Thursday, December 15, 2016

Ten days left..and the Littles are excited..











Fast approaching ..December 24th and December 25th..
I do love the preparation..nice..I remember when I worked I would bake and freeze starting October..
one thing I love about not working anymore..is that I can now do it in December..it just feels more in the spirit for me..
We had abeautiful snowfall..the first that takes your breath away..I just feel bad for  Jacques..the snowblowing etc..
Max ..he still has a few more shovelings to do..if you remember I bought a gift cert..for the less fortunate and the benefit was stair shoveling and he has been once..this snowfall our son-in-law came and did the front steps..

..but that's not the story I want to tell..

..this is..

Frédérick  told Caroline he was going to Costco to pick up food..w/ 3 big boys..they need to do groceries..a lot..

anyways..Caroline said she looked in her fridge this morning and it was almost empty..I said:"Fred just went to Costco.."

She said..ah yes..but (she didn't know)..everything he bought..was for the less fortunate..bags of rice ..cereals....canned goods..etc..apparently he told his co -workers that at their Christmas dinner they all had to bring things for the less fortunate and he would deliver it all.
I mean..♥

That's my sweet story.

So as tradition calls for..I made Auntie Bernice's shortbreads again..some in a pan..some shaped like this..I like the round pie shape..last year also I did one..

I made cut-out ones..and burnt a batch..trying to do 3 things at once..;)A different recipe..
That was not the sum of my bloopers this year;)
Thank goodness everyone bakes..:)

Some cards are just too pretty to not use as tree ornaments..case in point this lovely cutwork card♥
Family and friends photo cards..my daughters friends..:)
Those get hung on the tree..my daughters have beautiful cards made at Shutterfly..Noah's is not here yet but the  other boys one arrived 2 days ago..

Some of the Littles are getting a gift and their stocking..but mom knew they would like a gift certificate..
happy I had these little baskets and tags for the 6 of them~




You know how much I love the ocean..fresh snow and a blue sky..gives me the same awesome feeling.Awe.Awe of nature..
Miracles.
Christmas is a short 10 days away..and before we know it 2017 will be around that very corner..
I love having a desktop calendar ..or 2  ..but I like one hanging in my art room..in front of me..


I have this one to look forward to all year long..every month is so adorable..all different..the calendar is a little jewel.
Marie makes them.
It's already on my wall so photo is off a bit..I shot it directly on the wall♥  Cuter than most calendars on the market..I'll show you every page through the year.

La recette..for the shortbread..


1 lb of butter
1 cup of icing sugar
4 cups of flour..here I go crazy and substitute dome for rice flour..flakier.
Bake at 300 ..1 hr.
Cream butter and sugar..add flour..knead..
Pat into 8x8 square molds..or a round one..and prick w/ fork.
There are several shortbread recipes on my blog..Just enter shortbread in the search bar that Linda showed me how to add.:)

BRR it will be in the minuses over night..BRRR


60 comments:

  1. I just posted too :) What gorgeous scenes in your borrowed landscape. I tried my new snowshoes a few days ago and bingo, no aches! Yay! What a sweet story about Fred. I love hearing things like that this time of year. It reminds us what what it's all about. He's a keeper ;) I use that rice flour trick too - it was a revelation when I first tried it. Grandma Brown's Scottish Shortbread recipe from 2007 :) I think I'll make some this weekend. Love your cutout in the center and that little smiling face on the mitten ♥ We are expecting 7-11 inches of new snow with bitterly cold on Sunday. Glad I don't need to go out shopping :)

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    1. We are experiencing bitter cold..have to go out...I'll have my woollies on😌So glad you can snowshoe..I will go out too..just need balmier lol.
      I agree..re Fred,his mama did something right❤️Going to see you..

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  2. Just loving all your photos...and agree re Christmas cards, although I am receiving fewer and fewer!
    I love Fred's story...we have something here called Spirit of Christmas, which involves gifts for all the needy children. It's grown very big, but still all volunteers.
    I'm off to another Christmas event...the kind you don't like, but I do. :)
    Posting tomorrow.
    Daughter arrives tomorrow too.

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    1. I love that you two are togethers much!
      Both lucky!
      You have me curious..hope you share the event!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am looking forward to trying it. I'm also looking forward to see the different artwork on your calendar. 🙂

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    1. So easy!
      Knead well..and make sure the layers are baked through..shortbread are my shortcoming😊

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  4. Lovely photos...lovely Son In Law...lovely calendar...did I say lovely? Hahaha!
    I visited Marie...the recipes!! 😳 I have signed up for emails when she posts! Thanks!
    Miss V has started calling us every night 💕 Coming to spend the day in 2 sleeps...love her!
    Hope to make some cards and ornaments....but....she will want to bake...I will be prepared!
    Perhaps a Snowman ☃ that day!
    Your home is magical Monique...love those Santa buckets and tags!
    Enjoy your evening...snowing and blowing here!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Hahaha. I repeat my fave words constantly..Linda...-15F this AM!
      I think it is adorable that she calls..bonds to last forever!
      We had a Target for a while a few years back they had a fantastic clearance sale of Xmas..I picked those up..lucky purchases..I wish they had stayed.
      I still go in Fl..
      Have fun with your princess !

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  5. Such beautiful pictures - love the snow pictures.
    I would say that you are ahead of the game with your baking.

    How great that your sil gave to the less fortunate people.

    Merry Christmas,
    Mary

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    1. He is very thoughtful..I like that a lot😄Happy holidays Mary..I bet you are decorating up a storm.

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  6. I'm so jealous of all that beautiful snow! Those boys are so sweet!

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  7. You are so prepared! I did manage to make Linzer cookies today but still have not gotten shortbreads in. I'm not going to go crazy if I don't have my zillion cookies made for everyone. That is such a nice gesture on your son in laws part. We are freezing too. As pretty as your snow looks I need it to stay away till after Christmas. We have a driveway that fits four cars so we need to be able to park on the grass, if everyone comes we could be about 13-15 around the table. Stay warm!

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    1. I too made lingers yesterda because they are so good and pretty and Christmasey!
      Absolutely don't go crazy..We even bought Nanaimo bars this yr..hope everyone can park!
      What a beautiful Christmas you will have laughing at Katherine's joy and passing little Lillian around❤️Eek..minus 15 F this AM

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    2. We were not that cold, only 4 F. Yes it will be fun. I know you will have fun too.

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  8. Oh, the snow is so beautiful Monique! I love your photos. My mother used to take pictures of the snow each year and send me hard copies. Of course she does not take any pictures anymore and I worry that one day soon when I phone her she will not know who I am. Getting old is sometimes very sad for the ones that are being left behind, and I know she finds it increasingly frustrating also. What a cute Christmas basket with the boys photos attached. Great idea! How I wish I had some littles close by to do this for. I am making candy molds today in the microwave and have my fingers crossed! You are not the only one with bloopers! haha! Your son in law. ♥♥♥ Such a wonderful thing. We need to not forget those less fortunate than us at this time of year. That is really what Christmas is all about. Reaching out in love. Love all you post and am looking forward to 2017 and the cooking adventures we will take! You are too kind re the card and calendar. I am pleased you like them though! Stay warm!! xoxo

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    1. Every month I want to post a photo of the calendar..the personality in each one❤️Marie..all of a sudden a few years ago the reality of age hit me.
      And you are right about those left behind.I have a 92 old gent he was a client..
      All his friends are gone..He is quite independant lives on his own..but has asthma ..this bitter cold not good for him.
      I look forward to everything we concoct too!

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    2. I cannot believe that the first time I read this I missed the top two pictures They must not have loaded into my iPad that I was reading it on. Love the pie tin and the shortbreads. I need a cake tin like that with a lever for unsticking. I have not seen one in years Your shortbread looks perfect! The ones I made are already gone, time to make some more! xo

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    3. I have my mom's 2 older ones Marie..but I did find some a bit shorter but largerthat's the one you are seeing..those too it has been years..I will try and spot for you,by the way have you ever heard of lakeland UK/Maybe I should not tell you:);)

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  9. This post and the one before have been a real Christmas treat for me to read!! A comment on This Is Us--I don't normally watch commercial TV (hate the ads) but someone insisted in I watch the first episode. I am hooked! I've watched all of them On Demand (still commercials). It is the no. 1 rated show here.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. I am glad you like it too..I want it to stay!
      Thanks Bonnie!
      Jacques HATES commercial so we rarely watch regular tv..this is worth it..on demand doesn't work for that show here..but we can through Illico get a lot on demand.
      Love the show..Toby had better be ok..

      I get tears so often at that show!

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  10. Very sweet, generous story!!
    I can't believe the snow you have :O
    Even if it is Canada in December!!

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    1. It's unreal carol and we are getting more..to think last winter was green and balmy..no snow..tshirts..oh well..it can stay till Christmas is over;)

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  11. Hello!
    Christmas is coming soon, no doubt your grandchildren are so exited about it!
    The snow in Canada is just wonderful and so so pretty! Love it!
    I would love so so much to spend Christmas here!
    Have a lovely weekend xx

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    1. Camille..ils comptent tous les dodos!
      Une joie les enfants mon coup de cour..mes coups de coeur.
      C'est vrai que c'est beau la neige blanche🌲☃

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  12. I bet the kids are so excited. Christmas is such a joy to see the look of those precious smiles on children's faces. To be that young and innocent once again. Loving that beautiful cut-out card and your photography of the tree and snow is lovely. I am sure shoveling the snow is so fun. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for the shout out about the search bar.

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    1. I would love one more acristmas with my parents..and Littles together..a pipe dream..
      I am grateful Linda for the search bar!

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  13. Your snow looks so beautiful!! I be those kids are so excited that Christmas is so close.

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    1. Absolutely..very excited..lists are made..lists have changed;)The snow is beautiful but it crunches today!

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  14. I love shortbreads. Those look wonderful! Or sound it! I was going to post my shortbread recipe in my baking post but I've run out of time and will have to finish it next week. Off to celebrate with the kids! Did cut out cookies to frost today.

    I love your snow and I especially love your wonderful Christmas story. Beautiful and what Christmas really is.

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    1. I think you have been busy enough setting the mood of the holidays..a little Energizer bunny..no..elf!
      I know..wrapping the gifts..I often think..it's come undone the special day.
      We used to go to midnight mass..I loved my crèche and played with Mary and Joseph..etc..times they are a changin'
      Have fun with your family!

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  15. Thank you for the recipe. Coldest weather in years coming, so I'm not going out. And, I'm not ready for Christmas yet.

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    1. It has been brisk here also..we had to go out yesterday..and brr..especially parking lots..no trees to stop the wind..

      I am sure everything will be grat..at your home..it's the company you keep..that makes it.

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  16. The snow photos are stunning. Texas has nothing like this. Even if we get snow, there are no gorgeous trees like you have. Yes, Christmas cards can be very special........one very special one arrived in my mailbox today. I think perhaps our cards crossed in the mail. I love having your art work. It's sitting on a small easel. ;-)
    Ten days will go by in a blur. Merry, Merry!

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    1. :)
      Sarah..je te souhaite une année merveilleuse.
      Toi..ton mari et Sadie..santé et joie.

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  17. what a wonderful story of being so generous, what a wonderful son in law you have.
    and that card is just beautiful :)
    Hope you have such a wonderful Christmas

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  18. Great pics, Monique! We have a foot of snow on the ground and 2-4" more predicted for today. Great story with your SIL. And the shortbread sounds delicious, thanks for the recipe!

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    1. We had more snow today too..all is calm..all is bright..

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  19. Can you believe I did not bake for my kids this year? I was so overwhelmed what with making their gifts on what spare time I had. I will post their gifts after Christmas as I don't want them to see what I made them, and I will surprise you and the whole world too. Does Frederic have a brother, my daughter is single ;). I'm the same way with calendars, love them all over the house. Merry Christmas beautiful Monique and family!

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    1. I cannot wait to see!I am sure they are beautiful..you just keep kicking up your handiwork..he does have a brother..married...
      I wish all the best to you too !

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  20. I can't believe Christmas is almost here! Looks like you are ready with the beautiful shortbread and blanket of white - built in natural decor! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy!

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    1. The same to you:)And I know you are set..I can't believe you would not be:)Et Bonne Année 2017!

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  21. Thank you again for the "This Is Us" recommendation. I was struck by the flu Friday afternoon--mixing up a cake one minute, then more and more stuffed-up by the time it was in the oven, and completely sick by the time I finished decorating it--and had such a miserable weekend. 'Am just now--in the past three hours--starting to feel even slightly human again. I watched the first half of "This Is Us" last night and the rest of the season this afternoon. I love it. ♥ Thank you. It got me through what I hope will be the last illness for awhile. . .two missed days of work, when I never call off sick. . . .And now I have a show to look forward to when it starts again next month. The show was the bright side the past few days. :)

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    1. I am so happy the show brought you comfort..tears an joy..I think it brought that..as that is what that show gives us.
      I am sorry you have not been well..never fun..and at this time of year..maybe worse..because we feel we must be up to it..for us and others..
      I wish you all the very best..I mean it..for 2017..
      I'll be watching you😌

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    2. Thank you. Christmas cards might not happen this year, save for a few I mailed a couple weeks ago. Ah well. I keep in touch with everyone on my Christmas card list year-round anyway, so it's not so bad. But yes, when I think of all the cooking and baking this weekend, especially. . . .I will have to make time for some naps. I work tomorrow and Wednesday and then am off until December *28th*, so I really should not complain. That's a niiiiiiice stretch of time off. :)

      Best to you too, and thank you as always, Monique. :) ♥

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  22. What a lovely Christms story. You have such an adoring family Monique. Here is wishing you a wonderful Christmas and an amzing day with yur beautiful family!

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  23. I loved the story. Kindness is what it is all about.
    Amalia
    xo

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  24. Beautiful snow photos and a warm story...December is a lovely month. xo

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    1. It is:)
      And I know yours will be wonderful.Love that photo..a nice tradition ♥She is so lovely.

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  25. I can't think of a more perfect place for the holiday spirit to reign than a la table de Monique. Thank you for the shelter of this quiet corner of beauty in the internet, a soft place to curl up and be cozy far, far away from the nastiness of current events.

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    1. PS..Hope you sometimes go back on your posts and read my wishes for you.
      It's a neat world the contacts we make through blogging..makes some days..so much better.

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  26. My dear Monique...just coming here could put the biggest Grinch in the Christmas spirit...you are magic!
    Bisous xoxoxoxo

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  27. Vous avez quand même de beaux hivers blancs, vous ! C'est tellement joli, même si glacial ! J'adore tes shortbreads ! J'ai copié la photo aussi, tu penses bien ... ;-) Je garde tout cela pour Noël prochain.

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    1. Tout comme je fais avec toi! Quand j'ose croire que c'est réalisable por moi..
      C'est tellement joli la neige blance et lourde..émouvantes ces scènes ..
      par contre..depuis..dris gris gris..monochrome.:(

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