When did the Memorial Day weekend sneak up on us? It’s hard to believe it is already the end of May! However, Memorial Day is a very important national holiday, when we honor and mourn those who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. I love our flag and all it represents and for me, red, white and blue are the respectful colors I use to decorate. Though many people think of Memorial Day as a long weekend to begin summer, Memorial Day is much more than that. Here are three easy Memorial Day DIY decorations you can make before the Monday holiday.

Paper Patriotic Garland

Since we have a few fireplaces here at Bella Terra, I love decorating them with a garland. You can use any themed paper from a craft store or in this case, I had some Hester & Cook paper placemats and a paper runner in Stars and Stripes. If you are not familiar with Hester & Cook, they have a vast selection of paper goods, kitchenalia, lighting and numerous other items.

All you need is pretty paper, twine, scissors and a glue stick and you are ready to go! This is also a fun and easy project with children or grandchildren.

To see the detailed DIY instructions on making this paper garland, click here.

Fabric Garland

On a scale from one to 10, the easy factor on this garland is a one or two. Plus if you like ripping fabric, it does help release a bit of stress!

The only supplies you need are fabric in red, white and blue, scissors, a ruler and twine. Since I am starting with a patriotic-themed fabric, I don’t need additional fabric colors. You can make this using plain red, white and blue fabric to achieve a similar look.

In order to make the strips of fabric similar in width, I use a ruler and start the beginning of the ripping with scissors. So easy as you just rip and tear into fabric strips and tie them onto the twine.

I believe my twine is 6 feet long and I add 30 strips of fabric. When you tie them on, make sure the right side of the fabric is facing out.

To see the detailed DIY on making this fabric garland, click here.

Vintage Folk Garland

Full disclosure. I did not make this, but my sweet friend, Gwen, made this garland for me decades ago. Each year when I hang it, I think of her. Gwen is a friend you want to keep for life. She is incredibly talented, smart, loyal and I have learned so much from her.

Red ribbon serves as the twine and it stitched through the garland pieces. The star has a hand-stitched circle of blue beads for detail.

The American Flag is stained with tea to give it a vintage look. The small white beads add texture and interest. And check out the back. Not sure if she started with a quilted material or did the top stitching herself. Naturally, making this type of garland is more time consuming than the ones above.

But I love the attention to detail and the care in which Gwen made this…..and gave it to me.

Patriotic Wreath

This DIY is beyond simple. All you need is a wreath frame, assorted ribbons (or fabric), floral wire and a pair of scissors. Since I have way too much ribbon, this project does use up as much as you want.

The wreath is a series of bows scrunched together. Again, this is a great project while sitting in front of the television or listening to a podcast. It is easy enough for children to help.

If you don’t want to pre-make the bows with floral wire, I would imagine strips of fabric tied into bows on the wreath frame will work equally well. With this wreath, I use a single floral hoop. If you want to use the wreath frame in the photo above, you can add more bows for a fuller wreath.

Floral hoops and wreath frames can be found online. If you need assorted patriotic ribbon, see it here. I seem to use floral wire for everything so I always have some on hand.

What is nice about making patriotic decorations now, is you can use them for Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. And once you make these DIY items, you can use them year after year.

Happy Thursday, my friends! Have a truly magnificent day.

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Hello, my friends! I feel like a new woman as my Grand Jury duty responsibilities are O.V.E.R.! Thankfully I didn’t have to serve the full four months, but only the last 4 weeks. Taking two full days each week is a bit of a schedule challenge, but I found serving in this capacity somewhat rewarding. Each day we heard 8-12 felony cases and some were very difficult to get through. But that is all behind me now and I finally feel like I can take a summer vacation! Happy Saturday and let’s get started on all the good things that happened this week.

July 4th Weekend

What fun to get out of the heat and head to the beautiful mountains of Arizona! Every afternoon a thunder storm would roll in and bless us with lots of rain. Seriously, it looks like Ireland up there ~just as green as could be! My geraniums are so happy and it is always difficult to leave. Wish we could stay there all summer.

Our July 4th brunch and parade did not disappoint. It is refreshing to see explosion of patriotism and love for our country. Nearly all cabins are decorated with flags, bunting and anything red, white and blue. This year I found this Stars & Stripe Party Fan set at Hester & Cook and I am so impressed with the number of fans and the quality of the paper. Unfortunately, I believe they are sold out of this product.

These fans are hanging over the outdoor dining table and spin in the breeze. A simple addition to the brunch decorating but they really made the table feel extra special. If you missed the post on what I serve and the recipes, you can find it here.

This year I made the American Flag Cake and even though I had hoped to bake the cakes at the lower Phoenix altitude, I didn’t get that task done. So I again stressed over making the adjustments to bake at our very high altitude. Thankfully the butter cream frosting hid most of the cake imperfections and the inside DID look like a flag. Our friend and neighbor, Gary has a July 4th birthday which is a great reason to share this enormous cake.

A warning about this recipe, if you decide to make it, the cakes and frosting are made from scratch. It is time consuming and a bit complicated. But so worth it once your guests see the inside!

My Favorite Olives

These Mezzetta pitted Italian Castelvetrano olives are so addicting. I literally could eat the entire jar. Not sure why I am just now discovering them, but I cannot recommend them enough if you love olives. You can find them in your local grocery store or here online.

Cool Website

If you are looking for an unusual, fun website with unique and sometimes outrageous items, check out Uncrate. This is where I discovered the Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito repeller. A couple of times a week I receive an email from them with their latest discoveries. It’s very cool and different.

Pet Update

Our beagle, Sox had his 15th birthday on July 7th. This sweet old dog cannot see or hear very well, but that Beagle nose of his still works, especially around meal time. What a love.

Our Akbash, Cooper has taken a turn for the worse. Three months ago he was diagnosed with cancer and seem to be responding well to the medication. It is heartbreaking as he is been with our family for nearly 10 years. Next week is another visit to the vet to see what can be done. Keeping our fingers crossed that another medication will provide him with comfort.

Finally, a Haircut!

It has been months since I went for a good cut and color. Roscoe from Pucci Salon is a miracle worker and he has been cutting and styling my hair for nearly 30 years. Truly, I have never been disappointed…ever. He takes my fine straight hair and gives it such life and body. You know you have a good cut when it lasts over a few months. Here’s the before:

And viola! Here is the after haircut photo! Doesn’t it feel so good to get your hair done?

Also, I am wearing that Boho top I found on Amazon for $22.93. It’s very light-weight for the hot summer, but the long sleeves are helpful while you are in air conditioning.

Problem with Rug

Does anyone know how to fix this? This area rug is from Home Depot (I know, probably not the best quality). I bought it to stage a bedroom in a home we sold. From there, it is now sitting on top of our wall-to-wall berber carpeting in the master bedroom of our cabin. However, the rug doesn’t lay flat. It rolls up on its own in the center.

This photo doesn’t show the problem as clearly, but you can see where the rug is lumpy in the middle.

I have tried rug tape around the perimeter and nothing seems to hold it down. Even laying heavy objects on top of it doesn’t help to flatten it. Once the items are removed, it curls up again. Drives me crazy and it is a tripping hazard too.

I’m not sure if the problem is due to the berber carpet beneath it. Do I need to steam this rug? Add a rubber mat underneath? Unfortunately I bought it quite a while ago so I am sure Home Depot will not be of any help. Any suggestions you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Growing or Loving Dahlias

We cannot grow dahlias here. I’ve tried and failed. However, my friend, Kim from Shiplap and Shells shares everything you need to know about growing and caring for dahlias. If you don’t have a garden or don’t grow any flowers, you will just love all the pictures on Kim’s website. She has the most beautiful garden in the Pacific Northwest. You can see it here.

A Summer Centerpiece

Stacy from Bricks ‘n Blooms creates such a pretty summer centerpiece using pineapples and flowers. This tropical dinner party theme is exactly what I need since I am longing to go on a tropical ocean vacation. I can honestly say that I have never used a pineapple for a vase, but isn’t this just gorgeous? You can see it here.

Well, there is so much more I could share but I know you want to enjoy the rest of your weekend! Thank you for joining me for Saturday Meanderings!

For several years now, we spend July 4th at our cabin in the mountains. There is a sweet, homespun, Americana parade that goes by our driveway. Since the parade is heavily attended, getting a good viewing spot makes our driveway a very popular place. What started as a small parade-viewing get together, has grown into a large group of multi-generational attendees.

Before the parade, we host an open house brunch and I make the same recipes year after year. When I have the energy I may branch out and make an additional new item, but it’s nice to hear “I’m looking forward to that egg dish” or ” I love that coffee cake”. With comments like that, why not keep the traditional recipes.

Appetizers or Nibbles

I have a very nice piece of wood that is easy to fill up with appetizers including a charcuterie board, and/or a breakfast/fruit station. Since the number of children who attend is growing, it’s fun to have a place where they can help themselves to yogurt pretzels, berries and fruit, or red and blue M&Ms.

Croissants, muffins or donuts are an easy addition to this fruit board.

A vegetable and charcuterie board feels extra festive with star shaped cheese slices (easily done with a cookie cutter). I use my star cookie cutters for many reasons, not just for cookies.

To seem more about how I construct this charcuterie board, click here.

Main Courses

For years, I have made this egg casserole for many occasions. It feeds a crowd and tastes great either hot or cold, which is perfect for a buffet table. Cottage cheese, mild green chiles and Monterey Jack cheese are a few of the ingredients that make this so tasty.

See recipe here.

This coffee cake can be made with virtually any fruit. I’ve made it with blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, peaches, you name it. So super easy and absolutely delicious.

See recipe here.

Desserts

I’ve been experimenting with zucchini cupcakes (because I still am picking zucchini from the garden!) and want to share this recipe from Taste of Home. Instead of making the suggested caramel icing, I did a cream cheese one, primarily since the caramel icing was a little too brown for a July 4th cupcake.

Aren’t these baking cups cute? I got them on Amazon and you can find them here.

For my trial batch, I sprinkle them with patriotic colors. When I make them at the cabin, I will use these patriotic cupcake toppers.

Flag Cake

The one and only time I made this cake was in 2017. This was my first time trying to bake a cake at high altitude (7500 ft.) and it was so stressful. However, the cake was a big hit and therefore I want to make it again this year. However, I will bake the cakes in Phoenix, freeze them and then assemble it up in the mountains.

This cake looks unassuming on the outside, but once you cut into it, what a surprise! Perhaps the most difficult part, is baking 5 cakes, but also assembling it so you get the flag pattern inside. If you like a challenge, here is the recipe.

My Husband’s Favorite

You can never go wrong with a cherry pie for July 4th. It’s one of my husband’s favorite but since I don’t make it frequently, the filling varies between fresh and canned cherries. If you make cherry pies, please let me know how you prepare the filling. Do you prefer fresh or canned cherries?

Here again I am using the star cookie cutters for the top crust.

Beverages

During a hot summer day there is nothing more refreshing that a glass of homemade lemonade. Since I first tasted basil lemonade, this is the only way I like to prepare it. For some reason, the addition of this herb takes this lemonade over the top. You can find the recipe here.

For a light and summery cocktail, one of my favorites is a Skinny Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita, recipe by Ambitious Kitchen. With all the freshness of summer watermelon and a bit of jalapeño spice, this is a winning drink.

Here are some more fun pictures from the annual Bullfrog Parade in Pinetop, Arizona. My friend, Tracy always has the most creative outfits!

And of course, we are always so grateful to our firefighters, especially in our mountains where the threat of fire is prevalent during the summer months.

Wishing you all the best holiday weekend, and let’s celebrate our country and our independence!

Cheers!

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Sometimes I get into a rut and do the same table decorations over and over again. With a few minor changes, you can use many of the same things and mix up the look of your July 4th table. All of these items I have on hand. Since I am proud to be an American, I love the look of red, white and blue and what they represent. July 4th is a time of celebration and the more colorful the table, the better!

Table #1

A few months back I ordered these melamine dishes from Cailini Coastal and I am finding many ways to use them. They work especially well, as they provide the major source of blue to this July 4th themed table. Here is the link to these dishes, however, I just found a very pretty set on Amazon for less cost ($35.47 for a service for 4).

Layering the tablecloth

Whether you choose to use a tablecloth or not, when I do use a cloth I like to layer it. These very affordable Indian block print cloths from Just Darviny is the prettiest shade of blue. For the top layer, I use a white, vintage lace one.

The blue shade in the plate is different from the blue in the tablecloth, so I use the white topper and the white melamine charger (from The Enchanted Home) provide enough distance between the two.

The Centerpiece

A simple blue and white vase with patriotic color flowers fits the bill. In this photo the flowers are faux, however, the closer we get to the holiday, fresh flowers in red, white and blue will be more available. Here is a very pretty vase on Amazon, along with a pre-made bouquet of flowers.

Additional Decor

Do you recall the paper garland I made a year ago? If not, here is the post. I use this garland and drape it around the centerpiece to add more color to the table.

Firecracker Candles

Aren’t these candles cute? The long wick probably isn’t the most practical but it fits with the theme. For safety sake, I place them in a small glass votive. I bought these years ago and cannot seem to find anything similar online. The original manufacturer is TagLtd out of Chicago.

I place several around the table.

Napkins and rings

Vintage lace napkins and a simple red and white striped ribbon, complete the place setting. Lots of good ribbon selections here.

Finishing touches

The wine and water glass are Waterford crystal and the flatware is Wallace Napoleon Bee, a very versatile service.

Table #2

Using the same garland, I hang it above the table. Centerpiece vase and flowers are the same.

Tablecloth

A round, red 60″ checkered cotton table cloth offers a big pop of color. The blue and white star paper placemats from Hester & Cook are versatile as they are used in the paper garland and as an anchor for the place setting.

Glasses and flatware are the same as the other table. Dishes are from Pottery Barn~white with a gold rim. No charger this time as often with a placemat there isn’t enough room for one.

Napkins are from Williams Sonoma and I often use these same napkin for Valenitine’s Day and Christmas. I found these really sweet white and red napkins on Amazon~a set of 12 for $21.99.

A different color ribbon is used for a napkin ring. Great selection of patriotic ribbon here.

Firecracker candles

Using the same firecracker candles, I put them in brass candleholders from West Elm. Again, this is another purchase that has been used over and over again in many of my entertaining tables.

I find it interesting how geometric this table is due to the tablecloth and placemats. It is far more colorful than the first one, but I love how cheerful it is.

Do you have plans to celebrate July 4th? I hope this post inspires you to do something to celebrate the birth of American independence and our nation. There are many ways to stage a table using the same pieces and elements.

It’s affordable to get pieces that you can dress up for any holiday. Using patriotic colors can transcend multiple holidays ~Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Red can be used for Valentine’s Day and Christmas too.

Happy Tuesday, my friends! Thanks for joining me today.

Happy Saturday from the White Mountains of Arizona. We finally made it up to our cabin, only to find rather hot weather here (but not as hot as Phoenix). Rain is predicted for this weekend, which we always want and need desperately. Thank you for joining me today~it’s been a busy week and there is a lot of good stuff to share with you.

Newest Member to our Family

Meet Kerouac (Kero for short), an 8 week old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is our daughter, Julianna’s second dog (her first is a German Shepherd named Hemingway~notice the author name reference). What a cutie pie and this dog is already easing nicely into his new life here. If you are on Instagram, I have a video of the little fella~so adorable! @lifeatbellaterra

Speaking of animals, look what we found in the grass~a baby Western Screech owl. Surprisingly, I was able to get close to capture this photo and a video (you can see it on my IG account). Eventually it made its way to a tree and we hope Mom and Dad owl are nearby helping it during this fledging stage.

Fun Finds

I really do not like to shop and especially when it’s triple digits here. However, I found these placemats at Walmart this week. They reminded me of my mother, who loved braided rugs. The Pioneer Woman brand has some really lovely things at a reasonable cost. This Sweet Rose Braided Placemat is $5.98 each and you can find it here.

There are so many colors in this placemat, I think the uses are endless. Here is what it looks like with my blue and white melamine plates from Callini Coastal.

I do not have any flower vases here at the cabin and found this rustic copper planter at Walmart. Check out this month’s flower subscription to The Bouqs. Aren’t these roses from Ecuador gorgeous? Don’t they look just perfect in this container? What a bargain at $14.18, however, it is not water tight. Looks like I will need to find a plastic liner. You can find it here.

The Most Beautiful Birthday Dinner party

My friend, Barbara from Mantel and Table is a tablescape guru. In this blog post, she shares her 60th birthday celebration with her girlfriends. From the creative design of the invitation to the unbelievable venue and menu, Barbara’s dinner party is spectacular. Makes me want to plan something this elegant.

So many clever and creative ideas in Barbara’s post and you can see it here.

A DIY I want to try

As I mentioned last Saturday, I am a mosquito magnet. We own our fair share of citronella candles, but honestly, I do not like how they smell (I guess that is the point). Heidi, from Eleanor Rose Home has an easy tutorial on how to make lemon & herb citronella candles.

They are so pretty and if they do the trick and keep those nasty biting bugs away, I’m in! You can see Heidi’s post here.

An Amazing She Shed and Greenhouse

Wouldn’t we all love a She Shed AND a greenhouse? Well, my friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shares some of her patriotic decor (just in time for July 4th), but better yet, you get a glimpse into her special space. Even though my style isn’t farmhouse, I learn so much from Rachel and her creative ideas. You can see her darling She Shed/Greenhouse here.

Produce Update

Well, I am using up the last of the peaches. It’s funny how the very first peach picked is cherished and photographed with lots of oohing and aahhing. Now after harvesting and making one peach recipe after another, I am truly done with the peaches. The final batch is sliced and frozen on cookie sheets and then placed into ziplock bags for future use.

Same with the tomatoes, though I am still picking them from the garden. While here at the cabin, I will roast the big bowl I brought with us in a slow oven with garlic, salt and olive oil.

Zucchini is a gift that keeps on giving. Made two loaves of zucchini chocolate chip bread this week. Yummy but I am growing tired of zucchini too!

The apple tree is ready to pick too so lots of apple cooking in my future.

On our drive up to the cabin, we saw this truck and got a good chuckle out of it.

If you saw this week’s post on the Before and After on these two table lamps, here is how they look on our cabin back porch.

Next week will be a bit table focused. I cannot wait to share my Dinner in the Library table that we hosted at a Scholarship fundraiser. Also, I have 2 patriotic tables for July 4th, since that is just around the corner.

Well that is a wrap for Saturday Meanderings. Have a wonderful weekend! Happy Father’s Day to all those men who are fathers or have fathered or mentored anyone.