Do It On A Dime

Pantry Organization: Dollar Tree Style!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Organization

IMG_6418This is probably one of my favorite collabs to date because I got to hang out with the amazing AtHomeWithNikki!  For those of you that are subscribed to her, of course you know why I love her so much.  She’s such a genuine, talented lady with a love for all things home and style (good grief can this girl decorate!) and a heart anchored in the Lord.  We’ve known each other on YouTube for years, and this was our first time getting to meet in person.  She was in the Charlotte area helping her brother and sister in law in their brand new home, and we made a day of shopping, lunch, and a pantry makeover.  Totally nerding out on organizing supplies.  <3IMG_6379There are times when you meet someone and you feel like you’ve known them forever.  Nikki is one of those people.  Our work on the pantry didn’t feel like work, it was just friends hanging out.  Smiling, laughing, collaborating, and just celebrating life.  I got to hold her beautiful baby niece (baby fix!) and spoke on the phone with her completely adorable mom.  Such a blast.

Here is how the amazing pantry transformation turned out… it was a makeover that was under $100.  All Dollar Tree products and a couple of Wal-Mart glass jars.  No kidding!  But this space is more than pretty bins.  It is a system that is going to keep it functioning for their family for years to come.

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I’m loving these large mason jars.  I think they really make the space!  They are one of the only items that you can’t find at the Dollar Tree.  They do sell smaller mason jars, but these 1/2 gallon ones are the best!

Here is the video tour, with some tips and tricks of how we got this pantry functioning.  Come hang out with us!

Don’t forget to catch Nikki’s video here!

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DOLLAR IDEAS: Fridge Kitchen Command Center

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Organization

Lots of you have asked how we keep paperwork and important documents organized, and I have said in previous videos that a huge key to function is having a kitchen command center.  The side of your fridge is a great space for this, (especially if your kitchen is small!) So here is how I created a functional area on the side of our fridge, using products that are $1 or less a piece.  Some of these I had on hand, so I did this for under $5, but even paying full retail, it would still be a very budget project (You could replicate something very similar for around $15 total!)

Many of you ask about the magnets I use, and these are KEY to having this system work.  You need quality magnets that won’t slip on the fridge.  By far my favorites are these Magnetic Clips to hold my Dollar Spot pencil holder and these OXO brand Magnetic Mini Clips for holding the paperwork.

Full Product List:

1) Sheet Protector Folder (Dollar Tree) and Magnetic Mini Clips to hold it up (OXO brand)

2) List and Notepad (Dollar Spot at Target) and Magnetic Clips to hold it up

3) Pencil Container (Dollar Spot at Target)

4) Cork Boards (Dollar Tree)

5) Flag Chalkboard Labels (Dollar Spot at Target)

6) “Washi” Tape (Dollar Tree)

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Kitchen Organizing Ideas {Favorite Organized Space Collab}

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Online Deals, Organization

Here are some of my favorite ways we use to keep our kitchen cupboards and counter-tops working for us on our peninsula counter-top.  We use this area for so much (it probably has some of the greatest foot traffic in our entire house…including lots of crumbs!), so here’s how we maintain it and keep it organized.

These are real ideas that work for real families.  It’s not gorgeous or magazine worthy just crazy-functional on a budget.  Always my goal 🙂

Some products featured in this video (click the image to learn more)…everything works with a budget!

1.  Gallon Glass Canister: I found mine at the Goodwill, but it’s the same model as this guy (great reviews).  It looks beautiful on a countertop and is perfect for on the go breakfasts.  This guy has morphed so many time in our kitchen depending on our needs.

2.  Keurig Carousel: We love that this stores 32 K-Cups.  It helps me choose a different coffee every day.  We only buy them on super sale, so it’s always a surprise what we will keep on it!

3. Under Shelf Basket: These truly maximize your space in any cabinet.  Great for anything, and under $10!

3.  Dollar Tree Sugar Dispenser:  This guy was from the Dollar Tree.  Love it.  Keeps the ants a bay, too!

4.  Dollar Tree Dishwash Bins:  These things are amazing for organizing in shelves.  And for just a buck, you can’t beat the price.  We have used them for years and they have held up well.

5.  Dollar Tree Canisters: These things are awesome.  BPA free and come in three sizes!

6. Dollar Tree Chalk Labels:  They’ve updated them since I bought mine and I love the new look!

7. Dollar Tree Food Storage Container:  Yes they sell these at Dollar Tree!  They are beyond amazing!  They fit a perfect portion size.  We have our cupboards filled to the brim with these guys.

8. Tackle Box:  I found mine at the Goodwill for just .99 cents.  They retail for about $7 (the one linked has adjustable dividers).  I find it’s easiest to store them with my cookbooks!

So that’s why I’m loving my kitchen.  How do you keep your kitchen organized?

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Dollar Tree Clothes Review

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving

I’ve looked all over the web for a place that honestly and candidly reviewed the clothes and fashion accessories that Dollar Tree carries (or at least most of them), and I couldn’t find it!

So as a part of my Dollar Tree Review Series, I decided to review 10 types of clothes and give you my two cents.  Honestly, I was more impressed than I thought I would be.

Rules:  I had to wear and use them, and I had to wash them before weighing in.  That way you would get an accurate assessment!

Here are my findings…

1) Fashion Scarves: A+  These guys are thin but well made and come in tons of cute patterns.  Great for teens and gifts!

2) Sunglasses: A+  I’ve found these to be pretty on par with a $12 pair of sunglasses from Walmart or Target.  I always keep a spare in my car just in case.

3) Winter Hats:  A++ Oh my, you MUST pick up some of these!  The quality is amazing.  They are thick and lined.  They don’t have any cute designs or patterns that I have seen (just standard grey), but they are really worth it!

4) Gloves: ??  I’m still deciding on these.  Carson FINALLY wore them the other day and they seemed pretty good so far.

5)  Flip Flops: B+ Comfortable, good longevity, but the pattern ones will chip.  So stick with solid colors.

6) Footie Socks: C-  They seems great (they are a nylon), but they really got messed up in the wash.  They fit well, I just wish they lasted more than one wash 🙁

7) Women’s Athletic Socks: C+  They are pretty good and hold up well, but they are thin.

8)  Kids’ Socks (18-24 months): A  These are great, hold up well, and they will last as long as you need them to with as fast as those little feet grow!

9)  Men’s Athletic Socks:  B-  Comfortable, not quite as nice as Hanes, but seem to hold up well after a wash.

10)  Men’s Dress Socks: A-  These aren’t high-end socks, but for what you are paying they are pretty good!  Worth it if you only wear suits occasionally!

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Dollar Tree Organizing…Under the Sink!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Organization

I’m LOVING the new Dollar Tree Spring Organizers.  They come in pastel blue, light green, red, and pink this year.  This is one of my favorite seasons to organize because the colors of the bins are so classically beautiful (Mommas of girls you have to check out their pink options…ahh!).  Get out there and stock up, people!  Here’s how I transformed my under the sink area in our powder room from zero to hero with just $5!  Enjoy 🙂

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Valentine’s Toddler Craft | “Stained Glass” Windows

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Holiday, Teaching

I love getting crafty during the week with Carson.  That hands-on time is so important for filling our day (and I really think it helps him rest better for naps and a night!).  One of my favorite go-tos for craft ideas is the Dollar Tree.

They sell self laminating sheets (5 for $1) and they make awesome stained glass windows with tissue paper!

Want to hang out more with us?  Check out my newest Day In the Life Video!

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Password Organization and Tips

by Filed Under: Organization


Many of you have been asking me to do videos on digital organizing.  So, I want to start sharing computer and digital organizing tips when I feel I have a system that really works (no matter how simple it is!).

To organize my passwords, I use a The Personal Internet Address & Password Log Book it’s just $6, and it helps tremendously (especially remembering all of your online accounts for when you go to change your passwords).

I also share my fail-proof system for remembering all your passwords and having unique passwords for each site you visit (not matter what its requirements) for heightened security.

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