Woman in Real Life

I went with a chocolate cupcake base...because you really can't go wrong with chocolate. I threw in some peppermint flavour for a little twist. Of course, cupcakes must be topped with thick, creamy icing. I added a hint of peppermint flavour to the icing as well.

It's been a while since my last Insta-Friday post. On that particular Friday (March 9th) I was still longing for spring. I'm happy to say that the sun is shining brightly today. While it's not super warm, I can now at the very least imagine a full life outside these walls.

We are starting to come alive after winter hibernation. We have been getting out and about on weekend travels in the City of Toronto and elsewhere. Starting with a much-needed visit to my friends Vili and Bruce at Philosophy Salon. Fresh highlights and a haircut have me ready to take on spring. I think a good pedicure is up next!

Happy Wednesday! Today's edition of WIAW is all about what I ate on Tuesday. I have no additional food photos this week because we were travelling on the weekend for my son's basketball tournament in Niagara Falls.

There was some fast food involved in our travels (hello Harvey's veggie burgers!), as well as a stop at the grocery store for prepared salads, sushi and cut up cantaloupe. There may have been an evening of rum, cola and chips with the other basketball parents too. There has to be a bit of fun for us parents too, right?

Anyway, I started off my Tuesday by making pancakes from a mix. I topped them with Earth Balance margarine and maple syrup and served Yves veggie sausage and orange slices on the side.

I am excited to bring you another "Blogger Style" post. This time I'm sharing a look at the lovely home of Taby, the clever blogger behind The Closet Intellectual. Taby shares her home with husband Jeremy, their three children, three dogs and two cats.

As you may know, I'm a cookbook addict. (I think I've mentioned it one or two times!) It has been a very good time for me lately, with an abundance of vegan cookbooks coming out. It bodes well for a trend towards vegetarian eating too I think! The latest cookbook I have added to my collection is Mayim's Vegan Table by Emmy-nominated actress and trained neuroscientist Mayim Bialik.

This What I Ate Wednesday, I'm starting with a look back to Sunday. The husband and I went to the One of a Kind Show and then out to dinner at Sadie's Diner. It's so nice to be out and about now that the weather is above zero and the snow is melted! (Well, it has melted downtown anyway! There is lots of snow left on suburban lawns!)

I popped into the thrift store on my way to Costco yesterday, not expecting to find anything interesting. I hit the home section right away (as I always do). To my surprise and delight, I came away with a little stash of decorative items for my home for a grand total of $8.

I seem to be drawn to brown items - particularly pottery and wood. I guess I like the warm, cozy feel of them. But I like coloured decor items too. I guess I just like everything! And it shows in this house. I wish I was a dedicated collector of one type of thing like other people.