There are lots of ways to plump your lips, and most of them will start right in your spice cabinet! Some, however, may require a trip to the store (such as essential oil). Choose a lip plumper that works best for you, based on what you already own or what you are willing to buy. You do not have to use all of the lip plumpers in this section. In a small dish, mix enough cayenne pepper and water to make a paste (about ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a drop or two or water). Apply the paste to your lips with your finger. Leave it on there for 10 minutes, then wash it off.  Cayenne pepper plumps your lips by irritating them. As such, you do not want to use this too often or when your lips are already irritated or dry. Alternatively, you can scoop some lip gloss or lip balm onto your finger, and sprinkle cayenne pepper on top. Use this instead of the paste. Mix 1 to 2 drops of cinnamon essential oil with about 1 teaspoon of lip balm or petroleum jelly. Apply it to your lips, wait 3 to 5 minutes, then wipe it off. Because of how intense cinnamon essential oil is, do not use this more than twice a week.  If you'd prefer something more natural, try coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter instead of petroleum jelly. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to stick with just 1 drop of cinnamon essential oil, or try a different method. Store any leftover lip balm in a small jar or empty lip balm container. Keep it in the fridge. Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil with 1 teaspoon of lip balm or petroleum jelly. Apply it to your lips whenever you want a little plumping action. Unlike the cinnamon version, you do not have to wipe it off, because it is less irritating.  If you'd like something more natural, try coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter instead of petroleum jelly. Store any leftover lip balm in a small jar or empty lip balm container. Keep it in the fridge. Mix a pea-sized amount of lip balm or petroleum jelly with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Apply it to your lips, then wipe it off after 3 to 5 minutes. For something more natural, try coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter.

Summary: Find a simple solution that works for you. Try cayenne pepper, but don't use it more than 2 to 3 times a week. Try cinnamon essential oil. Try peppermint essential oil if you have sensitive skin or don't like cinnamon. Use ground cinnamon if you can't get any essential oil.


The Internet is your friend; there are many sites that will assist you by putting prices side-by-side so you can choose where to shop to get the best price available. Purchasing common household items such as diapers, wipes and even laundry detergent in bulk will save your family money and lessen the amount of trips you make to the store. Consider purchasing food items in bulk, such as meats, canned goods, breakfast cereal and beverages.  Buying large quantities of meat may be intimidating, but you can stock your freezer full.  Cook and freeze meals ahead of time, once the baby arrives you will have quick and easy homemade meals for your family. . Start while you are still pregnant by looking for coupons for diapers and other baby items. Search magazines and newspapers for coupons, clip the ones you’ll use and organize them in a coupon folder or box; make specific sections for cereal, baby items, frozen foods, health and beauty items and any other category you will find helpful. This will make trips to the supermarket quick and easy.  In most cases the quality is the same as the national brands. You may even begin to prefer the store brand.  Almost every item in the store has a generic counterpart, even whole grain breads and cereals. Many common brands have clubs that consumers can join to receive special discounts, coupons or in some cases free products. Check the labels on your favorite baby brands to learn how to sign up.

Summary: Wait for sales and comparison shop. Consider buying in bulk. Clip coupons Take advantage of supermarket chains that double or, in some cases, triple coupon values to save a great deal on your grocery bill. Consider purchasing no-frills or store brand products. Enroll in product clubs.


Once you have friends, you should take steps to maintain your friendships. Gaining good friends is difficult and you do not want to have to start at square one if you start losing friends over time. You should always make an effort to spend quality time with your friends, doing things you both enjoy. This way, you and your friends have fun and you also build memories and share experiences together.  For example, if you know your friend is a big fan of a certain comic book character, you may get her a pass to see the creator of the character at next year’s Comic-Con. Or, you may treat your friend to a night out at their favorite restaurant. Doing nice things for your friends and making your time together meaningful will show them how much you value their friendship. Don't get into the habit of waiting to be invited to do things with your friends. Invite your friends to do something fun. Sometimes people become complacent and wait around for an invitation when instead they should take the initiative to plan and invite their friends to something. Try asking your friend something like, "Are you around on Friday night? Do you want to see a movie or go to the football game?" Or you can ask, "Do you want to get together sometime this weekend? I would love to see you!" You can also be a good friend by supporting and cheering on your friends when they need you. You should make an effort to keep up with what your friends are interested in and their goals. Supporting your friend’s goals and aspirations will show them that you can be there for them and are on their side. You may have friends who play sports and attend their games to show your support. Or you may have friends who do the performing arts and attend their performances so they have a familiar, friendly face in the crowd. A good friend will also be honest. You should try to be okay with constructive criticism and feedback from your friends, especially if they have your best interests at heart. You should be willing, to be honest with your friends and accept that sometimes they may be honest with you. You should feel comfortable talking to your friends about issues or problems in your life, and they should also confide in you. You should look to your friends for advice and support and feel you can also give them advice when needed. An important part of having friends is maintaining contact with them. If you haven't seen your friend in about a week or so, or you've been spending time with other friends, drop them a quick text or call to ask how they're doing.  You can say something like, "Hey! How'd your test go the other day?" or "Hey! I miss you! Let's grab coffee this week?" If you move away from your friends (or a friend moves away from you), set up a weekly or monthly phone call with that person. Try to make a plan to go visit your friend for the weekend.
Summary: Spend quality time with your friends. Support and cheer on your friends. Be honest with your friends. Maintain contact with your friends.