the TJ Maxx challenge

I wanted a slow and lazy weekend last weekend. By Sunday, I was up and moving and ready to do something. My child sent me a YouTube link of the TJ Maxx mother-daughter challenge. I figured that would be a fun, easy outing for us to try. Lucky for me, TJ Maxx is near Michael's and 5 Below so I knew it would be a good area to hit up. 

When we got there, we each grabbed shopping carts. We agreed to a 20 minute limit. We had to find things for one another and see if we liked those items. She sent me the list because I knew I would forget. In a major store, something cozy was easy. The rest of it, I got creative.

For something cozy, I found lime green Grinch sweatpants. For something that smells good, I wanted to avoid candles. I grabbed a bag of Stroopwaffles. Something that reminds you of each other was a thinker. I grabbed a jar of dill pickles since my kid is currently obsessed. And finally, for something to wear, I grabbed a bright red sweater that said "Merry". I was uncertain of that one. I mean, I thought it was cute.

She grabbed me fuzzy Grinch socks for something cozy. She grabbed Lindor chocolates for something that smells good. For something that reminds her of me, she grabbed Christmas dish towels. Apparently, I always complain people mess up my hand towels... Finally, for something to wear, she grabbed fuzzy Grinch pj pants.

We laughed about all the items and then most of it got put back. We did buy the stroopwaffles. Those things are SO good! I would highly recommend a duo or trio doing this. It was fun. It got us thinking. I may even try to convince my husband to do this with me. 

teen baskets are better!

When your kid is getting older, but not too old for an Easter basket you get to have some fun! I shopped at our small local shops that we both love for some small fillers. I rounded it all out with a trip to the Dollar Tree. That store has everything! I just needed candy and anything I missed.

It was fun walking our downtown with a coffee and a smile. We love to support local. I got stickers at the local bookstore Inkwell books. I found a cute flower pillow from a vendor shop, Frosted Farmhouse. I grabbed a dip mix from our absolute favorite store, Ric Rac Embellishment. Then over to DeeDee's coffee shop for a gift card. If that doesn't scream teen basket, I don't know what does!

The Dollar Tree was easy. Watermelon Sour Patch kids and chocolate covered pretzels were obvious choices. They are her favorite! Since she doesn't really eat a ton of candy, I got cookies and cream chocolates and a box of fruit snacks for filling the eggs. It took me longer to find funny socks than it did to do anything else.

I bet I picked up every food themed sock they had. I landed on Pop Tarts and Sprite since I know she loves the color blue and those foods. Even though the magic of the day is gone, my work has gotten SO much easier! Shopping for quality items instead of trinkets is always more fun.

I don't have to color eggs any more. No more bunny visits and pictures. No more pinning her down to do her hair for church. It's just a fun basket, I hide the eggs and church. No more obligations, just fun. And I love it!