Some of my favorite recipes contain buttermilk or butter. This is one of those. Never buy prepackaged pancake mix again. This recipe makes the best buttermilk pancakes and the toppings makes them out of this world.


I would love visiting my aunt in the summer when I was a kid because this was the only time I had access to her pancakes. She gave me her recipe years ago when I had my own little kids. As my extended family has grown, I have become THAT aunt to my nieces and nephews and I love it! Whenever we have a family reunion it is a given that I will make pancakes with coconut syrup. In my own home we make them often on Saturdays when the hubs is home and we can all eat breakfast together.


Let's talk about this coconut syrup. This is a recipe from my sister-in-law. It is our absolute favorite. We don't really buy regular syrup anymore either because my kids love the coconut syrup more (which also contains buttermilk AND butter, so you know it's good).

If you eat just the pancakes and syrup, you will LOVE it! However, when it is summer and the peaches are ripe and juicy, they are a MUST topping. They add another dimension to this already delicious dish that will knock your socks off. And, don't forget the whipped cream- either canned or freshly whipped. Put all of these together and you will be in breakfast heaven!


A warm pancake (or two, or three) served with fresh whipped cream, topped with peaches, and drizzled with coconut syrup is all you need. It is DIVINE. I dare you to try it. Go all out while the peaches are in season. You won't regret it. Get the recipe below!

One of my favorite summertime treats is homemade ice cream! I love the way it tastes, the texture, the way it melts, and the memories. As a kid we would have gatherings with my extended family once a month at my great aunt's house behind a grove of orange trees in California. I loved being with family while smelling the sweet orange blossoms, and hearing the motors of the ice cream makers with their constant buzz in the background, ready to surprise us with a treat at any moment. As a kid it seemed like it took forever for the ice cream to be done but it was worth it when the adults would finally give us a paper cup filled with mint, lemon, or fresh banana ice cream. It was heaven! 

Now that I am older and we live far away from California and any extended family, I get to create new memories with my own family. This year I made FRESH HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM and it was delicious! I just might make it again for Date Night. 

Summer is a great time to read with your child. Most libraries offer a summer reading program that encourage children to read while school is out.


Besides the importance of education,  reading can also be an opportunity for you to bond, show your love for your child, and learn about him/her- how they think, what kinds of things they like, etc.


May I offer some tips for reading WITH your child this summer:

• Pick a comfortable and clean spot to read with your child. Pick a place where distractions are limited. If your child is young, have him/her sit on your lap. If your child is older, sit somewhere where you can put your arm around your child.
• Use different voices for different characters. This helps distinguish characters and attitudes.
• Let your child choose the book- unless it is inappropriate. It may be boring to you but they will love reading more if they are interested in the topic. I hated being forced to read certain books in school but I loved reading the books that I got to choose. 
• Help your child choose a book that is fun and interactive for both of you. Mix it up. Read some pop-up books, hidden object books, touch and feel books, lift-the-flap books, and finger puppet books. 
• Get your child his/her own library card and let him/her use it often! Take your child to the library!
• Don't rush through the book. Take time to read. Don't be a "book cheater!" Don't summarize, skip paragraphs, or pages. If you don't have a lot of time, it's okay to tell your child to pick out a shorter story.
• Ask questions. (i.e. What do you think is going to happen? What would you do? How do you think that made (character) feel? How would that make you feel? What do you think (character) could have done instead? What did you think about this book? Did you like it? What was your favorite part?
• Explain what new words mean and try to use them in every day life. Reread the book and ask your child what the new word means. This will help to expand your child's vocabulary.
• If you are thinking about buying your child a gift for his/her birthday or other occasion, think about giving your child a gift card to the bookstore. It will give them an opportunity to choose their own book.
• Don't underestimate used bookstores. We love the Berenstein Bears books but it adds up when you're forking out $4 for each book. It makes it easier to buy gently used books for one or two bucks instead.
• Make reading with your child a habit. Start now.