Saturday Meanderings

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!