Ugh, this last one would've made such a cute Christmas card! Alas, in an uncharacteristic burst of organization and wherewithal, I've already had mine printed. But they're not as "Amelia" as this photo. This photo is just so her.
T H A N K Y O U G U YSSSS! Thank you so much for the orders. XOXOXO I appreciate them so much. Every order that came in before 10 a.m. yesterday morning has now been shipped. Because of all of the reissues we worked on this year we still have tons of stuff in the shop for Christmas and for the new year, and that makes me so happy. Usually we end the year with absolutely nothing. I have a few new design ideas brewing, including that nursery-rhyme design (that I did a few years ago and never stitched — or rather, I tried to stitch it but I was making so many major mistakes I literally gave up) that I want to get into a shape to release. Not sure if it will be a kit or just a pattern. I also want to do some hand-embroidery patterns for you to frame in little grapevine wreaths (we'll probably make a kit for it that doesn't include the wreaths, but you can get those easily at any craft store these days — it's really hard to get large quantities of stuff like this in a timely way these days, and it would probably go sideways if I tried). I'm also going to think about whether we want to start packaging our soap in little boxes so that they can be shipped in eco-envelopes instead of boxes. That was the trickiest thing about selling soap and embroidery kits together and gave me complete fits when shipping: Soap wants to go in a box so that it doesn't get smashed, kits obviously can be shipped for much less cost in envelopes. If we boxed the soap itself, we could put it in envelopes with the kits. I don't know. Still thinking about whether we even want to make soap to sell. Andy wants to!
Anyway! Here we are with a lot of trees. We went to the Christmas-tree farm and to the woods. We've had some really nice weather, actually, and it makes hiking really nice. That said, I won't lie, I'm getting sick of going to the woods. Amelia gets her second vaccine tomorrow and then I think life will open up for us a bit more. Planning Christmas stuff outside is a little tricky. There are some things to do outside that we do like to do every year, including seeing the lights at The Grotto and going to Zoo Lights at the zoo, but now you have to have reservations and buy your tickets ahead of time — and what if it's pouring? Or freezing? Or like, no one (probably me) feels like going that night? Agh. I'm really not good at planning stuff in advance, I have to admit. As soon as I have something on the books I feel anxious, especially if I've spent money on it. Maybe this is an introvert thing! Anyway, I find it hard to commit to outdoor stuff at night in the middle of winter. What can I say.
Clover Meadow had two teeth pulled on Tuesday without incident and Agatha Kitters was spayed the Tuesday before that. She gets her silly cone off TOMORROW (she won't believe how happy she'll be) and we all rejoice that our pets are alive and well and good lord, December is an expensive month. . . . Agatha's personality seems to have completely changed, and she has become either freezing or incredibly sweet, as all she wants to do now is snuggle with someone. I was just upstairs brushing my hair and she was meowing and meowing at me and I swear she was telling me to get back into bed. She likes to be completely under my legs under all of the covers and blankets. She would stay there all day. I would, too, if only. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Amelia has made me her Christmas list and it is filled with such sweet, homely things I had to swallow hard when I saw it. A new sweatshirt. A velvet jacket (red or blue or pink or cyan). "Carmal" candy. Oh how I love her! Next week is the last week of school before break and I am ready for it. School's going really well but it's a lot, and I . . . just want to bake cookies and make ornaments and watch movies and reflect and recharge and quit the hustle of trying to keep her on task a lot of the time. Online school has been an awesome experience so far, for the most part. It’s actually kind of a combination Zoom-with-the-teacher-and-classmates and then independently doing computer modules, which, surprisingly, Amelia loves — but I mean, our lives at home pretty much revolve entirely around school. Within the first few days of school this year she made it clear she intended to navigate it all all by herself, for better or worse, and Andy and I actually have very little to do with teaching the actual content of her assignments other than making sure she is staying on track with the work every day. That she wanted to do everything herself really surprised us — this was not at all how things were last year — but we have totally supported it, and her independence and self-direction has been an unexpected and delightful consequence. And she needed that! We had definitely gotten into a pattern of Andy and I providing any and all direction and that never was what I wanted for her. The teacher is awesome. The new curriculum is pretty challenging. She gets a bit tangled up in language arts for sure but it’s seriously beyond. At our conference, the teacher told us that he and the other third-grade teacher think the language-arts curriculum is at more of a sixth-grade level, and I believe that — they're already trying to write opinion essays with a hook, a controlling idea, three paragraphs for supporting details, and a conclusion, and it's like, whoa, I swear she was literally just learning to read, let alone write! I think it's a bit too much. My neighbor, who is an elementary school librarian, told me at the beginning of the year that in first and second grade they “learn to read.” And in third they “read to learn.” That was really helpful to me, just to understand, yes, there’s a leap in third. It’s still been a big leap but she is so far very game, so we obviously protect that. Anyway, school things sort of fell apart for us last year at this time, so I am watchful. But I mean, wow, so far, so very good, and I am just so proud of my girl.
I have literally no idea what to cook anymore. No idea. I'm so over it. I make chicken verde in the Instant Pot every week, and I've developed an addiction to this not-diet-friendly but delicious version of bang-bang shrimp, and I guess I regularly make my childhood favorite, "pizza spaghetti": Cook a pound of spaghetti, mix it with 2 cups of milk and 4 eggs, dump it in a 9"x13" baking dish, top with Ragu spaghetti sauce (my mother only ever used Ragu in this and that’s what I use, too, or it doesn’t taste like childhood) and shredded Mozzarella and bake at 350F until custard is formed and top is golden and bubbling; I think it's probably 30 minutes. But otherwise, I got nuthin. Please advise.
*** I hated Madam and didn’t finish it and do not recommend. I tried to watch Only Foals and Horses on either BritBox or Acorn but it was too intense so I went back to Gardener’s World and Escape to the Country. I want to plant all wildflowers in my raised beds this year and once again will try to keep them alive. Dang, that location is rough. I watched The Biggest Little Farm. I am knitting the Sirius sweater in Nature Spun sport and the color scheme I’m copying is way out of my usual wardrobe palette and didn’t really come out how I wanted, but hopefully I will like it.
***Darling nine-year-old Hannah suggested adding something for Hanukkah to Winter Rabbit so I made this Hunukkiah that you can substitute for the Christmas tree on the hill, or add elsewhere. Thank you, Hannah!!!
Your posts always make me smile. I'm looking at your photos with Christmas music playing (insert "heart" emoji here). I love, love, love your mantel! Thanks for the recipe! I feel your pain (insert "eyes looking toward ceiling" emoji).
Some of my favorite easy (low effort, big payoff) cozy meals are: Pioneer Woman's White Chicken Chili (I don't boil a whole chicken though - I just poach and shred 2 lbs of chicken thighs using my KitchenAid stand mixer) https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9438/simple-hearty-white-chili/ ; Pierogi & Kielbasa traybake (there are tons of recipes online for it, but this is a good basic version - the mini pierogies tend to work best, and you can use any veggies you like or have around - peppers, asparagus, broccoli, etc): https://www.oliveandmango.com/easy-pierogi-sausage-and-veggie-sheet-pan-dinner/ ; Cider-braised short ribs from Half-baked Harvest (I like to serve these over mashed potatoes spiked with creme fraiche): https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cider-braised-short-ribs/ ; and finally, Finnish Lohikeitto Soup (a brothy/creamy salmon chowder with potatoes, leeks, carrots and lots of fresh dill - tastes both healthy and a little decadent!): https://cookingtheglobe.com/finnish-salmon-soup-lohikeitto/
=)
The growing environment you provide for Amelia is magical.....so enjoy
journeying through your blog.
Yes - that is an introvert thing. Even if the scheduled event is a good thing and wonderful--it hangs out like a dreaded obligation. And I always wonder what was I thinking when it comes to the day. Then I go and have a good time and think how adventuresome of me. 😊
Love your sweet and gentle Christmas prep.
We love this recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/sheet-pan-gnocchi Once you have the technique down it is endlessly variable. We make a winter version with butternut squash and spinach. Also, ANYTHING from this book: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Ever-Curry-Cookbook-Mridula-Baljekar/dp/0681888997/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=best-ever+curry+cookbook&qid=1639089432&sr=8-3 Just got my Winter Wreath kit, can't wait to stitch. Merry everything to all of you and thank you for bringing so much beauty into the world.
That pizza spaghetti sounds so perfect for the weather we're having. I've recently made french onion soup (liked by 4/7 of my family, so I'll take it) and a yummy Ramen stir-fry with shrimp and chile oil ( https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021339-ramen-with-charred-scallions-green-beans-and-chile-oil ), also loved by about 4/7 of my family. This time of year I get into a recipe rut, and my sister and I text each other daily about our dinner plans.
And, goodness gracious! Those writing assignments aren't really developmentally appropriate for a third grader. At that age they're still trying to figure out how to form their letters fluently and tell a story from start to finish, bless their hearts. I'm hoping that your school year continues to go well, Language Arts notwithstanding.
Nursery rhyme? Kit, please ;).
That girl child is exquisite, as is the work of her Mother❤️❤️❤️
I just love those old fashioned Advent Calendars! I still give one, when I find one, to my 29 yr old daughter.
Everyone feels so done this year. Time to kick 2021 to the door. Supper ideas that have worked for me when O really don’t have any motivation include Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta https://www.marthastewart.com/978784/one-pan-pasta
We also like Roasted Cherry Tomato and Sausage Pasta https://annesfavourites.ca/2016/09/10/roasted-cherry-tomato-and-sausage-pasta/amp/
Crustless Quiche works any time of day https://aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/crustless-quiche/
If in doubt, there is nothing wrong with sandwiches. So many kinds! Tuna Melts are the best with some chips and a pickle on the side.
Love your photos and thanks for taking us on the ride. Happy holidays! X
That kind of writing for a 3rd grader is ridiculous! Holy moly, no wonder kids are so stressed these days.
I highly recommend any recipes from Half Baked Harvest! Easy to make, no processed foods, everything delicious. Check out her website and/or on Facebook and Instagram.
The weather looks lovely there; so drippy and still green. We are cold and snowy here (Alberta, Canada) which is lovely also, but in a different way. I am looking forward to receiving my new kits from you; they are always so beautiful. I am also glad that Agatha and Clover Meadow are both well and healthy!
Cooking this time of year always feels like an event, which can be challenging when everything about the season makes me want to curl up with a blanket, a book, a fire, and a cup of hot tea. There are a couple of easy meals I make over and over:
- fondue (really!): when you use a open and heat one it is SO easy and fun, and really fast. I have used this one and it is good for premade https://www.amazon.ca/Swiss-Knight-Zingg-Cheese-Fondue/dp/B08XLH4B5X/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B08XLH4B5X&psc=1
- baked potato supper: baked potatoes covered in butter, sour cream, aged cheddar, and bacon taste so good and are especially comforting this time of year. So cheap, so easy, and fast if you microwave them.
Merry Christmas! I noticed you hung your newest winter stitchery above your mantel and I just wanted to say thank you for giving us such beautiful pictures to stitch! I love your seasonal series! Every season I switch out the picture with the current season and it just brings me such joy! Enjoy your holiday time with your family!!
Your comments re: Amelia's online learning should make all of us rethink our "opinions" about those brave souls who homeschooled their children, ESPECIALLY before "online" was even a thing. The time commitment, the expense (homeschool materials were EXPENSIVE back in the day), the sacrifice ... wow! This should also help us to remember (this Christmas season) the daily extra effort our kids'/grandkids' teachers put forth while having to teach online, etc. They are heroes!!
Soup! A different one each week and eaten for two days at least....... chicken noodle. Kale meatball. Minestrone. My new favorite Avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken).....So many great ones with a Pinterest soup search!
Thank you for your posts which never fail to put a smile on my face! I'm also in a total rut when it comes to recipes, but my family has dedicated ourselves to a meat-free January so I've been dusting off my vegetarian recipes and remembered this one from Smitten Kitchen which is so simple, warming and delicious! https://smittenkitchen.com/2007/11/curried-lentils-and-sweet-potatoes/
Happy holidays!
Can you watch The Repair Shop there? It's one of the best shows that BBC produced recently. I cry on every episode, such a feel good program!
I love the idea of a meat free January, as mentioned in a comment above. I came here to recommend a recipe from the Minimalist Baker blog -- easy and delicious: https://minimalistbaker.com/1-pot-yellow-chickpea-cauliflower-curry/
Beautiful pictures as always. Where did you find that very German advent calendar. Love the art work on it. I completely understand the anxiety around advance planning events. I'd much rather do that sort of thing on the spur of the moment, if I feel like it at the time. Requiring tickets definitely ruins that spontaneity.
I'm also over the cooking thing. If I need ideas I always revert back to Gaby Dalkin recipes. They are easy to put together and delicious. She has a couple of cook books, a website and an instagram account if you're interested. If I don't feel like cooking, but I want something tasty and quick I make her Curry Lentil Soup.
Great - making pizza spaghetti tonight! Thanks!! Love you inspiration as always xx from Vancouver BC
What is the cake?/bread? Amelia is pouring into the pans? Gingerbread, choc cake? Curious minds would like to know! Thanks
Thank you for your blog posts, love your photos and your home is total hygge for me, I can almost smell the baking looking through the pics. I think everyone is totally over this year, everyone here has spent much more on Christmas gifts for the littlies than normal, we're determined to have a great holiday and politics and the C, D and O words are banned on Christmas Day.And yes, I think that's an introvert thing about going to prearranged events, I'm exactly the same... Happy Christmas to you from a horrible hot and humid Auckland, NZ
Such beautiful photos which really capture the winter season, it made me think of the artwork by Loré Pemberton, do you follow her on Instagram Alicia?
https://www.instagram.com/lorepemberton/
Lovely to catch up with you as always, much love to you and yours xxxxxxxxx
Your posts (and photos) always bring me such peace -- and your home! so beautiful! Thank you -- I always wonder if you would adopt me.
I get it with the Christmas list thing. Mine turns 4 a few days before Christmas, so I told her she could make two lists. Al she wants for her birthday is cake, and on her Christmas list she put a little unicorn doll she saw at JoAnn one day, and a red knit beanie. Yesterday I took her to a craft fair and told her she could have $10 to spend. She said "I only want $5" and she was so thrilled to have that fiver in her little purse. We didn't even see anything she liked. I would buy her the moon but it's just so dang sweet that she is so easily pleased.
I always think of you when I find vintage calico prints, Peter Pan Inc and the like. I am saving some to make a calicozy someday, I think, but today I found a 4-yard cut of green striped with little white and purple flowers at the thrift store for $3 and I'm thinking it's a princess dress for Halloween next year :)