Frugal Midwest

This summer I finally started my New Years goal (I know, it's no longer January) of losing weight and making my body healthier. I've been doing it on my own with some success. Yet, now I am at a slow point in the weight loss. And I feel like I am loosing motivation.

Congratulations to Betsy! She won the Julep Maven Nail Color Box giveaway! Thank you everyone for entering! Betsy, check your inbox for an email and reply back as soon as possible!

Do you have a nail color/polish addiction? Are you on the lookout for new colors?
Do you want to buy yourself an intro Julep Maven box for $0.01? Read on, and I will tell you how.

I was given a complimentary Julep Bombshell Maven box to review. 

The Julep Bombshell Maven box was packaged beautifully! The time and effort put into the gorgeous presentation makes this perfect to give as a gift, either to others or yourself! Here is how mine was packaged:



My Julep Bombshell Maven box came with:

• Julep Natasha Nail Color - a bright, vibrant, and creamy orange 
• Julep Oscar Nail Color - an ultra sparkly, multi-dimensional gold glitter, with hints of silver glitter too 
• Julep Pedi Creme - to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish your feet 
• Toe Separators - two, bright pink & white, spongy separators

Julep Nail Color is toxin-free! They have a large variety of fashionable and trendy nail colors to choose from. I'm keeping my eye on Chelsea Bombshell for a future purchase.

My friend and I set out to try Julep Maven Nail Color. We came up with some neat designs too. Take a look; what do you think?

This first photo is my initial design with only one coat of the shimmery Oscar color on top of two coats of Natasha color:


This second photo is my friends (left hand in the picture) and my design (right hand in the picture). This time I had two coats of Oscar on top of two coats of Natasha, sealed with a top coat of clear.


I loved the designs we created!

Tips for coloring your nails with Julep Maven:

• Use a base coat! The Natasha color is so vibrant that if you choose not to do a base coat it may leave your nails with a very slight orange tint after you remove the polish. A base coat will eliminate this. I don't know if all of the colors will do this. But after researching this, it is recommended that you put a base coat on when painting your nails.
• Seal the tip edges of your nails with Julep Maven and your top coat! This will help ensure the color and designs will stay on longer.
• Let those designs and colors dry in between coats. Julep Maven suggests you wait 3 to 5 minutes between coats. A neat trick idea from me: after a minute, run them under some cold water. To me, it seems to help speed up the drying process.
• Have fun, be creative, and enjoy yourself with Julep Maven nail colors!

Do you want to try a Julep Maven box for only pay a penny? You can! They have been kind to offer all of Frugal Midwest's readers one box for a penny!

Buy Julep Maven box for $0.01
Go to their website: Julep Maven
Enter promo code: MAVENINTRO

Do you want to WIN a Julep Maven Intro Box (similar to the one I reviewed)? They have been kind enough to offer this opportunity to one of my readers. How cool is that?
Follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter today!

Giveaway for US or Canada readers only.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I was sent a Julep Maven Intro Box to review and share my findings with my readers; there was no monetary compensation for this review. Opinions and pictures are mine; yours may vary.

Following The Life of a Home Mom's Friday Chatter, here is mine:

Friday Chatter is how I wrap up the week. Time to kick back with a cup of coffee and reflect on this past week and to anticipate the upcoming week.

This week has been all about spending too much money!

Today, I finally finished all my back-to-school shopping for my three kids; it was nerve-wracking to say the least. I remember when my kids were in Elementary School looking at the inundating school supply list and thinking that they required a lot of supplies and that it would cost a lot. Boy was I wrong! Yes, those lists are long and do require a lot sometimes. BUT, wait until your kids enter Middle or High School! Those supplies for the upper grades cost MORE, as do clothing and shoes, compared to Elementary School. Thankfully, this is my last year buying supplies for three kids; my oldest is a Senior this year, and my other two are going into 6th and 10th Grade.

MY ADVICE
My advice for back-to-school shopping: check out those sales, use coupons whenever you can, and shop around. While it may take you more time (it took us about a week), it will be worth it to your pocketbook in the end.

My vehicle also required a lot of money this week! Oy, my poor pocketbook! In the past two weeks, I've replaced all three major belts (Serpentine, Alternator, and Air Conditioning), a brake light, a brake cylinder, an oil change, and a rear wiper blade. I am crossing my fingers that my vehicle will be okay for a while now.

Let the school year begin!

This upcoming week begins a process my kids never like. Starting Monday, they must now start going to bed at the school-year time. Last year school-year bedtime was 9 PM, this year I am moving it back one hour to 10 PM. I also plan on making them gradually start getting up earlier than they have for the summer; the teenagers have been sleeping in until 10 or 11 AM this summer, that must come to an end. I know this first week of change is going to be grueling and I will hear belly-aching, but I know it will help better prepare my kids for the school year to begin. Kids need adjustment time to changes, in my opinion; and this is how my family does it.

Most teenagers get their driver's permit at fourteen. My oldest is seventeen; she's had no desire to drive or to  get her driver's permit, until now. I've taken both of my teenagers to test for their driver's permit twice now; neither has passed the test yet. I am really hoping they put some time into studying this weekend, so this upcoming week we can got and they can try their knowledge at the test again. The third time's a charm, right? I have my fingers crossed for them.

The Life of a Home Mom recently posed a question about blog rolls. Yes, I do have a blog roll, you can view it and visit my blogging buddies over on the right side of my blog.
I don't know if it hurts or helps my blog, I guess I don't care either way. I like blog rolls! When I visit a blog I love I tend to check out their blog rolls so I can see who their blogging buddies are. I assume the blogs on their roll are one's they like or visit, so I may as well to.

MY QUESTION
A question for my fans: I am considering changing the name of Frugal Midwest, do you have any name suggestions?

Rules for the award:  
Each person must post eleven things about themselves.  Answer the eleven questions the tagger has set for you.  Come up with eleven other questions for the people that you are going to tag.  Choose eleven people (with less than 200 followers) and tag them in your post, no tagbacks.  Follow the tagger and visit at least three of the nominees.

11 Things About Me:

1.  I am a single mother to three wonderful children, one of whom has special needs.
2. Favorite color is hunter green.
3. South Carolina - a state I've visited and love! I hope to some day go back and explore more of this wonderful state.
4. I strive to teach other's about mental health and how it truly affects more people than you know. I try to learn as much as I can about mental health and share my knowledge.  I also have a child with severe mental health concerns.
5. Photography is one of my passions. I don't spend nearly enough time taking photos as I would like; but someday, down the road I will. I would enjoy being a professional photographer, after some more classes, as a hobby at some point.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes & Green Bay Packers fan.
7. Coffee is a MUST every day! With a little sugar, and no cream.
8. A white chocolate mocha would be my favorite hot drink, but due to the calories make it be an occasional treat.
9. I LOVE Black Friday season and I LOVE finding deals on things I need to buy!
10. I was born & raised in Iowa; I've lived here my entire life.
11. Cooking is fun for me, especially if I can manipulate a recipe into creating an awesome dish.

My 11 Questions from Honey Do's:

1. What is your favorite season/time of year and why? I love spring and fall because the temperatures usually don't require sweating (Iowa summers) or big, bulky coats (Iowa winters).
2. What is your number one guilty pleasure (could be food or anything else)? White chocolate mocha's - a special treat for myself on occasion.
3. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A photographer.
4. If you had the power to change one thing about yourself (appearance or otherwise) what would it be? I'd want perfect eye sight. I've worn eye glasses since I was ten years old. I have tried contacts, but they didn't feel comfortable at all. I'd love to be able to see un-aided. 
5. What type of hobbies do you have other than blogging? Photography, scrapbooking (though I haven't given this hobby time for a while), reading, and crafts.
6. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza!
7. Do you believe there is life on other planets? I believe it's possible, at least some type of life form.
8. What have you never tried, but would really like to someday? Flying in an airplane. But, I am very afraid of heights, so I would need to muster up the courage to get over this fear.
9. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Taking my child to get admitted for a psychiatric hospital stay.
10. If you were filling a time capsule to be opened by your great-grandchildren, what would you put in it? Candy, a People's magazine, an iPod with current music on it, a letter from me, a dollar bill, pictures, and a piece of jewelry.
11. If you were invisible for just one day where would you go and what would you do? Why? My children's classrooms; to see how they interact with their peers and friends. Then I could offer advice or encouragement if needed. Or I could scare them when I repeat things they did or said, they'd get a chuckle out of that.

My 11 Questions for My Nominees:

1. What made you want to or why did you start blogging?
2. What is your favorite color/s?
3. What is your favorite food?
4. Do you have any pets? What are they and their names?
5. Do you have any special talents?
6. Describe your place of relaxation. Where is it? What does it look like?
7. Have you been outside of the United States?
8. Can you speak other languages other than English? Which ones?
9. If you could have a super power for one day, what would it be and what would you do with it?
10. What was your best day of your life? Describe it if you can.
11. Have you met any superstars? (like movie stars, musicians, etc) Who?

Our Nominees:

1. Top Knotch Deals
2. Kay's Consumer Corner
3. Jason's Everlasting Recipes

I had trouble finding blogs with less than 200 followers, so I've only nominated three at this time. If I run across others I will add them.

Put the link to your post in the comments on this post so I can check out what you wrote!

Check out what the Fed Ex man just delivered!


Ecover Pomegranate Dish Washing Liquid, Ecover Bathroom Cleaner, and a nicely designed Ecover re-usable bag! These are natural, plant-based cleaning products that I am excited to test out and report my findings to you all! I'm totally pumped up to use these.

Keep your eyes on the blog for my review!

If you want to find out about Ecover, or purchase it, before you read my review, you can:
Read Ecover's Website
Shop Ecover Online
Find Ecover Locally
Follow Ecover on Twitter
"Like" Ecover on Facebook

Disclosure: I was sent these Ecover products to review and share my findings with my readers; there was no monetary compensation for the review. Pictures in this post are mine.

Do you ever have those days where you crawl out of bed and you turn around longing to crawl right back in? How about when you start a grueling task like mowing the lawn, and you just done feel like finishing?

This morning I did! I was slugging along mowing the backyard when I sat down to rest. Foolish mistake! What was I thinking?!? I was tired and came into the house, glanced at my inviting bedroom, and wanted to crawl back into bed. But wait! I can't! I have a to-do list a mile long today!

Think! Quickly! What do I do?

I grabbed a 5-Hour Energy Shot which is Berry flavored that Smiley 360 had sent me to try. Bottoms up! I chugged it down. A short while later I was ready and finished mowing the lawn; I even did a load of laundry!



5-Hour Energy is Sugar Free, contains only 4 calories, offers hours of energy, and doesn't give you the after crash like other energy products.

I haven't felt 'speedy' or jittery. I do feel like my eyelids are open, that I am awake and ready to take on my to-do list with some more energy.

5-Hour Energy is an acquired taste. I do suggest chugging them instead of sipping or drinking slowly; unless of course you drink energy shots or drinks regularly, in which you may enjoy the flavor.

You can purchase these at convenience store, grocery stores, and large retailers just about everywhere. They are sold individually or multi-packs. The bottles designed colorfully, are easy to open, and transportable; just toss one or two in your purse or bag.

I do recommend to 5-Hour Energy to my readers when you need a last minute 'pick me up'.

5-Hour Energy website: www.5hourenergy.com

Disclosure: Smiley 360 sent me two 5-Hour Energy shots to review and share my findings with my readers; there was no monetary compensation for this review. The bottle picture and opinions are mine; yours may vary. 

Axe, a brand that has been solely for men, recently introduced a new product line for the ladies called Axe Anarchy For Her.

Axe describes Anarchy For Her as:

A feminine mix of sparkling fruity notes (apple & blackberry) with soft florals at the heart and a light finish of sandalwood, amber, and vanilla. The fragrance is delicate and fun, designed to be used throughout the day.

Axe Anarchy for Her is sold in a 4 oz. Aerosol Bodyspray; available at most retailers. The suggested retail price is $4.99.

5-hour ENERGY®: Thx @5hourenergyguy 4 my free shot! #5hourmission Click to help me win the 5-hour ENERGY Sweepstakes! http://smiley360.com/5HE.php?id=39161

*I received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360.

Today I got to try a new-to-me product, Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish powder.

What is it?
Bar Keepers Friend is an all-purpose cleanser that works on sinks, tile & grout, ceramic bathtubs, toilets, and much more.

How well does it work?
Earlier today I posted my Friday Chatter about cleaning and organizing my kitchen. Cleaning the kitchen sink was on the list to do. As you can see below, my kitchen sink was dirty and it also had developed a tiny spot of rust (near the bottom of the 'F' in Frugal Midwest in this first picture). I was slightly skeptical that it would remove the rust spot.



Five minutes later, and my kitchen sink is SPARKLING clean! Look real close, that tiny rust spot is GONE!


I also used Bar Keepers Friend on my claw-foot ceramic bathtub. It worked fantastic at removing the tub rings and cleaning the rust off the drain.

Oh my, I think I am in LOVE with Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish! No, I am! I plan on picking up more this weekend! I DO recommend it to my readers!

You can purchase Bar Keepers Friend at Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee; along with other retailers. If you head to their website you can also print a $0.55 coupon!

Website: www.BarKeepersFriend.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BarKeepersFriend
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BarKeeperFriend

Today is a Friday; it's time to get things done in the house! I am focusing on de-cluttering, cleaning, and organizing my kitchen. I also need to order a Brake Cylinder for my van, along with cleaning the van.

Lots to do today.

I've got the kitchen rugs in the washing machine. My youngest helped de-clutter and organize on of our cupboards. I plan on having the oldest do a cupboard too; she will be thrilled!

Planning on trying out Barkeeper's Friend Polish & Cleanser on the kitchen sink; it needs to be sparkling! The refrigerator and microwave cart need de-cluttered and cleaned, my favorite chore, NOT! And I will pick a kid to wash the outside of the stove and oven.

That will just leave the floors and counters left, which won't take too long. I bought a new Swiffer floor mop yesterday, it has a spring design on it. Kind of excited to use it ~ yes, I know, I am weird!

Crossing my fingers I can get all of this done today.

Make sure you check out my blogger friend The Life of a Home Mom and read her Friday Chatter.

Iowa's Tax Free Weekend - August 3 & 4, 2012

Clothing & Footwear under $100 are tax exempt
This is a PERFECT time to go Back-to-School shopping!

Link for detailed information: HERE (website)
Link to detailed pdf flyer: HERE

Some examples of tax exempt items:

• Athletic Socks 
• Jeans
• Jackets
• Shirts
• Shoes *
• Work Clothes & Uniforms

* Famous Footwear has an awesome deal that coincides with this Tax Free Weekend!
They have Buy One Get One Half Off & 20% Off Coupon for Rewards Members!

It is FREE to join Famous Footwear Rewards! Link to the coupon and to join their Rewards program can be found at www.FamousFootwear.com

Free Quart of Clark & Kensington Paint on August 4, 2012 at Ace Hardware

Link to printable coupon: HERE

Do you know why you SHOULD shop online?

Reason # 1:
Coupon Codes or Promo Codes

Lots of Retail Stores have special Coupon Codes/Promo Codes available
Wiki definition of Coupon Code: A code consisting of letters or numbers used to identify an offer associated with a coupon

Coupon Codes can range from:

• Free Shipping on specific dollar amount purchases (sometimes even with NO Minimum required)
• Dollar's Off when you spend certain dollar amounts
• Percentage's Off when you spend certain dollar amounts
• Free Item with specific item purchases or certain dollar amount

How do you get Coupon Codes/Promo Codes?

• Sign up for the Retailer's Newsletter
• Purchase items from the Retailer (many will send out codes to previous customers)
• Search for Coupon Codes (see below)

 Here are some AWESOME web sites to search for Coupon Codes:

• GottaDeal Coupon Code Section
• Tjoo's Coupon Code Website
• Coupon Cabin Coupon Code Section
• Retail Me Not Coupon Code Section
• Coupon Mountain Coupon Code Website

 Reason # 2:
Sales & Clearance Sections on Retailer's Websites

Trends show that some Retailer's place certain products on Sale/Clearance on their websites BEFORE they do in their Retail Stores.

At times, Retailer's place items that do NOT normally go on sale in stores at a discount price on their website only.

Combining Retailer's Websites Sales & Clearance along with Coupon Codes can get you the very BEST DEALS around! Which helps in stretching the almighty dollar and staying frugally minded!

Reason #3:
Larger Selection

Most Retailer's carry a Larger Selection of products on their websites compared to what they carry in their Retail Store's.
This gives you a better selection, more variety, and the options for different colors/styles/sizes.

Is money tight in your household? Do you have a hard time stretching every dollar to afford the necessities? What's left for gifts and holidays like Christmas? If nothing or very little, I have a solution for you!

Do rooms in your house need a new scent? Does your restroom ever have unpleasant odors? Is your pantry kind of musty smelling and needs refreshed? Then Febreze Set & Refresh is for you!

Last night, my family had the opportunity to try Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite Lightly Sauced Broccoli with Cheese Sauce.

Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite's are EASY and quick to prepare!
1. Pull the bag out of the freezer.
2. Place the bag face down on a microwave safe plate.
3. Into the microwave oven it goes, times needed are on the back of the bag. Our microwave is small, so the bag took 5 1/2 minutes to cook.
4. Remove it from the microwave and let it stand a couple minutes. Then tear it open at the tear-spot already on the bag.
5. You can serve it from the bag on to plates or pour it into a serving bowl





Some key points about Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite Lightly Sauced Broccoli with Cheese Sauce:
~ It's a good source of Calcium and Antioxidants
~ All natural
~ No preservatives

While the Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite is cooking, you can finish the preparation of the rest of the meal.

Here is how I dished up these scrumptious, nutritious vegetables:



I LOVED the broccoli! My kids LOVED the broccoli! I do recommend Birdseye Steamfresh Vegetables to all my readers! It would be good as a side dish or even on top of a potato or some pasta.

One recommendation: purchase TWO bags! We ran out with just one bag for a family of four, and the kids wanted seconds! You can find Birdseye Steamfresh in your local grocery store's freezer section.

New Febreze Coupons!

Fill out this form and submit your information to get $10 worth of coupons - including a $2 Off Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator!

Link to form: HERE

Request yours today! Coupons should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks!

Check it out! Over on my friends blog, Products & Reviews, she is having a 500 Facebook Fan Giveaway!

She is giving away a HUGE amount of samples - 101 Various Samples - AND a $10 Subway Gift Card w/ 2 coupons from Simple Savings for Atlanta Moms.


Products & Reviews 500 FB Fan Giveaway!!! <--- click there to enter the giveaway today or enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

You must check out the picture of all the items in the giveaway - it's HUGE! Make sure you enter her giveaway today!


a Rafflecopter giveaway