Dollar Tree Mini Haul

Hey hey! 

I have a new [somewhat still] new love for Dollar Tree and would like to share of the items that I have purchased over the months so....Let's jump into my: 

L.A. COLORS| Color Balm

I shared these balms in my Pick 6 For Fall, They are dups of Baby Lips by Maybelline. I purchased both to see which one looks better on my skin tone and I do prefer the color Ka-Pow (balm to the left). The color payoff is nice considering it is $1 and you can kind of customize how sheer you'd like to color: For a sheerer look, I put a regular/clear moisturizer on before applying the L.A. COLORS balm. 

Sassy+Chic| Nail Stickers

I have yet to use them so fingers crossed that they work just as well as the Essie ones that I found in here before. I really like the different designs that are offered so much that I used them a stocking stuffer for Christmas.

OPI| Nail Lacquer

Yes! DT had the nerve to sell opi polishes!!!! I tried to purchase as many as I could because they also were used as gifts to friends, family and co-workers. The 3 colors that I tracked in Dollar Tree were: Rollin' In Cashmere (left), Next Stop...The Bikini  Zone (middle) and I Carol About You (right)

Women's Fashion Socks

In my opinion, you can't beat socks for $1. I think this is a good buy due to the different patterns also. 

Stickers

I have been collecting a couple sheets of stickers to continue working on our family photo album(s). 

Kraft Paper| Lables

I feel like you can never have too many labels. Especially when you have storage containers to rotate out items like decorations and tools. They also come in handy in the kitchen for cooking and/or baking ingredients. 

ClipClicks| Color Ink Pens (8ct)

This was also a good deal in my opinion; 8 pens... all different colors... for 1 buck! I like using them to signs and decorate greeting cards and to use when taking notes (sometimes I enjoy color coding my notes). I have purchased so many packs to keep on standby and to give to people.

Coffee Cups

Another items that I used and gifted are these coffee cups (a knock off version of k-cups). I really like the simplicity of the packaging and it doesn't taste too bad either

What interesting items have you spotted at your local DT?

Pick 6| Fall 2017

Clearly Fall has come and gone and I failed to share my...

Hair| Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
To keep my hair mosturized with a light hold, I use this product. It seems to be made for a more looser curl pattern but does the job keeping my hair boosted with H2O as it helps pull moisture out of the air for your curls.












Fashion|tights/leggings
I have never been a big fan of tights but I cameacross some cute ones in Rose's (think of a cheaper version of Ross). I even found a pair of leggings that have a fleece lining to keep you warm. And all were under $10.00.












Beauty|L.A. Girl cosmetics setting spray
I have posted this before however, I'm still enjoying L.A. Girl's setting spray. It is light weight and doesn't leave my skin looking too oily after applying. 





















Skin| Shea Moisture African Black Soap
My skin is finicky so I have to switch up cleansing products as the cooler seasons come; Neutrogena products seem to dry my skin out more in the cooler months so I have started switching to black soap. I always have coupons for Shea Moisture products so I'm able to grab a few bars every now and then. 

Accessories| L.A. Colors Color Balm lipbalm
This is a product found in Dollar Tree. It is [in my opinion] L.A. Color's version of Baby Lips by Maybelline. Note: for best results, use after applying a true lip moisturizer to keep sheer

















Random|Keurig
I'm late on the train for Keurigs but I'm loving it.

I purchase a lot of K cups from discount stores like Ollies, Ross and Dollar Tree and have some that are gifted to me. Big thank you to the person who gifted me this guy. I also use the warm water to prep oatmeal and food for the little one.

Farewell 2016| Memorable Moments

We are a little over 1 week into the new year and while 2016 held held a lot of broadcasted highs and lows, I would like to share some memorable moments from my life.

MOVING!
After 10 years in our previous location, we finally moved. It was stressfull purging and sorting but it helped us prioritize what to keep as well as bringing up the conversation to minimize as much as possible moving forward. Still getting adjusted to the new place but I knkw it has great benefits for the little one.

Button Turns 1!
I'm happy to say that we have made through 1 year of parenting (with the helpful advice from friends and assistance from our parents). Looking back on her rushed beginnings I am still in amazement at how far she has come.

Becoming an auntie!
What could be more exciting than having a little one of your own? Having your little one have a cousin close in age. I am so excited to see how these two interact and just watch them grow.

What were your memorable moments of 2016?

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