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organizing | diy | frugal living

Do It On A Dime

Apartment Organization | Small Space Organizing

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Organization

This past weekend Charlie and I traveled to Washington D.C. to visit some good friends from college.  We ate a metric ton and relished in the freedoms of traveling without a toddler.  Don’t get me wrong, we missed the little guy, but we truly got to experience the sights leisurely.  I’m a total geek for history….I’m that annoying girl that’s always asking the tour guides questions and soaking it all in.  #nerdalert #everymuseum

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While we were there, we went to the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl (a DC local hot-spot) and I met the first guy in the door when the place opened in the 50s.  He had the first chili dog Ben’s ever sold!  And I was weird enough to ask for a picture…ha!  Alloftheawkward.  He was super sincere and sweet.  And to be honest, I think the picture made his day more than it did mine. 🙂  These days, he stays away from the chili and orders a salad with a hot dog on it, but he’s still a loyal customer.

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Fun fact…did you know George Washington was over 6 feet tall?  For some reason I always thought he was short!

While we were there, I helped my girlfriend tackle some spaces in her apartment.  Because I’m all about the organizing…even on vacation.  Yup, it’s relaxing to me!  It actually didn’t even take us very long.  Just over an hour to transform a couple of key areas.  Total recharge, and they loved it!

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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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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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Secret Thrifting Weapons!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving

Here are my favorite thrifting weapons of all time for home furnishings.  Most items I bring home need some love, and these are my favorite go-tos!

My top three are:

1) Dollar Tree Fix-All Adhesive (can literally super-glue almost anything together!)

2) Quick Erasers (I have used these for cleaning so many Goodwill finds…from furniture to kids toys!)

3) I also love Wood Scratch Fix Pens and Stain Markers (The key is to match the color right and assess the type of dent/mark.  For scratches, I love the scratch fixers, and for chucks of wood that have come out, I love the stain pens.  I’ve used a Sharpie before, but it looks best when you match the wood color exactly.)

What are your on a budget thrifting go-tos?  Would love to know!

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On-The-Go-Pharmacy…from Dollar Tree!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Organization

Having medicine and emergency kit items on the go is essential.  Here is how you can shop to Dollar Store to create simple on-the-go pharmacies for work and when you travel.  The basics when you need them most.  These are two simple options, and no kit costs over $5!

What do you like to keep on the go and how do you organize it?

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Small Bathroom Organization Tips

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Organization

Here’s are tiny master bathroom (renovated last year) and how we organize it on a tiny budget.  Here are some of my favorite products I use to make it happen.

Over the door organizers: perfect for apartments, too. No drilling required!

 

Dollar Tree Bins

Something you may not know is Dollar Tree does have online ordering options.  Usually you have to order a case of a product (which is sometimes too much for one person), but with bins you could split the order with a friend to make it work for you.  Also, they have added a pack and pack option, where you can order select items in smaller quantities!  Keep your eyes peeled, because I know lots of Dollar Trees tend to sell out of favorite items!

*I am not sponsored by the Dollar Tree. All opinions are genuinely my own.*

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