So, Halloween? How was yours?
We had exactly TWO trick-or-treaters and although I'm generous, our eight bags of candy were not dented, by any means. I brought about a third into the office this morning and the rest has hopefully gone to work with Mike. Basically, I'm doing all I can to avoid having candy anywhere near me and, what's more, of the 24 Halloween cupcakes I made on Tuesday night, I ate not a one. Not even a sneaky lick of the batter-covered bowl.
Forget balance, kids. For my will power, I want presents.
Last night we had Natalie and Micah over for dinner and I made Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken—a recipe I pulled from the Weight Watchers site. We* also made steamed broccoli and dinner rolls. (*I say we, because Natalie was forced to assist me in the kitchen. Note to all: if I invite you over for dinner, be prepared to pitch in.) Oh, and there was fat-free pudding for dessert. Total meal around 13 points. And it was delicious. Natalie, concur won't you?
Although I talked all night about forcing Molly back into her lobster costume because, come on, it was Halloween, sort of why we dropped a whole Hamilton on it. (Am I cool enough to pull that off? You know, like "all about the Benjamins"? Dropping a Hamilton? You're groaning, aren't you?) But whenever I'd say to her, "Where's your lobster costume? Get your lobster costume, Mollyhead!" she'd tilt her head and then fetch her squirrel. And, well, I wasn't going to search for it on my own.
After Natalie and Micah headed out, leaving behind an empty wine bottle, Mike and I watched The Colbert Report and a bit of poker before passing out.
I love this time of year. Especially in Texas, where this time of year doesn't mean having to stay indoors for the next four months. I love stepping outside to smell the first chimney smoke of the season. I love the seasonal brews from World Market and planning out the family gatherings of the next few months. I love that Mike starts cracking a window around this time, to let the cold air seep in, leading to more snuggling than usual. I love the lights and decorations that start popping up on houses and the grocery stores that stock all their pumpkin pie ingredients near the front of the store. The movies get better this time of year, with award season right around the corner. And sweaters and boots get dusted off. There's more baking. And more parties. And more laughter, too, it seems.
And—making this time of year near perfect— there are the day-after-holiday sales at Target.
Oh, and there's also this:
My nephew, the world's most adorable and smushable kangaroo.
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I hope you, lovely reader, had a wonderful Halloween—perfect parts sugary and spooky and delightful.