Top Hair Style Products for Under $10

Don't have a lot of money to make your hair look hot and healthy? Some great drugstore beauty bargains for UNDER $10 include: 

• Clairol Natural Instincts Shine Happy
• Tres Semme Climate Control Mousse
• Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion
• L'Oreal Paris EverSleek Humidity Defying Leavin-In Creme
• Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Style Heat Protection & Shine Spray
• Umberto Shimmer Shine Spray
• Ion Anti-Frizz Solutions Leave-In Conditioner
  
  
  
  

3 Easy Ways to Market Your Facebook Page

There is a lot of confusion centered around Facebook Pages versus Facebook profiles, and wanted to pass along 3 easy tips to market your Facebook page. The big question that Facebook users have is "what's the difference between my Facebook profile and my Facebook page?" Business professionals are confused as to WHY they need a Facebook Page and how it can help them. 

Facebook Pages allow businesses, organizations, etc. to create a visible presence on Facebook. Unlike a Facebook profile, Facebook Pages are available to everyone who searches online. You can easily connect with these Pages by becoming a fan and "liking" pages and then receive updates in your News Feeds every time people add information to their pages. There are no limits to how many fans you can have on Facebook pages; whereas, you can have only 5,000 friends on your Facebook profile (although, there is talk that Facebook will eventually lift this 5,000 limit). 

That's a very good reason to stop what you're doing right now and create a Facebook page! However, remember that Facebook Pages are not advised for EVERY business or organization. If you are primarily a B2C (business to consumer/customer) company, then I highly suggest you stick with Facebook but if your concentration is B2B (business to business), I suggest concentrating on LinkedIn marketing. Even though I have a Facebook page, I use LinkedIn primarily to market and use Facebook to complement my marketing efforts (I still post links to my blog, etc. on my Page).

Make sure that your Facebook Page really stands out - include links to your blog, website, contact information, email, etc. Include a professional photo on your Page (and/or your company brand/logo). Your Page represents your business so keep it professional and uncluttered (and manage your page for spammers - spammers love to blast Facebook pages with annoying posts on Walls.)

The biggest challenge that most business professionals face with their social media is that they don't have TIME. Ok, no excuses - here are 3 easy ways you can market your Facebook page - starting today!

1. Include your Facebook Page URL on your Twitter and LinkedIn profiles. This creates a social media funnel to lead your Twitter and LinkedIn followers back to your Page. The goal of social media is to share valuable content and create authentic relationships with your followers/fans. Also, your Facebook page allows you to share more content compared to your tweets and LinkedIn updates, so take advantage of this easy cross-marketing tactic!

2. Create unique content for your Facebook Page. People want to feel special and included, so give them a reason to feel "in the know" when it comes to the content that you share on your Page. Think outside of the social media box. Include video content on your Facebook page to engage your Fans quickly. You don't have to reinvent the wheel and you can still include links to your blog on your Fan Page, but mix it up now and then when it comes to your content. 

3. Share, share and share with your Vanity URL. A Facebook Page vanity URL is ideal and an easy way to share your Page. However, you first need 25 fans before you can set up your vanity URL. I suggest you include your vanity URL in your email signature, business cards, and any online and offline marketing materials/content. Include your vanity URL on your other social media profiles. You want to share this link as much as possible but don't go crazy and spam it everywhere. A vanity URL is set up in the following way:  www.facebook.com/companyname (or whatever name you choose to brand your page).Warning: Don't just ask ANYONE to 'like' your page so you can quickly get your vanity URL. Ask people to check out your page but don't beg for 'likes' just to get a vanity URL - this is a big 'no-no' when it comes to social media marketing. You don't want random fans you don't know - defeats your purpose of engaging fans in a real, authentic way. 

Here is more information about how to create vanity URLs. 

How do you market your Facebook Page? What Facebook marketing tips and tools do you use to promote your Page?

 

Why I Love Outlet Stores - The Hunt for Snow Boots

Sorry I've been incognito! This bargain basement babe has been busy.

I love outlet stores. I recently went back East to Washington, D.C. for a trip (right after their HUGE snow storm). I needed to find a good, inexpensive pair of snowboots.

There is something to be said about hunting around at outlets. Luckily, I have small/average-sized feet (wear between a 7 and a 7-1/2). I scored a great deal of kid's Columbia snow boots (made for sub-degree cold weather) for only $30. I found them at a discount shoe store. These are fully lined and very snug and cozy. This was a close-out sale and the last pair of boots the salesman had. I really got lucky!

Before you hit the big department stores, check the outlet stores FIRST. You'll never know what bargains you will find! 

Happy Bargain Hunting!

How to Make Your Meals Stretch - For Under $10

I challenged myself this week and created a tuna noodle casserole to feed 4 people (plus leftovers). It was the perfect weather for this classic comfort food/casserole. I know tuna casserole may not be a first choice. However, you can still make a homemade casserole if you scout around for bargains and stock up for the rainy days. Casseroles are big hits with the kids and you can also eat the leftovers the next day for lunch or dinner.

Here's the break down of ingredients and cost. I found the ingredients at discount-type markets.

• 2 cans of Starkist tuna in water - $.89 each = $1.78
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup =$1
• Large pkg. elbow macaroni =$1
• 1 c. Milk, 1 c. grated cheese, 1/4 c. diced white onion, and 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms= approx. $2
• TOTAL = approx. $5.78 (which fed 4 people with leftovers)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness - Enter to Win a Pair of Cute Pink PJs!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a former fundraiser with the American Cancer Society who planned Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, I encourage all women 40 plus to get their mammograms and ALL women should perform monthly breast self-exams.

Please check out my friend Melanie's (super blogger, mom and fellow writer) free giveaway for a pair of cute pink pajamas and socks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please take the time to check out her information on her blog (and enter to win the PJs!) http://sunshineisfree.blogspot.com/2009/10/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness.html

Wear a pink ribbon this month! Remember and honor those survivors and loved ones in the fight against breast cancer.

Discount $1 Stores - Good Finds!

It's a toss up these days between Dollar Tree and the 99 Cents stores. Obviously, the names say it all. Here are some of my favorite finds at both stores.

Dollar Tree - Can't beat name brand toothpaste for $1 (at supermarkets and drug stores, you're looking at paying $2 - $3 for Crest and other name brands). Hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial hand soap are great finds here too!

99 Cents Store - I stock up on my flavored mineral waters, juices and snack items (like chips and crackers). If you are up for a bargain hunting challenge, you can also find decent produce (fruits and veggies) and canned goods such as chilis, refried beans, canned veggies and miscellaneous items such as spices and baking items (baking powder, sugar, etc.) Just make sure to check expiration dates. Sometimes you will get lucky with name brands but don't turn your nose up at the "off" brands - they are just as good and your family won't know the difference. Remember to always check the expiration dates on all items (sometimes the bulk items they sell are expired).

If you don't live near a Dollar Tree or 99 Cent Store, you can find similar bargains at discount $1 stores across the U.S. They are great places to buy in bulk - napkins, paper towels and toilet paper - just don't go overboard. It's very easy to go crazy in bargain/discount stores - I'm proof of that!

Happy Bargain Hunting!!

Trader Joe's - It's Not Just for the Shi-Shi Shoppers

I've shopped at Trader Joe's for years and have argued with friends and family members about the prices. There are many items you can find at TJ's that are far more expensive at regular grocery stores. The wine selection can't be beat (yayyy for 2 Buck Chuck wine!)

Here are some of my favorite finds:

• Ready-made pizza dough for under $2 (who can beat that price?) - add their pizza sauce and their shredded mozzarella cheese and you have a cheese pizza for the kids' lunch.
• Baked blue corn tortilla chips with their fresh TJ's mild salsa - YUM
  
• My latest find was pumpkin waffle and pancake mix for the Fall season
• Frozen fish and fresh meats/poultry - great selection and reasonable prices

Trader Joe's is an adventure when it comes to shopping. It can be tough to find miscellaneous items,and you can't find everything there. Baking items are hard to find but they are getting better at stocking baking goodies, especially during the holiday season.

I am a HUGE fan of Trader Joe's and I highly suggest you check it out - I guarantee you can save a bundle and TJ's has a huge selection of organic and healthy items (especially for people who are diabetic or gluten-intolerant).

Happy Trader Joe's Shopping! :) With the holidays right around the corner, this is one of my favorite spots for stocking up on the holiday food goodies and WINE! YUMMMMIE!