Thursday Mini Update

Hell-o happy we are to be almost through January!  And as weather goes..it's been pretty much uneventful.  We were able to walk with Liesel...wearing sneakers...(us...not her).  Usually we have had a couple of large snowfalls under our belts in January...but not this year!  February is usually our coldest month...freezing temps and bone numbing windchills!  Can't wait...(insert sarcasm)...

So...remember the Sperry boots I ordered??? These ones...

I wanted to love them!  All the reviews stated they ran big...and advised to size down. (they lied).  I couldn't get my foot into them...felt they were a bit on the cheap feeling side.  Not that they were cheap....mid range price point...but I had to send them back.  (free returns).  I didn't reorder...I wasn't overly impressed with them.  I'll stick to my Bean Boots...although they are too heavy for walking...but great for winter days! (Bean Boots..btw...do actually run big!). I am able to wear two pair of socks while wearing them!  

I hung the sign I picked up the other day...in the front entry.  Other than standing out on the step...with the door open to get a decent photo...this is the best I could do.  As I've mentioned before...our front entry...is the width of a stair tread.  (matches my one bum kitchen)...the sign reads "This Is Our Happy Place"......

And I put the yellow decor on the little table in the entry as well....I need to style it a bit more...but for now...this is where they sit....

This will probably be my last post for January!!  I plan to do a family room refresh in the upcoming days...nothing major...just a bit of updating...(new cushion covers coming)....

Hope to see you all in February!!  Wonder if the ground hog will see his shadow??

New Home Decor Pieces

While shopping with daughter and grand baby a few days ago...we decided to browse Winners.  It has been months since I visited there....and then I remembered why.  Their selection of home decor was pretty small...unlike other stores in the Maritimes.  Since travel out of province, unless for compassionate or medical appointments is strictly discouraged (not them mention the mandatory 14 day self isolation requirements)...it will likely be some time before we are able to travel off Island.   Neither here nor there...I prefer to shop at home.  

It could be the pandemic has limited supply coming this way....so if I can't find what I'm looking for local...there is always on line.  The only think I picked up at Winners was a pack of four face cloths.

We decided to drop into Michaels...using my 30% off coupon on my phone...I picked up this pretty wall decor...thinking it may go in the front entry....

This time of year I'm longing for colour...these cute holders add a pop of colour....maybe on the small table have in the front entry as well...I'll post photos once I have decided...

I love black and white buffalo check...and with off white slip covered furniture....and these being such an amazing price on Amazon...for all four...I ordered a set.  The reviews are awesome...and I love that the zippers are hidden.   If you are looking for a cushion refresh....check these covers out....(not sponsored btw)...

While cleaning out the kitchen cabinets a few weeks ago...I took stock of my utensils...and most are old...well used...a couple missing handles...long overdue for a few new pieces.  The holder is included...but I have a ceramic holder I prefer to use.  I like that this set has wooden handles as well.  

I'm required to wear a Medic Alert bracelet...one chain bracelet  I wear strangely enough bothers my right wrist. (and has ruined a many a sweater by snagging).   I switched wrists...but still suffered wrist pain. Since my subscription coverage was due...I ordered a new bracelet...something without a chain or silicone band.  Leather is my go to...this one also comes in white, red and pink as well....I chose black.  Goes with everything...a bit more of a nuisance to remove for showers and swimming...but do the same for my watch...so I will manage...

Liesel and I both have spa appointments....this beauty doesn't happen on it's own...lol.  We had a dusting of snow over night...have an online grocery order to pick up this afternoon as well.  

Stay safe & have an awesome day!!

Kitchen Re-Fresh

 It's been a while since I've shared kitchen photos...and I've spent some time decluttering cabinets, cleaning...and organizing.  Mr. Seventies loves playing the game "Where has she moved things to now?"  

As a reminder...this kitchen is all of nine feet wide...and that's from one wall to the other....not from cabinet to cabinet.  It's what I call a "one bum kitchen"".... get more than one person working in there...and you are just in each other's way....

When this seventies split was built....in 1973..... there was little to no thought put into kitchen design or a kitchen for that matter.  Not sure if the builder ran out of funds or what happened...but there was only an eight foot stretch of plywood cabinets...take out space for a double sink...and called it a kitchen.  All this area...where the wall oven, range, sink and dishwasher are now housed...was blank.  Nothing but empty...bare wall and floor space....

Can you believe the sun was shining in when I took this photo?  Glorious sun....as it rises on the north side of the house...

This is the opposite side...across from the sink area...I keep Liesel's food bin and treat jar at easy reach...

I still love these cabinets...and worked with a kitchen designer to lay out the details.  At that time...I had a strict budget...and granite was not in that budget.  Fast forward a few years...and one stormy day in March the granite installers arrived...and I was in heaven with new counter top...and then a new tile back splash was installed.  The previous backsplash I had chosen...was a last minute decision at the time...so I quickly chose black tiles.  I was happy to see them removed...as they did darken down the space....

Where Liesel's crate sits...is where the previous eight feet of cupboard sat...and the sink was under that very window....

All the appliances have been replaced in the last few years...some a couple of times...with the exception of the refrigerator....and it is the one appliance I am patiently waiting for it to stop working.  Please.  I want a double door with the freezer section on the bottom model...and yet I cannot justify purchasing a new one until this tug dies.  Whoever said appliances don't last forever...please introduce yourself to this one.  

There was a piece of cabinetry that was planned for installation over the fridge....so it would look nicer...and would not show the top...but why deny me the pleasure of continually dusting there?  

I'll measure much more carefully when the time comes...

I am so happy with my table and benches.  Confession time...we have never....ever...had a meal at that table yet.  We keep saying we are going to...but in the summer...we eat most meals outside...and winter...we love to be warm by the pellet stove....and family holiday meals and birthday celebrations are usually spent at our daughter's home...

Also in this photo...where the pantry sits...is where the previous stove and refrigerator were stuck.  This kitchen is twenty two feet long....from end to end...it was very much like a bowling alley.  Oh the days I spent dreaming of having a "real" kitchen.  And we had to work with the space we had...

The wicker basket on the floor...stores our hats, gloves, mittens...and Liesel's wraps and sweaters.  Handy for heading out the back door..

Every Christmas I received a wire dachshund calendar...it is my absolute favourite.  I don't have to wait for a month with a wire dachshund photo....every month has adorable wire photos!!    How cute are these January wire puppies?

And that's my kitchen.  One thing I truly love is the amount of storage space the cabinets provide...although with decluttering....some sit empty.  And I'm committed to keeping them that way.  

Thank you for tagging along on my kitchen tour.  It's cold again here today.   Stay warm if it's cold where you are!!

Monday Catch Up

Happy Monday!  We had a wet & windy weekend...with the odd appearance of sun every now and then.  I'm excited to share the Mason's Pink Vista soup tureen...it arrived...safe and sound.  I'd say the sellers were seasoned shippers...it was packed so well...with much padding...and wrapping!  The plate underneath is not the correct size...but if I use the larger plate...it's a bit thicker....and there is not enough shelf height for both tureen and plate...

The shelves are evenly spaced apart...so moving it to another shelf is of no resolve...for now I'll use the smaller plate...my cabinet is quite full with more plates, platters and bowls stored underneath.  My three tier cake stand will sadly not fit either in the cabinet or underneath.....it's tucked away in a cabinet in the kitchen...

I had some fun using my gift cards from Christmas to do a bit of on line shopping...I've been wanting a pair of Sperry boots for a while now...and since they came on sale...(and a great sale)...I ordered a pair.  From reviews I read, they run a tad on the large size...so I sized down.  I found the same thing with my Bean Boots from LL Bean...I should have sized down when ordering them.  I chose to keep them and wear thicker socks...I'm hoping the Sperry boots fit great.  If not...daughter will be getting new boots...lol.  

I chose this dark leather upper...I'm also hoping they are lightweight enough to be able to wear walking...

One of the gift cards I received was from Etsy...I found these soy tarts from a Canadian seller...based in Leduc, Alberta!  When Mr. Seventies and I were on vacation in Alberta...we stopped in Leduc for a lunch break!  I'm looking forward to the soy melts arriving...the reviews were 5 out of 5 stars! And I love that the seller offered free shipping.  If you are interested in her products...check out boohoo hound on Etsy (not a sponsored post btw).  I'll give my thoughts when I've had a chance to try them out...

And lastly...continuing to use my gift cards...I ordered the following tops...an adorable t shirt...and I'm a sucker for anything with bees on it...

This pretty top caught my eye...and I love the cut out area....super soft and looks very comfortable as well...

And this is my kind of top...soft and flowy...and a bit of a turtleneck...great to wear with jeans...my go to staple!

Today looks much drier and with the sidewalks being bare...it's going to be a great day to harness Liesel up and get a walk in.  Mr. Seventies took her yesterday...in between rain showers...she spent the remainder of the afternoon on guard duty.  The crows (the bain of her existence) were safe for a few hours....

We spent a couple of hours with daughter, hubby and grand baby on the weekend...she is our very heart and soul!  We enjoy hanging out with them....and of course...loving up on our girl.  She is getting so strong...almost sixteen pounds now!  

Hoping you have an awesome day!!  

Quick Home Sense Tour

I popped into Home Sense the other day...I didn't mill about as the store was busy...even with a restricted number of shoppers allowed in the store.   It seemed every aisle I turned down...there was one or two people browsing.  Which is fine...but it makes it difficult to maintain the six feet apart rule....or search anything I was looking for...

And what is up with white towels?  I've been wanting new hand towels and face cloths...but as of late there has been nothing catch my eye.  And..white?  No thank you...I'm not living in a hotel...nor a fan of white for use everyday...so I will continue looking.  I prefer thick, good quality towels and face cloths...in any colour but white...

I usually pick up covered hangers at Wal Mart...but since I saw these...and I'm needing a few more...I purchased these.....

They had a pretty selection of knobs...a friend is searching for a set for a cabinet she is re-doing....I've let her know there are a few choices in stock...

I needed a couple of frames and found these pretty ones...for new born photos of our grand baby.  There is a company that will take your newborn's precious face and digitally impose it in gorgeous settings...and with Covid and grand baby being so sick, undergoing heart surgery as a new born...photo sessions were not in the cards.

My daughter came across the company online that provides this amazing service...and we are able to have newborn photos.  Not as we had planned...she never had the chance to wear the crown and tutu her Mimi had purchased for photos...but blessed she is healthy and happy!

Liesel seem to be the only one to score really well...a couple fun new toys.  I usually pick up her toys at the thrift store...but it's been quite a while since I have visited.  While it's a large store...there always seems to be a line up for entering...

We've had a couple of snowy days...not storms...just snow fluffies all day.  Liesel and I have managed to get out for short walks...but she has the right idea where to spend her days...

Wishing everyone a great weekend!!

Mid Week Update

 It's Wednesday already...and it's been a busy few days.  I didn't get a chance to do any shopping or browsing earlier in the week...but hoping to get out and about today...weather forecasts calls for sun...but cool...

And.....the shed is completed...and it looks great!  And is large enough to store the lawnmower, garden tiller,  weed & hedge trimmers, rakes, shovels...pool equipment...etc.  Mr. Seventies will need to build a ramp at the doors for ease of rolling lawn and garden equipment out...

My daughter and I have been on the hunt for a baby sled for grand baby...we attempted to find one before Christmas...and since we will likely have more snow...and with great trails nearby...the hunt was on again!  After searching on line and a few phone calls to local stores...I was able to find one!  The store was showing although they had none in the actual store...their inventory was showing they had eleven in their warehouse!  And are bringing one in on their supply truck...which should be in late this afternoon.  They will call when it arrives & we can pick it up...

Should be a great way for grand baby to get fresh air...when snow on the streets in their subdivision make pushing a stroller very difficult...or  for use on the trails (which are kept very groomed and cleared for walkers)...

My on line orders have mostly arrived...everything fits beautifully.  I did order another pair of leather gloves...when I find a pair that fit well and like...I get a second pair.  It is not unthinkable to loose a pair or one...somewhere along the way.  Although I am very careful most of the time.  And I came across this faux Silver Fox hat...and were I not such an animal lover...I would have the real thing...and a matching coat!

The only furrier here closed down years ago....there are so many good quality faux furs available...I'm hoping this one looks great and is warm.  Real furs require care and refrigeration.....so not sure what people with fur coats, hats and headbands do in the off season.  With faux fur...it's not an issue...and I prefer animals keep their own fur....but it's about personal choice.  

I want to share this gorgeous chenille spread/blanket my friend is giving me!  She is downsizing...and knew I have long admired it...the quality is gorgeous...and it is in excellent condition.  I love the scalloped edges!   I think it will look amazing in the summer...as a lightweight topper for the bed...or laid across the bottom of the bed.  No matter...I will just enjoy it's beauty!  Growing up...chenille spreads were what my sister and I had on our beds!!

Hoping you have an awesome day!  We are almost halfway through January...

Storage Shed - Roof Shingles Installed

 The roof shingles were installed on the shed over the weekend!  They guys felt it would take the roofing contractor about four hours to complete the roof...and likely all day for them....it was decided to let the roofing pros do the roof...

And it was cold...and windy...but it didn't seem to bother the roofer (he owns the company)...you can seem him getting started...

This gave me a chuckle....a shovel he used to clear off the roof...and kept it handy...

One more day will likely finish up construction of the shed...and it looks like the weather will co-operate..no wet weather in the forecast...the guys are working away out there this morning....

We have to find a weather proof lock for the doors once it is finished...

Errands, appointment and a bit of shopping if time allows is planned for today.  Hope you have an awesome day!!

Happy Friday and Shed Update

Welcome to Friday.  Nothing special about it...it's just Friday!  

Considering the messy weather we've had the past few days...(rain, snow, winds & cold)...I can't believe how much progress has been made on the storage shed.  The walls are up...and the roof is on...

The guys decided to have the roofing contractor install the roof shingles...same company installed our roof shingles...and the shed shingles will match.  The roofing company can do the work in about half a day...I'm not certain what day it will be done...but happy to let them get it done...

The guys will build the double doors in the four foot wide opening..in the shop..then bring them down to install (the shop is close by...three houses up the road)...

So that is how far the shed construction has come this week....very happy with the progress...and feel for Mr. Seventies and Paul for enduring a couple of miserable days outside.  

If you are wondering why now they chose to build it now (than say September)...the answer is...because they have the time this week.  Simple as that. They booked out this time to be able to construct it...the next few days the weather is improving...so thankful for that. 

I had the discussion with Mr. Seventies regarding a headboard for the guest bedroom...he is agreeable..but advised time will the an issue.  So perhaps I may end up purchasing one on FB marketplace...I'm hoping to find one for a good price.  

That's a wrap for this week...I hope you have an awesome weekend!   

Shopping The Sales....and other Stuff

 I've been able to snag some great deals online...after Christmas sales...here are a few clothing items I've ordered...

I absolutely love this long cardigan...I've been waiting for it to go on sale...and it finally did at 60% off!  The only drawback...no pockets!  I do love me some pockets...but I can make do without them as this sweater looks so soft and comfortable...and the colours....so pretty...

This is actually a dress...but I will wear it with leggings...I own a couple of leather leggings that are super comfortable...and this would pair perfect with them...

Now these are not for everyone...but I love them!  I can wear them around the house...great for kicking back in....and the colour is amazing...I'd wear a longer t-shirt or top underneath...

And this soft and warm long top...again perfect to wear with skinny jeans or leggings....this is so my style...

And a couple of pretty dresses....the first one had me at the pockets...and the gorgeous colour!!

And leopard anything has me at hello...(minus the belt)...these dresses are casual enough to pull on a pair of tights and add boots....

This is such a cute t-shirt...and with Valentine's Day coming up...it will be perfect.....

This pretty top had me at the embroidery detail...not to mention the gorgeous cranberry colour...so soft and pretty...

And lastly..love everything about this top...again so me.  The colour is gorgeous...and the casual look is my style...

The cushion covers I ordered arrived...the photo does not do them justice.  They are so soft...and pretty...and fit perfectly on my cushions...

The guys worked on the storage shed yesterday...and got quite a bit done....as you can see we have a bit of snow...but that really didn't slow them down...

I'm not sure how much they will be able to work today...as it is fairly windy and showers/wet snow in the forecast...at days end yesterday...they got a start on the roof rafters...I was happy they were able to get the lumber from one store...and did not have to waste time going from one to another in search of supplies...

I so excited to share I was able to score the Mason's Pink Vista soup tureen....for a great price on eBay.  Usually...they run $450-$500 complete with underplate and ladle...I made an offer on the tureen...and the seller accepted!  Both Mr. Seventies and I were shocked...but very happy!!  This is an older piece...with no chips or cracks...

Another seller had the under plate...and out of the blue..offered me a discount...you can bet I snatched it up quickly....the tureen sits on the plate...they are matching pieces...lighting, etc...might make them appear not to match...

I need now to be on the look out for an ironstone ladle...but I'm positive I will be able to find one that will match perfectly.  I was able to score these pieces for less than half the usual selling price.  I have the exact same pieces only smaller...it's a gravy tureen with under plate.  

The table runners I ordered arrived...and I am so happy with the quality and look of them!  I'll share photos in another post...one was a set of two...daughter will have one for her table as well. 

I was out & about yesterday.....just a quick outing...nothing caught my eye at the home decor store..it seems every time I visit...they are putting out stock!  It's very difficult to get around and shop...as there are at least a dozen stock clerks busily putting things out.  I decided to go back later in the week...since new items were just arriving.

That's about it for today!  Hope you have an awesome day...and stay safe!!