Dollar Store Findings

So are you one of those that have often wondered what kind of junk you'd find in a dollar store? Well I'm here to tell you personally so you don't have to wonder anymore...

First of all not all dollar stores are equal. Sure, it says "Dollar" on the sign but only Dollar Tree is only a dollar. Yes, everything in it is a dollar! They have so much stuff, you could spend hours in there and lots of money too so be careful - okay wait, maybe that's just me...

Need a new spatula? toothpaste, dish detergent, light bulbs, pet supplies, toys, or even scrapbooking supplies? Check out the Dollar Store - they've got loads of this stuff.

I would hope everyone already knows about their holiday section but for those of you who don't, you should really check it out. Every holiday they've got tons of decor, candy and all teh toppings that go along with it. Planning a birthday? Get your plates, cups, napkins, invitations, balloons etc all from the Dollar Tree. Talking about balloons, did you know you could make any screaming kid happy for a dollar? Yup - dollar Tree has their mylar ballons blown up and ready to go for a buck!

My most fav recent find? Socks! I thought for sure I wouldn't like thembut seeing as how my husband couldn't tell my socks from my sons socks anymore because they steal mine when they're out and wear them to play (ewww) football!; I figured I could spend a buck on some new socks. So I bought a pack of three pairs of white ankle socks and actually they are really nice! I got some undershirts for my oldest son too - pack of three for a dollar - Really is anyone making money on this stuff?

Anyway, just thought I'd share! Go check it out fo yourself if you haven't in a while!

Freebies and Bartering

Today I landed a free photo collage from Walgreen's, free candles and home decor and a bunch of free clothes and office supplies.

I'm always looking for ways to land free or cheap things and today was no exception.
I got a free photo collage from Walgreen's by just going totheir website.
I traded with a freind, some bows and teething bling for some nice home made candles and a coat hanger,
and on freecycle I found someoen geting rid of clothes and shoes just my size and some office orgaizing tools.
YAY, I filled up the vehicle with freebies then came home and enjoyed my loot :)

Getting kids to clean....

Got your attention didn't I?
So how do you do this mystical thing - getting kids to clean?
Well I'm no expert but I did have luck this week and thought I'd share.

I put kids in charge of things I thought for sure was too big for them - organizing all their hangers in their closet and purging old clothes, making a brace for a shelf that was sagging, and stacking all the suitcases inside each other and bringing them to the attic.

All of these things I thought would be way too tough for them but I told them I believed in them and they felt inspired.
My three oldest helped me organize the laundry room, the pantry, a couple closets and a foyer. They only sulked and complained the first 30 minutes or so, then it was pleasent.

I am giving my children a lot more responsibility than I usually do - and I thought I used to give them a lot. But starting this week I've been making them take care of their own dirty clothes ( bringing them to laundry room and sorting them), picking up their own rooms ( no playing until room and bathroom is picked up) and no money for doing the "chores" that are neccessary.

You know what? I'm not getting a whole lot of slack either. I encourage you to try it. I was encouraged to try it this week and took the challenge. I'm glad I did.

I'll update you on how this comes along but I like my new clean house :)

Today I learned...

That I really love it when my children become best freinds!!

And then as we were watching a movie that night together, she sneaked off to clean his room for him - I wasn't complaining - playing Star Wars can make a HUGE mess!! :)

Today I learned..

That Taylor Swift isn't just for 5 year old girls...LOL

Today I learned..

That cleaning house can be pleasureable if you do it with the right spirit!

Today I learned...

That thre is a reason for all the Old Testament books and it's really pretty interesting!