Free 8x10 Printable

We took a much needed vacation last week. I used it as a time to reflect and recharge. We, as a family, decided to do things a little different from now on. I think people are creatures of habit and we get in ruts and old routines that we need to stop and review every now and then. Are we making every day count? Are we incorporating our passions into our daily or weekly schedules? We decided that we are going to start taking little mini family day trips. There are so many interesting spots so close to home that we need to explore and experience in these precious few years we have with our daughter being young. I want her to have a boat load of fun memories of growing up. I also want to make more time to make art. It's a passion of mine and I think about it all the time but never make the time for it - until now. So you see, it's almost like a set of mid year resolutions. I think New Year's is too nuts of a time to really make some change. I say Vacation resolutions! Free 8x10 printable:

http://www.amandanorthcutt.com/pandp/Collect-Moments-8x10.pdf

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Seeing Green! 4 Things :)

Top of the morning to you! (or afternoon, really). St. Patrick's day always seems to sneak up on me as a gentle reminder that I need to add more green to my wardrobe. I am wearing the most drab army green t-shirt today and felt envious of all the other mom's at Target in their bright, pretty kelly green tops. Ugh. Maybe next year. To celebrate today, I've compiled a list of pretty things I am loving right now:

I have this adorable little number coming in the mail for my girl. I so wish they had it in my size. 

Ok, they're not green, but I couldn't resist getting this precious fringe sandals for her as well. I had seen them at Target the last time I was in, but they didn't have her size. 

I need to take a leap and order myself a Jadeite cake stand. I have wanted one forever. This one is just lovely.

I ordered The Stash Plan and am hoping it comes by tomorrow. I read up on the concept quite a while ago and am looking forward to poring over the book! Who doesn't love Laura Prepon?

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Clean Eating + Almond Butter Fudge Recipe

I have been on a clean eating kick lately. Well, I hope it is more of a lifestyle change than a kick. I have been trying to pare down processed foods as much as possible, and ramp up real food - mainly plants. These are the two books that I have been basing our meals around:

Everyday Detox / Clean Slate

Everyday Detox is my favorite, but both books are very informative and full of great recipes and tips. Here is one of my lunches recently that I made from the Clean Slate book.

I did not think that I would really like it, but I ended up loving it. It's white beans and tuna with a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. (I added arugula on top, it was not in the original recipe). Very satisfying and tasty!

There are also plenty of snack and dessert recipes in both books, which has been a downfall of mine in the past. Now, I stock my kitchen with healthy and clean grab and go snacks and treats.

This little guy is maybe my most favorite snack EVER... EVER. It's Almond Butter Freezer Fudge from the Everyday Detox book. SO easy and crazy delicious. (I add in dark chocolate chips). Here's the super simple recipe:

1 1/2 Cups Almond Butter

6 Tbsp Melted Coconut oil

3 Tbsp Raw Honey (Or maple syrup for vegan)

3/4 tsp Sea Salt

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a parchment lined loaf pan. Pop in the freezer until solid. Cut into little bite sized squares and store in a airtight container (or ziplock) in the freezer for up to 2 months (good luck making it 2 weeks with these little pieces of heaven). 

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Our weekend + smart rope review

We had a lot of fun being outdoors in the nice weather this weekend. I am so ready for spring. I'm excited to plant our veggie garden and maybe start a cut flower garden on the side of the house. We spent a lot of the weekend cleaning up the yard and reclaiming the porch from big dog since it's nice enough weather for her to be out in the yard (she sleeps inside and stays in the house if it's raining or cold). We have a screened in porch and decided to buy a bronze grill guard for the door, like the one below, to protect the screen door from reckless paws.

So far so good! A clean porch = nap time happy hour for me and the hubby. I whipped up a little app plate w/ grapes, jack cheese, goat cheese and crackers. Nothing says "I'm fancy" like some ritz and goat cheese, right?

I have also been ramping up my exercise routine with my Smart Jump rope. I cannot say enough good things about it. It really motivates me to beat my last count, and it is SUCH a great cardio workout that you can literally do anywhere. (Mine is the gold handled one with pink soft grips. They come in 3 handle finishes and multiple color optional grips.) You download an app and the rope connects via bluetooth. The app is Apple Watch compatible which I love.

Hope you all had a fun weekend!


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Valentine dinner and 4 things this Rainy Tuesday

I am beyond being over this weather. I could not be more ready for spring and to be able to be outside again. So would big dog. She doesn't understand this being cooped up in the house jam. 

We had a delicious Valentine's day over here. We decided to be old and stay home. The hubs went to the butcher and purchased some AMAZING filets. My favorite way to cook huge filets is to sear them in a hot pan, then finish them off in a 400º oven for about 5-7 minutes depending on preferred doneness. 

We had them with twice baked potatoes (I bake the potatoes in the crockpot, wrapped in tinfoil), and steamed broccoli. I wish we were having this dinner again tonight...

Now on to my ramblings.

1. THIS Eggs Benedict recipe is about to change my life forever. As in Eggs Benedict for everyone! Eggs Benedict on Tuesday! You get an Eggs Benedict, You get an Eggs Benedict!

2.  I just ordered some New Balance 555's and they are insane. The soles are reversible and have massaging nubs on the one side. Rain Rain Go Away! Mama needs to go for a nice long walk!

3. Me and the Mr have a special anniversary coming up. 10 glorious years together. We had started planning a romantic mountain getaway until yesterday I realized it is falling on Easter weekend. (wah waaahhh). So now we are looking for recommendations for a nice dinner out in Nashville. Oh well! (our anniversary has not fell over Eater weekend in the whole 10 years either. Nuts..)

4. I am super jonesing for a Smart Jump Rope. It counts your jumps and hooks up to your phone to track your progress. I have always loved jumping rope and they come in gold!

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Be Mine Valentine

My little love bug has a tot Valentine's party this weekend! She is growing up so much and is at the point where she really plays with the other kids and has conversations. I remember when we joined the playgroup. They were just little lumps on the ground pulling pacifiers out of each other's mouths. She actually fell asleep at most of our playdates.

I've been cruising the web looking for cute Valentine ideas and I really liked the ones that have a non-candy treat. Since 3 year olds are obsessed with anything squishy and messy, I decided on Play-Doh! (You're welcome other moms). I worked up a quick little design that I wanted to share for free in case anyone else is looking for a cute Valentine for their little ones. Enjoy!

Download PDF here.

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3 years old

My BABY turned THREE yesterday. I just can't even believe it. She is so big and smart and sweet. We couldn't be more proud of who she is becoming. She is my tiny best friend and God could not have given me a better gift.

We started off the weekend with a trip to Rainforest Cafe and Build-A-Bear. She had never been anywhere like Rainforest Cafe before and was amazed at all the animatronic animals.

She was super excited to go to Build-A-Bear and build her own stuffed animal. She's not very in to baby dolls, but she is obsessed with her growing collection of animals. She had made up her mind before we even arrived that she wanted to build a "kitty cat", and when I found it and handed it to her she said "mama, this one is too flat". Evidently the concept at Build-A-Bear evaded her... But she caught on quick!

We had a few little get togethers with friends and family. I managed to not totally "pinterest fail" at baking her an owl cake. She requested strawberry cake so I improvised with chocolate cake and strawberry icing. Tasty combo!

Happiest of birthdays to my little bug. Mama loves you so much.

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