Saturday Meanderings
What a busy week! I did not get a chance to post anything mid-week but I am so happy to catch up with you today for another Saturday Meanderings. Boy, the weather has certainly turned this week into the start of Spring after many chilly, freezing mornings. Many indicators are presenting themselves in the yard~peach blossoms and those beautiful green buds. Punxsutawney Phil says there is 6 more weeks of winter, and I’m sort of hoping so too. Thanks for joining me today so grab your favorite beverage and let’s get started.
Blogging Retreat
I just returned from a retreat with 6 other blogging friends. Having four days to brainstorm and laugh is food for the soul. Even though our expertise ranges across multiple platforms, it is a joyful time when we get together.
I did bring home a treasure from a vintage store and can’t wait to use it for a Valentine’s Day table.
Such a fun trip but I am happy to be home with Finn (and of course, my husband).
New Front Door Color
Are you ready for this? The front door color is inspired by my love of the burgundy ribbon I used to decorate for Christmas. Getting the exact burgundy color from velvet is challenging, I think I like this variation. The deep, rich tone is a cross between a burgundy and an eggplant color, which changes with the light of the day.
Naturally my iPhone doesn’t completely capture the color, but it looks completely different, right? We also painted the sidelights which we have not done before. It takes some getting used to but I think each day I am loving it more and more.
What I do like is that when the door is open, it ties in nicely with the foyer’s Dhurrie rug. In this photo you can see the color better. The original brass handle looks very elegant against the deep tone.
What do you think? Since this is the original door to our 115 year old home, there is natural wear and tear to the surface. Next is spiffing up the wooden threshold and getting a few more plants.
Interior Cleaning Projects
I know this may sound weird, but the thought of starting at one end of my home and going through every room cleaning and organizing, is kind of exciting for me. Unlike losing weight, you can see the fruits of your labor immediately.
The master (or primary) closet is finished and looks as good as the post I wrote back in 2020. The condition of the closet is not nearly as bad as it was back then, but it definitely required some serious tidying.
One of the treasures in cleaning the closet is finding a box of white gloves from my late Aunt Gail. When did women stop wearing gloves? I’d rather wear gloves vs. a mask if there is another pandemic (think of all the dirty things we touch throughout the day). Needless to say, this box did not go in the donation pile. Would you like to see wearing gloves and using hankies back in style?
On to the bathroom~it’s hard to believe my last post about this room was a few years ago! What a delight to clean out my cabinets and organize my hairbrushes, makeup and more. I must admit I am a bit giddy when I pull out a clean and organized drawer. Out dated beauty products, and all the stuff collected in the medicine cabinet are gone! From this…
To this…
Such simple pleasures that do not take too much time but get big results.
Remember the new linen curtains I put in the bathroom above the tub last April? I am not a fan of those huge grommets for the rod and one of the comments suggests I turn the curtains upside down and hem the grommets away (curtains are too long).
Well, I finally flipped the curtains around and I just need to add a hem. Such a smart idea and I think they will look great.
One of my bathroom faucets has been leaking and a new set arrives and gets installed this week too. The cross handles and porcelain hot/cold buttons lend a historic feel to this room.
Next is our bedroom and then the big job is the upstairs office. My goal is to get through the entire house this month.
Are you in an organizing mode?
Garden Goodies
With the warmer weather and threat of frost over (at least this week), I find all these garden goodies when I remove the frost cloth.
The tomatoes did have a bit of frost damage at the tips of the plants, but for the most part, they look very healthy.
My lettuces are abundant and daily I am picking the leaves for a fresh salad. Yummy! Warmer temperatures will make the the garden burst into growth mode.
Aging Inspiration
On those mornings when I feel stiff and achy, it’s hard not to buy into “I’m getting older” mantra. This week I am inspired by this story of a woman much older than me doing phenomenal things.
From the Instagram account @bethebestyoucanbe, meet Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins who started running competitively at age 100! An avid cyclist for much of her life, Julia took up competitive running after her 100th birthday as a way to embrace a new challenge.
In 2017, at age 101, she set a world record in 100-meter dash for her age group (100-104) with a time of 39.62 seconds. Four years later, in 2021, she became the oldest woman to compete in a sanctioned track and field event, finishing the 100-meter dash in 1 minute, 2.95 seconds~at the age of 105.
A few months ago, on October 22, 2024, she passed away peacefully at the age of 108 after a long and happy life. Don’t buy into society’s limiting beliefs about aging~she is proof that we’re capable of so much more, we just need to stay moving.
Travel Item Giveaway
In cleaning out my closet, I find this 5 piece set of travel packing cubes that I have never used. Some people swear by them for organizing items in your suitcase, however, I have my own system and never felt the need to use these. If you would like a chance to get these packing cubes for free, please leave a comment below and let me know what you like about Life at Bella Terra. I will announce the winner next week and then pop it in the mail to you.
Mary’s Must Haves
Shortly after my Dad passed away in 2015, I so missed his presence around our home. In attempting to reduce my blues, I bought happy looking coffee cups. To this day, these sweet cups lift my spirits and add joyful color to my kitchen. Unfortunately, Anthropology no longer carries the Jennifer Orkin Lewis line, but here is something very similar on Amazon.
Microwave and dishwasher safe, this set of 4 mugs is nicely priced at $42.99 each and with high ratings too. I also use mine for cereal, fruit and soup. The colorful patterns promise to give you a little lift in the morning.
A few months ago I tweaked my hamstring, which is difficult to heal unless you don’t use it (and that’s nearly impossible). Lately I am taking turmeric in lieu of over the counter anti-inflammatory products and it really seems to help. Every night before bed, I take two capsules and the hamstring is not as stiff in the morning. As always, make sure you consult with a professional, especially if you are taking any other medications. I also recently read that turmeric kills parasites too. Currently it is 53% off on Amazon and you can find it here.
My husband takes this liquid turmeric by Qunol which has enhanced absorption. This study indicates that turmeric is as effective as Ibuprofen for reducing pain and inflammation. Something to consider if other pain relievers bother your stomach. Qunol liquid turmeric is also on sale with 41% off at $30.55 for a 30.4 oz. bottle.
What are your weekend plans? Mine involve outdoor activities~planting new roses, finally taking down my winter mantel on the back porch, baking some sourdough bread and more organizing. Wishing you an abundant weekend with long periods of relaxation! Stay safe out there.
Just a reminder that any words that are italicized bring you to the source. If it is a product on Amazon, please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase something through my website, I receive a small (very small!) stipend, which doesn’t affect the price you pay at all. My goal is to make sourcing the items easy for you. Thank you for your continued support.
I find Life at Belle Terra as a very informative blog with easy peasy types of content. Your front door color is absolutely gorgeous. I love how much it blends with your rug as you enter your home. The various ideas for gardening, decorating and common sense remedies makes this blog a number one favorite in my blog. I look forward to Saturday Meandering every week and it never disappoints. Thank you for sharing useful ideas.
Helen, you are so sweet! Thank you for your wonderful, uplifting comments. So happy you are part of the LaBT family.
Hi Mary,
Are these peach blossoms on your property?
Beautiful vintage table cloth that you purchased. It goes perfectly in your home.
Front door turned out great, paining the pains was not an easy job.
Yay for cleaning and organizing
every room. This is a huge undertaking. Your brush draw is in great shape now.
Julia Hawkins was an amazing lady. It’s hard to believe she was still running. Passed to heaven at 108 is a long life well lived. Inspiring, would had loved to meet her.
Looks like you had fun with the blog ladies.
Katherine, Yes, the are peach blossoms. Our peaches are ready to pick mid-May. I’m hoping this year’s harvest is better than last year. This tree is typically the first to bloom and a sure sign that spring is on its way. The blog ladies are blogging experts and I just go along for the laughter! But it was a fun trip. Thank you for your nice comments!
I love your new door color!!
Like you, I also love to organize too… there is something so satisfying about it. I listened to the book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and it totally transformed the way I organize my home. I highly recommend it. Happy cleaning!
Michele, I will definitely need to listen to that book! If I spent all day organizing I would be a very happy camper! Thanks for the recommendation.
SO inspired by Ms Hawkins!! Thanks for sharing that! I love the idea of gloves, but I love a pretty manicure more. Hankies are pretty and fun if you don’t use them to blow your nose – that kind of grosses me out. But YES to hats!!! Love your new door color too. Wonderful post as always! Happy Weekend my friend!
Barbara, how funny I didn’t even think of a manicure as I have gardener hands (not all that attractive!). Someone once compared hankies to our underpants…we wear those and wash them so I guess it’s ok? Ha! Thanks for weighing in…love all your comments.
What I love about your blog is that it is always uplifting. You only talk about positive things and never anything depressing. I always read it on Saturday mornings before I get out of bed to give me inspiration for the week. I also envy your energy, you seem to get a lot done.
Cindy, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I guess I do have a ton of energy…not sure why but I’m hoping it continues. I am slowing down a little each year! Since you read the blog in bed, I am now inspired more than ever to get it out on time!!
I love all the ideas and inspiration in your posts. In fact I may go organize a drawer now! I need new travel cubes and would love to win the giveaway. Thx.
Sherry, happy organizing, my friend! Yay! Thanks for letting me know you need the travel cubes!
I enjoy your blog and all of your helpful hints. I agree with your feelings about opening a newly organized drawer! A sense of calm comes over me!
Linda, organized gals should unite! A little effort with such a big reward! Thank you for your sweet comments.
Love the front door color and the story about the 100 year old runner! Amazing. Also ordered the turmeric and finally ordered the 2 dickies. You always have such great suggestions.
Andrea, which 2 dickies did you order? I swear I keep finding more styles that I think I need! Let me know how the numeric works for you. I really like it so much better than Advil, etc.
Living in Montana your blog is like a preview of things to come for me. Dogs, gardens, decor and vintage. It’s the best. I enjoy how much you do to maintain your historic home. It looks beautiful.
Your positivity is much appreciated.
Kathryn, Oh Montana is such a beautiful state! Lucky you. Thank you so much for your nice comments. When we have a choice, being positive is definitely the way to go!
I never leave the house without a hankie! I’d prefer cloth over the tissue and if you leave them in your pocket when you do the wash you do t have a mess. I really enjoy your blog Mary. The lack of ads on your site makes things prettier and easier to read.
Cynthia, I love having a pretty hankie and always keep one in my purse. There’s just something so civilized about it! Regarding ads, I know many bloggers make their income by having ads and videos on their sites, but I don’t know if it is just me getting older, but I do not like being bombarded and flashed by ads that I don’t want to see. One blogger had 42 ads on her post and I couldn’t even read the content. And when you are using your mobile device it’s even worse. So no ads on Life at Bella Terra and I’m so glad you appreciate it. Thank you so much for weighing in.
I like the front door color also. I enjoy your meandering blog and at 79 I’m “an old dog learning new tricks” in your blog! Thank you.
Ann, Yay! 79 and going strong! Thank you so much for following the blog. They say 79 is the new 59 so there is lots of living to do!
Must be something about the Aries personality as I’m a few days ahead of yours. Been cleaning, organizing, sorting etc and love the process and end results.
Love the front door!
Bev, When is your birthday? Scott probably knows but how fun that you are an Aries too! So wonderful to hear we have the organization bug together.
Our spring in SC, is not far behind yours, much to our delight.
Our front doors are similar, and we love the color, also blending with our foyer rug. However, our door is not 100+ years old. Yours looks classy and elegant.
Also classy and elegant, are gloves and hankies. We wore gloves and hats growing up. Even fingerless gloves for my wedding. Gives you an idea how old l am! LOL
Love your posts, Mary.
Pat, I hope you were not affected by the hurricanes this year. I would love to see a wedding photo with the hat and fingerless gloves! I vote for bringing all that elegance back. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Your door is a WINNER, WINNER…adore…the color (& “that rug!!!”) You are ona roll!! ❤️
franki
Franki, So happy you like the door color and the rug. I was very excited when I first opened the door to see the rug somewhat matching~ a happy fluke! Funny how things turn out.
What a great idea for no grommets. I need new curtains and that trick expanded my choices. Yes please to gloves and hankies.
Your painter did a fabulous job on your front door…it has a rich sheen to it! And yes, I love the color, too!
Could we also add hats to the “comeback list”? You have a beautiful one gracing your closet!
Where did the bloggers meet and what did you learn?
Felicia, we met in Texas and those gals are light years ahead of me when it comes to blogging. Since I’m the oldest, they happily let me tag along. Since I don’t want blogging to become a full time job, I listen and learn but still love just plugging along and blogging for fun. Lucky me to spend time with a great group of women. Happy you like the door color! And maybe I need to have a hat and glove luncheon??
Hey, I continue loving to read your blog. It’s fun for an old fart like me to read about all your skills, family and adventures. I knew I hired one of the best this world has to offer. What’s really cool is that we are good friends for life.
Sam, you will never be an old fart! Ha! Working for you is really a highlight of my corporate career~we had such fun, didn’t we? And yes, we are good friends for life. Sending hugs to you and Melody.
LOVE the front door!! And a resounding YES to gloves and hankies. I still have stacks of each. And long white or black gloves? Is there anything more elegant?!
Barbara, Yes, I agree gloves and hankies are so elegant. You and I should plan an author’s luncheon and have hats, hankies and gloves be part of the theme….