Reading Labels Can Save You Money!

Label reading has become a passion of mine while trying to eat more healthy food, lose weight, and keep my blood sugar under control.  It's amazing the things you can learn about processed foods, they almost all contain too many chemicals, too much salt, and too many carbs.  A real reality check--if you haven't started reading labels, I recommend you do it, you will be surprised!

These however, are not the labels this blog is about.  Recently, I took a gander at the ingredients list of my cosmetics line.  It's a great line and I enjoy using it BUT the ingredients list on my toner said "witch hazel".  Witch hazel was the only active ingredient.  Everything else was inactive--fragrance, etc. I say again, the only active ingredient was witch hazel!  Worse than that, I was paying $39.50 for witch hazel!  Good smelling witch hazel; in a pretty bottle; but none the less, plain witch hazel.  Geez!

I immediately hit the web and found that witch hazel was an active ingredient in several toners, some costly, some not.  I then went to my local Walgreens and looked at the witch hazel selections.  The kind I chose was Dickinsons.  It cost me $5.95 for a net savings of $33.85 per bottle.  As I probably use 3-4 bottles a year--well we are looking in a savings in at least $100 a year! WOW!

Now I am known for being an advocate for women pampering themselves.  In fact, I insist on it.  But, there's a difference between pampering ourselves with a superior products and spending money for no good reason.  Go into your cosmetics storage area right now.  Examine the labels and do some research.  Throw away any items that are over the expiration date; particularly eye items like mascara and shadows which can harbor germs.  See if you, like me, are overpaying on any items.

Need a suggestion for the extra money you can save?  How about using that extra as your downpayment for our October, 2010 Chicks at Sea ladies cruise?  Visit my web site or email me for more information.

Now go read some labels!

All the best! Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Email me for more information about our Chicks at Sea ladies cruise.