Gone To The Beach: 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023

2023 ~ Looking Forward, Looking Back

a Christmas robin

Hi everyone! Almost New Years Eve!---is your Champagne in the fridge?

Christmas here was wonderful, so much fun and happiness, great memories. Mo enjoyed all the hub-bub and was proud that he still still fits his teenage Ugly Christmas sweater.

Some traditional outings didn't happen but I did get a whirlwind shop at Trader Joe's. Buying a gourmet feast for Christmas Eve is a family tradition. I had hoped for fresh pine and holly but no.

Later when I got home and looked at my pics, I noticed the very charming combination offered instead, of small red poinsettias, whte branches, and pussy willow. I love this idea.

At the time though, I was all focused instead on getting the last bouquet of red tulips. Here they are in the chocolate tin.

Another container I'd saved has greens, eucalyptus I think, plus scavenged pine.

Here is the food, set out on the kitchen counter away from Mo. We had set the challenge that I could/would make as good an antipasto patter as our much loved but very expensive Italian shop we love.

My friends brought a favorite wine, fun because it's called Summer in a Bottle, a nod to our love of summer afternoons at the beach.

Cookies and other sweets. No cannoli, though.

No pics, but the following day was a fabulous BBQ---what my friends called a steakhouse dinner. Caesar salad, Filet mignon, golden mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and kale. So good.

Mo was invited and he had fun! But was oh so tired, I think he slept for two or three days.

The Flamingo Christmas stocking , filled with glittery supplies from the Dollar Store, was a big success. Here it is all finished and stuffed with goodies.

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Now the Tree and decorations are almost entirely put away. All that remains are my stocking stuffer lottery tickets [what if I win!] and my gifts from my brother and sister in law, including vintage sewing items, darling putz houses,

and fragile vintage bottle brush trees. Even pink and purple.

The tulips have been rehomed into a white ironstone pitcher, set on a TQC mini a month quilt for a hint of Spring.

A sweet jar of fresh rosemary sprigs. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the twigs took root!

Also from Trader Joe's and how I wish I had bought at least three, a white hyacinth in a pretty reusable forcing vase.

We're loving the new rug, and over the next few days I'll put away red quilts, switching up for blues.

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On a cooking note, one day last week I made an IG recipe that caught my eye. Vegetarian meal or a hearty savory side.

Vegs Gratin---Mushrooms, cabbage, onion, garlic, corn, in a creamy cheese sauce, with parm and breadcrumbs on top. Really delicious. I couldn't understand the very complicated British instructions, so just made a classic white sauce [bechamel] with cheese and added to the lightly softened vegetables. All in a Pyrex dish til the topping was brown and toasty. Not the prettiest presentation. If I make it again, I'll have to add something green or, as suggested ,red bell peppers diced.

And for blog friend Robin, my mom's chocolate mousse recipe in full. I haven't made it in years but it was always very successful and much liked by everyone.

Best Wishes for a happy New Year!

love

lizzy

gone to the beach.....

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

All Around the House.

Happy Holidays to you all! The final days are here, so exciting! The magic never really goes away, does it. My Christmas Eve traditions have evolved over the years--once it was a day to visit friends and have friends stop by: Brooklyn was so beautiful, the day was always exciting and busy. Here the day became a family day of food, wine, presents, hugs and smiles and ugly sweaters---so much joy. Then there were the Covid years of NOTHING. Presents left on back porch steps, waves and kisses thrown through sliding glass doors. Now the day is again a day of visits, much quieter, simpler. My decor reflects that. I force myself to keep things minimal, hours of ''putting things out'' equals --much too soon---days of putting away, always terribly sad.

My sweet house cleaner came today, she makes the house so beautiful. Come in, take a peek. Will you find the only tiny item that is new this year?

hint: mushrooms are hot on IG.

We should start with the Tree!

Mo's last minute effort to win a spot on Santa's Nice list. "Not a creature was stirring, not even my Pug...."

Such a sweet boy, my little best friend.

Soon we'll have our walk and then it's cooky making time. I made a small batch of my mom's snowball recipe after all. Though I am hoping for Trader Joe's Peppermint Ice Cream when I shop tomorrow.

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...