Saturday Meanderings

What a blur of a week! The fact is I am too busy and it’s my own fault. I suppose it’s better to be busy than not, but there is a limit, right? Regardless, here we are again getting together to chat about all good things this week. As always, I appreciate you joining me and sharing your comments!

New Dress from Quince

Previously, I have not ordered clothing from Quince, but did get a mattress topper from them that I love. In searching for a summer dress, I find a 100% organic cotton poplin tiered maxi dress in navy for $69.90. At first, I’m not sure if this will work for me but I keep the tag tucked in the back and wear it to church. Is it too Little House on the Prairie looking? Too much fabric?

After receiving quite a few compliments on it, I decide to keep it (off comes the tag). Here is what I like about it. Pockets! Yes, it has pockets. The length is long but I do not wear short dresses due to the result of 3 knee surgeries. The smocked waist is comfortable and flattering. I am wearing a size S, which fits my frame perfectly. If I was larger in the chest, this size wouldn’t work. The fabric is not a soft cotton, but wondering what will happen after I wash it. Overall, very comfortable and the length gives me a chance to wear a taller wedge shoe giving my 5’4″ frame a bit more height.

This dress comes in many colors and originally prices at $148.00. The model is clearly much taller than I am so be aware of the length. If anyone has discovered a pretty, affordable summer dress, please let me know.

Lilacs at Trader Joes

Our local Trader Joes is filled with spring flowers~from lilacs to pussy willows. In the past few years, their lilacs look likes lilacs but lack fragrance. This year, it’s a different story. Not only are the deep purple lilacs healthy and abundant, they smell like lilacs! A bunch consists of 4 woody stems and priced at $10.99. Would be a great gift for Mother’s Day.

Finn is Feeling Better

Our poor boy was out of sorts for 3 days but with a bland diet (rice, pumpkin, kibble), he is back to normal. Of course, he needed a new toy and found this cute one at PetsMart. Who remembers Miss Shari and her puppet, Lambchop? Yes, I am dating myself!

Any Travel Plans?

Maybe I’m a little old-fashioned—and I’m really not trying to sound judgmental—but I do miss the days when people put a bit more effort into how they dressed while traveling. I’m all for comfort (truly!), but it doesn’t take much to swap out pajama pants for real clothes or run a brush through your hair. It’s not about dressing to the nines—just showing a bit of care and self-respect. Who’s with me?

My friend, Cindy Hattersley’s recent posted Stylish Travel-Friendly Outfits for Women over 60. You may enjoy some of her suggestions and outfit combinations.

Garden Update

I realize not everyone gardens, but I hope for those non-gardeners, you enjoy seeing what is happening in our yard. The abundant poppy seed plants are dying off and it’s harvesting time for the seeds. If you are not familiar with how the plant accomplishes it, please check out this older post. I find it fascinating to watch the transformation from flower to seed and I marvel at it every year.

The artichokes left on the plant are beginning to flower. Just stunning.

The very first sunflower opened this week.

Peaches, oh my, are just waiting to ripen~hopefully in the next 2 weeks.

I envision having roses climbing over the arched entry to our outdoor porch. Training them to grow up the trellis is somewhat successful this year.

From the Internet

My friend, Kim at Shiplap and Shells shares this incredible 1906 carriage house in Bedford, NY by Becca Interiors. What makes this carriage house so exciting is that it has the SAME wallpaper as my bathroom at the cabin.

The lighting in the Becca Interiors photo is obviously darker than mine, but I think it’s the same paper! What do you think?

Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns posts the recipe for Ina Garten’s lemon yogurt loaf cake. In my quest to make the perfect lemon quick bread, I take the bait and make a loaf this week. It is very tasty, but at this rate of baking, I will need to step up my exercise program.

10 Old-House Features that Deserve a Comeback

If you love 0ld houses, you will enjoy this article from Country Living. Love a Dutch door? Butler pantries? Built-ins? I say yes to every single one. See if you agree. You can see the article here.

Happy Mother’s Day

Tomorrow, we celebrate the women who have nurtured us, guided us, and loved us with open hearts. Whether you are a mother, have a mother, or simply carry the spirit of one—this day is for you.

My mother has been gone since 2014 and often I think of the many gifts and talents she passed onto to her 5 children. Motherhood, for me, has been my life’s greatest accomplishment.

I hope your day is filled with the same warmth and grace you bring to others. Wishing you a beautiful, love-filled Mother’s Day!

We are heading up to the cabin this weekend and transporting all the geraniums from Phoenix to the cooler summer climate in the mountains. May your weekend be filled with love, laughter and R&R! Stay safe out there.