3 Dollar Store finds and 1 confession

I have a love-hate relationship with the darn dollar store. The very concept of the place goes against everything I believe and try to live by. You know? Like...less is more, buy local, live green, good quality pays off, you name it. But who am I kidding?  Once in a while - especially around holidays or birthday parties, I can't resist diving into the madness with hopes of finding clever stuff for less - which by the way typically comes with a price tag of $2, not $1. Here are three of my latest finds:

Black Boa.

Who says a mantel can't be sexy? 

I never thought I’d be in the market for black feathers but Gayle suggested I add some to my mantel to complete the beautiful wreath my lovely friend Meredith gave me which I installed smack in the middle of the mirror, with... way a minute... a Dollar Store plastic hook.

 

 

Whatta y’a know??? I think I like it. Can you say “Grrrr” with a Latino accent?

Then there’s the ribbon organizer, a gift from Gayle. She knows me well.  Don’t you love anything that helps organize stuff? I own a few... many from the Dollar Store.  I’m building a temporary wrapping station (more on this soon), so this gadget is perfect!  Merci, Mom!

 

Then there’s the black raffia and Santa clothespins to hang the lovely Christmas cards and good wishes right on the entrance painting. Before you go shaking your head, I'll have you know that it’s a step up from hanging cards on the rope anchoring the Xmas tree in place a not so distant memory in this household! Let’s see how it looks as it fills up!

 

The first card arrived yesterday from Montréal, gracias to my parents.  Only them would know to match the card to the frame!

 Here's the Santa clothespin, I have 6 of them.

Seriously, the rule of thumb when I buy something at the Dollar Store is that it has to last or be good enough to donate so that it can be reused (anyone interested in black feathers, please forward shipment address), will be enjoyed (art supplies, baskets, boxes and books can be great), and last but not least it is to never, ever, be ingested or in contact with food.  No kidding.

What do you think?  Are you as conflicted as I am when it comes to the Dollar-mania?