Technically It's Still Summer....

But signs of seasons changing are upon us.  The sun is later coming up in the morning...and earlier going down in the evenings.  Overnight temperatures are much cooler...having to close most windows to keep the chill out.  The daytime temps are still very nice.

And its Labor Day weekend...a sure sign that fall is just around the corner.  Schools start for the year next week..and this will be the last big hurrah for tourists.  Most will head home...back to their busy lives.

I was out and about and found some spectacular fall decor.  This gorgeous runner caught my eye...it will look beautiful on my large coffee table...just look at the vibrant colours!

Crushing hard on these pretty pumpkins...I didn't  purchase them...as I have to take stock of what fall decor I currently have.  But these were hard to leave behind.  I just love how they come in a variety of colours now!  

This little sign gave me a chuckle!!  

And no spree would be complete without seeing a few doxie things!!  I couldn't resist purchasing this adorable coffee mug for Mr. Seventies!  Inside says "Little Devil"...

I showed photos of these items to a fellow doxie fanatic...and she ran right out and purchased both!  Nice to help someone else with their obsession...lol!  I had considered buying the bin...storage for Liesel's growing toy collection...but we have a bone shaped toy box that seems to suffice. 

Remember when I posted about making the outdoor Christmas "cupcakes"...look what I found at a local shop...at 50% off.  $5.15 for all three!! Just exactly what I was looking for..right size and everything!   They just need a coat of  spray paint in Christmas colours...  

When I was at the thrift shop the other day...I found these little red sparkly balls...perfect for the cherry on top of the cupcakes!!  And they were marked down an additional 25%!!

Mr. Seventies was using the spray foam the other day for a project outside (same spray I will be using as "icing" on the cupcakes) and while it does spray white...it turns yellow as it hardens.  I will definitely have to spray paint the foam once it dries in the pots...but I suspected I would need to anyways.  

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!!!

Here We Go Again!!

I think I mentioned I underwent oral surgery in May...very extensive surgery...due to bone loss around my dental implants (there are three).  After a three month healing time...I saw the oral surgeon today...and only two implants are nice and secure.  Without getting too icky...I now need to have a second procedure...in September...to attempt a skin graft around the third implant.  And mercifully, I will be asleep during this surgery as well...I fear I will have a very sore mouth afterwards.  But, as the old saying goes, "in for a penny...in for a pound".  I've gone this far...no turning back now.
So, yah...have that to look forward to.

On a happier note, we have most of our accommodations booked for our upcoming vacation to Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise & Edmonton!!   Cannot wait to soak in the mineral springs in Banff...and do some awesome shopping and sightseeing!  I cannot imagine how beautiful the scenery will be...seeing the Rockies for the first time!!  Cannot wait to share photos!

I spotted this super soft buffalo check cardigan...and knew it would be perfect for the cooler temps in Alberta! (and when fall is upon us here). I love that it has a hood too!!  Doesn't it look super cosy?

Prior to going on vacation, we are attending a family wedding...and are staying at a gorgeous B & B on Peggy's Cove Road in Nova Scotia.  In the honeymoon suite no less!!  Well...it was the only room available...and we will have Liesel with is but romantic nonetheless less and if you have a chance...check out By the Bay B & B on their website!!

https://www.bythebaybandb.ca

And it just so happens to be a mere 8 minutes from the wedding venue...so we can go back & forth checking on Liesel with ease.  It's a late afternoon-evening wedding...reminds me of how we were entrenched in wedding details about this same time last year when our daughter was married!!  Love is in the air!!

August Is Winding Down

Can you believe it's the last week in August?  Already?  I look back on the summer...and in one blink...it seems it has gone by!  Not complaining though...we've been having an amazingly hot summer and this week is no exception!  As much as I love fall...cooler temps, sweater time and the leaves changing colours...the longer summer can be stretched out...the better!!

Poor Liesel has a little bacterial skin infection on her tummy...it seemed to appear out of no where over the weekend.  We made a quick trip to our veterinarian early yesterday morning...and Liesel is on the mend.  She received an antibiotic shot...which works quickly to clear up the infection.  Her system does not tolerate oral antibiotics...but the injection works effectively.

My new white bedskirt arrived last week..after a good pressing Mr. Seventies assistance was needed to put it on.

I had a credit with Soft Moc and since I love Sketchers with memory foam foot beds, I ordered this cute pair of sneakers.  They are super comfortable, easy to slip on and off and great when out running errands.  They are not a walking sneaker...but great for what I wanted them for.  They are a bit on the wide size...which is great when I want to wear socks in them with jeans.  

Starting to pull things together for our upcoming trip.  I gifted Mr. Seventies with a GPS for Father's Day .... we've been experimenting with it, putting in addresses, etc.  Our first stop is a family wedding in Nova Scotia and from there we fly to Calgary, a direct flight....with no stops or lay overs. From Charlottetown there are stops either Montreal or Toronto so it made sense to take a direct flight, since we are there anyways.  Win-win.

Oh my gosh...the strangest thing happened last evening!!  Mr. Seventies heading to the garden to pick some veggies....when he noticed a cow bird with something attached to it's leg!  The poor bird had a mouse trap on it's leg!!  Mr. Seventies was able to trap the bird in the lilac hedge and unhinge the trap...he was certain the leg was broken...but at least the trap is off and the bird quickly flew off! How on earth or where the bird caught his leg in a trap is a mystery.  I suspect someone had a mouse trap set outside, with food for bait...and the bird attempted to get the bait & sprung the trap on it's leg!  At least now the leg is free...and Mother Nature will have to take care of Mr. Cow Bird. 

Today is going to be 27 degrees with high humidex...might just be a pool day.  The nights have been cooling down and that brings the water temperature down as well.  The water was 24 degrees yesterday...not bad.  We are noticing the sun is later rising in the morning...much later on the pool water and goes down earlier in the evenings now.  And a lot of overcast days...which again...means no sun on the pool.  But we can stretch our swimming time for this week and enjoy it while we can!!

In Loving Memory....

On this day in 2016 my daughter lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer...

                                                    Until we meet again...

Outdoor Christmas Cupcakes!!

So, if you are not a fan of thinking about Christmas in August...then this post is not likely for you!  But if you are like me...and love Christmas...this is the time of year when ideas start swirling in my head for dressing up the outside for the holidays!!

We do the usual large pots and crocks filled with fresh greenery and holly....and Mr. Seventies puts together balsam fir wreaths...and I dig out by E-Z Bowmaker....but this year I was looking to add a couple of things....besides my lanterns, cute birch baby reindeer and so on.  While most would strike up Pinterest...I check out You Tube.  Lots of ideas on there...with video instructions!

This year I plan to make up a few outdoor Christmas cupcakes!!  Something similar to these....

I intend to use some Christmas coloured pots, hopefully from the dollar store...spray paint them if need be.  To add weight...I'll fill each one with broken concrete pieces (which we seem to have an abundance of) or rocks.  For the "frosting"...spray foam from the hardware store is used!!  How easy is that?  My experience with foam...it will "yellow" a bit and not stay white...so I'll spray paint the foam...maybe to resemble pink icing!  And crown the cupcakes with one red "cherry" (Christmas ball).  I think they will look amazing on the steps!!  

And too easy to make!  

I also checked out a few videos for making "lollipop" picks for the Christmas tree...but that is just more work than I want to put in!  I'll wait for Michaels to get them in...and pick up a few then!  

The ones last year were red and white....and sold out in a flash!!  I was disappointed I didn't grab a few when I saw them!!  Lesson learned....

I know most people are thinking fall....and I'm with ya on that...can't wait to get out the fall decor...and keeping fingers crossed the blue pumpkins in the garden mature!!

In other news, we have a trip to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise...and a few points in between planned in the upcoming weeks!  I've never been to western Canada...Mr. Seventies has...and he is looking forward to giving me the grand tour!  Plan to do some spectacular sight seeing, dine at great restaurants and do a bit of shopping at the boutiques and shops!!  Even have a day planned for the West Edmonton Mall....I might need a motorized cart for that!!!

Odds and Ends

Happy Monday!!  Hope you had a great weekend!  Saturday we had torrential rain all day...from morning to evening...some streets in the downtown area were flooded.  We needed rain...and we certainly received a good sopping!

Yesterday was gorgeous...and my miniature sunflowers are in full bloom...aren't they so sweet?  Smaller than the normal size sunflower...but pack just as much punch.  And the corn will soon be coming into tassel!  Can't wait to have fresh corn on the cob!!

Last week I shared when I went to the downtown Farmers Market...and at one booth a lady sells the most incredible hand sewn leather purses, totes, wallets & bags.  I have an obsession with leather...whether it be furniture, boots or purses...I love it!  The smell, the feel and not to mention the durability.  I will buy leather any day over anything else....and when I saw this crossbody purse...I knew it was the perfect size for my needs. I wish you could feel the softness and see the quality craftsmanship she puts into each bag!  I dropped back into the Market yesterday...and chose this crossbody bag!  

The seller, Janie-Nicole Leather...also has an Etsy page where you can order from her collections...but I'll put a little bug in your ear...her items are a bit cheaper at the market.  And no shipping fees. But I would not hesitate to order from her site...especially if you are looking for a custom bag.  The bag I purchased is perfect size to hold my cell phone, wallet and the closure is really cool...and not to mention durable. 

And lastly, although not exciting...we ordered a winter pool cover.  We'v never used one before...as a rule Mr. Seventies drains the pool to pretty much empty..and we've always left the pool open.  This year..we decided to use a winter cover for a couple of reasons.  Obvious reason is to keep leaves, pine needles, and other debris from falling in the pool and prevents algae from forming over the winter months.  Another plus when using a winter cover...the water only needs to be drained to 6" below the skimmer basket.  Meaning we won't have to re-fill the pool with as much water come next May. 

This is sort of what a winter cover looks like...except our pool is not free standing...but enclosed with decking.  

Prior to installation, you lay the cover flat and feed the heavy duty cable through the grommets, place over pool and tighten with the provided winch.  Sounds easy, right?  Let's hope it is. 

Liesel has an early morning spa appointment with her groomer...so she will be fresh and sweet smelling..and look a little less scruffy!!

Have an awesome day!!

Rosette Quilt

Remember I mentioned a few posts back about the Lazybones Rosette quilt I ordered (from Lazybones in Australia)...well it arrived a couple of days ago..and it is gorgeous.  Just as I expected.  Here is a reminder of what I ordered...

Forgive the poor lighting...it was a very dark and overcast day yesterday.  I paired it up with white shams I had on hand...I need to pick up a couple of pretty decorator cushions...and the white eyelet bedskirt ordered will be in later next week.  This quilt is not as heavy as the same quilt in white...not sure why....but I'm okay with that.  The weight of this one is perfect for this time of year.  If your not familiar with the Lazybones quilt...it is made from the softest, jersey material ever!!   Matching standard sham and euro sham covers are also available...I preferred to use what I had on hand..with the exception of the bedskirt.  

I happened to come across more wired ribbon...the plaid roll contains 50 yards!!  For $4.00  The other roll is 10 yards of gold sparkly ribbon for $3.00! (ignore he greenish hue....it is gold).  The plaid ribbon will be perfect for fall decor!

The weather has shifted already...the nights have cooled down considerably.  The long range is still looking like great weather though...so will get a few more pool days yet.  Fall is creeping upon us..and I'm okay with that.  It is my favourite time of year!!

Have a good weekend all!!

Road Trip To The Mainland!!

My friend and I motored to N.B...she had a medical appointment and it's an opportunity for us to do a bit of shopping and have lunch out!  We left early morning...which gave us time to visit a few shops before her appointment.  We like to visit shops that we don't have here in Charlottetown....yet.

I'll share my favourite finds...it was very difficult not to come home with a trunkful!!  Our first stop is at Mod Choc...an amazing store that sells home goods and clothing at amazing low prices!!  It's one of my favourite shops!

Love these great wooden ladders...perfect for hanging extra blankets or quilts!  And they were available in a bleached white stain as well!

Cutest little owl cushions peeking out....

Great assortment of fall and winter decor al lready for the upcoming chilly weather!
Crushing on that chalet sign!!

Great checkered choice of pump containers for hand or dish soap!

Gorgeous, soft cuddly throws to snuggle up in!!  The black and red checked is my favourite!

This wall clock was one of many...I love the red colour!!

An industrial table lamp...would be perfect for a bedside table or desk!

Do these tomatoes not look like the real thing?  And they feel like it too!!  They had an assortment of "faux" veggies and fruit!  

The second shop we visited was just newly opened...in this new location.   First thing I spotted was lanterns...which I kinda have a thing for..

And a heavy, primitive crock...on sale!!  I could see it as a utensil holder....would be great for that!!

Remember when these were popular a few years ago?  They are back...and gaining popularity again!  Really a great way to store taters and onions!!

The cutest wooden plates ever!!  And for under $10 each!!  Just adorable.....

And I had a chuckle when I saw this...and so true!

Tongue in cheek with this cute little plaque!  Had it been a doxie it would have come home with me!

The last shop we had time to visit before lunch was Pier 1!  Oh, how I wish we had that shop in PEI!!  The first thing that caught my eye...slipcovered furniture!!  It is gaining popularity here....finally!!  

And they carry Joanna Gaine's line of home goods...**swoon**...gorgeous cushions and throws with incredible texture!

And look!!!  Cora's sister!!!  Isn't she gorgeous?  These are painted on shiplap boards...while I love this one...Cora is still my favourite!

And then I saw this one!!  She was hard to resist.....I spent a great deal of time trying to figure out where I could hang her in my home!!  I ended up having to leave her.... it was a painful good bye!  I may revisit her in November...as we have another road trip planned then!

After all this gorgeous-ness can you believe the only thing I purchased...was a bag of Butter Rum crumbles?  I don't know who was more surprised...myself or Mr. Seventies!!

Maybe I was just overwhelmed with it all!  Is there such a thing as home decor overload?  Naw...I didn't think so either!!

Downtown Farmers Market

I had the opportunity to take in the Downtown Farmers Market in the heart of the city with my daughter and sister-in-law on Sunday!  The weather was beautiful, hot and sunny.

There were many vendors...set up on the sidewalks on both sides of the streets!

I purchased this t shirt (and the awesome vendor gave me a free matching tote!)

Of course, no market would be complete without a variety of fresh veggies...

And beautiful, hand carved bowls..

Delicious smelling hand made soaps and bath salts (I purchased a bag of Eucalyptus and Mint bath salts)....

And an assortment of jams, jellies and preserves to tempt your taste buds!!

While it was my first trip to the market...it certainly won't be my last!  It runs until September 23, 2018 each Sunday...so will be sure and make another visit as there is so much more to take in!!