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BROILED BRUSSEL SPROUTS RECIPE

This broiled Brussel sprouts recipe is super easy and will amaze your family or guests on Thanksgiving.  

I never ate Brussel sprouts until about two years ago when my daughter introduced me to this Barbie-sized head of lettuce. That’s all you need to know about my level of cooking skills.

broiled-Brussel-sprouts

Until recently, I left my Kitchenaid mixer on while I ran upstairs to start a load of laundry. I didn’t know you can overmix butter and sugar and eggs.

Take a look at my recipes to read a few of the disasters.

Do you remember the Thanksgiving episode of Friends when Rachel planned to make a dessert and ends up with Shepherd’s Pie?

The struggle is real in my kitchen. But this brussel sprout recipe is my  redemption recipe.

BRUSSEL SPROUT RECIPE

broiled-Brussel -sprouts-recipe

On a girls’ trip to the mountains, a close friend shared this broiled Brussel sprouts recipe with me. She made it in like ten minutes.

A few weeks later she had to coach over the phone when I mistook broiled for boil. When I finally got the recipe right I committed her recipe to memory. I also fell in love with this 7″ skillet. #stockingstuffer

broiled-Brussel -sprouts-recipe

The key to this recipe is my friend’s secret ingredient that adds a bit of fancy and sweet at the same time.

A spicy chili sauce, found in the aisle with the marinades. Who knew there was an aisle for marinades? I tend to venture down the down the coffee and baking aisles with more frequency than sauces and canned vegetables.

Tip: The Kroger brand is 1/2 the price. It is on the top shelf so you may need to ask for help or do what I usually do and climb the shelves. #wink

There is a whole new world in Aisle 8 at Kroger.

broiled-Brussel-sprouts

BROILED BRUSSEL SPROUTS RECIPE

This is a side dish that has such a wow factor. Your friends and family will be amazed because it looks and tastes like you worked on it all afternoon. Please pin this for a Thanksgiving side dish. Or follow my Pinterest page for easy recipes.

It’s so yummy! My goal is to get all my boys to try this recipe.

The recipe says to toss the Brussel sprouts after they are broiled for a few minutes. But, I have tossed them in the spicy chili sauce before I broil.

broiled-brussel-sprouts

Either way, you get a yummy charred Brussel sprout with a touch of sweet. It’s a great recipe to introduce to your picky eaters!

BROILED BRUSSEL SPROUTS FOR BEGINNERS

SUPER EASY, ALMOST FAIL PROOF RECIPE FOR BRUSSEL SPROUTS
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 BRUSSEL SPROUTS
  • 2-4 TBSP OLIVE OIL
  • DASH SALT + PEPPER
  • 3-4 TBSP SPICY CHILI SAUCE

Instructions
 

  • 1. CUT OFF ENDS OF BRUSSEL SPROUTS
  • 2. CUT THEM EITHER INTO HALVES OR QUARTERS DEPENDING ON THEIR SIZE
  • 3. TOSS WITH OLIVE OIL ADD SALT AND/OR PEPPER TO TASTE
  • 4. LAYOUT ON EITHER A BAKING SHEET OR A CAST IRON SKILLET
  • 5. BROIL FOR 3-5 MINUTES UNTIL THE ENDS BEGIN TO CHAR
  • 6. REMOVE FROM OVEN, TOSS WITH SWEET CHILI SAUCE AND SERVE.
  • 7. ENJOY WITH A GLASS OF WINE

Minus the Brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt and pepper the only ingredients you need are Brussel sprouts and a spicy chili sauce.

If you don’t love to cook or are learning to cook I would  love for you to  join the Everyday Edits newsletter, The Weekend Edit.

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EASY TIPS FOR A FALL FRONT PORCH

I know what you are thinking! Is it too late for a fall front porch? No way! You have a solid 30 + days to celebrate your front porch. And, you know who loves a fall front porch? Your delivery guys or girls! Here are a few tips for a fall front porch to impress the delivery drivers and neighbors.

tips for a fall front porch

I like to think that November gives us a chance to freshen up and edit our porches. I know some of you are freaking out right now. Is your Christmas tree and lights in the hall closet just waiting to be hauled out to the front porch? Slow down and let’s celebrate the fall season for a few more weeks.

FALL FRONT PORCH DECOR

Years ago I used to buy ONE pumpkin and called it a fall porch. Thankfully, a neighbor (now a lifelong friend) introduced me to fall porch decor.

She took my porch goals to a new level with garland and pumpkins and the occasional bale of hay.

ELEMENTS FOR A PORCH

After a recent trip to Boston and this brownstone porch I was inspired to step it up (get it?).

Technically, this Boston porch shared several elements of my porch:

  • steps
  • , wrought iron handrails and
  • a small stoop ( in front of the 3.6 million dollar brownstone).
easy tips for a fall front porch from September through November

In shocking news, I start to think about my fall porch in June. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to porches.

TIPS FOR A FALL FRONT PORCH

Here are a few tips to solve a few problems on a small porch.

GARLAND

First, I added fall garland strands (you know the ones that are at the bottom of the fall decor bin. I weaved the strands into the wrought iron for a little color and texture.

LIGHTING

Next, I added lighting using these lights and these puck lights.

I love the extra light on the porch in the fall.

PAINT A PUMPKIN OR TWO

I added a little pop of Hale Navy to my pumpkins.

Hale Navy looks amazing next to orange.

ADD A PLANTER

I have two urns on the front porch that I used to for my fall mums. Except, I routinely forget to water these guys. My flowers nicknamed me Mummy Dearest.

ADD A WREATH TO THE DOOR OR PLANTERS

This year I purchased two identical fall wreaths from Homegoods and placed them on top of the urns. These wreaths added color and a little bit of fancy to my porch.

The best part is I don’t have to water these fall wreaths.

I borrowed from my stash of recycled plastic bowls to elevate the pumpkins a little bit.

ELEVATE THE PLANTERS

Here is a trick I used to elevate my planters.

I love my urns for the front porch. If you have a teeny tiny porch just add one planter.

And make it the star of the porch. I love how this planter turned out with the pumpkins at the base.

fall front porch tips for fall porches

ADD A BENCH

I added a little cozy corner with a small bench from HomeGoods and a pillow from Etsy. I have my eye on this pillow.

The pillow softens the stone, wrought iron and the bench.

The bench makes a great place for my delivery guy to drop off packages.

easy tips for a fall front porch, November porch

Thank you for stopping by today at Everyday Edits. I hope these tips give you some fresh ideas for your porch.

fall front porch, tips for fall porches

If you would like seasonal tips and one-hour projects please sign up for The Weekend Edit: I would love for you to follow me on Instagram too!

tips for a fall front porch, small porch

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THE SECRET TO BRANCH CENTERPIECES

Sharing the secret to branch centerpieces this fall

Welcome to this month’s Pinterest Challenge with a group of women who prove we are only limited by our imagination and creativity. This month was all about decorating with branches from our own yards. Good thing I always have something that did not survive my green thumb.

PINTEREST CHALLENGE

The photo below was our inspiration pic. I love that basket. Welcome to Everyday Edits. My name is Laura and I am a Realtor and blogger in Colorado.

Sara had the following elements in her vignette:

  • Lantern
  • Blanket
  • Twigs, Branches
  • Pumpkins
  • Basket
  • Shoes

In full disclosure, I missed this photo and landed on another photo on her blog post. My first reaction after I realized my mistake was similar to me in 5th grade when I did the wrong math assignment. Sheer panic.

So my emphasis was heaving on shrubs, scrub oak and an urn. I did not work my running shoes into my vignette.

THE HUNT FOR RED + YELLOW OCTOBER LEAVES

As I looked out the kitchen window, with more leaves on the ground than on the trees, I was worried. And then I decided I just needed to wander my yard.

BRANCHES

A walk around the house was just the thing to find a few shrubs that had plenty of stems with leaves in every Crayola fall-inspired color.

That’s how I thought of my search for branches. Unfortunately, a few shrubs had more branches than leaves. I grabbed my shears and removed the dead branches.

I grabbed a few branches, with and without leaves.

Tip: dead branches are just as pretty as leafy branches.

The dead branches gave a more earthy feel to my urn. And the best part, a dead branch is not going to drop its leaves.

BASKET/URN

This metal urn was itching for branches.

I chose something sturdier because the weight of the urn could sit on the the sofa table.

Like most of these challenges I have to work around Elliott (our farsighted, barnyard, Bernese Mountain dog rescue.

PUMPKINS

This raffia/wicker pumpkin was perfect for my branch centerpiece in the family room.

The pumpkins added color and texture to a blank wall in the background stay tuned for this blank wall makeover). That’s all wall behind the urn.

Well, I had a few leaves float to the sofa table behind the family room couch.

Sidenote: Do you say couch or sofa? Just curious if it’s a regional thing.

So this vignette was created in maybe ten minutes I went back and added pumpkins and gourds and my Pinot Noir-like leaves sadly did not make it over the weekend.

I made another loop around the yard and grabbed these beautiful gold leafy scrub oak trimmings.

THE SECRET

The secret to decorating with branches is to not overthink it. That’s it. The yard is filled with twigs, stems, and leaves of all colors. Sometimes the not so pretty branches make for the best arrangement.

Think as you did in elementary school when you made bouquets of Dandy Lions.

Remember the enthusiasm for all those “flowers” in your yard? We all just need to explore our yard or walk like our eight-year-old selves. It’s like a field trip for grownups. Here’s the secret to decorating with branches. Have the mindset of your eight your self and don’t overthink it.

Oh, and I added a few elements to my branch centerpiece. I love it even more with the lantern and the blanket. But, no shoes in this centerpiece arrangement.


What a fun challenge that reminds us to use what we have in our homes or yards. I hope you enjoyed my slightly off-course branch vignette.


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THE WEEKEND EDIT

Hello Saturday!

Do you know what happened yesterday? Hallmark dropped their first Christmas movie. I know there is a set formula that goes something like this: girl meets boy, neither admit their obvious attraction until they do admit their feelings over a cup of steaming hot cocoa (that never spills). This is followed by a misunderstanding, awkward moment and no communication. Until- they reunite by Christmas or Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day.

But you know what I love it? I love the sets, the decor the Christmas decorations, the product placements (Folgers), and the wigs and extensions. So I record the movies with my fav Hallmark actors and save them for a night of gift wrapping or baking.

But because it’s October let’s linger around autumn for a few more weeks. Did you see my stories on Instagram? I shared clip of our first snow. It lasted 10 minutes.

In other news, we had dinner with our daughter last weekend. Apparently, my favorite drink at any Mexican restaurant has a name. It’s called Ranch Water. Who knew? My daughter, the middle and I are watching this show.

WEEKEND THOUGHTS

  1. I am watching this popular show from thhe 80’s. It’s fun to see Charlene now on the show Hacks.
  2. These are my favorite serving dishes. I bought the set of 3 for under $30. I use them year round.
  3. Drooling over this cabin.
  4. Here is a fall cleaning checklist.

4. I just started this book. Do you listen to books or read them? I am torn over this debate.

5. This pumpkin pumpkin coffee cake looks amazing!

6. If you love the chandelier at the end of this post leave me a comment and I will email you the store. They deliver!

The Weekend Edit

DID YOU SEE THESE POPULAR POSTS?

WHY I RELOCATED A BEDROOM DRESSER TO THE ENTRY

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

WHAT THE HECK IS COFFEE MILK PUNCH?

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

MY GO TO COMFORT FOOD DISH FOR FALL

RECIPE HERE

MY FAVORITE HOMEGOODS FIND STILL LOOKS AMAZING

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

SHOP MY FAVORITES FOR THE HOME

SHOP

Thank you for stopping by today! I would love it if you subscribed to my Youtube Channel for Made in USA products and brand finds! It’s something I am passionate about (in addition to my Realtor life and blogging and family and holidays and seasons). Have a great weekend!

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WHAT THE HECK IS COFFEE MILK PUNCH?

What the heck is coffee milk punch? Is this a southern thing? Those were the first two questions swirling in my head when I stumbled on this chilled coffee recipe in one of my favorite cookbooks by Elizabeth Heiskell.

HISTORY OF COFFE MILK PUNCH

Well, I had to Google it and found this bit of history. It’s kind of the Scottish version of the American equivalent to eggnog. Except egg nog does not sound as fun as milk punch.

But It sounded perfect for a tailgate or maybe a spring rugby match.

As the mother of a rugby (and tennis) player, I feel like my middle would love this coffee milk punch recipe.

In Minnesota, there is a coffee shop on every block! And, with those frigid winter temps, bourbon would give this drink all the feels in front of a fire.

This milk punch is like a watered-down milkshake for grownups. Kind of like when our mom would extend the pitcher of Koolaid with a little more water.

It’s got the caffeine, the sweet oh, and a cup of bourbon to counter the fudge topping and vanilla extract.

Except don’t confuse this with a milkshake.

It’s called coffee milk punch because the consistency is more like a punch.

I described it to my sister as an iced coffee with lots of cream and syrup (hot fudge sauce).

This would be a fun drink to serve from cute thermos too.

Of course, it can be served warm or over ice so o a thermos would keep this cold for warm for a tailgate. I got my eye on this Tartan thermos.

Or. if doing a tailgate or bowl game party serve it in a short (or tall) glass.

COFFEE MILK PUNCH RECIPE

It sounds like a sweetened iced coffee with a splash of bourbon. If you have ever watched a rugby match in the spring in Colorado you will like the bourbon to counter the iced coffee

The bourbon takes the sweet down a bit. But the fudge and half and half give it a rich taste so either way, it’s good.

RECIPE

COFFEE MILK PUNCH

adapted from Elizabeth Heiskell’s book
yummy iced coffee milk punch with coffee, ice, fudge topping, half & half and a little bourbon.
Print Recipe
Course Drinks
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 6 CUPS STRONG BREWED COFFEE
  • 1/2 CUP HOT FUDGE TOPPING
  • 1/4 CUP SUGAR
  • 2 CUPS HALF & HALF
  • 1 TBSP VANILLA EXTRACT
  • 1 CUP BOURBON

Instructions
 

  • 1. WHISK TOGETHER THE HOT COFFEE, FUDGE TOPPING & SUGAR IN LARGE DUTCH OVEN UNTIL SMOOTH.
  • ADD THE HALF & HALF & VANILLA. STIR UNTIL BLENDED
  • BRING THE MIXTURE TO A SIMMER OVER MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT
  • REMOVE FROM THE HEAT & ADD THE BOURBON
  • SERVE ASAP OR LET COOL, COVER + CHILL 1-24 HOURS
  • SERVE OVER ICE

I made a test batch before I serve this to friends and family. The no-alcohol version tasted like a black coffee with cream and a little sweeter. I liked it over ice too despite the fall temps! Oh and I found a similar recipe that added nutmeg so that sounds yummy! And a nice shout out to the cousin (eggnog) of the coffee milk punch.

Let me know if you make this and any suggestions you have that I could add to the recipe!

Thanks for stopping by and if you need a great dish for a tailgate or noon-time football game try this breakfast in a skillet dish.

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BEDROOM DRESSER RELOCATED TO THE ENTRY

I love this decision to relocate a “vintage” Pottery Barn bedroom dresser from the bedroom to the entry for a repurposed life

It’s hard to break up with a favorite piece of furniture. That’s how I felt when we ordered new furniture for our bedroom last year. We had an assortment of Pottery Barn pieces from an outlet when we lived outside of Columbus.

We hired a babysitter and enjoyed the Saturday excursion; it was bliss for the 70-minute drive with no interruptions, diaper changes, or strollers. It is where we found this Pottery Barn dresser and a matching bed frame and nightstand.

POTTERY BARN DRESSER RELOCATED TO ENTRY

relocated Pottery Barn bedroom dresser to the entry

This bedroom set survived three children and four dogs.

relocated Pottery Barn bedroom dresser to the entry

We ordered from a local retailer to create a bedroom suite with matching pieces. It is perfect for a large bedroom and two Bernese Mountain dogs.

I bought it online sight unseen during the extended staycation in 2020.

relocated Pottery Barn bedroom dresser to the entry

HOW TO REPURPOSE A BEDROOM DRESSER

I sold most of the individual pieces on Facebook Marketplace, but I could not depart with this dresser. It was a part of the family back to when it stored my macaroni bracelets and pottery pieces from the kids.

This Pottery Barn dresser was in pristine condition. Somehow, the dresser escaped the Nerf bullets. I loved the lines and the hardware. It was a neutral place and it deserved a second gig.

WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THIS POTTERY BARN DRESSER IN THE ENTRY

Basically, my Pottery Barn dresser had a midlife career change and went from our bedroom to the entry. It’s like going from coach to first class. This reinvented dresser just watches everyone walk right by as they continue into the house.

The dresser fit it in this little niche steps from the front door and all of those drawers were just looking for a purpose.

And the entry could use more storage. I realized this after completing this entry closet hack. There is no such thing as too much storage. The entry closet needed backup to carry the load of batteries, light bulbs and candles.

Sidenote: I love, love, love this repurposed gift wrap storage. #ad

My PB dresser stepped up to the challenge after I paid someone to carry it down sixteen steps to the entry level.

The entry was the perfect place for this twenty-year-old, dresser.

There was nothing else in the space other than a seasonal bench so it cozied up into the little niche and I got to dress it up.

If you are a reader at Everyday Edits you know I love to get inspiration from Pottery Barn catalogs and their online store. But to see it actually play out in my entry was just what I needed to solve a few storage problems.

I am so happy I kept this piece. It was in great condition because it was had been in our bedroom for so many years.

Let’s just say our room was usually free from the crosshairs of Nerf bullets, tennis and ping pong balls. #memories

This relocated piece is a great reminder to think about where a dresser or desk could relocate within your home. I am so happy this Pottery Barn (vintage) bedroom dresser found a new space to keep our household organized.

After writing this post I was curious about the origins of Pottery Barn and I thought you might be too. Here is the history of this 70+-year-old company, founded by two brothers.

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THE WEEKEND EDIT THE HALLOWEEN ISSUE

Hello Saturday!

How are you this weekend? It was a busy week here after being back east for ten days with friends. I shared a few photos on Instagram. As much fun as it was it is always nice to settle into fall at home and nest a bit. Most years this is the season where real estate slows down until the first quarter. I call this my sabbatical season. After seeing this photo in the Beacon Hill neighborhood I have a serious case of porch envy. Can you imagine if you had complete strangers Instagramming your front porch? #porchgoals

WEEKEND THOUGHTS

  1. I can’t believe I just started to watch this show. I love it. I fast forward the L&D scenes, but I love the characters.
  2. I love this everyday, cotton blouse. It’s always on sale too! .
  3. I am looking for a good no-caffeine tea? Any suggestions?

4. I finished this book but did not love this bestseller. Maybe because I was flying while reading it. What are you reading this month? I need a few suggestions.

5. My sister made these cupcakes.

6. My blog Heather shared her fav Trader Joe finds. Even though she is on the east coast, I find the same stuff at our closest TJ in Greenwood Village).

7. Raise your hand if you have too many lanterns. Here’s a fun, thrifty way to decorate a lantern for Christmas.

Please share this blog or follow me on social media.Also, send me your real estate questions. (No matter where you live- the process and emotions have no state boundaries).

Now on to the Halloween Issue for The Weekend Edit

DID YOU SEE THESE POPULAR POSTS?

HOW TO MAKE A GHOST CENTERPIECE THIS WEEKEND

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HOW TO MAKE GHOST DONUTS IN MINUTES

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SHOP MY FAVORITES FOR THE HOME + KITCHEN

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Thank you for stopping by today! I would love it if you subscribed to my Youtube Channel for Made in USA products and brand finds! It’s something I am passionate about (in addition to my Realtor life and blogging and family and holidays and seasons). Have a great weekend!

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TIPS FOR A SUPER EASY HALLOWEEN TABLESCAPE

Sharing a super easy Halloween tablescape for big or little spaces.

I am thrilled with how these easy and thrifty ideas came together for a fun tablescape or breakfast nook. This was so fun to create over a few days as I foraged my house for orange and black and subtle shades of green.

You could set this up on your front porch and call it a day! It’s that easy!

HOW TO CREATE A SUPER EASY HALLOWEEN TABLESCAPE

1.REPURPOSE

I repurposed an assortment of bottles and jars with spray paint. The orange spray paint was leftover from a landscape project. The neon orange was the perfect shade.

how-to create-super-easy-Halloween-tablescape

If you are a reader at Everyday Edits you know I love to share repurposed/upcycled ideas.

I keep a bin full of fun jars and plastic forms for when the mood (or boredom) kicks in and I need to repurpose something.

2. DECOR STAPLES

I am not a fan of straws (lip lines and the environment), but these black and white straws add a pop of color to this recycled glass.

I haul out these straws during the Halloween season for decor.

3. ADD FOOD OR DRINK

I mentioned the wine bottle but I loved that the wine bottles fit into this haunted house.

What a fun way to sneak a bottle of wine. I love to add a few bottles of glass water bottles to add to a tablescape.

how-to create-super-easy-Halloween-tablescape

4. SHOP YOUR HOUSE FOR A SUPER EASY HALLOWEEN TABLESCAPE

I added fun bottles to add pops of color and height. Does anyone recognize those 1/2 size wine bottles from Costco?

I pulled that green clay pot from my daughter’s school craft bin. Did you see the idea on my Youtube Channel?

Would love a follow on Youtube!

how-to create-Halloween-tablescape

5. RETHINK SEASONAL DECOR

I found these green lanterns a few years ago at Ikea.

I bought the lanterns for the summer, but this shade of green works for Halloween.

how-to create-Halloween-tablescape

5. STACK OF GLASS (PLATES)

These spooky plates were a gift from my friend CiCI.

She knows I am a bit of a dish whore (yes I said it).

I found these black and white gingham cloth napkins here. I am on a mission to buy these oversized napkins in every color for every season. Gingham is very forgiving with bbq sauce and catsup.

I created a stacked place setting using these plates from this hack.

The petite cake plate adds some vertical interest if serving a buffett.

I love this trick with how to get more bang for your buck with place settings.

Here is my sneaky trick and details. details.

how-to create-super-easy-Halloween-tablescape

The fun part of this tablescape was how it morphed into a breakfast nook tablescape and the beverage bar (which is essentially a counter with bottled waters and wine).

how-to create-Halloween-tablescape

It doesn’t have to be fancy to give it a fun title.

6. SPRAY PAINT FLORALS

Finally, I used cotton stems and spray-painted them black for a spooky vibe.

The cotton stems look like they are covered with cobwebs.

how-to create-Halloween-tablescape

That’s it! I hope these ideas get you excited to shop your house or garage to create a thrifty Halloween table. The best part is you can create a tablescape in just about any space. (I’m talking to you my apartment dwelling readers!

Have fun! I love comments or share on Pinterest. You can find more Halloween ideas here.

how-to create-Halloween-tablescape
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HOW TO MAKE A GHOST CENTERPIECE

If you met me you would think I was crafty. I have a room filled with paint, glue, and glitter. But, the truth is I talk a big game when it comes to crafts. My truth? It is all smoke and mirrors. I cannot stand sticky fingers or glitter. Most of my craft projects go sideways because I lack patience. Until I made this ghost centerpiece. You guys I think my craft curse was lifted. I am so excited to share how to make a ghost centerpiece for the Halloween season!

I wanted an easy Halloween theme centerpiece for my kitchen table or beverage bar.

how-to-make-ghost-centerpiece-feature

STEPS TO MAKE A GHOST CENTERPIECE

The first thing you need to know about this ghost is it is a messy project. Make sure to cover the floor or maybe take this project to the garage or driveway (weather permitting).

And, I have almost zero photos because the steps are messy and you have to work fairly quickly to drape the fabric. I will add photos in the off-season. #wink

SUPPLIES NEEDED

  • Mod Podge
  • Basketball, volleyball or round styrofoam form
  • Wire hanger
  • Cheesecloth (this one is Made In the USA)
  • Tarp to catch the mess
  • Bucket to soak the cheesecloth + Mod Podge

STEPS

  1. Prep the area with a drop cloth or these

Mix the Mod Podge into a small bucket or large bowl

Assemble the ghost. This is a bit tricky with a basketball because it is heavy and it rolls.

I have used styrofoam and metal buckets like the ones I used earlier this season. You just want to create the shape of a ghost’s head.

I found this tissue ball on clearance and wrapped it with one of these to try and reuse it for a second ghost.

The process is a bit of trial and error so let me know what worked best for you!

I used a planter because it was a more stable surface than a ball.

Once you have an idea of how you want to drape your cheesecloth soak the cheesecloth in a mixture of water and Mod Podge. I have used glue too when I did not have enough of the Mod Podge.

This is the most critical step because you want to move quickly and drape the cheesecloth over the ball-shaped object. And, you want to position the cheesecloth around your entire object (planter) before it sets.

The more layers of cheesecloth the more substantial the ghost.

The wire hangers work if you want a wider ghost with a “wingspan.”

Draping the cheesecloth over a wire hanger worked great to manage the layers of cheesecloth.

The fun part arrives as the Mod Podge dries and the ghost takes shape. You have a little time to play with the drape of the cheesecloth before it sets.

Once dry, I used a marker to create the eyes, but felt and googly eyes would look great too!

I ended up setting him up with our beverage bar because he just looked so comfortable and it was out of the way of the day-to-day cooking and eating.

And he joined me for morning coffee!

Please pin for your Halloween or craft boards! You can find my favorite crafts on my Pinterest page. Thank you!

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THE WEEKEND EDIT LEAF PEEPER TRIP

Happy Saturday! We are in Boston winding down from a week of “leaf peeping” in the northeast. How have I never been to so many states? Lucky for me I can add Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to this fun app.

We have had such a great time! I love Boston for how the city just makes you crave American history. I mean it’s just a walking tour of our nation’s history minus the Gold Rush, cowboys, open prairies and Molly Brown on the Titantic.

WEEKEND THOUGHTS

  1. Share this app with your friends and family who love to travel. It’s a fun one!
  2. I wore this blouse on our trip and loved it for this time of year with or without a sweater.
  3. My blog friend Paula made the cutest wreath made out of plastic bags! I love it!

4. I am halfway through this book.

We saw this house in Boston. I’ll share more once we get back and unpacked and settled into fall!

DID YOU SEE THESE POPULAR POSTS? WEEK’S POSTS?

SIMPLE WAYS TO SET A THANKSGIVING TABLE

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HOW TO COPY POTTERY BARN IDEAS FOR LESS

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HOW TO ADD WALL MOULDING IN AN AFTERNOON

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SHOP MY FAVORITES FOR THE HOME + KITCHEN

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PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

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Thank you for stopping by today! I would love it if you subscribed to my Youtube Channel for Made in USA products and brand finds! It’s something I am passionate about (in addition to my Realtor life and blogging and family and holidays and seasons). Have a great weekend!

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MILK CAN MAKEOVER

No one in my family likes my garage sale milk can find. If something happens to me (check my husband’s story-just completed our trusts) the first thing he will do is haul my milk can to the curb. I know right. So I decided my milk can makeover was the perfect way to honor my favorite garage sale find. Here’s my second favorite.

MILK CAN

MILK CAN MAKEOVER

There is a lot happening in our family room. With our remodeled stone fireplace the room feels a little heavy with pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins.

So I wanted to take it down a little with the milk can.

PAINT

My milk can gets paint over most years. But I am so in love with my favorite creamy white paint that I skipped this step for this year’s fall debut.

I added packing material that I keep on hand for my repurposed projects and just stuffed the inside of the can. It gives the stems a little more height. A few years ago I added fresh branches when an early snowstorm brought a few branches on the patio.

It made have been a bit much with the branches overpowering the same corner.

And then I recycled some blue floral stems to compliment the Hale Navy paint that trims the family room windows. It was nice to take a break from my traditional orange berries and pumpkins this time of year.

Outside these windows are leafy trees and so I wanted a less complicated look so my floral stems would not compete with twenty-year-old trees just beyond the window.

I did add a little grapevine for a little contrast.

I really like the look for an unexpected, non-orange, fall color palette of the blue-grey stems I found at Hobby Lobby.

Of course, I had to add a pumpkin. Like the children’s book- there is no such thing as too many pumpkins!

Please pin for milk can enthusiasts to find! Would love a follow on my page too.

milk-can-makeover-everydayedits

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HOW TO CREATE A THANKSGIVING TABLE SETTING IN MINUTES

Now, is the time to be thinking about Thanksgiving? Why? Because we are not in a manic panic mode yet. So let’s take advantage of the calm before the food and pumpkin frenzy.  

HOW TO CREATE A THANKSGIVING TABLE SETTING 

Hopefully, this leaves you with some ideas to plan your Thanksgiving table in advance. This is the year you get ahead of the holidays! Let’s do this! 

You could be done before Halloween! 


Since our kitchen remodel we decided to host Thanksgiving. It justifies the fancy oven that is on the brink more days than on bake. #wink

I want an easy, place setting that is simple, inexpensive, festive, and kid-friendly.

Thanksgiving-table-setting-everydayedits

HOW TO CREATE AN INEXPENSIVE PLACE SETTING

With our kitchen demo running over budget, I did not want to spend money to create 20 place settings. I created a place setting with texture, layers and color.

Adding one layer at a time turned an ordinary salad and dinner plate into a family-friendly and pretty seasonal place setting.

Layers

Thanksgiving-table-setting-everydayedits I began with brown craft paper for a table runner. It was an easy way to protect the table and give the table an earthy, organic feel.

The added bonus was kraft paper makes for easy cleanup.  I love chargers! Last fall, I purchased these galvanized chargers on a visit to see my sister in Knoxville.

I think galvanized chargers are a southern thing, but this Colorado girl loves them. Thanksgiving-place-setting-everydayedits My favorite set of plates are from World Market. They were a Pottery Barn knockoff find a few years ago. And, like my galvanized chargers, the dinner plates work year-round.

Thanksgiving-place-setting I used cotton gingham napkins I found online this summer. Usually, I think of gingham as a summer pattern, but I loved the contrast between the blue and orange pumpkins.

Sidenote: I am on a mission to buy these gingham cloth napkins in every color. They are much cheaper than the Pottery Barn gingham cloth napkins I bought with a gift card. I tucked a paper napkin as a safety net for spills and sticky fingers. And, I added a pumpkin to each plate with a note to pumpkin up. And, finally, I splurged on new pewter silverware after our kitchen remodel. The pewter finish has an understated vibe.

My sister said they looked tarnished! #snarkysisters   And of course every place setting needs a pumpkin! 

Thanksgiving-place-setting With the place setting done, I turned my attention to the table. And, the limited real estate remaining on the table. 

With my solid wood dining room table, I used this repurposed centerpiece to add some much needed greenery. For this place setting, I used my upcycled Anthropologie candle jars and added new votives.

The glass-painted pumpkins are oversized votives too. Thanksgiving-place-setting

I love to see how a few small and inexpensive changes can make such a pretty place setting. In a world of Instagram, I love the simplicity that fits my life and style. 

Thanksgiving-place-setting Please check out the other bloggers and their Thanksgiving table settings. This was such

Oh and don’t forget to do this before Thanksgiving! 

 
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THE WEEKEND EDIT SAVING FACE

Happy Saturday! It is a fun-filled Weekend Edit with a few thoughts and questions. Thank you for the comments on last week’s, Weekend Edit, and my issue over my aging hands. Is there a laser out there to fix it? I feel like the celebrities have talked about this. This week is all about saving (my) face before it starts to look like a pumpkin.

Oh, and in other news, we are in Boston and the Northeast for a week of leaf-peeping! I guess they call us the “leaf peepers.”

WEEKEND THOUGHTS

1. I am debating about one of these facial treatments. Maybe the Vampire Facial for October?

I did a Fraxel procedure a few years ago. I scared the UPS delivery guy when I opened the front door. Seriously, I told him “I paid for this face.”

Tip: Schedule in the winter.

2. We had a great time at Parents Weekend at the University of Dayton (go flyers. We realized all but one of my son’s roommates and friends are also the baby of the family.

3.I watched this limited series on the flight and wish I had stopped watching after Episode 1. I can’t get that time back.

4. I am reading this book right now. Don’t read the first chapter while flying.

5. I wish I had read these tips for cooking chicken thighs. I may need to phone one of my tennis friends for help.

6. Who loves an estate sale? Take a look at these tips? If you live in Denver where do you find the best estate sales or antique shops?

Sidenote: I have a strong gag reflex when it comes to old stuff smells.

7. I want to make this for a chilly Sunday dinner.

and now …

DID YOU SEE THIS WEEK’S POSTS?

FALL BEDROOM DECOR IDEAS

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HOW TO FIND INSPIRATION FROM POTTERY BARN

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FALL WREATH UPGRADE IN A MINUTE

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SHOP MY DOG FRIENDLY HOUSE

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

OMBRE FROSTED SUGAR COOKIES

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Thank you for stopping by today! I would love it if you subscribed to my Youtube Channel for Made in USA products and brand finds! It’s something I am passionate about (in addition to my Realtor life and blogging and family and holidays and seasons). Have a great weekend!

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