Here’s how to enjoy the simple life on the patio with mosquito prevention, music, a natural table setting that you can leave out in the dining area, and Pasta Primavera to eat al fresco.
There is also a touching comment from a reader at the end that choked up both my sister and me. I am going to try to add things to these posts that we all have in common…like a mother’s love.
Welcome to our Five Faves with Annie and Cindy!
1. Mosquito Bite Prevention
I’ve voiced my concerns about mosquitos now that we are back in Florida. Is it a problem where you are? Here’s what we’ve done for now before springing for the automatic spray system or roll-down patio screens.
Native Body Wash
Howard read an article saying that natural Native Body Wash scented in coconut and vanilla is repellent to mosquitos. They especially hate coconut. So, he bought some. Perhaps this is like Avon Skin So Soft (what happened to that?).
DynaTrap DT1050-TUNSR Mosquito & Flying Insect Trap
Howard also bought this, too. DynaTrap is supposed to cover 1/2 acre. It gets good reviews but you must run it 24/7 and away from main seating areas like the conversation area or dining table.
Bugs are in the trap, including flies and moths. So far so good! We shall see if it works long-term so that we can keep enjoying the “Simple Life On The Patio.”
2. Portable Music To Move From Room To Room
I’m so excited about the Bose Soundlink Revolve II Speaker that I was given for Mother’s Day. It sounds great. I move it from my office to the bathroom to the Ladies’ Loft and other outdoor spaces.
Search “French Cafe Music” on Apple Music or Spotify for some relaxing tunes.
3. Everyday Natural Table Setting For The Simple Life On The Patio
This table used to be in our dining room in San Francisco, but we needed a bigger one with leaves for our dining room in Florida. Since this is a covered patio (and the style resembles a picnic table with the x-base) we are using it on the patio.
The plastic rubber fish placemats are from a little French store on Coronado Island in San Diego. You could probably message them on Instagram to purchase and have them sent to you.
For the centerpiece decor, I’m using” Sandblasted Natural “Driftwood“ from Amazon. Doesn’t die or need water 🙂
Instead of candles (which blow out with the ceiling fans), I’m using these KDG 2 Pack Cordless LED Table Lamps (less expensive than many similar models) and they are fun to have! Waterproof, and dimmable too. To turn it on, you just tap on the top.
The string lights across the back are on the remote with a timer. It’s nice to hear the splashing of the pool fountains here.
4. Pasta Primavera
When was the last time you made Pasta Primavera? I love the textures and it’s great to have the fresh herbs taking off in our garden!
We ate this on the outdoor patio.
This Spring pasta recipe is adapted from the NY Times.
- 1/4 lb. sugar snap peas trimmed
- 1/2 lb. asparagus, ends snapped
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup fresh English peas (or frozen)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced Spring onion, white part only or use shallot
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt plus more as needed
- Black pepper
- 12 oz fettuccini or tagliatelle fresh if possible
- 2/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano room temperature
- 1/2 cup creme fraiche or whole milk Greek yogurt room temperature
- 3 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped tarragon
- basil leaves for garnish
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Bring large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
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While the water is coming to a boil, slice snap peas and asparagus stems into 1/4 inch thick pieces, leave asparagus tips whole.
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add snap peas, asparagus, English peas and onion. Cook until vegetables are barely tneder, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook one minute more. Season with salt and pepper, set aside.
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Drop pasta into boiling water and cook until al dente (1 to 3 minutes for fresh pasta, more for dried pasta). Drain well and transfer pasta to a large bowl. Immediately toss pasta with vegetables, Parmigiano-Reggiano, creme fraiche and herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper if needed.
5. What We Have In Common: Cherishing A Mother’s Love
Last Sunday was Mother’s Day and I wrote about Memorial Day gathering ideas. Phyllis left this touching comment:
“I love the ideas. THANK YOU for remembering what Memorial Day is really about. It is a time for family, friends, and BBQs but also to remember and honor our Fallen who have sacrificed for our great country. For some of us, every day is Memorial Day.”
Gold Star Mother, Phyllis
Of 2LT Justin Sisson, KIA 2013 AFG
I asked Phyllis if I could republish her comment. She said yes and also sent this photo of her and Justin on the day of his commissioning.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Such great ideas for the outdoor entertaining spaces! Looking forward to trying your recipe. Thank you for the important reminder of Memorial Day. I’m so sorry for the loss of Justin and all those who have given their lives for us. Thank you Phyllis for sharing your photo and prayers for all the Gold Star families.🇺🇸
Thank you for the beautiful post- funny but we used to live in Coronado 10 years ago. I just ordered the placemats and so excited. Happy Memorial Day to all…..(hugs)
Oh good. You will love them
Mary Ann, Perfect post for our upcoming weekend.
I am thinking of Phyllis and keeping her in my thoughts this week. I’m so glad she shared her son with us all. We take for granted all the lives that have been given up for our freedom.
Your yard look pretty and I love those little lamps. They would be cute in a lot of spots. The driftwood was a fun idea too..Your pasta looks delicious. Always love your recipes.
Hope the mosquito abatement works. Have a beautiful week! xo
Lovely post. Seeing a photo of Phyllis and her son on his day of commissioning really brings home the meaning of Memorial Day.
Re. mosquitoes: I’m not sure that you won’t have to come to a barrier solution – ie, netting in some form, but I swear by REPEL plant-based lemon eucalyptus natural mosquito/tick repellent, always Consumer Reports’ #2-rated repellent after Deet. It has 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus and always strongly out-rates other natural brands of repellent with the same active ingredient. It certainly is the thing for comfortable, stress-free dog walks. I am insanely pursued by mosquitoes, so I know of what I speak ;-}
Thanks so much, Joan, for the REPEL recommendation!
My heart goes out to Phyllis.❤️
Just another Thank You for posting Phyllis’s words and the picture of her and her handsome son. What a tragic loss to this Country. Thank you, Phyllis, for raising such an honorable young man, and for his service and life to this land we love. God Bless you and your family! I’ll be thinking of you and Justin on Memorial Day!
Dear Phyllis, thank you for sharing your son with all of us in the ultimate sacrifice. We are eternally grateful to men and women like Justin and of course the wonderful mothers who raise them to be the best in service to our country. God Bless you Phyllis always.
Mary Ann -I love all of your ideas! What a wonderful way to honor Phyllis and her son….by sharing her comment and the beautiful photo. It’s a good reminder to remember the meaning of Memorial Day! xx
My late hubby’s best friend’s son, Suresh, was killed when the Blackhawk helicopter he was piloting was shot own over Kandahar. Thank you for reminding me of the valiant women and men that have served out country and the world.
Tearful prayers for Phyllis in the loss of her son. Thank you, Mary Ann.
Hi Mary Ann,
Growing up an “Air Force brat” during the Vietnam war the meaning of Memorial Day is not lost on me or my family. I can’t imagine Phyllis’ loss, so sad we sacrifice young lives and that wars are constant in the world.
I can’t imagine paying for driftwood, but what a good idea to use it as a centerpiece! I’ll lug some home next Sunday after my walk. Going to order the lamps and that bug repeller!
Enjoy your weekend,
Xo Heidi
You should definitely bring some home. You can use it in a book case, too!
Hello Mary Ann,
Thank you Phyllis for allowing Mary Ann to share your story and the photograph of you and your son Justin Sisson. Wrapping my arms around you when words fall short. 💗🌹💗
So sweet, Katherine.
In our beach community in SE North Carolina, I use Fly Away Sticks from Terrain for mosquito/gnat control. They work, and the scent is far more tolerable than citronella.
Thanks, Carol…going to order some…can’t be too careful. We want to have a party next weekend.
My heart goes out to Phyllis and all the Gold Star families. I cannot comprehend the heartbreak of losing her son. Sending love and peace.💕
Great post! Printed the recipe, ordered the driftwood, ( have the lights) and found the music.
We live on Miami Beach and in Mn. ( the mosquito capitol) in the woods and on a lake and don’t have mosquitos! But in case I spoke too soon I will save the mosquito info! Thank you for acknowledging the meaning of Memorial Day.
Wonderful post, Mary Ann. The first thing I did was put your music suggestion on Spotify so I could listen while reading the rest of your ideas. Those lamps are a great option to candles and look quite classy. When I read Phyllis’s comments last week, I didn’t see where she was going until her last line as Gold Star Mother. Then it got me chocked up too. I can’t even imagine! 😢 My heart goes out to Phyllis.
Thanks, Wren. You can move the lamps anywhere outside. My heart goes out to Phyllis, too.
You have my heart, Phyllis.
Mine, too.
Phyllis’ comment brought a tear to my eye as well. So important to understand the meaning of Memorial Day, honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice… and comfort the families whose lives will never be the same. ❤️ xo
Well put, Juliet!
My heart goes out to Phyllis. What a touching story. Love your natural table decor and mosquito tips as well. We have never had mosquitos but we sure do this year. I saw that dynatrap. I am going to order it.
I think it would be good for flies too, Cindy.
So many good ideas here, I don’t know where to start! And thank you for including the Memorial Day note. Yesterday at our local farmers market I bought a poppy as a reminder of that holiday snd all it means. Thought they did not lose any family in WWI, my grandparents truly revered that holiday.
I think everyone who is patriotic likes Memorial Day, Janet.
Thank you for each point- but especially for sharing Phyllis and Justin’s photo. I wish we could all hug Phyllis and thank her handsome son for his service and ultimate sacrifice.
I know. It was good of Phyllis to let me publish it.
Thank you for reminding us what Memorial Day is all about. My heart goes out to Phyllis, and all of the Gold Star families. My deepest appreciation to Justin and all of our nation’s heroes for paying the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
I agree with you, Catherine!