Simplifying

Now at 47 years old, it appears that I have an irresistible urge to simplify my life. Okay... my version of simple may not be the best to define the word... I have a natural tendency to develop a simple idea until it's all but simple! Not always a bad thing, but certainly a trend that may change along the next few years.

For our little family, simplifying should be tied to a fine budget review - and the time has come for us to implement small reforms in our lifestyle. Everything is subject to examination, like our wireless/phone/cable expenses for example. But first and foremost, I believe that our choices of food supplies and eating habits are the right place to begin.

Timing is great, I feel inspired to enter a cooking spree. School will begin in a couple of weeks, together with our regular school year schedules of work and activities. Having meals prepared ahead of time will be very helpful to ease into the fall. I want to roll along the harvest, exploring some healthy weeknight helpers, and new ideas for the boy's lunches (and mine too!). More fresh and non-precossed foods, back to the basics. Simplifying! I would like to preserve tomatoes too, but maybe it's another one of my Martha Stewart meets Debby Travis thing... so I'll just keep the preserving as a slight possibility : )

We just spent two weeks at the cottage in beautiful South Muskoka, and I found one of Tim's mom's old cookbook, straight from 1972. Perfect! I made the cheese scones recipe, the boys loved it. It was a bit blend so we agreed to improve the recipe in the future. Leo voted to add bacon... and Dylan would flavour them with pesto and mushrooms. Interesting. In any case, scones make a great side kick for a hearty soup in a thermos! I must say that the boys and I have been watching some cooking shows this summer (Les Chefs, and other occasional screenings on the cooking network. It has inspired both of them to cook and try new things, especially Dylan. I will involve them actively into the choice and preparation of their various lunch dishes. Hearty bean soups, paella, burritos, panzeroti, cornbread pockets, and more.

And what shall I do with my spare time? Ha ha! Here is the catch... I don't have any. Work - Family nurturing - and Personal nurturing (like working out!) will be the theme of the school year. And if all goes well - Yucatan in late April!

Recipes will be flowing in again very soon - happy harvest!