Favorite Dollar Tree Buys!

As you know, I live in a fairly small town, so when the Dollar Tree opened up- it was a BIG deal. If you're not sure what the Dollar Tree is... the name will give you one hint. Everything is $1.00. Like many dollar stores, some products are hit and miss. In my earlier posts, I raved about the disposable razors I found (because razors are expensive). The items below are things I buy every time I visit OR try before you buy deal.

 1. Quick Erasers (generic Magic Erasers): I love Magic Erasers, but I do not love their price. These are great to have if you have critters (two or four legged) at home. They literally clean everything. I saw a facebook post regarding these dupes and how awesome they work. I HAD to try them, and I will have to say they are awesome. You get two is the box for $1.00 compared to the pack of two Mr. Clean brand at Walmart for $2.80. SOLD!!!

2. Cleaning Supplies: Let's face it. No one likes buying cleaning supplies. You're just buying something to facilitate completing an already lengthy chore. Shelling out $3-$5 for name brand, does not make me or my wallet smile. You can find a wide variety of cleaning supplies at the DT. Also, usually you can catch name brand items! I stock up when I find these treasures!

3. Parchment Paper and Plastic Storage Bags: Another items, you are going to use and toss, so why spend a fortune of name brand?! I love the surefresh storage bags and buy them in a variety of sizes.

4. Toothpaste: You can find super deals on toothpaste at DT- especially when coupled with a coupon. We always buy our toothpaste here. Again, I'm still getting name brand at a fraction of the price.

5. BOBBY PINS!!! No matter how many I buy they ALWAYS end up missing. (Actually, when I was washing the bed linens the other day, I found 8-10 in the bed. Oops!). Bobby pins are available at about any store, but I can't bring myself to pay $2+ for something I KNOW I am going to lose. This is a 2 pack for $1.00. Plus,  it's incredibly hard to find the gold/blonde colored pins, but my local DT always carries them.

6. Tissue Wrapping Paper: I sell regularly online, and if I've learned anything- people love opening a beautifully wrapped package. (Colourpop is getting it right!!) You can buy a pack of 25 solid colored sheets, OR if you like a little more flare, you can buy a pack of 8 sheets as well. I always buy tissue wrapping paper in bulk because I go through it so ofter.

7. Duct Tape: Again, back to selling online... Have you checked the price of duct tape recently at a major retailer?! I REFUSE to pay $4-$6 for a roll!!! Thankfully, DT offers super cute patterns in roles at their store. This is another item I typically buy multiples at one time. 


I did a rough estimate if you were to buy everything pictured  at a large retailer (name brand items)- $33-$35 total!

One quick trip to the Dollar Tree- $12 plus tax!

It's a win in my book! Do you have some Dollar Tree favorites? Let me know!

Life with a 3rd Shifter

(I told ya I promised to write more blogs!)

This blog has been on my mind and heart for a while. My husband picked up a third shift job about a year ago. This was a the same time I converted to working from home. It literally turned our schedules upside down. We were two people working 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday for many, many years. We had a routine. We had a schedule. At first, it was an incredibly hard adjustment, but after a lot of trial an error, we finally found something that works for us.

I am incredibly thankful for a husband who works full time to provide for his family. He endures crappy hours for the greater good. Beyond work, he stays determined to stick to his prior commitments outside of his family life. Even more so, I am thankful he has a job he enjoys, and an employer who treats him so well!! They are caring, genuinely interested in their workers, and flexible. You can't find all those qualities in more employers. But don't let me fool you... third shift can still be tough.

The world still goes on. I have a husband who works a 12 hour shift and gets home at 6AM. Need to run errands? Doctor visits? Pay bills? Guess what? He sacrifices sleep to get everyday tasks done. Most places are only open 9-5, so he's forced to meet their schedules. We try to schedule on his days off, but it's not always feasible.

No more family meals on work days. I usually do not get off work until 5PM or later, and with my husband leaving around 5:45PM- there's not much room for dinner together in between. (I mean- unless it's cereal). We used to eat dinner together every day. Now, it's whatever he can grab, and he's out the door.

Adapting to cooking smaller portions. When I try to cook for myself, I have to make smaller portions. I usually still cook for two, so one of us can eat leftovers. I miss cooking full meals, but I just find it silly to cook a big meal for myself.

My husband never knows what day it is. Poor Joe can't remember if it's Thursday or Friday. When you work multiple nights in a row, I would say it's hard to keep track of the days. When it's after midnight, does he say it's still today or tomorrow?!

The misery when someone calls him repeatedly at 11AM, and he's trying to sleep. Would you like someone to call you at 3AM to chat?

Even on his day off, we still operate on different schedules. I still wake up when he's headed to bed.

I believe the hardest thing of all is the amount of time we actually have to see each other throughout the week. Like I said, before we were both home around 6PMish and had the entire night to spend with one another. Now... his two days off seem almost nonexistent. In the blink of an eye, they are over, so we try to take advantage of them the best we can.

27 isn't too bad.

Once again, I've been missing for around two weeks or so. I try to write at least once a week, but sometimes that doesn't happen. Especially with a birthday, doctor, Poshmark, Plexus, and hair appointment in between.  Plus... I've been laptop-less- not to be confused with topless. Writing blogs is really difficult when you don't have a laptop. I tried.

Turning 27 wasn't too bad. The outpouring of love and well wishes was absolutely stunning. Not to mention, some really thoughtful, really great gifts. I was even to celebrate with food and friends TWICE.

The husband absolutely outdid himself.

Not only, will we be cruising to the Bahamas in October- I am writing to you on a fancy-smancy new computer. Since he confiscated the laptop, he knew I needed something to write my blogs, create digital cards/invitations (did you know that happens on the side?), and.... officially be able to play Sims. (I also bet you didn't know that?!)

I fully suspect this new computer will allow me to focus a little more time on all the technology-based things in my life. Prepare yourself for some grocery list, organization, DIY, pale girl, pet loving, probably some complaining blogs. Have something specific in mind? Let me know! 

I'm now patiently awaiting my staycation in June and Bahamas in October.