With our recent chilly weather, we are getting good use out of the multiple fireplaces at our 1910 home. Fireplaces in the mid to later 19th century were a way to heat houses.

Many of the original fireplaces were restored and upgraded during the renovation. There is a total of 5 indoors~~ in the breakfast room, dining room, living room, library and upstairs sitting room. The two exterior fireplaces were added when we designed the outdoor terraces.

After doing some research, I believe the shallow ones are known as Rumford fireplaces.

The Rumford fireplace is a tall, shallow fireplace designed by Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, an Anglo-American physicist best known for his investigations of heat. He made them smaller and shallower with widely angled covings so they would radiate better, carrying away smoke with little loss of heated room air.

A good example of this style is the one in the upstairs sitting room. It is small and shallow. Here is a picture of it before restoration. The tiles around the opening were narrow, white ones that were chipped and damaged.

We replaced the tiles with green, crackled glazed ones from Waterworks. I have converted this room into my art room and it has been lovely to paint with a fire going.

The original fireplace in the library was okay, but I wanted the library to be dark and cozy. I replaced the original mantel with an antique one and changed out the tiles for a deep, burgundy crackled glazed tile from Waterworks. Years later, I was tired of the dark look and brightened it up with new paint and upholstery.

The library fireplace today.

The current breakfast room fireplace location was part of the original kitchen. The chimney was there but nothing else. See the big vent in the photo below. We added on a new kitchen and used this chimney access for a new fireplace.

What I love about this particular fireplace is that it is on a wall switch starter. It is the first one we turn on to warm up the kitchen. I have fond memories of the children sitting on the hearth drinking cocoa before school.

My unofficial office is at the breakfast room table where I get to enjoy this as my working view. The Batchelder tiles used here came from the original library fireplace.

The dining room fireplace tiles were painted black and once stripped, revealed the same Batchelder tiles from the early 1900s.

In order to comply with City of Phoenix building codes, we had to add gas starters to all the fireplaces during restoration. In the shallow fireplaces, we have ceramic faux logs, which is easier to use than building a wood fire every time.

The living room fireplace tiles were also painted black. Must have been a thing back then? It has the largest opening and as a result, we left it as a wood burning one.

The outdoor fireplaces are new…well, now 20 years old. They share the same chimney. The first floor terrace fireplace is dry stacked stone and during many winter evenings, we have a roaring fire to enjoy.

The second floor terrace fireplace is not used enough, but when lit, it can be seen from the master bed.

There is something very primal about lighting a fire. I could spend hours watching the flames dance and flicker. When I need a moment of quiet contemplation, doing so in front of a fire fills my soul.

Count Rumsford designed these shallow fireplaces in 1796. This design is still used 224 years later! Isn’t that amazing?

Have a wonderful Tuesday! Hope you are staying warm!

Many years ago, I was in New York and went to a Christmas market in Bryant Park. I purchased this colorful item below that wraps around your neck and is secured with snaps. The buttons are decorative.

It’s not really a scarf, but I would refer to it as a neck warmer. I LOVE scarves and have several, but there are some days when a woolen, cashmere or even cotton scarf is just too bulky and a silk scarf isn’t enough.

Since we live in a drafty old home, having my neck covered does just enough to ward off the chills. I tend to wear this with a long sleeve t-shirt or light crew neck sweater.

Since I’m not a big fan of turtlenecks, this neck warmer provides the perfect amount of warmth, without the bulk. It snaps on and off so it’s easy to use; no pulling it over your head. There are no long ends to get in the way if you are cooking or doing an activity.

Since I haven’t been able to find anything similar, I decided to make them. I used my original one as a pattern. I also experimented with where I wanted the neck warmer to fasten.

I bought lightweight fleece type fabric, buttons and snaps to do this many years ago. Yes, another project left undone, until now!

The neck warmer before sewing, measured at 27″ x 6″ with 1/2″ seams allowances. You could easily make it bigger too. I have a long neck and short hair and this size works perfectly for me.

Cut out 2 two rectangles of fabric. I used straight pins as guides.

At this point, you have the option to add the buttons and snaps before you sew the rectangles together. Since I used a multi-colored (with different values) fabric, I sewed the buttons and snaps on before I stitched the rectangles together, so you wouldn’t see the back side of my stitching. However, on other fabric, I sewed the rectangles together first, and added snaps/buttons later because the stitching was not visible.

I sewed one end only (the 6″ side) before I determined the placement of my buttons and snaps. Remember the buttons are only decorative; it’s the snaps that secure the neck warmer.

Sew the rectangles together (right sides facing each other) and leave a small pocket open to turn it inside out. Slip stitch the pocket to close the seam.

Here is how the finished product looks on. My daughter, Elisabeth is my model.

The next one I made was so much easier. Since the fabric was busy, I added the one button and snap after sewing the neck warmer pieces together. I wanted to see how one vs. two snaps worked.

With one button you can wear it like it is above, or turn the neck warmer where the button is sitting to one side for a completely different look.

The next one I made is with a fabric that felt almost like cashmere. Being solid black, I decided to sew on the snap but left the button off. Instead I used a jeweled pin, which can be interchanged, for a dressier look.

The original one I had a cowl neck placement. I rearranged the snaps on my original one because I prefer this style.

There are endless ways you can get creative with these, depending on where you put the snaps. For just a few dollars, you can make them out of various fabrics and the button selection is endless. You could add some top stitching too or use two different fabrics on the same neck warmer.

These neck warmers also work well when I am having one of those days when I’m hot, then I’m cold, then I’m hot again. Being able to snap it on and off and not needing a mirror to make sure it is organized properly is very convenient.

I hope you enjoyed my first DIY project for the new year! Happy Wednesday!

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.  ~~Benjamin Franklin

Holiday decorations started coming down yesterday. It is tradition to leave them up until the Epiphany (January 6th). Technically, my “new” year starts this week. It feels good to get back into a schedule!

Here are my top priorities for 2020!

Being more organized and efficient.

Perhaps my most productive time in life was when I was working in corporate America and the senior management team had to go through the Covey Leadership 3-day seminar. Who remembers the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? For years I used this system and it was brilliant.

I decided to implement this again. The action of writing it down seems to keep me on task. Doing it on a computer or phone doesn’t give me the same sense of commitment. If I can stick to this for 2020, it will be a highly productive year.

Upping my exercise routine.

My family genetics tends to favor plump vs. lean and as a result, I have exercised most of my life. Currently, I do Pilates twice per week and go to the gym 2-3 days a week. I am reading the book, Younger Next Year (which I highly recommend for anyone over 50) which provides compelling information on how to live brilliantly for the next 3 decades or more. If you are interested in turning back the biological clock, this is for you!

Just remember….The human body is the ONLY machine that breaks down if you don’t use it. Sitting is the new smoking. Move. Get up and get active. Become engaged. Let’s encourage each other!

Tackling a few BIG house projects is a must in 2020.

The barn, guest cottage and well tower need exterior maintenance~~painting, staining, etc. The garage is going to be my January/February project~~what a mess that is. The back staircase that I wrote about months ago, still hasn’t been completed. The front fountain needs significant repair. The priority to-do list is currently being created. However, I don’t want to feel overwhelmed or financially drained so I am spreading out the projects over the course of the year.

Act like a tourist locally.

When my son is in town, we do more local, fun things that we didn’t know existed. Benjamin has an ongoing list of places he wants to visit. But when he is not here, we tend to get stuck in our comfort zone~~same restaurants, same destinations, same, same, same. I would like to, at least monthly or quarterly, try something/someplace/some destination that is NEW to us.

Appreciation, Gratitude and Kindness.

The world has become such an ugly place, hasn’t it? I feel we need to do our part to seek the beauty and loveliness of life. There seems to be so much hatred out there. I don’t know of anyone who has made a good decision based on hateful emotions.

So please join me in being the force that makes a difference. When someone is rude to you, don’t be rude back. If someone is frowning, smile at them. If someone is spewing political abhorrence, don’t give them an audience. Kind and loving gestures are FREE and have rewarding results for all!

Updating My Blog and Website

I have so enjoyed writing this blog and for the last few years. It’s been personally rewarding and worthwhile. I can’t even begin to tell you how much your comments and feedback mean to me. I read each and every email or remark from you. However, like with most things in life, I want to get better. Be better. I will be seeking new ways to improve my site and hopefully you will be happy with the results.

I don’t advertise on the blog, nor am I getting money from sponsors. What I write is meant to be shared with you, in hopes that it will brighten your day, inspire or encourage you to try something new.

Spreading a positive, genuine, and informative message is my goal. Now, more than ever, we need to support each other….to find the true meaning in what makes us happy and fulfilled. That’s the goal, right? Let’s share with others who are seeking the same sense of satisfaction and quality of life.

Since I have started the blog, I have improved my photography skills, learned about technology in ways I wouldn’t have, but there is still so much more to learn. In 2020, I am committed to improving upon the foundation that has already been laid. Up to this point, I’ve been a hobby blogger. I am hoping, with more focus and hard work, that I can expand my reach to many more.

My success comes from you. I appreciate all your support and hopefully you have told your friends to check out Life at Bella Terra. I am on Instagram @lifeatbellaterra and do some (rather little) on Facebook, mostly because it’s just me. No staff. No paid managers. No assistants. If you like what I am doing, please spread the word.

Of course, I have other smaller resolutions in 2020~~drink more water, learn to cure olives, and improve my hands/nails (notice how you rarely see my hands in any photos?).

What are your goals and aspirations for 2020. It’s a new decade and time marches on, doesn’t it? All the more reason to set forth in a positive and uplifting manner. Let’s do this!

It is hard for me to believe that we are beginning a new decade. It feels like yesterday that we were celebrating the beginning of a new century. The concept of time is so fleeting, isn’t it? In a blink, 20 years has passed.

Most “new” years, I am excited for the fresh beginning, the anticipation of new challenges and looking forward and ahead. 2019 was a year full of life changes and I am still trying some on for size. Empty nesting, especially. Having our youngest leave for college in the fall has been unsettling for me. But I know different opportunities and a clearer path will come into focus for me in 2020. Ambiguity is not my strong suit.

This is the first time in my life I have thought about this ~~ I have more decades in my rear view mirror than I have ahead. I recently spoke with an older friend of mine who stated the hardest thing about getting older is feeling irrelevant. The reality of empty nesting has me also pondering the concept of aging and where I fit in the world. This discussion could be an entire blog post!

But enough of that! As much as I love the holidays, I am ready to get back on track. The indulgences over these last few weeks have been marvelous, but my body craves the routine of healthy eating, accomplishing goals and outlining next steps.

In reviewing the past year, the most popular blog post was my son’s bedroom remodel. Since 2020 will require additional maintenance to Bella Terra, I hope to feature more “re-done” spaces. This year the well tower will need to be repaired, re-stained and deep cleaned. The garage needs a complete overhaul. It has been one of those spaces where you shove everything in and then close the door. I am determined to clear it all out, donate as much as possible and re-configure the space so we can actually use it to park our cars!

We are pretty boring New Year’s Eve types. I am happy to watch the ball drop in New York City at 10:00 p.m. our time and then head to bed. I prefer to greet the new year with a good night’s sleep and then an early morning hike or vigorous walk. The days of dancing and partying until actual midnight are fond, yet distant memories.

Whatever you do to celebrate the New Year, or perhaps you just want it to quietly slip into your life, I wish you and your family joy, love and good health.

It was a very rainy Christmas morning here in Phoenix~~just perfect for lighting each of the fireplaces. This is one of the first years we didn’t have guests, so it was just our family. That set the tone for a very relaxing and easy day.

After reading Santa’s letter and opening presents, Dad made his legendary Eggs a la Goldenrod for breakfast. Click here for previous post recipe. This breakfast dish has been a family tradition and is a big hit with the children.

Benjamin made mimosas with fresh squeezed orange juice and Prosecco.

I set an easy table this year for dinner, mostly because I left that chore to the last minute. In keeping with my “simple” theme, we used holiday placemats in lieu of a tablecloth.

The Christmas dinner was also simple. Benjamin made a reverse-seared prime rib and the rest were items from the garden. Two types of cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, carrots and beets were seasoned and roasted. I even managed to dig up potatoes too!

As you know, each holiday we bake, from scratch, a new cake for dessert. This year’s selection was superb! From our favorite cake cookbook, Layered by Tessa Huff, we made the Gingerbread Coffee Toffee cake. Four layers of an old fashioned molasses cake, with coffee French buttercream and toffee pieces between the layers. It was covered in a Swiss Vanilla Meringue buttercream on the outside and a toffee molasses sauce on top. Ooh la la!

We also tried a new cocktail from Half Baked Harvest~~White Christmas Mojitos. It was surprisingly light and refreshing. An easy blender drink using coconut rum, white rum, coconut milk and sparkling water. We used cranberries instead of pomegranate arils for garnish. Click here for the recipe.

My big surprise present from Santa was an Apple Watch. With news this year of a few friends having cardiac moments, I am happy to be able to track my heart rate and workouts going forward (plus work off that delicious cake!)

We had a REALLY good Christmas. I hope you had the same. Not sure what, if anything, we will do to celebrate the New Year. But I am truly enjoying this quiet time in between. Happy Saturday!

Even though I don’t feel like I’ve completed everything for this holiday, I have an odd sense of calm about it. The magic of Christmas happens regardless. Today, I am just enjoying the rainy day and the blessings the season brings.

I can’t believe another decade is ending soon. What will the next 10 years bring? Ten years ago, motherhood was my primary role as the children were 14, 12 and 8. And just like that ~~ two have graduated college and are financially independent and the third just finished her first college semester.

The holidays can be very challenging and lonely for some. I recognize that life isn’t as glorious as portrayed on social media or Pinterest. It’s not easy to forget those holidays when I mourned the loss of loved ones or struggled with other personal pain. But when you have a good year, it should be celebrated.

My goal for the rest of 2019 is to live purposefully and with intention. When the children were small, I often told them to replace the words “have to” with the words “get to”. And better yet, add ” I am lucky I get to…..”. Whether it means washing the dishes, doing laundry, or wrapping gifts, if we just change our perspective and take joy in the simplest of chores, then it doesn’t feel like such a burden.

When we lighten our loads, we create space to be joyful with others. So, this morning, I “get to write a blog post”. I feel so lucky that you have chosen to follow Life at Bella Terra. Your comments and feedback are inspiring. You are my gifts this Christmas. My appreciation and gratitude is deep.

Wherever you are in the journey of life, I wish you and yours, from the bottom of my heart, a blessed, stress-free, and loving holiday.