Monday catch up: my tree is up ♥

Good Morning Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

As usual the weekend flew by and all of a sudden here we are again! I've got the Monday blues, and it usually takes me to Wednesday before they shake off, just in time to get ready for the weekend. Thats how it goes with me.  I'm always headed for the weekend : ) 

 The weather here in New England has gotten very cold!  I lit my first fire on Saturday and now there's no stopping me.  The first thing I did this morning was light another one.  While the kitchen warmed, I put on a pot of coffee and got dressed.  By the time I was done and having my first sip it was nice and toasty in here.  We have a lot of wood left over from last year that I'm going to burn and I love it because I don't have to run the heat during the day.  Some people say they don't light fires because they don't like the smell, but I rather enjoy it.  It smells like winter and the holidays and that's what I love.  

Very very cozy ♥

Last night after dinner I made this easy bread recipe I saw on TikTok.  I thought I'd give it a shot.  If there was a chance of having fresh bread in the morning, I was willing to risk it.  

#fingerscrossed! 

It came out amazing! My cinnamon toast tasted soooo good!! 

  

Here's a screenshot of the recipe.  I'm telling you, it was a sinch! And so worth it.  Something about homemade bread makes me feel like I'm doing something right in this world. 

 Is that too dramatic? I don't care.  It's good, so try it : ) 

Something else I want to share before I forget is I finished this book last night...OH MY! 

 Full disclosure I listened to the audiobook and I could not stop listening! I highly recommend if you like thriller mysteries!  I listened while cleaning, doing laundry, and making dinner.  I was a machine because I didn't want to stop listening.  It had 3 narrators, so it was like listening to a movie play out in my head. I really loved it.  

Anyway....on to what's really important....♥

 

My tree is up! Yay! ♥

I'm so enjoying it in the early mornings and evenings.  It's very peaceful and calm.  

My goal was to have it up by Thanksgiving and I'm happy that it's done so we can enjoy it for the full festive season. I have little bits and bobs of other decorations scattered around but I'm not fully decorated yet.  I'm enjoying the little things and decided not to go overboard. 

I had an epifamily the other day while doomscrolling making a mental list of all the home decor things I want run out and buy to make my home look like all the pretty Christmas homes on Instagram.  What am I doing?...I thought.  I already have so much and don't need anything else.  I'll use what I have and in fact, every year I tell myself I have too much (I'm talking Christmas and holiday decorations in general).  Bins and bins full!  Do I need anymore? No I don't. I put my phone down.  

I'll use what I have and it will be just fine.  I'm so easily swayed sometimes but I'm fighting the urge.  

Have you ever felt that way? Sometimes you have to stop yourself.  At least I do. 

I decided to focus more on food, family, and friends, rather than making my house look like a magazine and buying things I really don't need. 

I went on to more important things, like food! I started a little notebook that I've been writing my holiday menus and recipes in - mostly so I don't forget next year! I have purchased our Thanksgiving turkey and he's all cozy in the freezer.  Check that off the list.  In addition to the usual stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots - I'm adding a few new things this year.  Corn casserole and sweet potatoe casserole! I've never done either but am feeling ambitious. My mom would be so proud. And remember the cranberry brie bites I was talking about a few weeks ago?  They look so easy and will make a lovely appetizer.  

Best Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

I saw a tip that says you can mix the cranberry sauce with a little orange marmalade or apricot jam and that sounded good too.  I'm going for it! ♥

Meanwhile, outside Fall is in full bloom.  

Yesterday I was treated to visit from my duck friends who were having a very lively conversation! 

They will enjoy the river before the winter comes and they fly south.  Like all smart ducks do.  For now, I love watching and listening to them. 

 I always have ♥

And a weekend wouldn't be complete without a little baking.  I revisited an old recipe for Oatmeal bars which were very yummy. Rob has requested I make another batch for this lunch this week so that's on the agenda today! 

They were originally oatmeal raisin bars but I substituted the raisons for white chocolate chips.  

If I had dried cranberries I would have added them but unfortunately, I'm out.  

However, they are just as yummy, chewy, white-chocolatey, and delicious and you'd think they'd be.

Here's a link to the recipe.  I left out the nuts too! ♥

Oatmeal Raisin Bars - Shutterbean

They remind me of old school lunch box treats so it's funny Rob asked me for another batch for his lunch! Actually, when I first blogged about them they were for John's lunch (in 2015!!).  

I love revisiting old blog posts to see where I was at that time.  It was winter and I was in full nesting mode - ironing things, making chicken pot pies, and planning a spring garden.  John was taking swimming lessons and I was deep into 1980's sitcoms and Downton Abbey!  Aside from the swimming lessons, not much has changed! LOL 

I also love seeing our old house.  I used to put white twinkle lights around our kitchen window in the wintertime.  I miss that window! (go back in time HERE : )   

Well, that's all the catch up I have for you today, friends!  I have lots of computer work to do today and I must get at it or I never will.  Thankfully, it's lunch time so this Monday is half over! 

 I hope you find your peace this week ♥ 

 Thank you for visiting me today.  I'll be catching up with you all too! 

Stay cozy! ♥

Byeeeee! xoxo

It's 2025! Let's Catch up ♥

Hello Friends! Long time no see! I did not expect to be away so long, but days turned into weeks and now here we are - mid January! Rest assured, all is well.  Life has been hectic and I've been busy, but things are starting to slow down now and I can finally start to breathe again.  The weather has been freezing cold, but isn't it so pretty?

As I type this post Christmas seems like a lifetime ago (and a bit of a blur to be honest with you.) Didn't is seem to go by way too fast? I think it was because Thanksgiving was so late and we had so little time to do all the things before Christmas.  I was at the bank this morning having this same conversation with the teller and she told me that next year Thanksgiving is also late, but this time I'll be prepared for it! And God-willing won't have pneumonia in November like I just did. That did not help my situation at all : )

Anyway, let me give you a quick catch up.  December was nuts. Mainly because Rob and I purchased my Dad's house (the house I currently live in and is my childhood home).  We are the official owners now which is great and a huge relief for my Dad.  We've taken that responsibility off his plate now and he can be happy as can be in his cozy chair and do whatever he pleases.  For us, it meant lots of paperwork and forms and everything else that is involved in buying a house. Thankfully, everything went well, we're up and running, and I'm so happy that part is behind us.  The house needs some updating and we're slowly chipping away at it - room by room - trying to enjoy the process.  Put that on top of Christmas and all that goes with it - decorating, shopping, wrapping, and just trying to enjoy the holiday season, AND working a full-time job.  It was also a constant reminder that it was the first one without my mom and that felt very very different.  December was a rollercoaster of emotions. 

My Dad hadn't been well leading up to Christmas. I was so worried he'd be in the hospital for Christmas.  I just felt something coming (hoping I was going to be wrong). It was a relief he wasn't in on Christmas day, but December 26th I had to take him to the ER.  He was admitted and was in for 5 days.  He needed a blood transfusion for a pre-existing condition, he had a bunch of tests run, and a small procedure that ended up being very beneficial (that he should have had months ago, but I won't go into the healthcare system and my feelings on it...because I'm trying to be positive here :)                    

He came home on New Years Eve day and has been feeling better ever since. Thank you, God! I'm sure many of you have experienced what I'm going through - having a parent or family member who is elderly, and you constantly worry about them - back and forth from the doctors and hospital all the time - it's a lot.  I'm very grateful when we have good days. 

SO that's where I've been.  But now I'm back! As I said earlier, Christmas seems like a lifetime ago, but I can't go without sharing some pictures of a lovely Christmas lunch my mother-in-law hosted the Sunday before Christmas.  It was definitely my favorite day of this holiday season.  It was so cozy and relaxed, and I loved it.  

 

I wish I could go back and relive this day again because it was that nice.  I also wish I could eat the meal again! I'm looking forward to next year! 

The week between Christmas and New Years was the week my Dad was in the hospital. By the time he came home on New Years Eve we were ready to have a cozy night in and a very good sleep! We all needed it.  It's a miracle I made it to midnight, but I did! I'm happy to leave 2024 behind and start fresh in 2025~! 

But before I wrap up Christmas with a bow, I just quickly wanted to share with you the most lovely gift I received from my mother in law.  This perfume is my new favorite thing in the world.

She picked it up in October while vacationing in Capri, Italy (but assured me it's available on Amazon if I run out!).  I'm honestly in love with it! It smells like the most perfect spring day.  I've been wearing it every day since it was gifted to me : ) 

And now on to 2025! 

So normally I'm not one for New Years resolutions, however I do like a good starting point and I always think that Jan 1st is a good time to begin something new.  I made a little list off the top of my head of "goals" for the new year.  I posted this on Instagram on January 1st.

So far (14 days in :) I'm doing pretty good.  I'm trying to get out everyday day and walk, even in the bitter cold.  I don't mind bundling up and the fresh air always makes me feel good.  I'm trying to be better about meal planning and making more things from scratch.  I want to be better and keeping up with friends and writing letters, accepting help when needed, and being more positive in my life.  I'm definitely glass-half-empty girl and that's no good for anyone.  Being more mindful of my spending, shopping small business, and going to thrift shops...something I do really enjoy, I just need to set aside time to do it.  That's just a handful of things I have been thinking about and trying to improve. Did you set any goals for the new year? 

On Sunday I made this bread recipe I found on Pinterest.  It came out delicious and only took 2 hours to rise.  If you want to jump into bread making, I highly suggest this recipe.  I've got another loaf rising right now. 

(recipe here)

I also made my mom's sour cream coffee cake which made the house smell like she was in the kitchen baking, and it was like a great big hug.   

(recipe here)

And now as I ease into the new year, I'm enjoying quiet days at home.  

I've always loved January for that reason.  After all the hustle and bustle of December I feel like we can all recharge our social batteries.

It's been FREEZING cold here and I've been loving being more aware of nature and all its beauty. 

 My walks are helping that.  I'm looking forward to seeing everything come back to life in spring. 

My Christmas cactus is blooming for the first time in years.  Yay! 

And despite the bitter the cold, we have sunshine.  Thank goodness for that!

A little sign spring will be here soon.  

*fun fact I thought this plant was dead so seeing this little flower blooming was very exciting! lol*

I live a very quiet and small life and it's my intention to keep it that way.  I'll do little things each day to be good to myself and I hope you do the same. 

Just like the flowers....we rest and then we bloom.....hopefully....♥

I hope you all had a very happy Christmas and New Year (I hope it's not too late to say that!!).  

Happy Tuesday my lovely friends. 

Stay cozy and enjoy the sunshine if you can find it ♥

XOXO

Happy New Year ♥

Hello Friends! Is it too late to say "happy new year?"  If not, well....happy new year!  ♥

I just realized this is my first post of the new year. We welcomed the new year very quietly.  We ate a nice meal and played some fun card games with my Dad.  With barely one eye open I did manage to see the ball drop and I made my New Year's wish.  The next day I took my tree down.  Another Christmas packed away until next year. Never could I image when I put up my tree what this holiday season would bring.  I thought about that as I wrapped ornaments in tissue and balled up strings of lights and packed them in bins until next year.  Life can be so unpredictable.

Anyway, since then I've been trying to get back into the swing of things, catching up on work and daily tasks.  I've been cooking again which has made me feel good.  Life goes on as they say.  

Welcome to 2024 ♥

  

It snowed yesterday.  Well actually it rained, then snowed, then rained, then snowed, then froze.  So basically, it was mess.  For certain it was cold and no way was I stepping one toe outside this house.  It was Sunday and a good day to stay warm and cozy.  I cleaned a little, put a pot roast in the crockpot, and baked my mother's favorite apple cake.  It felt good to do those things.  I was feeling ambitious so I decided to try my hand at a Joanna Gains bread recipe that's been on my mind for a while.  You know me and my bread.  It's what I love : ) 

So while the wind howled outside, I started on my dough. 

 ♥

While I set it aside to rise I did more cleaning, drank more coffee, and listened to some music.  

Back to the dough...♥

I had to make a braid.  I drew a blank.  Do you think I could remember how to do it?! And I had no one to ask.  It took me a few minutes until it clicked. I got really worried there for a minute! 

Three pieces, over, under, over, under... now I remember! 

Whew! 

My skills could use some work but at least it resembled a braid.

The recipe called for sesame seeds but I didn't have any so I used Everything Bagel seasoning.  

I had recently seen someone online do that and it sounded good. 

In exactly 28 minutes I got this.  Yay! It actually worked!  ♥

The truth is it was a very easy recipe to follow (aside from the braiding! lol). 

I find that with most all Joanna Gains recipes. 

(this one is from The Magnolia Table Vol 2 cookbook in case you're wondering)

It was astonishing to me that I actually made something that looked this good.  

I guess anything is possible when you have an angel on your shoulder.  And I do : ) 

Maybe this is the year of trying new things.  Maybe it's the year of not being intimated or being afraid something is too hard.  If I mess up and can't make a braid, so be it.  It will still taste good.  And it did.  It sopped up that pot roast like a dream.  

My heart was happy  ♥

So, today it's the start of a new week and back to work.  I miss Christmas vacation and days off with all of us home watching movies and taking naps.  Those are the best days.  The ordinary days that mean so much. 

It's still freezing out but I did see little gleams of sunshine through my office window earlier.  That's a good sign. Still not going out though.  Not today anyway. Maybe tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day friends!  I hope you are staying warm and cozy.  It's mid afternoon now and it's time for tea and a snack. There's still some apple cake left over from last night.  It's so yummy! 

I'll share the recipe this week  ♥

Byeeee! xx 

Sourdough Bread ♥

Sourdough bread is a labor of love ♥

It's not something that can be whipped up overnight.  That is both very satisfying and frustrating at the same time. Looking at sourdough recipes they all have certain elements that are the same, and some slight variations.  For my first time at it, I thought I did pretty well. I actually got a loaf of bread out of my starter, so that's an accomplishment right there!  

Here she is. I started with 1/3 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water in a jar. I fed it these same measurements every day for seven days. You want the consistency to be like a thick pancake batter, so if you have to add a dash more flour or a little more water to make it work, that's ok.  I think back to our grandmothers and great grandmothers and they didn't seem to worry or fuss about beings so specific, so neither do I : ) 

I also read that the jar does not have to be sealed, only lightly placed on top so oxygen can still get in. 

It was slow getting started, but once I found the warmest spot in my house she began to thrive.  I learned temperature is very important and sourdough likes it warm & cozy ♥

 

Bubbly and happy, she grew and grew.  You want bubbles to know it's alive! ♥

I eventually had to transfer the starter out of this mason jar and into a glass canister. 

After 7 days it was time to make bread.  I used a 1/2 cup of the starter in my recipe, along with 3 cups of flour, water, and salt.  This is the dough after the first rise (overnight). 

Wow ♥

And here is the finished product.  My first loaf of sourdough bread! 

Reviews were mixed.  It was tasty and crusty on the outside.  John and Rob loved it. I would have liked it with a bit more of a "sour" taste, which I'm not sure how to achieve.  Maybe feeding my starter longer so it can ferment more?  It was also a little dense.  I would have preferred it a bit more light and puffy, but it was still delicious! 

This is the method I used for baking. It comes from Jill at The Prairie Homestead on YouTube. It was very easy!  Jill's  recipe called for the "stretch and fold" technique only one time.  I've seen other recipes where it's done 3 or 4 times. I think my bread would have been less dense if I had taken the time to do that.  I also noticed other recipes use bread flour instead of all purpose.  I'm wondering what difference that makes. 

*mental note for next time!* 

It really is a process and I think it's going to take a few times for me to really get the hang of.  I'm excited to try different variations and see what happens. 

If you've ever made sourdough and have any tips for me, please send them my way! 

For now I stopped feeding my starter because I have so much of it. It's resting comfortably in the fridge until I'm ready to pull it out and activate it. This weekend I'm going to try my hand at sourdough English muffins and another loaf of bread.  

I'll let you how it goes! Fingers crossed! ♥

Here's something fun I did. Homemade croutons! 

I took a few slices of the bread, cut them into large cubes, and toasted them in a pan with olive oil, S&P, and garlic powder.  

I remember reading in one of my Susan Branch cookbooks that she does this and uses little star cut outs. I wasn't that fancy, but they were a delicious topping to our soup that night ♥

One thing I know for sure is that we love bread around here and I've never met a loaf I didn't love : )  

♥

Have a great day friends!!  xoxo