suzette roberts

// Breakfast Brownies (Gluten-Free)

I had a feeling, and then a hunch, and then another feeling that with making these quick and promisingly delicious brownies (and not holding out any longer), my favourite dark chocolate bar would return to our grocery shelves. And as fate would have it with all the stars and even clouds in perfect spring alignment— said chocolate bar was back in stock on my next visit, three days after this delight, and after four plus weeks of a very 'dry shelf spell'. My new favourite go-to in the event of... and because they're really all that, and because I like switching-things-up days when dessert becomes breakfast — even on a Sunday! Using a 2:1 chocolate blend (2 ounces unsweetened chocolate [that's all I had then] and 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate), reducing the sugar a tad and upping the pure vanilla extract, my happy just-right moist and fudgy chocolate fix ending became a drooling reality...

// Have a Cozy Weekend.

{at-home downtime frequents these days, now including Sausalitos and more Goldfish}

 

Saturday, just after 1 p.m. (we are a weekend sleep-in family), the phone rings - it's my sister Jan, and things go like this:

 

Me: Hello. (in a whisper voice)

Jan: Hey Sue, 'whatcha doing?

Me: Hey, good morning!; playing around with the blog for a few.

Jan: Oh, ok... is that chips? (she did hear a crunch) :)

Me: Ya, my favs. :)

Jan: Hmmm, have you cut the bag as yet Sue?

!Both of us now laughing out loud!

Me: Yeah, hahaha, I did. LOL... ; so what has you home at this hour? You're usually somewhere around 'Magnolia Street'?... :)

// Bacon & Egg McGriddle

Cozying up with our comfort foods. Where our lazy weekend breakfast moments meet mid-week dinner do's and other as-you-like-it joys. An en route favourite (when it existed) was McDonald's Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Blueberry McGriddle Breakfast Sandwich — and crazily enough, every now and again I do ask for it (just in case it's hidden somewhere in their back oven)... the all-in-one warm blueberry muffin sandwich bun filled with crispy bacon!, eggs, and cheese, with a drizzle of sweet maple syrup. With most of us now hanging out at home 24/7, minus our every other week grocery or pharmacy top-ups, as needed, I can't help wondering—

// 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...

Our last Tuesday Six, Plus post for 2019, with recent reads, finds, and such. It's been so comforting to chit-chat about many of these reads and experiences online as well as off in gatherings throughout the year. Thank you, and here are this month's loved links and shares from around the web and city travels...

 

... Celebrating our 'Classic Blue' with this loved capture. I can relate.

... Fun things to do during Advent.

... Holiday gift ideas for him: fragrance, handy bar tool, and cozy cardigan.

...  7 Tips for teaching pet kindness to toddlers. :)

...  December favourites on the daily: all-over body, hair, and cuticle oil.

...  And, Anna Olson's Grand Plum Pudding for quiet family get-togethers.

 

>>> Plus...