If you’ve checked out our Insta stories in the past, you’ll know we’ve got a serious love for pancakes. Jacqueline whips up a stack almost every weekend for her family. And Lindsay conveniently pops in for a friendly visit almost every weekend. (Family is so important, after all!) This past weekend we made a Saturday tradition a little more special by hosting a pancake brunch. Check out the details below and see some of our favourite pancake toppers.
 
The recipe
We went with Magnolia Table’s “The Best-Ever Fluffy Pancakes.” There are a few reasons why choosing this particular recipe is a no-brainer. First, “best-ever” is in the title, so that’s a promising start. Second, they’re buttermilk pancakes, which means extra fluffy and oh-so delicious. The key to this pancake recipe is letting the batter sit for 20 to 30 minutes to guarantee serious floating-like-a-cloud fluffiness. Once the batter’s in the pan, wait for tiny bubbles to form on the top and that’s how you know they’re ready to flip. Each pancake shouldn't take much more than two minutes per side.

If you’re making pancakes the star of your gathering, you might as well kick it up a notch and offer guests a few options for filling and topping their flapjacks. Here’s a few of our delicious go-tos.
 
The fillings
These can be sprinkled on top of the uncooked pancake batter as soon as it hits the pan.
 
Chocolate chips
Fresh blueberries
Coconut
Grated apples
Lemon zest
Orange zest
 
The toppings
Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Brown sugar
Ricotta and figs
Lemon syrup
Jam and clotted cream

​Hungry yet? What tasty toppings make your pancakes complete?
 
xo Jacqueline & Lindsay

Teething. We’ve all been through it, but to actually think about the whole process of cutting teeth still makes us cringe. This week we’re sharing signs and symptoms of teethers and listing what has worked best for us when providing sweet (and icy cold) relief to our little ones.
 
Signs of teething
Lots of drooling
Trying to bite or suck on absolutely everything (and we mean everything)
Rejecting food
Easily irritable
 
Teething aids
Load up on bibs
If your little one has started to drool while teething then you’ll want to stock up on bibs. And when you think you finally have enough…buy more. We’re talking puddles people. Be prepared!
 
Ice cloths
Wet a few baby cloths and throw them in the freezer for a few hours. Your little one will find relief from sucking and biting on the cold cloth.
 
Teethers
These are the obvious teething tools. From chew rings to chew beads, there are lots of options and hopefully you can find one or two that works for your little one. A few of our favourites are the Zoli Chubby Gummy Gum Massager Teething Sticks (especially helpful for the back teeth) and Lifefactory silicone sensory teether rings.
 
Baby spoons
This is something you likely already have on hand so it’s an easy grab when teething strikes. 

​Ice water bottle
Fill a sippy cup with a few tablespoons of water and place the cup upside down in the freezer. Your baby will appreciate sucking on the ice cold tip of the cup.
 
Popsicles
If cold and hard things are serious soothers for teething pain, it might as well taste good too. We love the simple combo of organic plain yogourt and strawberries and our babies can't get enough of them.
 
Hard teething biscuits
Love Child Organics founder, Leah Garrad-Cole, features a recipe in her cookbook, It All Begins With Food, for hard teething biscuits. It’s essentially like a mini breadstick for babies and the texture is hard enough to provide pressure and relief for sore gums. With only five ingredients, and free from eggs and dairy, these biscuits are a cinch to make and prefect for even the gummiest of babes. 

Cold or frozen cucumber sticks
At one point during the early teething days this was one of the only remedies Georgia was willing to take. We peeled a cucumber, cut it into chubby sticks and put the sticks in the freezer.
 
What teething tools have worked best for you?
 
xo Jacqueline & Lindsay

Last weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada and besides eating copious amounts of turkey and pie (ssooo much pie), we also took a moment to think about this past year and everything there is to be thankful for.
 
So this week we just wanted to say thanks. As first-time mamas, we’re basically figuring things out as we go. We’re doing what we feel is best for our babes and every ounce of us goes into nurturing and loving our tiny, incredible humans. With all of the negativity and division in the world, we’re overwhelmingly grateful for all of the amazing mamas who have simply said, “you got this.” Sure there’s been judgement and those who feel they know what’s best when it comes to this whole parenting thing, but at the end of the day, we’re focused on the positive. Thank you for the virtual high fives. Thank you for a simple double tap on a post. And thank you for taking the time to visit jacandlinds.com to see what’s on our mind from week to week. It’s amazing how sometimes a complete stranger can know exactly what you need to hear.
 
We’re honoured to be part of such a loving and supportive community. We had no idea this unofficial club existed until a little over a year ago and we’re so grateful to have found all of you! While there’s been sleepless nights, tears (more so us than our little ones) and lots of moments of uncertainty as we figure out what works best for us, there has also been immense joy, pure bliss and indescribable happiness.
 
Our babies have given us a brand new perspective on life. They remind us every day that life is about moments. It’s about taking the time to tell someone you love them. It’s about not sweating the small stuff and truly living your best life.
 
So please, keep the love coming. And we promise to do the same. Let’s continue to lift each other up. To remind one another that we’re not alone and while a tiny square on an Insta feed can come pretty close to perfection, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. And no matter what, at the end of the day, you got this.
 
xo Jacqueline and Lindsay

A new month means a new checklist! Here’s what’s topping our to-do list in October.
 
Get yo’ self a PSL
We realize the whole pumpkin spice craze isn’t for everyone. You either love it or you hate it. We sisters are all about the love and we’re game to try anything with a shot of pumpkin spice. If you have yet to get your fix, now’s the time to snag some PSL goodness.
 
Think pink
October is breast cancer awareness month. Make a donation, sign up for a run or walk, check out the many products being sold to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen foundation and wear all of the pink. 
 
Thanksgiving prep
Thanksgiving is just days away for us Canadians and we can’t wait to gather with family and friends for good times and good food. If you’re hosting, it’s time to get the menu nailed down. If you’re attending a dinner, don’t forget a gift for the host! A bottle of wine, a candle, baked goods or even offering to bring something to contribute to the meal will be greatly appreciated.
 
Take a moment to give thanks
While you’re enjoying your Thanksgiving feast, take a moment to share your gratitude with loved ones. We are so blessed and have so much to be thankful for.
 
World Teacher’s Day
October 5 is World Teacher’s Day. Our mom is a retired teacher and as far as we’re concerned she’s the best teacher (and mom) in the world. Show some love to the amazing men and women who dedicate their time and effort to giving your children the best education possible.
 
Layers for you
This time of year, it’s all about the layers. It can be cool one moment and warm the next so make sure you’ve got a few staple pieces in your closet to throw on. Our fall go-tos include light sweatshirts, loose cardigans, cozy shawls, a good trench and a sporty bomber jacket. 
 
And for your littles
And the same goes for our babies. Make sure your little ones have a few sweatshirts and hoodies, light jackets that are safe in the car seat, and a cozy toque big enough to cover those tiny ears on cooler days.
 
Apple-picking
A trip to the apple orchard is a must this time of year. We look forward to this annual tradition even more now that our little ones are here. For those perfect fall days, bring a picnic basket and make a day of it!

What’s on your checklist this month? Happy October!
 
xo Jacqueline & Lindsay