Happy Halloween, Charlie Brown

I have been watching It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on TV as far as I can remember. So this year, I decided to buy it on DVD ($12.88, Amazon.com) to watch whenever I want to.

A bonus cartoon is included, You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, which is also very cute.

A classic way to celebrate Halloween and having a great laugh.

Not just for Halloween

Just in time for Halloween, I decided to try the trendy black nail look. I bought CoverGirl Midnight Magic nail polish ($3.39, drugstores) and gave myself a home manicure.

I applied two coats to get a nice even color.

To look more sophisticated, opt for shorter nails. Make sure to use a base and a top coat to protect your nails.

Update

I conducted research and came to the conclusion that I will no longer post on the weekend. During the week I promised to review really good products.

Something for the everyday

A few days ago, I stoped by Target and bought the Home American Simplicity 4-pk stoneware dinner plates for only $10 (they were on sale).

I purchased them in rust, which is a perfect color for fall.

I know plates are not the most exciting things to purchase but you have to eat on something.

Tried and True Treatment

During the summer, I don't really need to use a hot oil treatment. Once, it turns into fall and winter that's a different story. I like to use Alberto VO5 Moisturizing or Strengthing Hot Oil Treatment ($3.99 each, drugstores).

I either use it once a week or every two weeks. It keeps my normally dry hair, soft and shiny.

VO5 hot oil treatment has been one of mine and a few of my friends winter hair saver.

This is a product I try to buy in bulk if there is a sale.

How to wake up in the morning?

Even though I am the ultimate morning person, sometimes I still need that extra something to jolt me out of my sleepiness. On those days, I like to use Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash ($4.99, drugstores).

Not only are you getting clean, you're also getting that "wake-up" scent of citrus. Plus, it's nice and foamy.

The active ingredients are Vitamin C and Ginseng, which are suppose to energize and invigorate you.

Reader's Frugal Glam Product

I received an e-mail from a reader who would like to share her Frugal Glam product.

Katie loves to entertain friends at her apartment by having cocktail parties, small dinner parties and casual get togethers. However, her budget doesn't always agree.

To get more for her money Katie bought two sets of the West Elm Metal Coasters (4 for $6.00, westelm.com or stores). They can be used for either formal or casual get togethers.

She loves them because they instantly make her parties and small apartment look chic and sophisticated.

If you have a Frugal Glam product you would like to share send me an e-mail: frugalglam@yahoo.com

Stay Smooth All Year Long

Removing unwanted hair is never a topic that women want to discuss. So, I will make this short.

I started using Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel ($3.99, drugstores) last summer because I heard great reviews about how it's suppose to help you shave less often.

I decided to give it a try and I noticed that my hair grew back slower, keeping my legs smooth longer. A plus for this shaving gel is it helps to prevent nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.

What makes this product work is the active ingredients: soy, soy extracts and skin conditioners.

Some users may or may not like the fragrance but you have to try it for yourself to see.

The best way to stay in place.

This little product should be in every girl's arsenal of beauty weapons. I found Hollywood Fashion Tape ($6.95, hollywoodfashiontape.com) four years ago, because I was wearing a beautiful backless dress to my sorority's formal.

I was searching for a product that would keep the dress in place. When I found HFT I knew I found a great product because it kept my dress in place all night long, even while dancing.

Now that I no longer attend formals on a regular basis I just use HFT for when I'm going out at night or during the day to keep everything nice and smooth.

Why is this such a Frugal Glam product? You get 36 double stick strips for only $6.95. You can't beat that and plus it has Hollywood right in the title.

Forgot to clean your brushes?

Ladies, we all know we're suppose to wash our make-up brushes. But we are all so busy. When we finally get around to washing them, then we have to wait for them to dry. More time wasted.

However, I found Sephora Brush Cleansing Wipes (20 sheets for $9, sephora.com and Sephora stores), to use when I'm low on time. It's formulated with a quick drying cleanser that clean your brushes instantly (follow the cleaning directions).

After cleansing, the brushes were dry within minutes.

Celebrity Frugal Glam Product:

Brittany Murphy uses Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker lip balm ($1.60).

Why not Treat your dog?

When I don't have time to make treats for my two big lovable dogs, I will buy them treats. They love Exclusively Dog® Peanut Butter Flavor Dog Treats ($1.99, PetSmart).

You can smell the peanut butter as soon as you open the bag. My dogs can't stop begging for them.

Yeah, I know I spoil my dogs but why not treat them to something special.

Cosmetics for $1.00

My friend J. referred the e.l.f. (eyes, lips and face) products (http://www.eyeslipsface.com) to me. I checked out the website and looked at a few products.

All of the cosmetics are $1.00 each. The only products that are not one dollar are their tools, cosmetic bags and gift sets.

I haven't used any of these products yet but I will be soon.

Cosmetics for a $1.00 that's a bargain. It worked for Wet n' Wild cosmetics and they are still around.

Baby Your Cold

I rarely every have a cold or the flu but when I do feel the symptons starting I use Johnson's Soothing Vapor Bath ($4.99, drugstores).

I know that it's technically a baby product (and I have no children) but it works really great for adults too. It's very soothing and helps me to relax before going to bed when I have a cold.

What makes it works so well, is the rosemary, eucalyptus and menthol contained in the product. Just add it to your bath and relax.

Stay Shine Free

Even though the weather is starting to become cooler I still have to deal with my oily skin. To fix my skin during the day, I use Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens ($10, sephora.com). It's one of my little secrets to staying shine free throughout the day.

I like it because, it absorbs the oil from my face without leaving my skin dry or taking off my make-up. I use the orignal but Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens are available in Green Tea and Lavender.

This is a great Frugal Glam product because you get 100 sheets for $10.

Therapy for only $1.99

Suave products have really improved over the years and they are no longer seen as cheap and poor quality.

I buy this Suave Skin Therapy Cocoa & Shea Butter Body Wash ($1.99, drugstores) all the time. It's really rich and creamy, perfect for those who have dry or extra dry skin.

Perfect product for smokey eyes

I love to try new products. So, when I found Pantina Eyeshadow Duo ($5.50, drugstore.com) online, I figured why not give it a try.

What I liked about the eyeshadow is the ease of application plus the pretty vibrant colors. Also, the colors were easy to blend.

Pantina Eyeshadow duo is available in three color combinations. These are perfect for creating a non-traditional smokey eye look. The surprise was the cute and sleek magnetic case.

A great new Frugal Glam product. Why not give it a try?

Frugal Elegance

I wanted to buy something special for my mom because she is always my #1 cheerleader.

I bought her this GKarinetric Vase ($11.39 sale, $18.00 regular price) from Target. This vase is very strong and sturdy with a heavy base. It's has a clean and elegant appeal.

To make the gift even more special I bought her a bouquet of flowers.

Reader's Frugal Glam Product

I received an e-mail from a reader who would like to share her Frugal Glam product.

A. D. wears Havaianas Top flip-flop ($14, havaianasus.com or for store locations). She says "they are very comfortable and one of the best flip-flops around."

After working all day in heels, A. D. changes into her favorite flip-flops and heads to the beach (she lives in CA) to relax.

If there is a Frugal Glam product that you use and you would like to share it? Just send me an e-mail: frugalglam@yahoo.com

Va Va Voom Vanilla

I fell in love with this Ulta Va Va Vanilla Body Mist ($10.00, ulta.com or Ulta stores) when I visited a close friend in Phoenix, AZ. Since there is not a store near me I purchase it online.

Upon finding the body mist, I immediately fell in love with it, because the scent is luxurious and rich, which is rare from a body mist. Since it is a body mist, the scent is not overpowering. Another plus for this product is it's not tested on animals.

Great Lashes and No Clumps

After organizing and sorting my make-up, I decided I wanted to update my mascara. There are so many different products on the market but I promised myself to only buy one item.

I repurchased a favorite product of mine, Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara ($5, drugstores). Why do I like it? My eyelashes are clump free nor give me that spider legs look (ladies, so not a good look). They look fuller, thicker and not dried out. I feel like my eyes stand out when I wear this.

Tote for all seasons

Tote bags are not just for the summer. During the fall and winter you have to lug around your hat, scarves, gloves, etc and they don't seem to fit in our purses.

I got hooked on the Beach Tote Bag from Something Greek ($19.95, call 1-800-247-3352 to order without Greek Letters, somethinggreek.com) while in college. Sorority girls like to carry their bags as well as promote their sorority.

Even though I have graduated from college I still like to purchase this bag (now without the sorority letters). It can hold so much and It's very strong and durable.

This tote is similar to the Lands' End and J.Crew tote bag but for less.

Silky Smooth Hair

I like to blow dry my hair really straight so I use several straightening products. I like to use ThermaSilk Straight & Smooth Leave-In Cream ($4, drugstores) when I want my hair really straight.

Creamy products work best on my dry and thick hair and this one is easy. After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I add this leave in cream followed by blow drying my hair.


Celebrity Frugal Glam Product:
Jensen Ackles from Supernatural uses Olay facial moisturizer ($7.99, drugstores) to keep his skin moisturized.

In need of Emergency care?

When you think of Sunday you think of relaxing and enjoying the day, before going to work or school on Monday. So, one Sunday I decided to give my hair a Home Spa Day with a deep conditioner.

Samy Emergency Hair Treatment ($6, drugstores) was a dream for my hair. I left it on my hair for 30 minutes and my dry hair felt really soft. I probably use this deep conditioner once or twice a month. I feel like my results are compared to what I would get from an expensive product.

Celebrity Frugal Glam Product:
Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network's Everyday Italian and Behind the Bash uses Zoya HOT LIPS Glossy Lip Balm ($6, zoya.com).

Why not look Fabulash?

I decided to take a $10 challenge with a friend to find a great product. I found Revlon Fabulash Mascara ($7, drugstores) and my normally short lashes looked longer and fuller. The brush is a little different but it's easy to use.

I decided to take my new lashes out at night for...ahem...research and they passed the test. Very good for flirting.

Crease No More

I just don't understand it, sometimes I put on eyeshadow and it stays and another day it just disappear. However, I just found something that will work to keep my eyeshadow on, L'Oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow base ($8, drugstores).

I love this product, because I can put it on under powder, gloss or cream shadows. You can also wear it alone as eyeshadow if you prefer.

This product is worth the money. Truly Frugal Glam.

Sophistication on a budget

A few weeks ago, I was out looking for a new wallet. I wanted to find something sophisticated and reasonably priced but I could not find anything I really liked (I'm a little picky).

So after walking around the mall, I came home and searched the internet. I found what I was looking for at Old Navy. This Croc Embossed long wallet for only $9.50 (oldnavy.com). I also like the non-traditional printed lining inside the wallet.

Another use I found was I was short on time, but I needed a clutch. So, I removed my checkbook and debit card, added cash and I.D. and Voila I have a cute little clutch.

This is truly Frugal Glam.

Smooth as Butter

Okay, I will admit it. I'm a product junkie. I also have a thing about keeping my lips soft and moist. That's why I'm in love with Carol's Daughter Lip Butter ($6, carolsdaughter.com or for stores).

It contains vanilla and almond essential oils and makes my lips very soft. It's definitely a Frugal Glam favorite of mine.

The Original Pore Strip

One of the best Frugal Glam products I have been using for a few years is Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($6.99, drugstores). I like the fact that you can see the results immediately.

When the other companies came out with similar products, I decided to give them a try. However, they just did not seem to work as well as the Biore pore strips.

Celebrity Frugal Glam Product:
According to Ladies Home Journal, Demi Moore uses Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ($20, origins.com)

Clean and Sexy Hair

I received an e-mail from a close friend and she had some Frugal Glam products she wanted to suggest.

She uses the Victoria's Secret Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.50 each, victoriassecret.com or stores). Not only does the products clean and condition her hair but they also leave a nice and sexy scent that only you can get from Victoria's Secret.

The Smart Way to Hydrate Lips

I'm always on the search for new Frugal Glam products. I came across this product when a friend was cleaning out her purse. I thought the packaging was really cute. Einstein Lip Theory Hydrating Cream ($6, liptheory.com) felt like a luxury product but without the luxury price tag.

According to the lid, it contains Vitamins A & E and yellow Vitamin C beads, which is used to restore lip moisture.

Celebrity Frugal Glam Product:
Tyra Banks has stated that she uses Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($2.61 for 3.75 oz jar, Drugstores) to keep her skin soft.