Easy DIY Duck Tape Storage Bins with Printable Labels { a Target Dollar Section Craft }

This is a super-easy craft that I did almost a year ago.  I got the bins and most of the solid and patterned duck tape from the Target Dollar Spot.  Having seen these bins in other colors in the Target dollar section recently made me remember that I never did share this project with our readers.

What made me decide to make these bins was the fact that our children are little hoarders.  You would not believe me if I told you some of the strange things we've found in their beds.  I finally realized it was a losing battle to keep their beds free of their most cherished books, toys, and random things.  These storage bins were the best solution I could come up with for our twins, one who sleeps on the top of a bunk bed and the other in a loft bed.  The twins would be able to keep some things in their beds as long as they could be stored neatly inside these bins.

Easy Duck Tape Craft Project:  Decorated Storage Bins for Kids

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

square or rectangular plastic storage bins

patterned duck tape

coordinating solid duck tape

washi tape

printable labels (provided below)

scissors

Step 1.  Print the labels below or make your own to print out in the fonts and colors of your choosing using any text or graphics program.

TO PRINT:  Be sure your printer is on and ready to print.  Click on the image below to enlarge.  Then right-click on the image and select print.  Use your browser's back button to return to this page.

Step 2.  Cut out each label you will be using for your bins.

TIP #1:  Remember to leave enough room around edges for the washi tape frame to overlap with your label.

Step 3.  Using your patterned and solid duck tape, create one, two, or three stripes on the front (the side on which the label will be) of the bin.  You can get as creative as you would like with the colors and widths of your stripes.

TIP #2:  For a neater appearance, start your tape on the inside wall of your bin, where the side and bottom meet.  Then be sure to wrap the other end of the tape around the outside bottom of the bin with at least 2 or 3 inches.

Step 4.  Position your label at the center of the front of the bin and secure it in place with a frame of washi tape.

That's it!  These colorful bins would be perfect for your child's room or playroom.  You can change this craft into something more elegant for your own bedroom, craft room, or living room simply by changing the prints and colors of duck tape and washi tape you choose and the font on your labels, and even the type of bins you use.

Want to try this easy craft?  Pin it for later . . . 

Revolution Foods Meal Kits for Kids . . . Convenience Without the Artificial Ingredients! #RealFoodForAll #MC

I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Revolution Foods. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

We usually keep a small handful of refrigerated lunch kits on hand for our children just in case we ever need them in a pinch.  I used to give lunch kits to our children regularly because they were so convenient, but most of the time I would have to remove the things that came in the kits that I considered to be more appropriate for an occasional treat, such as powdered drink mixes, candy, and cookies.  That is something I do not need to worry about with these new Revolution Foods meal kits since only wholesome foods are included in each box.  In fact, Revolution Foods goes even a step further by including only all-natural foods in these meal kits for kids.

Having been designed by two moms, these meal kits are extremely child-friendly.  Not only did my children enjoy the foods (even without any artificial colors or flavors), they were mostly able to open the sealed packages of food inside each kit on their own.  There aren't too many foods my children can serve themselves.  I keep our Revolution Foods meal kits in the drawer of our fridge right next to the juice boxes, so our children can choose their own lunch and beverage independently.

Although there isn't enough food inside these kits for our 10 year old son, they are the perfect size for early grade school children, like our 7 year old twins.  They each took a meal kit with them on the day of their class field trip to the zoo.  Both were very excited to have such a cool looking lunch to bring, rather than a semi-smooshed sandwich in a paper bag.  As expected, our daughter enjoyed hers, but surprisingly her picky twin brother admitted his was good as well.  It was very clear that the Cheese Pizza Meal Kit was the favorite among our children.  In addition to the pizza, the Ham & Cheddar, and the Turkey & Cheddar, there is also a Peanut Butter & Jelly kit available.  We did not purchase that one because our children's classrooms are peanut-free.

As a parent, I like not feeling guilty about packing something convenient for my children for lunch. These kits contain high quality meats, cheese made from real milk, a serving of 100% real fruit, and whole grain crackers or pizza crust.  There are also no preservatives or artificial flavors and colors.  Best of all, our children enjoyed the meals!

You can find these new Revolution Foods meal kits at Safeway stores nationwide, as well as at select Target and Whole Foods stores.  Use the store locator to find a retailer near you.  Before you shop, be sure to grab a printable coupon to save $1.00 on one Revolution Foods Meal Kit.  Then come back and tell me which variety was your child's favorite!

Fall Pumpkin Door Decoration Craft (Target Dollar Section)

Usually, I have an autumn-themed decoration on our door before Fall even officially begins.  It is my favorite season and I look forward to the first day of Fall every year.  While I was shopping in Target's dollar section yesterday, I saw these cute tin pumpkin wall decorations that came in a round and tall shape.  That was when it occurred to me that I still had our summer floral wreath on our door.  Since I did not really have the time to go to the craft store, I decided to buy one of the round tin pumpkins (only $2.50) and a package of four 18" fall ribbons (just $1.00).  I was so excited that I could make something to hang on the door for only $3.50 (plus sales tax)!  If I had gone to the craft store, I would have spent $20 to $30.

I made this in just two easy steps!  First I used one of the solid 18" ribbons to create a hanger.  The tin pumpkin already has a built-in hanger, but I thought a ribbon hanger would work better on a door.  There are two cutouts in the pumpkin that are hidden from view on the front.  I just threaded each end of the ribbon through those holes, tied them around the edges, and tied them again to double-knot them.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The second and final step is to take a printed 18" piece of ribbon to create a bow at the bottom of the pumpkin.  There happened to be cutouts that were perfectly located for this.

That's it!  Was that too easy or what?  And all for just $3.50 too.  I have to say that every time I give my husband a wreath to store away for me in the basement or the attic, he can't seem to find it the next year.  Although I love this pumpkin, I won't be so heartbroken if it got misplaced for the little amount of money and time I spent making it.

You probably are already aware of this, but I'm sure that the stock in all Target stores will vary from location to location.  Also, things tend to sell out quickly sometimes.  If you are interested in make this super-easy fall decoration, then you should probably check the dollar section at your local Target store soon.

Shop 'n' Share: Tinted Glass Candle Holder from Target

If you follow me on Pinterest, then you know that several DIY tinted glass projects have caught my attention, especially ones involving mason jars.  Making my own tinted glass vases or candle holders is one of those "someday" projects. So, when I saw these tinted glass candle holders in several Spring pastels at my local Target store, I could not resist but to buy the blue one.  It matched what I already had on my kitchen table and it was only $6.99.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

I love how $6.99 made our room feel that much cozier.  It never ceases to amaze me how small changes like this one will satisfy my need to redecorate for awhile.  And, I did not have to wait until I had time to learn how to tint glass myself!

Laura Ashley Scotties Tissues at Target

With fall allergies hitting us hard and winter colds following soon after, it is definitely a good time to stock up on boxes of tissues for your home, car, office, and your children's classrooms.  The most important thing for a facial tissue is its softness, but ranking second is how well the tissue box blends in with our decor.  I have always thought that plainer was better when it came to tissue boxes.  After seeing these Limited Edition Laura Ashley facial tissue cubes from Scotties, my philosophy has changed.

Much like the other decorative boxes you may choose for your home, through October 23rd, you can purchase these Laura Ashley Cube Designs exclusively at your local Target store to accent your bathroom vanity, bedroom, desk, or any place in your home or office that could use a little extra something.  These limited edition Scotties tissues will be gone before you know it, so you should stock up while you can.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

Scotties Tree Planting Promise states that Scotties will plant 3 trees for every 1 tree used in making their tissues.  You can learn more about these efforts or about the Laura Ashley Cube Designs by visiting ScottiesFacial.com and Scotties on Facebook.

Thank you to Scotties for providing us with a complimentary Laura Ashley Tissue prize pack for us to base this review upon and for providing a second prize pack for our contest winner.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a Scotties Laura Ashley Prize Pack (containing 4 limited edition tissue cubes and a $25 Target gift card).

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Leave a comment telling me where the perfect spot in your home or office would be for a box of Laura Ashley Scotties Tissue. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 10 extra entries, join the Scotties Online Community. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.

4)  For 1 extra entry, "Like" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry, "Like" Scotties on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, October 10th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Back to School 2010 Giveaway: Target GC & Bonus Box Tops Prize Pack [CLOSED]

Have you been collecting Box Tops for Education all summer long or have you forgotten since school has been out? Well, from August 5th through August 28th, Target stores are offering you a chance to earn double Box Tops when you purchase five or more participating products!

MyBlogSpark sent me the products below as an example of the vast variety of products that qualify for this promotion. I have to say that every single item we received is something my family would use, especially when school starts again. Some of the brands include Cheerios, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Welch's, Hefty, Juicy Juice, and Avery. If you purchase 5 eligible items at Target during this promotion, then you will earn 5 bonus Box Tops. If you buy 12 eligible items, the you will earn 12 bonus Box Tops! Get the idea?

For a complete list of participating items, visit www.BoxTops4Education.com .

Thank you to General Mills for providing us with a gift card, information, sample products, and a giveaway prize through MyBlogSpark.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a "Box Tops for Education at Target Prize Pack" containing the following items:

• an Avery binder
• Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers Variety Pack
• Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
• Hefty CinchSak Trash Bags
• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Juicy Juice 8pk Juice Boxes (flavors will vary)
• Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
• Welch's Concord Grape Jelly
• 25 Bonus Box Tops
• $25 Target gift card

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Check out the long list of participating Box Tops for Education products. Then leave a comment telling me what are some of the items you would stock up on at Target to earn bonus Box Tops. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND GrocerySavvy.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Box Tops for Education on Twitter and/or "Like" Box Tops for Education on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

The Most Surprising Gift I've Ever Received

Target and Twitter Moms have posed the question, "What was the most surprising gift you've ever received? Well, I did not have to think too hard to answer this question. It was a gift I received for my birthday from my husband, whom I had been dating for approximately one year at the time. It was such a huge surprise because it was something that would never have crossed my mind for me to even get for myself.

About 13 years ago, Todd surprised me with a trip to the Bahamas for my birthday. We lived together at the time, so it was pretty amazing that he could make all the plans and even arranged time off from work for me without my suspecting a thing.

This was a cherished gift, more than I even realized at the time. That trip to the Bahamas was the only real vacation we've ever taken aside from a weekend away in New Hampshire for our honeymoon. It was also the last carefree thing we did. Since then we began focusing on saving for our wedding, concentrating on starting and raising a family, and then on purchasing our first home. Perhaps we'll have the chance to revisit that vacation spot again someday . . . when all three children have finished graduate school and have moved out of the nest permanently. The oldest is in kindergarten now, so we have a bit of a wait.

If you'd like to play along, visit Twitter Moms to find out how you can enter to win one of ten $100 Target gift cards. Hurry, this contest closes on December 27th, 2009.