Saturday Meanderings

As I am writing this, the dark skies have rolled in, and we believe rain is on the horizon. It’s the perfect afternoon to curl up with a good book, but instead, I’m writing this post with the cat tucked behind me, nestled against the back of the chair. My very own heating pad! Well, it’s nearly the middle of November (yikes!), and we are definitely in long-sleeve weather. Being home for the past week has been glorious. There is just something about nesting, slowing down, and enjoying the comforts of home that is good for the soul. So, let’s get started on our Saturday chat and catch up on all the good things happening this week.

Four Days in Georgia

As I mentioned last week, I flew to Atlanta to meet up with four dear blogging friends at Chloe’s new home in Peachtree City, Georgia. It has been decades since I last flew into the Atlanta airport. Did you know it is the largest and busiest airport in the world? Just walking from my arrival gate to baggage claim, I logged 8,000 steps! Silly me for not realizing there is a train at every concourse that whisks you right to baggage claim. Duh.

Our time together was a wonderful combination of work, lovely meals, sharing resources and products, beautiful walks along left-strewn trails, and of course, lots and lots of laughter. Honestly, the topics we covered ran the gamut. Isn’t it wonderful to have friends with whom you can belly laugh, share what’s on your mind, and never worry about being judged?

Here are a few more pictures of Chloe’s fabulous home. I feel incredibly fortunate to have these women in my life-not only for their willingness to share their technical knowledge, but more importantly, their friendship. Andrea from Design Morsels, Lycia from Caught by Design, Barbara from Mantel and Table, and of course, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate. What a lovely group of women to call friends!

Pajama Police?

First, let me clarify that I am not a pajama fashionista. You won’t find any slinky, seductive nightgowns in my dresser! I’m all about comfort, breathable fabrics that don’t make me sweat, and of course, a cute look. Is that too much to ask?

Just before we left on our cruise, I decided it was time for a new pair of pajamas. As you know, I’ve had good luck with Quince, so I researched their European linen pajama set as a possible contender…and they have pockets! The reviews were very good, and one woman even commented that she loved the look of the pajamas so much she wears them out in public. The photos on Quince’s website were super cute , so I thought they would be perfect for a cruise!

I ordered a size Small in the blue pinstripe. When they arrived, the small was surprisingly large and rather scratchy. They certainly didn’t look as cute on me as they did on the website. But I figured, it’s linen, so let’s toss them in the wash and follow the care instructions. Well, surprise! The pajamas shrank significantly. The distance between the crotch and the waistband became considerably shorter (you know what I mean!), making them rather problematic in the comfort department.

I put them on again, and they were still scratchy, only now, the pockets were bunched up to make my hips look bigger (of course, we all want that!). In addition, now they required a few strategic butt pulls to feel comfortable. I looked in the mirror and swear someone could have put numbers across my chest and I would have looked like an inmate at the state penitentiary!

Disappointed, I went back to the Quince reviews and searched through the one-star ratings, which, in hindsight, I probably should have read FIRST. Sure enough, there were several similar complaints. And yet, these pajamas are listed as a Best Seller. Well, they certainly weren’t a best seller in my book and I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing these in public. I’m not sure I’d wear them in the privacy of my own home. Lesson learned: always read the one-star reviews, too! If I were the pajama police, I would definitely make an arrest on this one.

Stitch-Fix to the Rescue

A few days after my pajama fail with Quince, my Stitch Fix box arrived, and lo and behold, there was a pair of pajamas inside! I’ve never received pajamas from Stitch Fix before, so I took this as a very good omen.

These are from Kate Spade New York and are described as the Long Sleeve Notch PJ Set. Featuring adorable blue and white storefronts and park scenes, this set is extremely soft and just my style. I went from penitentiary to penthouse in a matter of days! They are SO comfortable, roomy but not enormous, with plenty of room where it matters (you know what I’m talking about!). And I actually think they are rather stylish. Now THIS is what pajamas should feel like.

Kate Spade Outlet has a few different colors and if your total purchase is over $150 then you get $25 off per item. Isn’t this pink one with champagne bottles perfect for the new year? I am definitely ordering it!

Or this one for the Christmas holidays?

I searched for the blue and white one design but couldn’t find it, but these two alternatives will be perfect for the winter months.

Now I’m curious. do you have a favorite pajama brand or style? Are you a classic button-down pajama person, a soft cotton lounge set enthusiast, or someone who prefers something a little more elegant?

Gardening can be a Dangerous Activity!

Another week, another round of gardening chores at Bella Terra. I won’t bore you with all the details, but let’s just say I was the victim of an agave attack. The terminal spine at the tip of the agave leaf managed to puncture my right wrist. Lucky me!

Apparently, when one of these nasty spines penetrates the skin, it can introduce tiny crystals and plant irritants into the tissue, causing a persistent burning sensation, swelling, itching and sometimes a hard lump that can linger for weeks. In my case, the puncture area quickly swelled into a rather impressive lump and was quite painful. A day later, the swelling has subsided somewhat, but I’ve now developed a lovely bruise.

Here’s hoping the gardening projects are finally finished this weekend. Between the thorns, prickly plants, and rogue agave spines, I’m beginning to think gardening should come with a warning label.

Mary’s Must Haves

In the past week, the conversation of collagen peptides has come up among friends. I first started using Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides when I noticed my first steps out of bed sounded like Rice Krispies-lots of snap, crackle and pop! Something had to be done.

Faithfully, I add 2-4 scoops to my coffee every morning. My ankles no longer make all that racket, and I believe my hair is stronger. As for my skin, I’m hoping it’s a little less baggy, too. I’m giving all the credit to using Vital Proteins, though I haven’t been clinically evaluated. I’ve made it part of my daily routine and continue to use it.

Recently, I received an article from Metagenics titled “What Collagen Supplement is Right for You? There is an abundance of information about the different types of collagen supplements available today, including powders, gummies, capsules, and chews. It can be a little overwhelming trying to decide which one is right for you.

For now, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides works for me, and it’s readily available online at Target or at Costco. Do you take collagen peptide supplements? If so, which brand do you use, and have you noticed any benefits? I’d love to hear about your experience.

So, what are you up to this weekend? We may actually catch a movie at a real movie theatre! It’s been a while since we’ve done that. But first, I’m hoping we can wrap up the remaining gardening projects so we can enjoy a little R&R.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend filled with a little sunshine, laughter, and time to enjoy the things you love. See you next Saturday!