Saturday Meanderings~An Updated Look!
Welcome to Saturday Meanderings and the new, updated format to my website. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this recent change will allow you to easily navigate my site for products, recipes and content. This update is long overdue and hopefully this will correct some of the technical issues we were both facing. I’ve missed blogging these last 2 weeks and am so happy to be here with you today to chat about all good things that are happening.
Navigating My Website
The website goal is to get a cleaner, less cluttered look. As you know, I do not put ads, videos, pop-up on my website. I know ad revenue is the source of income for many bloggers, but personally I find it so distracting, especially when viewing on a mobile phone. There have been countless times when I wanted to close out a video or ad so I could read the blogger’s content, only to be directed to the ad link with no way of returning to the content I really want to read.
So, at Life at Bella Terra, there are no ads to interrupt your reading. Hence no money for me, but quite frankly that is not why I enjoy blogging. Yes, it would be nice to make some cash, but I do not want to compromise the quality of your experience here. I have added some affiliate links on the Blog page in the side margin if you ever want or need to buy products from these quality retailers~The Bouqs, Boll & Branch, My French Country Home Box, Villeroy & Boch and Rifle Paper Company. Your support is always appreciated!
A new addition is the invitation on the Home Page to subscribe. Before, you had to search to find a way to sign up to this website, but now there are easily identifiable means to do so.
At the top, you will see some tabs. One is “Shop” and here you will find on the drop down menu Mary’s Must Haves ~most of the products I love and have tested and links for you to order them.
Another updated tab is Our Home. Not only were all the photos old and done years ago, but now there is better content and pictures. A drop down menu takes you to various parts of the property if you haven’t toured it already.
The Events tab will list future events at Bella Terra. Coming up in November is the Holiday Styling Workshop and I will be updating the information on that event shortly. You can see photos and read stories of previous events if you are interested.
Please let me know your thoughts on Life at Bella Terra’s new look! Also, I believe you get a better experience viewing this on a larger computer screen vs. my phone.
Weather Patterns
With hurricane season on the east coast and wildfires on the west coast, the skies are providing some unusual photo opportunities. The unedited picture at the top of this page was taken up near our mountain cabin. What a sky!
On the same day, my brother, Michael sent me this photo from his boat off the coast of Connecticut. He and his wife, Brenda cut their boating vacation short due to the hurricanes. Doesn’t that sky seem ominous?
High Mountain Half Marathon
My sweet daughter, Julianna signed up to run the half marathon here in Pinetop, Arizona and I tagged along to do the 5K. The High Mountain Half Marathon is a pretty run as you are surrounded by beautiful cedar and pine trees as the course travels down Porter Mountain and into the town of Pinetop/Lakeside finishing up at the Blue Ridge High School track.
My friend, Tevia and I crossed the finish line and honestly, the time went by so quickly when you are chatting the entire time! A fun way to start a Saturday morning and even more exciting when you place first in your age group! I’m guessing not many people my age do this. Ha!
Best Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture
Recently, I bought two outdoor chairs, a table and rug at a fabulous sale price! I hope to write about it next week, but now is the best time to look for bargains! More to come!
Outdoor Cooking Class
My friend and neighbor, Judith Baigent King (teaching chef, food writer, author) holds cooking classes on the outdoor terrace of her beautiful mountain home. This particular class focuses on fresh summer corn and here are the recipes we learn to make:
- Grilled Steak with Warm, Spicy, Corn and Peach Salsa
- Creamy Fresh Corn, Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Polenta
- Zucchini Fritters with Corn, Avocado, Cherry Tomato and Arugula Salad with Feta Dressing
- Cheese Tortellini with Crispy Bacon, Corn and Fresh Herbs
- Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding with Salted Caramel Corn
Look at how beautiful this salad looks! It is such a joy to take a cooking class, learn some new tips and tricks and then eat all the recipes.
Right now, Taylor corn is available and I hope to make some of these easy, yet delicious recipes this weekend.
Finished a Painting!
I cannot believe the last time I picked up a paint brush was nearly a year ago. Last week, I finally drag out this canvas and finish it. My duck painting might be just the artwork I need by our new hallway cabinet (see that post here).
Not sure the frame is the most appropriate, but I love gold plein aire frames. What do you think?
Injuries galore
Getting old is not for the faint of heart. I’ve been having shoulder issues that required an MRI. I am SO claustrophobic and having to slide into that small machine creates anxiety. But the good news is that I did it and am now working on a plan to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Then I walked into a closed sliding door, which has been open all summer. It was dark and I certainly didn’t expect it to be shut. It took a few days for my vision and brain clarity to return.
Lastly, my ring finger was inadvertently wrapped around Finn’s long leash. He bolted during our walk and it’s either broken or badly strained, but I’m keeping it wrapped against the adjacent finger, hoping for the best.
They say that things happen in threes. Hoping this is the end of the boo boos. Looking forward to an injury free future.
Drying Hydrangeas
As you have heard from me before, I am over the moon that I finally have hydrangeas growing at our cabin. This week, I am cutting the large blooms to dry.
Also, did I tell you that I cut fresh ones, put them in water and they stayed fresh for nearly a month? So unlike store-bought hydrangeas that die within 48 hours.
Well that’s a wrap on Saturday Meanderings. I cannot tell you how much I value your support, feedback and kindness you have shown me and this blog over the years. If you enjoy my posts, ad-free, please share with your friends. Even though I am not consistent on social media (Instagram, Facebook), you can also follow me there.
Have a blessed, relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
Just a reminder that any words that are italicized bring you to the source. If it is a product on Amazon, please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase something through my website, I receive a small (very small!) stipend, which doesn’t affect the price you pay at all. My goal is to make sourcing the items easy for you. Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs. Mary, hope you have a speedy recovery with your recent injuries. Love the new look to your blog. I liked the other one, however, this one is very easy to navigate and find older post to look back on for wonderful inspiration. Finn is growing at warp speed, lol. And is cute as always. My family laughs at me when I take Daisy for a walk, she pulls on her leash and I go flying. They say I look like Ouiser from Steel Magnolias. I’m always obliged to give them a chuckle, haha.
Crystal, I can envision your Daisy walking you! Making a blog design change comes with some anxiety, so I’m happy you like the newer format. Always appreciate your fun comments!
I am so sorry to learn of your injuries. Hope you heal up quickly. Love your blogging philosophy – felt the same way. WOW Finn sure is growing into a beautiful dog. How fast the time flies!
The new site is beautiful and I love the navigation. You and I are probably the last ad-free holdouts – I’ll definitely support you through my shopping! CONGRATS on your running – you are amazing! Take care of yourself over there and happy cooking!
Barbara, I have never liked ads~on TV, radio, or on websites. I do respect that how most bloggers make their money but I’m too old to waste time scrolling through ads, pop-ups and videos. Blogging for me fills my soul and there’s no amount of money you can put on that!
I like the new format, more accessible and friendly. I LOVE your ducks, please do a series for sale. They made me smile.
Elizabeth, thank you for your sweet comments. I need to be more disciplined to paint but I like the idea of a series!
So sorry your gorgeous Finn pulled so hard. Speedy recovery to you! Congrats on the run, and that just means you’re in pretty good shape Mary and congrats on that too! The ducks are lovely and the frame perfect. I’ve always loved your blog and no matter what you do I’ll keep reading. Love the new format too and with no distractions is a huge plus. You rock Mary!
Harriet, so lovely to hear from you! I am happy you like the new format! My finger is improving as I am getting limited movement out of it. Too swollen for a wedding ring so I’m looking rather single lately! Really appreciate your comments.
Hi Mary…….i am so happy you have gone ad less. So much more enjoyable to read.
Still it would not have changed my mind about following your blog. I’ve given your site information to my friend because you remind me so much of her. Both just lovely people.
Hope your shoulder and finger are on the mend. KZ
Karen, thank you so much for your sweet comments. I so appreciate you sharing this with your friend!
Mary
Your painting is gorgeous and I hope your finger isn’t broken. Have the best weekend!
Rachel, thank you and happy weekend to you!
The new format looks great, Mary! And I love that photo of you at the finish line, so joyful. Hope you feel better soon!
Michele, Thank you!
Thank you for understanding the distractions from the ads and pop ups. You enjoy blogging and I thoroughly enjoy your new format and posts! I hope you have a speedy healing
Nannette, I know I don’t like all the ads and pop ups. One blogger I used to follow had 48 ads on her site. I couldn’t find her content and it was unpleasant. When I reached out to her, she basically told me to go pound sand. Oh well. She was obviously making alot of money! Ha!
Thee ducks have real personality. Congratulations. Does your cooking teacher share recipes? Or better yet, does she teach in the valley?
Love the ducks!!!! I like that frame, too. Where did you get it?
Sorry about the boo-boos.
All I can say is, “You rock, Mary!”
Janie, I ordered the frame from Amazon but it’s from Jerry’s Artarama…It’s an 8×10 and I think it cost around $62.00. I’m happy with how the ducks turned out…only took me a year to get back to it!
YOU may need a re-do…OMG… A LOT going on…stay healthy, strong, etc etc. franki
Franki, Ha! Yes, I feel like I need to walk around in bubble wrap! Thanks for your well wishes!
Love the new look Mary! And, oh my that salad looks delicious! Sorry to hear about your injuries! Getting older does bring entirely new set of easy ways to sustain minor injuries! Hope your finger is on the mend!
Maureen, I want to make that salad this weekend. It’s been warmer here in the mountains and I’m ready for a light, refreshing, healthy salad! Thank you!
Love, love, love the new look!! Always look forward to your posts. So interesting, informative and fun!
And I love that you finished your Ducks painting. It looks perfect to me where you have it placed.
Sorry to hear about your boo boos. Will say a prayer for your complete and speedy recovery.
Valerie, thank you so much for your sweet comments!! So happy you like the new look.
Great job on the website. As usual your work is amazing. Glad to see you are still running and staying in great shape. I love Finn
Sam, always good to hear from you! So glad you like the new look on the website. Trying to stay healthy…Finn is such a love bug…albeit big!
Mary I love the new format!! I have updated mine as well so it loads faster! I adore your duck painting. Do you ever sell your work?
Cindy, it’s funny you mentioned my artwork. A few years ago you posted your batch of roses at the end of the season and I started to paint it….another one that I need to finish. If it comes out looking good, I will send it to you. So happy you love the new format.
Nice format Mary! Love the new look!
Cindy, thank you. Means alot coming from someone who has great taste!