Saturday Meanderings

Happy Saturday from beautiful Newport Beach, California. Unfortunately we are leaving today to drive back to Phoenix, but are enjoying the cooler weather, ocean breezes and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. What is it about being near the water that lowers shoulders, relaxes the body and clears the mind? This annual 4-day girl’s trip with my friend, Christine is exactly what we both needed. Welcome to Saturday Meanderings, where we chat about all good things this week and last.

Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas

Fifteen years ago we purchased 4 weeks at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas and in retrospect, it has been a good investment. We could never afford a home here as the real estate prices have far too many zeros for our wallet. Instead, we do get to spend time without the high expenses of California living, property taxes, and maintenance. Everything costs so much more here than in Arizona. But you cannot beat the weather, the views, and the amenities.

When our children were young, we spent two weeks here every summer. Days were filled with trips to the beach, building sandcastles, visiting favorite restaurants, and enjoying all the activities that made for the perfect family vacation. We don’t come here as often anymore, but whenever I do, those memories come rushing back—and they never fail to bring a smile to my face. Do you have a special place that holds happy memories for you?

Annual Neighborhood Meeting

Last week I was slammed with coordinating our annual neighborhood meeting. With nearly 200 people in attendance, 2 hour event is an opportunity to share with our residents all the work our neighborhood board does to protect and maintain the charm and character of our community.

Our speakers include the Mayor’s office, our City council representative, our County Supervisor, Desert Horizon Police precinct, City’s Planning and Development, Parks, Streets, Neighborhood Services departments. Organizing this event is a major undertaking and thankfully, it happens only one time per year. Overall, the meeting went without a hitch and based on the feedback we’ve received, a success.

Getting in the Fall Spirit

I am so ready to nest and decorate for the autumn. The weather in Phoenix is shifting away from the ghastly heat to more manageable temperatures, particularly in the mornings and evenings. With my neighborhood responsibilities behind me, I need to fill my soul with some home decor.

It is so difficult to take a picture of the front door and truly capture the rich eggplant color of the paint. Since it faces to the east, there is always a bit of reflection on the surface, but hopefully you can get an idea of how the fall wreath looks up against the new color. Check out this photo where the door actually looks a deep brown in the late afternoon light.

Cherry blossoms that have been in the dining room way too long have been replaced with fall foliage. I just love these yellow pompom picks with green leaves that I purchased last year.

Amazon is sold out, as is the resource I used, but I found another that has 6 stems per bundle in stock at Zinnia’s Gift Boutique here for $17.00. I am having fun tucking them everywhere (because I bought so many!)

Zinnia’s Gift Boutique also has green sycamore fruit balls that would be fun for autumn or Christmas decor at $14.00 for a bundle of 6 stems.

In keeping with fall inspiration, isn’t this pumpkin pie gorgeous with all the fallen pastry leaves? Someday I am going to teach myself the techniques of making pretty designs in my pie crust.

Speaking of Pies

Over the last two weeks, we have received a large box of Utah peaches (the best this time of year) and I’m still using up the apples from a few weeks ago.

Not to brag, but this peach pie may be the best one I’ve ever made. It tipped the scale at a whopping 9 pounds—no soggy crust, perfectly balanced sweetness, just right in every way. As I am writing this, I realize my little mistake: the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction calls for 8 cups of peaches, not the 8 pounds I used. Yikes!

That explains why the pie was over-filled and I still had extra peaches. Luckily, the leftovers didn’t go to waste—they became a beautiful peach galette (thanks to a sheet of puff pastry) the very next day.

I love a lattice top crust and here’s a picture of a recent apple one I made.

Do you like to bake pies? I am considering having a pie making class next Spring so let me know if you are interested.

A Fabulous Find

Many years ago, while browsing an antique store with my youngest daughter, Elisabeth—she must have been about six or seven—she suddenly lit up at the sight of a set of dishes. You know the moment: “Mooommm, I LOVE these!” And truth be told, I liked them too.

I remember debating whether to buy them for her instead of a toy she would quickly outgrow. The price was right, the quality was good, and most of the pieces were carefully packed away in two boxes (sight unseen). So home we went with a set of Limoges rose garland dishes.

Fast forward nearly twenty years. Elisabeth is moving into her new rental home, and I rediscover the dusty boxes packed away in the barn. It feels like the right time to pass them along.

When I unpacked them, I was astonished—not only was there a full service for twelve, but also includes finger bowls, luncheon and bread/butter plates, and every serving piece imaginable.

A bit of research revealed their history: this dinnerware had been commissioned by Marshall Field’s department store in Chicago and crafted by Limoges in France, perhaps as early as the late 1800s.

Honestly, I do not know if she will keep these dishes or not, but what a fabulous find and something that has lasted over time.

Sofa Toppers

Have you heard about sofa toppers? I may be late to the game but I think this concept is a very good idea to protect your sofa cushions. Yes, I have used blankets and quilts, but this newer style is padded and you can get them in various fabrics.

There are several fabric selections from Green Row. Liz Marie also has a few in her store but refers to them as mattress toppers or bedrolls.

Making a sofa topper is a project in my future, because sweet Finn loves taking a nap on our sofas, both in Phoenix and at the cabin.

Time to Plant the Fall Garden

October is the perfect month to plant in Zone 9b in Phoenix. However, after a summer of little to no maintenance, my garden needs LOTS of work. I spent 4 days weeding and made some headway, but the most astounding discovery is the presence of Bermuda grass. For some reason, it has taken over my raised planting beds and it is so incursive. Never has this happened before and it literally took me hours to remove this horrible plant from a raised 6′ x 6′ bed.

To date, 4 out of the 5 beds have been cleared but the worst one remains. Hoping to tackle this when I get home but certainly not looking forward to it. If your garden is ready to go, here are some planting tips from a previous post here.

Well that’s a wrap! Enjoy your weekend. We pray for a safe drive back to Phoenix! Stay safe out there.