I'm here! Really, I am!

My Dears...

Yes, it's really me! I'm not running on auto-pilot. *smiles*

How quickly time flies when one steps away from blogging. Can it really be that I've not posted since October of last year? Well in that case, Happy New Year to all my friends in blog-land. I hope winter has been kind to one and all. I find it's been too kind but then again, I'm a winter gal after all.

Where have I been? I've been here...mostly suffering from lack of blogging inspiration. Perhaps that's not really a good excuse, but I'm the sort who would rather blog wholeheartedly or not do so at all. Granted, there have been many instances I could have blogged. There was Halloween, Christmas time, our trip to Lake George for our anniversary, etc. Heck, even Mr. Knightley could have sat in for a post or two. I guess he follows Mama's mode. Silly kitty.

Well, allow me to get you all caught up. How about it?

Since my last post, we were hit with hurricane Sandy. Thankfully Harmonie House only suffered the loss of a few shingles and a blown off chimney cap. My fella lost power for about a week. Sadly, many others were not so lucky. I do hope and pray that recovery/rebuilding efforts have been constant and that aid has been provided for all in need.
Halloween was postponed in my area till the following Monday after the storm. It was pretty strange.

 Halloween decor.

Then in rolled the holiday season. Thanksgiving was, as always, delightful. However, I must learn to forgo seconds...or perhap it was thirds. Hmmm...you get the picture. I could barely move by the end of the night.

 When my birthday rolled around...the fella gave me these lovely red wellies!

Harmonie House was dressed in its usual Christmas finery. The mantle was dressed in greenery while nutcrackers convened upon it, guarding the nook area and all who sat by the hearth. The stairs also donned a garland of green with colorful baubles to add pizazz. The two villages were nestled upon their cotton snow while the skaters glided on the plastic ice and the homes/shops glowed in wintery warmth. How many a time I have imagined myself ensconced within the comfort and joy of my Christmas villages.
The tree...oh the tree! Standing in its usual spot in the library/music room, it glowed and sparkled in all its merry splendor. However, by the time Christmas Day arrived, many a light had blown out and dim spots could be seen. Regardless...it didn't take away from its beauty or magic. Our traditional meal of rib roast, Yorkshire pudding, and fixings completed our lovely day.

A corner of the tree and presents on Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve was a bit more quiet this year. My honey and I went out to our favorite restaurant and feasted upon the most delicious cuisine. There is nothing like succulent duck breast, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside...placed upon a bed of red cabbage. Add a drizzle of fig and wine emulsion, and a yummy caramelized turnip. I call it mmm..mmmm good! Granted, that was just one of the fine dishes enjoyed that evening. I didn't even mention the butternut squash risotto, the seafood dumplings in yummy sauce, the pasta with lobster, the swordfish, the tender filet mignon, or the polenta that was pure buttery bliss. Oh..I guess I have mentioned it. *winks* Enough about the food.
The fella and I welcomed the New Year at home with Knightley by our side. It was lovely.

 New Year's bliss.

As most of you may know by now, I greet winter with open arms. January is one of my favorite months. The colder and snowier it is, the happier I am. This past January, the fella and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. As has become tradition, we visited our favorite inn in Lake George and had a most lovely celebration.

 Our view from the window of our room at the Inn At Erlowest in Lake George.

Needless to say, I wasn't pleased with the groundhog's prediction this year. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy springtime and the floral beauty that comes with it. However, let's have a nice, long, old fashioned winter. Then I'll be more than ready for spring when it does arrive. I know many of you would beg to differ...and that's all right. I was quite thrilled when we had a most lovely snowstorm the beginning of the February. Hooray for snow angels and snowmen and winter! I must admit though, I've been thinking about my garden quite a bit and I'm looking forward to working in it and making some changes this spring.

 After the snowstorm.

Omar the snowman.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I enjoyed it very much. I made a nice dinner for me and the fella. Candlelight, flowers, chocolate, wine, and most importantly love...yes, twas indeed a most lovely evening.

The glow of the evening of February 14th.

My honey gifted me the red tulips with the single red rose.

I baked a yummy Valentine's cake for me and the fella.

On another note, like many of you out there, I was taken on the roller-coaster ride that is Downton Abbey. Every season has had its twists and turns..enough to make one dizzy with anticipation for the following season. This time around...the words heart wrenching come to mind. Add to that angry, disappointed, surprised, shocked...and shocked some more. I will not elaborate...just in case some of you are still catching up. Let's just say that I'll be prepared for Season 4 and keep some Dramamine at hand. *winks*

Darn you cast of DA for toying with my emotions!

I must say, through all of the ups and downs (mostly ups thankfully), I've held on to one constant...bliss. Bliss is my companion in this merry-go-round called life. It's a feeling that taps you on the shoulder to remind you of its presence...it's the sound of the sweetest sonata...it's the sigh elicited by a kiss...it's the scent of spring and the cool kiss of frost...it's the purring of a kitty...it's a warm bath at the end of a long day followed by a cuppa tea...it's a poem written in the language of love. Most of all...it's a promise. It's bliss.

I know I've rambled on and on, but it's been so long after all. I always have plenty to say...now if I could simply condense it by blogging more often. *winks* I make no promises, but will do my best.

I hope you've all been well. Mr, Knightley sends his regards in the form of purrs. Till soon!

Blissful Tidings,
Miss Sandra

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

Dreaming Of Winter

My Dears...

I've been daydreaming of a nice bowl of stew...a roaring fire in the hearth...a cup of hot cocoa with melting Peeps...and a blanket of snow outside my door. It's on days like today when I really miss being outdoors making snow angels. So in lieu of the real thing, here are a couple of videos to keep you all cozy, comfy, and cool!!!

Enjoy my dear friends!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Within The Seasons..

pic source

I'm back..and the snow is falling outside my shop door.

Winter dreams and the promise of a beautiful spring combine in my mind and heart. As I embrace the falling snow..while lying within a snow angel...I'm pondering next spring's garden. While tasting the frosty, soft snowflakes...I can smell the sweetness of my peonies in the not too distant future.

I walk hand in hand with this moment and the next..the comfort of warm nights by the fire and the promise of soft grass under my feet. The warm mug of hot cocoa tastes ever so yummy, especially topped with those snowy white marshmallows. Mmm..yet somehow, I can taste the coolness of a tall glass of iced tea..with fresh sprigs of mint (from my garden) floating to the edge of my goblet. I see myself here and now frolicking in the snow...as it cascades down gently like crystal diamonds from the heavens above...yet I'm able to feel the kiss of a warm breeze scented with clover underfoot.

Somehow the magic of the seasons have come together at this moment in time..they have enveloped me within the gentle folds of their nature. I am promised the kiss of Father Winter's comforts..and the caress of Lady Spring's warm breath..floral splendor...and new beginnings.

T'is all Bliss to me..oh so blissfully blissful! May it be so for you!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Christmas in NYC

So it seems I have this wish to visit NYC during the holidays. It's been some time since I last visited the Big Apple during Christmas. Truth be told..I'm not much into the big city atmosphere, but I must admit, NYC is so magical at this time. It doesn't help that this month has flown by..and I have not had the chance to set out and explore the fabulous sights and sounds of the City at Christmas.


I yearn to see the windows of Lord & Taylor, Macy's, and all those other fabulously dressed displays. I tend to have this girlish wish to sneak in and become a part of the display..all dressed up in Victorian finery and smiling at passing crowds.


I must share with you how one year, my vintage group of ladies and I were actually mistaken as part of the display at Lord and Taylor's. We were on our way to tea at the St. Regis..dressed in our Edwardian attire. We went early enough to stop by and view the magical, storybook quality scenes in the windows. Well, not only were we ohhing and ahhing over the Victorian inspired characters in the glass..but we ourselves were attracting our very own audience. They ohhed and ahhed over our choice of clothing..they snapped pictures of us, and thought we were part of the display. That was so much fun! *sigh* So really..I guess my girlish wish did come true. Haven't done that in several years though. Where has the time gone?


Anyhow, where was I? Ahh yes....I wish to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and watch the skaters gliding in merriment across the ice. I'd like to once again wear a vintage inspired outfit and have tea at the St. Regis, visit the portrait of John Jacob Astor on the top floor of the NYC Public Library, and stroll along Central Park. Oh yes!! Let me not forget..I would love to visit the NYC Ballet and enjoy the beautiful performance of The Nutcracker. I've only done that twice in my life. I think I am due.


I'd love to hear the sounds, smell the scents, and fall into the feeling of Christmas in NYC. Now if only I had the time...

Have a great day dears! May you enjoy all kinds of holiday pleasures!
xoxo
Sandra

Winter Solstice

Happy Winter!

So what will you be doing on the longest night of the year? Enjoy the season!

You know I'm happy!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Sunday Morning After The Snow

Good Morning Dears,

After all the hype, all the emergency warnings, and all the preparation hoopla...we got our snow. Granted my share was pretty small, but still lovely to see. This morning, while still in my PJs but all bundled up, I headed out to snap some pics. There is nothing as invigorating as that first gulp of snowy winter air! I stepped outside and found myself deeply immersed within my element...winter and snow. S'wonderful!!

My carriage covered in the white stuff!

A side view of Harmonie House

The tall, majestic pine in the yard.

Oh! I failed to mention that I also indulged in one of my snowtime pleasures...I took off my Big Girl hat..and put on my Little Girl bonnet and proceeded to make Snow Angels!! C'mon! Tell me you aren't tempted to do the same..why shouldn't you? Go out there and make one now!! After all, we still have the inner child within us. Go out and play..this is what life is all about...simple pleasures. Indulge... for life is too precious to waste a single second. Have fun, enjoy the moment, and do whatever your heart desires!! Happy snow my dears!!

The lady of Harmonie House's snow angel!

Sweet winter dreams and pleasures to all!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Baby It's Cold Outside!!

My Dears,

So far today has been the coldest day in these parts. Frosty, crisp, windy, and absolutely divine. So in the spirit of the day, I want to share one of my favorite tunes. Please be sure to first turn off the music at the bottom of this page so that you can enjoy this clip. Keep warm dear ones!

Hoping your day is De-Lovely!!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Winter Musings And Then Some..

My Dears,

Ohhhh it's nice and cold out....just the way I like it. Funny how winter inspires comfort....at least to me it does. I think of frost and see a nice fire blazing away in the hearth. I see snow and think of how lovely it is to sit in my library, book in hand, and watch the flakes fall gloriously upon the ground. Some days when it's at its coldest, I venture out, if only for a few minutes, to feel the cold upon my cheeks...the brush of icy fingertips cooling the warmth of my skin and leaving it rosy. I find it so invigorating to breathe in winter's crisp air before heading back in to the fireside.

Then there's the comfort wear..chenille socks to keep my toes soft and toasty, my flannel pjs, which sometimes I wear long after I'm out of bed on a snowy day, the homemade afghan.. lovingly crocheted and perfect to ward off the sudden chill. There's velvet, corduroy, wool, chenille, and cashmere..all the fabrics made to love and caress the skin at wintertime. I love gloves..long gloves, short gloves, driving gloves, and evening gloves...I wear my gloves all winter long. Oh..and let's not forget the muff...every Edwardian lady must have one you know! Then there are hats. Oh dear heavens!! I do so love hats..and during winter I'm at my glory. My head is always well covered and warmed by a favorite chapeau.

A cup of hot chocolate or tea is the first thing offered at Harmonie House when the air is nippy. Mulled cider is always a favorite. Tell me my dears..have you ever tried warm cinnamon milk in the evening? Ohhh..that's a favorite since my childhood. Tis simple to make. Take a microwavable mug..fill it with milk, add a cinnamon stick or two, then sprinkle some cinnamon powder. Pop it in the microwave and heat it up. Sweeten as you please and enjoy!! You may also do this the old fashioned way upon the stove. Warning..it's a lovely beverage to lull you to sleep. I usually imbibe this treat while propped upon my pillows, reading a book. Doesn't take long before I doze off. Herbal lore says that cinnamon is used to enhance psychic ability...perhaps some prophetic dreams?? Only if they're good..or I don't want to know!! *smiles*

I need not get into comfort food...it would take up the whole blog. We all have our favorites during the cold months....especially those loaded with carbs. I find quite often that mashed potatoes imbue me with warmth and smiles. I especially love it when made in shepherd's pie. However, hand me a bowl of nothing else but buttery mashed on its own..and you will hear me sigh in contentment. Mmmm.. What is your favorite comfort food?

There is no need to fear Father Winter's embrace when it is lovingly and gently offered. We have the simple comforts to keep us warm and cozy during the season of frost. Let's seek ways to enjoy it rather than scoff when the temperature drops. After all...we have the power to make of it what we wish. Let's become those happy people within the beautiful snow globes. Go out and be tenderly kissed by those magical crystals...snowflakes.


On this, the eve of my 39th year, I have reflected on all the blessings the past year has granted. So much has happened, so many changes, new discoveries, and beginnings. I have changed..I can admit it. On the eve of my 30th birthday, I imagined many things about my future. I had many plans and dreams. I could not foresee what fate had in store for me. I never thought those changes would come so soon. Needless to say, I am not where I thought I would be on the eve of my 30th birthday. No..I am in a place where I never imagined..a place I have created for myself, on my own. If this year has taught me anything, it has taught me the true meaning of the words "I Can"...and for my 39th my words of choice are "I Will".

Thank you each and every one of you for...well...for you of course! If I didn't have you, who would read my musings? You've embraced me, followed my every mood, and have kept me company when I've felt alone. You are one of the blessings of my 38th year.

xoxo
Miss Sandra