Saturday Meanderings

We are still enjoying summer here in the mountains. I know many retailers and bloggers are off to fall decor, but personally, I want to extend summer for as long as possible. Technically, autumn doesn’t officially start until September 22. Are you savoring this season or are you off to the next? Welcome to Saturday Meanderings, where we just chat about all good things this week. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage and let’s begin. So happy you are here.

It’s Pinecone Week!

My friend and neighbor, Tevia and I are collecting pinecones. So many have fallen in the last few weeks and it seems a shame to just let them sit on the ground.

This week we make wreaths, more wreaths, fire starters, and bird seed feeders. I will share a post on all these pinecone crafts next week.

What a Week of Weather!

We are experiencing summer monsoons nearly every afternoon here in the mountains with torrential rains, thunder, lightning and hail. Since we live near a golf course, the emergency siren sounds when lightning is detected, warning golfers to clear the course. The storms this week have been directly overhead and even our big little Finn, didn’t like the loud booms and strikes.

We need the rain and it helps reduce the chance of forest fires. Praying for those who have to evacuate their communities due to wild fires.

Completing To-Do List items

My to-do list is a long one, with some of the projects spanning a few years. For example, this pretty acorn brass door knocker was purchased on a trip to Connecticut in 2021. Finally, this week, my husband hangs it on the outside of the man door to the garage. Often, we leave the garage door open and our neighbors drop in this way vs. the front door. Now, they have a pretty knocker to let us know they have arrived.

Not sure why such a picayune project takes so long, but it feels good to cross it off the list.

A year ago, you may recall, I wallpapered the water closet in our master bathroom (see post here). In doing so, I removed 5 antique prints from British landscape artist, William Bartlett. For the last year, these prints have been stacked on a table, looking for a home.

After a deep cleaning of the master bedroom this week, I finally hang all 5 prints above the sofa. With the reflection of light from the adjacent doors, it’s hard to see the prints, but you get the gist.

The last time I showed a peek into our cabin bedroom was nearly 4 years ago. Here it is, all cleaned and organized.

I wish I took a Before picture of this vintage/ antique plaster cast of a Dutch boy. This frame is hanging on the side of the kitchen island. Finn, in a rambunctious move, knocked it off the hook and the plaster picture fell to the floor and cracked in 3 pieces.

Fortunately, my husband re-assembled it and with some acrylic paint, I am able to disguise the cracks. Now I need to find a better place to hang it. Another project finished.

Baking this Week

My goal is to make fresh sourdough bread weekly, as a loaf doesn’t last long here. Our favorite is a cheese, herb and garlic bread~and this time I use Gruyere cheese and fresh garlic and rosemary. Not only does the kitchen smell great while it is baking, but letting it cool before tearing into it is a challenge.

I find this Sourdough Chocolate Bundt cake recipe on Instagram @wellmadebykiley (posted on April 30) which uses sourdough discard. Not only is it easy to make, but the flavor is dense, chocolatey and moist. If you don’t have sourdough discard, Kiley has a substitution on her website (which I haven’t viewed). This is the second time I’ve made this recipe and it’s a winner.

Our neighbors here in the mountains are celebrating their 61st (!) wedding anniversary and this cake is our gift to them.

From the Internet

I love a good Before and After and this one doesn’t disappoint. Though, typically I am not a big fan of painting over woodwork or brick, the improvements to this home are stunning. Check out this transformation of this 1990s house outside of Chicago by Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors (article by The Glam Pad).

What is astounding is that by changing up the paint, trim and countertops can make such a significant difference. It takes some studying of each photo to see the nuances.

Mary’s Must Haves

I am back to making fresh dog food, mostly as frozen treats for Finn. In 2019, I posted the recipe for the hearty hamburger stew we made for our sweet dogs, Sox and Cooper (now deceased). This is a healthy food option and I am packing it into a Kong, and freezing it as a mid-day snack/treat for him.

Having a hand held immersion blender makes all the difference in the world. They can range in price but I am using a Cuisinart one, which works perfectly fine. At $49.49 this device is powerful and easy to use for shakes, smoothies, baby food, soups, sauces and of course, dog food!

This nifty device pulverizes the meat and vegetables, making a dog food consistency within a few seconds. It’s easy to assemble and clean too.

Fitness

This fitness ball is perfect for home exercising or just to bounce on (which has health benefits!). From Walmart, it is only $13.98 and comes with its own air pump. Mine is 65 cm which is recommended for heights 5’3″ to 5’10”. Ideal for toning and increasing flexibility, this exercise ball targets your abs and lower back to tighten your core. Upper body exercises helps strengthen your arms, chest and shoulders. Exercises are embossed on the ball for a convenient visual reference. Just got mine this week and I’m loving it.

Beauty

For a few years now, I have been using Native deodorant, which is derived from natural ingredients and is aluminum free. With a wide variety of scents, this deodorant is for both women and men. Recently, I purchased their body wash and shampoo/conditioner for our guest bathroom~receiving great reviews from our guests.

Before you could only buy it online, but it is now in multiple retailers such as Target, Walmart and Amazon. If you haven’t tried these products yet, I know you will be very happy with them. Here is a link to Native products through Amazon.

Well, that’s a wrap on Saturday Meanderings. Thank you so much for joining me today. Do you have any fun plans this weekend? Tonight, we are going to a Murder Mystery Dinner here in town. I’ve never been but it should be interesting. Hoping to do some painting and baking this weekend. Wishing you a relaxing one and remember, stay safe out there!