Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Mop Philosophy Wednesday

 Despite the cold and the frost these roses, "The Fairy" are still blooming.  They do not disappoint, they have been on the go all summer.
Speaking of summer, I miss it already but in warm-weather news I did book our tickets to Florida for our winter visit to my in-laws.  It will be wonderful to see the sun in February, and wear some pink and coral frocks with these jewelled shoes:
Old J.Crew shoes that are my favourites,
even though they hurt like heck to wear.
With a coral silk J.Crew dress from 2005.
That frock is coming on 10 years!
 Roasted chickpeas... who knew?
They're so delicious!  I drained a can of chickpeas and rinsed them well with water.  Then I threw them in this shallow dutch oven with some olive oil, fresh thyme, red onion and a sprinkle of salt.
 I also roasted some sweet potatoes, very easy with olive oil and salt...
 as well as some beets in some protective foil wrapping.

Voila!  This was an easy and attractive dinner last week, I served the whole roasted business on top of greens, fresh tomatoes and a vinaigrette.
 The rascals loved it too.  There's some kind of magic healthfulness to eating beets and chickpeas together... I can't remember the specifics but they do complement each other in texture and colour.

I'm wearing my Brora cashmere military jumper today.  This was a gift from Mr. BP a couple of Christmas' ago.
 It never fails me.  I'm wearing it with my Eileen Fisher dark brown riding pants and my La Canadienne boots, also in dark brown.
 How about some boot detail?
 Of course I am rarely without a Brora shawl, this one is a particular favourite, I find the shades of peach, pink and celadon on the pearl gray so fetching.
I'm off to make some cream of carrot soup as I've had to go on a soft food diet for a bit.  Anyone else suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?  I hope not, it's the pits!
I hope instead that you are well and happy today.
xoxDani

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Dinner Menu To Avoid Crying: Autumn Edition

 Last summer I posted my original dinner menu to avoid crying while hosting a dinner, you can read the post Crying In The Kitchen right HERE.
I was thinking about this post quite a bit these last few weeks.  I was due to host a dinner this past Saturday that was a sit-down (as in I couldn't just serve drinks and throw out sandwich fixings) and included an important group of my husband's colleagues.  I wanted the dinner to be special, yet easy, and I wanted to be stress-free so that I could chat and mingle and not appear (or BE) the least bit frazzled.
Once one has cried in the kitchen before a dinner party it changes the entire game: a crisis of confidence ensues, the fear of it happening again demands organization and simplicity.
I was quite happy with this dinner in the end so I thought I'd share the menu and the steps involved.  As you can see from my scrawled note above I planned each course in advance.  I served the dinner on platters and in bowls, more and more I enjoy entertaining this way, it is referred to as "family style" and I do believe it creates an atmosphere of comfort and conviviality not to be found in a "plated" dinner.
My good friend Pat was one of the guests as her dear husband is MrBP's business partner, bless her she brought the dessert, a delicious home baked apple tart.  It went perfectly with the menu.
The scrubbed squash and the fresh herbs: thyme and rosemary.
 Early in the day I sent MrBP to the Happy Store for the wine, beer and brandy while I set to washing up all of the veg.  Pepper squash is in the season so it was local and organic.  I find fresh herbs so luxurious in their promising fragrant bundles, don't you?

I scrubbed up some organic red potatoes, also local.
I wanted to prepare a fennel salad as an alternative to the green: what is more attractive than a table groaning with vegetables, both green and roasted?  I made the simple lemon vinaigrette I always make, it is courtesy of Ina Garten and it is detailed HERE.
After setting aside my large jar of lemon vinaigrette I set to chopping the fennel and tossing it with the arugula.  Placed in a serving bowl it was ready to go.
Set all of the bowls and platters on the counter well ahead of time.
This evidence of your organization will be very comforting to you.
 My next step was to prepare the chicken.  I had purchased flat chicken breasts that I simply rolled around in ground almonds which had been seasoned with fresh thyme, salt and pepper.  Drizzling olive oil over was the final step before I plastic wrapped the entire tray and then placed it in the refrigerator.  I wouldn't have to see it again until I put it in the oven when our guests arrived.
I always bake more chicken than I will need.
Leftovers never hurt!
I used almonds as this menu is gluten free, but if you are allergic to almonds you could easily substitute in some good bread crumbs.

The mango chutney is always popular and elevates the chicken to something a bit special, but really it's easy-peasy, it's from a jar!
Set your jar of mango chutney next to the serving vessel.
 I prepared the carrots by peeling them, chopping them up and placing them in their pot with a little water at the bottom and some fresh thyme.  Now they're ready to be quickly steamed and sauteed with some butter and brandy just before serving.
I find it is essential to have all serving dishes at the ready: the little covered dish I use to serve carrots was placed just next to the pot so that there would be no frantic last-minute searching.  We bought this dish at E.Dehillerin in Paris, it's one of my favourites.
French brandy, linen from Provence, a Paris serving dish... it's a theme.

The fennel and arugula salad.

The mixed green salad with fresh dill.
 I planned to serve drinks when our guests arrived and to place the vegetables for roasting and the chicken in the oven at that time.  You'll want to serve some nibblies during cocktail hour but nothing elaborate or too filling: a few nuts and some other salty treats should do the trick.
 I may or may not have purchased these vegetable sticks because they matched the flowers on the bar!
 I set the table mid-afternoon.  Once that is finished one has the feeling that something can go awry and still all will be well.
 I set up the decaffeinated coffee, the dessert plates and the coffee cups.
 The very last bit of prep was to chop the potatoes and the squash before placing in the oven.  A good drizzle of olive oil, some salt and plenty of fresh rosemary... done.
The dinner went really well, we had a great conversation and made some plans to do a little trip together next summer.  All signs of a good evening.  The food was gobbled up and I would definitely cook up the whole business again.
I should note that though the menu was gluten free I was in fact the only person present with that particular dietary restriction... I served warm bread and of course there was Pat's dessert with the shortbread crust.  These days with so many people going gluten free it's nice to have a menu that can accommodate various special diets.
Do you think you might give this simple menu a try?  Have a great day Dollfaces!
xoxDani

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Mop Philosophy...Wednesday

 Well it looks like I missed Mop Philosophy Monday and due to the scheduling of my new volunteer job this will likely occur again over the next weeks.  Mop Philosophy Wednesday doesn't quite have the same ring but it may have to do.  How do you like these wee roses on MrBP's nightstand?  $6 a bunch at the grocery, that's the price of a bar of soap these days.
Except that I found my favourite bar soap real cheapie - $3!  Of course I had to go to a slightly dishevelled looking health food store to source it but never mind, I'll be back.  Anyone else a fan of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps?

How about a cozy Brora closet in soothing shades of heath?
I know you must be wondering how Rebecca is doing.
The autumn leaves seem to suit her complexion just fine.

I planted Greek Oregano early in the summer and it went silly.
I brought it inside to dry for the winter.
How about the Mop Philosophy Book Club?  Let's read Little Women.  I haven't read it in many years, how about you?
One of the many fine things about this book: the chapter titles.  Like Amy's Valley of Humiliation, which is chapter 7.
What do you say, should we have our next meeting on Saturday December 14th?  We're all busy and that gives us plenty of time.
What's next?  Well I have been working on some wardrobe posts: the coats, the handbags and other favourite subjects... but how about an autumn edition of Dinner Menu To Avoid Crying?

I'm happy to report that I hosted a large dinner party on Saturday evening past and I didn't shed one tear!  It was all smiles.  Evidence:
Brora Cropped Cardigan
Miu Miu Silk Dress
JCrew Kiki Ballet Flats
Accessorized with a giant tray of vegetables and a Hermes enamel bangle.
Come back tomorrow for the menu and preparation tips.
Enjoy your day Tooties!
xoxDani

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Whispers of Wool

My Brora Stoles
 I've come to rely greatly on my Brora wool stoles for cold weather.  Light as feathers and warm as toast, they hang folded on hangars in my cupboard just waiting to defend against the chill.  The colours and textures are amazing: jewels, pastels, embroidery, velvet trim... above you can see two of my favourites.  With the debut of the winter range on the Brora site my eye has spied more gorgeous stoles.
Winter Blossom Stole

Floral and Leopard Print Stole
My friend Kim, of Northern California Style will love this one!
They might look delicate but they are in fact sturdy and reliable, softly brightening skin and mood.

I hope your week is going well.  I'm enjoying some midweek peace and quiet.  In fact I'm hoping for a cool rainy day so I can go for a stroll in my boots... with a Brora stole and an umbrella for company.
xoxDani

Monday, October 14, 2013

Mop Philosophy Monday

 We've been celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving this past weekend.  Today is actually the day but we always have the dinner on the Sunday.  Once Rascals go away to Uni the Monday becomes a travel day it seems.
I had all kinds of organizing and decorating deadlines for this past weekend and I'm sorry to report that I didn't quite meet them all.
I guess I have American Thanksgiving for my new deadline.  I much prefer the timing of American Thanksgiving anyway.
I did move some art around, even if it's not quite hanging on the wall yet:
 We hauled out our straw turkeys:
 And of course I made a pumpkin pie!
 I'm going to share with you my killer recipe for cranberry sauce.
 It is so easy and fast, but very French.  Of course I don't think cranberries are big in France but never mind.  Here's what you do: wash up a 12 oz package of fresh cranberries and place them in a pot with 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley and a giant swig (2 tablespoons or so) of brandy.
Boil for 10 minutes or thereabouts and voila!
Delicious fresh cranberry sauce. 
 I prepared a beet salad which was colourful and healthy.  I prefer to roast the beets in their skins, wrapped in foil.  Then I chill them, peel and slice them, throw over a red wine vinaigrette and sprinkle the whole thing with parsley.
 It looks quite special but it is dead easy.

Here's our table with a couple of the other side dishes before the food was devoured:
Some roasted squash and bread stuffing.
MrBP was just putting the finishing touches on his World Famous Mashed Potatoes.
 It was a gloomy day with clouds and rain but cozy inside:
 I know you're wondering, wondering, what did I wear?
The Brora Star Silk Blouse with a black skirt and some black ballet flats of course!
A detail of the Brora Star Silk Blouse.
Isn't it festively Thanksgiving with the orange and brown little stars?  I wore an apron as usual and good thing too, it saved my blouse from a few disasters in the kitchen.

I hope you have a wonderful day and a lovely Thanksgiving if you are in Canada!
xoxDani

Friday, October 11, 2013

Men In Tweed Jackets

 Sometimes when I'm walking down the street and I notice a schleppy guy, thirties or forties, kind of meandering along, I have a real strong urge to have a little talk with him.  It would go like this: "Sonny, pull up your pants, straighten your spine and get yourself a good tweed jacket.  You'll feel so much better!"
Do you ever think that if you were in charge that things, just generally, would be much, much better?

Well I would put every man in a good tweed jacket.  So handsome!  I mean, it seems like a no-brainer to me.  Wear it over anything and you will instantly look like... the man you want to look like.
MrBP wanted you to see a tweedy detail.
 Here we have Mr. BP modelling his new Harris Tweed Jacket from Brora (if you click to the link you can read my review).
He has worn this jacket non-stop since I gave it to him.  Not in the courtroom obviously but for other meetings, weekend walks, dinners out... it's so handsome on him and the colours are really flattering to his skin tone and hair colour (which is a dark brown turning handsome-ish silver).
I'm a fan of MrBP... and his jacket.  Who else is for putting all men in tweed jackets?
Have an excellent weekend Darlings,
xoxDani

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Frock Philosophy, Fall Edition

Tory Burch Smartphone Wristlet
Scarf from The Rose
Two long wool coats, also from The Rose, in green and brown.
Even though the weather has been warm all this last month my warm-weather clothing has been tucked away since September 1st.  I really tried to get my head around wearing my summer frocks in September but I just couldn't do it.  Old habits I guess.  Instead I assembled a very fall-looking colour story and took to wearing very basic clothing on those warm days.  (By basic I mean my pair of Goldsign jeans with a plain tee shirt and brown loafers, yes very basic!)
Here are the colours and textures I've assembled for the next few months.  Once we get into the holiday season and the colder temperatures I'll add in some heavier skirts and tights.
Harris Tweed jacket, Brora
I did have to invest in a pair of dark brown riding boots for fall.  I knew it was coming and I searched all of the end-of-season sales in June.  I found a perfect pair of Cole Haan boots for half price but in the end they never shipped, they had sold out.  So I did have to pay full price for my boots but the consolation is that they are from La Canadienne and so they will last for years.
Dark brown riding boots, La Canadienne
I'm enjoying having an alternative to my aubergine Hunter wellies.  If you've been reading my blog these last few years you've already seen them a hundred times!
Dark brown riding pants Brooks Brothers 2012.
I also purchased a plain straight skirt in a dark green wool from The Rose, as well as a pair of dark green Brooks Brothers stretch pants.  The Brooks Brothers pants have a neat fit and the fabrics are really excellent. I think they are a good value for the money (they wash and hang-dry quite brilliantly as well).
Brora jumpers are the workhorses of my wardrobe in fall and winter.  They are an investment to be sure but once you have a collection it will serve you well.   You will not have to replace them and the subtle colours will continue to please the eye.
I have a couple of dresses for everyday: one is a Brora jersey from last winter and the other is a wool Eileen Fisher dress I found on ebay a couple of years ago.  I have a light gray Brora wool stole that wears well over both frocks.
They are simple dresses, perfect for wearing on a busy morning or just simply being at home.
The long Brora cardigan I bought on sale early in the summer has proven itself already.  I wear it over everything.
Long Brora cardigan.
I've turned to my silk blouse collection on the warmer days when I'm doing something besides scrubbing and mopping.  Worn with a pair of slim pants or my Goldsign jeans it's a comfortable outfit that feels like autumn.
Silk blouse collection, JCrew on the left (2010), the rest Brora.
I have some key basics that I am rarely without these days: a scarf or stole, my dark brown LV bag and my trench coat in khaki from Brooks Brothers.  These are the basics which see me out the door.  Even if I'm just wearing my jeans and a tee shirt I still end up feeling pulled together.
On a cooler day I'll wear a wool scarf, for warmer weather my Hermes scarf, below right, is perfect.
I find myself wearing my red Kiki ballet flats from JCrew quite a bit.  They are so comfortable and great for walking.  I like them with the pale pink Hermes scarf.
The long coats in green and brown have only been worn a few times but as we get further into October I'm sure I'll get more use out of them.  They are lined in cotton and are perfect for daywear.  The pretty linings don't hurt either.
Once winter hits us in a serious way I'll bring out my two long tweed coats from Brora which are quite a bit heavier.
Of course I have two other categories in my closet: one is Black, for going out at night.  We haven't been doing much of that lately as my MrBP has been incredibly busy.  The other is Sunday Best, otherwise known as my Church Outfits.
I've pared down my coats to an all-time low and it feels good.  I have my trench coats (one khaki for fall, one navy for spring), my two fall coats and two coats for winter.  Rounding out the collection is a long black wool coat for "dressing up".   I'm thinking of doing a post on the whole thing as a former coat-addict.  Anyone interested?  I've also been thinking about handbags and the fact that I am down to three, which feels like a perfect collection.  It all seems simpler somehow!  More on that, and a few thoughts on basics, next week sometime.
Really it's more Frock Philosophy, the continuing story...!
Enjoy your day my Tooties.
xoxDani