Five on Friday: Oprah's Favorite Things 2015

Favorite one. OPRAH's FAVORITE THINGS!!!

Am I the only person that LOVE's Oprah's favorite things list? I love looking for new products not to mention some of the ridiculous products (last years post). Here are some of my favorites! You can purchase all of them on Amazon.com too! Which to me makes life so much easier since I order EVERYTHING on Amazon. I will say I am slightly disappointed in this list. I didn't feel it had as much crazy ridiculous stuff (minus the dog fur coat) and had lots of repeats from past seasons! But here are 4 of my favorites!

Favorite 2. I keep trying to get my husband to wear matching monogrammed pajamas for Christmas morning. He thinks we should coordinate! But how cute are these Burt's Bees Family Jammies?

Favorite 3.  I just love this. I may have to get a dog just so they can wear the Frontage Faux-Fur  coat. Do you think Armondo my cat would wear this? Not to mention it is only $39! Haha!!

Favorite 4. These Vince Melange Sweatpants are needed desperately so I stop looking like a homeless person going into/out of my daughter's swim class. And for a price tag of $195 I better be wearing them every SINGLE day! This might be slightly pricy for sweatpants. But on the other hand my sweatpants are so old and gross!

Favorite 5. And I have a copy of the Ad Hoc cookbook on my kitchen counter so obviously I need the salt cellar too! But for $49 I may have to pass. So cute though!

Have you looked at the list? What are your favorites?

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Linking up with a. liz adventures, carolina charm, hello! happiness and the good life blog today!

Five on Friday - Favorites this Week

So this is the last Friday we will be at the beach! Our home is almost done and we are headed back to be closer to the house as they finish the last touches. Can't wait to jump right back into everything when I get back. Baby A has her first swim lessons, and we have our new home orientation. I can hardly wait. I ordered our mattresses and the Serena & Lily counter chair. I ordered in navy and can't wait to see how it looks. If you order one chair they will allow you to return for free. So we are going to test it out, and if we like it order the others.

Here are my five favorite things this week!!

1. Beautycounter Social 
I am hosting a Beautycounter social this month and so excited to buy some new makeup/products. I am so incredibly low on EVERYTHING and will definitely be stocking up. If you aren't familiar with Beautycounter check out their website here. The products try to use the most natural ingredients and follow the strictest guidelines. I use all of their products for kids on Baby A. Then for myself I have been using the Rosewater Toner, Eye Cream, and Suntan lotion. Check out my blog post from earlier this week with what else I am looking at. I also forgot to include the shampoo and conditioner on my list!

2. eBates 16% back this week!! 

eBates is giving back 16% cash back this week on purchases at certain stores. I was available to take advantage of the Macy's and Sak's discount. So that means that my Tory Burch sandals cost $101 instead of $122.

SO EXCITED!! And Sak's has free shipping too! So definitely keep checking eBates daily to see if they add any new stores. If you are not familiar with eBates check out my old blog post here, just for signing up and making a purchase you get a $10 gift card. To date I have gotten back $104 since I joined.

3. My Strawberry Plants
I love checking daily on how my strawberry plants are doing. I can't believe how many strawberries we have gotten so far. Granted I can only make a shortcake for one person but it is still fun. Best $6 I spent at the Lowe's scratch and dent aisle.

4. Sandra Boynton Children Books
I just love these so much! They are so much fun to read to Lil A! Not to mention she just laughs at the sounds I make. I am a big fan of how many of them are written in songs. I am the worst singer ever and it just makes A laugh so hard. I bought 3 new books this week and can't wait to complete the collection. Right now The Bunny Show (from the Easter bunny) and the Dog book are our favorites.

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble

5. Shrimp & Grits Sale
Are you familiar with Shrimp & Grits? They have the cutest children's clothes and are having a great fall sale right now. I was able to pick up 2 reversible dresses for Lil A and I can't wait to get them. Definitely check out the sale!! These are the two dresses we got! I totally justified the cost by the fact they are 2 dresses in one!!

Hope you have a great weekend!
Linking up with...Style Elixir // September FARM // The Five on Friday Gang // Penniless Socialite // All Things Chic // Claire Justine OXOX // Two Thirty-Five Designs // Birdie Shoots //Lizzie in Lace

Five on Friday - Randomness

Happy Friday! This week we have had the most beautiful weather which means lots of long walks outside. I just love it so much. Not to mention I have a teething baby so the long walks are good for both of us. Overall teething is going well but she it just so uncomfortable.

Here are the 5 things I am in love with this week....

1. Biscoff Bisquits - Yes, I know this is not new but my Dad sent me a package in my Easter treat basket and I totally forgot how much I love these things! So incredible delicious!

2. Blue Apron - I have been a member of Blue Apron for almost 2 years on and off. With having a baby I can't tell you how much I love having groceries delivered to my front door. We have 3 meals a week and it is the perfect amount. I love the fact that all the ingredients are included and everything is portioned out. I didn't realize how much we were overeating until I saw actual portion sizes. The receipes are great and my husband likes to pretend he is a Top Chef judge when eating our meal. So far we have had some real winners! If you are interested in Blue Apron let me know, I get free meals occasionally and can send you a free meal.

3. Sun Visors - Totally going to rock this on my walks with baby A....

Source

Just kidding! I found my old Burberry golf visor and LOVE it! I have a huge head and never am happy with how baseball hats fit. Love my visor!!!! Not to mention it works perfect with my top knot hairdo that I rock nonstop! I tried to find a picture but couldn't find one.

4. Southern Charm - I am SO obsessed with this show. We all know how much I love Charleston so to be able to see my favorite spots every week is so much fun. Not to mention I love the characters on this show. And it is refreshing to watch a reality tv show where people aren't constantly screaming at each other. I love Cameron and Shep. I think they could make a tv show based on the two of them. And Whitney's mother Pat really deserves her own show. She brings her own martini's to parties, has her shoes delivered to her on silver platters, and loves her cats as much as I do. For some reason I am one of the few people that like this show out of my friends. Do you watch it? If so let's chat!!!

Source

5. Nike Tempo Shorts - Finally shorts that I can wear on walks that don't ride up. I live in these shorts lately. I read about them on Sweet Southern Prep and can't get enough of them. I bought one pair at Nordstrom (using eBates for cash back) and a pink pair at Belk.

So this weekend I am hoping the good weather continues! We are thinking of taking a day trip to Bald Head Island, or possible Myrtle Beach to the outlets. We shall see!!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo Jenn

Linking up with... 
A Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello Happiness, The Good Life Blog  

The Diary of a Real Housewife // Meet @ The Barre // xoxo Rebecca // Style Elixir // September FARM // The Five on Friday Gang // Penniless Socialite // All Things Chic // Claire Justine OXOX // Two Thirty-Five Designs // Birdie Shoots //Lizzie in Lace

Favorite Toys - 8 Months Old

Happy Friday!! WOOT WOOT!! Even though I am a stay at home Mom I get so excited for the weekends and spending time as a family!

My Five on Friday post today is dedicated to A's favorite toys at 8 months old. We are just starting to see her preference for certain toys. Basically the key is that she needs to be able to put them in her mouth and chew on them. Poor lil nugget is teething and we hope the front teeth pop out anyway. I have to say to date we are SO LUCKY and teething hasn't been bad so far.

Favorite Toys - 8 Months Old by jennifer-leonard on Polyvore

And yes, you aren't going crazy and yes I know I have 6 items listed below. I just couldn't figure out which one to drop. 

The Hohner Maracitos are by far the funniest of the toys below. A loves them and shakes them all the time. The best is when we are in the car and she falls asleep with them in her hand and when we hit bumps they shake!

Infantino Dog rattle has the sweetest bell sound. I bought this when I was pregnant after seeing it in a store and had to have it. Love the fact that it is one of A's too!

Not sure what to think but my daughter LOVES to look at herself in the mirror (similar). We used to use this for tummy time, and now she picks it up and talks to herself. All I could think of is the old SNL skit with Stuart Smalley and think this is what she is babbling about when looking into the mirror. This toy also has quite the catchy tunes. 

The banana toothbrush and the vulli chew toys are constantly being washed and used. They are also the last resort/saving grace for when we are in restaurants or shopping and need A to be good for another 15-20 minutes. We do not leave the house without them. I actually need to buy more and keep them in the car for emergency situations. 

And last but not least the Baby Einstein (A's iPod!!) has been one of our favorites since she was born. We have been playing with this toy in the car since she was a few days old and we took our first trip to SC. She just loves the tunes and we actually bought two, one for the car and one for home. A is just getting to the point where she picks it up and turns it on all by herself. 

I can go on and on with toys but just wanted to point out a few of her favorites, not to mention these are all good ones for the car and traveling!!

What are your favorite toys for your children? Always looking for recommendations!!

Side note: Pinterest Dreams Blogspot is officially one year old today!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!! 

A Liz Adventures, Hello Happiness, Carolina Charm and The Good Life: Five on Friday September F A R M and The Farmer's Wife: Oh hey, Friday The Diary of a Real Housewife: Friday Favorites Meet @ The Barre: Friday Favorites xoxo Rebecca: That Friday Blog Hop

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
amazon.com

Amazon.com: Vulli 2 Pack Vanilla Flavored Ring Teethe, Colors May...
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Amazon.com : Sing Along Tummy Time Mirror : Baby
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Amazon.com: Infantino Pink Dog Chime - Go Gaga! Collection: Toys &...
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Amazon.com: Hohner Kids / Pair of Maracitos (Colors Vary): Musical...
amazon.com

Five on Friday - Kitchen Pendant Lights

Happy Friday! It has been beautiful this week in NC. Every afternoon I have been able to go on long walks with the baby and even got a lil sunburn. These warm and sunny days in early April have not gotten old to me yet.

Today's Five on Friday is dedicated to our new home and the kitchen island pendant lights which we are searching for. The kitchen currently looks like this ...

But I hope one day it looks like this...

Source: Pinterest

Or this...

Source: Pinterest

So as you can see we still have some time. The kitchen will have granite counters that are white and black speckled, dark wood floors, white cabinets and white subway title. Here some of the ideas that I am thinking about for pendant lighting. 

Five on Friday - Kitchen Pendant Lights by jennifer-leonard featuring restoration hardware lighting

What are your thoughts on which way I should go? Would love to see your recommendations!

Happy Pinning and hope you have a great weekend!

xoxo!!

Linking up with April,  Darci, Christina, Amanda, and Natasha!

Five on Friday - Easter To Do List

Happy Friday! I can't believe Easter is coming up. Does it feel like Easter snuck up on anyone else? I kept thinking about ideas but then figured I had a ton of time. Here are 5 things I am planning on doing this weekend!

1. Making my own candies for easter! Don't worry these all look super simple to make. I found these recipes on Pinterest. Not to mention they are Paleo friendly! 

• Salted Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
• Raw Peppermint Patties

2. Remember the Easter bunny craft from earlier this week? Well I still have about 500 cotton balls left so I figured I might as well get my fill on arts and crafts. This one will be a mask made with paper plates so it should be easier than trying to paint those little baby feet. 

3. Triple-Lemon Blueberry Cake which I have written about before on my to do list but have yet to make. I think I have bought all the ingredients 2-3x but for some reason never actually made. Well now I am committed to bring this to my Aunt's house for Easter so I will definitely be doing it. I will also be making my own lemon curd from this recipe i found on Pinterest. 

4. Cinnabon Bunnies look so cute! And lets not forgot how simple with the Cinnabon rolls from the grocery store. I can't wait to make these. We always have some type of cinnamon on holidays since we eat our big meals later in the day! 

5. Hatching Hard Boiled Chicks will definitely be coming to my Aunt's house with us. A few years ago we did the deviled egg chicks and I thought this was so adorable. Not to mention so much quicker since you don't have to scoop out the eggs! 

And not to mention we also have the spring festival this weekend. I will definitely be a busy little bee chasing after the baby and getting all this accomplished. But at the same time SO incredibly excited to see lil A open her Easter basket! 

Hope everyone has a great Easter weekend and enjoys the Spring weather!

Linking up with April,  Darci, Christina, Amanda, and Natasha!

5 on Friday - Things I Love About Boston

I am so excited to be heading to Boston today for a shower. It is a short trip and really I only have 1 day, but it got me thinking about what I miss about living in Boston. One thing I am not looking forward to is the snow they had last night and this cold front! Better drink extra red wine to stay warm!

1. The North End Food and Drink

This is where I lived for 8 of the 15 years I was in Boston. For those not familiar this is the little Italy of Boston. I love the fact that you can smell the garlic cooking on really cold nights, the coziness of having a big bowl of homemade pasta and lots of red wine followed by cananolis! I could go on and on about my favorites but here is the short list!

The wine Bottega many of bottles of wine bought and consume here!

Modern Pastry is the home of the best cannoli in Boston!

Monica's Food - Take out from the Mercato, Cozy Dinners at Trattoria or sitting at the bar at Vinoteca

Prezza Dirty Italian Martinis, Red Wine, Homemade Pastas, and Delciousness

2. Clarke's Nachos

We started going to Clarke's at Faneuil Hall after college since it was in Faneuil Hall, didn't charge a cover, no lines and $2 Miller Lite drafts. All the perfect requirements for recent graduates with no money. Over the years we also discovered their amazing pub food (love the fries) but the one thing that we loved the most was their nachos! Grilled chicken, nachos, Fresh tomatoes, loaded with lots of shredded cheese and of course the perfect chip with the correct amount of salt on it!! Many topics, ideas, and plans were discussed over these nachos along with our Miller Lites. Plus the nachos were a good dinner before dancing at the Bell & Hand. Side note you know a bar is classy when on the front page of the website it says largest and cleanest bathrooms in Faneuil Hall! Also the Miller Lights are $3 now!!

Best Nachos in Boston

3. Flour Bakery

I started to go to Flour when they had 1 little bakery in the South End for their amazing  sandwiches. Since then they have expanded into multiple locations and Joanne Chang (chef) has written 2 cookbooks. I have each edition signed by Joanne, although I probably creeped her out when I met her since I was so starstuck! If you are looking for the best baked good recipes try these cookbooks out. I have taken my chocolate chip cookies and banana bread to the next level! Not to mention I blame Flour for the 10lbs I gained while working across the street!! I am already thinking about their sticky buns. 

Flour Bakery

Photo Credit

4. Shopping on Newbury Street 
This is where I used to get into lots of trouble! From Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, H&M, Zara, and more. Of course brunching at Stephanie's on Newbury for Bloody Mary's was always a must as well on Saturday afternoons. 

5. These Ladies
These are the ladies that I have shared countless fun days and nights with! Eating and drinking at our favorite dives and most of all we all loved to dannnnce!!

So excited for to go see these ladies!! 

Happy Friday!!

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