Can it possibly be mid-January already? I hope this year isn’t another one on fast-forward. All my efforts to slow time do not seem to be working. Happy Saturday to you and I hope this blog post finds you comfy and cozy. It is very cold here in Phoenix as we are not used to freezing morning temperatures very often. Let’s get started with Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things this week.

Christmas and Holiday Decorations

The goal was to have all the decorations put away last weekend. However, a bulk of those decorations go into the Christmas room in the basement (see that post here). Monday morning I went to put the last of the boxes away and the Christmas room was flooded. In addition to storage, there are two 80 gallon water heaters in one corner. One of the water heaters split and hence the flooding. We also have flood alarms in the basement and even though one was under water, did it alert us? NO!

By Wednesday, our plumber replaced the water heater (when did they become so expensive?). Clean up follows and we are now storing the balance of the boxes. There is always something that doesn’t go according to plan.

A Wildlife week

Since our big dog, Cooper passed away, we are experiencing more wildlife in the yard. I don’t know if it was due to Cooper marking his territory, but we are seeing more critters. A few cute ones~bunnies and a cat who strolls around like he/she owns the place. However, I believe this display of small animals is also attracting a very large coyote.

Cooper did a great job keeping coyotes out of the property, but they are back. I fear for the cat and bunny, but hoping they are very fast and good at hiding. Hard to believe we have coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, peccaries and various birds of prey in our relatively urban environment.

What’s in Bloom

In spite of the freezing temperatures, we still have things thriving and blooming. The ornamental cabbages planted in the fall look their best now, with their shades of purple and blue/green leaves. Lately I’ve been so drawn to the color purple, lavender and plum. Not sure what that is about but I checked online and it says it represents feeling a strong connection to spirituality. Hmm.

Even though lavender loves a warm climate, it is doing just fine in our cooler temperatures.

Along the same colors as the lavender flower and sage colored leaves, is our Texas sage.

In this new year, do you find yourself drawn to a specific color? In March 2018 I actually wrote a post on why we are drawn to color. It appears then, purple was the big attraction. How odd as it is not a color that is one of my favorites.

Soup Weather

It is the perfect time of year to make soup. This week I made chicken noodle soup from chicken bones and loosely referenced Half Baked Harvest’s recipe, Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup. Typically my stock consists of lots of bones/parts, onions, celery, carrots and seasoning. Once the stock has simmered for hours, I strain it and then add more chicken, vegetables, seasonings, noodles or rice or orzo.

Normally, I don’t add lemon juice, fennel or pesto, but I must say, adding these ingredients elevates my chicken soup. Probably the best chicken soup I’ve ever created. If anyone makes the Half Baked Harvest recipe please let me know how it goes.

You have heard me reference the Fast Metabolism Diet book. It has a Chicken and Barley soup recipe that is full of vegetables such as butternut squash, yellow summer squash, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms. It is more of a stew vs. a soup because of the barley. I tend to season it more as I feel it’s on the bland side, but another great soup that sticks to your bones.

Artificial Intelligence

I am not sure how I feel about artificial intelligence, or AI. However, apparently the images below are created by AI. On one hand, I am amazed at what AI can do. On the other hand, like most things in life, there are those who will manipulate it. The long term impact is unknown but I see many jobs becoming obsolete as a result.

There is an AI tool that you can use for interior design. DecorAI is a comprehensive AI-powered interior design tool that helps users come up with new decorating ideas. Users can take a photo of their room and get up to five free design ideas. I haven’t tried this yet but here are some of their before and after photos.

Technology is certainly changing the world.

Mary’s Must Haves

Each night before bed, I heat up my microwaveable aromatherapy blanket and slip it in between my fitted and top sheet. Then I am off to wash my face, brush my teeth and get into my jammies. By the time I actually get into bed, my sheets are so nice and warm. Heavenly!

This blanket measures 44″ x 18″ and weighs 5 lbs. The lavender scent helps promote relaxation. You can even freeze the insert to help alleviate muscle soreness. The removable cover is washable and oh so soft! It comes in 5 different colors/fabrics. See it here.

With the cold weather, my cuticles seem to get so dry. Again, a nighttime ritual is applying cuticle oil to soften and repair damaged cuticles. This particular one has over 121,000 views on Amazon with a 4.7 star rating. Not only does the 2.5 oz oil come fragrance-free, but also has 12 other fragrances to choose. Currently it is 38% off. See it here.

There is something to be said for writing with a pretty pen. The Rifle Paper Company has such cheerful designs and I love this affordable set of gel pens in these happy colors. Whether you journal or just need a good-looking pen, here’s an affordable way to do so. Four Estee gel pens at $18.00~what a nice treat to yourself.

The link will take you to the home page of Rifle Paper and then click on the New Arrivals box. Scroll down about 8 rows and you will find it there.

For years, I have been using Oil of Oregano. Oregano oils have antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These oils may also play a beneficial role in weight management and infection treatments. It’s a natural antibiotic and may improve gut health. The minute I feel a little off, I take it. When I travel or am surrounded by large crowds, I take it as a precautionary measure. This little gem is instrumental in keeping me healthy. Note: I do take it with food as it can upset an empty stomach.

Naturally always research products before you start taking them. Also make sure you are getting a high quality supplement. If you’re interested in taking oregano oil extract but currently taking prescription medications, make sure to consult your healthcare professional before adding it to your regimen.

That’s a wrap! Have a terrific weekend. Stay healthy and warm!

Welcome to the first Saturday Meanderings of 2024. I am really excited about this even numbered year. This week is turning out to be a very productive one, and I am thoroughly enjoying the last of the 12 days of Christmas, which is today, January 6th, the Epiphany. Thank you so much for joining me today for Saturday Meanderings, where we chat about all good things this week.

My Daughter’s Birthday

Today is my youngest child, Elisabeth’s 23rd birthday. She and her friends are celebrating at our cabin in the snowy mountains of Arizona. When I asked her about a birthday cake, she replies, “oh, I will just pick one up at the grocery store.” Wait? What? After years of a homemade birthday cake, well that is just unacceptable to me. After determining her favorite cake flavor is chocolate, I start planning to make a cake that would be transportable in a long car drive.

My favorite go-to cake cookbook is Layered by Tessa Huff. This dog-eared, food stained book has been well used over the years. I try a new recipe for her birthday celebration~a Black Forest cake. Four layers of sour cream chocolate cake with heritage frosting and cherry chocolate ganache between the layers, milk chocolate buttercream frosting on the outside with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries on top.

Because of the height of the cake, most cake carriers will not work. However, a last minute trip to Walmart, I am able to find this carrier with the proper clearance. The base of the carrier flips so you can use it for cakes or cupcakes. Now, I just hope the cake makes the car trip and is as delicious as all the spoons and bowls I licked.

New Product to Keep on Hand

We often have guests dropping by unexpectedly and we like to be able to offer up an appetizer. I discover this during the holidays and they are perfect with a glass or wine or champagne. Imagine freshly baked French cheese puffs that are ready in 25 minutes! Shipped to you frozen, an order includes 36 of these delicious cheese puffs.

I just received my second order of Bougie Gougies and love having them available in the freezer when I need them. Each box has 36 cheese puffs. They are a bit pricey, but you are paying for the convenience. Now my goal is to learn to make these. Has anyone made gougères from scratch?

New Year’s Eve Brunch

Instead of an evening New Year’s gathering, we decide to do a brunch this year. As I age, I find myself wanting to go to bed earlier and late nights are suffered the next day. I serve the tried and true brunch recipes of my egg casserole, blueberry coffee cake, and a fruit salad (without the unripened cantaloupe). In addition, I try a new recipe of Spiced Dark Chocolate Cherry Saltine Toffee (recipe below) and a Coconut Mojito cake (from the Layered book mentioned above).

The saltine toffee recipe (from Virginia Willis, author, Secrets of the Southern Table) is excellent and listed below. Now you know why I need to diet and exercise in January!

Daily Planner Week 1

In my post earlier this week, I share my new daily planner and annual calendar. It is so nice to get back on track and I can report that everything that I tasked myself with this week I accomplished! So far it is working!

In addition to using a planner, each day I am trying to keep ahead of my email in-box. At the end of December, I had nearly 10,000 emails in my inbox….mostly junk. Daily I am taking 30 minutes and cleaning and purging. Does anyone else have this problem?

Frost Warnings

This next week it will be quite cold in Phoenix. I believe the City’s temperature reading comes from Sky Harbor Airport and our property is approximately 6 to 9 degrees cooler. When you see those astronomical summer temperatures, it is mainly due to all the concrete and tarmacs surrounding the airport. Since we have so much vegetation here and in our surrounding neighborhood, it’s important to pay attention to the weather forecast.

My garden is covered with Christmas lights and a layer of protection. Since my garden greens and tomato plants are so abundant right now and I’m taking extra precautions.

Mary’s Must Haves

I don’t know if it the cold weather or I’m exerting muscles in a different way, but I am using Arnicare Gel frequently. This homeopathic topical gel, is quickly absorbed, non-greasy, fragrance-free and helps reduce muscle pain and stiffness.

Every night I put it on my left knee and left wrist (injured in my fall last year), and it really seems to help. I like the fact that it is a natural pain reliever from the Arnica montana plant.

This time of year I am content being in a pair of comfy leggings and a warm sweater. I bought these for my daughter for Christmas and she loves them. You can get all black or a combination of colors. Super soft, and non-see through, they are also high waisted. Can’t beat the price at $36.99. See it here.

During this time of year when so many people are getting sick, these lozenges are a good item to have handy. At first I balked at having to buy 12 bags, but they are small and we go through them quickly. Each drop contains elderberry and a throat-soothing herbal blend. The 5 mg of zinc per lozenge may help your immune support. I always take a bag when traveling and like the fact they are non-GMO, gluten-free, no cane sugar, artificial sweeteners or colors. See it here.

I bought these cute cotton socks last year and received them after Valentines Day. These socks are so adorable and would also be a great Valentine’s Day gift. The price is so low at $13.99. It also looks like the delivery date will be a while so order them soon to get them before February 14th!

This weekend we will be dismantling Christmas decorations, which is always bittersweet. Do you have any fun plans? Stay warm out there and have a happy weekend!

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For the last Saturday Meanderings of 2023, I am including two weeks of good things to chat about. With every intention to post last Saturday, well, you know how life goes the week before and after Christmas. Happily with a house full of family and guests, I never finished my post and here it is, a week later and there is more to add. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s chat about all good things over the last two weeks.

Before Christmas

What a week! On Saturday, December 16th we made the 6 hour drive to Newport Beach, California where we celebrated my husband’s birthday.

Newport Beach

With the average house price in Newport Beach being nearly $4mm, it is obviously a place we cannot buy, but we certainly love to visit. We always stay at Marriott Newport Coast Villas, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is situation right on the Pacific Coast Highway. This location is just perfect for our family and after coming here every summer when the children were younger, it feels a bit like a home away from home.

Four days of chock-a-block activities with the whole family (and significant others), from Disneyland to our favorite beach, the time is filled with lots of laughter and new memories. This Marriott property is so well maintained with beautiful landscaping too.

One of the highlights of blogging is meeting some truly wonderful people. During my September trip to Newport Beach, I learn that Wendy, from WM Design House lives in the area. So on this trip, we schedule time to meet for lunch and immediately, we become fast friends.

I love scheduling 4 to 5 days before Christmas to do something extra special with our family. Not only do we focus on my husband’s birthday (which can get lost in the holiday crunch), but hotel prices are still reasonable and accommodations available. Plus it’s a nice break from the holiday frenzy.

The Loofa (or luffa) is Ready!

This loofa plant has been the highlight of the garden this year. The vine is slowly dying off and I am picking dried loofa from the vine. If you recall, here is how it looks over the summer. At this point, this vegetable is very edible. Surprisingly, it did very well in our exceptionally hot summer.

As it matures, the fruit lightens in color and loses water weight. The shell hardens and starts to separate from interior fibers. Here is what the loofa looks like now.

The dried skin easily peels off and the seeds shake out from the inside. I find this plant so interesting! If you would like to grow this in your garden, here is a link to luffa seeds. I haven’t used it yet as a body scrubber but will keep you posted!

Annual Holiday Competition

My son, Benjamin has long-time friends (Emily, Max and Jeffrey) who gather each Christmas and compete in a food/drink cookoff. To date, the competition has included BLTs, stuffing, and hamburgers. This year they decide to do a cocktail one with categories of stirred, blended, shaken and shooters.

With a cleared kitchen island, each friend has a prep station. Official descriptions and judging sheets are provided to us and our friends, Rick and Janie. Not only are the drinks innovative and delicious, but it is so joyful to see the camaraderie between these incredible friends. Judging scores includes presentation, taste and innovation.

From tropical pinã coladas to snowball Negronis, this group did not disappoint. Operating as skilled mixologist, each and every drink is delicious.

Cocktails are rated with a numbering system and judged with a blind tasting. It’s always hard to pick one winner because such effort and attention is done by all three participants.

Christmas Day and After

Christmas morning is a very casual and relaxing affair here at Bella Terra. After the traditional breakfast of Eggs a la Goldenrod (see the recipe here), smoked salmon (made by my husband), bagels, and fresh squeezed orange juice for mimosas, we open our presents in the living room. It is possible there are more dog than people presents!

A late afternoon dinner is served in the dining room. What is fun about this year’s meal is that it was thrown together without a lot of forethought. The menu includes a smoked pork loin, a salad made from fresh garden greens and sweet potatoes, prepared in the most delicious way (recipe to come soon), cornbread muffins and a previously homemade (and frozen) pumpkin pie.

The table centerpiece is simply created with bottlebrush trees gathered from other parts of the house. Though our dining room is small and can only accommodate 10 people, it is very conducive to lively conversation and ambiance.

Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas

I know many people are already dismantling their Christmas decorations, but not here at Bella Terra. This year, I decide to truly celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas (from Christmas Day to January 6, the Epiphany). My mother kept all decorations up until January 6th, a tradition we continue here.

What I love about this time between those two dates is the unique period of tranquility. I can fully enjoy the quiet beauty of the winter wonderland of our home without the stresses of the holiday bustle. In this sense of peace and stillness, I will slowly read and enjoy all the Christmas cards and letters we’ve received. Daily, I am watching a Christmas movie.

Even though Valentine’s Day merchandise is in the stores, I plan to be present and enjoy the peace and quiet of these 12 days. I invite you to join me in using this time for quiet reflection, to connect with nature’s stillness, spend quality time with loved ones, embrace deliberately slowing down, and savor your traditions and rituals.

When do you take down your decorations? Do you celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas?

As we say goodbye to 2023, I send you the biggest hugs and best wishes for a healthy, happy and exciting 2024. Keep those you love close to you and always extend a hand to those less fortunate. That’s what life is all about. See you in the New Year!

Before central air conditioning and heat, homes are kept warm by fireplaces in many of the rooms. In our historic home, we have 5 fireplaces inside and two outside. Each fireplace has a mantel that is begging to be decorated for the Christmas holidays. Here is a compilation of some of our decorated mantels over the years.

Back Terrace-2023

In our restoration journey, we add this valuable space to the back our our home. In the beautiful weather months here in Phoenix, it is the gathering place for family and friends. The large stack stone fireplace on one end is the focal point.

During our Fall Styling Workshop, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate transforms the fall decorations to winter/holiday ones. Using this beautiful Norfolk pine garland, she adds large pinecones, elk sheds, festive balls and two different kinds of ribbon.

This beautiful 5″ elk ribbon (source: Decorators Warehouse but out of stock) and the 4″ silk plaid one (from my ribbon stash) are striking together. Vintage snowshoes and poles from thrift store finds add some charm and interest.

Here is the same fireplace but with a snowy, winter theme in 2020.

Living Room-2023

I recently shared this lush and luxurious mantel with you. If you missed it, you can see it here.

Here are some photos from previous years. In 2022 I repeat the use of magnolia and pine garlands and red berry clusters, but add faux amaryllis in blue/white ceramic pots.

The blue and white ceramic pots are filled with greens, ornaments and pinecones, as well as the same faux red amaryllis. The addition of our homemade stockings with brass holders keeps the simplicity of this mantel decor.

Here is another Chloe mantel, when she was visiting Bella Terra in 2020. Every time Chloe comes to Phoenix, I learn something new and I get a beautifully decorate mantel! Lucky me!

Dining Room Mantel

With such an abundant mantel in the adjacent living room, I decide to do a simply elegant one in the dining room this year. Using a magnolia garland, I add a faux lamb’s ear garland, glittery pine cones, pink and blush ornaments and a few strings of sparkly pink berries. This all goes nicely with the coral orchid pot from Dear Keaton.

In previous years, I use bottle brush trees, lights and pink/blush ornaments.

Some years I add garland and others not. This time I hang round pink ornaments with fishing wire on one side of the mantel.

Breakfast Room

Adjacent to our kitchen is the breakfast room. This sweet fireplace warms up both rooms during the winter months. Sometimes I change the artwork and sometimes I don’t. I do have to take care that any decorations are not too close to the flame too.

I’ve yet to decorate this for 2023, and hope to accomplish that in the next few days. In 2021 and 2022 I make the garland~red/white beads and tassels (see blog post), and dried orange slices (see DIY here).

In 2020, I hang a “clothesline” and with miniature clothespin, hang tiny Christmas sweaters, hats and mittens.

Originally, the breakfast room fireplace held all the nutcrackers we’ve collected over time. But it’s a bit of an effort to get them up from the basement and unpacked, so in 2010, I only display a few. In 2019, I go for darker shades of red.

Though the fireplace in the art room doesn’t typically get decorated, I love how my friend, Barbara from Mantel and Table, adorns this in 2020. Her use of faux peonies, gold berry clusters, pinecone ornaments and sheer ribbon makes an elegant statement.

The goal is to have the house fully decorated before this weekend. My guess is that you are already finished with holiday decorations~but I will get there eventually.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the various holiday mantels.

There something special about serving a custom cocktail during the holidays. Every time I entertain, I like to seek seasonal ingredients and create a unique drink to start the party. Generally, I make enough for 2 servings per guest, then you can serve whatever you want after the initial cocktail~be it wine, beer, standard mixed drinks or non-alcoholic beverages. I hope this extra effort makes my company feel special and that our time together will reflect that. Here are some of my favorite specialty cocktails for the holidays.

2023 Christmas Cocktail

Inspired by a cocktail we had last Christmas at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, I want to make this one very festive, fun and interactive. At Michaels, I purchase 20 clear plastic ornaments and use these as a vessel to serve this delicious Cranberry Orange Margarita. The recipe is from Half Baked Harvest but I tweak it a bit to make it my own (see Note below).

Here is a link for 20 8 cm plastic ornaments (approx. 3″) for only $15.48. The recipe can be made in bulk. What’s nice about this cocktail, is you can make the drink ahead of time, use a funnel to fill the ornaments and then refrigerate them until your guests arrive.

Serve in a pretty coupe glass with a fresh sprig of rosemary and sugared cranberries. Not only is this a very colorful and festive drink, it tastes delicious too. These coupe glasses are on sale at Crate and Barrel for an incredibly low price. You can find them here.

Note: I use agave syrup instead of granulated sugar in the recipe. Also, I tie on a gingham ribbon on the top of the ornament so I don’t lose it after the drink is poured. The plastic ornaments can be washed and reused.

Taking Advantage of Citrus Season

As we are entering the best time of year for oranges, grapefruits, tangerines and lemons, it make sense to utilize these fruits. Plus we all could use a little more Vitamin C! Using fresh herbs and pretty garnishes, raises the bar on taste. Some of the recipes are for one cocktail, and others provide a pitcher size quantity.

Ruby Red Greyhounds with Rosemary Simple Syrup

The key to this drink is to get good ruby red grapefruit. Texas Ruby Reds are juicy and sweet as are the ones we are growing in our orchard. With rosemary-infused simple syrup, fresh grapefruit juice and vodka, this cocktail is bright, tart and refreshing while easy to make. You can find the recipe from A Farmgirl’s Dabbles here. I have made this many times and it’s a winner.

Tangerine Sidecar

We have the most amazing tangerine tree that seems to bear fruit every other year. Well, this year, the branches are laden with so many tangerines. Our neighbors love this drink. I don’t know what type of tangerine tree we have, but mandarins will work wonderfully as well. Between the sweet tangerine juice, bourbon, and ginger simple syrup, it’s the perfect winter drink. You can find the recipe here.

Clementine Thyme Margaritas

You have seen this cocktail a few times on previous posts. We recently served it at our Halloween Dinner party and again, a fan favorite. Silver tequila and thyme infused simple syrup make this a tasty cocktail. Can’t find clementines? I use Cuties as a substitute. Recipe is found here.

Birds and Bees

I first made this back when I was the recipient of the Traveling Teacup (see post here). A syrup made with honey and chamomile tea mellows the fresh lemon juice in this gin cocktail from Juan Coronado of South Beach restaurant, The Bazaar. Here is the recipe. 

White Christmas Mojitos

These creamy white coconut mojitos are so festive for the snowy, winter months bringing a bit of tropical flavor to the season. If you are a fan of Half Baked Harvest, you will enjoy these. Garnish with mint and cranberries or pomegranate arils for a true holiday drink. Click here for the recipe.

Cranberry Bourbon Sours

Here’s another festive cocktail from Half Baked Harvest with a deep ruby color. Ingredients include cranberry and lemon juice, bourbon and a cranberry honey syrup. Plus it is easy to whip up for a crowd. I love cranberries this time of year so why not take advantage of all the good benefits of this tiny red fruit. Cranberry Bourbon Sour recipe is here.

Jungle Bird

A few Thanksgivings ago, my son made this tropical drink with Campari, pineapple and lime juice and dark rum. Usually reserved for dry dinner drinks like the Negroni, Campari, is a bitter aperitif that works surprisingly well in this mix. The fruits help smooth out its bitterness while the dark rum and simple syrup bring in a touch of sweetness that draws it all together beautifully.

You can see the recipe from The Spruce Eats here.

Simple and Easy

If making cocktails with any complexity is not your thing, a good Prosecco or bubbly champagne will work. To make it a bit more festive, you can add a bit of edible glitter, hibiscus flower or an Amareno cherry.

Our friend and neighbor, Tevia, always brings the most clever gifts when we entertain. She is responsible for the hibiscus flowers and edible glitter, which can be found on Amazon. Amareno cherries are grown in 2 cities in Italy and tend to be seasonal. Trader Joes may have them but they sell out quickly. I just found this jar on Amazon.

Non-Alcoholic Options

There are many festive non-alcoholic or dealcoholized beverages available too. This sparkling dealcoholized vegan rosé is quite nice for special occasions (or just because). It has almost half the sugar content of other non-alcoholic sparkling.You can find it here.

Another great resource for low and non-alcoholic beverages is Lyre’s Spirits. Want a Negroni? They have the ingredients to do so without the alcohol. And their bottles are very attractive. Check out their website here.

Do you have a favorite cocktail? Please do share as we are always looking for new ones to create. Wishing you a happy Tuesday!

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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog may contain other affiliate links but not all links have affiliations. I truly love to share products that I have personally tried and highly recommend.