Corner Cabinet Picked Up

Since Mr Seventies was available yesterday...we chose to pick up the cabinet...although it was extremely windy and bitter cold!  We bundled up Liesel in her car seat...I was a bit concerned we may not have had room for her and the cabinet....but everything worked out fine.  Mr. Seventies reports it is heavy and solid wood..which is perfect...he and our awesome neighbour took it to our other neighbour's workshop last evening....and here she is...

Truth be told..I haven't had an opportunity to see it yet....I was tending to Liesel when it was loaded in the SUV...and not present when they moved it to the workshop.  Alan, our neighbour took the photo for me once they had it placed in the shop...and today I will drop in and check it out.

My tentative plans are to remove that top piece with the finial....and see how it looks.  I can have a new crown moulding put in its place....and also the decorative pieces on the glass doors are removable Mr. Seventies reports.  And they will be removed...for clear vision into the cabinet.  New drawer pulls and the bottom doors are missing handles or knobs....so will look for a couple of those.

My tentative plans are to first give it a good wipe down....inside and out with TSP and water...to rinse off any dust, dirt and grease.  And then decide on which type of paint to use...if priming will be needed or not...Fusion Mineral Paint might be a good choice.   In black...with a bit of distressing..and a couple of coats of buttery wax buffed on for protection.  I need to speak with the paint retailer to see if Fusion paint is a suitable fit....or if one of the many other paint lines may work better.  I've used milk paint before...had great success...but still tossing ideas around in my head.

The other thing I need to check into is cabinet lighting...there are a number of options out there...and I want the lighting to be soft....

This is a great project for Mr. Seventies to work on over the Christmas break!  Not sure he was looking for one...lol...but he does enjoy doing things like this.  Good thing...eh?

Lots of rain and wind coming here tomorrow...have a great weekend!!!

So This Happened

Remember back around Hallowe'en I won a contest from an antique/junk shop....a $50 gift certificate to the store.  You shared your favourite Hallowe'en photo....and mine was Liesel in her Daisy Duck costume!  So...really she is the winner...I guess.

For a while now...I have been wanting a cabinet to store my vast collection of Mason's Pink Vista stoneware...(which looks like this)...this is a stock photo of the soup tureen....which I don't have...yet. I do have a huge collection of pieces....a complete 8 piece place settings, coffee & tea pots, serving platters & bowls, jugs and more than I can remember.    And sadly have them stored in the cupboards...when I would love to be able to display them....and someday own this large tureen...and matching ladle...

I put my $50 certificate towards the above corner cabinet....now it's not going to look like that when it's refinished.  Mr. Seventies plans to take it to our neighbour's heated workshop and transform it for me. Definately leaning towards painting it black....distressed a bit....new handles on the drawer....something like this....

And I haven't decided about the doors....they will be glass...just not sure if I will keep the original detail or the finial top.....I'll know more when I get a "feel" for the piece when we get it in the shop.  And...our neighbour and friend....just happens to be a finish carpenter...so he may have some ideas as well and can pretty much make it look however I want.   

Will have lights inside the cabinet...so it can be lit at night for display.

So..a little project for Mr. Seventies.  I'm so happy I get to bring out my stoneware and have it displayed....each piece has been gifted to me...even one of the place settings was a going away gift when I switched departments before I retired.

Little story how I started collecting Masons's....I was working in the downtown area of the city and coming back from lunch....I saw this most beautiful collection of dinnerware in the window of a shop (which has long since closed).  I was so excited....I stopped by Mr. Seventies office and declared I found the most beautiful dishes I wanted to collect!  And the rest is history....thus began my love affair with Mason's Pink Vista.  It is still in production today....a few of my pieces are really old....but most are newer.

So, now that I have a cabinet to store them....I am on the hunt for the stunning soup tureen and ladle!

Fun on the Christmas Tours

We had a great time Friday evening as part of a group of participants in the local Christmas House Tours.  The tours were a fundraising event by a local interior designer....with a total of $7,500 raised for Santa's Angels PEI.  The buses, tour guides, food and drinks and flowers were all donated by local businesses.  There were four buses in total....with about 180 in all taking part in the tours.

The first two houses we toured...were local B & B establishments.  And while beautiful...most felt these homes were well above the regular folks budget.  The third home was that of a local, well established doctor....and again...very beautiful....and huge.

The third home was my favourite....as it was a home I could relate to.  I wish photos could have been taken...but it was beautifully decorated...not a huge home....but with rooms I could soak in all the beauty.  The dining room....although not huge was gorgeous....three trees....one in the window overlooking the street...and two narrower ones flanking the sides of a lovely, lit china cabinet which held white ironstone.  The kitchen was a dream....rich looking black cabinets with granite counter tops and tile back splash....and a good size island.  The wall oven and counter range were similar to ours....and I really loved the cabinets done in black.   The island was bead board painted a dark turquoise...awesome light fixtures as well.  The lower level was a warm family room, with a comfy sectional...and wood burning stove...and a beautiful decorated tree.

The master bedroom was large (so jealous..lol) with a small, but so functional walk in closet.
Outside, along the walk...the home owner had poured water into star shaped vases with a star cut out.....then froze them and put a small candle in each one to light the walk!

The last home we visited, was Damien's...the designer. And although crowded...we were allowed to take photos....

Yup...that's an upside down Christmas tree...hanging from the ceiling...in the foyer....I'm standing in the second floor hallway to get the photo....notice the snowflakes dancing around the walls...thanks to a projector...and did I mention...this is a real tree....not artificial....

Upon entering, this beautiful scene was to the left...leading into the family room, dining room and kitchen area.  It is an open concept home..

In one area was this adorable collection of nutcrackers....

This was the dining area...which was difficult to get photos...so many people milling about...but it was the light fixture over the table that I am smitten with....

This was my favourite tree of the night....and it's in the master bath...and it's gold...decorate with black accessories....gorgeous!!

The master bedroom...with a wall of draperies behind the bed...and a beautifully decorated tree....

The whole home smelled of fir....which Damien confessed he had dozens and dozens of Scenticals tucked around the house....and it smelled amazing...as if you had a house full of real trees...

Each child's bedroom had their own tree as well....so cute...

Awesome bunk beds....and a tree done in blue...

Such a great boy's room....

Sadly I didn't get into the kitchen area for photos...but it was amazing as well. Branches lined the top of the cabinets...with crystal like icicles hanging from them!  Everything just shimmered!

We had to wrap things up...as the last bus of the night was waiting to do the tour...but it was such a fun night!  We met at 6:00 p.m. and finished up at 10:00 p.m. so it was a a fun filled four hours.  

High winds (again) predicted for tomorrow...but we are missing the rainfall other areas are forecast to receive.  We will need to bring some things in and tuck others out of the wind....it's going to be mild...and the best part...no snow.

Have an awesome day!!

Out and About

Liesel and I were out again this week....wrapping up our Christmas shopping....the weather has been great all week...

We stopped into Home Sense...and Liesel insisted on purchasing this faux fur rug for her to laze about in front of the fire...and since it was on clearance...I approved...(she is in the cart...behind the faux fur)...

I'd say she is enjoying it...as most afternoons this is where you will find her curled up.....

As usual we found some doxie related items...how adorable are these gift boxes...and for $5.99 I quickly placed them in my cart...there is four in the package.  Gift bags and boxes are made for people like me...who detest wrapping...

Liesel thought her Dad needed yet another doxie mug....but I convinced her otherwise...the collection we have in the cupboard now will suffice for years to come....

These dog steps are pretty unique...although with no tread on them...I would be worried about slipping... maybe for larger dogs they would work...

I want to share an adorable Christmas doxie cushion a friend of mine in New Brunswick sent me...it's the square one behind the ones in front.  She is a fellow doxie Mom fanatic (owned by two cute wiener dogs)...so we share a common obsession....

Last evening was the perfect time to take Liesel and walk about the neighbourhood and take in some Christmas lights and decor.  There was a light snow falling...the sidewalks were dry and clear...I snapped a quick photo from the driveway on our way out...the projector that displayed snowflakes on the house...quit working....it was a pain since the day we purchased it...so gave up on it.   

This evening is the home tours...so daughter and I will be enjoying them!  And a small hall close to us was forced to reschedule their craft sale from last weekend to December 14...so keeping that in our calendar as well.  

Looks like the weather weather is going to be awesome....hope you have a great one!!

Dealing With Icy Conditions

For the past number of days we have been getting a mixture of snow, freezing rain or pellets and rain.  To say things are slippery around homes and driveways is an understatement.  We picked up two bags of salt yesterday....and although it is not pet safe...we carry Liesel across it.  The pet safe melter...does just not do the job!  And it leaves a blue mess everywhere.  Not that salt doesn't..but at least it melts the ice and gives a bit of traction.  We added sand one year...but that makes a huge mess...

Now I have enough boots to start a shoe store...and not one of them are worth a lick of salt on icy terrain.  My Sorels are warm...but extremely hard to get on...and heavy as heck to get around in.  They are fine for taking Liesel out when there is a lot of snow....but I cannot lug them on my feet out running errands, walking or getting in and out of the car.

Another pair I have, Thinsulate lace up boots....terrible on ice..slippery as heck. My Timberlands are not meant for winter conditions...nor are my high dress boots.  I'm down to wearing Blundstones...and they allow me to get from the house to the car...and to appointments. '

I started searching for waterproof, non slip boots...and came across these on Amazon.  These are not meant for trudging through snow banks...obviously they are fairly low around the ankles.  Which is fine as I tuck in my skinny jeans or cords.  They are waterproof and have a skid proof sole.  I ordered a pair in red...they are not expensive...and I'll give them a try.  For quick trips to the stores, mail box and in and out of the car...they just might work.  They are available in a higher version as well...which I may order if I really like these ones.  Stay tuned...

And for no other reason that I really love these boots...I ordered a pair in burgundy...for days when it's cold and dry!  Not everyone's taste...but to each his own!

I happen to hear about a pop up store that opened in a former furniture store location (the store moved to our old Sears location).  Took a few minutes the other day and popped in...and there is everything in this store...luvin on this canvas....

Some cuddle worthy throws...which I have an abundance of...like my cushion obsession...

I thought these bath rugs were a great deal...as you get two for the price of one....and they were thick and soft...

The store was really busy...which made it difficult to get photos without getting someone's head or arm...so I wasn't able to get many photos.  There is everything from Christmas decor, bedding, shower curtains, bags and boxes of candies and chocolates, men's jackets, bed pillows...and just about everything you could think of...it is in this store.  I don't know how long it will be open...if it's just here for the holiday season or if it's staying open....but I hope to get another go round next week. 

I have a chicken stew in the slow cooker for an easy supper.   I hope to get outside this evening and get a few photos of the outside lights...I love it when the timer turns them on at dark!  Same with our Christmas tree....Mr. Seventies put a timer on it...and I love it when it comes on!!  Last year my daughter saw me wedging myself in behind the tree to unplug it and suggested we use a timer...like they have on their tree!  Now why didn't I think of that?  So easy...and convenient to say the least!

I spent yesterday afternoon gift wrapping...and discovered I had purchased one thing for Mr. Seventies....twice!!  I'm pretty sure I heard my Mom chuckle in heaven...because that is something she would have done too!  I kept the receipt so will return one today.  I'm certain no one else has ever done that, right?  *wink*

Have an awesome day...and if it's icy where you are...be so careful when you are out and about.  

An Evening of Fun at Christmas Seminar

My daughter, myself, my friend Judy and her daughter Meredith met the other evening at a local restaurant for dinner before taking in a Christmas Seminar....hosted by a local interior designer.  We enjoyed a delicious meal...then made our way to the through traffic to the seminar's location.  Traffic was severely snarled...due to construction on the city bridge...so we had to weave our way around various city streets and subdivisions!

We arrived and took our seats....that pretty face over my shoulder is my sweet girl, myself...my friend Judy and her gorgeous daughter.  We had such fun chatting and laughing...Meredith kept us in stitches all evening!  Hard to believe...she babysat our daughter when she was younger when Mr. Seventies and I would go out for an evening....now Meredith is a Mom of two...and our daughter is expecting a little girl!!

I'm going to mention up front...the lighting in this theatre is terrible...and it was sold out...so extremely crowded...I apologize in advance for the quality and lack of photos.

This is Damien...the interior designer and our host for the evening...in a festive mood I might add..few men could rock those elf boots!!  His assistant (and wife)...wore a cute Santa's helper outfit...she was more behind the scenes...I was unable to capture a photo of her.  Here Damien is demonstrating decorating a tree with inexpensive ribbons and ornaments.  At the conclusion of the night, a draw was made for the tree...and the winner was a lady our daughter new from her old neighbourhood.  

This was my favourite item he put together that evening...a large planter with fresh greens...a shepherd's hook...and then hung a lantern with solar powered candles!  For weight...and because we live in the windiest place ever...soil was used to add stability.  To keep something like this...it would need to be in a sheltered area outside...or an indoor foyer.

After three days of high winds, freezing rain and snow...we are lucky our own outdoor decor survived as well as it did.  We were able to tuck things away until the weather finally cleared up.

The Confederation Bridge was closed to high sided vehicles (transport trucks, buses, etc.) for 50 hours!!  I can only imagine the scene on the NB side with truck after truck lined up waiting to cross!  And nothing...not so much as a convenience store for anyone to get a cup of coffee or meal.  Thankfully, most drivers are aware of the weather and bridge closures during storms...but it doesn't make it any less fun for them to wait long hours and days to cross. 

As a result...the store shelves...with things like fresh produce begin to diminish quickly.  Mr. Seventies and our son-in-law were out picking up a few items and reported back the traffic and stores were a zoo!!

And another mess on the way for tomorrow...I'm hoping it comes as rain! 

Back to the seminar...Damien decorated a fresh tree (also given away with decorations that night) with a more rustic look...using grapevine strands (which can be purchased as strands...or by soaking a grapevine wreath to soften it..then breaking it apart).  Pine cones and woodsy ornaments were added...this was my favourite tree of the evening..again I apologize for the photos...there were so many people around checking things out during the break...I had a difficult time keeping faces out..this is a close up of the natural tree....

During intermission...an abundance of snacks and sweets and drinks were enjoyed....and Damien had a pop up store of Christmas decorations he was selling...after a buying trip....Judy was able to score the last package of icicles for her tree!!

Damien then demonstrated setting a festive table for the holidays...using pretty candles, fresh magnolia leaves (you can also use faux leaves).....the reason for the green tinge...the overhead lighting was red and green...not great for getting photos....

It was a fun evening...and this week we attend the holiday homes tour!

Mr. Seventies was able to put some lighting on the front of the house...will get a couple of photos after dark this evening.

Today is the calm before the next weather system comes in...I really need to finish up my Christmas shopping....and start wrapping!  

Touches of Christmas-Master Bedroom

It's not looking much like Christmas here...rain and wet snow flurries in the forecast for the next few days...perhaps Sunday afternoon we might get the outside lights up.  The past two evenings have been beautiful...great walks with Liesel around the neighbourhood to check out homes decorated for the holidays.  It's. my favourite way to see the lights and outside decor...

I put a few touches in the master bedroom....and love my dachshund holiday quilt set...and who doesn't love a faux fur comforter?  Especially when the nights cool down...as they have been the last few weeks....

This is where the adorable gnome found a home...and we've had our knitted Canada Christmas stockings for years....but I prefer to use them as decor rather than as actual socks for Santa to fill....we have moved on to canvas holiday sacks for that!

A holiday wreath replaces the floral one this time of year....

Even Liesel's night time digs gets festive...with a couple of snuggly Christmas throws....I plan to attach a small wreath to the outside door of her crate....this is her happy place...her bedtime ritual includes one last potty break...then she races to her crate...where a treat filled kong is waiting for her! As well as a kibble snack...you know...for when those midnight munchies hit....

I still have not done Christmas decor in the kitchen...hope to put out a few things this weekend.  I have a couple of jars to fill with candy....those are Mr. Seventies favourite decorations....

Liesel and I took advantage of the great weather the past few days and went out and about Christmas shopping....this looks says "Mama you know how much I hate to shop!"....*sigh*...where did I go wrong?

All was forgiven when she playfully watched this silly dancing, singing Christmas tree...and no....I didn't buy it for her.....

I did however pick up this adorable sweater for her.  I mean...she will make a cute reindeer...an early Christmas present....

We continued on...and came across a gnome of all gnomes!!   This guy is huge...stuffed and heavy....but so festive!

At another store...I saw this picture...love the book the guy is reading....

And I was crushing so hard on this next one...if only I had some place to hang it...very true and powerful message...not to mention the old truck and log cabin...

These guys really creeped me out...so real...I had to poke one!  Not sure if they were a store display or for sale...we moved on since Liesel was barking at them....

And with that we concluded our shopping expedition...and were quite successful.  This evening my daughter, along with a friend and her daughter are meeting for dinner before taking in the interior designer's Christmas decor show.  We attended last year...I wasn't able to get great photos...so will see how I can do this year.  A draw will be made and one lucky attendee will receive a fully decorated Christmas tree done by the designer.  I've already assured daughter if Mama wins...the tree and decorations are hers.

Next week, the same designer hosts the Christmas house tours!  We will be attending...a local bus company will shuttle us around to the various homes...hot drinks and snacks included!  Tickets for these tours, I think I mentioned in a previous post...sold out in five minutes!  While people were checking out on line....the tours sold out!  I was very lucky to snag two tickets!  They went on sale one morning at 9:00 a.m. and by 9:05 a.m. had completely sold out.  That's four bus loads of lucky participants!  Each bus leaves at a different time...

Lots of events to look forward to.  Next month Mr. Seventies & I are taking in an evening Christmas concert, two favourite Canadian country singers are playing...it should be an awesome evening!  This concert may have sold out as well.  

In the meantime, have a great day wherever you are!