Saturday Meanderings

It’s wallpaper weekend! The cabin bathroom papering project is beginning today and I am estimating it may take all day Saturday and Sunday. These are the only plans I have for the final weekend in July. Before I get started, let’s reflect back on this week and chat about all good things. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s get started.

Baking with Cherries

Typically, I like to make a pie with tart, sour cherries vs. red Bing cherries. However, we can never find fresh sour cherries as they are only available canned. Yet, the store shelves are empty and no sour cherries in sight.

With 2 large bags of Bing cherries, I follow this Homemade Cherry Pie recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction. The pie is very tasty, however, it didn’t set up as much as I would have liked. Lots of cherry juice, but nonetheless, delicious.

With still 2 lbs. of cherries left, I try this new recipe, Fresh Cherry Crisp with Almond Oatmeal Crumble, from Ambitious Kitchen. This is a fabulous recipe and one I will make again. A dairy-free (but we topped it with whipped cream) and vegan recipe, it only takes 20 minutes to prep.

We drizzled Amaretto over the whipped cream and gobbled this up both warm and cold. There’s something comforting about a fruit crisp. Brings back fond memories of childhood.

Cutting Down a Tree

I always find it heartbreaking to cut down a healthy tree. Unfortunately, this Ponderosa pine tree is growing up into the utility lines and poses a hazard, especially on very windy days. Since we are in a high risk fire area, situations like this can be dangerous.

My husband and our friend, Mitch, excited to be using chainsaws, cut the tree, but leave this as a reminder of the tree’s life in our yard. I love the rustic look of this cross with the tree’s bark on the ends.

A Bit of Organizing

As you can imagine, I have collected many wallpaper samples, trying to determining the right paper for the cabin bathroom. What to do with these samples?

In cleaning out my drawers in our bathroom, I use the samples to line the simple plastic organizers, which adds a bit of oomph to an otherwise boring drawer.

Gone are outdated beauty products, empty jars (why do I keep those?) and old medication.

Hairbrushes are clean and ready for use, all with pretty paper peeking out from underneath.

What is it about having clean, organized drawers? Every time I open it now, I get a little burst of joy!

With the successful cleaning of my vanity drawers, it’s now time to turn my attention to the linen cabinet…which hasn’t been sorted out in years.

After sifting through the sheets, towels and bath supplies, here is the after.

All the linens in good condition are donated to a local charity. This is another small project that doesn’t take a great deal of time but has a big impact.

On an organizational roll, I spent a few hours in our garage. When it comes to tasks like this, I like to be efficient—I’m not a fan of handling the same item more than once. You know the saying: If you take something out, put it away. It’s a simple habit that helps prevent clutter and makes it much easier to find things when you need them.

I’ve always lived by the phrase, “Don’t put it down, put it away.” My husband… not so much. I love him dearly, but organization isn’t exactly his strong suit. I’m sure I drive him crazy with my constant tidying—but hey, opposites attract, right?

Taking up a bit of floor space is a pile of outdoor furniture covers. Gee, I wonder how these got here? Now, they are folded, tied and ready to go into a plastic tub of with the rest of the outdoor furniture items.

It always feels good to get a handle on clutter. There’s more to do in the garage but it’s a productive first step.

Cooking Class with Judith King

Taking a break from organizing, With my sweet neighbor Gloria, we attend a cooking by Judith King, a chef and culinary professional. Judith hosts the classes on the charming back deck of her cabin here in Pinetop, Arizona.

During the 2-hour class, Judith demonstrates how to make Lasagna with Shrimp and Scallops, Fish with Creamy Creole Sauce, Grilled Smoked Salmon and Brie Pizza, Smoked Salmon Salad with Farro, Avocado and Toasted Seeds, and Limoncello Baked Alaska.

We get to eat all the recipes at the end of the class. Everything is so delicious and I know I will be making the baked Alaska soon….so yummy. You may remember me mentioning Judith in the past as she is the creator and chair of the Fantasy Table Event that raises scholarship money for employees at the White Mountain Country Club. She is so talented and such a generous person. If any of these recipes sound interesting to you, let me know and I will share.

Cute, Affordable Top

Check out this very cute, short sleeve, waffle knit shirt I found on Amazon. It’s $22.99, has embroidered sleeves, a relaxed fit and comes in 12 different colors.

Of course, the model is super cute, however, the top is very similar to what you are seeing. She must be taller because, the shirt is long enough for me to tuck it into the front of my jeans.

I am eyeballing the dusty pink color next. The details on this shirt are a big step up from a plain white tee.

More Owl Sightings

The owls continue to provide entertainment at our property in Phoenix. This is the latest photo from my daughter, who is house-sitting for us. Doesn’t it look like a gargoyle perched on the corner of the roof?

A Week of Chewing

Finn is been chomping at the bit this week…literally. Not only did he rip the heart out of his favorite Kong bear toy, but eviscerated it as well.

But the best part is Finn getting a hold of my shower scrunchy pouf. He had the time of his life tearing that thing up. He is such a rascal.

As you are reading this, I am more than likely up to my eyeballs in wallpaper paste. I cannot wait to show you the before and after photos of this project!

Have a relaxing weekend. I’m hoping the weather is picture-perfect for everyone. The next Saturday Meanderings will be in August…how can that be? Anyway, stay safe out there.