Coupon Deals: Sephora and ULTA

I recently came across these very Sephora and ULTA coupons on the Web:

The first coupon is good for 10 percent off of your Sephora purchase. Only thing is the coupon is for Beauty Insider Members only. It expires August 31. You better believe I will put this coupon to good use later this month:)

The second coupon is good for 20 percent off of one item at ULTA. This is also a good coupon because ULTA has very affordable products AND a clearance bin with super deals. This coupon expires August 18.

Dang, I'm going to be broke for real.

Freebie Finds: Ambi Soft Oil and Colgate Wisp samples

Hi there. More samples. Heart & Soul Magazine is giving out samples of Ambi Soft & Even Stretch Mark Diminishing Oil and Colgate Wisp. I haven't used the Ambi oil but I have used the Colgate Wisps and like them. You can brush your teeth without using water and they have a pick at the end of the wisp to get food out your pearlie whites. Get the samples here.

Photo courtesy of www.marieclaire.com.

Music Moment: The Lafayette Afro Rock Band

If you've heard this song before, then you're already familiar with the Lafayette Afro Rock Band. I discovered them earlier this month in one of my fave vinyl shops, Guru Records, in Baltimore. All the store associate had to do was play snippets from their 1975 record, "Malik," and I instantly fell in love--and bought it.

The band members are from Long Island but performed in Paris from 1974 and 1975, according to information on the back of the record. They recorded six albums, which are all hard to find treasures. The group had several other interesting names such as Bobby Boy Congress, Ice and Krispie and Company.

Rappers such as LL Cool J, Jay Z, De La Soul, Biz Markie and Nas have sampled their work. (Sometimes, I wish I were a songwriter/musician during the 1970s because I would be living off of my residual checks:) )

I'm very impressed with the flow of "Malik." The musicianship goes from strong horns to smooth beats all throughout the record. The album easily could've been used as the soundtrack for any blaxploitation film. It has that "Black Power" feel and sound. The funny thing is I use this album to both relax and get amped up. It's just that multi-dimensional. My goal is to find the other records in this group's discography so I can really get to know and learn their sound. But until then, I'll be enjoying this gem. You can purchase it here.

Photo courtesy of

www.amazon.com.

Money Tip: Yahoo's List of 20 Ways We Waste Dinero

I came across Yahoo's list of the 20 ways we waste our money and thought it was very interesting. I pride myself on being a pretty cheap person and already do most of the things on this list. For example, I don't have cable, don't eat out a lot, unplug my appliances when they're not in use and I have no problem buying generic products. But I do have to admit, I am guilty of numbers three and six on the list. I do buy on impulse because sometimes you see something and have to get it at that moment, or else it won't be there when you come back the next time. Trust me, I've had that happen to me plenty of times. And I need to investigate number six. I ALWAYS put a little something into my savings account when I get paid; God forbid something happen to me and I need a chunk of money to cover the cost. I definitely have to see about this option. Overall, it's a pretty interesting list, and one that can also teach us how to save money.

Photo courtesy of www.treehugger.com.

Product Review: NARS lotion

I guess it was meant for me. When I recently visited Marshall's and saw a $12 bottle of NARS' body lotion acacia ($40), I left it in the clearance bin. "Marshall's gets so much of my money already," I thought. So I walked out empty-handed. But I went back the next day and it was still there!! I bought it and am glad I did. The lotion is very light and has a soft, floral scent. It moisturized my skin very well, which was a surprise since my skin is super dry and works much better with body butters and creams. Overall, the lotion was a quality product and worth every penny.

Photo courtesy of www.narscosmetics.com.

Music Moment: The Rotary Connection

One day, I was on YouTube looking for Minnie Riperton songs and came across this track.
It struck me. It awed me. It just moved me. The song is called "I Am the Black Gold of the Sun" and was recorded by a Chicago group named the Rotary Connection. (Minnie Riperton got her start in this group as a soprano, hence the YouTube find). But this song is on the group's last album, "Hey Love." The group also recorded five other albums during its time together. I admire "Hey Love," which was released in 1971, for its simplicity and beauty. Songs like "Song for Everyman" and "Vine of Happiness" remind us all that despite political affiliations, religious views and any other differences that we may have, we are all in this world together and are all trying to survive. Other tunes like "Hey, Love" and "Love Is" show us how wonderful and trivial love can be. Another one of my faves is "Love Has Fallen On Me". The rapper Common sampled the song on his "Finding Forever" CD a few years ago. Overall, the record is one of the most beautiful pieces of music that I've ever heard in my life so far and can be found here. My children will be required to listen to this jewel.

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com.

Freebie Find: Gain with Febreze Freshness Sample

Found this sample for the new Gain with Febreze Freshness online today. Allow four to six weeks for delivery.

Photo courtesy of mygoodcents.net.

Freebie Find: Kiss My Face Shower Gel

Want to receive a free sample bottle of anti-stress Kiss My Face Shower Gel? Then visit http://dengaku.com/free_off1.php for more information. The gel uses essential oils and other soothing ingredients such as Ivy, Lavender, Ginseng and Rosemary. They are supposed to refreshen and destress you while showering. Hmmmm. I don't know about all of that but it's a free sample so it can't hurt to try it out. Allow up to two months to receive your sample.

Photo courtesy of http://dengaku.com/free_off1.php.

Freebie Find: Free Pastry Day at Starbuck's

The popular coffee company Starbucks will host "Free Pastry Day"on Tuesday, July 21. Pastries will be free with the purchase of a beverage (there had to be a catch, right?) According to the company's Facebook page, the promotion runs until 10:30 or until all the pastries are gone.

Photo courtesy of www.starbucks.com.

Product Review: Guava Coconut Soap

I'm always on the hunt for new soaps and recently found one I thought I would like in Marshall's. It's a natural 6 ounce soap scented in guava coconut ($9, but I paid $4 at Marshall's) by StellaMare. The soap box says that each bar is hand-made using a vegetable oil soap base and essential oils. It's also handmade in the U.S.
One of the things that attracted me to the soap was the scent. I hadn't even opened up the package and I could smell its fruity essence. When I used it, the smell was on overload! But the only thing I didn't like about the soap was that it didn't have enough suds for me. I felt like I had to keep putting soap on my washcloth to make sure that I had some up there. I mean, I did felt clean afterwards, but the soap is OK otherwise.

Photo courtesy of www.shopping.com.

My very first post!

Hi there,

This blog has been in the works for some time now and I'm glad that it's finally up. It will discuss beauty products, various kinds of music, and money/freebies. I welcome any feedback that you may have but no negativity on my blog please; I only thrive off of positivity:) I'm working on the layout and design so bear with me on that front. Thanks for stopping by.

Best to you,

Jennifer