A Brand New Year!!

Welcome to a brand new year!  It has been wonderful having a break....I hope your holiday season was amazing!!  

We had a lovely Christmas....although not without a few hiccups!  Daughter in Nova Scotia was hospitalized...twice...a terrible kidney infection they could not get under control.  Many rounds of antibiotic IV,  pain medications & ultrasounds...and she is finally home & on the mend....with ongoing check ups...sadly we did not see her or the girls.....understandably so....

Meanwhile grand baby here...required antibiotics for a cough & fever....it hasn't been too long since she recovered from pneumonia...they keep a close eye on her.  She is feeling much better....but Christmas Eve she crashed pretty early....

And I'm on antibiotics for an infection as well....I'll spare you the details....other than that....we are all on the mend!!

Santa made a stop...and as usual....he didn't neglect us....we enjoyed Christmas dinner & all the fixings at daughter's house...and New Year's dinner with son-in-law's parents at their home....

Now that we are caught up....remember this quilt set from Anthropologie?  That set never materialized....it was on back order....for months. Patience is not one of my strong suits!!   I was able to cancel the order....and hope to have a bedroom update in the coming days....with new lamps!!!

Between gifted the next few items.....to picking up a couple of things during the after Christmas sales....I even scored an air fryer (brand new) on FB Marketplace.  Have to admit tho....we are not "in love" with it!  Now to be fair....we've only used it twice so far....we cooked pork chops (my least favourite of foods) and baked potato....and potato wedges another day....my neighbour uses hers only to cook French fries!!  I don't feel so bad now...

I'm obsessed with these Ugg boots...super comfortable....and warm!!  Not sure why the women's were priced $20+ higher than the mens....so ordered them in men's size.  They are identical...no difference between mens or womens....except the price.  Go figure....what's up with that Ugg?

They are my go to boot for running errands....my winter sneakers!!  And they look amazing on too!  I picked up a North Face winter jacket....which I was in need of....warm jacket for walking Liesel....

This piece I just ordered from Hilara Canada....Hilara is all over social media....(I have a pair of wide leg jeans from them)...and this jumpsuit is super comfortable (and so me).....the quality is wonderful as well....I'm finding Hilara sizes tend to run big......I now size down...

Liesel was not forgotten by Santa Paws....he filled her stocking with a few new much needed (sarcasm) toys...

She & I went through her toy stash....and picked out any she was willing to part with....and donate to Atlantic Canadian Dachshund Rescue!  Everything was inspected, fully washed & dried and delivered to a local pet store where the rescue was set up!  Dachshund rescue brought in seven dachshunds (needing rehoming & expensive veterinary care)....and most come into rescue with very little.....

Since a request had gone out for monetary donations (we obliged) and much needed toys....Liesel graciously parted with a few for her doxie friends.....she is such a giving little soul....

And.....I am most excited about my new Kitchen Aid on order!!!  If you remember mine was this beautiful green mixer (which apparently is hard to find in the green colour).....I posted it to FB Marketplace & in less than 24 hours.....it sold!  The sweetest gal was so excited to purchase it!  Both my girls have Kitchen Aid mixers....I was unable to pass it on to either of them....

I still have to pinch myself....I can't believe this beauty will be arriving any day now!!  I am so excited....I have longed for it....for months!!  Months!!!  It was Kitchen Aid's 2024 colour of the year.....and that wooden bowl!!!   Crushing on that gorgeous matte dark green colour too!!  Stunning, right?   Did I mention that bowl??

Crate and Barrel Canada (not a sponsored post) had a free shipping promotion ($49.99 savings) and with a 15% off coupon code....a $200 total off the price!   Yes...please...I can't wait for it to arrive!

Who knows?  I may get the urge to bake!!  (just kidding)....but it likely will get more use than the air fryer though....

That is about it for today!  It is good to be back & catching up!  I'm prodding Mr. Seventies along to get started on the smallest bedroom....the final room with popcorn ceiling needs to be removed....and walls and ceiling painted!  

Since it's Monday.....join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday!!

And tomorrow https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday and https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....

Until next time....

 

O Christmas Tree

Sharing this year's Christmas tree...she is petite & I'm happy with our scaled back version!  This tree was so easy to set up....no messy flock...not a lot of ornaments required.....

I chose to keep it simple....I'm crushing on the velvet balls....and rather than use the wire hangers...I opted for ribbon bows...

The adorable dachshund ornament was a gift from our sweet neighbours...

I picked up a package of four of the paper ornaments....on sale 50% at a local store....

The remaining ornaments are sentimental pieces....gifts from our youngest granddaughter....

And of course....our resident wirehair deserves a place of honour on the tree...

This one is precious....my dear friend gifted me this ornament when my sister passed away...there are feathers inside & it reads "Your Wings Were Ready....But My Heart Was Not".  Both my friend & sister are watching over us in heaven....I miss them both terribly....

A "Special Weather Statement" has been issued for overnight Friday & into Saturday.....potential for an accumulation of snow & high winds....I'm hoping it comes in as rain...

Liesel has her annual exam today...immunizations are due & we'll discuss keeping her on the medication for her tummy....we feel they have helped tremendously....

I'm taking this time to say a tremendous & heartfelt thank you for reading & following along on my blog....it means a great deal....I'll be taking a break from blogging until January 6, 2025!

Have a beautiful holiday season & we'll catch up in the new year!!

Until next time....from our Seventies Split to you & yours....

 

A Visit To A Vintage/Antique Shop in Nova Scotia

During our visit in Nova Scotia...my nephew's wife & I spent a full day enjoying our favourite past time!  Shopping....

We dropped into her favourite antique shop.....a number of pieces in their home have been purchased at this wonderful store....and my nephew gifts his wife pieces she just happens to "mention" she wants......

These beautiful pieces were the first thing to catch my eye...

Is this not a beautiful bed....gorgeous pieces & bedding all available for purchase....

I'm crushing on this reindeer piece....if only I had a spot to hang it....

There was amazing antique furniture available....such as this cabinet...*swoon*........

And just look at all this Christmas goodness!!  So many items to choose from.......

I am wanting a butter dish like this....(not that we even use butter).... but luv this ceramic one....

I didn't purchase anything....but I cannot say the same for my shopping partner!  She picked up a number of pieces....she is such a wonderful gal to shop with!  There were a couple of Gripstand bowls....however they were unmarked on the bottom....so not authentic Gripstand.....I had hoped to finish my collection....needing just one more bowl!!

We decided to head to Dartmouth Crossing....a little further down the road...but a shopping spot I have longed wanted to visit!  So many stores...and it was a tax free weekend in all of them!  We quickly parked...and made our way to Weatton's home decor store!

Due to the vast number of shoppers inside....I was unable to take any photos....I did make my way to this area a the back of the store!  Candles and tarts in abundance!!!

I took full advantage of the tax free event....and stocked up on Maple Syrup and Fresh Baked Bread tarts...(you'd think I've been baking bread all day...)....they smell amazing....

We stopped by another shop as we walked about....these Gurgle pots definitely caught my eye....in a variety of sizes and colours....

We visited a couple more stores but it was getting late in the afternoon...and we hadn't stopped for lunch...we were both famished!!  I cannot wait to explore the stores in Dartmouth Crossing in the future!!

In other news....Mr. Seventies sister sent this gorgeous Christmas arrangement....is it not amazing?  And the sleigh is a keeper for many years to come....

Our "petite" Christmas is up & decorated.....as much as it's going to be for this year!  It's been so much easier (and less messier) than putting up our previous flocked tree.....I'll share a few pics next time....

In the meantime....we're looking at refreshing the remaining bedrooms...(one of which has a lovely stucco ceiling for Mr. Seventies to remove....ugh!)....will get a start on those rooms in January....

I've ordered new bedding..... I found a set of lamps online....(fingers crossed they will work fine)....and have started the dreaded search for paint colours!!  It usually takes me a few attempts around the hardware stores before I find colours I like....

And....you know it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, right?  It seems I've had a change of heart about air fryers!  I've never seen anything cooked in one....except French fries...(and I don't care for or eat French fries)....but after having a few delicious meals cooked in daughter's air fryer.....I think Mr. Seventies & I could have great use for one!

I'm certain with the small meals we prepare....an air fryer just might come in handy!  In all fairness to Mr. Seventies.....he had purchased me one a few months ago.... I asked it be returned.   I wasn't on the "air fryer bandwagon" at that time.

I've had second thoughts.....perhaps for my birthday in the spring....unless I decide to get one sooner.  How about you?  Do you use one?  Do you like it?  What do you prepare in yours?  This the one Mr. Seventies returned....daughter & hubby use this one as well...

Thanks so much for spending time with me today....please join me later over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday....such amazing blogs to catch up on...

And tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday & https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday.....

 

Visit With Nova Scotia Family Continued

Thanks for joining me today....I'll share a few more photos of this beautifully decorated home...the fireplace that dreams are made of! 

The Christmas tree sign...is actually a television...the garland on the mantle was picked up on their visit with us here at Inspired Living....and can you see the adorable Frenchie statue on the hearth - we gifted them last month?   All decked out with a holiday bow....

Their stunning tree holds many precious ornaments handed down over the years...

A beautiful start to their Christmas village collection....and the antique wagon is a recent find....

 A stunning nativity set...purchased at Costco (can you believe it?).....a number of years ago....

Their beautiful kitchen area...a pleasure to prepare meals there...

We gifted this adorable Frenchie...long before the house was completed....sitting proudly on the counter...

Kitchen island....beautifully decorated....with an awesome walk in pantry close by....I forgot to snap a photo of the amazing bar stools....

Even more awesome than their home....was spending time with them!  My nephew's wife & I spent Saturday shopping & browsing....I'll share in another post....

The drive home was a bit daunting....we checked the weather forecast for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick (as we drive through New Brunswick briefly to get home) & PEI - nothing mentioned in any of the provinces about snow, blowing snow & poor visibility....

As we were entering the Confederation Bridge...traffic was restricted for high sided vehicles (due to high winds)....and the driving speed was reduced for crossing...

I remind myself since the bridge opened in 1997 - there hasn't been any vehicles gone over the side...but when a wind gust pushes your vehicle....it makes for a white knuckle crossing....it was good to be home!! I'm glad Mr. Seventies was driving!!

It's milder & rain in the forecast today & tomorrow!  And finally...I plan to pull our bedroom together after Christmas....I think I found lamps that will work!  I've exhausted looking in local stores...and have settled on ordering a couple online!  I plan to update the guest bedroom as well...

We are spending time with grand baby & family this weekend...dinner followed by taking in their community Santa Claus parade!  The weather looks agreeable in the long range forecast...

Have an awesome day...and until next time!

Getaway To Visit Family in Nova Scotia

Mr. Seventies & I visited with my wonderful nephew & family in Nova Scotia....they joined us here in November to celebrate Mr. Seventies birthday.  Since our pet sitter was available to spoil & care for Liesel, we were very happy to visit with them in their beautifully decorated home!  

I'll break up these posts....as I have a lot...(a lot) of photos to share....so let's get started!  

A few photos taken on the drive...it was very windy this day....the bridge to the mainland had restrictions on the speed you could travel....fine with me....

We took a little detour into New Brunswick......where Mr. Seventies spent a number of summers at his grandparents....this area is on the border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.   This location is basically at sea level....as you can tell by the height of the poles.....the train tracks are in the background....

As you continue into Nova Scotia...these majestic giants, in my opinion....are wonderful to watch....we have them here as well.....much taller ones....these are about three hundred feet in the air....

We prefer to get off the beaten path and enjoy a quieter journey through the Wentworth Valley....not as colourful as we viewed in October.... they are busy making snow for the ski hills....you can see it being blown in the background....

Another view of snow being blown....with the ski lift waiting in the wings...

Upon arrival...the front view welcomed us.......with the drive being on the right side...complete with triple car garage, in ground pool, pool house, hot tub & outdoor kitchen....and a fully fence yard in the back as they have two critter-kids...

Just a bit of their amazing collections....since Christmas is their favourite time of year....they decorate their home so festive....

My nephew gifted his wife this beautiful red wagon.....a must have on her wish list....

The front entrance.....looking so inviting & welcoming.....

A sneak peek inside the front entry....notice the mirror & shutters....the same one in our entry...and the trio of lit snowmen.....are glass jars with rose bowls on top...lights added inside then painted & scarves & hats stitched from dollar store small throws!

Cherished pieces made with love gifted from my nephew's mother-in-law who suddenly passed away in 2016....a mere four weeks after he lost his own Mom to cancer....(my sister).   There are items in their home from my sister as well...touches here and there....

And their beloved Frenchies....Dozer (the darker brindle) and Harley....enjoying their favourite place to snuggle on the propane fireplace hearth....(it doesn't get hot enough to be of concern).....

We had a wonderful visit..... my nephew's wife & I spent a full day shopping....she is so much fun to shop with....and has such an eye....

I'll share more in the upcoming days.....I hope you will spend a bit of your time with me again!

As it is Monday....I'll be sharing later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday....

And tomorrow at  https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday.....

Thanks so much for stopping by today.....until next time....