Monday, March 12, 2018

La Vie En Rose~ Spring Forward~




Above..Carol's macarons







Yesterday I had a brief taste of Spring..we have set the clocks forward..and the sun shone in while I prepped dinner and I had Tony Bennett on Alexa..and I felt warm.

That's the only thing I don't like about winter.Feeling cold.
I love sweaters and leggings and socks  but months on end..the style becomes repetitive and my fingers just seem to get colder and colder with age.
I need hot pads to snowshoe now..and quite frankly could wear them in the house..
Jacques always commented on how cold my hands were..and so did my girls..
Always cold hands..now..worse.
Not sure I believe..cold hands..warm heart..my heart shivers!
Cold+Me=Cranky

My Paris Letter arrived ..which sparked such a yearning for pink and prettiness..You know..Carol G's letters..Paris Breakfast..
So much pretty in a pretty envelope!
Her art..little business cards..flyers..charm charm charm.

Also charming the cute Renaud-Bray jam labels and toppers I found..I made jam for an upcoming birthday gift and these make the jars look so fresh and cute.However they are rigid and glossy and I needed the glue gun to affix everything..but..cute:)

I have a few little Easter things out..

See that cradle..it's below the Oeil De Boeuf window..that Jemima is sitting on..that wicker cradle was mine..and the teeny quilt too♥so maybe 60 yrs old..and my daughters played with it.I am so happy to still have it:)

As I am so happy to still have my daughters Sunbonnet Sue quilts..I saved them..and then my girls had boys..so I still have them..who knows..maybe one day a great-grand daughter will have it..
Or they will be sold on Varage Sale (HOPE NOT..)


I found a sweet IG post suggesting ReadTeaLeaves.
And she had made little Epsom salt ..etc pouches..on her blog..
I have received bath bombs etc..w/ flowers  and oats in them..and they leave a mess in a tub..

this way..your muscle relaxing epsom salts..and dried flowers..etc..stay put in pretty muslin bags..no mess!
Loved this little craft thought you might too:)
Find the tutorial..here..


I've stitched a bit to keep my fingers nimble:)

I made a granny square scarf..I will make another next winter I think:)

I have been painting:)

The enchanted cottage.

A little door to a special place..( a gift this will be)


In my defense..  10 minutes..above;)



Jacques offered these lovely books for my birthday..I looked through Liz Steele's..  too quickly..you think you get it..lol then you try..and visibly..well..you don't:)
lots of great tips..

Have just started the People Sketching and LIKE it..a lot..have not started Marc Taro's..I do have one of his Craftsy classes.
One thing I have noticed..is that quite a few urban landscape artists..re buildings and such ..have a graphic artist/design background.I don't ..and it makes things ..quite difficult for me..if it's too technical..it's lost on me..the People so far..I at least get the 8 eggs:)

SNOW again..in the forecast..

Jacques had thought it was done last week..I see a snow covered Easter..:(
I don't think we have ever had tulips or green grass:(

Still it was nice prepping dinner in daylight..last night..well 5 ish..

This is a GOTO here and I can thank Diane..(Anonymous) who visits here ..for introducing us to this dish w/ her husband..about 100 years ago:)




With the years..we've adapted it..in some ways..
Basically ..penne and rapini.

I cook 4 slices of chopped bacon:)
I sauté 1 French shallot..chopped
3 chopped cloves of garlic
red pepper flakes..
add my chopped rapini(I removed tough bottom stems..I don't blanch..I don't mind the bitterness of rapini)
Let wilt..add a shot glass of cooking sherry:)

Add my cooked penne..  salt and pepper..and a lot of parm cheese..I reserve some pasta cooking liquid ..to sauce it up a bit..
Top w/ fresh basil..toasted pine nuts..and more red pepper flakes..adjust the seasonings..taste taste taste..

Serve in warm plates..always serve warm food on warmed plates.


Have a great week:) The sun'l come out tomorrow..tomorrow..
Spring always comes.

47 comments:

  1. Your painting of le Mas des Carrières reminds me of le Mas de la Pyramide, which is in the Roman quarry used to build Glanum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Dwell magazine (online) has an article about it. A very old guy lives in a troglodyte (cave) house and cooks for tourists.
    I've gotten into making macarons. Not as hard as I expected. Actually, easy, once you get the hang of it. I posted a couple of recipes last week.

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    1. I will go look!
      Le Glanum..very familiar and I read that story! I will Google mas de la Pyramide..now:)
      Yay on the macarons!

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  2. Oh Monique, your days are wonderful. So busy. My hands seem to be cold and nose too. Yet, I do not turn the heat up as I don't want to pay higher bills. Your paintings are so sweet. Love them. I wondered if those northeasters were hitting your area too. The sound horrible and just keep on coming. Our days will be cold, then warm for a few. Guess I should be happy, but I would like longer periods of warm. I don't like getting out to garden when it is cold and windy. I am finally going to start seedlings today. I need to keep lists for my days....

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    1. A friend in New Jersey has been hard hit by the NE.. we were almost spared..but now it is coming..my nose too Donna!!:)We watch the heat too..So bad of me to complain about layers when some have no layers.I felt bad thinking about my post..as I dressed.:(
      Se plaindre le ventre plein..is a fFrench "dicton"..which basically means to complain on a full stomach.
      Shame on me.

      My little seedlings are started..Susan mention peas to me..we plant those direct outside early spring but for pea shoots she started some indoors..gleaner that I am I did a few..and the next day they had sprouted! Nothing else yet..;)
      Have a great day Donna.

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  3. I love the longer days and lighter evenings, so refreshing! But my early morning walks are so dark now! I guess you just can't have everything, until summer of course! Can't wait!
    Love your jam jars, so pretty!

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    1. :) I need more warmth for my walks..:( Good for you Chris!!

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  4. I am ready for color too! Having just seen flowers, green grass and leaves on trees it's hard to return to a stark landscape. You are so fortunate to still have your doll cradle and quilt! I don't think I have anything from my childhood. I hope you have a great-granddaughter one day to enjoy those lovely things. I ♥ Gemima too. John is just like you, so cold. His fingers turn white (Renaud's). It's amazing how he can snow shoe but thanks to battery warmers he can stay warm. It's in the house he has to bundle up. I used to be the cold one :) How sweet of Jacques to gift you those art books and your paintings are gorgeous! Even the 10 minute one :) I know I would love that pasta dish! Thank you for sharing the recipe. I'm putting rapini on my shopping list ♥

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    1. I just bought tulips:) Xnayed on the dahlia bulbs..Susan..I think I amgiving up..I wait too long ..only to have slugs eat away at them..so I'll see if the 2 I saved come back..and that's it..turning the page on certain things:(
      Poor John..I get him..Jacques also has cold hands now.. this thing..getting older? I thought I would grow older full of nothing wrong..wrong;)

      Broccolini seems quite similar to rapini..but rapini is like a big bouquet:)♥

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  5. Spring is in the air!!!.....Yes love your post happy week love Ria x ❤️

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  6. The pasta sounds wonderful. Have you had your Thyroid checked? Hypothyroidism can cause cold hands and feet.

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    1. Yes..all ok.. it's been years and yrs.. all my life almost....Thank you for that suggestion though..you never know when a suggestion will lead to miracles..:) You never know!!

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  7. I love la vie en rose!! ahh love all yours things hahaha
    Love this cup soo cute!
    and yours paints! and Jemina puddle duck is my favorite of Beatrix Potter! xoxo

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    1. 😘😘😘I think we all like each other's things🙂Bonne semaine Gloria!

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  8. What a lovely spring post Monique, even if you do have some of Winter still to face. There is hope in your words, and I love hope. All of your photos are so beautiful. I love seeing these small glimpses of the things which bring joy into your life, I really do. I am always really excited when I see you have posted. (YES, just as much as when SB posts! Tis true!)I have a Small PB Salt and pepper set that I bought in the Lake District. Jemima and Henny Penny. They have little magnets in their chests so they stick together. So cute. I should take a photograph of them. Small treasures. I always love your paintings and that pasta dish is calling my name! It has everything I love in it. Hope you have a beautiful week! xoxo

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    1. I want to see them:) I hope you get to go to the picnic:) I have liked seeing her posts whilst away..:)(whilst..gleaned from YOU)..I think it's a little window into our worlds..when we see things that live in our homes:)

      Here and there lol;) Have agreat day!

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  9. Watching from afar all of these late winter snow storms across the Northeast. It has been a long winter, no doubt. Spring has arrived here in the South and with it, seasonal allergies! You would never know from your lovely spring filled photos that it is cold outside! I do so love that window! All the sweet bunnies and Easter colors 🐰. In your light filled home - so pretty!

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    1. I can't believe I am saying this..but now..winter is weighing heavy..:( More snow last night..gently falling now..I think all of a sudden I want dirty knees and hands:) It must be gorgeous where you are..just gorgeous..honestly if all this ended Feb 15th..I would not mind winter at all:)Bonne journée!

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  10. Your posts are always just so beautiful, Monique! Love to visit here. I am definitely with you Cold + Me = Cranky. LOL! We've had a few warm days, so when the cold fronts blow back in, it just seems harder to deal with! Ha! (of course, our cold is not as cold as your cold!) Your paintings are so good! I love that someone is getting that beautiful gift! I have been too busy with a couple of committees to enjoy much stitching. Boo. Wishing you a wonderful week and warmer weather! blessings ~ tanna

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    1. The recipient is in her 90's:) I hope she likes it.:) It's not big so she can put it in a drawer;)
      Committees keep you young and involved..good for you! Linda sent me a cute idea..a cowl granny square ..I may try that next:) So happy all your girls inspired me!

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  11. You finished your granny scarf already! I’m still doing my throw. It’s almost done and it feels so cozy. I made my spring wreath for the front door but we have snow again. I’ll wait to put it up. I love that it is light out till 7 now. If we could only get rid of the snow and have temps warm up a bit we could be out gardening! I LOVE your wicker cradle with the bunny. Lillian would love that bunny too. And your wall painted with foxgloves and faries������! I have two wood craddles down in the basement. Maybe I have to dig them out for the girls. I know Lillian would enjoy putting her babies in to sleep. Katherine may be passed the baby dolls, barbies are her thing now.

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    1. Those question marks should have been hearts....

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    2. She can put her Barbies in it!! Oh Barbies:) You are having such fun w/ those girls..yes bring the wood cradle into the living areas..we used to have the little wood table and chairs for the boys:)
      Just that little section has fairies and foxgloves..:) I had to.. 166 yrs ago..lol..have not touched the room..it's just the 2 of us here.. so it's stayed..as is:)

      Susan started peas in the house for ppea shoots..I did too..less than 48 hrs..up and about:) Fun to see..oh this snow..Yes I did finish it..I'll send u a pic:)

      Have a great day!!

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  12. Awww...Thank You Monique for showing Parisbreakfast's March letter!
    Love the delicacyof your own paintings...impressionistic and poetic.
    Do you have fingerless gloves?
    I could't live without them!
    Stay toasty

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    1. I do:) I love them to bits!
      Your letters are a gift to subscribers.They last forever..frameable..the little add-ins..I would not go anywhere w/out picking up a card..etc:)
      I love snail mail♥
      I am happy you are keeping it alive.

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  13. Another wonderful post where everything is beautiful and/or delicious! Well, of course first I'm going to tell you how MAJOR BIG TIME IMPRESSED I am with both your paintings -- gift and the ten minute one. Somewhat different in style but equally charming and lovely to me. Bravo. I need to check those books out -- they all look good and I'll be interested to talk more about them as you work them more.

    The rapini pasta -- yum. And I am swooning over your sweet wicker cradle and tray and wonderful quilts. I think you know I collect vintage quilts and I'd say you have real gems there. Don't let them go. Hold out for a girl Baby Grand! Jemima is in her element there -- what a pretty window.

    We had snow yesterday and today but it melted quickly and I'm hoping we get a bit of a break and one that will blow a little warmth your way. Oh, and your jam? Wonderful labels

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    1. I just lost my reply..a NE shed quite a few inches of snow..overnight..and I guess internet may be spotty..So Jeanie!
      I have another cute sweet book to talk to you about..
      RHS FLOWERS..Watercolor Art Pad..I only just recieved it.. Book Depository..go peek..let me just say..the ast pages are WATERCOLOR pages/paper//sketched..I think it is going to be a treat.granted the sketches are made..but still!We learn

      The quiltes were made by a friend's elderly mom at the time..her legacy lives on:)
      I like how we all encourage each other in our arts and crafts ventures..so nice to share our likes with others that like the same things.Have a great day Jeanie!

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  14. Your meals are always so darn healthy and beautiful!
    Is that your guest room??? I am packing!! 😘
    Love your wee paintings..so dreamy....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. :) You're so funny and I love that.. it is..when we moved here 17 yrs ago..the girls were on their own but not married.. so I did their rooms..as if they were still here..the pink one was M's the blue C's..they had left their beds and things..so I used that..still looks brand new..no guests..lol..the boys sleep w/ me in our bed and J sleeps w/ L in one of them..our big kids live so close they don't sleep over..you have the blue guest room book:) See I meant it..no guests:)
      NE here tons more snooooooooooooooo.
      Have a great day!

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  15. I say use your Sunbonnet Sue quilts! I was actually thinking about my husband's Sunbonnet Sue...his mother made one for him & his brother when they were boys. It has Sue & the alternating blocks have the little farmer boy...I've never heard his name!? But she trimmed it all in pink for her baby boys. I'm thinking we should pull it out & use it now that we have a grandbaby in the house....even though he is a sweet bouncy boy.

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    1. Yes..mine are out too:) Like Spark Joy..they are sparks of joy for the memories they bring back:)Do it:)How sweet!

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  16. Such a lovely post Monique! The pasta sounds so delicious and simple and I love cooking dinner in the daylight too. Jemima Puddleduck brings back so many memories. We had a stuffed version that winds up and plays Mozart. Both our chicken slept with her while in a crib. Such a sweet memory - thank you!

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    1. Oh Tricia..mine plays music too:) And you made me smile..please see how auto correct spelled children:) You know me and chickens:)
      Thank you! Have a nice day and yes..that light..right now thos we have a NE tons of snoOOOOOOOOO light!

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  17. Such a lovely post, dear Nana. I love your paintings with those pale colours which remind me Spring and good weather. Meanwhile it rains day and night.
    Lots of hugs

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    1. And here it snows day and night Nina:)Soon we will have warmth and sunshine..hope!

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  18. The macarons are pretty and your dinner looks delicious! Hope Spring comes your way soon... :)

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    1. What a looong winter! I always forget about March..until it's here and lasts forever!

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  19. Lovel blog, exquisite bunny in beautiful white cane cradle...so lovely!

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  20. Hope the sun stays out and warms everything up soon. I'm definitely going to try your pasta, a little different from what I do and I know we will enjoy it. The Sunbonnet Sue quilt brought back lots of memories, my grandmother had made me one.

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    1. I bet you are not missing this winter!!!Oh lala..enjoy that Florida sunshine Karen!

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  21. The Penne|Rapini looks delish. I wouldn't have thought to add basil too. Mmmmm We are having wintery weather too. More snow is in the forcast for next week. It was difficult to go back to the dark morning commute, but soon we will have the sun. I know there are daffodils underneath the snow ready to come out! Your watercolors are gorg. I love the quick sketch. xo

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    1. I loved your IG 80's post..I have been seeing afew..and it is so nostalgic..you still look the same! Just different clothes:)
      Oh those were the Olivia Newton John days:)

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  22. I hope you get some warmer weather. We do not have snow but even here in So.Cal it is unseasonably cold. I love the Jeminina Duck. Your daughters quilts are lovely.

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    1. Esme..I am loving this writer..

      Heather O'Neill:)
      FYI because you love to read too:)
      Thank you!

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  23. I wish I could send you a letter as well. I would fill it with sunshine and wild flowers and blue skies. We are deep into spring already.
    Amalia
    xo

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