“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Monday 30 September 2013

Happy Blue Monday...with a winter warming recipe

Can you believe that it's Monday already? 
Where did the weekend go?
I'm happy to say that we made the most of it whilst it was here, but even so a three day weekend would be perfect wouldn't it? 
But let's not let it get us down because there's lots to be happy about...who knows what is installed for us in this coming week? 
So chin up, put a big smile on and let's get started...bring it on I say! 

I've wanted to show you for some time one of my leaving presents from a friend when I left Melbourne. 
Well it was part of a leaving present actually, but it just captured so much in one item. 
It is a Monet apron purchased by my friend from the Monet exhibition held earlier in the year during May to September at the fabulous National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
Isn't it exquisite?

Claude Monet (1840-1926)
Monet's Garden is a stunning exhibition devoted to Claude Monet's iconic garden at Giverny. Renowned as the 'father of French Impressionism', Monet was inspired by his direct experiences of nature, culminating in the ravishing depictions of his lily and flower gardens in the rural property at Giverny, northern France. 

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.”

I'm a little wary of using the apron really...either to paint or cook in it, as I don't want to spoil it. 
It covers so many things about me that my friend captured in one go. 
My love of art, Monet, gardening, the colour, cooking and baking all wrapped up in one. 
Wasn't she clever? 
So that's why when I wrap it around me it's like having a huge of all the things that make my spirit fly and I thought it would be perfect to enter for todays 'Happy Blue Monday'

Having mentioned baking if you want a winter warmer recipe for something seasonal then why not visit one of my old blog posts where I bake a Pear and Almond Cake
It's from back in July 2010 when we lived in Melbourne, Australia. 
Be warned there's a mention of Christmas...but then it is in the middle of their winter. 
It's so strange to read my old posts from back then...how I've changed. 
You can tell mostly by the photographs. 

Now why not pop across to see Sally and the other Blue Monday posts? 
I'm sure you'll have a very happy Monday if you do. 

Smiling Sally

Happy Blue Monday to you all. 
I hope you have a great week!


48 comments:

  1. Hi Nessie,

    As soon as I leave this comment, I'll post your photo for you. (You neglected to select one.)

    I love Monet, and I love that apron. It must feel like a hug from your friend!

    Happy 1st Blue Monday!

    Please consider returning and leaving a comment for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Morning Sally,
      Wow you were quick...I've posted my photo (I just had to resize it first) and left a comment too before your arrived.
      You are absolutely right...it is like a hug ;D
      Thanks for popping by my place and hosting the blue Monday get-together.
      xoxo

      Delete
  2. Thinking of it as a hug is wonderful. It's just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it just Jeannie ;D
      It really is too nice to use.

      Thanks for popping by and leaving a comment.
      It's great to see you here
      xoxo

      Delete
  3. What a great present for the so many reasons you mention. I'd be reluctant to wear it and get it dirty too. You could just put it on if you have to answer the door and who ever shows up would think you were very busy in the kitchen :-)

    Darla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now Darla, who knew you could be so devious?
      I couldn't possibly just wear it when someone came to the door...quickly squirting furniture polish behind my ears!
      Could I??? ;D

      Have a great week with lots of creativity...that's what I hope anyway :D
      xoxo

      Delete
  4. look at you all bundled up in that beautiful apron, its a beauty! Such a perfect gift,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it just Laurie,
      It's really well printed on thick cotton too.
      I'm very careful when I put it on...only using it for clean jobs because it is too nice to keep in a draw ;D

      I hope you have a wonderful week.
      xoxo

      Delete
  5. Another nice idea, Blue monday! I love the apron and I learned a new word (Apron) :-)
    Greetings from Holland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hallo Kleurrijk, ik hoop dat ik vind u ook op deze maandag ochtend?
      Well that's hoping I've said something polite (hehe) ;D
      See we're learning something new everytime we speak!

      Here's another word for apron...'pinny' (which is short for pinafore) I like this word better than apron because my Grandmother always wore a pinny!

      Greeting to you too...I hope life is good in Holland today
      xoxo

      Delete
  6. Beautiful apron and you are tiny!!!!
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hardly Sandy. I'm seriously working on it getting ready for winter.
      It appears I'm stocking up for hibernation.
      Not a calorie is safe at the moment, especially those encased with chocolate! ;D

      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by
      xoxo

      Delete
  7. What a beautiful hug from your friend! Cooking might be better way to use it.....easier to wash than paints. Our first chilly morning here....69 in FL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You haven't seen me after a cooking sessio Nan...it's not pretty!
      Are you serious...it's chilly at 20 degrees! I'd give my high teeth for that temperature. We're only 13 today which is 55 degrees if my research is correct.
      Now that's chilly but I know it's going to get so much worse soon ;D

      I'll be checking out sunnier parts for a warm up and FL sounds just right.
      Pop the kettle on :D
      xoxo

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Isn't it just. Thanks for stopping by.

      Happy Blue Monday to you :D

      Delete
  9. Creative photo for HBM ~ dazzling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just like me!!! HA!
      Thanks for your comment.
      Happy Blue Monday :D

      Delete
  10. I have seen many an apron, but none as pretty as this. Your friend really blessed you with it. Looks very iice on you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks LV
      I know my friend will be so surprised when she sees everyone's reaction because I haven't told her I was going to post it.
      I'm very lucky to have met so many lovely friends when I lived in Melbourne.
      I'm keeping them close to me mentally even if 12,000 miles seperate us physically!

      Have a great time this week. Happy Blue Monday to you :D
      xoxo

      Delete
  11. Wow, thats a beauty! I wouldnt want to get it dirty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You sound like an Aussie there Karen..".you beauty" is a very well used comment over there but I've just checked and you're in Canada!
      I will be keeping it clean but just airing it now and again...just to show it off! ;D

      Thanks for popping by...Happy Blue Monday to you!
      xoxo

      Delete
  12. Replies
    1. Hehe...I do too ;D
      Thank's for stopping by.
      Have a good week...Happy Blue Monday!

      Delete
  13. Oh this is so nice! 2 wks ago I got a postcard from France of Monet's garden. Last week I was reading on a blog about photos from Monet's garden and now I saw the design on an apron! 3 colorful weeks of Monet for me :D Thanks for the treat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You've certainly had your Monet quota this week haven't you?
      But I can't see that as a bad thing. They say things come in three's so maybe that's it now? ;D
      Thanks for stopping by...Happy Blue Monday to you :D

      Delete
  14. How thoughtful and lovely. The perfect gift in my opinion. You can just wear it and smile or uses it and be careful. I too love art by Monet. Lucky you.
    xo, Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Jeanne,
      I too thought it was a very appropriate and personal pressie ;D
      What isn't there to like about Monet?

      Happy Blue Monday...although it's Tuesday now so maybe I should just say have a great week instead :D

      Delete
  15. Thank you for visiting me earlier, Neesie! I've only one recipe with pears, so am going to look. Yesterday it went up to 92 degr. F (close or in the 30 degr. C) . Am still walking in shorts and sandals at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww...now that sounds nice...92 degr...can I nip over for a warm please? ;D
      The pear and almond cake was a hit so I hope you like it if you try it.
      I'm now thinking I should make it again.
      Enjoy your warmth...don't worry about me over here...I'll be fine as long as I have the fire lit!
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by :D

      Delete
  16. What a thoughtful gift, Neesie. The apron is very pretty!...Christine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was indeed wasn't it and one I will appreciate ;D
      Thanks for popping over Christine.

      I hope you have a wonderful week with lots of fun :D

      Delete
  17. Just the right apron for Blue Monday. Thanks for the visit and comment.
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was my pleasure Joy ;D
      I hope the week has started well and just gets better...have fun!

      Thanks for stopping by...I appreciate it :D

      Delete
  18. Gorgeous apron! Happy Blue Monday, Neesie :) Thanks for stopping by my my blog and leaving a sweet comment! Spring greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pernilla but could you possibly send some spring warmth through...it's starting to go chilly here and I'm not sure I like it? :(

      Have a great week whatever you have planned...enjoy! :D

      Delete
  19. Perfect apron! I hope you're staying warm over there. Have a fabulous week! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm trying to Rita, but it's not even cold really...I know there's a lot more to come.
      12 degrees for this time of year is quite mild. Eek!

      Thanks for popping by...I thought you'd like the apron ;D
      Here's to a great creative week...I've got plans in my head...just need them to come out onto paper now! WIsh me luck :D
      xoxo

      Delete
  20. wow, what a spectacular figure you have Neesie. I'm totally jealous about both how great you look in that apron and how gorgeous the apron is! I love monet too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww now don't start Jenn or you'll have me blushing ;D
      But let me tell you I'm taking this UK winter malarky seriously...I'm packing in the calories just in case I have to hibernate.
      No chocolate is safe within a metre!

      I'll email later today hopefully...in the meantime it's lovely to see you.
      Chat soon xoxo

      Delete
  21. Wow, that apron is gorgeous, too nice to cover in paint. Sounds crazy you saying about the cold as it's 30 deg here and I'm used to you being the same time of year. We've been running around like crazy, will write soon, I promise.
    Luv Von

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know...aren't I a lucky bunny Von? ;D
      Now I don't need you to brag about your weather...that's just cruel as I sit here slowly shutting down with hypothermia!
      Well maybe I exaggerate a little, as it's 12 degrees and really quite mild.
      Ahh...here comes the sun...see its not so bad...oops there it goes! :(

      I know you're so busy so don't worry about writing to me, especially if you're going to tell me about how beautifully warm, sunny, springlike it is...I'm not jealous in the least as you can probably tell from my writing!

      Chat soon but in the meantime take a rest and enjoy the spring xoxo

      Delete
  22. Hi Neesie
    I love that pinny it is perfect for Blue Monday, now Tuesday! As you can see I'm a tad behind this week. The Monet exhibition has been big here but now you're back in Europe you'll be able to pop over to Monet's Garden for real - that is a good photo op, you in the apron in Monet's garden!!!
    Have a great Week.
    Wrenx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well hello there Wren,
      Oh I've been so worried about you. I wandered where you where and even thought you might have flown South for the winter??!!?
      Then I remembered that you're already there ;D

      Hmm...visiting Monet's garden...wow now there's a thought. Why didn't I think of that? You are one switched on wren!
      But I'm not sure about wearing my apron around the garden though...I think I might get lots of strange looks!

      Have a great week yourself...it's good to have you back!
      xoxo

      Delete
  23. A gorgeous apron, and such a thoughtful present. Last year we went to a wonderful Monet exhibition at the Liverpool Tate Gallery. I have seen so many prints and reproductions in books, but they are so small and not true to colour or texture, and I was absolutely knocked for six by the amazing, enormous canvasses. It was a really memorable.
    You look so beautifully slim that I bet the apron wraps right around you on both sides and meets at the back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jez,
      I can imagine the huge canvasses knocking your socks off.
      I regret that I never managed to go to the Melbourne exhibition. But now I'm over here then maybe I can see the real Monet gardens. Now that would be a treat!

      Hardly is the answer to your last question Jez, I'm packing in the calories by the minute, so that I'm ready for winter. I'm taking no chances and building up a good few layers! I'm truly devoted to my mission. Chocolate doesn't stand a chance! ;D

      Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping to add a comment. It's always great to see you xoxo

      Delete
  24. Oh well, you just HAVE to go to Giverny and visit Monet's garden! I've been there three times now, and as the garden changes every week you can go as many times as you wish. there's always something new to see. It was great to go there last year with my parents (I rented a fantastic house in Normandy for a fortnight, brought Yorkshire friends the first week and my parents and my husband's Mum the second) as Dad loves to sketch and enjoyed sitting in Monet's garden making drawings just like Monet himself.

    Two links if you have the time to take a glance, all in Swedish but anyhow:
    http://vardagsnjutning.blogspot.se/2012/07/monets-tradgard.html
    http://vardagsnjutning.blogspot.se/2012/07/en-sagolik-idyll.html

    And now I will check your cake ... I suddenly feel like baking ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That definitely sounds like it needs to go on my list of to-do's!
      Thanks for sharing and the links....I'll visit it regularly until I get to see the real thing.

      I hope you like the cake...let me know how you get on and if you like it :D
      Have a wonderful weekend and apologies for taking so long to get back to you.
      xoxo

      Delete

I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...