WHY TRADITIONS ARE SO IMPORTANT- EASTER EDITION

When Corrine was little and we were really poor, no matter how much money I had or didn’t have – I always made sure she had her holidays. I made sure of that because, tradition. Not to start this post off all heavy and serious, but that was my life. It’s still a struggle being a parent sometimes but in different ways.

Holidays will always be special to us and it doesn’t take a lot of money or resources to make a day remarkable. Today I wanted to share with you our lil family’s Easter tradition!

 

” … it doesn’t take a lot of money or resources to make a day remarkable” 

I should totally put that text on a teeshirt or mug 😉 So I texted Corrine on Easter morning (because ya know, millennial mom over here) and told her, “come out to the kitchen I have a surprise for you”. I’m like so cool right?! I placed this creepy yet super yummy bunny-shaped pancake on her plate with butterscotch candies for its eyes and mouth, and a cinnamon candied nose. She also got a bowl of fruit, a glass of milk, and a chocolate bar. Happily my lil angel face came to the table and merrily ate her lil pancake because we’re all 4 years old in this house!


I usually stay up late the night before Easter to tuck fake green grass under Corrine’s door and bunny prints that lead from her door to the living room, which guide her to a huge basket full of goodies. This year we were super busy so while I was making bunny pancakes, Joe ran to the grocery store to get candy and fruit! Team work makes the dream work! We did it and our girl was a happy girl!


We dyed eggs, we ate yumminess, and then we took Corrine hiking to a spot she wanted to explore! It was full of rolling hills and poppy flowers, though we missed the poppy field part thanks to California’s drought. Then we ended the day with Taco Bell and ice cream because as grown up as my Corriney is, she’s still a kid at heart, my baby forever- and she eats pizza and ice cream about 3-4 times a week! I love it! Oh to have the metabolism of an 18 year old!

I love establishing traditions with the three of us because it used to be just Corrine and I. It’s a beautiful thing to bring Joe into our day to day and especially into our holidays. It’s really special to me, the memories that we’re creating together- as a family, and that makes me so damn happy.

What are some traditions that you have with your family or your friends? Or even your special someone that only the two of you do!

If you don’t have any traditions yet start one, and I hope this inspired you to do some team building activities with your loved ones <333

 

 

Strawberry Almond Salad

STRAWBERRY ALMOND TRUFFLE SALAD

  • Summer is fast approaching and between the warmer weather and the ToneItUp bikini series that we started, this salad has been a staple in our meals this past week. It’s easy to make, super refreshing, and SUPER delicious!I took a homemade truffle dressing recipe from my friend Linz, altered it by an ingredient so that my vegan child could enjoy  it also, tossed in some almonds for crunch, and fresh strawberry slices for an extra kick! For some more protein I also added in some shredded chicken in my bowl!

    delicious healthy salad
    Ingredients: 

  • baby kale
  • arugula
  • Blue Diamond sliced almonds
  • fresh strawberries
    Truffle Dressing- 
  • 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tsp white truffle oil
  • 1 1/2 chopped fresh chives
  • 1 1/2 tsp Annie’s organic dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp sherry vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    Optional:
  • blueberries
  • shredded parmesan cheese
  • shredded chickenMethod: 
  • Put the salad into a large bowl
  • Combine the ingredients for the truffle dressing in a different bowl and then combine the two and toss
  • Add in the optional ingredients if you choose
  • ENJOY!!!!!fresh salad yaasss!

And tadaaa! There you have it! Try this out and let me know how you like it and leave it in the comments any alterations you make to the recipe so I can try them too!

Hugs!!!

 

xoxo – Jess