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Saturday, July 31, 2021

Dare to Share #479



It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share! 

Happy Friday everyone.  I have several updates to share with you from last week. The graduation party I worked at was a big success.  Not only was it a fun job, I have been personally asked if I could help at her other daughter's graduation party in a few years. :)  If you remember me mentioning that I may be picking up a second tutoring student, I met with her this week.  The new child really likes me, and I start working with her this week.  I am still feeling a little anxious about working for the delivery service, but I will be starting that this upcoming week as well.   I want to personally thank everyone for their well wishes for my boyfriend's test.  The biopsy went smoothly and we will find out more in a few days.  







This week I did have the chance to write a new post. If you have gone into a Dollar Tree this week, you may have been greeted with their first wave of the fall items.   The items are really worth checking out this year!  You can see some of the items I found on my post Dollar Tree fall items are here

It is getting a bit on the late side, so let's get this party started. Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

 


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Friday, July 30, 2021

New Dollar Tree Fall Items are here!





While this year is flying by, and technically it is still the middle of the summer, it is fall at the Dollar Tree. If you love the fall, you will want to start checking your local stores because there are so many new adorable items this year. 

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links



I took these pictures over the course of two back to back days. I stopped by the Dollar Tree the first time this week on Wednesday afternoon.   I spoke to one of the employees I knew as she was just starting to put out the new fall items that they got on this week's truck.  There were several things that I would like to get, because I knew they would sell out quickly but due to a few big bills being due this week I knew I had to restrain myself.   



The Farm Fresh calendar was one of those must have items.  While my main store had already sold out of them, a smaller lesser known store nearby still had a few.

I also picked up this Farmhouse one. 


If you come across this wooden truck, grab it immediately!  When I was in the store on Wednesday they only had 5 or 6 left.  Today when I had to go back to pick up a couple of unexpected items they were already all gone. Also gone, but not pictured were the pumpkin wreath forms. 
 


When I was at the store on Wednesday, this aisle was mostly empty, as it was just  beginning to be stocked. Twenty four hours later, it was filled with craft supplies and lots pumpkin decor. 

These velvet pumpkins were quite pretty. The mauve and the burgundy pumpkins were my favorite. If those colors are not your style, they were available in six (possibly more)  different colors. 


These velvet pumpkin floral picks were also very nicely made.  


If you are not a fan of velvet, they also had these gingham pumpkins.  This is another item that will sell out fast.  They were not even out yet on the first day I was there, and just a day later there were only a few pumpkins left in the box. 


This entire wall was school supplies the day before, so I was surprised to see it completely different today. I am loving all the fall decor signs and yard stakes this year, especially the wooden trucks and metal wagons.

These pumpkin metal yard stakes were quite stunning in person. It is hard to believe they are only $1. They also had 
metal sunflowers that will look great in any garden/yard. 


Another favorite item of mine was this blue farmhouse pumpkin truck. 

  

Underneath the signs were these large felt shapes. They can be used as decor, placements, anything you can think of really.


The sunflower is new this year. I think it will sell out quickly. 


Always check all the endcaps when you are in the store.  I found this endcap in the back by the cleaning supply wall. There were so my pretty florals here. 


The purple Dahlias were large and gorgeous!!  They come in many other fall and Halloween colors. 


On another endcap I found all kindsw of monogram items.  They had pumpkins, mason jar signs, ceramic pumpkins and even metal tins with a variety of different letters. 

There was so much to see and this is just the first wave of products. The Dollar Tree releases their holiday items in several waves over the course of  several weeks.  Halloween items are arriving in many stores this week as well. You can expect to start seeing a lot more in all stores as we go through the month of August.  

I will share a pro Dollar Tree shopper tip with you.  If you would like to see what will be arriving in stores, be sure to check out their website online.  You can see many of the fall & harvest items to watch for here.

Many of the Halloween items are also online. You can see all things Halloween here, and the Halloween crafting supplies here.   There are also several craft and party ideas to check out on the website.  Another pro tip, if you are need several of the same item or you cant find what you are looking for in your local store, you can buy your items on the website and have it shipped free to your store.  While some items you have to buy by the case, also be sure to check out the smaller quantity area where you can often buy just a few items.  (I have done this several times, like with the elusive Easter bunnies and the hanging baskets in the spring) 

What kind of items to you like to buy for fall and Halloween? 


Saturday, July 24, 2021

Dare to Share #478


It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share!

I have been a bit all over the place the last couple of weeks. 

Last weekend I mentioned that we were going to have a surprise retirement party for two of my friends. It was huge success! Both of them were surprised, and we had beautiful weather. 

The rest of this past week has been a little more busy.  I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that as a sub, I don't get paid in the summer.  I was babysitting my friend's boys for a few weeks when school ended, but I needed to figure out what to do for work for the next couple of months. I have found a few side gigs, and I'm still looking for more, because the bills still need to be paid even when school is not in session.  Tomorrow I will be assisting a family at a graduation party. I am pretty excited about that.  I picked up a tutoring job for a girl who will be attending my school, and may be working with a 2nd child as well.  Today I signed up to drive for a delivery service.  I am feeling a little anxious about that, but I like that I can do it on my own schedule.  I also have a few things that I have been working on online.  I have been trying to stay focused on making printables for my Etsy shop, and I found a really cool app to make a merch shop. They merch shop will also need some designs.  Once I do the upfront work for those, hopefully they will be easier to keep up with.  I also have been asked by two companies to try out their creative projects and review them.  I have not been able to do much with those projects, because of my crazy schedule.  Another thing that I know I did not mention on here yet, but my boyfriend is also currently being tested to see if he has cancer.  They found three smalls spots on a MRI he had a few weeks ago.  While we are both staying as positive as we can, it is in the back of our minds.  

I know that is a lot, but I thought I would share because I have not really had a chance to post on the blog the last couple of weeks.  I still have plans to post about the play that I helped the boys I babysit put together, and the parties I have been working on.  

Well it is getting late, so I really should get this party started.  
Link up and HAVE FUN!! 









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Saturday, July 17, 2021

Dare to Share #477



It is Friday night and you know what that means.. 
It is time for Dare to Share! 

Hi everyone! I am using the same logo as last week, because I was did not get around to making one.  We also had some positive feedback on this one, so I don't think you mind having it for another week.  

I know I am a little late getting the party started tonight.  I went to the dance that I used to go to before Covid.  It is nice to see my friends again and have a night out.  Do you have something that stopped for Covid, but you are doing again?  

Tomorrow is going to be a fun day for me. I am helping through a surprise retirement party for two friends of mine.  After a week of a lot of rain, it is supposed to be a nice sunny day.  I hope to be able to share some pictures and party ideas this upcoming week.  

Well since it is getting late and I have a big day tomorrow, lets get this party started! 

Link up and HAVE FUN!! 


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Friday, July 9, 2021

Dare to Share #476

It is Friday night and you know what that means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share!

You may notice something different about today's party.  I have had the same Dare to Share logo for years, and quite frankly I had been tired of it for awhile. It was one of those things that I wouldn't think to change until it was time for the party.  Since I have been on Canva for awhile, I decided I am going to try out a few different logos until I figure out one that I really like.  I do like this one, I'm just not sure it will be my final choice until I make some more. 😀 

Did you have a good 4th of July? Ours was very busy.  We had a birthday party for my boyfriend's daughter (which will be linked below) and went to see not one but two fireworks displays.  On Saturday night we had stopped at a new to us restaurant, and then was going to stop by a nearby fireworks display. On the way there, the boyfriend forgot where he was going and ended up driving to near where he worked in another nearby suburb.  Luckily they were having fireworks as well, and it was just about time to start. We found nice location away from all the people and it turned out better than what we were expecting to do.  


We were in a parking lot  with 20-30 cars behind the main park where all the people were.  Bonus, we were able to avoid all the traffic when the show was over. 


I shared two posts from our party this week.  You can see all about our party on this post watermelon birthday party




You can see more about the watermelon themed gift basket I made her (which she LOVED) on this post How to make a watermelon gift basket


Well it is about time to get this party started.. Link up and HAVE FUN! 



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How to make a watermelon themed gift basket




As you saw in my last post, we recently had a watermelon themed birthday party.  My gift for the birthday girl was a watermelon themed gift basket.  


** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links



The first thing I did was look for a "basket".   I found this large green bowl that reminded me of half a watermelon. I painted a few stripes to make it look even more like a melon.  Every single item I found for this gift basket, including the bowl was found at the Dollar Tree.




I lined the bowl with red tissue paper, and then some bright pink. I could not decide which one I like better, so I used them both. 


It was then time to start arranging all of the goodies.  There were many different types of watermelon candies and gum. I may have bought a few extra bags for myself to eat as well. 


The Dollar Tree has a large number of different skin care products. I was very excited to find a watermelon line with cleansers, facial wipes and masks.  They work well and smell really good.  




I found the large watermelon zipper pouch after I had taken the second picture which is why you see a few of the items in both pictures.  I found a melon cosmetic bag, a smaller zipper pouch, a keychain, phone accessories, and lip balm. (she loved all of them!) 


I found a fun novelty glass with a wrap around straw, and a cute little banner she should hang to remind her of her birthday.  



There were so many items it was hard to fit everything in, but I made it work.  Behind the basket is a large bottle of watermelon ice tea that was too big and heavy for the basket. 


To hid what was inside the gift basket until it was time to open her gifts, I covered the top with more red tissue paper.  

The watermelon gift basket was a BIG HIT!  I promised the birthday girl that I would not post pics of her since she hates having her picture taken so you will have to take my word for hit.  Lets just say that when empty it also make a great melon hat.  LOL!! 




Monday, July 5, 2021

Watermelon Birthday Party



Recently I asked my boyfriend's daughter if she would like to have a birthday party.  She was excited about the idea, so I took her to the Dollar Tree to pick a theme and get some ideas.  We were in the seasonal party item aisle, when she fell in love with the watermelon theme.  I am so glad that she did.  They had so many great items, and my mind exploded with ideas.  



Seriously, how cute are these watermelon plates and napkins?  I have to admit, I realized when  I was writing this post that I did not get a good picture of them before or during the party.  I snuck downstairs so I could get a picture of them without the dogs knowing so they wouldn't go crazy.  ;) 


Some of the supplies we found were large watermelon balloons, wooden sweet summer signs, watermelon and lemon paper fans, and paper lanterns in complimentary colors. 

One of my favorite items in the party section are the number balloons that I buy for every birthday.   I hung them over the dining room table, and added red and pink streamers.


I also made some watermelon themed crafts with items I found at the Dollar Tree to use at the party. 


I love how this placemat turned out.  I used a red circle placemat and painted on the seeds and green border.  


This watermelon plate is painted on a Dollar Tree pizza pan. If you make one, make sure you seal it after painting.  


Here is a good comparison of the size.  The placemat is bigger than the pizza pan.  


I also found this pinkish red serving bowl that reminded me of watermelon, so I painted seeds on the sides. 



I made some watermelon themed desserts which were a big hit.  I shaped Rice Krispie treats to look like watermelon slices and chunks, and added mini chocolate chips for the seeds. 


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I made watermelon cupcakes that were so yummy!  I added a few drops of green food coloring to white vanilla cake and frosted it with pink frosting. 



Our watermelon themed jello was made from watermelon (pink) jello, and lime (green) jello. While it did not work out exactly as planned, it tasted good. I got so busy setting up the party that I forgot to add the blueberry seeds before the jello fully set.  


We had the party on the 4th of July, so I pulled out my 4th of July cooler for the watermelon drinks.  


Just another random picture of our treats 





In addition to our watermelon treats we had a  a fruit/4th of July birthday cake.  I used an angel food cake, and added strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream.  



The birthday girl's gift was also completely watermelon theme.  I painted a green bowl from the party section, and filled it entirely with watermelon items I found in the store. I will be sharing another post on the gift basket this week.  

UPDATED: You can find the link to the watermelon gift basket here.



I was a fun and memorable party!  The birthday girl was happy, and it was great day.