Saturday Meanderings
I hope you had a meaningful Christmas. Ours was a bit different this year, and while we tried a few new traditions, it reminded me that at the end of the day it’s really about family and a lifetime of memories. Welcome to the last Saturday Meanderings of 2025. So let’s jump in and recap all the good things from this past week.
Hot Cocoa and Cookie Gathering
Last Sunday evening, we hosted a hot beverage and cookie get-together with neighbors and friends to celebrate Christmas a bit early. Even so, I’ve been eager to try an attractive holiday cocktail I spotted on Instagram—it looked simple enough and perfect for festive gatherings.
Using my baked donut trays I added pomegranate juice, fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and a bit of fresh mint. I froze them overnight, then released the “wreath rings” by running a little warm water over the bottom of the pan. Once removed, I placed them in a zip-top bag and kept them frozen until the gathering—such an easy make-ahead detail.
Look how festive they are in these Eve coupe glasses (currently on sale) from Crate and Barrel! The wreaths fit perfectly inside the glass and can be topped with Prosecco, sparkling wine, or even flavored water. As the wreath slowly melts, the pomegranate juice blends in and adds the most delicious flavor.
Wouldn’t these be beautiful for New Year’s Eve with a touch of edible glitter? Needless to say, they were a big hit.
As you know, I’m not exactly a natural DIY-er when it comes to crafts. However, last year at the Pinners Conference, I attended a brief class from Chalk Couture on using silkscreen stencils. Pulling that skill out a year later, I was able to create a simple but charming sign for the hot cocoa table. Placed on a small stand and accented with fresh greenery, it added just the right amount of ambiance.
A variety of cookies from Trader Joe’s were arranged on a round silver tray, and my friend Libby Bissa contributed some of her beautifully designed sugar cookies. They truly are little works of art, and I’m always amazed by her attention to detail. Individually wrapped, they made the perfect take-home treat for our guests.
The hot cocoa station was stocked with dark chocolate–covered marshmallows and gingerbread mug toppers for an extra festive touch.
What made the evening especially meaningful, though, was sharing a set of questions with our guests about their Christmas and holiday memories. Hearing childhood stories and learning more about one another added such depth to the conversation and made the night feel truly special.
Making a Gingerbread House
I made my very first gingerbread house in 2018, and it turned out to be a surprisingly rewarding experience in design, decoration, and construction. Since then, I’ve created several gingerbread houses in a variety of styles—from a log cabin to a hen house to even a travel trailer.
For quite some time now, I’ve secretly been longing to build a gingerbread house inspired by our own 1910 home. The challenge, of course, is that no template exists unless I create it myself. Honestly, I could write an entire blog post about the trials, tribulations, and countless learning opportunities that have come with this project alone.
A great deal of time has gone into it, and I wish I could show you the finished result. Unfortunately, in our typically very dry climate, I’m currently battling unexpected humidity—thanks to a few days of rain—which has caused the gingerbread structure to soften. For now, construction is officially on pause. Boo hoo.
Special Treat this Week
You know how much I love hearing from you in the comments below. One of my readers, Katherine, is especially generous with her thoughtful remarks and feedback. She recently shared that she was interested in making my Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies but didn’t have access to sourdough discard.
When I discovered she lives nearby—only about a 30-minute drive—I decided to portion out a few cookie dough balls from the recipe and deliver them to her myself.
What an absolute delight it was to meet such a lovely person in real life. We became fast friends, and it was an added joy to meet her sweet husband, Barry. As it turns out, Barry is a rosarian, a Master Gardener, and an expert in all things roses and water conservation!
Katherine, meanwhile, is quite the cook. She sent me home with a loaf of her Banana Bread Supreme (which is far better than my banana bread!) and even a bag full of rose petals for our chickens.
When I started this blog, I never could have imagined it would lead to such meaningful connections and the joy of new friendships. Sadly, the only photos of Katherine and I weren’t useable for me to share.
Our Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve morning began as Christmas Day for our daughter, Elisabeth. Since she had to work on Christmas Day itself, she came over with her boyfriend, Trevor, to enjoy a few of our family traditions. Her dad made Eggs à la Goldenrod for breakfast, and then we opened presents by the tree. With her being the only child home, the morning was entirely about her—and she didn’t seem to mind one bit.
That afternoon, we attended a new Christmas Eve service and were very pleasantly surprised by how meaningful and moving it was.
Unfortunately, sweet Finn had other plans for the night and kept us up with some significant intestinal troubles. By morning, things escalated with vomiting as well. All in all—both literally and figuratively—Christmas Day turned out to be a rather tiring and messy one. Still, we count our blessings and keep moving forward… right?
The good news is Finn is better after a vet appointment yesterday. We think he is eating lantana in the yard, which is very toxic to pets grows like a weed here in Phoenix. Sigh.
Our Clever Department of Transportation
As much as I do not like driving on our busy and dangerous freeways, I so appreciate the clever digital signs that the Arizona Department of Transportation displays. They are memorable and I believe, send the right message to drivers on the road.
The Arizona Department of Transportation has an annual contest that they open to the public for safety message sign content. In 2025, over 3,000 votes were cast for the 10 finalists. Here are the two winners.
Hopefully, these signs will continue into 2026. Rumor has it the federal government doesn’t want innovative signs that may distract the driver.
Holiday Oddities
A couple of very strange things happened this past week. When I went to take a photo of our freshly decorated tree, the image on my phone screen—before I even pressed the shutter—appeared to be vacillating, as if something were moving in front of the tree. To be sure I wasn’t imagining it, I called Scott in to take a look at the image on my phone. He saw it too.
I snapped the photo, and this is how it turned out. After waiting a few seconds, I took another picture—and the exact same image appeared. I waited again and took yet another photo, still with the same result. Finally, after a bit more time passed, I was able to capture a clear image of the entire tree.
Looking back through the photos, it truly appeared as though something had been moving in front of the tree…and then was suddenly gone. Definitely odd.
Then, at 2:49 a.m. on Christmas morning, our camera near the front gate recorded another strange phenomenon.
So now I have to ask—could it be the ghost of Christmas past, present, or future?
Goodbye 2025 and onward to 2026
As I look back over the past year, the first thing that comes to mind is how quickly it all went by. It leaves me wondering how we can truly embrace the idea of slower living in a world that seems determined to rush us along.
When I reflect on the highlights of 2025, they all center around time spent with family and friends—those everyday moments that quietly become the most meaningful. Each morning, I give thanks to God for another day, for good health, for the gift of community, and for a faith that continues to ground me.
The next time we meet here, it will be a brand new year—2026. As we step into it, my hope is that we carry forward the lessons of the past, treasure each meaningful connection, and embrace every small moment of joy.
May this coming year bring peace, laughter, and the courage to try new things, the patience to slow down, and the wisdom to appreciate the life we are living. Sending hugs and heartfelt gratitude to all of you who make Life at Bella Terra such a joy and a journey worth sharing. Lastly, remember to stay safe out there.
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Hi Mary!
Happy New Year!
I love your gingerbread houses! I wanted to share with you Leslie Saeta’s blog, My One Hundred Year Old Home. She has detailed instructions on how to make a gingerbread of your own home. Just type gingerbread house on the search. I just thought it might interest you.
I hope Finn is feeling better!
Linda, thank you for referring me to Leslie’s site. I used to get email notifications from her, but for some reason dropped off. I went and checked out her post. She shares so many great tips. I wish I thought to make it out of cardboard as the gingerbread is so affected by humidity. Plus I put in every architectural nook and cranny, which was very difficult. Never thought to use AI to draw the templates, so I did those by hand. Very interesting approach and way less complicated than what I did! Finn is feeling better-thank you for asking!Happy New Year!
Hi Mary,
I’m so late in responding to yet another delightful post. You always share so much. Here is to my long
response. I can never seem to keep them short and sweet.
Your Hot Cocoa Cookie gathering looked wonderful, very impressive. The cookie presentation and all the extra touches were with thought. Great sign. What type of Cocoa did you serve? I drink probably way too much hot cocoa, Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classic, I add Califia Farms French Vanilla to it, for the past month I’ve been adding Southern Comfort Egg Nog too. I served this Egg Nog at my Christmas Tea to welcome back Donna to her second home after being gone since April. It was a big hit.
The Pomegranate juice, fresh rosemary and a spring of mint looked like a work of art on top of the Eve Coupe glasses. What a great presentation. Something you find at a five star restaurant.
Libby Bissa makes the most beautiful cookies. She is a very talented sugar cookie designer. It triggers great memories when a neighbor now moved away and I got together to frost our pretty Valentine’s sugar cookies.
Elizabeth holding her siblings pictures was a NICE gesture.
Your candlelight Christmas Eve service looked inviting.
Oh no, Finn getting sick on Christmas Day. I can imagine how hard that was to witness. I did not know the Lantana is toxic to pets.
Yes our freeways cause me ANXIETY and we try our hardest if we can to avoid them when we can and take back roads. They have become our best friends. ADOT’S holiday messages are funny and excellent.
Strange and odd what happened to your phone taking your beautiful Christmas Tree. Even spookier is the ghost from Christmas past that appeared on your camera.
Yes, 2025 flew by way too fast. YES YES YES living in the moment and slowing down is what matters.
So nice you acknowledged our magical meeting last week. YOU made that happen. You are my new found Blessing.
I embrace your ending, “May this coming year bring peace, etc. .
Thank you for being present and sharing the endless wonderful things you do to bring endless JOY and smiles to all of us. Aren’t we fortunate and lucky to have Mary in our lives?
To all, happy healthy everything.
Katherine, thank you, as always, for your comprehensive comments. Hot cocoa-I used Trader Joe’s organic cocoa in individual packets and provided hot water. I didn’t taste it but my guests seemed to like it. I thought about making hot cocoa ahead of time but not knowing who would drink it, etc. this seemed easier. Wishing you and Barry a wonderful 2026! My motto this year is “keep moving!”
Mary ,
As always your post bring such joy ! Thankful that Finn is recovering . Loved the wreaths & will make for New Years .
Perhaps the spirits want you to make that gingerbread house .
Peace. Love & Joy
Sharon, well, you are right, the spirits did want me to finish the gingerbread house. I will share it next week, but oh my, a project I probably wouldn’t tackle again! I literally took me days to complete with all the obstacles I didn’t anticipate. Thank you for sharing your sweet remarks. Happy 2026!
Beautiful (and interesting) post to wrap up 2025! Loved the hot cocoa and Christmas cocktail post and was fascinated by your ghost story. The gingerbread houses brought back fond memories of making them with my daughters every year. The ADOT signs were very clever too! So sorry to hear about Finn getting sick but glad to hear he’s better. Brinkley was a sock and make-up remover wipes eater which caused some emergency visits to the vet when he was younger. Thank you for bringing more joy and inspiration to us in 2025. Looking forward to more in 2026. Wishing you and your family all the best for the new year.
Melody, I am so happy you and Sam made time in your schedule to meet us for dinner! How interesting that Brinkley would eat socks and make-up removed wipes! Yikes! What important memories your daughters must have of your gingerbread making with them. Happy New Year to you and I hope our paths cross again in 2026.
May you continue to enjoy all of the pleasures of life in 2026!!! These years certainly do fly by….although beautiful memories are being made at the same time. So glad Finn is better. Happy New Year
Helen, thank you so much! Happiest of New Years to you as well.
Your holiday sounds and looks lovely. Sorry about Finn & the lantana though. Sadly, I said goodbye to my Finn the day before Christmas. He never really recovered the loss of Pippa, his littermate, who passed about a month ago. The house seems so quiet without them. I do believe you have ghosties! The 1908 home we were renovating back in the day had a friendly visitor. The original owner passed in the house and I think he came back to visit and check on the renovation. He visited so often…the dogs got use to his sounds on the stairs and wood floors. I worked down in the huge basement a lot at night…creating items for my brick and mortar stores. He often came down the stairs! I always said hi, acknowledging his presence. He seemed to be curious…just visiting. Always friendly. Happiest of new years to you and everyone in your circle. T
Tanya, I was literally just thinking of you yesterday. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Pippa and Finn. The loss of a dear pet is so devastating. Sending you big hugs. I love your story about your 1908 home and your friendly visitor! It seems like every old home I’ve owned has a resident ghost! On a separate note, I need to email you with a fashion jewelry question. So good to hear from you.
What a fabulous meanderings! Loved your cocoa and cookie gathering – everything was so perfect, per Mary style. The ice wreaths were awesome! Loved you took that starter stuff to your blog reader and now new real life friend. That’s just the best. So sorry about Finn – glad he’s better but the timing was awful. I feel ya about how fast the time is flying. I want to put on the brakes!!!! And your front outdoor came? What the heck? You must’ve been shocked. WOW. May your new year be peaceful (no ghosts, please) and healthy and happy. “See” you next year.
Michele, Happy New Year to you and hope your Christmas was wonderful. Yes, the ghost things is odd but certainly interesting. Hope all is well with you!
As always, your post didn’t disappoint. Thank you once again for adding joy, wisdom and inspiration to the words you share with your followers each week.
It’s wonderful to know that Finn is okay. I knew that poinsettias are harmful to dogs but not lantana. That’s very beneficial to know as a pet owner.
Wishing you and your family a blessed New Year!
Catharine, Thank you for your sweet and lovely words. I forgot about poinsettias are poisonous. Thanks for the reminder. We’ve had 4 dogs and more here and not one, ate the lantana. Oh Finn….Happy New Year to you too!
Mary, it seems your lovely old home is haunted.
This is a wonderful jam-packed Saturday Meanderings to end 2025. Many blessings to us all as we enter the New Year with hearts full of faith, hope and charity.
Pat, thank you for your very nice comments. I agree with your blessings for the New Year…faith, hope and charity. So true. Have a blessed New Year.
Cheers to the Years!!! ❤️
franki
Franki, yes, cheers to the years as they fly by! Happy New Year, sweet friend!
Loved the freeway sign saying “camp in the woods not the left Lane”………… showed it to my husband as he is always talking about people hogging the left lane… sorry about Finn…. Loved the ice rings… I’ve done a large one for a punch in the past… this year I did ice cubes for drinks… love Trader Joe’s … this year the Hot and Sweet pepper jelly was a hit at our house….have a wonderful New Year…Teresa
Teresa, my husband is the same way about drivers hogging the left lane. How did you use the Hot and Sweet pepper jelly? I still have jars of the Hatch Green chili jam…Happy New Year to you too!
I pour pepper jelly over a block of cream cheese and serve w/Raisin/rosemary crisps crackers from Trader Joe’s… will be doing this at my Epiphany dinner for friends next week…12th day of Christmas
Teresa, that sounds not only delicious, but easy! I will try that. The Epiphany, in addition to being a special religious day, is my daughter’s birthday and the day we start thinking about taking down Christmas decorations….notice how I say “thinking”-ha! Thank you for sharing.
Such a beautiful display of cookies and holiday treats! So happy to hear that Finn is on the mend! Those Gingerbread Houses are contest worthy! Love the cocktail recipe and early preparation, the rosemary is sure a surprise twist! What a surprise visit of the Christmas spirits!
Chadwyn, Happy New Year, my friend! I hope you are enjoying California and have wonderful plans for the new year! A highlight of my year was getting to meet you in person. I wish you only the best for 2026.
Wow, Mary, I got chills seeing your “ghost”! We had some strange experiences in our last home, like things going missing and popping up somewhere else, knocking on walls on a bright sunny winter day, footsteps on the stairs, and many other things too numerous to mention. The house was brand new in a brand new sub, but at the end of our street was a cemetery. Since we moved, all is quiet!
I wish you and your family a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Ellen, your “ghost” experiences sound like you definitely had a visitor-welcoming you to your new home. My childhood home was across the street from a cemetery and I remember running by it at full steam on Halloween night!Happy New Year to you too! Thanks for sharing your story!