December 14th, 2009

Deep Freeze

Ugh. It is so super cold where I live. No, I mean REALLY, REALLY freakin cold. It was -41 degrees Celsius when I woke up this morning and now it’s even colder at -42. If you live in the States or somewhere where you only know Fahrenheit – well, it’s not actually that different when it gets this cold. It’s apparently around -43 F. Crazy right? And yet, I live here, so what can I do?! My oldest didn’t even have to go to school today as the buses were all canceled. We don’t really have snow days here, snow is so normal, but once or twice a year we get weather like this and the buses shut down. School is technically open but I am so not going out in this just to take him to school to play (only maybe a quarter of kids actually show up in this weather).

So, yep, cold. I spent all day yesterday baking, nice way to keep the house toasty while the world outside is frozen. I think I may do some more baking today, as my first attempt at butter tarts was kind of a mess. The shells dissolved upon baking. Oops. I did get shortbread cookies and chocolate crinkles made that were super yummy. And I have gingerbread dough waiting to be rolled out, cut and baked later today. Fun, fun!

In the midst of all this, I still am working on client work, December seems to actually be a bit busy, though I suspect it will be very quiet starting next week. I also did a pretty good spreadsheet with my own financial info for Halo Secretarial put together, so I can see how the business is progressing and what I should have as goals for 2010. I think it will be a great year – it’ll be the second full year in business for me, and I’m feeling really good about it.

I also am working on some goals for this blog for the coming year-but that’s another post!

December 3rd, 2009

Christmas Equals Busy

I love the holiday season – it’s a great time to focus on family and enjoy some of the biggest benefits of my work at home life. I can do a little baking every week, I can get my shopping done when the mall is slightly less insane and then I can work half the night! Oh wait – that part isn’t so fun, but I can’t complain too much – I’m grateful for the work I have. I just wish BabyBoy wouldn’t have his worst sleep in ages on the night I stayed up way too late finishing a project!

So the best way to keep a handle on all the crazy during this busy season is to make a list – or three or four! I love lists, they keep me on track. I have work to-do lists, personal to-do lists, Christmas shopping lists, dinner menu lists, baking lists. Today’s top priority is trying to set my baking list in stone, so I can buy some supplies and get going.

I have annual baking traditions and I also enjoy trying a new recipe or two each year. So far, this is what’s on my agenda, but I’m definitely open for suggestions if anyone has a favorite they think we should try.

1. Whipped Shortbread (hubby’s favorite)
2. Butter Tarts (my grandma always made these!)
3. Gingerbread cookies (for the boys to decorate)
4. Nanaimo squares (maybe)
5. Date squares

I usually make fudge and/or truffles too, but not sure if I’m going to this year.  Chocolate is my biggest weakness and I really want to keep my calorie intake reasonable.

Close to the actual holiday I’ll also make a couple of pies to serve as dessert, and I may make this beautiful angel food cake recipe from the most recent Cooking Light magazine.

Good thing we have lots of people invited for dinner – got a lot of sugar happening!!!

Laurie