Sweet Potato Pancakes.

Have you ever found a cookbook that makes your mouth water?  Well, I have....Practical Paleo: A Customized Approach to Health and a Whole-Foods Lifestyle.  One of my favorite things to make is Sweet Potato Pancakes.  They can be enjoyed for breakfast or use them as a bun for any burger.  They can be made ahead of time and reheated within a few days.  For a lower carb option, they can be made with shredded carrots.

 

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp. coconut flour
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 cups shredded sweet potato
• Coconut oil, as needed

Instructions:

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl beat the eggs with the coconut flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt. Mix in the shredded sweet potatoes until well combined.
2. Add about 1/8 inch coconut oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Spoon the mixture into the skillet in “cakes” that are 4-6 inches in diameter, and cook approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they hold together, flipping once as you would a regular pancake.  Enjoy!

What To Do With Baby!?

  The first month home from the hospital was a blur...... a distant memory that I don't remember much of.  Could it have been the sleepless nights, the "am I doing this right", the diaper changing... the breastfeeding, pumping and changing the diaper again routine.  Once the routine was down I found myself a stay at home mom (which I wanted more than anything else) wondering "what to do with baby".  Here's a list of things that have worked for me :)

1. I find that my weeks go well when I have planned 1 to 2 big outings per week.  This could include a play date with friends or a mommy and baby class at Amma Parenting in Edina.  This could also include a trip to the zoo, the beach or even something as small as going to Target.  It always lifts my mood and makes me feel like I'm accomplishing things!

2. Amma Parenting has been a favorite of mine even before Merritt was born.  Amma is a place where new and expecting families can get the critical information and support they need in a cheerful, friendly environment.  They are a one-stop center for everything you need to welcome a new baby..... classes, products and advice.  Kohler and I took birthing class, breastfeeding class that I thought was super beneficial.  Merritt and I attended a new mommy class during month 2 and now we are in a beyond newborn class.  The advice and gals I've met in class have been amazing..... something to look forward to each week!  ( I also want to sign up for an ECFE/Early Childhoold Family Education Class come Fall for Merritt and I to enjoy)

3. Getting outside everyday or getting in some sort of exercise!  From day one Merritt has loved the Moby (facing in) and once he could hold his head up the Baby Bjorn (facing out).  The monkey thinks he's the coolest kid on the planet when he's being carried in the Bjorn...... it's pretty cute to watch and not to mention it gets mom and dad out of the house and burning calories.  Merritt and Mommy normally spend 30-60 minutes a day outdoors exploring while Mommy's walking at a fast pace so she can enjoy the extra piece of chocolate when she gets home. 

 4. Tummy Time is a good way to strengthen your babies neck and upper body and helps them learn to roll over and crawl. Merritt doesn't always love tummy time but I do try and do at least 5-10mins after each meal.  Sometimes I plop him on top of the boppy pillow and he seems to enjoy it a bit better being he's a little elevated. Lay them on their stomach and encourage them to move or grab toys. We usually use one of his small stuffed animals or noisy toys and wave it in front of him to encourage him to look and grab.

5. Whether it’s a mirror in their crib, pack and play, large room mirror, or a toy they LOVE watching themselves. At this age they are discovering their feet and hands so we're loving all the big mirrors in our home.

 

6.  Story time is key! Choose books with bright colors and patterns. They love to hear your voice and it also helps with bonding. We do our story time every day before nap time and bed time. We also make sure that we change it up never reading the same book twice in one day. variety, variety, variety!

 

 7. Music time is one of Merritt's favorite time of the day.  Kohler and I have made it a point from day one to constantly sing to him....... I must point out that Daddy does seem to have a better voice than Mommy...... we'll see what Merritt thinks when he's a bit older :) Mommy's favorite song to sing is "You Are My Sunshine" while Daddy's favorite song is "Colder Weather".  Merritt loves to coo and talk back during this time. The Itsy Bitsy Spider or Patty Cake will have your little one smiling and laughing. Babies love social play!

 8. Merritt has slowly transitioned into the bouncer recently.  He's loving being able to bounce and move his legs. You should see the fancy foot work he's been performing.

9. Fine Motor Skills. I saw this on Pinterest and thought they'd be fun activities for M to enjoy. (muffin tin fun and ice cube fun)

 

 

10. Finding a local farm or the zoo to go explore.

11. Merritt loves to spend 10-20 minutes watching the Baby Einstein Collection.  We also have the Praise Baby Collection and this is definitely one of his favorites.

12. One of the most important activities of all is simply talking to your baby. Your baby loves hearing YOU and seeing you while you talk. It helps language and social development and creates a better bond with you. So don't be afraid to constantly give your baby dialogue of what your doing and what happens throughout your day.

xo,

Jumpsuits

No one can deny the effortless ease of wearing a jumpsuit.  For that reason, I've become partial to a one-piece.  Not only are they perfectly suited for adventurous afternoons, they're also chic for evenings, and easier fit in your carry-on.

 

Enjoy a few of my current favorites.....

CHAMBRAY DENIM:  Mother Denim Jumpsuit Found Here

FLOWER:  Flower District Jumpsuit Found Here

 

SHORTS:  Dolce Vita Gardner One Piece Found Here

GEOMETRIC PRINT:  Diane Von Furstenberg Ani Tapestry Print Jumpsuit Found Here

 

 

BLACK:  Emerson Thorpe Dara Sleeveless Jumpsuit Found Here

 

 

 

A Day At The Beach... What's In My Bag!

Jens Pirate Booty beach caftan / J Crew swimsuit swimwear / J Crew swim suit / Havaianas thong sandals, $36 / Club Monaco beach tote / Oribe black handbag / Gemma Crus stud earrings / Tory Burch clear glasses / Ebbets Field Flannels® for J.Crew Homestead Grays ball cap / MAC Cosmetics makeup / Forever 21 lips makeup / La Roche Posay bath body product / Serena Lily bath / Crate and Barrel water bottle / 5 Ribbon Hair Ties, The Emmy Glitter Set by Lucky Girl / Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 |...

Red, White, And Blue Fruity Cocktail

Ingredients

• Sparkling water or champagne
• Cranberry juice
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Square and star ice cube trays

Directions

1. To make the star-shaped fruit ice, start by filling the trays with fruit. We recommend raspberries and blueberries. Finish off the trays with water, and put in the freezer.
2.  To make the cranberry ice cubes, pour cranberry juice into a regular square ice-cube tray and freeze.
3. Use clear glasses for presentation. Use the cranberry cubs first, then a fruit star, and then sparkling water, you'll get a pretty color gradient going up the glass. Feel free to use champagne instead of sparkling water ... just be sure not to get your drinks mixed up!

Courtesy:  Pinterest

 

Have a happy 4th of July!