Do It On A Dime

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.*

Dollar Tree Fall Haul and DIYs

by Filed Under: Decor & Furniture, DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Holiday

This year was the first that I was truly disappointed in the fall section at Dollar Tree (if I’m being totally honest). It was underwhelming and stocked with droves of chitzy stuff that seemed a waste of a dollar. FEAR NOT! That makes for a great opportunity to create your own gorgeous fall decor. While standing alone these items are nothing to write home about, together with a bit of glam-factor, they can be a beautiful addition to your home (or kitchen! or hair-styling routine!)

In this video I share with you some easy fall projects… plus some tried and true staples that are definitely worth a purchase. I’m so excited for this season and some cooler weather!

Looking for Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint? Yes, it’s expensive everywhere, but a little bit goes a long, long way!

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

Toddler Room Tour | Organized and Budget-Friendly!

by Filed Under: Decor & Furniture, DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Organization, Teaching

We recently updated Carson’s room to be toddler friendly!  But we had to do it on a tiny budget.  Here are some creative solutions we used to stay organized…and it requires minimal work from me.  No folding?  Yes, please!

SOURCE LIST:

  Screen Shot 2015-09-12 at 10.00.37 AM

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

Organizing Inspiration with Aunt Karen!

by Filed Under: Online Deals, Organization

When I went to Vidcon this year, I stayed with Charlie’s Aunt Karen. She has such an organized home (as you will soon see), and in an effort to equip you with ideas to get organized, I wanted to share this footage with you! It’s fun to see real systems that work in a real house: I definitely learned a thing or two. While some of these ideas are very budget friendly, some are high-end, too. Below I’ve given you budget friendly options if you are looking to achieve the same look. Custom organizing on a realistic budget.

DRAWERS KINFE ORGANIZER

  • PULL-OUT CUSTOM CABINETS: Under $40 per shelf option
    (If you need a super budget friendly option also try using dish wash bins from the dollar store as drawers!)
  • KNIFE BLOCK FOR DRAWER: $20 option

DRAWER DIVIDER DRAWER DIVIDERS

  • DOUBLE UTENSIL DRAWER (if you really need the extra space would be worth it!):
    $30 option
    Otherwise, for a super budget friendly option get junk drawer organizers at the dollar tree and if room allows, stack them
  • PLATTER DIVIDERS FOR CABINET: Under $20
  • DRAWER DIVIDERS: $20 option
  • CANVAS BINS: Dollar Tree (seasonal)
  • RIBBON/WRAPPING BOX: $15 option
  • PLASTIC DRAWERS FOR TOYS: Available in-store at Target and Walmart
  • OVER THE DOOR ORGANIZER: Under $10
  • SMALL TOOL ORGANIZER: $15 option
  • FREE-STANDING GARAGE ORGANIZER Under $40

I hope you enjoyed!

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

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