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Sometimes it’s the little things that make me smile. I love when something so effortless & yet fun brings a little light into my day. This is especially true with desserts. I love things I don’t have to slave in the kitchen for hours on & yet end up being huge hits at a gathering. I am not the fist person to think of this idea- in fact I’m know of at least a few other of my favorite bloggers that have done this for various different holidays in various different ways. But for me- I’m all about these little 4th of July nonpareils. I love them in all color combos but I think the red, white & blue make me the happiest. Which means that I had to use them for this little 4th of July dessert.

Simple Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwich

As you can see- it’s as simple as inserting a Popsicle stick (I used tongue depressors because they are easier to hold) into a semi-soft ice cream sandwich. Then I just sprinkled on the nonpareils & pressed them in a bit. Had to work fast because they were melting quickly. I stuck them back in the freezer to harden again. So easy & yet guests at your party will love the festive touch.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts

By Kleinworth & Co 13 Comments

It’s National Donut Day!!!! It’s time to celebrate with some….

Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts

You know I wasn’t going to let National Donut Day go by without making something to celebrate right??!!! I mean- every donut should be celebrated. I have so much fun with my little mini-donut maker. I try to make some for a Saturday morning at least once a month to sort of break the cycle of muffins & breakfast cakes & other things. Besides- don’t you just have those days when you just REALLY CRAVE a donut?? I definitely do.

These were SO MUCH FUN!!!!

I was going to do red velvet but as I was adding the food color the pink just grabbed me

& I thought it was better for summer to do something a little lighter.

Print Recipe

Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 c buttermilk
2-1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
4 eggs slightly beaten
4 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp red food color

Instructions

Sift together flour, sugar, salt & baking powder.
Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla to dry mixture- mix.
Add butter- mix until combined.
Add cocoa powder & food color- beat until just combined.
Fill full size donut pans & bake 5-8 minutes.

OR! fill mini-donut maker & bake 3-5 minutes.

Donuts are done when they spring back when touched- do not over cook.
Allow to cool on wire rack.
Dip in glaze & sprinkle with Funfetti before glaze dries.

Glaze recipe

Want more Donut recipes- head HERE

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Desserts for Summer

Caramel Macchiato Date Shake

It’s June!!! That means it’s time to revisit some great

Desserts for Summer

My criteria for making recipes in the summer is that it has to be simple & quick. I don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen- especially now that we live in a place where it’s nice to be outdoors this time of year. I’m not sitting in a puddle of sweat anymore- however that doesn’t mean I don’t want to still enjoy some great frozen treats. I will use any excuse I can to have something sweet. 🙂

I have compiled my top favorites here for you today.

Banana Cream Pie Frozen Yogurt

Blackberry Pops

Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

Watermelon Lemon Sorbet

Peppermint Patty Frozen Yogurt

Raspberry Pineapple Frozen Fruit Pops

Coffee Ice Cream, Oreos & Cool Whip

Raspberry White Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

Raspberry & Cream Pops

Choc-o- Cherry Ice Cream

Grasshopper Ice Cream Cake

Iced Espresso Pops

Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt

Toffee Banana Dippers

YEP- I think it’s safe to say I have a healthy obsession with all things sweet. 🙂

Hope these help you all cool down this summer.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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4th of July Fashion Ideas

Affordable Housewarming Gift Idea

Some things are great paired together. Some awesome worn in cutoffs with a pretty flowy tank top or a cute little dress with a nice chunky sweater to warm the shoulders when the sun goes down. Some things are just better together, right?!! After living in the desert for so long- seems I have a much larger summer wardrobe than anything else. But that isn’t stopping me from wanting to update things this year to include some adorable things to wear this 4th of July. I was browsing Polyvore & found so many things I want to or will be adding to my closet. I also got some really great ideas for pairing things that I already have with things I never thought of before.

4th of July Style by kleinworthco featuring tom ford optical

Lace dress
maurices.com

Oasis dress
$42 – houseoffraser.co.uk

French Connection nautical dress
usa.frenchconnection.com

H M knee length dress
$12 – hm.com

Denim Supply by Ralph Lauren bohemian dress
$155 – jades24.com

Bustier top
$52 – nafnaf.com

ONLY long sleeve shirt
$25 – only.com

EAST linen shirt
$83 – houseoffraser.co.uk

Vanessa Bruno lace top
theoutnet.com

Wallis red short sleeve shirt
wallisfashion.com

V neck blouse
papayaclothing.com

DKNY sequin top
stylebop.com

Raxevsky sleeveless shirt
$25 – pret-a-beaute.com

Loose fitting yoga top
$68 – glam-net.com

Witchery merino cardigan
$115 – witchery.com.au

Rag & bone/JEAN short shorts
matchesfashion.com

Short shorts
$23 – chiarafashion.co.uk

Fat face
$27 – fatface.com

J Brand blue spandex shorts
stylebop.com

Dolce Gabbana knee length skirt
matchesfashion.com

Wet Seal wide brim hat
wetseal.com

Tom ford optical
bloomingdales.com

Aren’t these all so cute??!!!!! You can click on each one to see where you can pick them up.

Knowing that I need to keep my clothes looking their best as long as possible I am always looking for new products & systems to help me do that. I was asked by DailyBuzz Moms to try Tide, Downy & Bounce (available at Target) together to see how well they keep my clothes looking their best & brightest wash after wash. First – I have to tell you- I love using Tide products. I love the smell & I know that when I am using Tide I’m using the very best I can for my clothes. Adding Downy & Bounce along with it really makes me feel like I am extending the life of my clothes. That is a very good thing because justifying things like new denim at $175 a pair is a hard sell to the hubs. So anything I can do to keep them looking new longer is great!

**This post is part of the DailyBuzz Moms Tastemaker program for P&G.

This post is sponsored by P&G.

With Tide ®, Downy ® and Bounce ®, you can keep your summer fashions looking new up to 50% longer.

* Text CLEAN to TARGET (827438) for mobile coupons.

*vs. leading value detergent alone

P&G Tide + Target Campaign

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Caramel Macchiato Date Shake

By Kleinworth & Co 11 Comments

The weather is warming up- which means that I am feeling the need to start making some of my favorite frozen recipes. One thing I really miss about living in So Cal is heading out to this place on the side of the highway between Orange County & Palm Springs. It’s called Hadley’s & they make the best Date Shakes EVER!!! That was where I fell in love with Date Shakes. When we lived in Southern Nevada we headed out to the Date Farm on the outskirts of Death Valley & I was able to enjoy one there. It had been so long since I had been able to have one & I was reminded of how much I love them. Not being able to have them prompted me to make this

Caramel Macchiato Date Shake

We decided to change it up a bit- they turned out SO GOOD!!!!

Print Recipe

Caramel Macchiato Date Shake

Ingredients

1/2 carton Chocolate Ice Cream
1/4 gallon Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee
3/4 cup Chopped Dried Dates- diced into smaller pieces
Whipped topping opt
Super Mini-Marshmallows for sprinkling

Instructions

Add first 3 ingredients into blender & pulse just a couple times.
(too much & it will get to soft & melted & more like a liquid- you want it thick like a malt)
Pour into your glass & top with whatever toppings you wish.

When I was doing my searches for Date Shakes to see what else was out there- I realized that this really is a So Cal thing. So now all of you that have not had the pleasure of visiting Hadley’s can now give a similar recipe a try. I wasn’t able to find much of any other recipes out there- which is what prompted this one. I am so happy I can have my beloved date shakes now. It will be my summer staple again. BTW- I used International Delight Iced Coffee for mine. They have been so good to me through these campaigns that I have worked on with them. I was not compensated for this post & I purchased the iced coffee in addition to the free creamers I received from them during my last campaign.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Golf Gifts for Dad

By Kleinworth & Co 8 Comments

Free Printable Checklist Templates

Hi Everyone!!!

Thinking of fun homemade gifts for the hubs for Father’s Day & Golf Gifts for Dad came to mind. Ever since the hubs made the transition from a line guy to his current status we knew that golf would have to be a bigger deal in our lives. It’s sort of been a constant staple in our lives through our relationship. I grew up with my grandfather being a dominant face at The Woodland’s Country Club near their home in TX. Then I met the hubs while we both worked at Cobra Golf during our time in Carlsbad. We lived on a golf course at one time. Then when the hubs promoted beyond a line firefighter- my grandfather built him a custom set of clubs for his height. (hubs is 6’6″). So I thought it would be great to make him a gift that he could use now that he has to get together with the other chiefs to play a round or two & talk station stuff.

I made these little printable “vouchers” for him to use when he wants to spend an afternoon out at the club.

Not that he has to have permission- but he does feel guilty when he has few days where he can have family time & then he spends it doing something else.

What golfer doesn’t need a good supply of tees & some new balls to replace the ones that end up in the drink??

You can download & print the vouchers for your own gift.

Download HERE

It’s a fun & simple Father’s Day gift that any golf enthusiast would love from his kids.

I may put together another one for my grandfather too.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

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Homemade Father’s Day Gift

By Kleinworth & Co 14 Comments

Homemade Father’s Day Gift

Did you have a safe Memorial Day weekend?? I sure hope so.

Now that the holiday is behind us I am in full Father’s Day mode (hence the giveaways that I have going on right now). I have been making a list of Homemade Father’s Day Gifts for the hubs. We don’t typically exchange gifts to each other- but the kids LOVE making things for the both of us whenever they can. I swear I have some of the most thoughtful kids on the planet.

I decided to start simple so that it was something the kids could easily make on their own. The hubs has been begging for cookies for weeks now. I have been making everything BUT cookies lately so I think that some of his favorites in this cute little tin with the tag will be great. He has been asking for chocolate chip lately- but his favorite is oatmeal raisin. I will probably make both just for Father’s Day.

You know I wouldn’t leave you hanging here. I’m not going to share this with you & not give you the download.

I love you all too much!!

Download HERE

Click on over & grab your own free printable. Perfect for all the dads in your family.

I have 4 dads & 2 grandfathers to send gifts to. So these will come in handy for all those gifts.

Looking for more gifts?

Cigar Gift Idea

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Southwestern Egg & Potato Casserole

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

Today’s the day! I’m so excited to be participating in an Old Fashioned Recipe Blog Swap! Julie {White Lights on Wednesday}, Kelley {Miss Information} and Rachel {i love my disorganized life} have paired up 30 incredible bloggers to trade recipes on each others blogs for the day.

I am swapping blogs with Rachel from {I love My Disorganized Life}.

I just know you’re going to love what she’s got for you today.

I’ll be sharing Cinnamon Coffee Cake on her blog, so be sure to stop by and check it out! If you want to go see all of the recipes in the blog swap be sure to go and visit one of the host’s Rachel {i love my disorganized life}, Julie {White Lights on Wednesday} or Kelley {Miss Information}, to see all the recipes linked up in the swap.

Give a nice warm welcome to Rachel!!!

Hello! I’m Rachel Willis from {i love} my disorganized life. I am so excited to be here visiting with you today.

I love breakfast. In fact, it’s my favorite meal of the day. I’m also a fan of quick and easy. Like with potatoes and salad, I’d much rather use frozen potatoes and bagged salad any day. The two things I like least to do in the kitchen are cleaning potatoes and cutting the veggies for salad. . Just ask my husband, he can totally vouch for me! Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love to bake, craft and sew, but I also love a good short cut. I guess you could say I’m somewhere between a homemade and a semi-homemade mom.

With that being said, I have a wonderful breakfast/brunch dish for you. Southwestern Egg Casserole. Not only is it delicious, it’s also very versatile and can be tailored to any taste. It’s my go-to recipe for holiday brunches and Christmas morning, but can easily be made any time of the year. In fact, I made it this weekend when my sister came out from California with her family. It was perfect for feeding all of our hungry kids!

Print Recipe

Southwestern Egg & Potato Casserole

Ingredients

1- 1 1/2 C potatoes O'Brien with onion and peppers
Salt pepper and garlic powder to taste
1/2 C cooked and diced {any combination of the following} bacon ham, sausage or green chilies {if desired}
6 eggs
2 Tbsp whole milk or half & half
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Heat oven to 350*; spray an 8 x 8 dish with non-stick cooking spray
Arrange potatoes in a single layer in pan
Add salt, pepper and garlic powder
Add {any combination of the following} bacon, ham, sausage or green chilies {if desired}
In a medium bowl, beat eggs and milk
Pour egg mixture over potatoes
Sprinkle with cheese
Bake at 350* for 50 minutes or until eggs are firm

Thank you so much for spending this time with me. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

About Rachel: A Southern California native, Rachel has lived in Southern Arizona for the past 17 years with her wonderful husband of 22+ years. They have five children and two grandchildren. When Rachel is not chasing one of the kids down, she is chasing golden retriever puppies. Although she is disorganized, she is constantly working on not being disorganized. That’s OK, because she loves her disorganized life.

Keep up with Rachel: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, G+

Thank you Rachel for joining & sharing here today. It’s been an absolute pleasure!!!

Be sure to head on over to Rachel’s place & grab my Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Summer Dessert Recipes

There were so many yummy things shared this past week for Your Best Weekly.

I saw a theme going- so I thought I would run with it & create…

Summer Dessert Recipes

Oh so many things for me to try. I can’t wait. Especially with the long weekend- I will be spending my fair share of time in the kitchen making all these goodies you all have shared. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with for next week. I’m sure you have some goodies planned for this long holiday weekend. We will be at the ready- I’m sure the hubs will be busy. So probably won’t plan anything that requires the BBQ unfortunately. If he were to get called out while we were grilling- I would be lost on what I needed to do to wrap it up. That is totally his gig & he’s great at it. I have the backside to prove it.

Rhubarb Dessert from Pieni Lintu

Fudgy Vanilla Brownies from Peanut Butter & Jelly

Patriotic Mini-Cheesecakes from Me- Kleinworth & Co.

Lemon Blondies with Lemon Glaze from Let’s Dish

Strawberry Shortcake from Little by Little

Caramel Pear Bars from Me- Kleinworth & Co.

Don’t forget to pick up my free printable for the First Aid checklist so you can make your own easy First Aid Kit.

While you are over there grabbing your checklist- don’t miss your chance to enter my giveaway happening now!!

Most importantly this weekend- be sure to THANK A VET!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist

Are you ready for Memorial Day Weekend??

I’m sure most of you have all sorts of plans. The weather this time of year should be lovely. Which means that while most of the country is out enjoying the long weekend the hubs gets super busy. Holiday weekends are super crazy & they never stop running calls. While it’s been a while since he has had to be in the back of an ambulance doing patient care- it’s weekends like these that keep him on his toes with managing emergencies. Emergency preparedness is always on our minds which is why we are so adamant about having a First Aid Kit & why I created this DIY First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist for you all. Free Printable Checklist Templates

You see- before we moved here- the hubs was not only on the Homeland Security Working Group for NV, he was the County Deputy Fire Chief among many many things- but he was also coordinated the Disaster Preparedness Program for the second largest county in the nation. (geographically speaking) We had things like the NV Test Site, Area 51 (yes it exists) & Yucca Mountain in our jurisdiction. He was PREPARED for the worst of the worst. Which means that we live, breathe, eat & sleep being prepared.

So knowing all of that- it should come as no surprise to you that this above image shows all the things that are in just ONE of our MULTIPLE emergency kits we have between our house & vehicles. I know most people don’t have access to a lot of these things & even if they did- are not medical professionals & therefore wouldn’t use them. So I decided to put together a quick & simple kit for you all that is perfect for your house, car, boat or RV. AND- it’s re-purposed from a coffee can so it’s an extra win in my book.

First Aid Kit DIY

I covered my can with white & red duct tape. You could do the cute prints too.

I wanted mine to be unmistakable so that anyone who sees it would know exactly what it’s for.

You won’t believe all the things that fit in this little can.

You could make several for all the places you may need one. I had one growing up as a kid. We made them in our Girl Scout Troop (thanks mom). It was great with the rope handle (just drill holes & slip through with a knot) . We could just grab & go whenever we were headed outdoors.

If you take some of the larger things out of the large box packaging- YES- all these things will fit in your First Aid Kit.

Let me just say- all of these things can be picked up at your local drug store or online.

I recommend stuffing as many band-aids in there as you can fit (those are the things you will need & use the most)

DOWNLOAD HERE

I made this quick reference checklist you can take with you to the store. Download & print.

Wishing you all a very SAFE Memorial Day weekend!

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Caramel Pear Bars

Easy Backyard Fire Pit

Hi Everyone! Happy Your Best Weekly Party day!!

So happy to have you join me.

Tip Hero’s Father’s Day Giveaway Event

Sign-ups are now open for this great new giveaway event!

Event is free to join with an announcement post. If you don’t wish to post the announcement, please send the $5 non-post fee to tiphero@gmail.com
You’ll receive 1 free link for participating (either Twitter or Pinterest)
Additional links (RSS/Email, YouTube, Twitter and Pinterest) are available for $5 each
Sign-ups for this event close on May 22th
Event runs from May 24th – June 7th
Prize: $100 Home Depot gift card

Please send all payments to tiphero@gmail.com as a “gift” via PayPal.
Sign up for this event here.

I am totally a chocolate person. But my hubs- he’s all about the caramel. He is always asking me when I will make more recipes with caramel for him instead of things that I’m most fond of. So I started taking a look at my recipes here & noticed that he’s right. I have only posted a few caramel recipes. So I decided to oblige & make something yummy.

I made these Caramel Pear Bars originally with the idea that it was just going to be the caramel with the mix ins in there as a good recipe for a heartier homemade caramel. Then I quickly changed my mind & decided that it really would be so much better if I added a shortbread crust to make it easier to package up for gifts.

Print Recipe

Caramel Pear Bars

Ingredients

Cookie Bottom

1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Caramel Topping

1/2 cup salted butter
1 cup brown sugar- packed
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 cup quick cook oats
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pear - peeled cored & diced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Coat 9x13 pan with cooking spray- set aside.
In bowl of electric mixer- cream butter, sugar & vanilla.
Add egg & beat until fluffy.
Stir in salt.
Beat in flour 1 cup at a time.
Press dough evenly into pan.
Bake 15 minutes or until just set & beginning to turn golden in color.
Remove & let cool.

Prepare Caramel

Melt the butter over medium heat in saucepan.
Add brown sugar, corn syrup & salt.
Bring to a very low boil, stirring constantly.
Let cook over very low heat, stir in oats, vanilla & pears.
Remove from heat.
Let sit to cool until thickened- about 10 minutes.
Pour over shortbread in pan.
Transfer to refrigerator & allow to completely cool before cutting- at least 2-3 hours.
( I was way too impatient with these & tried to remove before cool. It was a sloppy mess)

These would be great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

I loved that I had the perfect chance to pair these up with these ADORABLE bag toppers & gift tags from the Sunshine collection at Life n’ Reflection. They are so cute. I just love blue & yellow together so these just made me smile. Kristy has the most adorable things in her store. If you are planning a party or like to scrapbook or love to play in photoshop- you have got to head on over & see all the things she has to offer. You can pick up this Sunshine set for just $5. Really- can’t beat that.

**I was given this Sunshine set in exchange for this post as part of being a member of the affiliate design team.

Now it’s time for you to share!

Everyone is Welcome as long as you link back to Kleinworth & Co. or Button Up. (Buttons HERE)

Please also connect with me on Pinterest and/or Twitter

Kleinworth & Co.,your best weekly button, DIY sharing, project sharing, recipe sharing, weekly Wednesday blog link up

Grab HERE

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Wasp Control with DIY Wasp Trap

By Kleinworth & Co

You all know how much I like my coffee. I have posted about that quite a few times & I have also told you how much I love International Delight coffee creamers. So then you also cold probably figure out how many of these plastic bottles I have sitting around here. SO MANY. Good thing I like to re-purpose things with a little DIY.

We have been thrilled to be up here in Northern Idaho enjoying all the beauty of the living things all around us. That means that we have had to get used to having bees & wasps around here. The kids & I have never been stung- so we don’t know if we have an allergy or not. I’m not looking to find out any time soon- so I decided to put all these creamer bottles to use & re-purpose them into a DIY Wasp Trap.

It’s super simple & works so well. Now we can be outside without worrying about the wasps.

They are more attracted to the wasp trap than they are to us.

1. Clean out your creamer bottle & then cut off the flip top part of the lid.

2. Cut off the top of the bottle.

3. Invert the bottle into the neck & tape in so it looks like a funnel.

4. Optional- wrap & glue sisal rope for a more aesthetically pleasing trap if it’s in a visible place. ( didn’t want to see the wasps in there)

5. Tie a loop so it can be hung on something. We put a hook up for it.

6. Bait the trap using some sugar & water. Fill just enough for them to drown but not high enough for them to climb back out.

7. Spray the funnel part with some cooking spray so that they slip right in when they land.

The wasps fly in for the bait but can’t figure out how to get back out of the opening. Works quite well.

Since I can’t seem to get enough of my International Delight flavors- (there are so many to choose from) and I drink coffee in mass quantities- it looks like I am going to be able to keep a good supply of these DIY Wasp Traps all summer long.

What’s Your ID? International Delight is looking for their most passionate flavor fans. Put your ID on the map to enter to win a Magical Trip, play games and discover more unexpected delight. Share your ID flavor at .

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

Looking for more of our outdoor projects?

Colorful Summer Wreath

Mason Jar Wall Garden

Don’t miss these great ideas from these bloggers….
One Little Project – How to make a garden box
A Mom’s Take – Easy DIY Garden Markers

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

4 Quick & Easy Spring Recipes

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

I’m super excited to share with you today….

I’m participating in a Good Old Fashioned Recipe Blog Swap! Julie {White Lights on Wednesday}, Kelley {Miss Information} and Rachel {i love my disorganized life} have paired up 30 incredible bloggers to trade blogs for the day.

Rachel from {I Love} My Disorganized Life and I will be sharing a fabulous recipe on each other’s blogs {but we can’t tell you what they are, because they’re a secret!}. Be sure to visit both of us on May 27th, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on any deliciousness!

You all inspire me so much each & every week. Just look at all the amazing things that were shared. I so enjoy what you all create.

This week you inspired 4 Quick & Easy Spring Recipes

Tuna Fish Salad with a twist from Pret-a-Vivre

Lemon Pull-Apart Bread from Peanut Butter & Jelly

Homemade Granola Bars from le mie foto

Refreshing Fruit Shakes from Little by Little

This past Wednesday I kicked off a new monthly venture- Recipe Round-Up.

Each month a group of bloggers & I will get together & share a recipe all centered around one theme.

This month we celebrated National Chocolate Chip Day with Chocolate Chip Recipes. Be sure to head over & grab them all.

Do you want to participate in future Recipe Round-Up’s & join in on the fun??

email Gina at Kleinworth & Co (chichomeschoolmama{at}att{dot}net) for details.

I am also focused on Memorial Day which is right around the corner.

For the links on where you can pick up all these for Free- head over to my 17 Favorite Patriotic Fonts.

I also shared my latest craftiness for the hearth.

See my Rustic Summer Wreath.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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10 Chocolate Dessert Recipes

By Kleinworth & Co 2 Comments

Today I have a VERY special treat for you all.

My dear friend Chrissy – the AMAZING Chrissy, from The Taylor House is here today sharing her favorite Chocolate Dessert Recipes.

Please give her a nice warm welcome & check out all these awesome recipes that will have you drooling for sure.

I’m also guest posting over at her place today where I’m sharing my Top 12 Chocolate Recipes.

Hi, everyone! It’s Chrissy from The Taylor House! I am so excited to be sharing some of my families favorite Chocolate dessert recipes with you today here at Kleinworth & Co. I have picked ten of our favorites that range from brownies to hot chocolate and all of them contain our favorite ingredient – Chocolate!

I love trying new recipes or creating my own new version of a recipe for my family. My boys love it when I make desserts and they seem to always be requesting desserts with either chocolate, peanut butter or caramel. So, I have quite a list of chocolate dessert recipes in my file and have tried to share them with my readers and fans. I think that it is my mission in life to make as many delicious looking and tasting recipes as I can!

What are your favorite dessert recipes? Do you always make them the same or do you change them up and try new things? Does your favorites include chocolate or do you prefer peanut butter or maybe even fruit?

10 Chocolate Dessert Recipes

1. Smore Chocolate Chip Cookies – Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Marshmallow surprise baked in.

2. Chocolate Mint Parfait – Layers of Mint, fudge, cool whip and cream cheese mix make these an amazing treat.

3. Chocolate Brownie Smore Pie – A delicious combination of Brownies & Smores in a graham cracker crust.

4. Chocolate Mint Oreo Cupcakes – Mint Oreos topped these chocolate cupcakes with a mint flavored frosting.

5. High Fiber Brownies – Who knew Brownies could be good for you?

6. Chocolate Mini Pie Bites – Mini Fillo Cups filled with chocolate pie filling.

7. Reese’s Peanut Butter Crispy Treats – A twist on Crispy Treats using Reese’s candy.

8. Oreo Cupcake Recipe – Oreo Cookies and Cream Cupcake Recipe.

9. Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Hot Chocolate with Peppermint and whip cream.

10. Peanut Butter Balls – Peanut Butter Balls dipped in Chocolate.

I hope you enjoy looking through these recipes and try making them yourself. If you are anything like me, one of these chocolate dessert recipes is doing to hit the spot! I would love to hear about new dessert recipes, so leave a comment below and share them with us!

Chrissy Taylor is a wife, Mom, blogger and property manager. She and her husband of 15 years are raising two active boys in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Chrissy enjoys blogging about cooking, crafts, gifts and household tips.

You can connect with her at:

The Taylor House * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Google+

Don’t forget to head on over to Chrissy’s place & check out my Top 12 Chocolate Recipes.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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17 Favorite Patriotic Fonts

By Kleinworth & Co 10 Comments

Good Morning!!

I was just looking at the calendar & realized that May is nearly gone already!!! Shocking how fast this year is flying past. So now that Mother’s Day is out of the way I have been in full summer mode. That means that my head is geared towards all the things that happen in the summer. The thing that really kicks off summer is Memorial Day. So I thought I would start off my summer prep with finding some of my Favorite Patriotic Fonts. I know I am going to need them for all my festivities we will have happening between our block parties here in the neighborhood & then all the things at the station- I am sure I will be needing these time & time again throughout the summer. I will definitely be putting them to use with some of my party recipes when I’m decorating my spread this summer.

So here you have it

17 Favorite Patriotic Fonts

Stars & Stripes

KR Celebrate 2002

Janda Sparkle & Shine

Stars & Stripes Plain

You can find more HERE & another fun page HERE

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars

YAY!! I’m so excited for today!!

Today is National Chocolate Chip Day!!! I think you all know that I love chocolate chips & will find a way to add them to as many dishes as I can.

So today gave me a HUGE excuse to make something new with chocolate chips. What a fun thing to celebrate – right??!!

Don’t they look so good????

Oh my word- I even got my hubs (who isn’t a huge fan of chocolate chips – I know) to really love these. It could be that they are infused with coffee extract instead of vanilla. That made them pretty yummy. You could substitute with a different extract if you have another that is a favorite of your’s.

Print Recipe

Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars

Ingredients

Basic Crust
1-1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup 1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter- softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp coffee extract

Topping

1 - 11 oz bag chocolate chips
1-1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp coffee extract
2/3 cup toffee bits
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 degrees
Line 9x13 baking pan with parchment- allowing a little to extend beyond the pan
In medium bowl whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder.
Beat butter & remaining ingredients on medium in mixer with paddle attachment until creamy.
On low- beat in dry mixture- scrape down sides
Drop into prepared pan.
Press down dough until it is in a thin layer covering the entire bottom of pan
Bake 20 minutes- until surface is dry & set.
When done- remove & reduce your oven temp to 325 degrees.

While your bottom is baking- place your 11 ounces of chocolate chips into a medium bowl.

In small saucepan heat milk to a simmer- remove & carefully pour over chocolate chips.
Whisk until all chocolate chips are melted.
Whisk in sugar & coffee extract until blended.
At this point your liquid should be cool enough to add your eggs without scrambling them.
Whisk until the eggs are completely combined.
Pour over your crust that should have come out from baking just moments before you finished the chocolate liquid mixture.
Bake 30 minutes or until the edges have risen slightly higher than the center & center is just set. (mine had some spots that rose into large bubbles- they flattened once it cooled)
After removing from the oven- sprinkle with toffee bits & remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
Set IN PAN on wire rack to cool 15 minutes.
Move to refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to fully set.
Once set- pull up on parchment to remove from pan & cut into squares.
Store in air tight container in the refrigerator.

I’m super excited to announce that I have teamed up with 5 other amazing bloggers to celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day today. We are also kicking off a monthly venture called Recipe Round-Up. Today we are ALL sharing Chocolate Chip Recipes together- stay tuned to see what we share next month. Please visit all the other blogs listed here & gather these amazing recipes for your book.

Recipe Round-Up May:

1. Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars from Kleinworth & Co.

2. Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ever from Nap-Time Creations

3. Best Chocolate Chip Brownies with Kahlua from One Martini at a Time

4. S’Mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe from The Taylor House

5. Chocolate Chip Cannoli Bites from Let’s Dish

6. Chocolate Chip Cookie Lava Cakes from Mostly-Homemade Mom

Do you want to participate in future Recipe Round-Up’s & join in on the fun??

email Gina at Kleinworth & Co (chichomeschoolmama{at}att{dot}net) for details.

Now it’s time for you to share! Everyone is Welcome as long as you link back to Kleinworth & Co. or Button Up. (Buttons HERE)

Please also connect with me on Pinterest and/or Twitter

Grab HERE

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Rustic Summer Wreath

By Kleinworth & Co 18 Comments

Back on Easter we spent the day enjoying the glorious weather & working on getting the yard cleaned up from the winter. That meant trimming branches from the pine tree. The hubs thought I was nuts when I was trimming all the pine needles off the branches & storing the branches all in a large tote. He really thought I was crazy when I told him I was going to craft with them. Hehehe- I spent the past weekend finally doing something with them.

He never liked the coffee filter wreath I had made for spring. He thought it looked like a giant tutu & asked me every week when I was going to make something new for above the mantle. So I finally did. I brought in the big tote, grabbed some twine & got busy. He thought the coffee filter wreath wasn’t rustic enough for this cabin. He was probably right but I was craving something a little prettier than cabin decor. So – yes, we are back to cabin decor around here. But I was able to make it pretty too.

I just laid them in the formation I wanted & started wrapping & tying until they were all holding firmly together.

Then I attached a wire by wrapping it around the top branch so that I would have something sturdy for the hook.

Then I took one of my previously made wreaths that I used to use on our old front door & tied it on there for some color.

It was far too small for our giant front door anyhow- so I was going to have to change things up regardless if I wanted to use it again.

It worked out perfectly.

So there you have it- my new rustic summer wreath. Super simple.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas

$100 Home Depot Gift Card

Happy Saturday Everyone!!

Great projects shared this past week for Your Best Weekly. We had some really great quick recipes that look amazing. We also had some really fun project ideas that I know I will be using in the future. I also shared my homemade Mother’s Day gift of Coffee Infused bath salts & shared with you all how to make bath salts. Once you make them you can use my free printable tags if you are giving them as gifts. It’s been a great week of sharing these fabulous recipes & projects. Thank you so much for all your creativity both in & out of the kitchen.

Don’t these all look great!!

Be sure to head on over & pick up all the details for these quick recipes & projects.

Grilled Watermelon dressed with Balsamic syrup on Arugula from Pret-a-Vivre

Fregola Sarda from Little – by- Little

Ban-Apple Muffins from Me- Kleinworth & Co.

Picnic Luncheon Invitations & Party Favors from A Fresh Perspective

Shaving Cream Planets from Random-osity

DIY Coffee Infused Bath Salts from Me- Kleinworth & Co.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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DIY Coffee Infused Bath Salts & 5 Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts

By Kleinworth & Co 17 Comments

Have you wrapped up your gifts for mom yet??

No worries- I have some great ideas here for you that won’t break the bank & most of them you can do with the things you have already on hand.
Free Printable Checklist Templates

Normally I would make my mom some sugar scrub. She loves it & helps keep her feeling soft. Unfortunately with the chemotherapy- it makes her skin super sensitive & anything abrasive just isn’t good for her right now. So I did the next best thing- bath salts. She loves to soak her feet. It’s one of the things that the kids have grown to love about our time when we are able to visit her. Each night they all sit around the tub & fill it with all sorts of great smelling salts & bubbles & talk about all the fun they had that day. It’s something they just love to do together & it’s also a fond memory that they will always have.

So because of that I made her these coffee infused bath salts. They smell HEAVENLY if you are a coffee fanatic like I am.

Even if you are not a coffee drinker- I know many that just like the smell. So you will love this too.

1 Cup Rock Salt

1 Cup Epsom Salt

1/2 Cup Baking Soda

1/4 Cup Ground Oats (I just pulsed mine in a blender)

1/4 tsp Coffee Extract

Combine all in a medium sized bowl- mix & stir with wooden spoon until well incorporated & the color of the extract is no longer in clumps.

Transfer to decorative jar. Print gift tag & tie on jar.

Simple & easy gift that will be appreciated with each use.

I also made a free printable for you to download to go along with your gift.

I made them large so that you could scale them down to whatever size jar you are using.

DOWNLOAD HERE

I also found some other fabulous homemade gifts that others have made that I thought you would really enjoy.

They are so creative & definitely something mom would enjoy!

Visit them all & get creative. Mom will be so happy!

Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub

DIY Tile Coasters

Chicken Wire Frames

Washi Tape Mother’s Day Candles

Have fun!!
Now it’s time for you to share!

Everyone is Welcome as long as you link back to Kleinworth & Co. or Button Up. (Buttons HERE)

Please also connect with me on Pinterest and/or Twitter

Grab HERE

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Granola Breakfast Bites {Recipe}

By Kleinworth & Co 14 Comments

I have something special for you all today!

I have teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers & we want to welcome to the May Flowers Giveaway Event hosted by Famous Free Samples! We’re looking to celebrate spring even more with a bunch of fabulous bloggers and a great prize.

Whether you’d like to stock up on goods to make your garden enviable this spring or whether there’s another home project that you’ve got your sights set on, this is the giveaway for you. One lucky winner will be the recipient of a $100 Home Depot gift card to use however they’d please!

This giveaway begins on May 1st and will run through May 15th at 11:59pm EST. Open to residents of the US only, 18+.

Use the PromoSimple form below to enter this giveaway. Also, be sure to come back daily for more chances to win. Good luck!

Now- I’m going to shock you all today… I made something healthy. No flour, no sugar- all “good for you” stuff.

I had this huge bag of granola mix from our co-op & after putting it on yogurt a couple times the kids wanted something different. So I decided to take what I had & mix it with the bananas that were on the counter & quickly going south. I also needed something to help hold it all together & give it some staying power once they had been enjoyed. So in came the peanut butter. They came out great & the kids LOVED them. I had just one on my way out the door one day & you know, it held me over all day. I had to force myself to have lunch – a late lunch- because I still felt full from this one little energy bite.

Our granola was oats, coconut oil, macadamia nuts, dried papaya, dried pineapple & some other things I can’t remember.

It came in this huge bag. I was so happy to be able to put it to good use.

Print Recipe

Granola Breakfast Bites {Recipe}

Ingredients

2 small bananas
3 cups granola mix
4 heaping tbsp crunchy peanut butter

Instructions

Put all ingredients in mixer & beat on low until well mixed.
Scoop onto baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes to firm them up.
Cool on wire rack & store in air tight container for up to 3 days.

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Don’t forget to take advantage of this awesome offer from Goodies Co.

Remember- when you click through the above link- you get to bypass the wait list.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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$100 Amazon Card Giveaway ~ Toffee Banana Dippers

By Kleinworth & Co 8 Comments

I know it’s almost Mother’s Day- but I have teamed up with some AMAZING bloggers to bring you this fantastic giveaway that will run from today through June 1st. Just in time for Father’s Day. Wouldn’t your Father or Hubs love to get a Gift Card to Amazon for $100??!!!! I know my dad could really use it, I know my step dad could really use it & I sure know that my hubs would love to pick up some new goodies for the hog with one of these. But since I can’t enter- you all definitely should!!!

I sliced up these Toffee Banana Dippers I made the other day. We were walking through Costco & the woman was standing there passing out samples of these chocolate covered bananas. The family loved them but I quickly told them that I could make them so easily & we were not buying them. So a couple days later I did AND I added the toffee to make them better!! SO GOOD!!!

$100 Amazon Card Giveaway ~ Toffee Banana Dippers

Print Recipe

Toffee Banana Dippers

Ingredients

4 bananas- sliced
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tbsp shortening
toffee bits for sprinkling

Instructions

Combine chocolate & shortening in microwave safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 30 second increments until melted- stir well.
Dip bananas in melted chocolate & turn to coat.
Transfer to wire rack or parchment lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with toffee & transfer to freezer.
Store in freezer- enjoy as a cool treat.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

12 Tips for a Successful Blog

By Kleinworth & Co 33 Comments

Let me first start by saying that I am still in a big growth period in my blog. While I have been blogging since 2007- it has been just over the last couple years & most recently the last 6-8 months that I have really been more serious about the direction my blog is going. Like many people say- it doesn’t happen over night & that is true. For me- it took a while to get to know about blogging then try different niches that interested me & to then start finding my own voice before I could really start focusing on growth. I don’t claim to know everything there is to know. But this post has been a long time in the making because there are a lot of things that have been on my mind as I grow & connect with so many other bloggers at various levels.

I’m going to start here because this is probably one of my biggest pet peeves when linking up with others who host parties. This is something that I am very passionate about & therefore I want to talk about it first. How many times have you prepared a post & you are ready to link up to a particular party & when you go there- the post isn’t live. You come back in a few minutes…still not there. A couple hours goes by….still not there. For me- this happens frequently. In fact there have been times where the time it’s supposed to go live is listed- but they forget. But then it finally goes live the next day. Well I can see that happening MAAAAYBE once- but then it happens again the next week because that blogger is out of town or at a conference or something. Hmmm- think of how many additional page impressions that blogger received by posting late. If I’m checking back several times waiting & there are 100’s or even 1000 people that link up each week doing the same- what do you suppose that does for this person’s numbers?? I’m not saying that is what is happening but it gives you an idea of how the numbers can actually not be organic in nature. I know what you are thinking…don’t we want to drive the numbers higher? Well yes- but this would be a really crappy way to do it. You want people to leave feeling good- not with a bad taste in their mouth. Which is why I won’t come back if I start seeing a pattern like this. I don’t care to waste my time visiting someone that doesn’t value my time. In fact- this one particular blogger that forgot one week actually saw her participation link ups go down by about 125 people from the week she posted on time & the next when she posted a day late. Her overall numbers are so large that she may not care or even notice- but in the long run the readers notice. If you host a link party- schedule it out, be consistent & on time every week. There are people like myself that are very turned off by flakiness & won’t be back. Being courteous & considerate to your readers is probably the most important thing in my opinion.

I, like many started with blogger. It was great for getting to know the whole realm of how it all works. But once I decided to really get serious about growing my blog this past September- I made the jump to wordpress. It has amazing SEO capabilities, the plug-in’s are fabulous & I have seen my blog grow approximately 500% in 7 months. It can be complicated to make the switch to a self-hosted wordpress blog. I am an affiliate member for someone that can help you with all that if you need help with design & making the switch. You can visit her HERE. If you are good with design & just need someone to help you with the actual transfer- I highly recommend my gal Sara. She was great at helping to offer me things I didn’t know existed & making sure that I was satisfied & happy before calling it good. You can find her HERE– I don’t get any sort of affiliate payment from her. I just love what she did for me. As far as choosing a host- I use BlueHost– they have been great. Always there when I need support- any time, day or night. While I am on this topic- I must also recommend using a Genesis Theme. I love them. Sara offers that in her package – so if you use her, you will be good to go.

I am a firm believer in knowing who I am interacting with when I visit a blog. I love it when I can get a visual of who the author/creative mind is behind the ideas that brought me on over to begin with. This is why I love seeing a bio/about page or widget some place on the blog. I personally don’t like to have mine in the sidebar because I view that as some of the most valuable real estate on my little place on the web. So I added the Fancier Author Box plug-in & I have it at the bottom of each post. This way people can see my face- read what I am all about & get to know me a little more before they leave a comment. I also have a full About Me page with an image of the whole family, a snippet about who we are as a family & a way to contact me there too. Which brings me to my next topic…

Make it easy for your readers to connect with you in other places beyond your blog. You can see that I have all my links to where you can find me at the top in my header. I specifically chose my Genesis Theme- Blissful because it offered the option to put those links in that area. Like I mentioned before- the sidebar space is valuable & so I wanted those important links in a visible place- just not taking up my sidebar. I just recently changed the colors of them a bit to make them stand out a bit more. After giving my blog a good analysis of what needed to be improved I figured that they could be blending in too much to the header design & I could be missing out on some valuable connections by not having them stand out. I also think that it is an easy way to update the feel of the blog as a whole for the season changes without completely re-vamping the whole design. One other thing on this topic- give your readers the option to subscribe via email. I love this option because I can get what I am after delivered to me each morning. I don’t have to worry about missing a post or remembering to head on over when things are busy & I get forgetful. It’s there & I can connect with those I love to spend my time with. I can’t tell you how bummed I get when I find a blog I love but I can’t get it delivered via email subscription. I don’t want my readers to miss a thing- I have the place to sign up both in my sidebar & at the end of every post.

This should be something you pay close attention to. Make sure your blog is organized & neat. make sure things re easy to find. If you talk about different subjects- like recipes & crafts, at the very least, give your posts tags or categories so that people who come over & like one post can easily find others like it. I recently devoted some time to adding those categories into my menu bar with a drop down feature further grouping those sub-categories together. This way people can easily find what they are after. It can be so frustrating to want more from a blog & there is no rhyme or reason to it & I end up leaving frustrated. This is also why I finally decided to just have a linky party page of the places where I like to link up each day. I became so frustrated by having a bunch of different buttons at the bottom of each post & soon my post were being over run by all these extra images. I’m all for giving props & credit to those you link up with but at the same time you want your content to be what is noticed- not all the mis-aligned buttons all over the bottom of your post. One or two is fine- but beyond that- I encourage you to have a place where you list them all in an orderly fashion. Or you can always give a text link at the end of your post to the places where you frequently visit.

This took me a while & all the different things I did have helped me with where I am now. When I first started blogging & wanted to blog about the things I was making both with crafting & in the kitchen. I slowly moved away from that & focused on homeschooling for a bit. But really- I’m not the typical homeschooler & I found I really didn’t have all that much to say about the topic. It’s just something we do & our way of life. Not something I like to discuss with a lot of people or that I am passionate about sharing. I am passionate about my kids & their education but when I leave the classroom- I want to leave all that there. I wasn’t sharing ME. But through that I found some bloggers that were great photographers too. Which then made me realize how much I had always wanted to know how to take great photos of my kids. So I started visiting more & more photography blogs & became more & more inspired. I slowly learned everything I wanted to know through tutorials & visiting blogs & making some amazing friends that have helped me along the way. Through this I have found that I may actually go into biz 100% some day. I have had the opportunity to work on some really fun product photography projects & grow & expand the skills I have developed to help make the images I share here better. But I still kept coming back to wanting to share recipes & other things I was doing with the kids & for the home. So I started incorporating those posts back into my blog & you know what- I’m happy again. I am posting what I am passionate about, what makes me happy & I’m posting what I WANT to. Not what some link party prompt is asking of me. While I still really enjoy things like Scavenger Hunt Sunday because I really love playing outside the box with photography- my blog embodies more of who I am now. I don’t just like to take pictures but I love to sew, crochet, paint, design, bake, garden & all sorts of other things too. Find what you are passionate about- and then jump in with both feet.

While we are on the topic of photography I want to mention your images. Make them large so people can see them well. Make them as wide as your post space will allow. It draws the reader in & really gets them to interact more with your space & what you are sharing with them.

This image of my baby back ribs is a perfect example. This small image shows the ribs- but it’s not until you get to see them LARGE in the next photo that you can see all the detail that makes you want to reach out & share some with me. Images that are clear, have good light, sharp & uncluttered with distracting background images are nice to look at. If you are struggling with things like this, or you are new to photography- I do offer personal mentor programs tailored to your skill level. I also offer a workshop several times per year based on demand if you are interested in that. More info HERE.

You can find the recipe for these HERE.

This is pretty obvious. If you want people to come visit- give them fresh things to look at when they do. It’s like going to a channel on T.V. hoping to see a new show but when you get there all they play is the same re-runs of the same 5 episodes. You want to see new things & if you don’t- you stop going there. Your readers will think you have abandoned your blog if you don’t post on a consistent basis. I personally like to post 7 days per week. Some people do -4 & some just take the weekends off. The key here is to be consistent because your readers notice. One time I decided to try taking Saturdays off – it wasn’t long into my Saturday morning when I started getting messages from people asking if my site had a problem or if something was wrong. They had grown to expect a post every day & when it wasn’t there- it caused them to think something was up. So that lasted for one weekend. I resumed a 7 post per week schedule & you know- I have so many ideas swimming around in my head that it’s not hard to fill up the days. In fact- I wish I had more days in a week for posts.

The whole point of blogging is to interact with your readers & share. People like to share their thoughts on things & when they leave you a comment, it’s nice when you can reply back & form a conversation about it. I used to feel I had to visit back every single person that left me a comment. Well – when you get 30-40+ comments per day, sometimes that can be a large undertaking to visit & comment & keep up on it all. I have now given myself the freedom to respond back to the comments left within a couple days at the most & then visit my favorite blogs each day. I then pay a visit to new blogs once a week as I have time. This is a lot easier with my schedule & then I don’t have 300 emails stacked up in my inbox waiting for my attention.

One of the things I find the most amazing about blogging is the bonds I have formed with a tight group of bloggers. I have “met” people that have truly been there for me when my own family wasn’t. They have done amazing things for me like forming a virtual house warming party for me through gift cards when we moved. They have put my family on prayer lists when things got tough. They have bought ad space on my blog when times were rough for us. Bottom line- they have been there for me. They are my rock. We join together to make ad campaigns successful, we work on projects together both on our blogs & outside of them. I have some that I can have 4 hour long phone conversations with- but I have never met them in person. Let me tell you- it’s an amazing feeling to know these FRIENDS are out there for you. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. I encourage you to find like minded bloggers & form that relationship with them. It’s amazing!

This really should go without saying- but I have heard horror stories & had my own issues with people STEALING from posts. I had someone taking images of my kids & using them for a fake life on Facebook. Oh yeah- I was beyond livid. But beyond that- I had a blogger tell me once that she was at a conference & struck up a convo with a gal as they were going into a session on legal stuff when it comes to blogging. The gal told her that she likes to post recipes but doesn’t take her own photos. She just searches the web for images that look like what her food should look like & then posts someone else’s image with it. NOT COOL!!! We take a lot of time, energy & financial expense to put together a beautiful image. From the classes, equipment, props & TIME- to have it stolen by someone who is too lazy to do the same AND then take credit for it as if it were their own. APPALLING. Which is why I watermark all my images too. I know there is a lot of controversy about this- but after your images are swiped- you will feel compelled to do the same.

It’s so important to be YOU when you are blogging. Don’t try to do what others are doing & don’t play the comparison game. I read someone’s post once where she was talking about this one gal who literally took each of her posts- the content was almost word for word, the image ideas were almost identical & the topic & title exactly the same. It was really sad because she had asked this gal to stop- basically said “I’m on to you” and the woman would not quit. What is wrong with people??!! The whole point is to get your own voice heard- not reiterate what others are saying. Be yourself because that is the only way you will be passionate about what you are saying. The phony speak will show through & people will get turned off & stop visiting. Everyone is at different stages in blogging- everyone has their own things that they want to talk about- that is a good thing. It’s okay to try someone else’s craft or recipe- but give them credit for it when you do. Share the love & be true to what YOU LOVE. That is your recipe for success.

Hope this helped- if you have questions, please leave me a comment.

I am happy to explain further on any of this.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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6 Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes

Oh my goodness- you all made me so inspired to get in the kitchen!!!

Look at all the fabulous recipes you all created & shared this week!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Double Chocolate Muffins from Yolanda @ Peanut Butter & Jelly

Raspberry Poppy Seed Quick Bread from A Handful of Everything

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread from Kleinworth & Co.

Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette from Kimberly @ A Fresh Perspective

Best Ever Brownie Bars from Tiffany @ June Makes Six

Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies from Kleinworth & Co.

I am so inspired!!!

Then Callie shared what she does with torn jeans. I love this idea. I usually patch them until they just completely fall apart & then I try cut offs. But this idea is adorable & way more pulled together than cut offs. Thanks Callie for the fabulous idea to extend the life of the clothes. I will be using this in the coming weeks if I can ever find the time to get things done outside of the office. 🙂 It’s been nuts around here this week.

Giving Jeans New Life from Callie’s Crafts

If you missed what else I was up to this past week-…

Recipe HERE

Be sure to come back on Monday-

I have some exciting things happening this coming week- all starting with a great Promo- and then a big giveaway!

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies

Make your own rock candy

Friday is National Pretzel Day. I thought I would give you all a quick & easy recipe you can make to help celebrate if you like. 🙂 These Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies were so good. The mix of the chewy part of the blondie that gives you that cookie/brownie flavor & then the salty crunch of the pretzels mixed with the sweet of the blackberry marmalade- YUM. These salty sweet treats are the perfect combination & yet not too rich.

These were gone almost as soon as I cut them- definitely a hit. I was really happy that the hubs loved them. He isn’t always quick to try a lot of the things I share here- he’s not a huge sweets fan. So I was happy when he grabbed one right up & loved them.

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Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter- melted
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar- packed
1 tbsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups pretzels- loosely crushed & packed
3 ounces marmalade

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 8x8 pan with foil & spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
Microwave butter in 30 second increments to melt. Set aside for about 5 minutes to let cool to room temp.
Once cooled a bit- add your egg, brown sugar & vanilla. Whisk to combine.
Add flour & stir until just combined. Do not over mix.
Fold in crushed pretzels.
Transfer to prepared pan- press down into corners & smooth out.
Drizzle your marmalade over the top in whatever design you like.
Bake 28-33 minutes- until center is set. Until toothpick test is mostly clean.
Don't ever bake- will firm as it cools.
Cool in pan at least 30 minutes. Store in air tight container for up to 1 week if they are not gone before then.

You can get my Raspberry marmalade recipe HERE & just substitute the berries for whatever kind you like.

Celebrate National Pretzel Day & make these yummy blondies. You will LOVE them.

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Easy Enchiladas {Recipe} ~ Your Best Weekly

By Kleinworth & Co 12 Comments

Do you have plans for dinner tonight?? Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas?

Well if not- I have the easiest enchilada recipe that you can whip up & your family will rave over!!! You know I am all about making things easy in the kitchen. I do best when it comes to things that are not so complicated – at least when it comes to dinner. I have a short attention span for things that are not sweets- so dishes like this make me happy.

This recipe will make 20 enchiladas – which with the way my kids eat, is barely enough.

You could half the recipe if you don’t need that many.

This is something we serve for guests & when we have to bring something for pot luck night.

Print Recipe

Easy Enchiladas {Recipe}

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can of beer
1 stick butter
2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
1 apple- cut in half
4 tbsp garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste

20 corn tortillas

1 can refried beans
1 large bag shredded cheese
1 can diced olives opt
1 large can enchilada sauce

Instructions

Add chicken, beer, butter, garlic, apple, garlic powder & salt & pepper to slow cooker.
Cook on high for 5-6 hours until you are easily able to shred chicken.
When done cooking- Use slotted spoon & transfer the chicken to separate bowl.
Shred chicken with 2 forks. Ladle a couple cups of liquid from slow cooker over chicken to keep moist.

Preheat oven to 350.

Spray 2- 9x13 glass baking pans.
Heat your refried beans.

To assemble your enchiladas

Stack 5 tortillas on a plate with a paper towel underneath, on top & in-between each one.
Microwave for 60 seconds. This makes the tortillas soft & flexible.
Working quickly add a scoop of chicken, then beans, then cheese & roll. Place in prepared pan.
Repeat for all 20 tortillas.
Pour enchilada sauce over the top of both pans of enchiladas.
Top with remaining meat, cheese & olives.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove.
Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!!!!

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7 Spring Farmer’s Market Recipes

By Kleinworth & Co Leave a Comment

WOW you guys!!!! You sure know how to prepare some amazing things to eat!!!!

I thought that it was quite telling of the season changing that you all shared recipes with things that could be found & bought at the farmers market. So I decided to showcase this week’s features into 7 Spring Farmer’s Market Recipes!! Looking at it all compiled into this collage & I think it’s safe to say that you all are very talented in the kitchen & truly know what tastes great! I will definitely be trying all of these in the coming weeks as my co-op baskets get more & more full.

Favorite Spinach Dip from Tiffany @ June Makes Six

Strawberry & Banana Muffins from Kimberly @ A Fresh Perspective

Chopped Greek Salad from Jaymi @ Live Love Travel

Banana ChocoNut Bread from Tamar @ Random-osity

Apple Oven Pancake from Yolanda @ Peanut Butter & Jelly

Southwest Chili Con Queso Pasta from Danelle @ Let’s Dish

Garlic Cabbage Slaw I shared earlier this week.

And if you missed some of my other posts this week….

Help those going through chemotherapy by making this simple head wrap for them.

Free downloads of these Photoshop templates for all your photo sharing.

Thanks everyone!! Hope you have an amazing weekend!

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Garlic Cabbage Slaw {Recipe}

Tomorrow is National Garlic Day!!! That’s a big deal for us because we LOVE garlic in this house.

Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas? Today I am going to share with you my latest garlic creation.

Funny thing- as you know I rarely do the grocery shopping. It’s something I leave to the hubs because I am quite dangerous wandering the store. But this time I decided to do it. While I was there I wandered past this big display of what I thought was lettuce. Well as you also know- I’m not a big “veggie” eater- so what I thought was lettuce was actually cabbage. Hehehehe- it was just the most beautiful color of pale green- I didn’t even look at the sign. Laugh all you like- it is what it is. Soooooo- I had to find a way to use it- couldn’t let it go to waste. So I decided to tap into the German side of the family & make some slaw. But I obviously had to add our favorite ingredient – garlic.

Came out fabulous- it was so easy. I will definitely be making this for all those summer BBQ gathering that will be here before I know it.

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Garlic Cabbage Slaw {Recipe}

Ingredients

1/2 cup sour cream
4 cloves fresh garlic- minced
1-1/2 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 small green cabbage - shredded
salt & pepper & garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Put your shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl whisk your sour cream, vinegar & garlic until combined.
Pour over cabbage & toss to coat.
Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper & garlic powder.

Serve as a side dish at your next BBQ.

Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

This recipe published first on Kleinworth & Co. www.kleinworthco.com

We then used the remaining cabbage & the hubs fried it up in the skillet with mushrooms, purple onions, about 10 cloves of minced garlic & some butter & seasonings. He then piled it on top of his breakfast potatoes. He was in heaven.

Want more garlic….. try these Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Have a fabulous Thursday! Be sure to add one of these garlic recipes to your dinner tomorrow & celebrate!

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Making Rock Candy ~ Your Best Weekly

By Kleinworth & Co 17 Comments

Happy Your Best Weekly Everyone!!!

I have been waiting ever so patiently to share this with you all. I figured back around Easter time that I would make rock candy with the kids. Only thing is- you have to be very patient because it takes a while. Then I wanted to make more than one batch- so yet again, the waiting. So anyhow- they are finally done growing (for now- I will probably make more again soon) so I can show you these & you can hopefully make some with your kids or for a party or gathering you have coming up.

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Making Rock Candy ~ Your Best Weekly

Ingredients

1 cup water
2-3 cups granulated sugar
15-20 drops food color
4-8 wooden skewers

Instructions

Bring water to a boil
Start adding sugar- 1/4 cup at a time.
Stir in sugar until it no longer dissolves. The more you add the longer it will take to dissolve. Be patient & try to get as much as you can in there.
Take your skewer & dip it in the sugar liquid & then roll in granulated sugar to coat. Stick in plastic cup & attach a clothespin to it to keep it suspended in the middle of the cup.
Remove your liquid from heat & allow to cool completely. This is very important.
Fill your cups with the liquid- with this recipe you should get about 2 plastic cups worth.
Add your food color- & stir. Put in more than you think you might need- if you want the colors vibrant. I also used the Neon shades of food color for mine instead of the standard colors.
Set somewhere where they can be left alone for a week. Wait patiently. It will take about 3 days for small crystals to form & about 7 days to get them large enough to enjoy.
You will notice that the liquid will crystallize on the top& bottom of cup too. You should be able to watch the process as they grow.
When you are ready to remove- gently break the top layer. Remove skewer & leave hanging into another cup until dry.
Once dry they are ready to eat.

Notes

This recipe first posted here on Kleinworth & Co. www.kleinworthco.com

These are super simple- just take a bit of patience.

Everyone is Welcome as long as you link back to Kleinworth & Co. or Button Up. (Buttons HERE)Please also connect with me on Pinterest and/or Twitter

Grab HERE

Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Chemotherapy Head Wrap {Tutorial}