Pink heart pancakes

As I posted here I am not a huge or even big fan of Valentines. I do think the history behind the day is pretty cool but in recent years Valentines has become more of a hallmark holiday. I however enjoy making the day special for my little ones. 

This morning they woke up to the smell of home made pancakes. Confused my oldest asked if it was Saturday (my usual pancake day). After assuring her it was Thursday and even better Valentines day she was elated to see what I had cooking on the griddle. 

Pink heart shaped pancakes. 

This seriously was one of the easiest ways I have made these kids happy. 

I use this recipe and substitute the milk for almond milk I also sub cooking spray for my olive oil spray. When using the cookie cutter be sure to spray it with the oil to prevent sticking. Be sure not to put too much in the cutter or you will have a 2 inch thick pancake. (A little bit goes a long way) 

Now thats what I call food

I love to cook. I am by no means a chef and I really wouldn't even call myself a great cook more like a magician. I manage to take really awesome healthy ingredients and turn them into things my kids will eat. Hello success. And sometimes you have to share pictures of those amazing dishes.

This salad has all the usual salad items baby butter lettuce, spinach, sunflower seeds, chi chi beans, tomato, mushrooms, carrots, but I also added some of my favorite salad kicker uppers strawberries and blue berries. It was delicious this I know because everyone including my 2 year old asked for more. Although not pictured I paired the salad with a poppy seed vinaigrette.

Wonderful weekend

I love the holidays! I love the food and the family.
This year my brother hosted the big turkey day. He and his wife made a wonderful dinner. She made most of it and still had time to make everything beautiful.

It was great day the kids all got to play outside thank you warmer weather! When the sun went down the adults got to play hello poker!

So Black Friday shopping who went? Was it worth it? How about cyber Monday? I don't do the whole going out at some crazy hour shopping. Mostly because I try to finish all of my shopping by Thanksgiving. This year I did order 2 leapfrog game cartridges for my kids they were like a third of the original price but thats it.

Fresh

I love the farmers market. I love everything about it. I love the relationships, the people, the lifestyle, but mostly I LOVE the food. Knowing that my kids are eating the best food we can get our hands on is so reassuring. This year we are in southern Alabama which has turned out to be amazing for the farmers market. Back home in Tennessee its been cold for over a month and the market has died down. Not here. We are still shopping it up.

My boys love going to the market and eating the fresh food and occasional sucker given to them by the sweet ladies working.

That tomato he's reaching for totally went in his mouth!
More than a few times I have had to buy food thats already been eaten off the table by these boys.

I love taking my kids to the market. Every time they go they learn or experience something new. He loves his mini pumpkin… slept with it and all.