10 Dollar Store Finds, Tips & Tricks... including a "10 products in 10 minutes" video

I love a good bargain... and I really love inexpensive tips and tricks that make my life easier. So, today I am sharing my latest 10 favourite dollar store finds and some great ideas for using them (in no particular order).

1) Large unfinished crate - I love the size and shape of this crate. It would be great for storage, and I have big plans for updating it with a little DIY. It's really good quality for the price. 

I feel like these crates are going to go quickly, so if you see them in your store, make sure to grab one!

2) Water Bottles - I love everything about these water bottles: the colour, the spout at the top, the size, the shape, and the fact that they are BPA free.

I plan to add my boys' names to the bottom of the bottles with my Cricut. If you are crafty, these water bottles make perfect (and inexpensive) blanks.

3) Sturdy cutting board storage rack - I love how solid and sturdy this metal storage rack is. It would be great for storing cutting boards and pot lids... but it's also good for storing iPads, Chromebooks, and paperwork. It's a great tool for getting organized and managing clutter.

4) Pressed wood crafting blanks - I love the inexpensive crafting materials that you can buy at the dollar store... and my new favourites are the ones pictured below. I can't wait to start crafting with the new rounds I found for less than $1 each!

5) Valentine's Day jam jars - I love these little jam jars. They would be adorable filled with homemade treats are store bought Valentine's Day candy. So cute!

6) Metal bird - This was the cutest piece of decor I have found at the dollar store in a long time. It has a lot of character for such a tiny little piece, and I can't wait to add it to my Valentine's Day tiered tray.

7) Oven safe glass dishes - These heart-shaped bowls would be adorable filled with candies for Valentine's Day... but they would also be really cute used to bake individual goodies. I plan to cook small individual cookie tarts in these oven safe glass dishes, and I know they'll be a huge hit with my boys.

8) Dollar store treats - Treats from the dollar store are staples at our weekly family movie nights. The Old Dutch sea salt & malt vinegar chips are our favourites. They have a great crunch... and they are only 50 cents a bag. If you haven't tried them, you totally should!

9) Winter gear - I have been buying dollar store ski gloves for my kids for years. My boys lose a lot of gloves, so having an abundant and inexpensive supply is helpful.

I also love the magic gloves because they are easy to slip in your coat pockets, purse, or glove compartment. And the cozy (sherpa lined) neck warmers are fantastic too. They keep the kids warm without being a chocking hazard.

10) Helpful kitchen items - The non slip mat is large and can be cut to fit any drawer.. and the pre-cut 

parchment paper is super convenient. Both of these items are bargains and really helpful in the kitchen.

I'm super excited about all my Dollarama finds this week, and I hope I've inspired you to go looking for a few of these fun finds.

Interesting in a closer look at these products? Check out this "10 products in 10 minutes" video that I made for you.

Do you have a favourite item on my list? Let me know in the comments.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Don't miss out on any of the fun... follow me on social media here.

     

TOP 10 Winter Activities for the WHOLE Family to Enjoy

When the snow starts to fall and the temperatures start to drop, I tend to look ahead to spring and start counting down to summer. However, although I love the lazy days of summer, I remind myself that there is lots of winter fun to be had. Today, I'm sharing 10 winter activities for the whole family to enjoy.

1) Get Crafty - Some days require a fun indoor activity, and crafts are always fun. Younger kids can make paper snowflake garlands and spare sock snowmen. Older kids and adults can make a fun wreath for the front door. Or perhaps everyone could try a family paint night. Crafting is a fun way to get creative and relieve stress... and it's a lot of fun.

2) Get outside and play - Bundle up and get outside and enjoy all the traditional winter activities. Build a snowman, go skating, play hockey, hit the slopes, build a fort, or grab some sleds. Playing in the snow (during the day... and at night) is fun for all ages.

3) Set up a hot chocolate bar - There is nothing better in cold weather than a warm drink. Set up a dollar store hot chocolate stand, a simple hot chocolate bar, or serve the treat outside with a portable hot chocolate basket. There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious treat.

4) Have a new product tasting party - This is a simple way to spend an afternoon at home. Choose some fun new products at the grocery store and have a tasting party. Check out the "how to" here, or check out this quick little video.

5) Make snow ice cream - This is one of my family's favourite winter activities, and if you have never made snow ice cream, you need to put it on your "to do" list. It's easy, delicious, and fun. Find the full instructions here.

6) Build a fort in the living room or have an indoor picnic - Sometimes the only thing you need on a cold winter day is a blanket and a little imagination.

7) Have a movie night - Nothing says "cozy" more than cuddling up to watch a movie. Consider setting up a little concession stand to add to the fun. You could also choose a movie with a winter theme, like "Cool Runnings", "Jack Frost" or "Frozen".

8) Have an indoor snowball fight - If it's too cold and wet to be outside, try an indoor snowball fight. Make pom poms to throw, or try the fun cottonball throwers here.

9) Bake something - Baking with kids is both educational and fun... and there is nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies on a cold winter day. You can find the recipe for our favourite chocolate chip cookies here.

10) Have a campfire - Fires aren't just for summer, so get outside and gather around the fire pit. I love the idea of cooking hot dogs over the fire for supper... and don't forget to make s'mores for dessert!

What's your family's favourite winter activity? I absolutely love all these ideas, don't you? 

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

If you are looking for more Valentine's Day inspiration, check out more than 30 Valentine's Day ideas here.

Top 10 Things to Buy at Dollarama NOW

I love a good deal, so I regularly frequent my local dollar store to buy things for my home. Recently, I found some fantastic items at Dollarama, and I thought I share my top ten with you today. Here they are... in no particular order.

1) Cleaning products - I love buying cleaning products at the dollar store, and this week I found these wipes at a great price. Each container contains 75 wipes... and I got all four containers for only $4. Great, right?!?

2) Toys - My kids are getting a little old for dollar store toys, but they still love these fun snow items I found. The snow ball maker and snow brick makers are perfect for winter. I love the brick makers for building forts. So much fun!

3) Storage bins - Storage bins are great for organizing, but they can be really pricey. However, the dollar store has tons of fantastic options. I like these medium-sized bins with lids. They hold lots of items, they fit on a book shelf, and they stack really well.

4) Wooden decor items - The dollar store has tons of wooden decor items that can be used "as is" or can be used to DIY something even better. These two wooden items caught my eye this week, and I can't wait to turn them into something great!

5) Glass containers - Dollar store glass containers and jars are perfect for a bunch of uses. I love this pretty jar with a great seal. I'm going to use it for storing my homemade chocolate mix. I also love gettting mason jars at the dollar store for storing my pantry pancake mix. The possibilities are endless!

6) Hooks - These brand name hooks are inexpensive and have a bunch of uses. They can stick to walls or to furniture, and they are great for organizing small spaces. 

7) Picture frames - Dollar store picture frames are awesome. They are great for displaying photos, but they are fun to use for DIYing too. For example, I have used recently used dollar store frames to create a decorative tray and a festive wreath. They have tons of options, but I am loving this square one I purchased yesterday.

8) Wreath forms - Craft supplies can be costly, but the dollar stores has a variety of inexpensive options right now. I'm currently loving these wire frames -- especially the 18" one. I just used one to make a "winter" wreath for my front door, and it turned out fantastic! You can check it out here.

9) Organizers - It's always hard to organize the odds and ends that end up sitting on counters or being crammed into drawers, but the dollar store has many inexpensive items that can help. Look in the "bin" section, but also check out the hardware and craft supply sections. I recently purchased this little craft organizer to organize my earrings, and it's perfect. Think about the items you need to organize, and then check out the dollar store for a system that will work for you.

10) Craft supplies - I love seasonal crafting, and the dollar store always has a bunch of wonderful supplies at fantastic prices. But remember -- don't limit yourself to the "craft supply" aisle. The wedding section, hardware section, and candy aisle have fun options too. Check out some of my favourite Valentine's Day crafting supplies below. I'll be sharing the fun projects I use them for very soon!

Want a closer peek at my favourite Dollarama finds? Check out this short video.

Are you a dollar store fan? Have you found anything great lately? Share your Dollarama finds in the comments. I'm always looking for new inspiration.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Don't miss out on any of the fun... follow me on social media here.