Many of us love having pets, even if our allergies don’t agree with us.  If you want to allergy proof your home and are a pet owner, I have some tips that have helped me manage my sneezes for a few years now.

If you have the chance, schedule an appointment with a physician to get tested for what allergens give you the most trouble and how to manage them with any coordinating allergy medications.  While you’re at home though, there are some universal tips and tricks that will help reduce the amount of allergens in your home, reduce pet dander and keep you and your loved ones sneeze free (or at least less sneezy!)

 1.  Use Covers On Anything Your Pet Touches  & Wash Them Every Week

If you have pets, chances are, they shed..a lot.  You will want to have covers for just about everything they touch- and if you have pet beds, make sure they’re easily thrown in the washer to remove pet dander and fur.  Invest in a good set of sofa covers, chair covers and mattress covers that are intended to capture and trap allergens like dander, mites, dead skin cells and dust which can contain the allergens and be easily cleaned.

We wash our pet beds every other week and wash the sofa covers every week or so.  Washing sheets, linens and pillows can seem like a hassle, but if they reduce allergens, your nose will thank you!

2.  Have Someone Else Do The Dirty Work

When it comes to vacuuming, I LOVE it- there is nothing more satisfying than a clean floor and it’s much easier when you can vacuum for instant resultes!  A friend of mine that suffers from allergies told me that her doctor told her to let her partner do the dusting and vacuuming when her allergies were acting up, and if possible, to do the cleaning when she’s out of the home.  It’s not always easy to schedule a deep clean, but if your partner, children or house mate can do the housework that kicks up the most dust, dander and pollen while you’re out- it should settle within 4 hours as you return home.

Of course, you can help out with other tasks when allergens are at their worst, but ladies, isn’t it sexy to have your fella do the housework? Tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping can kick up allergens that could make you miserable- so if you’re already suffering, dispatch someone else to do the dirty work and leave the home for a few hours.   Kudos to my man for looking so handsome with our new Dyson, rawr!

3.  Invest In An Air Purifier That’s Efficient But Doesn’t Scare Your Pets

Max, our little pug is terrifie of appliances.  While most dogs are fearful of the vacuum cleaner, this little guy is even scared of oscillating fans, opened drawers and the dishwasher.  You can imagine when were shopping around for air purifiers we wanted one that would be effective, on budget, highly rated and of course, not scare our little pug into wetting himself so we could breathe easy.

I’ve used a variety of air purifiers in the past- but you want to look for one that has a high rating.  Read reviews of your air purifier to make sure it’s easy to install and clean, energy efficient, is relatively quiet with an unobtrusive design (they don’t have to be ugly), and will either be standing upright in a corner or able to sit somewhere out of the way.  We chose this Honeywell QuietClean HFD air purifier because it was quiet, had great reviews for the price on Rakuten, had an oscillating feature and sat upright to be easily moved and tucked into the corner of any room.  It wasn’t refurbished, but was on sale- so you can make it fit your budget!  As you can see, Max is not terrified of it, so I’d say it’s a win and my breathing has improved!

4.  Invest In The Right Vaccuum Cleaner

Having the wrong vacuum cleaner can do more harm than good. When we moved into our condo, all we had was one of those flimsy little rechargeable vacuum cleaners, which usually caused my allergies to worsen every time we used it (which is so not the point of a vacuum cleaner).  If you’re using an outdated vacuum cleaner, it could be sucking up the big stuff, but simply kicking up the allergens to resurface the mites, dust and dander to circulate in the air- no good!

This year, we invested in a small but powerful Dyson vacuum cleaner-  it is one of the easiest models to use and came highly recommended by friends and pet lovers alike.  The canister is easy to change and there’s no guess work as to when it’s full or not working properly (because who likes to vacuum an entire floor only to realize it didn’t suck much up at all!)  We got our refurbished Dyson from Rakuten.com and it came with an extra pack of Zorb to freshen carpets and helped us snag a sweet deal.  If you want a better vacuum cleaner, buy high end but go for refurbished to save money-  you will still get a warranty with the company and pay less!

Special Offer: There’s also a 20% discount on Dyson products right now, using promo code DYSON2020 (ends May 12^th) AND on top of the 20% off, you receive 20% back in Super Points from Rakuten.com!

5.  Suds Your Buds & Furminate Frequently

I attempted to take a picture of the pugs during their last bath, but as you can imagine, like most dogs, they weren’t feeling particularly camera ready during their last trip to the tub!  One of the easiest ways to eliminate dander and collect pug hair is to give your dogs a bath every week or every other week if it’s especially traumatic to them.  Bathing your pets at home can reduce grooming costs, and you can wash your furry friends in the backyard, sink or bathtub.

Giving your pets a regular bath reduces dander, skin irritation and also loosens up the thick undercoats of certain breeds so it will be easier to remove with a brush.  Most of the shedding that happens on a pet is from their undercoat, so after your loosen it up with a warm bath using pet shampoo, invest in a good fur brush like a Furminator to tackle the undercoat without hurting your pet.  You will be amazed at how much fuzz comes off your furry friend!

Do you have any advice for allergy sufferers?

How do you manage both pets & allergies?

I received product to facilitate this review as a brand partner withRakuten.com- celebrate Earth Month with exclusive deals on refurbished, eco friendly and recycled products!.  Opinions and content are entirely my own since I love these products and hope you’ll benefit from my review!

Hello from Walt Disney World! (AHHH!!)  I’ve had so many reader questions on how I did Disney on a Budget so I could run in the 2013 Princess Half Marathon that I had to do a post!  I hope you enjoy, and if you have any advice on how your family did Disney on a budget, I hope you’ll let us know in the comment section below! 

1. Find Discounts Never Pay Full Price For Park Tickets

If you are in the military, a college student, member of an autoclub, alumni or Panhellenic association or you work for a large corporation, you could have access to discounted tickets and hotel reservations.  In the past, I would check with my college’s student office for special passes or visit my local library.  Additionally, if you’re a Florida or southern California resident, you can get discounted year passes.

Some have also suggested that you can save big by going through Disney or a Disney approved travel/vacation specialist.  If you’re booking by yourself- BOOK ONLINE. It’s much easier to comparison shop and always look for coupon codes.  Finally, I have had family members snag discounted tickets on Craigslist, but as always- be savvy and cautious about Craigslist sellers!

Also, there may be some perks to signing up for a Disney Visa Card (I don’t have one, but I know plenty of people who do!) and there are also exclusive “PIN Codes” that are hard to snag and offer huge discounts and perks but there are some secrets to securing a Disney PIN Code.

2.  Go Off Season & Book In Advance

Going to the parks off season will not only save you money but you can enjoy much shorter lines and less stress by avoiding the busy period between late May through the end of August.

Disney Hotels are typically more expensive than off site hotels, but if you go during the week and during off season, Disney often offers package deals that could have you staying on-site for the price you’d pay elsewhere.  Comparison shop online to find the best deals and book far in advance to snag great package deals.  Christmas time seems busy, but usually isn’t- especially during the week, and it’s usually extra festive!

3.  Eat Breakfast In Your Room

This will save you at least $12 per person every day you do Disney.  You can pack oatmeal packets, dried fruit, bagels and peanut butter in your checked luggage.  I have used the coffee maker in my room to get hot water and eat it in the coffee cups (or you can bring bowls).  Also, instant coffee and tea bags are easy to pack and easy to prepare in the room.

Disney hotels usually have fridges if you’re able to stop at a store, but typically (as is the case at Disneyland) it’s hard to track down perishable items for a deal unless you have a car to drive off-site and the gumption to track down food  ”in the real world” instead of having fun at the parks.  Stick to non-perishables for breakfast, snacks and treats to cut costs and you’re golden.

4.  Sit Down For Lunch, Take Out For Dinner

If there’s a restaurant you’re dying to try but know it’s going to be a bit pricier, opt for lunch instead of dinner.  Sit down meals are much cheaper during the morning and afternoon hours and prices sometimes double during the dinner hour.

Whenever possible, avoid any sit down dinners at the parks and instead, bring your own food or opt for the counter service. If you do sit down for dinner, make sure you’re going to get the most out of your money and do something extra fancy, like book at spot at Club 33 (I have yet to figure that out) or Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World (sigh).  Go for big wins if you’re going to spend big!

5.  Buy Souvenirs Before & After You Visit The Parks

While there are a few branded items that are exclusive to the parks, most items that you or your children will swoon over can be found online or at a Disney Warehouse Outlet Store.  Using online coupon codes and clearance racks- you can satisfy your consumption sweet tooth by buying Disney shirts, stuffed animals and frames online if you can beat back the need to impulse by.

Disney Warehouse Outlet Stores will have park branded gear and special event gear (like for the half marathons) the year after at a steep discount.  Many times, you’ll find dated and special edition gear that is seasonal and can’t be sold at the parks any longer.  If there’s one in your area, check it out- otherwise, don’t hesitate to shmooze with a cast member to see if they can do some shopping at the employee store for you.

6.  Only Buy Park Hoppers At Disneyland or If You’re Short On Time

Disneyland and California Adventure are much smaller than the Walt Disney World Parks and if you’re short on time, it will save headache and be more fun if you can hop from park to park without worry.

If you have more time or are headed to Walt Disney World, do the math and see if you really need to spend the extra money on Park Hopper passes.  With the right planning, you may not need to jump from park to park at Walt Disney World and can save a few bucks by doing one at a time.

If you’re a southern California or Florida resident, do the math to see if getting an annual pass with parking would be a cost effective option for you.  Chances are, if you go to the parks 2-3 times a year, it might be smart to invest in a pass, but of course- the numbers don’t lie!

7. Pack Smart &  Be Prepared

I cannot tell you how many times I ended up buying a pair of flip flops at Disneyland because my shoes were bothering me so badly after long days of walking and waiting.  I know most of us want to splurge on a new pair of shoes before a big vacation, but even a pair of tennis shoes can be unbearable if they’re not broken in!

Additionally, be sure to pack sunscreen, bandaids, pharmacy items & plenty of layers so you’re not caught in a heat wave, monsoon or cold front unprepared.  Buying a Disney sweatshirt because you’re freezing during the fireworks just to stay warm, not because you really want it, is a silly way to spend your cash (but heck, I’ve done it!).

8.  Collect Memories & Cash- Not Things

For awhile I had a major Vinylmation addiction, but now, I just collect runDisney bling!  Of course, half marathon medals aren’t any cheaper or take up less space, but you get a lot more entertainment (and workouts) for your money!  When I committed to do the Tinker Bell & Princess Half Marathons, I told my family and friends to not buy me stuff for birthdays and holidays, but to help contribute to my savings goals for the trips.

You will have to plan your Disney vacations far in advance to save the most money, so let your loved ones know that they’d appreciate vacation related items (like park tickets or Disney gift cards) in lieu of traditional gift “stuff.”  You can also choose to opt out of gift giving all together and save up for the trip- it’s up to you where your money goes!  Finally, when you get to the parks, put a limit on how much shopping you’ll do. Trust me, it’s easy to get out of control very fast with gift shops, but do your best to set daily limits and pay for it in cash!

How do you save money on Disney Vacations?

Do you make Disney work for your family on a budget?

This guest post is from the fabulous Sarah at Marvelous Darling.  Since I am not a romance expert, I was so excited to feature some of Sarah’s knowledge to help you sift through the marketing this Valentine’s Day. If you decide to spice up your love life with some adult products- you’ll make an educated decision to get products that are good for your wallet and safe for your body, since there is a lot of bad stuff out there!

This is typically a family friendly blog, but I made an exception since the marketing out there for VDay doesn’t always have consumer’s best interests at heart & Sarah knows her stuff on how to shop smart and safe..with a frugal twist, enjoy!

Hey Frugal Beautiful readers!  I am so excited to be guest posting today!  The lovely Shannyn has agreed to let me drop some knowledge from my time working as an adult product reviewer and salesperson.  Let’s make this your sexiest Valentine’s Day yet!  

First Things First- Safety!

Safety is number 1, but you must know, not all companies are looking out for you.  Whether you’re playing alone or with a partner, it’s important to take care of your body.  The products that I recommend all meet my personal safety standards, focusing on ease and safety of use and cleaning.  You can find many of these products at your local adult store, but I’ll also be including links to purchase online from one of my favorite retailers, SheVibe.com.

Slippery Stuff and Massage Mania

A good water-based lubricant is the cornerstone of any adult arsenal.  Many women who have tried drugstore lubricants have had bad reactions to ingredients like glycerin and parabens, or they’ve been stuck with a sticky, goopy mess.  I’m telling you, it does not have to be like this!

I love Sliquid brand lubricant so much that if I could go around handing it out, I would.  Everything they make is free of glycerin and parabens, it’s not tested on animals, and it’s completely vegan friendly.  My personal favorite is Sliquid Sassy, a thicker formula that’s great for myriad uses, though it was designed for back door fun.  (I like it because it’s not runny, so you don’t end up accidentally lube wrestling.)

I’ve had a lot of customers request a massage oil that can be used safely as a lubricant.  Unfortunately, there is no true massage “oil” that is safe for internal use.  I have good news, though!  A quality silicone lubricant makes an awesome unscented massage liquid and lasts forever as a lubricant during sex.  If you want a frugal solution to having a million bottles in your bedside drawer, pick up some Sliquid Silver or System JO Premium Silicone Lubricant.

If you prefer an oil for massage, and you’re really feeling frugal, pick up some Virgin Coconut Oil from Trader Joe’s.  Seriously.  The molecular makeup of coconut oil is such that it absorbs particularly well into skin, and the scent is light and obviously natural.  Plus, at $6 for a big jar, you can slather it all over and not feel like you have to save it for special occasions only.  And you smell like an Almond Joy!

(Note: You cannot use silicone lubricant with silicone toys.  Silicone’s molecular makeup is such that it is always looking to bond with other silicone molecules, and you will destroy your toys if you mix silicones.)

Toys, Toys, Toys

The number one thing to look for in a toy is its material.  Silicone, ABS plastic, metal (like stainless steel), and glass are the most hygienic, and will not break down if they’re cleaned with dish soap and water.  But watch out!  A toy only has to be 10% silicone for it to be labeled “silicone” – so always look for the fine print!  If you spy a toy that you just have to have, at least be sure it’s advertised as “phthalate-free”.

To get the most bang for your buck, look for toys with warranties, like those from Evolved Novelties ($-$$), WeVibe ($$-$$$), and Lelo ($$-$$$$).  They cover manufacturing defects and even busted motors, which is more common than you would think!

I’m going to break my toy recommendations down by couples and then singles.  (I bought my first luxury toy for myself last Valentine’s Day, and let me tell you, it was probably the best Valentine’s I had in college.)

For male/female couples:

If you’re on a budget, I love Screaming O brand C-rings.  The bands themselves are very stretchy and comfortable, and the bullets they use are PowerBullets, which are very well regarded both for power and for the low environmental impact of the factory in which they’re made.

For a bit more, you can upgrade to the Lelo Bo (1 speed) or the Lelo Tor 2 (multi-speed).  Both are made of silicone and ABS plastic, are rechargeable, and come with a 1-year warranty.

Pro tip: Use plenty of water-based lubricant with C-rings – that will make them far more comfortable to put on and take off!

For female/female couples:

If you’re fluid-bonded (you’ve not been using dental dams, or you’ve shared toys before), you can really have a lot of fun picking out non-porous toys that both of you will enjoy.  I know that not every lesbian couple is into strap-ons, and they can be pricey if you want something that will last.  But, if you’ve been looking for something quality of that nature, check out MySpare for harnesses and Tantus for compatible toys.  If you prefer external stimulation and play, I love toys like the WeVibe Touch ($$$) or the Lelo Mia ($-$$), both with 1-year warranties.

For Fabulous Singles:

Whether you’re erring on the frugal side or you want to spoil yourself, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to invest in a new toy!  Orgasms improve mood, focus, and health – and toys don’t steal all the blankets while you’re asleep.

If you’re looking for a solid toy that won’t break the bank, I recommend buying online so you can read the reviews.  SheVibe, Babeland, and Lovehoney.com all provide reviews on their product pages, as well as star ratings so you can get a quick idea of how well the toy performs.  I absolutely love my Vibratex Tulip wand, which retails for $26 at SheVibe and performs as well as some of my most expensive toys.

Planning to Treat Yo-self?  You have a lot of luxury options!  WeVibe makes some wonderful external vibrators like the Touch, the Tango, and the Salsa, all of which have been rated very highly by other trusted reviewers.  My stand-by favorites include the Vibratex Mystic Wand, Vixen Creations VixSkin dildos, and the Lelo Mia.

And finally, shop the sales!  Valentine’s Day means tons of online sales targeted at couples, but why shouldn’t you share in the fun?

Fashion can be overwhelming, especially for those of us on a tight budget!  If you’re paying down your debts, saving for a big purchase or curbing your spending, this post will guide the way.  While trends are fun, every girl should invest in having some basic, universal staples that will survive short lived trends and be easily adaptable to any event or occasion with only minor fashion accessory supplements or adjustments.

I lived on an $800 monthly budget and still made my passion for fashion fit my limited spending.  Do your best to find the essentials as cheaply as possible and get creative with sales, shopping around and swapping with friends.  You don’t have to spend a lot to look fabulous!

Wardrobe Essentials Every Frugal Girl Needs:

Shoes-

1 Pair of Black or Nude Heels

1 Pair of Statement Heels (My go-to are Leopard Print)

1 Pair of Black Flats

1 Pair of Classic Boots (i.e. riding boots)

1 Pair of Sandals To Go With Everything

Clothes-

A Simple Pencil Skirt

A Work/Church Appropriate Blouse

A Black Cocktail Dress

3 Cardigans (Black, Tan, Bright Crazy Color)

3 Pairs Of Jeans (One being a classy dark wash)

4 Camis/Undershirts (to be paired with cardigans, layered or worn alone)

1 Black Trench or Peacoat

Accessories-

Pearl Necklace & Studs

Basic Silver or Gold Necklace & Studs

Leather Belt (to cinch dresses, layer sweaters)

Statement Accessory Pieces (Vintage Brooches, bright scarves)

Leggings or Tights  (to layer with your summer pieces for fall)

Basic Handbag (a bag you love so much you’d wear it with anything!)

Get Creative On Where To Snag Essentials:

If you’re shopping for fashion on a budget, you will have to think outside the box to get the best deals on pieces that are highly valuable to your overall satisfaction and appearance.  Most of us only think about fashion when we get a craving or see something that calls our name- but before you succumb to marketing or emotion, look elsewhere to get great deals on fashion.

Whenever you can, scour daily deal sites, clearance racks or thrift shops, but be cautious since many of the wardrobe staples can’t be found there (and instead, you’ll find last season’s trends that aren’t always conducive to a gal’s targeted fashion budget).

If you’re looking for a keystone piece of jewelry or a high-end trench coat that you couldn’t afford, ask for it as a gift or request gift cards to help you save up.  You can’t always get essentials in your traditional “money saving” shops- a good pearl necklace or a handbag you know will go with everything cannot always be found on clearance racks or thrift stores.  It’s better to save up to get a high quality essential piece or get it as a gift than to either buy a cheaper version  you love less, or try and save money by buying a trendy piece you don’t totally love.

Take Notes Before You Shop & Scour For Essentials:

It is so easy to get caught up in the latest trends- but keep it simple if you’re on a budget.  Whenever you buy an item, ask yourself “How many outfits will this make?” or “What Will This Item Complete?”  

One of my favorite tricks is to take a mental note or leave a note in my phone when I’m struggling to put an outfit together at home and wish I had “a black pair of tights” or a “blue cardigan” to go with it, I make a note.

Most of the time, we waste money at the store simply because we’re looking for that perfect “thing” without being able to pinpoint our dissatisfaction or remember what little item would have helped us use items we already have (like a cami to cover up a busty dress or a thick belt to cinch a waist on a boxy blouse).  Whenever an idea pops into your head, make a list and stick to it!

Invest In Wardrobe Basics, Lightly Supplement With Trends:

Trends are costly.  Every time animal print or neon or faux leather falls into favor, people rush to Forever 21 and discount shops to stock up on the latest trends. While you are getting a discount, the high turnover rate of “cheap” fashion -either in durability or changing trends, seems to add up quickly.

The great thing about the above staples is that once you have them, it’s easy to adapt them to trends you love with just a few simple additions that can be implemented each season for $20 or less.  Having a classy black cocktail dress can be dolled up with a feather pendant, a broach or hot pink pumps in a dozen different ways with affordable additions.

Focus your budget on the basics.  Trends are tempting, but usually end up being regretted later, but stick to only what you need and supplement only with any extra spending money you have left over.

Patience Is A Virtue. Being Frugal & Fashionable Doesn’t Happen In One Trip:

Seriously girl, slow down!  If you’re busy and fashion hungry, waiting around for the right piece especially at the right price is truly a test of grit.  Timeless pieces that last beyond a season or two aren’t easy to find.

Just like a good meal that takes time to put together, you may not walk away with the perfect pair of jeans that hug you like a glove on  your first visit.  If you’re looking for the timeless essentials when you’re on a budget, know it will take some research and it will take some time to find on deep discount, thrifted or when swapped with friends.

When you’re out shopping, know stores are not geared to help us find timeless pieces, everything is tuned to make us “buy now,” and “get it now” instead of waiting for the right piece. It may be frustrating to exercise patience, but when you have finally a killer wardrobe that means you’re never without the right thing to wear, your pocketbook will thank you!

In September I relocated from Chicago to California and had to set up shop to comfortably but frugally work my blog and social media consulting business from home.  One of the biggest headaches from the move was the fact that I had to ditch nearly all of my storage tuppers in the process in order to keep the move frugal.

Truth be told, you cannot ship tuppers via Amtrak Freight (since they’re not shatter proof) and their slightly curvy shape meant they didn’t perfectly stack in the rental car to move them.  Since I’m partially a review blogger, I had tuppers full of to-be-reviewed product in order to stay organized.  You can imagine my dismay when I had to give up my beloved clear tuppers when I relocated, leaving me without any storage solutions in my new place.

Scout must have heard my cry for help since they sent me a gorgeous and girly storage solution for my new impromptu office space.  Their Rump Roost Bins come in cute prints and are far more stylish and versatile than the traditional clear tupper.

At first, you may think that the $57 price tag is not frugal- but I assure you, you’re getting style, versatility and durability over your average plastic bin.  Plus, you will have plenty of options when it comes to getting your life organized- either for home, office or on the go with their coordinating bag collection!

Why I LOVE Scout Bungalow For Organizing My Office:

• The bin is completely collapsable, meaning, that if I have to move again (which I will) my storage can come with me.
• Lightweight, but durable, these bins hold a lot of stuff but look more sophisticated than a plastic bin where you can see my, ahem, junk.
• Leopard Print… ’nuff said. Beyond being pretty to look at, it’s also well made!
• This bin is part of a line, you can get your whole life organized and color coordinated!

This is my impromptu office until I’m able to move back to Chicago and move in with my honey (pug in tow!)  and I love that this bin will be girly but still guy-friendly (The print is even called Def Leopard…so it gets points with my fella!).   Right now, it’s housing all of my blogging stuff- photo equipment, paper, review items & lighting…with room to spare!  As soon as I set it up and organized my insane little office, it was like a breath of fresh air!

I would recommend any of the Scout by Bungalow Co. products-  but I seriously hope they’ll make more office stuff in leopard, I cannot get enough of it!   Huge thanks to Scout by Bungalow Co. for sending this over to review, it has saved my sanity and made my office really feel like home and who knows, perhaps having cute office gear helps improve my productivity?  I’m willing to take that bet.

Is there an organizational item that saves your sanity?

Where do you get your organizational inspiration?