Saturday Meanderings

Happy Saturday! I swear it feel like I just hit “publish” on last week’s Saturday Meanderings and somehow we’ve already arrived at Memorial Day weekend. Our best laid plans to escape to the cabin were waylaid this week. But honestly, the weather here in Phoenix has been so beautiful that I really don’t mind lingering a little longer in the Valley of the Sun. The mornings have been especially lovely, the garden is thriving, and life at Bella Terra has kept me plenty busy. So grab your favorite cup of coffee and join me for another glimpse into the little happenings, projects, and memorable moments from this past week.

Stitch Fix

After cleaning out my closet, I discovered I needed a few updated items. Personally, I do not like to shop for myself. Shopping for others is a joy~but for me, not so much. Recently, I tried Stitch Fix and found myself fascinated not only by the concept, but also by the story behind the woman who created it. The company was founded in 2011 by Katrina Lake, a Harvard Business School student with a vision to combine fashion, technology, and personalized service. She began the business out of her apartment, doing the shopping for her friends who had no time to do so.

What made Katrina Lake’s idea so innovative was her belief that shopping could feel more personal and less overwhelming. Instead of spending hours wandering through stores or endlessly scrolling online, customers fill out a detailed style profile sharing their sizes, budget, favorite looks, lifestyle, and even the types of clothing they avoid. Stitch Fix then combines data-driven algorithms with actual human stylists who curate selections specifically for each customer.

What is the Process?

The process itself is quite simple. After completing the online questionnaire, customers receive a “Fix”, which is a box containing serval hand-selected clothing and accessory items. You try everything on at home, keep what you love, and send back the rest in a prepaid package. Over time, the company learns your preferences more accurately, making each shipment better tailored to your taste. An email notifies you of the items in your next Fix. If you don’t like it, you can make changes, request a different item or leave the choice up to your stylist.

For me, the service saves me so much time and angst of shopping. For busy women juggling careers, family, travel, or health issues, the idea of having curated clothing arrive at your doorstep feels both practical and a little indulgent. Also, you can change your stylist, request specific items or cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

Stitch Fix has expanded their services to men and children too. Here is a link if you would like to try it. I believe we both get a financial incentive (discount) is you use this link!

Hen House Project is Completed!

This week I finally paint the doors of the hen house, officially wrapping up the entire project. The decorative chickens on the front door require a bit of delicate hand painting and detail work, but seeing everything fresh, crisp, and bright again made the extra effort worthwhile. It always amazes me how a fresh coat of paint can completely revive a space.

Next on the agenda is a deep cleaning of the interior, which will probably happen this weekend. Once that is finished, I can put the entire project out of my mind and simply enjoy the happy little residents who call it home. I have to admit, these hens (and Mr. Duck) are living quite well these days!

Donating Old Prescription Glasses

This week I finally gather up all of my old prescription eyeglasses-eight pairs in total-and donate them.. Many Walmart Vision Centers have donation boxes where you can leave eye glasses for Lions Clubs International and their “Recycle for Sight” program. Instead of sitting forgotten in a drawer, those old glasses can actually help someone else see more clearly. What a wonderful idea.

The Lions Clubs has been involved in vision-related programs since the 1920s. Donated glasses are cleaned and sorted by prescription strength. These are then distributed through medical missions, clinics, and charitable organizations to help people in underserved communities around the world. Even broken glasses can sometimes be recycled for parts or materials.

You can find collection boxes in participating Vision Centers, making it incredibly easy to donate. They also accept prescription sunglasses and children’s glasses. I was honestly amazed to learn how many people still lack access to basic eye care and corrective lenses, something most of us completely take for granted.

There is something very satisfying knowing these glasses may eventually help another person read, work, drive, or simply see the world a little more clearly. Certainly a far better fate than collecting dust in my drawer for another decade!

It’s Fantasy Table Time!

It will be our fifth year participating in the wonderful charitable event, Fantasy Tables, held at the beautiful White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop, Arizona. One of the things I love most about this event is that each table host is given complete creative freedom to dream up a theme and bring it to life through décor, table settings, florals, and lighting. All the little details make a each table feel magical.

Of course, once I start brainstorming, my mind immediately goes into overdrive. I’ve been busy gathering ideas, sourcing pieces, and imagining how to create something fun and memorable this year. Honestly, half the enjoyment is in the planning and creative process itself.

Over the years, our themes have included Dinner in the Library, Enchanted Forest, Out of Africa 1920s, and the Great British Bash-each one completely different from the last and each such a joy to create. This year’s theme is already underway and I cannot wait to share it with you. Let’s just say there may be a hint of nostalgia, glamour, and a bit of whimsy involved. More to come.

Mary’s Must Haves

I’ve been having some neck issues lately and working hard to correct my posture, especially while doing laptop computer work. I saw a woman using this laptop stand riser while at a restaurant, and quickly ordered one. This portable and adjustable stand just came in and I am enjoying the ability to raise my computer screen to eye level.

The stand is adjustable, collapses flat for easy storage or travel, and supports laptops up to 17 inches. It does wobble a wee bit, but I am a fast typist (and probably pound the keys with vigor). Much better than the cardboard box I was using! It was also surprisingly affordable ($20.99), which makes it feel like one of those simple little purchases that actually improves everyday life. You can find it here.

A Lightweight Charging Block

Lately, after charging my phone overnight, I find it is not charged. I fail to push the cord in all the way, or the plug is not connected. Since all the charging cords are upstairs, I keep this handy portable charging bank in the kitchen for those days when my phone is dead.

It’s a great size, perfect for travel, and helps charge my phone on those days I’m busy and can’t connect to the upstairs cords. It has 4 built in cables: 1 cable for iPhone 12 to iPhone 14 series, plus earlier models and older iPads; USB-C cable for iPhone 15 and newer, modern iPads, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices; Micro-USB cable for older Android phones and accessories; plus a USB-A input port for recharging the power bank itself. A bargain at $25.99 and comes in two colors-white and pink. It is ultra slim and lightweight. You can find it here.

Simple Decor Find

As someone who doesn’t like a lot of tchotchke clutter, these faux decorative boxes are a blessing. We have these two stackable book boxes in our family room, to hold remote controls and other miscellaneous items on the end table.

With a magnetic closure, we hope it will prevent Finn from finding a remote control chew toy. Since these boxes have fall colors, I also use them in autumn displays on the fireplace mantel. Simple and affordable product and you can imagine countless ways to use them. They are available in many locations like Walmart, Target, Wayfair, Pottery Barn or online at Amazon here.

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I always try and pause and remember the true meaning behind this important holiday. While many of us gather with family and friends, enjoy cookouts, travel or celebrate the unofficial beginning of the summer, Memorial Day is ultimately to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is profound and humbling, and it feels important to acknowledge that with gratitude and respect.

This past week, we are thoroughly enjoying living vicariously through the travels of our son and new daughter-in-law as they celebrate their honeymoon in Japan. We’ve loved following along on their adventures, wonderful meals, and beautiful photos. It has certainly added a bit of excitement and wanderlust to our week.

Wishing all of you a relaxing, safe, and thoughtful Memorial Day weekend. I hope you find time to enjoy the people you love, appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted, and perhaps slow down enough to savor a few simple moments along the way.