From Our House To Yours

Taking a break from blogging for the holidays!  Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

Thank you to those who have stopped by and browsed a while.  Hope to see you in 2019!!

Little Bit of This and That

Remember that cute bathtub dish I shared the other day from Michaels?  I decided to use my own idea, pick one up (with a 45% off coupon, of course) and fill it with bath bombs!  Wal Mart has a great selection of bath bombs...most are sold in bags of eight...perfect size and smell amazing!

I'm a fan of Home Town (Ben and Erin Napier) ...and have been wanting to pick up their book.  Against my better judgement...I popped into the book store!   Of course, this time of year...the store was packed...with long line ups.  I needed an associate to help me find the book...which was in the music section of books!   I thought it would have been in the Home and Garden section...since that is where most home diy books are housed...but nope...this one was in the music section.  The associate didn't know why when I inquired.   The music section would have been the last place I would have searched....I couldn't even find the kiosk they have where you can put in the book title or author and it will tell you where to find the book you are looking for.

I spent my time in a line up lamenting why I had not just ordered the book from Amazon...and avoided the crowds and long wait.   Lesson learned.  

Traffic was crazy...it usually is after a snow storm...but given that it is close to Christmas...the roads and stores are busy.  

Today Miss Liesel is having a spa treatment!  Time to get all beautiful and sweet smelling for Santa Paws.  We having an amazing groomer..with a salon in her home.  She is very gentle and sweet with Liesel...and she grooms one dog at a time....so there aren't half a dozen dogs there!  It's quiet and not rushed...just the atmosphere Liesel needs and she is usually done in about an hour or so.   Liesel's skin issue is cleared up...but keeping a close eye in the event it flares up again.  I'm hoping the Omega she receives daily will help with any dry skin issues.

Mr. Seventies needed to dig our Christmas projector and flood light out of the snow last evening.  We received about 21 cm of snow...and rain (and lots of it) is in the forecast for the weekend!  It's hard to imagine...but our local weather forecaster says we are going to have a green Christmas!   We've had snow since November...I for one..won't be sad to see it go for a while!

Slipcovers Update

I've been meaning to update on my slipcovers.  You may remember, an amazing seamstress in Montreal made them.  Try as I may to hire local...it was impossible.  One seamstress insisted we deliver our furniture so she could make them at her home (daughter did that...furniture was gone almost three months).  That was not an option.  Another seamstress really had no interest in making them...or that is how she presented to me.  In the middle of our conversation...she walked away and left me to speak with another customer.  For 15 minutes...I waited...and then was advised a home visit would be required...for a $75 non refundable fee...(a five minute drive to our home)...and a wait time of two months.  No thank you.

Feeling a bit discouraged, I turned to the internet and found this awesome lady's website  http://www.slipcoverscanada.com

This is not a sponsored post...but if you are looking for good quality, workmanship and durable slipcovers...she is hard to beat!  I contacted her...sent her some photos...and we settled on price.  She sent me 2-3 great fabric sites...I chose Waverly fabrics and had them shipped directly to her.  Next, I boxed up my old slipcovers and shipped them to her.  

In less than two weeks...I had beautiful, new slipcovers!!  I realize my fabric choices are not for everyone...and I'm totally fine with that.   I do get many compliments on them..

And the durability is incredible!  We live in this family room....with a dog.  So the fabric needed to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.  We also have a love seat...but it doesn't get much use...I may have covers made for it at a later date. 

I've washed these covers in my front loading washing machine with ease.  Then tossed them in the dryer...and they didn't even need to be ironed or steamed when dry.  They are so easy to put back on...I can do it myself.  The previous covers were terrible, stiff fabric (fabric softener was a must when washing them) and required both Mr. Seventies and I to pull and stretch them on the furniture.  And that fabric...was showing wear on the arms after only two years.  It was hateful fabric to deal with...but it is what came on the furniture...and I suspected some day I would be changing them.  And I am so glad I did.  

I couldn't be happier with my covers and would have another set made in a heartbeat.  Which is the joy of having slipcovers...you can change them out anytime the mood strikes you!  I would get terribly bored with having the same fabric and furniture for years!  

Another blast of winter here today...snow and high winds.  Schools are closed..keeping fingers crossed we don't lose our power.  We are prepared...just in case!

Great Sales on Christmas Decor

If you're a fan of Michaels...now is the time to purchase Christmas decor...currently all on sale 60% off!!  There were a couple of items that caught my eye...these sleds are a-w-e-s-o-m-e!!  And included in the sale!!

Lots of Santas and other goodies...

I resisted adding any further decor to my stash!  What I'm crushing on big time is all the farmhouse decor they have in stock!!   I'm obsessed with these tobacco baskets...and as soon as I figure out where to hang it...one will be coming home with me!  When we first moved to PEI, tobacco was a huge cash crop here...I remember seeing row upon row of stocks growing...mostly on the eastern end of the Island. 

How I wish I had a spot for stools!!  These would look great tucked under neath an Island....

This laundry sign...would look awesome in my sister-in-law's laundry room!!  *hint*  *hint* Liz!!

Lots of great tin signs...this one is my favourite!

I cannot tell you how many times I have crushed on this architectural piece!!  I've literally walked from room to room in my home...hoping to find a suitable  spot for one!!  It's expensive...so a coupon would definitely need to be used!!

Such awesome bread tins...and the top is a cutting board...although I wouldn't cut on it...too many scratches would show!  I love how compact it is...and it wouldn't take up much counter space at all.  

And this cute claw foot tub replica...would be perfect to hold some bath bombs or pretty soaps..I'm going to pick one up next time I'm in Michaels...this would be perfect sitting on my bath tub!!  (wish I had thought of that earlier)...

Michael's was crazy busy...with a long, long line up to the cashiers...so I left empty handed.  I can pop in any day of the week...when it is quieter and not filled with holiday shoppers.

We are expecting snotty weather later today and over night....snow, rain and high winds.  A perfect recipe for more power outages.  We are fully stocked and prepared...just in case.  Our battery operated radio ordered from Amazon is ready to go...and fully stocked on candles.  Keeping phones and laptop charged as well. 

Mr. Seventies is having a root canal today...be nice to have that over with.  Root canals are no fun. 

So go make it an awesome day!!!

Quick Stop at Home Sense

It's been a cold, snowy week here....winter has come early!  Supposed to mild up and rain...so we may get a green Christmas after all!

I needed a couple of additional gift bags, so made a tour around Home Sense...you know this one in particular went in my cart...yep...that's definitely a doxie...

One of my favourite spots is the rug section!!  I could just browse through them forever.  The picture doesn't do this one justice...oh I wish you could feel the texture...and it's available in blue as well...

Spotted this beautiful bench...I wish our bedrooms were large enough to set one at the end of the bed...or anywhere for that matter....and the sumptuous deep purple....*swoon*....

Are these not the cutest plates?  Would you believe they are made of cork?  I have the dachshund plate...of course.  

That was about it for this visit....the store was very busy...packed with holiday shoppers.  

On another note, the wind was strong enough the other night to blow my Merry Christmas sign over...and it in turn...knocked both lanterns off the front step!   Thankfully, nothing was broken...and we set everything upright the following day...it can be a challenge to have outdoor decor with our sometimes harsh climate.  Such is life....

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

My Love of Gripstand Bowls!!

I was lucky enough to add another Gripstand bowl to my "collection".  (I guess five constitutes as a collection).   There are similar bowls produced in China...but mine are all made in England.

This one popped up on our FB Marketplace page....in excellent condition!!

You can see on the bottom where it identifies where it has been made...

This one is 12 1/2" in diameter...they come in all different sizes.   I have two that are very precious to me...one belonged to my mother-in-law and another was my friend's mother who passed away and she and I were close.  I love all my bowls...but those two are dear to me.  Another one I purchased at the antique/junk store in Summerside.  These bowls, in some antique shops...are very pricey!!  I don't think I've paid more than $25 for one...and I always make certain they are stamped Made in England.   

They are stored on my cupboard tops...but are super durable and could be used daily!  I just love to admire them!  And dust them...

On another note....Liesel is a bit under the weather.  She usually sees our vet once a year...staying relatively healthy.  She has seen him three times in as many weeks...her annual check up, dental surgery...and yesterday for a bit of a skin irritation.

She was prescribed anti-itch medication and cream to be applied twice daily.....you can see how thrilled she is being forced to wear a t-shirt to prevent licking!!  It's either a t shirt or cone...and she would be super unhappy wearing a cone!!  I think she looks festive....in a Boston Red Sox jersey!!  

We've also changed her diet...in case she is developing food sensitivities.  Which apparently is a thing.  

We've got some milder weather on the way...rain for the weekend!  We seldom have a white Christmas...which is fine by me.  I love a green Christmas!!

Coffee Table Done Gone!!

Not sure if you remember our large, very heavy (91 lbs to be exact) coffee table.  Oh, how I love that coffee table!

Not a great photo..but trust me...it is huge!  Too huge for the room, sadly!

And everyone and their dog..has stubbed their toes on the wheels that jut out on either end!  I felt that people would get used to having the wheels stick out...until I happen to be the one who stubbed a toe!!  And I gave it such a good whack...if it isn't broken...is very badly bruised!!  And the air might have turned a bit blue when I struck it!!  Just sayin'....

I finally gave up the fight for it...and had every intention of having it carted off to Habitat for Humanity.  Then I decided to post it for sale on our local Facebook marketplace...and a few hours later...I was a few hundred dollars richer...and the table is gone!!  Off to do damage to other toes!  The buyer said she had a large family room...(heart be still)...and had lots of room for it.  So it is a win for both of us.  And...I gotta admit...we are loving the open space.  I don't know if I will replace the table with something smaller....I'll wait until after the holidays, when furniture and things get back to normal and decide then. 

I love my Mac!  And will never go back to a PC...but Macs are prone to viruses...just not as often as PCs.  So, over the weekend...my laptop went wonky.  And I knew immediately I had problems.  I contacted Apple...who..btw...have exceptional tech support...and was advised to download a malware program and run it.  And that seemed to set things right...with the exception to losing every password that was previously saved!  A real pain in the rear to have to set up all new passwords...cause of course I had none written down...and ya....there is no way one brain can remember dozens of passwords!  I mentioned to Mr. Seventies that I was considering purchasing a new Mac...but was advised strongly not to.  Hmmm....maybe there will be a new laptop in my Christmas stocking?

And...poor Liesel...who over the last little while has been having skin issues.  She has needed antibiotic injections twice (she does not tolerate antibiotic medications)  and when she had her annual checkup a couple of weeks ago...our vet said her skin appeared dry.  She gets an Omega oil tablet daily...but we noticed her licking quite a bit yesterday...and upon inspection...she has two irritations...one under each leg.  I applied Polysporin and hauled a t shirt on her to keep her from further licking (beats wearing a cone...which would be a nightmare for all of us).  I sent a quick email off to our vet...for his guidance and will wait to hear what steps he wants to take.    One of our previous dachshunds, Oskar...was prone to skin infections...his were food allergy related.  Not certain yet what is giving Liesel such issue...but we will get to the bottom of it.

The weather was very cold over the weekend with -18 windchill over night.  Keeping close to the wood stove these days!!

Little Bit of Christmas in the Kitchen

I'm having some computer woes...but hope this laptop holds out a bit longer.    I did a little bit of Christmas in the kitchen...which happens to be my least favourite room...lol.  I am not a baker...and cooking is something that is done to sustain life.  That's about it!  I know some gals love to spend time in their kitchen....I am not one.

But I do like a fresh and clean kitchen...and a little bit of Christmas cheer while I am in there!

Just a few snowmen scattered about....

Set up a hot chocolate tray...complete with some candy canes to use for stirs!!

And that's about it!  Just a few touches here and there!

In other news, Liesel underwent dental surgery yesterday....and got along wonderfully.  No extractions...just white polished and scaled teeth.  She has a dental yearly...gotta keep those pearly whites pretty and healthy!!

And speaking of dentals...in the past seven months...I have undergone two dental surgeries.  I've had three implants for a number of years...and began having a problem...surgery was required.  Twice!  Now, everything is healed and two of the implants have brand new caps..and the third is being made up at the lab and will be ready in a couple of weeks.  So...all I want for Christmas...are my three not so front teeth!!

Have a great weekend!!! 

It's Beginning To Look A Little Like Christmas

Can you believe we are into December already?  It's a busy time of year...but my favourite time of year for sure!

I think we are ready in the family room...and here is our fun Christmas tree!!  I love this tree...we purchased it a couple of years ago....after searching for a flocked tree for quite some time.  They are just starting to gain popularity here, as I've seen more available in stores.  And this one is prelit...no fussing with strings of lights.   The elf feet, snowmen and lollipop picks are from Michaels...either purchased during BOGO or using coupons!   The balls are from Dollarama...and I posted previously regarding the top hat tree top!!  Luv, luv, luv it!!  You can't see the tree skirt, but it is black and red buffalo check....matches our stockings!

The dachshund canvas was a gift from a dear friend a few years ago...she knows me well!  And I love how it sits perfectly in our tree!!

The fireplace and mantle was easy to add some Christmas flair....the candles in the lanterns on the hearth are solar...they look very festive at night!  

These wreaths were fun to put together...the strips of ribbon are actually fabric I had on hand...and the buffalo check stars....from Dollarama.  

Liesel loves to hop up on the sofa and snuggle with the santa pillow!  

And Christmas would not be complete without my much beloved nativity set...each piece was lovingly selected and collected...

A closer view from last year...I love the detail in each piece...

A little vignette I put together...using miniature trees and cars...and faux snow...

And we have a bit of a mystery on our hands.  I received these adorable paw prints in the mail...with no name from the sender!  There is a return address on the padded envelope....but I don't know anyone who resides in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia!

Aren't they adorable?  One for by grand dog Benson...the other for Liesel!  They are made to hang...will tuck Liesel's into our tree, as will Benson's Mom & Dad! 

Whoever sent them, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  They are precious and mean the world to me.  If I uncover the sender...I will let ya'll know!  

So, that's a peek at the family room ready for Christmas.  Mr. Seventies and I are attending a dinner theatre at the Charlottetown Rodd Hotel...."Christmas in Kandahar".. it is the musical presentation (complete with a full Christmas dinner).  

Outdoor Christmas Decorating

Saturday was the perfect day to get outside and put up Christmas lights, make planters and put together a couple of wreaths.

First, Mr. Seventies got busy trimming some branches...

Quite a pile he's got there..we saved the base from last year's wreath...

And I snipped a few sprigs from our holly bush...

Lots of holly to choose from!

While he was attaching branches to the wreath form with heavy gauge wire....I was filling the pot for the back door entrance....and looks who is back this year?  My sweet lil' baby reindeer!!

Took me no time at all to fill a pot with fresh greens, branches, a bright red Christmas ball and pretty bow!  The wreath, other than the bow...I left natural!!

Then I gathered up a few branches, some holly and wired them together...and attached a bow (from the ribbon I had previously purchased at the thrift shop).  I used my EZ Bowmaker to put the bows together.   Easy peasy...

For the front of the house...I put some blue balls in two of my lanterns (balls also from the thrift store)...added a couple of bows...and love how they look!  I used my crock again this year, added some branches, a couple of small birch logs, holly and a bow...and set it on the step in front of the Merry Christmas sign.  

I went out last evening to get a photo after dark...to the far right..we have a projector that projects pretty red and green snowflakes onto the house...they didn't show up in the photo...and the battery in my camera went dead and needed a recharge.  Mr. Seventies put some lights on the outside tree and a floodlight illuminates the wreath on the front door.  

Since we put together a wreath and pot full of boughs for daughter and her hubby, after Sunday dinner...they took them home...and she took an after dark photo as well...she has a few more things to put out...but wanted to share her wreath and pot of fresh greenery...

Still considering the cupcake planters...not sure if they are something that will withstand our harsh outside weather.   Have to give it a bit more consideration...and a lot will depend on our weather.   I'm quite happy with what we accomplished on Saturday.

Stay tuned....we did some indoor decorating in the family room!  

Major Storm and Power Outage

The past couple of days have been wild here on our fair Isle!!  A major wind, snow and rain storm blew across Prince Edward Island yesterday...leaving us with an Island wide power outage!  Our power went off at 5:00 a.m. yesterday morning....and did not come on until 4:00 a.m. today!!

We spent most of the last 24 hours snuggled up downstairs...so thankful we had a propane stove installed a few years ago!  It does not require electricity to operate...and it kept us toasty warm...

We were even able to heat a small Paderno pot of water...for tea and hot cocoa!  We made sandwiches and munched on snacks...and Liesel was very warm and content with her dog bed in front of the warm fire.

Last evening, a warming station was opened up down the road from us...so my friend and I packed up our lap tops and cell phones and went in to use the charging stations.  And today...I am going to find a battery operated radio to have on hand for the "next" big storm!   And replenish our candles supply!

Thankfully, we didn't get the amount of snow forecast...but I suspect a combination of extremely high winds and wet slush brought down many transformers and power lines.  

This photo was taken just down the road from our house...power poles snapped like twigs...

And downed transformer right in the heart of the city....

There are still thousands here without power still!  Crews from New Brunswick and Ontario are on their way to assist with repairs and clean up!  

This is Ma Nature sending us a little reminder just who is in charge!!  It was a wild ride folks!!

Christmas Master Bedroom

Some folks go all out decorating each room in their home...and I applaud them!!  Me on the other hand...scale down..our rooms are small...so overcrowding them is easy to do...any time of year.  I try not to...there is only so many times your toe can take a good smack on a piece of furniture!!

Anyhow...we did add a little Christmas to our master bedroom...so without further adieu..

I should have rolled back the faux fur comforter...my Hudson's Bay blanket is on the bed...and I cannot tell you how much I am loving it!!  Mr. Seventies gifted me with it a couple of years ago for Christmas.  At night...we do roll the comforter down...and with flannel sheets...we are toasty warm.  The poinsettia plates I purchased a couple of years ago at Home Sense.   And the Christmas wreath was 50% off (of course) at Michaels.....

This is a small master bedroom...so the tour will be short and sweet! The cute cushion on the bed is from PB.   Even Liesel's crate (to the left of the dresser) is dressed in Christmas bedding.  

So that's it..cozy but not over done.  We don't use fresh greens inside..way too messy for my liking and they would dry out in a few hours with forced air heating.  I love using them outside..they will last for weeks and weeks.  Weather permitting...we hope to get our planters and wreaths done this weekend.  Ma Nature is calling for rain..with some wet flurries for the next day or so.

Liesel did great at her vet appointment yesterday...annual exam and immunizations brought up to to date.  Thursday she is having her yearly dental surgery...x rays and teeth cleaning. Dachshunds are prone to periodontal disease...it's important to keep on top of any dental issues.