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  • PROJECTS
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    • RECIPES
    • SEASONS
    • REPURPOSE IDEAS
    • TIPS
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NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE BARS

April 19, 2019

Sharing my favorite, go-to no-bake bars.  

Next to chips and guacamole, peanut butter and chocolate are two of my favorite food pairings. For me, nothing compares to the dense peanut butter base as the anchor for a layer of melted milk chocolate. These no-bake peanut butter and chocolate bars are a favorite for my middle child so I pull this out of the archives for his post-finals return home in a few days! #mymiddle

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE BARS

no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-bars

no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-bars

These chocolate and peanut butter bars require no oven so it’s a fun recipe to introduce to your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or husbands.

My sister made these bars with my kids years ago and they are a favorite every time she visits. In fact, we always have the ingredients on hand for a late-night baking session. 

The absence of an oven also increases my recipe success too! And, the chilled temperature to set the chocolate make them a great summer treat!

no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-bars

The smaller the pan, the thicker the bar. Just look at that layer of chocolate on top of a big slab of peanut butter infused with powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers and butter.

I cut the bars into smaller sizes than what is shown below. It’s a visual trick that if you cut them in half you can have twice as many. Right?

no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-bars

These no-bake peanut butter and chocolate bars are perfect for holiday treats. The dense base makes them travel-friendly if delivering by sidewalk or car.

Tip: Make sure to use milk chocolate chips

NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE BARS

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 BOX POWDERED SUGAR 3 1/2 CUPS= 16 OZ BOX
  • 1 1/2 CUPS GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS
  • 1 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
  • 1 CUP MELTED BUTTER
  • 1 BAG MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS, MELTED

Instructions
 

  • FOR THE BASE MIX ALL OF THE INGREDIENTS EXCEPT THE CHOCOLATE.
    PRESS INTO A SQUARE BAKING DISH. FOR A LESS DENSE BAR USE A STANDARD SIZE RECTANGULAR BAKING DISH.
    NEXT, MELT 1 BAG MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS IN THE MICROWAVE. MICROWAVE IN 30 SECOND INCREMENTS TO PREVENT CHIPS FROM "BAKING" YOU CAN ALSO MELT OVER THE STOVE ON LOW HEAT.
    SPREAD THE MELTED MILK CHOCOLATE OVER THE GRAHAM CRACKER BASE. 
    CHILL IN FRIDGE! ENJOY!
no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-bars

Here is another no-bake peanut butter favorite recipe. 

And, this is one more recipe before you go. 

7 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, RECIPES
Tagged: Bars, CHOCOLATE, desserts, recipes

POTTERY BARN CHAISE KNOCKOFF IN MINUTES

April 11, 2019

Sharing one of my favorite  Pottery Barn knockoffs for our patio. Every spring when the Pottery Barn catalog arrives I scan each and every page. I fold corners, snap photos and/or tear my favorite pages from the 120 pages of swoon-worthy furniture and accessories. But when I saw the Pottery Barn double chaise it was love (and inspiration) at first sight. And, thoughts of a knockoff chaise were circling in my thoughts. 

pottery-barn-knockoff-chaise

Never mind, I don’t have a pool in my backyard. And, I have dogs that will use my knockoff chaise more than any family member. 

 Pottery Barn Knockoff Chaise

pottery-barn-knockoff-chaise-everyday-edits

We purchased two chaises from Costco a few years ago and while rearranging the furniture on our patio I just smooshed these two chaises together and all of a sudden I was channeling Pottery Barn on the patio! 

pottery-barn-knockoff-chaise

And, the best part of this Pottery Barn knockoff is the cost is way less and pushing to chaises together means I still have the flexibility to separate them. Or, in our case, I moved them to the front deck where our Berner enjoyed the knockoff chaise.

pottery-barn-knockoff-chaise-everyday-edits

The lesson? Never overthink a solution. I moved the chaise from the front deck to the back porch and back again. Flexibility is the key to any knockoff. 

pottery-barn-knockoff-chaise-everyday-edits-blog

 

pottery-barn-knockoff-chaise

Looking for one more Pottery Barn knockoff? Check out my kitchen table!

4 Comments / Filed In: OUTDOOR PROJECTS, TIPS
Tagged: Furniture, Pottery Barn

ONE POT MEXICAN SPAGHETTI

April 9, 2019

This is my go-to dinner recipe when I am short on time or ingredients. All you need is ground turkey, chicken or beef and a box of spaghetti. The great thing about this one pot Mexican spaghetti is you can substitute spaghetti noodles for any other pasta. It is that flexible. I snagged this recipe from Siri Daly’s cookbook, Siriously Delicious.

MEXICAN SPAGHETTI

When I made her Sneaky One-Pot Mexican pasta recipe I made it to the second ingredient before I made my first recipe edit.

If you are a follower at Everyday Edits you know my recipes take detours.

I skipped the package of frozen butternut squash puree. I didn’t even know that was a thing? Once I made one substitute it was much easier to make the second and third recipe edits. I substituted salsa for the taco sauce and I used spaghetti noodles instead of the ziti she used for her cookbook photo.

And, I created my version of a one-pot Mexican spaghetti recipe.

one-pot-Mexican-spaghetti

As the name suggests, everything cooks in a large, shallow pot. It requires no heavy prep work other than cooking the ground turkey. It could easily be a vegan-friendly dish with tofu crumbles. I broke the spaghetti pasta into thirds so it would cook evenly and be more bite-size friendly.

You know, to slow down the shoveling of this tasty, spicy one-pot dish.

And, you know what? This One-Pot Mexican Spaghetti recipe tasted amazing! I make this recipe at least once a week and my son takes the leftovers to school the next day. Even my picky husband loved this south of the border take on spaghetti.

This Mexican spaghetti recipe was was fail-proof even with my ingredient edits! I cannot say enough about how much I love Siri Daly’s cookbook. You can order it here.

This is a new favorite appetizer or side dish from her cookbook.

one-pot-mexican-spaghetti-everyday-edits

ONE POT MEXICAN SPAGHETTI

adapted from Siriously Delicious
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
  • 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 jar taco sauce or salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 1/4 cup scallions to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in large saucepan.
    Add ground turkey and cooking until no longer pink. About 5 minutes.
    Sprinkle in taco seasoning, adjust to taste.
    Add pasta, chicken stock and taco sauce or salsa until combined.
    Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stire, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until pasta is al dente (12-15 minutes). 
    Add the cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Add scallions. So Good! 
one-pot Mexican spaghetti

4 Comments / Filed In: All Blog Posts, RECIPES
Tagged: Dinner, recipes

HOW TO INSTALL WROUGHT IRON SPINDLES

April 5, 2019

I  knew we had a great DIY project when it caught the attention of a DIY publishing company. I am still waiting to stumble across the image I had to release to the publishing company. The image was based on this tutorial about how to to replace wood spindles with wrought iron spindles. 

HOW TO REPLACE WOOD SPINDLES WITH WROUGHT IRON

Our original spindles (balusters) were the builder grade, wood spindles with a high gloss white painted finish. This how-to replace wood spindles to wrought iron spindles project was one of only two DIY projects where we were ahead of the trend.

This was the other DIY project.

how-to-replace-wood-spindles-with-wrought-iron-spindles-everydayeditsblog

I  lovingly refer to our home’s layout as a “brownstone in the suburbs.” We have five levels with four staircases. Our home has many steps and twice as many spindles. The 141 white spindles did not match our vision for the rustic/industrial/contemporary/farmhouse design feel we envisioned.

 Here is the view from the top level. 

how-to-replace-wood-spindles-with-wrought-iron-spindles-everyday-edits-blog

Our kids would entertain themselves by tossing bouncy balls, socks and Goldfish crackers from the top level down to the basement level. 

I like to believe my children were early physic enthusiasts. 

The dogs loved to chase any and all objects down the four flights of stairs. it! #memories #iblinked #memories 

Anatomy of a Staircase 

We started this project with a contractors quote to replace the wood spindles with wrought iron spindles.

His quote was just under $5000. Just under.

After we ran the material and labor costs, we decided to learn how to replace the wood spindles with wrought iron spindles. 

While searching for wrought iron spindles at big box stores and online retailers, we learned every retailer has a different name for the different staircase parts.

We found our spindles via a west coast distributor. But, since this project, Amazon has many options including these spindles. #ad

Like every DIY project, every decision impacts the price. Our home had 141 wood spindles that needed to be removed and replaced with wrought iron. 

How To Replace Wood Spindles with Wrought Iron

When we calculated the price we were lucky because neither of us liked the fancy, scrolled or “twist” spindles.

Instead, we preferred the clean lines of a straight spindle. This preference, substantially reduced the price of each spindle. 

The second decision to impact price was to opt for the hollow spindle (bar) versus a solid bar. We quickly decided with 141 spindles we did not need the solid bar. 

Another consideration that impacted price was the number of “knuckles” on each bar (see image above). 

We decided to alternate the bars with a one-one-two-one-one-two pattern.

how-to-replace-wood-spindles-everydayedits

The final step was to attach the “shoe” to the base of the spindle and to the floor. The shoe secured the spindle to the base or the rail.” 

Every  shoe had to be tightened with a little screw. Our kids joined in on this last phase. Over the course of several nights, we tightened and double-checked 141 shoes. 

Finally, we found an addtional way to reduce the costs, was to buy in bulk. We approached a few friends and neighbors who had expressed interest to replace their spindles.

And, the bonus was we did not have to pick the same spindle style to get the bulk discount. We received free shipping as long as we mailed the bulk order to one address.

Since we completed this project, Amazon has jumped into he wrought iron spindles. I found these for reference. We completed this project for a total cost just under $1500. We love the look and almost ten years later it was the best decision to replace the wood spindles with wrought iron. Would love it if you pinned the image below for others to find too!

2 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, INTERIORS
Tagged: spindles, stairs, wrought iron

HOW TO BUILD FARMHOUSE KITCHEN SHELVES

April 5, 2019

Our diy farmhouse kitchen shelves  are one of my favorite projects. The shelves opened up the space and added a bit of a trend to my aging, dated kitchen. The farmhouse kitchen shelves were an inexpensive solution to replace the dated cabinets and not lose valuable storage.

If you are looking for an entry-level DIY project these shelves are a perfect starting point.

HOW TO BUILD FARMHOUSE KITCHEN SHELVES

This was an easy Saturday afternoon project. I loved this project so much I added the same shelves to our aging basement kitchenette/bar. So the farmhouse shelf photos are from both spaces.

how-to-build-farmhouse-kitchen-shelves-everyday-edits

When we removed the half wall between our kitchen and dining room we lost a row of upper cabinets.

The open shelves were a great way to keep the space open and add storage space for the essentials.

how to build farmhouse shelves in a weekend

It was a simple project with 2 x 12 select pine from Home Depot. We went with select pine because it has a smoother finish. I cut the pine boards to size using a table saw (with an assist from my assistant (husband) to hold the end of the board).

I used my favorite pre-stain wood conditioner to prep the wood shelves.

farmhouse-kitchen-shelves-everyday-edits

This was my go-to stain for most of my DIY projects. I have a few other favs, but this is a reliable stain and gives me a rich, Colorado rustic finish.

I went with a heavy bracket and found Wade’s shop on Etsy. These were super easy to install to the wall and the weight of the brackets matched the weight of the pine shelves.

We ordered from the same Etsy store when we made this raw edge coffee table.

The hardest part of these farmhouse shelves was capturing a photo at the right time of day (still waiting) and staging the shelves. Seriously, I was so excited to stage the shelves and it has been many late nights with episodes of Friends in the background while trying to find the right accessories.

farmhouse-shelves-everyday-edits

This was an easy Saturday afternoon project. I loved this project so much I added the same shelves to our aging basement kitchenette/bar. So the farmhouse shelf photos are from both spaces.

Thanks for stopping by today. We had so much fun we added the same shelves to these windows.

how to make farmhouse shelves

If you love simple weekend projects please subscribe to Everyday Edit’s The Weekend Edit here.

8 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, INTERIORS
Tagged: DIY, Farmhouse, Kitchen, Shelves

HOW TO MAKE A DIY WOOD MANTEL

March 26, 2019

I know it’s spring, but now is the time to think ahead to next fall and the warmth of a fireplace! Recently, my husband, I took advantage of a rainy weekend and built a wood mantel for under $75. Here is how to make a wood mantel for under $75.00

And, on a weekend.

how to make a DIY mantel
how-to-make-wood-mantel

My plan to figure out how to build a wood mantel began in my childhood. I remember the prep involved with a wood-burning fire.

My dad fanned the flames (literally) while my mom added pinecone firestarters to give the smolder a little more kick.

And, for 32 minutes, we enjoyed a wood-burning fire. Looking back, it was no surprise our family was one of the first on the block to convert our wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace.

how to make a mantel, DIY mantel, make a mantel in a weekend

One of the reasons we bought our brownstone in the suburbs home was it came with a finished lower level (basement). And, it had a dual-sided fireplace.

Dual-sided fireplaces were like a two-for-one. We got the benefit of one fireplace on both sides of two rooms.

how-to-make-wood-mantel

How to Make a Wood Mantel | Before

This is a rough image of the fireplace. The white mantel and tile front were too fancy for the basement vibe we wanted to achieve. Not to mention this screamed 2002 builder-grade fireplace. But, the bones were good! It just needed an update. We finished this stacked stone fireplace update last year.

how-to-update-fireplace-stacked-stone-before-everyday-edits-blog

With the resurfaced stacked stone front, my attention went to the fireplace mantel. This drives my husband crazy because I am always one project ahead of him.

The white mantel was too fancy for the space. I wanted a wood mantel but not too rustic. Living in Colorado we have to tone down the log cabin and bear images that come to mind of those, not from Colorado.  #wink 

The only problem with a dual fireplace is it’s best when both sides match. So when we updated one side we made a duplicate fireplace mantel on the opposite side. We did the same process when we replaced the tiles with stacked stone. And when I updated my college boys’ rooms.

how-to-make-wood-mantel

The coolest part of this mantel was the trip to a specialty lumber store.***  My husband loves this kind of thing so he took the lead to find the knotty alder wood. 

How to Make a Wood Mantel

We searched multiple ways to attach the mantel. We started here and Googled our way around the how-to details.

Wood Mantel Supplies

  • Knotty Alder Wood 1×8′
  • Furring Strips
  • We built the mantel to resemble a 3 sided box with the back open to make it easy to attach above the fireplace.
  • We used 1x8x3 for the three sides of the box.
  • We used the furring strips to create smaller wood blocks to nail the pieces together  (from the open-ended back side).
  • Short finishing nails so the nails would not pop through the front.
how-to-make-a-wood-mantel

MANTEL INSTALL DETAILS

  • Use a 2×4 (shorter by 5″ on each side of the mantel’s length and then screw into the studs.
  • The finished mantel attaches to the 2×4 (because the opposite side of the mantel’s face is open)
  • Finish with making pilot holes on the top of the mantel and then screw into the 2×4.
  • We finished with Jacobean stain (my fav)

I would love if you pinned one of these images. If you like one-hour projects I would ask you to join my Saturday-only newsletter. An easy-breezy read over a cup of coffee or tea. You can sign up here.

4 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, INTERIORS
Tagged: DIY, Fireplaces, Lumber, Mantels, PROJECTS

THANK YOU

March 23, 2019

Welcome to Everyday Edits- the Weekend edition! When I made the decision to re-brand I was not prepared for all of the behind-the-scenes work. So many passwords and logins and plugins to rework. And with that I have a question.

If you had a theme song for your life what would you choose?

Who can turn the world on with her smile,

Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile,

And, so to receive so many positive comments and words of encouragement was exactly what I needed to work my way thru a huge to-do list. Thank you!

Well, it’s you girl and you should know it, with each glance and every little movement you show it,

wash-or-wait-hair-days

So let’s go back to the Weekend Edits where you can find inspiration, share a laugh, or a good book. Check in to read what inspires me, what made me laugh or cry that week.

Love is all around no need to waste it, you can have the town why don’t you take it,

everyday edits blog by laura

Here are a few things I found for the Weekend Edit.

If one of your favorite movies is Steel Magnolias this is fun list.

This was one of my favorite posts. She had me at Size 8.

Ready to spring clean your pantry, read this list. It’s awesome!

Check out this powder bathroom before and after!

Thank you again for all of your comments and encouragement.

everyday edits blog

You’re going to make it after all

Please follow my updated social media channels:

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE HOMETALK |

PS Hometalk is a fun DIY site that I am thrilled to be a contributor. If you have a random idea to try a DIY project, Hometalk likely has the details from home enthusiasts across the country.

To sign up for the Weekend Edit- an easy-breezy read over Saturday morning coffee, sign up here.

4 Comments / Filed In: THE STORIES
Tagged: Weekend, Weekend Edit

Dutch Door Envy

March 23, 2019

I am obsessed with Dutch doors. I love the idea of fresh air rolling in while the lower half of the door stays shut; closed off from critters (or leaves) wandering into the kitchen. And, I mean like legit fresh air; not the fresh air scent candles or Febreeze. I mean fresh air that rolls in with a breeze.

I really want a Dutch door for the back door that leads from the kitchen to the back patio. A door where the solid, lower half blocks the view of every bunny or squirrel that my dogs see at their eye level. We currently have a full glass door. The dogs see every bluebird and squirrel that ventures onto the patio. This time of year, with more daylight and activity in the backyard, I have a serious case of Dutch door envy.

But first! A very brief history recap of the Dutch door. Dutch doors were popular in the northeast when the Dutch immigrated from the Netherlands (Holland). Their original purpose was to keep farm animals out and keep young children inside. 

And, those two sentences could be a sample from my freshman American history class. Direct and to the point. Only later did I learn how to add run on sentences and runaway thoughts to my paragraphs. 

Apparently, many Dutch doors are installed for today’s version of farm animals; our dogs. 

I love this photo of this dog. I also love the second door leading into the house. A friend of mine has this double entry and she uses it as a little indoor dog house. It’s so cute!

Sidenote: What the heck is on the roof? Looks like an HOA violation in my neighborhood! 

dutch-doors

Source: Pinterest

In Colorado, we do not have the humidity or the bugs that love the humidity, so Dutch doors would work here. We have a glass back door leading to the backyard and I think a Dutch door would be so practical. We could listen to the water fountain on the back patio and keep the dogs inside when there are wildlife sightings (or howling).

Here’s another…

I love the shutter on this door. Not likely in my house since we just removed 90% of the shutters on our windows to get more light and enjoy the views. I love the hardware on the door too! 

Dutch-door-envy-everyday-edits

Source: Pinterest

Here’s another Dutch door. I love the mudroom too!

Dutch-doors-everyday-edits

Source: Pinterest

I am obsessed with the hardware on this door. I don’t know if I love the shade on the upper half (it looks a little busy with the glass panes), but the hardware adds so much character!

Dutch-doors-everyday-edits
Source: Pinterest Schafer Architect Mill Valley

Finally, here’s a Dutch door with an exterior glass door. We currently have a glass door with a wrought iron security door and I prop mine open all the time. I don’t love this option because the propped door distracts from the Dutch door.

What do you think? Are Dutch doors popular where you live?

Source: Bloglovin

3 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, INTERIORS
Tagged: Doors, Dutch Doors, WINDOWS

HOW TO UPDATE A FIREPLACE WITH STACKED STONE

March 5, 2019

We bought our house when Tuscany was a reference to decor and not a region. Tuscany was to 2002 like Farmhouse is to 2018. We painted every wall in shades of brown and embraced granite tiles! Let that be a warning to shiplap.

One of the many things we loved about our home was the dual-sided fireplace in the finished basement. It was like a 2 for 1 fireplace special. But with 12×12 tiled squares surrounding the fireplaces, it was time for a fireplace update with stone. Here is how to update a fireplace with stacked stone.

HOW TO UPDATE A FIREPLAC WITH STACKED STONE

how-to-update-fireplace-stacked-stone-panels-everyday-edits-blog

If your fireplace has the 12×12 tile squares it might be time for a fireplace refresh.

Realtor tip: It is also a good idea to have your fireplace serviced annually. Ask your Realtor for a list of referrals.

how-to-update-fireplace-with-stacked-stone

We opted to start with the basement fireplace because if we screwed it up fewer non-family members would see the fireplace fail in the basement! On those days when I feel like my home improvement wish list is so long, this photo reminds me of how far our house has matured over the years; just like us. #wink

You knew there would be a before the stacked stone photo.

Before the Stacked Stone Fireplace

how-to-update-fireplace-stacked-stone-before-everyday-edits-blog

We decided to take on this project ourselves when my husband found this product at Home Depot. For the convenience factor (and back-saving measures), we ordered a pallet of the stacked stone panels and shipped it to our driveway.

We chose 6″ x 24″stacked stone panels because they were easier to handle, cut and apply. You can order the panels in different lengths and widths depending on your project.

how to update a tiled fireplace

HOW TO INSTALL FAUX STONE PANELS:

  • We ordered 6″ x 24″stacked stone panels
  • While we waited we removed the existing tile squares.
  • We used backer board as the base.
  • The backer board was easy to apply with screws and it can be cut with a table saw.
  • We had a niche or inset above the fireplace.
  • We installed the backer board to cover that inset.

Because of the arch above the fireplace, we added 1×2 boards to secure the backer board. We used a stone application Thinset to adhere the stacked stone panels to the backer board.

how to update a fireplace with stacked stone in a weekend

How to Update a Fireplace with Stacked Stone | Before & After

This fireplace update was a weekend project from start to finish. I love the look and the results were impressive. We went with a dark gray, slate with subtle “whitewash.

” Both sides have the same stacked stone; the contrast is all about the lighting. And, one of the fireplaces has a ping pong table in front of it!

how-to-update-fireplace-with-stacked-stone
how-to-update-fireplace-with-stacked-stone

We made those matching mantels for each fireplace. I shared the $75 mantel details here.

how-to-update-fireplace

Thank you for stopping by today! Here is the best decision we made on our basement remodel.

PS You can find this little truck here. I have them in pink and red.

4 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS

CHALLAH BREAD RECIPE

February 22, 2019

Scroll down to read the handwritten challah bread recipe. 

challah-bread

I posted this Challah bread picture months ago on my Instagram. I am just now getting to posting the recipe! This Challah bread recipe is from my son’s longest girl (friend’s) grandmother. Just listening to Lauren and Evan in the kitchen was worth the time and the carbs.

The bread was that good.

challah-bread

The best part of this Challah bread was I had no part in baking it.

This recipe was for my son’s English assignment. And, Lauren aka “Little Lauren” agreed to make sure Evan got it right.

She brought all the ingredients, the bread machine and her patience. You need to pack your patience when working with my youngest.

Lauren and Evan have known each other since middle school. He got his first (and only) speeding ticket while driving him and Lauren to school. Lauren announced the speeding ticket on her social media with “Good morning Parker police.” I love this girl!

She spent the better part of a Sunday afternoon completing his homework assignment.

Lauren took an amazing, time-lapsed video that my son can not find on his phone (uh hmm).

Do you own a bread machine? Wasn’t it just a few years ago everyone gave themselves a bread machine for the holidays? The question today is, do I need a carb-making appliance in my kitchen?

After “sampling” the Challah bread, I may have to rethink this appliance.

Here is Lauren’s grandmother’s Challah (bread machine) bread recipe!

BREAD MACHINE CHALLAH BREAD RECIPE

Instead of using a recipe plugin, I included photos of her beautiful, handwritten recipe.

The best part of this afternoon was listening to these two friends laugh and talk and problem solve a bread machine glitch on a Sunday afternoon in our kitchen.

These are the moments that warm my heart.

Challah bread recipe

And this recipe will warm your belly! Screw the carbs! It was that good! Want to serve it for brunch here is an egg dish that will stay warm and feed a crowd. 

challah bread recipe

8 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, HOLIDAYS + SEASONS, RECIPES
Tagged: CHALLAH BREAD, recipes

HOW TO TRANSFORM A COAT CLOSET INTO STORAGE CLOSET

February 20, 2019

This is the time of year, with chilly temps, when I love to watch a Rom-Com movie and clean closets. Except, this particular weekend I made the decision to transform our coat closet (entry closet) to a more functional and practical storage closet.

We have an entry space off of the garage where all coats and boots gather. With the exception of guests a few times of year I knew I could use the entry closet for more practical purposes.

how to transform a coat closet

I repurposed this gift wrap/pantry organizer to hold all of my cleaning products and paper towels. But there are lots of options for closets.

how-to-create-storage-closet-from-coat-closet-everyday-edits

It was time to relocate and/or organize the contents of our entry hall coat closet into a more useful storage closet.

Years ago we added wire shelving from Home Depot, but the wire shelves were not the most reliable to hold up their end of the bargain.

how-to-create-storage-closet-from-coat-closet-everyday-edits

I describe our home as a brownstone in the It’s wider than a brownstone (that’s the suburbs part) but has multiple levels and lots of steps.

Our main level includes the kitchen, family room, living room, study and dining room and guest bath.

The only storage is what is in the kitchen. This storage closet from coat closet makeover was in the works for years.

coat-closet-to-storage-closet

Moving down a flight of stairs to the entry-level is the front door and a hall closet.

how to transform a coat closet to a storage, utility closet

When guests arrive thru the front door there are two choices; to go up a flight of stairs or to go down a flight of stairs to the basement.

how-to-create-storage-closet-from-coat-closet-everyday-edits

The basement also includes the garage entry door.

It was this accident when I saw this goo creeping (spilling) out of the entry closet that set the plan into motion. All along, our coat closet really wanted to be a storage closet.

storage-closet-everyday-edits-blog

So on a blustery winter afternoon, before the first commercial during the Proposal with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, I pulled all the contents from the entry hall coat closet.

STEPS TO TRANSFORM A COAT CLOSET TO STORAGE CLOSET

With a carload of melamine shelves like these and a table saw, we got to work with measurements. We took into consideration the height of the vacuum cleaner and the backup dog food bags. It’s also nice to have a place to stash Amazon orders.

how-to-create-storage-closet-from-coat-closet-everyday-edits

I wanted shelves where I could slide in existing storage bins. I wanted the storage closet to include the everyday essentials/non-essentials in one place.

pretty-shipping-boxes-everyday-edits

Things like light bulbs, bulk toilet paper and paper towels (remember all those stairs). It’s nice to have those supplies nearby but not next to the flour and sugar canisters.

how-to-create-storage-closet-from-coat-closet-everyday-edits

And in a few hours and repainted interior walls, I transformed a coat closet to a storage closet.

Thank you for stopping by today!

How to transform a coat closet into a storage closet, how to makeover an entry closet

 

3 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, INTERIORS
Tagged: DIY

HOMEMADE PUPPY CHOW COOKIES

February 13, 2019

We adopted a Bernese Mountain puppy!! It was a multi-state rescue to adopt and we are over the moon in love. Meet Elliot! In a 24 hour window, my husband flew from Denver to Knoxville and back to Denver to bring Elliot to the mile-high city and to his fur-ever family!

Everyone breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when Elliot fit into the travel carrier!

My husband’s backup plan was a car rental and 20 + hour drive back to Colorado with an eight-week-old puppy! Whew!

As we navigate the potty training and crate training I wanted to share a homemade puppy treats recipe!

These homemade puppy chow cookies are an incentive for a job well done in the backyard.

homemade-puppy-chow-cookies
homemade-puppy-chow-treats

Before Elliot arrived at his fur-ever home, we rolled up the rugs on the main level in preparation for potty training boot camp. We decided it is easier to take the rugs out of the equation.

We are in day 4 of Elliot in his fur-ever home. I think he deserves homemade puppy chow treats for a job well done (outside).

I used this recipe and you can print a copy below!

homemade-puppy-chow-treats

Homemade Puppy Chow Cookies  Recipe 

homemade-puppy-chow-treats

Homemade Puppy Chow Treats

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 CUPS WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
  • 1 CUP SKIM MILK
  • 1/3 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
  • 1 1/2 TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER

Instructions
 

  • PREHEAT OVEN TO 375
  • MIX ALL INGREDIENTS.
  • ROLL DOUGH ON FLOURED SURFACE AND USE A COOKIE CUTTER. OF CHOICE
  • PLACE ON UNGREASED COOKIE SHEETS.
  • BAKE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. STORE IN CONTAINER.

I hope your dogs of all ages and stages enjoy this easy homemade puppy treats! I would love any puppy training suggestions in the comments!

homemade-puppy-chow-treats-feature

Elliott’s adoption was a coordinated effort between the Chattahoochee Bernese Mountain Dog Club, Adopt a Golden- Atlanta and my sister who is a founder at Adopt a Golden- Knoxville. A huge thank you to Elliott’s foster mom who ended up with a litter of puppies when Elliott’s mom went into labor shortly after she was rescued from a hoarding situation.

It took multiple foster families to get Elliot to Colorado and we are fur-ever grateful!

4 Comments / Filed In: RECIPES

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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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