Tuesday 5 January 2021

Sparkle and spice

Yesterday was my first day back at the office and although this wasn't exactly something I was looking forward to, it turned out not to be too bad in the end. After eleven days at home, we were both starting to lose track of time, so that I was actually glad to be able to have some kind of routine again. I didn't relish the early start, but once I'd dragged myself out of bed, I was good to go.

Outside, the day couldn't have been more dismal, one of those wet midwinter days which finds it hard to let go of its cloak of darkness.

Although it was the first day of the January sales, the awful weather seemed to have put off at least some of the bargain hunting zombies. From the lofty heights of the office windows, I could only spy a handful of umbrella wielding people carrying soggy shopping bags.

Work itself was reasonably quiet, with only a small amount of emails trickling in during the day, so that I was able to catch up and ease myself back into office rhythm at a leisurely pace. 



Talking of catching up, I've still got quite a bit of this to do before my blog reaches the end of December so, without further ado, let's go back in time once more.

It was the Sunday before Christmas, cloudy but with the temperature still hovering around a quite un-Christmassy 10°C. 

In order to immerse myself into the festive season, I was wearing a dress with a bit of sparkle, even if it  was nigh on impossible to catch any of it on camera.


My dark olive green dress, with its off-white, pink and lilac print and dropped waist, was a Think Twice sales bargain from December 2019. 

I accessorized it with a pink flower corsage and mottled green and white beaded necklace, while lime green opaques and a fuchsia long-line cardigan kept it company. 



With the garden slowly but surely going into Winter mode, I was thankful for any bit of colour, be it provided by the frilly variegated leaves of Heuchera 'Can Can' (left), some cheery-faced purple pansies or the last hurrah of the tuberous Begonia leaves (bottom right).



Most of the day was spent inside the house, doing nothing more strenuous than some gentle pottering, reading and catching up with blogland. 

Meanwhile, Jos was in the mood for some baking! As we'd picked up a package of Speculaas mix from the garden centre's baking department, as well as a wooden mould with three different biscuit shapes, it was about time we tried these out. 

We'd also recently come across some additional moulds in the charity shops, including the intricately carved one shown above. This one, however, turned out to be unsuitable due to its varnish finish, and was presumably meant for decoration purposes rather than biscuit making. It's already displayed among the rest of our kitchenalia collection in the meantime.



The other charity shopped wooden mould is the one on the left. It is double sided, with the lady's male counterpart on the other side.

Jos used my Dad's food processor to make the dough, and then the fun of making the actual biscuits could begin. We had been warned that it might take several attempts to get the hang of getting the biscuits out of the moulds in one piece, but we were able to churn out several near perfect ones from the word go. After about 15 minutes in the oven, they came out a wonderful golden brown and left our kitchen smelling heavenly of spices in the process.



These crunchy, caramelized spiced biscuits are typically associated with the feast of Saint Nicholas - the original Santa Claus! - which is celebrated on 5 or 6 December, depending on whether you're in the Netherlands or in Belgium. Speculaas dates from medieval times, and its original spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and white pepper.



The mercury climbed to an almost Springlike 14°C on Monday and Tuesday, alas accompanied by at times heavy rains, particularly on Tuesday.

While Jos went on a mission to stock up on drinks, I vacuumed the whole of the downstairs, with Phoebe fleeing to the spare room once she caught sight of her arch enemy, the vacuum cleaner.

After our success with the Speculaas biscuits, we then decided to get some more of this seasonal mix now that it was still available, so off to the garden centre we went.



My outfit that day was built around the floral Wow To Go blouse I'd found at Oxfam, which I paired with my pinkish-red polyester and mohair blend skirt. I wore a contrasting ochre yellow belt with it as well as my charity shopped H&M batwing cardigan in the same colour.

Same as the blouse, the necklace was a recent charity shop find. 

My outerwear consisted of my ancient cream, tan and blue plaid coat and my tan Burberry beret, the latter worn to hide my unruly hair rather than for warmth.



Due to the ongoing restrictions, shopping is still a solo activity here in Belgium, so I waited in the car for Jos to come back with his purchases, which included four types of our favourite bread mix.

He reported that not only were things very quiet and relaxed inside the garden centre, he had also spotted several couples shopping together. Nevertheless, we'd better set an example and stick to the rules, however bothersome they may be.



Wednesday was my last working day of the year 2020, and it was with a sigh of relief that I got into our car when Jos drove up to our pick-up point. Antwerp's streets were thronging with shoppers, same as every year in the final days before Christmas, the only difference being that the majority were wearing their masks, if not all correctly. I couldn't get out of there fast enough!

Thursday was another grey and wet all-dayer, and with an overnight drop in temperature to about 7°C, we hid from the hostile world outside. Thankfully, Jos had already done all our food shopping on Wednesday, so that we didn't have to brave the last-minute shoppers.



Time to wear a bit of sparkle again, this time in the form of this vintage dress - once more from Think Twice - its groovy lilac and purple on grey pattern threaded with Lurex. Again, you'll have to use your imagination as the camera failed miserably in picking it up.

It was so dark that we didn't even attempt to take outfit photos outside, trying out our chandelier lighted bedroom instead. Not ideal, but at least I didn't die of hypothermia. The plum coloured lacquered leather belt was an old charity shop find, while the painted wooden brooch was a recent one. A pair of aubergine opaques completed my Christmas Eve outfit.



I spent most of the day on the couch with my latest read, the engrossing and beautifully written Catching The Tide by Judith Lennox. Having previously enjoyed her novels The Winter House and All My Sisters, I was as good as guaranteed a great read when I plucked this one from the shelves at Oxfam.



We finished the day by watching some mindless feel-good television accompanied by a background soundtrack of snoring supplied by our little black monster.

How we spent Christmas itself and what I was wearing will be the subject of my next post.

Until then, please do stay safe, sane and fabulous. Sending an extra virtual hug to my friends and readers in the UK, who are at the dawn of another strict lockdown.



48 comments:

  1. Gorgeous outfits as always, Ann. I keep thinking of you whenever I spot interesting brooches in opshops.

    I am in awe of your biscuit making moulds. How unique (are they vintage? They look it) and the biscuits turned out wonderfully! X

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    1. Thank you Jess, and what fun that you keep thinking of me when spotting brooches in opshops! The biscuit moulds aren't vintage, except for the varnished one. You can find new ones quite easily in season. xxx

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  2. Wow! I'm really impressed with Jos's biscuit making, they look so professional.
    Lovely outfits, as always. I love the colour and print on the dropped waisted dress and that's a wonderful photo of you with the checked coat, the colours just pop! The last dress is a perfect with the ankle boots.
    I've not heard of Judith Lennox but I'd have bought that book just for the cover.
    Gorgeous photo of the little black monster. The lads are very skittish this morning as it's snowing! xxx

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    1. I was quite impressed too, I'm not sure I would have enough patience! I often buy books for their covers, which doesn't always work out well :-) xxx

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  3. Those moulds are just lovely and I'm sure the biscuits were delicious. Great photos as ever. Liz

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  4. I must agree with Vix , the biscuits are most impressive . Pansies are my favourite Winter flowers with their cheery little faces.
    As usual your beautifully co-ordinated outfits brighten up a dreary Winters day . The little mustard cardigan is just wonderful. Happy and healthy New Year to you both. xx

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    1. Thank you Jill, Jos was really chuffed with all the compliments he got on his biscuit making! I do agree on pansies being the most cheerful of Winter flowers! xxx

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  5. Ohhh how yummy Jos spekuloos looking 😊 You make me hungry 😂
    You look amazing in your colourful styles. Great eyecatching in these grey rainy days.
    With a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! I love wearing a bit of colour to brighten up these grey rainy days! xxx

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  6. Those biscuits look very succesfull. I made squash pancakes with speculaas herbs in it. Delicious. In Belgium the sale is in January and July for six weeks isn t it? That is so much better. Did you ever go to the Steps store in Antwerp?

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    1. Thank you Nancy! Yes, the sales are in January and July here, but they only last 4 weeks, officially that is :-) And oh yes, I did go to the Steps shop in Antwerp once or twice when it was there! xxx

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  7. The biscuits are definitely a winner. Well done Jos. They wouldn’t last long in this house.
    I don’t envy you going back to work Ann. I’m so glad I don’t have to venture out in the mornings.
    It’s always such a pleasure to see your outfits. The colours, patterns and textures are always beautiful.
    As always take care my lovely friend xxxx

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    1. Jos says thank you! And the biscuits didn't last long here either :-) I don't really mind going back to work. It's only two days a week, and I am on my own for 99% of the time. xxx

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  8. I really like the pairing of the pink skirt and the purple floral shirt ... the yellow on both is very nice! How good the cookies, I had never seen such beautiful molds ... Many caresses to the beautiful cat and a warm greeting to you!!
    Hugs, Carmela

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    1. Thank you Carmela! These moulds are quite common here, you can easily find new ones in the shops in the months running up to St. Nicholas. xxx

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  9. Pink and green are so brilliant together! I loved this outfit and yes I could see the sparkle! I have very little in the way of pink clothing but I must try some sort of pink and green combination soon; inspired by you!

    The biscuit moulds are beautiful and the biscuits looked so delicious. They remind me of biscuits I buy here in Lidl called 'Spice biscuits' and they are very Christmassy in taste although not in style. Come to think of it, I haven't seen them lately in Lidl...

    When the charity shops open again I must look out for Judith Lennox books.

    Take care and I know you'll stay safe and sane!
    xxx

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    1. I'm glad you could see the sparkle, Vronni, and I'm looking forward to your pink and green combination! xxx

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  10. and again you´r matching the flowers in your garden!! :-D
    congrats to the success with the "spekulatius"! cute wood moulds - in german "models" with long "o" - btw..
    lissy is sending purrs to phoebe!!
    hugsies! xxxx

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    1. Thank you Beate! I quite like the word "models" with long "o"! Purrs received by the way :-) xxx

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  11. Your first outfit totally matches the leaves/flowers in your garden! Love the bright pinks with that fun dress.

    Your cookie moulds are so cool, and my mouth is seriously watering for those cookies. I love spice and they sound amazing.

    That mohair-blend skirt is a great colour and drape (I love the bright colours in this ensemble), and look at you, all CLASSY in your Burberry beret!

    That lurex dress in the geometric pattern is FABULOUS! I can see the sparkle, but I bet it was SO sparkly in person.

    And aw, there's our Phoebe, looking grumpy between snoring and naps. Happy New Year, Ann!

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    1. Thank you Sheila! I love a bit of flower matching, and yes, indeed, that purple geometric patterned dress is very sparkly in person. That's our Phoebe, the original Grumpy Cat :-) xxx

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  12. Happy new year Ann. It's weird hearing you talk aboutgoing to work and people shopping the sales. We are prisoners again here. I have just heard tonight that one in every eighteen people here in my home town has the virus. I'm bunkering down waiting for things to get better xx

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    1. Thank you Laurie! I do hope you and Dee are well. 1 in 18 sounds truly horrific! xxx

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  13. Joyful first week of January wishes, dearest Ann (and Jos)!

    Your beautiful cookies/biscuits look so sublime that I can all but smell their intoxicating aroma of warm, classic spices clear to this side of the Atlantic.

    Of all the various categories of sweet tastes, those that involve warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamon, etc) are my very favourite. Rare is the December when I don't make at least a recipe or two that involves these classic gems as well. Few have looked quite as stunning as the cookies those molds produce though. What wonderful edible works of art they help bring into existence.

    Many hugs & unending wishes for a safe, positive, happy, and very enjoyable year coming your way!

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you Autumn! I do love warm spices too, and often burn cinnamon scented candles! Sending you many hugs and unending wishes in return. Counting the days until I'm eligible for the vaccine! xxx

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  14. "We finished the day by watching some mindless feel-good television accompanied by a background soundtrack of snoring supplied by our little black monster." Ha-ha, just love your entertaining and visual writing :) Happy New Year from the Black Sea! Lise

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    1. Oh, thank you so much Lise, what a lovely thing to say! Happy New Year to you too! xxx

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  15. I have a few Heuchera plants in my garden and I think they might be among my favourites.
    What a shame your camera doesn't pick up sparkles, I can imagine them though. I have a lovely pale neon orange top that just looks so insipid in photographs, which is such a shame as it's a glorious colour in real life.
    Those Speculaas biscuits sound delicious!
    I'd love a trip to the garden centre, they are still open at the minute, as they're classed as essential, but I'm staying at home for the time being. Well done on sticking to solo shopping, so many people seem to think the rules can be broken when it suits them, and it's so annoying (and reckless).
    Tinker can often be heard snoring too, it's a delightfully cute sound.
    xx

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    1. I love Heuchera plants too, they add interest all year long and there are so many interesting varieties!
      There seem to be a couple of colours my camera cannot catch quite naturally either. I recently found a pair of delightful bottle green shoes, which I simply cannot get right. I love the sound of a snoring cat! xxx

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  16. Hi Ann, we are indeed locked down again, not that it's made any difference to our week!
    I'm very impressed by Jos's biscuits, they look so professional.
    I love the outfit you're wearing topped by the plaid coat, it really stands out, it's a great look. I also love the folk art brooch.
    Like Phoebe, Ziggy hates the Hoover, he pounces and tries to attack it!! Lovely photo of her. xxx

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    1. Jos says thank you! To be honest, I was quite impressed as well. You can buy this kind of biscuits in the shops, but Jos's looked (and tasted) at least as well!
      I can imagine Ziggy attacking the Hoover :-) Phoebe certainly isn't that brave! xxx

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  17. Love a good pink/green combo and that outfit is superb. Your speculaas look so professional. Mine looked...well, not professional :)

    I hope your back to work routine settles in and goes easily.
    Stay safe and well.

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    1. Thank you Goody! I'm note sure how our speculaas had looked if we'd used one of those bigger, intricate moulds like yours. I soon got used to my work routine, by the way. It's still only two days a week, so I'll manage. xxx

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  18. I can't agree more! It's a great feeling to get back into your routine! Love those spice biscuits!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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    1. Thank you Lovely, I do love a bit of routine in my life! xxx

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  19. The biscuits look so good, what a yummy thing to have made after a find in the opshop! I really like your purple dress too you wore at the end, such a nice colour on you! I go back to work next week (still just working from home) and I think the routine will be hard to get back into!

    Hope that you are having a great weekend! It will be a quiet one here, we are all in a 3 day lockdown due to a case of the virus being found outside of hotel quarantine for the first time in 113 days.

    Away From Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! I do hope going back to work wasn't too stressful for you! But oh no, what horrible news about the virus. I really hope it doesn't spread any further! xxx

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  20. Those biscuits look delicious, love all of your December outfits!

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  21. Lovely outfits!, the olive sparkle dress with the pink accessorizing looks so fabulous, and I love particularly your floral blouse, colorful skirt and delightfully yellow cardi, such a great color combo!
    These biscuits sound really delicious, and the moulds are so cute!. Love them.
    You made me laugh about the 'bargain hunting zombies'. Most people are the same here, they look like if they decided to ignore the plague, only wearing a mask because it's compulsory.
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! Aren't those bargain hunting zombies horrible? I do not like those hordes at the best of times, but now I'm especially bothered by them. Some of them really act as if there's nothing wrong, they are wearing their masks but they are going in and out of shops just like they always do :-( xxx

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  22. I'm glad your return to work was a gentle one, and your run up to Christmas a stylish one.

    Those biscuits look delicious. They've become more common over here in recent years, but when I was a kid my German penpal used to send me them and they were such a treat!

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    1. Thank you Mim! I have to say that Speculaas in Belgium and Holland is a little bit different from the German Speculatius biscuits. We often get these from our German suppliers at Christmas and the spices they use aren't quite the same! xxx

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  23. One of my favourite biscuits and impossible to buy in the UK until recent years, my aunt used to send them over and they were mostly a bag of bits when they arrived!

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    1. I'm glad they are finally available in the UK. I've seen them in supermarkets when we were there! xxx

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