Saturday Meanderings

Well, summer is officially here (technically tomorrow). This week the temperatures are excessively hot. One day it was 59 degrees in the morning and the next it is 113. There isn’t much one can do but stay inside with the air conditioning. Now I think I am ready to get serious about summer. Thanks for joining me today for Saturday Meanderings as we just wander around discussing whatever!

Making Summer Different

After such a stifling year last year, I want summer this year to be extra special. Remember when we were younger and summer held an exciting kind of magic? That’s what I want to achieve this year and I feel a little late in the game. So if you have any fun and invigorating ideas please share. Lazy days at the beach, reading time every afternoon, no schedule, I’m all ears.

The painting above is my first attempt at using gouache paints. To see that post, click here.

New Recipes to try

I haven’t made these yet, but here are some new recipes that I think look so delicious. Half Baked Harvest is a great blog to follow as the very young and talented Tieghan Gerard puts forth unique and tasty recipes. Coming from a family of 10, Tieghan knows all about cooking for a big group. As a result, she is a successful culinary creator, book writer and continues to get culinary awards and recognition.

Her Peach Thyme Tarts (recipe here) on are my list to make this summer, as well as her Panzella Style Caprese Asparagus Salad (recipe here). To see all her amazing culinary creations, her website is here.

The Last of the Garden

With the sudden increased heat, the garden is looking a bit fried. I am sadly picking the last of the tomatoes and soon, it will be time to let the garden go fallow. But check out these Cherokee Purple heirloom tomatoes.

For dinner, these gorgeous tomatoes make a fabulous caprese salad with both fresh basil and mozzarella. I could literally have this every single day and not get tired of it!

Does Anyone Know?

I recently heard a story about a woman being followed by what appeared to be an unmarked police car with flashing lights. She dialed 112 to tell a dispatcher that she would not pull over until she was in a more populated area (like a gas station). The dispatcher said no police were in that area and that instructed the girl to remain calm and keep driving.

When I googled this 112 number, there seems to be some conflict in whether it is true or not. I did ask our law enforcement neighbor and he states it is a legitimate emergency number, but then other websites state it is false.

I did dial it on my mobile phone and the screen confirmed it is an Emergency Number. Just don’t know if anyone has used this?

Roman Shades

If you are looking for Roman Shades, Andrea from Design Morsels has a great post about sourcing affordable Roman shades. Andrea is my go-to person when I want more details on just about anything. She does a great job investigating and finding the best suppliers. Check it out here.

Simple Centerpiece

I am sure it is the heat, but I am all about simple, fresh and light in just about everything I do these days. We recently had friends over for dinner and instead of an elaborate centerpiece, I put pale lavender chrysanthemums in small juice glasses. These flowers are affordable, last forever and I continue to enjoy them this week.

Speaking of flowers, my June monthly subscription to The Bouqs.com did not disappoint. I just get roses now, because each month I am exceedingly impressed. Since they come directly from the grower (Ecuador this time), the flowers are so fresh.

Also, I am now an ambassador for The Bouqs so please, if you need flowers, I’d appreciate it if you would order through my blog. I will get a small reward from them and it doesn’t affect your price. You can find them here.

Dining Room Table problem

This past weekend we invited neighbors for dinner. Typically we eat outside on the back porch but the weather made us long for a cooler location. Typically I always use a pad on the dining room table beneath the table cloth. But I was in a hurry and didn’t think any guest would spill anything, so I just laid down a damask tablecloth. Bad decision on my part.

Since the table did look pretty, I left the tablecloth and flowers on until Wednesday. When I removed the tablecloth, I found this! Unfortunately, no one realized that some bourbon had splashed onto the tablecloth, creating very nasty damage.

A few friends and Google suggests using mayonnaise on the stain, so let’s see what happens. I just applied it to a small section and it needs to sit for a few hours. Wish me luck.

Attracting Birds

When I thought of planting sunflowers seeds, I did envision me cutting armloads of flowers to use in our home. However, what I am discovering is that sunflowers attract lots of birds. So I’ve have altered my romantic vision and am allowing the birds to just enjoy them. The peach faced lovebirds gather in flocks now in my garden. They love these flowers so much they do not mind if I am nearby gardening. Aren’t they beautiful?

One of my Favorites

Every Sunday, I faithfully read The Enchanted Home’s Seven on Sunday. Tina lists her seven favorite things and it is just pretty and informative. She loves all things blue and white and above is a picture of her home in Connecticut. I like it when we all share things we love or those who inspire us. Plus she is over “fifty-something” (I consider that a plus!) Check it out here and see if you agree.

Well, that’s a wrap for Saturday Meanderings. I hope the rest of your weekend will be filled with lovely weather and lots of rest and relaxation!

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Also if you missed any posts this week, check them out here.

A Summer Breakfast

DIY Patriotric Garland