tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38181515132490301942024-03-05T08:07:02.448-05:00Mop PhilosophyDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-62061620080322446242021-03-30T08:25:00.000-04:002021-03-30T08:25:25.322-04:00New Site<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9TB8_JOXwx6aQU6Fwr0zgie8XosWRkc_IPaQUdYVc4BG3YY4HbCvrtFOXRtybbbGhAp51CMzV9aO4dTpwDI6AjIe7DoM2I1n6nBqSVPbM1zTfA0gl4yKCwVjoxZL_xN3e8IFpJ3k89s/s2048/IMG_4920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9TB8_JOXwx6aQU6Fwr0zgie8XosWRkc_IPaQUdYVc4BG3YY4HbCvrtFOXRtybbbGhAp51CMzV9aO4dTpwDI6AjIe7DoM2I1n6nBqSVPbM1zTfA0gl4yKCwVjoxZL_xN3e8IFpJ3k89s/s320/IMG_4920.JPG" /></a></div><br /> Pull up a chair and let me pour you a cuppa, or better yet a glass of wine, over at my new site, the link is <b><a href="https://danibpca.wordpress.com/2021/03/30/provence-blue-and-copper/">HERE</a></b>.<p></p><p>xoxDani</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-41198288730842734952021-03-28T09:01:00.000-04:002021-03-28T09:01:02.199-04:00New Kitchen in an Old House<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqcTjQ7vb8PUL8ItIHekZfCjl7FV8VmLjW5Zifx_KmO0zCsK1sRz0fPYZfXnCCTisb-S0MtKYU7aY_qdHMVwGGLQzTsRILYLCt9A1eLysIjxziAKmlNTmfgXyF_NysCiTHhkjxkGPLtI/s2048/IMG_4819.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqcTjQ7vb8PUL8ItIHekZfCjl7FV8VmLjW5Zifx_KmO0zCsK1sRz0fPYZfXnCCTisb-S0MtKYU7aY_qdHMVwGGLQzTsRILYLCt9A1eLysIjxziAKmlNTmfgXyF_NysCiTHhkjxkGPLtI/s320/IMG_4819.JPG" /></a></div><br /> Well, here we are in March of 2021, and while I haven't posted since last July it seems that in some ways we have all been standing still, yet it has also been a year of tremendous change.<p></p><div>Standing still, or caught in the headlights? The latter I should think, as we continue to grapple with the pandemic and the massive effect it has had on the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is not an accident that I stopped posting in July of last year: by August 5th I was in hospital, not with Covid19 but with appendicitis. I delayed going to the emergency (Covid anxieties) and was in quite dire circumstances by the time I did go (not recommended).</div><div><br /></div><div>While recovering from my illness and subsequent surgery I formulated a plan to completely overhaul the kitchen here at our stone house. It was just the obsessive project that I needed, and the planning came to fruition these last three months. You can see the end result above, and with any luck I can get this blog active again and publish some posts on the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>I designed the kitchen myself and used some very specific methods to do so. The end result is a highly functional and personalized kitchen, I would love to share my thoughts and ideas with you and read your own views on kitchen design.</div><div><br /></div><div>Was this your year of the sweatpants look? Not for me, I discovered that staying home is the perfect opportunity to wear a gown and heels. I have had so many fashion posts swirling around my brain, I would love to get back to that subject! </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that you have been keeping well in both mind and body. </div><div>xoxDani</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-49729004506210150092020-07-15T07:45:00.003-04:002020-07-15T07:45:40.069-04:00Cupboards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If there is one proven cure for dealing with uncertainty and anxiety, particularly for those events that are our of our control, it's to take control of something simple. This is why I've been spending my time cleaning, editing and organizing all of the utility spaces in our home.<br />
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I tackled some cupboards last week, these were the easiest spots to begin my whole-home mission.<br />
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First up was this cupboard that is in the large back hallway outside of our main bath. It functions as a catch-all for bathroom supplies, but it also stores cleaning supplies that I use up on the second floor.<br />
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I am a big fan of cleaning and laundry products from The Laundress New York (that's their Surface Cleaner, above, which I like to have around in bulk). When we sold our house last summer I scrubbed the entire house with Laundress products, and then used the home spray to give the whole house their classic scent of the most delicious air-dried laundry. <br />
One of our agents told me that almost all of the potential buyers commented on the cleanliness and the wonderful smell. So, I guess I credit The Laundress with helping me to sell my house!<br />
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I use a mop with a washable microfiber pad to do all of the floors upstairs, both hardwood and ceramic tile. Microfiber is especially brilliant on the ceramic bathroom tile<br />
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I'm cleaning so much these days that my hands would be positively wrecked without wearing rubber gloves. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubber Gloves</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The Diptyque candles that I love also have the most amazing glass containers. My daughter Gabby told me about this trick: when the candles are finished simply fill halfway with super-hot water and a little dish soap. Check on them a few hours later and the remaining wax from the bottom will be floating on top. Voila, you have a perfect pretty vessel to hold small items in a cupboard.<br />
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Those long black boxes, above, are Marvis toothbrushes. I like to have lots around for toothbrush change-outs and for when the Rascals come home to visit. <br />
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I buy Q-Tips and cotton make-up removers at Costco, so of course I always have nine million to store. These extra-large glass Kilner jars are just the thing to store them, it's easy to see when supplies are running low.<br />
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The first-aid basket also sits in this cupboard. These days it holds a pink wool hot water bottle that I bought in Austria last summer, as well as a cheerfully starred ice pack for nasty bruises and headaches. I keep Tylenol, band-aids, thermometers and Polysporin in here as well.<br />
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Next to the first-aid basket you can see a small supply of the symbol of our times: the disposable face mask. I've been sewing some and I think I've finally found the perfect pattern, but I do like to keep some disposable ones around for quick grabs. Masks have been mandatory in our county for nearly a month now, it's just going to be a way of life for some time. <br />
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I'm planning to post the pattern and method I've been using to sew them up. Another post down the line: the basement cleaning and organizing that has been keeping me busy and pleasantly preoccupied. It's the ultimate utility area, and holds challenges like mold remediation and vermin control (!).<br />
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I hope you are well and staying safe out there.<br />
Love, Dani DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-78327507773882482032020-07-06T15:50:00.000-04:002020-07-06T15:50:26.487-04:00Go The Distance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It looks like the theme for Summer 2020 is the Distance Dinner, and I am happy for it.<br />
All of those months of not seeing any friends or family, locked down within our own household bubbles, are seeing a warm-weather reprieve. Initially I invited friends over for drinks only, but I really missed having the whole social experience of sharing a meal together. I've hosted three different distance dinners on our patio (which was the subject of <a href="http://danibp.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-patio.html"><b>my last post</b></a>), two with the same group of friends and one with my aunt and uncle. <br />
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I have to admit that the first time it really frayed my nerves. One of my best friends is immune-compromised so we have to be extra careful as a group to follow recommended protocol. I was literally going mad all day with Lysol wipes and thoughts of how it could all go wrong.<br />
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We know now that the virus transmits quite well indoors, and that outdoors is the place to see and talk with friends. It is still imperative to stay six feet apart however, and to minimize contact between households with dishes and drinks. How to do this and stay safe?<br />
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What I've done is created extra dining space by adding on a table and placing couples at the recommended distance. The first time I even used a measuring tape to be sure that I was distancing the minimum six feet. I wear gloves to set the table and I disinfect surfaces as I go along.<br />
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I think it is key to ask guests to bring their own drinks and glasses. This has worked really well, my friends and my aunt and uncle have all brought their own baskets with drinks, ice and glasses. This erases contact with wine bottle handling and pouring, really important as the hours go on and the drinks create a mood of conviviality. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a very long table.</td></tr>
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I have to admit it can be difficult to hear conversation. Of course we are all getting older, and with a military man in our group as well as a musician we have some hearing aids in the mix. <br />
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We've done both take-out food and more recently I served food from my kitchen. The take-out is quite seamless, everyone gets their own dishes that we've ordered ahead of time. It's a great way to support our favourite restaurants while making the whole event super easy for the hosts. <br />
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When I served food from the kitchen I tried to prepare ahead of time as much as possible, and then served each couple their own platter of main course and sides. I divided the salads up into bowls for the couples to share. This made certain that the physical distancing was still in place throughout the dinner.<br />
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The bathroom can be tricky! My method is to disinfect the little bathroom off of the kitchen, easily accessible to the patio, and then to provide a big basket of white linen napkins. Guests are instructed to each use a napkin to dry their hands and throw it in a laundry bin tucked next to the sink.<br />
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Then the guests need to take a Lysol wipe and disinfect the surfaces before leaving the bathroom and coming back outdoors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1NQUnxgGzU86j6ePTk2qFK5NCgleyjaZjE9-RZSyTTot5qxg0iL6g_xLSms_tZ1p5aGn_5kxPTVloMI5poCSlDIpogbNsgPP0MfRbC1hl2PvVGfplTyygFF5KnKiYmibuAbriTlea4Y/s1600/61341871263__84DF35D7-BB55-4DC0-BD90-D222DBC58018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1NQUnxgGzU86j6ePTk2qFK5NCgleyjaZjE9-RZSyTTot5qxg0iL6g_xLSms_tZ1p5aGn_5kxPTVloMI5poCSlDIpogbNsgPP0MfRbC1hl2PvVGfplTyygFF5KnKiYmibuAbriTlea4Y/s320/61341871263__84DF35D7-BB55-4DC0-BD90-D222DBC58018.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lysol Wipes</td></tr>
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I am enjoying this while it is still possible. Here in Ontario our cases are falling, and in our own county face masks have been mandatory for two weeks. When will we be able to socialize indoors? I'm guessing that it's not going to be a good idea for a long time. As the weather cools down this fall we may not be able to have distance dinners at all. Even if we stay six feet apart indoors we are all sharing the air, without the cleansing benefit of wind. And of course it would be really very tricky to attempt drinks or dinner with a mask on.<br />
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I was speaking to my friend Laura this morning and she joked that we might be having drinks outside in the snow, in our parkas. I'd better order some firewood this fall for our outdoor chiminea! <br />
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Wherever you are I hope that you are safe and healthy. This is certainly a stressful time and some areas are being hit really hard by the virus. Every day it is overwhelming to keep up with the news and to think about what the next months hold for us.<br />
Seeing friends and family, however far down the table, feels like a balm for the soul. I hope that you are able to do so as well!<br />
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Take care and you can always reach me by email (my comment form is still broken).<br />
Love, Dani<br />
mopphilosopher@gmail.com<br />
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<br />DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-91437622925415173672020-06-17T08:54:00.001-04:002020-06-17T08:54:40.423-04:00The Patio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxq6vA2PByKiY3-vCw8__Z3voivgoJ_JzbfN0MhxZQQ0ta96KXyVuxANvNuCRrPlVotWSuP8ETaokI1pcHMq_WMrVc6QW2jXD87gmJzHJLKDthwLDh5C1jKNepj6orkAQZ-rOUgfB0QE/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxq6vA2PByKiY3-vCw8__Z3voivgoJ_JzbfN0MhxZQQ0ta96KXyVuxANvNuCRrPlVotWSuP8ETaokI1pcHMq_WMrVc6QW2jXD87gmJzHJLKDthwLDh5C1jKNepj6orkAQZ-rOUgfB0QE/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
In this summer of social distancing the patio is proving the place to be. <br />
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If the area is large enough it's possible to have a few friends or family around for drinks, six feet apart and buffered by wind and fresh air. (I'm finding the key is to ask any visitors to bring their own glasses and drinks, it feels a bit rude but it cuts the physical contact down to nothing.)<br />
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Even without trying to see a friend or two, this patio area has been a balm to the soul. After months of staying inside, not just due to our covid lockdown but thanks to a miserably grey spring that was both cold and almost completely lacking sunshine, just being outdoors feels like the ultimate luxury.<br />
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I didn't want to purchase anything for the patio (besides some new plants, and a Chiminea), so I've been using things I have to decorate and fluff the space.<br />
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This is really a classic patio space: a completely paved area (a combination of poured cement, bricks and raised planter beds) that is adjacent to our kitchen and the big room. It is private due to fencing, cedar hedges, and the walls of the house and the garage. <br />
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I somehow convinced MrBP to give our ugly steel and plastic barbeque a break for the summer, it sits in the garage well out of sight. It freed up a prime corner of the patio for this colourful Chiminea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiminea, marshmallow-ready.</td></tr>
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We are allowed to have open fires if they are used for cooking, so I keep a camping grill as well as marshmallows and sticks nearby. <br />
I have to say what I really love is the look of the fire and the smell of wood smoke.<br />
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I've tried to use the colours of Provence out here on the patio as much as possible. Not only do I have a few tablecloths and scraps of fabric from trips to France, I also had bits of golden yellow and blue kitchen things just collected here and there over the years. <br />
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Provence... isn't travel anywhere, never mind the dreamy rural areas of southern France, such a lovely thing to think about? <br />
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I try to spend time every day out here on the patio, not just for family meal times but to simply soak up the bright colours and the sunshine while I read a book. It's very calming, and when juxtaposed to the worries and concerns of the world just now it feels like a dream holiday.<br />
I hope you're taking time to enjoy this summer as well, even in this period of great unrest.<br />
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As of this morning I still haven't fixed my comment form, but I'm working on it. In the meantime please email me if you'd like a chat, I'm around!<br />
mopphilosopher@gmail.com<br />
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xox Love, Dani<br />
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<br />DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-73969455914908431912020-06-14T09:56:00.001-04:002020-06-15T09:36:15.919-04:00The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The WorldShortly after the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests began in America my father, from his home in Atlanta, told me to watch the most recent speech of his mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms.<div><br /><div>"It's one of the most powerful speeches I've ever heard", he said.</div><div>Weeks later the speech sticks with me and I have to agree with Dad. The power and the raw emotion, the sincerity of it, the frustration and the honesty, it brings tears to my eyes.</div><div><br /></div><div>One sentence in particular reverberates through my mind: </div><div><br /></div><div><b>"...when I saw the murder of George Floyd, I hurt like a mother would hurt."</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I keep thinking about that, about that primal hurt, one a mother would feel. If all people thought of each other as the vulnerable children they once were, the babies who were nurtured by a mother's love, our treatment of each other would look much different.</div><div><br /></div><div>If our organizations which police and punish were taken down and started over, with the premise of preserving and nurturing at their core, how different they would look. If some of the money that goes into policing went to social programs that actually begin in the cradle, how would our communities and our society as a whole change?</div><div><br /></div><div>Systemic racism is not just an American problem, and I have often told Canadians not to be smug when they claim that "we don't have racism here". That's not true, I've heard plenty of racist remarks in my time here in Canada. </div><div>For now, I have some faith in our prime minister that we are headed in the right direction, one of reckoning, accounting for, and enacting change to become anti-racist in Canada. We have a long way to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am most worried about America. This is where we need to see the power of the mother. </div><div><br /></div><div>It would be easy to be pessimistic, to think that the racial problems in America are so centuries old, so rooted in a sin so grave that it has left blood on the hands of all white Americans. How does a country based on an idea of liberty and personal freedom get over a legacy of its very opposite, the shackles of slavery?</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess you have to begin again. One can look at community examples like Camden, New Jersey, where the police were defunded and re-organized from the ground up, violent crime has been reduced and in recent weeks the police marched with protesters. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think of the communities in which mothers struggle to raise children whose fathers are either incarcerated or have been killed. Begin here, with social programs, housing and supports, with funding for education and health care. Begin at birth and do everything possible to bring those children to their fullest potential, breaking the cycle of violence, crime and absence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Begin before birth, with prenatal programs aimed at health and safety, and preparedness. Give funding to single mothers to create a safe and nurturing home, give them maternity leave so they can nurse their babies. It sounds expensive, doesn't it? How expensive is it compared to the cost of war and weapons? How would a budget of trillions look in the hands of a mother?</div><div><br /></div><div>I've read of so many negative police interactions that actually began as a domestic violence call. It's true, there will still be violent crime, there will still exist the mentally ill with an unfortunate access to weapons, some policing with weapons will always be needed. But how to answer a domestic call in which the assistance needs to actually enter the home, the cradle? Social workers can play a more intense and positive role, people who are actually trained in de-escalation above all else. </div><div><br /></div><div>How do ideas of masculinity so rooted in our society play a part in a new way forward? Men can mother too, you don't have to give birth to be a nurturer. You don't have to give birth to protect the cradle, you only need to love like a mother, and to hurt like a mother would hurt when the vulnerable among us are targeted. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><p><b><i>THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE IS</i></b><br /> <b><i>THE HAND THAT RULES THE WORLD.</i></b></p><p> <font size="+2">B</font>LESSINGS on the hand of women! <br /> Angels guard its strength and grace. <br /> In the palace, cottage, hovel, <br /> Oh, no matter where the place; <br /> Would that never storms assailed it, <br /> Rainbows ever gently curled, <br /> For the hand that rocks the cradle <br /> Is the hand that rules the world.</p><p> Infancy's the tender fountain, <br /> Power may with beauty flow, <br /> Mothers first to guide the streamlets, <br /> From them souls unresting grow— <br /> Grow on for the good or evil, <br /> Sunshine streamed or evil hurled, <br /> For the hand that rocks the cradle <br /> Is the hand that rules the world.</p><p> Woman, how divine your mission, <br /> Here upon our natal sod; <br /> Keep—oh, keep the young heart open <br /> Always to the breath of God! <br /> All true trophies of the ages <br /> Are from mother-love impearled, <br /> For the hand that rocks the cradle <br /> Is the hand that rules the world.</p><p> Blessings on the hand of women! <br /> Fathers, sons, and daughters cry, <br /> And the sacred song is mingled <br /> With the worship in the sky— <br /> Mingles where no tempest darkens, <br /> Rainbows evermore are hurled; <br /> For the hand that rocks the cradle <br /> Is the hand that rules the world.</p><p><i>William Ross Wallace (1819-1881)</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>God Bless America, and all her people.</p><p>Love, Dani</p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7PkCPB_i2J9hu2ZH_Wu9EaERAcWys2EIDHH5eQEKegtmlQJge5GSjO_9xFVTX4fMPS2LZ5q4DqRbhaSovkZONlM8UfhMTepYNVPoHPMsWjj0E8nybcAZbSGf_8csVEhJ1Up86Bc1ZxY/s4032/61134998785__31ADF78A-B27F-46A0-A081-2482249362A5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7PkCPB_i2J9hu2ZH_Wu9EaERAcWys2EIDHH5eQEKegtmlQJge5GSjO_9xFVTX4fMPS2LZ5q4DqRbhaSovkZONlM8UfhMTepYNVPoHPMsWjj0E8nybcAZbSGf_8csVEhJ1Up86Bc1ZxY/s320/61134998785__31ADF78A-B27F-46A0-A081-2482249362A5.jpg" /></a></div></div></div>DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-11240725729022961562020-05-27T13:25:00.000-04:002020-05-27T13:27:53.545-04:00The Big Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anna requested a bit of a tour of our house and so I am obliging with some very amateur photographs.<br />
I actually took these photos about three weeks ago. The fires roaring, the cloudy grey skies, and the monopoly game left on the table give these pictures a very useful time stamp. This was the point of our lockdown when it was still chilly enough to warrant a fire, and when we were having a grand time playing monopoly for hours on end.<br />
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Though this is the "formal" room of our house it has found a place as an all-purpose room for all of us. The real estate brochure described it as a "great room" but I think that's too modern a term for how it functions and feels. <br />
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We call it "the big room". This is where we read, visit, draw, paint with watercolours, and work. The dining table is my home office during normal times, though with Gabby still living at home and working remotely, it's really become her home office. <br />
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I've been doing the absolute minimum of admin work, in fits and starts throughout the house: on the stairs, in the second floor nook, on the kitchen counter. The lockdown has left me with a permanently distracted mind, and for some reason entering phase one of easing the lockdown has increased my distraction and anxiety. <br />
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I just have a general feeling that I have no idea what is happening. Of course this is baseless, at any moment I can turn on the news or read a newspaper. I think it is the uncertainty of our future which is driving me slightly off-kilter, always one for plans I find myself now unable to really make any. <br />
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Making plans is a great illusion anyway, the truth is none of us ever really knows what the future holds for us.<br />
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When we moved in last November we planned our furniture placement to a certain extent. We knew that this was the room for the dining table, and the piano, and our living room furniture. We had some antiques hidden in a basement storage room that we hoped would fit in here. We had everything placed in the big room on moving day and we just started arranging.<br />
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I think if you buy what you love things just come together in an interior space. It may not look like a design magazine but it can be a true expression of a family's style. <br />
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Most of our furniture is old "brown" furniture, just the kind of thing no one wants anymore. I'm a big fan of taking old chairs and other odd bits of furniture and having them refurbished, like the blue and white upholstered chair below. This was in the house my mother-in-law grew up in, it always pleased her so much to see it in our house. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan's family chair.</td></tr>
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Some of our brown furniture is from Poppa Max's family home in Austria, including the chest below, which functions as both a bar and my home office storage. The chairs hold a hodgepodge of art supplies and photo albums at any given time.<br />
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The day we moved in we had help from our best friends Laura and David: they brought sandwiches and helped us make sense of all of the furniture, as it stood in what seemed a giant pile of brown things and various patterned fabrics. David has one of those mathematical minds and Laura has a knack for looking at a thing and knowing where and how it should be, sort of an abundance of common sense. They just knew how to place the rugs and chairs, the table and the piano.<br />
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The big room has eleven foot ceilings, it gives such a sense of space. We removed all of the window coverings, and with the repaired walls and fresh paint things opened up nicely. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old jug.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranunculus.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYw3UC1RPLkb02SgWa4evLKV0qGPyaOQWnGcCPHvV8tt3J0H4iWtq9HZVggp8u3J4kZBwcmvf0km22k5H1wmiIi50VFlu35bN-rzJIZmNWHG-9QfhEM517RH_sHGpaU8DQdYzKY0FH9s/s1600/IMG_3408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYw3UC1RPLkb02SgWa4evLKV0qGPyaOQWnGcCPHvV8tt3J0H4iWtq9HZVggp8u3J4kZBwcmvf0km22k5H1wmiIi50VFlu35bN-rzJIZmNWHG-9QfhEM517RH_sHGpaU8DQdYzKY0FH9s/s320/IMG_3408.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MrBP's favourite chair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty bottle of champagne.<br />
Best room for drinks!</td></tr>
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Across the hall is the family room, which also functions as our guest room thanks to the pull-out sofa. There are two doors leading into this room which can be shut in the evenings if we're watching a loud film. <br />
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You can see that Scout generally prefers the family room rug:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOUppeGD-d73gMRBkgQJMg4635oR6xonLLYpEzK73txB4778P9xV0ULLi5AglPTFUznm-qwuuMQZ6jbergAizGzmnMRFNlTh790JF25AeF3JL5ltNDTefAwxy01NCQnpK3BHIg93QU3E/s1600/IMG_3412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOUppeGD-d73gMRBkgQJMg4635oR6xonLLYpEzK73txB4778P9xV0ULLi5AglPTFUznm-qwuuMQZ6jbergAizGzmnMRFNlTh790JF25AeF3JL5ltNDTefAwxy01NCQnpK3BHIg93QU3E/s320/IMG_3412.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant fur ball Scout.</td></tr>
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I have some ideas for posts whirling around: one on my current uniform and another post all about getting into "fighting shape". <br />
My comment form is still broken but please email me if you'd like to comment or have a chat.<br />
xoxDani<br />
mopphilosopher@gmail.comDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-81056564928235247702020-05-08T12:34:00.001-04:002020-05-08T12:34:41.429-04:00A Cheery Kitchen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSflBiLjJSS55OBD7dHsk4ejLCeQd57ha9Nk9tLz-qgonlQscli6Lwk7SVLxjxYAD36Rik-iZD7gcHheAfAdGTctwtFX0IYj6dxlBEe2zLdNHj1T-0BhCr5vOZyMYwjqu2766Q37YXbNc/s1600/IMG_3436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSflBiLjJSS55OBD7dHsk4ejLCeQd57ha9Nk9tLz-qgonlQscli6Lwk7SVLxjxYAD36Rik-iZD7gcHheAfAdGTctwtFX0IYj6dxlBEe2zLdNHj1T-0BhCr5vOZyMYwjqu2766Q37YXbNc/s320/IMG_3436.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny plate from Emma Bridgewater.</td></tr>
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I finally finished decorating the kitchen and while it's quirky as ever and I probably did a horrible job with the painting, it is at least Cheery.<br />
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The wallpaper took forever to remove. Granted, we were using a cheese knife to scrape it off the walls, real tools being unavailable to us during this pandemic time, but twenty five years on the walls, and perhaps a very strong glue, were also to blame. <br />
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In the end MrBP spent an entire Saturday removing the most stubborn portions. The walls underneath were a mess!<br />
Finally after a month my Amazon order of a wallpaper removal kit (too little too late), sandpaper and paintbrushes arrived. You wouldn't know I'd just had a delivery from Hermes.ca I was so excited. <br />
I spent a couple of hours sanding the walls before priming them with the Farrow & Ball mid-tone primer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMBOKAJKE3Gl4SkZHsZY12MZauJfnHLT5rGpFTCX-jimjr0kiCU2uvUKTni283euSFAY6Qa7SFDhXipX9ZST4XxFpcvPqenzuhN91lR2twT56kqG05dpSsGKK4ZUrpSeYKKphsOhfZy0/s1600/IMG_3425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMBOKAJKE3Gl4SkZHsZY12MZauJfnHLT5rGpFTCX-jimjr0kiCU2uvUKTni283euSFAY6Qa7SFDhXipX9ZST4XxFpcvPqenzuhN91lR2twT56kqG05dpSsGKK4ZUrpSeYKKphsOhfZy0/s320/IMG_3425.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer starting to go on along the top.<br />Look at the former wall colour!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXinkd3m8GnbQpn5CXnu9GjDiyfqbJPNyUbAdYmBt3zMyWkcF_AvrbaUX8jN8nbCWrcHgU19ZfaPjGOQWhQDXevi6w9JMBAmEefmrfiZpF7nkwsMLDKKdS6tL_IcIAMRiGXmo1dSo3EKY/s1600/IMG_3424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXinkd3m8GnbQpn5CXnu9GjDiyfqbJPNyUbAdYmBt3zMyWkcF_AvrbaUX8jN8nbCWrcHgU19ZfaPjGOQWhQDXevi6w9JMBAmEefmrfiZpF7nkwsMLDKKdS6tL_IcIAMRiGXmo1dSo3EKY/s320/IMG_3424.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wall was in terrible shape and needed so much sanding.<br />The primer is finally going on here too.</td></tr>
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As the actual colour went up, Farrow & Ball's Cook's Blue, I thought it might be a bit too much.<br />
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The fortunate thing is there's not very much wall space in the kitchen that needed painting, just snippets here and there. As my Lil Rascal said, it's sort of an "accent wall situation".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnqh5dJsWdpNqLtZ-P2VaxWxRCQ882ZtypasEWkQb5KNAvrCrAmy3dfV_sqhrvMu1R8jJO9qSBtat2kEL1ab8sfMQuYV4zqy6L4R6nSx-3Gb0WXtGmMnwYfvskRMSgIotiVxp27X2t-Y/s1600/IMG_3437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnqh5dJsWdpNqLtZ-P2VaxWxRCQ882ZtypasEWkQb5KNAvrCrAmy3dfV_sqhrvMu1R8jJO9qSBtat2kEL1ab8sfMQuYV4zqy6L4R6nSx-3Gb0WXtGmMnwYfvskRMSgIotiVxp27X2t-Y/s320/IMG_3437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The bench below the coat hooks turned out well I thought, and this is with no sewing. Rather than ruin my beloved Schumacher "La Menagerie" fabric I decided to just wrap it around the cushion and hire a real sewer to stitch up the cover when the lockdown lifts.<br />
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I really love this little bit of wall leading into the back stair, the juxtaposition of the Cook's Blue next to Farrow & Ball's Green-Blue is my favourite.<br />
Also that bunny plate is my favourite!<br />
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Here is a bigger view of the kitchen from the bottom of the back stairs, above and below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SirK02wOs4KWIoatun4BDexSzU2e5VkwLqwHWCXrAhAnflzz4vKDLVl0g2O5Mf3_kCsKvtG-OJna_HOgWvXqikxysmYztIrh8kTzt5lFTnvp1BADfVb_9gkkbmVBSjjC1wedPAnRz5Q/s1600/IMG_3432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SirK02wOs4KWIoatun4BDexSzU2e5VkwLqwHWCXrAhAnflzz4vKDLVl0g2O5Mf3_kCsKvtG-OJna_HOgWvXqikxysmYztIrh8kTzt5lFTnvp1BADfVb_9gkkbmVBSjjC1wedPAnRz5Q/s320/IMG_3432.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The whole kitchen seems brighter and fresher, also in part due to removing the window coverings of course. The trim needs painting, as does the tin ceiling, that will improve things further.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPOBDcGwizex7IyyxpynCQRULyJB0Dk0gjtIa-PRXFAmgdxObEWtlZ9B1i2vos4dkWH9EeU8nrsKWpUEJ55bKFWXoxkOEB_cbR4FKYuVdWzjra9vyOS_xqhRiJAoF3oU9VRsa6ulgBTc/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPOBDcGwizex7IyyxpynCQRULyJB0Dk0gjtIa-PRXFAmgdxObEWtlZ9B1i2vos4dkWH9EeU8nrsKWpUEJ55bKFWXoxkOEB_cbR4FKYuVdWzjra9vyOS_xqhRiJAoF3oU9VRsa6ulgBTc/s320/IMG_3447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I like that the cheery Cook's Blue sets off my colourful items from Emma Bridgewater, like this strawberry apron above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TJKTHoK7dFJMTKp079f7NB00grC91isIsJ9-qTseosrM7Np9OE8kx8_jd6RXuaaCIjJNwj4C0z5ZqA3KmSAZ7Lh0OpUixa4BUXdP9rzdOnFv5Ms6zU0Sq_UFPFQ6HL3F9Am6iKPa4R4/s1600/IMG_3434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TJKTHoK7dFJMTKp079f7NB00grC91isIsJ9-qTseosrM7Np9OE8kx8_jd6RXuaaCIjJNwj4C0z5ZqA3KmSAZ7Lh0OpUixa4BUXdP9rzdOnFv5Ms6zU0Sq_UFPFQ6HL3F9Am6iKPa4R4/s320/IMG_3434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The skirt sink in the powder room didn't turn out too badly even though I sewed it up myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0MQDuX-JX0HEcKHQS16xasU-Bx9OBl_1HyJtolppgx50yw7Ht6eOzz_N4iNsgbXnkGuakyAcwhimaQvGMko4MmZq72Wr1bqsdQzZe26-KGiZFXDZBsPfEJeW2awIWB-HEVjrhTpBmho/s1600/IMG_3435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0MQDuX-JX0HEcKHQS16xasU-Bx9OBl_1HyJtolppgx50yw7Ht6eOzz_N4iNsgbXnkGuakyAcwhimaQvGMko4MmZq72Wr1bqsdQzZe26-KGiZFXDZBsPfEJeW2awIWB-HEVjrhTpBmho/s320/IMG_3435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
In the end we did three simple things with this kitchen: we replaced the blue counter on the island with a wooden butcher block, removed the window coverings, and replaced the wallpaper with Cook's Blue. <br />
(We also replaced the refrigerator after it just went kaput and stopped working about a month ago. Due to Covid19 we had to bring the new fridge into the house and get rid of the old one by ourselves... we made Fred and Barney look like geniuses.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZSk0Kl8VZfZeIvbc8alaVNyJfsrPSiGABUMZw9ka_0WW1Kq1kySM2StjqQwKmhyphenhypheneAodpPXsUAl75qjHfcNKFvREF7fDoMf67GQ0W2VDWN8twsbgc7fSEHg7vEFfnioVDt7eQ3QazxZs/s1600/IMG_3440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZSk0Kl8VZfZeIvbc8alaVNyJfsrPSiGABUMZw9ka_0WW1Kq1kySM2StjqQwKmhyphenhypheneAodpPXsUAl75qjHfcNKFvREF7fDoMf67GQ0W2VDWN8twsbgc7fSEHg7vEFfnioVDt7eQ3QazxZs/s320/IMG_3440.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I also love the way Cook's Blue sets off copper cookware.<br />
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The views outside to the cedar hedge are much brighter without the Roman blinds, and it's easier to spot the cardinals and the blue jays.<br />
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Of course my absolute favourite thing about this kitchen is the built in pantry cupboard with the glass fronts. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7ugeTZP7zMOUTPwS2KegHeFrXNT5ZrthFzzrS-VjAFDKz5Q9Zb6y5GxnAbpSaWujbgSCDYQ3ZqTb6VIEMSlfM2X71qfwcTaCxyTcQD0qLm1T7N9YbeYaT9Cl-FneAcZiYf_sYopSCiI/s1600/IMG_3446+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7ugeTZP7zMOUTPwS2KegHeFrXNT5ZrthFzzrS-VjAFDKz5Q9Zb6y5GxnAbpSaWujbgSCDYQ3ZqTb6VIEMSlfM2X71qfwcTaCxyTcQD0qLm1T7N9YbeYaT9Cl-FneAcZiYf_sYopSCiI/s320/IMG_3446+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With some copper tools hanging on the side.<br />I bought those at a Brocante in France.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioczRgjge0OWMck8hBTAgjqzfDO7r8c4KmCbvATL8JaPwH6iefZZyQ8kt40xAB52vedRPJHFBbZSG8FedoAv4E961Tj8PZx__USwJZap3yTy9Jt3hF9Xk94LgfBphxnol9gtGco2O9D40/s1600/IMG_3448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1393" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioczRgjge0OWMck8hBTAgjqzfDO7r8c4KmCbvATL8JaPwH6iefZZyQ8kt40xAB52vedRPJHFBbZSG8FedoAv4E961Tj8PZx__USwJZap3yTy9Jt3hF9Xk94LgfBphxnol9gtGco2O9D40/s320/IMG_3448.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polish pottery, Emma Bridgewater and a jug from Aunt Deb.</td></tr>
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In other news I am having a difficult time with the blog admin, I can't leave comments on my own blog! I'm considering just removing the comment form completely until I can sort it out. In the meantime if you'd like to chat please email me at mopphilosopher@gmail.com<br />
I've been thinking over a post on my Home Uniform of dresses or a skirt, as well as some good frocks I found at Brooks Brothers a month or so ago. Stay tuned, and be well.<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-17098513496015906522020-04-23T10:16:00.001-04:002020-04-26T07:56:06.518-04:00What Does Kant Teach Us Now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
How are you faring during these increasingly anxious times?<br />
<br />
For the most part life in the BP household is running along smoothly. MrBP is working away in his office, alone, though that's not true, he has a new associate: Scout. Scout really enjoys practicing law (under the desk) and looks forward to the walk to the office each morning. When another dog walks by on the street below she uses her best lawyer voice to make her argument. The Rascal Daughters are keeping themselves busy and are, for the most part, cheerful. Ole Rascal and his lovely girlfriend have settled into a routine of work, online game nights with friends, cooking and occasionally venturing into the city outside to acquire supplies.<br />
<br />
I've been sick. I seem to have some sort of gastric bug, and I have no idea how I caught it considering my Lysol Wipe Life. I have been the designated person in our household for the last few weeks to venture out for supplies, and to deal with a couple of repairmen we've had to have at the house. I've been so careful. Of course these days, as soon as illness strikes, the very first thought is "Covid". I had severe abdominal pain, vomiting and fever for four days. Today I feel quite a bit better, though I still can't eat any solid foods.<br />
<br />
There is a "gastric covid" affecting some people. I had no idea this was a thing until my dear friend Tabs sent me some articles about it. I don't think that's what I have, but honestly, who knows? I guess I'll wait and see how things play out, and in the meantime I'll isolate at home for 40 days. That's right, 40. Gastric Covid sufferers shed the virus for up to 40 days after onset, another twist in the life of this virus that we are just beginning to understand. <br />
<br />
I'm cleaning the bathroom after I use it each time and using my own towels, washing my hands a million times a day... it's the best I can do. I won't lock myself in my bedroom alone while my family needs looking after, and it goes without saying that if I could get a test I would. Our family of four members at home will continue to isolate together.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about Kant these last couple of weeks. If you're not familiar with Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) what I can tell you to begin with is that he is one of the greats, the last born in a trifecta of philosopher giants: Plato, Aristotle and our man Kant.<br />
<br />
Kant was of Scottish ancestry but was born in Konigsberg, East Prussia. He never left his city, he was a complete homebody, and in fact he could teach us much about staying home, developing routines, and even social distancing.<br />
<br />
Every day at 4pm he went for a walk, and was known in his neighbourhood to be more accurate than the clocks themselves. After he became a celebrity philosopher in his 50's he was invited all over Europe, but he never travelled. Instead, professors, writers and philosophers came to him. When Kant was overwhelmed with visitors his servant would let them in his parlour where they would wait for him to appear in the doorway. Kant would stand and speak with them for a few minutes before going back to his study. Pretty good social distancing right there!<br />
<br />
Kant's writings are really complex and can take years to understand. I would love to take a refresher course on Kant from a talented professor. In the meantime I find myself, especially lately, turning to his writings to look for some of his ideas that could apply to our life today.<br />
<br />
The "Categorical Imperative" really stands out as one such idea. The basic tenet of the Categorical Imperative is "I ought not to act in any way other than according to a maxim which I can at the same time will should become a universal law". So, if I act in a certain way that act should be able to be undertaken universally, or by everyone, not just me. We are free beings, and are free to choose our own goals (and actions to attain those goals), but those actions and goals need to be compatible with other free beings acting (and striving to attain their choice of goals) in the same way.<br />
<br />
What Would Kant Do? This is the question I keep asking myself as I read endless articles about the pandemic, about how our governments are responding and how they should respond going forward. <br />
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Kant would appeal to our rational selves, and insist that any rules we come up with should be able to be applied to everyone. That is our duty. We are not animals, living only by the laws of nature, and we are not angels, living in a transcendent space beyond the boundaries of what our senses can tell us. We have to make decisions based on what we can know empirically, and we have to be aware that our organization of that information, our interpretation of data, is our best chance to lead us to making rational decisions, decisions that are good for everybody.<br />
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If only Kant were here with us now!<br />
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I hope that you've been having a good week. Please let me know how you are doing, what your routine is looking like, and what you've been thinking over these last days.<br />
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xox,<br />
Dani<br />
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<br />DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-71169502307666411532020-04-10T07:30:00.000-04:002020-04-10T07:30:03.926-04:00Decorating the Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been reading varying advice on how to "make the most" of our time isolated at home, and for the most part I cannot relate to any of it. <br />
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Learn a new language, read all of the classic books that were ever on a must-read list, learn to knit or sew... I don't want to do any of those things, nor could I just now even if I tried. My mind is far too distracted to focus for any length of time on a task that is new or challenging. I want re-read the things that comfort me, re-watch every Will Ferrell movie ever made, and try to look after my family in a way that gives some semblance of routine and comfort. There are days I've started to think of as "bad pandemic days", a particularly bad news day, or one when one of the Rascals is struggling with their new reality, but every day is a new day, and they can't all be good days. <br />
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I have found a project that will be a distraction from my own distracted mind, one that isn't difficult exactly, just time-consuming. I'm going to decorate the kitchen.<br />
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As you know I've decorated the entire house with Farrow & Ball paints, I wrote a blog post about the whole-house colour palette <b><a href="http://danibp.blogspot.com/2019/10/choosing-whole-home-colour-palette.html">here</a></b>.<br />
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In that post I mentioned not touching the kitchen or the powder room, they were the only rooms we didn't decorate before we moved in. I did mention the F&B colour Cook's Blue, however, because it is nearly identical to some of the countertops in the kitchen, and this colour is also in the tiles that line the walls. <br />
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So I've kept the colour Cook's Blue in my mind, though I couldn't decide if I should replace the wallpaper on the kitchen walls or scrape it off, repair the walls and paint them... that's right, with the colour I'm obsessing over: Cook's Blue.<br />
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The other thing I've been thinking about is the kitchen on the cover of this book:<br />
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My good friend <b><a href="http://northerncalstyle.com/">Kim of Northern California Style</a></b> sent me this book last winter, well before we bought the stone house! It was a weirdly prescient gift, because it is really so in tune with the kitchen here in our stone house. Thank you Kim for such a thoughtful and inspiring gift!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook's Blue<br />
I love this colour, it's so cheery.</td></tr>
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I found the most wonderful Schumacher fabric last summer on Etsy, in three oddly shaped remnants. I bought it for the stone house, not sure of where I would use it... I think it will be perfect in the kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Menagerie<br />
Schumacher</td></tr>
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I'll be taking the roman blinds off of the doors and windows, they're too difficult to clean and they don't provide any privacy, they are merely decorative. I really like the look of bare windows in this house, where possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door to the Terrace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same door, snippet of counter and shelves.</td></tr>
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The layout of the kitchen is something I've really grown to love, though at some point I might open it all up and create a truly unfitted kitchen, complete with a table in the centre.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1FwWlARXqmeO2e6laqsyvS5KHjq3tfClZCKeM9nY8uUwZ32D1hc-uhZrvd9zRNPPlvRgLgJcI-WEpkt31wmvKFSTlpyT-nNx1YAgn8MoHhQKauuuvhI4BZ8-T8On4ByyKyDSqM3pK2g/s1600/IMG_3195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1228" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1FwWlARXqmeO2e6laqsyvS5KHjq3tfClZCKeM9nY8uUwZ32D1hc-uhZrvd9zRNPPlvRgLgJcI-WEpkt31wmvKFSTlpyT-nNx1YAgn8MoHhQKauuuvhI4BZ8-T8On4ByyKyDSqM3pK2g/s320/IMG_3195.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window to the left of the sink.</td></tr>
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The sink is placed in a corner in between two large windows.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSKDPS2KnutCRRDWTYamY0auuPN1Kjf0PiSoTIseIY9X_uz5wLAmfA5rpNvcP69DMnNBpgZGGUC2PsFhKgkLKwGt58cmsm7gZdpuP4ZaIWe810lclZjCt6c1HHkxQZRhn7barOi80FNE/s1600/IMG_3196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSKDPS2KnutCRRDWTYamY0auuPN1Kjf0PiSoTIseIY9X_uz5wLAmfA5rpNvcP69DMnNBpgZGGUC2PsFhKgkLKwGt58cmsm7gZdpuP4ZaIWe810lclZjCt6c1HHkxQZRhn7barOi80FNE/s320/IMG_3196.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window to the right of the sink.</td></tr>
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This bit of decorating I'm going to do is really just putting my stamp on the colour scheme of the kitchen. <br />
There is a bench just next to this window, below. It has a seat cushion which I'll recover with the Schumacher fabric, something I would normally source out as my sewing skills are rudimentary at best. Hopefully I won't botch it too badly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiUpMIb8DywdH6Tzi9HRa61KzM2bH43FfRVmOQzIdn6sjfhkVHiBqgCLDrPLzwuYhu7N4JmwLGCan34-7D_mXN5FfaJ3kE7NtOTjyeNt-CP_8G1PXPB9ShCRmRVFoqstF7-koX6bP9Qk/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiUpMIb8DywdH6Tzi9HRa61KzM2bH43FfRVmOQzIdn6sjfhkVHiBqgCLDrPLzwuYhu7N4JmwLGCan34-7D_mXN5FfaJ3kE7NtOTjyeNt-CP_8G1PXPB9ShCRmRVFoqstF7-koX6bP9Qk/s320/IMG_3197.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window to the side porch.<br />The bench and coat hooks are just to the left of this, on the back wall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LrSUd3zbJEtNVZMTKb5m0hbvyY25r-9XYVATE6wgMh2_kFgCPhx9N2l3V49FpfppX7hBp2Jsk8E9dOMuQRw0j0VxqpMnW_azc8Xu9qouOkBRwQoBMSfaHx21zKn9a2fNu0NEXeH9dYI/s1600/IMG_3198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LrSUd3zbJEtNVZMTKb5m0hbvyY25r-9XYVATE6wgMh2_kFgCPhx9N2l3V49FpfppX7hBp2Jsk8E9dOMuQRw0j0VxqpMnW_azc8Xu9qouOkBRwQoBMSfaHx21zKn9a2fNu0NEXeH9dYI/s320/IMG_3198.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door to the side porch.</td></tr>
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There is a darling little powder room in the kitchen, it was built underneath the back stairs in the little alcove that was once a staircase down to the root cellar. It has a ginormous toilet (which I was planning to replace this month, that will have to wait until we're past the pandemic isolation) and a tiny wee little sink. It's like a little magical bathroom for children.<br />
I'm going to use the Schumacher fabric to sew a new skirt sink, one of the remnants is just large enough. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpa6SRAikAMpDOxt6k08Hwl5e03i-MKVWdHN6gK2xfillkszhyphenhyphenve1Aeg_6dB8f79Nf2_PocKflrebCRb3oaJElT5Tl0o-SC1Ow-5xi1GbvIVonybyDRxxaKbbgnnwpTkPpDZSU_4G8ig/s1600/IMG_3200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpa6SRAikAMpDOxt6k08Hwl5e03i-MKVWdHN6gK2xfillkszhyphenhyphenve1Aeg_6dB8f79Nf2_PocKflrebCRb3oaJElT5Tl0o-SC1Ow-5xi1GbvIVonybyDRxxaKbbgnnwpTkPpDZSU_4G8ig/s320/IMG_3200.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee powder room sink.<br />I'll replace the skirt sink with my Schumacher fabric.</td></tr>
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I started removing the wallpaper this week and as you can imagine it's slow-going. I don't have any proper tools but I do have a Laguoile cheese knife that is doing the trick. Making do! I'm using a combination of Laundress all-purpose cleaner mixed with water and vinegar to help pry the paper off of the walls.<br />
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I'm going to get the family to help me with this project this weekend, we'll see if I can get them interested.<br />
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Have you found any distracting projects? If you are still able to work are you finding you are busier than ever? MrBP is feeling that, and I know some of my friends working from home say their days are longer despite the lack of commute.<br />
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xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-19633126420318355472020-04-05T13:14:00.000-04:002020-04-05T13:14:13.357-04:00Chocolate Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The best thing I did this past week was to bake a big chocolate cake for Gabby's birthday.<br />
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Typically I would go and buy a birthday cake for the Rascals on their birthdays, and now I can see that I've really been missing out on enjoying a process. <br />
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It was incredibly calming and cheering, and the cake itself was far more delicious than anything I've ever bought in a shop.<br />
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Of course it was also lovely to have the entire house smelling like chocolate cake for the day, definitely a bonus during these StayHome times. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvI6Qph6SY93546WncNiKXo3U_RXQrt1RQJ6wgccV_XPlUtZydURZDiyfQJcfyTsWpVjEMbtlENbdNilaRfbBI_kzXENQWPF81kEeislJKfRYOeWjMvjUELY_-Fv1f4f_Pim6wR1BwZ8/s1600/IMG_3162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvI6Qph6SY93546WncNiKXo3U_RXQrt1RQJ6wgccV_XPlUtZydURZDiyfQJcfyTsWpVjEMbtlENbdNilaRfbBI_kzXENQWPF81kEeislJKfRYOeWjMvjUELY_-Fv1f4f_Pim6wR1BwZ8/s320/IMG_3162.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Chocolate Cake Ever... It's True<br />Also So Easy</td></tr>
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Here are the recipes for both the cake and the frosting, though as you can see they are the recipe cards of a madwoman, you can find both of the recipes online <b><a href="https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/">here</a></b>.<br />
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I used my Williams Sonoma non-stick cake pans, and I prepared them first by smushing butter in them and then tapping around some flour.<br />
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The buttercream frosting was absolutely delicious. The recipe makes plenty, and a good chocolate cake needs lots of frosting between the layers:<br />
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My Lil' Rascal decorated the cake:<br />
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It was a pandemic birthday to be sure but we had a lovely dinner and everyone was feeling so cheerful. This time is so difficult on young people who really just want to be living their lives and spending time with their friends... my girls are really impressing me with their maturity. They understand what is at stake for all of us as a community and haven't complained once about having to stay home.<br />
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Now that doesn't mean we don't look at each other at some point during the day, every day, to share our anxiety and disbelief. Who could have predicted any of this? <br />
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In general though we are keeping our spirits up, how are you doing? Do you have young people at home with you? Do they miss their friends?<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-62872746291067365112020-03-30T08:54:00.001-04:002020-03-30T08:54:23.162-04:00Mop Philosophy Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My quarantine from travel was up on Saturday and I was able to go on an essential outing: to the grocery store. Never has a trip to the grocery store been so thrilling and nerve wracking at the same time. (In case you're wondering about the phrase nerve wracking, as opposed to nerve racking, you can read one take on it <b><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-34626663">here</a></b>.)<br />
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The store itself was very well organized and I had my own system of gloves and Lysol wipes to get me through my shopping. We were meant to follow arrows and keep well away from other shoppers, and this was easy to do as they limited the number of people allowed in the store at once.<br />
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In Ontario we are all under order to be sheltered at home with our own household members only, without exception. One person is meant to be designated as the person who acquires the necessities: groceries and medications. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xrkpIM0ihImpZaHjMUGIwWQlZTzn5vYg4EPwsnbKFc3JPIKJ0OuIngJ7ieWUgP0Kb6lFb3MvpQ52IFV3Pzh8Inm3g7QAAXjj9rlB6kSpBJ0aBDGsAhEswZ7EsBagQ2lTC6t6srziMiY/s1600/IMG_2375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xrkpIM0ihImpZaHjMUGIwWQlZTzn5vYg4EPwsnbKFc3JPIKJ0OuIngJ7ieWUgP0Kb6lFb3MvpQ52IFV3Pzh8Inm3g7QAAXjj9rlB6kSpBJ0aBDGsAhEswZ7EsBagQ2lTC6t6srziMiY/s320/IMG_2375.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking Lentils</td></tr>
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I was surprised by how well-stocked the store actually was, there were plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of everything really, with the exception, of course, of toilet paper.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh8lK8I1xMdDF1DJQkxxOyIJXrQ9N_ihtF1MvXROLZclLGG2Jo410JVi5Lmsk6fzBuh52B49cCPmhGICe0qcPUiXrcQFIBtG00x1oHp6aQA1BOhwGV7M5Lo-NyS9nJxzryCcG9RMJPiE/s1600/IMG_2376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh8lK8I1xMdDF1DJQkxxOyIJXrQ9N_ihtF1MvXROLZclLGG2Jo410JVi5Lmsk6fzBuh52B49cCPmhGICe0qcPUiXrcQFIBtG00x1oHp6aQA1BOhwGV7M5Lo-NyS9nJxzryCcG9RMJPiE/s320/IMG_2376.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale</td></tr>
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I have a system for bringing the groceries into the house when I arrive home, and it wasn't my idea, I watched a <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=sjDuwc9KBps&feature=emb_logo">youtube tutorial</a></b> about it.<br />
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I altered the doctor's method slightly, I left the plastic grocery bags outside and brought items in one by one, disinfecting and removing plastic packaging as I went. It took forever. Then at the end I brought all of the plastic to the garbage bins in the garage. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEVx-R9QdGzQIakHWPUmBEoSV_EYCFxN_RMz4RZhVSk7g6Ymv03kOgDFxQ4qbFz0gac8iPWAl3jGMN3ytBaqbElJXLzbdjXzN1CzkSetr0PXqcDeyaxgAsm7-GnM-LIXFBlSlnpJTapc/s1600/IMG_2377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEVx-R9QdGzQIakHWPUmBEoSV_EYCFxN_RMz4RZhVSk7g6Ymv03kOgDFxQ4qbFz0gac8iPWAl3jGMN3ytBaqbElJXLzbdjXzN1CzkSetr0PXqcDeyaxgAsm7-GnM-LIXFBlSlnpJTapc/s320/IMG_2377.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very favourite olive oil. <br />I can only buy it at one store, which has been deemed non-essential and closed.<br />I'm using it sparingly these days.</td></tr>
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Today I'll cook our remaining potatoes by boiling them in water and a little salt until they are cooked through and of mashing consistency. I like to mash them with the remaining cooking water, the finely chopped raw kale, and some olive oil or butter. This is my version of an old Irish dish, Colcannon. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH1vtEEfaGRz9AyIB3DERt4gI2b1gjaN3qBvr2wpa9BcKR3aeFT8U_lkoMoH2fVF24XCkiI_LkTINBjJ8C6XYn6r5OKSgqdbiXMuGuIVLd6X-c6CartU_fZNhtewgSRcDfy0D9tUZrUs/s1600/IMG_2378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH1vtEEfaGRz9AyIB3DERt4gI2b1gjaN3qBvr2wpa9BcKR3aeFT8U_lkoMoH2fVF24XCkiI_LkTINBjJ8C6XYn6r5OKSgqdbiXMuGuIVLd6X-c6CartU_fZNhtewgSRcDfy0D9tUZrUs/s320/IMG_2378.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentils and Colcannon.</td></tr>
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It's delicious served with some lentils or cooked white beans with fresh herbs. <br />
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I've had a migraine since last evening so I'll be trying to repair my body from that today: lots of water, carrot juice and fresh fruit along with a nap. <br />
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How are you feeling today? Are you following the news very closely or taking a break? Do you have a designated person for sourcing essentials? <br />
Love, Dani xoxDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-34118397238723672862020-03-26T16:36:00.001-04:002020-03-26T16:36:21.193-04:00Fantasy Colour Story: MIAMI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszAMBze16LrC7ifwJwGznG0pEShTpcB30NQQzjt6E7cyJsIuW85xAve-WaaeodLJznYzr1Gc6qS8T5dvsbt-lkUIiu3B65_zSGIwNxVabNiNu7J78_CD2AX3C6QFJn6E8x8xSjvfkBmQ/s1600/IMG_3096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszAMBze16LrC7ifwJwGznG0pEShTpcB30NQQzjt6E7cyJsIuW85xAve-WaaeodLJznYzr1Gc6qS8T5dvsbt-lkUIiu3B65_zSGIwNxVabNiNu7J78_CD2AX3C6QFJn6E8x8xSjvfkBmQ/s320/IMG_3096.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
How quickly have our lives changed over the last two weeks!<br />
Our April trip to Miami has gone from being something completely booked and anticipated to seeming like a fantasy, a trip that I can't imagine taking now, or in six months, or perhaps not even in a year's time.<br />
I keep thinking of all of the hotels and restaurants who completely rely on tourist dollars, a steady stream of merrymakers spending money and looking to be entertained, fed and housed... now it seems like another life. In a way I guess that was another life, a pre-pandemic life. <br />
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In the meantime, if you're up for some fantasy and frivolity, here is my colour story for Miami, one I've been planning for a couple of months. You can see it features some very strong colours: pink, orange and yellow predominate. Strong patterns are another feature, patterns which are very 1960's inspired which somehow is very Miami to me.<br />
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This Candy Tweed J.Crew Collection jacket is one I found on eBay, look at the colours! It's really amazing, lined in silk and with a tie stripe silk detail on the interior, it features all of the Miami colour goodness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tie stripe detail, interior of Candy Tweed jacket.</td></tr>
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The orange silk dress, lined in cotton, is another J.Crew Collection piece, again sourced on eBay.<br />
Look at the exquisite twisted rope detail at the neckline:<br />
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The jacket is trimmed in a ruffled ribbon with a silk charmeuse tie at the neck:<br />
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Though this fantasy colour story contains so many vintage pieces from J.Crew Collection, it was really inspired by Tory Burch bags.<br />
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I have long coveted a classic Chanel flap bag, but truly they are so dear it only makes sense to buy one in a classic black, to be used at every opportunity. Black bags don't call to me at the moment, I want colour in my life, fantasy or otherwise.<br />
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This pink Tory Burch bag and the smaller colour-blocked TB bag just scream Miami colour to me. The pendant necklace is an older piece that MrBP bought me for my birthday many years ago. It looks so good with this piece:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oUJcsdCZc2zIVzhdOJsJ_BF3RdCNoITZ_gDN1OO3Z2hcUv-KKNjbUf707FcjhLwqxO8kC7HnB4hksFEz3S7ka3UdMxAJbjanTEOuOW8d1nGoexTCokK2J3LYxeA_zfdl2laIOvzw2oo/s1600/8332eae5a6e586fff02641144d24c11f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oUJcsdCZc2zIVzhdOJsJ_BF3RdCNoITZ_gDN1OO3Z2hcUv-KKNjbUf707FcjhLwqxO8kC7HnB4hksFEz3S7ka3UdMxAJbjanTEOuOW8d1nGoexTCokK2J3LYxeA_zfdl2laIOvzw2oo/s320/8332eae5a6e586fff02641144d24c11f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.Crew Collection Verushka dress, 2008.</td></tr>
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This is a dress I looked for on eBay for years, at least five or six years, perhaps longer. I finally found it, in a size up, but the shift style is very forgiving... and a size up is very forgiving for a fantasy holiday dress as well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY7sio0yUjiBDJGOyshX6ob5BhEu0s1chZgMm-fBCZAWX9CeggDMHYlTqyP3HuhaBMXA5Z_ZIPinu2FxdR9x0xHzVHgNO84J_1uq3nKhWaSg8nxtHJxdAqkZrfQsLcNGWu6yo-UoC-QM/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY7sio0yUjiBDJGOyshX6ob5BhEu0s1chZgMm-fBCZAWX9CeggDMHYlTqyP3HuhaBMXA5Z_ZIPinu2FxdR9x0xHzVHgNO84J_1uq3nKhWaSg8nxtHJxdAqkZrfQsLcNGWu6yo-UoC-QM/s320/IMG_3101.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Michael Kors heels.</td></tr>
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These Michael Kors heels are so comfortable and I have no idea how. I've worn them on a travel day that required walking miles through an airport, no problem, so comfortable. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemMWGCT3vsELf8SFNkTFIIB1pcAXcLmU12mOWJ6k5oA73HcrbYO2xtvQw5Sgyfe7hZ2tg6qvc4L6i7ioZ5TZoUDkz7lIwtL4wtGayccQAviHYzWiWR4HcB0kGig6QwZWJdY3M5el03Do/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemMWGCT3vsELf8SFNkTFIIB1pcAXcLmU12mOWJ6k5oA73HcrbYO2xtvQw5Sgyfe7hZ2tg6qvc4L6i7ioZ5TZoUDkz7lIwtL4wtGayccQAviHYzWiWR4HcB0kGig6QwZWJdY3M5el03Do/s320/IMG_3103.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the sleeve detail on the Verushka dress.</td></tr>
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No holiday in Miami would be complete without a pool outfit.<br />
I bought this Tory Burch pool bag and matching bikini... it's so fun and Miamitastic. The striped fabric slides from J.Crew are totally impractical but let's face it, perfect for a fantasy colour story. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E3ohTNRksMvCR2ZLuyXqQALcxLDbs9Ac3jEZfIDLjF9D6lUJmYTjUps1qo-6tkbCWOl4BrO-3bOxC2CFNl-mWwQ4Kt49vhzaagOvAXPSHuanjrgV-ClWJ_AfeFtl-5KtKs3-5_65fE4/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E3ohTNRksMvCR2ZLuyXqQALcxLDbs9Ac3jEZfIDLjF9D6lUJmYTjUps1qo-6tkbCWOl4BrO-3bOxC2CFNl-mWwQ4Kt49vhzaagOvAXPSHuanjrgV-ClWJ_AfeFtl-5KtKs3-5_65fE4/s320/IMG_3121.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tory Burch patterned pool bag and a matching bikini.<br />My impractical pool slides in fabric from J.Crew.</td></tr>
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I bought another new item, this pink Jackie Kennedy-inspired dress from J.Crew in a super comfortable cotton tweed. I love it with the pink and yellow striped shoes, my old Tory Burch elephant tote and the Tory Burch pink flap bag. Airport outfit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kMPFegqiVmmQiw1wx0q51uOW0xs5mZ1oRc3OPZyItIPRhf_Vs1kltbKvsTNBN2zo5dtb8txmF-b14virZbrB0PW-KFVyEnziFVsZySkf2uOJOslG3StD2nLrA9pGqUPxGERm1XvDxKU/s1600/IMG_3116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kMPFegqiVmmQiw1wx0q51uOW0xs5mZ1oRc3OPZyItIPRhf_Vs1kltbKvsTNBN2zo5dtb8txmF-b14virZbrB0PW-KFVyEnziFVsZySkf2uOJOslG3StD2nLrA9pGqUPxGERm1XvDxKU/s320/IMG_3116.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
For the trip out I had planned to wear this tweed pink blazer with a pink and orange skirt and a white shirt. <br />
The jacket would be the perfect weight for travel to the airport from this end, and this is another J.Crew jacket that has an exquisite tie silk interior detail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rGRmUr505JC_9h1krleun0NgFEpY8MhC5QWpHDrf4pcnjICpQmgD9DHTZHYXLQMDTgGr25zD5bdXpoJ1PQLNXOmErurmuqMCiLjU85g0tDmcPpKs9wnC9vgfT111U8yZS1ca51qSBxc/s1600/IMG_3106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rGRmUr505JC_9h1krleun0NgFEpY8MhC5QWpHDrf4pcnjICpQmgD9DHTZHYXLQMDTgGr25zD5bdXpoJ1PQLNXOmErurmuqMCiLjU85g0tDmcPpKs9wnC9vgfT111U8yZS1ca51qSBxc/s320/IMG_3106.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.Crew jacket, vintage.<br />Tory Burch bag and J.Crew Collection heels (current).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0ueD22j48MbOO16Xoq7nf1NFtVMVTBeUX8cUMa8XyJMyk1BN_VrfO4v-LMs6HHGrpQG2c9trlmhw7vAE27LBXGc5yLQ8hAyBwWEha9psoP0t46SYSQ5q6lc_clhzNvASd3d_Lbfh3ng/s1600/IMG_3108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0ueD22j48MbOO16Xoq7nf1NFtVMVTBeUX8cUMa8XyJMyk1BN_VrfO4v-LMs6HHGrpQG2c9trlmhw7vAE27LBXGc5yLQ8hAyBwWEha9psoP0t46SYSQ5q6lc_clhzNvASd3d_Lbfh3ng/s320/IMG_3108.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the ruffly details.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp44q5hv0r3CiwwI2vzTv-P9U-ZcaS2MVM4eaY6_D2o3YmOG-qVb5uY_bTB263jahp6DHOEAatWcFh8khww1jnC_VeV23zwNNaIYGTgahQtPopAct-nN9zyqWzU5ABEA1vY00gt7Sq8Y/s1600/IMG_3105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp44q5hv0r3CiwwI2vzTv-P9U-ZcaS2MVM4eaY6_D2o3YmOG-qVb5uY_bTB263jahp6DHOEAatWcFh8khww1jnC_VeV23zwNNaIYGTgahQtPopAct-nN9zyqWzU5ABEA1vY00gt7Sq8Y/s320/IMG_3105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric is from the famous Robert Noble mill in Scotland. </td></tr>
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I hope that you have had a moment's reprieve from our current situation with this fantasy colour story. <br />
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I hope you are well and that your family is well also!<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-83993176985777332352020-03-24T12:56:00.000-04:002020-03-24T12:56:42.066-04:00Occam's Razor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBTh3bbQkiMthpRFX5Db720i4XhtVR9TFvxcA5vfYFwQGGmAyWeM8QplC7qKbhmmR1__cFhL0sbRgzYiO8MH8oIJiZCcEo_JiRdVmwhQfWhCl67FhnDyiCZLUkGXi31d9ro-6mwff52E/s1600/IMG_2854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBTh3bbQkiMthpRFX5Db720i4XhtVR9TFvxcA5vfYFwQGGmAyWeM8QplC7qKbhmmR1__cFhL0sbRgzYiO8MH8oIJiZCcEo_JiRdVmwhQfWhCl67FhnDyiCZLUkGXi31d9ro-6mwff52E/s320/IMG_2854.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Library at Biltmore<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I couldn't sleep last night, and it wasn't any particular anxiety I was dwelling on. Rather I was just feeling overwhelmed by the pandemic: what it has meant for our lives, what it will mean for our lives in the next weeks and months, and every unknown outcome that we will be facing. <br />
<br />
Eventually my mind wandered to that famous philosophical principle: Occam's Razor. This principle, like many that have been around for hundreds of years, has most certainly had its share of misinterpretation and casual use. For example, William of Ockham (the spelling of his name varies) didn't write things like "keep it simple", though his theories could be interpreted down to that essence in our modern life.<br />
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The meaning of Occam's Razor is that <b>it doesn't do us any good to multiply entities unnecessarily</b>. So, we shouldn't bring up more things than are necessary to offer an explanation of something. Some people interpret that as the idea that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one, or that we shouldn't overthink things unnecessarily, or that we should adhere to a rule of Simplicity in all things.<br />
<br />
As far as I'm concerned William of Ockham's main point was Ontological Parsimony. Parsimony is a much-maligned word, I cannot stand it when people describe themselves as parsimonious when they mean "thrifty" with money and resources. Parsimony means spareness, take the razor to an explanation and shave away the unnecessary bits, so that you can see clearly the meaning, make your inferences and work from there.<br />
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Of course Occam's Razor is an extremely influential principle in areas of logic, metaphysics, and mathematics. William of Ockham, in my view, just really wanted to distinguish between faith and reason: there can be no complicated arguments towards the proof of the existence of God, it has to be done on faith alone: Ontological Parsimony. What exists and what can exist? Put a spareness to the answer, shave away the complicated arguments, reduce it to what can be known and what cannot be known, what needs to be "known" by faith alone.<br />
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So how does this principle help us now?<br />
As we sit in our homes confused about best practices, about what our life will look like in two weeks, or two months, and the advice and rumours and confusing data about the pandemic swirls around us, an approach that utilizes a certain spareness might really help us.<br />
Our government is telling us to stay home, wash our hands, avoid contact with those not in our own households, and to take things day by day. It is a spare approach, it requires patience and a trust that these very simple measures will have the most profound effect.<br />
It is a remedy to something unknown and terrifying that is simple, without a lot of complication to it, that is so basic it almost cannot be believed. <br />
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This is what is comforting my sleep-deprived brain today.<br />
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Other comforts? I'm cooking white beans for our dinner, and again today I watched our Prime Minister give his daily news conference (so thankful for this). I did my barre workouts this morning, I'll be disinfecting all of the doorknobs and countertops as soon as I'm done writing this, and I'll FaceTime my friends later today... with a big glass of wine. <br />
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How is your day going? Are you having trouble sleeping? I hope you're not. <br />
Take Care,<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-58023424103034122642020-03-22T14:21:00.002-04:002020-03-22T14:21:54.191-04:00The Pantry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUeVrBYE8vv4LwAOM4EKmgpZUXuyJ7P79CR0zNy_w0VhHoRxcQsBgUpEBzsCfEJR6uJREwoKSQDW2Ob2Z0_snmQzlLvE8LnEIW7M6W2NnP1O1oJPRhD6DX7NS1qk6q3qmBD9cLeCAh0o/s1600/IMG_3087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUeVrBYE8vv4LwAOM4EKmgpZUXuyJ7P79CR0zNy_w0VhHoRxcQsBgUpEBzsCfEJR6uJREwoKSQDW2Ob2Z0_snmQzlLvE8LnEIW7M6W2NnP1O1oJPRhD6DX7NS1qk6q3qmBD9cLeCAh0o/s320/IMG_3087.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Gone are the days when I could run to the grocery store in the afternoon to pick up a couple of things for dinner. We are getting our groceries delivered weekly, something I've been doing for some time, however now it is the only game in town.<br />
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I'm relying on my pantry more than ever, and I spend so much time staring at it and going through it, it's practically being worshipped.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtE_ZXvH15-ImRfoW2KB8NRtimFRML5hf30djsE2QF2GjjEVzaqjNvi8YVv72O0okEASyMP8U2fwmtijdpeAcTxq8TqI9LIxa6eMwk15OJCZOgAIWxwvM4x0mgEwLLl68qg3qdpEMTgQ/s1600/IMG_3086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtE_ZXvH15-ImRfoW2KB8NRtimFRML5hf30djsE2QF2GjjEVzaqjNvi8YVv72O0okEASyMP8U2fwmtijdpeAcTxq8TqI9LIxa6eMwk15OJCZOgAIWxwvM4x0mgEwLLl68qg3qdpEMTgQ/s320/IMG_3086.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This pantry is one of my favourite things about our kitchen. It's an original built-in cupboard, with the original brass hardware. It has the benefit of not being messed with for the last 150 years, maybe just a paint touch-up now and then.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK2Iu-_YpgwOQK_I57HSAzIeXAPisv8JGbyWYlA8kmzYCYw0Zk97u4rKTfH0m5lpb3dBNxChAmXo8rwOvE4v9J5OYdMt09F86ApLDRgX5Wxj4SGvxqRTa4ZaB0g_kgxB7jm7St8z3CBc/s1600/IMG_3084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK2Iu-_YpgwOQK_I57HSAzIeXAPisv8JGbyWYlA8kmzYCYw0Zk97u4rKTfH0m5lpb3dBNxChAmXo8rwOvE4v9J5OYdMt09F86ApLDRgX5Wxj4SGvxqRTa4ZaB0g_kgxB7jm7St8z3CBc/s320/IMG_3084.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I have collections of glass jars, some from my friend Ginarello who kindly gave me some old mason jars from her Nonna's kitchen. I've purchased Weck jars over the years, I have old Maille mustard jars, old jam jars, and some Kindler jars in varying sizes.<br />
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All of my pantry dried goods are stored in the glass-front portion of the pantry: beans, granola, dried fruits, nuts and seeds and some baking spices. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE-iUG7T9Cr62PJRfi8Bqu5RATsCQQHnXeJ3A9FdInGKK3o0I-1JuSU20avew2HkeRjhP7rX67W7mkzXIjN978eQsWNFI1AL4rKVxymekzL05PANK8ILTKaCFSFaeomXcfU900WMqzMI/s1600/IMG_3085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE-iUG7T9Cr62PJRfi8Bqu5RATsCQQHnXeJ3A9FdInGKK3o0I-1JuSU20avew2HkeRjhP7rX67W7mkzXIjN978eQsWNFI1AL4rKVxymekzL05PANK8ILTKaCFSFaeomXcfU900WMqzMI/s320/IMG_3085.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I buy vanilla at Costco in a giant plastic bottle and then transfer it to this glass bottle with a stopper:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15CNHNYudUj76xahDlILUvdTAqTvzdWtcQieuTNwcHedPy6q1UZ21ZToDS0tY-d8bNrO7LrISVrhyphenhyphencamtuqDuIhes0MWhnS-Qb2g6TtnRaGEyoNfav7upRJi_2glfg0W_Ob_jXHPHfmc/s1600/IMG_3090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15CNHNYudUj76xahDlILUvdTAqTvzdWtcQieuTNwcHedPy6q1UZ21ZToDS0tY-d8bNrO7LrISVrhyphenhyphencamtuqDuIhes0MWhnS-Qb2g6TtnRaGEyoNfav7upRJi_2glfg0W_Ob_jXHPHfmc/s320/IMG_3090.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla stored in a glass stopper bottle.</td></tr>
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I keep a Diptyque spray in a spicy Ginger scent in the pantry as well, just to give the kitchen a lift when I'm cleaning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QgAgnHL7zi5vkeQCU1YSUEjYyRDUV3JxQ87Ifwhe7mjzknKRfRa6TsoajebpeaHFd8l4S0SC8Y426zGlXLQcLltZeYiNfS0qMLaJG0B9s1QVZkJorTZmXmaW1Gi7Y5fV8rNgnidVQX0/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QgAgnHL7zi5vkeQCU1YSUEjYyRDUV3JxQ87Ifwhe7mjzknKRfRa6TsoajebpeaHFd8l4S0SC8Y426zGlXLQcLltZeYiNfS0qMLaJG0B9s1QVZkJorTZmXmaW1Gi7Y5fV8rNgnidVQX0/s320/IMG_3091.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger spray by Diptyque.</td></tr>
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Of course there are always packages to store in any kitchen, these I pile in the bottom section of the pantry to conceal them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA50sRqIcc0wf4xdqVctFn1BDLNky8f0ElWW2RC0NZFmcE3_Sk3Wf4aLMvk7FzK9CI9x3ACClZ71HQvZUZWbXOxrtHOpQMcVGjHIV9jXAJtsS_hsaSJLwoZPM-9xoUfeLvlIkiPBIrL3Q/s1600/IMG_3088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA50sRqIcc0wf4xdqVctFn1BDLNky8f0ElWW2RC0NZFmcE3_Sk3Wf4aLMvk7FzK9CI9x3ACClZ71HQvZUZWbXOxrtHOpQMcVGjHIV9jXAJtsS_hsaSJLwoZPM-9xoUfeLvlIkiPBIrL3Q/s320/IMG_3088.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see we love pasta.</td></tr>
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So what are my best pantry recipes during these stay-home days?<br />
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During the last week I've cooked red lentils to serve with rice and vegetables. I like to saute whatever spice I'm using in olive oil or butter, along with garlic and onions. Add the red lentils, some vegetable stock or seasoned water (water with herbamare salt or simply salt and pepper), and simmer for about half an hour. This dish is really good served over rice and with lots of crispy kale sprinkled over the whole thing.<br />
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Another dish from the past week involved green lentils, and this is something I cook quite often, inspired by my favourite Jamie Oliver vegetarian pasta. It is so simple: saute spices, garlic, chopped celery and carrots in butter or olive oil, add your green lentils and vegetable stock or seasoned water, simmer, and then towards the end add some tomatoes from your pantry. The tomatoes could be a bottle of passata (pureed tomatoes) or a can of diced tomatoes. Simmer, add some brandy or marsala wine, be sure to season with salt and pepper, and voila delicious, serve over pasta of choice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7F03GRlUFhHvAXJyPTdC351mMW0xkOwedyup1a_93w3tipQ-psWwvHkSYQP0mbnZsxMasBnfX6dERY1Nb3YmsRDw52bSGEmeA2blO4EZvbyLDoH0VQOVBiD5sGmftFvEJCXKGcqKFrk/s1600/IMG_3092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7F03GRlUFhHvAXJyPTdC351mMW0xkOwedyup1a_93w3tipQ-psWwvHkSYQP0mbnZsxMasBnfX6dERY1Nb3YmsRDw52bSGEmeA2blO4EZvbyLDoH0VQOVBiD5sGmftFvEJCXKGcqKFrk/s320/IMG_3092.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
On Friday night I cooked a delicious risotto with roasted vegetables (butternut squash in this case) and served it covered in roasted pumpkin seeds. That was probably my favourite meal of the last week, served with a big green salad and a roast chicken for the meat-eaters.<br />
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Never has dinner, or the pantry, been more important than during this time when we need to be at home and the comforts of home become most precious to us. <br />
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How are you doing in your kitchen during this time? Are you finding meals a challenge? Are you cooking simple pantry meals?<br />
xoxDani<br />
<br />DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-65530772326817473052020-03-20T15:16:00.000-04:002020-03-20T15:16:09.618-04:00Orange Gingham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xmo8xZIKFOQPCji7YnsQsk-dcMdTh4ca7TKlGPz3XLFKk1CPMofIGeXL0PMw826UyIsh-IzX46DhKowN8t2iIhme77J9Od2A2RkUDWsGP7iWWJn8qwHbyKYEJQu383STmrJqVVP05oM/s1600/IMG_2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xmo8xZIKFOQPCji7YnsQsk-dcMdTh4ca7TKlGPz3XLFKk1CPMofIGeXL0PMw826UyIsh-IzX46DhKowN8t2iIhme77J9Od2A2RkUDWsGP7iWWJn8qwHbyKYEJQu383STmrJqVVP05oM/s320/IMG_2645.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
About a month ago I became fixated on the idea of an orange gingham dress or skirt of some kind. Orange is not a typical colour for me so this could be explained by way of late winter urges towards sun, colour and summer. We were also meant to be taking a trip to South Beach, Miami in April, and I couldn't stop seeing oranges and pinks together with yellow... stripes, solids, checks and 1960's prints. <br />
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Of course we won't be taking that trip to Miami now but I thought I would share some pictures I took last month of this perfect orange gingham I found at The Gap, just in case you need a little colour in your life today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiJ55fOnbdd_Qw3xwCf4rvzeZY_QZPPlGnaHVE0WUtBl-8XQzFh61jrD4xm7gAcZechttWKicEtL8PlBRQ64xCbBXprhTMTnFZQGEiX5fCoDnnHbO57Qstd5cZAIvPx5UF1fj_uduV2U/s1600/IMG_2644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiJ55fOnbdd_Qw3xwCf4rvzeZY_QZPPlGnaHVE0WUtBl-8XQzFh61jrD4xm7gAcZechttWKicEtL8PlBRQ64xCbBXprhTMTnFZQGEiX5fCoDnnHbO57Qstd5cZAIvPx5UF1fj_uduV2U/s320/IMG_2644.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.Crew sandals.<br />Tory Burch wristlet bag.<br />Orange gingham from The Gap.</td></tr>
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I love the look of a check mixed with a more colourful plaid, in similar tones and size of pattern. It's just enough of a mix to be interesting and to me it almost makes the plainer check the neutral of the pairing.<br />
I have an older pair of J.Crew sandals in all of those sunny colours I was thinking of, here they are paired with the orange gingham from The Gap and an old Tory Burch wristlet bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZobVkKbSj0Bk9gN866f-ERMqhzTmdZ6UZELJTKlTj77iXEo8sHVQr1yMLZjI3EW3bQipBkvLvrYeWV8yuxYkGqhpSByNcKFl-RR8B9q7Kf5LEgiGPXxjHGTfpGTdEcpVdgJFgD6aCIf4/s1600/IMG_2646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZobVkKbSj0Bk9gN866f-ERMqhzTmdZ6UZELJTKlTj77iXEo8sHVQr1yMLZjI3EW3bQipBkvLvrYeWV8yuxYkGqhpSByNcKFl-RR8B9q7Kf5LEgiGPXxjHGTfpGTdEcpVdgJFgD6aCIf4/s320/IMG_2646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The Gap set is a long, ruffled skirt and a matching wrap top. Both pieces are in 100% cotton and the skirt is lined in cotton as well. I put them both in the washer and the dryer on a medium heat to shrink them a bit (they run up a little big in size in my opinion). I love an outfit that can be thrown in the washer and the dryer, forgoing the need for ironing. <br />
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It was pretty fun to try on this outfit a month ago and start planning my colour story for Miami.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTuD7qAWmLnubTVCQozOE9sT5ATmIjCNletQlOyUgyP2g-zP6u0cFkVWiMBLGAXIBS-rjYtMy-SEINg8mYLM4CBe4VwJwgxaXkIJHeuRJqoBFfdfHm2hUjml-NwoeZdQ56vBJJ0MM7r0/s1600/IMG_2642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTuD7qAWmLnubTVCQozOE9sT5ATmIjCNletQlOyUgyP2g-zP6u0cFkVWiMBLGAXIBS-rjYtMy-SEINg8mYLM4CBe4VwJwgxaXkIJHeuRJqoBFfdfHm2hUjml-NwoeZdQ56vBJJ0MM7r0/s320/IMG_2642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As these days get heavy on us (and as the weather outside proves positively gloomy, cold and rainy) it's good to Keep the Faith that someday we'll see South Beach, and that on that day an orange gingham outfit will be just the thing. <br />
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I would normally say "TGIF, It's Miller Time" to you but the days are all started to blend together a bit. What I will say is that I hope you are well and still enjoying some normalcy in your life, even if it is something simple (yet delicious) like a Friday night pizza dinner with wine. <br />
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xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-7534257735744709702020-03-19T16:17:00.000-04:002020-03-19T16:17:09.730-04:00Staying In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9rARWSTIPiSPBZC4bmKYxW82nsGemIUik4Ojv2YP84sRYOJaSg2rheAP4cOsmSLHXnSsnYel4eUTmLDyQBGAvgw6odWvS5kpA09ICcDOYh7vYE-a_T9c3DRe5lN7pnhkigJcxiL2dVE/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9rARWSTIPiSPBZC4bmKYxW82nsGemIUik4Ojv2YP84sRYOJaSg2rheAP4cOsmSLHXnSsnYel4eUTmLDyQBGAvgw6odWvS5kpA09ICcDOYh7vYE-a_T9c3DRe5lN7pnhkigJcxiL2dVE/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We are now on day six of isolating ourselves after recent travel, and though at one point yesterday I asked someone "what day is it?'', for the most part we are anxiety-free and not finding this time stressful. <br />
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While things are going relatively well I think it's important to remain calm, we might need strength and courage in the coming weeks and months. It's best to keep it in reserve.<br />
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I've been using my time to clean and organize, especially in the kitchen (as always, the economic engine of the home).<br />
I like to listen to a podcast (my favourites are The Daily, The Argument, and Pod Save America, how about you?) while I scrub and clean. <br />
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I read the New York Times for news and I watch the CBC, our national public broadcaster, at different times throughout the day. Never have I been more grateful for the CBC. The reporting is free of hysteria, we are given the facts and are privy to the daily announcements and press conferences given by our Prime Minister and cabinet, and we have news from across the country, every province and territory. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTYciUDP5YWt-5WeHlgARUtWanyE8AMhEeiKovyXY4ZY-jmisHptOnSuH26YhkeYC5w6okiNUAZ3Zl9PbRSVPrFDocxvjKikRzBYk_UYkDUTK7RfuCzekmia0ex7JyDJeqDYECDffi_E/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTYciUDP5YWt-5WeHlgARUtWanyE8AMhEeiKovyXY4ZY-jmisHptOnSuH26YhkeYC5w6okiNUAZ3Zl9PbRSVPrFDocxvjKikRzBYk_UYkDUTK7RfuCzekmia0ex7JyDJeqDYECDffi_E/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny Spoon Rest by Polish Pottery</td></tr>
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I've been checking in every day with my father in Atlanta, he is feeling "terrific" and apart from going to Walgreens for his medications has been staying in. For a guy who likes to stay busy at his job, he is doing pretty well!<br />
Our biggest source of anxiety is that we cannot visit my father-in-law, who is in a care home recovering from very serious pneumonia and a blood infection. This is a difficult time for our elderly, loneliness is a big concern. Daily phone calls and FaceTime seem to help with this, but if an older person has dementia those communication methods may not be of much use. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbp5iqosnarfGMFjCa4B2CDxBWeR4jJrEM3uE1EepHl9ATM-NdVzPXZP-p1nRCV8ywnRwxdNdJB7nIdN5MTU8RQspTLTmXiG2qd1A6lRQ8WtJ_ZToDnD1qpOltQv5xxEdFFGzyINS_ow/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbp5iqosnarfGMFjCa4B2CDxBWeR4jJrEM3uE1EepHl9ATM-NdVzPXZP-p1nRCV8ywnRwxdNdJB7nIdN5MTU8RQspTLTmXiG2qd1A6lRQ8WtJ_ZToDnD1qpOltQv5xxEdFFGzyINS_ow/s320/IMG_3056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta Soup: Now is not the time to limit carbs.</td></tr>
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MrBP has his employees working from home, the result of which being that he has his office to himself. This works out perfectly for us because our oldest daughter is staying with us, working remotely at her job of transcribing court proceedings and police interrogations. As you can imagine this work is certainly not for the faint of heart! Middle Rascal has always worked hard and self-identifies as The Blonde Tank: don't be fooled by her petite blonde looks, she's a tough one ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9yGylKYnNs7CxYrnrNvq0QOSMxmbLGK0y04Xdr0Iz7-vzZ83RjrUiWrR8BkHpHvQXZSkQn_RO_3pU1pcRvvnQf-hn5IcWXCDIzoSaT6-7wA3WWe0H5T7GaTXP8csdvcjT86yGUQr34E/s1600/IMG_3065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9yGylKYnNs7CxYrnrNvq0QOSMxmbLGK0y04Xdr0Iz7-vzZ83RjrUiWrR8BkHpHvQXZSkQn_RO_3pU1pcRvvnQf-hn5IcWXCDIzoSaT6-7wA3WWe0H5T7GaTXP8csdvcjT86yGUQr34E/s320/IMG_3065.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE BLONDE TANK<br />Busily working away in the Dining Room<br />Which are now referred to as Blonde Tank Headquarters</td></tr>
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Ole Rascal is busy building something really exciting in the field of AI Medicine, and is isolated away in his Toronto condo. With his girlfriend working there with him we don't worry about loneliness. <br />
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Lil' Rascal has had school suspended for many weeks, and as it is her graduation year that causes some anxiety. Will this get in the way of the class of 2020 graduating? As I pointed out to her, they're all in the same boat, something will have to be figured out. She's already accepted a college offer, so there's that at least. Isn't it a little chilling that these 2002 babies, many of them in utero or conceived during the fraught times of 9/11, are now graduating in a pandemic? <br />
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I wonder for how many weeks or months this will continue?<br />
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Our government response has been very calm and reassuring, and my only advice to anyone would be to do what your Public Health authority and your government is telling you to do. This is certainly a time to trust science, doctors, and experts.<br />
If you know someone who is medically vulnerable due to age or underlying health issues, don't visit them in person, which could potentially bring them germs you may not know you have. A phone call works perfectly. My attitude is, why take the risk?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv7rgHVVHXT9bJm2Knu8Pl9iUyBDy4PhpwFRNFbVmLvLID-Mx-3Qca-VXyQhzdscaopXBON3-hA4bTyqiAMHED3GN9qT7Zlm25C_Xp3_jR_DyKgqVxUDQyyoPLpPgebinKezyCjYRf3o/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv7rgHVVHXT9bJm2Knu8Pl9iUyBDy4PhpwFRNFbVmLvLID-Mx-3Qca-VXyQhzdscaopXBON3-hA4bTyqiAMHED3GN9qT7Zlm25C_Xp3_jR_DyKgqVxUDQyyoPLpPgebinKezyCjYRf3o/s320/IMG_3059.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SCOUT<br />Not Fazed</td></tr>
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Scout is a beacon of calm as usual, and seems delighted by the fact that there are more people around during the day.<br />
I hope you are feeling well and that you are not experiencing anxiety. I hope that wherever you are you feel that your government is doing a good job for you. Please share any thoughts in the comments, I'd love to know how you are. <br />
Take Care,<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-61900970332770155322020-03-18T15:13:00.001-04:002020-03-18T15:13:45.695-04:00Biltmore... One Week Ago<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7PHGcuue0RlZj0JuRSTbx879CTT3N3xIoYBgop2vW5b73HWOhyphenhyphenvGqzw2M8hBlrP-gfiaNIZfL4eT5tWxrAmlbEQA8YpkIiE6BkNkNfmwdGcFzJGZCmWjeIZEUfexmoOrxcgblW43Oyw/s1600/IMG_2983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7PHGcuue0RlZj0JuRSTbx879CTT3N3xIoYBgop2vW5b73HWOhyphenhyphenvGqzw2M8hBlrP-gfiaNIZfL4eT5tWxrAmlbEQA8YpkIiE6BkNkNfmwdGcFzJGZCmWjeIZEUfexmoOrxcgblW43Oyw/s320/IMG_2983.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.biltmore.com/">Biltmore</a></b></td></tr>
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It's incredible to think that just one week ago today I was walking around Biltmore Estate with my Dad, StepMum and oldest daughter. <br />
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We were taking some very simple precautions (hand washing etc) to protect us from Covid19, which truly felt quite removed from our lives, or at least from the tourist activities we were happily taking part in. <br />
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I believe the grounds of Biltmore are still open but many of the activities, the wine tastings, the Downton exhibit, are shut down. I'm not sure if they are still operating the house tours but if social distancing is really the goal, they certainly should be.<br />
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This is a trip we've been talking about taking for years, and as my oldest daughter has just finished her graduate degree we thought it would be the perfect time to treat her and to spend some family time together. <br />
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When this is all behind us I suggest you go to Biltmore if you haven't yet had the chance to do so, it's quite incredible, and just a gorgeous setting in the mountains of North Carolina.<br />
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I'll share one of my favourite rooms with you... the Morning Room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the upholstery so much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That desk!</td></tr>
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I often take the most interest in the very domestic rooms on a house tour, and Biltmore was no exception.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vase storage room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57IW2APl0crm2YEAaoheS2Bk-QwZ6UY0nI0UzF2gpny4JyM1FKI8L0cKbhkAq85r6f3PZ5Fwxe0ye832mHriA9KY415tas_JoR-lW4q2aW5El9JsEF_3S2dGGVf_FpT6KfpyceATKoVg/s1600/IMG_2988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57IW2APl0crm2YEAaoheS2Bk-QwZ6UY0nI0UzF2gpny4JyM1FKI8L0cKbhkAq85r6f3PZ5Fwxe0ye832mHriA9KY415tas_JoR-lW4q2aW5El9JsEF_3S2dGGVf_FpT6KfpyceATKoVg/s320/IMG_2988.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downton Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbX37cTDJGveQouK-0_pK5q0rB5FfhSbXF9lsH-zyagYMvDqWAef64CT4gPeJw3-8OyICuiv1bJs_b74AvYt2Ld6qOYj9cxpwCcR68BWgDDQUGDCMRqs_N2g_ch3_-Z4YDEMzZI0bWR4/s1600/IMG_2989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbX37cTDJGveQouK-0_pK5q0rB5FfhSbXF9lsH-zyagYMvDqWAef64CT4gPeJw3-8OyICuiv1bJs_b74AvYt2Ld6qOYj9cxpwCcR68BWgDDQUGDCMRqs_N2g_ch3_-Z4YDEMzZI0bWR4/s320/IMG_2989.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downton dining room.<br />Look at that place setting!</td></tr>
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I planned a very simple colour story for my travel outfits last week, simple but effective and perfect for springtime: navy with hits of bright, happy colours. <br />
I brought these two Tory Burch bags and this Tory Burch necklace to pair with navy dresses, skirts and sweaters: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGj1mNKoEYba7I7fmGKcGRit540BUw8vhzwKpxfqqGuHzDOkH57zjDMHB8uzTL0SA4eYaLqoEYSkizfpaOhbK2XnhunBpNvNtjPKknOJznAQgLv-Y8e9-xBAhHzlsyYnU_VkC-IA4D3w/s1600/IMG_3062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGj1mNKoEYba7I7fmGKcGRit540BUw8vhzwKpxfqqGuHzDOkH57zjDMHB8uzTL0SA4eYaLqoEYSkizfpaOhbK2XnhunBpNvNtjPKknOJznAQgLv-Y8e9-xBAhHzlsyYnU_VkC-IA4D3w/s320/IMG_3062.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tory Burch bags and necklace.</td></tr>
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Now that I am home I am in isolation in the house and garden, all of those travelling outside of the country were ordered to do this over the weekend. <br />
Every day has brought new measures and restrictions in order to attempt to flatten the curve of the pandemic.<br />
These are truly extraordinary times and I really hope anyone reading my blog today isn't feeling too anxious. It's one day at a time, and I hope that you feel supported and in solidarity with your community. <br />
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My plan is to post more often in order to distract myself and possibly entertain others, even if only with recipes and colour stories.<br />
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Please take good care,<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-1902647149918323392020-02-07T16:15:00.002-05:002020-02-07T16:15:59.426-05:00Colour Story: Montreal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cXUagtQFnnHn-2Xm3qqGG7EALMe2xSwzc-P9pre-1yoGIFJcMELQSFfxmXqcZJ0bpnN6RJ8aOB2KXs5C4TqFePMJV5R2vo9edHkFUsSWIsi8bonz4LFt6Zegf4VYTnIw3ou6dEmcb9w/s1600/IMG_2383+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cXUagtQFnnHn-2Xm3qqGG7EALMe2xSwzc-P9pre-1yoGIFJcMELQSFfxmXqcZJ0bpnN6RJ8aOB2KXs5C4TqFePMJV5R2vo9edHkFUsSWIsi8bonz4LFt6Zegf4VYTnIw3ou6dEmcb9w/s320/IMG_2383+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweed skirt, old JCrew, Hermes scarf.</td></tr>
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We'll be heading to Union Station in Toronto next week to hop on a train to Montreal. It's a girls trip with my best girlfriends The Lauras and all of our daughters. We'll be doing some shopping, hitting restaurants and pubs... and maybe even a night club for the younger set. <br />
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It will most certainly be cold. Do you know that song 'Montreal' by Raine Maida? The chorus goes something like "the cold winds of Montreal... the cold winds of Montreal", which bears repeating because this is the thing I remember best about Montreal in the middle of winter: damn but the winds are cold. <br />
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I'll be bringing out my best cold weather armour, the things I wear if it's -20 and I need to take Scout for a long walk. Those things are layers, of course, and more specifically layers of tweed and wool and fur.<br />
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It's true that I stopped consuming meat entirely almost three years ago, not for any particular health reason but because I love pigs and logically not eating other animals follows that line of thinking. I do however wear recycled fur. <br />
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My mother-in-law, who I loved dearly and miss very much, left me her dark brown mink coat. I stared at it for a couple of years trying to figure out what to do with it and finally I decided to have it reworked so I could wear it during our coldest months. I had it made into a reversible coat, with the fur on the inside and a dark brown water and windproof taffeta fabric on the outside. Though it is reversible I never, ever wear it with the fur on the outside, it's not as warm for one, but it's also too much of a fur look. I prefer the taffeta exterior with the fur trim, and of course the warmth.<br />
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I'll be bringing my trusty LV dark brown bag and a recycled brown mink fur hat.<br />
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Train travel can be a bit challenging for me with the hauling of luggage up and down the stairs. I'll be bringing my Dubarry of Ireland brown duffle bag, which isn't particularly large by any means. My colour story will need to be fairly streamlined.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iVXgFk_0LuW6Xt8N050f6s6KX8TzXBw4ATaZ2C9Vq6nZu5dclm_SFzGl1BO3tN0Dw2sEWcZoD6vi0nJbvLRqKgdMwPfVMcJ4hwQGQsB0X4EQlsbxGQPDKyEo4si8fpY7LUUIsKlKG6I/s1600/IMG_2389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iVXgFk_0LuW6Xt8N050f6s6KX8TzXBw4ATaZ2C9Vq6nZu5dclm_SFzGl1BO3tN0Dw2sEWcZoD6vi0nJbvLRqKgdMwPfVMcJ4hwQGQsB0X4EQlsbxGQPDKyEo4si8fpY7LUUIsKlKG6I/s320/IMG_2389.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel gear.</td></tr>
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I'll bring my two J.Crew tweed skirt suits from 2006. Does this qualify as vintage? I'm not sure but what I do know is that these outfits are my favourite things to wear in the winter. They fit beautifully, are so warm with just a silk camisole, tights and boots, and because of their neat fit they slide under the slightly oversized fur coat without issue. The combination of wool and fur is like trapping myself inside a furnace. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKbXfR4MVPZs-UdYHOw5Vgoc5hnIcynciaOfPShjrCyv952cz6PfPkqel7eNVMspMp0mEK4LAGllVzLj_zfaI3vlmxosEyTON5BT5vcFdZ5CiSKZGX1MmluAdzRI_gXstMGpsx0oflwg/s1600/44e41a0703c6a7516d5c99e2ce36f269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKbXfR4MVPZs-UdYHOw5Vgoc5hnIcynciaOfPShjrCyv952cz6PfPkqel7eNVMspMp0mEK4LAGllVzLj_zfaI3vlmxosEyTON5BT5vcFdZ5CiSKZGX1MmluAdzRI_gXstMGpsx0oflwg/s320/44e41a0703c6a7516d5c99e2ce36f269.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These tweed skirt suits are the base of the story, one in green and one in red.</td></tr>
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I always add a scarf to the neck of these suits to warm up and cover the neck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7ZpI7XJBtpL8arGXcnJetEWNJFZlcLnrJgxmOCH0FIuX5mWMcdV_x44LpbWzwpeRcl1w4zRJXkvRqEn-9LbywDntoDf6_gSbBNe3AZrEm5lHTfiLMDgfVzlagNmZ3Mw0qkP8Jvm1Z38/s1600/IMG_2382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7ZpI7XJBtpL8arGXcnJetEWNJFZlcLnrJgxmOCH0FIuX5mWMcdV_x44LpbWzwpeRcl1w4zRJXkvRqEn-9LbywDntoDf6_gSbBNe3AZrEm5lHTfiLMDgfVzlagNmZ3Mw0qkP8Jvm1Z38/s320/IMG_2382.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark brown boots will be worn with every outfit.</td></tr>
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To get a more casual look out of these suits I'll bring my Bosie of Scotland fair isle sweaters, a pink one for the green skirt of course:<br />
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My red suit is a real favourite, in part because I pair it with my Hermes Metamorphosis scarf:<br />
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I'll bring a third tweed skirt which doesn't have a jacket pairing, but which does pair well with the yellow Bosie fair isle and my yellow-toned scarf.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIxTqOlkfRmkFhgpJQNZdD16CeVwpwKQNqpnj8L2ZehwXnrAFe6S7ltWa1xo2MAMLW90O2fTymPpfpSf_awlEXvXcFr3HPg1D6cmKq88kwOldX1YdxtwqRLTuGDtU53T8MPKp0mjmf-A/s1600/IMG_2384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIxTqOlkfRmkFhgpJQNZdD16CeVwpwKQNqpnj8L2ZehwXnrAFe6S7ltWa1xo2MAMLW90O2fTymPpfpSf_awlEXvXcFr3HPg1D6cmKq88kwOldX1YdxtwqRLTuGDtU53T8MPKp0mjmf-A/s320/IMG_2384.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third tweed skirt.<br />Old JCrew, 2005.</td></tr>
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I've worn this yellow fair isle so much this winter, it's lovely warm and surprisingly versatile, really bringing out the warm tones in the red tweed.<br />
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This was a favourite look around Christmas this year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tF8mzt6TbjJyeWjzaygQxg0BpzY_U6shZE17-9_9Zzf-Sw4nefLW9xYtuiUUDlwRn319RaKvIdE8K2rK0PiR7zP8xkp9DFsyg_ikNW88mHhjeBxINZAbAufpbR4E4akxZCVSYIWuJq4/s1600/IMG_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="726" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tF8mzt6TbjJyeWjzaygQxg0BpzY_U6shZE17-9_9Zzf-Sw4nefLW9xYtuiUUDlwRn319RaKvIdE8K2rK0PiR7zP8xkp9DFsyg_ikNW88mHhjeBxINZAbAufpbR4E4akxZCVSYIWuJq4/s320/IMG_2115.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
Other additions to the duffle will be some warm pyjamas and a bathing suit for the hotel pool. I'll just bring the one pair of boots but lots of tights and some warm socks to layer as well.<br />
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I'm so looking forward to spending this time with my girlfriends and all of our girls- who grew up together and are now amazing and fun young adult women. <br />
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and hopefully return with some good restaurant recommendations.<br />
Have you been to Montreal?<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-90223214132339272542020-02-03T15:45:00.000-05:002020-02-03T15:45:58.041-05:00Decorating with Ginger Jars<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI_gJwt-j99Q2kXqiwnyBAWOAWNng4u-mQez-PAd-kE15JCDClHtVmDmvQPyWCntlbUYn1RjSP5M0f_OyKl3GKudJBMB4R5kHIF2MK5DFIbt3Ble1g479XNYnIu_8Ac_3lw_nn_bFhbM/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI_gJwt-j99Q2kXqiwnyBAWOAWNng4u-mQez-PAd-kE15JCDClHtVmDmvQPyWCntlbUYn1RjSP5M0f_OyKl3GKudJBMB4R5kHIF2MK5DFIbt3Ble1g479XNYnIu_8Ac_3lw_nn_bFhbM/s320/IMG_2335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Sadler jar from the 1950's</td></tr>
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When we bought our stone house last summer I couldn't stop thinking about decorating all of the deep windowsills of the house with ginger jars.<br />
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The sills themselves cry out for some sort of object to adorn them and take advantage of their depth, and by placing a ginger jar (or other decorative object) in a window there is an effect of tricking the eye. When approached from the exterior the eye is drawn to the jar or object in the window, and doesn't necessarily focus on the scene contained within the room. It offers some privacy in that it offers a distraction. <br />
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I also knew that I wanted to expose the original windows of the house fully, they are wooden windows with their original storms and many panes of glass are original as well (and they look so beautiful and wavy as old glass does). The ginger jars needed to both create a distraction and provide some decoration to these old windows and sills. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuujbNuKZ-owLR0RkgfyEw2aHOm7hrtu9XQBkbfWdCn0Mj9v2wDV1jw7xKj3nRWQCxWmWcKjJfVYdKCgUCusZwNFyQrpZOGUE1pWgseBTl23u_9_mDCD6iS3NUulpv_iC5miriS_7u3nc/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuujbNuKZ-owLR0RkgfyEw2aHOm7hrtu9XQBkbfWdCn0Mj9v2wDV1jw7xKj3nRWQCxWmWcKjJfVYdKCgUCusZwNFyQrpZOGUE1pWgseBTl23u_9_mDCD6iS3NUulpv_iC5miriS_7u3nc/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant black and white dragon ginger jar, new reproduction.</td></tr>
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If you yourself decide to get on the ginger jar bandwagon I have one word for you: Etsy. I found many small vintage ginger jars on Etsy, most made in England by Sadler in the 1950's. Typical prices for these smaller jars were between $15 and $25.<br />
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For the larger ginger jars? I had no choice but to buy new reproductions. I found some large antique ginger jars at various dealers but they were all several hundred dollars. Reproduction jars can be found in beautiful large sizes for around a hundred dollars or so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKORpeYldjbQ-zU0CY-gK6HAFVhHfvORE2IFlz35DRAkFeuzFIw7nJ7enmw-tGWu-a7rTDHcMxzIRz1ber1NAhOPxlw86LZmDcf7VMiwYBYf7E9REWr6jUfSgQG4L84ZYW2tyoORO5kc4/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKORpeYldjbQ-zU0CY-gK6HAFVhHfvORE2IFlz35DRAkFeuzFIw7nJ7enmw-tGWu-a7rTDHcMxzIRz1ber1NAhOPxlw86LZmDcf7VMiwYBYf7E9REWr6jUfSgQG4L84ZYW2tyoORO5kc4/s320/IMG_2333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a ginger jar.<br />This large vase by Spode has a ginger jar shape but no lid.<br /></td></tr>
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A ginger jar is not a vase, though of course if you remove the lid you could use it as a vase. The lids offer a great advantage however, in that they don't allow dust to gather inside. One can simply dust the jar without having to haul it over to the kitchen sink to rid the inside of dust... a distinct advantage on housecleaning day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDw1IprvG_556dws8RL5D2-WKIgOj_wnKN0yUgsu6ahssJw-9BhztpFffxpAih0wBYnIJgXOj0wQUstpJYzrSfcYWpsVGbCnV0aZ_qD9xlV34Q31WTAYBuJPcR_1IxwsM0UbhG8eQHYg/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDw1IprvG_556dws8RL5D2-WKIgOj_wnKN0yUgsu6ahssJw-9BhztpFffxpAih0wBYnIJgXOj0wQUstpJYzrSfcYWpsVGbCnV0aZ_qD9xlV34Q31WTAYBuJPcR_1IxwsM0UbhG8eQHYg/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two ginger jars in the front window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BUNadniguP7mh7CcrFAtmvw7_Vx9gXFtPK1Wvb5GWq9ee9KcMVHn4m69MucbPtVL-hJo1tYimDd-B1MLiOiLIBsfenaP82V9Ved-iImlkv0CIljNg0Fz2EXlnXEiKVqDAMHs-XC87v4/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BUNadniguP7mh7CcrFAtmvw7_Vx9gXFtPK1Wvb5GWq9ee9KcMVHn4m69MucbPtVL-hJo1tYimDd-B1MLiOiLIBsfenaP82V9Ved-iImlkv0CIljNg0Fz2EXlnXEiKVqDAMHs-XC87v4/s320/IMG_2334.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small ginger jar on a fireplace mantel.<br />I love the colours on this one.</td></tr>
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I use the smaller ginger jars in our bedroom to store useful things like cotton balls and vitamins. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGqbLH3qtvSnMEMccSctWCqMqPbQGloSx445IS8DiatGGS_GMCxqeN27O-OB1wOONizCayPKxR0j75xlK8A-9UzyEaEOVjUNk2I8ffeucv99YpxDW_zGFFxvbl0ezyK3EgrktwnbdAng/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGqbLH3qtvSnMEMccSctWCqMqPbQGloSx445IS8DiatGGS_GMCxqeN27O-OB1wOONizCayPKxR0j75xlK8A-9UzyEaEOVjUNk2I8ffeucv99YpxDW_zGFFxvbl0ezyK3EgrktwnbdAng/s320/IMG_2300.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger jar on a makeup table: cotton puffs inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL7sfwnlz8iroOFSJGRHgigNmDI8V1269vVrPyusJp-nDA8FzORC8S5sRCdgri5PMjiserKwShxuz1lx_Dzcbrurs6qVkZwHRFKRs1t0IUapPa6WWJd5YSK1kbi2jKYohdL7t0f1Eqpg/s1600/IMG_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL7sfwnlz8iroOFSJGRHgigNmDI8V1269vVrPyusJp-nDA8FzORC8S5sRCdgri5PMjiserKwShxuz1lx_Dzcbrurs6qVkZwHRFKRs1t0IUapPa6WWJd5YSK1kbi2jKYohdL7t0f1Eqpg/s320/IMG_2337.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger jar full of magnesium pills.</td></tr>
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Like most people I find groupings of three dead-set attractive. This new reproduction ginger jar and matching little vases are set on top of the pine armoire I use for storing clothes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp1bUgHt476PJoFXr8EFDALoijUFHdHYr6K8J7O_ymCkS8v9-1LkbecixMa3_m8d5ZtjdHY5oq6NS6qZTRt7JK5JARocwbYe-t3-UT3seCClfK48_ZmOM-P_-KHKZLLupiJi1SVWLWZs/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp1bUgHt476PJoFXr8EFDALoijUFHdHYr6K8J7O_ymCkS8v9-1LkbecixMa3_m8d5ZtjdHY5oq6NS6qZTRt7JK5JARocwbYe-t3-UT3seCClfK48_ZmOM-P_-KHKZLLupiJi1SVWLWZs/s320/IMG_2332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reproduction ginger jar in a marble pink pattern, with matching vases.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzLdt4F2zUw1hxZUgsY1iYVFxLCXgGheisECukH5YX9upt5WOu8T8tI3vVbGVy_vfYXFuPvZeR1O0NbIcbA1Ie8shh5PoKfLWGAbOwGRJC67T0nnqlckZxR3FypfA6DMQCzYqtBbsVW8/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzLdt4F2zUw1hxZUgsY1iYVFxLCXgGheisECukH5YX9upt5WOu8T8tI3vVbGVy_vfYXFuPvZeR1O0NbIcbA1Ie8shh5PoKfLWGAbOwGRJC67T0nnqlckZxR3FypfA6DMQCzYqtBbsVW8/s320/IMG_2338.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine armoire with grouping of three.</td></tr>
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I'm still looking for a large ginger jar as I have one bare windowsill in the upstairs hallway.<br />
Are you also mad for ginger jars? Do you have any decorating your furniture or windowsills?<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-57893082791695584622020-01-21T16:10:00.000-05:002020-01-21T16:15:42.159-05:00Closet Editing and Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGHN3iWKXd427osZIAOuKso8XTcLvAdKWOUCZAU1mJ3mr9-p0nrAM_-RzhYFpmtJt8pFgEIApU-xMqTOEOlIuMMhRobNKqI3ChwQ6y4x5lWd6e6zkG45jW8cQk0oZzx5fryWBmoUtx84/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGHN3iWKXd427osZIAOuKso8XTcLvAdKWOUCZAU1mJ3mr9-p0nrAM_-RzhYFpmtJt8pFgEIApU-xMqTOEOlIuMMhRobNKqI3ChwQ6y4x5lWd6e6zkG45jW8cQk0oZzx5fryWBmoUtx84/s320/IMG_2216.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Somehow this closet project has taken me almost two weeks, I've been approaching it with the speed of a turtle. <br />
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I haven't done a significant wardrobe edit for at least a couple of years. I had planned to do it while I was packing up the old house for our move but I had a feeling that I was too scattered and frazzled to be thoughtful about it. I think that was probably a good call, and while it was slightly inconvenient to haul over masses of clothes I have since edited I'm happy I didn't make any rash decisions. <br />
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I feel a change coming on as far as acquiring and keeping wardrobe items. It no longer feels fun or justifiable to buy new things, it feels overly acquisitive and really like an activity that is ruining the environment. The fashion industry is definitely one of the world's top polluters, but it's also the carbon footprint that exists around it, the shipping, the returns, the items that end up in landfill. <br />
With this in mind I was pretty careful to keep as many things as possible going into this next decade, and I have set a few things aside in my cedar chest in the basement (a tip from Hostess, thank you Leslie!)<br />
I also set a few things aside for my daughters, and in fact some of my items I was considering selling, (like my handbags I don't use as often) I'll be keeping in my wardrobe for the day I can pass them on.<br />
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Let's go back to the beginning of this edit to discuss the process. I started out by making piles: Keep, Donate and Clothing Swap. <br />
This involved trying on some items, including shoes (weirdly it seems my flats have all become uncomfortable) and thinking carefully about what might work for my friends The Lauras when we had our Clothing Swap.<br />
I ended up bringing four giant bags of clothes and shoes to the Goodwill, and that very same day I invited The Lauras over for a Clothing Swap (with some accompanying wine and dinner to follow).<br />
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I'm calling it a Clothing Swap but really it was me getting them to try on dozens of items and urging them to take them home. I have to say it is so fun to share clothes with girlfriends, and some of the things that really fit them or they especially loved was a real delight to see. <br />
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I hauled the giant basket in the top photo upstairs to the Elephant Room (I could barely lift it it was so full) and then I placed everything on the bed for us to go over. <br />
The Lauras tried everything on and each left with a full basket! Some of the dresses I had bought over the years (Lela Rose cocktail dresses found on eBay I'm looking at you) fit the shorter Laura perfectly- aha this was why they never worked on me, they needed someone more petite! Other dresses fit LauraB better, with her yoga arms and slimmer hips. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RXThTIgNo90BzsLzGSndUdkYprbDQQMmMuY2thagrcC-4uQkt5uleH6tCKvloDgKHH0iFDG8nbQGRwpeoAYJowRMF5pIDeNYIYAim5Wz_8h7dgscLSXbxIGazYElsYp2vkquPuZScio/s1600/IMG_2236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RXThTIgNo90BzsLzGSndUdkYprbDQQMmMuY2thagrcC-4uQkt5uleH6tCKvloDgKHH0iFDG8nbQGRwpeoAYJowRMF5pIDeNYIYAim5Wz_8h7dgscLSXbxIGazYElsYp2vkquPuZScio/s320/IMG_2236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was a really fun process and one I highly recommend if you have girlfriends who are even near in size to you. <br />
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Once I had edited out and found new homes for everything I had decided not to keep it was time to get down to the business of organizing my closet. My goal was to have all of my clothes in this closet, clothes for every season including occasion dresses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_w47gU0ZSm4qSyZ16SkT5h45LTVuB6jzNMsNPLX13DJK87WNrDy_OeIhOQVipEM5zaBIdiZj5VjekWPVwicXFkf5tKcyu-9uCQ0UNhxsu_vMQ9LYPaQJ_GJ5RhvB4oXOZDfVXOF0QK8/s1600/IMG_2284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_w47gU0ZSm4qSyZ16SkT5h45LTVuB6jzNMsNPLX13DJK87WNrDy_OeIhOQVipEM5zaBIdiZj5VjekWPVwicXFkf5tKcyu-9uCQ0UNhxsu_vMQ9LYPaQJ_GJ5RhvB4oXOZDfVXOF0QK8/s320/IMG_2284.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
Front and centre I have my best dress on display, it doesn't hurt to have a little daily inspiration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK5lS9EwAfQKCugSD8o6vKmCMuRay4qM2BSs81ty_ME9ho2sWz21AQO4W6f0P3d4KjlH3Ioce-AJRxDI0ZD7VTIP8PomSzYVIeh-GKKDwl7NWDCXm7dZDFV_lB3uHaKDbf8ulJcB8n5I/s1600/IMG_2285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK5lS9EwAfQKCugSD8o6vKmCMuRay4qM2BSs81ty_ME9ho2sWz21AQO4W6f0P3d4KjlH3Ioce-AJRxDI0ZD7VTIP8PomSzYVIeh-GKKDwl7NWDCXm7dZDFV_lB3uHaKDbf8ulJcB8n5I/s320/IMG_2285.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle and Thread gown.</td></tr>
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On the right side I have my everyday fall and winter clothes.<br />
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Day to day during the colder months I don't wear too many dresses, I have three silk ones that I occasionally wear with a sweater over.<br />
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For the most part I wear wool skirts and sweaters. Most of these are either really old JCrew pieces in wool... the one exception is this vintage Burberry skirt (below) I found on eBay last year.<br />
<br />
This is a uniform I decided on while editing my wardrobe, I had a little meltdown one day during the process and decided I was sick and tired of wearing my Canadian tuxedo of jeans and a jean shirt. It's too cold for one, skirts are much warmer to wear with proper tights, long socks and boots. I also just feel better, more like myself, when I wear a skirt or dress. <br />
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There are some shelves in my closet above the rack of everyday clothes, these I am using for storing some warm weather items, and to store some out-of-season shoes and all of my handbags. <br />
After going through this process I decided I needed to update my handbag situation, without going high-end on the purchases. I've found some Tory Burch bags on the post-holiday sales, 70% discounts yes thank you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAmesPa2A64fDEjPKyjFvyzzekk6uk_3LwgqhXCbPqpap4F0l_UR3J3jeBuqbRtzhjeEfbnnderwE01vt83sogp3D7lyAFnbfQFjpvbHtkI0r52_jwfjSNqeqo8raVXT_eFCWTxaqHw/s1600/IMG_2270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmAmesPa2A64fDEjPKyjFvyzzekk6uk_3LwgqhXCbPqpap4F0l_UR3J3jeBuqbRtzhjeEfbnnderwE01vt83sogp3D7lyAFnbfQFjpvbHtkI0r52_jwfjSNqeqo8raVXT_eFCWTxaqHw/s320/IMG_2270.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handbags... the one currently in use is missing.<br />
I have spots for a couple of bags in fun summer colours.</td></tr>
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On the left side of the closet are what I would call Occasion clothes, dresses and outfits for parties or lunch or dinner out. I may not wear these items very often but having them right in front of me is very cheering and fun. It also helps me remember what I have... to avoid buying new things. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYkSdez4dfx_B65I2LG2BzJIuB3UA8Bdjyuc2GF-vek9916jb3Qn9U63znyE1PWLTL3qGsRan9x-LjfcPSXwz-t5dAQsmGfXezgOkfZruUKXpEMtSMqJh11YO7mfZfkKQcot8Lat4jbc/s1600/IMG_2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYkSdez4dfx_B65I2LG2BzJIuB3UA8Bdjyuc2GF-vek9916jb3Qn9U63znyE1PWLTL3qGsRan9x-LjfcPSXwz-t5dAQsmGfXezgOkfZruUKXpEMtSMqJh11YO7mfZfkKQcot8Lat4jbc/s320/IMG_2273.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to hang scarves over outfits to remind myself to wear them.</td></tr>
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Some of these items are highly sentimental, like my Nana's mohair coat:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_Bc8qSThqkVem3YWg2gden5024ZF77X95x_9IEYmt13AOjNckSUf6oe9CbG3LLGIGPwwuc5MiGOx6EJs3M8P50Btv5FXz4s0DD1htSp5kL7zSvQHn7KLFiGJaanyw4M6qw9LL1rHvqU/s1600/IMG_2275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_Bc8qSThqkVem3YWg2gden5024ZF77X95x_9IEYmt13AOjNckSUf6oe9CbG3LLGIGPwwuc5MiGOx6EJs3M8P50Btv5FXz4s0DD1htSp5kL7zSvQHn7KLFiGJaanyw4M6qw9LL1rHvqU/s320/IMG_2275.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana's mohair coat from Scotland.</td></tr>
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The great thing about the eleven foot ceilings on our second floor is that the closet has room for a rod placed extra high. I asked Kerry to install this for me and it's perfect for holding my out-of-season clothes, in this case my everyday summer dresses and outfits. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob-Fdwe4o-40RIVU-HY-aYE9EUk0S5soe2pwWinUZknFOsAqgC-u3cZUucVEwPKgy6s-EoB8E3xBoPQKPd5Za1hNSn15KxSMexqP0RBiZ3s8148sXT-VHFxrh9NdvTdpjAYwpm8_Rdzk/s1600/IMG_2266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob-Fdwe4o-40RIVU-HY-aYE9EUk0S5soe2pwWinUZknFOsAqgC-u3cZUucVEwPKgy6s-EoB8E3xBoPQKPd5Za1hNSn15KxSMexqP0RBiZ3s8148sXT-VHFxrh9NdvTdpjAYwpm8_Rdzk/s320/IMG_2266.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look up, it's summer!<br />
I use a tall stepladder to access this super high closet rod.</td></tr>
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You might be wondering where I am storing my sweaters, tights, socks, pyjamas etc. <br />
<br />
In buying our house we were determined to make only the minimal furniture purchases, which ended up being a sofa bed and a tv for the family room. <br />
I wasn't sure how I was going to organize myself without a dresser of any kind...but we had this pine armoire in the basement of our old house and I decided I could make it work.<br />
<br />
The armoire was in two pieces and the doors of the top portion had been removed... Kerry to the rescue again, he replaced the doors and was also able to get it sitting on the floor so that it was level.<br />
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It's actually a very large armoire and fits in loads of items. There are shelves top and bottom, some of which hold my folded sweaters and some which hold baskets to contain smaller items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_stjvda9pd9uKYK0HxJbkJXWTc9jmbgL7AdLgr3HNUuuFLmgOwrSJS1GJK_bxT9YW_hyphenhyphenV4_Jrt1Y1yvDG0sS6qhTEzJ7iH5AN_RkPgNmxUXdt5GeDEWVlK1J03UI08YfJ0s515ERZ_M/s1600/IMG_2279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_stjvda9pd9uKYK0HxJbkJXWTc9jmbgL7AdLgr3HNUuuFLmgOwrSJS1GJK_bxT9YW_hyphenhyphenV4_Jrt1Y1yvDG0sS6qhTEzJ7iH5AN_RkPgNmxUXdt5GeDEWVlK1J03UI08YfJ0s515ERZ_M/s320/IMG_2279.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarves in their boxes on the top shelf.</td></tr>
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The baskets at the bottom hold extra hosiery, out-of-season pyjamas and costume jewelry.<br />
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I give all of my sweaters a good spritz of the Laundress wool and cashmere spray before folding them and placing them back on the shelves. <br />
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I store my sweater dress from Kiel James Patrick on the top shelf... I like that it coordinates with the Hermes boxes. My Scottish wool wraps are on the shelf underneath, with a pale pink poncho (great for early summer) and then some Everlane alpaca cardigans lying below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln7lWmA1oUPlHsPQYaVH4K4SgJCFJhtAEbw28KnnpfESfpxaukp8iNDHhufSrQzy8hKsDjZWYvVNaGjmC5aBE3DEUOs5Nlz1frU_FGtsckrSXnRAw0XA_DWGB2Gg6V30w6PT4sI0BhnI/s1600/IMG_2281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln7lWmA1oUPlHsPQYaVH4K4SgJCFJhtAEbw28KnnpfESfpxaukp8iNDHhufSrQzy8hKsDjZWYvVNaGjmC5aBE3DEUOs5Nlz1frU_FGtsckrSXnRAw0XA_DWGB2Gg6V30w6PT4sI0BhnI/s320/IMG_2281.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tee shirt and turtlenecks in a wee basket.</td></tr>
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I don't really wear tee shirts anymore but I held onto my striped classic (great with a navy skirt in summer) and I store some thin turtlenecks along with it to wear under winter outfits. <br />
The patterned box was a Christmas gift box but it is also the perfect size for tights and socks. <br />
<br />
It's such a relief to have this done and while the process was slow in the end it was fun, especially the Clothing Swap with The Lauras.<br />
The best part is they're so happy with their new clothes that they're taking me out to dinner!<br />
I hope you are happy and healthy these days... please share any closet organizing tales and tips.<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-77777292981214391962020-01-11T09:49:00.000-05:002020-01-11T09:49:14.996-05:00Planning Nook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCf41dBg5ZxDNJdJFwrQhCQMcT9FL4-SgpBNRhNTmkT87v2RhH4UT_jew8sdSOZmL0VChyHLiczVrhAfvfIx9eByMCZaJPTrSymLe8w87AOKq1RvOy368hGVXvGJU96Q5oEVWEgGD6rM/s1600/IMG_2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCf41dBg5ZxDNJdJFwrQhCQMcT9FL4-SgpBNRhNTmkT87v2RhH4UT_jew8sdSOZmL0VChyHLiczVrhAfvfIx9eByMCZaJPTrSymLe8w87AOKq1RvOy368hGVXvGJU96Q5oEVWEgGD6rM/s320/IMG_2036.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
When I first spied this nook-like room in our new house I thought, oh, perfect reading nook!<br />
The previous owners used this room as a little home office, with a desk in front of the window, some filing cabinets and an office chair.<br />
While a desk in front of a window is a lovely idea, the windows here are such a size that the desk obscured part of the window, which goes against one of my personal rules of decorating: <i>not allowed obscuring windows.</i><br />
So we repaired the walls, removed the computer cables and painted this nook-like hallway Farrow & Ball's Green-Blue. <br />
The ottoman and antique sofa were items we've had for years, shoved along a wall in Old Rascal's bedroom in our last house. <br />
The chair is one of a set of antique French oak chairs inherited from my in-law's, I made the cover for the seat and found the Schumacher "Pearl River" linen pillow on Etsy.<br />
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I really like the trick of pairing an old pine window frame, filled with mirrors, opposite the actual window. It echoes the shape and reflects the outdoors. <br />
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You can see that this nook, which is at the top of the stairs coming up from the kitchen, leads into the main second-floor hallway of the house.<br />
This hallway is painted in a very warm neutral, Farrow & Ball's Dimity, but you can see there is a hallway beyond (you can catch a sliver of it, above) which has also been painted in Farrow & Ball's Green-Blue. This was MrBP's idea, and a brilliant one I think.<br />
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This nook has ended up being a planning nook rather than a reading nook. This is where I sit and read the news in the morning, do some simple household accounts (that don't require my actual office files) and generally plan my day, my week and even bigger household projects like organizing wardrobes and cupboards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine cupboard.<br />Great for storing handbags and scarves.</td></tr>
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Organizing my own wardrobe, and MrBP's, is on my agenda for January. In moving to this house our closet situations are quite different, and I'm getting an idea of what I can store and what I cannot.<br />
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I have really needed to do a wardrobe edit for at least a year, but I kept procrastinating this enjoyable task for some reason. Then, in packing up for the move I decided I was not in the mental space to actually edit out any items... I just had a feeling I would make rash decisions which I could regret.<br />
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My storage situation is a bit tricky. I have an old pine cupboard with shelves that can be used for accessories, and a closet with rods for hanging. I don't have a dresser of any kind, and no drawers to store things means some creative use of shelves and baskets.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bit of my closet.<br />The wallpaper is Anna French for Thibaut.</td></tr>
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It is still quite a bit of space, and it suits me as I do like to be able to see everything available when I'm planning outfits (out of sight means out of mind for me).<br />
MrBP's dressing area is a bit more traditional in organization, he has less hanging space but he does have a dresser and a pine chest for storing out-of-season clothes.<br />
I'm really looking forward to this project this next week, stay tuned for before and after closet photos...<br />
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Thank you for your kind comments on my last post. While our Poppa is still in hospital he is slowly making some progress, and today I'm finally well enough to go and visit him.<br />
To be honest I'm not quite 100% yet but I'm getting there. I'm grateful I've been able to rest quite a bit, getting lots of fruit and vegetables and generally just taking it easy. <br />
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I hope you are well and enjoying a happy and healthy start to this New Year. Nothing seems quite right in the world just now and it does seem a rocky beginning to this new decade. <br />
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One thing I am looking forward to this year is writing here on the blog from my little planning nook!<br />
xox,<br />
Dani<br />
<br />DaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-84570254894991501962019-12-31T14:57:00.001-05:002019-12-31T14:57:11.073-05:00Reflect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We'll be having a fairly quiet end to the year and the decade tonight. We've been slayed by a virus for the last week in our house, in fact I'm just up and moving around as of yesterday. <br />
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As we slowly mend ourselves we are in fact otherwise consumed: Poppa is still very unwell and in ICU, we hope and pray for his recovery and MrBP drives back and forth to the hospital. When he's not doing that MrBP is paying close attention to the many text updates from his brothers, who take turns keeping watch.<br />
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It's a real blessing to have siblings as one grows older.<br />
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Speaking of siblings, my Rascal Kids were all home for five days and of course it was optimum time, even with the virus getting us towards the end. <br />
It was a beautiful Christmas just being at home, and I found myself reflecting on the last decade and all of the Christmas holidays, where we were, who we were with, and the different phases of The Rascals.<br />
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One of the nicest things that happened this Christmas was the gift of this stunning painting from our former neighbour. We had invited old and new neighbours to our Open House, and Elton arrived with a painting wrapped in brown paper. <br />
A professor of art for many decades Elton still spends time painting in his studio adjacent to his beautiful stone cottage. The cottage itself is a gallery of opulence and colour, a place that could have existed at any time in the last 100 years: full of antiques, giant chandeliers, jewel-toned walls, and absolutely layered with art.<br />
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Elton asked me not to open the brown paper concealing the painting until after he left, and he didn't tell me the name of it. I'll definitely be asking him when I go see him in the new year. In the meantime, I can't help but think that Reflect would be an apt title for this work.<br />
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The shapes seem to collide, yet they phase in and out of each other. I keep seeing new colours, new shapes, yet of course it's static as well. It's like reflecting on the past.<br />
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I hope that you have a tremendous New Year's Eve, and if you're going to a party please be sure to drink and dance for me.<br />
Cheers!<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-53440975506781094442019-12-24T08:37:00.000-05:002019-12-24T08:37:14.154-05:00Christmas in the Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kitchen, always the centre of it all, really comes alive with chaos and cheer at Christmas.<br />
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Whether you have a houseful to feed or you're preparing food to bring out the door to another gathering, it will be the hub and heart of the next couple of days.<br />
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I spent yesterday polishing copper and preparing for our Christmas lunch. I made another trip to the grocery store and made an attempt to get ahead of the normal housework before all of my Rascals arrived home. Now that they're here the normal chores can slide for a bit.<br />
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This copper punch bowl from Williams Sonoma has been a real star of our kitchen these last weeks, it's so bright and beautiful, just looking at it brings on feelings of happiness.<br />
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I have every bit of red kitchen accessory available out on the counters and shelves of our kitchen.<br />
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It helps to set up little prep stations with all of the ingredients you'll need for cooking throughout the day.<br />
Roasted vegetables are my go-to these days, ideally mixed with wild rice. <br />
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Our Christmas has taken a turn with my father-in-law, dear Poppa, in hospital. I was so looking forward to seeing him for Christmas lunch, it was to be his first visit here at our house since we've moved in, and honestly we've not seen him enough, it's been such a hectic time.<br />
We're holding that worry and fear for his health quite tightly at the moment, and for me that's tinged with the sear of guilt for not spending much time with him since we were away in Austria this summer. <br />
We'll all pile into his hospital room today and hopefully he'll be on the road to recovery. <br />
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In the meantime I will leave you with the punch recipe I've been making, it's a crowd favourite, quite seasonal, and very easy to throw together too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple syrup on the stove.</td></tr>
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Combine 1 cup of brown sugar with 1 cup or water and 2 cinnamon sticks, boil and reduce on stove for 5 minutes.<br />
Let cool and then add to your punch bowl along with:<br />
1 litre of apple cider (non-alcoholic)<br />
750 ml bottle of sparkling water (San Pelligrino or Perrier)<br />
The juice of two oranges<br />
The juice of two lemons<br />
Bourbon to taste!<br />
Garnish with lemon and orange slices.<br />
<i>Adapted from a NYT Cooking recipe.</i><br />
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(You can also leave the bourbon out as an option so that the non-drinkers and the imbibers can both have a go at the punch.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Cinnamon Punch with Bourbon<br />Serve with fresh cinnamon sticks for garnish.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmbH0bxXEhl0BLmYiIEIaraMCu-FlDw-uCDm5rb_YHaES4L7sMkCH21vZa96ex58gYeJAjg2dXqYGF7qNMUZl9TBi76G93hjLmEHTAXJVqc54TyRp5e8JBRvp_5TiicQCXW-r7EvBjgA/s1600/E5C29D7C-537E-4B80-8DBD-E2FC990AA37A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmbH0bxXEhl0BLmYiIEIaraMCu-FlDw-uCDm5rb_YHaES4L7sMkCH21vZa96ex58gYeJAjg2dXqYGF7qNMUZl9TBi76G93hjLmEHTAXJVqc54TyRp5e8JBRvp_5TiicQCXW-r7EvBjgA/s320/E5C29D7C-537E-4B80-8DBD-E2FC990AA37A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As we head into this magical night I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!<br />
Love, Dani<br />
xoxDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3818151513249030194.post-75192729581258866512019-12-17T16:41:00.000-05:002019-12-17T16:41:15.739-05:00Festive for Winter: Scottish Fair Isle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3IMDUurf81NLJUhSD0nb8g1oiAtfotOxzto1AKNPpbtquIyMOEW2a3ju1kISON6wh708b3PTshyFNIRtxjgNqgMwFjFmsawkgF1RPnqBFo_y1U8KdptbTGVv7NZfvVs0lUfOKajbrwA/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3IMDUurf81NLJUhSD0nb8g1oiAtfotOxzto1AKNPpbtquIyMOEW2a3ju1kISON6wh708b3PTshyFNIRtxjgNqgMwFjFmsawkgF1RPnqBFo_y1U8KdptbTGVv7NZfvVs0lUfOKajbrwA/s320/IMG_2102.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Noble tweed for JCrew skirt 2009<br />Bosie of Scotland fair isle in Ditsy, Rosebud</td></tr>
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While I love Christmas and the holidays I'm also aware that we need to keep the winter festive feeling going... for many more months. The holiday shopping mindset is a great time to get outfits for Christmas and for the entire winter in order, don't you think?<br />
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I have these two fabulous Scottish tweed skirt suits from JCrew 2009, smart jackets and practical skirts, the skirts have an a-line shape and several panels of tweed, making them warm and walkable. <br />
They are so practical to wear, but I'm not always going to wear a tweed jacket, it's far too constricting (and let's face it, difficult to layer underneath a winter coat).<br />
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So I had an idea to pair the skirts with some very traditional fair isle sweaters, in co-ordinating colours of course!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tweed and pink wool: PREPTASTIC!</td></tr>
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<b><a href="https://www.bosie.co/home"> Bosie of Scotland</a></b>, have you heard of this brand? So lovely, gorgeous yarns, and everything knitted in Scotland. A match to Robert Noble tweeds pretty much made in heaven!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgrGZKkzyxhQWWHvY1uZr2hXUjqlPHy3NXfcEtI2qAxKl2z7b7g6iYFtYbdx66_bPJnOIx9bUV61exef0GRi71DXlVTmOlKeuoEbrQLJEd2rhRhDPdmRvKNJBnBciKGqCBxgckvtReF8/s1600/IMG_1710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgrGZKkzyxhQWWHvY1uZr2hXUjqlPHy3NXfcEtI2qAxKl2z7b7g6iYFtYbdx66_bPJnOIx9bUV61exef0GRi71DXlVTmOlKeuoEbrQLJEd2rhRhDPdmRvKNJBnBciKGqCBxgckvtReF8/s320/IMG_1710.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Noble tweeds.</td></tr>
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It was a very obvious choice to pair the green tweed skirt with a pink fair isle, we love the preptastic colours! <br />
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How about the red?<br />
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I absolutely love this golden yellow with red, I just think it picks up on the vibrancy of the tweed, the slight yellow undertone and general cheeriness. <br />
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The interior binding of the skirt (and of the matching jacket) is a golden yellow, giving a good clue to a pairing. <br />
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I love these sweaters (jumpers) they are soft and super warm, have a loose (but not ridiculously large) fit, and they make a perfect outfit with the skirts. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outfit for shopping and book club last evening.</td></tr>
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If you're interested in sourcing some fair isle from Scotland keep an eye on your calendar, <b><a href="https://www.bosie.co/home">Bosie</a></b> is having a Boxing Day sale <i>(as per usual my links do not generate any commissions or tracking).</i><br />
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I hope your lead-up to Christmas is going well and that you're not going crazy with preparations!<br />
xoxDaniDaniBPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.com14