Saturday Meanderings

It’s that time again to grab your favorite beverage and see what has been in store this last week with my Saturday Meanderings post. A week ago I was in Virginia Beach, attending the bridal shower of my future daughter-in-law. It’s hard to believe we will be wrapping up October soon so I am trying to enjoy each and every day of our glorious Phoenix weather. Let’s get started!

The Bridal Shower

What beautiful weather we had for the day of the bridal shower. Crisp fall weather and plenty of sunshine. Delaney’s Aunt Cindy hosted the afternoon event at her lovely home. I was able to meet the entire family~aunts, cousins, grandchildren and life-long friends.

The garland on the fireplace is a series of ph0tos from all the years (9!) that our son, Benjamin and Delaney have known each other.

For Delaney’s bridal shower gift, I teamed up with Pink Champagne Designs to create a custom monogram for the couple in three styles—single color, two-color, and multi-color. I painted the multi-color version and had it framed as my gift to her, and shared the digital files and a coordinating color palette so they can use the design in the future. In the meantime, a few other gifts featuring the monogram are being made (I can’t share what they are just yet—they’re still in transit!).

All in all, my visit to Delaney’s hometown and the chance to meet her extended family was an absolute joy. Her parents so graciously welcomed me into their beautiful home for the weekend, making it even more special. Moments like these remind me how important it is to pause and truly cherish life’s happy occasions.

Breeze Airways

When I started researching flights from Phoenix to Norfolk, VA, I found that all the major airlines required a layover—and came with surprisingly high fares. Then I discovered Breeze Airways, which offers a nonstop flight to Norfolk with three seating options: Nice, Nicer, and Nicest. To my delight, I was able to book the Nicest (first-class) seat for less than what economy would have cost on American, United, or Delta—with a layover!

Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.’ best domestic airlines for the last four years by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards and was awarded “Best Seat Comfort in North America” in June 2024.

They provide efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, flexible options, and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating – delivered via a sleek and simple app, we make it easy to buy and easy to fly.

By clicking on your city, the map tells you what destinations are available. Their availability is limited, however, the price is right and the service is excellent.

Ghostly Project Update

In September I shared my desire to create something a little different for the Halloween season by creating ghosts on canvas using joint compound or patching plaster.

After applying the joint compound with a plastic spoon, I let it dry overnight (check the drying times as some products dry within an hour and others take 24 hours).

I actually like the three white ghosts on the white canvas (just need eyes), however, I decide to paint the background and make the ghosts look like they are hanging on a clothes line.

Here’s the finished painting with the textured ghosts.

This is such an easy and fun project with many possibilities. What fun to do this with children or grandchildren!

So Much Gardening

We are still tackling yard and garden work. With multiple trips for soil amendments and plants, we continue to clean up all the debris from several summer storms. But sections of the yard are looking beautiful again. Hoping the hard work is over soon.

In those parts of the yard that don’t get as much watering, I am experimenting with drought tolerant plants. Isn’t this Firebush Lime Sizzler so pretty with its yellow and green foliage? It is deer resistant (don’t have that issue here) and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Currently, Home Depot has their sustainable garden plants from Smart Planet on sale at 20% off.

Do you have a sprouting sweet potato? I had two in the kitchen and popped each one into a planter and check out how it looks after 2 weeks! Scott just buried the spud in potting soil and have barely watered it.

Still have to plant my winter garden and planning a trip to my favorite nursery, Whitfill, this week to wrap up that project.

Microbakery Idea

My friend and neighbor, Kelly, recently opened her micro bakery concept, called Sourdough Misfits. Currently, she is offering sourdough pizza crusts and the most delicious sourdough chocolate chip cookies every Friday from her home (which is walking distance from mine).

Yesterday, I picked up my first order and am so excited to try this beautiful pizza crust. I’ve already consumed a few of her cookies and I can attest, they are scrumptious.

If you are interested in reaching out to Kelly and placing an order, you can reach her at [email protected].

Wayfair Outlet Opening

I was excited to hear about a new Wayfair Outlet opening in Chandler, Arizona. My daughter, Elisabeth and I traveled there to check it out and I was SO disappointed. The furniture was either stained, damaged or just ghastly. Now if someone thinks this sofa is attractive, I apologize for offending you, but it is definitely not my taste. I suppose as an outlet they are offering what they cannot sell online.

From the Internet

I’d love nothing more than to give our Phoenix family room a total makeover. But since it’s essentially Finn’s kingdom, it’s tough to justify splurging on gorgeous fabrics or new furniture—especially with all that endless dog hair flying around!

But after reading this article from The Glam Pad, a girl can dream. It’s all about gorgeous fabric and textures. Check out this Tyrolean, alpine chalet–like renovation in Colorado.

Planning Ahead? Advent Calendars

Though personally I cannot think ahead to the holidays (isn’t it still August?), the Glam Pad has published their Guide to the Best Advent Calendars in 2025.

You can see all the calendars here.

Well, it’s another busy weekend ahead for me. I am picking up 100 lbs. of Roma tomatoes to make my annual supply of tomato sauce. Typically I do this in August and September, but running a bit behind this year. Have a terrific weekend and hope you are having glorious fall weather too. Stay safe out there.