Quick and Easy Peanutbutter Cups Recipe

These peanutbutter cups are a favorite at my house and sooooo quick and easy to make! A few ingredients and a microwave is all you need.

* graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups)

* powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups)

* peanut butter (1 1/2 cups)

* chocolate chips (12 oz.)

 * 2 1/2 sticks of butter, Divided

(Did you say the peanutbutter cups recipe has OVER TWO STICKS OF BUTTER?? Yes, yes it does)

Prepare in a 9 x 13 pan.

DIRECTIONS:

1) Mix the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. To save cleaning a pan, I go ahead and mix it in the 9 x 13 pan. Warning: The pan won't look pretty by the end if you do this, but who cares.

2) Melt the peanutbutter and one and a half sticks of butter together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave until the butter is melted (I usually put it in for one minute 30 seconds). Stir until you have a yummy peanutbutter-y syrup. Pour into the graham cracker mixture. This will be thick and awkward at first but keep stirring until well blended. Press into a crust onto the bottom of the pan.

3) Melt one stick of butter with the chocolate chips. I just toss this into the same bowl I melted the peanutbutter in and put this in for one and a half minutes also, stirring midway through. Stir until chocolate is melted, be careful to not put in too long as the chocolate will scorch.  Pour and layer the chocolate on top of the peanutbutter crust.  Spread until the crust is covered.

Hide from the children. Lick the spoon multiple times until it's clean.

Put the pan in the fridge to set up, about 30 minutes to an hour. Sometimes we can't wait that long.

Cut into bars or if you want cute peanutbutter cups, cut with small biscuit cutters. My crew won't wait that long.

Don't you love how the peanutbutter cups are sitting on a healthy eating, whole foods magazine?

It's Spring Break here and these are on the table. They won't last long. 

Let me know what you think if you try them..YUM!

Love,

Elizabeth

I can't really see....did someone say peanutbutter cups??

Decorating the house for spring (and the giveaway winner!)

Happy Spring!!! So happy to see sunshine and warmer weather! I'm slowly decorating the house for spring by changing over my fur throws to lighter white ones and sprinkling the house with florals and springtime colors. 

I bought some fresh flowers (thanks Krogers!) and cheated a little by adding some faux ones (Hobby Lobby) to the back of the vase. This way for $4 a week or so I can change out the flowers up front and still have a huge bouquet for very little money. I also sometimes just add clippings from the yard. (Love those free clippings!) My goal is for our landscaping to include a clipping garden someday - hydrangeas would be great!! - but at this point any landscaping will do!.

I made floral slip covers for a couple of pillows (ok, one and 3/4 pillows). I was bragging to hubby that it was so awesome that my sewing machine has survived 20 years and then I promptly broke it before the last pillow was done! I ended up safety pinning the back of the second pillow. There's no room for perfect in this house! Besides, if you come over judging my pillows you might miss out on my favorite peanut butter bars (recipe coming soon!). Here's a great tutorial on how to make a pillow slipcover if you need one. (and I was laughing that I think we used the same fabric).

The front doors got a little change up from the tired winter wreaths that were there. Fresh flowers would've been amazing, however I'm a low maintenance girl so these faux ones will do just fine.

How are you decorating the house for spring?

Hobby Lobby container, flowers and bow from JoAnn Fabrics

AND FINALLY....Great news! I put Hubby in charge of picking the random winner for the wreath giveaway last week (so you can totally blame him if you didn't win, haha) and he randomly chose.......

Kelly!

Kelly, if you added your email address, I'm having technical difficulties and unfortunately it's not showing up. So Kelly, the fourth commenter (that wrote 'I love your blog. I always enjoy Ellie's comments at the end, too!') please email me at elizabeth@ellieandelizabeth.com so I can get your shipping address to ship your boxwood wreath!! Congrats and thanks to all of you who entered with your sweet and helpful comments. I truly wish I could send each one of you the wreath (find a set of them here). One little comment makes my whole day. You are the best!

Love,

Elizabeth

Watch out world, Elizabeth is now safety pinning things together. At least she's stopped making her curtains with the glue gun.

Shopping the House (Decorating With What You Have) and A Giveaway!

So Hubby walked in the other day and gave me 'the look'. You know the one that you get when you've gone shopping and maybe you have been going a little overboard lately. But this time I got to say, GOOD NEWS HUBBY! I'VE BEEN SHOPPING THE HOUSE!

He is a pretty quiet guy and he just looked at me with the confused/tired look that Desi always gave Lucille Ball. (And he's getting pretty good at Spanish so I'm expecting a foreign rambling under his breath any day). 

"Shopping the house??"

"YES! I mean, decorating with what you have, you know?"

I had a blank wall beside the door off the kitchen that was really bugging me and I had decided I wanted to put a bar cart there. The trouble was every nice bar cart I saw was megabucks. I want to save megabucks for something more fun than a barcart... So then I just went looking around the house to see what I could move into that spot. We have a playroom/guestroom space that I haven't really decorated yet and there was a table up there that I realized would fit perfectly in this spot. I went to the attic and found a lamp, stole the tray from the kitchen table, and opened up the box with the tiered tray that I got for Christmas. I took the greenery from the laundry room and set out glassware from the kitchen. The metal basket on the bottom had been holding a plant that died...(normal at my house). The blue jar and owl picture had been in the kitchen but it they weren't really adding any pizazz there.

I had ordered the mirror for my oldest son's room, but it just didn't work in there. I thought it fit pretty well here though and I had just ordered a pack of these little boxwood  wreaths to scatter around the house, which I think is pretty cute on top of any mirror or hanging on an armoire door, etc.

Sooo if budget doesn't allow something new, why not just move things around for a fresh look? And if you are just starting out and don't have much to move, swap with your friend who is in the same boat. New stuff for free! And speaking of free...here's the scoop on my giveaway!

Trying out a different pitcher.... think I like this one here better!

It's just a little something, but I want to say thank you for the support you've given me on the blog. If you are interested in winning a small boxwood wreath like the one hanging on my mirror, just comment below by the end of March 26, 2017. Any comment will do, but I'm particularly interested in what you want to see more of on the blog...more personal stories? More decorating? More faith based posts? Be sure to add in your email address so I will be able to contact you for your shipping address if you win. Remember, I'm still a fairly new blog so you have a good chance at winning if you comment! I'll randomly choose a winner and will announce it on the next blog post. 

See you then!

Love,

Elizabeth

Decorating with what you have is Hubby's favorite kind of decorating...

Cleaning out the Closet

I walked into my closet the other day and just walked right back out.  I'd been putting it off cleaning out the closet forever, but the time has come that I must get rid of some things. (Disclosure - my closet is not some Pinterest paradise closet, I designed it to hang almost everything and there's no fancy wooden cabinets, etc, but it works for me!).

Here are some tips I have learned over the years that have worked when I implement them (and sometimes I'm a 12 year old child whose clothes end up on the floor). A lot of what I've been doing over the years is also listed in Chalene Johnson's podcast about cleaning out the closet, if you need additional motivation, take a listen to her on Itunes. 

1) This one is obvious, but get rid of what you are not wearing. For realz. Sometimes I hold on to a piece because I want to be that person who wears that little black skirt and look so cute. The reality is that little black skirt is two sizes too small and it's no where near cute on me. Be honest with yourself on what works and what doesn't. (confession: I may hold on to a classic, quality piece that I love even if it's a little snug IF I HAVE THE ROOM. You can't totally kill the dream all in one day. Surely I can lose five pounds??But if there's no room, the skirt goes). 

2) Hang up as much as you can. If you have the room, hang it so that you can see it and it doesn't end up all wadded up in some drawer and you forget about it.  Bonus - less wrinkles too! In my first house, my closet was half this size, but it still worked for me because I was pretty good at just keeping what I truly wore. 

3) Organize clothes by color, long sleeves, short sleeves, pants and jackets/coats. I did this about two years ago and shockingly it's still in place and I LOVE IT! Why? Because in the past I'd spend 15-20 minutes searching for my blue shirt, only to finally remember it was wadded up in the laundry basket. Now I can go to the long sleeve section, look in the blue shirt area and see that it's not there, and that there's a hanger waiting for it, so it's obviously dirty. Game changer! It's also kind of neat to notice what color you obviously like to wear (blue/black) and what colors you hardly ever buy (why don't I have anything cute and purple??).

4) Use hanging shoe racks and other hanging organizers. These are fabulous for everything under the sun. I put pajamas and yoga pants in the larger ones, so I can just grab what's on top and go. The only thing I keep in drawers are undies, tights/hose and socks.

I put a china cabinet in my closet that holds those in the drawer and my scarves are kept behind the glass doors so it's easy to see what I have. (It was my grandmother's, I'm pretty sure she would be appalled that undies are in there instead of china). My shoes are in the bottom. I know, right? Where are all the shoes??? Purses?? I'm just not a 100 pairs of shoes/purses kinda girl. I get rid of what I don't wear/use every year so I just don't need that much space for shoes and accessories (but I do love them!). I use decorative boxes on the top shelf to hold things I rarely use (my bathing suit, lol).

Thinking of painting the cabinet cream to match the shelves...you think? Once again, my grandmother would be horrified :)

If you don't have hanging space and need to put more into drawers, my friend, Sheri Bertolini is an amazing organizer, and has taught me when using smaller drawers, if possible set each piece vertically with the fold facing up, as if they were hanging files. You can see what you have and not take up near as much room. Here's that post on her site and browse around if you'd like a huge amount of great organizing tips!

I like to decorate this space with things that are special to me, since it's all mine and Hubby has his own closet.....my Dad's ties. My wedding picture is on the opposite wall.

4) Decorate your closet, make it a nice place to be. It doesn't have to be a large walk-in to make it pleasant. Use matching hangers. I have wooden ones (Ebay). I like how they look and I have the space for them so it works for me, however, I'd recommend velvet hangers if you have a smaller closet because the wooden ones take up A LOT of space. I don't know if there is a difference in quality regarding the velvet ones, but I saw a large bundle of them at Burke's yesterday for $10. If you do have the space, hang pics, a little chandelier, fuzzy rug, an ottoman, whatever makes you happy, because if you're like me, you are in there a lot! (Ahem, I may or may not have hidden from my children and eaten chocolate in there at one time or another. Cleaning out the closet does have it's advantages).

If you are in the same boat and need to purge, good luck on cleaning out your closet! Spring is almost here and you'll have a headstart!

Love,

Elizabeth

Keep in mind, you're taking organizational advice from a messy person. Just sayin'.

A Letter To My Grown Son

Sometimes you wonder, did I raise him right? Did I teach him well?  When no one is looking, does he do the right thing?  This child of mine whose room is a wreck, who sometimes sleeps until noon, whose hair needs a little work. The child who stays up too late, leaves the milk out, who's mischievous grin means you've just been pranked.

That one who always carries his phone but doesn't always answer your texts, who leaves all the lights on when he leaves for work, the one who "is a grown-up now, MOM…."

Yes, son, yes you are.  

When you told me what you did, I was a little shocked, and thankful nothing bad had happened.  You are too young to see the danger, but what you saw was more.  

You saw a man in the rain, curled up in the corner against a building.  You didn't look away like I do.  You didn't make assumptions. You saw his suffering. You talked to him, found out his story, you took him in your car.  You gave him words of encouragement and drove him to a hotel. You put him up for a night with the small amount of money a college kid has. 

You saw him.

Maybe all that man needed was to be heard, to feel that he mattered, to truly be seen. You showed him compassion. You looked into his eyes and didn't turn away.  You saw a worthy soul despite his dirty exterior.

The years have made me callous and I wince when I think that I probably would have kept on walking. Been afraid even. Sizing up his situation without even hearing his one word.  Even with my flawed example, you have flourished and I am proud. 

'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.’

You saw him.

Yes, you are now grown, my son with the pure heart.

And I truly see you. 

Don't tell him, but this kid has Elizabeth wrapped around his finger.

Love you guys!  

Love,

Elizabeth

BEST PODCASTS - a list of my favs

Hey y'all! January/February has been crazy! We've been traveling but are home now with hopes of getting back to the regularly scheduled program! We had some fun times in Orlando, Florida, ending the trip with a horrible but hysterical picture of me terrified on a roller coaster at Disney. (The kids already posted it on their Instagram. Thanks so much, my loving children).

On to podcasts! I LOVE PODCASTS!! If you haven't discovered them yet, they are like a radio show that you can listen to any time that's convenient for you. There are many different genres, you can listen to series, mysteries, newscasts, how-to, the list goes on. I'm sure there are many ways to listen, but I downloaded a free podcast listening app on iTunes. From there you can search any topic you want to listen to - also free! So wonderful to listen to when you have a boring chore hanging over your head, or you're traveling, etc.

These are the ones I'm currently listening to or have listened to, listed by topic. I'm still discovering these and adding every day, so I may update my list in a few months. So far all the ones I've heard on this list I would consider 'clean'. (If there is an 'E' beside a podcast listing for 'explicit' material, it can range from one curse word to who knows what, Ain't nobody got time for that). Also, some of these are best if you listen to them in order, so scroll down to the bottom of the feed to start at the earliest date listed.

MYSTERY/DOCUMENTARY

1) SERIAL - If you've heard of podcasts, you probably know this one. Season 1 is excellent and is what got me hooked on podcasts in the first place. It's a true series documenting a case about a teenager convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and whether or not he was wrongly convicted. I binged listened while straightening up the house and my home had never been so clean. 

Season 2, for me, was just okay. I admit, I was a little sad.

2) THE WAY I HEARD IT | MIKE ROWE - If you are old enough to remember and love the radio announcer Paul Harvey, you will be thrilled with this one.  Mike Rowe, from Dirty Jobs, tells an interesting little mystery or little known fact in a Paul Harvey, 'And now you know the rest of the story' style. It's a short, 5 - 10 minute listen and I have loved every one of them.

DECORATING

1) THE CHRIS LOVES JULIA PODCAST Super cute married couple/bloggers talk about decorating their house while giving tips and tricks and giving us little peeps into their lives. Their friend Preston is the commentator. This trio is light and funny, my favorite of the decorating podcasts so far. ***Edited to add -their latest episode has a tiny off color moment in there. Just wanted to give you a heads up that's not the norm!

2) YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HAS A PODCAST Again, a married couple/bloggers who started a podcast from their very popular blog about decorating their home.  I've been listening to them about a month and I like their topics.  I admit that they play this little quiz game that I wish they'd skip, but it's very short. :)

3) DECORATING TIPS AND TRICKS This one is a brand new podcast, by....you guessed it, more bloggers! If you've ever heard of these blogs: Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Stone Gable and My Soulful Home, then you'll know these ladies. I love a french, farmhouse, industrial style and they are all over that. I've only heard three episodes but I've really liked it so far.

MOTIVATIONAL 

1) THE CHARLENE SHOW This powerhouse, Chalene Johnson, (and if I'm not mistaken, the original creator of the Beachbody phenomenon), gives productivity tips for every issue under the sun (not just exercise related). Upbeat and motivational, Chalene talks about nutrition, family and relationship issues and success tips in all areas.

1a) BUILD YOUR TRIBE If you are interested in the business side of things, Chalene also has a second podcast with the same upbeat positive message including topics like 'How To Balance Family and Business' and 'Facebook Tips Every Business Owner Must Know'.  No matter the topic, I love her because she talks to you like an old friend.

2) LAUGH OR GO CRAZY Okay, you know how you have that one friend that you have to prepare people for ahead of time, like...I have this friend, she's really great, but she has some quirks..LOL. This is that friend, disguised as a podcast. This is a podcast featuring a conversation between two friends, both teachers, focusing on how to live their best lives. They started out coming together after the death of a mutual friend, somehow taping messages to each other, which gradually turned into the podcast. I don't even know what's quirky about them, or what draws me in, but I listen every time!? Apparently, they've been taping for years, but you have to buy a membership to get a hold of the oldest episodes. (Booo, I haven't committed to that so far).  They also have a book coming out this year.

SPIRITUAL

1) FOCUS ON THE FAMILY These guys have outdone themselves, because they have a daily inspirational podcast, a marriage podcast, a parenting podcast, an international podcast and the list goes on! I've enjoyed the daily one, but have just discovered the many others. Topics include episodes like 'Practical Help for When You're Overwhelmed' and 'Cherish Your Spouse, Change Your Marriage'. 

2) MUD STORIES I literally just stumbled onto this one today, so give me a little leeway, because I have just listened to one episode. 'Mud' stories are interviews about how God got people through their difficult times. I found it because the host interviewed Edie Wadsworth. Anyone who interviews Edie is an instant friend of mine. If you don't know Edie, she blogs at lifeingraceblog.com. She doesn't write on the blog as much as she used to, but she is an AMAZING writer and there's years of material there to read (she also just came out with a memoir that I'm kicking myself for leaving off of my booklist post, called All the Pretty Things).  I loved Edie's interview and can't wait to download more episodes and check out this podcast.

WRITING

1) THE WRITER FILES If you are interested in becoming a writer, this features a great 10 minute interview with a different author each week. Each writer gives their tips and talks about their habits. There are many, MANY writing podcasts out there, but this is one of two that I have stuck with.

2) THE HOPEWRITERS PODCAST I love this one, a trio of authors talk about how they write about giving hope to others. Hosted by the blogger known as The Nester, her sister and their father.

RANDOM

1) THE CARSON PODCAST I'm again showing my age here, but I hope you know who Johnny Carson was (the most incredible late night talk show host of all time). Listen to interviews from frequent guests that were on the show. I am young enough that I don't recognize all of the guests names, but some of them have a neat twist, such as the man who was interviewed on behalf of Lucille Ball (she had taken him under her wing, even though they had no other connection than him just being a big fan). Other interviews include Michael J. Fox, Steven Wright, Drew Carey,  Florence Henderson (2014), Brooke Shields, Larry King, Pat Sajak, Bob Saget, Carol Burnett (LOVE HER). and the list goes on.

What are your favorite podcasts? Give me some new ones to try!

Y'all, Elizabeth DID NOT take me to Disney.  Therefore,  I think it's only fair that I share her rollercoaster pic. Shhhh. 

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