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organizing | diy | frugal living

Do It On A Dime

DIY Christmas Tree Cones | Cooking with Carson

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Holiday, Recipes

Gingerbread houses are a lot of work.  I mean seriously.  Who has time for this?    So we decided to get simple ice cream cones, frosting and some sprinkles and made these mini Christmas trees.  It’s the PERFECT toddler craft and couldn’t be easier.

Hope you give it a try!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

11 Tips to an Organized Christmas

by Filed Under: Holiday, Organization

We aren’t perfect.  And our holiday isn’t effortless.  But here are a few things I do to make the process a little easier!

Christmas Gift ListQUICK AND SIMPLE TIPS

  1.  Have a Gift List to keep track of everything you spend and buy.  This keeps you organized and on budget.  Download my Christmas Gift List!
  2. Keep your receipts with your list.  I find it easiest to attach a manila envelope or pocket to my gift list.
  3. Use printable address labels to make sending holiday cards a breeze.  I have a template I update from year to year.  I love using clear address labels so pretty envelopes aren’t hidden.
  4.  Create a wrapping station in your home (it doesn’t have to be fancy) so everything is at ready-access.  Don’t forget scissors, tape and a pen!
  5. Have pull bins in closets that corral different types of trimmings.  It makes access really easy and putting everything away faster than ever.
  6. Creative wrapping paper storage.  Clear garment bags work great and so do big laundry baskets.
  7. Store wrapped gifts in a laundry basket (it makes it easy to transport on Christmas morning)
  8. Create a “Santa’s Workshop” by covering your work station with a blanket.  This has always worked for us!
  9. Organize stocking stuffers in mini caddys or dollar tree bins.  You can see what you have for everyone and keep shopping sales.
  10. Wrap in mini-bursts.  I usually do about 10 minutes per night leading up until Christmas, so I’m not stressed the days before the 25th.
  11. Create a favorites album of highlights on your phone and only import those pictures to an online recourse (like Shutterfly or Walmart) to print your yearly family album.  This is when we start getting ours ready!

I hope you enjoyed these quick tips!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  Links contain affiliates.  All opinions are my own.*

Big News…. yup, I’m pregnant!

by Filed Under: Advice & Vlogs

I’ve been so excited to share all of this news with you.  Gahhh!!!!  Charlie and I are expecting!  Here’s how we told our friends and family (and how I found out.)

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.*

Teacher gift ideas (Under $5)

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Teaching

Here are four quick teacher gift ideas for under $5!

  1. $2 Badge holders.  You will need:
    1. Badge holders (from Dollar Tree)
    2. Button Cover Kit
    3. Fabric
    4. Iron on letters (craft store)
  2. Pencil Container and fresh pencils (simple but very much needed)
  3. Pretty stationary
  4. Gift cards.  These make great $5 denominations:
    1. Car Wash
    2. Etsy
    3. iTunes
    4. Starbucks/Coffee Shop
    5. Sandwich Restaurants (Panera)

Hope this video gave you some quick ideas!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  Links contain affiliates.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Holiday Gift Ideas Under $20 + GIVEAWAY!

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Holiday

It’s that time of year again– after Thanksgiving starts the mad-rush for holiday gifts.  If you are like me, you like shopping to be EASY, quick, and SUPER penny-pinchin’.  Here are some economical ideas to keep your list budget-minded (all ideas are under $20 with several under $5!) but also meaningful and something the recipient would actually be excited to receive.

**Keep reading and be sure to enter the giveaway (below!)**

GIFTS FOR HIM

  1. UNDER $10 “Night-In Kit” – I love creating experience gifts that allow you to make memories together.  Pair a $5 or under movie and some budget friendly candy and popcorn (you can usually find them for under a dollar a box by most checkouts), dress up the box, and you have a simple night-in kit.  You can’t go wrong with classic movies, especially old favorites.
  2. UNDER $10 Holiday Gift Pack –  Gift packs are easy, ready-made and they come with TONS of coupons (if that’s your bag!).  I love shaving supplies and bath and body products for guys.  They are an instant win and really easy on the wallet (not to mention easy to wrap!)  Tuck a few away for last-minute gifts ideas, too.
  3. UNDER $15 CALENDAR – The most budget-friendly place to find them is Walmart.  Hands down.  Personalize a calendar and check a name off the list.  Change out a few pictures for each recipient.  Seriously, this grandparent territory right here and so easy!

GIFTS FOR HER

  1. UNDER $20 SPA DAY – Herbal Essences Shampoo, Nail polish, pampered items (including a bath pillow) for a spa-day in.  Using coupons I was able to do this for under $20.  To make it even more personal, pair with a note an plan a chick-flick night in.  Quality time with those you love is one of my favorite gifts to give.  Things get old and break but memories grow better and richer the more you tell them.  It’s our family motto.
  2. UNDER $5 DISH SOAP DISPENSER – This is such an EASY DIY!  Take an olive oil bottle and your favorite dish soap and have a glam way to keep your dish soap on your counter.  Tip and pour.  This is a such a practical gift anyone would love.  And it keeps your kitchen looking organized!
  3. UNDER $5 BROWNIE IN A MUG KIT – Did you know you can make a single serve brownie in a mug?  YUP!  And the ingredients are super simple.  To print this recipe to give to a friend CLICK HERE!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*This post was sponsored by P&G and Walmart.  Prizes provided by SheSpeaks.  All opinions are genuinely my own and my original ideas.  Giveaway ends December 4th 2015 at 12:00 am EST. Open to US residents only.  Winner must be 18 or older or have parental permission.  Winner will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter within a week of the giveaway ending and be notified by email. Winners have 72 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.  I will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s).  Please note that Doitonadime is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.   The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary.  Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube are in no way associated with this giveaway.  By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.  I will use your information only for the purpose of contacting the winners and sending your name and address to the company to ship your prize.*

Cheap Car Organization {travel & more!}

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Organization

Organizing your car when going on road trips (with kids) can be a headache…  or like you are about to walk into a battle-zone!  Here are my favorite tips for keeping your car organized (all year long) and preparing for longer trips with kids!

      •  Hang a holiday bag on a command hook to create a no-shift garbage can!  This is one of my favorite hacks.
      • Organize your glove box using old CD cases and Dollar Tree plastic pouches.  CD cases make a great mini-first-aid kit or a coloring kit for your kids.
      • I love microfiber cloths (from Dollar Tree) for cleaning the inside of your car to keep it from getting dusty.  A great investment for only a buck!
      • Forget silicone cup liners, they are cumbersome.  Even though it’s all over Pinterest…
      • I LOVE this iPad holder and toy organizer for the back of the seat.  It’s under $15 and is GREAT for kids on long car trips (plus there is a ton of space for toys!)
      • Use over the door hooks from the dollar store to store umbrellas.  They are also great for hanging diaper bags.
      • Have a removable basket with a blanket, first aid kit, and a change of clothes.  These are our most commonly needed items.
      • Invest in a Shop Vac to clean the inside of your car.  One of our home’s favorite investments!
      • Use Dollar Tree bins to corral extra storage and misc. supplies on the floor
      • Have a high quality cooler and pack food on the go (you will save a ton!).  This is our favorite one.

    • Keep “puke bags” and paper towels handy.  Extra trash bags for dirty or soiled clothes.  You will thank yourself later!

These are our favorite ways to travel organized and simply.  Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  Links contain affiliates.*

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