Saturday Meanderings

Happy 2nd Saturday in January. I am almost finished removing the holiday decorations and am actually enjoying the process more this year. Only the living room is left and then I am off to deep cleaning, sorting and organizing, with joy. Thanks for joining me today for another Saturday Meanderings post where we chat about all good things this week.

A Rough Week of Events

Though I try to keep things lovely and beautiful on Life at Bella Terra, it’s hard to ignore the week of disheartening and terrifying weather events. From the fires in So. California, to the winter snow and ice storms affecting the south and east, we pray for everyone’s safety and well-being.

For those of us not directly impacted by these event, this begs the question, “Are you prepared in the event of an emergency?” This could be the topic of an independent post but I’m sure many of you, like me, are evaluating what we would do, if in the same situation. Some disasters, like flash flooding or landslides, don’t come with a great deal of warning. But with others, you may be able to apply emergency preparedness skills.

Nonetheless, we are praying every day for everyone’s safety. In the meantime, make a household plan that will help protect you and your loved ones. Here are a few informative articles. In times like this, we must do everything we can ourselves, because you do not know if help will be coming. I’ve also included an article about being safe in large crowds and gatherings, especially after the tragedy in New Orleans.

How to prepare for a winter storm.

A Guide to Staying Safe during a Wildfire

How to Drive on Snow and Ice

Making a Plan in the Event of an Emergency

How to Become a Firewise USA Community (their site will be down on 1/11 from 10:00-11:00 a.m EST)

Stay Safe and Secure: Essential Tips for Large Events and Gatherings

Frost Warnings this Weekend

In January, we typically get a few days of frost warnings and on cue, the chilly weather is here this weekend. I finally order new frost cloth as mine was tattered and useless. Since frost cloth is rather inexpensive, it doesn’t last more than a season or two.

Placing Christmas lights near the plants also provides a bit of warmth. At night, the garden looks rather festive all tucked in for the chilly evening.

The garden is currently producing snap peas, snow peas, herbs, lettuces, cauliflower, and I even picked a few yellow cherry tomatoes this week. Fingers crossed that it stays healthy during the frost.

January is Rose Care month

Even though my rose bushes are producing some gorgeous blooms, now is the time to cut your roses back. Here is advice from Arizona Rose Societies:

JANUARY
-Prune roses back approximately one-half, except for climbers. Remove foliage. Clean up all debris (leaves and petals) and discard in trash.
-Spray a fungicide bi-weekly to prevent powdery mildew. Spray the canes and the ground around the rose bush.
-Deep water roses at least once a week.
-Plant new bare-root roses. Newly planted roses should be kept moist but not wet.
-Weed beds.

Check out this beautiful rose I cut this week. I’ve been hogging the bouquets and placing them on my night stand. Heavenly!

New Soup Recipe this Week

I seem to have good luck with recipes from The Kitchn. This Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup looks delicious and I will be making it this weekend. It is definitely soup weather here and I’m back to baking sourdough bread after the holiday hiatus. Will let you know if the recipe is worth sharing.

Are you making soups and stews now? If so, share your favorite ones!

From the Internet

If you are thinking about Valentine’s Day, check out these adorable 3D paper hearts from my creative friend, Rachel Harper from The Pond’s Farmhouse. Rachel says they are easy so I’m hoping I can make them, as I can be DIY challenged.

They are so attractive and you use colored paper or old book pages. Would be a fun project to do with crafty friends or children. Rachel has great examples on her website on how to display them~in garland, on a Valentine gift, in a bowl and more.

Need Help Organizing?

Coco, from The Crowned Goat is sharing 52 weeks to a simplified and organized home challenge. If you haven’t visited her blog, it is filled with gorgeous photos and a sense of calm. Here is her simple to follow weekly guide for the month of January:

January Focus of the Month: Nightly Routines, Primary Bedroom, and Bathroom

• Week 1 – Establish a Nightly Routine with a 15 Minute Clutter Catcher Routine
• Week 2 – Declutter/Refresh Primary Bedroom
• Week 3 – Declutter/Organize Primary Bedroom Drawers
• Week 4 – Declutter/Organize Bedroom Closet, Shoes and Accessories
• Week 5 – Declutter/Organize Bathroom Cabinets, Simplify Countertops, Makeup and Skincare Products

We all feel better when our lives are organized so you may want to participate this year!

Easy Stylish Parisian Outfits

The word fashion and my name are never in the same sentence. Since I need all the help I can get, I love reading fashion articles that I feel are attainable. Not wanting to go and invest in lots of new pieces, this post by My Chic Obsession is one I will be printing out and keeping in my closet.

I have many of the pieces but my challenge is how to put them together for a simple, yet stylish look. Check out this article and tell me what you think!

Cute Tops for February

Without alot of red or pink in my wardrobe for Valentine’s month. J.Crew Factory has a few fun things that won’t break the bank. This cute pink t-shirt is $16.50 (an additional 20% off if you order over $100). I ordered it online yesterday and it won’t get delivered until Jan. 21 ( I think you can pick it up at one of their stores?)

Here’s another one also at $16.50. If you are looking for significantly discounted Valentine gear from pajamas to jewelry, J. Crew Factory has many things to choose from (see it here). Would make great gifts too and you can’t beat the prices!

That’s a Wrap!

My weekend will be less fun as I have an all day meeting today. Oh well, maybe Sunday can be extra special with lots of lounging. Our puppy, Finn will be turning 1 year old next week (how can that be?) so figuring out what we can do to celebrate.

Wishing you a relaxing winter weekend, filled with cozy fires and warm beverages. Stay safe out there.