Saturday Meanderings

It is very chilly here (of course, it is all relative vs. those buried in snowstorms) but we are experiencing freezing temperatures at night for the next few days. So I am a bit worried about my sweet peach tree that is just starting to bloom.

Peach blossoms

We are busily covering the tomatoes and other frost sensitive plants and keeping our fingers crossed. February can be an unpredictable weather time here in Phoenix. I am so ready to begin Spring planting but will need to wait a few more weeks.

Front Porch Updates

Lately I am so drawn to the color pink~I wonder if that means something? Any color therapy specialists out there? Here are a few pictures of the Valentine inspired front porch.

The simple DIY of yarn hearts (see blog post here) is an easy way to make a winter wreath into a Valentine one. Adding 2 big pots of pink geraniums, purchased from Whitfill Nursery flank the front door.

Wooden heart from Whitfill Nursery

Cyclamens in a deep pink and white fill the vintage beach bike basket. Whitfill Nursery gave me this cute wooden heart (no charge) which sweetens up the handle bars. Such a nice gesture!

Heart pillow-World Market

Also, isn’t this a cute pillow? Found it at World Market for $24.99, and it sits on the bench by the front door. Here is the online link.

Pink and white cyclamen from Whitfill Nursery

The combination of the blue on the door and bike coupled with the pink just makes me happy!

New Air Fryer

Sur La Table Air Fryer

My sweet husband surprised me with an Air Fryer. I have no idea on how to use this device, but am purchasing some ingredients to try the recipes in the air fryer cookbook. If you have an air fryer and have favorite recipes, please send them to me at [email protected].

Charming Heart Shaped Watercolor Tutorial

Heart watercolors at Finding Silver Pennies

Here is a fabulous watercolor tutorial from Danielle at Finding Silver Pennies. I live vicariously through Danielle as she lives steps away from the ocean in Scituate Harbor in Massachusetts. She is a talented artist and though we have never met, virtually I feel like we could be good friends.

Danielle, a talented artist

Personally I have never painted in a heart-shaped so I am intrigued to try this. Danielle’s post includes a very detailed step-by-step lesson on how to do this. You can find it here. Wouldn’t these make beautiful Valentine’s Day cards?

Cleaning Outdoor Cushions

Dirty sunbrella outdoor cushion covers

I am embarrassed to say I don’t recall every washing the covers on our outdoor cushions. It takes having house guests to truly look at your home with a different set of eyes. And boy, are these a mess.

Every cushion was covered in dirt or spills

Honestly, I didn’t have much hope because the cushion covers are very dirty. One appeared to have an old huge red wine spill on it. But the fabric is Sunbrella and I put them in the wash using cold water, detergent and Oxyclean.

Clean cushions

Low and behold, the covers came out looking like new! I’m wondering if I should spray the Sunbrella fabric with a Scotchguard now? What do you think?

Tulipieres

Tulipieres from The Enchanted Home

I just love the two tulipieres that I did purchase from The Enchanted Home years ago. Today is the last of a 2 day flash sale on tulipieres (and ginger jars)with a 20% discount. The sale ends today, but if have ever wanted to buy a tulipiere or two, now is the time to do so. Here is the link to The Enchanted Home sale, code word GINGER.

This Week’s Posts

Everything hearts!

Valentine Linzer cookies, which I am happily eating all week, are so delicious and a great gift. See the post here.

This week there is another edition of Room by Room, featuring our wine cellar. You can tour this “secret” room here.

A faux spilled glass of wine in the wine cellar

Well, that’s a wrap of Saturday Meanderings and sharing all good things this week. It has been such a busy and stressful few days and the only bright spot is my dear friend, Chas and her mother are visiting. But all my chores and neighborhood responsibilities end on Saturday at noon, so I will be so happy to enjoy the balance of the weekend.

Stay warm and safe!

This post shared with Fabulous Friday Link Party #2.