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organizing | diy | frugal living

Do It On A Dime

How to Re-Organize…anything!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Organization, Teaching

Here’s a quick organizing refresh we did in our built-ins.  Keeping an organized home isn’t a one and done.  It’s an evolution of crafting and re-working an environment that functions best for your family as your needs change.

Here’s how we organize our DVDS, toys, and games in a new system that is now beneficial for our family!

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

How to save money at Costco!

by Filed Under: Money Saving

I’m not affiliated with Costco, I just LOVE shopping there.  We’ve been members of lots of wholesale stores, and it’s by far my favorite.  (Anyone else as obsessed with the Kirkland brand as me?)  You have to be careful, though.  Shopping wholesale can lead to over-buying and under-using.  Statistically, the average family of four wastes about $1,500 a year in UN-used food. (Today.com)  So, to actually save at Costco, here’s what we do to maximize our dollar and making sure we always come out ahead.

*COSTCO POWER-SAVER TIPS*

  1.  Shop 1x a month— I find weekly trips lead to over-buying.  I shop primarily at our grocery store, and I do a stock-up of the items below when we are running low, because they are rock bottom prices.
  2. Split big purchases!  Find a friend that needs toilet paper or paper towels, too and split up your purchase.  You both win in then end.
  3. Have a deep freezer for extra storage.  You can freeze ANYTHING!  No lie.
  4. Use a freezer inventory.  Forget not knowing what is in your freezer.  This leads to food waste.
    • Print my FREEZER INVENTORY FREE PRINTABLE, laminate (or just put in a sheet protector) and attach to your freezer.  Know what is coming in and out, what you should be eating first, and never let food go to waste again.
  5. Shop with a plan.  Use the mailer.  Create a list.  Don’t be distracted by things you don’t need!  Like those giant teddy bears?  Yeah.  Steer clear of JUNK!
  6. BEST PRICES:
    • Meats (VERY well-priced, lots of gourmet selection, too!)
    • Dried fruit
    • Nuts
    • Olive oil
    • Milk
    • Sheet Cake
    • Organic Foods (frozen and fresh)
    • Vitamins
    • Bread
    • Ready-made appetizers
    • Spices
  7. USE IBOTTA to save additionally on top of what you are already buying when you find a good deal (cash out with PayPal and gift cards)
  8. Price Match everything!  Especially housewares and big ticket items.  Seriously.  There are a million and one apps you can download to do this!
  9. HOW TO READ THE SIGNS AT COSTCO:
    • .99 REGULAR PRICE
    • .97 REDUCED
    • .88 OR .00 STORE MARKDOWN
    • AN * MEANS THIS ITEM IS BEING DISCONTINUED
  10. Printer ink is the best DEAL EVER!  You can fill up a cartridge for under $8.  This is awesome!
  11. Big home purchases.  We have had great luck with…
    • sheets
    • storage/organizing solutions
    • outdoor toys and playsets
    • clothes
  12. THINGS TO SKIP:
    • Canned goods
    • Sauces / pasta
    • Boxed goods (in general, unless there is a rebate on select items)
    • Feminine Products
    • Personal Hygiene
      • razors, body wash, etc.

 

FREE PRINTABLES AND RESOURCES IN THIS VIDEO:

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*YouTube has been such a blessing, and I am fortunate to get to work with many brands that I love and use daily!  I have been using Ibotta since 2013 and have saved hundreds using this app.  Thanks to Ibotta for sponsoring this video.  I am not affiliated with Costco.  As always, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Amazon Prime on Sale for $67 TODAY ONLY!

by Filed Under: Online Deals

Just a quick public service announcement that Amazon Prime, which is normally $99 is now on sale (today only) for just $67! It’s is the LOWEST price of the year. In fact, this is the lowest I have ever seen it, so I wanted to pass along to you!

Especially with Black Friday and Christmas coming up, it’s super nice. We purchase most of our main needs online.

If you shop Amazon a lot, her are some of the reasons we decided to go Prime:

  • Free, 2-day Shipping
    • We use this for diapers, household needs, vitamins, underwear (I’m not even kidding), vitamins, electronics…pretty much everything.
  • Amazon Lightning Deals
    • you get 30 minutes early access to these (great for the Holidays)
  • Prime Video
    • Unlimited movies and TV shows. You really don’t need cable.
  • Prime Music
    • Unlimited music streaming
  • Prime Photos
    • Free, unlimited photo storage. This is GREAT, so you don’t have to pay for extra space in the cloud, kill two birds with one stone with all of those family pictures.

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

Chickpea Popcorn Recipe

by Filed Under: Recipes

In this segment of cooking with Carson (apparently this is a thing now!), we’ll share a great recipe for Chickpea Popcorn!  (Thanks, Dr. Oz for the inspiration!)

 

Easy Chickpea Popcorn

  • 1 can garbanzo beans
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Drains and rinse garbanzo beans.  Place on a rimmed sheet with parchment paper.  Sprinkle dry ingredients over chickpeas, drizzle olive oil, mix to coat.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (or until crunchy).  Serve immediately and enjoy!

If you like a little more “kick to your popcorn…you can try the recipe below, too!

 

SPICY Chickpea Popcorn

  • 1 can garbanzo beans
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Drains and rinse garbanzo beans.  Place on a rimmed sheet with parchment paper.  Sprinkle dry ingredients over chickpeas, drizzle olive oil, mix to coat.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (or until crunchy).  Serve immediately and enjoy!

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

 

Fall Garden 2015 {One Minute Update!)

by Filed Under: Gardening

Here’s a super-quick update of all we have going on in our garden this year.  Transitioning from summer to fall, here’s how we prepare for the new crop.  Plus simple tips and tricks (even for new gardeners).  I know we’re looking forward to all the cabbage and lettuce!

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

Thrifted Organizers | $5 Goodwill Challenge

by Filed Under: Money Saving

I love shopping the Goodwill!  I was excited that Hilary from MySoCalledHome issued this challenge for Fall of 2015.  I actually ended up finding 2 $5 items, and they aren’t exactly fall related, but she said I could still participate!  I love seeing others’ thrifty finds and I hope you enjoy!

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

How to shop Consignment Sales | Easy Shopper Hacks

by Filed Under: Money Saving

Our family saves thousands of dollars are year shopping consignment for kids’ clothes.  After a few years experience and MANY sales, here are a few tips for making your shopping experience easier, faster, and a HUGE yield of items for your family!

Looking for sales in your area?  You can find them here!

  1. BRING A LIST.  You will get overwhelmed otherwise.   Have a list app on your phone and write down everything you need.
  2. SHOP WITH THE NEXT 6 MONTHS IN MIND.  Most sales happen in the fall and in the spring, so don’t over-buy.  Get the items you need for the next 6 months only!  It’s really difficult to predict how much your kids will grow.
  3. PAY 1/3 OF RETAIL.  This is the max price I will pay and how I know I’m getting a good deal.
  4. DON’T BRING YOUR KIDS.  It’s way too distracting, and you need to be able to focus, sort, and really check all items.
  5. HAVE A FOOT TEMPLATE FOR YOUR KIDS.  Stamp your child’s foot or trace it so you can bring it to the shoe section to compare sizes and make sure you have the right size.  Use a cardboard template if you want to be able to stick it in the shoe.
  6. MEASURE YOUR KIDS’ ARMS.  When clothes are used, they can be a 2T size, but they may have shrunk to a 24 months size.  The arm length is the best way to gague a size.  Measure your kids’ arms and bring measuring tape or a piece of string with you to the sale to make sure all the clothes you buy are going to fit!
  7. BRING GIANT IKEA BAGS.  I bring two and put everything in them.  Buying more than that really isn’t necessary IMO.
  8. GRAB A TON, SORT LATER.  If you see something you THINK you might like, move quickly, grab it, and inspect carefully later.  The good items go fast!
  9. SORT ON A SHEET.  Bring a light-weight sheet in your Ikea bag, and put it out on the floor to sort on, especially if you are shopping for multiple kids!
  10. SHOP FOR BIRTHDAY PRESENTS.  There are TONS of items at consignment sales that are brand new!  Buy for birthday presents for your kids’ friends.  We have a stash in the closet so we are always ready and never stuck paying retail.
  11. SHOP FOR NAME BRANDS.  I never buy the cheaper brands consigning.  I can get those items brand new on sale in the store.  Look for quality, name-brand items to really maximize your savings.

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

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