Spring Cleaning and Organization with Dollar Tree

Over Spring Break we had guests. While our house is clean, it was definitely disorganized. I had reorganized the pantry and kitchen drawers not long ago, so it was my mission to organize some of the other areas of our home including the kids’ rooms, the front bathroom, and the living room.

The wallpaper I chose.

I headed over to Dollar Tree to grab some organizational items. If you haven’t checked out Dollar Tree lately, they have a great selection of baskets, totes, and boxes with lids to help with organizing your space.

I also checked out their peel-and-stick wallpaper to do some DIY bathroom decor.

I picked up a few square frames, removed the artwork, covered it with the peel and stick, and placed it back into the frames. It took less than ten minutes and it was super easy. The best part: they look really cute.

To make our bathroom countertop look a little nicer, after scrubbing it, I put down an edged mirror (also from Dollar Tree) and placed 6 battery-powered faux candles in different sizes on the mirror. 

I also bought a small two-drawer container to corral all of my hair ties and for Qtips. I decorated the top with decals meant for a glass jar. I think it turned out great.

I placed a basket on top of the toilet tank and filled it with an extra roll of toilet paper, wipes, and new washcloths. I scrubbed out the shower, placed down a shower mat (from Ross), and restocked the front bathroom shower with shampoo, conditioner, 2 body washes, a new pouf, a new back scrub brush, exfoliating gloves, and my absolute favorite body scrub from Tree Hut: Moroccan Rose (which does not smell like roses). I also spent time organizing the HBA stockpile under the front bathroom sink, condensing boxes, and half-filled bottles, and removing unnecessary packaging to make storage easier. I also went through the first aid kit and discarded all of the old, expired meds, ointments, and bandages that are no longer adhesive.

The kids love to draw and there are pencils and pens all over the house. I picked up a three-pack of small baskets and placed 2 of them on the kitchen tables, filling one with pencils, and the second one with ballpoint pens. Hopefully that will solve the “MOOOOOOM, where are the pencils???” Quandary.

Heading into the kids’ rooms, I reorganized Margaret’s room with a few baskets and plastic boxes with lids. The headband/hairbow situation had gotten out of hand, but it was easily wrangled with a plastic box with a lid. Now everything is all in one place. Same with underwear and socks. Separated into two baskets and stored on top of her dresser, which has been upgraded and moved into her larger closet. Yes, her room has two closets- one is very small, and basically is only used to hold clothes that need to be hung up. 

Back in the living room, I needed better storage options for our fidget/stim basket and masks. I upgraded to black woven baskets. We still have masks at home (for use when we go to crowded places or when we are feeling under the weather and need to leave home- Target Drive up, anyone?). These weren’t from Dollar Tree, but Dollar Tree Plus and Family Dollar both sell them. And yes, that’s a plastic shoe box with a lid from Dollar Tree next to them- Full of crayons.

So that’s how I spent the 1st three days of my Spring Break. Getting my home organized- It has made finding things a lot easier.

LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising New on Netflix!

Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (L to R) Deven Mack as Arin and Brian Drummond as Ras in Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023

We love Legos in this house, and the big kid LOVES Ninjago!

Joining Netflix’s extensive offering of kids’ favorite characters, we are excited to announce the new series, LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising, based on the beloved LEGO Ninjago franchise, which will debut on June 1. In the series, many legendary realms have suddenly combined into one, but their union is unstable. A Spinjitzu Ninja Master must train a new generation of heroes to help find Elemental Dragons who can save the planet before the forces of evil use the same dragon energy to destroy this new world.

Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (L to R) Sabrina Pitre as Sora, Brian Drummond as Riyu and Deven Mack as Arin in Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023

If your kiddos love Lego Ninjago too, check out this new show on Netflix!

We’ll build some new sets (this one and this one) while we watch this new show.

 

Shop Mabel’s Labels’ Friends & Family Sale- 20% off!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I love Mabel’s Labels. Each kid has a set, I have a set (unicorns if you had to know), and we have a family set for our bigger pool toys and camping equipment.

The Friends and Family sale is going on NOW – 4/30/23. You will save 20% OFF select Mabel’s Labels’ products MOST recommended to Friends & Family. And the best part-Enjoy FREE standard shipping on ALL orders with no minimum spend required!

4/9/2023 Weekly Freebies and Deals

We finished up our first week of spring break! Next week we’re hitting up the zoo or Safari Park, maybe a few museums at Balboa Park, and if it stays warm, we may go swimming at our community pool.

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free Hershey’s Kisses at Select Stores
Free Flock Chicken Skin Crisps After Rebate
Free His Only Son Movie Ticket
Free Braille Book Every Month
Free Enjoy Life Breakfast Ovals
Free Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Temporary Tattoo
Free Pack of Once Again Cracker Sandwiches
Free Halfday Tea After Rebate
Free 8×10 Photo Print at CVS
Free Albanese Gummi Bears Sample at Sam’s
Free Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen Sample
Free Bottle of Pedialyte at Walmart
Free Minute Maid Aguas Frescas Chatterbox
Free Sample of AERIN Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Tote Bag & More
Free Mexican Fruit Fly Temporary Tattoo
Free 6 oz. Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste at Big Lots
Free Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum Sample

 

Deals:

Shea Moisture Recovery Masque ONLY $1.46 (Reg $3.29)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ONLY $169 (Reg $349.99)
Today ONLY: $10 Women’s and Girls Shorts at Old Navy
Nexxus Travel Shampoo ONLY $1.99 (Reg $4.99)
Titan Deep Freeze 8qt Roll Top Cooler ONLY $14.99 (Reg $24.99)
Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop ONLY $69 (Reg $100)
Kate Spade Harlow Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $279)

San Diego Area Upcoming Clothing Swaps

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

There are a few upcoming swaps that I recommend. Both are for adult clothes and accessories.

 

April 8, 2023 Porchlight Community Services, Inc. 8888 Clairemont Mesa Blvd From their site “We invite you to be part of our SWAP PARTY! Bring clothing, accessories, personal hygiene, or toiletries.

There is a $5 fee, however, it goes to offset the cost of their programs, which are incredible.

The Second event is my personal favorite: Spring Swap for extended sizes 14 and up on May 7, 2023.

I always find cute clothes at this swap, and I love it because it’s all plus-size clothes. I always fill my Ikea Bag with clothes, accessories (and usually shoes too).

And if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

Dream Dinners: Lower Minimum Order, Lots of Tasty Options!

Dream Dinners is one of my favorite ways to save time and get tasty, healthy meals on the table in 45 minutes or less!

If you haven’t tried Dream Dinners yet, now is the perfect time! They have lowered their minimum orders to three meals. And April has some of my favorite meals:

  • Chicken with Honey, Garlic, and Orange with Oven Roasted Broccoli
  • Chateau Chicken with Almond Butter Sauce
  • Sonoma Grilled Steak
  • Tuscan Chicken Bake
  • Classic French Dip and Au Jus

I am picking up my Dream Dinners order tomorrow afternoon, and it is definitely coming in the clutch over spring break. We’ll be able to have our usual fun adventures and I’ll be able to get dinner on the table.

If you want to learn more, find your local Dream Dinner location, or place an order, click here.

3/25/2023 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Spring break starts next Friday at 2:01pm! WOO HOO!

This week has been busy, as usual. I’ve started back at the gym after a 3-year hiatus and plan to slowly regain my upper body strength.

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free Subscription to Bon Appetit
Free Coca-Cola Bottle Opener at Select Stores
Free AUVI-Q Back-to-School Kit
Free Hungry Buddah Keto Bars
Free Member’s Mark Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free Bloomingdale’s Little Freebies Box
Free Blue Light Laser Pen for Wrinkles & Acne
Free Drink of Your Choice at Wawa
Possible Free Jan Marini Skincare Samples
Free Flock Chicken Skin Crisps After Rebate
Free 2023 Our Lady Calendar
Free Keds Stickers
Free ZenBiome Cope & Sleep Supplements
Free HOP WTR After Rebate
Free Seaworld Teacher Fun Card
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Sam’s
Free The Good Patch Wellness Patch Sample
Free Happy Sloth Co. Sticker
POPSUGAR Dabble – Free Beauty Products
Free Dog Grooming Tools
Free L’Oreal Everpure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Free Royal Canin Kitten Chatterbox
Free Simply Smartfood Popcorn at Stop & Shop
Free Truly Grass Fed Cheese at Publix
Free 8.4 oz. Can of Red Bull at Big Lots
Free Everyone Is Welcome Here Poster for Teachers
Free Goodles Mac & Cheese
Free Sample of Downy Unstopables at Sam’s
Free Haig Delicacies Dips at Ralph’s After Rebate
Free Pete & Gerry’s Pasture-Raised Eggs
Free Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
Free Pom-Pom Chick Wreath Craft Event at Michaels

Deals
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty: 50% Off Boxum, IT Cosmetics & Benefit
Buzz Lightyear Figure ONLY $3.29 (Reg. $11.99)
Free Wet n Wild Cosmetics – Last Day
Home Edit Bento Box Food Storage Container ONLY $11.98 (Reg $20)
ChuckIt! Indoor Roller Dog Toy Ball ONLY $4.48 (Reg. $9.99)
Better Homes & Gardens Canister 3pk ONLY $10.97 (Reg. $18.28)

Weekly Freebies and Deals!

It’s been a busy week! The Big Kid turned 12, and we’re celebrating tomorrow with friends, and we had a family dinner with pizza and ice cream cake on Wednesday.

I’m taking a very in-depth certification course while working full-time (between 2 jobs), so I haven’t had much energy to blog. My blogging journal is FULL of articles and ideas. I’ll have many posts coming up, especially during Spring Break.

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Sample
Free Inside Movie Ticket
Free Hershey’s Kisses at Select Stores
Free Sound Sparkling Water After Rebate
Free Dude Wipes at Sam’s
Free Pretzel with the Wetzel’s Pretzel App
Free Pint of Eclipse Ice Cream After Rebate
Free Movie with Universal Pictures All-Access
Free Exploding Kittens for Kids Focus Group Games Pack
Free 2-Pack of Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup
Free Gratsy Box
Free Scar & Stretchmark Treatment
Free Sample of Clinique Moisture Surge
Free Barnes & Noble Gift Card for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free He Gets Us Hats & T-Shirts
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Sam’s
Free PLEZI Kids Juice Drink
Free Core Oat + Adaptogens Nutrition Bar After Cashback
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Pom-Pom Bunny Art Craft Event at Michaels
Free Subscription to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
Free Subscription to Town & Country Magazine
Free 11pc. Cookware Set
Free YSL Y Eau de Parfum Sample
Free Cleveland Kitchen Sauerkraut & Kimchi
Free Box of Magic Spoon Cereal After Rebate
Free Subscription to HGTV Magazine
Free Hair Styling Product + $50 Amazon eGift Card
Free Subscription to ELLE Magazine
Free Happy Hippo Kratom Sample
Free 12.5 oz Dr. Teal’s Hand Soap at Big Lots
Free Degree Dry Spray Sample
Free Pair of Mack’s Ear Plugs – Every Weekday
Free Core Bar After Rebate
Free 8pk BelliWelli Snack Bars After Rebate
Free Can of Surely Non-Alcoholic Wine at Boisson After Rebate
Free Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages
Get on Betty Crocker’s Free Sample List
Free BIC EasyRinse Men’s Razors at Walmart After Cashback
Free $10 Uber Ride Credit
Free Stur Antioxidant Water Enhancer After Rebate

 

Deals:

PLAYMOBIL Back to the Future Hoverboard Chase ONLY $18 (Reg $45)
Blue’s Clues & You! Clean-Up Time Play Set ONLY $18 (Reg. $42)
Blues Clues Wooden Pull-Back School Bus ONLY $11.62 (Reg. $27)
Barbie Dreamtopia Slime Mermaid Doll ONLY $12 (Reg. $20)
Armor All Ultimate Car Care Gift Set ONLY $22.88 (Reg. $36.36)
Decorate Your Own Wooden Magnets Craft Kit ONLY $16.35 (Reg $30)
Jergens Shea + Cocoa Butter Body Lotion ONLY $4.87 (Reg. $10.49)
Jay Leno’s Garage Wash & Gloss Set ONLY $29 (Reg. $70)

3/25/2023 KPBS Be My Neighbor Day!

My kids loved Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood when they were tiny. I watched Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood when I was little. I love the lessons of kindness, sharing, and how Daniel and the whole Land of Make Believe gang live and work together to make their world a better place.

So imagine how excited I was when KPBS reached out to share Be My Neighbor Day.

In celebration of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (DTN) and PNC Grow Up Great® (an initiative of The PNC Financial Services Group), Fred Rogers Productions is working with PBS stations across the country to host Be My Neighbor Day community events. Building on the values and themes of DTN, the events are used as an opportunity for member stations to collaborate with new and existing partners while promoting local volunteerism, family engagement, and community development.

KPBS is excited to join forces with local community partners to host San Diego’s first-ever Be My Neighbor Day on Saturday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the KPBS station on the San Diego State University campus. Young children (ages 0-8) and their families will celebrate kindness and learn how their neighbors are working to improve our region’s natural environment (and preserve the planet!) through interactive displays and meaningful activities. Current exhibitors include America’s Finest Charter School, Climate Science Alliance, Girl Scouts San Diego, Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego, Living Coast Discovery Center, Salk Education Outreach, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, and the SDSU Office of Energy and Sustainability.

If you and your family want to check out Be My Neighbor Day, click here.

2/17/2023 Friday Freebies and Deals

My throat is still very scratchy, and I have a raspy voice. But I made it through the week, and I’ve got freebies galore to share!

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

 

Freebies:

Free SkinTe Collagen Sparkling Tea at Select Stores
Free 4pk of NotCo Plant-Based Milk
Free Violife Vegan Cheese at Walmart
Free Bamba Peanut Butter Puffs
Free YSL Beauty Black Opium Le Parfum Sample
Free 6 Months of DashPass for Roku Users
Free Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
Free Faber Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer Sample
Free Rituals Anti-Aging Day Cream Sample
Free Eyebrow Enhancing Pencil
Free Cereal POP Popcorn Fruity Pebbles at Sam’s
Free Tea at McAlister’s Deli
Free Oreo Cookies & Cream Bundlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes
Free AWAKE Chocolate Caffeinated Chocolate Bites
Free Redken Pro Color Gels
Free Sample of WowButter Creamy Peanut Free Toasted Soy Spread
Free Wedding Planning Journal
Free Creed Movie for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free Black Heritage Art Craft Event at Michaels
Free Dr. Brown’s Baby Products
Free Starry Soda After Cashback
Free $20 Stitch Fix Credit
Free Dermoplast 3-in-1 Medicated First Aid Cloths Sample
Free Darphin Paris Intral Inner Youth Resue Serum Sample
Free Clean Power My City T-Shirt & Stickers
Free Nailtopia Nail Product Every Month
Free Tootsie Rolls at Select Stores
Free Sample of Zignature Dog Food
Free Sample of New Skin Kids Liquid Bandage Paint
Free Thinful Sea Salt Caramel at Sam’s

Deals

Walgreens Winter Clearance 90% Off
Kids Pajamas as low as $7
Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn Doll ONLY $5 (Reg. $10.99)
OMG Accessories and Backpacks 70% Off
Minnie Mouse Lipgloss ONLY $4.99 (Reg. $11.19)
Macy’s Toys up to 80% Off
KidKraft Super Model Wooden Dollhouse ONLY $46.43 (Reg. $140)
Clinique High Impact Lash Amplifying Serum ONLY $15 (Reg. $49)
Disney Princess Dresses as low as $11
Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Dress Up Set ONLY $14.90 (Reg. $33)
Walmart Furniture up to 70% Off
Frozen 2 Surprise Celebration Playset ONLY $10.42 (Reg. $19.14)