A Snowy Evening

Yesterday a big 'ole snowstorm rumbled through Chicagoland. The YMCA sent out a notice that classes were cancelled for the night, so I prepared myself to sit in the car for hours in my commute home, without a prenatal swim class to scamper off to.

Before leaving the office I packed my purse full of snacks and refilled my water bottle to the brim, just in case the dinner hour came and went while I sat in traffic.

Much to my delight, the roads were clear despite the snowstorm and I think everyone must have panicked and left their offices early so I was just about the only one on the road! I got home at the same time I normally would, ran inside and grabbed my camera.

My photography skills are still seeking improvement, but it's so fun to have a camera to just snap bits of our lives to share with you.

Our house looks so peaceful in the snow, even from the back it just seems like the perfect place to call home.

I can't imagine a better way to spend a snowy night than playing in the snow with Princess, then snuggling on the couch with a big, bubbly bowl of chili-mac. Finish the night with some sponge cake and you've got yourself one perfect evening.

Welcome Home :) 

View from our deck

Hubs going out to snow blow!

Princess showing her best "play with me" face. 

"LOOK HOW FAST I AM"

Aren't you coming back out to play with me, Mom?!

I love when snow collects on the windows.

I hadn't planned on cooking anything "new" this week since we had so many birthday leftovers, but this snowy night just begged for chili-mac. 

I don't normally make dishes with pre-packaged seasonings, but I have pouches of chili seasoning on hand and until I make my own round of chili seasoning I'm just appreciating the ease of these pouches from our pantry. Go ahead, judge me. 

Our chili recipe couldn't be more simple... and I love it. 1.5lb ground turkey, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 onion, 2 cans of chili beans, 1 large can of whole tomatoes and 2 packages of chili seasoning. Yummmmm.

Time to make some chili!

Something about macaroni is so fun and comforting.

Top it with greek yogurt, jalapenos & shredded cheese. 

Who said I had to eat healthy ALL the time? 

I admit, while taking a moment to myself last night I sent up a prayer thanking God for getting us home safely, giving us a warm place to call home and a delicious meal to eat. I never get sick of comfort food and sometimes you just have to send up a big, fat "Thank You" for having the chance to enjoy it.

What's your favorite way to spend a quiet night in?