Ghost Footprint cards!

So I will say that this Is a Pinterest neutral. The reason it failed was part user error and part toddler that wanted no part in the arts and craft project. Needless to say cleanup got a lil out of hand.

The goal was to make the following from Pinterest....

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/A6o4dQAQAFICHDIfU94AAAA/

Simple enough right? Well lil miss did not like paint on her hands and it ended up on my shirt. Feet was a lil easier based on the hold I had her. I basically was holding her and pressing the paper on her foot to stamp.

Supplies:

Craft paper

Washable paint

Sponge brush

Googly eyes

Sharpie Pen

Glue

Oh what is that you say ... The ghosts are all upside down? Yep!!! Of course I realized that after we were done!

Okay, maybe I can save these if I do post cards! Don't mind the uneven cutting.

They definitely needed a lil more definition so I outlined with a Sharpie pen. Then they were still too bare so we added a message.

So in theory this is a super simple DIY but that depends on your child!!!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy 

Deliciously Ella - Glazed Chili Brownies

So I have the worst sweet tooth and I have to say it is getting worse with age. So I am always on the lookout for "healthy" sweet alternatives. Deliciously Ella is one of my favorite chefs. I make 2-3 recipes from her app and website weekly. I will share more of my favorites later next week. In the meantime lets get down to business. These brownies are so simple to make. and you can always leave out the chili if you don't like the spice. I know my husband couldn't get over how the brownies were both sweet and spicy.

Also this recipe caused me to use up all my maple syrup, agave, red pepper and I need to remind myself to buy more. The recipe also called for Cocao nibs but I couldn't find them at the grocery store. Instead I used ghiradelli chips which are my favorite.

The recipe called for an insane amount of maple syrup so once I ran out I used agave syrup. And then I used up all my agave and only got 10 tablespoons. 

Here is the recipe from Deliciously Ella blog. 

- 1 cup of buckwheat flour (200g)

– 2 bananas (300g)

– 1 small beetroot (80g)

– 12 tablespoons of maple syrup

– 8 tablespoons of raw cacao powder

– 3 tablespoons of coconut oil

– 4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 10 tablespoons of water (soak for 10 mins)

– 2 tbsp chilli flakes

Optional:

– 1/4 cup cacao nibs (60g)

– ¼ cup goji berries or raisins (45g)

For the glaze:

– 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

– 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

– 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder

– 1 tablespoon of almond butter

– 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes

Start by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees. You can roast your own beet or cheat like me and buy the peeled ones in the produce section at the grocery store. Once it’s cooled peel the skin off (if roasting) and place the beet in a food processor with the all the remaining ingredients (peel the banana first though) and blend until smooth. If you’re adding cacao nibs, goji berries or raisins stir them in now.

Turn the oven down to 375 degrees. 

Line a baking tray with coconut oil and then evenly spread the mixture though it. Bake for about twenty minutes.

Once the brownies have cooked and cooled make the glaze by simply melting all the ingredients together in a saucepan, then pour the glaze all over the brownies!

http://deliciouslyella.com/glazed-chilli-brownies/

Baby Registry Ideas: Nursery & Decor

So after 1 year I finally am putting together my favorite baby registry items. I have been taking notes over the past year and it is so funny looking back and reading everything, or how my opinions have changed as baby A becomes toddler A!

I registered at Buy Buy Baby and Pottery Barn, but ended up completing all my registry items on Amazon. Looking back I should have gone with Amazon over Buy Buy Baby. If you haven't started your registry yet I would check out Amazon to Create an Amazon Baby Registry.

Here are some pictures of our nursery!

Nursery & Decor

• Bassinet - We borrowed a Summer Infant from a friend. Loved the light and vibrating feature of the bassinet. Considered a Moses basket but with the cat decided not. We used the bassinet for the first 3-4 months. I really like the 

  Simmons Kids Deluxe Gliding Bassinet, Slumber Time 

  version on Amazon. I also ordered 3 sets of the Carters bassinet sheets. 

• Crib - Pottery Barn Kendell and if you work with PBK make sure to order online. Much better customer service and I still get fired up about my inshore experiences. When we moved to the beach for a few months while our house was being renovated we purchased the Graco Lauren Convertible Crib, White. It was super easy to put together and honestly not that different from our PBK one.  

• Crib Mattress - Believe they have 2 options at Pottery Barn and we went with the cheaper Lullaby Crib Mattress. You can use it for the baby, and then flip it for the toddler bed. But for the beach house we bought the Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crib Mattress and it worked well for us. 

• Waterproof Mattress Pads - We ordered two 

  American Baby Company White Waterproof Fitted Crib and Toddler Protective Pad so we can always have a spare. And I can't recommend this enough. Especially for those middle of the night sheet changes. 

• Fitted Crib Sheets - Order at least 3 again for all those sheet changes.  We went with a neutral Pottery Barn skirt and then fun sheets from Pottery Barn. However I saw these Burt's Bees on Amazon and think they are adorable. I also found these that I may get to update Avery's room from PBK. 

• Changing Table/Dresser - Ordered the Larkin from Pottery Barn Kids. The changing table portion can be removed when we don't need it anymore. 

• Changing Pad Covers - Order 2 which makes it easier to swap. We have the Boppy Changing Pad Cover in Pink, and the summer infant changing pad. 

• Changing Pad Liners - SO important and get 2 packs (6 total). Have these down on all your changing pad areas and then if they get dirty you toss in the wash rather then changing the pad cover. We have the Boppy Changing Pad liners. 

• Glider - I was convinced we would never use the chair and didn't want to invest. So we got the Eddie Bauer Glider from Target. It is white with great cushioning and we LOVE it. I use it every morning and most nights feeding A. 

• Sound/White Noise Machine - We have a sleep sheep and not sure how useful it is. I find the free white noise app so much more useful. Make sure to find an old iPod and save it for the baby. You can run pandora and the white noise app on it. I did a post a few months ago on favorite baby apps that is helpful. 

• Hamper - We inherited one. However, I ended up using a tote bag to carry the laundry up and down the stairs daily. I only use the hamper to store clothes that Avery doesn't fit in. 

• Mobile - We bought one that matched the decor but honestly I don't think A ever looks at it. Haha! I do like the Manhattan Toy Company mobile. She has the travel one that we are obsessed with. The travel mobile clips on the stroller and carseat. 

• Diaper Organizer - Didn't use right away but now since we change Baby A on the floor we use it all the time. 

• Wall Hanging/Decals - We got a decal on Etsy. I can send you the link. It was super easy to put up and shipped quickly. I also got a heart bunting from Easy as well. For the pictures on the wall I got the frames from Ikea and the pictures from Minted. And then little mirrors from Pottery Barn Kids. 

• Storage Baskets and Bins - I love the Serena and Lilly baskets. Super cute and they are always having sales. 

• Lamp - We got the Camila Base at Pottery Barn Kids and the other at Home Goods. And I like the Home Goods lamp better :). 

• Bookcase, Curtains and Rug are also from Pottery Barn Kids. 

• Baby Sized Hangers - I ordered from Amazon and then got the real simple hanger clips to keep clothes together

• Closet Dividers - Ordered  the Sugarboo on Amazon. Good for organizing clothes before the baby is born. Now I feel like it is a free for all since she wears 3-6 months shirts, 6-9 month onesies, etc! I love these ones from Lucie Darling Shop. 

Friday Favorites - Halloween Decorations

I am so excited that fall is here. Don't get me wrong I love summer but I love decorating for fall. Not to mention I get to work on all of my Pinterest wins and fails. I have been doing so well in the win department and wanted to share a few of my creations.

1. Front Door - So how hard is it to grow these gorgeous heirloom pumpkins? I mean these pictures I see on Pinterest must cost hundreds of dollars. So I am always on the lookout for cheap pumpkins and actually stuck a gold mine at Walmart. They ranged from $2-7. I obviously want more pumpkins but I figured I can add 1-2 a week. Whole foods had some amazing 2 for $15 greenish pumpkins that were so pretty but I was good and didn't get them. I also need to work on the spookiness. After Halloween I will be shopping the 50% off items for next year.

I made this sign tonight so it didn't make the original picture!

2. Lollipop Spiders - Pinterest Win! I did a blog post the other day about these. Super easy, cheap and quick for a cute Halloween treat.

3. Pumpkin Voltives - This was inspired by the dollar aisle at Target. Or shall I say the 3 dollar aisle. What is with all the $3 items? I mean sometimes it is worth it but the whole point is it is the dollar aisle. Way too many $3 items in my opinion and such a tease. So I saw these pumpkin candles and figured I could make these myself. So I bought the $1 burlap ribbon from target, and then painted faces and glued them on to mason jars. I thought they came out so cute! Excuse my bad photography, it was late and I needed a quick picture!

4. Cat Halloween Costumes - Okay this one is really from the October issue of Martha Stewart Living but still. I will wait for the actual costume picture with Armondo in it for Halloween. My cat has already worn this costume a few times around the house. Guess which one he is going to be?

5. Spooky Mirror - I bought this black drape last year at Target for 90% off. So then this year I probably spent another $30-40 trying to figure out how to use it! Haha! I bought the bat stickers, glittery and burlap pumpkins at Target. The candleholder is a gift I gave my mother years ago for Christmas. She was going to give it away (see if I give her another gift again!!)  and I thought it would be perfect for Halloween. Can I tell you how hard it was to find a pack of 8 dark grey/black tapered candles? I totally lucked out at Home Goods and grabbed the only set. And of course as I am writing this I realized you can see all my dishes drying on the counter!

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a safe and dry weekend!!

Linking up with the Five on Friday crew!!

[darci, april, christina + natasha]

Tory Burch Fall Sale

So Tory Burch is having their fall sale and I am officially obsessed. I seriously want EVERYTHING!! Here are a few of my favorites. I have a trip to Boston soon and I think ALL of these would be perfect. I mean the more you spend the more you save right?

Tory Burch Fall Sale by jennifer-leonard featuring Tory Burch

Tory Burch shirt dress / Tory Burch white shirt / Tory Burch cardigan / Tory Burch white top / Tory Burch coat / Tory Burch black pants / Tory burch boots / Tory burch flat / Tory burch bag / Tory Burch stud earrings / Tory Burch pearl jewelry / Tory Burch stud earrings / Tory burch sunglasses

Lollipop Spiders - Pinterest Win

So I am ALL about Halloween DIY crafts. I went to Michael's the other day and as I was shopping I had Pinterest open on my phone searching for things to recreate.

Of course I started with the easiest project that took me less than a half hour to create. This is a great craft for the kids as well. Well, depending on how you glue on the eyes. I decided that the hot glue gun was the answer and may have a lil less feeling in my fingertips as I type this post. I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be cute for my spider bowl as well as the neighborhood kids.

Source via Pinterest

So this was fairly simple and cheap to execute! All of the products can be found on Amazon (affiliate links used) or your local craft store/walmart/target!

Supplies Needed:

• Black 12 inch pipe cleaners
• Googlie Eyes
• Lollipops
• Glue/Hot Glue Gun

Instructions. 

• Cut the pipe cleaners in half. I would cut three at a time so it gave me two sets of legs. 
• I then put them around the lollipop and twisted around. 
• Once twisted I would then bend the legs so that the lollipop spider will stand. 
• Last but not least glue on the eyes!

So simple and so cute!! 

Fall Spookiness Front Door!

So after ten thousand trips to Michael's, Target, Homegoods, Walmart, etc I finally finished decorating our front door. I had so many ideas from Pinterest but couldn't justify the cost of buying all those pumpkins. Nor could I spend $20 on a fake pumpkin (I will be stocking up after Halloween though)! 

For our mums I was able to score a bunch from the scratch and sent aisle st Lowes which I have mentioned before. All of the big mums I was able to get for 50% off. And since it has been such a rainy mess here I was at Walmart and bought all the pumpkins. They had the best selection and were super cheap. And for all the fall flair I was at Michael's where they had 50% off Halloween + 50% off one item, and then 25% off my purchase! If I had only looked at the coupons on my phone prior to checking out I would have bought more!!! I am sure I will add more pumpkins and flair as the weeks go by but just wanted to share in case you needed some inspiration! 

PS... Next year we will work on adding more spookiness! 

Snapchat!!

So I finally joined Snapchat and have no clue how to use it or add friends! My screen name (are they even called that??) is jennyluhu1. Definitely add me so I can follow you!!

Avery's Sweet as a Peach First Birthday!

I can't believe my lil A is one!! Talk about time flying by!! I just wanted to share some photos of her Sweet as a Peach first birthday. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about vendors (listed below pictures) or decorations. I was able to re-use a lot of my rustic wedding decorations for the party and of course had a few great finds on Etsy!! While planning A's party  I became obsessed with a store called Sweet Lulu. They have the cutest party supplies and super reasonable. Make sure to check them out.

My Pinterest inspiration changed from a Lilly theme to some pictures I saw on Pinterest from Style Me Pretty. So if you see a complete change in direction that is why. I am thinking I might do a Lilly theme next year.

The entire day went great. I was able to setup the decorations the day before and the day of I ordered sandwich trays. Kept the party super simple in terms of food but may have gone a lil overboard with sweets! I made a bunch of homemade peach pies, chocolate cake, and a vanilla smash cake for lil A. I also had peach taffy and peach rings on the table. As a thank you present for adults I made peach jam and the kids received coloring books and peach candy. Everything had a sticker saying Thank You from Avery.

The dessert table was the main focus of the party and I even had my Mickey Mouse music box on the table which was given to me on my First birthday!

Here are some pictures from the party!

Vendors:

• Honeycomb party decorations, drink stirrers and party hats are from Sweet Lulu
• Invitations, beverage labels, food labels are from Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/bigKlittlekdesigns
• Gold Sparkle Party Hat is from Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/Kutiebowtuties
• Monogrammed Onesie and Tutu also Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristiCreations

Most everything else was reused party supplies from our wedding or items we had around the house. For example the burlap silverware holders, burlap baskets, letters for banners, burlap table runner, chalkboards, and I am probably missing some too! You can find more of my wedding pictures and Pinterest inspiration here.

Linking up with:

Still Being Molly // Fizz & Frosting // Watch Out for the Woestmans // More Pieces of Me // Rhea Et Cetera // B Loved Boston // Bella and the City // Fashionably Employed // Cha Cha the Fashion Genius