And Just Like That....

Sometimes things happen fast around here.  I'm not one for mulling things around in my head for very long...but occasionally things progress rather quickly...even for me.  

As I was considering what to do with our current slipcovered furniture...I decided to post it on FB Marketplace.  Within three minutes of posting them for sale (no exaggeration)...I heard my phone go off..and I received a message a buyer would take it!  My jaw hit the floor.  A few minutes later I received payment...and before I knew it...it was sold!  Wow.  Just like that.  I explained one cushion cover was having a new zipper sewn...and I would contact when it was finished.  No day for pick up has been chosen yet...the next few days are going to be wet & sloppy....but fingers crossed it will be gone before next Thursday...as this gorgeous gal will be delivered.  We have dealt with this furniture store in the past...they are amazing and sell quality, Canadian made pieces...well worth the price.  And I'm a lover of all things leather!  Isn't she gorgeous?  And I love the caramel colour....just have to show her off again....

That's the only piece I have picked out...we may be sitting on lawn chairs for a few days.  I saw this one & it's very comfortable ..the photo does not do it justice...it is gorgeous.  Again..amazing quality & Canadian made...but I fear it would clash with my area rug...even though they share some of the same colours...

I will continue to search for maybe solid colour chairs...likely a couple.  But...no love seat!   I may wait until the furniture is gone...and the new sofa is delivered...before I decide which seat arrangement works best.  I like my furniture to create a comfortable conversation feel.  I've been in homes where the furniture is pushed back against the walls...chairs undersized and awkwardly placed..and a huge barren mass in the centre of the room.  To avoid that...I'll take my time deciding what I need and how to place things.  

 

I'm still looking for a front entry chandelier...as the one I fell in love with...is overpriced...or more than I want to pay.  I came across this one... (the one right in the centre)...

A better picture on the box..I didn't purchase as I'm not 100% sure it's what I want.  I do really like it...so it is up for consideration...

And wait...there's more!  We are undertaking the huge job of painting...and I've chosen colours for the family room, front entry and hallway!  And all the mouldings and interior doors will be painted a cream colour...not white.  Rather than purchase new doors...I've asked Mr. Seventies to add trim to all the doors...something like this...we will reuse our current door knobs and hinges...they are relatively new...but other than being plain...they are fine.  New doors are extremely expensive...and when you need eight of them...that can quickly add up...this is what I have in mind....

I'll wait until the three areas are completed before I chose a paint colour for the kitchen.  I won't share the colours yet..as they wouldn't reflect their true shades on a paper paint chip...but I'm moving into the warm browns and the colours should play nicely together...since all the rooms are open to each other.

Today...I have my list of supplies to pick up...Mr. Seventies took inventory last evening...and with paint on sale at Home Hardware ... I'll pick up four gallons to start.  I will remove the wall decor and likely this evening Mr. Seventies will take down the television & we'll patch any holes to dry over night for sanding tomorrow.  The window shutters will need to be removed as well...but they can stay until the trim gets painted.  

I had considered changing out the family room area rug...but I still love the colours and it still looks like new.  Wool rugs are so worth the money.  I think the plan is to roll it up and slide it off to one side during painting...

Never a dull moment around here peeps!  Hope you stick around for the ride...I'll take photos as we go.  

Slipcovered Furniture-I'm Over It!!

Did you ever have one of those days...where you feel like you're just spinning your wheels?  I'm sure you have.   I had one of those days this week...

First thing this particular morning...the SUV went in for an oil change.  It was early morning...in & out in less than half an hour.  Then went to pick up Mr. Seventies for an appointment - then dropped him back off at the job site.

And...the slipcovers I dropped off last week were ready for pick up.  Yay!  Happy they were done...swung by and picked them up.  Now I've had these covers done a number of times...and have never had an issue putting them back on...but it took me well over two hours of pulling and stretching...so much so that the back of my hands were red, chafed  & getting sore!!  I'd work for a few minutes...then give up.  I thought I'd wait until Mr. Seventies got home...so I decided to put the cushion covers on. 

And....one of the covers zipper broke!!  Now I'm still hanging with it at this time.  I take the cover and head to the fabric store (where I thought repairs could be taken).  Firstly, when I arrived...there was a sign on the door...you needed an appointment to go in.  I called...advised I wasn't there to shop for fabric...but I needed a zipper replacement.  And was told "they don't do sewing repairs any longer".  But I was free to come into their lobby and check out the various business cards of seam stresses, upholsterers in the area.

While I was browsing the cards...a sweet store clerk came out...and pick a card and recommended a particular seamstress.  Eureka!  I went to my vehicle and called her.  She inquired if I was still at the store & did I have the cover with me?  And...yes to both questions.  She instructed I leave the cushion cover at the store, with my contact information...she had an appointment at the store later in the day & would pick up the cover and replace the zipper.  

Awesome.  Mini crisis averted.  Now back at home...I tackled the covers again.....and again...until I was thoroughly exhausted...and extremely frustrated...and so cranky by then.  The whole room was a mess...I had planned on getting so much done...and it's now mid afternoon...and I was no further ahead. Finally, I was able to get the covers on...but this chick has had it!!  

This was not how it was supposed to be!  Slipcovers were supposed to be so easy...just slip them off & launder them...easy peasy.  No...not easy peasy.  I'm to the point where I hate them...(strong word...I know)...I hate having to either keep them covered or constantly trying to keep them clean.   I surrender! Wave the white flag...

By the time my adoring husband arrived home...(to no supper waiting)...I was a blubbering mess.  Between the furniture...and things needing painting...(walls...mouldings)...it all became overwhelming. With his comforting words and hugs (and take out for supper)... my world is right again.  

So...the conclusion...the slipcovered furniture has to go.  Not sure where yet...maybe daughter wants it for her hubby's man cave...or maybe I'll sell it.  But it is going.  Now...what to replace it with.  I've always been a lover of leather..this one is a possibility...

And there will be no love seat. Of all the most useless pieces of furniture...the love seat has to be high on the list.  I'm thinking maybe a couple of matching soft, comfy chairs...that co-ordinate with leather.  I definitely love the caramel colour..if I decide on leather...that will be the colour.  

Now..the area rug...do I keep it...or replace it?  And paint colours?  The family room looks into the kitchen, the front entry and hallway...so those rooms likely will need to be done as well.  Along with all the mouldings and interior doors.  I haven't decided if they should be replaced or paint the existing...we will need a further conversation on that.  Mr. Seventies will paint any colour I want...I'm thinking black mouldings & doors ...instead of white.  Will have to see what paint colour combos I come up with first. 

I really wanted to hire the painting out...but Mr. Seventies insists he wants to do it.  He loves to paint..so I will attempt to help him.  If I had my way though..painters would be in here...and have it done in half the time.  But if the man wants to paint....who am I to refuse?

I know...some may think me a bit of a drama queen...but our home is my sanctuary.  And I want what I want.  It's a little intimidating getting started...I'll likely bring you along for the ride.  With all the craziness of Covid...and not being able to travel or see family in other provinces close by...I'll be here...nesting instead.  Could think of worse things to do!

Moving on.  Remember that cow photo from the other day?  The one painted on shiplap?  Yes...this one..somehow it meandered it's way to the master bedroom...isn't she pretty?

And...gotta love the Mission Store!  Found perfect toy storage with a $5 price tag...for Liesel's ever growing number of stuffies!  I weeded out the ones that were nothing but shreds...washed & dried a few that were well loved...and tossed in a couple of new ones...much to her delight...

That's been my week in a nutshell.  My plan for today is to spend some much needed time with my daughter and grand baby.  Texting and calling just doesn't work for us most of the time.  We're having a "snow squally" day...which does nothing to uplift the mood.   But loving on my girls sure will. 

Have an awesome day!  And most importantly stay safe....

Monday Catching Up

I meant to post the end of last week...and the days got away on me!  So...let's dive in.  On Thursday I removed the furniture slipcovers & Liesel & I dropped them off at the cleaners.  The biggest pain in getting them done...is driving to the downtown area...there is no place closer to us.  I have discovered another cleaners...a little closer and plan to call and inquire if they launder and press slipcovers.  It is at least located a little closer.  I'm also interested in the turn around time... having them gone nearly a week...is a bit much.  I don't mind a couple of days...but nearly a week is a bit longer than I like...

Once the covers were dropped off...Liesel and I continued on and popped into Home Sense and Michaels...in search of a larger toy box for her toys.  Someone was a bit distracted by all the squeakies...but there were no toy totes or baskets at Home Sense.  I was also in search of a dachshund throw (available at other off Island locations) for Liesel's bed time crate.  Again...none carried at our location.

So, we moved on to Michaels.  And...would you believe not one basket in the whole store?  At Michaels..the basket capital of the world!!   Only plastic totes and Easter baskets available...although Liesel did eye these cuties pretty hard...we both seem to have a love of anything bunny....

And...heart be still.  This may end up in my home...just saying.  I have an idea...

I spotted these adorable measuring cups.  At first I thought they were Pioneer Woman...they aren't..but just as cute and pretty....

I love these as well....not quite the same as the one I have...

We did not, however find anything for toy storage.  Liesel has outgrown her current toy box...and having them scattered about the floor isn't working...so will continue searching.  A friend mentioned Wal Mart had some good size baskets..so will check them out.  Surprises me a bit...as our location has very little home goods in stock...but worth a look. 

The scarecrow tart warmer arrived...and it's even cuter than I imagined.  I think it is discontinued...so very happy to be able to get one...

I love that the hat comes off...and this is where the tarts go...with a 25 watt bulb underneath.  I've tucked it away for use in the fall...

I want to share some adorable onesies a talented lady here made for grand baby....at no charge!  Grand baby has a photo shoot booked...in celebration for her first birthday...and her Mom & Dad have been documenting her journey...as she is a true "heart warrior"...

I adore them all...but I think my favourites are these three...

The photographer has a number of heart related back drops and props...we are really looking forward to seeing the end results.  I think a cake smash segment is in the works as well.  Since the lady would not accept payment for these adorable items...my daughter did up a "thank you" goodie bag from grand baby and them...it is heart warming to know there are still caring people in the world.  A loving gesture for sure....

My daughter also found this t-shirt...hmmm....could it be for a certain Mimi's upcoming birthday?  I'm definitely a proud Mimi of our little heart warrior!!

And...this was Liesel's mood yesterday...after I closed the shutters to avoid her barking at people walking by our house...or birds in the feeders...or just anything in general!  This is what is known as stink eye...she is not very happy with Mama...

Today finally the temperature is warming up where at least we may get out for a much needed walk.  Between everything covered in ice and bone numbing wind chills...we haven't been able to get out walking for days.   There is so much salt on the sidewalks...I'm glad I purchased a couple of invisible paw protectants...so it won't burn or irritate Liesel's paws.  I know the salt is necessary for safety...but it is hard on paws.

Hope you have an awesome day!  Stay safe where ever you are. 

Hump Day Happenings

Happy Hump Day!  Storm #1 of the week has passed...we had snow at first...then a full day of ice pellets. No power outages in our area...Mr. Seventies reports the snow is like cement to move...he was up early to clean off the deck and walk way...

Yesterday was spent by a warm fire...during my cleaning and purging I came across my Welcome banner.  I purchased this at Michaelas a couple of years ago...and stencilled the letters with black craft paint from the Dollarama. (btw..there is no fire hazard just to be clear...)

My canister set arrived...and the set is perfect.  After a thorough washing...I filled each one..and now things are at hand when I need them.  The coffee tin holds coffee pods for the Keurig...

When cleaning out my kitchen towel drawer...I was a bit surprised & embarrassed how worn and ratty they were were. Time for some new ones!!  I ordered these ones from Amazon...and they are the best towels...generous size & super absorbent.  I cut up the old towels for cleaning rags....Mr. Seventies is always looking for a rag for some project or another...

And two of my tart warmers arrived!!   And I love them both...I put this one in the kitchen..when turned on it is bright enough to use as a night light...

And the "Deja Moo" warmer...I set on the cabinet in the family.  This burner is my favourite...you all know how I feel about cows.  I received notification the scarecrow warmer has been delivered to our mail box compartment...will pick it up today.  Can't wait to see it...even though I will tuck it away for use in the fall...I'll share photos when I have it home.  

With all this wintery mix of weather...I've started to focus on summer and warmer temps...and have a few summer items on order...I love the colour and fit of this pretty top...

Along with a couple of pair of distressed denim shorts...I ordered t-shirts...great for hanging out on the deck this summer...paw prints had me at hello...

And who doesn't love dinosaurs?  Never too old for dinosaurs...

And this pretty gingham top..light and summery to wear with capris...and again I like the fit of this...very flattering...

And since I am in a summer frame of mind...little grand baby will be needing her very own pool float..and this one has great review..for ages 6-36 months...and has a sun cover...to protect her fair skin...(along with sunscreen).

She & her Momma attend swim classes weekly...and have a great time in the water....looking forward to her joining us this summer in our pool. I like that this one comes with a duck toy and bag for storage once swim season is over.  There are leg holes for her to sit & have her legs and feet in the water...great for kicking & splashing....

Schools are on a one hour delay this morning...with a further announcement coming.  There's rumblings of another storm arriving Friday or Saturday...seems we are getting winter this month.  I have an online grocery order to pick up...and plan to stay close to the hearth in the meantime.  

Stay safe out there..and have an awesome day!!

Calm Before The Storm

Happy Monday!!  We have a major weather system coming our way...beginning tonight.  10-15 cm of snow...which isn't much.  We can deal with that.  It's the ice pellets and extended hours of freezing rain that is to come afterwards that puts Islanders on edge.  Freezing rain = power outages.  Over the past number of years...electrical wires and poles have been upgraded...and the city does a great job of keeping trees cut back off the lines...but we have lost our power in previous ice storms.  

A number of years ago...upon moving here...our first winter (rural area) saw us have no electricity, heat or running water for seven consecutive days!   Lines...burdened with ice...toppled over like dominos.   The one and only winter we spent there!  

The reason we installed the propane stove...in the lower level family room...was  fear of power loss. The stove runs without electricity...and provides heat!  We can heat water for tea & coffee on it!!  (very important).  We have leather sofa and love seat with lots of soft cushions and throws, candles, portable radio, batteries and flashlight on standby.  We put the stove in when we had three little dachshunds...in the event we ever had to vacate our home due to no heat...where could we go where dogs would be allowed?  And we'd never leave them...so having a propane stove installed that requires no electricity is a perfect solution...

A couple of winters ago...we hunkered down for over eighteen hours downstairs before the power was restored.  We laid a soft bed on the braided rug for Liesel to snuggle by the warm stove. 

I'm still hoping this messy weather system goes south of us...or comes in rain after the snow...but best to be prepared as much as possible.  I worry daughter & family may loose power...and electricity is their only heat source.  And if road conditions are terrible...they might be unable to get to our home.  Fingers crossed all will be well.  Also charging up our phones, laptops & tablets...

Remember that light fixture I showed a few posts back...that I'm crushing hard on for our front entry?  This one...

Well...I foolishly didn't look at the price!  A whopping $517!!  *thud*!  There is no way I'd pay that price...but that is the price on Amazon.ca.  However....on Amazon.com (US site)...which carries the fixture AND ships to Canada...the price...including shipping and duties...is $175 cheaper!!  Someone explain that to me!!  I'm left scratching my head on this one.  While still pretty pricey...I'm going to mull it around for a while...I have found nothing I love as much as this fixture.  Stay tuned....maybe I can auction off a body part...(jk)...

And sometimes things just don't work out for me...such as this tray I ordered.  Now...to be honest I read the size of the tray in the description...but didn't comprehend the numbers.  So...now I have my trusty tape measure close by...so when sizes are given...I can check out the dimensions before hand.   This tray is a little over 5" wide...way to narrow for what my intended use is.  So...back it goes...and I will search for a larger one to fit my purpose...

I hope everyone had a special Valentine's Day!  As always...Mr. Seventies spoils me...a pretty bouquet of carnations...a beautiful card and gift certificate to my hair salon!  

I gifted Mr. Seventies ta card with two jars of home made Valentine cookies and hot chocolate bombs.  There is a local home business run by a sweet lady & ...she makes a variety of yummy treats!  Always good to support local!  Especially during these trying times...

Have a great day!!  Going to get out and enjoy the sun today...sounds like the next couple of days will be messy!!  Stay safe everyone!

Have A Happy Valentine Weekend!!

 

Tart Warmers & More

Hello...my name is Charlotte...and I have a tart addiction!  Heaven forbid if you have allergies or are scent sensitive...my home would be off limits to you.  I..on the other hand...love nothing better than a clean, delicious smelling home!  

I especially love when Scentsy reps sell off their inventory...either to make way for new pieces or are no longer selling their products.  I'm not a fan of their actual wax melts for a couple of reasons...mainly I don't find their scents last only but a few hours.  And...in my humble opinion...they are over priced.   Moving on..

I struck warmer gold....this adorable scarecrow...(at a fraction of the retail price)...will be awesome to use in the fall!  When it arrives...I'll tuck it away until then...who doesn't love a scarecrow?

And you all know how I feel about cows...this one I'm most excited about....and there is a gorgeous red cardinal warmer I'm considering...but for now...Deja Moo will be hanging out in the kitchen....

I should mention what triggered this desire for additional warmers...I had one...in the kitchen that quit working.  Tried two fresh bulbs...thinking that was the issue...but clearly it was not.  Also...these are all electric warmers...I don't use candles....for anything.  (well..if the power goes out...then we're forced to).  My warmers use a 25 watt bulb...and battery operated flicker candles are used in my lanterns....on timers...even better!

Ok..final warmer...and only because it was such a great deal...and I think it will go in the family room....I like too how some of the warmers are like night lights...providing a warm glow during the evenings...

And one of my cupboard is full of delicious smelling tarts ( I think I shared a photo of that guilty pleasure a while back) ...and yes...I have a problem.  But it's a great smelling problem to have...

I have long crushed on this wooden distressed lantern my daughter purchased a number of years ago...I was with her in the primitive home decor store (that has since closed) when she purchased it.  Fast forward a few years...she was tired of it and knew I really loved it..so now it's mine.  Someday...she will likely get it back...right??  I placed a flicker candle inside..looks a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

I plan to set up a tea/coffee tray in my kitchen..or my version of it.  Daughter has one on her counter...next to the Keurig...and it's so handy.  Everything in one spot.  I ordered this rectangular metal tray....

And these canisters to hold tea bags, coffee pods...and sweetener...the flour one I'll fill and set in the cupboard.  Currently the coffee pods are stored in a Tupperware container...tea bags are in a ceramic cannister....that has been broken & repaired more times than I can remember...and the sweetener is in a bag...in the pantry cupboard  at the other end of the kitchen.  I don't own a sugar bowl...kinda strange, eh?

I was straightening up my dish towel drawer (more on that in a minute)...and realized my towels were looking a bit worse for wear.  I have micro fibre dish cloths...and love them...so thought I'd give the kitchen towels a try...the colour was of no importance...the reviews on wear and durability on these are really great.  Once they arrive...the old ones will make great cleaning rags...

I've recently discovered the KonMari method of organizing, decluttering and folding of clothes, towels, etc.  And it has been amazing.  Yesterday...I went through the bedroom dresser drawers...and set up three piles as I went.  One pile for tossing out, one for donations sand what I planned to keep.  So far...I've thrown out very little...but have a huge bag for the Mission Store.  And now...I currently have organized, neatly folded t shirts, jeans, leggings, socks, etc.   No more pawing through to find what I'm looking for or wrinkled clothes!

Oh...and...I found two never used gift cards that had been tucked away!!  Win-win!!  Once I finished with the drawers...I moved on to the closets...and was able to fold a number of things I had hung up previously just to keep them from wrinkling.  With the KonMari folding style...I now have room for them in a drawer...and one drawer has only 1/4 space filled.  The drawers are shallow...so bulky sweaters and dresses...of course..still require hanging.  But to have everything so neat and tidy....feels so good.  It's the little things peeps!

So...I've started on other areas of the house....like the kitchen towel drawer.   Even though we decluttered the kitchen cabinets....and got rid of so much that we weren't using...things could be better organized.  It's like I have items spread around various kitchen cabinets...so want to pull things together...so everything plays together nicely. 

I discovered KonMari on You Tube...so if you are interested in getting your home in order...check out videos there.  Mr. Seventies thinks I've lost my mind...but he dislikes clutter and disorganization as much as I do...

Nothing like a good snow storm to keep you busy inside!  We had about 40 cm of the white stuff blow around the other day.  All cleared and shovelled out now...it's really the first major storm we've had this winter.   Daughter had an appointment yesterday...so got to spend some quality time with our little Grumpy Cat!  

Hope all is well where you are!  Feel free to leave a comment & say hello!!

Farmhouse Chandelier

The installation of my new beaded chandelier is complete..and I couldn't be happier!  First order of business was to remove the ceiling fan...which was a pretty quick process.  I put it on Marketplace and within fifteen minutes or so...it sold.   This is before Mr. Seventies took it down...

We decided on the height we wanted the chandelier to hang...and Mr. Seventies ended up removing most of the electrical wire and chain....as they were not required.  More for use on high or vaulted ceilings....

I was concerned the metal parts would not be to my liking...as in photos they appeared to have a greenish tinge...but in fact it's more brownish gray...which is perfect...

And the end result...drumroll please...

So pretty when on...and this was during the day....(with a 60 watt soft white Edison bulb)...

Such a pretty pattern it throws on the ceiling.....

We couldn't be happier...love this chandelier...if I haven't mentioned that.  Of course...now I'm thinking...a new fixture in the front entry would be nice...and I'm crushing on this one.  I love that it's not a monstrous size....but still has the look that I love...going to give it some hard thought.  An extension ladder is required for use in the front entry...as from floor to ceiling...it is about a fifteen foot drop.  Not a place for timid cats like me.  So this may be coming up (or going up) at some point in the future....

We are getting blasted with a winter storm here that started overnight.  Schools and businesses are closed...I don't think we will receive the forecasted amount of snow...but with high winds....it doesn't much matter...visibility and drift snow is an issue. I'm certain in some areas loss of power will be an issue. Fingers crossed we don't lose ours.  

If it's storming where you are today...stay safe.  We plan to curl up by the pellet stove and watch the snow blow ...thankful we don't need to go out!

This, That & Other Things

This post is kinda all over the place...but I guess that's how most of them are, right?   So let's dive in and close out this first week of February.  The little rodent claims we will have six more weeks of winter...but everyone knows it wouldn't matter what or who he sees....we're still in for six more weeks of winter regardless.  

I was out and about a few days ago...and Easter decor is flourishing out there.  And...you all know my obsession with anything bunny related....but I did abstain...for now.  Oh it was hard though...I mean who doesn't love a bunny gnome??

Cutest cushion...ever...(I feel I say that about all of them)...this one is squisably soft too!!

This adorable table runner caught my eye...first thing I thought of though...was how would it hold up to washing?  I mean those cotton tails and bunny ears are cute...but that's about it...

I'm crushing hard on these adorable Valentine themed drinking glasses...doxies and Valentines...great combination!  

And some pretty, spring themed coffee mugs....and pink!!

I did purchase a set of bed sheets...more on that in a minute....these are 100% cotton...I know...but these will do in a pinch...

Bed sheets are the bain of my existence...I have tried just about every set I can find...and have yet to discover any that don't pill!!  It doesn't seem to matter the thread count or the fabric...they pill.  I know washing them in cold water is supposed to be the proper temperature...and line drying is preferred to going in the dryer...and when that is not feasible...dry on low temp.  Still...I get pills.  And I cannot stand it...like sleeping on sand!!  Is it just me or does anyone else have this problem?  It's me...isn't it?

I'm going to give these ones a whirl...they have excellent ratings and reviews...they are Bluemoon Homes 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton...(that's an eyeful to read...) and will fit thicker mattresses.  The Pros side was long...and nothing on the Cons..so fingers crossed.  I ordered a set in Ivory...if these are half as good as the claims....I will get a couple more sets....

And...my new light fixture arrived!!  I am so excited to see it installed...Mr. Seventies will get to that tomorrow!  

It's the perfect size for the room as well.  They do come larger... but I chose this size so as not to  overwhelm the room...and not too heavy!  Cannot wait to see it installed!  

That's a wrap up for this week!  Have a great weekend!!