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!

Cutthroat Couponing

I am not usually one to complain, but I came across a few things that made my blood boil.

I am a beginning couponer. I don't do it for all the freebies, and I don't buy 87 bottles of mustard because it was free. I do however, coupon to save some money and to benefit my family. I have a very, very small stock pile, but it's still nice to run out of dish soap and know I have three in the laundry room.

Now, for my complaints.

1. When I purchase my paper, I expect there to be coupons in there. I bought a Sunday paper for the inserts, and to my surprise... someone had taken the coupons. If you are going to pay for one paper and take a stack of coupons, at least turn the insert-less papers the opposite way, to the bottom, SOMETHING. Now, I know a paper is only $0.75, but it is slightly annoying.

2. Reselling free items for profit.

We have a place called "Vendors Mall" in my local area. It's like an inside yard sale with multiple booths. There is one booth located close to the front (left hand side) who has household products for phenomenal prices. I had bought some toothpaste and cleaner a few times not knowing how or where she got her products. One Sunday, the booth owner was stocking her shelves... She had 3 shopping carts FULL of products. Holy smokes! I couldn't believe the amount someone would spend in store on the products. Again, at phenomenal prices.

Let's fast forward to this past weekend... I had this killer Swiffer coupon and knew the Dollar General had Swiffer for the lowest price in the area. I gathered my coupons and headed to the store. I knew exactly where the items were located and went to grab my two-three products. Then, in the distance, I seen the lady with the Vendors Mall booth with TWO CARTS. She takes her arms and sweeps the ENTIRE SHELF into her cart, and then precedes to unlatch the hanging Swiffer Dusters and empties the ENTIRE RACK into her cart. Turns, smiles, and scurries off to the register. Needless to say, I didn't get my Swiffers.

I was curious and had an inkling of what was happening. I credit my ability to solve this crime to my obsession with the ID channel. I wandered around while she was checking out. At the end of her transaction, the total was some insane price. Then... she grabs her envelopes, and I see them. The sharply cut edges of a yellow and green shiny piece of paper with $2.00 OFF printed boldly across the top. Sigh. She walked out of the store paying only 1/4 of the original cost.

Mostly out of curiosity, I waited around as she loads her items into her car. She fiddles around for a minute, and then she drives out of the parking lot. I HAD TO FOLLOW. She takes a left, heads straight through the light, and flips a right turn signal on. SHE WAS GOING TO THE VENDORS MALL. I park a few rows back. It's difficult to be a private eye in a pink car. Pops open the trunk, unloads her product, and goes inside. I venture into the store, and I find will scar me for some time.

The owner of the booth is pricing her items and stocking her booth.

First and foremost, I am almost positive there has to be something illegal about this. It was disappointing more than anything. Who knew couponing was so dirty and cutthroat??

I kinda want to hang signs in her booth that lets shoppers know how she's acquired the items. I understand it's hard work, but REALLY? I just don't think it's right.

To add salt to the wound. I am scrolling through my buy, sell, trade pages on facebook, and see a post where a woman is set up in a parking lot, selling products she's acquired through couponing. Shame on these people. I just wanted to dust my house.

Enough of complaining, I will write another post about my coupon beginnings. I've convinced my mom and one of her friends to join too. It should be interesting.