Do It On A Dime

Organize a nursery on a budget!

by Filed Under: Decor & Furniture, Money Saving, Organization

Here is baby boy Owen’s nursery room tour!  We were working with a really tight budget (I spent only a few hundred dollars out of pocket to make this space come together).  I’ll share how we keep the room organized, how to make your own crib skirt and mobile, toy rotation, and more!  Can’t wait to meet you, Owen 🙂

**Watch the closet tour here.**

CRIB MOBILE SUPPLIES:

BEDDING:

OTHER ITEMS MENTIONED:

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

Closet Organization Makeover!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Organization

Don’t know where to start on your organizing journey and feel overwhelmed?  Don’t have a lot of on money to spend? Have a small master closet?  This video is for YOU!   Let me take you through the ENTIRE process from start of finish of simple closet organizing ideas that you will love seeing every morning.  The best part is these systems aren’t novel.  They aren’t earth-shattering.  Just easy organizing ideas using what we already had on hand, a few simple solutions, and Dollar Tree products!

Want to see more start to finish organizing?  I recently collabed with What’s Up Moms to help Elle transform her space.  Check out her video on their blog!  Be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel for more content (they have almost reached 1 million subscribers!  YAY!)

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

NURSERY CLOSET ORGANIZATION….on a budget!

by Filed Under: Money Saving, Organization

When baby #2 rolls around, you resolve to re-evaluate what actually worked.  Not what you thought would work on some idealistic planet (that you quickly discover does NOT exist!)  With our first, we learned a lot and we had so much success with this style of closet organization.  I knew I needed to implement it this go-around.  Ain’t nobody got extra time with two kids 😉

Here are my best secrets to organize a baby’s nursery closet on a budget!

  1. Get an OVER THE DOOR SHOE ORGANIZER.  These are LIFESAVERS in the closet as they create extra storage (especially for pacifiers and teethers).  You can’t mess this system up!
  2. Don’t go big or go home if you need a new closet organizing system.  You can purchase UNDER $100 CLOSET ORGANIZING SYSTEMS for a FRACTION of what you pay at more custom stores.  Install to the ceiling to maximize vertical space!  We purchased a system for a 3-6 foot closet.
  3. NURSERY CLOSET DIVIDERS are the BEST.  We keep the current size clothes and the next size up in the closet and divide them out so they are easy to find.
  4. Create a no-fold system!  We just use bins and throw stuff in.  Pants, blankets, burp cloths.  They stay organized without the hassle.  Trust me!  We got our bins at Aldi, but you can find similar options are the dollar store.
  5. Need more space?  Try undermount organizers for extra blankets or swaddlers.
  6. Store extra diapers and next size up clothes at the top of the closet.
  7. Keep a laundry basket in the closet for clothes that no longer fit.  As you notice an item is getting snug, toss it in– you are sorting and updating your closet as you go!
  8. Cube shelving units are PERFECT for small closets (and you can utilize bins on the top).   The best place to find these is Walmart.  We fill them with Dollar Tree bins and don’t fold anything.  Just toss in and you are on your way!
  9. Keep white onesies separate from the rest of your clothes.  This sounds insane, but it is really helpful.
  10. Keep toys on the bottom bins so they are easy to take out and later easy for your kids to put away.
  11. Utilize side walls with extra hooks and invest in a corner laundry organizer to maximize space (we got ours at Target for less than $20!)

I hope these ideas were helpful.  And I really hope they were simple….because having a kid sure isn’t 😉

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*This is not a sponsored post.  Links contain affiliates.*

:45 second breakfast ideas!

by Filed Under: Money Saving, Recipes

*Thanks to Jimmy Dean for sponsoring this segment of Cooking with Carson!  All opinions are genuinely our own…including Carson’s commentary ;)*

Getting breakfast ready in the morning can be stressful.  Especially if you are constantly running late like me!  Ha!  Here are some :45 second breakfast ideas that are easy to have on hand to keep busy mornings simple.

**Want more easy breakfast ideas?  Check out Jimmy Dean Breakfast on YouTube!

**Also, don’t forget to download your $1 off Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Sausage coupon!

****SAUSAGE AND PITA SANDWICH****

  • Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Sausage
  • Round Wheat Pita
  • 2 slices of Gouda cheese
  • 3-4 sliced grape tomatoes

Cook sausage for :45 seconds (it’s really that fast because it’s fully cooked!)  Add your pita, cheese, and grape tomatoes and you’ve got an instant on-the-go breakfast!

MONEY-SAVING BONUS TIPS:

  • Download a $1 off Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Sausage coupon (hurry offer ends soon!)
  • Gouda and Edam cheese both have similar flavors.  Sausage pairs well with stronger, buttery or nutty textures.  Cheese not on sale?  Look for other similar cheeses on sale like Baby Swiss or Havarti.  If you have a really picky eater, Munster is also a great option.  Most grocery stores rotate significant, rotating markdowns in the deli aisle.

****READY-GO SMOOTHIE****

  • 2 bananas
  • 1/2 a container of spinach
  • 2-3 small cartons of berries or frozen berries
  • frozen mangos

Add ingredients to individual baggies and freeze for up to 3 months.  Keep in a tupperware to prevent freezer burn.  Add a cup or so of juice to the frozen packs in a blender and you have a smoothie that is ready to eat in seconds.

MONEY-SAVING BONUS TIP:  Frozen and Fresh berries usually pack an equal amount of nutrients so when in season, buy fresh, and when out of season, buy frozen.  You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck.  Want organic?  Frozen is almost always the way to go!

****FRUIT AND YOGURT ROLL-UPS****

  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 small cartons of berries
  • Greek Yogurt (2 containers)
  • 1/2 Cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • spray butter

Add a frosting layer of Greek yogurt to a tortilla.  Top with berries and roll like a burrito.  Spray with spray butter and run through combined sugar and cinnamon on a plate.  Flash freeze for 2 hours then cut in half and put in individual Ziplock backs in a tupperware in the freezer.  Let thaw a few minutes before eating and enjoy!

MONEY-SAVING BONUS TIP: Look for cash back on fresh food, yogurt, tortillas and more from mobile coupon apps like Ibotta (the app is completely FREE).

****INSTANT SAUSAGE AND EGG****

  • 1 egg
  • Jimmy Dean’s Fully Cooked Turkey Sausage
  • Cheese as desired

Whisk egg and cheese in a small mug.  Add sausage to the mug and microwave for :45 seconds to 1 minute 10 seconds.  Turn mug over and serve on a plate with your favorite fruit!

****READY-GO INSTANT OATMEAL****

  • Instant oatmeal
  • Powdered coffee creamer
  • Brown sugar

Add a serving of oatmeal to a snack-size ziplock baggie.  Add 1 tsp. of Brown Sugar and 1 tsp. Coffee creamer to each baggie for sweetness and smoothness.

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Carson’s New Fish! (Toddler Learning)

by Filed Under: Money Saving, Teaching

I’m all about finding ways to keep your kids busy, learning, and have responsibility.  Getting a pet is not for everyone, but with Carson’s interest in habitats and him transitioning to his big boy room, I wanted to give him the opportunity to learn about fish care!

Here’s how we got him a fish on a small budget.

SUPPLIES AND COST:

  • Male Betta: Petsmart (under $7)
    • Male Bettas must be kept alone as they are aggressive to other males and will breed with females.  They are beautiful fish that come in a variety of colors.  Put a mirror next to the tank to watch them strut their stuff!
  • Tank: Craigslist ($10)
    • Craigslist is probably the cheapest place to find a tank!  You can find some amazing options (many already come with gravel, plants, and a filter for about $10-$20.  Be sure that you have at least 2.5 gallons for your Betta.  They do not like small environments contrary to popular belief.
  • Betta Food: ($2.39)
    • The CHEAPEST place to find fish food is Amazon.  The pet store will easily upcharge you 3x that!

  • Betta Blood Worms, optional treat: ($3.02)
    • These make a great weekly or bi-weekly trait.  It’s important to vary your fish’s diet.
  • Water Cleanser: ($6.34)
    • It’s important to prepare the water for your fish (especially if you are using tap) for fish health and optimal coloring.
  • Petsmart Plants: ($0.99 ea.)
    • Forgo the expensive ones and get the .99 cent cheapies.  Just make sure they are fabric as plastic plants can scratch your fish’s scales and fins.
  • Dollar Tree Gravel: ($1 per bag)
    • This is a great an inexpensive place to round out your tank!

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

DIY Home Scent Hacks (for cheap!)

by Filed Under: Cleaning, DIY Projects, Money Saving

Here are some RIDICULOUSLY SIMPLE home scent hacks that are natural and actually work!  I love having a fragrant home but I don’t want to have to spend a lot of time or money doing it.  I hope you enjoy these tips!

HACK 1:  Stovetop Simmer

  • 2-3 cups of water
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Simmer on your stove (adding water as necessary) or keep on low in your Crock Pot all day long.  It will fill your home with an amazing, fragrant scent you are sure to love (for any season!)

HACK 2:  Mason Jar Fridge Deodorizer

Add baking soda to a mason jar in your fridge.   Cover with scrapbook paper that you poke holes in or cheese cloth (you can find it at the Dollar Tree!)  Leave in your fridge for 6 months to absorb nasty odors!

HACK 3:  Essential Oils in the Bathroom


Add a fairly generous amount (7 drops) of essential oil to the inside of your toilet paper roll.  It will freshen the bathroom every time you visit!

If you are looking for inexpensive oil that is perfect for all your home cleaning and fragrance needs, I recommend this one.

HACK 4:  Dresser Drawer Scents

Add a bar of soap to your dresser drawers.  Alternatively, spray a popsicle stick with essential oil or samples of perfume (the wood will really absorb the scent) and you will love the way your drawers smell every time you open it up!

Looking for my drawer organizers?  You can find them here!
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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  Links contain affiliates.*

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