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organizing | diy | frugal living

Do It On A Dime

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.*

Cheap Car Organization {travel & more!}

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

Organizing your car when going on road trips (with kids) can be a headache…  or like you are about to walk into a battle-zone!  Here are my favorite tips for keeping your car organized (all year long) and preparing for longer trips with kids!

      •  Hang a holiday bag on a command hook to create a no-shift garbage can!  This is one of my favorite hacks.
      • Organize your glove box using old CD cases and Dollar Tree plastic pouches.  CD cases make a great mini-first-aid kit or a coloring kit for your kids.
      • I love microfiber cloths (from Dollar Tree) for cleaning the inside of your car to keep it from getting dusty.  A great investment for only a buck!
      • Forget silicone cup liners, they are cumbersome.  Even though it’s all over Pinterest…
      • I LOVE this iPad holder and toy organizer for the back of the seat.  It’s under $15 and is GREAT for kids on long car trips (plus there is a ton of space for toys!)
      • Use over the door hooks from the dollar store to store umbrellas.  They are also great for hanging diaper bags.
      • Have a removable basket with a blanket, first aid kit, and a change of clothes.  These are our most commonly needed items.
      • Invest in a Shop Vac to clean the inside of your car.  One of our home’s favorite investments!
      • Use Dollar Tree bins to corral extra storage and misc. supplies on the floor
      • Have a high quality cooler and pack food on the go (you will save a ton!).  This is our favorite one.

    • Keep “puke bags” and paper towels handy.  Extra trash bags for dirty or soiled clothes.  You will thank yourself later!

These are our favorite ways to travel organized and simply.  Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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

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!

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

 

Dollar Tree & One Spot Haul…plus a giveaway!

by Filed Under: Money Saving, Organization

Here are some favorite items I picked up from Dollar Tree and Target One Spot recently.  I love how everything is just $1!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules of Entry:  Giveaway ends November 5th 2015 at 12:00 am EST. Open internationally.  Winners 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.  The product(s) offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.  Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Dollar Tree are in no way associated with this giveaway.  All prizes are purchased and shipped with my own money.  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.

BUDGET ORGANIZING | Small Girls’ Room & Closet

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

I helped my dear friend organize her daughters’ shared bedroom.  She didn’t have a lot of space to work with, so we maximized what she did have in the closet.  She has some beautiful decor and some great ideas she came up with, too.  I knew I had to share.  Hope you enjoy!

If you are struggling with decorating and organizing small spaces, here are some tips that will really help you!

  1. Re-purpose old items.  You can create beautiful decor this way!  Check out the video to see a beautiful window DIY.
  2. Stencils make a big impact and give a custom look to a room on a dime.  We use them in our home, too and get so many compliments.
  3. Paint Light Fixtures that you don’t like.  Hello, pink!  This is a great way to save money and create a custom look in the room.
  4. Find furniture that has room for storage underneath, especially in small spaces this is key.
  5. Re-think storage spaces.  Who says you have to keep something where it is just because it has always been there.  Re-thinking systems can help you find space you didn’t know you had.
  6. Use cube shelves in the closet.  I can’t say enough good things about this!  It maximizes floor space in standard double-door closets.
  7. Use dollar bins and labels (from Dollar Tree and Target respectively!).  You know I love these, and they are just as good as the expensive guys.
  8. Have a no-fold system using bins.  Dollar Tree plastic bins are a great way to achieve this.  Throw in blankets, burp cloths, socks, etc.  They are contained, easy to find, and it saves you a lot of time when doing laundry.
  9. Make your own baskets using old boxes and jute twine.  You can see more on that here.
  10. Use Dollar Tree plastic shoe bins in drawers for dividers.  These make excellent dividers and they are so inexpensive.
  11. Use Dollar Tree trash cans to store hair bows.  I loved this idea Meredith had!  Girls’ stuff can get everywhere!

I hope you enjoyed these tips and I would love to hear yours below!

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

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