Pancakes are a regular breakfast around here. When Aaron is home some weekends, Mairead often puts in a request for these round buttery cakes. Partly so she can pull up a chair and get her hands dirty, but also because she knows there is likely a side of bacon coming with it if Dad is cooking. But it’s also one of those foods where Mai will actually sit at the table for an entire meal so I’m happy to fulfill her…
These warm November days are a bit of a tease but I am taking full advantage of them. We headed out for a long walk to find a new playground and enjoy some sunshine again this afternoon. We found the park okay but on the “shortcut” home I took a wrong turn, completely lost my bearings and had us walking in circles. Mai was quite forgiving when I reminded her there was a fresh batch of cookies waiting for us…
Another weekend here and gone. With Mairead and I holding down the fort, the last 5 weeks have been a blur! But with unseasonably warm weather I was able to enjoy some of the perks of fall this weekend, like lots of outdoor play with Mai and this delicious fall salad. The ONLY good thing about Aaron working away for so long is I’m eating so healthy. I still cook healthy when he is home but there is often more consumption…
Just because Halloween is behind us is no reason to give up on the pumpkin season just yet. I had some leftover pumpkin puree from my doughnuts last week and was eager to see what else I could throw this into for some extra antioxidants. Last weekend we spent Saturday at a Haunted Pumpkin Festival for some farm fun with friends and cousins. I threw these oat bars together last minute before our short road trip to the countryside and…
I have eaten a lot of pumpkin treats in my day, a few were fantastic but many were not. Mostly it’s not the pumpkin filling I am a fan of but the roasted pumpkin seeds that I find to be appetizing, however when I came across this recipe my mouth began to water! I have a weakness for doughnuts and had to know for myself what these were like. So, I threw a hat and coat on Mairead and drug her…
Bedtime routine is a big deal in our house. If Mairead doesn’t get at least three story books and a quick back scratch before falling asleep it makes for a helluva restless night. Tonight we read a library book before bed that is a spin off of Sleeping Beauty. In the story, the princess wakes up after 100 years of sleep and no longer has dark circles and bags under her eyes. Mairead piped up, “Not like those ugly bags…
Well, the fall weather didn’t last long (never does in Alberta). We are blanketed in snow and although Mairead is loving it, I have not enjoyed the snowsuit wrestling matches we’ve had the last few days. And to make matters worse Aaron is working out of town for 30+ days (barf, cry, pound my head against the wall). So on top of everything else I get to do, I also get to shovel and winterize my house all by myself.…
I worked in the food and beverage industry for many years while attending university and early on in my social work career. One of the bars I worked in allowed for opportunities to try a lot of different alcohol. Okay, so what I’m really saying here is we drank on the job. A lot! That is of course until the boss man caught on. Don’t go getting judgy on me; in my defense, I was young(er) and having fun in…
Happy Thanksgiving! I have been in the kitchen with my sleeves rolled up all weekend and loving it. It really is my happy place. Dinner wasn’t even hosted at my house and I was still excited to get cooking. Thanksgiving dinner this year was with cousins and friends out in the country and as anyone who attended can attest, it was a spread fit for royalty! We feasted on our traditional turkey dinner that my cousins and I grew up…
Well, with September coming to an end this week we are back in full swing around here. This means that this Mama needs some quick and easy (but healthy) snacks and meals to throw together to keep things running smoothly, especially with Aaron working out of town more and more. When Aaron works away I tend to cook less big meals and primarily survive on salads, cheese, nuts and cereal…okay and the odd bag of ketchup chips. Luckily Mairead appreciates…