When I was single, I liked to pamper myself - uhhem - now and then. This included buying Bodyshop's tubs of exfoliates and body scrubs. Taipei's air pollution and nights at smokey bars really made it a necessity. Recently, I went into Bodyshop, looking to buy some more of this exfoliate. After reading the ingredients on the tub (salt, water, scent), I decided to see whether I could make something like this at home. Here are my results:
1. Salt Scrub: Get some salt (I used some sea salt from Costco), dig out that conditioner or liquid soap you don't like or that has expired, and find the perfume your ex-boyfriend or MotherInLaw in gave you for Christmas. Mix them together. Jump in the shower, and then rub this concoction over your limbs and torso. Rinse.
2. Coffee Leftover Scrub: If you make your own coffee in a coffee machine, keep the granules. Mix them in the same conditioner and scent as listed in (1). If you have essential oil sitting round, throw some of that in instead. This is a fantastic scrub for coffee lovers, and it really does cleanse the skin well. The only issue I had was, you have to work hard to make sure you clean up all the granules after the shower.
Feeling good and TWD650/tub richer!
Monday, March 14, 2011
For Better, For Worse, Me and My Money Till Death Do Us Part
It all began on a date with my now husband and self-proclaimed frugalist. I had been to the stationery store and picked up some ever-so-adorable stickers, erasers, and notebooks; the kind that are all over Taipei screaming, "Cuteness! Take Me Home! Give Me To Your Relatives!" Richard looked at me and stated rather too calmly, "I really don't like it when you buy those."
Now, many of you will be wondering, why didn't you snap back, "Because I LIKE THEM!" But, really, the guy had a point. What was an almost 30-year-old doing buying these things? Did I really need them? Were they helping me secure my financial future? Were they bettering the world? Did they serve a greater purpose? I went home and pondered Richard's statement.
For several years.
We've been married for almost seven years now. And, I have to confess that right next to me are some very cute pieces of stationery. But, the difference between these and the ones I brought to that date so long ago is, I bought these purposefully. And, I buy them rarely. I am sure that the truly frugal amongst you are now cringing, but it is important you understand something. This is not about a frugalist ranting to the masses how one can spend less than 30 Taiwan Dollars a day and live. This is a story of my journey from spendthrift to frugal-wannabe, with lessons learned from those around me. I hope I can give some direction for those of us living in Taiwan and trying to fight the language and cultural barriers to come out winning financially, but I come with no guarantees.
So, thanks, Richard, for the role model.... and for meeting me half-way.
Let the blog begin!
Now, many of you will be wondering, why didn't you snap back, "Because I LIKE THEM!" But, really, the guy had a point. What was an almost 30-year-old doing buying these things? Did I really need them? Were they helping me secure my financial future? Were they bettering the world? Did they serve a greater purpose? I went home and pondered Richard's statement.
For several years.
We've been married for almost seven years now. And, I have to confess that right next to me are some very cute pieces of stationery. But, the difference between these and the ones I brought to that date so long ago is, I bought these purposefully. And, I buy them rarely. I am sure that the truly frugal amongst you are now cringing, but it is important you understand something. This is not about a frugalist ranting to the masses how one can spend less than 30 Taiwan Dollars a day and live. This is a story of my journey from spendthrift to frugal-wannabe, with lessons learned from those around me. I hope I can give some direction for those of us living in Taiwan and trying to fight the language and cultural barriers to come out winning financially, but I come with no guarantees.
So, thanks, Richard, for the role model.... and for meeting me half-way.
Let the blog begin!
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