Good morning, dear reader friends!
How fast mid-March has arrived! Just as soon as I thought we were welcoming spring, we got a blanket of snow over the weekend. Even though it was less than six inches, it was the first and only proper snow we've gotten this year. (We did have a few ice storms, though.) The snow began falling on Friday evening as we were preparing dinner and just as soon as we finished eating, we bundled up in our warmest scarves and hats and put on weather-proof boots and giddily marched outdoors to walk in the winter wonderland a bit. The wind was freezing and making the snow fall directly in your face as you walked ahead, so we looked like oddballs walking sideways in the driveway to avoid the arctic blast attacking our faces. But it was most glorious! My snow-loving heart was happy as can be as we pranced around the garden in childlike delight at the white powdery goodness falling from the sky creating a magical snowglobe around us. Saturday was spent cozied up inside with warm foods and British mysteries on TV. What could be more perfect for a late winter weekend?
Spring is just around the corner, though. Just a week ago, we had our first daffodil of the season making its grand debut, along with a few teeny tiny grape hyacinths. I noticed that a couple days later, there were green shoots poking through the earth, which meant more daffodils were on the way. Of course, with the snowfall, I don't know if they will bloom as normal this year...the next few days will tell. We have had late snowfalls before, once even in mid-April, which is unheard of in my corner of the world. But it was nearly fifteen years ago, so I forget how the plants and flowers responded. Either way, flowers are soon to be blooming and trees will soon be green again. Spring is on the way.
Before an official welcome to spring, though, I wanted to share just a handful of the domestic delights that have made this winter fun and delightful. The above photo is the view we enjoy every evening in our living room. Our window in this room looks out into our sunroom, so we don't have to worry about privacy, which means no blinds or shades are needed. And that means we can just decorate it however we want. Wintertime means fairy lights and lots of them...I really don't think you can have too many of them. Add a few paper stars (that I made last year) and some colorful paper ornaments that my sister made and it makes the most whimsical wintertime window.
One of my "little dreams" that I wanted to try out this year was pie decorating. I have seen gorgeous designs in magazines and online and such, so I decided to start simple. So on a very cold January night, right around the full moon, I decided a "Winter's Night" design was most suitable...I made a from-scratch all-butter flaky pie crust which tasted like heaven and for the filling, it was a comforting and warm chicken pot pie...our very favorite. Cookie cutters were my little helpers in this design and I did hand-braid a small piece of dough, which I think turned out rather cute. A snowman, two gingerbread friends, a moon and stars...the perfect "Winter's Night" pot pie...and it was delicious and comforting, too! Now I am even more excited to try new designs and techniques!
Winter is not a season, it is a celebration.
~ Anamika Mishra ~
Back around Christmas, my mom bought a couple extra containers of mascarpone cheese that were on sale. I usually turn to my go-to recipe when it comes to mascarpone cheese which is our favorite Hot Chocolate Tiramisu, but this time, we wanted to try something different. And have a bit of fun experimenting, too! I searched online and found the most scrumptious looking tart and when I made it, we were absolutely in heaven. It was blissful...chocolately and yummy! And it made me happy to add another tried-and-true recipe to my collection.
What is your favorite way to use mascarpone cheese?
Shut the door;
not that is lets in the cold~
But that it lets
out the coziness.
~ Mark Twain ~
Last winter my sister had seen people online wearing scarves with a loop on one end for the other end to go through. She really admired them and asked me to try making one each for my mom, her and me, and after just a little bit of research online, I knew exactly what to do. The actual method was simple and not complicated or confusing at all, so the project went rather fast. After I completed our scarves, we got the idea to make a few for our furry kitty babies. And of course, as cats are, not everyone was so cooperative with modeling the scarves for me. But our Orla (above), Noelle (middle picture), and Duncan (third picture) were patient with me as I waved toys in the air and crinkled paper to get their attention for this mini-photoshoot. And we just giggled as we watched because they were just so darn cute...{{heart eyes}}
Nothing makes a house cozier than cats. And nothing looks so comfortable as a cat.
~ Gladys Taber ~
Books. Cats. Life is good.
~ Edward Gorey ~
This winter was a delightful one...I ventured into a few different projects, both crafty ones and others in the kitchen. Our days were enjoyable and sweet and our nights were gentle and homey. Coziness all around. Just how wintertime should be. Along with these domestic delights, I also read quite a bit and came across a couple new-to-me shows that have been making my evenings oh-so-fun. I plan on sharing a post about those things very soon...
I do hope your winter was every bit as splendid as mine and that you are looking forward to welcoming spring and all her beauty. May your week be lovely in every way, sweet readers, and may your find nuggets of beauty in your ordinary moments...be aware and notice these sweet gifts, for they are everywhere if we open our eyes and hearts to them. ♥
What domestic delights filled your winter, dear ones? I'd love to hear from you...as always, you are warmly invited to share.
Stay cozy and be well...