Woman in Real Life

Okay, guys - my dear friends, my peeps - if you haven't made yourself nice cream before, I insist you do it...pretty much right now! I know we are leaving summer behind, but this particular healthy yet sweet and delicious snack will serve you well all year long. And you can whip up this cold, satisfying frozen treat in mere minutes. Seconds really.

We went for a mid-winter hike with our friend/cousin Rose the other day. Afterwards Rose put out a plate of delicious and healthy brownie bites. These tasty goodies just happen to be raw, vegan and gluten-free. First and foremost though, they are delicious. I ate a few that day and I was eager to make them again myself.

I asked Rose to share the recipe asap. I made one small change, adding vanilla extract for a bit of vanilla-tasting goodness. These Coconut Date Brownie Bites have lots to boast about - they offer great protein from pecans, as well as an abundance of nutrients in the form of delicious, plump and moist Medjool dates.

When I travelled to Yuma, Arizona last month for the Natural Delights Medjool Dates Blogger Summit, I had the opportunity to sample some of Natural Delights' delicious date rolls. At that time, I told the group of bloggers and Natural Delights reps assembled that I really hoped my kids would enjoy the date rolls. They would make a wonderful, healthy after-school or on-the-run snack. I myself really love the taste of the date rolls, but you know how kids can be - the more you want them to love something, the less chance they actually will!

The older my kids get, the more conscious I become of getting them into the kitchen to cook and bake. Sure we have made many meals and desserts together over the years - I know it's important to start early, even when they are more mess-makers than helpers. But now that they are 12 (almost 13 - gasp!) and 10, they are fully capable of following recipes on their own.

Because they can still be picky about what they eat, getting them involved with food preparation makes it more likely they will actually eat the food. Even when we add ingredients that wouldn't be so palatable coming from Mom. You know, those nutritious little goodies that we mothers like to sneak into our food.

I'm the kind of person who is always hungry. I don't understand people who can go hours without food. I once had to fast for a medical procedure for a full day - I became a weak, shaky and disheartened mess. In order to ensure that I'm prepared when hunger hits - maybe while I'm watching a dance competition or driving to visit my parents, I always have a snack item or two (or three or four) in my purse. Plus a couple more for my daughter (another always-hungry type).

Happy Friday! How many of you are going shopping? I'm not sure how long Black Friday has been a tradition in the US, but it just started happening in the last couple of years in Canada. Because we celebrate Thanksgiving in October. Not that I'm complaining. A sale is a sale, and I am a woman, after all.

It's time to share simple cell phone photos from our week. Around here, we have been spending a lot of time at my son's basketball tournaments. His sister is getting used to watching.

Earlier this morning, I suggested that you spend a night at home this March evening, reigning as king or queen of your household in front of a late winter fire. Of course, you will also need to indulge in a cup of your hot beverage of choice. Mine's decaf green tea. And, with that hot beverage, you will need a little snack. I will, anyway.

After you finish all of your daily tasks—because, let’s face it, you probably don’t have household staff—and before you settle down with a book, whip up a batch of these bold tasting vegan berry muffins. These muffins are moist and flavourful with delicious bites of fresh, tasty and nutritious blueberries and raspberries. But you can substitute any berries (or even other fruit) that you wish.

Today is Family Day in Ontario, a holiday dedicated to celebrating the importance of families and family life. Let’s face it, with the winter here being what it is (about five months long), we will use any excuse for a holiday that breaks up the monotony.

That being said, it is indeed a great opportunity to spend quality time doing something productive with your family. Our schedule for the day was chosen for us, as my son’s soccer team participated in a couple of exhibition games at a local sports facility.

While I'm not a huge fan of cooking (and having to get together a healthy, satisfying meal for a family of four on a daily basis), I do love to bake. Probably because I love to eat sweets. Especially homemade vegan baked goods. I like to know what is in my food, and what isn't in my food, like all kinds of chemicals with names I can't pronounce. And baked goods also make nice snacks to send in the kids' lunches or to grab for a quick mid-morning or afternoon snack.