Blog - MARIA LISA POLEGATTO

Pedestrian Safety & Color Awareness

4/4/2026

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

In memory of my sweet Aunt Lorraine (1942-2025), an avid pedestrian whose life was tragically changed in an instant as the result of a pedestrian accident. Her life mattered. She left a lasting impact on our lives and I hope this information helps others stay safe.

Spring has arrived on the calendar, but the weather and landscapes are still changing daily. Your visibility as a pedestrian can depend on the environment around you. Choosing the right colors when walking, running, biking, or on scooter can make a difference.

High-Visibility Colors

Fluorescent Yellow/Green: Stands out in green or wooded areas.
Bright Orange: Works well in urban and rural settings.
Bright Blue: Shows up against autumn leaves or brown tones.

Avoid Dark Colors
Black, navy, and other dark shades blend into the environment, making you harder for drivers to see you when you walk, bike, scooter.

Quick Safety Tips:

Wear high-visibility outerwear or accessories.
Add reflective strips on your outerwear.
Choose your color based on the dominant backdrop of your route.
Personal tip: have even added reflective strips to my car side mirrors of my vehicle to be more visible to oncoming vehicles.

References / Further Reading

#PedestrianSafety #StayVisible #HighVisibility #SafetyTips #WalkSafe #SpringSafety #OutdoorAwareness #StreetSafety #LifeMatters #PreventAccidents #ReflectiveGear #SafetyFirst #VisibleMatters

www.marialisapolegatto.com

DIY Citrus + Forest-fresh, Zero-Waste Household Cleaner

31/12/2025

DIY citrus and pine cleaner

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Why I Make This
Store-bought cleaners are expensive, harsh, can be toxic to humans and pets, and often unnecessary. This simple vinegar cleaner uses food scraps you would otherwise throw away—saving nutrients and money—along with forest finds to create an effective, natural alternative that smells like fresh air instead of chemicals.

Craft Show Weekend

16/11/2025

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

I just finished another craft show weekend, and wow—what an experience. It’s always more than simply crafting items and setting them on a table. Every show brings something new: meeting new customers, chatting with fellow crafters, exchanging ideas, learning new display tricks, and building friendships. There is a wonderful energy that comes from being surrounded by people who share creativity and passion.

Homemade Dog Quiche Treats

11/11/2025

Nov 2025 by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Homemade dog treats are best

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Homemade Dog Treats – Egg Quiche Muffins

Dog treats are often expensive to buy, and many store-bought versions contain questionable or even toxic ingredients. Try making your own natural, healthy treats at home instead!

Here’s an example of Egg Quiche Dog Treats I make — nutritious, simple, and delicious enough for you to enjoy too!

Freshen Up Your Doors With Trim

24/4/2025

Slab door

Before

Door with base shoe trim

After

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Have you looked around your home lately and thought about replacing anything? Or, instead, what about an easy DIY project?

I recently did a few slab doors in my home and freshened them up to make them look fancy! lol Sometimes an easy and cheap DIY is better on the pocketbook and a small change can make a big difference. So how did I do it?

DIY Memory/Gratitude/Blessings Jar

1/1/2025

Blessing Jar

Memory/Gratitude/Blessing Jar

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Happy 2025 new year everyone!! I am wishing everyone a happy, wondrous, healthy, prosperous year. Today is a great day to look forward to a great year ahead. I want to share with you something to create creativity and positivity into your year.

Have you made a memory/gratitude/blessing jar before? Here's a quick and easy way to remember your year of blessings for the coming year you can read on next new year's eve. You can even use items you already have around your home. Here are the details.

Christmas Wishes

21/12/2024

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

Today begins the weekend. Another one in the journey of life. But instead of the hustle and bustle we chose to take the time to relax and regroup in the spirit of Christmas season.

I recall as a young child waiting for Santa to arrive and the excitement of Christmas morning when my brother, Mark, would wake me up on Christmas morning to go to the tree and see what Santa bought us all. There was wrapping paper all over, oranges in our stockings, toys, and memories to last a lifetime.

Santa always delivered a sack full of fun. The only wish I didn't get was a horse I had asked for when I was too young to really know what it took to look after one. And in reality, I have had the best horses in my life. From riding as a child with a friend we would climb up bareback and fall off when our furry stead would walk us into the trees to push us off. To the animals and horses at Two Rivers Wildlife Park. There is nothing like the vibes of a horse. So huge in personality but gentle in spirit. Everyone should experience a best friend of a horse.

The best Christmas memories are those with my son, Ryan. From hiding his presents in a big box in the middle of my bedroom floor with my clothing on top - he never looked inside! :) We read "Twas the night before Christmas" starting in December when he was young every year until the dog ate the corner off the book - we still read the book - it was just a little more difficult turning pages lol.

As I sit in the lights of the glow of the Christmas tree tonight I relax with Christmas movies and start my resolutions for next year. Starting with peace, joy and love, leading to good food and spending time with those with similar mindset. And don't forget nature.

Nature is never an option, It is a necessity of life. Changing as the seasons move from one to another. Last night we had snow. So pretty until I had to go out and shovel the end of the driveway of the chunks of snow. It was then I thought of a wish for a flame thrower for Christmas to melt the snow mounds while taking a break to watch paws make tracks and investigate the magic white stuff.

May you all enjoy the happiest Christmas and 2025 to come.

Merry Christ-mas to all and to all a goodnight.

Take care, stay safe and remember .....
Peace, joy and love,

Cheers,
Lisa

Maria Lisa Polegatto

Reclaimed Bricks

22/9/2023

by Maria Lisa Polegatto September 22, 2023

In Fiona Hurricane (2022) my chimney was damaged due to the high winds. It was just replaced and it looks beautiful again. I'm so happy it is back in great condition.

With keeping sustainability in mind, I pulled out some of the bricks that were reusable from the tear down to use around my property. They make great additions to flower beds, walkways and art. There is no need to throw out perfectly good materials to the trash when they can be reclaimed and used. I do need to chip off the old cement but I love the look of these bricks.

Recycle, reuse and create art whenever you can :)

1950's Trunk Recycled

5/8/2023

by Maria Lisa Polegatto

I love looking for project ideas to recycle and use items instead of throwing to the trash items that have great character and usability. I can't lie this project was a whole lot of work but so worth it in the end.

Freshening up a Dresser

15/3/2023

Furniture Floral redo

The weather is stormy outside but inside we are freshening up some furniture for a floral delight awaiting springtime!

Purple dresser (yes, purple!) with gold trim and floral decor!