Dollar tree haul

It may seem weird, but I love Dollar Tree. Not only because it's budget friendly, but because sometimes there are some hidden gems to be found. I get a little excited when I'm able to schedule a trip while out running other errands. Sometimes, I'll plan my day around going there - the closest location is about half an hour away from me, so I'm not able to decide to just hop on over any time. To me, it's much like going to Target, and it sucks me in until I'm spending money on things I didn't even know I needed or wanted. But unlike when I go to Target, my wallet isn't empty after I pay. 

Besides picking up brand name bread, still well before the use by date, and storage buckets and baskets on my latest trip, I found some knock-off building brick vehicle kits for my kiddo. The bricks are pretty good quality, and a dollar for a kit with more than 20 pieces, including a little figure (which is really just the top body half with a flat bottom, so that it can sit on the vehicle). Perfect for treasure boxes and little gifts. They're also a good fit with his Lego brand bricks. What an awesome and affordable way to expand his collection!

Another great find - wire wreath forms! These usually start at about $5 elsewhere, but are only ONE dollar at Dollar Tree. For those like me, who like to craft and change up looks often, this is wonderful. The wreath forms are about 14" in diameter, so they are a good for a front door. Ribbons, mesh, flowers and other extras can also be found at the dollar store, making a super cheap holiday/seasonal/anytime decoration. They're a little on the thin side and not completely perfect, but they're one dollar! Decorations will hide any flaws in the form. It is also not just a flat circle, it has a 3-dimensional shape, where it would sit flat at the back, and is raised in the front.

I love looking for things at Dollar Tree. My trips are even better when I find new, fun items! 

Whataburger jalapeño ranch

I first tried Whataburger's jalapeño ranch as a dipping sauce with my chicken strip meal. I'm not a big ranch dipper - I prefer cream gravy with my chicken strips - but I wanted a jalapeño taste that day. The only reason I regretted choosing the ranch was because I didn't have anything to dip my toast into, but that problem was solved by turning one tender and the toast into a sandwich haha

Since I liked the dip from the restaurant, I decided to buy a bottle from the grocery store. It's a bit pricey, but I won't be using it too often, so it won't cut into my grocery budget much. 

The dressing has a nice, spicy kick from the jalapeños, and the ranch flavor is really bold. It's a tad salty, which is weird, but when used as a sandwich dressing, or a dip, it's not as bad. I picked up a bottle of this sauce at my local HEB grocery store. Priced at under $3.50 for a 14.5 oz bottle, it won't be a purchase I make all the time, but for that special taste with my chicken tenders, burgers and other foods, I think it's worth it. There is a whole line of Whataburger sauces, and even chips/fries, that are available to purchase. If you're not near a Whataburger, or a store that sells the condiments, I'm sorry. 

Qriket

If you don't already have the qriket app downloaded on your phone, you should do it :) and please use my code. Thanks!

Use the code 6D3747 to get 25 @Qriket Spins. Get it free at http://qriket.com/invite/6D3747

Dollar General decor

So, I never thought to look at Dollar General for my home decor pieces, but after seeing so many people in some decorating groups talk about things they bought from there, I became curious. Actually, stop. Let me go back. I used to shop for household goods at DG. There seemed to be a decent, affordable selection way back when. Then we moved, and there wasn't a store near us. Later, when I saw a DG, I stopped in again. I noticed it just wasn't the same. What I found was... well... stuff that cost too much for what it was. I stopped shopping there. By choice that time.

What sparked my interest again was a printed canvas painting of a cow that others were going crazy over. A cow print? What? Well, it's bright and colorful, and I live in 'the country', so why not. The quality of the print is actually pretty good. No, it won't compare to a masterpiece hanging in a museum, or a painting by your favorite artist. However, general home decor doesn't usually require those high standards.

(The cow that piqued my curiosity)

A 16"x20" wrapped canvas print, ready to hang for $8? Yes, please! There were a few different prints to choose from, and different sizes and styles. Not all are $8, but framed prints and canvases started at $4, and went up from there. Decorating - and redecorating - can be affordable. I won't be shopping there for all of my design needs, but now I know to at least check it out.

And here's a $4 framed print. The frame is actually black, and it's plastic, but doesn't feel all that bad. There is also some depth to it, too; it isn't just a thin frame with a piece of paper behind the glass. There are beads at the bottom of the ribbons, to look like they're holding up the letters. It gives it a bit of dimension. The outer measurement of this one is 7"X11" 

Beautykind

I received my order from beautykind.us, and I love it. If you've never heard of beautykind, it's a makeup, fragrance, skincare, etc beauty website. Your purchase helps to support charitable causes, which you can choose from. 5% of your purchase goes to the organization of your choice. Awesome! Shop for beauty products and donate at the same time :) Currently, there is a coupon on their site for 25% off your first purchase and orders of $50+ ship free. Check it out!

This is what I ordered:

A Laura Geller crème glaze eyeshadow palette and a deluxe makeup pencil sharpener. The Ahava body exfoliator and body cream, and the Bliss hand cream were samples. I can't wait to buy more.

A new adventure

Well, this will be a new thing for me. I'm going to chronicle a few of my purchases and review some items that I've tried. Some things will be products I love, some I might just like, and some might not be impressive at all. We'll see which items stand up to their claims and which might be a bust - at least in my opinion. Some products may have been received free or at a discount, and some may have been purchased at full price. Some things may come from an online purchase, and some may be from brick and mortar stores. All opinions will be my own and will be based upon my own experiences. I may ask my husband and kids for their input, too, depending on what I've bought 😀