Subscribe on YouTube!

organizing | diy | frugal living

Do It On A Dime

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!

signature

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

Screen Shot 2015-11-24 at 8.03.56 PM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

signature

*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.*

Giving back with your kids! {Operation Christmas Child}

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Holiday

If you are looking for a tangible way to give back this holiday season, one of our favorite charity events is Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse.

Samaritan’s Purse is a wonderful non-profit I have enjoyed working with over the years.  Create shoeboxes filled with school supplies, personal hygiene items, and toys to send to a child in need overseas.  The best part of all is this kids will experience God’s love first-hand in a discipleship class and your give will have eternal impact.

See how Carson and I packed boxes this year, and I hope you decide to join us!

**US collection is Nov. 16- Nov. 23 of 2015.  Find your local dropoff!**

Connect to your child by sending information from your kids and family in this free printable!

signature

*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  Images in video and post provided by Samaritan’s Purse.  Learn more about blogger impact here.*

Our Thanksgiving Table

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

Here are some easy ideas to get your table ready this Thanksgiving.  All of these items were either thrift store or Dollar Tree finds (given to me by the beautiful Barbara!…what a kind gesture).  ANYONE can create a beautiful look on a dime.  Hope you enjoy!

signature

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

 

DIY Fall Scents | All natural!

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Holiday, Recipes

The scent of fall always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.  In this episode of “Cooking with Carson”, be prepared to fall in love with fall all over again.  Here is an easy (and all natural) way to make your own home fragrance or home scent.  Your kitchen will thank you.

 

Natural Fall Scent (for use in wax melt warmers)

  • 2 Tbsp of Coconut Oil
  • 1/4 tsp ground (or whole) cloves
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Melt coconut oil in warmer and mix in dry ingredients.  Let your home fill with fall goodness.  As the smell starts to fade, just sprinkle in a bit more of the ingredients and you please.  After letting cool, you will notice that the dry ingredients sink to the bottom and the oil stays on the top.  When you warm it again, mix everything up to help re-activate the smell!

signature

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

 

Love it? Subscribe!