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