I used to be embarrassed to shop at the dollar store. I thought it was for old folks and people who just hadn’t gotten the great news about Target yet.

I’ve changed my tune, however, and today I’m sharing 25 items I love to swipe up at the Dollar Store. Before I get started, a few disclaimers:

1. Don’t go hog-wild and buy everything at the Dollar Store, just because it’s “a dollar.” I learned this lesson during my coupon days, too. Ooo, bubble gum scented air fresheners are only $.34 cents a can! I’ll take them all! Even though “$1.00” sounds good, it’s still pricey for some items, so just use your head, and don’t buy things you don’t need or use.
2. Not all Dollar Stores are created equal. In my region, I like the Family Dollar and the Dollar Tree. But there are some dollar stores that oughta be ashamed of themselves. Cluttered, messy shelves, half-made, chincy items…So judge your own store for yourself.
3. I’m not saying that these buys are the lowest deal you’ll ever, ever find in your whole life. If you are a super-shopper, a clearance-aisle master, an expert Amazoner like Stacy, you may have better deals for some of these things. I’ve never been a professional shopper who has my pulse on when nail clippers are on clearance for the lowest price of the season. I have two kids, I’m pregnant, I run a blog, I manage my son’s allergies, and I homeschool.

Shopping just isn’t my side job. [Read more…]

Here’s how I know I’m getting older:

1. I keep finding these frizzy, gray hairs. I’m only 32, y’all!! Is this normal??
2. Also, I the other day I found myself daydreaming about horticulture, and longing to visit some flower museum to admire all the species of flowers, which for most of my life have been very boring!
3. Finally, I constantly say, “Is there a draft in here? I’m freezing. Are you freezing?”

But seriously, y’all. It IS C.O.L.D. here. This is North Carolina. I didn’t sign up for 16 degree (F) wind chill!!

If you’re like me, when you get that heating bill in the mail, you cringe and wonder if they put the decimal in the wrong place. No one wants to spend $500 a month just to stay warm! Do they?? How to save money on heating costs is a constant question in the winter. Let’s go through some good options (view website for more options). You can also contact popular HVAC services in Terrell for HVAC guidance and options.

Keeping the thermostat low can definitely save you money. Some estimate that lowering it by 3-4 degrees can you save you about 10% a month. But once you’ve turned that thermostat down, how can you stay warm? Aside from relying on your heating installation, here are my tips to stay warm in a freezing cold house, without being miserable and freezing your you know what off. You can find more info > on heating options online.

Need a frugal Christmas gift? I have a great little craft for you today!

But wait!!!! Come back!! If you don’t bleed sparkles and glitter or needlepoint in your sleep, have no fear! Anyone can do this!

How do I know that? Oh, because I’m the most un-artsy mom God ever made. If you don’t believe me, look at my living room. I can cook. I can blog, I can remain calm when someone throws up on me (which truly is a skill to be noted). But crafts? And decorating? And scrap-booking? Oh, stop! Just stop.

Y’all, if I say this is easy, it’s easy. And it turned out great! [Read more…]

A lot of things have fallen by the wayside since entering the world of Motherhood. I have no idea what songs are in, what shows are on…and I certainly don’t have time or money to keep up with every random fashion. Generally, I’m fine with these things. I knew what I signed up for. But every once in a while, a girl looks in her closet, and just wishes for some new clothes.  Can I get an “amen”? Enter: The Style Swap.

[Read more…]