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THE WEEKEND EDIT #30

February 27, 2021

sharing family stories and fun finds on the Weekend Edit

Happy Saturday!

Quick question? Are dogs allergic to nuts?

Elliott (our Berner rescue) is recovering from an allergic reaction of unknown origin. I shared his symptoms in my Stories over the weekend. This is the face he makes at the vet.

Do they make epi-pens for dogs? Elliott may need a little epi-puppy pen until we figure out the source of his allergy.

The other day I reached into the back seat (which I will never do again after watching the first episode of this amazing show with Bryan Cranston) and I spilled my travel container of mixed nuts.

When I got home I scooped up a handful on the floor of the backseat and just tossed the mixed nuts into the driveway for the birds. Now I am wondering if Elliott got into them and had an allergic reaction.

This is Elliott finally settling down with our favorite blanket to fight over in the family room. With that face I might buy him his own blankie.

My husband told me he wants to get a ….. paint sprayer. What could possibly go wrong?

Here is a peek of our living room this week.

My husband has many talents but apparently, the one that will have the ladies lining up at the door (or on a dating site in the event of an “accidental incident with his first wife (me), are for his carpentry skills.

And, the busier he is with work the more he whittles away in his garage.

Last week I shared these ideas for our 2 story living room wall. I was so excited until he mentioned a paint sprayer.

living-room-library

Anyone from Colorado?

I have a flurry of first-time home buyers and these young professionals are getting shut out of the Denver real estate market with appraisal gaps, cash offers and buyers waiving inspections. My daughter who owns a condo in downtown Denver is getting nervous that she may have to live with us (again) to save money to buy a future home.

Movie and Book Critic

I follow and I am a friend to a blogger who gives the best movie, shows and book reviews. Stop by Katie’s blog and tell her Laura sent you over for her favorites. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to Katie’s suggestions.

Vegan Recipes

I started a vegan board because of another blog friend, Heather who shares great recipes and Trader Joe’s finds. Tell her Laura sent you!

Tiered Tray Inspo

If you want the sweetest blogger who is as adorable as she is kind, please stop by Andrea’s blog.

I bought this tiered tray because of Andrea’s amazing holiday and seasonal tiered trays.

This is my version… #goals.

Mountain Home Envy

If you want a little mountain home you have to check out Jennifer at Town and Country where she shared this home and a few more.

Instagram Prompts

Having commitment issues with Instagram? Joanne Hawker shares free, monthly printables to get you on track.

Thank you!

Thank you for stopping by today. If you have a blog you would liked featured please email me at laura@everydayedits.co and send me the link!

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5 SPRING IDEAS FOR THE KITCHEN NOOK

February 26, 2021

Sharing 5 spring ideas for the kitchen nook as the nest empties

Does anyone remember Nora Walker’s kitchen in the show Brother’s & Sisters? I don’t remember the specifics and I am sure it would be very dated by now, but I loved it.

As we transition from five family members gathered around a farmhouse table to a, smaller table the kitchen spring was the perfect time for a few ideas for the nook.

I thought with the absence of homework and empty Gatorade bottles the table would finally be center stage. Instead, she looks kind of lost without clutter. Maybe she (the table) needs a puppy? #wink

The kitchen nook is nestled between the family room and the kitchen with a Dutch door around the corner. It is flanked by windows on the north and west side so it is either shadows or bright lights depending on the time of day.

When we made this decision to remove the shutters on our main level we kept the shutters on the west side of the house because of the 360+ days of sunshine in Colorado.

The windows are a familiar backdrop in our kitchen nook. But they look a little heavy with both shutters and window treatments.

During our extended staycation, I ordered this table and these four chairs and they were paid for by the time they arrived. #backordered

I can say this because neither my husband or children read my blog, but I don’t love the table. It is a bit too small and did not come with an extension. However, I do love the metal base and hope a kitchen refresh will update the space.

I kind of miss my previous kitchen table which is now in the basement moonlighting as a game table.

Until I decide if I should switch the tables, I turned my attention to the windows to brighten up the kitchen nook. I am calling it a nook and no I do not have a bench.

5 SPRING IDEAS FOR THE KITCHEN NOOK

NOOK #1 Add Plants

This is the image that got my mind thinking about a spring refresh.

It has windows and a round kitchen table. I brought in a bench and added a fern this winter, but it felt very cramped. Which is how this photo feels. What do you think?

This would drive my boys and daughter crazy; they are all clutter adverse. I would miss my sisal rug.

Here was my attempt. I placed the bench against the north wall that includes a sliding glass window.

I really want French doors, but with the Dutch door around the corner (and the expense) I may look into a sliding glass door. Thoughts?

NOOK #2 Remove Shutters

The base is familiar and I was this close to choosing similar wicker chairs for the kitchen nook. But decided to keep my wicker outside for now. This nook is simple and uncluttered with no window treatments.

Source: Williams-Sonoma

NOOK #3 Small Bench or Olive Tree

I love the windows and those are my chairs on the left. I love the concept of open windows for the nook.

Do you have windows around your nook?

This nook includes a small storage bench, but I really like the olive tree off to the side. Isn’t it funny what captures our eye when we look to retailers and Pinterest for decor ideas inspiration?

I have my eye on this olive tree, but it’s pricey.

Source: Pottery Barn

NOOK #4 Oversized Centerpiece

For this kitchen space, my eye was drawn to the window treatments and the floral centerpiece.

Now that I am not competing against water bottles and baseball caps, a centerpiece might be the reboot I need.

Source: Pinterest 1-Eye-Design

NOOK # 5 Window Treatments

The window treatments caught my eye in this one!

Source: One Eye Design

What do you think of these five ideas to freshen up a kitchen nook?

I have several ideas swirling in my head.

Stay tuned. Meanwhile, you can visit the kitchen remodel we finished last year.

And, this vinyl window update still looks amazing!

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HOW TO CREATE A SPRING CONSOLE TABLE

February 23, 2021

Sharing a spring console table for this month’s Pinterest Challenge

It’s crazy to think we are heading into spring when most of the Denver-metro area has yet to have a winter. But with the days getting longer it’s hard to ignore spring is just around the corner.

I am joining Cindy at County Road 407 and a bunch of fabulous, supportive bloggers for this month’s Pinterest Challenge. If you are joining me fro >>> welcome to Everyday Edits. If you are stopping by from Niky’s blog, welcome.

This month’s console/sofa table inspiration is from Marie and her blog, Sincerely Marie Designs.

Can we just pause to take in this room and that fireplace? What is not to love about Marie’s sofa table.?

Marie used some everyday elements for her spring console table.

wood console table
greenery
plates
books
mister (who doesn’t love a water feature)?

On a side note, I love her furnishings in the room.

SPRING SOFA TABLE

Honestly, I thought this was going to be an easy challenge. I had a console/sofa table and plenty of accessories. I even had a pastel mister from the dollar-ish section at Target.

And, then …

I got stuck with height and scale. My books were not as large as I wanted them to be (they are on my garage sale search list). I am taking suggestions on where to find oversized decor books for cheap.

I used the books from this repurposed idea using packing material.

My table has a metal surface so to tone down the shiny reflective finish I added a grapevine ball and a chalkboard sign you can find on this daily deal decor shop.

I swapped out plants and moved the lamp from the left to the right.

This was a great challenge to get us in the mood for spring decor.

In full disclosure, the couches and the sofa table are the only pieces in our family room as we prep to refinish our floors.

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THE WEEKEND EDIT #29

February 20, 2021

Elliott our Berner Rescue was up all night shaking his head. We are counting the minutes until the vet opens this morning. We think it is an ear infection based on Dr. Google. Our first Berner rescue, Owen, got an ear infection while we were in Breckenridge for a weekend with the kids. That was a fun night. So when Elliott’s head started to shake (5 minutes after the vet office closed) we knew we were in for a long night.

Welcome to the Weekend Edit.Grab a cup of coffee… I am on my second.

I grabbed this photo of Elliott at the end of the day. We are scheduling our hard floors to be refinished and it is a juggling act trying to board two 100 pound dogs and get us out of the house for four nights.

We are almost done with Doc Martin. We took a break and I am so glad we came back to this British-based series. On a side note, we paid per season via Amazon Prime. When we went to buy the final season I asked my husband how much Acorn TV was (it includes several shows I have my eye on). You guys it costs like $7.00 per month for an Acorn subscription to view all kinds of shows. We paid twice that amount per season of Doc Martin. #argh

I had a free, sunny afternoon on Friday and stopped into JCrew (outlet). bought this super cozy sweatshirt in green (size small), this . and this in spring green. I can never turn down a gingham print.

I grabbed some fun boxers for my boys for St. Patrick’s Day care packages.

This week I shared this post about MADE in USA Finds. and this vegan side dish for next year’s Thanksgiving.

You’re welcome for that recipe. It’s delicious, healthy and super easy. There is one spicy ingredient and you could switch it up a few different ways depending on your tastes.

What are your plans for the weekend?

We have to pick out a stain for our main level hardwood floors and pick the stone for our new fireplace redesign in the family room. It means this clock has to be removed.

Have a wonderful, safe weekend. 35 minutes until the vet office opens.

PS In my shopping cart if you are still drinking that cup of coffee:

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HOW TO SHOP FOR MADE IN THE USA DECOR

February 18, 2021

how to shop for made in the USA decor

I don’t know why I am a little obsessed with made in the USA decor and home stuff. And I am not sure when I started to shop for made in USA products. But behind my desk and in front of my tablet, I shop with the keywords, “Made in the USA”on most searches.

I don’t know the why? It just feels good to support local or brands across the country that made a commitment to make stuff here in the states.

My hope is that you will remember the Colorado girl (okay, ~~closer to~~ the middle-aged mom) who talked about Made in the USA products.

My second hope is maybe one of my kids will read my blog and leave a comment.

Can you help me share the message? Will you share your favorite brands in the comments?

HOW TO SHOP MADE IN THE USA

For a few years, I have sought out products made in the USA. It’s my thing and I want to encourage others to think about it too. And, online searches make it super easy.

Even this store, stuffed with products, sells products with the familiar Made in USA logo.

One of the ways I search for USA products is on Etsy.

Etsy is the Amazon of local brands and craftsmen and women. It is filled with creative minds and cool things you never knew you needed.

Until you found it on Etsy.

I found this sturdy blanket ladder on Etsy. With my choice of stain, it transitioned into our home seamlessly. And with a year filled with Netflix and loungewear, this ladder definitely kept busy.

HOME ACCESSORIES BUILT IN THE USA

PILLOWS

I ordered these Made in the USA pillows on Amazon. A few years ago Santa brought us these fancy pillows and overtime I could see what looked like the foam padding under a twenty-year-old carpet.

You cannot unsee that pillow stuffing.

MORE PILLOWS

Did I pay a little more for the pillows or the pillow covers? Maybe.

Etsy has pillows and pillow covers too like this cute Spring pillow.

COOKIE CUTTERS

Did you know there is a USA cookie-cutter company? I didn’t either until I made this hedgehog cookie recipe and I found these adorable cookie cutters.

MADE IN USA BRANDS

Do I feel good that somewhere in a rural town (with cheaper rent & lower cost of living) there is a US-based factory making down pillows or paintbrushes?

Absolutely.

Go check your stash of paintbrushes.

If your paintbrush says either Purdy or Wooster you have a Made in the USA paintbrush. And, yes they cost $1.69 more than the paintbrushes that arrive via a shipping crate.

The more USA-built brands we buy the more manufacturers will take notice.

Sidenote: This is not mean to be a soapbox lecture. My Grammarly is telling me I am shouting! I just want to support small business operations based here.

Last year, Santa brought me and the kids cast iron skillets from this company. This particular one is from Williams-Sonoma. Santa likes Williams-Sonoma for their curbside pickup.

We have had so much fun with our skillets making cookie desserts, pizzas and this new favorite side dish.

I like to think the spirit of the Made in the USA carried us through our extended staycations.

My husband surprised me with this gift for my birthday. If you know Elliott from my Instagram.. you will appreciate this gift.

I love, love, love this print. My husband even had it framed before he surprised me with it. It is the first thing we see when anyone enters from the garage entry.It is on that back wall. I think Elliott needs some lights over his framed print.

Did you know you can buy custom cabinet fronts from Etsy? My husband has ordered multiple sets of unfinished cabinet fronts from this company. He went ahead and set up his own Etsy shop. It was easier than me finding and sharing my login and password.

We ordered cabinet fronts for the center built-ins for this space from Etsy. Stay tuned for the before and afters.

Please share your favorite brands that are made in the USA and I will include them (and you) in a future blog post!

Need to know how to clean down pillows? I got you covered here.

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