My Kinda Skiing ...

While winter loving people are beyond happy with all the snow that has decided to descend upon us lately, and are busy planning their week-end adventures to the nearest ski hill, this girl is happy to stay in where it's warm.

At The Ski Lodge by highheeledlife click to view full outfit details

This my dear friends does not mean I would stay home - Nope! There is a different kinda skiing ... Apres Skiing , and that is definitely my kinda skiing. Kicking back at the chalet in front of toasting warm fire, sipping a Monte Cristo coffee or a hot chocolate with a kick. No worrying about frost bite, broken legs or any other body part for that matter. Even furbabies are happy to joined in.

What's your  kinda of skiing?

Sharing this post with: My Friday's Fancies

Italian Farmer's Soup

If you stopped by HHL earlier this week, you know that winter has finally arrived in our area. So what better way to welcome the snow and cold than with a pot of Italian Farmer's Soup. This soup is super easy to make.

You'll need 500g of assorted dry legumes.

 We use Bartlolini Farmer's Soup pre-packaged legumes, but you can use any combination you have on hand.

Place the legumes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit for at least 12 hours.

After 12 hours or so drain water.

Fill a large stock pot with water and add the legumes, salt water. Bring to boil and simmer for 35 minutes.

While the legumes are cooking it's time to prep the veggies.

Celery - we use 2 stixs

Fresh Garlic - 2 cloves

Small Onion - 1 small

Baby Carrots - about two hand fulls

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fresh Tomatoes - 

Ground Pepper

Salt - we use sea salt

Dice the celery, garlic, onion and carrots. Place couple tablespoons of EVOO in a skillet and gently saute the veggies. Add salt, pepper to taste - 

Once the veggies are cooked (carrots may still be a little hard), with a perforated ladle, carefully scoop out the legumes and add to skillet - leaving the water in stock pot. Mix the legumes with the veggies and let stand to blend flavours. 

While the veggies and legumes are doing their thing, chop tomatoes - add to water in stock pot. Stir. Then add the legumes and veggie mixture to stock pot. Bring to boil and simmer an additional 20-25 minutes. 

Voila! Yummy Italian Farmer's Soup with crusty bread - perfect for a cold winter's day!

The great thing about making soup - is that there is always lots for the next day and even a little extra to take to a friend too!

What is your go to soup when the weather hits colder than cold outside?

Sharing this post with:   My Simple Country Life for The Country Homemaker Hop ;Katherine of Katherine’s Corner for Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop;  Sandy at Rose Chintze Cottage for Home Wednesdays; Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home; Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday; Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Planning a Special Tea Party

With the swirling wind, freezing rain and just plain ugly cold outside ~ 

Inside with a cup of hot tea is the perfect place to be.

Surrounded by books on tea ... and tea parties!!

Tea is extraordinary ... in how it brings people together.

I'm planning a very special tea, and can't wait to share more with you in future posts.

Some fresh fruit , Almond Roca - butter crunch toffee with chocolate and almonds...

These market tulips are perfect for a touch of spring on such a gloomy day.

No tiny teacup today, instead a solid Lenox  (a gift from my dear friend Nan)  "tea"mug is perfect to hold Original Chai by Pukka. A blend of organic black tea gently spiced with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger.

This pillow sits on our sofa and is one of my favourites. 

Looking at it's inscription and thinking of all the blessings we have in our friendships and family (as they can be friends too!) always warms my soul.

Sharing this post with : 
Tea Time Tuesday ~Tuesday Cuppa Tea  ~Friends Sharing Tea ~ Tea Cup Tuesday ~ A Return to Loveliness ~Tea Time Thursday