Coffee & Cocoa Corner & Catching Up!

A wintery mix of snow & rain is headed our way tonight...with a "special weather statement" issued.  We had one day of sun, but much colder and it gave Mr. Seventies a chance to do a bit of outside decor.  As with inside...not overly decorated...he put together a crock of greens & holly for the front step...wrapped lights around our tree...made a wreath for the exterior back entry.  I'll share a few photos later in the week...including our adorable inflatable dachshund...

When I was in the store last week...picking up more pom pom garland...I happen to spot one last mug of cocoa ornament...all sad & lonely.  I couldn't leave it there...it wouldn't feel right...so it now joins the rest of the ornaments on the tree...

I then spotted these adorable ornaments...and although there were only three...they ended up in my cart as well.  

I did up a coffee corner...and we are loving it!  My Rae Dunn mugs are adorable and fun to use....

Rather than use the powdered hot chocolate, I purchased Keurig ones...the contents are much lower in sugar than  powdered hot chocolate...and I was surprised how delicious they are....

The cute snowman head is perfect for storing a few of  Keurig pods...and the coffee tin holds a mixture of coffee and hot chocolate ones...

My tiered tray is too tall to sit on my counter...so it takes centre stage on the table...

I'm loving the runner I picked up at Wal Mart...the Christmas dinnerware set I shared previously have shipped & I'm excited to set the table & use them.....

And Christmas would not be complete without our beautiful Willow Tree nativity set...there is a huge manger available...but I prefer the simplicity of the pieces just as they are....

My dear friend welcomed twin grandsons a few days ago...I'm sharing onesies done up for their gift bag of goodies.  They arrived a few weeks early, as twins often do...but with each one weighing almost six pounds each...it won't be long before they are home....

And I came across this beautiful, hand knit cardigan on Etsy...which could be knit in a variety of different colours...I ordered this gorgeous blue one...sheep and cows...my weaknesses....

My friend & I spent a fun afternoon checking out a couple of pop up gift shops...(where I ordered the snowman mugs I previously shared).  I was able to pick them up....they are absolutely adorable...I'll get a photo of them!  We stopped at an adorable little cafe, in a previously utilized train station...oh the treats and hot tea were delicious!  We plan to make a full day of shopping & lunch perhaps one next day week if the weather co-operates...so that will be fun!  There are a couple of home decor shops not in our area that we've not been to...so plan to check them out...

A quick thank you for stopping by!  Have an awesome day...it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

Tree Is Up & Decorated

Mr. Seventies set the Christmas tree up...and after fluffing it for about thirty minutes...I had a huge mess of flocking everywhere!  Buy an artificial tree they said.  It will be less mess they said.  If I wanted less mess...perhaps I shouldn't have purchased a flocked tree!  Huge mess.  

And...I quickly discovered four strands of pom pom garlands were not going to be enough.  Everything came to a halt while I went to pick up more...(praying they still had them in stock).  Decorations and artificial trees are in short supply here.  As luck would have it...there were three strands left!  I thought two would suffice...but purchased all three and three were needed to finish off the tree.  It took seven strands to wrap around the tree!

The store was crazy busy...and I'm so glad I purchased the tree ornaments when I did.  If I had waited...there would have been slim pickings!  I picked up a couple of ornaments that were left...ones that weren't available when I last shopped...adorable iced cookies...

Before I share the whole tree...a few close ups of the ornaments...which I absolutely love....

How cute are the mugs of hot cocoa!  I think they are my favourite!!

I used a few large picks I had from previous years...and two more of my favourite ornaments...one is with Liesel's name and the other is a treasured ornament gifted me from my dear friend in remembrance of my sister.  Now both are angels....it reads "Your wings were ready....but my heart was not"....

A few years back, someone gifted anonymously this adorable wire heart shaped paw bearing Liesel's name (and also one for grand dog Benson).  The sender has never come forward...we have no way of knowing who sent them...but they hold a special place in my heart...a true Secret Santa...(not to mention the adorable dachshund reindeer hanging below).....

Just be advised if the tree looks crooked...it isn't.  It's the weird angle I took the photo at...I think exhaustion took over at this point!  After clean up (bless Mr. Seventies heart for being on vacuum duty...sparkles & flocking everywhere)....it was all I could muster.  The elf feet picks are Mr. Seventies favourite decorations...so they had to be included....

We started this in the early afternoon...and it was getting dark when completed!  Not including the venture to pick up more garland...it took us about four hours to complete!  But in my opinion....so worth it!!  I was not one bit upset upon discovering the loss of my previous tree decorations....it was an opportunity to change things up!  And if there is one thing constant around here....it's change!

My neighbour (who put her tree up a couple of weeks ago)...immediately saw it from the sidewalk & messaged for photos!  We plan to do a bit of outdoor decorating whenever the weather improves...perhaps Sunday afternoon...we've had a week of rain & high winds.   Perfect time to cozy up the inside. 

So, what do you think?  Love to hear your thoughts.  I'm by no means an interior designer....I love what I love.  I watched a video the other day of a gal decorating her dining room...my jaw dropped at the amount of gorgeous-ness of it all!  It's easy to feel overwhelmed or inferior or not know how to pull it all together.  And that is okay.  As the saying goes..."you do you"!  Works for me every time!

Also I've been wanting Christmas dinnerware for some time now & found these ones online at Bed Bath & Beyond.  The brand is Certified International (as our my farm dishes in my cabinet)...I finally ordered a set.  I am so excited for these to arrive!

Have an awesome day & thanks for spending time with me!!  If you comment, know I read each one and so appreciate you taking time from your busy life to spend time with me!  Sometimes my comment moderation doesn't always alert when there is a comment...so if I don't respond...I apologize.  I promise to do better...and I love hearing from you....

 

Mix of This & That

This post doesn't have a specific focal topic...just a little bit of everything but the kitchen sink.  And speaking of the kitchen sink...I am obsessed with Mrs. Meyers cleaning products and dish soaps!   In my area, most stores carry a limited selection of scents and products...I've only been able to find two scents Lavender and Lemon.  I currently have the multi surface spray and dish soap in the Apple Cider scent...and just received both in Peppermint!  I've also discovered a host of products from laundry soap & dryer sheets to room spray!  And a new scent called Snowdrop!  Cannot wait to try it...I only wish they were available locally...

While searching for any Mrs. Myers products the other day....I came across some great home decor items in the home goods selection of the grocery store...at first glance I thought this platter and dishware were Melamine...but they are glass...and quite well priced...

If this one had been a bit smaller I would have picked it up to set my spray & cleaner on at the kitchen sink...

I almost had one of these adorable gingerbread houses in my cart (and discovered they light up).  But at $14 + taxes...I thought they were a bit overpriced.  But it was hard to leave behind....and I wouldn't be surprised if one shows up in a post down the road.  Not saying I will get one...but I'm crushing hard on one right now...

And since grand baby's name begins with A...I could not resist this adorable mitten for her Christmas tree...

Also in the grocery store...they have a clothing section!  I had to take a stroll through...and ended up picking up this pretty casual dress...it is so me.  I plan to pair it with leggings and ankle boots...

And since I loved the dress so much...the fabric is so soft and comfortable...I got a similar style top...to wear with jeans...the peplum bottom sits just about the waist..and hides a multitude of sins...just sayin'.  The picture makes is appear really short...but in fact it is not. 

And I'm all about comfy sleep/lounge wear!  Especially when they are cotton/jersey mix...I'm not a fan of flannel bottoms...so these fit the bill perfectly!  Very soft and comfortable...and festive!

I've also been meaning to post about the pottery mugs I got a few weeks back!  I'm not a fan of large mugs...it's just too much tea for me.  (I don't drink coffee).  I discovered these ones on Amazon....sold in sets of two...I originally ordered two sets.  Upon receiving them...and knew they were perfect for us...I quickly ordered two more sets....for a complete set of eight.  Others must like them as well....as they sold out & became unavailable very quickly!

I was very glad to get my second order in & received quickly.  Some might see it as a downfall...as they are not to be put in the dishwasher.  While they are glazed on the inside..they are pottery...and if continually run through the dishwasher the exterior will fade.  That's not a game changer for me...we only use two mugs at a time...so very easy to give a quick hand wash....worth the little extra work in my opinion...I've never had mugs I like as much as these...they are microwave safe as well!!

And finally want to share the new headboard...I haven't done much Christmas decor in the main bedroom..I may add a couple of pieces....but for now...a pretty cushion & warm throw will have to suffice...

The light is not great in our home at the best of times...and it being November...it's been wet and gray skies for days now....I wasn't sure I'd have sun coming through the windows any time soon...

I'm very happy with the headboard...and find it doesn't look near as larger once installed and the box spring & mattress & bedding added. 

That's my catch all for today.  We didn't get the amount of rain or wind forecasted...some places did get a bit of wet snow flurries...but all in all...we were unscathed. 

Thank you so much for spending some time with me...I hope you have an awesome day wherever you are!  

Soggy & Windy Monday!

But thankful it's not snow!  There is an intense low pressure heading our way....but the rainfall amounts have been downgraded a bit.  Thankfully, the trees are mostly bare...90 km/hr winds could be an issue if there were still a lot of leaves still on the trees...as potential power outages could happen.   This wet, windy system is going to be with us for two-three days.

We plan to put our tree up next weekend..cannot wait to put my new ornaments on!  When I attended the home design show last week,  I learned of an amazing decor shop in Cavendish!  The interior designer used a number of beautiful items from Cottage Life Boutique.  I ordered a couple of these adorable snowman pottery mugs on their website...and my friend & I decided to visit the shop later in the week.  I will pick them up then. My neighbour & I were chatting the other day....and she picked up a couple as well....

I finally found a sign for my cocoa/coffee bar...although it's not exactly what I want...it will do.  Maybe I will see something at the shop in Cavendish...this is the one I ordered....

And my trusty old bread machine...went kaput.  We mainly used it for. putting together pizza dough...as I was never successful in making bread with it.  It was an odd shaped beast...and quite heavy!  Mr. Seventies & I discussed whether to replace it or just purchase the dough pre-mixed at the bakery or grocery store.  Welcome to the family....

Wal Mart had two...just two models in stock.  Choices were limited...but I like that this one has the bread pan & paddle that can go in the dishwasher!  Score...

This machine is so much lighter than our previous tank...easy to lift out of the cabinet, as well.   Since I already had the ingredients in my old bread pan...we dumped them into the new one...and hoped for the best.  I'm happy to report the dough turned out perfect!  Good decision.  And...I just may attempt a loaf of bread in this machine....Mr. Seventies loves fresh bread.  I am required to eat whole wheat carbs...so I many just whip up a loaf of whole wheat bread.  My previous machine....not matter how precise I measured...the breads turned out like a lump of stone!

Liesel has an annual veterinary exam today...a visit to the "room of doom"!  She is all happy until we walk through the doors at the clinic...and then she will hide under a chair...because being examined, in her little mind...is painful.  Not. 

I haven't go the bedroom pulled together yet...I'll get to that this week.  As a rule, we have our outside wreaths and planters done...but with this messy weather system on the horizon....we decided to wait on doing those as well. 

 

Christmas Awesome-ness

I didn't get the main bedroom with the new headboard pulled together yet....it's been one of those busy weeks here.  Hopefully Monday I'll have it done & be able to share...not that I'm doing much there in the way of decor...

One afternoon this week was spent having the pellet stove repairman here for about three hours.  Apparently the auger motor was the issue...it had quit working.  It was removed & a new one installed...and he pretty much took the stove panels apart...and gave everything a good cleaning.  We advised him of our plans to switch out to propane after this winter....he was great to give us recommendations.  Such as waiting until spring...when the busiest of time was over for the year and we plan to visit the showroom & see all the choices available.

He suggested we inform the salesman we want to use the propane fireplace for heat...as some are mainly for ambiance & don't throw much heat.  All good information...and we have the perfect set up currently to switch over from wood pellets to propane.  

While I was out running errands the other day, as I popped into Home Sense to pick up wrapping paper...I couldn't help but notice a bit more Rae Dunn Christmas items...

Shelves of mixing bowls & spatulas...

And while not Rae Dunn...but an adorable canister with doxies...

And a couple of beautiful cushions.....this one is my favourite...

And this pretty one...a cute winter scene...

The next few photos were taken a Vesey's Garden Centre...they have the most beautiful gift shop...I spent quite a while browsing around the shop....

Simply beautiful!  I'm on the hunt for a hot cocoa sign for my coffee bar area....but had no luck....but oh such gnome awesomeness....

And a cabinet dedicated to trucks...*swoon*.......some in various colours other than red too!!

And you were encouraged to purchase from any decorations on their trees....

They were a few beautiful topiaries...I was crushing pretty hard on them!  They are insanely expensive at Michael's...I didn't get the check the price while I was browsing...but these are so easy to make!!  

The large balls and finial are available at Dollarama!  

I'm so happy the ceramic Christmas trees have made a comeback.  And even happier they are battery operated now.  I have a hate/hate relationship with cords...so if it runs by batteries...I'm happy  Grand baby has one in her room during the holidays...that I made in ceramics class for her great grandmother many years ago!  And have passed it down to her...

Last night was the Christmas decorating show with a local interior designer...and he didn't disappoint this year!  After having to cancel last year...it was fun to be able to enjoy an evening out.  Attendees were required to wear masks and show proof of vaccines...which we all did.  There were four of us gals who met for supper beforehand at a local restaurant.  My neighbour had planned to attend...but her husband discovered he had been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid.  He was required to be tested and self isolate until his test results come in...so fingers crossed his results are negative.  Unfortunately, that meant his wife was unable to join us.

I didn't get many photos at the demonstration as the lighting was mostly set for the area the designer was in...and we were seated in audience.   I did get a quick photo of these cute cloches...which came from Ikea.  He used dollar store items & fake snow...and how adorable are these??

Draws were made at the end of the evening for everything he made...including a fully decorated Christmas tree.  One gal in our group took home a fresh Christmas arrangement!  

I did get a photo of a couple of items I'm interested in...the can on the left is glass spray when applied gives the appearance of frosted glass!  And the other is a room fragrance (Canadian company)...which smells like real Christmas trees!   It's currently sold out on line...but there is a shop in Cavendish that have a few cans in stock...so may be worth the short road trip....

The last thing I need are more candles...but upon smelling this one....I think I just may have to pick up a couple!  They are sold, believe it or not...at Indigo...the bookstore!!

I have a book on order...when it arrives I will check out these candles and get a couple then!

That's all I have for today...rain in the forecast again...and they've been tossing the "f" word around the past couple of days...(for flurries).  Hopefully, if the weather co-operates on Sunday we plan to put together a couple of outdoor wreaths and arrangement in my crock for the front step.  I might even talk Mr. Seventies into putting the Christmas lights on the tree outside...and set up the inflatable Santa dachshund I purchased a few days back.  Tis the Season!!

People are decorating early here...inside and out!  And who can blame them...everyone is Covid-out and need a bit of happy distraction!  

Have an awesome weekend & thanks so much for stopping by!  Feel free to leave me a comment...love to hear from you!

So This Happened....

In my post yesterday...I gave a sneak peek of the headboard I ordered.  I was not completely happy with that choice & we all know if Mrs. Seventies isn't happy....no one is happy!  Not to mention the one online was $427 more expensive!! 

Previously, when Mr. Seventies measured the headboard...at Home Sense... we realized it was a king size...too big for our queen bed.  I was so disappointed.  But something just didn't settle with me.  After an appointment yesterday....I dropped into Home Sense again.  Since they had two of these headboards....I decided to revisit them.  Sure enough....the one Mr. Seventies measured was king size.

However....the second one was marked "Queen". And comparing the two...it didn't look as wide as the other one.   I quickly grabbed a tape measure (supplied at Home Sense) and measured....and sure enough...it was a queen size!!  Thinking previously both headboards were the same size....Mr. Seventies had only measured one.  After performing a little "happy dance".....I quickly cancelled the online order  (since it had not been shipped)....and purchased the one at Home Sense.  

As luck would have it...our friend & neighbour...was available...with his truck (which has a cab cover).  He picked up Mr. Seventies...and they brought the headboard home!!  (sorry about the poor lighting...a rainy, overcast day....and it's standing in the hallway)....

It took nearly three hours to attach it to the bed frame...since there were no holes or hardware with it!  Mr. Seventies needed to drill pilot holes....then two holes on either side...and use the proper size screws.  Sounds easy enough.  It wasn't.  A trip to the hardware store was required...you'd think with the 100,000 screws Mr. Seventies has collected over the years....having the right size ones on hand would be a given.  It wasn't.

I'm happy to report the headboard is attached...and with the box spring & mattress in place...it doesn't look near as ginormous!  I am so in love with it!

I'll post photos later in the week once I get things in order...probably Friday.

Happy wife...happy life!!

Rainy Weather...Perfect Time for Retail Therapy

It's been wet & windy here the last few days...and looks to continue into the week.  So...what to do when it rains?  Hit the stores and enjoy beautiful Christmas awesome-ness!

I'm a bit disappointed at the lack of stock at Michaels...but understand supply is difficult to get these days..but I did spot a couple of adorable items...how cute is this dog bowl ornament?

This candy cane arrangement would look amazing on a door....or set into a Christmas tree...

I chuckled at these Santas.. they are decked out for Santa's workshop...but I see Mr. Seventies & his trusty toolbelt...

The dachshund ornaments are down to only a few left....I did pick up one more....these are the last four available...

I've been considering these adorable milkshakes...they are $7 each...I'm going to see if they come on sale prior to Christmas.  The problem with waiting for things to go on sale...they sell out before hand.  

These snowflake iced cookies were not out when I was last in the store...so I picked up three of each colour....

I was surprised how everything is picked over and stock is depleted just since I've been picking up tree ornaments.  (maybe other hubbies inadvertently gave their decor away too!!).  Very glad I started when I did.   The gingerbread men I found at Wal Mart....I actually picked up a couple more....so have 5 or 6 in total....

I stopped by Winners and was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of Rae Dunn pieces...

I suspect most of the Rae Dunn decor either is shipped to other provinces or stays in the US....as there is little available here....

How adorable is this glitzy dachshund ornament?  With a price tag of $10...I didn't take one home....but it would make a beautiful gift for the dachshund lover....

I also want to share a sneak peek of what we have ordered...yes I know we got rid of our previous one...but this....this is gorgeous.  Little back story behind this decision...I came across a similar headboard at Home Sense.  Oh...I fell hard...and it stayed in my mind for days.  Finally....I asked Mr. Seventies if he would come with me to the store...and measure the headboard.  I was thinking more of it being a problem fitting into our SUV....but we have access to a utility trailer....so I was confident if I wanted to bring it home....it was do-able!

This headboard was marked Queen size...but when Mr. Seventies measured ...it is actually a king!  And if you know Home Sense...it's one & done...there were only two king size ones available.  I did advise a salesperson it was labelled incorrectly...to save someone the grief of taking it home & discovering it to be a king size.  Not everyone thinks to measure first....I've learned that lesson...a few times...the hard way.  Which is why I find it best to involve Mr. Seventies...my voice of reason. 

Not to be deterred...I found the one pictured above online...it's in stock and will be delivered later this month.  I have missed having a headboard..but do not have room for a traditional bed with headboard & footboard.  I plan to use my white Lazy Bones quilt set from Anthrolopologie on the bed...with a couple of pretty Christmas decorator cushions.   That's about all the decorating I'm doing in the bedroom....

And....lastly...I've finally pulled the trigger on getting a pair of Ugg boots!!  I had a pair...years ago when they first came out...however they were taller than these and I've been wanting a shorter pair.   With bows...

I mean,...who doesn't love bows?  These boots are very warm...especially for cold, late fall days.  Keeping in mind these are not suitable for wet, snow, slushy weather....but perfect for dry, cooler weather....

I've just about finished up on Christmas shopping!  I love when it's done early...that way it can be a surprise to me as well when the gift is opened....since I usually forget by Christmas Day!!  By the look of the stores and traffic the last few days, I'd say everyone is trying to get things done early...with hints of supply being an issue this year.  

Our 19 month old grand-baby is going to be a true joy to watch this Christmas!  Tomorrow she & her parents travel to the IWK (where she had heart surgery) for a check up...they are keeping an eye on her kidneys,  One is a tiny bit smaller than the other...we don't think it's a major issue...but they need to see her on a regular basis, run tests, etc.

Since they are required to travel through one province to get to another for her appointment...reams of paperwork & documents....and Covid rapid tests will be required.  I'm sure it will be an exhausting day for them.  And.....only one parent can be with the baby during the appointment!!  Which means her father will be required to wait in their vehicle!   Crazy is the world we now live in.

Thank you for stopping by & spending a bit of your time with me.  Have an awesome day wherever you are!