.443 l u n c h .

trader joe’s has this japanese fried rice 
[with edamame (soybean), tofu and hijiki seaweed]
that is a godsend for, both, timing and nutrition in my home. 

toots loves it. she picks out all the beans and eats them first every time.
i generally make it for lunch as a main dish, sometimes paired with sliced apples or raw spinach on the side, when i have a lot on my plate.
(corny pun fully intended)

dear busy moms: i recommend this. it's vegan. it takes 10 minutes on the stove and all you need is olive or vegetable oil. 
(*note: you can add meat or egg or anything you want. it doesn't have to stay vegan if that's not your thing)

.419 too cold for pumpkin painting

trader joes had "pumpkin painting" today, but toots was not feeling the brisk of air that kept whooshing by. cold that crept into ears and up arm sleeves and pant legs when no one was looking. cold that drifted into your immune system when your guard was down (and neither of us handles illness well). we grabbed some goodies, a few non-essential groceries, free magazines and headed indoors to the library where warmth and wonder live.