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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

 

Caramel Macchiato Date Shake

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

 

Caramel Macchiato Date Shake

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.

 

Golf Gifts for Dad, gifts in jar, golf gift ideas, free printable

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.

 

Golf Gifts for Dad, gifts in jar, golf gift ideas, free printable

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.

 

golf fathers day gift tag, Golf Gifts for Dad, gifts in jar, golf gift ideas, free printable

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

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

 

 

 

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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.

 

Homemade Father's Day Gift

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.

 

Homemade Father's Day Gift

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!!

Father Day Gift Tags, free printable

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?

Affordable Housewarming Gift Idea
Affordable Housewarming Gift Idea

Cigar Gift Idea
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!

Southwestern Egg & Potato Casserole/ {i love} my disorganized life

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

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

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.

 

Summer Dessert Recipes

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.

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist

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

giveaway, win, home depot gift card giveaway

 

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

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

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

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist

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.

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist, DIY first aid kit

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

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist, DIY first aid kit

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.

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist, DIY first aid kit

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.

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist, DIY first aid kit

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)

First Aid Kit and Printable Checklist, DIY first aid kit

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

By Kleinworth & Co 20 Comments

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.

 

Caramel Pear Bars

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.

 

Caramel Pear Bars

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.

     

    Caramel Pear Bars

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

     Caramel Pear Bars

     

    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.

    Wasp Control with 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.

    Wasp Control with DIY Wasp Trap

    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?

    Easy Backyard Fire Pit

    Easy Backyard Fire Pit

    Colorful Summer Wreath

    Colorful Summer Wreath

    Mason Jar Wall Garden

    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….

    Recipe Swap Blog Button_thumb

     

    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

     

    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.

    recipe round-up, best chocolate chip recipes, ultimate chocolate chip recipes

     

    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.

    17 favorite patriotic fonts

    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.

    Rustic Summer Wreath at kleinworthco.com

    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

    10 Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Desert Recipes

     

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

    Chocolate Dessert Recipes

    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

    Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars

    By Kleinworth & Co 20 Comments

    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??!!

     

    Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars from kleinworthco.com

    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.

     

    Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars from kleinworthco.com

    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.

     

    Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Bars from kleinworthco.com

    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, best chocolate chip recipes, ultimate chocolate chip recipes

     

    Kleinworth & Co.,Recipe Round-Up, recipe sharing, monthly recipe sharing blog round-up, blog party

     

    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

     

    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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    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.

     

    Rustic Summer Wreath at kleinworthco.com

    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.

    Rustic Summer Wreath at kleinworthco.com

    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

    By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

    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.

     

    6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas

    Don’t these all look great!!

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

     

    6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas, grilled watermelon salad

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

     

    6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas, fregola

    Fregola Sarda from Little – by- Little

     

    Ban-Apple Muffins & #Lactaid , banana muffins, apple muffins, breakfast muffins, recipe

    Ban-Apple Muffins from Me- Kleinworth & Co.

     

    6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas, picnic luncheon party favors & invitations

    Picnic Luncheon Invitations & Party Favors from A Fresh Perspective

     

    6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas, shaving cream planets kids projects

    Shaving Cream Planets from Random-osity

     

    6 Quick Recipes & Project Ideas, DIY Coffee Infused Bath Salts & 5 Homemade Mother's Day Gifts on kleinworthco.com

    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.

     

    DIY Coffee Infused Bath Salts & 5 Homemade Mother's Day Gifts on kleinworthco.com

    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.

    homemade bath salts free printable for gift giving from kleinworthco.com
    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!

     

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

     

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

     

    Honey lavender sugar scrub

    Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub

     

    diy tile coasters

    DIY Tile Coasters

     

    chicken wire frames

    Chicken Wire Frames

     

    washi tape mothers day candle

    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

     

    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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    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.

    $100 Gift Card Giveaway

    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!

    $100 Home Depot Gift Card

     

    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.

     

    Granola Breakfast Bites {Recipe}

    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.

     

    Granola Breakfast Bites {Recipe}

    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

    $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.

    $100 Amazon Card Giveaway ~ Toffee Banana Dippers  

    To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

     
     

    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.

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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…

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    You can find the recipe for these HERE.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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!

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

    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.

     

    12 Tips for a Successful Blog

     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

    By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

    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!!!

     

    6 Mother's Day Brunch Recipes

    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

    Your Best Weekly Features

     

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

    Easy Enchiladas {Recipe} ~ Your Best WeeklyRecipe 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

    By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

    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.

     

    Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies

    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.

    Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies

    Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies

    Print Recipe

    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.

    Blackberry Marmalade Pretzel Blondies

    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.

     

    Easy Enchiladas {Recipe} ~ Your Best Weekly

    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.

    Easy Enchiladas {Recipe} ~ Your Best Weekly

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

    Easy Enchiladas {Recipe} ~ Your Best Weekly

    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.

    Easy Enchiladas {Recipe} ~ Your Best Weekly

    Enjoy!!!!

    This recipe was featured on

    nap-time creations

    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
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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.

     

    7 Spring Farmer's Market Recipes

    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….

     

    Make your own Rock Candy

    Make your own rock candy

     

    20130325_9-copy-web

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

    Kleinworth and Co 4 image web board copy

    free photoshop template download

    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}

    By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

    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.

    Garlic Cabbage Slaw {Recipe}, recipes with 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.

    Garlic Cabbage Slaw {Recipe}, garlic recipes

    Print Recipe

    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

    Garlic Cabbage Slaw {Recipe}, garlic recipes, side dishes, summer pot luck

    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.

    Garlic Cabbage Slaw {Recipe}

    Want more garlic….. try these Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Garlic Mashed Potatoes, recipe, Country Crock, Thanksgiving

    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.

    Making Rock Candy ~ Your Best Weekly Making Rock Candy ~ Your Best Weekly
    Print Recipe

    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
    Making Rock Candy ~ Your Best Weekly
    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

    Kleinworth & Co.,your best weekly button, DIY sharing, project sharing, recipe sharing, weekly Wednesday blog link up
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    Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best Weekly

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    Chemotherapy Head Wrap {Tutorial}

    By Kleinworth & Co 20 Comments

    First- let me say that my thoughts & my heart are with all that have been touched by what happened at the Boston Marathon yesterday.

    Sending prayers!

    Free Printable Checklist Templates

    As many of you know my mom is fighting cancer- skin cancer.  About 2 years ago she had a questionable mole removed from her shoulder.  After the biopsy they found that it was Squamous cell skin cancer.  They THOUGHT things would be okay because they THOUGHT they removed it in time & we were grateful for that.  Flash forward to about 3 months ago when she noticed a lump under her arm.  She went & had it checked- it was the size of a thumbnail.  They biopsied it – turned out it was once again the Squamous cells.  Apparently after poking it for the biopsy it became agitated & started growing rapidly.  Within 6 week from that time it was poked to the time it was surgically removed- it had grown to the size of a baseball.  This was not an actual tumor- this was her lymph nodes- those lovely little filters & “catch-all’s” that were doing their job & holding on to all these cancerous cells that were trying to take over her body.   There were a couple cells that found their way outside of the lymph nodes.  They removed all 20 something lymph nodes & found cancer in 16 of them.  They have never seen Squamous cell skin cancer behave in the way that it is presenting to them & so they are now doing an aggressive bout of chemotherapy & targeted radiation.  We don’t know how well this will work for her.  The thought once was that Melanoma & Basal Cell were the only real threats to your life when it came to skin cancer.  They always thought that if you removed Squamous skin cancer in a timely manner- you were good & really had nothing to worry about going forward.  That doesn’t seem to be the case here.

    Chemotherapy Head Wrap {Tutorial}

    So while my mom has just had her first bout of chemotherapy we all know what is about to happen.  So I made her a bunch of these head wraps.  I wanted to be sure she had enough colors & she had something to keep her head warm & covered, even though she is in southern California.  She certainly can’t be getting her scalp sunburned.  (sorry I had to use my daughter as the model since my mom is 1500 miles away)

    free printable, how to wear printable, Chemotherapy Head Wrap {Tutorial}, gift ideas for those fighting cancer

    These are really simple to make.  So if you have a sewing machine & know someone going through chemotherapy- this is a great gift for them.

    You only need super soft & stretchy cotton fabric like a nice Pima cotton t-shirt material.  Cut to 20″ x 20″.

    Sew together on one side to form a tube.  I don’t have a serger so I just stitched the ends together & then stitched that seam down flat. The key here is to make that seam as so ft as possible because the slightest thing can be irritating or painful on the sensitive skin while going through chemo.

    I left the ends un-hemmed so that it was softer & more stretchy.  Again- the less things to irritate the sensitive skin the better.

    Then if you are giving these as a gift- you can print out this gift tag & add it to your package.

    Chemo Head Wrap how to wear tag,free printable, Chemotherapy Head Wrap {Tutorial}

    Download HERE

     

    If you can do this to help those fighting this horrible disease- please do.  It will be so very much appreciated.

     

    Also- please get yourself checked for skin cancer.  I know that my insurance company does not cover things like a annual check so you might want to keep an ear out for events & screenings in your area when they come up.  You can also see your primary doctor & have them do a look over but really a dermatologist is best.  Many will do a screening for about $100 office visit.  It’s worth it!!!  It could save our life.  For more info on the types of skin cancer & what to look for- go HERE.   Please take it seriously- it CAN kill you if left unchecked.

     

    This head wrap has been featured on Craft Stew – visit & pick up more Free Hat Patterns.

    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

    4 Fabulous Homemade Recipes ~ Your Best Weekly Features

    By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

    Happy Saturday to you all!!

    Thank you all for joining me for Your Best Weekly last Wednesday! I truly appreciate it.

    I LOVE all the things you all shared & had so much fun reading your posts. I am always so inspired.

    Here are some of the things that you shared…..

    4 Fabulous Homemade Recipes ~ Your Best Weekly Features

    Homemade Cheez-It Crackers from Feeding Big & More

    Chewy Granola Bars from Kimberly @  A Fresh Perspective

    Raspberry Devil Cupcakes from A Handful of Everything

    Cinnamon & Sugar Muffins from Peanut Butter & Jelly

     

    I also had to share this adorable project that my girls are dying to add to their room.

    hanging butterfly ball craft

    Hanging Butterfly Ball from Callie’s Crafts

     

    Then there was this from my dear friend Tiffany who ALWAYS inspires me to make things just a little more beautiful in my life.  You know I love things to be organized & I really appreciate a cohesive space.  So being that I buy in bulk I just fell in love with what she did to her pantry.  BRAVO Tiffany!!!  I love it!!!!  Now I really miss having a pantry. Maybe when we move from this temporary space.

    Pantry Makeover

    Pantry Makeover from Tiffany @ June Makes Six

     

     

    And in case you missed the things I was up to this past week- here’s a recap…..

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    Make your own party straws – super simple!  Check it out HERE

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake, recipe

    Blackberry Red Velvet Crash Cake

    Banana Coconut Donuts, recipe

    Banana Coconut Donuts

     

     

    Don’t miss my GIVEAWAY for a $50 Gift Card to Erin Condren!!! Enter HERE

    $50 gift card giveaway to Erin Condren

     

    Have an amazing 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

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake

    By Kleinworth & Co 19 Comments

    Do you have times when you wish making a dessert wasn’t such a chore??  Wish you could just throw something together that was simple & quick but that looked amazing & your family would gush over??  Yeah- me too!!  All the time.  Insert the crash cake!!  It’s so crazy easy & my family LOVED it.  Especially the hubs because he’s not a huge fan of frosting.  So for him- being able to have cake without the frosting was great.

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake, recipe

    This all came about because I went to Wal-Mart.  Yeah- I usually don’t do the shopping because it’s dangerous for me to do so.  But the circumstances were such that I had to head into town & take care of it.  So as luck would have it- right as I walked in the door they had this huge display of glassware  on sale.  All sorts of things that would have made a lovely addition to my prop cabinet.  I tried to use restraint but the one thing I couldn’t pass up with this trifle dish.  I have always wanted one & it was just calling me.  For the price I couldn’t pass it up.  I would have kicked myself for not buying it- so I did.

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake, recipe

    Then I sat & looked at it for about another week before I actually did something with it.  I just couldn’t decide what I would make first.  I finally decided on a crash cake- mainly for it’s ease & secondly because I was craving all those flavors & what better way to nix that craving than to put them together.

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake, recipe

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake, recipe
    Print Recipe

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake

    Ingredients

    • 1 Red Velvet Cake Mix eggs, oil & water- baked to package instructions in 9x13 pan.
    • 1 large tub cool whip
    • 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding
    • 4 cups milk
    • 2 cups Blackberries

    Instructions

    • Bake your cake & set aside to cool.
    • While cake is baking prepare your instant pudding to pkg instructions with your mix & milk.
    • Once cake is cooled & pudding is set pull all ingredients out & prepare to assemble.
    • Start by cutting your cake into squares so it's easier to handle.
    • Pull out & break cake up into large pieces to cover the bottom of dish.
    • Layer in by the spoonful your cool whip.
    • Then a layer of berries.
    • Add another layer of cake pieces.
    • Now add your pudding, followed by more cake, then cool whip & then the last of the cake.
    • Top with remaining cool whip & more berries.
    • Keep in freezer until about 12-15 minutes before serving.

     

    I told you it was easy!

     

    Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake, recipe

    Have a great Thursday everyone!

     

    Don’t miss my current giveaway posted on Tuesday from Erin Condren through Daily Mom!!

    Head back & enter- she has some really awesome things in her store. 

     

    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

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    By Kleinworth & Co 24 Comments

    Hi Everyone!!!  Welcome!!

    Hope you had a FABULOUS weekend!   I got a little crafty & creative with my food photo props this weekend.  I was going to wait to share them with you until tomorrow- however I have a VERY EXCITING GIVEAWAY that you won’t want to miss.  It goes live tomorrow morning!  Be sure to come back & enter.  I have teamed up with my dear friend-  the FABULOUS Elena on her new venture Daily Mom.  I will be hosting this giveaway tomorrow & will also be a regular contributor for her over there.  Check it out.  She has done an amazing job at putting together a great resource for moms.

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    So anyhow, the photo props.  I purchased some of those adorable paper party straws.  But you know- they can be a bit pricey when I am just using them for props.  So I decided to take a bunch of straws I had on hand & do a little quick work with the Washi tape.  I have collected a few rolls & have been meaning to do something with them.  A million different things pop in my head of things to do – I never end op doing any of them.  So this time I did.  Maybe because it was for photo props- made it more of a priority I guess.  🙂

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    Some I taped straight down to keep the pattern as it is on the tape.  Some I decided to wrap instead- came out just as cute.

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    As you can see- I have a thing about photographing them.

    Could be my love of photographing products. I don’t know- but I couldn’t stop snapping these

    DIY Party Straws ~ Project 52 ~ Week 14

    So what kept you busy over the weekend???  Can’t wait to see! 

     

    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



    3 Great Projects for Tweens ~ Your Best Weekly Features

    By Kleinworth & Co 3 Comments

    WOW- you guys inspire me every week!  In looking at all these post this week I realized that there were some really great ideas that I could not only do WITH my kids but that they were also ones that they could do on their own if I just let loose & not be so uptight about controlling everything  🙂   So this week your posts inspired…

    3 Great Projects for Tweens ~ Your Best Weekly Features

    Featured are…

     

    Throw Pillow Covers from Kimberly @ A Fresh Perspective

    Succulent Terrariums from Kim @ Little by Little

    Custom Bookmark Printables from Elena @ Cropped Stories

     

    Thank you all for participating with me each week & giving me constant smiles &  more reasons to step out of the office & have some fun.

    I’m looking forward to seeing what you will come up with for next week!

     

    If you missed some posts through the week- here are some of the things I was sharing…

    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze, recipe

    Chocolate Cake Donuts with Peanut Butter Glaze

     

    Spring Door Decor ~ Your Best Weekly, decorating for spring, chicken wire crafts

    Spring Door Decor

     

    Glitter Jars ~ Project 52 ~ Week 13

    Glitter Jar Tutorial

     

     

    Before I forget- have you all started thinking about Mother’s Day yet??  It will be here before you know it.

    Here are some great ideas to get you started…

     

    Funny Aprons

    keep_calm_and_bake_on_apron_dark

    I’m personally loving this one right now.

     

    Coffee Mug

    shoot_you_mug

    Thinking I really need this one.

     

    Posters

    514_400x400_NoPeel

    and Travel mugs too.

     

    All these items are from CafePress.  Head on over & check them out.  They have just about anything you could ever want when it comes to things that are printed or things that can be printed on.  Shirts, cups, bags & all sorts of goodies to help you find exactly what you are looking for.    I will be posting a review coming up soon- so I will have an update for you on how much I love their products.

    Have a FABULOUS weekend everyone!  See you next week!

     

    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

    Glitter Jars {DIY Tutorial}

    By Kleinworth & Co 12 Comments

    I spent some time working on a little craft.  I have this thing about saving used jars.  I wash them, get the labels off & then I always have plans on upcycling or repurposing them into something else.  Then they usually collect & collect in my craft closet until I finally realize I have way too many & I let some go.  This time I actually pulled some out & did a little something with a few.  I have been meaning to do this glitter jar decorating for months.  Like- we are talking Christmas time people.  I lay awake at night with craft projects & recipes running through my head.  There are not enough hours in a day to do them all.  There are certainly not enough blog posts in a year to share every single one of them with you.  I have to narrow it down to just sharing my favorites of the week because I honestly can’t blog about it all.  But I guess that is a good thing right??

    Glitter Jars tutorial

    These were so easy- quite messy & turned out so pretty. The hubs IS always finding glitter in rooms where the jars have never ventured- but I don’t care.  It’s not the end of my world.  I think they add just enough sparkle (no pun intended) to the room to make me smile.  With all this rustic cabin decor- I needed something a little fussy & girly to jazz up the space.  Like I said last week- I’m going to embrace each day a bit more & worry a bit less about the things that don’t matter.  Yes I will still keep my house super clean – but I’m not going to let it get me in a tizzy if something is out of place for a short while.  Life is too short.

    Glitter Jars tutorial

    Clean the labels off your jars- I like to soak them in soapy water & then take a spackle  tool to then scrape them off.

    Then tape off your jars in the desired pattern.

    Pray with spray adhesive & sprinkle with glitter.

    That easy!

     

    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

    Spring Door Decor ~ Your Best Weekly

    By Kleinworth & Co 12 Comments

    Happy Wednesday!  Welcome to another Your Best Weekly!

    Check out some of the fabulous things you all shared last week.

    Your Best Weekly

    Barbecue Beef Recipe from Kimberly @ A Fresh Perspective

    Amish Egg Bake from Oma @ Grandparents Plus

    Lemon Crinkle Cookies from Yolanda @ Peanut Butter & Jelly

     

    With those 3 you now have breakfast, dinner & dessert covered.

     

    Then Elena @ Cropped Stories shared her Big Girl Room make-over & just look how adorable it turned out!!

    Your Best Weekly

    A little change in how I am going to do things.  I am going to start doing my weekly features in their own post on Saturday’s!!

    So things you link up today will be featured this coming Saturday instead of waiting until next time we meet for Your Best Weekly.

     

    I spent some time making something new to hang on the front door now that Easter has passed. I try to do a new wreath or some sort of decoration on the front door each month.   I did have one for March where I utilized some blown out eggs & some paint- I never did get around to posting it.  But now that Easter is behind us- I needed something that would work for April.   I had picked up some chicken wire for another project that I have yet to share & I also bought the adorable little garden shovel at Target in the $1 bin.  I originally planned on using it as a photo prop – but when I was pulling this whole thing together I just kept coming back to it in my head & I realized that it really did need to be a part of this project.

    Spring Door Decor

    The white is just some fabric that I pulled through each hole of the wire.  I also wrapped it around the bottom to have something to glue the moss to. Then I printed off some little flags to make the banners, wired the shovel on there & added the flowers & ribbon to hang.  It didn’t take too terribly long & sums up how I plan on spending my April….. gardening.

    Spring Door Decor ~ Your Best Weekly, decorating for spring, chicken wire crafts

    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

    To see where I am linking today- visit HERE



    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze

    By Kleinworth & Co 20 Comments

    Happy National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day!!

    I thought that since today is National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day I would at least try to incorporate one of the two into my post today.  I didn’t come up with anything fancy to tweak the good ol’ PB&J- but I did make some chocolate cake donuts & then topped them with a peanut butter glaze.   Mmmmm- they were great!  The house smelled like a donut house & I was in heaven.  I’m telling you- it’s so bad that I have a donut maker in the house.

    But the good part is that- even though these are not super healthy, they are not packed full of preservatives or chemicals.  My kids are now eating home made goods for breakfast more often than they are pulling out the cereal or Pop Tarts.  I know these have sugar- but my guess is that since they are minis- it’s probably less than the standard kid breakfast.  I’m probably just justifying it to myself.  But at the same time- I really am trying to be far more conscious about the chemicals we are ingesting on a daily basis.  Plus- I just like that I can make something myself that they like.  🙂

    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze, recipe
    The peanut butter glaze was great on top of these.  Really- peanut butter & chocolate... you can’t go wrong.
    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze, recipe
    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze, recipe
    Print Recipe

    Peanut Butter Glaze

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp milk
    • 1-1/2 cup confectioners sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 heaping tbsp peanut butter

    Instructions

    • Whisk all ingredients with a fork until smooth fluid.
    • Add additional small splashes of milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
    • Will store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze, recipe
    Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze, recipe
    Print Recipe

    Peanut Butter Glaze

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp milk
    • 1-1/2 cup confectioners sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 heaping tbsp peanut butter

    Instructions

    • Whisk all ingredients with a fork until smooth fluid.
    • Add additional small splashes of milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
    • Will store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

     

    Enjoy with your morning coffee!!

     

    Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52 & Wednesdays for Your Best WeeklyTo see where I am linking today- visit HERE

     

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