suzette roberts

// Five Fun Questions for Right Now

... because, life is a lot more than 'brainy' academics and it's healthy to branch away and indulge the playful every now and again. I recently ran across this article and loved the idea of bringing it into our elementary classrooms as well for some time-out, embracing the social breeze bonding for a few. On 5 individual index cards, and no set order, students select any five questions, and if desired substitute or include a fun one of their own making to share with their class buddy, who will then share one question and answer reveal with the larger group at the beginning or end of our school day. And in fairness, teachers are also expected to participate and share their answers too. My kids held me to this from that very first teaching year, finding us at my favourite beach spot hangout decades ago. I've never forgotten that eventful day. In short, have some close-knit, maybe even quirky, fun...

// The Tuesday Six, Plus...

 

Recent loved reads, finds, and fun indulgences from around the web...

 

...  CHANEL's Spring-Summer 2020 Haute Couture Show by Virginie Viard. :)

...  Why long walks will change your life.

...  How to raise media-savvy kids in the digital age.

...  The 60 Greatest Motown songs of all time.

...  Fun things for the hubby: outdoors, indoors, and both.

...  And, quick and easy dinner recipes for our busy days.

 

>>> Plus...

// Banana Olive Oil Cake (Gluten-Free)

It was a Monday. That I do remember. Not this week— and last week still remains a blur🙃. But I do recall working and actually being at my desk. And all I thought about for that full eight-hour work day (for the most part), was finally having not one, not two, not even three—, but four whole beyond-ripe bananas. I say 'beyond', as any other description could do me in here, where not even my squirrel in my backyard would entertain the fruit as a potential snack-nibble if left for another day — and of course I'd never ever want to do that to my playful pecan-loving furry. But at this later ripe stage, the banana flavour is so elevated in any type of baked good, there is no need for any added sweet spices etc... Therefore, at 5 p.m. sharp, I promptly and politely and excitedly excused myself, and scurried to check on them (once again) as they hung out in my oven, below deck, in their medium-sized brown paper bag from the market since the prior weekend. It was bliss. The time had arrived to make my first gluten-free olive oil slim cake for 2020!, and it was all an experiment of the lighter, ultra-moist, and drizzled-chocolate kind...

// Hello February!~: Looking Forward To...

Homeland - Season 8... If you've been hooked since Season 1, she certainly needs no introduction. Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) and Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin) return for the eighth and final (as of right now, but...:)) of Homeland. Considering I had to actually re-start the first five minutes of Season 1, three times, and over a four week period (covering my eyes too, and peeking through little between-the-fingers cracks that third time) being a pretty rough start to any series, new or otherwise, one would wonder as to what made you try again...

// Humble Bee Candles: Winter Pine

I received this truly lovely candle in 'Winter Pine' this past holiday and checked all the boxes a beautiful candle can deliver the very first evening I lit it — and then some: deep relaxation, restoration, calm, and a gentle-be all over feel. If you have yet to hear about this fairly new-to-the-market company, welcome to the serene world of Humble Bee Candles. Hand poured right here in Toronto, Canada, and hoping to "sprinkle kindness, humbleness, and joy to those who receive the candle..."

// Pistachio Nut Ice Cream

'Where I get so much joy these days— working on new ice cream blends. To say I have been wanting to delve into this favourite nut flavour in its purest form, is an understatement. It's been on my quiet(er) mind for at least two years now. But, yes there's a but; I wanted the best green pistachios known, and wasn't going to 'go there' until said nut was literally in my bare hands. It remained on my to-source list. Well, said ingredient spectaculaire arrived out of the blue the first week of this year, 2020, without any request, or even warning, and I almost couldn't believe it, and after closing my front door, I twirled and had my full-on happy dance mid-afternoon, as right there and then my month had already hit a pretty high note. I am ecstatic with the rich deep-bodied pistachio bite, sweet nutty aroma, and smooth velvety elegance of this month's flavour which took me over the moon (and I'm still not back as yet): Pistachio Nut Ice Cream. :) A few beginning behind-the scenes after the jump... Have a snuggly weekend. ~xx