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

Pinterest / Instagram / Twitter

Fall beach trip recap!

We recently went to the beach for fall break with some friends and it was a BLAST. We had great weather despite dodging a hurricane. Only one day was a washout, which was fine for us since the trip is so long.

We ate tons of blue crabs and played on the beach everyday. Lots of reading and sunning, fishing and sandcastles. It was pretty perfect. I really liked our rental house, it had a great layout for having pets and little ones.

The "Surrender the Booty" flag doesn't come with the house... But the view was fantastic!

... and the sunsets were sublime.

 I hated to leave, but was excited to come home to the crisp fall weather. But now it's go time for Halloween and I like 'homemade' costumes. SO, I had better get to the sewing machine if Mally has any hope of being an Owl this year!

Pintrest / Instagram / Twitter

Hiking with a One Year Old

A few weekends ago we took a family trip to the mountains. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. It was bug's first trip to the mountains! I think she loves it as much as we do. Unfortunately, she developed a double ear infection the last day so the ride home was a little bit of a nightmare - poor thing.

We bought a Kelty baby carrier for hiking on Craigslist. I LOVE Craigslist. We had set out to do a "moderate" hike, but due to snowy conditions in that area the road was closed. So what do we do? Go on a "strenuous" hike...

Once the trail turned to an entire sheet of ice half way up, we thought it best to turn around. Everyone we passed on the hike "ooh'd" and "awe'd" that we had a little one with us. Inside, they probably thought we were crazy. She loved hiking though, and seems very comfortable in the pack. We made sure to bring plenty of bottles of water (and a straw for bug) and snacks that we could all eat like Goldfish crackers and Nurtigrain bars. We decided when the weather gets better around here, we are definitely going to take her on some local hikes! It's something we love to do, and hopefully we are cultivating a love of the outdoors for her as well.

Summer isn't over yet!

The leaves may be falling out of the trees and school is back in session but it's still hot as a pepper outside and I've still got one last beach trip coming up!

Road tripping with a little one can be tricky. It's all about timing and meeting their needs before they realize they need them. Here's a few things I'd like to pick up before we head out on the road to that salty shore!

• OXO Tot on the Go Drying Rack and Bottle Brush (LOVE this little compact rack and brush!)
• BabyGanics Foaming Body Wash and Shampoo (this 2 in 1 is a great size for travel and smells fantastic)
• Inflatable Baby Tub (genius! has an indicator if the water is too hot also)
• Arm & Hammer diaper baggies (these are a life saver for changing a diaper in a parking lot. they really work...if you know what I mean)
• Soft Book (perfect for in the car)

Beach Must Haves!

I am counting down the days until we go on our yearly beach trip! Here's a little peek at what will be in my beach bag this year!

1. Hat - Target
2. Swim suit top and bottoms - Victoria's Secret
3. Tote bag - GAP
4. Sunscreen - Honest Co.
5. Jack Rogers - Amazon
6. Beach towel - Target