Woman in Real Life

I'm keeping it short and sweet this What I Ate Wednesday. I had planned to share a look at everything I ate on Monday, but we ended up going shopping for my son's school project in the evening. Which meant grabbing a veggie burger, fries and a pop at Harvey's. And then a stomach ache for the rest of the night (from the bubbly pop). And no photo. Just quick and greedy consumption of the aforementioned take-out meal!

But I did get a photo of my breakfast, above. My husband made a quick spelt bread in the breadmaker the night before. I had the very last slice that was left of it the next morning, topped with peanut butter and jam. I also had a couple of slices of the Banana Ginger Medjool Date Mini Loaves that I made on the weekend. The recipe is for an upcoming post. You will want to get this recipe. Not to brag, but these ordinary-looking little slices are incredibly delicious and moist.

Before I go over this week's meal plan, I want to share highlights from last week's meals. The plan went well...meaning I stuck to it even when it was challenging.

Which brings me to Monday. The plan called for minestrone soup in the slow cooker. When I was planning my menu, I forgot that Monday was the "Family Day" holiday. We had to be at my son's first soccer game by 8 a.m. (Who plans games for 8 a.m. on a holiday, by the way?) Nevertheless I stuck to the plan and quickly threw everything into the slow cooker before we headed out. No easy feat, because it takes us 20 minutes just to get the kids out the front door.

Once again, I am posting a Friday look at our week in cell phone photos.

The weather has been completely erratic and mostly miserable, and I know us “northern” types are starting to feel the pain. Some sun once in a while would be lovely.

Seems normal to you, I’m sure. Not to us. Our previous two cell phones were about eight years old, and on pay-as-you-go plans. I’m not a big fan of talking on the phone. I’d much rather talk over a cup of tea.

Inspired by Lindsey, however, I have used the new cell phone to do a bit of a photographic week in review.

My husband made a delicious curry yesterday, from Robin Robertson’s Vegan Planet.

Everyone got a little something sweet in their Christmas stockings…and I don’t mean the clementine in the toe. Here’s the kids’ candy stash.

The grown-ups have a candy stash too. We haven’t used much because we are too busy eating Christmas cookies.

I made another banana bread today. With eight kids in and out of the house, it didn’t last long. My niece liked it. She said banana bread usually makes her gag. She had a second piece.

My daughter had the rare opportunity to play games with three of her female cousins today. So cute.

My husband took five kids skating. Brave man.

I made some pasta while they were gone skating, along with Nonna’s peas and mushrooms.

For dessert, I made some “classic chocolate chip cookies” from How it All Vegan. I used chocolate chunks for a change.  Yes, I made dessert, even with a bunch of Christmas cookies still in the freezer and a candy stash in the pantry. I can’t be stopped.

I am not generally a snow lover, but it does make the front path look pretty.

The trees are wearing fur coats.

Our family room looks so cozy with the Christmas tree. If only we could actually sit down. You’ll see that there’s a book on the table. It almost looks like people read here…but the kids won’t allow that. My husband tried today (while I just knowingly smiled), until the banging in the basement got too loud to ignore. Have a great New Year’s Eve!