Dollar Tree Mini Haul

Back at it again! 

So I have dropped in a few post that I'm a fan of Dollar Tree and I visit the store(s) at least once a week to see what new items they have. Here are some of the items that I have accumulated over the past 3 months from DT: 

1. 32 Count Stickers

Purchase these cuties to help decorate photo albums. I've been slacking on printing pics and organizing our 2 albums so hopefully this will give inspiration to get to work. These stickers have cute designs and saying like "Happiest Day" (purchased 3 packs). 

2. Close Up Flossers

... To help with oral hygiene.

3. Himalayan pink salt

I have heard through the grapevine and from a little research that pink salt is (somehow) better than regular table salt being the it is usually buried under ash and not exposed to the elements like other salts. Figured we'd give it a shot (purchased 2).

4. Feminine wipes

Took a chance on these wipe as the label says are similar to the Summer's Eve wipes...I am impressed because the scent is spot on and they are gentle (I went back and purchased multiples). 

5. Collapsible storage basket/box

We have lost a bit of closet space with moving. These storage baskets help us organize items that we store under the beds and in our cube in the living room. I purchased sizes C and D which are the largest I saw (purchased 9). You can also purchase sizes A and B in either brown (seen in the pic) or beige.

6. Essie nail stickers

Love Essie polish so figured I'd give the nail stickers a shot. Not a real fan of the style (it is black matte with black gloss zebra stripes) but figured I'd try them (purchased 3).. 

7. Gift bag

"Hello Beautiful" bag will actually be used as wall art in the little ones room. I'll either look for a frame that will fit it OR attempt to make a frame myself.

8. Adult coloring books

I have purchased like 6 of these total but saw some really cool ones while on the coast this summer. You can't beat an adult coloring book for a buck when they run about 12 dollars at other stores. 

9. Tumbler with straw

Another purchase from DT while on the coast. I hate the mini cups that you have in your hotel room so I decided to buy this cup to help with some type of insulation as well as enjoy more than a shot of coffee. 

What cool items have you recently purchased/spotted at Dollar Tree?

And don't worry, I have some more items to come that I have recently purchased and I am very excited to share!!!

Pick 6 - Summer '16

Fall is in full swing and I have yet to share my favorite items from Summer '16. 

Let's jump in!

Hair| Mango Butter 
In my opinion, this butter is pricey however, the smell and the fact that I can mix small amounts of it with my whipped shea butter mix to stretch it makes is worth it. It is also a very sleek butter.




Fashion| Sinful Colors  "Poisonberry"
I love love L♡VE this polish. I rarely polish my finger nails but this summer I used this color when I was feeling fancy. Sinful Colors is such a reasonably priced polish that [in my opinion] has great coverage; two coats and im good to go.





Beauty| Nicka K - True Matte "Millbrook"
I have never been big on lip colors because I feel like I could never find a color that looked decent on me. A co-worker introduced me to this beauty store brand. The color lasts for most of the day. My only con is that it leaves your lips feeling tacky after it dries... but just put gloss on top and you're good.





Skin| Charcoal mask
A Dollar Tree find from a few months ago; when I have those pamper moments to myself at night, I steal away in the bathroom to do my nails and put on this mask. It's creamy, doesn't dry too tight and doesn't leave your skin feeling dry when you remove it.





Accessories| Frames
I'm still obsessed with frames and keep a lookout for different types. I refuse to spend more that 10 bucks on them so my favorite places to go are beauty supply stores (I can usually buy 2 for 10). 









Random| Glad Angel Whispers air freshener
I originally lucked up on this fragrance at Dollar Tree and when I realized how awesome is smelled, went back and purchased ALL that were left. I later found out that this is in fact a popular smell and DT was not able to stock it again (whomp whomp). I do find this at other stores so all is not lost. Angel Whispers is a soft clean smell and can be placed in any room in the house. I love to have it in the little ones room and at work. 

While 31| Nuggets of wisdom

Well hello there! 

I recently turned 32, and while reflecting on the past year, I wanted to share some (31 to be exact) of what I have recognized and/or had to tell myself this past year.

(heads up: this is a long read)

1 It is OK to be comfortable where you are... So long as you are have no complaints.
For a long time I was beating myself up because I didn't stick to the list of goals that I created for myself when I was in high school. I have had this talk with both my husband and sister and realized that at the end of the day...I'm happy and that is all that matters.

2 You're stronger than you thought.
Year 31 was a bit rough around the middle. There were days when I was so upset and distraught that I didn't know what I could do if anything. Looking back I'm still stunned at how I managed but, I did and it was so worth staying motivated and positive.

3 Pink is [secretively] your favorite color...
Yeah, I was so against pink for so long with it being seen as a gender specific color but at the end of the day...I love how I look in pink; clothes and nails...I still will not claim it as my official favorite color though...

4 You actually can cook!
Thanks to Pinterest, YouTube and listening to my mother, I noticed that I can cook a meal that doesn't just keep us from starving BUT taste great (lol). I have even been so bold to create my own dishes.

5 Some things in life require "winging it".
We all know that there isn't a true manual to life so a lot of times we're just calling audibles.

6 You can't hang like you use to! Face it!
Maaaan... lemme tell you that I am not a spring chicken (even though I look great *wink*). I am tired ALL THE TIME so when I'm asked to "hang out" or "come chill", ! have to know how late we we'll be out and where we'll be.

7 Giving yourself "Deadlines" really helps in getting things done.
Need I say more? Keeping on track is key in some situations.

8 With all this technology,  you are not weird for still writing your To-Do list.
I still write down my grocery list, at home to-do list, work agenda and anything else I can think of. It feels good to cross something off of the list with a pen.

9 You will make mistakes...And it is OK so long as you learn from them
I know I'm not perfect, although I try my hardest go be however, if I make mistakes at work or in my everyday life, I own up to them and make note to avoid it happening again.

10 Sleep is [still] an awesome thing.
I've come to the realization that I am tired ALL THE TIME. And though I have had an understanding since junior year in college that sleep is great, I still didn't appreciate it. I now try to nap every chance I get in hopes to catch up (lol).

11 Parenting is a team effort...Keep it that way
Often times I'm trying to be Super Woman because I like things done my way however, this leads to me spreading myself too thin so, have to step back and allow hubby to lend a hand or tell let him know that I need his assistance.

12 Speaking positivity into your day makes a world of difference.
There are plenty of days where I'm just not motivated to start on my to-do list or go to work, or make my rounds outside of the house. These days require a lot of music and mantras...which honestly keep me fueled.

13 Cry if you must.
A good cry is like a detox sometimes. Whether it be a happy, sad or mad cry, I step away to be to myself and have at it.

14 You need a passport.
That's it...I have no plans in the near future to travel outside of the US however, I have decided that a passport may be a gift to myself very soon. 

15 It is hard to live without bread... In my opinion.
So, I love carbs and while I know it may be best to do without... I can't drop bread. I have tried but it ain't happening. 

16 Parenting requires the use of instinct.
Refer back to "winging it". 

17 Never lose integrity in your work (no matter what is going on around you).
It is so easy to get discourage with all the negative that is around but I have learned, especially while on the job, that I will still do my job to the best of my ability because at the end of the day, there is no excuses I can give to explain why I didn't or wouldn't.

18 There are people watching you...Let 'em look.
I never thought of myself as someone that others would admire...I'm just in my world doing my own thing but I have had few people come to me and say that I inspired them to go natural, cut their hair, shop for certain clothes and I was shocked and honored at the same time! 

19 Coffee is soooooo good
I was not a coffee drinker until a little over a year ago and I love...That is all.

20 Continue to let your creative juices flow!
I start so many projects then get nervous about them and defer them, just to start something else. At one point I thought that maybe I was giving myself too much credit as being "creative". But I saw a post online once using the analogy of a web browser with 2000+ tab opened all at once being the mind of a creative person...THAT IS ME!

21 It isn't being selfish when you want time to your self.
Everyone needs time to themselves whether it be to groom, read, meditate, whatever. I have gotten use to telling hubby when I need some me time and I feel so much better when I return.

22 Dollar Tree has stepped up their game (another haul coming soon).
#Random but... I LOVE DOLLAR TREE! from home decor, books, to healthy snacks, I swing into some of the DTs once a week to take a look at what is new.

23 Did I mention sleep is a great thing?
Just wanted to drop that one more time because again...I'm always tired.

24 Kids songs are way too catchy.
I have had Button watching/listening Big Bugs Band since she was a little baby doing tummy time (which wasn't that long ago) and we still use these videos to get her to crawl around however, there have been plenty of moments when I am NOT with her...Or even at for at home that matter and I'm humming these tunes. I often have to think to myself "what song am I humming?" lol. Hubby has even admitted to humming them while at work.

25 You are willing to make a complete fool of yourself for entertainment purposes.
I sing, dance, make faces and funny noises to entertain Button. I even attempt to freestyle...AND I CAN'T RHYME (this is something I've know for a long time). It cracks me up thinking about the silly things we do to amuse her.

26 You really need to commit to the eyebrow ministry once you start.
I have been filling in my brows for a few years now and even get compliments on them (wow!). With that being said... I have to commit because when I don't, there is always someone that says "there is something different about you today...".

27 Being a minimalist can be rewarding.
We recently moved and after living in the previous location for 10 years, we were able to see how much CRAP we accumulated. A lot of things were donated, sold and/or trashed (if it was not salvageable). Now that we have settled in to our new place, we are still running Operation: Minimize. We are more mindful of what we buy and keep better track of items that we haven't used in a while as it helps make the decision on whether we should keep it or not. We still have a long way to go but at least we're trying.

28 You do not have to take everyone's advice.
People will always give advice on your life and in some cases it is really informative however, you don't have to take notes on every piece of information given. You'll go crazy trying to do everything "their" way.

29 If you are going to be anything in this world... Be kind.
The world is so full of negativity as it is, why not be positive and/or kind during moments of ciaos? This doesn't mean that you are being naive to what is going on around you. In my opinion, this is somewhat taking on a role of leadership [even if it is just for you] to keep pushing.

30 It is OK to look and be a mess...
Hey, we all have those days where we don't look and feel like the fabulous people that we are... And that is OK. Going back to the eyebrow ministry; usually on my "rag-a-muffin" days I don't have on brows, my puff may be dryer than usual and I'm not wearing the best outfit in my closet....meh!

31 Life is remarkable.
In those moments of "Me Time" I sit back and think about all the positive things going on in life and I can't help but smile because it is progress and in some cases there are things that I had never imagined happening.

Nappyversary| 7 Years

July 2nd marked 7 years since I reverted back to natural hair. The earlier years consisted of the unknowns as far as what my texture would be and how I would go about managing it.






At year 7, I feel like I am very skilled in how to take care of my hair and also help others (a little).







Since I've become so comfortable with my hair, I have colored it black as well as maintained my undercut... like seriously! I cut my own hair and I'm so proud of that!

I also FINALLY put heat on hair THIS PAST February and was impressed with my ability to keep it straight and stretched without reapplying more heat

Want to see my progress and what I've learned over the years? Click the links below: 

year 2

year 3

year 5

year 6

Pick 6| Spring 2016

SUMMER SUM-MER SUM-MER TIME!
Long time see! We'll as we welcome humid eastcoast weather I want to share the items that I enjoyed this Spring with my...

Hair| Elasta QP Mango Butter Cream
A product that I abandoned for a while and decided to revisit  to help clear out my vanity area. I love the smell and I love the fact that it is overall a light product where minimal amount is needed. I prefer to use this product when my hair is a bit older (ie: not immediately after wash day as I'm not a fan of a really tight twist out). 

Fashion| Shades...Frames...Sunnies

I've always had a lov for glasses and I have really been wearing frames. I'm not faithful to aparticular brand, I simply enjoy whatever suits my fancy. Most are gifted by hubby but I've purchased from Target, Beauty Supply stores and even Dollar Tree (yes!)







Beauty| Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion
In another attempt of reducing the arsenal, I've started digging into my lotion collection. Moisturized skin is a must, so since winter I have made it my business to do a nightly routine of moisturizing my feet, elbow and ankles before bed. I love the smell of this lotion and have noticed a true improvement in my problem spots (either attributed to the shea butter in the lotion OR to the fact that I'm really concentrating on these areas). 







Skin| me bath! Sugar Sherbet
[Don't judge] I purchased this item after watching a product review and let me say...I love it! Now, it is pricey in my opinion (running around $12.00) but it is worth it; this product emulsifies AND lathers...lathers! I'm really enjoying it and will more than like use this as a "luxury" buy in the future.




Accessories| Handmade crochet necklace
With a little one that is reaching for things and is in the "hand-to-mouth" phase, I limit the type of jewelry I wear. One of my favorite pieces is a crochet necklace that I made a while back; I can wash it regularly so if baby girl decides to put in her mouth...I don't feel as bad.

Random| Plantronics bluetooth headphones
Another plus item for mommies [in my opinion] is any bluetooth device. My eadphones work great for me when it is late at night and I want to watch Youtube, Hulu or Netflix from my phone while holding my little one; again, she is at the "hand-to-mouth" phase and grabs at EVERYTHING. No wires = no worries.



What were your Spring go-to items?

May Photo A Day Challenge| Ready...Set...Go!

Hey hey!

Blogger friend Ms Naturally Random and I decided to celebrate the month of May with Photo A Day challenge. Throughout the month we'll post on social media our pic of the day.

Want to join in?

Post your photo of the day using #CreativelyRandom and don't forget to follow us on social media.

See you there!

Ms Naturally Random
Twitter● @shanrandom
Instagram ● @msnaturallyrandom
Snapchat ● @shanrandom
Facebook● @msnaturallyrandom

Creatively Coiled  

Twitter ● @creativecoils
Instagram ● @creatively_coiled
Snapchat ● coilykita

May Photo Challenge

Calling all creative minds and anyone who enjoys capturing life through lens!

Blogger Ms. Naturally Random and I have joined forces to challenge ourselves and YOU to...

Do you accept the challege? Follow us on social media and post your pics using #CreativelyRandom.

See you there!

Ms Naturally Random
Twitter● @shanrandom
Instagram ● @msnaturallyrandom
Snapchat ● @shanrandom
Facebook● @msnaturallyrandom

Creatively Coiled 
Twitter ● @creativecoils
Instagram ● @creatively_coiled
Snapchat ● coilykita

Flashback Friday| No more leads #NICUGRAD

After 91 days of hospitalization, I was more than excited to find out that Button would finally be coming home. We cleaned and prepped her room (for the most part) in preparation however, my excitement immediately turn into anxiety on the day of her discharge as the nurse removed the last cardiac monitoring lead from our little girls body...

...No more beeps... Or monitor watching her heart rate... No more hospital alarms...

I was so use to these noises that it became the norm. So those 1st few moments of just silence in our little corner of TCN were joyous yet scarey. "How do I know if she's OK without the monitors to watch?".

This was a reoccurring feeling when we were home as well: skin to skin time was usually quiet with TVs off So I could hear her breathing.

I am happy to say the Button is thriving thankfully without medications or machines and brings us so much joy and laugter (literally, she laughs now and it's contagious). 

Donate!| March of Dimes

1 in 10 babies in the United States are born prematurely being born earlier than 36 weeks gestation. This means extra special care is needed for these little ones to help them thrive outside of the womb. This also means extra care is needed for the parents to the understand the journey ahead.

Please visit March For Babies to see how March of Dimes helps little ones and their families through this trying time.

Also, visit our team page if you're interested in donating to the cause and to join our team to walk on April 30th!

Click here to know more about our story

Easy DIY| Sensory Gel Mat

Hey hey!

Being a new mommy and being a mommy to a child that is still small, I have been listening very carefully to Button's pediatrician and physical therapist on what we can do to help with her development. 

One thing that I really want to take on is DIY projects that she can use because most of them are cost effective and... I LOVE TO CREATE!

Now that Button is improving in her motor skills, I wanted to go ahead and make her a sensory gel mat to help her out and to give her something to be interested in during tummy time.

What You Will Need: 

• Large or Jumbo freezer bags
• Hair Gel
• Pom Poms (or anything soft )
• Duct Tape
• Clean place to work

Luckily, I found all the items that needed/wanted at Dollar Tree (>>>click here<<< for my Dollar Tree Mini Haul)

Step 1| Pour

Take your freezer bag and fill it with hair gel. I was able to find Jumbo bags and clear hair gel but feel free to use whatever you are able to find. With the bag being larger, I purchased 2 bottles of gel.

Step 2| Add

Now that the gel has been poured, you can add your "entertainment". I chose to use soft pom poms however, you can use round buttons, foam figures...Again, whatever your able to find that is soft, flat and will NOT puncture the bag.

Step 3| Close

Now that all of your items are in the bag, ensure you have taken out as much air as possible and close it up. Something that assisted me in closing the bag was rolling the opening of the bag down one time after closing it and then applying my duct tape along the top to keep the bag folded down

Step 4| Complete

Now that the bag is closed, you can use more duct tape to create border around the bag. I doubled the layer of tape to enforce the bags edges. 

And now your little one has a new toy to play with. It was fun to make and keeps Button's attention while we trick her into a little tummy time. 

Have you ever made a sensory gel mat? If so, what items did you use and where did you find them?

Flashback Friday| Life In NICU

Being the mommy of a child in the NICU brings on a lot of anxiety that in my opinion, cannot be avoided. Things that helped to set my mind at ease and made me feel like I was helping:

Checking in| Reminding myself that if I EVER wanted to know how she was doing... even in the wee horse of the night/morning, I could call her nurse and get information.

Keep Pumping| in the earlier weeks we weren't able to nurse so keeping my pumping schedule was a must to ensure her supply was plenty at the hospital. 

Kangaroo Care| Once the green light was given, I held her every chance I got. Skin to skin not only benefited her but made me feel more like a mom.

Being hands on| it took me a while but eventually assisted in every way possibly when visiting with Button: diaper changes, hand hugs to keep her calm for her assessments, feedings, etc. I was always asking to help once I got past the "I don't want to hurt her" phase.

Journaling| I not only had a journal, but a calendar that helped me document Button's progress and count the days; from assessments to small messages to her, I wrote whenever I felt moved to do so.

CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR STORY

Pick 6| Winter

Hello loves! Springs has sprung in a sense so I wanted to share my favorites from Winter:

Hair| Whipped Shea Butter
This item is nothing new to the blog as I have shared the recipe on how to make this lovely whipped shea butter and talked about it in previous Pick 6 Posts. I use it on my hair and body a lot during the colder months for conditioning. Want to know how to create it? CLICK HERE

Fashion| Joggers
I am pretty frumpy when I don't have to leave the house but when we have company over... I try to look semi decent. Joggers help me achieve this. I have found them at Target and Rose's (a store similar to Ross and Marshalls). I have an Aztec print, dark and light grey pair that stay in heavy rotation.







Beauty| Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes.The best mascara I have used so far. It really defines my lashes. Also, I am "multiple application" gal and it makes my lashes look great.

Skin| Facial Brush
Such a simple product makes such a difference. I purchased this from Dollar Tree in a recent haul (Click Here to view my recent haul) and have been using it very often. I rub it on my black soap bar and scrub my face at the end of the day for some deep cleaning.






Accessories|Nude polishes
I like more natural nail colors during the colder months, so I lean towards nude polishes. I have a few from various brands (Sally Hanson, essie, and charming charlies) but my favorite is "Over The Taupe" by opi. I've have been using this up when I have my pampering days.





Random| Baby's First Years Bottle Warmer
This item is a God send. When it was given to us I had no clue that I would end up using it as often but this really comes in handy for those middle of the night feedings. I load up a cooler with Button's milk and take it upstairs for the night and this warmer sits right on the nightstand. I can changer her diaper and the bottle is warm by the time I have finished.


So, what items were you loving on this Winter?