December 9, 2009

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 9




The scroll said:
You make my heart go pitter-putter,
You are the French bread, and I am the French butter.

December 8, 2009

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 8



Last night you shared your orange with me,
We need vitamin C to stay healthy and happy.

So, I've selected a few
to make a glorious dew

The perfect way to start your day
And say

Thank you

December 7, 2009

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 7

A teeny-tiny note, that was so much fun to make!

It said,
Today's treats are colorful and light.
You'll taste a different flavor with every bite.

It's a sweet dessert, and you don't need a spoon.
I hope you enjoy these Parisian Macaroons.

Flavors in the box:
Cassis
Café
Pistache
Citron
Vanille
Caramel Sale
Chocolat
Framboise
Nougat
Noisette

One of the best things about Mr. Wonderful is that he shares with me.

Cappuccino

Not a bad way to start a Monday morning.



December 6, 2009

Brussel's Christmas Market

Last Friday, Mr. Wonderful and I ventured to the Christmas Market Brussels. The Christmas Market is a wonderful, festive holiday tradition that has been around since the middle ages. These days the Christmas Market is a great place to find local arts and handicrafts for holiday gifts and a great way to experience local culture - food, vin chaud (mulled wine) and holiday spirit.


The grand Christmas tree in Grand Place, all decked out in blue:Of course we had to stop in some chocolate shops to admire the artistry.

Chocolate Santa:

Giant Chocolate baby!

Goo!


Marzipan pigs and chocolate Euro coins.

These were goodie sacks for Sinterklaas. I am still trying to find out the significance of the little piggies...

In the famous Dandoy shop. This biscuterie has been in the same spot since 1839!



Dandoy has the most beautiful and delicious holiday cookies, also known as speculaas. Speculaas is a kind of short bread cookie made with a special blend of spices.
This is a giant Sinterklaas speculaas.
It was probably stamped with a large wooden mold like this. These molds are gorgeous just as decoration, and would make a great holiday souvenier ...

The Christmas Market!

The Christmas Market in Brussels takes place in Plaza Saint Catherine close to the St. Catherine Church and the old wall of the city.


Let's go check out the ferris wheel!

And the ice skating rink!

Skirt and skates:
The best part about the Christmas Market is the food, and you have to try the Vin Chaud (mulled wine). It's delicious!

photos by Mr. Wonderful

The brats are AMAZINGLY good!

There are plenty of other foods to eat too.

Candies:


Chocolate covered strawberries

And savory Sausages!


But that's not all, the handicrafts are a feast for your eyes!

Colorful puzzles from Romania

French soaps

Christmas Matroshka dolls

Cute wooden animals

Recycled tin toys:

Storybook dolls with a different character under the skirts!

Ooooh! I wish I had a million Euros!

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 6 & Sinterklaas

December 6 is Sinterklaas in Belgium!

Sinterklaas and his buddy Zwart Piet.

Day 6 Advent Box:
The yellow scroll said:
Have you been a good boy this year?
I think so, that's why we're here!

It's Sinterklass,
And despite all of our flaws,

Our shoes are filled with treats:
Speculoos, chocolates and lots of sweets!



On this day, Sinterklaas leaves presents and candies in children's shoes if they have been good little boys and girls. If they have been bad, they are given twigs so that they can receive a good switch.

I was a good girl this year.

Chocolates and truffle olive oil!

December 5, 2009

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 5


Produce is delicious here
As well as the beer
Here is something new,
though only a few.

It's a holiday tradition,
Every sweet shop has their edition

We are starting new holiday traditions
Later tonight we will see an art exhibition
We will see this picture of a maiden,
It's painted by Rogier van der Weyden.


Sweet artistic creations made of marzipan.

More pictures coming from last night's Christmas Market in Brussels!
Oh, and also a how to...
xoxo

December 4, 2009

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 4



December four ~
What a day is in store!
It will be so sweet,
As we walk Brussel's streets
We'll have a great time,
And drink hot red wine
So meet me at Central Station,
Where we wlll start our celebration!

Oh, and more is in store...
Go ahead, open the cupboard door!

December 3, 2009

My Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa,
I know you are busy getting ready to drop presents all over Europe and then the world. I just thought I would take a minute to remind you how good of a girl I have been this year. Really, there is no one sweeter than me! In case you were planning on stopping by, I thought I would prepare a small list for you... just to make things easier.

Because I LOVE really big things:
And I really LOVE books!

And, it would make life in the kitchen so much easier...


Of course, I had to include a skirt:


Or, if you are really stumped, a nice Wouters & Hendrix piece would be lovely too...


I hope you are well and taking excellent care of Mrs. Clause. I will have speculaas cookies and milk waiting for you.

xoxo,
Lydia

It's all about visualization, right?

Advent Origami Boxes: Day 3

A poem/clue was written on the yellow paper (it's supposed to be a slice of cheese):

Because sandwiches are your thing,
This surprise will make your heart sing
It's not from too far,
It comes in a jar,
And it gives your sandwich a ZING!

(Check the fridge...)

Branston Pickle!

Ok, ok... I got it for me too...