Christmas 2015 List - For Me!!

Since Oprah released her Christmas List last week I feel that I should also release mine. Since my Mom has asked me a gazillion times what I want. Although, after our past few shopping trips I may have already reached my max!

Anyway, can you believe Christmas is 7 weeks away? I feel like it is going to sneak up on us so fast and we have so much to do. Maybe it is the fact that Starbuck's is serving holiday drinks or Target has their Christmas decorations out but I can't wait for the holiday. Today I thought I would share some of the items on my Christmas List!

Also, if you haven't signed up for eBates yet NOW is the time! It is free to sign up and all you do is search for your store and then shop normally. They even have a tool that you can download so you don't have to go to the site. When you go to the site it will prompt to ask you if you want to save with eBates. To date I have received $121 back and I joined in February. Not bad? They also have a great referred program. If you refer 1 friend you get $5, 2 friends $45 and 3 friends $50 which equals $100 cash back. It is worth it just to get all your friends and family to sign up. Click here to a post that I did earlier this year with details about eBates.

Of course I should be responsible and ask for money for new furniture for our home but that isn't fun!

Anthropologie

• ·      Cat Domesticated Trinket Dish – For my daughter's bathroom. Maybe I should move that to her Christmas list!!
• ·      Sidonie Pom Beanie - I love a good pom pom hat. And always have to get new ones each year because so does my kitty!
• ·      Rosebud Layer Necklace I thought this was so pretty and something I could wear year round.                                                                                                
• ·      Tie Neck Swing Blouse – Blue Size Medium Because I just love my blouse shirts. I feel dressed up even if I am just running to target!
• Snow Dusting Throw - How soft and amazing does this look? I saw it in person and it is so soft. 
  
  I really really want to get this Marielle duvet and shams for our bedroom too! I keep waiting to the next sale to purchase!
  

Nordstrom

• ·      Tory Burch Carolina Patent Flat – Size 10 Camelia Pink Beige I had these in black and wore them ALL the time. So much they have holes in the toes!

Belk

• ·      Laura Mercier Stroke of Genius Luxe Brush Collection This is something I have needed for years. I tried to do the brushes from Target but they are just not the same. 

Amazon

• The Southerners Handbook – A guide to living the good Because I know live in the South
• Superfoods: The Flexible Approach to Eating More Superfoods Combines my love for clean eating and a reality star from my favorite show Ladies of London
• Conair Instant Heat Travel Hair Curlers I have hopes that I will finally be able to hold a curl with these. Not to mention my daughter has taken over my other curlers as her favorite toys. Whatever keeps her happy!
• Molton Brown London Fine Liquid Hand Wash – Orange & Bergamot Love this scent. Reminds me of shopping in London with a friend years ago. Perfect for the powder room. 
• Capri Blue Jar Candle – For Kitchen I have wanted this for years and never purchased. Not only does it smell delicious it is the perfect pop of blue for my kitchen. 
• Padnero Veggie Spiralizer – 3 blade I bought a handheld one and OUCH I think I lost half of my hand. Definitely need a safer option!
• Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor Brushed Chrome and Nickel Because my other one broke when we moved to NC! 
• Acure Radical Wrinkle Complex I need all the help I can get these days! Just read about these products and they are much cheaper then my Beautycounter products. You can buy on Amazon or Whole Foods. I love the price point so I can try a few items to see how they work together. 
• Acure Seriously Firming Facial Serum 
• Acure Toner Rose + Red Tea
• Acure Eye Cream Chlorella Edelweiss Stem Cell Acure Organics 1.0 oz Cream

Beautycounter - You can purchase BeautyCounter here. My friend Vironica is a rep and can answer any questions. She is awesome!! I have slowly been transitioning my products over. Definitely read my past post on why!

• Dew Skin Tinted Moisterizer – No 2
• Mattify Skin Finishing Powder
• Color outline eye pencil – Black
• Lip Sheer – Twig

JCrew - 5% Cash back on eBates!

• Mixed Tortoise Necklace I have been searching for something tortoise forever. I wear so many browns and feel like this would be perfect!
• Gem Pearl Earrings My two favorite things! Diamonds and Pearls not to mention my favorite diamond cut. 
• Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham – Size 4 spicy jade and neon amethyst I have this shirt and navy and wear it all the time year round. I actually have two! So would love to add some extra colors. 
• Cambridge Cable Turtleneck Sweater – ivory & navy Medium These look so comfortable and I have read great reviews. 

And don't forget about Gift Cards! 

• Anthropolgie (because I couldn't ask for everything in the store for Christmas), Restoration Hardware (we really do need furniture), Nordstrom (obviously) and Homegoods (because I may go there 2-3x a week)!!

So yes Mom this is my final Christmas List! Have fun shopping!! What is everyone asking for?

Five on Friday - Valentines Day Inspiration for Kids

Yes, I know Valentines day is over 3 weeks away but these days my boss (lil A) is keeping me quite busy. So I need to start prepping in advance for the holiday! Here are 5 of my favorite Valentines inspirations. 

1. Yoda Best Valentine

Again, I know a few of A's older friends that would thinks this is the best, not to mention this might be what she makes her Daddy! source

2. I "Wheelie" like you!

For A's Boyfriends! How adorable! I really don't want to give candy to kids so a lil matchbox car is perfect.  source

3. Your "Purrrfect" to me

For A's Girlfriends! Not to mention I have so much leftover craft paper from her birth announcements that I can reuse. All I need to do is buy some googlie eyes! source

4. Monogramed Heart Napkins

Did I tell you that I got a monograming machine from Santa? I am still practicing but this looks like the perfect opportunity to test it out and make monogramed heart napkins. source But then again I will have to price it out, it might be easier to buy them at PB. But then again that wouldn't be any fun! Haha!

5. TuTu skirt

I made something similar for A for Christmas. Thinking I can repurpose what I made and add some valentines day tulle. I will do a blog post on how to make the tutu skirts later (SO SIMPLE!!). We also already have the heart sunglasses which I picked up at Target before she was born!

So as you can see I will be busy for the next few weeks working on my projects! Today after the gym I will be hitting up Michael's! WOO HOO!!!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

Happing Pinning!

xoxo Jenn

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

My (I mean Oprah's) Friday Favorites!!

I am SO in the Christmas spirt! It started when I saw that Oprah released her favorite things list!! And it has snowballed since reading the list two days ago. Yesterday at Stroller Strides I saw the grounds crew putting up the tree and decorations at Birkdale Village where my class is held and I squealed with delight. And then after class I went to Michael's and my head started to spin with ideas of new decorations to attempt!

So enough rambling about my love of Christmas and down to business. I am slightly obsessed with Oprah's Favorite Things list. It is so fun to see what she picks out each year. I love some of the ridiculous stuff, but then again I have found a few products like EOS, Chicken Pot Pies and my Ciao Bella Blood Orange Gelato. Not going to lie when reading the first few items I was quite disappointed. Even if I had all the money in the world it wasn't anything I loved. Luckily I kept reading on and found a few things that I may have to add to my Christmas List. This years list definitely focuses on pampering yourself! Most of the items on the list are perfect for a snowy day where you just want to relax inside in your pajamas!

My Favorites
Copper Tray and Mug Set - Love these! I can just imagine now sitting outside on my new back patio drinking these. Unfortunately with a $365 price tag I will have to keep on imagining!!

Kate Spade Ballpoint Pens - What can I say? I love everything Kate Spade. How cute are these colors? But with a $36 price tag I think I would only use the pens when I am actually writing letters to Oprah. I would be so afraid that I would lose the pen. Maybe I will get the pen for our home closing. Haha!

Nate Berkus at Target Dessert Plate Set - Well for one thing these are actually affordable and I can actually afford them. And they would like great with my dishes. I am going to have to watch these and see if they go on sale at Target.

Vineyard Cuff Links - These might be the perfect present for my husband. Since we have so many expenses we are buying each other stuff for the home, however for $68 these would make a great gift.

Ultimate Welcome Home Present - What a great idea for a new baby. I am definitely going to have to add this to my go to shower gifts. I have a few Burt's bees clothes and burp rags that I love. The cotton is so incredibly soft.

Edward Bess Black Sea Precious Pearl Perfector - I am just intrigued by this. I am always on the lookout for new facial creams. Anything to look younger and 25 right? Has anyone tried this yet?

Remarkable Bark - I am drooling right now reading the description …"part graham cracker, part toffee bar, etc". In other words part heaven!!

Most Ridiculous
Vine and Bloom Box - Seriously flowers flown over from Hawaii to make your house smell good? Oh that makes the $180 price tag okay because they also have a coupon code for 20% off.

Happy Holiday Loaf - A $150 sourdough loaf of bread? Time to put those wedding presents to use and start baking bread!!

I was also proud to learn that Oprah and I have the same love of cookware (Le Creuset)!!! I have both the stoneware and the cast iron that I use daily. They are definitely worth the investment. And make sure you buy them at the outlet. They are half the price and in great condition. Not to mention if you are looking for a certain piece/color they will take your name and number and call you when they have it. I believe they also have free shipping. Most of my stoneware I have picked up at Marshall's, TJ Maxx and Homegoods, for some reason the stoneware is super expensive at the outlet. I have the white color and for some reason only a few retailers (Macy's) carry that line in store.

I also have a gift card for Warby Parker but have yet to pick out a pair of glasses. Has anyone tried it online? I know they have a store in Boston, I am heading up there next weekend but not sure if I will have enough time to stop by.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Oprah's list? What do you want? Any must haves?

Also, I am started a Christmas List 2014 Pinterest board that you should check out! This is for the entire family! So Mom if you are reading make sure to take notes!!

Happy Pinning!!

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

Thirsty Thursday - Happy National Tequila Day

Apparently, today is National Tequila Day! What better way to celebrate a Thirsty Thursday. Here are a few recipes I am eying on Pinterest! Do you like the tequila theme?

To start we need a cocktail!

Mesa Mule

Appetizers...

Mini Tacos

Then dinner obviously...

Slow Cooker Tequila Lime Chili

Dessert is next...

Tequila Lime Coconut Macaroon Bars

And we need an outfit that matches the tequila theme right? How adorable is this Tequila Sunrise dress from Mondaydress.com? I love it and love the website. If you haven't visited make sure to check it out!

Tequila Sunrise Pink and Green Tube Top Dress

Happy National Tequila Day! How are you celebrating?

Cinco de Mayo Recap

So yesterday I posted the recipes I found on Pinterest for Cinco de Mayo! I just wanted to show some pictures and tips I learned from making the recipes. Unfortunately I didn't get to make the sombrero cookies! I bought the ingredients but got sidetracked earlier in the day and didn't put them together! I am sure I will dig into them later today!

To start I made the Cilantro Jalapeño Limeade which was so refreshing and great with tequila! Maybe next time I would try vodka. The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar to make the simple syrup, because you also add agave nectar I might cut this back by half. I am not a fan of sweet drinks, and would rather be able to taste the jalapeño!

And I would fill the glasses with ice and not the pitcher like the recipe calls for. It was way too hard to pour and since it is 85 degrees outside the drinks got warm fast. I had to go back inside and get an ice bucket to cool the drinks!

 Cilantro Jalapeño Limeade

 Here are a few snapshots of our dinner! I tried to be festive and brought out some of the bowls that were purchased in Cabo San Lucas! I used margarita glasses to serve salsa and sour cream!

The turkey enchilada lasagna was so quick and easy to make. I might rename this recipe lazy man's enchiladas! I might add some diced jalapeños next time to give the dish a lil more kick. However, I love spicy food so the recipe is perfect as is if you are not a fan of spicy. Also, when I was putting together the lasagna I was afraid that their wasn't enough meat at all. But after baking it all came together really well. I also used an entire packet of cheese in the dish (i love cheese!!). It was delicious and served 4 people with 2 slices left for leftovers.

Turkey Enchilada Lasagna

Next up were the jalapeño cheddar popovers! All you need is a blender and you are all set. Basically you just blend all the ingredients and let it sit for 30 minutes. I used a popover pan, but the recipe calls for a muffin tin. I am sure that would work well too! And side note I totally forgot to add the butter (left it in the microwave) and they came out perfect. You can also add more cheese and jalapeños if you want them cheesier or spicier!

Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers

Really what is a Mexican meal without guacamole? I quickly made up some guacamole with the leftover ingredients I had from making the meal above! I also made a fiesta salad and served with Mexican rice (totally cheated and bought the kind you heat up in the microwave for 90 seconds)!!

During dinner we also had a guest! This lil lizard was hanging out on a lantern! 

And last but not least, we had to dress up our cat. Can you tell he is excited it is Cinco de Mayo?

Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton

Cinco de Mayo Inspiration

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!! How is it May already?

Here are a few of the things I am thinking about making. I will let you know how everything turns out tomorrow.

Cilantro Jalapeño Limeade

This sounds delicious! I am going to try and recreate one of my favorite drinks from The Gallows in Boston called the Brazen Bull. The Gallows makes this drink with vodka, however since it is Cinco de Mayo thinking we might have to add tequila! Decisions decisions!!

Turkey Enchilada Lasagna

Okay okay, I know this isn't really fun. But it looks like it has slightly less fat then traditional enchiladas. We have to save our calories for the guacamole and chips!

Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers

Since we saved some calories using ground turkey, fat free cream cheese, and using whole wheat tortillas with our enchilada lasagna, we need to make sure we make up for it somewhere else. These popovers look so simple to make!

Sombrero Cookies

I am sure I can make something more authentic, however I am planning on spending most of my day sitting outside on the dock tomorrow reading a book. It is supposed to be 87 degrees here in North Carolina (sorry New Englanders) so I am taking a short cut with the dessert. Not to mention who is going to have room after eating dinner! Thinking of buying store bought sugar cookies, frosting in a can, sprinkles and gum drops!!

I will also make sure to put out some nacho chips, guacamole and salsa for everyone to snack on as well.

For additional ideas on what to make for Cinco de Mayo make sure to check out my Pinterest board.

What are you planning to make? Anyone have a favorite guacamole recipe they would like to share? Every time I make guacamole it comes out a little different. I like to experiment with what I have lying around in the fridge.

Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton

Easter - Chickadee Deviled Eggs

With Easter being tomorrow I decided to try and make some Chickadee deviled eggs that I saw on Pinterest. Of course I thought it would only take me a few minutes to assemble, but let me tell you make sure to dedicate the proper amount of time and cook a few extra eggs as well.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/167196204886031104/

Here are a few tips we learned while making these!!

• If you are making a dozen chickadee deviled eggs, make at least 6 extra hard boiled eggs. 
• We used the egg carton to hold and display the eggs! We thought it added more flair and we didn't have to worry about them standing up correctly. 
• Be careful when taking out the hard boiled yolk, you don't want the egg to break. 
• Use a icing decorating bag to fill the eggs. 
• Pre-cut all your vegetables before hand. We cut them out and put them in little bowls and used food tweezers to place the eyes and beaks on the chickadees. 

Here is what ours looked like! I might be bias but I think they are adorable!!

Also, since this blog is new I really haven't been able to share too many photos of my adorable cat Armondo. Here are a few of my favorites of him in his bunny ears!!

By Jennifer Shelton