Homemade Tub-Time Bath Soap Crayons Recipe

As moms, dads and grandparents we are always looking for ways to save money but yet keep our kids occupied and when it comes to bathtime fun...I prefer to go the frugal way for our little one. We make homemade bath crayons here at our home and our wee one loves playing with them while in the tub. Here is the recipe we use when we make them.

Tub-Time Bath Crayons

You will Need:

1 cup grated Ivory Soap
1/4 cup warm water
Food Coloring
Plastic Cookie cutters

How to: Mix water, soap & food coloring together in med. size bowl. Stir the crayon mixture until it begins to stiffen. Remove the mixture from the bowl and knead until it is the consistency of a very thick dough. Spoon Crayon Mixture into plastic cookie cutters or other plastic molds (playdough molds work great too!). Press down firmly. Place the plastic cookie cutters in your freezer for 10 mins or in your refrigerator for 30 mins. When firm, Pop the bath crayons out of the cookie cutters (or other molds) and allow them to air dry overnight or until hard.

Molds: Ice Cube Trays, Playdough Molds, & Cutters Tupperware Cookie Cutters, Plastic Cookie Cutters, Plastic Guest Soap Molds (buy at local craft store), The Plastic divided tray that comes in choc. candy boxes and so forth! Inexpensive Fun!

Chili Cornmeal Waffles Recipe

With National Waffle Week around the corner, waffle lovers across the nation will be celebrating these sweet and fluffy bites of deliciousness starting September 4-10th.

Just in time for back-to-school, make the first day of school special with a hot waffle in the morning or a tasty snack for the kids when they come home. The KRUPS F654 Waffle Maker ($49.99) makes 4 thick Belgian waffles in just 4 minutes. This appliance is perfect for all waffle lovers to enjoy during this lesser known holiday and for busy parents needing a helpful kitchen tool for a quick breakfast or innovative snacks and desserts.

Homemade Chili Cornmeal Waffles Recipe

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cans of favorite Chilli
Shredded Cheddar, chopped Scallions and Sour cream for garnish

Directions: Preheat KRUPS waffle maker. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add milk, oil, and eggs; stirring until smooth. Pour batter onto hot waffle iron. Set aside and keep warm. Serve with chili. Garnish with shredded Cheddar, Sour cream, and Scallions..

Six Ways to Maximize Labor Day Savings

The only good thing about the end of summer is Labor Day, a holiday that provides a day off and great opportunities for consumer savings. Labor Day sales allow shoppers to take advantage of discounts on everything from fall fashions to appliances. It's also a good time to find deals on end-of-season merchandise, like swimsuits, lawnmowers, patio furniture and more.

With practically everything under the sun on sale during these short three days, how can you possibly know if you're getting the best deal? Here are six ways to maximize your savings on Labor Day.

1. Do Your Due Diligence
Find out the average price of your coveted purchase before Labor Day, using sites like Pricespider.com. This will keep you from being fooled by false promotions, and help you identify the best sale price.

2. Shop in Your PJs
Labor Day triggers the holiday shopping madness that continues into the New Year. Let the masses scurry about the stores and highways while you casually shop multiple online stores in the comfort of your own home. Not only will your blood pressure thank you, but you'll realize savings in fuel, too.

3. Save More
In addition to Labor Day price reductions, be sure to find online coupons for more savings. Shipping should also be free or greatly reduced; merchants like Lands' End and JCPenney typically offer free shipping codes during this high-volume weekend.

4. Negotiate
Major sale events represent an excellent opportunity to hone your haggling skills, especially on big items like televisions and appliances. Compare prices between various competitors and ask retailers if they can meet or beat your preferred price. Not comfortable with bartering? Check out this article on ConsumerReports.org for tips on making the negotiating practice work for you.

5. Socialize
Before hitting a store's sale rack or browsing Labor Day deals online, remember to follow or "like" the retailer or brand on Facebook and/orTwitter to find exclusive coupon codes and promotional offers. It pays to join these social media networks.

6. Use Tunnel Vision
Knowing what you want before Labor Day is easy; sticking to just that in the heat of the moment can be challenging. Be strong. Whenever you find yourself straying from the main purchase, gently remind yourself to "stay focused" and move on.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.