Merry Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas, beloved Islanders!

Dollar Tree Finds for the Holiday Season!

Islanders,

I try to visit Dollar Tree once a week.  I love to see the new shipments but I've also been pulled there to purchase supplies for the kid's projects.  I post my findings on the Instagram story but I found so many goodies on my last trip, I had to blog about it!  I found several Elf on the Shelf goodies.  These are perfect for stocking stuffers or Elf gifts on some days.

I love the nail stencils and stickers too! They're great as an addition to a spa gift set, stockings or as gift toppers for nail supplies.

OMG!  For a limited time, you can find these cups Aladdin insulated cups at your local Dollar Tree!

I bought them to fill with goodies for the kid's teachers!  These leather tassel keychains are on trend!

These boxes were perfect for the neighbor goodies we made.

I've seen these Rite Aid closeouts at a few Dollar Tree stores.  They're great for dry skin!

This cookie is the perfect stocking stuffer!

I also loved the animal themed goodies.

There were owl lotions and lip balm, and animal-themed lotions for on-the-go.  One of my other favorite seasonal goodies is the mug.  These mugs are really nice and they are large so it's perfect for coffee lovers like myself!

I found several but these items were my favorite!

Be sure to visit your local Dollar Tree for amazing finds and cheap prices!

Christmas Tour 2017: Merry Thriftmas!

Howdy, Islanders!

Thanks for all of your kind words!  I reallly love how our decor came together this year and it feels good to know others can appreciate a good deal!  I hope you're inspired to save some money and check your local thrift store for great deals and amazing finds.

Our new place doesn't have a fireplace or a mantle or anywhere to really hang stockings as a focal point.  There is a large angled island that has a raised ledge.  The ledge isn't wide enough for a stool to sit underneath so it's really a privacy ledge to keep the island's workspace/counter separate from the main living area.  I debated among three spaces for the stockings - hanging from the spiral staircase, hanging from the television credenza, or hanging from the ledge. 

I pulled out the Target Dollar Spot candle houses from last year.  I bought several for the ledge in the kitchen.  Other than the houses, I kept two of my trees.  You may recall the trees from years prior:

They were on the table last year.  For years before, they were displayed in the grandfather clock:

I loved my trees and I collected a few after Christmas each year.  With the move I decided to keep two trees.  The others were given away when I opened my home for the neighbors to come and clear me out.

All that to say, I picked up a bag of brush trees (photographed above) for $1.18.  There were three sizes.  These trees are used in crafts, collectible town villages, and decorative displays like our garland.  I added a few to the sides of the Dollar Spot houses.  I also used one of the lighted garlands from the Goodwill Outlet haul where I picked up the wreath and pink tree.  Each piece of greenery cost $.60 and this garland only needed a little fluffing, some thrifted bulbs, Walmart poinsettia clips and some ribbon to turn out beautifully.  When looking for a place to hang stockings where there's no fireplace, I checked for the following:

- Minimal people traffic (NO DISRUPTIONS)

- Focal point

- Greenery can span the length of the area

I love how the quick, easy and affordable garland turned out.  

The only other kitchen decor is the Goodwill finds, including the vintage set of tin canisters (they have the 12 Days of Christmas wrapping around them), the glittery wood-frame snowman, and the glitter reindeer over the fridge.  

The coffee table got a season update with a reindeer, an electric mini tree (with lights), and my vintage Merry Christmas sign.  

The dining room table got an update when I cut strips of wired ribbon to wrap placemats and placed the adorable Christmas tree napkin rings.  

For the centerpiece, I used a wreath I decorated on the table and placed a lantern in the middle.  It all came together perfectly!

The front door also got a thrifty update.  For less than $20, I was able to create a beautiful display using things I had on hand and those that I purchased from Goodwill Outlet.  I thought it turned out beautifully but I was really excited when someone knocked on my door to buy my wreath!  I made it for about $9 and they paid $45!  

Islanders, how cool is that?!  I didn't mind selling it because it gave me an excuse to make another.  I found a larger wreath at Goodwill Outlet and it filled the door nicely as well.

I am very pleased with the simple yet fabulous decor.  I stuck to that which we have become accustomed.  It didn't matter that we would be packing up and heading to visit family for the holidays.  Half of the holiday joy is building excitement for Christmas and the new year.  Thanks for your patience as I shared our home's decor.  I had so many DIY and thrift shopping tips I couldn't fit in blog posts so, those were exclusive only to the Instagram story.

I can't wait to share the Dollar Tree finds of the season!  There are so many awesome items perfect for decor and for last-minute gifts.  Stay tuned!

A Minnie Mouse Tree - Pink and Pretty!

I know I mentioned I'd talk about our faux mantle but I figured I'd wrap up the Christmas trees first.

Yesterday, I shared how I snagged a cute little pink tree for $.60 and how I got another tree for the kid's room so, plans changed with the cute little pink tree.  In that same Goodwill Outlet haul, I got a wooden Minnie Mouse plaque.  You can see it, along with the pink tree, in the haul photo below:

According to its weight, Minnie Mouse cost less than $.29.  She was one of many handmade Disney wooden pieces at the outlet.  Of all of the items, Munchface and I agreed that we got the best one.  I started to pull out my Christmas decor and I found a few ornaments from last year's pink tree - there were bow-shaped ornaments, white snowballs, pink bulbs of all sizes... wait, bows?!

 I had an idea:

I decided to create a Minnie Mouse tree, using the cute wooden Minnie Mouse face on the top:

I filled the tree with bows and bulbs.

The bulbs served as an interpretation of the polka dots that Minnie wears.  It turned out very nicely... honestly, it was nicer than I expected.  In a sense that I, an adult, want this tree for myself.

Isn't it adorable?

I finished the tree in the evening and it made me miss Godbaby.  Remember her first birthday party?

Remember her sweet face?

I Facetimed her.  OMG!  When she saw it, she gasped and started to blow me kisses.

She warmed my heart because she loved the tree.  Munchface loved the tree too.  She carried it upstairs and had both trees plugged up - haha.  I was half upset until I saw the warm glow from the Minnie tree and I realized that I love the pink tree lights at night too; the glow is best part!  I let her keep both in her room for a few days.

I will share the full Christmas decor update tomorrow.  See you there!