This and That

Sorry I've been neglecting my blog...nothing new on the home decor front.  It is nice to see spring flowers popping up in the gardens...and to see the pretty purple crocus.

We celebrated a couple of birthdays over the weekend,  Daughter and her hubby's birthdays are only a few days apart...so we had pizzas and delicious cake and cupcakes!

A doxie cake for daughter...she plucked the doxie off the cake and is storing it in her refrigerator! And the best part....the cakes tastes as good as it looks!!  Definitely delicious!

Have you heard about Furbo?   It is a device that you set up in your home and download an app on your phone...and the Furbo enables you to check in our pet and even give a treat!  We gifted daughter with a Furbo...she loves it!  When checked this morning to see what her pup Benson was doing....he was snuggled up in his bed have a snoozle!  You can even speak and have your pet hear you...but for Benson he would think his Mom or Dad was home.  So, they don't do that.  Pretty neat, eh?  

And son-in-law (a huge Green Bay Packers fan) was very happy with his chocolate football and Packers' coloured icing cupcakes!  We set a few out...and we all enjoyed a delicious cupcake!

After eating and opening of gifts, we played a game of Dogopoly...(like Monopoly)...but dog themed!  He was happy to receive the tablet and craft beer gift certificate we gave him.  

I popped into Home Sense for a quick visit...and I resisted this canvas!  But it's pretty cute!

I spotted this adorable Frenchi...one of my nephew's French Bulldog...looks exactly like this one.

Her name is Daisy.  And sadly she suffered a ruptured disc in her back today and underwent emergency surgery this afternoon.  We are planning a visit with my nephew & his wife for a few days, we were very sad to hear about Daisy's issue.  My nephew is keeping us updated, when she is out of surgery and in recovery.  Her pack mate Diesel (also a Frenchi) will miss her while she recovers for a few days.  

We are more than familiar with this condition IVDD...dachshunds are very prone to the condition.  Each of our previous doxies had a back issue.  Two had surgery at our Atlantic Veterinary College (a working/teaching veterinary hospital) and one spent seven days there with a protruded disc.  I was hoping that perhaps Daisy suffered a protrusion...but an MRI revealed a disc rupture.  Surgery is required to remove the debris from the spinal column.  She hopefully will make a full recovery.  

When an IVDD episode occurs.....usually paralyses occurs...as does loss of house training.  But if the condition is caught and treated earlier recovery can be 100%.

If I'm not around for a few days...I will be back with hopefully some interesting reads!

Chow for now!

Rain, Rain...Go Away!

We haven't seen the sun for a number of days...skies are overcast at best....and it's been raining....torrential downpours over the weekend.  Forecasts are reporting rain mixed with flurries overnight.  Ya, how about that?

At least the pellet stove was serviced...the blower was replaced.  It will be running for a few more weeks (months).  On the positive side...all the ice in the pool has melted!  Mr. Seventies has been scooping out leaves...he may take the cover off this weekend.  It depends on the weather...

Remember this top that I had ordered in brown?  It arrived and I loved it so much....I ordered one in white!!  It is really comfortable...and washes beautifully.  I didn't put it in the dryer, but hung it to dry.

And I ordered another of the long hoodie dress...I previously ordered it in grey...and again...loved it so ordered in another colour...Coffee Brown this time. (picture shows black...)  I literally could live in this for ever!  It is so comfortable...and warm...as our temps are just a few degrees above 0.  I wore this with leggings and skinny jeans.

And how adorable is this vintage goebel girl with dachshunds figurine?  I was the successful bidder in an online auction for dog rescue.  I haven't received it yet...but it should be here any day now.  Just look at those two little wiener dogs...little snouts in the air!  And those red shoes!!  C-u-t-e!!

That is about all that is going on here...we had a provincial election yesterday...that was all the buzz today.   Liesel had a spa appointment this morning...she really likes her groomer...and that makes me very happy to leave her in Tracey's care.  

We have an upcoming visit planned to see my nephew in Ottawa.   He and his wife are paw-rents to a couple of French bulldog cuties.....Diesel and Daisy.  My nephew, Matt lives in Ottawa as well...will get to spend some time with him as well.  

Til next time.....

Happy Easter

A couple of short updates today....the elusive Unicorn pool float has arrived...bigger than life!
It's a whopping 3 feet...fun for not only the grand kids...but the kid in all of us!

And our Sencor toaster arrived...love the rose colour.  And it was tested throughly...and came with a couple of warming racks....(which will get used never).  Love that it's four slice...as was our old battered one...we are much too impatient to wait for two slices at a time..lol!

Hope the Easter bunny leaves a treat or two!!

Unicorn Update

A unicorn pool float has been found!  And in the most unlikeliest of places!!

Who would have thought to search on a bookstore's website?  Apparently my youngest daughter...as she sent me the link to said unicorn!  It is not a small, child sized one either...but large enough for adults to have fun too!  (that doesn't sound weird or anything...lol).  I promptly ordered one and await its arrival for pick up at Indigo book store! (free shipping to the store).  Can't wait to see my little granddaughter's surprise that Mimi and Grampie have a unicorn floatie!  Let's just hope she doesn't ask for a giraffe next time!

I'm still on the search for something to store my magazines in...anything I have come across is not large enough to hold two stacks...and I don't want anything round prefer rectangle and enough space to hold the magazines I have now and ones I'll be saving in the future.  The pain is real people.

I checked out Home Sense last week and did not find anything suitable....but I did come across some pretty cool things....if this just doesn't melt your heart!  And marked down to $12!  I showed such restraint...but I wanted her to come home with me....

Are these not the most interesting lamps ever!  They have some 70's vibes going on for sure!

This one is in the running for the guest bedroom....perfect size and colour....

An adorable pet bed...perfect for a dachshund who likes to burrow.  Not mine...but someone's as Liesel does not burrow but would prefer to shred or hump it continuously.  It looks a bit lop sided after being squished by all the other pet beds...but still pretty cute....

Woke up to a light dusting of snow and high winds...will someone please tell Ma Nature to give us spring weather!  We've had cold and winter long enough.

I think I will burrow in for today!

Storage Shed Options

Our small 8' x 8' storage shed has seen better days.   I can't even remember what year Mr. Seventies built it...it was a kit we purchased with everything included except the floor.  I'm going to guess its circa early 1990's...

It has seen better days.  My preference was to purchase an already built shed...and have it delivered and set up.  Cause that would be so easy.

But Mr. Seventies and our neighbour/contractor are going to construct a larger storage shed...10' x 12'  and it will tentatively build next to the current shed amid three trees.  Once the new one is completed this smaller one will be emptied and torn down.  We need a shed to house things like the lawn mower, garden tiller, extra foldable lawn chairs, pool pump, shovels, rakes, etc.

I've chosen a few photos of shed that I like......as he was looking for ideas....this one is similar to the one we have now...but larger....

Again this one would be built 10' x 12'....and he mentioned something about putting in a window...

This one has windows in the doors...which would solve the desire for a window.  I'm iffy on the window....it makes no difference to me...this is Mr. Seventies shed. 

I really like this shed rendering...love the x's on the doors....

I love the steel roof...so much more than shingles.  Mr. Seventies prefers the shed facing sideways like this one...but I prefer the door(s) be facing the house.  I do love everything about this one.....

And this one...the colours would certainly match our abode....love the wide doors...

These are just a few I've chosen...any one of them would work.  Mr. Seventies asked me to get some ideas....so I will run these by him.  

I'm giving it until middle of August to be completed.  Mr. Seventies knows when I put my mind to wanting something...I usually get it.  He has promised a shed will get built (he even pink swore on it...and that deal cannot be broken).

The pellet stove technician is coming to replace the blower on the pellet stove.  When he was here last time...he oiled the old blower...and since doing that...it won't shut off.  Don't know if the two are related...but as a rule when the auger is shut off....15 minutes later the blower will shut off.  For two weeks...we've had to unplug the stove to get the blower to stop.  Pain in the butt...as the electrical outlet for it...is in the basement.   (it takes power to run the stove).  The blower was on back order...it's taken a couple of weeks...but it came in on Friday.

And I saw this little sign when I was out and about last week....and I luv it!! It tickles my sarcastic nature...it's the one on the bottom...

So, that's a wrap for today!  Easter weekend is this weekend...daughter & hubby are coming for Easter dinner on Saturday (they are at hubby's parents on Sunday).   I remember those days well...splitting between two families....but we had a 5 hour drive to accomplish first.  

Chow for now!!

Searching for A Unicorn

I think I would have better luck finding a real one!  When my grandkids were enjoying a visit and an afternoon in the pool las summer, my youngest Char asked if I had a unicorn?  She was asking about a unicorn floatie!

She was a tad disappointed when I had to tell her I did not,

Since then,  I have made it my mission to find one....at a decent price. I came across this one,  While likely the perfect size, as I prefer to get one that adults can be a kid too....the $70 price tag floored me!

Moving on.  This one was reasonable in price....it is for children only.  And at $29.99,...if I don't find one that the whole family can have fun with,,...I will purchase it for her to use.   Sadly though, she will outgrow it fairly quickly.

I suspect when I do track down the elusive unicorn....she will have moved on and request a giraffe!  And as any doting grandmother would do...I'll be searching for one!

Have a great weekend!!

My Magazine Addiction

Actually, Mr. Seventies jokingly called me a hoarder!  I admit, certain magazines I cannot part with.  I spent a few hours one afternoon sorting and compiling....I had three piles.

My friend dropped by and she took a few...I'll pass a few on to my sister-in-law next time I see her...and what is left I will donate...

I have them all stacked (by year no less)...I'll need to find a basket or wicker trunk to store them in...as more will be added to my collection...

And this is my yet to read stash...I love to sit on the patio deck on warm sunny days and browse through them....

From what a number of my FB friends have shared....I am not alone in my obsession.  Maybe we need a support group...like Magazine Anonymous...if nothing else it would be the perfect opportunity to trade and share copies.  

Hello, my name is Charlotte.....and I'm addicted to decor magazines....

Start of Another Week

I'm excited to share photos of the wicker patio tables...they arrived last week.   I wanted to open and inspect them and be certain they were in perfect condition....rather than wait until June or July to discover an issue.

I'm happy to report they are perfect condition.  You never know when items are shipped if they arrive in one piece.  We have received items over the years, that arrived in perfect boxes...but were damaged when they left the warehouse.


These have a good weight to them...so they won't be blowing around on warm, blustery summer days...

Not sure why this looks to be sitting crooked...but it's not.  Must be the angle I photographed it...they are both in perfect shape.

I was cruising around Home Sense last week and found this cute cushion....

It looks right at home on the guest room bed....

I came very close to purchasing this adorable mug...I wasn't thinking of using it for beverages...but rather holding my make up brushes.  I decided the brushes are fine...and are already stored in a bunny planter.  But this one's cuteness was tempting....

And tulips are out and about...mostly in grocery floral shops and Wal Mart...since I'm craving everything spring...I purchased a bouquet.  It will be a few weeks before our own tulips will be ready for picking.  In the meantime...I get to enjoy these...

On an unrelated topic...I came across Paw Balm...for Liesel's foot pads.  Sometimes walking on pavement or gravel outside can make her pads feel rough...well not anymore.  Think of it like hand cream we use to hydrate our hands.   It recommends applying after a walk or before bed.  I'm going to massage it on her paws before bed...as this is a "quiet" time for her....

It's produced by a Canadian company...with all natural products which make is safe in the event paws get licked.  

And for my paws...new sandals!   I've been wanting Espadrilles and most I was seeing had wedge heels...which were really nice...but I need something with less heel...but not too flat.  I think these ones will suit just fine.  I'll let you know when they arrive and I give them a test drive!  

Lots of sun here today...but still cool.  And rumours of a bit of snow for tomorrow...enough already.  Going to be out and about today...enjoying the sunshine!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Let's hope that is true!  Heavy rains in the forecast today.

Since we've been having such beautiful days, my four legged BFF and I decided to do some serious browsing/shopping.....

We have a number of stores that allow pets...which is so awesome!  I would never leave Liesel unattended in a vehicle...yet people do it all the time!  I carry a soft throw so I can place it in the cart and she is comfortable and able to check people out.  She is nervous in new places...or anywhere out of the normal routine...but she enjoyed our outing and we didn't stay long. 

All spring items were 50% off!  We love a good sale!  This pretty painted wood sign says it all.  

This one is metal and so spring like!  I wish I had some place to hang it....

I really like these glass-less window frames...these were not available when I was searching for a couple a few years back...and I am very happy with mine...(one in the master bedroom and the other in the laundry room)...and they were actually old window frames I found and Mr Seventies removed the glass for me.  These ones are all ready to go as is!  The possibilities are endless....

I was on the hunt for a basket...looking for one suitable to hold pool towels, bathing suits, dog safety harnesses, sunscreen, etc.  I liked this one but preferred a basket with a top and not sure round would hold everything needed....

Yup...this describes me on some days...as it's good to keep busy....

I thought this was nice...be great hanging in a kitchen or propped up on the counter...

I found the perfect basket! And 50% off as well!  Done and done.  I chose the top basket ...the one under neath had a small bit of damage on the top.  I think this will suite my needs perfectly!

Liesel thought so too!

My girl did so well in the store...people stopped to fuss over her and a gave a few pats on the head...she loved the attention!

And with that, we decided it was time to get a drink of water and a couple of biscuits.  

Welcome To a Brand New Month!!

I'm thinking spring has sprung!  Most of the snow on our property is gone...thanks to warm temperatures, rain and fog.  Fingers crossed we've seen the last of winter.

Mr. Seventies is anxious to get outside and do yard work.  We are a long way from that...the ground is really wet and mushy.

Pretty quiet on the home front...the pellet stove technician was here last week...and the blower needs to be replaced.  Except they are on back order...so until that time when one arrives...we are required to unplug the stove.when not in use .as the blower runs after being turned off.  Annoying...but not the end of the world. 

I was reading online that you can burn these laundry beads in your tart warmer...I purchased this one to give it a try..

And it does work!  But be warmed....the scent is strong and over powering!  I'm usually one for strong scents...but these were way to strong for my liking.  They smell awesome...like you are doing laundry non-stop.  I may use them if I'm low on wax tarts...and in small amounts.  

Anyone else tried them?

I want to share a couple of cute clothing items I picked up...this blouse is so pretty and light...can't wait to wear it!  Loving the purple and black!

And this two piece set wasn't even on sale...that's a sign I really, really like it!  Not waiting for a sale...I was concerned my size would sell out.  The top has ties on the shoulders...

I'm not 100% liking the split on the bottom of the capris...I may have them stitched up.  I feel they flounce around too much when I walk.  It's certainly an easy fix...

That's about it for today!  Going to enjoy this spring like weather!!