Ashley Johnson

My husband and I have been married for almost 14 years, and we were together for more than six years before that. Even now, we still make a real effort to keep that spark in our relationship. We set aside time just for us, without the kids. Sometimes we do things we both love, and other times we take turns doing something one of us enjoys more. We call these our date nights. Once or twice a week, we block off an evening just for the two of us, usually after the kids go to bed.

Most of my weekly shopping happens in one place. I like getting in and out, sticking to my list, and not wasting half a Saturday chasing tiny discounts across town. For me, that usually means one main grocery store and done. But there’s one extra stop I always make each month, and it’s my local Dollar Tree. It’s not where I buy everything. In fact, some things there are a waste of money.

Pollen is in the air, daylight is lingering later into the evening, and the birds are chirping away. You know what that means; spring is in full swing, and with it, a whole bunch of unpleasant household chores. That’s right — it’s time to clear out the cobwebs, sweep up those dust bunnies, and get your yard barbecue-ready for the summer. But where should you start? And even more importantly, how much is this going to cost? The good news is, spring cleaning can be as inexpensive want it to be.