The World According to Me

Extreme Couponing

2011-11-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Extreme couponing for people without a TV crew

Originally posted on Brokelyn, November 7th, 2011

Saving $1 here or there was just not enough after I watched the hardcore couponers on TLC’s Extreme Couponing. But the tactics on the show are not realistic, especially here in NY. Many of the supermarkets change the rules in exchange for being promoted on the show. North Carolina chain Lowe’s even publicly regretted participating in the show. So, can you have major savings when going to the “extreme” is not possible? Yes! I got so good at it my friends and family started calling me the “Coupon Queen,” and I will be sharing my tips in my upcoming coupon class Nov. 12 in Windsor Terrace.

What kind of savings are we talking about? My most recent “extreme” trip netted $101 worth of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, makeup and chocolate for just $18.86! I’ll give you a sneak preview of how I do it here.

Get The Good Old Newspaper
The Sunday paper is still one of the best ways to get coupons. Buy three or four newspapers to get more of the coupons you need. More coupons = more savings.Combine these coupons with store coupons and weekly sales to maximize your oh so precious savings.

Social Media Can Save You $$$
Facebook is not just for clicking through your friends’ pictures. Follow your favorite products and brands on Facebook. Many of them offer coupons for free products or high-dollar-value coupons. I received a $5 coupon from Bounty over the summer. I combined that coupon with a store sale to get a large pack of paper towels to get them super cheap. I’ve also gotten coupons for free products from Suave, Pantene, Herbal Essences and many more, just through Facebook! They are often offered on Fridays, and they have a limited amount available, so you have to be quick! These companies also mail the coupons, so you don’t have to use your printer’s ink!

You can also follow other coupon and saving pages on Facebook to help you find the best deals. “Match-Ups” are exactly what they sound like: matching coupons to a store deal for that week. I often use the Rite Aid and Walgreen match-ups that I find from other couponers on Facebook. Some of the best pages are Living Rich With Coupons and The Krazy Coupon Lady. They show match-ups from different stores around the country, telling you the best deals and different ways to get them. Both have an option of printing out a shopping list, making it easier to remember!

Barter with friends
If you have coupons for diapers, but don’t have a child, pass them along to one of your friends who does. Ask them to put coupons for whatever you need to the side. Trading coupons is a great way to help your friends out and get help. I always pass my mom the cat food coupons, and she always saved diaper coupons for me.

Want to learn more? Come check out my Coupons 101 Class! We will be discussing:

Where to get coupons
How to match coupons with sales
Coupon policies of different stores
How to get free products with coupons
Internet coupons
The difference between store coupons and manufacturer coupons
What is stockpiling?
What to do with expired coupons

COUPONS 101
Nov. 12 2pm-3pm
Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace
1224 Prospect Avenue and Vanderbilt Street (near the 15th Street-Prospect Park West station F and G train)
(718) 407-6377
Please RSVP as we have a 50-person limit. The cost for the class is $10 per person.

http://www.brokelyn.com/extreme-couponing-tips/#more-31676

Beauty Commandments: Skin

2011-02-14T09:59:00.001-08:00

Beauty Commandments: Clear Skin

Originally posted on AOL Shopping, February 9th, 2011

"Thou shalt not overload your face with too much stuff. It's easy to want to try every cream, serum and moisturizer that targets a specific skin problem, but, if you overload your face with TOO much, you will end up with more problems than solutions! Let your skin take a break from foundations and heavy creams. When you are home, give your face a good scrub and put on a light SPF moisturizer. That's it. Don't overload your skin with eye cream and serums. You'll find that your skin looks fresher if you give it a break!

Amara

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2011/02/09/clear-skin/

Spring's New Scents

2011-02-14T09:58:00.001-08:00

Spring's New Scents

Originally posted on The Glam Life, February 13th, 2011

If you’re on the East Coast, you are probably fantasizing about Spring. With a snowstorm almost every week, it’s easy to have the winter blues. Don’t fret! Bring the fragrance of Spring with this season’s hottest new scents.

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne
A spicy scent that infuses grapefruit and tangerine with a hint of rosemary, this fragrance will easily transport you to warm summer days and romantic summer nights.

Aftelier Candide
A jasmine and frakincense infused fragrance. Jasmine has a calming effect on the senses, and can instantly put you in a better mood. The perfume also has notes of blood orange and pink grapefruit, which gives the scent a spicy kick.

Michael Kors Island Palm Beach
The name says it all! The renowned designer has launched a scent that infuses grapefruit, tangerine, jasmine, black tea, rum and vanilla. A perfect cocktail of a fragrance, this perfume will have you fantasizing about long weekends at the beach.

Banana Republic Wildbloom
With notes like guava and kumquat, this fragrance will leave you craving those juicy summer fruits. An exotic infusion of fruity and floral notes will leave you wondering when the local farmer’s market gets back in season.

Escada Taj Sunset
This Indian inspired fragrance will leave you feeling like a Bollywood heroine in no time. With notes of mango, sandalwood, coconut and musk, Taj Sunset has made Indian available without travelling. Warning: Spontaneous singing and dancing may occur.

Halle Berry Reveal
The third fragrance from the acclaimed actress, Reveal has notes of mimosa, peach and melon. Berry has said that she wanted the fragrance to be “velvety soft and airy”. While most women dream of looking like Halle Berry, we can settle for smelling like her.

http://theglamlife.net/archives/398

This Season's Hottest Trend!

2011-02-14T09:33:00.001-08:00

This Season's Hottest Trend: Self Confidence

Originally posted on The Glam Life, February 6th, 2011

Self confidence. Every woman can have it, but every woman doesn’t use it. Why not? Self confidence instantly makes a woman look healthier, more approachable, more intelligent and instantly sexier! Here are some ways to boost your ego!

SMILE!
Smiling is the first sign of self confidence. A woman who smiles is showing her true beauty to the world. You have to be confident to do that! Regardless of the shape or size of your teeth, smiling can make you look years younger! If you want to boost those pearly whites, use whitening strips. You’ll feel even more confident with a smile that is bright.

STAND UP STRAIGHT!
A proper posture is crucial for exuding self confidence. Walk and sit straight as well, and you will open your body to good energy. Would you trust someone who was hunched over?

BE HONEST
Be honest with yourself and with those you are surrounded by. When you are telling the truth, you are going to be confident in your responses. Lying always leaves room for doubt.

TRY NEW THINGS
Let yourself be open to new possibilities. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Confident people are willing to try something new. Whether it be ordering something new from a menu or asking the boss for a raise, taking a risk will boost your confidence and might turn out reaping more rewards than you expected!

DRESS THE PART
Is your signature look drab? Change it up! Try bold makeup, chunky jewelery or the highest heels to boost your ego. When you have on a piece of clothing or jewelery that accents your best features, you will feel better about yourself.

LOVE YOURSELF
This is the most important tip. Remember, you are important. You have value. You make a contribution to this world. Take notice of all of your achievements and good deeds. When you love yourself, you leave the door open for others to love you. You cannot be confident without remembering who you are and how great it is to be you!

Here at Just Glam, we encourage self confidence. Remember, It’s Not Just a Look, It’s an Attitude!

http://theglamlife.net/archives/363.

What's Your Eye-Q?

2011-02-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

What's Your Eye-Q?

Originally posted on The Glam Life, January 30th, 2011

We all love to play up our eyes. Whether it be neutral colors or a dramatic smoky look, eye makeup can transform drab into fab. But did you know that your eye shape can help you pre-determine the right makeup look for you?

If you have SMALL EYES, don’t go overboard with the eyeliner! Heavy eyeliner on top and on the waterline can make eyes appear much smaller. Apply a thin line of liquid eyeliner, thickening it at the outer corner. Try light, iridescent eyeshadow colors, as it can reflect light and make small eyes appear bigger. Mascara is always a must on the top and bottom lashes, in order to open the eye area.

PROMINENT EYES are eyes that are set forward on the face. In order to lessen their domination over other facial features, use a dark shadow over the entire lid and blend into the crease. This will help recede the eyes. Use eyeliner on top and bottom lashes and add two coats of mascara.

CLOSE SET EYES are eyes that appear to be closer together. To make eyes look further apart, apply a light eyeshadow to the inner 1/2 of the eye and a darker shadow to the outer half, blending well. Extend color up to the browbone. Apply eyeliner in a very thin line, thickening it at the ends. Keep eyeliner darker on the outer corner. Add two coats of mascara to the outer lashes. Also, pluck your brows in the middle to widen the space between your eyes.

WIDE SET EYES are eyes that look far apart from each other. To make them appear closer together, apply darker eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eye, and a lighter shadow on the rest of the lid. Draw a very thin line with your eyeliner on the top and bottom lashes. Use pencil to fill in brows to make them appear closer together. Use mascara on top and bottome lashes.

ALMOND SHAPED EYES are the most common eye shape. Apply a light eyeshadow on the entire lid up to the brow bone. Use a darker shade of the same color on the outer corner of the lid. Use eyeliner only on the upper lid and apply two coats of mascara, emphasizing the outer lashes.

Use these simple makeup tricks to make your eyes more proportioned for your face. You’ll look like you had a JUST GLAM makeover!

http://theglamlife.net/archives/349.

Sweet!

2011-01-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Unusual Tips for Beauty

Originally posted on AOL Shopping, January 28th, 2011

"Sugar can help slough off dry, scaly patches on various parts of the body, from your head to your toes. Use a little on your lips to make them kissable, mix it with your favorite body wash to make a great body scrub, or add a touch of olive oil to it for a salon inspired foot massage. Sugar washes away easily and costs pennies compared to some high end scrubs."
Amara

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2011/01/28/unusual-tips-for-beauty/

Haute Hair!

2011-01-27T19:23:00.001-08:00

Haute Hair

Originally posted on The Glam Life, January 24th, 2011

Haute hair isn’t hard to achieve. With the right cut, color, products and tools, you too, can have hair that is lustrous and envied.

Cut
The right cut depends on your face shape and personality. Figure out your face shape by outlining your face on a mirror with lipstick. It will become clear what kind of shape you have.

Heart: You and Naomi Campbell have something in common! Heart shapes are wider on top and narrower on bottom. You want to balance the face, so try a chin length bob or layers that start at the chin. By doing so, you’ll bring more fullness to the chin area, proportioning your face.

Round: Try parting your hair to the side, making the face look less full. Adding height at the crown can also slenderize the face. Take a cue from Drew Barrymore, another rounded face gal, and keep hair longer than the chin. If you want to be more daring, go for a super short cut, but make sure it’s swept back, away from the face. The key is to not frame the face, because it will make it look fuller.

Square: The sexy Demi Moore knows how to work the strong angles of her square face. Adding wispy bangs and layers around the face can soften hard angle of square face shapes. Waves and curls also have a softening effect on the face. Short to medium length hair are ideal for square faces.

Oval: Well, you have the ideal face shape! You can wear almost any cut or style. Take a cue from Tyra Banks and try a variety of styles! Avoid heavy bangs and wearing the hair around the face too much. Show off that sexy shape by wearing hair away from the face.

Color
Color can be tricky. Should you go lighter or darker? How much of a change should you make? Here are some tips to make it a little less scary.

Brown: works for women who have brown hair already. If you want to go richer or deeper, chocolate is a good option for you. Choose brown if you don’t want a lot of maintenance involved. If your hair is dull, brown is also a great option, as it reflects light and makes the hair shine.

Red: for women who have pink undertones in their skin. If you are outgoing and like getting attention, red is also a great option for you! Red is for women who want to stand out. Your hair has to be in good condition, as damaged hair will not hold on to red dye. Red also involves A LOT of maintenance, so be prepared to invest the time.

Blonde: works for women who were blonde as a child. If you don’t mind a sexy bombshell image, blonde is also a good choice for you. Blondes are for women who have the time and money for maintenance (root touch-ups, highlights). If you are planning to go more than 2 shades lighter than your current hair color, go to a professional!

Follow the above tips and you will see how easily your look can be transformed! With the right cut and color, you can take years and pounds off your Just Glam face!

http://theglamlife.net/archives/240

What's Hot for 2011

2011-01-27T19:22:00.001-08:00

What’s Hot for 2011

Originally posted on The Glam Life, January 17th, 2011

1. Smokin Haute Polish
The most popular nail trends on the runway at New York Fashion Week were intricate designs. While French manicures are cute and professional, they are also a little boring. Most of the nails on the runway had designs on them, whether it was polka dots or rhinestones, each nail was embellished. When translating this look into real life, try embellishing only the ring fingers. You can have a fun design, and still be professional. Another trend is painting 9 nails one color, and painting the 10^th (your choice) a different color. This can also be used in everyday looks. Use a neutral on 9 of the nails, and use a bright pop of color on the 10^th.

2.Shiny Healthy Hair
Shiny hair is one trend that will never get old. In order to achieve maximum shine, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Use a flat paddle brush to blow dry hair straight, pointing the blow dryer DOWN, in order to get the cuticle to lie flat. Use a shine serum , especially a silicone based one, in order to add immediate shine.

3. Novelty Prints
Prints have been popping up everywhere on the runways. From nails to clothing to makeup, prints are now considered a neutral. When incorporating prints into your wardrobe, remember to pair them with a solid. Head to toe leopard print does not look good on anyone.
If you have a print on a blouse, pair it with a solid trouser and vice versa. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing bold prints, add a few printed accessories, like a bangle or a shoe.

4. Poppin colors
Most women cringe at the thought of bright lips. But bright lips work on many different skin tones, and really make your features pop. When trying out a brighter color, try using a lip gloss instead of a lipstick. A sheerer bright color is more wearable for everyday. Just Glam Confetti Lip Gloss and Just Glam Fierce Lip Gloss are great glosses that will not only brighten your lips, but brighten your entire face!

5. Posh ponytails
Long gone are the days of boring ponytails. The latest ponytail trends are all about volume. At the crown of your hair, spray a bit of hairspray and backcomb the hair. Carefully smooth the hair back and secure with a small pin. Gather the rest of your hair at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic that matches your hair. Let a few waves come down in the front, framing your face. The whole look is about looking undone yet sexy.

http://theglamlife.net/archives/198

Kissable Lips

2011-01-27T19:21:00.001-08:00

The Secret to Kissable Lips

Originally posted on The Glam Life, January 10th, 2011

Lips are a focal point on the face. Healthy, moist lips can instantly make you look younger and fresher. No one wants to kiss rough, chapped lips. Here are some tips to help you attain the perfect pout!

1)      Exfoliate! Exfoliation is necessary to help keep lips smooth. Bear in mind that lips are extremely sensitive, so there is no need for harsh abrasives. A little bit of sugar and honey is a great exfoliant that also tastes sweet! Just rub gently and rinse.

2)      Moisturize! Take your favorite lip balm and use whenever you feel your lips drying out. Use it before you go into any extreme weather (hot or cold) and you will have an instant barrier of protection from the elements! But don’t overdo it; applying too much lip balm can trap bacteria on the lips.

3)      Eat and Drink the Right Things! Drink water and plenty of it. When you body is hydrated, it LOOKS hydrated. Your skin and hair will benefit as well. You’ll have a natural glow and look fresher. No more dry skin, chapped lips and dull hair. Fruits and vegetables also offer vitamins and nutrients that can make you look younger, make your skin look fresher and make your waistline slimmer! Fruits and vegetables can also help hydrate your body, therefore making your lips softer.

4)      Use the Right Products! Don’t just put anything on your lips! The right gloss or lipstick can make you look instantly Glam. The Just Glam lip glosses and lipsticks offer conditioning and shine, making your lips look juicy and kissable. If you’re looking for flavor, the Happy Hour Lip Gloss is your best bet! If you just want a little clear shine, the Just Glam Clear Lip Gloss will be a dream come true.

Whether you want a pout like Angelina Jolie, or you want to look instantly Glam, follow the above tips and get ready to pucker up!

http://theglamlife.net/archives/173

Beauty Commandments!

2010-09-14T10:59:00.001-07:00

Beauty Commandments: Makeup for Eyes & More!

Originally posted on AOL Shopping, August 12th, 2010

"Thou shalt make use of potatoes to get bright eyes. As a South East Asian woman, I am prone to dark circles under my eyes. I have tried every cream, serum and trick out there. I always look exhausted, even when I have slept 8 hours! I have finally found the trick to tackling those pesky dark under-eye circles.....POTATOES! I know, I know, potatoes sounds ridiculous. But, a thin slice of potato on your eyelid gradually lightens the skin around your eyes. It works! Take a potato, slice it VERY thin, and place it on your eyes like you would a cucumber. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Say bye-bye to those dark circles!"

-Amara Mahmood (Brooklyn, NY)

http://beta.shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/08/12/makeup-for-eyes/

MAKEUP!

2010-09-14T10:58:00.001-07:00

The Best, Cheap Makeup: 15 Products Under $5

Originally posted on AOL Shopping, July 1st, 2010

Amara recommends: e.l.f. neutral kit | $5
"My favorite products from E.L.F. are the "Get the Look" sets. At just $5, you can create a beautiful look in seconds. The kit includes Eye Shadow, Mascara, Eyeliner, Tweezers, and an Eye Shadow Brush. With everything in one place, you can create a shimmering eye without wondering what colors go well together!"

http://beta.shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/07/01/the-best-cheap-makeup-15-products-under-5/

Home Fixes

2010-09-14T10:57:00.001-07:00

$5 Home Fixes

Originally posted on AOL Shopping, June 8th, 2010

Lysol Disinfecting Spray

"My mother has always been obsessed with cleanliness. Every Saturday, we took all the sheets off of the beds and washed them, along with all of the towels. And I keep up with that routine today. One of her go-to products has always been Lysol Disinfecting Spray. She has used it religiously for as long as I can remember. For about $4 for a 6 oz. can, you can't go wrong. One trick we have always used is to spray Lysol on the mattresses and pillows in between sheet changes. It gets rid of all the germs, and makes the bed seem just a little fresher. Especially if someone has had a cold or the flu. Once you take off all the sheets and pillowcases, open the windows and spray Lysol. It makes a world of difference."

Recommended by: Amara Mahmood

http://beta.shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/06/08/5-home-fixes/

Baby Names

2010-09-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

How People Reacted to My Baby's Name

Originally posted on Parentdish.com, June 4th, 2010.

9. Every Tom, Dick and Harry is named Zaara. I was six months pregnant when my daughter's name came to me. Zaheer and I were walking around Manhattan, and all of a sudden, I said, "Zaara!" In the end, I got mostly positive responses to her name. Except for one aunt. "I wanted to name my granddaughter that name!" she exclaimed.
(Amara Mahmood)

http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/04/how-people-reacted-to-my-babys-name/

American Idol

2010-09-14T10:53:00.001-07:00

For Some 'American Idol' Fans, Simon's Exit Is The End

Originally published on Popeater.com, May 25th, 2010

Amara Mahmood writes:

From day one, Simon Cowell was the judge everyone loved to hate. With his brash critiques and British accent, he was easy to despise. The thing is, he said what people were really thinking. Simon was never afraid to tell someone they were "dreadful" or "the worst." He said it so matter-of-fact, you couldn't disagree.

Simon's honesty has always been a refreshing change of pace. Candor is not something that comes easily in the world of reality competitions. We live in a society so obsessed with being politically correct all the time, it's frustrating not to be able to tell someone to their face that they are "dreadful," and Simon does the dirty work for us. We can live out our fantasies of being brazenly honest through him. Simon is never sorry for being right. Without him, I'm afraid, 'American Idol' will become just plain boring. Randy, Ellen and Kara are fine judges, but they aren't direct. They beat around the bush, vaguely telling someone they kinda-sorta didn't really like their performance. 'Idol' will become a love-fest, and I don't really want to see that. I want to see people get told the truth. They need to face reality. Without Simon, that just won't happen.

http://www.popeater.com/2010/05/25/american-idol-simon-cowell-leaving-finale/

What this blog is about

2010-09-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

I've become somewhat of an aspiring writer. I have been publishing little things here and there for a few months now. I wanted to get all of my writings in one place, so my readers (?) can access them easily!

If you have any suggestions, comments or ideas, feel free to leave me a note :)

Thanks!