Sunday, December 20, 2015

Dear Santa~










Apparently we have had a few green Christmases..how quickly we forget!
In QC..in December..the skies are grey if it's not cold and snowy..and the days are bleak..which means taking photos is a pretty bleak affair also...so pardon the newly found TV setting on my camera..that creates a heck of a lot of noise..but hey..the shutter clicks;)

Marie reminded me there are now 5 days left until Christmas.

I am ready..I am..I need one gift certificate..and the Xmas eve and day fare..
but Santa has wrapped the gifts..baked the sweets..

I've been keeping busy otherwise too.
I know I said  was done baking..but..I received a very cute package in the post  and  saying those words..
well.. they were not engraved in stone after all..

The fun gift..a snowglobe cookie cutter:)+
 A complete surprise to me..that night I went to bed w/ visions of not sugarplums in my head but snowglobe cookies..

I had recently painted in watercolor ,a small Christmas vignette that I saw.
I don't think there is a law that you cannot try and paint something you have seen..as I have seen a lot of Masterpieces recreated)
So I knew I liked practicing this figure..and applied it w/ food colors on a flooded cookie.
FUN.Fun .fun.
The others I used my crazy royal icing(follow the recipes..don't wing it:)..and practiced.
I am happy with them.
Regular sugar cookies..and I modified a royal icing because I want less..I digresssed and it showed.

I also enjoyed stitching a few gift bags together..
I used some of my rubber stamps and scanned them..then added them to text..added vintage tones..printed on Iron-On transfer paper..placed on cotton and then stitched up like a pouch..added charms.
They are just right for gift cards..ornaments..$$..
NYE sleepover is now Dec 27th..and Christmas eve concert may be  off..Max has told me he has stage fright..in other words;)
At least they know the song.
I would have stage fright too.

Last year around Christmastime..Caroline and I stopped at a very cute coffee shop here in town..we each ordered a coffee and a shortbread..the coffee came w/ a candy cane in it..I loved the added touch~Don't hesitate to serve a nice cup of coffee w/out sugar and add a cane..cute..minty and delish..I like froth on mine:)

While we were in Florida..I had the opportunity to go to Trader Joe's twice♥
I bought the candy cane tea there and the boys liked it at night while we watched movies after dinner in Fl..
I brought some home and have added candy canes for the boys..they love it♥

I enjoyed packaging up some some shortbreads for my neighbor..in this super cute gift box..
packaging helps so much ..it almost makes food taste better don't you think?


Hahaha..I see I am not the only one who favored bow ties at one point..that's Lucas..:)  And Max has that great smile:) A bit like a little old soul no?
So Caro..would have put the bow tie on L:)

and Giulianna and Adamo who are now 13 and 16 are in the background..they were adorable..and now they are handsome and beautiful.
flew by..all those years..

I used to put place cards ..to make pretty tablesettings..now for Christmas morning..I still do them..but Jacques places them..he knows who sits best beside who now..talking Littles here:)




Merry Christmas.


My niece sent me a hand drawn card..w/ her words in it..this is what she wished us..I kid you not..so I am sending the wishes along to you as I could never compose such a straight from the heart over the top greeting.:)I know there are some grammatical errors both in French and in the translation..but believe me..this girls writes better than many university grads I know~So I am leaving it as is.And translating..as is.

Her words in French:
" Chère tante Monique,oncle Jacques,Mylène,Caroline et toute la famille..je vous souhaite  a tous un Noël  féérique avec gigantesque affection,surprises,jouissance,prospérité,gaité et que le soleil rayonne autour de vous tous."
I wish you all a magical Christmas with gigantic affection, surprises,pleasure,prosperity,delights and may the sun shine around you all.

I just want to add health~


 above...via zsa zsa bellagio

I'll be back in the new year..and way before.. on your blogs..seeing what you are up to before that..
from now..till then..
I just cannot seem to keep quiet..I guess I am not a mouse;)

Not a creature was stirring..not even une souris~

73 comments:

  1. You're comment at the end is so cute. You have been very busy yet you find time to sew!? I'm so impressed. Your granddaughters sentiments are precious! I can't wait until mine starts to read and write. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and yours. xoxoxo -Bev

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  2. Oh Monique, a big hug to you for Christmas. You give me hope that I might be as good a person as you. I love what you wrote, "flew by..all those years." And the snow globe cookies are my favorite ever. I just love those. Your grands must love you so. Have the best holidays.

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    1. That's funny..I want to be as good as you:)
      You too..have the very best..of everything..so far you are on a great path to there:)

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  3. Your snow globe cookies are beautiful! They are almost too pretty to eat.

    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Terry sent me the cutter and she made some too..even nicer:)
      Just saw your zinnias..next yr for sure..a resolution..and your dgs w/ his school hair:)Oh these Littles..so cute.
      Merry Christmas to you too~

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  4. So glad you enjoyed your surprise package. After all you help, it is a small thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed your snow globe cutter. I'm sure the Littles will enjoy your new round of cookies. I agree, any treat that is packaged in a pretty box makes it even better. Your niece has a beautiful way with prose. Merry Christmas Monique to you and your whole family.

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    1. Thank you again!
      And Merry Christmas to you..the Littles will love everything you are baking!
      Gardens..and cookies..:)

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  5. Monique, your grandchildren are just so precious! I love this photo of them. You are so blessed. I agree about packaging making things taste better. Your snow globe cookies, c'est magnifique! How utterly beautifully gorgeous! You are just so talented! I know I say that all the time but I truly mean it! I wish I knew how to print onto fabric. I would be a menace if I did! I am sure. I would be printing like crazy. Ohh, if I could print my art onto fabric, wow. I cannot imagine. I would go nuts for sure! Love all that you share, your nieces words (tres belle) and everything else. Am in love with the ladybug ornament. I am KooKoo for ladybugs. A very Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. May it be blessed beyond measure and more. Love and hugs xoxo

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    1. Ahhh..Marie..you can have your designs printed on fabric!
      The site is called Spoonflower..go see..
      These bags were done w/ iron-on transfer paper..it's not what you want for your designs..will email you just in case..you don't read this..
      The Littles have changed so much! Pas possible!
      I say to you everything you said to me:)
      Take care..and all the bestxox

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  6. Christmas in your home must be wonderful, Such delightful ways you can turn a simple biscuit into a beautiful Christmas bauble. Gift wrap a gift into something so special. Enjoy a happy Christmas with your family.

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  7. Best wishes & love to you & your family for Christmas! ❤️

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  8. De vraies oeuvres d'art ces biscuits de Noel...on oserait les manger ! Joyeux Noel à vous aussi. Christine

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    1. Ah oui..il faut les mager..notre Lucas aime bien ce genre de biscuits..je crois que ce sera lui qui le prendra;)Meilleurs Voeux Christine!

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  9. What gorgeous, happy and Very lucky kiddies to have you as a Grandma!

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    1. C'est moi la canceuse avec eux:)
      Their moms..bake too..they have such a life!

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  10. Always so beautiful Monique! Here I am procrastinating when I should be baking!
    Mine never look as good as yours. Have the best Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. Everything..everything you do..is elegant and tasteful..like you.Yes All the best in the New Year also~

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  11. Lovely post. Today you give me inspiration and calm. :-) The snow globe is delightful...and all of the place cards in a row....beautiful anticipation.. Have a wonderful Christmas!

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    1. It's freezing rain as I type:(
      Not sure if we will venture out or not..
      So different this year kate~
      Happy Holidays:)To you and yours and little Sabine:)

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  12. You do Christmas with gigantic affection (and adorableness). Lovely children! Lovely painting on cookies!
    Monique, if you would like a few trees from my little forest, send me your address....
    It's chillying up, here, though they say 40's...I am hoping there will still be snow this year! Glad to see how you brighten these shortest days of the year! Love, R. PS Did you say what is in the little boxes??

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    1. I will..I would love that:)
      Thank you..nothing is in the little boxes..they are sort of shiny ceramic..my daughters are on Facebook and one part is Varage sale..like a virtual garage sale..one can find things others do not wish to keep anymore..and usually very reasonably priced.I thought of the kids when I was pointed in their direction.
      I think I must go see the Macy's DVD:)

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  13. PS Have you all seen the Macy's DVD , an animated version of Yes, Virginia. ? I think it's charming...

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  14. La famille et la santé sont en effet ce qui nous faut pour Noël !
    Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année ~

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    1. Ah..je viens tout justement d'aller t'offrir mes meilleurs voeux Camille!

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  15. wonderful wonderful christmas cheer, those snowglobe cookies, oh my gosh i just love them, such fun treats all of it and the photos of family too.
    merry christmas
    looks like it will be a fun one

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    1. Lucas will grab that painted cookie:) Thank goodness..I have been stealing bites of shortbreads but I can't eat super sweets..they can.
      Loved seeing your sweet decors Jenni.
      Enjoy your holidays..~

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  16. It's been our warmest fall in 15 years according to the newspaper and now winter begins tomorrow with a high of 54F on Wednesday! I keep saying I don't mind it. Safer walking and driving, which is nice when we have to drive across the city to Mack and Dane's house. Oh my gosh, your beautiful fabric pouches and the snow globe cookies! I painted some cookies this year also but they didn't turn out nearly as lovely as yours. The photo of little Lucas, Max and G and A. Precious! Adorable gift box place cards, card from your niece, the door at the end. All wonderful and brings un sourire pas une souris :-)) I'm going to try a candy cane in my tea this afternoon! Merry Christmas, Dear Monique!

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    1. You need to do a candy cane!
      Susan..we've shared so many deas..recipes..garding tips and tricks over the years..it's been such a pleasure.
      Ustoo high 50's and ran Christmas Eve..Maybe some sun for breakfast Christmas day.
      Fingers crossed.Doesn't Max look like a we older man?Bless his ♥
      You too..Merry Christmas dear Susa!
      So funny how I say going to the boys..and you call their home Mack and Dane's:)
      Poor parents paying the mortgages;)

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    2. ♥ I did, Wonderful! So true about the boys homes :)

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  17. You know Monique I've been having trouble getting into the spirit this year, not sure why, but your post has changed all that...and the painted cookies are magical!

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  18. Such beautiful children. Your snow globe cookies are gorgeous! Such lovely details. I love using place cards. Anything with candy canes is wonderful. We are having many days of rain, in which we need. Have a magical Christmas with you sweet family.

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    1. You too Linda..I am sure your tablesapes will be phenomenal.

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  19. Perfection♥️
    Those cookies are fabulous...
    You will have a wonderful Christmas...I just know it!
    All the best Monique...to your lovely family...
    Happy 2016..
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. To you and yours..Here's to 2016 for certain!.It's been fun having a peek into your cottage life..with your family and of course Miss V!

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  20. Such a lovely post, Monique. I'm so glad that I found your blog this past year, it's been such a pleasure following all your adventures.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Me too..I think we mey at Tanna's? I am hoping to see a post of hers ..:)

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  21. How sweet are those snow globe cookies???!!! Absolutely adore your drawing on them too. Charming. But then, your posts always are! I'm going to steal your Noel door and post it on Facebook!
    Wishing you and your family love, health and a Happy Christmas!

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    1. It's a great door! I agree..You know I didn't shoot it?
      I would like to have it:) You too?

      All the very best Barbara..Jacques watched a Christmas Nigella yesterday while I painted..I asked him if she had made the choco fruitcake..he wasn't sure.....maybe he missed it.

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  22. I can picture Christmas in your home as one of love and joy. You paint such lovely pictures in words and artful design. Merry Christmas dear Monique.

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    1. Merry Christmas Penny!! And 2016?Happy and HEALTHY!

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  23. I know Santa will want to linger at your home and have an extra cookie…actually he'll hate to leave. Everything is so beautifully decorated. Wishing you the white Christmas you are longing for and may the New Year be a wonderful one enjoyed with your family.

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    1. I am happy we got to wish each other good tidings Karen:)

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  24. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your family, Monique. Thank you for a year of inspiring blog posts, pretty pictures and yummy recipes. I'm looking forward to lots of trips to your blog in 2016.

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    1. Likewise!
      Funny..none of my magazines compare anymore!:)
      Just the beautiful,charming blogs I follow can inspire me so much.
      All the very best to you and yours also!

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  25. You bring such joy to your projects Monique. Joyeux Noel and happy new year to you and your family.

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    1. Bonjour Sam et Meakin:)
      What fun we all had on your trip:)
      Thanks for all the joys you share! Meilleurs Voeux de la saison!

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  26. Merry Merry Christmas love Ria ❤️❤️❤️

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  27. I love the idea of homemade gift bags, you are very creative. Have a magical time with your family dear Nana!-))

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. You are! Happy Holidays Yelena..I have fond memories of the mushroom cookies:)

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  28. Such a lovely post Monique, just like you! Have a Merry Christmas, I know it will be filled with lots of delicious and wonderful things and times with family!

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    1. I know you will have a wonderful Christmas too..and Happy New year to you and Scott and your beautiful family.

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  29. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! No snow here either - high's in the 70's tomorrow. How sad - we need a little winter in our Christmas! Your snow globe cookies are amazing. Very, very pretty! Enjoy your holiday!

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    1. Tanks Tricia.. 2 of your recipes will be on the tables:)Meilleurs Voeux!

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  30. I love the idea of homemade gift bags! Everything you create is so magical. I am ready and heading to the dentist shortly to get my teeth cleaned. Ha Ha, they will sparkle for Christmas.

    The only sewing I squeezed in was to make a dog coat for my grandpup Seattle. She has short hair and always has a coat on ;o)

    Merry Christmas Blessings to you and your family. We will have a "little" in our family in March...and we are thankful for the opportunity to become grandparents.

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    1. Oh Debbe..that Little will be the apple of all your eyes..can't wait:)
      Love your new house:)
      Caroline's Chihuahua wears coats too..;)
      Happy Holidays!

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  31. What adorable smiles on the little one's faces. That makes it all worth it! So sweet. You are such a wonderful Grandma - they must just have the most magical memories that you have created.
    Those bags are so adorable! I need to make some like them.
    Have a magical Christmas! Much love and hugs!

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    1. Yours is off to a fantastic start!:)
      Thanks Jacqueline..but you're the fairy grandmother:)

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  32. Another gorgeous post from you! How do you DO it? So pretty and charming and Christmasy! Sending big hugs and holly bedecked Christmas greetings from my family to yours, dear Nana! (today I would dearly love to mail you our two year old, who is not sleeping and exercising his lungs 20 hours a day:)

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    1. You made me remember!
      I was just telling someone this morning I miss having small ones around..but I remember:)
      2 is definitely like a teenager..well some..;)

      Enjoy..Izzy must be a big help!
      All the best..still no snow..imagine..
      I have a lot of time..that's all..

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  33. Monique, I have been so inspired by your blog all year!! Love all your Christmas ideas and have loved following you this year. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!! You have inspired us all!! Merry Christmas!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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    1. And I as well have been inspired by you Jody..:)I just this morning dropped by to see you:)

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  34. Monique, I'm so late stopping by, but wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas. The snow globe cookies are adorable. I wanted to do a post on snow globes. Still plan to, but it won't be this year. '-)
    One of my friends has such a beautiful collection it inspired me. I've always found them to be magical. Living in TX all my life, I had often dreamed of living in a snow globe atmosphere. Ha! After several months living in NYC during a severe winter, I realized that I rather like a Texas winter.
    Still, snow globes are like magic to my romantic mind.
    Merry, Merry!

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    1. Christmas sees us..busier than usual..the eve and day..I didnt have electricity also for a while..all is good now:) Happy everything..soon our new Mary E calnedars:)

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  35. Merry Christmas dear Monique and may 2016 be all you've dreamed for!
    Thank you for all the beauty of your blog that keeps me going more than you know.
    Blessings
    Shel

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  36. Preciosas galletas. El año pasado usé un cortador como ese, de bola de nieve, me encanta como te han quedado.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  37. Tes biscuits sont superbes ! J'en pique un (décidément, avec tout ça au petit déjeuner, je n'aurai plus faim à midi ! :-) ) et je poursuit; Ensuite, il faudra quand même que j'aille travailler un peu ...

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