine). This is a wonderful alternative to Martini & Rossi, and the price enables you to bring a bottle of bubbly to the next party (and every party) you attend without causing too much damage to your credit card bill.

Plus, let's be honest...when you show up with champagne, people are thrilled and impressed with your classiness...the fact it was only $5 will be our little secret...I won't tell if you won't!

Low-Fat Lunch on the Go for Busygals

When I'm working (hopefully that will be very soon again, since I've been rocking my power suit at my recent interviews), I don't want to go out to lunch every day. It's expensive and I tend to eat less healthy, but as a Busygal, many days I don't have time to make a lunch to bring with me. Have no fear, Busygals, Trader Joe's has your back!

Image courtesy of chefmarkgarcia.com

Next time you're in your local Trader Joe's, check out the frozen section and keep an eye out for their Reduced Guilt items. They have a delicious pasta marinara dish and a couscous dish with vegetables. I have eaten both multiple times, and they are satisfying, filling, healthy, and a reasonable price. Healthy, filling, fast, and budget-friendly...what more could a Busygal want?! Except...maybe some low-fat brownies?

Fear not, Trader Joe's has got you covered there, too! If you crave chocolate like I do after a meal, try out Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt brownies! You can make a whole pan in the oven, or individual servings in the microwave. All you need is a box of the mix, and non-fat vanilla yogurt...that's it! Simple, delicious, and low-fat!

Bon Appétit, Busygals!