Dare to Share Saturday, Birthday Edition

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share! 

This weekend we are celebrating both my and my boyfriend's birthdays.  I love that we both have birthdays during Halloween week. We went to the annual Halloween dance party tonight, and it was a lot of fun.  

This weekend we have other fun things planned too. It should be a really fun weekend.  

With everything going on this week, I did not have time to post a blog post. I have been working hard on my Etsy Shop trying to get it ready for the holidays.  I am very close to hitting 100 sales. Yea!  

The reason why I love working on my Etsy Shop is from what I learned from the Gold City Ventures Printables Course. I can honestly say  it was probably the best course I have ever took. I could seriously talk about how much I love it for hours.  Starting November 2nd they will be opening their course to the public through November 7. It is only open to the public twice a year, so now is your chance if you are interested.  If you are interested in learning more about making seasonal printables, you can read about it in their Free Ebook, or if you would like to learn more in their  Free Workshop you can do that too.  

Well it is getting really late. I have been talking to one my besties while writing this post, so let's get this party started.  Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

 

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It's time to Dare to Share

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

The party is starting a little late tonight, because I experienced the Friday night lights tonight.  I went to my alma mater's last home game of the season against our biggest rivals. I had not been to a game at my old high school since I went to school there many years ago.  My boyfriend's brother is a ref, and he is retiring this year, and tonight was his last game on our home field.  They entire family surprised him by being there for his last game.  It turned out to be a FANTASTIC game! It was super close the entire game. We scored the winning touchdown with just a couple minutes left in the game.  The other team made a comeback, and was this close to causing a tie in the last second, but we held on and won. We visited with family after the game, which is why I am writing this post after midnight.    

This week I shared some really fun news..(at least I think so) 

Dollar Tree sent me an email earlier in the week to share that their large 16 inch Christmas gnomes from (Dollar Tree Plus) are now available online.  I share more about them in my blog post Large Dollar Tree Plus Christmas Gnomes. I think they are really cute.  I would love to have the reindeer, elf and Santa gnomes.

Another post I shared was Last Minute Halloween Crafts and Treats.  With Halloween just a little over a week away, you may still be looking for some quick, easy and inexpensive Halloween activities to do. There are several in my post, like these cupcakes my daughter made a few years back. 

In my Etsy Shop this week, I added several new Halloween Party games that would be great in the classroom, as well as a kids party. I will also be adding a Printable Truth or Scare game this weekend, so look for that one as well. 

One last thing before I get the party started I received some exciting news that the Printables course that I took before I opened my Etsay shop is about to open again at the beginning of November.  The course only opens two times a year for a limited time.  I can not gush about Cody and Julie at Gold City Ventures enough.  Their course is seriously the best course I have ever taken, and their Facebook group the most supportive group I have ever been a part off.  We have live met ups several times a month, and everyone in the group is so nice.  If you have ever thought about a side hustle making printables, you might be interested in reading this free ebook  Seasonal Products Secrets.  I love making seasonal products in my shop, and I have sold just shy of 100 items. Several people in the group have sold thousands, and have turned their side hustle into their main source of income.  You might also be interested in their free workshop Manifest Passive Income with Printables. Lastly, if you prefer watching videos over reading you might like their 15 minute Printable FAQ video.  Full disclosure, I am an affiliate for Gold City Ventures, but I truly do love this course, and tell everyone I know how great it is. 

Ok, I could go on and on, but it is time to get the party started!

Link up and HAVE FUN! 

 

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Last Minute Halloween Crafts and Treats

 Can you believe we are already in the final countdown for Halloween.. EEEK!  While I am still working on a few new items for this year, I thought I would share some of my older Halloween posts with quick, easy and affordable crafts that you may be interested in doing with your family.  

If you are having or attending a Halloween Party, a cute way to give out treats is by making these Halloween Treat boxes using mini boxes from the Dollar Tree.  You can see how I made them using google eyes and paper on my post Even More Halloween Treat Boxes.

If you like to make cupcakes, here are a few you might be interested in.  You can see how to make these fun monster cupcakes here on our post Halloween Cupcakes.

And you can find these cupcakes using Oreos and candy on the post Easy Halloween Cupcakes.

One of my favorite pumpkin crafts, using Dollar Tree Pumpkins was my Olaf.  You can see how to make him on this post Olaf Pumpkin

I have an entire gang of pumpkins made from Dollar Tree pumpkins. I had plans on adding a few new ones this year, but it did not happen.  You can see how to make all of these and a three eyed monster pumpkin here on my post Pumpkin Idea Round Up (no carve). 

If you are looking for quick and easy yard decor for Halloween night, you can make these glowing aliens to light the walk to your porch. You can see how to make them on my post Glowing Alien Heads for Halloween. 

Do you need a last minute costume?  A few years back I threw together this unicorn costume, using tulle, an unicorn headband, and rainbow sweatshirt.  You can see more on how I put everything together on this post How to make an unicorn costume - quick and easy tips.

My last craft is one of my favorites.  Together with my kids we made these cute frames to display their Halloween pictures. They had a blast making theme, and I now have last memories.  You can see how we put them together using Dollar Tree frames on my post Halloween Themed Frames.

Happy Crafting and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

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Large Dollar Tree Plus Christmas Gnomes

I heard some news this morning that I am SUPER EXCITED about.  If you saw my reel about my Gnome Shelves in my Dollar Tree Craft Room  over on Instagram you will understand why..  

 

I LOVE GNOMES! 

In fact, I think at times I have a gnome collection problem.  That is why the news I heard today is so exciting. 

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

 

If you do not have a Dollar Tree Plus store in your area, the large 16 inch Plus Holiday Gnomes are now on the Dollar Tree website.  You can find them here.  And even bigger news, you can buy them in quantities of only three!  They could sell out quickly once the word gets out, so if you want them I would buy them sooner than later.  

Also don't forget, if available in your area, you can ship your order to your local store for free!

If you missed my post from last week sharing all of the new adorable Christmas Plus items that are available, you can read that post here. 

 Dollar Tree Plus Christmas Items online

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It's Time for the Dare to Share Party

It's Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It's time to Dare to Share!  

Happy Friday!  Do you remember that tree I shared last week that was just starting to turn orange.  Well it was in full color on Wednesday and looked gorgeous.  I am so glad I that I took a picture of it on that day, because the very next day we had a lot of wind, and almost all of the leaves fell off.  We are still having decent temps in the 60s and 70s, but it is definitely fall. 

How is the weather where you live?  

This weekend we have some fun plans.  In Cincinnati there is a light and art festival where they are lighting up 30 city blocks. We have not been there before, but we are hearing a lot of great things and it looks amazing on the news.  There is also a Halloweenfest in Dayton we might check out as well. 

This week I got a few things done.  

 On the blog this week, I shared a new post Dollar Tree Plus Christmas Online. This week I got an email from Dollar Tree that they have their Christmas items on the website, including several plus items.  Since I do not have a Dollar Tree Plus where I live and I'm sure a lot of others do not as well, I checked out the site. They have a lot of really cute items for $3 and $5 that you might want to check out.  

I am busy working on Thanksgiving listings for my Etsy Shop.  If you ever Boo your neighbors with Halloween treats, I have all of my Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items on sale for the weekend. 

Another thing I have been working on is making AI creations on Creative Spark through Creative Fabrica.  It is a lot of fun coming up with ideas and seeing what it created.  This creation is call An Unicorn on a Rainbow. I just loved how it turned out. If you use Creative Spark my creations are under PamsPartyPlanning. 

Well it is looking to be that time.  It's time to get the party started.  Add your links and LINK UP! 

 

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Dollar Tree Plus Christmas Items Online

 

    If you are like me and do not have a Dollar Tree Plus available in your state yet, then the fact that DollarTree.com sells some of these bonus items online is great news. While we are still a few weeks from Halloween, Christmas will be here before you know it.  Dollar Tree's Christmas items (including new Plus items) are currently on their website, and they do not disappoint. 

    One reason why I like to check the website frequently is because I can see what items will be available and what I should  look out for while shopping at my local stores.  If you are a regular  Dollar Tree shopper you know that not all stores receive all the items, which can be a bummer.  I often go to multiple stores to find the most items I can for my Dollar Tree Haul reels on Instagram.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Here are my favorite Christmas finds from DollarTree.com

Cobblestone Corners Christmas Village (new for 2022)

According to the Dollar Tree website the Cobblestone Corners Christmas Village has been updated and new for this year. I love all the different color Christmas trees in this set.  It is only available in limited quantities so if you want one, you should probably buy it soon.   You can buy the entire set and have it shipped to your local store for free!

Everything in this list is available online now. 

These new plus Metal Gnomes are going to go fast. They are very new and different than any of the gnomes they sold before. They are $3 and sold in a case of 6.

While these are not a Plus items, these Christmas gnomes will be hard to find in stores because they will sell very quickly.  They are 9 inches tall. They are currently available online for $1.25 in a case of 24.

These warm cozy lanterns look like mini fireplaces. They are at nice size at 8.25" x 4.125" x 9.5".  They are only $5 each and you are able to buy only 1.

Oh my! How cute are these 24 inch Standing Figurines?  They are plus items at $5 each and come in a case of 6. I think my favorites are the gnome and the gingerbread man. 

These metal antique Christmas signs are 18 inches, so they are a nice size.  They are currently available for $5 each in a case of 8.  My favorite is the Gingerbread Bakery.  I think that would look adorable in a kitchen.  

I think these rubber door mats are cute. I would love to have a few of them.  They are 18 x 28 inches.  They are $5 each, and come in a case of 12.  They could make a cute gift for friends or family. 

While these baking dishes will be in regular stores, I wanted to share them here, because they would be great if you give out a lot of cookies or other baking goods as gifts. These ceramic baking bowls and mini loaf pans can be kept by the recipient after the goodies are eaten.   You can buy them by the case, if they are difficult to find in the stores.  The loaf pans are $1.25 each in case of 24, and the bowls are $1.25 in a case of 36. 

These metal Christmas trees are new and different.  They are currently available online for $3 each in a case of only 6.  

A large porch leaner sign is a cute addition to a holiday porch.  These are Dollar Tree Plus items currently available online.  You can find the first set of  signs here, and the second set of signs here.   They 48 inches tall, $5 each and come in cases of 12. 

I definitely want these Christmas metal vehicles.  I especially like the red beetle.  They are $5 each and come in a case of 9.  They could make cute gifts! 

If you have followed my blog for awhile, you know how much I love red farmhouse trucks.  They have these metal trucks online for $5 each in a case of 12.  You might also be able to find them at the Family Dollar.  I have found some Dollar Tree Plus items in Family Dollar stores.  (a post will be coming soon about about this) 

If you like Christmas Tree decor, there are two kinds of decorative trees in nice textures. You can see the faux fur trees here. They are 19.25 inches tall, $5 each and available in a case of 12.   The velvet cone trees are available for $3 each in a case of 12.

These light up Christmas characters are 5x4x8", they are $5  each and come in a case of 6.  I really want the gnome light! 

If you are having a Christmas party, cookie party, or just like to look festive while in the kitchen, these Christmas aprons are super cute.  They are $5 each and come in a case of 12. I think they would make great party favors if you have a cookie or gingerbread house making party.  

Another item that would be great for a party or classroom project are these ornament packs.  Each ornament comes with a bead. They come in sets of 12 ornaments for $3 each.  They are available in cases of 12.

Did you find something on this list? I know I would like to buy several of the items. 

Here are some more Dollar Tree posts that you might find interesting. 

My Best Dollar Tree Shopping Secrets  

Dollar Tree Plus Now Online

Halloween Gnome DIY

How to throw an amazing party with the Dollar Tree

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Dare to Share Saturday Party

It's Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

 

We made it to the weekend! It's beginning to look and feel more like fall in Ohio. This is the tree that is in my backyard. I can see it while I am sitting at my desk working.  I took this picture this morning, and by this evening it is even more orange. It is so pretty, I can help staring out the window. While I am not a fan of the cooler temps, (it will be in the 50s here tomorrow) I do love all the colors of fall.  

Last weekend we had a gorgeous day to go to the Oktoberfest.  When we watched the parade, a certain float made me smile. Yes, that is giant Happy Meal on the back of a flat bed truck.  Have you been to McDonalds to get an adult Happy Meal yet?  I have been thinking about it, but I'm not we are going to get one, since you have to order it through the app, and it is $2.50 more than a regular Big Mac Meal.  If you bought one, let me know your thoughts about it in the comments. 

I got two new Halloween Party Game Listings up this week. Both would be fun activities for kids to play with their friends at a home party or in the classroom.  You can see them both listings,  and other fun Halloween and holiday printables in my Etsy Shop.

One last thing, and then I will get the party started.  If you are like me, the prices of groceries are taking a big bite out of the family budget.  This week I shared a new blog post How to Save on Groceries. In this post I share how to save money on food, and also how I  make a little reward money after I shop. Hopefully my tips can help you out.   

Well it's getting late, so it is time to start the party.  Add your links and HAVE FUN! 

 

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How to Save Money on Groceries

 

    Several years ago I wrote a post about how to save money on groceries sharing tips that I used as a single mom. It was a popular post, because everyone likes to save money when they can.  I realized recently that it is definitely time to revisit that post, and update it with new current money saving tips.  

You can read the original post here.

My first tip that I had in that post, is still my first tip in 2022.  Start planning your shopping trip by looking at the sales flyers.  In the last year, our food prices have increased in a huge way because of the inflation, and supply chain issues.  By planning your shopping list  with the items that are on sale, you will save money.   I do get some paper flyers left at our house, but I also check what's on sale by using store apps and websites.  Most stores have access to their sales ads online and coupons in their store apps.  My favorite stores in my area that I shop are Aldi, Meijer, Kroger, Walmart and Target.

Once I have a general idea  of what I might like to buy from the ads, my next step is to check is a website that finds deals and coupons for my selected store for me. My favorite sites are Bargains to Bounty, Living Rich with Coupons, The Krazy Coupon Lady, and Totally Target.    These sites are not only helpful with saving money on groceries, but with other household items and gifts as well.  

While paper coupons still exist, unless you subscribe to the newspaper, they are a bit harder to come by as they once were.  I still regularly use coupons, but I use digital coupons from my phone.  Many stores have coupons in their store apps with different names. Just a few examples are Meijer has MPerks, Kroger has Digital Deals, and Target has Circle.  If  you use the Coupons.com website or app, you can use those coupons at many different retailers. Just be sure and activate the coupon in the app before you buy the product. I often activate in while in the store.  I have found that they are often the same coupons that come in paper form in the newspaper, but without the cutting and remembering to bring them with me to the store. 

** this is an affiliate link to Dollar Tree 

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am all about shopping at  the Dollar Tree.  This year many Dollar Trees have  expanded their grocery and freezer sections. They offer name brand foods on a regular basis.  In fact, the Old El Paso Street Taco Kit and the frozen Banquet meal pictured were items I found recently at Dollar Tree.  While you probably won't be able to find everything on your grocery list, you can find enough deals to help your food budget.  

Another thing that I like to do to save money is using reward apps that pay me back money on things I was going to buy anyway.   Here are my three favorites. 

Ibotta  is one of my favorite rewards apps.  I have been using it for a long time, and you can be rewarded for shopping at most major retailers, online purchases, restaurants, gas stations, and more. 

Fetch Rewards is another favorite way I earn money back. I earn points on by snapping my receipts, bonus points on many items, and more.  If you use the code PU8JQ, you will receive bonus points just for signing up and snapping a receipt.  You can use your reward points on such gift cards as Amazon, restaurants and other retail stores. 

Another site I have used for many years is my NCP Mobile app.  Back when I first started with National Consumer Panel we were sent a handheld scanner and scanned in our groceries by hand to earn points.  Over the years I have earned hundreds of dollars worth points, and earned some really great rewards.  A couple of years ago they updated their system, so that you can scan your purchases right from your phone.  If you are interested in becoming a NCP member and earning rewards from your grocery purchases, email me, and I will give you a referral code. 

I hope you find these tips helpful, and you too are able to save some money on groceries. 

Other money saving posts you might find helpful. 

See how I find so many great finds with  My Best Dollar Tree Shopping Secrets

While this is an older post, you can see how I used Kohls coupons and promos toSave Money Christmas Shopping

I share more Dollar Tree Tips in my post Things you should always buy at the Dollar Tree.

And lastly if you like to throw parties,  Ten tips on how to throw a birthday party on a budget.

 

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