Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Love It or Leave It: Dollar Tree

I am a bargain hunter through and through. I get a bit of a "shopping high" when I score big. With stores like Dollar Tree it couldn't be easier to save. The problem is that sometimes those bargains are just a waste of money. There are several of these lists out there, and I thought I should share my own personal experiences with some of their items. Here are a few items that I love, and some that I would leave. These items are ones that can (for the most part) can be found in store year round. They have other fantastic, and not so fantastic find at different times of year...a blog for another day perhaps.  Let me know if you have anything to add!



LOVE IT:
Cotton Rounds
these are perfect for using toner or witch hazel in your facial care routine.


Select E.L.F. Make Up Products
I LOVE e.l.f. products and you can find many of them on closeout.


Basic Napkins
okay so they aren't great quality, but I buy them so that we don't use paper towels in their place at the dinner table, and that in itself saves money.


Canned Goods
I wouldn't recommend just any food from dollar tree but certain things like name brand Progresso soups could get you through the cold months, and save you a bundle. ALWAYS check expiration dates (here or anywhere, really).


Hand Sanitizer
especially with flu season coming up, I keep small hand sanitizer's EVERYWHERE (car, purse, baby changing station, desk, etc.)...so stock up!

Wine Glasses
I am not a fancy wine drinker, but I have broken enough expensive wine glasses to know that unless it is a special occasion, using these basic glasses will do the trick just fine.


Pregnancy Test
Say what you will, but this is how I found out I was pregnant...and because it was so cheap I kept several under my sink for just in case. When I finally got the positive we wanted, I then took three more, just to be sure :)







LEAVE IT:
Apple Corer
I have had more than one of these break on me. Either the handle broke, or the whole blade cut loose...very dangerous!

Conditioner
You might as well just not use any. I tried several brands (shhh...don't tell the stylists I work with), and they were all terrible in my experience.


Dog Treats
These made my dog sick almost immediately. This may not be the case for everyone, but for me its a no go ever again.

Scented Candles
I have tried different brands and different styles and they all have issues. Some smell fine in store, and days later they smell like nothing. Others have a totally different, and sometimes odd smell when you light them. I just say they are a waste, unless you aren't looking for the scented version, in which case it may be fine.

Batteries
Not only do they not last, but I have had some issues with certain electronics malfunctioning when these batteries are introduced.









Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Summer To Fall Skin Care



With autumn officially upon us, I wanted to share some of my aesthetics tips for transitioning your skin care and make up from summer to fall. Small changes can make a big difference not only in appearance, but in the way your skin looks and feels.My number one tip for skin care, no matter what time of year, is DRINK WATER! Staying hydrated helps every organ in your body, including your largest organ...your skin!


Summer To Fall Skin Care



Trade in the items on the left, for the items on right.

Cosmetics:

Shimmer Pearly Shadows - Matte Darker Tones

Bronzer - Blush Blush

Powders - Creams (as the leaves dry up on the trees, so too does your skin)

Gloss - Moisturizing Lipstick

Polish:

Shimmer - Matte

Bright Neon's - Earth Tones


Lotions:

Self Tanner - Heavy Body Moisturizer











Lancôme sun care
nordstrom.com


Lancôme body moisturizer
lancome-usa.com


NYX beauty product
target.com


Essie nail polish
sleekhair.com


Essie nail polish
$13 - thehut.com




Vincent longo concealer
nordstrom.com




Revlon lip gloss
target.com


Revlon lipstick
target.com

Summer to Fall Fashion Transition Staples

Personally, I am an autumn girl. I love everything about fall, but one of my favorite things is fall fashion. Floppy brimmed sun hats, give way to comfy beanies. Fancy florals fall away to earth toned flannels. With just a few minor changes you can take your wardrobe from sizzling summer to sultry fall. Don't get rid of ALL of your summer wardrobe staples though, because some things can be used during both, like your denim jackets.



Summer to Fall

Summer to Fall by queenbvintage-1 featuring khaki jeans

Make The Trade: swap items on left, for items on the right

Floral Prints - Plaids

White Skinny Jeans - Dark Colors (maroon, hunter green, navy, etc.)

Strapped Dresses - Tunics

Short Shorts - Knee Length Skirts

Bare Legs - Leggings

Wedges - Boots

Wide Brim Hats - Beanies

Jean Jackets - Cardigans (don't rule out ALL of your summer denim)

Chunky Necklaces - Scarfs






Cutie sleeveless summer dress
$40 - houseoffraser.co.uk


Red boyfriend cardigan
$24 - missrebel.co.uk


Oska tunic
$385 - liberty.co.uk




Mossimo jacket
target.com


Pull&Bear denim shorts
$29 - pullandbear.com


H&M khaki jeans
$32 - hm.com


Rag & Bone beige skinny jeans
$125 - theoutnet.com


T Bags Los Angeles skirt
boutique1.com



GUESS sandals
heels.com


2b floppy hat
2bstores.com


IHeart black oversized beanie
$175 - jades24.com

Friday, October 4, 2013

Halloween Decor On A Budget

Halloween Decor On A Budget

This October is a little different than the past, as I am officially on maternity leave (at 37 weeks VERY pregnant) and we are back to being a one income family. While I love Halloween and the cute and spooky decor that comes with it, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it happen this year, which made me very sad since it is our first Halloween in our new home. However, thanks to some great dollar store bargains, some freebies from family members decor overflow, and a few thrifted items I was able to make a few small things go a long way. My total budget was only $25! What do you think? 


My mantle: $1 banner from thrift store, three candle holders (ghost, pumpkin, cat) $.75 each thrifted, $1 netting from Dollar Tree, stuffed witch, a few plastic spiders, and light up pumpkins gifted from MIL who had too much Halloween decor to put out in her house.

Spider wreath was a gift from my mom, picked up for $4 at Big Lots after Halloween last year.

These cuties were 2 for $1 at Dollar Tree 

Table Runner was also gifted from MIL, she wasn't big into the skulls, and got it on sale at end of season last year at a pharmacy. Was less than $5

$1 Witches stocking thrifted locally. 

$2 floor mat picked up end of season last year.

Pumpkins, bat, and Hello Kitty bat were all gifted as overflow from the moms houses. (Never say no to freebies!)

Pumpkin and Box were both $1 each from Dollar Tree. The box is perfect size for a back up roll of t.p. 

Love my Halloween banner that I picked up for $1 at Dollar Tree

These cute little bat cut outs come in a pack of 10 for $1 at Dollar Tree. I hung them in all of the front windows of the house.