We spent some time up north at a chalet in the woods this month, it was so quiet that I felt the world had been completely altered. Then I realized, oh yeah it's just quiet.
The chalet is close to the water and the ski slopes, fingers crossed I'll have some snow-filled photos to share in December.
The necessary roaring fire:
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| Toe Warming |
Back on the home front I've been getting ready for the holidays. Mailed out the gift boxes the end of October... ordered Christmas cards... bought the Diptyque holiday candles... once again FORGOT to start a brandy fruitcake...
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| Diptyque Holiday Candles 2015 |
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| They smell like magical trees. |
I've done a bit of wrapping, like these gifts of new flannel sheets for our son that Ole rascal. He asked for them, I guess this means he's becoming very adult-like?
Do you find the act of wrapping Christmas presents practically demands a wee tipple? Me too and look what I discovered: ginger liqueur.
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The King's Ginger
Deadly good ginger liqueur. |
I bought a new cookbook with a cheerful cover:
I've made a few things from it so far so I can give it the official thumbs-up.
The chick pea pancakes were delicious:
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| With fresh coriander. |
I finally chose a fabric for the foyer draperies. These last details are taking me forever, especially for a typically quick decision-maker like myself . Patterns, colours and texture we'll be seeing every day for a long time...and I have to say the "hard" materials of renovating are easier choices, buy the best flooring etc that one can afford and make sure the installation is expert. I find the soft, fun finishes the toughest to wrap my head around.
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This is only the sample.
Waiting to see the actual fabric which can sometimes differ. |
I've been working on a special volunteer project this month and while it's been interesting it's also a challenge. Applying a methodology to the everyday workings and concerns of an organization in order to propel it forward, and using an appreciative process to do so... it is always difficult to marry theory to practice though, isn't it?
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| Appreciative Process: focus on the values and life-affirming attributes. |
Speaking of volunteering, I'm getting ready to help a bit with one of my favourite "Living On Less" series in the new year. I'm thinking about budgeting tips and systems, and while we have a good introduction to tracking money on a weekly basis I'm trying to set up something easy and long-term, something that doesn't involve a computer spreadsheet (not all of our participants have access to a computer, or while they might they are not comfortable using software etc.)
So far I have an idea of index cards used to track categories for a month, an excellent tool to see the budget numbers at year's end too.
Monthly outflows for the different categories would be very simply recorded on the cards. The categories are the trick but I'm thinking that beyond the obvious "groceries" and "drug store/medical" they could be personalized according to the participant's lifestyle. My goal would be to have the system ready in kits for our group.
Any tips for simple long-term budgeting I could use?
In other Mop Philosophy work are you doing any prep work for the holidays?
Are you in the US and looking forward to Thanksgiving? Wish I was there!
I hope you've been well Darling Tooties. I'm working on a winter wardrobe colour story which should be ready this week, I'll update with a link to ole Frock Philosophy when I get it together. I've been thinking about it all while wearing nearly the same thing for weeks, more on that because it's a good foundation outfit concept for busy times.
Be as good as can be expected,
xoxDani
