As we get ready to bid 2023 adieu, I'm already thinking about ways to save more in '24 (hey, that rhymes!). And that starts with the 5 things I always stock up on at Dollar Tree. First up is hand soap. If Covid taught us anything, it's to wash your hands. This Delta Soap comes in a generous-sized bottle, and its subtle scent is a family favorite.
Banish B.O. at just $1.25 a pop. Dollar Tree offers several brand name antiperspirant/deodorants that can cost upwards of $3.99 per stick at other mass market retailers. I grab Suave and Dove whenever I see them. The Okio B men prefer Speed Stick or Arm & Hammer.
As Julia Roberts mused in Pretty Woman: "...you shouldn't neglect your gums." Amen, Julia. These dental flossers are great at cleaning between the teeth and gums, and the end picks work wonders - especially removing those pesky Everything bagel seeds (admit it, you've been there too). I also pick up toothpaste and toothbrushes at Dollar Tree. Your dentist will thank you.
If you work from home like I do, you know how pricey office supplies can be. Dollar Tree is my go-to for envelopes, packing material, folders, pens, rubber bands and pads, among other office must-haves. Be sure to keep your receipts handy for tax time.
Finally (and much to my own surprise), Dollar Tree has been quite the craft have of late. While I do not love their selection of craft paints, I constantly add Mod Podge, Tacky Glue, their version of Glue Dots and other crafting essentials to my cart. Depending upon the time of year, you can find some great craft wood cut outs or even vinyl rolls for your Cricut. Don't discount Dollar Tree for your crafting needs.
And that's my top 5. Maybe next time I'll do a top 10...
Jeanine
...In this fun wrapping paper alternatives article on Weekand.com.
Jeanine
Can you believe we're three weeks away from Christmas?
Time is just flying by.
I had so many Christmas projects in mind, but a cold knocked me out right after Thanksgiving. In fact, I'm still struggling with a clogged ear. Womp, womp.
So, I'm enjoying the few projects/decorations I did get done.
Afterall, there is always next year. ;)
Jeanine
It's that time of year!
Where've I been, you might be asking? It's just sooooo much easier to post on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter these days.
In case you missed any of my Halloween DIYs, I'm sharing a few today in the hopes that I'll get back down to blogging.
Halloween season was a blast this year. Not only did I volunteer to scare people at my friend's haunted house, I also had a ball DIYing and shopping for new Halloween decor.
But I'll let you in on a little secret...Everything came down today.
No, not to be replaced by Christmas decorations; I was just ready to get back to simple pumpkin decor for the rest of the season and Thanksgiving.
Halloween will always be my fave!
Jeanine
Halloween crafting is in full swing over here. I've been working on everything from creepy doll heads to Halloween Christmas houses.
But you probably already knew that if you follow me on Instagram,lol (@okiobdesigns).
Now I haven't exactly started putting stuff out yet. I broke out the autumn decor and plan to pace myself over the next couple of weeks.
Most of what I'm sharing was either made using items from the thrift store, Dollar Tree or items I already had around the house.
Hopefully the weather will start to cool off here soon and actually start to feel like Halloween season. A cool, crisp day, always gets the creative juices flowing.
Jeanine
I'm in full Halloween mode over here. Most of what I'm using is either stuff I already have or items I picked up from Dollar Tree.
Between now and then, I'll be trying out some new techniques and experimenting with a bunch of different ideas. As always, I will be keeping a budget in mind.
Jeanine
Anyone else getting Anthropologie or Pottery Barn vibes from Dollar Tree's ceramic pumpkins this year? The quality is better than expected and the color choices are fabulous! I grabbed the last two teal ones from our local store.
Jeanine
Have you seen these at your local Dollar Tree yet: ceramic faux Halloween books? If not, they are coming! I picked up three of them earlier this week, so I could turn them into...
I had just enough black acrylic paint left (note to self: buy more black paint!) to do all three. Once they were dry, I dripped some red candle wax over them in random spots. Total: $3.75 plus tax.
I can't wait to add these to my Halloween collection.
Jeanine
They had one of these three-pack sand dollars left. One. You know I couldn't grab it fast enough so I could add my own touches. All I did was hand-stamp some cute beachy sayings on each one. I have them displayed in a wicker basket for a simple nautical look.
Total cost: $1.25 plus tax.
And who could forget these guys?! I swear I've had these Dollar Tree ceramic starfish and the sea urchin for over 10 years. I refresh the paint every few years. This time I went with orange for the starfish and I'm totally digging them now (they've been black, blue and white previously).
No beachy decor is complete without some free printables from The Graphics Fairy. This one always made me crack up. Karen has a ton more, so be sure to pop on over there.
Jeanine
Just a little before and after of these faux concrete candle holders from Dollar Tree. I loved them white, but I knew that the candle soot would make them dirty after each use, so...
Jeanine
Have you seen these ceramic mushrooms at Dollar Tree? Someone on IG had the brilliant idea to paint the bottoms black and I was all in!
I forgot to take a before picture, but the bottoms were a boring beige. Look at them now! So much better. I'm displaying them inside, but you could also place them in your garden and use for autumn decor. The possibilities are endless...and all it took was some black paint.
Jeanine
Run, don't walk, if you haven't been to Target in a while. They've slowly been adding summer pieces to their DollarSpot (a.k.a. Bullseye's Playground), and the selection does not disappoint. First up is this mini cloche tray.
I imagine using it for outdoor entertaining. Cheese plate, anyone (especially since they also have chalkboard cheese sticks in the DollarSpot too)?! Or how about adding some mini faux flowers or robin's eggs for indoor decor?!
If you're going with a nautical theme this summer, you'll love this boat-shaped chips and dip holder. Again, only $5 and it looks pretty simple to put together. Did you spy the nautical rope balls and lanterns in the background? I'd use the rope balls as a vase filler, and I'd line the lanterns along our walkway leading to our patio. Prices: $3-$5 depending upon the item.
This sign is my favorite! I'm debating as to whether to hang it outside on the porch or keep it inside. Decisions, decisions. For only $5, I can just grab another one and do both - well, if they have any left. I grabbed the last one at our local store.
Not the best picture, but you get the idea for this metal sign. I'd use this on our porch since it truly is our happy place.
Our local stores are adding new items every day, so be patient if your stores don't have these items yet. Happy hunting and let me know what you've found!
Jeanine