Green Christmas

 We've been waiting for the temperatures to go below zero and the picturesque snow to fall so we can have some good photo opportunities while picking out our Christmas tree, but I don't think it's going to happen.  We'll be navigating the mud as we pick out the perfect tree this weekend.  Do you have your tree up?

Doing your best to eat your vegetables?

 Me too, but I also wanted to show you this antique paisley tablecloth which I bought from Ellie's Shop.

Antique paisley tablecloth I luff it.

 Care to see the drapes we installed in the foyer?

Here they are open.

Here they are closed.

 I look like a green puffa marshmallow in my wool stuffed vest but I don't mind.  It's from The Rose, a UK shop that sadly has closed.

Wearing the Green Puffa with Brora greens on a country weekend.

 Back in town I've been wearing my JCrew blazers from years past.
I'm a fan of houndstooth with leopard how about you?

JCrew houndstooth Robert Noble blazer 2006.

 We went to the country for a weekend of hiking in the mud (that had originally been planned for skiing- but never mind).

The food was decidedly vegetable-free.

 Having trouble sleeping?  Me too, even with cozy flannel and all of the darkness typical for this time of year.

Insomnia, even with flannel coziness.  Oh well.

 Cleaning like a maniac before your Christmas festivities begin?  That's par for the course but I could really use an extra pair of hands... fortunately the Rascal Uni kids are finished with exams soon.

 How do you store your tablecloths?  I like this system of labelling the hangers with the size and then hanging them in my laundry cupboard:

Ironed and ready to go.

 I hope your Christmas preparations are going well and that you are feeling festive.
I was feeling extremely disorganized until I made a list which was like taking a valium: very calming.  That's the power of list-making.
Put your feet up and relax awhile (maybe with a Brandy Alexander), and whatever you do avoid the malls.
Cheers Darling Tooties,
xoxDani

Mop Philosophy Monday

 We've had a bit of a country/city weekend that began with a visit to Scout's holiday farm, how do you like this firewood stacked neatly in an old trunk?  That's just the sort of practical display and organization that is really pleasing to the eye.

As are old restored barns...

Star detail on barn.

 I'm not sure why chickens are so funny but somehow they are, so full of character and bemusement:

The chickens in their house at Scout's holiday farm.
Scout desperately wanted to get in there... to cause a commotion I'm sure!

 Ruby has soulful eyes doesn't she?

Ruby

 Don't worry about Scout one bit, she's having the time of her life and now leaps through the tall grass like a giant rabbit.  Being a city dog this skill took some time apparently!

Scout and Doogan leaping like giant rabbits.
Apparently she looked at it for three days while formulating her leaping strategy.

 Wondering what's going on inside our completely gutted and debris-filled house?

Last week: the subfloor and new bits of the unfinished oak.

 Things are looking lovely inside, the new floors are down on all three stories, have been stained and are just between coats to finish.

The new floor with a brown stain.

Ta-Da!

Work on the outside has been less than busy.  We had another go-round with our permits and a required inspection which then piqued some interest... in maybe an engineer's report on the foundation for the back steps?  Well we've got that done after lots of back-and-forth, commotion, extra costs and some lost time.  This is the way it goes and if it all went smoothly there would be no stories...

Sad old stone waiting to become something.

Work at a standstill.  

The foundation which could survive the Zombie Apocalypse.
The engineer agreed it will be solid long past our time on this Fair Earth.

 We have fresh stamps from the inspectors and engineers as of this past Friday and a go-ahead to build full-steam, this week should be busy and I only wish it wasn't so cold outside.  It was frustrating for the crews to not be able to just do their job, I always think it would be so satisfying to have a trade and to build things but to be mired down because of paperwork would be a frustrating aspect of that job, don't you think?  Fingers crossed that the conditions won't be too tough for the crews this week...

Stay tuned as I know it seems like I am ignoring some key aspects of Mop Philosophy such as organizing and wardrobes... this is not the case for there is action behind the scenes.  Upcoming we have Intel From New York, our faithful blog member Teacups has submitted a report With Photos on the new Brora shop on Madison Avenue, it's true!
 We also have much to discuss around the issues of tidying, cleaning and organizing according to the KonMari Method... and of course there is the eternal vexation of the dichotomy of wardrobing: specifically everyday outfits focussed on comfort, plain colours and practical pieces juxtaposed with shiny metallic party clothes (to satisfy our imaginations and that inner bright interest that wants joyful pretty things), not a new concept to be sure but one I've been thinking about lately.

Have an excellent and productive day Tooties and May Your Force Be With You,
xoxDani