*NEW VIDEO* DOLLAR TREE ORGANIZATION - 5 Tips to Keep Your Purse Organized

 *NEW VIDEO* DOLLAR TREE ORGANIZATION - 5 Tips to Keep Your Purse Organized

See video here: https://youtu.be/RIRnm_SaAZA

Dollar Tree Succulent Decorations!

Combining obsessions is always fun. Dollar Tree? Good. Succulents? YES. Milk glass? Even better! See how I decorated with Dollar Tree succulents and a few pieces of my milk glass collection here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QaH1wdSOvs&feature=youtu.be

See video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QaH1wdSOvs&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy!

love + light,
Clara

MY GOALS for 2016

It's that time again! Instead of being sad or annoyed about the word "RESOLUTIONS", remember everything that you DID accomplish last year! What things happened last year brought you joy? What events made you cherish life even more and feel gratitude?

I too have goals that I did not accomplish last year, but for those that DID work out, I kept them on the list for my 2016 goals so that they don't get forgotten. I've added a few new KEY goals to the list, including ORGANIZING DIGITAL PHOTOS, a 365 DAY PHOT PROJECT, and spending NO MORE THAN $100 PER WEEK ON GROCERIES, and more!!! (See my YouTube video below or here: http://bit.ly/1OT43dJ )

For those goals that didn't happen, like particular physical goals (attending yoga, reaching a particular weight), I will simply try again but perhaps have a different way of approaching the goal. For example, my 2015 goal of attending yoga twice a week was too stressful schedule-wise, and I found that being stressed out in class RUINS the experience! (OF COURSE!!!!)

So what are the alternatives for me?

- Aim for one yoga class a week instead of two
- Do a yoga DVD instead
- Shorter spurts of yoga routines instead of an hour long class

For this particular goal (to incorporate more yoga), I've decided to take it on a month-to-month basis. I'll evaluate at the end of each month how things are going, and if my choice isn't working, I'll try something else. For January 2016, thankfully my gym has announced a new yoga class (Yin yoga, which I wanted) on Sundays, which are definitely doable for me. If I'm able to attend at least 3 of those sessions this month, I'll continue to purse this choice next month.

What are your goals for 2016? Do you want to spend more time with family? Drink more water? Save money for a little vacation? 

love + light,
Clara

DIY Home Goods Decor!

I LOVE Home Goods, but I refuse to spend $100 for a painting! Decided to use old sample paints to DIY my own Home Goods decor and make it a bit darker to fit my taste! 

See this quick 2-3 minute VIDEO here!

http://bit.ly/1I0FW9Y

I had old canvases in the basement that had paintings of trees, and I wasn't fond of the style nor color. I know it's taboo (VERY TABOO!!!) to paint over paintings, but I did it! I used a few thick layers of white primer paint, and POOF! Gone!

After painting the dining room, I was left will three sample paints in colors I absolutely adore. 

Sample Paint Used (from Home Depot):
Behr Ultra NYPD (medium gray blue, the color we chose for the dining room)
Behr Ultra Midnight Blue (dark gray blue)
Behr Ultra Deep Breath (medium blue)

After putting down some newspaper on the kitchen table, I used water to wipe the dust away and dried the canvases with a kitchen towel. Using the Behr Ultra Deep Breath (medium blue) paint, I started painting at the bottom, knowing that would be the darkest area of the painting (thereby a great place to make my first mistakes! LOL). Using a 1.5 inch Purdy brush (the same we use to paint the house), I dipped directly into the sample container and made large swiping motions across the canvas to get the look of the ocean waves. I did the same with a few swipes of the Behr Ultra NYPD (medium gray blue).

In an effort to make it as streaky as possible (yet make the waves better blend together), I used a little bit of water. As I approached the top of the painting (towards the "sky"), I used less and less paint. I then applied Behr Ultra Midnight Blue (dark gray blue) in thicker textured streaks to simulate rocks.

Optional Step: Working with a wrap around canvases, I decided to continue painting around the edges. Some people prefer to just leave the edges white or paint them black - totally a matter of preference!

And, VOILA! Is it as good as the Home Goods painting? Of course not. It's darker and moodier, but I love it! It's mine, and no else has a copy of this painting. :)

Have you done any painting around your house to mimic expensive decor you've seen at your favorite stores?

love + light,
Clara

Repurpose a Detergent Bottle into a Cleaning Basket!

Although having a pedestal sink may look pretty, it sucks, yes SUCKS for storage! Storage under the sink in the bathroom usually holds items you may want to hide, like toilet paper, cleaning products, etc.

I was able to find a super inexpensive solution for toilet paper storage, but as far as cleaning supplies, I decided to store them in the nearby laundry room. For easy transport, I repurposed an old detergent bottle - small, but a perfect size! It held the following:

Basic Bathroom Cleaning Supplies (no bathtub/shower in downstairs bath):
- Disinfectant spray
- Toilet gel
- "Windex" type of cleaner
- Microfiber duster
- Microfiber wash cloth
- Wooden barbecue skewer

To see more details on how I made this, see my video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrkU6GGE2I

Here are the basics:

- Mark & cut two large holes in the front and back to insert cleaning bottles, keeping the handle intact
- Make holes to store duster, washcloth, and barbecue skewer
- Cover detergent label with contact paper if you wish!

Wait, a BARBEQUE SKEWER?

Yes! A barbecue skewer is great for really tiny and narrow places that even a toothbrush has difficulty reaching sometimes!

What are some storage solutions you have for the bathroom?

Love + light,

Clara

Dollar Tree Toilet Paper Organizing!

I love organizing that is easy and inexpensive to do. Doesn't get much better than this, hahaha!

YES, I am that excited about organizing toilet paper! Although having a pedestal sink may look pretty, it sucks, yes SUCKS for storage! Storage under the sink in the bathroom usually holds items you may want to hide, like toilet paper. However, the storage solution I made with Dollar Tree items almost made toilet paper look pretty. Okay, maybe not pretty, but it sure looked clean and neat!

Using Dollar Tree products, I made a DOLLAR TREE TOILET PAPER TOWER! Yes, I could've put the toilet paper elsewhere, like a shelf above the door or a basket hanging off the wall. Or, I could've forked over $30+ for a storage shelf sold by Ikea or Home Depot for pedestal sinks.

But, this solution was WAY cheaper (bonus was that I already had all these items on hand)!

You will need:
- Fishing line or very strong twine (you could also use yarn, jute twine, ribbon, etc., if you're okay with it bring visible)
-  A popsicle stick (from the teaching section)
- Tape (any will do)

I showed this in a recent bathroom tour - shows very simple decorating using Dollar Tree, Ikea, and thrifted items! See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB_V8leE8NE

 A few tips:

- Tie the top of the fishing line to the top door hinge
- Use a strong fishing line; you may need 2-3
- Knot the fishing line around the popsicle stick several times, then secure further with tape
- Make sure the tower doesn't interfere with opening the door

Do you have any fun toilet paper storage tricks? Comment below! I LOVE hearing about different storage solutions!

Love + light,
Clara

Dollar Tree Hair Dye - Does it really work?

Happy to say that I am fulfilling one of 2015's New Year's resolutions - trying something new every month! One new thing I tried in October was Dollar Tree's Coloreazy hair dye. I have been eyeing this product for awhile, but like a lot of stuff at Dollar Tree, I end up leaving it or putting it back, either because a) I chickened out, or b) I didn't need it.

Well, with my Summer brown hair dye adventures no longer looking so hot for the Fall, I worked up the courage to try the hair dye,  as my off black roots were definitely coming in (up to 2 inches). I finally needed to buy this product. Well, not really NEED it....like I wouldn't die without the dye, but you know what I mean.

The only other hair dye I've used in recent years if L'Oreal Feria. It is a much stronger product with nearly twice the amount of product per bottle and a conditioner to use afterwards. It definitely was not a fair comparison!

See video here: http://bit.ly/1Gte7GG

At a small 1.4 ounces, I was fairly impressed with this product, but mainly for covering mostly the top areas of my head that were the lightest. SEE MY SHORT YOUTUBE VIDEO for more details regarding coverage time, color I used, and more pros and cons: http://bit.ly/1Gte7GG

For now, here's the basic info:

Dollar Tree Coloreazy Hair Dye PROS:
- No offensive scent
- Inexpensive ($1 at Dollar Tree)

Dollar Tree Coloreazy Hair Dye CONS:
- Small amount of product
- Very thick & creamy (difficult to evenly distribute throughout hair)
- Few color choices at Dollar Tree

So, what's the verdict? Would I buy this product again? The quick and dirty answer is YES, I would, but only for touch ups, and not to change colors drastically (like going from black to blonde, blonde to red, etc.). And I would definitely need at LEAST two at a time, even just for touch ups. Have you used Dollar Tree's hair dye before? What do you think?

New Dollar Tree Haul | Love these new baskets!

New Dollar Tree Haul! If you do any holiday baking, keep an eye out for small bags of Betty Crocker nuts, Baker's Chocolate, Duncan Hines cake mixes, and more! Also, be sure to try the Dollar Tree's parchment paper - I love it for baking holiday treats and kale chips!

CLICK this link to see my video! http://bit.ly/1MY8Jug

Also, I love these baskets! They were new to my Dollar Tree, and great for so many uses! It's like a shopping basket! Let me know if you find other colors besides green or purple at your store!

Dollar Tree Fabric Poms! How to Upcycle T-Shirts! Autumn DIY

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POfN4pg76Jk&list=PLYBU1iiv9k09mCEPwPMYylUFJDSikT89Y&index=1

Interested in Fall decor from the Dollar Tree? Love a good Dollar Tree DIY? Check this out!

Do you have some old t-shirts you'd like to upcycle (and don't need anymore rags)? Have a go at making them into decorative pom poms!

The fabric pom pons were made from Dollar Tree t-shirts, and the burlap chevron ribbon is made by FloraCraft, which I also bought at the Dollar Tree! See step-by-step instructions on the video at the end of this blog entry!

I reuse the same wreath and update it from season to season. Having a nice off white burlap serves as a nice base for a wreath all year round!

I had bought three old chairs at Salvation Army a few months back - two ended up metallic gold and live in the living room. The 3rd chair was brought to the front porch and painted with Valspar Ultra Paint + Primer flat 391609 White. The cushion is very easy to update, especially with the use of Dollar Tree pillowcases!

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POfN4pg76Jk&list=PLYBU1iiv9k09mCEPwPMYylUFJDSikT89Y&index=1

NEW DOLLAR TREE HAUL! Beauty Review of NYC blush, LA Looks Hairspray

New Dollar Tree Haul! Chevron burlap ribbon, more Nivea, and after a YEAR on my Dollar Tree list, I finally found CHAI TEA!!!! I'm so EXCITED! :) Also found Tayu English Breakfast and Blueberry teas!

I also review LA Looks Mega Hairspray and compare with Salon Selective Firm Hold Hairspray (the non-aerosol type spray bottle). The winner? LA LOOKS! 

Pros of LA Looks Hairspray:
- Better hold (although it's more of a flexible hold, that allows for scrunching and styling time)
- Good scent
- More product for your money

Cons of LA Looks Mega Hold Hairspray:
- Unsure of recyclability of container

The Salon Selectives tended to be watery, plus it's such a small bottle. Not sure how the aerosol-type can works though.

See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f11alXiQjhQ&index=3&list=PLYBU1iiv9k09mCEPwPMYylUFJDSikT89Y

Dollar Tree Fall Activities for Children | Cheap Activities Collab!

LOVE this collab! See my video for some Dollar Tree activities to do with children. Check out the other videos in this collab as well - some FANTASTIC ideas you won't want to miss!!!

See video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVqj_F7iyiI&list=PLYBU1iiv9k08fsgTIgfJILRZADz3p9k-X&index=27

Dollar tree Haul | Gave in to the Milani craze just a little....for NOW, lol!!!!

New DT Haul! Video link here: http://bit.ly/1WcgUHP 

Huge name brand burlap ribbon, coconut oil hair treatment, and more. #dollartree #dollartreeaa #dollartreefinds#dollartreebeauty #claraslate #loreal #beginningsbyhask #hask#coconutoiltreatment #coconutoil #milani #makeup #lipgloss #burlapribbon#burlap #nivea #cereal #honeybunchesofoats #breakfastbiscuits #crafts#goldthumbtacks #youtube

I loved the Beginnings by Hask Morrocan oil hair treatment I bought a few months ago, I'll probably love the coconut oil one as much, if not more! (LOOOVE coconut!!!!). Also bought some crafty goodies, name brand foods, and several name brand makeup/self-care finds!!!! Love me some DT.

Fear the Walking Dead Midseason Commentary - Season 1

Like Fear the Walking Dead? I have a midseason commentary for you! CLICK above or see this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhp0CJc-ai8

Here I discuss the Monopoly game, the hospital, the airplane, and multiple character analyses, including about Salazar. 

What do you think of the show so far?

In case you missed it, I did a commentary on The Walking Dead Season 5 finale! CLICK below or see this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eChAV...

Let me know what you think of the shows so far! 

Dollar Tree Haul! Mid September 2015

Dollar Tree Haul! Toddler Things & More New Goodies http://bit.ly/1iryKIA

Dollar Tree DIY Jewelry Organizer (Mini)

See video here:  Dollar Tree Mini Jewelry Holder DIY!!! - YouTube

I LOVE keeping my desk organized. If there is any place in the house that can make me feel more empowered to meet the tasks of the day, it's my desk!

This mess drives me crazy! lol

Although I enjoy organizing desk items with small Dollar Tree bins, I still didn't feel as organized when it came to putting jewelry in there. I am NOT a jewelry guru, and only wear a few pieces the vast majority of the time (rotating every few weeks).

Sometimes at the end of the day, I just want to take all jewelry off...kind of a way to wind down and release from the day. Could I run upstairs to do that? Sure. DO I do that? Nope!






My motto with organizing has always been to "have fun and work within your means." Basically, this means to DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU, and ENJOY it!

So, while strolling through the aisles of the Dollar Tree, I came across their sink strainer mats. The translucent, clean lines really spoke to me, and I wondered if I could use this in an organizing project. And yes, it's a sink strainer!

It also kind of reminded me of a peg board without the pegs...that's when it dawned on me - I could use this to organize my jewelry at my desk! It is just the right durability to withstand holding items, yet wasn't so thick it couldn't fit in a frame.

I initially thought thin S hooks could work, but they would fall at odd angles which detracted from the beautiful clean lines (yes, I called a sink strainer beautiful, haha!). Then I thought I'd use 3M Command Hooks, but I didn't like the size and look of the smallest ones that could hold necklaces. That's when I found some nifty steel hooks at the Dollar Tree!

After trimming the sink strainer to be fit, center, and with as many grid lines as possible, I adhered the hooks, and voila!!! Instant mini jewelry organizer for my desk!

Voila! All done!

TIPS:

- Use the gridlines on the sink strainer to align your hooks so they're even.

- Use super glue or hot glue to adhere the hooks. The adhesive pads they come with weren't strong enough for me.

- Paint the edge of the frame a metallic gold or silver to give it a little more bling bling! You can also buy craft items at the Dollar Tree to decorate it further, like jewels, rhinestones, feathers, etc.

- If the frame you use has a leg to lean on, just carefully rip the leg off, otherwise it may hang unevenly. Better yet, do what I did and use 3M Command VELCRO to line it up, that way if you're a little off, you can easily take the frame down and realign it (usually without having to take any velcro off)!

- Add a backing to place behind the sink strainer and give a splash of color! If the backing may rip easily when you insert your dangly earrings, add a layer of clear contact paper to protect it (or cut the backing out of poster board, shiny department store bags, gift bags, etc.).

- Careful when disposing of the glass - keep in a safe place for future crafts!

Dollar Tree Review - Wild Oats Natural Creamy Peanut Butter & a Note about Ibotta

Take a look at the photo above. How many items in today's breakfast were from the Dollar Tree? Pretty much everything except the plate! How I love Dollar Tree! Oh, and the Wild Oats peanut butter was delicious! When you first open the jar, the peanut butter and oil seems a bit separated, but I've seen that before with "natural" peanut butter from other brands. It wasn't as separated as you may see more so with almond butter; just give it a quick stir and it's ready to get spreading! Mmm!

Keep in mind, that your typical items that you buy from the grocery store may be on the Ibotta app. In case you don't know what that is, Ibotta is a free app you can put on your phone, where it essentially allows you to get money back for purchases. Dollar Tree has recently been added to the list of stores of Ibotta's partners.

Why is this cool? Well, if you shop at the DT as much as I do, you can end up paying less than a dollar for some of your items. For example, they give you 20 cents back for peanut butter this week. I know that seems very small, but after just a few weeks the money back can really start to add up! All you do is scan the barcode and the receipt, and you get the money back via PayPal or gift cards (after accumulating a certain amount)!

If you'd like to see the Ibotta app in action, check out one of my videos:

You can also see the video by clicking this link: Dollar Tree is on IBOTTA !!!

Happy DT shopping!

New Dollar Tree Haul

A few neat finds this week - check out my VIDEO haul 

for some other NEW goodies at the Dollar Tree!

See video here: http://bit.ly/1NT8u6s

My FAVORITE GEM of the week is this little toolbox. How stinkin' cute is this? You can use it to store makeup to-go, travel items, make a car travel play kit for the kids, etc.

 Yes, these came in ORANGE!!!!!! Perfect for our family room.

How neat are these sliders? Awesome.