Ahhhh….another long day, and another long post. Such is the life of a student at the end of the semester.

I started off my morning a little later than planned, but breakfast was ready and waiting for me.

Leftover waffles from dinner last night. Perfect – all they needed was a little zap in my microwave, and they were good to go.

I topped the waffle with the rest of the caramelized apples, peanut butter, granola, and a wee drizzle of maple syrup.

All with a glass of cranberry pomegranate juice.

Fortunately, I didn’t need to put together a lunch today, as I had a lunch outing planned with a classmate. I did grab a Key Lime Pie Larabar though, for snacking purposes.

After my first (and only class, and some leisurely computer time, I was off to lunch with my classmate. We hit up Solly’s Bagels on her suggestion.

Solly’s is this little Jewish deli not too far from school. They have a basic menu – bagels, soup, sandwiches, and an array of delicious baked goods.

It’s a cute little “hole in the wall” kind of place, with only 4 tables inside, and 2 outside (if you want to brave the rain). Fortunately for us, they do alot of take out business on weekdays, so we were able to score a table to eat at.

I decided on the smoked turkey sandwich on an onion bagel.

It came loaded with sprouts, red onion, and tomato (I passed on that), as well as your choice of mustard (dijon for me). Some crispy ripple chips, and a big ol’ dill pickle spear were served on the side.

The sandwich was great, but a little pricy for an everyday lunch. Mind you, we are talking quality bagels, meats, etc, so maybe it’s not too bad. Plus the pickle was awesome.

Of course, we couldn’t pass up all those tempting baked goods staring at us from across the (tiny) room. I decided to get three little bites: chocolate rugoleh, poppy seed rugoleh, and a chocolate almond meringue cookie.

My favourite was the poppy seed rugoleh. So much so, it deserved it’s own close up.

The chocolate one was good too, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t as moist as the poppy seed one. The meringue was also good, but still didn’t quite compare.

My friend bought a chocolate babka, and O. M. G. She gave me a small piece, and that was some amazing stuff. Let me tell you. I would go back there just to get babka and poppy seed rugoleh. Or maybe I should just learn how to make them? Anyone know of some good babka & rugoleh recipes? I think Jewish baking might be my new calling!

The whole reason we went out for lunch was because we were off to survey one of the schools for our project. Our meeting with the principal went well, and was quicker than expected, so I was able to get home before 5 pm. And on a Tuesday even! Sweet!

There was some chocolate consumption (Zazubean) while we considered our dinner options.

Mom suggested hot dogs, but dad and my sister collaborated to come up with a better dinner idea.

Roasted deli chicken.

Sweet potato fries, with ketchup and garlic mayo.

And some greenery, in the form of a Caesar salad.

Totally trumps hot dogs.

I went back for seconds on the salad – mostly because you can’t keep salad that’s been dressed. The lettuce just gets all wilty and gross.

Some digestion occurred, then I wandered down to the gym for some cardio fun. Another treat – getting to work out on a Tuesday.

I decided to try out this new tea my mom was given by a friend – Stash Organic Loose Leaf Chamomile.

Can you believe I’ve never had chamomile tea before? Check this stuff out – it’s full, intact flowers!

I brewed up a cup, and had some spelt sticks to munch alongside.

I quite enjoyed the chamomile. I’ll have to keep that one in regular rotation – it’s a nice change from the other teas we have around here.

Alas, it is bed time. You know how it goes. Night!

Second to last Monday of the semester down, and only one more to go. Woohoo! Am I way too excited for this semester to be over? Maybe because if the semester is over, it means my looming group paper is done. I think it’s going to consume most of my brain power this week and next, and I’m not looking forward to it.

I managed to start my week off right by a) getting out of bed on time, and b) making a lovely cereal mess for breakfast.

• Peanut Butter Puffins
• Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise
• Nature’s Path Pumpkin Flax Granola
• pomegranate arils

Plus a glass of the juice – cranberry pomegranate, dontcha know?

I love a good cereal mess, especially when it include Peanut Butter Puffins!

Biochemistry was riveting as always, then I had another fun volunteer shift at Sprouts. What made it so fun? Chocolate tasting! One of the other volunteers there and I decided to each pick up a bar of the chocolate we sell, since we have it on sale for a really good price ($2.50/bar, retails for over $3.50 in most stores). What kind of chocolate you may ask?

Zazubean Chocolate. I love this company – not only are they local, they sell fair trade, organic chocolates, and are apparently the first “functional chooclate” line in Canada. Also cool – instead of sending the chocolate over to Europe to be processed, it is actually done in Washington, solely for this company here in BC.

The flavour I selected was Ego – matcha & goji berries in 70% dark chocolate. It was a really nice blend of flavours, and you all know how I love me some matcha. The extras were subtle, but went well with the delicious dark chocolate. I also got to try Nakid – 73% dark chocolate with raw cacao nibs. This was also a really good, pure tasting chocolate bar. Loved the little crunch from the cacao nibs in there. I had a little square of each, and will be savouring this chocolate for as long as it lasts around here.

Volunteer day also means baked goodie day!

I went with the Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Honey cookie (I think I got the name right). It was crumbly, sweet, and delicious. Not to mention there were whole hazelnuts in there. Oh yeah.

Lunch was packed to go, since I was rushing off to the hospital for my other volunteer shift right after school.

Just a simple sandwich of cheddar, hummus, cucumber, dill pickle, and spinach, all on a sourdough bun.

It was supposed to have avocado as well, but it had gone manky. Boo-urns.

Volunteering at the hospital was pretty boring like last time, but I just keep telling myself that I’m doing it to get into the program and get the job I want. Otherwise, I’d probably go insane. Why can’t they have some paid work opportunities every once in a while?

I made a side trip to the mall to check out a few things, then I came home, where mom asked if I wanted pancakes for dinner. Instead, I suggested waffles. I haven’t had homemade waffles in eons, probably due to my lack of waffle iron. Mom obliged my request.

I made a topping of sauteed apples, butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup. I also added a drizzle of peanut butter to mine.

Breakfast for dinner.

I know, I know. I didn’t really plate it all that well. Believe me though, it tasted damn good.

I then spent pretty much the rest of my evening on the damn computer, conversing with people in my group, and doing some background reading for our paper. Ugh – the amount of time they have allowed us to do the paper and presentation is just doesn’t seem like enough. I really fear our paper is going to be half-assed, and not because we didn’t try, but because we were rushed to get it all done. You better believe it’s going on my course evaluation.

Now I’m munching on a few roasted cashews, and off to do some more reading before I hit the sack. Get used to the monster full day recaps – I have a feeling that’s how my schedule will be for the next two weeks. Night!

I have watched many hours of ice sports on TV this weekend. It was a hockey & figure skating extravaganza! It’s making me long to get back out there myself. Oh skating, why you gotta be so expensive?

I started my Sunday morning…well….with very little morning left. Oops! Breakfast basically turned into lunch.

I went with a bowl of Matcha Green Tea Goji Oatmeal.

• 1/3 cup oats, almond milk, water
• 1 tbsp Ruth’s Chia Goodness cereal
• 1 tbsp dried goji berries
• 3/4 tsp matcha powder
• Artisana Coconut Butter
• sliced almonds

And a glass of cranberry pomegranate juice.

Dining on the living room rug? Nah, it was just for photography purposes

After enjoy breakfast, figure skating, and catching up on blogging, I made my way outside for a walk with my mom. We only had to endure a short rain storm, and made it home relatively dry. I was needing a little snack by then – bring on the yogurt mess!

Plain, non-fat yogurt, quince compote, pomegranate seeds, and the end of a jar of macadamia nut butter.

Oh, how I’d forgotten how amazing that macadamia nut butter is. I may have to break down and shell out the dough for a new jar one day soon.

Then I had a date with Jillian Michaels and her No More Trouble Zones. I just needed to get some serious sweat on. By the time I was done that, dinner was on the table.

Starting with a wee pour of red wine, leftover from my parent’s social evening last night.

We had baked pork chops with stuffing.

A baked potato with sour cream, a little bit of buttah, and pepper.

And steamed asparagus.

Fun Sunday night dinner.

I followed dinner with a (blurry) piece of dark chocolate.

Then it was time to watch hockey, be disappointed in my team’s loss, and watch the rest of the skating I had taped. So good – I’m excited for Canada’s chances for some figure skating hardware at the Olympics.

Snacky hunger came a calling, and I answered with a piece of cinnamon toast – Silver Hills Squirrelly bread, buttah, brown sugar, and a crap ton of cinnamon.

Plus a mug of Stash Decaf Vanilla Creme Nut tea with almond milk.

Cinnamon toast totally reminds me of being a kid.

And now my mom is watching the skating I taped, so I’m going to go enjoy it again – it was just that good! Night!

Mom and I braved the crowds at the mall yesterday (aren’t we supposed to be in a recession? Sure doesn’t look like it at all). Looks like Christmas has come a little early this year.

Photo teaser! You’ll have to make your way through the rest of the post for more

I started my Saturday like any other – by sleeping in and making a leisurely breakfast. All while enjoying some figure skating on TV.

When I have time, oatmeal always seems to make it on the menu.

• 1/3 cup oats, almond milk, water
• 1 tbsp Ruth’s Chia Goodness cereal
• 2 dried figs, chopped
• dried cranberries
• splash of vanilla
• peanut butter swirl
• Artisana Cacao Bliss

With the last of the Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice.

Once all that food was ingested and skating was over, we made our big trek to the mall, as well as the grocery store. By the time we got home, it was after 3 pm! Doh! I had to find lunch stat.

Good thing we had leftover Veggie Mediterranean pizza. Didn’t even bother to heat it up!

Then I was having a total chocolate craving. My dad brought this chocolate bar.

So I had a square…or two.

I had hoped to go out in the evening, since my parents were having a bunch of their friends over, but alas, I couldn’t get ahold of anyone to see if they were up for doing something, so I spent the evening in my pj’s doing pretty much nothing. And I didn’t even get around to eating dinner until almost 10 pm…what’s up with that?!

I made myself a little sandwich – turkey, ham, cheddar cheese, spinach on these little sourdough buns we found at the grocery store.

Then I dug into the appetizers that were in the kitchen

A wee little spinach quiche.

And my favourite – Tex-Mex dip with the best tortilla chips.

Oh, I definitely had seconds on that dip.

And guess what? There was dessert as well! I had a wee slice of this rum soaked pound cake with a touch of whipped cream, grapes, and cantaloupe.

I was glad the cake didn’t taste too rummy – not exactly my favourite flavour. But it was super moist.

I mostly hid out in my bedroom all evening, goofing around on the interweb. It’s true, I was a total hermit on a Saturday night. Oh well, sometimes that’s just how it goes, right? And even though I had plenty of time to post last night, I just didn’t feel the writing urge.

Okay, okay…want to see my fancy new boots?

Can I just say, the boot shopping experience was tough! I tried to get boots made in Canada, but the only decent pair I could find didn’t fit in the heel at all (I have a narrow heel compared to the rest of my foot). And then, trying to find boots that fit my giant size 10 feet without making them look like skis was a whole other issue. I tried on this super cute pair of moccasin style boots, but OMG – they made my feet look insanely huge. My mom and I joked I could go out snowshoeing in them without the snowshoes. LOL.

Now I can go to school without getting soaking wet feet, and still look somewhat stylish – since I’m such a fashionista and all.

The rain has stopped, so I think I’m going to head out for a walk. Later gators.

OH MY!

Storm number 5 for the week rolled in this evening, and made itself known. Not only was there thunder and lightning, but our backyard looked like this.

Although I wished it was snow, it was only hail. Large, pelting hail. So much that we had accumulation, on the street even.

But before all this weather drama, I had made myself a matcha green tea latte while enjoying some figure skating in HD.

Not as pretty as Starbucks, but tasted just as good.

After all the poetry on ice was done, I made my way to the gym to get my sweat on via the stairclimber and stationary bike. I made it home just as the storm was starting – perfect timing!

Alas, we ended up sending my dad back out in the mess to get dinner. It’s Friday, take out is to be expected.

Can you guess what we had?

Hello delicious Pizza Hut pizza. My choice was the Veggie Mediterranean – roasted red pepper, babay spinach, feta cheese, red onions, tomatoes, black olives, and mozzarella. But I nixed the olives, and had them replaced with mushrooms. Much better!

And since I obviously hadn’t consumed enough refined white flour today, I grabbed a couple of those damn tasty cheesy bread sticks.

Go big or go home, right?

As much as Pizza Hut wouldn’t be my pizza joint of choice, they do make a pretty decent veggie pizza. Not too skimpy on the toppings (although, if I made it myself, I’d totally add more).

Sienna was all attitude when she found out pizza was for dinner – not really a food that shares well with kitties.

Who am I kidding – she’s all attitude all the time

There was hockey to be watched this evening (Canucks win, 5- 2), and hot chocolate to be consumed, with marshmallows again

One would think that, at 12:10 am, it would be bed time. But no…there is more figure skating on TV. Seriously CBC Sports, why do you do this to me? I *could* PVR it and watch it tomorrow, but I want to see it now! Looks like I’ll be camping out on the couch for the next hour or so. Night!

And again, we have come to the end of another school week. It seems unreal that there are only 2 weeks left of classes this semester. Where has the time gone?

I was super sleepy student today, and napped all the way to school and back on the bus/train. I also slept in a wee bit, but manage to get out the door on time and to class in time.

My rushed breakfast consisted of a peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich.

On fluffy white bread. It was the only stuff we had upstairs, and I didn’t want to be bothered to go downstairs and retrieve some good bread out of the freezer.

I also slammed back a glass of Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice.

Once I was home for the day, I changed into my pajamas, grabbed the laptop, and hopped back into bed to watch figure skating online. It was a pretty glorious way to spend the rest of my morning, especially with the rain still falling outside.

Skating finished right when I was ready for lunch, so it was perfect! Soup was the only thing on my mind.

I had a nice bowl of Italian Wedding soup – one of my favourites. I must try making it myself one day.

Then I made up a little side plate of goodies – a sliced gala apple, sharp cheddar cheese, and some of that delicious garlic bread.

Lunch in a flash!

I have big plans this afternoon that include more figure skating watching, hitting up the gym, and watching hockey. It’s all about the weekend from here on in. Later!

Okay, so my fantabulous bagel melt for lunch wasn’t quite enough food to keep me going through a 4 hour lecture, and the commute home from school (and really, I knew that would be the case). Good thing I’d packed up a mighty fine snack for the afternoon.

Yogurt & granola mess, featuring quince! Remember those beauties I bought earlier this week? Well, I cooked them up with some water and agave nectar into a sort of compote/paste/jam thing.

They turn a very pretty rose colour, and keep that lovely floral aroma. I decide they would make a good yogurt topping along with some pomegranate arils.

I really like the quince, but man, they are a pain to work with. They are SO HARD to cut and core, and they oxidize (turn brown) so fast! Plus they take quite awhile to cook. So while I’m not against them, I’d have to be in the mood for some hard work if I were to buy them again.

Class today was…trying. I was not impressed with my group. We have a big paper that’s due at the end of the term, which we only get to start on now (not our choice, it’s how the course is). It involves us going into some schools to interview them about their food system there. So we only have 2 weeks left of classes, which means these visits need to happen ASAP. And not everyone in our group has even contacted their schools yet to go in there. Not to mention some of my group members haven’t read the outline for the paper, and had no input into our group discussions. It’s like pulling teeth, I tell you! ARGH. I was so close to walking out of there. I would much rather write this paper on my own, because I bet I could bust it out in a weekend, and get a decent mark. Alas, that is not an option. Le sigh.

Getting home from school took FOREVER tonight as well. And it was pouring rain, so my feet ended up soaked through my runners This, coupled with my trying class, did not make for a happy camper

What did make for a happy camper was the garlic bread I found when I got home. If there is one thing I could probably gorge myself on, it would be garlic bread. Is that weird?

Obviously, I had some with dinner.

As well as leftover shepherd’s pie, ketchup included.

And some salad leftover from my parents’ dinner earlier that I only half ate – it wasn’t doing it for me.

You know I totally went back for seconds on that garlic bread though

That plate looks like a crap ton of food, but it’s actually not a proper sized dinner plate, so it’s not as much as you think. I’m just saying.

My mom must have known I’d had a crappy day, and that my tootsies were soaked from the rain, because she said we’re going down to the mall this weekend in search of good boots – early Christmas present. Hurray!

I chillaxed on the couch, watched some Survivor and CSI, and drank some tea – Silk Road Lychee Fruit Double Happiness Tea.

I’m going to be sad when all my Silk Road teas are gone. I guess that just means I’ll need to head on over to Victoria for a visit!

Time to get some shut eye. Only one more day of early mornings this week, and I’m determined to not be late. Night!

I am sitting here, relaxing on a comfy couch, blog reading, with a happy, content tummy from the most amazing lunch. But we’ll get to that.

I managed to get myself out of bed this morning, early even, and was able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

It started with a bowl of Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise cereal, topped with some craisins and shredded coconut.

Part 2 was toasted Silver Hills Squirrelly Bread with peanut butter and apricot jam.

And to round it all out, I had a glass of Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice.

This quick breakfast meant I had even more time to chill this morning.

We’ll breeze over the uneventful transit ride and psychology class, and move straight on to lunch.

Yesterday I asked you all what you would order off the Fall Harvest Menu, and although the salmon burger was the definite leader, I had my heart set on another tasty dish.

I made my way over to Bernoulli’s Bagels and ordered the Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Bagel Melt.

I chose the organic multigrain bagel as the vehicle for this taste sensation.

The toasted bagel was topped with layers of garlic & onion cream cheese, butternut squash (from the UBC farm), caramelized onions, and another cheese that I’m assuming might be mozzarella, but I’m not 100% sure.

Gratuitous close-up!

They even served it with pickled beans – one of my favourites. Bonus points!

Let me tell you – this did not disappoint. When I got my order, I was first hit with an amazing aroma, that made me want to dig in right then and there. After the first bite, I was beyond impressed with my lunch choice. All the flavours complemented each other perfectly. This is something I will have to try replicating at home. And talk about filling!

Not only was the food great, but they served it up in a compostable container, with compostable utensils.

Now it’s up to me to remember to head down to the compost before class!

And since today is National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day in the US (who comes up with these things?!), I figured it was only fitting to have one of these.

I have a snack packed up for later on, but I’m not even sure if I’ll need it! I’m off to enjoy the rest of my break before class. Later!

This afternoon my dad brought home this interesting package.

Obviously, I had to try one out. I’m not generally a liquorice fan, but I figure mango flavoured might be different?

Meh, it was alright. I’m still not a liquorice person. Plus they get stuck to your teeth.

I then had a nice long nap. Curled up under my blankets, Sienna beside me. It was glorious. Of course, it meant I totally slept through dinner. Oops! No worries though, since I wasn’t hungry (lunch was pretty late). Instead, I went downstairs and sweated it out with Jillian and her No More Trouble Zones DVD. You know, it’s tough going through it, but so satisfying when you are complete. My sister has been enjoying it as well. Not bad for a $10 investment.

I was ready for some dinner after that for sure! On the menu tonight – Shepherd’s Pie.

Mom made her classic Shepherd’s Pie, with ground beef, onions, corn, and mashed potatoes. I always eat it with a little ketchup.

I was in the mood for a little salad, so I whipped up a quick Caesar salad on the side.

Looks like that salad is taking over the plate!

Lots of TV watching later (ANTM, Criminal Minds, and CSI:NY), and it was time for a little something something.

Ambrosia apple with creamy peanut butter for dunking. Such a simple, perfect snack.

And now, it should be my bed time. But of course, since I had that nice long nap, I’m so not ready for bed. Doh! I think I’ll go contemplate what to have for lunch tomorrow at school – a bunch of our campus eateries are offering special Fall Harvest menus this month, and there are alot of tasty looking options. I figure I should try some out before they are gone.

It’s a bit hard to see, but…

What do you think I should have for lunch tomorrow?

Brrrr, is it ever a cold one out there today. It’s rainy, windy, and just unpleasant all around. I’m about ready to curl up under the covers for a nap!

And actually, I would have liked to stayed curled up under the covers instead of getting up to go to school. So much so, that I slept in…again. It must be the end of the semester – lack of motivation to get to class on time and all.

I wasn’t feeling the usual quick breakfast of cereal this morning, so I went with pb + b + h.

Toasted Silver Hills “The Big 16” bread, topped with peanut butter, banana, and honey.

With a glass of that fabulous Oasis Pomegranate Berry juice. I just love the deep colour.

Ready to eat in less than 5 minutes!

After I thrilling biochemistry lecture, I made my way over to the Land & Food Building, and plopped myself onto a comfy couch to pass time until my volunteer shift at Agora. I passed the time with some internet and spelt sticks.

And photographed my bus ride home snack, a Pistachio Larabar.

I basically froze the whole way home on the bus and train. I don’t know why I was so freakin’ cold, but by the time I got home, I was making a beeline for my pajama pants, and knew I needed something to warm me up for lunch.

Earlier while at school I had seriously considered a pit stop to Starbucks for my favourite warm me up drink – a green tea latte. But I was a good little unemployed person, and saved my coin. Since I had matcha powder at home, I figured why not incorporate it into lunch. My mind was set – Green Tea Latte oatmeal

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp matcha powder
• splash of vanilla
• 1 tbsp flax seed
• Artisana Coconut Butter
• almonds

Something warm to drink was in order as well. I went with hot chocolate, topped with some mini marshmallows.

Breakfast for lunch.

Definitely not your typical lunch, but it was completely satisfying, and made me feel all warm and cozy, which was exactly what I was going for.

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For those of you wanting my mom’s recipe for Salmon Loaf, head on over to ZestyCook, where the coveted family recipe is making a guest appearance!