Kierkegaardian

 After going back and forth on the existence of the blog in a very Kierkegaardian fashion (either/or) here we are. I seem to have corrected my spam commenting problem, although I'm not sure how.  A computer programmer I am not.  If the ugly head of constant inappropriate comments from rude robots rears its head once more I'm going to put Ole Rascal on the problem, because he actually is a programmer.

In important news around the BP house I have a new favourite fabric:

Moody lighting shot.

I've used it as a curtain in the ensuite bathroom (which functions as a bit of a dressing room as well).  I've also used it as the new wallpaper for the blog.
As you can see I did some slapdash sewing and tarted up the chair with a leopard print cushion.  Leopard being a neutral of course.

In other news I found myself some LeCreuset spatulas in a turquoise blue:

Brussel Sprouts and Chestnuts

 I've been very busy the last few months trying to figure out how to do a plant-based diet correctly.  We started in August and it's been a real eye-opener.  I love cooking more than ever now and it's been fun to discover little heroes of the plant-based kitchen, such as cashew cream:

Cashew cream ready for the freezer.
Here's a really good recipe.

All of this time in the kitchen has made me really miss my Mop Philosophy Kitchen posts!  So much good information to share and discuss.

 I've also been busy hanging out with this character:

 This is my favourite time of year for long walks, especially on days when the temperature hovers around freezing.  All that bracing fresh air, so good!

Veg to serve with black beans and grits.

Roasted carrots are delicious served with lentils and potatoes.
It's the new roast chicken dinner.

 How is your kitchen these days? What's going on at home? Doing any decorating? Having any existential Kierkegaardian moments?

I'll be back with Christmas decorating...it's all go around here.
xoxDani

Fresh Eyes

The azaleas in bloom all over Hilton Head Island

We're back from our trip south which was fun and relaxing for multiple generations of the family.  A week away with both of our fathers was priceless.
We nearly froze on a daily basis, something about a nor'easter named Stella blowing arctic air all down the eastern coast?  We bundled up in our layers and looked longingly at the swimming pool, but our eyes did have some reprieve from winter by way of spring flowers everywhere.

A window box in Charleston.

 Charleston is my favourite.  How pretty is this city? I had no idea.  The day we visited was bright, sunny and cold, but the garden finery of Charleston is permanent and classic:

Old brick, garden urns and wrought iron: Charleston themes.

 The gas lanterns! So gorgeous:

 We had lunch with some super-fun friends of my father-in-law at this really lovely restaurant:

Recommended for the food and service.

After a grey winter here in Canada the bright (if cold) days south were really welcome to our eyes.  You know how returning from a holiday sometimes brings clarity of vision?  I arrived home to see my house and how I've organized it in a new light.  I've been moving furniture, cleaning like mad, and donating a few things.  I've done twenty seven loads of laundry, found the perfect coffee table and bought a lamp for the dining room.

More Hilton Head Island flowers.

I've been mulling over the ideas behind this blog too, and questioning the purpose of it.  I feel that blogs have changed a great deal since I started writing Mop Philosophy in 2009.  Many of my favourites have sadly closed, or moved on to Instagram.  I continue to read and enjoy blogs that are highly personal, and that is how I shall proceed with my own.  I'll focus on domestics which are such an interest and a pleasure for me, even if I am a slapdash cook, decorator and baker.
I hope you've been well Darling Tooties.
xoxDani