Linen Sheets & Bedding

I've been hearing and reading about the fabulous quality of linen sheets, duvet covers, & pillow cases.  As a matter of fact I have three linen jumpers (dresses), Japanese apron and linen top/dress...

I have three of the dresses in various colours...these are so amazingly comfortable.  I typically wear them in the fall, over leggings and boots for footwear...

This was my first linen purchase a few years back...in this exact colour.  And it's still my favourite today!  It can be worn as a dress on warm days...or as a top with jeans or leggings...

And this apron...is my go to piece to wear over clothing.  It's much dressier than your regular apron....I leave it on when I'm out running errands...I have it in a dark tangerine colour...

So where is my go to for all things linen?  Etsy...of course!  I love supporting small entrepreneurs and each one has been amazing to work with!  I even receive Etsy gift cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas!  

When I started gaining an interest in linen bedding...naturally my first thought was Etsy!  You can custom order...to your bed size and mattress height...with a bevy of colours to chose from!!

I started with the sheets first...what is a little different...some are not sold in sets.  For these ones I chose, the fitted sheet and pillow cases....are a set.  The flat sheet I needed to order separate.  I know some people don't use a top sheet...and I'm liking that idea...but I did go ahead an order it...this is the fitted sheet and pillow cases...

And the separate flat sheet...to be honest...I did order these from a Canadian company...Silk & Snow...as the sizing on Etsy for sheets was a bit intimidating for me...(this is not a sponsored post)...

Once I am a bit more comfortable with the quality and feel of flax linen...I will probably order another set or two from Etsy.  The sellers are usually amazing to work with...

The duvet cover I did order...in Mustard Yellow...is from a seller on Etsy.  You had the choice of zipper or button closure....I chose button closure.  I didn't order the shams...the Olive Green pillow cases will suffice...and will look gorgeous with the duvet cover.  This is the exact one I ordered (again...not a sponsored post...just sharing how beautiful these items are....)

Now...just so you don't faint from sticker shock...linen is not inexpensive.  Just be prepared.  I have no issue spending for quality...as quality items will last much longer in the long run.  

I can't wait to sleep on linen sheets!  I have read and been told...the more they are washed...the softer they get!  And it's best to line dry or dry on a low heat setting in the dryer.  I love the wrinkly, casual look...but they can be ironed or steamed if wanted. 

Has anyone had experience with linen bedding?  I know some box stores carry linen...mostly stores in the US or stores we don't have here...but another thing I love about Etsy...is the buyer reviews.  And the ones that I have ordered from have excellent quality items with either free or reasonable shipping.  On both my sheets and duvet cover....shipping was free.  

Yesterday it was terribly hot & humid here...spent most of the day in & out of the pool!

Air conditioner update:  A bust.  Our windows are small...and the air conditioner I purchased was too big.  Upon returning it...we decided to check out Wal Mart for air conditioners.  According to the dimensions...we decided to go ahead and try a second time.  After haggling with the sales clerk...(the one shown to be in stock on their website...wasn't) and could not be ordered on line.  I requested a more expensive one for the same price...and was given the ok!  Thinking we scored a deal (which we did)...and confident this one would fit....it didn't.  

So..I'm done.  Defeated.  Vinyl windows...you have won the battle.  We'll settle for a couple of fans on hot nights.  Mr. Seventies has the second air conditioner boxed up & in the back of the SUV for return.   *sigh*.

Today....showers in the forecast.  Tomorrow hot & sunny again...daughter & grand baby coming for an afternoon swim..her hubby is going to play a round of golf with some buddies.   We are coming up on two celebrations!!  Canada Day is tomorrow....and July 2 is the one year anniversary of our little Grumpy Cat's heart surgery!  Barbecue & family time festivities planned!!

Have an awesome day!!  Stay cool if it's hot where you are!!

Things Are Blooming!

This is such a wonderful time of year to enjoy the beautiful shrubs and gardens around our home...the Red Prince Weigela is in full bloom....and is stunning...

And the Pink Splash variegated variety is in full bloom as well!

I'm so excited this peony has one bloom...it was planted last year...and once it matures...it is going to be gorgeous covered in coral blossoms!  We have a large pink peony that is about one day away from full bloom...I do plan to cut a bouquet.  Since they are usually covered in ants...after clipping I plunge them in a bucket of cold water for an hour or so...to rid them of the ants.  Works every time.  

Another gorgeous Bridal Wreath Spirea is blooming!  We have about four on our property...and most bloom at different times!  (there is another one blooming behind the pink weigela).  They are one of my favourite shrubs by far...

And how cute is grand baby's pool float?   She loves to beep the little horn...

We spent a lovely afternoon in the pool....she loves to be in the water!!

We are soon coming up on the one year anniversary of her open heart surgery...at 12 weeks old!  During a pandemic...at the sick children's hospital in Nova Scotia!  July 2, 2020 will always be ingrained in our minds...one of the longest days we, along with her parents...put in.  But look at her now!!  

And jumping all over the place here....the sheets and duvet cover set arrived...and I couldn't be happier...if you've been reading for a while...you know I changed things up...a lot...

Mr. Seventies hasn't installed the air conditioner yet...he was needed at our daughters to repair an outside retaining wall and install a new hanging light fixture over the Island.  Now that those are both out of the way...he is free to do the install. 

You know what I didn't think of though?  I have shutters on our windows...so one shutter will have to be removed for the air conditioner to go in the window.  Hmmm.....hadn't thought of that.  That leaves the top window...bare.  Going to have to see how I feel about that. 

That about wraps up things for today.  Hope you are enjoying great weather where you are....it looks like we are in sadly for a week of cloud and showers.

Stay safe and be kind to one another!!

Catching Up

This week has flown by...and with the amazing weather we've been having...we are very happy to have the pool up & running...with the water temperature reaching 26 C degrees (about 78 degrees F).  The water is clear & clean...and very enjoyable....

We have five peony shrubs...this one is in full bloom...along with a yellow one with blossoms that will be popping open today!  A pink one is a bit later...and we purchased a new one at the greenhouse a few weeks ago that will likely bloom next year.  One we purchased last year....has one bloom on it...yet to open.  We can't remember what colour it is...it will be a bit of a surprise for us!!

This one is just too pretty for me to cut a bouquet...

After living here for all these years...and with each summer getting hotter & hotter...we've finally decided to put an air conditioner in the master bedroom.  They are in short supply in the stores here...I was able to order one from a Canadian hardware store...with free shipping to the store.  This is the model we ordered...fingers crossed it is suitable...

I've been looking for a new outdoor mat for the front step...and ordered this one...with curb side pick up today....

I was in need of a couple of sleep shirts...and these ones are absolutely what I was looking for...this one is super lightweight...perfect for summer nights....

And anything tie dye...including sleep shirts...has me at hello.  These are great too for lounging around the house & deck in the evenings too on warm evenings....

And some cute earrings...with wearing my hair short now...I love wearing pretty earrings...

                          

And a cute t shirt dress...can be worn with leggings, capris or shorts under neath.  I love the flutter sleeves and it is super comfortable!

Both Mr. Seventies and I have appointments for our second dose of vaccine...within the next two weeks.  Looking forward to being fully vaccinated.  

Today Liesel & I have a couple of errands to run...a walk to get in...and enjoy the afternoon sitting on the deck & reading.  

Have an awesome day where you are!!

First Day of Summer!!

Summer has arrived!!  It's going to be hot here this week...and we are so ready for it!  The pool is fully operational..and current water temperature is 24 degrees (Celsius).  That's my sweet spot...anything above that temperature...is good for me!  Mr. Seventies rolls the solar blanket over the pool at night...and it keeps the water warmth in.  He was in the pool to set the steps in...today will be my first venture.  

I'm still searching for a wreath for the back deck...I popped into Michael's last week...the decor shelves are pretty bare.  I only snapped a couple of photos of a couple of things I love....one being these sunflower plates...

Sunflowers to me...are more of a fall decor...anyone else feel that way?  I'm crushing hard on this adorable cushion though.  This was the only section of the store that had any decor to speak of...

Mr. Seventies spread four yards of black mulch around the flower gardens...he may decide to get an additional couple of yards to finish off....I took a few photos of some gorgeous flowers and shrubs in bloom...a gorgeous rhododendron in full bloom....

This one is my favourite colour....and it has taken many years to finally show off it's beauty...

People walking past our home...stop and admire the gardens all the time...and if we happen to be out there...they stop and compliment how beautiful everything is!  I give full credit to Mr. Seventies...

I love, love, love these iris!  We have a few of these colour varieties...they remind me of little puppets!!

And the side garden is full of these beauties....

And the lupins are one of my favourites!  Mr. Seventies plans to order different coloured varieties...a friend in New Brunswick...has some deep pink ones...and they are gorgeous!  I didn't realize lupins come in a wide range of colours...so we are going to see what is available to order....

We are happy to see our Bridal Wreath Spirea coming back...it suffered major damage when the tree behind hit split off a huge branch and landed on it during a violent wind storm...

Mr. Seventies had a wonderful Father's Day!  He was treated to a delicious bar-be-que and presents at our daughter & son-in-laws.  And received cooked lobster and a huge Father's Day cake from our girls in Nova Scotia!  A local baker was having a Father's Day Cookie sale so I ordered a couple of batches for Mr. Seventies and daughter's husband...and they are as delicious as they look!!

Nothing planned for today...except to sit on our deck with a cold drink & a book...and an occasional dip in the pool!!

Have an awesome day where you are!!

Thursday Catch Up

Another busy week...I'm happy to report the pool is clearing up!  I spoke to the pool shop earlier in the week & was advised to continue doing backwashes (to remove some of the over chlorinated water) and add fresh water to dilute the chlorine.

It can take 5-7 days to achieve the right amount of chlorine...and we are getting there.  I likely will take in a water sample for testing tomorrow to see how we are doing.  At least the water is no long cloudy...and we can see the bottom of the pool.  So...it's coming.   Sun really helps the situation as well. 

Mr. Seventies is nearly finished planting the vegetable garden...would you believe we had frost the other night?  We tucked our potted begonias under the covered patio furniture and they did fine.  I think our temps are on the upswing again in the upcoming days.  

I forgot to share some new bedding (yes...I know)...but I wanted a softer, summery look.  I ordered these pretty sheets...the reviews were good...so fingers crossed they are good quality...

And a pretty duvet cover set...since removing the electric blanket from the bed...we have a plain white duvet (non goose feather) on the bed...I love how this one is similar to the guest bedroom duvet cover set...as all the pieces are tied...a really relaxed, summery feel.  And I'm a pink girl at heart...I'll share photos next week. 

It's cool here this morning...I have this comfy piece in this colour and a pretty blue as well...it's so soft...and can be worn with or without leggings....(I'm currently wearing this one with leggings).  Great for running errands and attending appointments...or hanging out on the deck!

The Birkenstock sandals with the soft foot bed arrived...and so far so good.  They are not as soft in the footbed as I would like...but they are okay...and are still comfortable.  And I really like the narrower straps....

I also picked up these ones...although not Birkenstock...they have memory foam footbeds...which are super comfortable...and who doesn't love polka dots?  And again....I like the thinner straps...

If you are a Dad, have a Dad or a step-Dad...a very Happy Father's Day!  We have a bar-be-que planned...with presents & special Father's Day cookies for Mr. Seventies and our son-in-law.  I'll share photos of the adorable cookies....almost too cute to eat!  Almost...

Thank you for stopping by!  Have an awesome day...

Beautiful Bloomers!

After a couple of hot, scorching days...cooler temperatures have returned.  For the time being, at least.  The gardens are thriving...and Mr. Seventies will be ordering yards of black mulch to spread in the flower beds.

Let's take a little stroll...and I will attempt to remember all the names of the different varieties.  The beauties on the right are Persian Cornflowers (perennial Bachelor Buttons)...and the darker flowers are Columbine...these spread really well...

We have a various varieties of Hosta...these are shade loving plants...anywhere it's shaded these guys thrive...we planted a number of them behind the new storage building...they are super easy to split apart in the spring and grow elsewhere...

We only have a couple of these amazing Iris..the colours are gorgeous...we plan on getting a few more...we have other colours...but this one is my favourite...

And this spirea thrives at the corner of the pool deck...we had thought to move it...but since it is doing so well...why mess up a good thing...

After four attempts to grow a climbing clematis...it appears this one is going to be successful!  Our daughter gifted this one to her father a couple of years ago...and it's climbing!  We think the blooms will be purple...cannot wait for the ladder to be covered in them!!

This is called Solomen's Seal...and I love how the branches arch...with pretty bell shaped blossoms...reminds me of a Bleeding Heart...

The newest rhododendron is blooming...and it's a pretty pink!  (why Mr. Seventies thought it was orange...is a mystery)...but we do want an orange one.  Our other rhodo...a dark cranberry colour...will bloom later...

This Whispering Willow...is gorgeous...we picked this one up a few years back at a green house on a return trip from Nova Scotia...

The lupins are starting to bloom...these are one of my favourites...and they grow everywhere...in fields...along the roads...

This these ones...on the back side of the pool deck..spread beautifully.  We cannot remember the name or where they came from...but they are beautiful...

And a couple of Creeping Phlox...growing along the back walk...these are great for walk ways.  When Mr. Seventies completes the redo of the front walk...I want some of these planted as they fill out beautifully...and come in a variety of colours.  And those little colourful pansies...are supposed to be annuals.  This is the third year for them...and they did not even die out over the winter..in the snow...they kept on blooming...

The lilac hedge is still covered in blooms...everything looks so much nicer and more colourful.  And with the trees leafed out...it amazes me how things over winter and come back year after year.

It's confession time...I did something incredibly stupid regarding the pool.  I took our water sample in for testing...so we could balance the water and start the summer season.  I was instructed to add what we call buffer...which I did...without any problem.  Two small buckets...one hour apart.

Then is was time to add the chlorine...2 kg or roughly 10 cups of powdered chlorine.  In the container of granules...is a scoop...which I presumed...stupidly...was equivalent to two cups.  So I added 5 cups to a bucket of water, mixed it up....and dumped it in the pool. 

Only to discover the scoop...was actually a three cup scoop!!  So...we ended up with cloudy, over chlorinated water!  For the past couple of days...we've been pumping out the water..and adding fresh water in an attempt to flush out some of the chlorine.  There is a chlorine neutralizer that can be purchased to remedy the situation...I'm hoping the pool store will have some in stock today.  I'd like to have clear, sparkling water sooner rather than later.  Stupid mistake on my part for sure...

We spent a morning cleaning the large window inside and out in the family room.  And took apart our fans and gave them and the blades a good cleaning...ready for warmer temps to return.  Our house stays really cool in the summer...until about supper time...when the sun comes around to the front of the house.  I love the heat..so we are not bothered by it.  Not to say I could live without air conditioning in our vehicle though. 

I hope you have a great day wherever you are.  Stay safe...and remember to be kind.

And.....Pool Is Operational

But not without a few days of frustration...why are things never simple?  We knew the valve on the sand filter needed to be replaced.  While the pool company has a location here...the main branch is about a 35 minute drive from us.  We were assured a new valve was set aside for us at the main branch...and since son-in-law works close by...he went in to pick it up.

And....there was no valve there....it needed to be ordered!  With no idea how long it would take for arrival.  Son-in-law left empty handed.  After numerous attempts to contact both branches by telephone...voice messages left...no one returned our calls.  Their reasoning... "they are busy".  Well...duh...it's pool season!  When did you expect to be busy...February?  Oh..and the valve we needed...was inadvertently sent out to someone getting a pool install.

I went in to our location..and advised them...this issue was going to be resolved...that day.  How did that need to happen?  I might have been a bit abrupt.  Now...they had a sand filter there...which they were using for parts...and it still contained the valve we needed.  Huh?  Anyhow...for an extra $60 we chose to replace the whole sand filter...along with three bags of sand required to fill it.

Just one hitch...there were no sand filters at this location.  Not a problem...daughter, grand baby & I made the 35 minute commute to the main branch...and voila.  After enjoying an impromptu lunch...we headed home with new sand filter in tow.  

This is the valve...which in retrospect had served us well for 12 years...that caused all the problems. (this is the new one that came with the filter tank).

Mr. Seventies was under the deck installing the tank to the pool pump...I decided a photo of the box would have to suffice...

We held our breath as he turned on the pump...although I have complete faith in Mr. Seventies and his capabilities.  I had been assured if he ran into any issues...a pool technician could come...but I really don't put a great deal of stock in that...since we've been led down that garden path before.  Mr. Seventies replaced the backwash hose as well...we had a roll of it on hand..

So far so good!  It's pretty icky...but we have excellent water flow and circulation...

Mr. Seventies will get me a water sample tomorrow...and I'll take it in for analysis.  Usually a bottle of buffer is required...then it's just a matter of adding the chlorine, pucks and algicide.  And in no time...the water will be clear!

Once it is...the steps will be set in...and swim season is underway.  We had a couple of very hot days...temperatures broke previously set records...a cold front has moved through today...with a strong wind. But we will be ready for hot weather now!  A few days of sun....and we will be ready to put the solar blanket on overnight.

Looking forward now to refreshing swims!