MyShopDiscounts Blog

News From MyShopDiscounts.com

Happy National Chocolate Cake Day!

by Wanda on January 27, 2016

MyShop blog template chocolate cake

Who doesn’t love a holiday? Holidays are for celebrating and I can’t think of a better one to celebrate than National Chocolate Cake Day! I think that every day is a day to celebrate chocolate and cake, so it’s nice to know there’s a special day for it. If you’ve been trying to stay away from cake, it’s a very good excuse to go ahead and indulge a little. Did you know that chocolate is actually good for you? Chocolate is as good source of disease fighting antioxidants, it’s a mood booster, it may help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and reduce your risk for heart disease. Did I convince you? And don’t worry about sabotaging your eating plan because there are all kinds of ways to adapt chocolate cake to fit whatever plan you’re on.

Here are some chocolate cake recipes you’ll want to try:

The Best Chocolate Cake Ever

One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake: great gluten-free option

Mexican Molten Chocolate Cakes

Vegan Chocolate Cake

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake that you make in the microwave

And just like other holidays, celebrate today with your loved ones. So gather the family for dessert tonight, or invite some friends over to share this day with you. Have a very happy National Chocolate Cake Day!

11 Ways to Use Orange Peels

by Wanda on January 24, 2016

MyShop blog template (1)

In my opinion, oranges are definitely a perk of winter. I mean, there’s got to be something to make up for the cold and the messy snow. Oranges are juicy, tart and sweet, and they’re so good for you, too. It just really bothers me that in order to enjoy an orange there has to be so much waste. I’m talking about those peels- you have to get them out of the way in order to get to the delicious fruit, and then the only thing to do is throw them out. Wrong! It turns out there are lots of cool things you can do with orange peels. Here are 11 ways to use orange peels:

1. Oil and toxin magnet. Wrap an orange peel in some gauze and rub it directly on your skin to suck up oils and toxins, and leave skin brighter and fresher. You’ll also smell great!

2. Natural insect repellent. Orange peels naturally repel mosquitoes, moths, and ants. Rub on your skin before going outside to keep the mosquitoes away, and leave them on windowsills or other problem areas for moths and ants.

3. Smelly shoe deodorizer. Sprinkle an orange peel with baking powder and place in your smelly shoes to freshen them up.

4. Non-toxic house cleaner. Put a few orange peels in a jar with two cups of white vinegar and keep in the freezer for a week. Transfer to a spray bottle and use it around the house.

5. Brown sugar softener. Place a few dried orange peels in your brown sugar to prevent it from clumping.

6. Candy. Here’s an easy recipe for candied orange peels. Dip them in chocolate to take them to the next level.

7. Tea. Dry orange peels and keep them around to add to your tea for some extra flavor.

8. Sponge. Scrub the white part (the pith) on your stove or sink to get rid of grease.

9. Wood shiner. Rub the pith directly on wood furniture and utensils to get a glow.

10. Air freshener. Orange peels are so wonderfully fragrant and they make great air fresheners. Put some dry orange peels in a small mesh bag, or even in the foot of some old stockings, and place in a closet to prevent a musty smell.

11. Infused olive oil. Place in some olive oil and give your salads a kick.

Now you can enjoy as many oranges as you want without feeling bad about wasting the peels. Do you eat a lot of oranges? What are your favorite ways to use up orange peels?

Coupon for 5 Free Photo Valentines

by Wanda on January 23, 2016

MyShop coupon template valentine

Give your loved ones something really special this Valentine’s Day. Click here for a coupon for 5 free photo Valentines when you get a professional portrait session with The Picture People! Be sure to schedule your appointment before this coupon expires February 15, 2016!

9 Budget Beauty Tricks

by Wanda on January 20, 2016

MyShop blog template budget beauty tricks

I’ll admit it right now: I am a makeup junkie. If I walk by a Sephora I can’t help myself; I have to go in and spend some time and money! I have been known to go to Walgreen’s just for some Advil and walk out 40 minutes later with a bag full of beauty products. I know it’s time to get this habit under control before I go broke! And I think I’ll be okay- it turns out there are some pretty cool budget beauty tricks out there!

1. Coat lips in petroleum jelly and leave on for 5 minutes. Then scrub gently with a soft toothbrush for soft and smooth lips.
2. Clean an old mascara wand and use it to separate lashes.
3. Get rid of puffy eyes by propping your head up on pillows and placing chilled spoons, chamomile tea bags, or chilled cucumber slices on lids for 10 minutes.
4. Microwave lotion before you use it and enjoy a spa-like indulgence.
5. Exfoliate with a homemade scrub: Make a paste out of brown sugar and honey and buff until your skin is soft.
6. Don’t spend extra money on shaving cream; lather up with conditioner. It softens the hair on your legs, which makes it easier to shave, and moisturizes your skin.
7. No need for fancy brow gels.Instead, spritz an old toothbrush or clean mascara wand with hairspray and brush your brows into shape.
8. Go longer between pedis by scrubbing your feet every day in the shower. After you dry off, moisturize with creamy lotion.
9.Use plain old vitamin E oil instead of expensive eye creams to get rid of wrinkles.

I can’t promise that I’ll never buy any more fancy beauty products- I’m sure I will from time to time- and that’s fine. Everyone deserves a treat once in a while. But I’ll be using these tricks in my regular beauty routine. I’ll still look great, and my wallet will thank me!