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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!

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

 

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.*

How to save money at Costco!

by Filed Under: Money Saving

I’m not affiliated with Costco, I just LOVE shopping there.  We’ve been members of lots of wholesale stores, and it’s by far my favorite.  (Anyone else as obsessed with the Kirkland brand as me?)  You have to be careful, though.  Shopping wholesale can lead to over-buying and under-using.  Statistically, the average family of four wastes about $1,500 a year in UN-used food. (Today.com)  So, to actually save at Costco, here’s what we do to maximize our dollar and making sure we always come out ahead.

*COSTCO POWER-SAVER TIPS*

  1.  Shop 1x a month— I find weekly trips lead to over-buying.  I shop primarily at our grocery store, and I do a stock-up of the items below when we are running low, because they are rock bottom prices.
  2. Split big purchases!  Find a friend that needs toilet paper or paper towels, too and split up your purchase.  You both win in then end.
  3. Have a deep freezer for extra storage.  You can freeze ANYTHING!  No lie.
  4. Use a freezer inventory.  Forget not knowing what is in your freezer.  This leads to food waste.
    • Print my FREEZER INVENTORY FREE PRINTABLE, laminate (or just put in a sheet protector) and attach to your freezer.  Know what is coming in and out, what you should be eating first, and never let food go to waste again.
  5. Shop with a plan.  Use the mailer.  Create a list.  Don’t be distracted by things you don’t need!  Like those giant teddy bears?  Yeah.  Steer clear of JUNK!
  6. BEST PRICES:
    • Meats (VERY well-priced, lots of gourmet selection, too!)
    • Dried fruit
    • Nuts
    • Olive oil
    • Milk
    • Sheet Cake
    • Organic Foods (frozen and fresh)
    • Vitamins
    • Bread
    • Ready-made appetizers
    • Spices
  7. USE IBOTTA to save additionally on top of what you are already buying when you find a good deal (cash out with PayPal and gift cards)
  8. Price Match everything!  Especially housewares and big ticket items.  Seriously.  There are a million and one apps you can download to do this!
  9. HOW TO READ THE SIGNS AT COSTCO:
    • .99 REGULAR PRICE
    • .97 REDUCED
    • .88 OR .00 STORE MARKDOWN
    • AN * MEANS THIS ITEM IS BEING DISCONTINUED
  10. Printer ink is the best DEAL EVER!  You can fill up a cartridge for under $8.  This is awesome!
  11. Big home purchases.  We have had great luck with…
    • sheets
    • storage/organizing solutions
    • outdoor toys and playsets
    • clothes
  12. THINGS TO SKIP:
    • Canned goods
    • Sauces / pasta
    • Boxed goods (in general, unless there is a rebate on select items)
    • Feminine Products
    • Personal Hygiene
      • razors, body wash, etc.

 

FREE PRINTABLES AND RESOURCES IN THIS VIDEO:

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*YouTube has been such a blessing, and I am fortunate to get to work with many brands that I love and use daily!  I have been using Ibotta since 2013 and have saved hundreds using this app.  Thanks to Ibotta for sponsoring this video.  I am not affiliated with Costco.  As always, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Chickpea Popcorn Recipe

by Filed Under: Recipes

In this segment of cooking with Carson (apparently this is a thing now!), we’ll share a great recipe for Chickpea Popcorn!  (Thanks, Dr. Oz for the inspiration!)

 

Easy Chickpea Popcorn

  • 1 can garbanzo beans
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Drains and rinse garbanzo beans.  Place on a rimmed sheet with parchment paper.  Sprinkle dry ingredients over chickpeas, drizzle olive oil, mix to coat.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (or until crunchy).  Serve immediately and enjoy!

If you like a little more “kick to your popcorn…you can try the recipe below, too!

 

SPICY Chickpea Popcorn

  • 1 can garbanzo beans
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Drains and rinse garbanzo beans.  Place on a rimmed sheet with parchment paper.  Sprinkle dry ingredients over chickpeas, drizzle olive oil, mix to coat.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (or until crunchy).  Serve immediately and 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.*

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.*

DIY Baby Wipes | How to make your own baby wipes

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Money Saving, Recipes

Baby wipes are expensive. And loaded with tons of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Carson gets diaper rash very, very easily (it’s insane), and even though he is potty trained, he still wears diapers for naps and bed-time, and we still used wipes after going potty!

I wish I would have found a recipe I loved sooner. There are lots of options out there (many use baby shampoo and oil), but the proportions are all wrong and they leave a residue on your skin.

After some research and experimenting, we found wipes we LOVE and won’t be switching to store-bought any time soon. Besides, you won’t believe the money you save. Just one container of these wipes uses around $1 of ingredients, and considering you pay $4 at the store for the same amount, I’d say that’s a pretty killer savings.

P R O D U C T S U S E D:

Storage Containers (also BPA free)
Fiora Paper Towels
Burt’s Bees Shampoo (natural ingredients, tear free and safe for babies)
Burt’s Bees Body Oil (all natural and safe for babies)
Coconut Oil
Distilled Water

M E A S U R E M E N T S:
1/2 paper towel roll in a 64oz container
1 Tbs. coconut oil
1 squirt baby shampoo
1 squirt baby oil
2 cups distilled water

Combine coconut oil and liquid ingredients (make sure water is warm). Pour over 1/2 a paper towel roll (cut with a non-serrated knife). Remove center roll and pull out wipes from the center. Squish roll down using the lid. Keep sealed for up to 2 weeks.

Let me know if you give this easy recipe a try!

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

How to make Almond Butter!

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Money Saving, Recipes

Can you believe this jar is $11 from Vitacost? Crazy!

For the price the grocery store charges for almond butter, you should be cracking open a can of liquid gold. Or at the very least prime rib. The cost is outrageous. Almond butter can run you $8-$9 PER SMALL JAR. I can’t think of another explanation other than it’s the health-food industry capitalizing on a “trendy” food with a lot of added health benefits. And considering how fast we go through it in our house, I was really excited to discover how easy it was to make your own.

Almond butter is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is great for your health. Peanutbutter is good for you, too (has lots of protein), but isn’t good to be consumed in mass quantities…especially if you have the 24-7-PB&J-requesting-kid. It’s so easy to switch it up with some almond butter with ZERO preservatives and keep your family eating healthful, varied foods on a budget!

You’ll need a food processor and a large bag of raw almonds. The cheapest place to purchases them is Costco where you can get a large bag for about $17. That makes the cost per jar right around $3…about 1/3 of the price in the store!

Process the almonds for 10-15 minutes (stirring occasionally with a spatula) until smooth and creamy like peanut-butter. Store in mason jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. We love to label ours with dissolveable labels.

I hope you give this easy recipe a try. Carson and I will show you how simple it really is!

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

How to “Do It All”

by Filed Under: Organization

I’ve been requested a lot recently to do a video about finding balance. I’m not an expert on the matter, but I do have a lot going on (oh man a lot…it’s bananas over here right now!), and here are a few of my favorite tricks for simplifying my day.

Be sure to enter below to win a planner from Personal-Planner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My favorite ways to “do it all”

1)  Identify what’s important and QUIT BEING SO AVAILABLE.  Forget your phone, 90% of the time it’s just a distraction (I’m still really working on this one!)

2) 80% of the importance of what you are doing can be found in just 20% of your day.  Focus on the first 20% of your to-do list.  What you think is urgent usually isn’t.

3) Make a list and plan accordingly.  I find it easiest to have a planner that shows each member of your family.

4) Work hardest before 12…your productivity decreases after lunch so always front-load your day.

5) Have each item in your checklist include a number so you can quantify what you are getting done.  Don’t write “do laundry” write “do 1 load of whites and 2 loads of colors”…hold yourself accountable!

6) Forget perfection and embrace grace.  It’s not about a perfect house, or doing it all flawlessly.  Give yourself a break.  Enjoy your family.  We have a messy kitchen for HOURS every night and we don’t care!

7)  Find systems that actually simplify.  It’s usually about simple changes.  Sort your mail next to your recycle bin.  Do your laundry where you put it away.

8) Maximize each trip (in and out of the house).  Take as few steps as possible and do as many things as you can each time you get up out of your seat.  You will end

9)  Get SLEEP.  Sleep is necessary for productivity and most people get far to little.  Aim for 7-8 hours of GOOD REST.

10)  Create a breakfast station and kick-start your morning.

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Giveaway ends August 28th 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 products 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.  Personal-Planner provided the planner for giveaway in this post.  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, 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 winner.

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