Thursday, December 22, 2016

O Christmas Branch!

Christmas At Cottage 


When it comes to Christmas decoration, there's over-doing it, just-right (the hardest to achieve), simple (that's my favourite) and too-simple.  

Pour les décorations de Noël, il y a ceux qui en font trop, il y a ceux qui atteignent la perfection, ceux qui jouent la simplicité (ce que  je préfère) et ceux qui n'en font pas assez.

This year, here at Cottage, we fall in that last category. December is always very busy for teachers in France as it's the month we have the highest number of meetings after school hours. As I was recovering from last month inflammatory crisis, I didn't have much energy left as I came back home late. Just enough to feed the cats and feed myself.

Cette année, au Cottage, nous appartenons à cette dernière catégorie. Le mois de décembre est toujours très chargé pour les professeurs en France. Ce mois détient le record du nombre de réunions organisées le soir. Après un mois de novembre marqué par une crise inflammatoire plus longue que d'habitude, je n'avais plus beaucoup d'énergie quand je rentrais le soir tard. Juste assez pour nourrir les chats et me cuisiner un petit truc.

I was full of good ideas, though, and every morning as I woke up, I thought, "Ok, tonight, I begin my Christmas decoration"... And every evening, I promised, "tomorrow, for sure!"

J'avais pourtant plein d'idées et tous les matins, je me réveillais en pensant, "allez, ce soir, je commence ma décoration"... Et tous les soirs, je me promettais "demain, je m'y mets !"

 
So I ended up creating an over-simple decor. I cut a branch in my garden and used decoration that I already had. The branch is quite thin, so it looks a little like the baubles and snowflakes are floating the air.

J'ai donc finalement opté pour un décor très, très simple. J'ai coupé une branche dans mon jardin et je l'ai garnie de décorations que je possédais déjà. La branche est très fine et depuis le canapé, on a l'impression que les boules et les flocons flottent dans l'air.

I did find the time to stop by the nursery one evening, but I couldn't find the energy to drag a tree to my car... I was there standing in front of the trees, hesitating "should I? I can't!" when I noticed that they were selling packs of branches for two euros. I bought one and created a simple mantel.


Je suis tout de même passée par la jardinerie un soir, mais je n'arrivais pas à me décider à porter un sapin jusqu'à ma voiture. J'étais là, plantée devant les arbres (oui, il me reste un peu d'humour, même sans énergie), à hésiter, quand j'ai remarqué qu'ils vendaient des paquets de branches pour deux euros. C'est grâce à cet achat que j'ai créé un manteau de cheminée tout simple.


We're being having the greyest weather ever and so it was difficult to take pictures, but I did what I could. 

I know you can see the mess in the mirror, but I'm getting my things ready to visit my grandmother!

Le temps est très gris en ce moment et je n'arrivais pas du tout à régler mon appareil photo, j'ai fait ce que j'ai pu.

 
We had a very quick ray of sunshine, but the cats and I decided to create some vitamin D rather  than staying inside.

Piano is still with us for now...

Il y a eu un bref rayon de soleil, mais les chats et moi en avons profité pour aller fixer de la vitamine D plutôt que de rester à l'intérieur.
I wish you all a great end of the year!

Je vous souhaite à tous une bonne fin d'année!

See you next time,

A la prochaine fois,


PS1: I've been practising how to create a stuffing without gluten, egg or cream for my parents at Christmas. Milo spent a whole hour and a half by the oven until the chicken (I practised on a chicken and not on a turkey) was cooked. By the way, hi! you can see me in the oven!


PS1 : Je me suis  entraînée à faire de la farce sans gluten, sans œuf et sans crème pour pouvoir régaler mes parents. Milo a passé une heure et demie devant le four à attendre que le poulet soit cuit (je me suis entraînée sur un poulet et pas une dinde). Et... coucou! vous pouvez me voir dans le four !

PS2: I intend to take some time of those holidays to look for a new sofa. I could buy an expensive one as my sofa is always protected from the cats by a throw... But Shadow's new game is to go & sleep under the throw... He never did it until I decided to change the sofa!!!


PS 2 : Je pense prendre un peu de temps pendant ces vacances pour chercher un nouveau canapé. Mon canapé est très vieux, mais a été protégé des pattes félines car il est toujours recouvert d'un plaid... Mais Shadow a un nouveau jeu... Dormir sous le plaid. Pourquoi a-t-il découvert ça juste quand je pense acheter un nouveau canapé ???

PS3: My heart is with all my German readers as I know how sad and worried they must be. My candle, that became way too usual,  is burning at my window just to say I'm thinking of you.


PS3: Mon coeur est avec tous mes lecteurs allemands car je sais combien ils doivent être tristes et inquiets. Ma lanterne, devenue malheureusement habituelle, brûle à ma fenêtre en signe de compassion.

44 comments:

  1. Your decorations look perfect, Magali. I do wish you a very 'Heureux Noel'.

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    1. I just found your comment by visiting my own blog, which I rarely do! Have a peaceful end of the year!

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  2. Magali, you and me BOTH have had to opt for simple! I too went the simple route this year. For years, I over did our small cottage with artificial greenery, but as I started to teach full time, my time for decorating has been squeezed out by planning, meetings, and simply working. Your mantle looks very similar to mine, and we both even have the same STARS! And like you, I picked up a couple of long branches from the yards and I used them to top another mantle. But my two small and BARE trees are adorned only with lights, but they make me happy! Rest up mon amie. I hope you get time off? We get two weeks starting Monday!

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  3. I know just how you feel, Magali! All those big plans in the morning and by the time I get home from work, they're all but forgotten. You created a lovely mantel with your fresh greenery and baubles and twinkle lights. Our dog Fergie used to sit and stare at our oven when I roasted meat, just like your Milo. Too funny! I think Shadow must have been watching as you looked at new sofas online. He's apparently very attached to the one you have. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and have a few days to rest, too. Merry Christmas!

    xo, Vickie

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  4. Tes décorations sont fort jolies et même si elles sont simples, je trouve qu'elles ont plus de charme que certains sapins trop chargés, la sobriété et la simplicité sont pour moi ce qu'il y a de mieux
    Passe d'excellentes fêtes entourée des tiens
    Je te retrouve avec plaisir l'année prochaine (dans quelques jours ;-))

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  5. Been there, done that! I think all of us at times just can't and that's alright. I think your mantle looks beautiful Magali. I don't think there is any of the categories you described I don't love. I tend to over do but it's balanced out by the years I kept it simple. Milo knowns just what is in the oven, I'm sure he had his share of yum. Hope your recipe turned out the way you wanted. Like you, I feel so bad for Germany and the tragedy that happened. I've shopped many Christmas markets there! Hope you are feeling better. Have a wonderful Christmas holiday at your parents, safe travels.
    Merry Christmas Magali...............

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  6. I love your simple decorations. I thing many of us go way overboard with the decorations. I did much simpler this year and love it so much more. It will be easier to put away, too. Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  7. You have such style, Magali. But I also like the odd bit of kitsch! Loved your photos - the festive Mantel, the (unintended?) self-portrait and the one of Shadow emerging from the blanket. We are all with you in your thoughts of everyone in Germany at the moment. On that rather sad note, I also need to wish you a most wonderful Christmas and all that's good in the New Year. x

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  8. My decorations are the simplest of all. In fact, they're non existent lol.

    Milo is a character. The photos of him by the oven and under the throw are adorable. I bet he makes you smile a LOT!

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  9. your simple decorations are festive and that is what counts. Sometimes when not feeling well you have to do simple and say it is enough. I think they are pretty. Have a Merry Christmas

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  10. Very cute Magali! Have a very happy Christmas!! xox

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  11. I love the decorated branch. Your cats are great. Glad Piano is still there. Merry Christmas Magali.

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  12. Your mantle is just gorgeous! Perfect for a seaside cottage! I'm not doing as much decorating this year, either. Just too tired with little motivation. I do hope you find time to rest and relax over the holiday and catch those rays of sunshine every opportunity you have! Merry Christmas!

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  13. I so understand about coming home and not accomplishing what that morning you had decided to do. I used to leave all the ingredients on the counter to bake something. I would walk in the door after work (I had a shop for 28 yrs) and I would look at the ingredients and say "what was I thinking". Your mantle and tree look lovely and go so well with your entire decor style. Very sweet and charming!

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  14. Magali - Such a magical Christmas cottage - I enjoy all your posts - Merry Christmas!

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  15. Hi....Lovely decorating..i think you did a fine job with the time an energy you had..and..i don't think i would have noticed the reflection in the mirror had you not pointed it out..besides..that looks pristine compared to what you'd see in my mirror..as for the candle..it's a Beautiful gesture for such horrid acts..one day i pray you won't need to keep it burning..ya gotta LOVE cats..he looks like he's watching the timer..an it's always cozy under the covers..
    ...safe travels..have fun with your family..hope they Love the stuffing...

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  16. Your decorations are just perfect. Sometimes we just need a little to make it cozy.
    Our hearts are always with others that have to deal with this violence. Just recently here at our Ohio State University.
    Have a peaceful holiday.

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  17. Plein de bonnes choses pour ces Fêtes de fin d'année.
    Les chats ont un instinct extraordinaire.
    J'espère que ta santé sera très bonne.
    Mille bisous et caresses aux griffus. Ba ette

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  18. You have exquisite taste, Magali. It cheers me to see your lovely decoration. Have a warm and cosy holiday week. We all look forward to seeing more of your good ideas in the new year!

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  19. Love your simple. I did simple too. In this new small home I needs to stay simple. Love Shadow looking into the oven awaiting some chicken lol💕 Too cute. Have a wonderful Christmas 🌲🌲

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  20. I think your mantel is just beautiful and would grace any design magazine page! I can just see Milo meowing--is it done yet? Merry Christmas to you and all your family!

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  21. I thinkyour decorations are perfect . Very serene. Hope you start feeling better. Being tired and exhausted is just SO hard. Joyeaux Noel. Hope I spelled that correctly. You can just mark down my grade if I'm wrong😃

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  22. Sometimes we can only do so much. Your mantel looks beautiful and even your Christmas branch is pretty cute!

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  23. Wow it looks amazing. You have the magic touch. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Magali!

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  24. Your nice cottage is perfectly decorated ! Less is more, and simple is serene :-) Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year !! Marie from Belgium

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  25. Your decorations look lovely and this year I've found less is more.... I am diary and gluten free and last year I made a stuffing and it was HORRIBLE...so this year for 1 week I am not. I just couldn't take that dressing again. I remain DF but nothing beats a good bread. Hope yours turn out good..Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Christmas

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  26. A beautiful Charlie Brown tree:). I think it's very pretty and I love the ornaments, do the kitties love them too? The mantel is gorgeous with the branches and lights. I hope the stuffing turns out delicious and I think Milo wants to try some too:).
    I hope you Magali, kitties and Mr. Charmer have a very Merry Christmas and may 2017 bring you health and happiness. For our world, praying for Peace,
    Kathleen in Az

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  27. Hi Magali, hope that you are feeling better now. Believe it or not, I like simple decorations as well. I didn't put a big tree up this year either. Love the branch, and the mantle decor. Take care, Merry Christmas. Jeannie

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  28. le décor du manteau de cheminée est à la fois nature, grâce aux belles branches de sapin et, très classe avec la lumière qui joue dans les boules, les étoiles et les bouteilles - bonnes fêtes au Cottage !! monique59

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  29. How pretty! Happy holidays, dear Magali.
    Amalia
    xo

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  30. joyeux Noël! Your simple decor is quite lovely, my dear. Enjoy the holidays and the time off from school. Give those beautiful kittens lots of snuggles.

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  31. Joyeux Noël! Avec une déco toute en simplicité et naturel.

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  32. How lovely to read and look at your photographs.
    I think your mantel looks very good, and it was good to see your reflection in the oven.

    All the best Jan

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  33. Good evening Magali, I was visiting Carol from Art and Sand when I noticed your blog in Carol's side bar. I loved the name of your blog so I decided to pop over and say hello.
    I am sorry to hear you have been so poorly and I do hope you are feeling much better.
    Your Christmas decorations made from greenery collected from your garden is perfect. I love fresh greenery at Christmas time, but sadly my garden is quite bare in December. It springs back to life in springtime.
    Wishing you health and happiness for 2017.
    Best Wishes.
    Daphne

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    1. The weather is never very cold in Brittany, so it stays - more or less - green even in winter. Welcome to the Little White House and have a wonderful new year!
      Magali

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  34. Seeing Piano lying in the sun is making me sleepy. Yawn. Your Christmas decorations are lovely. I love your mantel vignette, and the ornaments on your branch tree are so pretty. Blue and silver are a great combination. A new sofa can be fun. . .but what to do about the kitty? You and Cottage, no doubt, will figure it out. May the new year bring good health and joy into your life. Hugs.

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  35. I love your simple Christmas decorations! So pretty and serene. I hope you are able to have a break and get some rest. How long are you off? We have two full weeks...one down and one to go! Have a blessed New Year's!

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  36. It's smart that you listened to your body Magali. It's okay to go simple when you need to. I'm afraid that I am in the overdoing category. :) I try to simplify, but never ends up that way. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  37. me encantaron tus decoraciones de Navidad Magali gracias por la fotos especialmente en la que te puedo ver un poquito besos a los gatitos y FELIZ 2017 :))

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    1. ¡Feliz 2017 a usted, Nelly, de los gatos, cabaña y I! ¡Siempre es un placer ver un comentario tuyo en el blog!

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  38. I think you got the mantel just right! Hope you had great Christmas, and that the stuffing came out to your liking!

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