Daily Essentials at the Dollar Tree

Do you shop at the Dollar Tree?  I go about once every other month to stock up on our daily essential things we need around the house. I realized about 15 years ago that the Dollar Tree carries a lot of stuff that is used on a daily basis at a much cheaper price. 

I buy all the ziplock type baggies at the Dollar Tree. There have been times I have purchased them at Target or Costco. When I compare the prices it is so much cheaper to just go to the Dollar Tree. I normally buy the off brands of baggies, but they were out this last time. Pandemic hoarders shelves must be overflowing lol

On my trip to the Dollar Tree here are some of the items I get:

1. Snack baggies - 1
2. Sandwich baggies - 3
3. Quart baggies - 1 
4. Gallon baggies - 3
5. Rubber gloves - 2
6. Sponges - 3 
7. Flossers - 2 
8. Napkins - 3
9. Paper towels - 2
10. Parchment paper - 2 

I usually have to go to the Dollar Tree because we need more baggies. We haven't been going through as many now that G isn't in school. For the most part I try not to send a lot of baggies in lunches. It is usually cheaper to buy things in bulk and put them in a baggy. I also freeze a lot of food, so I use baggies to freeze stuff. 

The only time we use paper towels is when the cleaning lady comes, so 2 rolls last us 2 months or more. We use cloth towels instead of paper towels. I have probably 20 towels that last me a week. We use them to dry our hands, clean up messes and wipe up any water. I didn't grow up with paper towels, so it feels wasteful to me to use paper towels. 

I wash dishes in rubber gloves otherwise my hands get so dry. I like the pink ones! One pair will last me awhile! I just like to have a second pair in case I get a hole in them. I don't always buy these. If I have a second pair under the sink I don't buy anymore. 

I use sponges to wash dishes, clean the stove, and wipe off counters. I know some people hate sponges. I like them. You might like paper towels and I don't. So let's just agree to disagree on the sponge situation ok. lol

I keep flossers all over the place. I got into the habit of flossing my teeth and now I need to do it a few times a day. I keep them in my car, purse, kitchen drawer and bathroom. I don't want to be running all over the place to take care of my teeth lol
The dentist told me on my last visit they haven't seen teeth this clean. I said well it's because of the preschool pick up line! They were puzzled. I said I floss my teeth every day while I am picking up G from school. 

I also like to buy all our party supplies - plates, napkins, utensils, decorations, gift bags, cards. These things are just as good as buying them from Target, but the price is so much less. There are times I will order specific themed decor for the boys birthdays from Amazon, but for regular colored decor I buy it from the Dollar Tree. 

I try to stock up, so I only go every 2-3 months. It saves me time and money. I tell the kids they can pick out 1 item while we are there. They can pick ANYTHING in the store they want. This of course makes G VERY happy! lol One day Cash was insistent on 2 balls...not 1 he picked 2 favorite balls. At first I was like no, you need to pick just one. Then I thought come on Becky it's $1 LOL

Check out your local Dollar Tree the next time you are near one for your daily essentials! 

Hair Issues from Well Water

When we moved into our house in Texas we went from city water in California to a well in Texas. I grew up on well water, so I never thought I would have issues with my hair. I was in for a surprise between the humidity of South Texas and the well water. 

In California I used conditioner once or twice a month after I washed my hair. I have been using BeautyCounter Daily Shampoo to wash my hair twice and then I use Maple Holistic Sage Shampoo. I started using the Maple Holistic Sage Shampoo when I was pregnant with Cash and experienced ridiculous dandruff. The dandruff was definitely a pregnancy thing because once Cash was born it all went away.  Danielle Walker from Against All Grain had mentioned she used this shampoo when she was pregnant with her daughter.  It was a game changer for me. It helped my dry scalp and took the dandruff away. I have continued to use it ever since to help with my dry scalp. 

When we moved to our Texas home I was struggling so bad with an itchy scalp. I felt within 2 days my head had build up even though I wasn't using any hair products. A blogger Lauren McBride mentioned she had started using Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo to help the build up she was experiencing from her well water. I bought some to try because I was desperate. This helped my hair for a little while. 

I was still having issues with build up on my scalp. I did some research and found out it was most likely from the minerals in our water. I bought a water system to filter our drinking water and a shower filter. My scalp and hair GREATLY improved by adding the detox shampoo and the filter. 

I mentioned early I rarely used conditioner in California. My hair was very healthy. Between the well water and climate changes my hair over the past year has become dry. I had started to notice it was more difficult to comb my hair our after I washed it. I had my hair trimmed and the lady told I would need to use a hydrating conditioner every time I washed my hair. I went back to using the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask. I use this each time I wash my hair now. I only wash my hair about every 6-10 days. 

I have started using the Honest Company Detangler Spray before I brush my hair out with a Wet brush. The detangler spray really helps condition my hair as it is a lightweight leave in conditioner too. I love the smell of the wild orange vanilla scent the detangler spray has too! My hair spells amazing for a few days from it!  My hair has greatly improved by making all these changes. It took me over a year to figure all this out. 

The hair products I use to wash my hair:

BeautyCounter Daily Shampoo

Maple Holistic Sage Shampoo

Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask

Honest Company Detangler Spray 

Shower Filter

When I was trying to figure out what shower filter to buy I did a search on Amazon. I found the one with a lot of reviews for hard water. The title of the shower filter I went with was 

AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter - Reduces Dry Itchy Skin, Dandruff, Eczema, and Dramatically Improves The Condition of Your Skin, Hair and Nails. Well that covered all of it right there! It has worked great for us. I replace the filters every 3-4 months. By the end of month 3 I can start to see a difference with my scalp and I know it's time to replace it. 

Hopefully this post will help someone who is struggling with water changes to find some products that will work for them.

Budget Friendly Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is right around the corner and I am sure some of us could use some budget friendly ideas. To be honest I am so sad about not getting a school made mother's day gift from school this year. I cherish all those gifts made at school! 

George has been asking me what color and kind of flowers I want. He said we are going to need to buy you some flowers soon. I am guessing him and Art have been having some conversations about mother's day. I told him I would like pink tulips. He asked you don't want pink roses? lol

I am not really a flower type person. They are just going to die, so how about getting me something off my Amazon wish list, another pair of the Birkenstock plastic knock off sandals from Target, or a day of no cooking. I told Art not to get me anything this year. I have everything I want or need. 

Here are some ideas that you could share if someone asks what you want. 

Color Street 

I absolutely love Color Street. I can put a set of nail stripes on and they will last me 10-14 days. However I did learn they will not last if you decide to play Lego's and start pulling them apart. I have a couple chips on 2 nails from my Lego building! It was worth it! My favorite color is Swiss & Tell a white color! It's my go to that I wear almost every day. 

Target Plastic Sandals

I bought these sandals to be my "slippers" around the house. I am going to buy a second pair to wear outside of the house. They are soooo comfy! I wanted to buy the Birkenstock plastic sandals, but they are $45 for plastic. I happen to find these at Target for $15. My cousin then told me she bought hers when sandals were 20% plus her 5% Target Card discount, which made them around $9. 

They come in black, silver and white. I have the white ones. I think I will buy another pair of the white. Hey I can bleach them if they get too dirty right. lol

Tie Dyed Tank Top

Tie dye is all the rage right now. I like the colorful subtle tie dye. I do not like the really bold red, blue, yellow, green colors. 

Camo Leggings

I have a pair of the Colorfulkoala black leggings that are AMAZING! I love them! I would like the black and green camo ones. These are the most comfortable leggings! I love that they are high waisted and 7/8 length. I have the hardest time with regular leggings being too long on me. I do not want to be bothered folding them under, so they aren't bunchy. These are perfect and hit right at my ankle. 

Mother's Necklaces

I buy my mother's necklaces from either Mac & Mia or The Silver Wren. Both of these small shops are on Etsy. I have numerous necklaces from each of them and they are amazing quality. I do not take my necklaces off for showers and they have not tarnished. You could not go wrong with either small shop for yourself or a gift. I have sent these necklaces for gifts too! 

Go Ask Your Dad Tshirt

I think every mom needs this tee for mother's day!!!! 

Comfy Pajamas

My mom bought me these pajamas for Christmas. They are so soft, comfy and perfect for hot Texan weather. I have been wearing these a lot of mornings during this pandemic. They are just perfect to lounge in! 

Sleep Eye Mask

If you are going to get some comfy pajamas a sleep eye mask would be perfect to go along with them! This pink silk eye mask is perfect for a mother's day nap! Naps are one of my favorite thing thing on Sunday. 

Do you have a wish list for mother's day? What is one of your favorite gifts you have received in the past? You still have plenty of time to order the perfect gift for that special person who deserves to be celebrated! 

OOTD - Toddler Review

I have been trying to wear clothes that I haven't worn in a long time. I am a jeans and tshirt girl. Those are what I grab almost every day. They are toddler friendly, comfy and easy. I have gotten rid of a lot of my "office" clothing. There are just so many dressier items you can wear when your a SAHM. I dress up for church, date night, but I don't really have a need to dress up anymore than that. 

I pulled out some of these items the other week to wear. I figured I could still wear them to run errands and for appointments. Apparently my toddler now is so use to me wearing jeans & tshirts with flat shoes he feels the need to question my fashion choices. G asked me what kind of shoes are those? He was referring to the black booties. I told him they were boots. He gave me a side eye and said oh. 

A couple days later I wore the chambray shirt with the outfit above. G told me momma I don't like that shirt you need a new one. Well thanks! This is my fav chambray that I have had for years. I love this shirt. 

I have a red plaid shirt that I wear once in awhile. Every single time I wear it G tells me he doesn't like it. One day he started to have a tantrum that I needed to change. I have NO idea why he doesn't like it or why it causes so much drama. I can't think of a time I wore it where he got upset. Craziness!!! I have informed him I will pick out my clothing myself to wear. I am just waiting for this to back fire on me and he will inform me of the same things. Thankfully he could careless what he wears 99% of the time. Once in awhile he will have an opinion on a shirt or socks. 

Have your kids given their opinion on your outfit choices lately?

Spring OOTD

I recently bought this tshirt on Etsy. I think the eyelash and lip shirts are really cute. I went out with a friend for drinks one night and wore this. I haven't worn a blazer in ages. I use to wear them all the time for work. I tried to find some similar booties like the ones I am wearing. I bought mine at Nordstrom Rack on a great deal! I found a couple pairs that are similar I linked below. 

Tshirt: Etsy

Blazer: Old from Target (similar)

Jeans: American Eagle

Booties: Nordstroms Rack (similar) (similar) 

I love these jeans! I wear them at least 3 times a week. Sometimes I have to force myself to wear something different. I have 2 pairs. I bought a pair at Gap and American Eagle. The pair from Gap I got for like $10. It was the only pair they had or I would have bought a second pair. I just love them because they are so comfy, cropped and they don't sag. I really like cropped jeans because I can wear them with booties, sandals or my converse. I don't have to roll them up at all. They are just perfect! 

I bought the sweater from Nordstrom Rack a few years back. It's a staple. Just a simple crewneck black comfy cardigan. I can't find anything on their website currently that is similar. You can find this type of sweater anywhere. Target even sells them. 

Sweater: Nordstrom Rack

Jeans: American Eagle 

Booties: Nordstroms Rack (similar) (similar) 

I recently bought this dress from Old Navy. I have been on the fence about this dress over the past year. I LOVE it, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to wear a form fitting dress. I decided that I needed to stop being over self conscious. This dress is the perfect dress for summer! It is comfy, cool and covers enough while chasing a toddler. I wore it recently when it was 89 degrees! We were dying from the heat. We went from the 60's to almost 90. I suggest you add it to your wardrobe! 

Dress: Old Navy

Sandals: Target (similar)

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Spring OOTD appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.  

Natural Deodorant Review!

I have been on the hunt for a natural deodorant that actually worked! I started using Tom's probably about 1.5-2 years ago. It worked ok during just a normal cool day. It didn't work if I worked out. I wanted to try another brand that had more natural ingredients. I decided next to try DoTerra. It was AWFUL! I tried it for months. I smelled like garbage unless I was just sitting down. I have heard you need to give it time for your body to adjust and detox your arm pits. Well it still didn't help. 

I decided to do a mask under my arms to see if that would help. I did the Aztec Indian Healing Clay for three days. You can find this mask on Amazon or at Sprout's. It was about a $1 cheaper at Sprout's. I bought it there only because I saw it while I was grabbing some groceries. I would put it on and let it dry while I took a bath. I did both arms at once. I started using Schmidt's Deodorant as soon as I did the mask. Can I just say I LOVE this deodorant. It works! I don't smell at all even when I work out. I went for a run and I didn't have any trouble with smelly pits. I bought my deodorant on Amazon, but I have heard Target is now carrying it. I am going to check on local Target to see if they have it. I will just pick it up from there going forward if they have it. 

There are so many natural deodorants out there now. I have read other blog reviews on what worked for people. Schmidt's seemed to work for a lot of people, so I decided to give them a try next. Let me know if you have tried any of these deodorants and if they worked for you. What is your favorite deodorant? 

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Natural Deodorant Review appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.  

Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Mother's Day is right around the corner! I decided to put together a gift idea that I would actually like for Mother's Day! What is on your list for Mother's Day? Are you buying a gift for your mom, mother in law, sister, friend or yourself? I am not sure there is anything wrong with picking out your Mother's Day gift! Tell your husband exactly what you want that way you will be very happy when you open your gift. :)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

I really love the Steve Madden blush perforated shoes! They are perfect for Spring and Summer! Blush has been one of my favorite colors the past year or two for clothing, shoes and accessories. Such a beautiful neutral! 

BeautyCounter's lip sheers are the most amazing things on your lips. They are so hydrating!!! They have this amazing vanilla smell to them too. I have the twig and plum colors. I wear them constantly! 

I have been using some random exercise bands I have to tie in a knot to work. I need some of the exercise loop bands that don't require tying to get in a workout. lol Have you tried exercise bands? They really are amazing! Your legs, thighs and butt will thank you the next couple days after you use them. Thank you by hurting like a mother!

I recently saw on Facebook an ad with these amazing Tom Cutout Sandals. I fell in love with them instantly. I rarely wear heels these days. I don't find them toddler friendly. I am usually going for walks, going to the park, shooting squirt guns or something else toddler related. I do think they would be super cute for a date night or a night out with friends. 

Who doesn't love a floral print? I love this sweet wrap floral maxi dress! It would be cute with those Tom Cutout Sandals or a pair of Sam Edelman leopard sandals! I have a couple pair of Sam Edelman sandals that I wear with everything. They are such a versatile sandal that will go with any outfit. 

Now to finish off your Mother's Day look you are going to need some cute earrings! I have had my eye on Kendra Scott Tessa Earrings for awhile. These earrings will go great with a casual or dressy look. I wear my tag necklace almost daily. I love to add in some fun earrings. These would go great in a fun bold color too. 

I would love to hear what is on your wish list! Happy Mother's Day shopping!!!! 

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Mother's Day Gift Ideas appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

Monday Thrive!

I decided to change the title posts of my Monday posts to Monday Thrive! I didn't really like the last name, but I couldn't come up with anything else. lol 

1) I have struggled to find a pancake and waffle recipe that all of us will eat. G and I will eat most of them. I just wanted a pancake that tastes similar to what I use to eat, but that is Paleo. Recently I was at Sprout's and they had the Birch Benders buy 1 get one free. I decided to give them a try. All of us LOVE them! If you don't have a Sprout's near you Amazon also sells the mix. 

2) I have been struggling with my concealer under my eye creasing at times. I hate the way that looks. It makes you look like you have wrinkles and old eyes. I recently watched a blogger put on her make up. She mentioned she used powder under her eyes to avoid creases. I have had the Mattifying Powder by BeautyCounter in a box sitting in my house for months. I wasn't sure what to use it for or even why I would use it. Oh boy! 

I pulled it out to try it and let me just tell you it is a total game changer! No more creases and granny looking eyes! I put my concealer and cream blusher on my face. Then I take a brush and put the powder over the concealer and blush. It really helps set it to stay all day long. 

I then put on my eyeliner on the top of my eyelid. I have been lining the bottom with black eye shadow. I then take the powder and brush it over my eyeliner to help set it. I haven't ever had luck in the past keeping eye shadow on as an eyeliner! It always would wear off and look terrible by noon. Well with the Mattifying Powder it stays set ALL DAY LONG! 

I really like my eyes now that I started lining my waterline. I had to learn I have to do a thin line of eyeliner in order to not feel like a raccoon with my waterline lined. 

3) Do you buy much online? Have you signed up to use Ebates? I signed up with Ebates maybe about 5ish years ago. I will admit I don't always remember to use them. I kick myself when I make a purchase and don't use them. Over the years I have earned over $330.00. They will deposit the money into your Paypal account. Right now I have earned over $35 for the next payout. I downloaded the app to my phone, so it is easier to make purchases. I also log in when I make purchases on my computer. Use this LINK to earn $10 to sign up. Free money is always fabulous!

4) I love Target Tee's!!!! I feel I buy different styles and colors every season. They are just so comfy plus they are a great bargain. I bought the one below for $5. They have a purple color that I just LOVE! I have been looking for a purple tee for a long time. Regular price they are only $8. 

You can get the tee for only $8.34 with tax if you use your Target Redcard since they offer free shipping on all Redcard orders. I also used Ebates, so I will get 1% cashback. While the 1% isn't much it does add up over time. 

Find it HERE! 

5) I bought the Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop on Amazon recently. I buy too much stuff on Amazon! It is my go to place. I can usually get things within 2 days for a good price. I love this mop because I can fill it with non-toxic cleaners to spray on my floor. It's great for mopping your entire house or for a quick clean up. When you have a toddler you need to be able to mop areas quickly without having to drag out a mop, bucket, filling it with water, blah blah blah. This mop is fabulous! Sometimes I spray my entire kitchen with cleaner, let it sit then I go back into the room and mop it. My kitchen could be mopped twice a day. Now I feel I need to go mop my kitchen now. lol

I linked up with Hello Monday Linkup

Carylee & Jenna

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Monday Thrive appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

Never Miss a Monday!

1) Last week we celebrated 9 years of marriage. We went away for the weekend without G. It was only the second time we have left him over night. He did fine! He had a great time with my friend and her family. Us however.....we were lost at first. We felt like we were forgetting something all the time. It was really nice to spend some time together just the two of us. When we got back G gave us big hugs. I asked him did you miss us and he said yes. It was nice to know he had a good time and felt safe. 


2) I love BeautyCounter Charcoal Mask! I use it weekly. Or at least try to use it weekly. I usually do a mask on Sunday evenings. I have been getting 30-35 masks per bottle. It costs $48 for a bottle. There are 2 other masks available now. The Brightening Mask and the Plumping Mask. 

If you are able to get 30 masks out of a bottle and use it once a week that is about $1.60 per mask for over 6 months. The mask is very reasonable when you break it down. You are getting a mask with all safe ingredients without any harmful chemicals or toxins. You can buy other charcoal masks out there a lot cheaper, but do they have safe ingredients in the mask?  Do you know what you are putting on your face?

I also like to use the mask to spot treat breakouts. If I am getting a breakout I will put the mask on the area while I put my make up on. When I am done putting my make up on then I wash the area I have been spot treating. 

Here are some pictures of me spot treating two places on my chin. 

3) When we were away for our anniversary weekend I had the best luck out shopping. Art found a mall and suggested we go. WHAT! I was shocked, but I didn't argue. I found a super cute pair of black booties. I had been looking for a pair that were comfy for a long time. Nordstroms Rack had a cute pair for a great deal. Then I ran into Burlington Coat Factor to look for a new leather jacket. I just wanted a cheap one. I bought one from there a couple years back for $20. It was my favorite and I got my money out of that jacket. I found a new one at Burlington for a great deal! 

4) Have you joined Ibotta? If not you should! I recently joined because my sister said I needed too. I have earned over $13.00 just by scanning my receipts. The grocery store I go to doesn't participate with Ibotta or I would be rich. I scan all my receipts from Target and other participating places. When I get $20 or more I can have the money transferred to my Paypal account. 

You can download the app right on your phone. If you use the referral code djasfed you will receive $10 just for joining. It's just that easy!

Costco, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods and tons of other places participate! I didn't realize Costco participated. I am going to have to find my receipt and see what rebates I can get from them. I spent a ton of money last week at Costco. 

5) I LOVE sparkling water! It's just one of my favorite things. A couple weeks ago I went to Sonic with G and the little boy I nanny. They got some food. I wanted something to drink, so I asked if they had soda water. They did, so I ordered one. I looked at my receipt later to see they charge me $.15 for a large. I was like WHAT!?!?! The next day I went back and ordered a route 44 sparkling water....guess what I was charge $.22. I told Art it doesn't even pay to buy it at the store. I can't ever get it that cheap. I have learned I can only go during the week when my main girl is there; otherwise, it's a freaking circus. Either they have no idea what I am talking about or they charge me for a full size drink. Sorry guys I just can't justify spending $2.50 on a drink I get M-F for $.22. I even told the one lady I come here every single day and spend $.22 I am not paying $2.50. I ended up driving away that day. 

I tried to get a soda water at KFC one day when Art got something. The chick tried to give me a Sobe water. Finally I said can you please just give me a sprite? I drove next door to Sonic to get the drink I wanted for only $.22.

My girl at Sonic knows my voice now and just brings it right out to the car with a smile. I feel I should get her a Starbucks card or something just because I appreciate the fact she knows what I want. lol See it's the little cheap things in life that bring me such joy. lol 


Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Never Miss a Monday appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.  

New Year Cleaner Products!

In October 2016 I decided to make additional changes for my family health and start using safe beauty and skin care products. Earlier in the year I had changed the way me and my family ate. I slowly made changes for us. I was really overwhelmed by all the chemicals that are in our foods, cleaning products, beauty products, skin care, etc. I had to make changes slowly to avoid being completely overwhelmed. 

Consider making changes to your lifestyle by changing the products you use on your skin. BeautyCounter offers amazing products that are safe for you and your family.

Crack

This is my new crack! It is delish on pretzels, toast, waffles, by the spoonful. It is super delish! Try it out! Or don't try it if you are easily addicted. 

My Love for Essie Continues....

I have talked numerous times on my blog about my love for Essie nail polish. I first blogged about Essie back in November 2010, April 2012 and April 2013. My favorite color of all Essie polishes is Fiji. I love the pink color! I wear it the most. The first color I bought was Ballet Slippers by Essie. I have had the bottle for at least 4-5 years. Ridiculous that it stills lasts for 6-8 days after 4-5 years. 

I am always trying to find a way for polish to last longer. My record with Essie has been 5 days before chips start happening. Well I have found a way to make it last 8 days. Below is a picture of my nails on day 8. 

Color: Essie Ballet Slippers

Day 1:

base coat

color

top coat

Day 3:

top coat

Adding the top coat a couple days later really helps your polish stay on. I love how glossy and smooth your nails feel after. 

Day 8: 

see picture above 

I had a little chipping on my thumbs and it started to wear around the cuticles. 

I was thinking of getting gel products to help my polish last for 2 weeks. I have decided against it since I can get the Essie regular polishes to last 8 days. After 8 days I am getting sick of the color and feel my nails need a little rest. Rumor has it Essie is coming out with a gel line in October. 

5 Favorites from Last Week

 5 Favorite Items from Last Week!

 

 

 

1. Cheryl's Cookies

 

Have you tried these mouthfuls for happiness? Cheryl's cookies are super soft, buttery, delicious cookies. Last week a vendor sent me a box of theses cookies. The day I opened them I put them away in my office because I wasn't sure I could share them. lol  Well I shared them with my staff. Everyone LOVED them!