Saturday, January 6, 2018

Bye Bye Christmas 2017~





Ahhh..Memories In The Baking..I "met" Sol at Gardenweb...soo many years ago..maybe 16..and then I followed her on her blog and then I found her on Instagram
This girl has such a touch for everything she touches..
The Midas Touch~

When I saw her cheese plate;) And read her description..I just had to..
Savoury Shortbreads..
We love cheese crisps etc..
so why not try Sol's?

Absolutely Perfectamundo..

look how cute.. cut like cheese:) She told us how..see the layers of crispy? She gave us the recipe.
If you go to my link it will take you to Sol's IG..from there click on the photo of this dish..
You will find the recipe there.
A few minutes out of the oven..OMGEE..
But even the next day..and the next.
W/ a glass of wine you are in heaven..
I am sure w/out also;)

Anyway had to share..she's a sharer..always was always will be..  and funny:)
I slit my finger on the blades of my FP..I used a small one..and it was too small..had to transfer to a touch bigger one..long story short I had to wash 2..
stick my hand in the warm sudsy water and the sting was immediate and you would have though I slit an artery.

I still have a bandaid.
Anyway..it's NOTHING.
Just saying..
it's true what the warning says on the FP..;)

Did you notice that pretty plate?
I had spotted it on VS..$5.00
But she lived  a bit far because of my time constraints at the time..my daughter teaches in that area..but blocks and blocks and blocks away..and w/ Christmas etc..it just wasn't the right timing to impose all those blocks away.

She offered it to me for Christmas..♥
Sweet and thoughtful surprise.

Looks so old..I love old.


I've been doing some other baking..a delicious little coffee cake from Linda..I used frozen raspberries..what I love about it..well the lemon..the sugar top..and it tastes like a muffin.you know not a big heavy cake..just a treat..♥
You can find the recipe here..





Other than that..drinking Vanilla Hazelnut Coffee..tea..
and painting...hate the sunflower..my little girl..I grew fond of her..from my online Fancy Lassies class..

beacause it is so CCCCCOOOOOLLLD here. So cold..You have no idea!

My Little Life...parts of it below..

I said Goodby to Christmas 2017 today..Felts and glass are in that special big cardboard Italian box.

Words and fairies in the big green bin..FYI for me..Misc in there too and baby Jesus and crèche.

PS..these are years of receiving..making..keeping..the misc..range from Strawberry shortcake to Mod Podge balls..huge pine cones..pearls..etc..when you get to be 64..the newest newest one is Falalala from Heather♥ 









Until next Christmas~

58 comments:

  1. Happy new year....enjoy your weekend love Ria x ❤️

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  2. I'm loving your glorious felt decorations. Well, really all of them. Don't you just love felties and photos on a tree? I do -- can't resist. They have such personality and while all the pretty glass balls (and I do have a few) are lovely and elegant they aren't my story. This looks like your story.

    I must check out those shortbreads. They look to die for and I'm in a baking mood. Rick's headed out tomorrow for a few days working in Chicago area so that will be a nice homecoming -- some wine and cheesy shortbreads!

    I love the painting -- I plan to do some massive work on painting as soon as Christmas is down. I've been carting loads and loads to the basement and no one but me can tell. Well, it will happen -- it will feel real once the big tree is down, which will probably be Monday. Then out come the watercolors. I have a project I want/need to work on so I'll be making time! Oh, and I love your pretty plate! Nice find.

    I have to tell you have fabulous your photos look on my new monitor. It's a big one and now I can see every detail without staring close at my laptop screen. They were always wonderful, now they are BIG and wonderful!

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    1. How exciting! did you get it for Christmas from Santa?
      I have been hibernating..painting..stitching..
      I am turning into a feltie..non-breakable etc..but so may of those glass ones are memories..That big Santa..not glass..not plaster..maybe ceramic? Weighs a ton..From Chris and Suzanne at least 19 years ago..so many memories I packed away today..

      w/ this new tree..we did what Susan said she did..we put the top part n the bag they gave us..and left the other 2 pieces as it..and set uo in Jacques 'workshop in the basement by the furnace;)..It will be easier and save the lights we hope;)
      Looking forwward to seeing your projects:)

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    2. Yes! New monitor for Christmas from Rick! At first it seemed enormous but my eyes have adjusted and it's fun seeing all the details of everyone's beautiful work!

      I put bags around my smaller trees and this year, after seeing this, I decided I would give a try to taking the top part down as a whole piece and leave the lights on it (which worked pretty well). Then I just had to take down three layers of branches. I hate doing the lights so leaving some on will give me a head start next year!

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    3. Perfect..so we both have a head start!Lovely gift:)

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  3. HI Monique....
    I also label my containers every year....things never seem to go back in the same one!
    That cheesy shortbread is so pretty...nice job!
    Your ornaments are precious....and so different....
    I put a picture of the cake up today on my blog! How funny is that!
    It really us a great cake....especially with the hit of lemon!
    Still really cold here...
    Stay warm...enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Roast beef in the oven...smells great! ☺️

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    2. That's my next one..roast beef..my mom made the best..we rarely make cuts of meat or steaks..chicken..pork..yes..but beef no..I need a roast beef..soon..will buy Tuesday:)

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  4. I know Sol. She has wonderful recipes.
    Take care!

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    Replies
    1. She does..and she is an artist in everything she makes:):)

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  5. Those shortbreads look amazing Monique! I adore sweet shortbreads but am thinking I would like savory ones even more, almost like little pastries I would imagine! YUM! I have a real love affair with pastry. Love your paintings, especially the little girl, but you know I have a heart for little girls! Your ornaments are so beautiful. I especially love the felt ones, but you know too I have a heart for felt. So much love in every stitch. I hope you see the end of your frigid frigid temperatures soon! In the meantime enjoy canoodling and crafting indoors where it is safe and warm! Coldest morning of the year here this morning, which isn't say much as it is only the 7th, lol Love and hugs! xoxo

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    1. Enjoy the day Marie..yes I bet you spotted some familiar things:)It's all away..I looked around to make sure nary a Christmas thing was in sight;):)Thankg goodness for the love of indoors..no cabin fever yet for me..

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  6. I'm about to visit Sol.
    Have a nice Sunday, dear.

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  7. Thanks for introducing me to Sol. Love the looks of her blog and Instagram. Beautiful cheese crackers. I always learn so much when visiting you. Stay warm Monique.

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    1. I learn from all pf you as yu see:) She is very special..I had lost track of her and missed her..whan I found her again..it just felt so good:)
      You would enjoy these..I justknow it..a little cocktail in Fl and theses:)

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  8. Your cheese treats look so yummy, Monique. I'll take mine WITH the glass of wine. ;) So sorry you nicked your finger! LOVE your lassie. I signed up for the class about making cards and the one about painting with the masters... now, if I can just get some time to start them!! Our grandsons have been here... no painting... or much else except them. As it should be. They will be back to their home this afternoon. Stay warm and paint on, dear Monique! blessings ~ tanna
    ps that vintage plate is beautiful.

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    1. To everything there is a season:)When your handsome boys leave you will have time..and these moments cannot be replaced...you cherish them..visible n everything:)That was a long visit!
      I saw some of JO's classes are 1/2 off right now..helps for Canadians:) I still have a couple of sessions to go on FLs..Have a pretty day:)

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  9. Good freezing morning! We had all the kiddos for an after holiday dinner. Jerry shined in the kitchen. He made his signature Prime Rib roast with everyone’s favorite, Yorkshire pudding (think popovers but made in a rectangular pan). He then repeated his mother’s recipe Ice box chocolate pudding cake. Katherine was VERY happy, Lillian said “more”. The night before he made a Gruyère cheese soufflé. So yes he CAN cook. We teamed together making prep easier. I never was active in the GW cooking forum, looks like you got some great recipes from GW and Sol. I too will be taking the tree down and getting things back in order. Stay warm and keep on painting those pretty creations.

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    1. Terry..how great is that..? I have been yearning for a roast beef..of some sort..I am not good at cuts of meat but am planning on buying a roast soon..the meal sounds delish and isn't retirement and everything that ensues grand? Especially when grands come along..but watch out..I am sure you see w/ Frankie..time does not stand still even for little ones..
      Gardening has always been your forte but hehehe how baking and cooking have stepped in:)
      THings sound super over there:)♥

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    2. Oh I know how time does not stand still. Frankie’s voice is changing! This is different from the grandson who gardened with me this summer😳.

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    3. Makes me so sad!I adore them but am envious of families with babies!!

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  10. I think I will be making some savory shortbread this afternoon :) What a wonderful review and cute, cute, cute! I'm so sorry about your finger :( Be VERY careful with new knives. I've already cut a finger without hardly knowing it. Swiped some chopped parsley off of a new chef knife with my finger. SO sharp!

    What a beautiful array of ornaments. Mr. Fox and his lady friend are adorable! I spy some years gone by in the collections :)

    I love your 2018 gal with the checkered sox ♥

    Gloomy day but not frigid anymore. We have a warm up week with rain and snow in the forecast. Glad to wake up and see out of the windows again without a layer of crystals. Pretty, but sheesh!

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    1. Warming tomorrow!!Oh they are good Susan..and look how erfect..Sing:"Who could ask for anything more?":):)Yes you are scattered on all pages there:)
      M et Mmme Fox sont cutes c'est vrai!
      So the knoves are pretty good?My friends tell me my knives say hi:)

      Happy they are in a warmer climate;)
      Have a beautiul day!!

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  11. Always so enjoy your posts w/ their beautiful photos & your musings!
    I am so tempted to make the savory shortbreads...........would you mind posting the link for the recipe???? Have looked & looked & cannot find it! Found the link for the gruyere crackers! sooo fun & delicious...a huge cocktail hit w/ a cheery glass of wine.
    Merci merci!

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    1. Hi Kay! Thanks for your nice comments! That is the link..they are called Gruyère Shortbreads..on Sol's IG account..could not be easier..I used a large starw to do my holes in my cheese:)Yes a huge cocktail hit..so flaky out of the oven..:)

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  12. Monique I just love how you took pictures of different ornaments. I would love to have had some photos of our old family ornaments. There are such fond memories associated with ornaments and you have captured them!

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    1. Do it Jacqueline..you have so many beautiful ornaments!!Thanks!

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  13. Replies
    1. Oh well said!Wish I would have thought of that☺️👍🏻👏🏻

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  14. Yes! Christmas is over.. holidays are over, now again we have to back to normal life.. :)

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    1. I hope yours is sooo normal for you..no renos..and more relaxing for you:)

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  15. Your bakery items sound really yummy. Love all the ornaments that you have - they are so pretty.

    Sorry it's so cold there. I would never last. I am freezing when it's 60 here.

    so glad that you had a wonderful Christmas.

    Mary

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    1. Where you are is definitely where you should be and stay..we once thought we would like to be somehwre warm 6 months..neighbours do that..but our lives are here..everything we love is here..Lucas Max Noah Oli lol...our daughters..time just lasts forever when we are away too long..and we don't have a home ..so no baking things lol..;)I don't mind winter..it's my garden break;)

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  16. All item looks really delicious !! I will try some recipes.
    I am your new follower.
    Hope you follow me back on G+,GFC & Bloglovin. please visit my blog.
    https://clickbystyle.blogspot.in/

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  17. I love all the decorations, especially the hearts with names...did you make those yourself? So sweet. Savoury shortbread - yum!

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    1. They are black chalkboard hearts:) I need to rewrite..I have had them3 yrs now..from Susan..so definitely USA:)They are cute!

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    2. Did you make them? Quite perfect I would say:)♥

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    3. I am sure you made the cheese shaped ones too..I know you and your eye for liking adorable and delish.

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  18. Happy New Year, Nana! The most beautiful pictures - especially hungering over those flower-shaped treats but could not find a recipe on her gorgeous blog. If you have it, I would love it! Happy New Year, and wish those of us in the US to be strong and kind, hopes for better political days.

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    1. Hi Katrina..it's the Instgram link..she writes in the comments.. the link takes you to her IG feed.. click on HER photo of her crisps..and to the right..she has posted the recipe:)
      Oy politics..Personally I loved Mr Barack Obama..he was just such a class act...♥

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  19. The savory shortbreads sound absolutely delightful. :-)

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    1. I hope you try them..anyone can feel vistorious making these..they turn out so well:)

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  20. Sol is an artist in everything she makes, and I'm so I reconnected with her on IG.
    The shortbreads look amazing.
    I love your painting and the black and white checked skinny legs :-)
    Saw a photo of a homeless man that put a puffercoat on his pooch during the cold temps. It was 55 there.

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    1. Poor haomeless people..pets..something to be said for Florida and such for certain..here w/out shelters..you cannot survive winters like these:(

      The hecked socks girl..is in flight:)

      Have a great day Debbie..Sol is supercalifragilistically talented for certain!

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  21. I love the savory shortbread - it sounds wonderful and adore all your beautiful decorations. It's sad to put them away each year but so much fun to get them back out again. I spend each Monday with one of my granddaughters (22 months old) and this past week she ran all over the house looking for Tanta Ho (santas). It's hard to explain but I assured her he would be back next year :) Such a joy to have children around at Christmas!

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    1. Tanta Ho:) Hohoho Tricia..how cute! I know a great grandmother..she is 74 looks 60 ish..very pretty etc..she looks after her 2 great grandaughters 1 day a week also.. 4 and 2 they are..admirable..she is smitten..no kidding..plus she works full time:)These are perfect..you would give them all the stars also:)

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  22. Hi Monique, I absolutely love your blog! So many wonderful recipes, inspirational artwork, photos, etc...
    Thank you, Jody:)

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    1. Dear Jody..how absolutely so kind of you to say this..I feel the same about yours and your ingenuity and pretty pics and gardens..and of course your beautiful family♥

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  23. I’m not a fan of shortbread but those do look delicious. But coffee cake – oh yes I like coffee cake! Hope your finger heals quickly. Love the little girl in your painting.

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    1. Hi Polly:) The finger is fine..I think I mentioned it for safety reasons..plus I knew it would heal.If I wrote about what doesn't..well the litany would never end...some things are a given..some a mystery:)
      Thank you ..have a great day:)

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  24. Thank you for your tips about Aix-en-Provence. We'll return there next July.
    Hugs

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  25. I find it hard to take down my tree each year. As you pack each one of your ornaments away, I'm sure memories are being packed away as well until the next year when you get to enjoy them again. I'm glad to read that your finger is healing.

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