Friday, February 6, 2015

Je t'aime♥










One day this past week I played..in the kitchen..I had just gone through Ina's book Make It Ahead and I read she was excited when she tested things in the kitchen.
I am the same way.
Trying new things in the kitchen on beautiful sunny freezing days..or even grey days...just makes me happy.
I should be a product tester..meaning cute cutters..molds etc:)
Not so much meats ;)
I sipped a travel mug full of Paris Tea to keep it warm..It is undeniably one of my fave Harney teas..It needs nothing at all to make it so delicious.Not to mention the darling tin.I keep my Harney's tea tins..Keepers.
I am posting Valentine's a bit early..because for actual Valentine's Day..I am making a carrot cake..my 41 yr old recipe..and kiddie cupcakes that are not really Valentinesy so I'll share those later..

I  had another cup of that tea  later in the day when I made the Hello Kitty cookies.

So getting back to trying things in the kitchen..I made the cutout sugar cookies from my book..Sprinkle Bakes.That girl really makes her desserts oh so pretty..like many of you do..but it's her book I have:)
I bought the book Nov 2013..I like looking through it a lot..very creative ideas.
Feel free to use any sugar cookie that holds it's shape well and you are all set to cut out perfect hearts.I again put my tray of cookies in our screened in porch for the dough to firm up before ovening them.
Some little hearts I left plain w/ just the lacy indent the Ebay plunger cookie cutters leave.
Others..I covered in fondant (purchased)..and then added a lovely toile wafer paper ..you can get these papers at Fancy Flours..on Etsy..Ebay..most places carry them now.
You need to make sure your cookies are nice and flat..no air bubbles..you can either flood w/ icing..let dry..and then apply w/ some piping gel..then the wafer paper..or a thin layer of rolled out fondant..and again your wafer paper.The piping gel..makes everything adhere.
Wafer paper is edible..I have some plain sheets that I stamp w/ stamps that have been painted w/ edible food coloring.
The other cookie I wanted to try because they are so surprise like cute.are what the author called:"pinata cookies"..you can see her snowman snowglobe tutorial here..and that's what I did ..but with hearts~.
Think of the possibilities:)♥
I had to paint a cookie of course..I cannot resist a canvas to have fun..
I used royal icing to pipe around..(the internet abounds with recipes and videos)..and flood filled the interior..let them dry overnight and then painted..the heart..is a stamp..that I coated with edible food coloring.The words were reminded to me by Sarah's cute cute Valentine's post~
The Hello Kitty..I made two..at the $ store they had a kit..the cutter..the noses..and the black and red gel coloring..I had to try..I love that cat:)
I will give them to Giu..the only girl here.
You know I have to say..I don't eat these..I make them as add-ons..cause they are so darn fun..but I don't like icing on a cookie;)
Give me a plain shortbread..or an oatmeal choco chip..I like my cookies..unadorned.
But to look at? Fun to play.
Let me just add my kitchen is a MESS when I finish playing and I love a sparkly kitchen..so it takes quite a few hours to get set up..bake..create..CLEANUP.
All worth it though~

And then.. outdoor love~


I love snowshoeing and x-country skiing..
Believe it ot not..the feeling is quite like walking on a beautiful beach...barefoot..
The beauty of it all..the wonder of it all.
Feels so clean and fresh and crisp.
A winter wonderland this past week~
Other little Valentine day ideas can be found here..and here..here..here..here..here..here..here..here..
here..I'll stop..I am going through posts remembering years gone by.
Love that about our blogs..we can see and feel what is different..what's not..who we have met along the way..who is gone..if only for a while..How our tastes change..etc.
Have a great weekend and week~

77 comments:

  1. Que bonitas galletas, todo corazón. Por aquí también ha hecho mucho frío y estamos rodeados de nieve.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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    1. Gracias Rosa..I know you like to play in the kitchen also!

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  2. Like you, I like my cookies that I eat to be unadorned, but I love to create beautiful cookies to give as gifts. Yours are sheer delight. I admit, I've not decorated heart cookies in many years. I should! Used to spend hours and hours decorating cookies for Valentine's Day. One for each child in my classroom and then others for friends. You inspire me. Perhaps I'll start again.
    I'm off to click each one of your "here" links. I love to look back. Yes, it's a wonderful part of blogging. Those links are there for us to skip back to with just a click.
    Have a beautiful weekend. Love the idea of a walk in the snowy scene you show. ;-)

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    1. I think your students must have thought the world of you..and I am sure they still think of you with such warm grateful feelings.
      We never forget the best..nor the worst..for very different reasons.
      You were the best.

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  3. Love all your wonderful creation. I totally agree, trying new things in the kitchen makes me happy too. :) Stay warm and happy baking.

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  4. I love, love, love your cookies! That Hello Kitty is just precious! I can't believe the things you find at the dollar store!

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    1. I can guess why you like Kitty:) Love running in there once in a while and finding something fun:)Apart from my blue bubble bath.

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  5. I love ALL of your beautiful, elegant cookies. Almost too pretty to eat. The painted one is gorgeous, and Hello Kitty adorable! :)

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    1. I was surprised Betty how well Kitty turned out.I certainly see the commercial appeal of Kitty..so cute.

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  6. What a pretty post for Valentine. I had never heard of the Paris tea you mention so I’ll go and take a look. Your snow collage is so very lovely. Here we have had no ice or snow yet. But when we do the whole greater Atlanta area comes to a standstill, so it is not that pleasant. Now I’m going to check that tea.

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    1. It's a black tea but mild and has a hint or more of caramel..the plow went by during the night..we have had more snow..It sure is pretty.
      Oh it must put everything at a standstill there..Georgia is beautiful!

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  7. Every time I look at your blog, you inspire me to do or make something. I have yet to make my V-cookies for the grandkids, so I better get on the ball. Thanks for the reminder! I seriously just need to go ahead and order some from you to send to the kiddies, haha! ;)

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    1. They are a labor of fun and love..No wonder sites sell them for quite a bit..I admire blogs like Bake at 350 that makes the most beautiful cookies..and Arty McGoo and Postredaccion..Sweetopia etc..So talented!
      Are you enjoying winter?

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  8. The mess in the kitchen was well worth it, the cookies are beautiful. Your creations give much inspiration. As you know, I prefer a plain cookie too but one can't beat the bling of Royal icing, fondant, etc. the scene of the garden is beautiful too. I have snowshoes, I should get out there in my garden (and bring my cell phone just in case I fall and can't get up). Yikes I sound old!

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    1. You cracked me up Terry..You should..it really is a wonderful feeling..I am not an Olympian..LOL..I just walk and when there is new snow..I have poles..Funny thing though..a few years a go a young familyy was out w/ their Golden and when he jumped on me I fell..WET..you get wet fast as the snow melts off you:)

      And yes BLING is the word!
      I need to say you made adorable Paddingtons:)

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    2. I fear without the phone if I fell Jerry would not realize I was missing. He would think I was downstairs or upstairs. Thanks, you were the inspiration for Paddingtons. I can't wait to see Katherine's reaction.

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  9. Your cookies are beautiful Monique. I have been waiting a year to use some Valentine Cookie things I bought last year. Watch this space! I just need to find the perfect recipe to use them with. I know . . . . you would think if I have had a year I would have it already! C'est moi. Last minute pressure, it's when I do my best work. Love all that you share and I am in awe of your cross country skiing and snow shoeing skills. I wish so much I had the gumption to do something like that. Mind you I wouldn't get very far here as we never have enough snow. Have a fabulous weekend!! xxoo

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    1. I find it's a craft..and you are CRAFTY..the other thing I like is that if they don't quite work out..you have not sepnt a fortune..Because sometimes..they just don't work..Sprinkle Bakes sugar cookies hold their shape well..I like flooding now:)
      Get ready to make a mess..and make it sparkley again:)

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  10. I always enjoy my visits to your kitchen Monique. You should definitely be a tester. Like you, I prefer my cookies (and brownies too) unadorned. As a child, I begged my mother not to frost anything that would be mine. Happy Valentine's day. It's not that far away you know.
    Sam

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    1. It's close..I know you and Meakin will celebrate♥

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  11. Agree about Sprinkle Bakes...such a super blog. Your cookies are so adorable, Monique. Your artistic talent is obvious as many of us couldn't decorate cookies as beautifully. I certainly can't, Don't even try anymore.
    Fun to look at Pinterest and other blogs to see their creativity for V-Day!

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    1. I know..holidays ..make me enjoy clicking into even more blogs ..So inspiring..There are many ways with cookies this decorated to hide flaws:) In my kitchen..I little pearl here..lol

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  12. You always find the cutest ideas! Or, maybe they find you ;) I love the 3-D hearts filled with more hearts. The wafer paper I've not tried. Plain cookies for this gal too. We will be away for Valentine's Day and won't see our boys so no baking for me this year. I will send hand-made cards and your cookies have given me an idea for those :) Hello Kitty! My girls had lots of Hello Kitty...stamps, stickers, boxes for treasures. Fun memory. Paris tea I just tried it this year and love it and the beautiful black tin. I save them too. Another new favorite of mine is Twining's Green Tea with Lemon (it has real lemon bits) - so good in the afternoon. Off to see Sarah and the others :) Bon weekend!

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    1. I know where you will be:)
      I don't know anyone who has been so good at kepping such long wonderful couple friendships as you two have.The boys will love getting mail:) I thought of that..I still might..kids like that:)
      Ok I will:)I will keep the lemon bits in mind:)
      I get excited when I find cute ideas:) Like your MINI loaves..one of the latest..they could each have one:)

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  13. The cookies are beautiful and your winter scene... I love pine trees in snow. I've been wanting to try snow shoeing. Is it really like walking on the beach? I thought of you when I saw this from "my little bakery" https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=877889338928045&pnref=story

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  14. I just went watch the video..Like a cross stitched heirloom..Oh she is GREAT!

    It is to me..the feeling..when I walk the beach in FL and we are alone..it;s like a miracle..it is actually all that sky and sand and sea..When I snowshoe..and we or I am alone..it's the same..all that blue sky..pine tress and glittering white snow..another miracle.
    It's the feeling of it:)

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    1. More snow is coming, I may get a chance to try it yet...

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  15. Beautiful, Beautiful! and that painted cookie, its amazing, i love how creative you are in the kitchen :) and than afterwards time spent in your winter wonderland, so beautiful too.
    You must have so many wonderful memories and so much creativity as you look through your blog posts since you have over 900... ( i think thats what you said awhile back, right ?) it must be fun to look back on. Hope your having a wonderful weekend :)

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    1. You ahve a good memory Jenni..yes that many..:)
      I think I always felt rushed when I worked.. the pager..the phone..It really does feel so good to know..that you can create this mess and not leave half way through.
      That saying..about working less? I should have believed them..and stopped 5 years before..Anyone young like you listening to me..if you can and you feel the job is not quite what it was.. stop and bake:) I am kidding but you know what I mean:)
      I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

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  16. You are a treasure Monique. Make me smile on this Saturday morn. Did I miss the clear glass looking windows in the valentine cookies? Was it a melted hard candy? So pretty. Not sure which is my favorite, but that last I love you cookie is a work of art.

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    1. Well yes the cookies..you leave some whole and half w/ a hole..(Just thought this is a great way to teach spelling:) )..you take the holey ones out ap 3 minutes before the total bake time and sprinkle clear mints you have pulverized into a powder and fill the cavities 3/4 full..put them back in the oven ap 3 minutes(it was spot on for me)..and watch as the candies melt to make clear glass..You have to watch or they will bubble..not sure mine didn't bubble a bit..but I think I did not pulverise enough..You want s dust..Fairy dust:)
      I can just imagine what all my real artist friends like you etc..would paint on cookies..
      Carol.. macarons♥
      Susan ..tulips..poppies..
      Ronelle Vegetables..or anything:)
      Gail the shore w/ a boat..
      Jenni..flowers for certain..
      Barbara.. the French countryside..
      Vivian Swift.. a garden :)
      Monica..I see blue and white and flowers..
      etc etc etc..
      Marie.. adorable dolls..little people.. a car en vacance.
      Not to mention the commercial artists I love..Susan Branch..ME..

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  17. All look lovely Monique!! How I love all yours pics! and all these little heartss! just beautiful!!
    Je aime beaucoup:)))

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  18. Beautiful. Beautiful! I share your love of the unadorned cookie... and perusing back through my blog... oh, the cute little faces and memories. How wonderful is that?! The first tracks on snow... breathtaking. =) Enjoy! blessings ~ tanna

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    1. I just went out again..alone..on all that expanse.♥
      Love it..My hands are freezing though..I need thos little hot pads.
      Yes all the memories..like looking through old greeting cards or letters:)

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  19. I just love your posts ... but you always leave me hungry! LOL Now I'm craving a cup of tea and cookies.
    You know what, I've been considering getting snowshoes. I hear it is quite the workout.
    **hugs** diane @ thoughts & shots

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    1. Today Dian it is a workout because of the new snow..your snowshoes do sink in..so the tops of my socks are a bit wet..but today my heart was beating..so not a long workout..but still fresh air..solitude..nature.
      Think of you often.Your latest post..♥

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  20. Love all your cookies, decorated so beautifully, Thank you for mentioning me :) maybe I'll get round to making up half the quantity of a recipe, as I know it will be Me who eats most of them decorated or not. You have so much patience for your biscuit making, Your alphabet boys must just love coming to Nanas kitchen.
    Snowshoeing must be fun. That last photo of the snow is a beauty, one to paint maybe ? Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. There is an artist here in Mtl..that is so good at snow..Have you been to her blog?
      http://shariblaukopf.com/

      I think you will enkjoy this site..In fact I will go tell you on your blog in case you don't come back..It's wonderful.

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  21. Such pretty cookies. I don't even own a heart shaped cutter. Must remedy that as I have an idea to make small hearts from puff pastry dough, top them with diced tomatoes, etc, bake and serve as a Valentine's appetizer. We will be traveling for V day to celebrate our Grandson's 4th birthday. A perfect Valentine Bday boy. Enjoy yours Monique.

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    1. Penny I just just made piff pastry hearts for a salad I made..you will smile when you see..
      I didn't adorn them though..yours sound great!
      I love 4 year olds..and 5 and etc..
      I love kids!
      Would love to have another baby to hold..
      Every baby we see..!

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  22. What a beautiful post your hearts make!! And, I love seeing your snow. Our's looks much the same and the sun today made it sparkle.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  23. Hi Monique, love your Valentine hearts, looks like you have tons of snow, how beautiful.

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    1. LOts yes..and more falling as I type..it's par for the course;)

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  24. Straight to the heart.
    So fresh and light.
    Though the snow I'll pass on ;))

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  25. I think walking in the snow with my St Bernard Petunia is the best thing in the world. Bracing cold and clean fresh air... doesn't get better than that (and my dog loves winter and hates summer!).
    Lovely St V's day treats. I almost forgot it was coming.

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    1. It is a commercial ..commercial holiday..it's not even near over and Easter is beong promoted..sheesh.Earlier and earlier every year ..the stores double commercialize..
      What's better thatn a St Bernard in snow?
      My daughter's poor chihuahua walks on his front legs..It's so funny!Of course he can't even go in the snow..

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  26. Cold gray days and rainy days are definitely for baking. When I was a little girl, my mom always baked when it rained and in Pennsylvania, it rained a lot! I carry on with the baking on a rainy day but added the gray days. We don't get much rain in California's Central Valley. You brought back many memories. Loved your beautiful outdoor pictures and the works of art that you created. It looks as though you found a great way to spend your day. I love the Valentine ideas of the past....

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    1. It's a long winter here..we make the best of it:) Thanks Kate.

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  27. I love your cookie blog posts. I find them so inspirational. Generally, though, instead of actually making cookies, I just buy more cookie cutters, or presses, or stamps, and vow to be productive in the future. ;-)

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    1. Oh you made me smile:)

      I pinned your buttercream to make soon:) Need an occasion!

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  28. Well, mon ami, I've been away a few months, and I had to do a double-take, as I could not believe how much your boys have grown. By leaps and bounds, I gather. What else have you been adding to your lovely baked goods, besides a hunking pinch of 'love?'

    Love the cookies. All of them! But the rose wafer paper-covered cookies are so romantically you. I'd be willing to bet you have similar roses on your bedroom walls. Happy Valentine's Day!

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    1. I miss you and your posts and everything you did to inspire me..
      I am glad when we see each other..it's like you never stopped:)
      :) Will you share a stunning Valentine creation as only you can do?
      I adore my boys..they are so sweet.they each have a certain something that stays with me all the time.
      And yes they are growing up so fast.
      Lucas came over yesterday for a bit and we walked him home..the snow was falling..he had a new older haircut..a pea coat and scarf..like GQ..skinny jeans and boots..and tiny snowflakes were landing on his eyelashes..face..hair clothes..I thought to myself how beautifl he looked and all of a sudden I saw him older walking like that with a girl~She will love him.

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  29. Beautiful cookies and such awesome decorating skills. Love the wafer paper idea. The fresh Winter snow is so appealing. I used to love to cross country ski. I found it invigorating and also the opportunity to enjoy nature.

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    1. Linda..it IS invigorating..I am ashamed to say that below 0F though I just can't stand it especially w/ wind..It knocks the breath out of me..
      But all is still..and I am alone with nature as you say and my little thoughts..
      You would love working w/ wafer paper:)
      All styles they have!

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  30. Yes, the cleanup is no fun! Flour, flour everywhere! But they are therapeutic to decorate! Each one is just gorgeous. I don't like the royal frosting flavor either, but I would still eat them if you lived next door and brought me some! I will eat any cookie, raw or baked!!

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  31. Wonderful ideas for special day-)) I am preparing something cute also-))

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. I look forward to see what you will create Yelena:-)

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  32. I LOVE the I love you cookie!! Valentine's Day offers such an excuse to decorate & to play!! Merci, Monique!

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  33. Sipping on some Starbucks, would enjoy one of your beautiful hearts. The tea sounds divine too. We have a winter wonderland just like you. I'll never be too old to play in the snow. At least I can hope :-)

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    1. You will always have your mom's joie de vivre!
      I love the snow..Love love love it.

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  34. The snow is so pretty when it's fresh, and clean! And those cookies. Well, I think they are as pretty as the snow!

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    1. I pinned your scallop dish..well about to:) They sound great!

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  35. Hi Monique....
    Such a lovely hearty post....♥️
    You are an artist in the kitchen my dear!
    No sun today....blustery winds and nipply! WTH?
    Oh well.....tomorrow is another day...as Scarlett loves to say!
    Beautiful photos.....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. You make me miss my Florida.Loads.
      We get quite a few nippy days when we are there..But I still walk the beach and take it all in..like you:)

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  36. I'm so with you, love playing in the kitchen but it does make the biggest mess! And I'm not content till it's sparkly clean again. I wish I was one of those cooks who cleaned as they went along but sadly, it's not the case with me. I just get too excited and have to keep going till I'm done. Then it's the hours of clean up...

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  37. I agree..I rarely clean up as I go along..Sometimes..but I forget in which instances..that's how rare it is:)

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  38. Beautifully decorated cookies - you are so ready for Valentine's Day! Your cookie cutters are so adorable too! And, the snow pictures - so pretty! I love winter!

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  39. Bonjour ma chère Nana,
    Avec beaucoup d'amour dans son coeur, il n'est que plaisir que de créer et cuisiner de bonnes petites choses en ce jour de Saint-Valentin !... Tes idées sont merveilleuses... Tu es une fée de l'amour !
    Merci de partager avec nous toutes ces belles photos.

    Gros bisous ♡

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  40. Look at all that snow. Where did you get the mug from? the cookies are darling.

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