A Few of my Favorite Things
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A Few of my Favorite Things

Do you have a favorite item or part of your home that brings a smile to your face or a boost to your spirit? These are the things that if you had to move, you would definitely take them with you. I suppose organizing guru, Marie Kondo would say these items “spark joy”. In the…

Meyer Lemon Marmalade
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Meyer Lemon Marmalade

I stumbled across this 2008 recipe from Simply Recipes and just happened to have several Meyer lemons that needed to be used. I am one of those people who love marmalade~~on freshly made bread with a cup of tea or coffee. There is something so romantic and very British about it. Meyer lemons are a…

The Fireplaces at Bella Terra
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The Fireplaces at Bella Terra

With our recent chilly weather, we are getting good use out of the multiple fireplaces at our 1910 home. Fireplaces in the mid to later 19th century were a way to heat houses. Many of the original fireplaces were restored and upgraded during the renovation. There is a total of 5 indoors~~ in the breakfast…

Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year!

It is hard for me to believe that we are beginning a new decade. It feels like yesterday that we were celebrating the beginning of a new century. The concept of time is so fleeting, isn’t it? In a blink, 20 years has passed. Most “new” years, I am excited for the fresh beginning, the…

Post Christmas News
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Post Christmas News

It was a very rainy Christmas morning here in Phoenix~~just perfect for lighting each of the fireplaces. This is one of the first years we didn’t have guests, so it was just our family. That set the tone for a very relaxing and easy day. After reading Santa’s letter and opening presents, Dad made his…