Amazing Decor Update / getting rid of outdated stairs by painting them

Sometimes a little update makes a big difference. My house had A LOT of this oak colour... and I have never been a fan. A couple years ago I painted my cabinets (which you can check out here), and in the Spring, I had my stairs done. Check out the amazing results below!

Here's a look at the BEFORE...

Step 1 - Primer! (Prep is always the key.)

Step 2 - Paint the risers white and the railings black. (Note: I didn't touch the treads.)

What do you think? I LOVE how my stairs turned out!!!! I don't even mind my floors (as much) anymore. 

It's so amazing what paint can do!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

2025 Christmas Elf Activity Kit / 24 days of Elf activities, cards, and trinkets

Want to have fun and make Christmas magical for your kids... without stressing yourself out? I've got the best HACK for you. I have adorable kits that keep things easy for the full 24 days that your elf is with you. Everything you need... sorted by day. Easy peasy!

My "Magic Christmas Elf" Kits are $30 for 24 cards with trinkets/activities. No tax. 

Pick up in Antigonish or $4 Canadian shipping (by letter mail).

Email: EastCoastMommy@gmail.com to place an order.

Let me know if you have any questions. :-)

Merry Christmas!!!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (I also sell these personalized Elf wooden doors for $11. No tax. Pick up in Antigonish or $4 Canadian shipping.)

I am OBSESSED with these little doors!!!

Chewy and Moist Chocolate-Peanut Butter ZUCCHINI BROWNIES

In Fall, fresh zucchini is plentiful... and it's a perfect ingredient for baking. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for my favourite chocolate-peanut butter zucchini brownies. Give them a try, and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup quality unsweetened cocoa
• 2 cups grated zucchini (including all the moisture)
• 2 tsp real vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh baking soda
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (mixed) peanut butter and chocolate chips for sprinkling on the top

Directions:

1) Grease a 9"x13" baking dish, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Using an electric mixer (on low), combine sugar, oil, and flour until it has a "wet sand" texture.

3) Continue mixing on low, and add cocoa, grated zucchini (which you don't need to pat dry), vanilla, salt, and baking soda. 

4) Once incorporated, add the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Pour batter in pan, and sprinkle with remaining peanut butter and chocolate chips. (The batter will be quite thick.)

5) Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Enjoy!!!!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You might also like this yummy FALL RECIPE)

Simple Halloween Decor... with "Pops of Pink" / Dollar Store Crafts and DIYs

I love the idea of taking inexpensive supplies, getting creative, and making them beautiful. So today, I have some easy and inexpensive Halloween DIYs to share. As a mom of three boys, I'm partial to a "pop of pink", so I think these projects are super cute! (However, you can use whatever colours you like.) Take a peek below, and let me know what you think! 😁

1) Tiny ghost shelf sitters - Why are tiny things so cute? I'm not sure... but these little framed ghosts are adorable. Grab some wooden blocks from the dollar store, and get crafty. Find the step by step instructions here.

2) Rock ghosties - Rocks are a fantastic FREE canvas... and they are adorable when they are crafted into little ghosts. You can see how easy they are to make here. (And you can access the Cricut decal design here.)

3) Funny wood round sign - Can you believe I made this adorable sign with a $2 wood round from Dollarama? I'm absolutely obsessed with how cute this is! You can find the full instructions here. (And you can access the Cricut decal design here.)

Ready to make all these adorable crafts? Have a look at the YouTube video I made (below).

Let me know (in the comments) which one of these pieces of decor is your favourite. Are you a fan of pink, or do you prefer more traditional Halloween colours?

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

7 Simple (and adorable) FALL crafts for Kids / Dollar Store Crafts

In a world where kids spend too much time in front of screens, I love when kids get the opportunity to craft and get creative. Seasonal crafts that use a variety of materials are perfect for keep kids engaged. Today I am sharing 7 adorable FALL crafts for kids. They are easy to make, and the supplies won't be difficult to find. Check them out below.

Click on the titles for all the DIY details and instructions.

1) Yarn wrapped popsicle frame

2) Tumbling tower block apple shelf sitter

3) Pumpkin magnet

4) Paper bag scarecrow puppet (with template)

5) Yarn tassel keychain/bag tag

6) Scarecrow cookie (with recipe for the BEST Fall cookie)

7) Paper doll scarecrow (with template)

For a closer look at all 7 FALL CRAFTS, check out the YouTube video I made below.

Let me know in the comments, which craft is YOUR favourite? I hope you have fun making them!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)