Monday, December 2, 2013

Mop Philosophy Monday

 Sneaking in a few Christmas decorations here and there?  Me too.  Wish I was going all-out to tell you the truth.
All in good time my friends.
Meanwhile, I've been wrapping like a fiend...
 I found these attractive ribbon arrangements and not only do they cheer up Santa's Workshop (aka DaniBP's Sewing Room) they also store some good quality ribbons.  Red ribbon and a white box... it's all you need for Christmas cheeriness.  Unless of course you find yourself some tartan paper paired with little wooden Christmas tag items:
Christmas tag items sourced at Target.
I am finding this a very masculine arrangement for the men on my Christmas list: MrBP, The Bobster, Old Rascal, Christopher and JDP, my father-in-law...  Let's face it, men love Christmas presents.
They might deny it but they love the presents.

I've been getting together a box of gifts for our Swedish friends.
We miss them very much and a few North American gifts will be a little reminder to them of their friends and of life here in Canada.
Anyway, let's face it, who doesn't love a Pez dispenser?

Have you been wearing an apron non-stop?  Count me in on that one.  Especially while frying up the potato latkes.
Chicken Apron
 We've been celebrating Hanukkah in our small way, on the fifth night which was also the first day of Advent.  We are Catholic and Anglican with a Jewish ancestry in our household, well why should things be straightforward?  Honour it all, that's my view.
 Have you been feeling an interest in making your own laundry soap?  Look no further, I have a perfect recipe.
 Grate a bar of real, pure soap, preferably Dr. Bronner's bar soap, the lavender one.
 That's right, I used a grater typically engaged for cheese... it works perfect.  Measure your soap and add up 2 cups or so, smushed down of course.  Be sure to have a large bowl for the mixing of your laundry concoction.
 Then add in 4 cups of Washing Soda and 4 cups of Borax.
 Stir it all so it forms a fairly uniform mixture and then pour it into a giant jar, and maybe a small jar for Christopher.
I put together a small jar for Christopher.
He was so delighted.
 I use about 2 tablespoons of the stuff per wash load, it cleans so well.  The clothes and linens are fresh and stain-free.  If this saves me from hauling home giant plastic containers of laundry detergent I will keep mixing it up, that's for sure.

Enjoying the treats of the season even if it's a bit early?  Us too.  A tea tray with glasses for port and some gluten-free Christmas cake is just the thing for these dark evenings.
Anyone interested in my Christmas cake recipe?  I soaked the fruit in brandy for over a week, it's boozy-delicious!
Enjoy your Monday,
xoxDani