Make Use Out of Your Leftover Xmas Decorations

Think your Xmas tree is only doomed for the curb? Think again. Michele Beschen, host of the PBS show B. Organic, showed viewers of the Rachael Ray Show how to make creative decorations and jewelery using the good old Xmas tree as well as other decorations that would normally be destined for the trash.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/g-hat/ / CC BY 2.0

Instead of throwing out her Xmas tree, Beschen made stylish coasters out of the tree trunk, and stylish nature inspired jewelry out of its branches. These ideas are great because items you would normally pay a pretty buck for are now absolutely free and easy to create! Also, because you are reusing stuff, you are reducing your carbon footprint!

Beschen also showed viewers how to make stylish jewelry out of crushed ornaments, and decorative lighting using Xmas lights. After watching the segment I got inspired to think differently about the stuff we use everyday and normally waste. For detailed instructions, take a look at Beschen's step by step Xmas Rollover guide and be sure to watch her show B.Organic on PBS.

The Tanning Tax: Fair Game?

After the recent provision to the health care reform bill that included a 5% tax on cosmetic surgery caused an uproar, a new 10% tax has been slapped on the tanning industry.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evilerin/ / CC BY 2.0

Cosmetic doctors complained that a 5% tax, that was supposedley going to help fund the new health care bill, would negatively affect working class women. They even stated that the new tax was sexist in that it mostly affected women; not men.

After intense rejection within the cosmetic community, legislatures decided to transfer the tax to the tanning industry due to the various hazards involved with tanning. Legislatures also decided to double the tax stating that tanning beds increase the rate of skin cancer; a medical dilemma that would heavily way down the health care system. The new tax is also expected to fund over 2.7 billion dollars over the course of ten years according to the L.A. Times.

What do you think? Is a 10% tax on tanning fair, or is it just a way for wealthy cosmetic businesses to throw struggling businesses under the bus? Keep in mind that although tanning is generally known to increase the chances of skin cancer, cosmetic surgery also has been cited for unwanted health consequences that could possibly burden the health care system. Would it be fair to just split the tax, or let one industry carry the costs?

-Jesiah

Dirt Cheap Last Minute Holiday Gifts

You have not even a week left and you're strapped for cash and time...what do you do? Visit DCB for some of the cheapest ideas. I've found three of the cheapest gift ideas, whether it's for friends or family, these gifts really can't fail.

A gift for a friend or coworker...

Bath and Body Works Mix and Match Double Layer Shea Socks This is definitely a no fail...who doesn't need socks? I mean especially for those cold winter nights when you can't turn the heat on because you don't want to raise that bill. I mean friends like socks but what friend wouldn't love infused with Shea butter! Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little but these are cheap and cute! Buy two for 12 or one at $7.50 a pair. Find them in a store near you so you don't have to pay shipping.

A gift for a teenage sister or relative...

Nutregena Wave Duo
What young girl doesn't wan't to feel like shes getting spa quality facial or look like Vanessa Hudgens? This gift is only $15.00 and is a perfect beauty investment for any 15-18 year old. It's gentle and won't cause any unneeded irritation for sensitive acne prone skin. Find it at your nearest Target store.

A gift for older women...

Gilligan & O’Malley® Women's Quilted Robe - Rocket Red You know you can't buy grandma anything scented because she probably will claim it gives her a nasty rash, and you can't by auntie any lotions because she only swears by one made in the 1960s. So what do you buy the oldest, probably pickiest and most difficult relatives for the holidays? You buy them a robe! Old people love robes because sometimes they just don't feel like getting dressed. Buy one for $15.00 at Target.

So there you have it...just a few ideas for the trickiest of people to shop for when your strapped on cash and time! Have a great holiday!

Brittany Murphy Dead at Age 32 :(

Well folks, as if 2009 wasn't already the bearer of bad news, actress Brittany Murphy died at age 32 in her bathroom from Cardiac Arrest earlier today. Murphy has starred in movies such as Clueless, Girl Interrupted alongside Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, Just Married with Ashton Kutcher, Uptown Girls, Don't Say a Word as well as many other notable film. The petite actress was also known for her carefree style and emotion sparking acting. Murphy will definetely be missed in the entertainment world.

Are You Ready For Black Friday? My Top Five Black Friday Beauty Deals

Well girls, it's that time of the year again. The day when retail giants and merchants all over the country cause the biggest shopping frenzy ever seen on the planet. The day when coupon heads and clearance addicts stampede through the doors of their local wal-marts. The day when...well I think you get the point. Black Friday, the infamous day after Thanksgiving, starts in 4 days. Are you ready? Being that this a blog dedicated to everything dirt cheap and beautiful I think this is a holiday worth mentioning. So after researching, I found tons of deals and I'm a little overwhelmed. There is tons of coverage on store ads for Black Friday. There are even articles on How to Make a Black Friday Game Plan. (<---quite useful) Wow, people really take this day seriously. I honestly never purchased anything on Black friday because I was scared I might get stampeded or body slammed. However I thought twice about skipping Black Friday after watching this clip on how a woman feeds her family off of just $4 a week. Maybe the battle wounds are worth it.

Well, after my research I found some deals that may be worth looking in to.
Here are my top five best beauty Black Friday deals.

@Target
CHI 1" Flat Iron Straightener - $89.99 * (regular 119.00)
CHI 1" Turbo Straightener - $109.99 * (regular 149.99)

@CVS
Revlon Cosmetics BOGO

@Bath and Body Works
$15 bag of 100 worth of products w/ an $40 purchase (while supplies last in store and online)

@RiteAid
Sally Hansen Lip Color .99 cents
Schick Disposible Razors .99 cents
All Fragrances BOGO

@Walgreens
Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth Deodorant - FREE AR
Infusium 23 Hair Care - FREE AR
Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth Deodorant - FREE AR
Aquafresh Cavity Protection Toothpaste - FREE AR

And those are just a few of the many sales going on this weekend. Remember to stay safe during this Black Friday! Oh and if your interested in finding discounted love this weekend EHarmony.com is free this whole weekend! Haha, have fun finding deals...

Twinkle in Twilight Inspired Looks

So I went to go see New Moon tonight and boy was I bored! The first movie was pretty entertaining but the second one? Definitely geared towards a pre-teen romance genre. Despite the horrible acting and sappy plot line, I remained amused by the imagery and make-up artistry. For many beauty enthusiasts, the Twilight saga provides for some inspirational hair and make-up trends. In fact, people are already jumping on the Twilight beauty bandwagon and I don't mind joining them. Here are my top three Twilight trends that might help you make a bold statement during this holiday season.

Glowing Skin: No, I'm not talking about little Edwards sparkle-in-the-sun. No, no, no ladies, don't go glitter happy all over. What I'm talking about is Bella's glow. Her complexion is even, and her skin is radiant. In order to achieve this look, try using highlighter on your cheekbones and on the tip of your nose. Opt for a golden hue if your skin is darker and a rosy hue if your on the lighter side of the spectrum. Also try exfoliating gently before applying make-up in order to release your natural glow.

Stained Lips: Deeply stained lips against pale skin is definitely a bold vampy look sure to allure. To get just bitten lips (without actually drawing blood) try a dark cherry or berry stain such as CoverGirl Lip Tint in BerrySmooch

Dark Piercing Eyes: If looks could kill, Twilight eyes are definitely dangerous. The vampire eye will most likely be a hit amongst celebrities and beauty enthusiasts alike. Try lining your eyes with black or purple liner, then smudging it along the lid to create a smoky effect. If you want, go a step further and apply dark shadow up to the crease of your eye. Top if off with mascara. Keep it simple though, too much will take away from the natural color and shape of your eye.

So there you have it, my top three favorite Twilight inspired looks. If you haven't seen the movie, and aren't into the hype I suggest you wait until it drops on DVD. However, don't hesitate to try a vampy new look!

~Jesiah

Please Ladies...Listen to Yourself Before You Speak

Okay, So I'm sure you've all heard the controversy with little Miss Ex California and I'm sure some of you sympathize with her point of view. Well recently she just came out with a book called, "Still Standing" which goes over her recent struggle with the media and her struggle with being a conservative woman in America.

She claims that conservative woman are not treated fairly amongst their liberal counterparts and are openly attacked on a personal level. Do you feel there is a double standard for conservative woman? If you don't have a clue as to what I'm talking about take a look at this clip below.

I personally seem to think that the media has been showcasing conservative woman who don't have a clue as to what they are talking about (including Ms. Prejean) and that is probably why they are easy targets.