“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Rubbermaid, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #RMDishRack  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”


I don't know about you, but I feel like my kitchen sink is always an ongoing battle.  Even when the dishwasher is fully loaded and running, there are still the pots and pans and other fragile dishware sitting in the sink. I'm usually too lazy to wash them right away, so they just sit there. It hit me the other day that I should just invest in a countertop dish rack and reorganize things to set me up for success. Duh! After doing this, I feel like the kitchen sink is now a happy place!

First, I headed to Target and used a 15% off Cartwheel coupon to score this heavy duty Rubbermaid Dish Rack to help with my sink clutter battle.

This was my sink. It deceivingly looks somewhat clean...

But the overspill of dishes that didn't fit in the dishwasher and fragile things are always lurking.

I had rigged up this cake stand to hold my soaps and sponges (they were living in the flower pot), but it just always seemed nasty and dingy.

The dish soap holder lost it's top and then just looked like this always. Yuck.

So, like any good DIY-er and thrifty girl, I headed to the thrift store to see if I could come up with an easy solution. I immediately spotted these office supply organizers and I knew they had potential.

I invisioned my empty nook right here....

And so after a little oil rubbed bronze spray paint,

That little nook was transformed into this:

The pencil/paper holder was the absolute perfect size for holding sponges!! And the small shelf fit a nice new shiny glass dish soap holder, a tiny dish for the scrubber and a new friendly succulent.

That pot with the nasty sponges also acquired a new friend for the kitchen

And now my pots and pans and too-big-for-the-dishwasher stuff can hang out in the Rubbermaid Dish Rack, which really does get the job done! (Why was I wasting my time with hand drying? Just stick those wet suckers on this rack and it does all the work.)

Yay! Just a few small changes makes this space fresh and happy!

DIY Stenciled Pillow

I recently created a fun stenciled pillow for the girls' bedroom using I Love To Create’s Tulip For Your Home stencil kit.  This line of stencils and paints are so cute and it was the easiest thing to make. I think the project took me 10 minutes total!

These are the supplies I used:

 

Materials: 

• 1 large stencil
• 1 small stencil
• 2 colors of fabric paint
• Foam roller
• Spray adhesive
• Pillow cover

Here's how to make it!
Step 1: Put newspaper or cardboard inside your pillow cover.

Step 2: Spray the back of the large stencil with spray adhesive and lay it on the pillow.

Step3: Roll on the fabric paint and remove the stencil while still wet.

Step 4: After it is dry (get out the hair dryer if you are impatient like me!), repeat the steps with the smaller stencil in a contrasting color. Done!

 The girls needed a new pillow for their bed and I think the chandelier design is super cute.

Check out more of ILTC’s Tulip For Your Home products on their various spots around the web!

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This was a sponsored post, but opinions are always my own!

Check out some other fun stenciled pillows below!

Spring Cleaning Checklist for a Healthy Child, Healthy World!

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. #WalgreensOlogy

Is anyone in the mood for spring cleaning? I recently took a look at my cleaning supplies and tried to weed out anything harmful. I feel like now that I have kids, it's my social responsibility to keep my home chemical free for the most part! I've compiled a list of very basic things to keep my house in tip top shape using more kid friendly ingredients.

In addition to my homemade cleaning supplies, I found some new all purpose cleaner from Walgreens with no harmful chemicals. I thought I'd give it a try since Reid isn't a fan of my homemade all purpose cleaner.

There is actually an entire line of products by Ology which I'm excited to try!


Anyway...back to the checklist! I like to keep my cleaning products all in one spot. I found this basket at the dollar store.

I also like to just keep a few items and not be overwhelmed with tons of different cleaners for specific jobs. I love ones that will clean multiple surfaces!

This is what is in my basket:

1. Microfiber cloth - works much better than a regular cloth in picking up dirt. Use for windows, counters, wooden surfaces, electronics...anything!
2. Microfiber dusting mitt - I love this little thing because my girls think it's fun to use. I can quickly dust without using any dusting spray. Just wipe down any surface that needs dusting!
3. Rubber gloves - I find I do a much more thorough job as long as I'm wearing gloves. I found these cute ones at Marshalls.
4. Baking Soda - This stuff cleans anything. I sprinkle it on sinks or counters for an abrasive cleaner.
5. All Purpose cleaner - Either make your own or buy a bottle that is chemical free!
6. Vinegar and Water - Use for windows, wood floors, bathrooms...really anything! Add some essential oil if you can't stand the vinegar smell.
7. Old toothbrush - this is a must for getting in those hard to reach spots!

Want more ideas for DIY cleaners? Check out all of my recipes!
Homemade Cleaning Wipes
All Natural All Purpose Cleaner
Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner
All Natural Fabric Softener
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Homemade Foaming Soap
Grout Cleaner

$20 DIY Spring Doorstep Makeover

‘This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and All You Magazine, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #lifeforless http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.”

My doorstep was in dire need of a spring spruce up but I wasn't willing to spend much money. I decided to make use of what I had around the house and come up with some fun and colorful spring outdoor decor! Stay tuned for a chance to win a $50 Dollar General gift card at the end of the post!!

I headed to Dollar General to grab a copy of All You magazine. I found some super cute money saving tips for spring!

I love the challenge of changing something up while spending the least amount of money possible. I got to work finding stuff around the house.  This was my blank canvas.

I grabbed a garage sale planter that needed a little TLC...

As well as this old red chair that was also a garage sale find from a very long time ago

I used some chalk paint that I already had on hand and gave the chair and planter a new look. Combine that with some flowers and this little portion of the makeover was about $5!

Next, I grabbed this plain doormat for $6 at the hardware store.

I stuck on some painter tape in a zig zag/chevron pattern

And after using some leftover white spray paint, I had a new and cute mat!

My favorite part of the makeover is definitely the giant chalkboard. I've had this huge empty frame sitting in the garage for years. It was in someone else's trash and I knew it had potential.

We got a scrap of drywall from Lowe's for $5 and spray painted it with chalkboard paint, gave the frame a new coat of white spray paint and we were done!

It will be fun to change out the message from season to season.

And finally, I hung my spring wreath (that used to be a fall wreath) on the door.

Not too shabby for less than 20 bucks!

Be sure to head to Dollar General where ALL YOU is available nationwide to get more money saving tips. And here is a $1 Off Coupon just for you!

And you have a chance to win a $50 Dollar General gift card! Yay!! Enter below: 

Entry-Form

RECIPE: Chocolate and Caramel Cream Cheese Egg

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #EatMoreBites #CollectiveBias

Get ready for a super yummy and somewhat naughty dessert or appetizer that is perfect for your Easter celebration.  Your guests' taste buds will thank you. 

I headed to Walmart and picked up some Milky Way Simply Caramel Bites which are perfect for this carmal chocolate creation.

The other ingredients you will need are:

1/2 Cup Softened Butter
1 8oz Package of Cream Cheese 
2 Tbs Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 Cup Chopped Milky Way Simply Caramel Bites
1/2 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips

Obviously you could make this into a simply ball shape if you weren't serving it for Easter. Or you could do a tree for Christmas...or a football...or any other shape your heart desires. You could also get creative with other dippers. I used green apples, pretzels and animal crackers because that's what I had on hand. I loved the apple slices with it. The crisp tart apple with the sweet cream cheese and chocolate is the perfect combo.

And it just looks so cute and festive, doesn't it?

Don't waste any time, go out and make this today!

And, I am happy to share 2 coupons with you so that you can save a little cash while making this tasty treat!