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!

Think you're ready for a tattoo?

The topic of debate at my house recently has been the addition of tattoos. No, mom, don't worry. I am no getting any more. Joe has decided he wants another, and it has sparked somewhat of a debate.

Now, let me be clear. This is not a debate of whether he should or shouldn't. If he wants another... great. What this debate is about, what this tattoo should be. Joe has a knack for drawing and has developed some wicked designs. Most relate back to and honor his father in some way. The one I am not crazy about is the sugar skull. I found two sugar skulls that I said would look absolutely great on him, but for some reason, he doesn't think so.

 I am all for tattoos, and I have some of my own. Since Joe let it slip to my mother how many I really I have, I can now own up to all of them. Total of six, but let me share some things to think about before the ink hits the skin.

Disclaimer: I do not regret any of my tattoos. They are a part of me, and each have significance or a memory associated with them.

Things You Probably Should Think About:

1. It's there literally forever. (Unless you pay three times the money and endure three times the pain to have it removed.) Do you want to look at it forever? Everyday, every single day. Make sure it is exactly what you want and spelled correctly.

2. Is that song lyric, quote, passage still going to be cool or meaningful in ten years? If you don't immediately say yes, reconsider.

3. Are tattoos frowned up in your profession? Now, I know this is a heated topic, and as times change, the work place is becoming more cognizant and lenient towards tattoos as long as they are not offensive. (That is a whole different topic for another day.) All of mine can be concealed should I choose too. My feet are usually the ones people see when I have a dress or skirt and heels on.

4. How's your finances? Do NOT do this on the cheap. I am all about a deal, but when altering your body for LIFE, here's where you want to spend your money. If your artist is offers to do it for cheap, it's probably too good to be true.

5. Have you researched your artist? Again, you are altering your body FOREVER, Cleanliness and sterilization should be your top priorities. On top of that, you want someone who knows what they are doing. Review their portfolio. With today's technology, it's a lot easier. Artist's or tattoo shops have social media profiles with albums and albums of pictures.

Think about it people! Don't end up on Pinterest as a tattoo fail.

Internet Yard Sale!

I enjoy a great yard sale. My husband, however, DESPISES yard sales. He is more than pleased that I found a great way to find awesome deals, all from the comfort of my home. The new thing? Internet (Facebook) Yard Sales.

I may have an obsession with accessories. Not jewelry per say, but shoes and purses. I know, I know typical girl statement. This past weekend, however, I added 7 new beauties to my purse collection. (One of which I'm not crazy about, but hey they were sold as a lot.)

It is a rare occasion I buy purses or handbags new. I search EBay endlessly and keep an eye out for other online deals. My current obsession: Buy, Sell, Trade groups on facebook. Within the past two months we've found furniture, household items, and other items for next to nothing. We even found our yard/landscaper who does magnificent work for a VERY reasonable price. I also posted some clothing and shoes and made some extra cash.  I encourage you to search in your area for similar groups.

With anything be smart and cautious when shopping via social media:
1. Negotiate the price. With all purchases, we've NEVER paid the price listed online. There's a reason people have these items for sale: to remove from their life or to gain cash.
2. Always pay with cash. Always.
3. Ask several questions about the item before meeting. Specs, dimensions, condition, known issues. This assists in negotiating should you find any additional issues with agrees upon item.
4. When meeting, examine the item thoroughly. Inside-out, underneath, every corner, and every seam.
5. ALWAYS take someone with you!!! This is just a safety concern. You never know who you are meeting. Safety first.

I had a VERY negative experience through a craigslist purchase. The gentleman selling patio furniture begged me to meet him, at his house, without my husband. Needless to say, I DID NOT go. Too creepy.

The items I purchased this weekend...
4 Vera Bradley bags, 2 Nine West, and 1 no brand, hipster bag (the one I'm not thrilled about). All for the outrageous price of $40....

Breathe. I know. I was shocked too.

Snap! I am missing the black microfiber bag!

Now I search endlessly on various facebook pages searching for my next deal.

Until next time. :)