Thursday, December 19, 2013

Home~ Sweet Home~




There's no place like home..
One thing I love about the holidays..is the nesting time at home..
Even when I worked..I was always anxious for hours off when I would be home..
To bake..to craft..to garden..
And the holidays gave me more reasons to nest~
It has not changed for me..Nesting is still my favorite part of the holidays..
No parties for me please.
Seeing people I care about..one on one..or family time..That works with my nature..
I guess I really should read that book QUIET~  in the New Year~:)

Made a few things for the holidays..some a success some not so much..
Success as always.. my baking day with one of my daughters,Jacques and Oli..:)  at her home.. The traditional Tourtières..we made many..small and large..The Noël one will be on the table Chrsitmas eve at my daughters..
Used my mother's crimper♥
December 12th marked the 40th anniversary of her ..leaving me a Motherless Daughter..
Do we ever forget? Never.ever ever ever.
She is always in my heart..Every Christmas..every day.♥

Onto the baking..

Christmas Macarons?  A  MISS..I took pics..but they were awful..they tasted like the gobs of red food coloring (gel) I had to add to get a fluorescent red..the jar clearly said Christmas Red..had it described what actually happened..they would have been left creamy:):( and to taste like the most artificial things I ever baked.
Definitely a blooper..
3 D christmas tree cookies..tried making my own pattern since Ricardos cookie cutter was nowhere to be found..Broke every one..A Miss..
Made Isabelle's Fudge.. a Hit..
The English Toffee Bites..The Shortbreads..The Magic Bars..The Biscottis..so far so good~
I am enjoying stopping at the mail..I always have..seeing if there is a card or two..fewer and fewer each year..
Next year..I think I should stop too..YET when I hang a photo on my tree included in one of the cards..I think..this IS part of Christmas..the written word to say hello..we live farther away now..but I still think of you..do you still think of me?♥
Do many of you still send? I think I shall not stop.
I was thrilled to find some Ontario Garlic in my post office box..Friends grow it and sent us some..it arrived unscathed...if not a bit cccold...Will try and grow next year:)

Enjoying all the Christmas songs..
All the snow..because after all it is Christmas..After Jan 15th you have my permission to stop all activity.
Looking at ornaments..that through the years get packed away and unpacked..
Some Old some new..some home made some bought..some received..


Nestle in your nest.. enjoy your time at home.. alone or en groupe..
In snowy weather or southern climate sunshine..
Visiting afar..or just staying near..
Living the life in Paris:)
Or sometimes just looking through a crystal ball and seeing it:)

Bonnes Vacances~ Joyeuse Fêtes.. ♥


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56 comments:

  1. cath carboneDecember 19, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    je vous souhaite de belles fêtes de fin d'année accompagnées de joie et de bonheur !
    Bises, Cath.

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  2. From the KitchenDecember 19, 2013 at 11:46 AM

    You've well described the perfect holiday time! Yes, I still send Christmas cards. It's such a lovely part of my holiday that I shall continue it for a long time.

    Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 19, 2013 at 4:29 PM

      I shall continue too..:) Today another card reminded me of the importance..everything we do is email..I still love to touch.Something gets lost in translation ..via emails..
      To you too:)

      Delete
  3. RosenoisettesDecember 19, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    Rester à la maison, surtout pendant les vacances de Noël, est certainement une chose plaisante!
    Chose que beaucoup ne savent plus apprécier, quel dommage car c'est tellement agréable.
    Toujours en train de cuisiner, serait-ce une délicieuse tourte que vous faites?

    Yuum

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 19, 2013 at 4:28 PM

      Et oui..nos tourtières.. Ce sont en fait des tourtes.. à la viande:)
      J'adore ces journées ..!

      Delete
  4. Barbara Lilian in FranceDecember 19, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    I totally agree with your feelings of a wonderful family Christmas, no parties for me neither, unless all my family is with me.
    I do still send cards, although my list is getting shorter. As you saw I made my cards this year , haven'y done that for a long time, but I really enjoyed it.
    Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family .

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  5. La Table De NanaDecember 19, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    Your cards are beautiful..and special:)
    I am glad you shared them with us..I love the artisanal cones too:)

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  6. Gloria BakerDecember 19, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    Have a happy and wonderful Christmas Monique!

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  7. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsDecember 19, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Snow outside - but warm and lovely in your home. I send out cards each year and look forward to the ones we receive, but alas, they are starting to dwindle. None the less, I love a hand written note now and then. A lost art, I'm afraid, however you are always generous with your thoughts and bring a smile to my heart. I'm much appreciative. Happy Christmas to you and your family!
    All the best,
    Ry

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  8. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenDecember 19, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    I sent Christmas cards until very recently. I misplaced my address book and lost all of those important addresses that I had accumulated for years in our winter move down south. I feel guilty not sending them every time I receive a card. Unfortunately fewer and people send cards, so I don't get their addresses. I really enjoyed writing and catching up with old friends and family each year and miss it very much.

    You've given me much Christmas spirit tonight Monique. Merry Christmas to you and you lovely family.
    Sam

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2013 at 8:57 AM

      Maybe we can both write some next year..More:)
      I have to tell you it was fun to get an envelope yesterday,,from a Fl friend that lives in PA,,as I opened the envelope 4 more came out..all for that dear family across the street:) The boys each have one..
      So I am thinking ..if it brings me this much pleasure.. ..:)
      Let's do it..save your cards and addresses this yr..let's start by that!
      All the very best to you and Meakin too Sam.:)

      Delete
  9. LindaDecember 19, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Such Christmas magic at your house! I love seeing little glimpses of it....
    I just realized we have not received one card this year....i only sent a few this year...
    Merry Christmas my dear friend...and a Happy Healthy New Year...
    Bisous xo

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  10. Rosa's Yummy YumsDecember 20, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    Indeed. there is no place like home! Have a wonderful

    Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones and a Happy New Year!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  11. ParisbreakfastsDecember 20, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    It all looks like such fun!
    Wish I could jpin in...
    I'm excellent at cleaning out the bowls...

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM

      Guess whio I thought of with the Paris ornament.. apart from the giver and myself?:)

      Delete
  12. JenniDecember 20, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    It all looks magical. Yes you definitely just summed up what I love about the Holidays, the baking, christmas tree and ornaments, spending quiet time with your loved ones and the music and all the lovely snow you have.
    Merry Christmas Monique

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2013 at 2:24 PM

      The snow is gently falling and quite beautifully again..Jenni I am glad I found your blog..and look forward to all your thoughts in 2014.
      Warm wishes..you've done so much this year:-)

      Delete
  13. UnknownDecember 20, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    Beautiful post Monique, I agree with every word! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
    P.S. If you like I will send you my tartare vessels, I did not know you like them THAT much, it would be my Christmas present to you. I need your mail address!

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2013 at 2:22 PM

      Dear Yelena:-)
      You made them beautiful to me.
      Please keep them and keep using them.
      You are young and have a lifetime ahead of you to put them to many more good uses than I:-)
      Imagine serving to your daughter and her dates:-) l will want to see those vessels at your home.
      But know that just your words are a huge Christmas gift tied with a golden bow.
      My very best to you and yours.x

      Delete
    2. UnknownDecember 22, 2013 at 5:19 PM

      Dear Monique, thank you so much for your lovely reply! Marry Christmas to you and your family, I am wishing you the best. I am so glad that you baked the mushrooms cookies, and I hope your loved ones will like them.
      Hugs,

      Yelena

      Delete
  14. Karen (Back Road Journal)December 20, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    I think the way you celebrate Christmas sounds perfect. Each year I say I'm going to stop sending cards but each year I continue to mail them.

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2013 at 2:25 PM

      As I hope to also:-) your home would make a great card..

      Delete
  15. Andrée Valence-LodwitzDecember 20, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Merci pour ta gentille et douce fidélité. Joyeux Noël à toi et ta famille. Bisous ♥.

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  16. SavoringTime in the KitchenDecember 20, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    Your holiday 'nesting' sounds wonderful, especially surrounded by your wonderful family. Love that adorable smile and the Rudolph nose :) So sorry about the bloopers. You should have seen the first cinnamon bundt cake I tried. Something must have been wrong with my yeast. Dense, flat and un-photogenic :) I hate it when all that effort and ingredients goes into something and results are bad.

    I looks like it's definitely going to be a White Christmas here! We are in a storm watch tomorrow night and Sunday. Nesting sounds perfect on snowy days.

    Merry, Merry Christmas, Monique, to you, J and your wonderful family!

    xoxo

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  17. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2013 at 7:00 PM

    As Oli says so well:Je t'aime:-)
    You too Susan:-)

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  18. KathleenDecember 20, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    All looks calm and bright there! I just read one of my early posts where I made your little pies! That was 5 years ago in the Darling Bakers days. I have not started the baliking and cooking. With Mike being sick and ICU, and then the slow recuperation, I am very far behind! Cutting way back on everything this year.
    I gave up on the cards, I do think people think of you even if they don't send a card. I feel guilty about not sending!
    Have a wonderful Christmas and many blessings in the new year. Good health is the most important, and I hope yours is good! Enjoy those gkids, they grow up so quickly! Eamon screamed when he had to sit on Santa's lap, and Lily is taller than Santa! :)
    Enjoy, Monique!

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 21, 2013 at 6:43 AM

      You are so right Kathleen..:-)
      No need to feel guilty at all..we do enough of that without cards entering the picture..but guess what I am the same:-)
      Love hearing about your family..and wish all of you health too.
      Must applaud your joie de give in all your tables capes..don't know how you do it all:-) Kudos

      Delete
  19. BarbaraDecember 21, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    No Monique, we never, ever forget our mothers. Especially around the holidays, but I find myself telling her things that I know would interest her off and on all year.
    I think I did more nesting when my children were little...now everyone is spread all over, not able to get together as much as we'd like. Still...there's Skype and IM and Facetime, all things I never had when younger and it keeps us in constant touch.
    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with you lovely family!

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  20. La Table De NanaDecember 21, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    Life changes..never is one day the same..
    You are so active and youthful..:-) I am sure you spread joy through all your actions and ways of keeping in touch:-)
    What gifts those Web places to see our loved ones:-)
    Wouldn't it be great if we could Skype heaven Barbara?

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  21. Deana SidneyDecember 21, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Merry Christmas, Monique! I love the stories about fails and flops. Even the best cooks have them The only one's that make me sad are the ones that taste great but have no visual appeal or I failed to capture it. Broken cookies, crusts, burnt bits... that's part of the thrill of cooking for a blog. When cooking for friends and family, a visual fail is funny. As long as it tastes great, no one cares.

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 21, 2013 at 9:40 AM

      With the intricate dishes full of history that you make..the time..the care..preparation..Unphotogenic must be disheatening..sometimes the prettiest things photograph poorly and the opposite too!
      I haven't seen many flops chez vous....in fact never have I!
      The best to you Deana:)

      Delete
  22. Joan NovaDecember 21, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Lovely post. Best wishes to you and your family.

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  23. La Cuisine d'HeleneDecember 21, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    You are so right, I like to be home with my family. Merry Christmas!

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  24. she's in the kitchenDecember 21, 2013 at 9:20 PM

    Love your post - I agree that home is where the heart is. So enjoyed your pictures, as always, and instantly envious of your crimper! Sweet and lovely times, Nana, and sending you a wave on this Solstice night - everyday a few minutes more sun!

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    1. La Table De NanaDecember 21, 2013 at 9:47 PM

      I just read about it..days will get longer..we're in a storm watch here..shoveled..etc..so much snow and more on the way..
      It's lucky it's beautiful:-)
      Travel advisory for tomorrow..nesting yet again:-)
      Warm wishes to you Katrina:-)
      My daughter told me would tell Max..that was his great nanas crimper one day...

      Delete
  25. Gloria BakerDecember 23, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Monique, Merry Christmas, Feliz navidad, hope you have a lovely times with your family!! blessings!

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  26. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenDecember 23, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    Monique, Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family. May the new year bring you health and happiness.
    Sam

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  27. PamDecember 23, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    Right on spot, Monique! I can totally relate; nesting, there's no place like home. I felt the same way all those years I worked. Good that you still send Christmas cards. I stopped doing that 2 or 3 years ago and this year felt guilty about it after enjoying all the cards we've received. So today I went out and bought packets of "Happy New Year" cards to send to those people, and plan on sending Christmas cards next year. A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  28. La Table De NanaDecember 23, 2013 at 9:19 PM

    Great idea:-)
    I have never seen those:-) Will keep an eye open:-)
    Thanks for the idea:-)
    Best wishes again:-)

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  29. ~Lexibule~December 23, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    Les photos sont Superbes!! Joyeuses Fêtes:) xxx

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  30. Julia | JuliasAlbum.comDecember 24, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    Beautiful photos, Monique! There is no place like home. Merry Christmas to you, my friend, and very Happy New Year! Can't wait to enjoy more of your creations (photos, watercolor, crafts, recipes, etc - you do so much - I truly admire it!)

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  31. pamDecember 24, 2013 at 9:52 PM

    Merry Christmas Monique!

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  32. La Cuisine d'HeleneDecember 25, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    You are so right, there is no place like home. My 3 kids are here and we are together. I am an happy mom. Merry Christmas with your beautiful family.

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  33. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenDecember 25, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Monique,

    Joyeux Noel to you, Jacques, and your precious family. May all your Christmas's be bright.
    Sam

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  34. RosenoisettesDecember 25, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    Joyeux Noël à vous!
    Passez de superbes moments en famille!

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  35. Marie RaynerDecember 26, 2013 at 3:48 AM

    There is no place like home for the Holidays Monique. You are so right. I have never liked travelling at Christmas. Home is where I want to be. Loved the collage of photos, especially the photo of you using your mother's crimper. I am so blessed that my mother is still with us, but I know how very precious that is and how she almost wasn't here. A blessing that she still is. Happy holidays and all the best in 2014 to you and your sweet family. You fill my heart with each visit. Looking foward to more of that in the coming year! Love you! xxoo

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  36. JacquelineDecember 27, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    I agree with you Monique! We have a wonderful cabin but we always spend Christmas at home because I love to decorate my home and that is where I want to be. Hubby always wants to share the beautiful home with more parties than I am up to, but I do try! Sorry you had so many mishaps during the month, but oh well, it is still fun to try. We didn't end up doing any baking, just the chocolate dipping as I got sick after that and so did my daughter who would have done cookies with me. I lost my mother 23 years ago at the end of January, and no, you never ever do forget. They are a wonderful influence through the years.
    I hope you had a wonderful chaotic Christmas morning! Ours was too, but it looked nice when they came in! I think I facuumed 4 times on Christmas Day!

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  37. La Table De NanaDecember 27, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    :-)
    All done now..
    Snow..just a bit today..some knitting..some stitching..some reading:-)
    It flies by..
    One day we will be in someone's memory..
    Some last another lifetime:-)

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  38. Sketchbook WanderingDecember 29, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    Oh, yes, I so so so love Home...nesting...creating...(balanced with going out too...) Yes, this time of year, going inward a bit...dreaming of a trip to France again...reflections...The book, Quiet, I read a lot of it & it was reassuring that it's OK to be quiet & in solitude, even though it seems as if the rest of the world is spinning around surrouned by people. Your montage of photos is so beautiful & uplifting. Bonnes fêtes à vous, mon amie de Blog...Bonne année, qu'elle vous apporte beaucoup de joie!

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