Small Joys of Nature

 I have to apologize for not having posted in so long.... my goal is to at least post 2-3 times a month... if you watch my Life Last Week vlogs as well though then you know, July was a rough month. I did not even make it to the festival for Our Lady of Mt Carmel this year to see the babydoll dance... Which wasn't even missed during COVID!

My mom became ill though and was diagnosed with a new heart condition. She stayed with me for about a week after her discharge home and it was during that time that I began to spend even more time in the backyard just sitting and relaxing. When you stop and look around more you notice more in nature as well though. I always was enjoying the yard with all the flowers and secret nook sitting areas but wasn't truly paying attention to everything around me. 

I enjoyed watching the hummingbirds come to the feeder outside my kitchen window.... I knew there was a groundhog who made occasional visits to forage for wild strawberries and clover in the lawn... I even knew there were squirrels who would come when I threw stale bread for the birds... what I didn't know was the enjoyment those squirrels would end up being!

It has now become a daily ritual to spend time just enjoying the squirrels as if they were my personal outdoor pets provided by nature. They began to come daily to collect the peanuts I had to offer and before I knew it, there would be days there were up to 6 in the yard at a time.... each with their own personalities. Some more timid than others and some so bold as to come right to me if I was even in the yard for another reason as if to tell me it was time for their peanuts!

I think this is a daily ritual now that will stay through the fall. Comment below....How are you enjoying your backyard? Do you have little pets from nature as well?

5 NE Ohio Places to Visit for Day (that are also kid-friendly!)

Northeast Ohio can sometimes be a treasure trove of daytrips that won't break the bank. Below are 5 things I have done lately that I truly enjoyed, and you might too. The good news too is that all of them are also kid-friendly, should you be looking for a place to entertain the kiddos!

 1. Ride a Train or a Trolley- Who would think of this area being a plethora of places to catch a unique ride?  ...but there are actually several options for this nearby. 

Right here in Youngstown is a train museum, the J&L Narrow Gauge Railroad, with short, and I mean short, train rides on a small gauge train... while the trip isn't long, any train enthusiast would enjoy it. Hours are limited though so be sure to check their website prior to making the trip. 

If a bit of a longer train ride would be your thing, head up to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway in Independence, where you can ride a true passenger train for over an hour through the scenic MetroParks area outside of Cleveland. They run weekends and host some special events as well. Tickets can be bought ahead on their website. 

If trains aren't your thing... there is also a restored trolley that you can ride throughout Mill Creek Metroparks in Youngstown as well! Dates vary throughout the summer so be sure to search the programs tab on the website for dates and reservations. 

2. Kid Friendly Winery- For something to unwind and relax more, there are so many wonderful wineries throughout Northeast Ohio as well. Almost any given weekend you can find a special event occurring at a winery in the area as well from music to floral/pumpkin picking to tastings and even grape stomping in the early fall... One winery in particular though has to be the most kid-friendly of all, Maize Valley in Hartville. Not only do they host numerous events throughout the year, they also have a huge play area for the kiddos and goats wondering the property keeping the grass maintained. While there, right down the road is also a huge Amish area and a weekend flea market to visit as well. 

3. Burton Village- For a more educational day out, try visiting Burton and its Century Village. They also offer many special events on weekends that can be found on their website and guided tours. On any given day though, you are welcome to stroll the property on a self-guided tour and even bring a picnic for free!

4. Animal Parks- While Northeast Ohio has several zoos... Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Akron Zoo, and even the Pittsburgh Zoo (while technically PA, not much of a drive) ... I mean more hands-on animal parks. There are several petting zoos, and probably even more that I do not know about... such as Wagon Trails in Vienna (though 2022 will sadly be their last year as the owners are retiring). There is also an exotic animal zoo in Berlin Center called Noah's Lost Ark. Even more of a hidden gem though again is the free MetroParks Farm in Canfield... they also hold many special events and hayrides which can be found on the Mill Creek Metroparks website again under the programs tab. However, even on days with no events the Farm is open to explore and pet the farm animals during daylight hours with a picnic area and a walking/ biking trail on the property as well. I often find myself visiting here often to walk and stop by to see the goats myself. 

We also cannot forget Happy Trails animal farm as well that serves as a rescue for abused and neglected farm animals. Visit their website for pricing and tour times or to volunteer. They hold special events throughout the year as well, I have even done goat yoga here before as well. 

5. Little Italy- Of course we could not forget a day well spent in Mayfield outside of Cleveland, our Little Italy! The town hosts Italian Fests as well as other events. Even a day with no events though can be full of culture, shopping, and delicious food along the Murray Hill strip! 

Just because other areas aren't labeled as "Little Italy"s though does not mean there is not Italian culture to be found on almost any given weekend of the summer at smaller Italian festivals. One of the largest in the area and the only one with a spectacular Baby Doll dance show nightly is of course Lowellville!

If you need a place to stay for your visit try a VRBO instead of a cramped hotel room. Comment below, what places do you love to visit in NE Ohio? Have you been to any of my picks? Also be sure to hit the subscribe button to receive notice of new posts! 

Regency Shop Favorites for Tuscan Decor

 I recently was introduced to Regency Shop and their no hassle, no risk approach to furniture shopping. Local shopping can be a nightmare with pushy salespeople and long lead times for delivery, so it is only natural to turn to online ordering and delivery with great customer service. With Regency Shop, I always know what to expect... each item clearly shows the delivery timeframe, and your card is not charged until delivery occurs. Below are some of my favorite items (also my wish list) found on Regency Shop. Feel free also to use code AMANDA22 at checkout or an extra 5% even on sale items!

Fleur De Lis Double Glider

Chesterfield Fabric Sofa

Chesterfield Leather Sofa

Regency Bistro Set- multiple color options

Royal Bedroom Dressing Table

Comment below... what great finds have you found on Regency Shop?

Getting the yard in Order

 It has been a huge labor of love and there is so much more to still do but I feel like the yard is finally shaping up for summer. I ordered 75 geraniums this year to use throughout the yard as well and feel it really added something. 

I have an old bike from Craig's list that I spray painted lavender tucked into the flowerbed to add some whimsy.

The basket of pansies also adds some flair to the otherwise red blooms everywhere else.

I think this barrel full of geraniums really makes a statement!

The lion is hidden behind the St John's Wart that jumped from its original spot. 

Commet below: what is the theme of your gardens? Did you plant a lot? Full walkthrough can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/pGSat1R0Y9c

Italians and Cemeteries!

It may seem like an odd dynamic and by the title of this post you may expect it more during Halloween than Memorial Day weekend.... but hear me out! As I took my grandma and my mom to the cemeteries in preparation of the holiday weekend, it occurred to me there is some strange connection and difference from other cultures that Italian Americans have with visiting cemeteries. 

Before my Grandpa Joe even passed, he would make my mother and her sister acutely aware that he must be buried in Lowellville with "his people" like he believed they'd visit each other at night. Well, he got his wish and many of his family and friends are nearby. I can't help but wonder if they really are out visiting at night. 

My mom believes based on the instilled values form her grandparents that to not care for an ancestorial grave is actually a mortal sin! My grandma as well, despite not walking well would never miss a year if she is still alive of taking flowers and crosses to the graves of family members passed. If she isn't able to walk over, she will gladly supervise from the car window. 

Why is all of this craziness? I view it as a sign of respect but have to admit that certain aspects are taken to extreme. If the county didn't cut the grass fast enough, folks will be wondering around with weedwhackers, cutting their own plots even! The Italian American cemetery before Memorial Day has more visitors than the county fair, I swear! These traditions began back in Italy as well though, so this is really nothing new. If a town doesn't have an actual Italian American cemetery as well, it isn't hard to find the Italian graves dispersed throughout.... just look for Saint statues, especially of the Madonna, vigil lights, and immaculately kept grounds with edge stones and mulch and possibly even a bench. 

While we speak on the cemetery of Lowellville, we can't ignore the cultural custom of inspecting gravesite on Memorial Day! This has to be an Italian thing! I cannot think of another local cemetery where the living in the town will walk around on Memorial Day after the celebration honoring veterans just to see which families cleaned up the graves for the summer! What shame it would be on your family and looks you would get in town if your ancestors plots were not impeccable by Memorial Day! Hence the reason for my visit today! Must get the gravesites in shape... and who knows maybe it isn't even the townsfolk who talk but maybe the spirits visiting each other at night have a thing or two to say to each other about their descendants' caretaker skills as well. Hopefully, they think I did a good job! 

None of this is new in the Italian culture though. It is just what you do and a part of the heritage... maybe not a well-known part but a huge part, nonetheless. While Memorial Day is by the far biggest of this traditional (probably because it is the "spring cleaning"), it is also very customary to ensure Christmas wreaths are placed, palm is left at Easter, and reverence is paid for All Soul's Day as well. So as long as my heritage continues, I'll be visiting the cemetery... Leave a grave unattended?  ....Fuhgettaboutit!

Kentucky Derby Home Decor!

 Finding the perfect dress/ hat combo is only part of prepping for the Derby.... I had to get my decor in the vibe as well! This year I went a little simpler than I had sometimes in previous years but definitely still set the mood for a small watch party I will be hosting. 

On the kitchen island, I left things a little simple to have room to set out the food. I used my MacKenzie-Childs bud vase to display some red roses, a small chalk board to set the tone from the wedding section of Hobby Lobby (no longer available- similar here), and of course Derby napkins from the party shop. I will be serving my pulled pork as the main dish. I had a blog post previously with this recipe that can be found here. 

I also changed out my floral arrangement on the side of the fridge to incorporate the feel of the "run for the roses" by simply adding in red faux roses with MacKenzie-Childs ribbon and bee pick. 

In the dining room as well, of course the chicken on the buffet needed an update to incorporate and abundance of red roses as well. I also displayed 14 Hands wine with my Taste of the Derby wine glasses.

Also in the dining room on the fireplace, I used a candlestick holder to hold up an elaborate riding hat. I added in boxed red roses with a box wood topiary, antique horse head statue, and gift boxes I had for height. 

In the living room, right around the corner, I sat up the mint julep station.... of course using Woodford Reserve bourbon.

For another display in the living room, I used old horse bit the lay the foundation for another horse and hat displayed on a candlestick along with a photo of being at the Derby. 

For a full walkthrough tour visit my YouTube channel. Comment below, what are you doing for the Derby this year? Did you decorate? Are you going somewhere to watch the race? Also be sure to hit subscribe to receive notice of future blog posts. 

Prepping for the Derby!

The weather is getting warmer, the days a little longer and brighter, the Easter Bunny has hopped down the lane and now it is time to start planning for the quintessential event of the spring.... the Kentucky Derby!

I have already ordered my dress and plan to wear it with a navy fascinator I already have. For me, it is never an option to not get a new spring dress for the day... not that an excuse is really needed for a lovely new spring dress, but oh ever if there was one, the Derby is it!

When planning what to wear for the Derby, you don't really need to overthink it. There are no set dress rules, though there is the tradition of the dress and hat combo for women. All you really need to do is look to the spring trends for the year and find a dress you love then pair it with a wonderful hat (or even headband if hats aren't your thing!). If it is cold that day, layer over a cardigan or blazer to finish the look. Rain... change the pumps to Wellies or riding boots.... it will all look classic and appropriate. 

Below are some dress ideas I found online to help inspire you in finding your perfect Derby look for this year too! I just hope my dress fits like a glove when it arrives.

Below, I found a new company I had never heard of called Shinesty that had adorable Derby themed printed dresses. Isn't this Run for the Roses themed dress adorable?

Another new site I discovered with horse themed fabrics is Wolf and Badger....

We cannot not obviously forget Vineyard Vines in a post about Derby attire though! 

However, more budget friendly options can be found almost anywhere from Etsy to Shein to your local TJMaxx. Just find a spring dress you will love and feel comfortable in! This dress below is from Shein and is only $20!

Comment below on the dress you would choose.... also be sure to subscribe to receive notices of new posts. 

***All photo credits to the sites they are sold on and linked to.