Happy December! Wow. Already. We are in full holiday decorating mode, albeit slowly. The week is filled with menial, yet necessary tasks (making returns, getting things fixed, paying bills) but there are a few highlights. Are you all decorated for the holidays? Thank you for taking the time to join me for Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things.

Anne Geddes

Who remembers Anne Geddes and her famous photographs of babies and children? I love her unique artfully crafted fantasies of children. Recently I read an article which saddens me a bit how certain “progress” is to the detriment of others. Here are some excerpts from an article written in Artnet News. “The industry that propelled Geddes to superstardom in the 1990s has all but evaporated. Today, the internet churns out imagery at a pace with which few photographers can compete, while email gobbled up the greeting-card industry, leaving Geddes in dire straits.”

“Geddes hasn’t set foot in a photo studio since 2016. Paper products, the medium by which she amassed her fortune and cemented her icon status in the late 1990s—in coffee table books, calendars, and greeting cards—have all but disappeared, leaving the photographer without reliable or regular opportunities for work “.

Elaborate photography sets, which used to take Geddes months to set up, are now being done in lightning speed with digital photography. If you would like to read the rest of the article you can find it here.

But what struck me most about this article is this quote by Anne Geddes:

Children are not only our hope for the future—by their very existence, they will be our future. And yet, we so often take them for granted or underestimate their essential importance. We need to take care of them now, educate, nurture, and love them now; teach them the values of harmony, love, understanding, tolerance, and an appreciation of other cultures now. Because every newborn baby represents our eternal chance at new beginnings.

Geddes unique work has sparked smiles and joy and reinforces our love for children.

Goodbye Pumpkins

As we transition from fall to Christmas decorations, it’s hard to say goodbye to all the gorgeous pumpkins. The good news is that my husband saves every unique stem for any future fabric pumpkin projects. He also collects the seeds and gives the rest to the chickens as a treat. After they are pecked clean, they go into the compost pile and turn into glorious soil that gets used again. I love this photo I took at dusk and want to share it with you.

Clever Use of Ribbon

My friend, Chas from Chas’ Crazy Creations took a piece of the nutcracker ribbon (used in our living room Christmas mantel decorations) and repurposed it into this:

A simple, yet elegant DIY that I would have never thought to do.

Making Turkey Soup

My mother taught us not to waste anything. It goes without saying that all those turkey bones and leftover meat are put to good use this week with a delicious turkey wild rice soup. The kitchen is smelling so good as the bones simmer for hours on end. As you may know, bone broth is very nutritious and rich in collagen proteins that supports skin elasticity and joint health.

Bone broth is a superfood and even though you can buy it already made, it is so easy to whip up a batch yourself. I think this needs to be a future blog post!

Front Porch Maintenance

As we get ready to decorate the front porch, we notice multiple water, mineral and rust stains on the scored concrete floor. Typically I would be showing you a picture of a freshly decorated front porch, but these stains need tending. After the stains are removed, then a sealant will be applied so I hope to show you some before and after pictures soon.

Making Sourdough English Muffins

In an attempt to eat more homemade sourdough items, I try my hand at English muffin making this week. On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the most successful) I would rank my efforts at a 5. The muffins look good but I could not get the center to fully cook and get all those nooks and crannies. A quick stint in the oven only made them a bit too dry to eat.

We did try the first 2 but the rest will go to the chickens. Looking forward to mastering this recipe so I can share it with you.

A Fun New Recipe to Try

You may see this recipe in social media streams, but it looks easy and impressive. Using boxed or from scratch brownie batter, you can form these into pinecone shapes. Then add sliced almonds for the scales and drizzle with melted chocolate. I haven’t found a specific recipe, but hope to make them this week.

Garden Delights

Unlike colder areas, gardens in Phoenix are flourishing now. Currently I have fresh lettuces, chard, arugula, herbs, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, eggplant, chives and garlic growing. This week I harvest shishito peppers and eggplant, which sharing the greens with the chickens.

Mary’s Must Haves

This week’s dental appointment is a success as I take oral hygiene seriously. It is nice to hear the dentist compliment you on the condition of your teeth, as who wants to be toothless or wearing appliances as we age. Brushing, flossing and using a water pick contributes to good dental health. My old water flosser needs replacing and this week I purchased a new one.

This Waterpik Aquarius is currently 30% off on Amazon. It’s more sophisticated than my previous one, so I am learning about all the settings and tips. Whether you are continuing good dental care or need to improve your current way of cleaning your teeth, I highly recommend this device. See it here.

As temperatures drop, my baking/cooking activities increase, especially bread baking. This week my old scale finally died and after some research, I order this one due to it’s great reviews. It weighs up to 11 lbs. and has a pull out display which helps if you are using a large bowl. See it here.

Vitamin D3

Why Vitamin D3? As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce during the winter months, our bodies may not produce an adequate amount of Vitamin D naturally. Vitamin D, aka the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 ensures that our immune system, bones, and mood stay in top form, making it a valuable item for your wellness in the winter.

Why Signify Nature’s Vitamin D3? • QUALITY: Pharmaceutical-grade excellence. • POTENCY: 125mcg (5000 IU) cholecalciferol. • VALUE: A whole year’s supply for only $12.99 – that’s less than 4¢ per day! • CLEAN LABEL: No fillers, no artificial additives. • ORIGIN: Made in the EU with pharmaceutical-grade gelatin. • PURITY: Free of PCBs, heavy metals, mercury, and impurities. see it here.

I am trying this Vitamin D3 supplement and taking one soft gel at breakfast. It’s hard to believe a whole year supply is in one bottle! Great price, too.

What We are Watching?

What are you watching lately? Have you seen the Royal Flying Doctor Service on PBS? “Based on remarkable real-life stories, this gripping drama series follows the modern-day heroes of the Royal Flying Doctor Service as they navigate private lives as turbulent and profound as the heart-stopping emergencies they attend to across some of the most beautiful and inhospitable places in the Australian outback.” There are currently 2 seasons and we are adding subtitles due to the heavy Australian accents.

Well, that’s a wrap! Enjoy your weekend. We hope to walk down to the Electric Light Parade tonight and finish up Christmas decorations!

Love Local businesses refer to small business week?

In a previous Saturday Meaderings, I share beautiful salt dough ornaments by both Miss Mustard Seed and Eleanor Rose Home. My recollection of salt dough ornaments are from childhood, where they are rather goofy and painted bright colors. But times have changed and wooden molds are certainly more sophisticated. I find a pretty mold and try my hand at making salt dough ornaments.

Wooden Molds

I order two wooden cookie molds. The pinecone one arrived very quickly, however, the other is still en route. If you order these, note where they are coming from….obviously the one that hasn’t arrived is somewhere out of the country. Of course, I didn’t realize that when I placed the order.

If you google wooden cookie molds there are various resources from Amazon to Etsy.

Making the Dough

There are two types of dough you can make. Simple salt dough or gingerbread salt dough. The difference is in the color of the dough~whereas one is more white and the other is tinted brown by adding cinnamon.

Since I am making pinecones, I mix up a batch of the gingerbread salt dough. However, I don’t have enough cinnamon so I do half cinnamon and half allspice. I must say, the kitchen certainly smells of Christmas while these are baking.

I make one batch of dough giving me 7 pinecone cookies. Depending on the size and detail of your mold, your quantity will vary. It is also easy to double or triple the dough recipe. The equipment you will need:

• Cookie molds
• Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Toothpick or skewer
• Ribbon or Twine
• Scissors
• Tapestry or large needle

The ingredients for the gingerbread salt dough are:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 3/4 cup cinnamon
• 3/4 cup of water

If you are making regular salt dough the ingredients measurements are slightly different:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water

Mix the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Add water and stir together with a spoon. Using the paddle attachment, mix the dough until it is brought together and all dry ingredients are absorbed. Dough will be crumbly but should hold together when squeezed.

Turn out dough on a floured surface and knead for 30 seconds to bring dough together in a ball.

Using the Mold

Lightly brush the mold with flour.

Press the dough into the mold.

I then press the dough down using a bench scraper to make sure the dough is in all the nooks and crannies. However, I leave the surface of the dough slightly higher than the plane of the mold. It seems easier to remove the cookie impression this way.

Tap out the dough or loosen one edge and it should easily release from the mold. Place cookies on a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Before baking, I use a wooden skewer to start a hole for the ribbon.

Bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes with decorative side up. Flip over ornament and cook for another 30 minutes. Put on a cooling rack to cool.

The salt in the salt dough ornament rises to the surface, as you will note the pinecone is lighter than the pre-baked color.

Some things to Note

The skewer hole is not big enough to use a needle to string the ribbon. My husband drills a larger hole so I can use this needle to get the ribbon through. I am debating whether I should add a little glitter, but I feel like these particular ornaments look more realistic glitter-less.

I will probably try making these again using the standard salt dough (no cinnamon) and see how they turn out.

With all the beautiful molds and resin replicas of vintage molds, I can see this being an annual DIY.

Have you ever made these before? If so, let me know how it went.

If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.

The only reason my living room mantel is completely decorated for Christmas is due to the Fall Styling Workshop. Chloe, from Celebrate and Decorate, demonstrates her technique for layering garlands for a luxuriously styled mantel. I can honestly say this mantel is so gorgeous that the room doesn’t require any other decorations.

The Before

Typically, the fireplace and mantel are simply adorned with 3 oil paintings of my children as toddlers and 2 large oriental vases. The mantel is long (10 feet) and deep (17″). After finding another home for the vases, we remove the paintings. However, hooks are remaining and embedded in the plaster walls.

Chloe comes up with a clever way to hide the hooks by making festive swags. For the center hook, we hang a Christmas-themed piece of art (a DIY project that I don’t believe I’ve shared yet). Brass candlesticks and Simon Pearce Hartland Hurricanes are added to the sides and will provide illumination at night.

Using Command hooks, Chloe wires the garland to the mantel. Subsequent garlands are wired to either another garland or the hooks.

With 3 different garlands providing depth and interest, Chloe adds the 4″ wide nutcracker ribbon I purchased earlier this year from Decorator’s Warehouse.

Chloe pairs the nutcracker ribbon with a 4″ Duponi silk plaid ribbon from Etsy. Note how she tucks the ribbon into the garland. In the center of the mantel, she makes a proper larger scale bow.

All the layers and textures of the garlands and ribbons, create a very luxurious effect.

The finishing touches include several nutcrackers from our family collection, which rest on top of the mantel. Using vintage stacked books, the nutcrackers sit at various heights

As you can see, this mantel decoration is a showstopper!

Items Used on the Living Room Mantel

Please note that I purchased most of these products as early as May (at Decorators Warehouse in Dallas, Texas) and as late as October. Many items are currently out of stock online but you may still be able to find them at your local store. The key lesson is if you see it, but it, because waiting too late in the season the items may be gone.

Cedar Garland (the soft plastic one used on the living room mantel)here. Note: Sold out online, but may be available at your local Hobby Lobby store. This garland might be a good substitute.

• Flocked Pine and pinecone garland here.
• Regular Pine garland (mine is years old) here
• Nutcracker Ribbon here
• Duponi Silk Plaid Ribbon from Etsy
• Command Hooks here
• Floral Wire here
• Assorted Nutcrackers here

I am considering adding soft twinkle Christmas lights as I did order this set but haven’t used them yet. Since we will be in the living room more during the holidays and with the early darkness, I think the twinkle lights are a must.

To see another Chloe mantel in our living room from 2020, check this out. I am so lucky to have such a talented friend!

Hope you are in the midst of joyfully decorating or relaxed because you are completely finished!

Happy Tuesday!

If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.

Every year I try to make our Thanksgiving table extra special, from the space and table, to the place setting and centerpiece. There is something that says love in setting a lovely table for your guests. Since this is the holiday of thanks, what better way to tell your family and guests how grateful you are to gather together.

My sweet friend, Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse is hosting this round up of Thanksgiving ideas to help inspire you this season. Below there are 15 incredible posts filled with wonderful ideas and suggestions on how to make this the best Thanksgiving ever.

Please make sure you stop by each post and of course, we love your comments and feedback. If you are not in the Thanksgiving mood yet, bookmark it for later. Thank you for stopping by.

If you are new to my blog, welcome. My name is Mary and our family lives in a historic home in Phoenix, Arizona. We are blessed with space to entertain and share our unique property with others. So let’s get started on the Thanksgiving table.

Place and Space

With 8 in attendance, the dining room is the most desirable place to have our dinner. Even though our weather is beautiful, it has been a bit warmer during the days. Outside dining could be an option but the mosquito factor is uncertain.

Our dining room table seats 6 comfortably and 8-10 with the additional leaf. Here is a great picture of our dining room rug with colors that are not typical of autumn.

Since typical autumn colors are NOT the shades in my dining room, it is always a bit of a dilemma in decorating the dining room mantel with fall decor that goes with the pink/burgundy/cream/green rug. Naturally I want to pull the same tones/textures to the Thanksgiving table centerpiece. To see the post about my mantel decorating challenge, click here.

Using Natural Materials

A few years ago, I started making centerpieces out of items I can re-use in the yard or garden later. A quick trip to my favorite local happy place, Whitfill Nursery and I find everything I need. From ornamental cabbages to succulents to fresh mint, I believe I have the colors, textures and sizes I want.

Selecting the Tablecloth

Learning from experience, it is important to protect the surface of the table. Remember the dinner party where the bourbon spill did this to our table?

Now I make sure I add the custom made table pad underneath the tablecloth….always. I cannot seem to access the company who made my pads, but there are several resources on Amazon, which provide products you can cut to size. To source table pads, see here.

Not only does the pad protect the table, but it also quiets the sound of glasses or utensils hitting the table during the meal. The manufacturer custom makes them for your table and they fold up for easy storage. Or check out this quilted waterproof pad that you can cut to fit your table. It’s affordable and has good reviews.

Since the tablecloth I want to use is a bit smaller with the additional leaf, I place a larger, neutral tablecloth beneath. Actually what I use is a vintage linen bedsheet I found at a convent during a visit to France. I still swoon over the beautiful monogram sheet.

The Place Setting

The ecru, heavily decorated table linen is the perfect backdrop for the place setting. I found this one at a thrift store.

Using a scalloped wooden charger, Johnson Brothers Windsor Ware platter, and gold rimmed glass Leslie Roy salad plate, each place setting is finished with blush linen napkins and pink glassware. A white pumpkin completes the autumn look. You can find these items or similar here:

• Wooden Chargers (mine are from Pier One and not available; good substitute here
• Johnson Brothers Windsor Ware from Replacements here
• Glass Salad Plates similar here
• Blush linen napkins from Pottery Barn or similar here
• Pink wine glasses here and pink water glasses
• Wallace bee flatware similar here
• Ecru tablecloth similar or on Etsy here.

Assembly of the Centerpiece

Since all the plants are already potted, I place each one into a bowl to protect the table from the bottoms. Water plants and drain before putting them on the table. Using any bowls available (cereal, dessert, glass), the plants are arranged down the center.

Here is a list of plants and quantities I use for a 5′ x 18″ centerpiece:

• Lamb’s ears-2 in 4″ pots
• Ornamental Red Kale Cabbages (5) in 4″ pots
• Echeveria “Red Sky” succulents-2
• Graptoveria “Bashful” succulents-2
• Bacopia Megacopa White-4
• Fresh Mint-2 in 4″ pots

To fill in space, I use:

• Pomegranates
• Brass decorative pumpkins (see similar here)
• 5 Silver mint julep cups with fresh cut pale pink roses (2 dozen from Safeway)
• 2 small antler sheds
• Faux greens that match the ones on the mantel
• 2 tall brass candlesticks
• Scatter votive candles on the table

Since the lamb’s ears are the tallest, they are toward the end. Also, remember not to make the centerpiece so tall that your guests cannot see across the table.

Final Touches

When creating your centerpiece, think textures and scale. It’s easy to have lots of little things going on but keep the selection simple and use repetition, scale, color and texture be your guide. Throughout dinner, my daughter kept reaching over to touch the lamb’s ears~which are so soft and lovely.

The antlers provide a rustic and different element to the table, but do not dominate or standout too much.

Perhaps the best part of the meal is when candles on the table and mantel are lit and everyone sits. Since the dining room is a bit brisk, a warm fire will add to the overall charm.

Previous Years

I hope this inspires you to do a fresh centerpiece for Thanksgiving. Now let’s look at previous Thanksgiving tables. In 2020 we had our dinner outside on the back terrace. Using Hester & Cook fall inspired paper placemat, the centerpiece is a compilation of fabric pumpkins, sheaths of wheat, apples, pears, cotton stems, faux fall leaves and votive candles.

In 2019, again you will see many plants and flowers~petunias, cabbages, lettuces and pale orange roses and alstroemerias. Same concept but different color palette. To see more about this table, click here.

In 2018, all the tones are again in warm autumn colors with chrysanthemums, protea, cabbages, ivy and white roses. To see more about this centerpiece and our Thanksgiving traditions (at least in 2018), click here.

Back in 2017 is when I started using fresh plants vs. all cut flowers. All the plants and items are in a foil lined wooden tray. At the ends of the tray I used ivy and spread it down the table. This centerpiece is a bit more condensed but it is fun experimenting with different vessels. To see more details, click here.

In 2016, I am using fresh cut flowers only, with a few fabric pumpkins. The blog was just starting back then and hopefully my picture-taking skills have improved a bit! Ha!

If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.

Now onto all the fabulous Thanksgiving inspiration from these incredibly talented women!

Ideas for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Dining Table

Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse

Rachel shares a fall centerpiece that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Dining table. It combines DIY and vintage pieces for a unique table arrangement.

Heirloom Pumpkin Fall Centerpiece

Heidi from Eleanor Rose Home

Wow your guests with an elegant fall centerpiece utilizing an heirloom pumpkin and seasonal fresh florals.

Thanksgiving Traditions to Try this Year

Kristin from White Arrows Home

These easy Thanksgiving traditions make it a favorite holiday to look forward to all year long.

Thanksgiving Dining Table with Copper Accents and Free Printable Placecards

Cindy from DIY Beautify

Easy tips to set a memorable Thanksgiving table with printable place setting cards that can double as a gratitude garland!

Simple and Beautiful DIY Artichoke and Magnolia Centerpiece

Jen at Midwest Life and Style

Impress your family and friends with a simple and beautiful DIY artichoke and magnolia centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

How to Create a Simple Rustic Thanksgiving Centerpiece

AnnMarie from Simply 2 Moms

Create a simple rustic centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table this year. Pretty neutral style can be used for the entire autumn season.

9 Simple Tips to Hosting the Best Thanksgiving Dinner Ever

Stacy from Bricks ‘n Blooms

Looking for ways to organize yourself to host Thanksgiving? Here are 9 simple tips to hosting the best Thanksgiving dinner ever. Not hosting this year? Check out my Thanksgiving hostess gift ideas at the end of this post.

Simple Autumn Thanksgiving Vintage Decor Tips

Ann from Dabbling and Decorating

Are you looking for simple Thanksgiving or autumn decorating ideas? Let me share a few tips and tricks to help you get started.

How to Create the Perfect Table for your Thanksgiving Feast

Renae from Peacock Ridge Farm

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning your feast! If you’re not sure how to create the perfect table for your Thanksgiving ing celebration, don’t worry. We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to decorate your table for Thanksgiving. So read on and learn how to create a festive table for your holiday celebration!

How to Make an Easy DIY Cornucopia Basket

Wendy from WM Design House

Thanksgiving is time to give thanks and celebrate with friends and family. One of my favorite traditions is decorating my Thanksgiving table with my homemade cornucopia. I make it out of chicken wire and rope, and then fill it with pumpkins, gourds, feathers and flowers. It’s a beautiful and festive decoration that always gets me in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Dried Wheat Centerpiece

Jen from Cottage on Bunker Hill

Do you love the look of dried wheat? Me too! I love the natural color…I think it is so pretty so I came up with this dried wheat centerpiece. It is perfect for your traditional Thanksgiving table. Let me show you how to make it.

Boho Cottage Fall Tablescape

Jen from Tatertots and Jello

Create a warm and inviting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving table by making a DIY table runner, pillows and a beautiful footed bowl centerpiece filled with textured, fabric-covered pumpkins and leaves.

How to Create a Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape

Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Enjoy some tips for hosting a large gathering with budget-friendly Thanksgiving table elements. At the same time, learn what pieces you can pull together from around your home, and how to best layer them. Then, you can easily create a thoughtful and beautiful tables cape this Thanksgiving.

Simple Fall Table and the Prettiest Serving Pieces

KariAnne from Thistlewood Farm

Looking for some simple ideas for your Friendsgiving table? Why not add a little blue and white with your pumpkins? Tons of simple ideas to make your holiday celebrations a little easier.

I hope you enjoy all the inspiration! Thank you again for joining me today.

Is anyone else in awe that is it already November? Actually this week went by so quickly~so much so that I thought it was Tuesday when in actuality it was Friday. I feel like I want to slam on the brakes of life. You, too? My goal this week is to breathe deeply, go for daily walks and take some time for myself. It’s that time again for Saturday Meanderings, where we chat about all good things this week.

Spontaneity

Last Friday afternoon, on a whim, I decide to drive up to the mountains with our cat, Donovan, to meet up with my husband. Donovan does not like to be in the car and finally settles down after an hour of yowling. But he loves exploring the cabin and has free rein of the place other than our bedroom.

Even though I was born and raised in Connecticut, I am no longer used to cold weather. Boy, it was so cold both inside and outside our cabin (at least for me). However, how fun to wear warm sweaters and coats again!

It is so quiet in the mountains this time of year and it truly feels like the end of fall and the beginning of winter. I am able to do a fun little cocktail photo shoot among the turning leaves in the forest. Later, my husband and I sit there with a drink for just a few minutes, but scampered inside because it was so cold and windy! But what a gift to be there for a few days keeping warm by the fire.

Halloween

Did you have a fun Halloween? So many Halloween events took place over the weekend so I’m not even sure how many children celebrated Halloween on the actual date? Since we live on a busy road that is not well-lit, we try not to encourage children to cross the street to our home (no sidewalks on our side).

So trick or treaters are few and far between. For quite a few years now, we tend to host a rather elaborate Halloween dinner party. But after being away for the weekend, last minute invites go out on Monday for a very spontaneous Halloween cocktail party on our back terrace on Tuesday.

Fortunately we have a group of friends who always respond to our last minute events! A few hors d’oeuvres and fun cocktails make for a fun evening. What a blessing to have such nice friends and neighbors.

Getting Candle Wax off of Linens

I did write a post about this (you can see it here), but after our impromptu Halloween gathering, there is residual candle wax on my table runner. This week I posted an Instagram reel on how to remove it. This technique really works. With the holidays coming there will be more opportunities for candle wax to mar your table linens so check it out. Also if you are on Instagram, would love for you to follow me @lifeatbellaterra.

Inspiration from the Internet

I know very little about interior designers but I am intrigued by Sean Symington. He seems rather young (don’t they all?) and even though he started his interior design firm in 2019, it appears he is very successful.

However, I do like his classic yet refreshed approach. If you love traditional style, pretty fabrics, and gorgeous wallpaper, check him out here.

Adorable Cottage

Though I am not ready for Christmas decor, it is a treat to see my friend’s (Kim from Shiplap and Shells) waterfront cottage.

Kim shares 21 Quick and Simple Cottage Christmas Decor Ideas to Try. This may be the inspiration I need to decorate the guest cottage this Christmas….

Thanksgiving Desserts

Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse is sharing all sorts of ideas for Thanksgiving desserts. In her post, she has 6 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Pie Recipes (plus much, much more). Rachel is a dynamo and I am always so impressed at how much great information she shares.

Need Help with Interior Design?

My friend, Andrea from Design Morsels provides a WEALTH of information on interior design tips and tricks. Not sure what size chandelier to put over your dining room table? Need help choosing a color palette? Ask Andrea.

For those of you who remember Hints from Heloise, Andrea is just that but all things interior design. She is my go to when I am feeling overwhelmed or not sure what design direction to take. Bookmark her website or better yet, follow Andrea!

Mary’s Must Haves

During the week, these items come to mind as ones I appreciate (use often) and highly recommend.

These interior night lights illuminate and provide a safe path around the house after dark. Recently, after taking a pretty good spill outside, in the dark, I am hyper aware of not wanting to fall again. Eufy night lights are low profile, attractive, turn on automatically and provide a nice, warm light. Once the sun is up, the lights turn off.

For outside your home, especially during the darker winter months, these JackonLux Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Automatic light bulbs work very well. We have installed them on the guest cottage and pool house and it’s nice to know they go on and off automatically with sunrise and sunset.

I am not a fan of those harsh blue/white LED lights. These provide a nice warm white light for illumination. Well priced at $16.99 for 4 bulbs.

Colorscience Brush-on Sunscreen Mineral Powder

Protecting our skin from the sun is a smart thing to do in both the summer and winter. However, I am not a fan of greasy sunscreen, especially on my face. I’ve tried products made for the face, but for some reason putting on that extra layer of lotion escapes me.

This powdered sunscreen mineral powder with an SPF 50, I use every single day because it acts like my foundation powder. I also keep one in my purse that I apply when I go on longer driving trips to protect the left side of my face. To pay $69.00 for a sunscreen seems a bit much, but the last time I bought one was in January 2023 and I am still using it. Say it lasts a full year, that’s less than $6.00 per month and approximately $0.19 a day. Well worth the price to protect your skin from damaging sun rays. See it here.

For All your Hot Beverages

With the colder weather setting in, I am drinking more hot beverages~from tea to mushroom coffee to my super sleep time lattes. This electric glass kettle boils water SO quickly, faster than the stove or microwave. It has numerous safety issues such as a stay-cool handle and auto-shutoff. If you are a tea drinker, there is a bonus infuser. Great price with a 1-year warranty at $34.99. Find it here.

This Coming Week…

Sunday is Daylight Savings Time so remember to change your clocks (except if you live here in Arizona where we never change time). Tuesday is Election Day~please remember your duty To VOTE. On Thursday, my son and his girlfriend are coming to town for a wedding. Our entire family will be getting together for dinner, which is very exciting! Saturday, November 11th is Veterans Day~please take time to pray and honor those veterans of the armed services who lost their lives in our country’s wars.

That’s a wrap for this Saturday’s Meanderings. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.