So, one of the blogs I read religiously, Overwhelmed With Joy, does a "Favorite Ingredients Friday" group share. I'm delighted to be able to participate in it for the first time! This week, the theme is all about the Superbowl, so I figured I'd share my trademark Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe. Ok, so maybe it's not trademarked, and maybe it's not even mine (I got it from Betty Crocker), but it's just so delish, it's become something of my party signature. I'm thrilled to share it with you guys! ~~~~Spinach Artichoke Dip 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese (the type from a shaker is yummy) 1 or 2 Medium Green Onions, chopped (or up to 1/4-1/2 cup regular onion) 1 to 3 Cloves Garlic, Chopped 1 Can (14 oz) Artichoke Hearts, well drained and coarsely chopped 5 oz Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and squeezed, very well drained Preheat the oven to 350. Mix mayonnaise and cheese in a small bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Top with more Parmesan Cheese and Cayenne Pepper for extra taste. Spoon into 1-quart casserole. Cover and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot. Serve warm with crackers, Melba toast, rye bread, chips, or garlic bread. ~~~~

I've noticed lately that a word that I haven't heard in years is making a resurgence this 2008. It's an F word that no woman ever wants to hear or have her name and/or image associated with. That F word would be, of course, "Frump." I've heard all sorts of phrases... Fight the Frump, Dump the Frump, Friends Don't Let Friends Do Frump, even my best friend called his boyfriend a Frump a week or so ago. I've even heard women bestowing upon themselves the title of Frump. I'm going to chalk it up to the new year, or maybe just a whole bunch of people going on midlife crisis at the same time, but "Frump" seems to be on every body's lips.

But dear Ladies of Stepford, you can achieve a look that has you put together, "hip looking," without being a Frump. Frugal living doesn't confine one to non-name brands or prevent you from spending money on yourself. It really can be done, with only a little bit of effort and careful planning.

Here are some tips that I live by:

1. Coupons are your best friends. DealCatcher.com and CouponMountain.com are great for coupons for everything from Victoria's Secret to Bath and Body works. All of the face wash, hand cream, and lotion I use is from Bath and Body works, and I've only spent about $50 there my whole life. They have great sales, and even better coupons available online-only. If you shop during January and July, you will hit their semi-annual clearance sale, where soaps and lotions can be as much as 75% off, and they give away free samples galore.

2. Drug stores usually have some awesome coupons in their fliers, and online. CVS is my go-to store for many beauty products. They allow me to combine coupons on cosmetics, and I get rebates using my CVS cards. I can often purchase name brand skincare products, such as Olay, Loreal, and Revlon, for up to 90% off... Even free. Grocery stores that double coupons are also an unexpected source of great skincare deals.

3. You can buy the basics from places like Wal*Mart, Target, and Kohls and then dress them up to look "hip" and "edgy." Frankly, I like buying the basic ladies fitted tees, tank tops, button up front dress shirts, and sweaters and then updating them with accessories like belts, jewelry, and scarves. That way, I avoid expensive trends, and I avoid having a wardrobe that becomes outdated when a fad passes.

4. When buying cosmetics and/or haircare products, be aware of the amount you use each time you use it and how long it lasts. Often times, products that seem expensive will turn out to be a better investment in the long haul. Example, I buy a product for my hair that leaves it smooth, shiny, frizz and tangle free. It makes my hair look like a super model's hair. But I didn't buy it for the longest time because only 2 ounces of the stuff cost $10.50. However, when I found a 50% off coupon and finally bought it, I realized I only needed 3 drops of the stuff each time I used it. So it turned out that little $10.50 bottle lasts for more than a year, even using it a couple times a week on my longer-than-shoulder length hair, and it doesn't spoil or expire (meaning I don't have to rush to use it). I ended up making an investment in my beauty for a seemingly expensive bottle of hair goop that actually only costs about $.87 a month to use, if it lasts only a year.

5. You can't redo your entire wardrobe, skincare line, makeup products, and hair care products in a week, or even a month. You'll go broke. Slowly and over time, taking advantage of sales and clearances, you can add in items to replace outdated items you already own. If you even just buy 2 shirts on clearance a month, you'll have almost a full week's new clothes in under 6 months. That's far easier for the wallet than a total redo in a week.

The thing to remember is that looking good is an investment. Set aside a few bucks a month specifically devoted to something for your beauty needs. I know some say it's a frivolous waste of money, but really, investing a little time and money in our appearances reaps so many rewards. We boost our confidence in how we look and feel, we leave positive and lasting impressions on others, we teach the younger ones around us the importance of good grooming and remaining in style and relevant without blowing hundreds of dollars on name brands which could be out of style in a month... And let's face it, husbands like their wives when they look good, and not just for the "hey, my wife is hot!" factor. Lots like the boost in confidence they see in their wives, while others appreciate it that even after years together you still care about how you look to him, some like seeing their spouse in a new way... And, Ok, they "hey everybody, my wife is hot!" factor doesn't hurt either.