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!

Why Not Wednesday? Perfectly Posh Apricots Overnight

This is a special Why Not Wednesday. Mostly because I'm not posting it at 10PM. This post is also special because a long time friend offered products in return for a review. I told her I would do one better and offer a blog. Why not?

Tabby is a Perfectly Posh consultant and was looking for a few people to try out products. She had a few options, but I decided to go with Apricots Overnight. Who doesn't love the scent of apricots?! This is a moisturizing face mask. You apply on clean dry skin at night and rinse off in the morning. It contains several fruit extracts to help with skin rejuvenation.

When I say a little bit goes a long way... I mean it! Which with face products, this is always exciting for me. It's a mask, so note before purchasing, this product will be thicker than your normal moisturizer. I've only used my sample once, but there's no doubt I'll get five full uses out of this sample packet.

 If you've known me any length of time, I've struggled with my skin since hitting mid-20s. I've tried a million moisturizing products! In one use, all my dry patches were gone!! After rinsing off, my face felt refreshed and looked vibrant.

I really recommend this product. A full size tube is $22 for 3 fl oz. My sample was only .15 fl oz, so I could only imagine how long this would last.

You can purchase online through Tabby's Perfectly Posh website https://www.perfectlyposh.com/TabathaJustice  Check it out! 

Why not? Wednesday and a Giveaway!!!: Shimmer Eye Shadows and Primers

This Why Not Wednesday has been in the works for a while. Mostly because as you will notice, I've tried a fair share of products to find my favorite one(s).

I am a HUGE fan of cream eye shadows. I know some of you will cringe and think the only thing they do is crease. Well I would be lying if I didn't encounter that same problem. After a lot of trial and error, I found some that I really really like. I am not an eyeshadow primer fan. It always feels a little too heavy for my lids, but I do like using a cream as a base. I think it provides a little more 'adhesive' for my shadow. I will use an eye primer if it is a special event, or I know I will be sweating/outside. Here is a review for 8 total I've tried and definitely listed in order. My favorites... all come from e.l.f. which means they are extremely affordable.

8. e.l.f. Glitter Primer: This is thick, and I really didn't see any glitter flakes. It dries extremely chalky and left a white residue on my lids. There is no evident staying power as indicated in an eyeshadow primer. It was originally bought on a whim since I found it at our local Dollar Tree for $1.00. You can purchase this online for $2.00 on e.l.f.'s website. Eye Glitter Primer

7. Hard Candy Eye's the Limit Shadow Primer: This is creamier and thinner than the primer mentioned above. It was included in a gift set I received for Christmas, so no harm done in trying it out. I couldn't get this to dry. It remained tacky, and my shadow creased like crazy. I tried it with glitter, matter, satin, and any other shadow you could imagine. You can only find this at WalMart for $5.00. Eye's the Limit

6. Maybelline Color Tattoo: This is the only *matte* base I own. I also found this at our local Dollar Tree hence why I have a less than ideal color. I really like this to build my crease. It does an amazing job, but I cannot use it as an all over base. The shadow sticks well and keeps it in place. I can't speak to creasing because I used it as a builder. I think I would enjoy these in a different shade. Color Tattoo

5. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color: These are very creamy and work best be used with a concealer type brush. There is a range of colors. I used the lighters ones as an entire base, but also used the darker colors as eyeshadow. They offer nine different colors are a mix of shimmer and matter. These run about $14.00, but I know Cari, my BFF, runs amazing deals and great parties. Shop with her today! Mary Kay Cream Eye Color

4. e.l.f Facial Whip: For $1.00, you can't beat this buy! It is extremely pigmented and multipurpose. I love the glitter power of this product. It makes for a great base shadow. My con, it is very watery, so it can be hard to manage and placement can be a little messy. It dries somewhat quickly; although, I do have to wait for it to dry before applying the next color. It is available in 3 colors. It can be purchased in your local drugstore or online. e.l.f. Facial Whip

3. Mary Kay Cream Highlighter: MK why do you do this to me?! It is DISCONTINUED!!! I would still be using this as my cream base if it wasn't insanely hard to find. This was actually developed to be a cream highlighter. I used it as an all over eyeshadow base.  It is so creamy, just the right amount of shimmer, stays in place, and doesn't crease!!! I can't find a direct link, but there are some on Ebay for sale.. at an inflated price.

2.  e.l.f. Shimmer Palette: This small palette offers four different colors- an icy silver, two pinkish peaches, and a taupe/sand color. These are weightless and smooth. This is another multipurpose makeup product. I mostly use it as an all over eye base, but occasionally as an inner eye corner and nose highlighter. I also really like this if I am going for a somewhat natural look. It's the right amount of sheen. I've not seen this in store, but you can purchase it online. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

1. e.l.f. Smudge Pot: I  LOVE THESE THINGS!!! They are almost identical to the texture of the MK Cream Highlighter mentioned above. These things also DO NOT come off. There is no movement, no creasing,  no smudging (despite the name). There is an assortment of colors and great for a smoky eye- a total of 11. The names are super cute. My favorite color is Ain't that Sweet? It is a pink base, but the glitter flakes are multicolored. When in the sun, it has a holographic, iridescent effect. Gorgeous!! These are $3.00 a pod, which I think is great! Only con- I don't like how these are applied with a brush, and I wish the mouth of the pod was a little wider for accessibility. Local drug stores sell some colors, but for the full range check out online. e.l.f. Smudge Pots

Below are swatches of all the products except #7 and #8.

 

Do you want to add some of these to your collection?! Yes, that's right I am doing a small giveaway!

 

 1. Ain't that Sweet? e.l.f. Smudge Pot

2. Lilac Petal e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip

2. Pink Petal Mary Kay Eye Shadow (sample- LOVE this color!)

3. Beach Bronze Mary Kay Nourishine Gloss (sample- PERFECT for Summer!)

5. Orange Polka Dot Mini Composition Book- Why you ask? This thing is my best friend. I write down all my thoughts, blog ideas, and prayers. Basically anything that pops into my mind. You need to try it! It will make you feel better. 

Though the giveaway small, she is fierce. And FREE!

How to enter? 

Answer the following question- What is your favorite summer product? Comments can be posted on Facebook or Instagram (as the blog link/info will be posted on each site). Please ensure you tag me, so I can validate your entry.

How to win?

The winner will be selected from a random number generator online and notified to obtain mailing information. 

The giveaway will begin tonight Wednesday August 5 2015 and will last through Friday, August 14 2015 at 11:59 PM

No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. One valid entry per person. Prize totals around $6.00. Giveaway is open to US residents ONLY.

Happy entering and best of luck! 

Oh yeah, and if you want to share my post... I would appreciate it. Maybe your friends want to enter too!

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.

Why Not Wednesday? Garnier Clean + Skin Care

Okay, okay, so I talk about my skin a lot. I also talk about my journey to find makeup and skin care products I truly like. As you know, I was a loyal one brand user. At some time my trusty brand was no longer making the cut as the prices climbed higher and higher. Makeup I've had tremendous success replacing once loved products with a new brand. Skin care?? That's an entirely different story. Cross between being a skin care product snob and extremely sensitive, I had troubles. I had to be cautious and read every label.

My skin is combo/oily. The oily spots mostly on my chin and TZone. I have facial redness and larger pores around the nose area.

I had seen the commercials for the Garnier Clean + line, and somehow received a sample of the blackhead eliminating scrub. I do not have a lot of blackheads, but I do have deep pores which I felt with other cleaners, did not become totally clean. I read several reviews and did my research on the product. This product does contain salicylic acid, but only at 2% (lower than most). The surprise ingredient that has never been on my face or in a facial product I've used before- Charcoal. Because of charcoals detoxifying properties, it is a great cleanser! The salicylic acid and charcoal draws out and absorbs dirt and grime from your pores. Intriguing.

 I thought Why not? and ripped open the little sample packet.

 It's a gel formula with exfoliating granules which washes and rinses easily. Standard washing procedure: wet hands, lather, scrub face, and rinse.  I read some reviews where consumers used an exfoliating brush as well and had not so great experiences. I am guessing the exfoliating granules combined with the brush was too harsh on the skin. In those cases, it did cause ski irritation and redness.

I patted my face dry, and it felt incredibly cleaner.No irritation, no redness.I was impressed! The next morning my face still felt incredibly clean. I headed to my local WalMart and purchased the full size bottle. It was only $5.97 nearly a quarter of the price of my previous cleanser.

A week later I am using this product, and still in love! No dryness or itchy patches from the extended use of salicylic acid. My pores do seem to be reducing in size or not as prominent before. Definitely recommended if you are looking for an affordable, non-abrasive exfoliant.

This is readily available at any local store where health and beauty products are sold! Check it out!
What?! Get your free sample here!!
Orrrrrrrr, a FREE sample here!

This link will take you directly to the Granier page. :)

Speaking of charcoal. I came across this picture sometime ago. I absolutely love this picture, and love Ms. Audrey. Enjoy :)