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You are here: Home / Archives for Finds

CHECK OUT THESE TRADERS JOE’S CANDLES

April 4, 2022

What do you think of when you hear the name Trader Joe’s? Well until last week the word candles never popped into my brain! Tulips, yes! Turbinado Chocolate Almonds, yes! But candles? So, on a recent trip to Trader Joe’s, a side-eye glance caught a tin shaped container in the cleaning supplies section: candles!

I love candles almost as much as chalkboards. I write entire posts about candles, like this one. But when summer temps are in the 90’s the last thing I want is to add more heat to the kitchen. I use this same rationale when it comes to turning on the oven during the months of July and August and most of September.

These Trader Joe’s Grapefruit scented candles smell amazing! One twist of the tin lid and the candle’s scent smelled like a fresh cut grapefruit. It turns out these candles smell great even without the flame! 

One of the things I pay attention to now is how candles are made.

WHY I LOVE A TRADER JOE’S CANDLE   

This grapefruit scented candle was hand poured and made with a natural coconut-soy wax blend and a lead-free cotton wick. This candle smelled like grapefruit even without the flame. It could be in a room, car or athletic bag freshener if you have teenage boys (or sweaty girls like me).

Even my baby girl (daughter) loved the grapefruit scent.

And, then she mentioned her best friend had bought a different fragrance. What? They make other scents? Has anyone else purchased the Trader Joe’s candles?

What other scents do they have where you live? Mint anyone?

Here was a fun DIY candle craft I shared. It is made in a can too! 

2 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, HOLIDAYS + SEASONS
Tagged: Candles, Finds, Trader Joe's

5 Favorite HomeGoods Finds

November 27, 2021

Do you remember when we would I used to keep a small book that included paper slips and  I tore them off of a perforated edge to submit payment. I had to MANUALLY record my purchases with a ballpoint pen. It was like a beta version of Venmo. #wink  The one thing in common on all my weekend entries was TJMaxx and/or HomeGoods. So one could argue I started this list of 5 favorite HomeGoods finds years ago.

5-favorite-homegoods-finds

And yet today? There are people I know who have never shopped at HomeGoods. Or, even worse they shopped once and never returned. 

I know, right.

Like how is that even possible?

Like what happened in their twenties that they never discovered the therapeutic qualities of a HomeGoods field trip with a list of favorites to go in search of on a rainy Saturday afternoon? 

Sidenote: I picked up my son’s habit of like saying like. #extendedspringbreak2020

That just means more finds for us! 

Rain, snow, sleet, hail, or heat one can always find refuge at HomeGoods.

5 Favorite Finds at HomeGoods

We all have our favorite sections and aisles, right? Where do you steer your shopping cart when you run into a HomeGoods? Do you grab the smaller cart or do you go big? 

On any given visit I have a route and a memorized list of favorites. I never forget my list of favorites, but on any given day I will call one of my boys, Elliott. 

Elliott is our Bernese Mountain dog. 

1. Coffee Finds

Coffee is first on my list of favorite finds. I love flavored coffees with the same description you might find on candles. My sister cannot believe I buy my coffee from HomeGoods. 

The coffee brands are almost always Made in the USA and packaged regionally.

Sometimes the brand’s name or label is the only reason I buy a bag of coffee.

The same strategy applies to my wine purchases. 

 

2. Candles at HomeGoods

A close second on my favorite 5 lists is candles. I love the hunt for a great smelling candle in a cute jar. How cute is this lantern-shaped candle?

Recently, I shared an easy way to up-cycle my favorite glass candle jars.

Oh, and HomeGoods has a huge selection of Made in the USA, soy and paraffin-free candles too! 

favorite- homegoods-finds-everyday-edits

3. Book Finds 

Next up on the list of my favorite finds are hardcover books!

A friend of mine is a home stager & color consultant and she is always on the hunt for hardcover books for her coffee tables.

I found a copy of Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines recently, for 1/2 the price. Coffee table books are a lovely reminder to put the phone down, take a break from social media and read the pages.

-favorite-homegoods-finds-everyday-edits

4. Food Finds at HomeGoods

Another unexpected find at HomeGoods is bottled or packaged pantry staples. Again, no one thinks to buy their jams at HomeGoods, but there are popular brands and a few new ones on every trip.  HomeGoods has a fun selection of olive oils and tea too. Their prices are almost always a better value than at the grocery store.

A friend turned me on to Sarabeth’s Preserves. I love the jar of this most recent find! I just need five more Blackberry Patch jars for a set of mason jar glasses!

5-favorite-finds-at-homegoods

 

5. Stationery Aisle 

My final pick for my favorite finds at HomeGoods is in the stationery aisle.

I love the gift wrap paper and gift bags.

When my sister (aka Auntie Tricia) visits from Knoxville we will spend 20 minutes flipping through notepads and spiral notebooks.

There are so many seasonal fun wrapping paper prints. I shared this easy repurpose project with their wrapping paper here. 

HomeGoods offers the cutest packs of gift card size gift bags. I always grab a set during the holidays and graduation season.

Recently, I snagged a few greeting cards. I love Hallmark, but some of their cards are over $5.00/each.

I could give a Starbucks gift card for that amount.

So I tend to pick up one or two cards. And, another seasonal favorite in the gift wrap section are the cute cocktail and holiday napkins.

Tip: Do not pass on those funny, seasonal napkins that are well stocked in September. 

That hesitation will result in plain orange napkins, instead of the snarky, sassy napkins, when you host your first annual Wine & Witches party.

favorite-homegoods-finds
favorite-homegoods-finds

Leave a Comment / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS
Tagged: Finds, HomeGoods

THE WEEKEND EDIT AUGUST-EVE + AN ONION QUESTION

July 31, 2021

I have a first-world problem in the form of a question. It has been driving me a little crazy this week. I know, I know… this is where my mind goes when I  have a buyer-free week. #realtorlife

Where do you store your onions in your kitchen? Do you store them on the counter, drawer or cabinet? Oh my!

And in other random thoughts do you remember last January when you told yourself you were going to be on top of the holidays?

Well, seven months later and the only thing I organized was this closet.

entry-closet-hack

I blame my lack of organizing for the holidays on a heavy dose of Netflix and my new favorite-the Peacock network.

If you follow me on Instagram you might remember Elliott loves the Acorn network.

Are any of you watching Virgin River? It makes me think of pumpkins with the skylines and sunsets. Who is your favorite character? I definitely have a least favorite.

Oh, and in case you like to find errors in popular shows read these misses on this popular Netflix show. It’s like the Starbucks cup in Game of Thrones (just a smaller audience).

1. I am enjoying this show too.

1.5 Before I forget make sure you order these for your furnace. Pull out your current filter to confirm the correct size. Also if you have moved into a new home or condo make sure and replace them. #madeinusa

2. I am obsessed with painting plywood floors since reading this project.

Our carpet has seen better days with two Bernese Mountain dogs. My husband and I debate between hardwood and carpet in the bedrooms.

I thought pulling up the carpet and painting the plywood might encourage my husband to move up the decision deadline. What could go wrong?

2.5 Have you seen my new Made in the USA Mondays Series on Youtube? If you have a favorite USA brand please email me to include in future posts.

3. When can we start to bake pumpkin recipes? Is it too early to bake this pumpkin cake?

4. This is the only side dish recipe you need for Thanksgiving.

4.2I started adding this to my morning coffee.

5. I shared these yummy strawberry bars.

6. Do you dress up your dogs for Halloween? Our daughter entered Elliott and Chloe into an office pet contest last year and Elliott came in third for his wheels on the bus impression. Yes, we had snow in October. This was not the submitted photo because I didn’t want to hurt Chloe’s feelings.

Thanks for stopping by today. Before you go would you subscribe to my Youtube Channel. I just shared my latest Made in USA Monday video here.

I turned off the comments until I perfect where to stare into the camera ;0)

 

 

 

 

 

2 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS
Tagged: Finds, Weekend Edit

MADE IN USA MONDAY AMERICAN GARDENWORKS

July 12, 2021

Sharing a new series, Made in USA Mondays, with an American Gardenworks find. 

Hi Everyone! Buying products Made in the USA is like penance after shopping at just about every other retailer.

After the comments, I received with this post I decided to make a bigger commitment on Everyday Edits to share American-made products.

After I read this article about Walmart’s new initiative I decided to make a commitment to showcase Made in USA products.

So when I  found this garden hook at a local garden store made by American Gardenworks I knew this was the beginning of something new here at Everyday Edits.

MADE IN THE USA MONDAYS

 

made-in-usa-monday-american-gardenworks

Earlier this summer I was at a popular garden center in Highlands Ranch. I was searching for a closing gift for dear clients and I stumbled on a tiny section of Made in USA products.

made-in-usa-mondays-american-gardenworks

 

And I found this garden hook. I I knew my garden hooks because I had just checked them out at a big home improvement retailer and the weight was noticeably lighter. Guess what? You can buy it here.

made-in-usa-mondays-american-gardenworks

Here’s where the commitment comes into play. Made in USA products cost more. This garden hook’s weight, however, was enough for me to want to buy it.

made-in-usa-mondays-american-gardenworks

But it’s not a substantial difference and the weight of this garden hook was what I loved about it.

The options are endless with this garden hook. I have moved it around almost daily. You can visit the American Gardenworks website for additional products. You can also order it on Amazon! Yes, I found it here.

MADE IN AMERICA FEATURE VIDEO AMERICAN GARDEN WORKS

I shared my American Gardenworks find on my Youtube channel. Please ignore that I look like a gingham-clad middle age Bo Peep.

Thanks for stopping by today! If you love an American Made brand I would love to share it on Everyday Edits.

Or join the Weekend Edit for the popular posts and finds.


 

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Tagged: Finds, MADE IN USA, SHOP

THE WEEKEND EDIT # 32 TAKE 2 ELLIOTT CHANNELING MRS. TISHELL

March 12, 2021

ELLIOTT CHANNELING MRS. TISHELL IN ANTICIPATION OF THE SNOWSTORM

It’s the weekend! Denver is expecting a snowstorm this weekend. Like a big one. What does it say when the potato chip aisle is barer than the yogurts and mixed nuts at Kroger?

We need comfort food and apparently refrigerated cookie dough. I do love to bake and organize cabinets when the snow starts to fall. It’s strange outside as I type this quick note. The skies are heavy with clouds. Elliott and Chloe are ready with their winter white scarves. And, the rest of the country is decorating for spring.

 

If you watched Doc Martin, Elliott looks like Mrs. Tishell with her neck brace.

In anticipation of the storm, we moved up our furniture move to the basement earlier this week. I cannot wait to get our floors refinished.

I found some amazing new bloggers I wanted to share with you. Please visit their blogs or follow them on social media. We are stronger togehter!

Libbie shared this amazing one-hour-ish project for a wall. It is so cool I think my daughter and her friends will love this.

Carol has a great idea for Mother’s Day.

I love this powder bath makeover from Christin.

I wished I had thought of Marieza’s idea for this furniture makeover.

Every week, I want to share a few new bloggers so if you have a fun post that needs some love I would love to share!

I discovered this perfume at a gift shop in Castle Rock last week. I bought the perfume, but Sephora has the  Volcano scent travel size for less than $20.

It smells just like the Anthro candles. This travel size would make fun stocking stuffers!

 

Or you can do what my sister (aka Auntie Tricia)  does and buy the room spray and walk through it. It’s cheaper and she swears it’s the same thing. #auntietricia

I made my first order at Boden and really liked what I purchased. I bought leopard print flats (you can always have one more) and a sweatshirt I shared here. It has spring stripes on the sleeves. It’s a fun sweatshirt when I want to run a few errands and look like I made an effort.

Okay now here are the most popular posts at Everyday Edits.

  1. Before you judge check out this furniture find. 
  2. You all loved this post.
  3. I bought these faux eggs and I love the gingham napkins below. Gingham is very forgiving with stains and wrinkles. Also, the plant below was featured in this post and I got so many questions about it. The crockpot container is included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, SHOP
Tagged: Finds, Weekend Edit

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. Here is what went down:

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 Realtor life 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), is 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 like featured please email me at laura@everydayedits.co and send me the link!

If you have a friend, sister, mom or neighbor who may enjoy a little Everyday Edits please sign them up (with their permission) here.

WEEKLY IDEAS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX


 

5 Comments / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, THE STORIES
Tagged: Family, Finds, STORIES, Weekend Edit

Holiday Steals at Crate & Barrel on the Weekend Edit

November 15, 2020

Sharing a few favorites from the holiday steals at Crate &Barrel. If you purchase something from a link I will receive a tiny commission with no additional cost to you. 

One of my favorite places to visit during the holidays is Crate &  Barrel. Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma round out the holiday shopping parade. I know. What does that say about me? Let me wander Santa’s Shop at Williams-Sonoma and that is a magical experience for me. I was the mom who never took her kids to see Santa; I was so creeped out by who maybe Santa. Of course, the irony is I had no problem taking my daughter to see some person dressed as Arthur (the Ardbark) at a book signing. So when the Holiday Steals at Crate + Barrel email was in my inbox I thought what is not to love and share!

Sidenote: That was a very long wind about way to get to my favorite finds! #squirrel

Here are a few of my favorite holiday steals at with my favorite boxes for storage. A few of these are already on the way.

My Favorite Holiday Steals at Crate & Barrel

I love the ornaments at Crate & Barrel. They are affordable and a combination of trendy and classic.

Both my Realtor side and blogger side love this little white house with an interior light.

Source: Crate & Barrel

I love this one too! It’s so pretty! And it costs less than a cup of coffee!

Source: Crate & Barrel

I am not a big gnome fan, but after watching Eurovision with Will Ferrell I have a better understanding of the significance of Nordic gnomes.

This gnome ornament would make a fun gift to attach to a bottle of wine.

 

Source: Crate & Barrel

I forgot how much I love the Balsam scent until my girlfriend had the candle version of this on our kitchen island last week after a couple bottles of wine and current event conversations.

This fun blogger and blogger friend was trending that night too.

Source: Crate & Barrel

Okay, I like this wreath, but honestly, I think I could make something like this one. I don’t remember the price. What do you think? Would you rather buy it and be done with it or look elsewhere?

Okay, this potted mini pine tree is too cute! And, I love the white container. However, I just bought 5, yes 5 little pine trees from Hobby Lobby for about 40% less. So I am going to pass on this one for myself.

But, this would make a cute hostess gift. I never thought to give an artificial pine tree, but maybe next year when parties come back onto the social calendar!

Source: Crate & Barrel

I love these creamy-white votives! I buy them every couple of years. They are perfect for a small space like a bathroom or entry table. And I think they work well for January too (so you get one holiday + a season of joy) with these creamy white votives.

Source: Crate & Barrel

Okay, this one might throw you for a loop because it has nothing to do with Christmas. But, at just under $5.00 a plate (yes it’s a plate-I checked) these would be fun to have for your kids, grandkids, or in my case my nieces and nephews! I bought toast shaped plates a few years ago so the egg plates might be a bit too much.

Source: Crate & Barrel

My brother makes eggs and bacon every Saturday for his girls. These might show up under their tree from their Auntie Laura. Or maybe their grandma should buy these for them!

Finally, the farmhouse collection is a fun, practical collection for the basics. And, they match. A few years ago my kids bought a few of the white serving dishes and I use them all the time. I used the smaller ones the most if you are not sure about what size to buy!

Source: Crate & Barrel

Have a wonderful weekend and celebrate the moments!

 

 

1 Comment / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, SHOP, THE STORIES
Tagged: Christmas, CRATE+BARREL, Finds, Holidays, Seasons, SHOP

10 Things You Can Clean with Castile Soap

November 12, 2020

 Sharing the many uses and things you can clean with a bottle of  Castile Soap. 

Who knew I judged soap. I thought this particular top of soap was for a different buyer. Someone who pays a lot of money on a product to shower once a week. #nojudgement

It turns out Castile soap is a trend and I do love a cleaning trend.

On a recent trip to HomeGoods, I found a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s brand of Castile soap. With multi-purpose products in demand, I grabbed the last bottle.

And, then on a trip to Costco, I found a 2-pack of Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap. I felt like maybe if it was at Costco and HomeGoods it was something I needed.

Sound familiar?

It turns out this mix of organic oils soap is one of the most versatile cleaners for you and your home.

The peppermint scent is like cleaning with a candy cane in a bottle.

And, with 50 ounces of Castile soap, I needed to clean something.

10-things-you-can-clean-with-castile-soap

10 THINGS TO CLEAN WITH CASTILE SOAP

castile-soap-everydayedits

In full disclosure, the bulk of my research consisted of me turning the bottle 180 degrees to read a convenient list on the label.

  • body wash
  • facial wash
  • shampoo
  • dog wash
  • all-purpose cleaner
  • fruits + vegetables cleaner
  • laundry
  • all-purpose floor cleaner
  • spray plants to discourage bugs
  • laundry
  • hand soap
  • dish soap
  • dog dishes and toys

And, you can dilute this multi-purpose cleaner to extend its reach in your house. There are other brands, I am just sharing this brand because it kept popping up in my shopping carts.

THE HISTORY OF DR. BRONNER’S FAMILY BUSINESS

As I read the label I was curious about the family behind the brand. I decided to study up on the history of this family-owned company

Reading this article about the family business and  Emmanuel Bronner reads like a movie script.

I  have a few actors in mind.

And, if you follow Everyday Edits you know I love to support Made in the USA products.

10-things-you-can-clean-with-castile-soap

10 THINGS YOU CAN CLEAN WITH CASTILE SOAP:

 

The peppermint smells amazing. I checked out the company online and it turns out they sell other products in the popular peppermint scent.

I plan to add Castile soap to this list.

How do you use Castile soap around your house? Let me know in the comments and I will add the suggestions and the source (you)  to my list!

 

 

 

1 Comment / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, TIPS
Tagged: CLEAN ORGANIZE, Finds, SOAP, TIPS

5 FAVORITE AMAZON PRIME HOME FINDS

October 13, 2020

Welcome to everyday edits. Please enjoy the roundup of my favorite Amazon Prime Home finds. It offers a little bit of everything.

If you purchase something on this page I may be entitled to a small commission. 

FAVORITE-AMAZON-PRIME-HOME-FINDS

Before I share the bulk of my finds, I wanted to share my absolute favorites on Amazon.

5 FAVORITE AMAZON PRIME HOME FINDS

  1. I know I found my favorite. Take a look at this rug. It is in stock with multiple sizes for any room. I love the color, texture and simplicity of this rug. This rug is not noisy.

FAVORITE-AMAZON-HOME-PRIME-DEALS

2. This Eddie Bauer blanket is perfect for the day after Thanksgiving (official Christmas countdown) couch time. My kids (and dogs) will be fighting over this flannel plaid throw.

And, the best part is it is less than $17.00. Maybe I’ll buy one for Chloe and Elliott to share.

FAVORITE-AMAZON-PRIME-HOME-DEALS-EDDIE-BAUER

3.I love lumbar size pillows. I am on a mission to collect 12×20 pillow covers for every holiday and season. I prefer a down fill pillow insert, but this 2-pack Made in the USA brand is a bargain today.

This one is perfect for the upcoming month.

 

amazon-prime-deal-pillow

4. This Sherpa throw is perfect for my not so comfortable home office chair.

Look how cozy it is. The funny thing is it’s advertised as a “prop for family photos.” Um..okay nope there is no way to walk back that thought.

This shaggy Sherpa throw will set you back less than $20.00.

5. I found another wish list item over on the Amazon Deals but I might try my luck at HomeGoods for these types of plates.

 

Now for all the other essential and not so essential Amazon, Prime finds.

AMAZON PRIME  HOME FINDS

 

You can find other finds on my shop my home page.

Check out this list for  gift ideas for the adulting kids in your life.

1 Comment / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, HOLIDAYS + SEASONS
Tagged: AMAZON, Finds, SHOP

7 UNEXPECTED COSTCO FINDS

October 4, 2020

Unexpected finds and deals at Costco

Costco bots know our age and stage of life, based on our purchase history. I spent over a decade at Costco on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. I call it the decade of snack-size cookies, chips, fruit snacks and oranges for the endless sliced oranges on game day. Oh, and cases of Capri Suns. Now? Our cart is filled with the 3 pack of Kim Crawford for $33.00 and a 16 oz. a container of mixed nuts. With online shopping, I found a world of unexpected finds at Costco.

7  UNEXPECTED COSTCO FINDS

1. RECIPES. Costco has it’s on cooking and recipe section online. Who knew? I never thought to peruse recipes at Costco. Online, you can find recipes and videos on how to  pair their recipes with seasonal or year-round department favorites. You can take a look HERE.

2. LOUNGEWEAR. Costco was ahead of the loungewear trend years ago. I bought the comfiest sweats for my daughter for a stocking stuffer. I may have picked up a pair for me too. But, what I am loving right now is this sleep lounger.

This is basically an oversized, knee-length sweatshirt. It was under $20.00 and I love it.

You should have seen my husband’s face when I tossed this into the cart.

unexpected-Costco-finds-everydayeditsblog

3. FLOWER DELIVERY   I had no idea Costco offers flower deliveries. I love their seasonal flowers, but they offer delivery HERE. 

unexpected-Costco-finds-everydayeditsblog

Source: Costco

4.  PHOTO CENTER I discovered the fun of the photo center when I created custom stickers and notecards with one of my boys’ unfortunate class photos. His grandma loved, loved, loved the custom stationery. And, she laughed every time she sent a note with Evan’s class photo.

Tip: The photo center requires a separate login account. 

5. RUGS If you have followed me for a minute you know I love to find Made in USA products. Costco offers USA made rugs HERE. And, you don’t have to try and fit an 8×10 rug into the back of your car.

HOLIDAY & SEASONAL FINDS AT COSTCO

6. HOLIDAY SECTION is one way to spend hundreds of dollars in minutes. Shop wisely. Did you know you can many of the holiday favorites online at Costco? Delivery will save you the haul to the car and house.

7. SEASONAL FINDS  Every year, the weekend before Thanksgiving, I make a trip to Costco for the fresh greenery. Historically arrives the week before the pumpkin pie filled holiday. Since I am already there I make sure to grab their fresh-baked pies. This spring, their buckets of flowers and planters sold out in a weekend at our Costco.

What are your favorite finds at Costco? Please share in the comments. I am so excited about the rugs at Costco.com.

unexpected-costco-finds

Take a look at my unexpected finds at HomeGoods. My sister can’t believe I buy this at HomeGoods. I found my living room furniture here too.

 

 

Leave a Comment / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS, HOLIDAYS + SEASONS
Tagged: COSTCO, Finds, Holidays, Seasons

Candle Making Kits by Grow and Make + Video

June 25, 2019

I was provided a candle making kit by and a discount code from Grow and Make. All opinions are my own.

Do you remember your first craft in a box? My first craft kit was Shrinky Dinks. Santa brought me and my sister our own boxes of Shrinky Dinks.

We spent hours tracing patterns onto plastic sheets, coloring the shaped objects and waiting patiently for the dinks to shrink.

My adult self would later question the chemical compounds in the Shrinky Dinks that kept the plastic shapes from melting onto the baking sheet.

candle-making-kits-grow-and-make

I forgot about the Shrinky Dinks until two weeks ago when I received the DIY candles in a box from Grow & Make. My first thought when I received the Soy candle making kit was,

“What if I screw this candle making kit up?” There was no Plan B

The week before I was contacted by Grow & Make to write a product review for one of their kits. I was knee deep in my rebrand so I was thrilled Grow and Make found my new blog. We made an instant handmade craft connection.

I forgot about the Shrinky Dinks until I received the DIY candles in a box from Grow and Make.

I was familiar with the Grow & Make brand, because of their Instagram feed.

The popularity of this eleven-year-old company was a reflection of the founder’s mission to get people to live a more sustainable, simple life.

Grow and Make’s mission is to inspire people to use their hands and time to create. I loved that their kits are made in Portland, Oregon. If the goal was to rediscover our crafty side, I was all in for the challenge.

Of course, my crafty side was limited to glue and wine corks. So completing this vanilla candle kit that included a thermometer and soy wax was a bit intimidating.

The instructions were simple and straightforward which is how my mind works best. The candle making kit included directions to melt the soy wax and included 2 wicks; not much room for error.

I reread the directions a half a dozen times.

Suggestion: Do not overthink the wick install step. It is the first step on how to make soy candles.

Simply stick the wicks’ metal bases to the bottom of the candle tins with a bit of the adhesive (included in the kit). Follow, with the popsicle-like sticks to keep the wicks in place until the hot wax cools.

Like ski-school, just make french fries with the wood craft sticks and keep the wick standing in the middle.

I set my candle tins and wood sticks on a separate serving tray so I could move the tins closer to the cooktop.

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The kit included everything, but an empty aluminum can needed to melt the soy candle wax. I grabbed a 14 oz. can of pineapples. Make sure to grab an aluminum can large enough to accommodate the entire bag of the soy wax.

With a clean, empty aluminum I created a double boiler situation to melt the vanilla wax chips.

I placed the prepped candle tins close to the cooktop so I could easily pour the hot wax into the two candle tins.

When the soy candle wax had the consistency of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup, it was time to pour the wax into the candle tins.

I used the thermometer, but the syrup analogy was just as effective.

I poured a generous amount of melted soy wax into each canisters. Leave the sticks in place until the wax sets.

I wish I could have recorded my expression when I took a look at my candles after they had cooled! My face beamed with the unexpected feeling of pride that I had just learned how to make soy candles.

In their petite, twinning cuteness, I was so excited over my handmade gifts.

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At that moment, all I wanted to do was make more candles. I did not expect to have so much fun with a brown paper wrapped package that arrived on my front door the week before.

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All that worry, for nothing. I did not screw up the candle making kit. I had created my very own soy candles.

What a fun gift idea for kids in college who need a study break, or a friend undergoing chemotherapy and needs a distraction. This is such a perfect gift for someone looking to use their hands to create.

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There are so many ways to brighten someone’s day with something as simple as creating candles. I had so much fun! Grow and Make is offering $5.00 off your order with the TRYDIY discount code you can use here.

this post was sponsored by grow & make

1 Comment / Filed In: DIY PROJECTS
Tagged: CANDLE MAKING KITS, Candles, Finds

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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