With the economy the way it is today, money is an issue when it comes to your everyday staples. Beauty products are no exception. I have had to cut back on some of my "not-so-necessary" supplies. I still want to feel beautiful but, I don't want to spend a fortune on my supplies. I also have a 17 year old daughter with hair longer and thicker than mine. So, I'm sure you can imagine the cost of hair products alone for just the two of us. Let's face it ladies... being beautiful cost money! Well, not anymore! To cut down on expenses, I have my own low-cost beauty regimen that I'm sharing with you!

When it comes to hair, shampoo and conditioner alone will not do the trick. I used to buy special conditioners and hot oil treatments. But, unfortunately, that gets very expensive. I tend to have dry hair because I use a hair dryer and a curling iron quite a bit. I've found a solution for that also. An ionized hair dryer is a must ladies! They can be expensive but, I bought one at Sears for under $20! They leave your hair feeling soft, light, and oh-so-manageable.

Aside from my usual shampoo and conditioner routine, here are some great tips that I use faithfully.

For Dry Hair: Once a week:

• Massage scalp with warm olive oil for 5 minutes before using shampoo & conditioner.
• Zinc supplements. The main cause of dry hair is a deficiency in the mineral zinc. *Always consult your doctor before starting a regimen of any vitamins or supplents!
• To add shine: Use a mixture of 4 cups warm water and 1 tsp. of honey. Shampoo and condition as you normally do. Then rinse with this mixture. Do NOT rinse. Leave in hair. It does wonders!

For Oily Hair: I've tried this out on my daughter. A must try home remedy!

• Get the blender out ladies! Puree carrots in your blender, yes carrots. Apply the mixture to your scalp and let set for 15-20 minutes and then rinse hair.

FACE:

For a wonderfully soft, clean face I use two different masks that I call my HEY mask and my OHM mask. After washing my face with regular soap I apply my mask. I do this twice a week and the results are just amazing!

HEY Mask(Honey, Eggs, & Yogurt)My fave!

Mix:

1 tbsp. honey

1 egg yolk

1 tsp plain yogurt

Apply to face and let set for 20-30 minutes. Rinse. The honey smooths the skin, the egg moisturizes, and the yogurt refines and tightens pores.

OHM Mask: You can eat the leftovers with this one. <SMILE>

Mix:

1/4 Quick Oats (any brand. the cheaper the better)

1 tbsp honey

1/3 cup of milk

Heat in microwave for 2-3 minutes. Let cool**. Apply to face and let set for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

**Always test on your hand or wrist to make sure it's not too hot. If you make a double batch, you can eat some while your waiting for your mask to take affect!

TEETH:An inexpensive way to whiten teeth:

• Brush your teeth with a baking soda paste before you brush with your normal toothpaste.
• Rub your teeth with the inside of an orange peel.

NAILS: Washing dishes, scrubbing toilets and tubs, etc. diminishes the natural moisture in your nails. Here's a simple, easy, low-cost way to replenish your nails' moisture balance.

• Soak regularly in a cup of vegetable oil.

or

• Brush on vegetable oil to each nail several times a week with a small, childs paintbrush.

Last, but most definitely not least, spoil yourself with a home spa treatment. Fill your bathtub up with warm-hot water ( whatever temperature is comfortable for you). Add some bubble bath, bath beads, or bath salts. You can get them really cheap at many different stores. Put on a soothing cd of your choice. I prefer my nature sounds cd while I'm relaxing in the bath. Line the bathtub with scented candles (please use caution with this step) and dim the lights or shut them off completely, and slip into total relaxation mode. Make sure that the kids are fast asleep and the phone is shut off so there are no interruptions.

My one wish for you is that you enjoy my tips and that you have a happy, relaxing day!