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HOW TO BUILD A BLOG COMMUNITY

May 16, 2022

My youngest son and I are sitting at the kitchen island listening to the Brooklyn Duo. Evan is working on an English paper. I am writing a blog post; my version of an English assignment. But instead of letter grades, I receive comments. What a difference three weeks makes.

Three weeks ago I checked my phone after grabbing a drink with a friend and talking about her spring break plans. When I returned to my car I had two missed calls from my son and husband. “Mom, they are sending us home and I have to be out of the dorm by tomorrow at 5 pm.” Wasn’t it yesterday that I said my goodbyes?

So this moment, at the kitchen island, is a gift. A moment in time where I get a little more time with him. I know I am the last person he wants to hang with on a Wednesday night.

I am sad he will miss one of the best seasons in the midwest; when the sun starts to shine through the clouds and the mornings offer a stillness that cannot be captured by the written word.

But at this moment … my son is explaining to me the forms of torture in the US criminal justice system.

And, I just asked him which of the two blog titles he preferred. I am using the title he chose. He thought my working title, ” How Not to Be One of Those Bloggers” did not set the right tone.

Life is complicated and filled with uncertainties. But this moment I feel a community of support in my friends, neighbors, work friends, family and my blog community.

As bloggers, we are a community spread across the country and continents. There are relationships and partnerships that bring us routine and structure to a day filled with run-on sentences and grainy photos.

Now feels like an opportunity to build our blog community. You know a community that is difficult for our spouses and children to understand.

HOW TO BUILD OUR BLOG COMMUNITY

The funny thing is these suggestions work for all of our communities. It is about building a connection. It takes practice- like following through on a forehand.

Leave Comments

How do you feel when you wake up to an inbox of comments? And, then how do you feel when you write the funniest post sentence, and there is not one comment.

Like this post, I wrote the other day. I cracked myself up over the Bic lighter comment.

My goal is to leave 10 comments a week on various blogs. When I read this post about how to handle bloggers who never reply to comments it was an a-ha moment for me. Why? Because I always reply to comments. Hugh’s advice? Stop commenting and move on to bloggers who routinely reply back to your questions and compliments.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE A BLOG FRIEND

And along this journey, I met a few wonderful women bloggers.

I connected immediately with Katie and her popular blog, She had me at preppy.

And, my blog friendship with Heather through her blog. Heather is one of my longest blog friends. We originally connected through a weekly Link Party ( I think). The party was full of technical glitches, but our friendship grew.

We discovered our love for Trader Joe’s. And, then we realized we were living parallel lives with our empty nests (just in different parts of the country).

This lady always leaves me a comment.

SUBSCRIBES TO NEW BLOGS WITH AN RSS FEED

I gave up on Bloglovin and recently transitioned to Feedly.

This is my go to destination to catch up on my favorite blogs.

Join Monthly Challenges: Recently I joined Cindy’s monthly challenge and it has been so much fun. I get double-digit comments and traffic! Not sure where to find a monthly challenge? Start to follow a few and then ask if they have an opening for a new “hostess” or participants. I don’t remember how I found Cindy, but I love her enthusiasm in her posts.

Include a blogger’s funny post or Instagram in one of your posts. And, take a minute to leave a comment or tag him/her on Insta and let them know they are being featured.

I suggest leaving comments on similar size blogs or followers. Except, you know who always emails me back? This wildly successful author, blogger, influencer and busy mom of four.

Join a Giveaway A few years ago I met Katherine and began to participate in her Season of Giveaways. It is a great way to grow your base and meet new bloggers. It turns out Katherine managed a large, national real estate office (I am a real estate agent). She managed alot of personalities! I know she has great stories!

On a side note, Katherine has become a dear friend and we are “state neighbors.”

How to Build a Blog Community

Do you have any ideas on how to build a blog community? What works? What does not work? How do you engage with other bloggers? How do you connect with local bloggers? I would love to hear your ideas.

And, if you have a monthly or quarterly challenge I would love to get on your waitlist. If you would consider joining my once a week newsletter, The Weekend Edit, you can add your email address below:

Join the Everyday Edits Community
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Leave a Comment / Filed In: All Blog Posts, DIY PROJECTS
Tagged: BLOGGING, EVERYDAYEDITS

THE WEEKEND EDIT GRATITUDE OR GRUMPIES?

May 14, 2022

Happy Saturday. It has been windy all week here in the Denver area. The wind makes me cranky. As I type this week’s Weekend Edit I am listening to the wind and just getting annoyed. Good thing I started a gratitude journal ten days ago. Journaling reminds me when I encouraged my (always) cranky (frustrated) middle child, when he was a toddler, to throw his grumpies out the window. Journaling is my attempt to focus on the gratitude and not my attitude (grumpiesadult version of focusing on the gratitude and not the grumpies.

I ordered a cute gratitude journal. It came with 3 pages of stickers and looks perfect for …a 6th grader. I think I need just a spiral notebook. Does anyone journal?

Despite the wind, I made it our local Goodwill last weekend.

Do you remember when I found this Pottery Barn knockoff tray last summer at Goodwill?

I went in with a purpose and came out with two storage bins, a picnic basket and a greenery arrangement. The stems were worth the Goodwill price. Stay tuned for a future post of those before and finds. But first …

WEEKEND THOUGHTS + FINDS

  • A friend got us these leashes and they changed Chloe and Elliott’s lives (and our backs).
  • Have you heard of a peanut butter cake?
  • Do you have a favorite candle at Bath & Body Works? I loveSunwashed Citrus. It smells like an Anthro candle. Share your fav scents in the comments!
  • This floral wall basket is back in stock. I love, love, love their pine needle garland and their tulips are featured in a post below.

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED ON EVERYDAY EDITS THIS WEEK

CHECK OUT THIS PACKING PAPER WREATH

CLIECK HERE FOR REPURPOSED WREATH


ONE MORE IDEA FOR MAGAZINE HOLDERS

HOW TO ORGANIZE FAUX FLORALS ETC

SHOP OUTDOOR FINDS THIS WEEK


SHOP AMERICANA FOR SUMMER DECOR

Thank you for stopping by today! I would love it if you subscribed to the Weekend Edit. You can sign up here for a Saturday morning easy-breezy newsletter .

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4 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts
Tagged: the weekend edit

HOW TO ORGANIZE FLORAL DECOR WITH MAGAZINE HOLDERS

May 12, 2022

Finding new uses for all those magazine holders when we used to make paper copies of everything.

Hello! Do we ever stop wanting to organize our lives, kitchen cabinets or our makeup drawer? There is always a utensil drawer, pantry, closet, garage and even a bathroom vanity that needs the essentials stacked.

NEW USE FOR MAGAZINE HOLDERS

A few years ago (more like ten) I discovered this phone app. It scans documents and saves them in a pdf. This app changed my life and it reduced my need for all the magazine holders I accumulated over the years for vaccination records and report cards.

A few months ago I shared this tip for file organizers. And today I want to share a second use (at some point I bought too many organizers).

HOW TO ORGANIZE FLORAL STEMS WITH MAGAZINE HOLDERS

HOW TO STORE FLORAL STEMS.

When I discovered this Kentucky-based faux flower shop it changed my tulip game. I bought the most beautiful faux tulips for the spring and summer.

But what happens in the fall and how will I keep the precious tulips from stem slouch syndrome over the winter months?

How to organize faux flowers with magazine files

HOW TO USE MAGAZINE HOLDERS FOR FAUX FLOWERS

  • Gather your seasonal short stem flowers, grapevine leftovers and greenery picks
  • Store them in an upright organizer.
  • I added brown paper to keep them in line.
  • I stored them on a shelf that was tall enough to fit the magazine folder and the protruding stems.

It calms me to organize tulips and greenery picks.

No more tangled messes in March when I sort thru the spring decor.

It is also a visual reminder that I have enough pink and soft white tulips.

How to store floral decor with magazine folders

These magazine or file holders are great to keep my grapevine garland obsession contained.

SHOPPING LIST FOR MAGAZINE HOLDERS

If you are short on magazine (file) holders here is a resource list.

I found my magazine organizers here.

And I now buy my greenery, florals and Christmas garland here. You will love these guys!

THANK YOU!

Thanks for stopping by today! I would love it if you pinned this image! If you like easy breezy projects please sign up for the Weekend Edit. It is a four-minute read on Saturday mornings with tips and seasonal decor. You can sign up here.

2 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts, ONE HOUR PROJECTS, TIPS

HOW TO MAKE A DIY PATRIOTIC TRAY

May 12, 2022

Can you believe we are headed towards the summer months with red, white and blue holidays? After two years of canceled events, masks and six feet of social distancing, it will be fun to celebrate with friends and family.

Do you have summer traditions for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day?

To kick off the summer holidays I created a super cute, thrifty DIY red, white and blue tray.

cute patriotic tray, cute patriotic centerpiece

DIY RED, WHITE AND BLUE TRAY

For this centerpiece, I used what I had on hand. A few items were from previous upcycle projects. Oh, wait I did buy the small sign from the dollar section at Target.

My goal was to add pops of reds and blues against the green wreath. I pulled out my oversized galvanized serving piece as the base for this patriotic tray.

I used my stash of these boxes for shades of blue. The popular retail box supports the sign and makes the sign stand out.

DIY patriotic tray or centerpiece

The blue hue continued with a single cloth gingham napkin that I tucked inside a recycled glass jar.

I was stumped for red and white decor that was not covered in hearts.

I needed something that would fit within the tray. As luck would have it I found a Christmas strand of wood bead garlands I purchased from my friend Katherine’s shop. I bought it after the holidays and never stored it with the Christmas decorations.

It was just waiting for the summer of patriotic holidays.

patriotic-tray-decor

The beaded garland with red fabric ties was the perfect addition to the tray.

It looks perfect in this patriotic tray. What is that type of fabric called?

All I can think of are the bonnets in Little House on the Prairie.

I found a white, wood monogram with red polka dots. It was from my “monogram everything” phase.

The red and white scrolled letter added height and a bit of whimsy to the patriotic tray.

patriotic-tray-decor

Need a little help with your tray. Check out this tray bundle or this one.

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21 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts, DIY PROJECTS

HOW TO MAKE THE CUTEST WREATH WITH PACKING PAPER IN A CHEWY BOX

May 10, 2022

Oh, this is one of my favorite repurpose projects ever. If you have spent one minute here at Everyday Edits you know I love a repurposed project. I wish I could say my family shares my enthusiasm.

Whenever my husband hauls out these boxes or the monthly Chewy box I haul it right back into the house.

Spring Wreath made with packing material in a Chewy Box

REPURPOSE PROJECTS ARE IN MY DNA

I think I tap into my parents’ post-recession genes when I hoard random things like Bath & Body Works candles and cardboard packing material. I should state I am not a hoarder I just love the challenge to repurpose everyday objects.

CHECK OUT WHAT I MADE WITH THE PACKING PAPER IN A CHEWY BOX.

Recently when this Chewy box showed up I was more excited about the packaging material than the 24-pound bag of dog food for Chloe and Elliott.

How to Make the Cutest Wreath with packing material from a Chewy box!

This is what was in the corners of the cardboard shipping box.

I know right.

You can understand why my husband’s instincts were to toss it into the recycle bin.

He didn’t know.

What he was taking out to the recycle bin was craft gold.

Let’s take a look at how I took packing material from the inside of a Chewy box and made the cutest spring wreath.

HOW TO MAKE THE CUTEST PACKING PAPER WREATH FROM A CHEWY BOX

When I pulled the brown packing paper I instinctively started twisting the paper into the shape of a wreath.

I secured the ends with this wired jute from a dollar store. You could use chenille stems too.

This is where the magic of a repurpose project takes over. It just happened. Once the ends of my craft paper-shaped wreath were secured I knew this was going to be a great repurposed wreath.

Spring Wreath made with packing material in a Chewy Box

The packing paper was the base of the spring wreath. The packing paper adds depth and a bit more dimension to the boxwood wreath.

I added a small boxwood wreath to layer in front of the brown paper. I have a stash of these small boxwood wreaths from this site.

Spring Wreath made with packing material in a Chewy Box

The wreath was pulled together with blue gingham ribbon to create this adorable spring wreath.

I absolutely love this repurposed packing paper wreath! The gingham ribbon is perfect for my love of blue and green combinations.

How to make a wreath from packing paper from a Chewy box.

I hung this on our interior facing door leading to our front deck off the family room.

I hope this inspires you to take a second look at the everyday objects we toss into the recycle bin. If you enjoy repurposed projects please check out my two favorites here and here.

THE WEEKEND EDIT NEWSLETTER SENDS! WEEKLY IDEAS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. SIGN UP HERE FOR AN EASY-BREEZY 4-MINUTE READ ON SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH A CUP OF SOMETHING. 

2 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts, CRAFTS, ONE HOUR PROJECTS, REPURPOSE IDEAS

THE WEEKEND EDIT – DANCE LIKE ELIZABETH

May 7, 2022

If you are thinking Elizabeth must be Laura’s daughter start here.

If you know Elizabeth, in the headlines, who(m) I am referring to, but you have not seen her dance moves start here. Turn up the volume.

DANCE LIKE ELIZABETH (HOLMES)

This week I turned off the noise.

I stopped scrolling on my phone.

Instead, I turned my phone into a mobile DJ.

Dancing is different than working out to music because I can throw in a ballet move with a hip hop sequence. This has the makings of a Progressive commercial.

And this week I danced to my Spotify playlists and rediscovered how fun it is to just dance.

Just like Lady Gaga told us. It will be okay.

And you know what happened? Dancing makes us feel good. It does amazing things for our minds.

Oh, and the reason I thought of Elizabeth? Her dance style, with the clenched jaw, was familiar.

I dance just like her. I think I play tennis with the same face.

If you are new to the Weekend Edit Welcome! In a sentence, I share endless content ideas for Progressive and a little bit of decor, tips, easy recipes and seasonal ideas. I have never met a sentence that could not use a few more words.

WEEKEND THOUGHTS + FINDS

  • Katie is out with her reading, watching, and listening list.
  • I start my day with this free newsletter. They had me at Morning Brew.
  • I ordered these sneakers. I am a classic sneaker girl. Size down 1/2 size.
  • I sent my middle a care package and included these. They make great stocking stuffers!

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED ON THE BLOG THIS WEEK

(SIDE NOTE: YOU CAN SEARCH THE ARCHIVES IN THE SEARCH BUTTON AT THE TOP OF MY BLOG).

THE MAGIC OF GRAPEVINE GARLAND

(If my boys had to find the grapevine garland they would open the fridge).

how to use grapevine garland
CLICK FOR THIS WEEK’S DECOR IDEA


NEED A LAST-MINUTE NO UTENSILS NEEDED DESSERT?

CLICK FOR 3 INGREDIENT RECIPE

A LITTLE AMERICANA FOR THE SUMMER


SHOP AMERICANA ETC.

Thank you for stopping by today! I have the best readers and I love it when you share this with your friends and family. We are a community and I save your comments for future ramblings. I I would love it if you subscribed to the Weekend Edit. You can sign up here for a Saturday morning easy-breezy newsletter . You will always find a relaxed vibe and a run-on sentence.

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1 Comment / Filed In: All Blog Posts, THE STORIES
Tagged: the weekend edit

LIVING ROOM CHAISE WITH A VIEW

May 5, 2022

 

We knew we made the right furniture choice when the dog claimed the living room chaise mid-day before the family rolled in after work, school and tennis practice. My husband claims it after work- it is his recharging station. In our house, the living room chaise wins the popular vote. 

LIVING-ROOM-CHAISE-EVERYDAY-EDITS

The unwritten rule is whoever lands on the chaise first, gets the chaise! 

It reminds me of when my four siblings and I called shotgun as we ran down the stairs to fight for the front passenger seat in Mom’s Suburban.

 The fact that there is no television in our living room, speaks to the chaise’s popularity. With wide cushions and just-enough length, it is perfect for an end of day nap as the rains roll in over the mountains. 

favorite-piece-furniture-crate-and-barrel- not-a-trophy-wife

We found our chaise at Crate & Barrel. You can find the dimensions and details here. We passed right by this chaise when we did an initial loop around the showroom floor.

We wanted a couch or club chairs to fit the awkward, rounded wall and tiny nook in the living room. The living room is complicated. 

Living Room Chaise

Never underestimate the power of pillows

The secret to the chaise’s popularity is with the pillows. My husband and I did not see the vision. But, thank goodness the sales associate pointed out the power of bolster pillows. The pillows make the chaise’s role in our living room flexible. It can be shoved against a wall or “free float” in front of our living room window. 

versatile-piece-of-furniture-bolster-pillows-everyday-edits

 

And, the best part of this purchase was it took place during Crate & Barrel’s annual Labor Day sale. 

The chaise is comfortable, stylish, flexible and the perfect spot to catch a nap or sneak in a chapter in my latest pick from this site. 

The chaise was our Aussie’s favorite place to relax. I used to shoo Tanner off, but as his hips failed, I whispered in his ear, “You earned this Tanner.” We have visions of Tanner on security detail on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. 

most-versatile-piece-of-furniture-everyday-edits

The chaise was such a classy-casual addition to the living room I had to upgrade the rug. All of a sudden my indoor/outdoor rug felt like it belonged outside. I upgraded to this rug for a comfier feel our feet (or paws). 

 

living room chaise for the win

And, with these views, the chaise is the perfect spot to watch the weather roll in over the mountains.

living-room-chaise

1 Comment / Filed In: All Blog Posts, INTERIORS, THE STORIES
Tagged: Chaise, Furniture, HOME TOUR, LIVING ROOM, SPACES

10 SURPRISING SOURCES OF PET ODORS

May 5, 2022

The only thing worse than a house that smells like cats or dogs is a house that smells like a room full of Glade air fresheners. Why? Because a homeowner is trying to mask a smell that cannot be contained. And the key to eliminating pet odors is to go after the source. Here are a few surprising sources of pet odors.

surprising sources of pet odors
Surprising sources of pet odors
Photo by John Becker, WBIR

10 SURPRISING SOURCES OF PET ODORS

In full disclosure, I am not a fan of plugin room fresheners. They work but when I smell a plugin room freshener, that over the top cinnamon or floral smell, my first thought is what is the homeowner trying to hide. So the key is to tackle the source and work yourself to the front door where you usually get a whiff. I am also a licensed Realtor in Denver so I have smelled plenty of odors.

These same suggestions work for sellers who are preparing to list their home. #realtortip

1. FRESH AIR

Never underestimate the power of fresh air. An open window allows fresh air to circulate.

2. CEILING FANS

Have you looked at your ceiling fan when it is not running? I was stretching the other morning and I looked up, in the middle of a hamstring stretch, and there was a 1/2″ of dust on the top of each ceiling fan blade.

I run that ceiling fan every night. Guess who sleeps directly under the ceiling fan? This one:

10-easy-ideas-to-freshen-house-with-dogs

And, during the day she sleeps under one of my boy’s ceiling fans. I used this and a step stool to clean my ceiling fan blades.

10-easy-ideas-to-freshen-house-with-dogs

3. VINEGAR

I love this multi-purpose cleaner. I made a video to share my list of favorite Made in USA cleaning. You can check it out on my Youtube channel here. Please follow (shameless plug trying to get to 100 followers).

Yes, it smells like vinegar, but it is effective at getting to the source of the smell; not masking the odor. And it is inexpensive.

4. BAKING SODA

A close second to vinegar is baking soda. I regularly dust (dump) baking soda into my carpets/rugs. And, depending on how much dog DNA is embedded in the carpet fibers- I repeat this step 2-3 times over a few days. It works.

I found this article with more details.

10-easy-ideas-to-freshen-house-with-dogs

5. WASH ENTRY RUGS

Think about this; our dogs run in and out the doors dozens of times a day. Think about what those cute little paws track in after four minutes of squirrel tag.

And, those entry rugs are the first line of defense to stop those muddy paw prints. Eww.

6. LINT ROLLER

A lint roller is a great way to snag random dog and human hairs on the top of chairs, sofas and stairs. I buy these in bulk. . Just try it and see what clings to the adhesive sheet.

7. CLEAN UP THE BACKYARD

This one piggybacks on the entry rugs. If you can minimize the mess in the backyard you minimize the odors into the house.

When I skip a day (or four) and watch my dogs wrestling in the backyard I shudder at the thought of what they rolled in during recess. Ewww.

8. BRUSH DOGS REGULARLY

Elliott loves to be brushed. His older sister, Chloe, not so much. Chloe runs when she sees the hairbrush. But it makes a huge difference to brush our pets regularly. It reduces what travels into the house via tails and tummies.

9. WASH THE WALLS

This is a big issue at my house. Chloe and Elliott have their favorite spots to chill during the day.

And, when we repainted our walls to a lighter color I noticed the film of dirt on the walls. I bought these (made in USA) spray bottles, filled with vinegar, to stay on top of the grime.

10. FRESH GREENS OR FLOWERS

Fresh flowers, greenery or herbs are an organic way to freshen your home. I think that is why we don’t notice the stale air during the holidays. From October through December, we have an abundance of fresh garland, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, Christmas trees, cider, and baked goods to fill our homes.

And, then by January, we have cold temps, over-active thermostats and stale air.

Rosemary is a great option to freshen up a space. I tuck mine into my candles in January.

I thought about tucking a sprig of Rosemary into Chloe and Elliott’s collars! #wink

Video Recap

Thank you for stopping by! Please share your tips in the comments!

Leave a Comment / Filed In: All Blog Posts, INTERIORS, ONE HOUR PROJECTS, TIPS
Tagged: DOGS, TIPS

5 WAYS TO USE GRAPEVINE GARLAND

May 3, 2022

This past year I discovered the awesomeness of grapevine garland. If any of my kids are reading my blog this morning there is a collective eye roll and a group text.

I guarantee you my boys could not identify grapevine garland despite it being in just about every room in our house. 

 

how to use grapevine garland

VERSATILITY

One could argue, that this woody, twig garland is one of the most universal decor staples.  

 It adds height, dimension, depth, character, warmth, and most importantly…

it hides dust.

Even the “scraps” are great for filler and small accessories. And it is not a space hog. Grapevine garland can be stored flat (which why would you ever need to store it?), but it stores easily. 

In my house, it is a year-round staple.  

Are you ready? Let’s take a look at ideas on how to add grapevine garland tojust about any space.

5 IDEAS TO USE GRAPEVINE GARLAND

PORCHES

I love garland in my planters.

Twig-like garland is perfect for planters. It is like a good bra- it elevates and lifts.

This twiggy garland has the power to add volume and height. You can see last year’s fall porch here. 

 The twiggy garland holds up well in wind, rain or snow. So it works well for all holidays and seasons.

5 ideas to use grapevine garland

THINK OF GARLAND LIKE A SCARF 

Grapevine works like a scarf. It adds a bit of warmth and texture around the neck or in this case around the milk can.

If you have a bucket and it needs a little help add a bit of grapevine. 

WREATHS

WREATHS + CENTERPIECES

Grapevine beefs up wreaths. It adds a little depth to just your everyday wreath. I love to pair this woody garland with my boxwood wreaths.

My centerpieces almost always have a ring of grapevine around the middle.

I love to add garland to fresh greens during Christmas. It just adds a little extra something to the fresh branches.

PLANTS

Adding grapevine to plants is one of my favorite ways to use this twiggy garland. It makes sense to pair a plant with a twig, right?

Grapevine garland is the workhorse for small accessories like pots and planters. 

GRAPEVINE RESOURCES

I have purchased twiggy garland at Hobby Lobby, but on the weeks the garland is not on sale I I found this garland. .

Thank you for visiting today! If you would like one-hour projects please sign up for the Weekend Edit- an easy-breezy four-minute read on Saturday mornings. You can sign up here.It is free and full of run-onlon sentences. I kind of write like I talk.

how to use grapevine garland in the decor

1 Comment / Filed In: All Blog Posts, CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS + SEASONS, ONE HOUR PROJECTS
Tagged: ONE HOUR PROJECTS

THE WEEKEND EDIT +GARAGE SALE SHENANIGANS

April 30, 2022

Happy Saturday

As I type this week’s Weekend Edit am I sitting on my porch steps overseeing our garage sale. A lady who was interested in my glass jars asked me if I had them in black?

Let me check in the back. #snarkyseller

There is something about making $15 on a chair I paid $145 two years ago. I love it when I have a $2 dollar sticker on an unopened box of glasses from Homegoods and someone asks if I will take a dollar.

I should mention I bought my neighbor’s china for $20 and a set of glass bowls. They are hiding in my dining room hutch.

What are your stories bout garage sales?

WEEKEND THOUGHTS

  • This DIY fire bowl looks like a fun outdoor addition.
  • I am reading Where the Forest Meets the Stars for book club. I really like it, but I don’t think it is for everyone. I can’t wait to discuss at book club.
  • This is perfect for a cozy deck or tiny corner of your yard.
  • Here are 100 ways to change your life.
  • Now that I sold my stuff I bought this for a tiny corner in my backyard.

WAYFAIR FINDS + SALE

CLICK FOR OUTDOOR RUG FINDS


HOW TO MAKE BIRDSEED CAKES

(this is a fun project for all ages)

RECIPE FOR BIRDSEED CAKES

SHOP OUTDOOR FINDS THIS WEEK


SHOP BIRDFEEDERS ETC

Thank you for stopping by today! I would love it if you subscribed to the Weekend Edit. You can sign up here for a Saturday morning easy-breezy newsletter .

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! IT’S FREE

5 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts
Tagged: the weekend edit

THESE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER RITZ COOKIES ARE THAT GOOD!

April 28, 2022

Sharing an easy recipe with melted milk chocolate and peanut butter to make Ritz cookies.

Today I am sharing a no-bake recipe that includes mouth-watering Ritz crackers, peanut butter and milk chocolate. Together, these simple ingredients make the perfect combo of chocolate, peanut butter and salty crackers. And the best part? No utensils are needed to serve these on a tiny cake plate.

That just saved you a a few hundred seconds.

Did you know Ritz crackers were introduced in 1934? You can read other fun facts about this depresseion era cracker here.

Did I mentione these bite-size Ritz cookies do not require an oven?

You do need a microwave or stove.

These Ritz cookies freeze well. Which means, you you can hide them behind the frozen Rhodes rolls from the holidays.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER RITZ COOKIES

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

INGREDIENT LIST

This is a no-bake treat and you only need peanut butter, milk chocolate chips and butter crackers and sprinkles.

If you are counting calories you can skip the sprinkles.

The recipe includes three items in three aisles at the grocery store.

This dessert reminds me of this seasonal favorite bite size treat.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER RITZ COOKIES

This is a bit of a messy recipe so I suggest lining your counters with wax paper or foil.

I lined up my oval shaped crackers on wax paper in rows.

Make sure to save enough crackers to “top off” the bottom cracker.

Next spread a bit of creamy peanut butter on one side of each Ritz.

Top it off with a second cracker.

Using a glass measuring cup or microwavable bowl melt the chocolate chips.

Heat the chips in 30-second increments and stir after each 1/2 minute.

Using a spoon I dipped each stacked cracker into the milk chocolate.

If you want less chocolate try dipping just one end of thestacked cracker.

You could drizzle the melted chocolate over the stacked crackers.

I dunked most of my cracker stacks and drizzled the remaining melted milk chocolate over the remaining 1/2 dozen cookies. Showing a hint of the cracker’s scalloped edge.

Honestly, I never thought to create a cracker sandwiched between peanut butter and dipped in chocolate.

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

I added sprinkles to about 1/2 of the batch.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

That’s it! The recipe is below.

CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER COVERED RITZ COOKIES

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 SLEEVES RITZ CRACKERS
  • 1/2 CUP CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
  • 1 BAG MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS
  • SPRINKLES OPTIONAL

Instructions
 

  • 1. LINE UP 1 ROW OF RITZ CRACKERS ON WAX OR FOIL.
    2. ADD PEANUT BUTTER TO ONE SIDE OF EACH CRACKER
    3. TOP EACH PEANUT BUTTER CRACKER WITH A 2ND CRACKER ( I DID NOT ADD PEANUT BUTTER TO THE TOP HALF CRACKER) TO CREATE A SANDWICH. LEAVE ON WAX PAPER
    4. MICROWAVE MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS IN 30 SECOND INCRMEENTS.
    5. STIR BETWEEN EACH 1/2 MINUTE
    6. USING A SPOON PLACE 1 STACKED "PEANUT BUTTER +RITZ CRACKER INTO THE MELTED CHOCOLATE.
    7. LET EACH RITZ COOKIE SET ON WAX PAPER FOR AN HOUR.
    8. CHILL IN THE FRIDGE BEFORE STACKING IN STORAGE CONTAINER. USE WAS SHEETS OR FOIL TO STORE LAYERS OF CRACKERS.

Thank you for stopping by today. I would love if you pinned this to your dessert boards!

Leave a Comment / Filed In: All Blog Posts, RECIPES

MY FAVORITE WAYFAIR OUTDOOR RUGS

April 27, 2022

Sharing a few of my favorite outdoor rugs at Wayfair for porches, patios and decks.

This time of year our yard looks like a mullet. The front yard has tulips and sunshine. And the north-facing backyard looks like it needs to slam a Red Bull.

So this year we made a plan.

We cleared the patio of all furniture, patio cushions, and side tables.

And as a dear friend told me years ago- clear the space first.

Just like interior rugs, outdoor rugs help to define and cozy up the space.

how to keep patio cushions dry, tip to keep outdoor cushions dry, waterproof seat cushions, keep cushion inserts dry, outdoor furniture, dry cushions, fix soggy cushions

Wayfair’s annual Way Day sale sounded like a good time to find a rug.

MY FAVORITE WAYFAIR OUTDOOR RUGS

outdoor rugs at Wayfair's annual sale
CLICK HERE

With an outdoor dining area. I have mixed thoughts about rugs under tables.

summer-patio-tablue

This blue striped rug would match my cushions. All of my seat cushions are shades of blue.

Here is a popular tip and video to keep cushions dry when rain is in the forecast.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

This is a super fun pattern, but with the Colorado sun, it might look like a Red Rocks concert t-shirt from the 80’s.

DETAILS HERE

I love stripes. I have the smaller version of this on my front porch.

CLICK HERE

NEUTRAL OUTDOOR RUG

This neutral might work, but it reminds me of concrete.

Hmm, but I like the 90-degree angles on this one. If you are a regular reader here at Everyday Edits you are not surprised that I like right angles and you know how I feel about rounded fonts.

CLICK HERE

I think this one is the one for me!

CLICK HERE

What do you think of this one?

CLICK HERE

This is a round rug. This might work under this patio table. Again, I don’t know if I love the idea of a rug under an outdoor table. I just think critters might have a field day after the breakfast buffet of these bird cakes.

Wayfair Outdoor Rugs
CLICK HERE

I like this one too, but the grey might look a wee muddier with two dogs running around the backyard.

Wayfair outdoor rugs
CLICK HERE

This is a close second. I have a rug type.

Wayfair outdoor rugs
CLICK HERE

This is another burst of color. Some patios can pull this off, but I don’t know if my patio can pull off this rug. This outdoor rug looks a little feisty!

Outdoor rug ifinds
CLICK HERE

What’s your favorite rug? I picked a few other favorite outdoor finds and shared them here.

I shared a few other Wayfair finds for your yard here. Happy Spring!

disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you for supporting Everyday Edits. When you purchase an item through my links in this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

2 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts, OUTDOOR PROJECTS, SHOP

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MEET LAURA

Hi there! I am Laura the coffee-fueled creator behind Everyday Edits. This is a creative outlet for my Realtor life & my passion to re-imagine spaces on a budget.  Read more …

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