The "Mini-size Me" generation??

So I discovered the cutest little sesame seed hamburger buns today--miniature ones. Created for "sliders"--those new mini-burgers that are such a hot food craze right now. I couldn't resist. I bought them, because of my fetish for all things miniature. 
 
 I am fascinated by, and thoroughly enjoying, this newest trend in food production. I mean, sure, we've had baby carrots and two-bite brownies around for probably a decade or longer by now, but it seems every time I go to the grocery store lately I'm seeing a new "mini" calling out to me. Mini cans of coke, mini tubs of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, baby watermelons, mini pita rounds and bagels, baby bell peppers, and the list goes on (seriously--add to my list by commenting below, I'm really curious to know what's all out there!).

I love it--whether this is just an extension of Hollywood's Babymania, or a healthy response to my generation's sickening "Supersize Me" era, in my opinion it's a fabulous idea on all sides. It really is healthier to eat smaller portions, and if I can still feel like I've finished off a tub of Ben and Jerry's without inhaling a whole litre of ice cream, well hey, sign me up! It's also great for getting just a taste of something, and allowing room to try different flavours--I'd love to try guacamole on my burger, but have never dared cover a whole burger in the green stuff. With a plate of 3 sliders, I can try all the combos I want. From a marketing viewpoint it's pretty bright too. I mean, really, I spent the same amount on those mini-buns as I would on full-size ones. I'm sure it didn't cost as much to make them.

I'm also thrilled that Epicure Selections has joined in this trend with our "verrines"--miniature glass dishes for serving layered appetizers or desserts. I've been having so much fun with these--breakfast fruit and yogurt parfaits, perfectly portioned chips and dip, almost calorie-less desserts. They really are so fun, and we're eating less because of it.

Hmmm, what will be next--miniature eggs?? Now THAT would be interesting...look out, Robins!

Here are some pictures of the verrines we've been enjoying!

Janae with her blueberry yogurt parfait!

Mmmm, chocolate pudding and whipping cream desserts!

"Do as I say, not as I do!"

Below are some pictures from Janae's and Aiden's field days last week. Janae is none too modest about her 5 ribbons, as you can see! Aiden's Kindergarten field day wasn't about ribbons, it was about having fun. So he has no ribbons--fun, hey?

Although I am a proud parent, it came as a surprise to me that Janae did so well in several sporting events. She obviously doesn't take after her mother! Nonetheless, on the way to school this week I was reminded (or maybe kicked in the butt!) about how much influence I really do have.

I'm ashamed to admit that some days I drive my children to school even though you can almost see their school from our house. But that is another story. It usually involves a lot of dawdling and a little bit of yelling and hollering. I won't say who does what. And nothing irritates me more on those mornings than slow drivers who take their time slowly meandering down the road in front of me.

This particular morning as I missed my 4th chance to turn left off a busy street into the school parking lot, I might've muttered something along the lines of "why on earth does that truck have to take for-fricken-ever?!?!" Apparently I didn't mutter it softly enough, because as I was helping Janae out of the van and putting her backpack on she turns to me and says, "Why does this backpack have to be so fricken heavy all the time??" Oh dear. I quickly apologized for saying it and told her that it isn't ok for her to say it either. Unfortunately that doesn't erase it.

I know, it's kind of cute in a demented way. And you might be laughing. But it sure was a lesson learned for me to keep on eye on myself, because there are 6 little eyes watching and copying every move I make. It reminds me of the story of the carrot, the egg, and the coffee (http://www.gardenplum.com/columnvine/carroteggcoffee.html). We all have a choice when placed in hot water--become hardened like an egg, turn to mush like a carrot, or be a coffee bean and bring a pleasing taste and aroma wherever you go--especially in hot water! I'd like to think of myself as a full-bodied bold blend...

Why the M&M Jar???!

So I've been thinking of starting a blog for some time now, and believe it or not, the thing that kept stopping me was a name. Considering I wanted to write about everything that goes on in my life from recipes to kids' quotes to rants about life's little annoyances--the good, the bad, the ugly (and cute) and more...what could encompass all of this??

Well, being a bit of a word-geek, I've been aware for a while already that the initials of our family's first names spell out MMJAR--Marcel, Monica, Janae, Aiden, Reuben. I've been waiting for the perfect thing to do with that cool acronym, and it hit me tonight--voila! A blog!

As some of you know, I've always loved writing. I am currently a news correspondent for The Banner--a magazine from our church denomination. While I love it, I miss creative and expressive writing. So welcome to my mixed "jar" of writings about the goings on in our household and life.