What I Buy at the Dollar Tree

With 3 kids, I try to cut back spending as much as possible and frequently visit the Dollar Tree to get things I need but don't want to spend extra money on. Here is a top list of things that I almost ALWAYS buy there:

• shower curtains (these cost at least $5 in other stores)
• Greeting cards (typically 2/$1)
• Party Supplies (mainly cups and utensils)
• Kitchen Supplies (I just bought a dish scrubber that works better than the last one I bought at Target for at least $4)
• Party Favors
• Ibuprofen and other medicines (I have also been known to buy a pregnancy test or two :D)
• Dental Flossers
• Body Wash
• Hairbrushes

Favorite Pinterest Gardening Ideas

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Baby Shower



Upcoming Baby Shower

My mom and I have been busy planning an upcoming baby shower for a co-worker and his wife. They are expecting a baby girl at the beginning of May and since the mom-to-be loves birds, we will be sticking with that theme. Here are a few Pinterest ideas that I have found over the last few weeks that I adore:

 

 

 

 

I will be sure to post pictures of the baby shower once that time rolls around. Happy Tuesday!



Easter Crafts

 

 

Link up to In the Fun Lane for Scrap Week!



Recent Thrifting Finds

Jules Ikea chair found at Goodwill for $4.99 (regular price $34.99)

Glass Lamp found at Habitat for Humanity $25

(a little more than I wanted to pay but I couldnt put it down)

 

 

Salt and Pepper Shakers found at a local antique store for $12

 

 

Doggie figurine found at a local antique store for $4.99

Treshold Farrah Window Panel found at Goodwill for $10

(regular price at Target is roughly $20)

 



Recent St. Patty's Day Finds on Pinterest

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It pays to shop around

I am a very indecisive person but sometimes it can have it's benefits. I have been searching for a shower curtain to put in our master bathroom for weeks. I went to Bed Bath and Beyond on a mission to get the one that I *thought* I had finally decided on but came out with this one instead:

 

Can you believe that it was marked down to $9.99 (originally over $40)?!? Sometimes you have to make sacrifices all in the name of saving money! 



Family Favorite Dessert

Queen Anne's Cake

 

This is by far one of the richest cakes I've ever had but it is so delicious. I am asked to make this for friends and family during the holidays, birthdays and just because. :)

 

Ingredients:

• 1 box (roughly 18 oz) devil s food cake mix               
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup canola oil
• 3 1/2 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 48 oz hershey bar (I buy the multi packs that have snack size bars) *important--freeze bars prior to grinding them up in food processor. Then  put them back in freezer until ready to add to frosting mixture*               
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 18 oz cool whip

Directions:

For cake, blend all ingredients with a mixer and pour into three 9-inch cake pans that have been well greased and floured. Cook at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

For filling, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugars. Blend until it's not quite so grainy, for about 2-3 minutes. Fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.Blend chopped Hershey bars into the cream cheese mixture.

Frost the cake and decorate as desired.

 



Valentine's Recap

I know..I'm a week behind but I was on vacation last week and my family had top priority. Here is a recap of what our Valentine's Day looked like:

Homemade cake balls for the teachers

Semi-homemade Valentine's for friends

Flowers from my hubby

A beautiful cake on display at a local bakery

Valentine treats for my babies

 

We ended our special day with Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

 

I will be back soon with the goodies that we found last week while thrift shopping. Happy Thursday!



Currently...

reading: The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson...it's full of laughs!

waiting for: more patience. I need it.

 

excited about: our "stay-cation" next week

trying to: get over a cold/sinus infection that I've had for close to 3 weeks now

working on: a bathroom upgrade (more on that later). We've purchased paint and a new shower curtain. Just working on the details now to pull it all together.It will include some of this:

Source

 

enjoying: the Spring like temps we've had this week. Nothing makes me happier than comfortably wearing a pair of sandals and jeans to work

 

using: Pinterest for more dinner ideas. This is what's for dinner tonight

 

Source

 

wearing: lots of sheer blouses (with a shirt undernearth of course!). I like them because you can dress them up with a pair of boots or wear them casually with a pair of sandals

 

planning: Valentine surprises for my hubby and kids

singing: One More Time by Gary Allan. I can't get enough of that song.

 

needing: more peaceful sleep

 

learning: Quality, not quantity

 

listening to: CBN Contemporary Christian radio station

 

wishing: there were more hours in a day to spend with my kids and less hours working

doing: less eating. I'm down at least 5 lbs so far

 

dreaming of: a summer vacation to Georgie and Alabama. For these two reasons:

 

Recent Craft Projects

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

 

 

Our Recent DIY Projects

Custom table made by my husband:

 

 

Finally took the plunge and painted stripes on one of our walls: