Winter's Simple Delights

My own winter wonderland..

My Dears,

Today I awoke to another day of winter's snow kisses. The fluffy crystallized flakes have been coming down slowly, but with purpose. They keep competing for a cozy spot on the ground...or at this point any spot will do considering there are already a few inches upon the ground. I must admit, this winter reminds me of those winters of old...you know, the ones our parents spoke about...freezing temps, loads of snow, blizzards, more freezing temps....well you get my drift. Yes, pun is intended.

Anyhow, being the snow bunny that I am you all know too well that I will not complain about nature's whims. If snow is in the forecast on a weekly basis, then so be it. Yes I do have to shovel, break ice, make sure pipes don't freeze, and all those other grownup responsibilities that come with the pretty white stuff. I however, will not let it get me down or make me love winter less. It's all a part of life and we must know how to take the good with the not so good.

The secret to enjoying winter is simply this....allow yourself to see with your inner child's eyes. Go outside and stick your tongue out. Go ahead! Taste the snow. Better yet, find yourself a nice clean patch of the stuff (freshly fallen preferred)....scoop up a few cups, add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and voila! You've got yourself some snow ice cream. Click here for recipe!

Need an outdoor companion? Make a snowman! My fella and I made one recently and named him Sir Merrick! What fun it is to frolic outdoors when the air is crisp. I love the healthy glow of rosy cheeks and not to mention the calories we burn in a snowball fight!

Sir Merrick!

The best part of it all? Coming indoors and nesting within our very own comforts of home! If you know me, you know that food rates high in my winter comforts. Crock-pot meals, hot beverages, and yummy baked goods have been known to make me all giddy and blissful during the winter. Socks...have I mentioned warm, fuzzy, and cozy socks? *sigh* Flannel lounge-wear, soft chenille crochet afghans, and a cozy spot in your favorite room make for a comfortable and most blissful retreat during a cold stormy eve. If you're fortunate to have a hearth...a roaring fire will warm your cold bones after a bout of shoveling. Don't forget to add a favorite book, crochet project, or any favorite pursuit to your list of things to do while nesting. Don't forget to throw in some cuddling too! *winks*

image from here
I so adore warm, woolly socks to hug my feet and caress them in comfort

Raspberries in cream...a new form of bliss for me.

Did you know I never knew the rapture..the bliss of a simple bowl of raspberries in cream? Nope.. never did....that is until my sweet fella served them to me recently. That dear man truly knows the way to a gal's heart. I consider this divine treat one of my most favorite ways to indulge during a cold afternoon. I like to find a cozy spot, put my feet up...and enjoy a bowl of this most delightful, inner-sense inspiring dish of bliss.

Speaking of blissful dishes, my fella *insert playful grin*....As I was saying, my fella has also introduced me to the pleasures of......ready for this?...the pleasures of grits! Yes, I did say grits. I had never truly liked grits....till now! Of course, I will only eat them if my fella makes them for he truly knows how to make quite the tasty grits! Add that to my list of comfort dishes.

image and recipe here..
Mmm...grits.

I guess it's really all about simple pleasures. Make the most of the moments and always find the good, the joyful, and most of all...the bliss in every situation. Remember, when life throws you lemons, go make yourself some lemonade! When winter throws you snow, snow, and more snow.....make snow ice-cream! Life is truly not as complicated as we make it.


So with that said..I wish you all safety, warmth, comfort, blissful moments, and sweet tender sighs. Love yourselves and know that each of us, individually, are truly the makers of our own lives....we are God's children and being so, we can accomplish anything our hearts desire.

xoxo,
Miss Sandra

My Other Life...

My Dears...

Thank you to those who commented and encouraged me to share my other world.

I've been running this business for nigh on 3 years. As a teenager, I became a huge fan of the 1950's scene and music. Granted there wasn't much of the scene left..but as for the music, oh sweet delight!... was there ever a world to explore!! I loved the pop tunes and the R&B vocal group music of the era (now called doo-wop). It's in this genre (doo-wop) that I eventually became involved with in my early 20's when I met my late husband who produced and hosted such concerts. He was also running a music shop specializing in this fabulous sound. We married in '95 and needless to say, the rest is history. Sadly, I lost him in 2008 and inherited this musical world...he was truly the heart and soul of this business and I hope to continue his legacy.

So without further ado, I introduce you to my musical business musings...Not Always In Rhythm, But It Ain't The Blues! Please click, visit, and enjoy!

xoxo,
Miss Sandra

What Do You Say?

My Dears...

On this slushy winter day I've been pondering....should I mix my two worlds? Should I share my other life with you my dear blogger friends? Hmmm...

You see, last year I began another blog..one for my business. I know I've never delved much into that part of my life...at least not here on my Harmonie page. I began this other blog in order to help my business along. For those of you who do not already know, I inherited my shop after my husband's passing. He was the heart and soul of our business. I'm only trying to keep it afloat. On my "new" blog, I muse about the goings on in my shop..you'll hear more about my trusty minion Pitty Pat and also about my visits with wonderful musical friends whose recordings I have the honor of selling.

As of this day, I have 4 followers..one I personally know. I didn't blog much for I wasn't getting many visitors and so I let it stagnate till only recently. I'm going to give it another chance....which brings me to my pondering of this day. I'm considering placing a link on this page and sharing that world with each of you Harmonie House followers/friends. What do you say? Are you curious to see what Miss Sandra is up to when she's not waltzing at the ball? *smiles* I would like your input.

Hope your day is filled with sweetness!

xoxo,
Miss Sandra