Mop Philosophy Monday

 We've been having a winter storm here for the last couple of days, and it has gone like this: rain, freezing rain, snow, more freezing rain, rain, more freezing rain... on and on.  Freezing rain feels quite terrible when it hits one's face while outside... best to stay in.
I've been lighting lots of candles, like this Diptyque dragon candle in the family room.

Sweet Violets sent over a yellow bouquet for my monthly flowers on Saturday, isn't it like looking at sunshine?

Just the thing.

 I made French onion soup on Saturday, mostly because I had about twelve onions lying around.  Working near a candle is meant to reverse the crying that occurs while cutting onions.  It didn't really work for me, tears were streaming!

 Brandy and herbes de Provence really create a nice finish to a French onion soup.

This is my latest kitchen tip, and it wasn't my idea, it comes from my friend Les.  Store your Costco sized bags of underripe avocados in the refrigerator and remove them one at a time, as needed, 6 to 12 hours before you want to consume them.

Such a rare thing: a perfectly ripe avocado.

 I can't believe it, it works wonders.

Today it is still looking grim outside and I have a million little tasks swirling around my brain, I'd better get down to it and make a list.

Later today I'll be making good use of these apples.  I'm going to cook up The Pioneer Woman's applesauce recipe.

I hope your week starts off beautifully.
xoxDani

The Hedgehog and the Highlander

 The top two stand-out ornaments on our tree this year have to be the hedgehog and the Highlander.

 I bought the Highlander in Scotland this past October, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse gift shop, or as we always refer to gift shops "la boutique".
 That was a particularly good "la boutique".

Elephants are always a theme on our tree, I can appreciate the gold and glitz of this little fellow:

 You can't go wrong with the classic red rocking horse in wood.

 The Rascals have their stockings laid out, ready for Santa.

 I spent yesterday afternoon chopping and stirring nuts and fruit for the Christmas pudding cake.  I had to make some substitutions to keep it plant based (like using flax eggs instead of real eggs, basically it's just ground flax soaked in water until it reaches a strange, egg-like consistency).  I also used Earth Balance plant-based "butter" instead of coconut oil, only because I don't care for the taste of coconut oil.

 It smelled wonderful while it was cooking but we'll have to see how it tastes... though if I pour brandy all over it and light it on fire (not part of the recipe by the way) I think it will be a spectacle and any odd texture will be forgiven.

Last evening was an ideal pre-Christmas time at home in front of the fire with the candles lit.  First of all I was feeling very lazy so I made a green salad and then I ordered pizza, one with vegan cheese for us and mozzarella for the Rascals.
 Then we watched a Christmas movie with James Stewart: The Shop Around The Corner.

Have you seen this movie?  It was so good!  I highly recommend.
I'll be all over town today, everywhere from the Orthodontist office (Lil Rascal) to the shoe repair place, the post office, bank and the one grocery store in town where I can source roasted chestnuts... hoping there hasn't been a run on them.
I hope you get everything done today,
xoxDani