From Our House To Yours

 

A heartfelt thank you to those who read, comment or spend a bit of time with me on my blog.  Your support is greatly appreciated.  Mr. Seventies & I are taking this time to spend with our girls and grand-daughters and hope to see everyone in the New Year!

A very Merry Christmas and a Safe & Prosperous New Year!

See you back here in 2023!!

Let's Browse A Bit of Home Decor

Inspired Living is a home decor store east of the city....I only get to check it out every couple of months....it's located close to Liesel's groomer.  Other than that....I seldom make the trek...traffic is a nightmare here at the best of times...

All Christmas decor items were 40% off...and the store was looking so festive....

The shop has a huge selection of decor pieces...furniture...cookware...sheets & bedding....anything you would need in the line of home goods...and beautiful Christmas pieces....crushing on this lamp!!

Just one of the many beautifully decorated trees....

And gorgeous cardinal decor pieces....we've never been fortunate enough to have cardinals in our area...

And this lovely piece...with the cushion....would make a wonderful gift for the cardinal lover!!

Another pretty decorated tree...

I wish I had picked up a couple of these mugs!  "Gnome saying?"

A decorative sled for your coffee table....or to stand by a fireplace mantle?  Yes please.....

An adorable welcome board!!  Unless you have a sheltered are to place it outside...our winds continually knock them over.  In a large entry though...it would be adorable.  Not mine...but anyone who is fortunate enough to have a large entry....

Loving this adorable whale pitcher...or flower vase...it matches the whale mugs I purchased here a few months back.  Santa...if you're reading this....take note....

I usually have a short window of opportunity to check out this store..they have a FB page...it you want to peruse some of the unique items they carry.   Last winter they held online shopping parties in the evenings...which were a lot of fun!  Maybe they will hold them again this year.  Winters are so long...

The pedestals for the new laundry team have been ordered....it will be the end of March before the next shipment of LG appliances  & bases are scheduled to arrive.  I'm okay with that...they deliver  and set the machines on them!  Mr. Seventies is okay with that too!!

Christmas preparations are winding down...we have a rainfall warning in effect for Christmas Eve and day!  I do love a green Christmas!

Til next time....thanks for spending a bit of your time with me!

 

Isn't She Beautiful?

The new refrigerator arrived before the snow and wind started...

But it won't be staying!!  While it looks amazing...there are a few scratches...and that just won't do.  How this scratch occurred...behind one door handle...is a mystery.  The doors were covered with a thin, plastic cover that you peel off.  And that is when I saw this....

 There are also a couple of smaller scratches...

A replacement will be delivered in early January...and we will use this one in the meantime.  While disappointing....not the end of the world.  

I love all the storage space inside....and the freezer compartment is huge!  And it's awesome to have ice cubes again!!

The delivery truck was full...since it was early morning...so they set the old refrigerator outside...and came back later in the day and retrieved it!  I'm surprised I didn't have anyone ring the doorbell and inquire about it!  Very happy to have it picked up and off the lawn!

Not the worst storm we've had...it's snowing currently....but due to clear up around noon time.  I know some parts of the Island received quite an accumulation of snow....and the winds were really strong.  Schools are closed...until things clear up.

I have a couple of grocery orders to pick up later today....need to stock the refrigerator! We haven't done that in a while...as we feared the fridge section in the old one might stop working as well....

Liesel is feeling better...the problem now is keeping her from jumping!  When she starts feeling better...she wants to be on the move!!

Have an awesome day wherever you are today & thanks so much for stopping by!!

First Snow Storm On It's Way!

Tomorrow we are forecast to get our first blast of snow...20 cm (7"-8") which isn't too terrible....except it will be accompanied by high winds!   So we will have our first "snow day"!   Fingers crossed we don't have power outages!

And then this happened....Liesel is having an arthritis flare up.  Which means keeping her on the down low and administering pain medication....

We saw the signs a couple of days ago....she was having pain & soreness...we were quick to recognize the signs now and get the pain under control fairly quickly.  X rays done a few months ago revealed both front legs and shoulders have arthritis.  Our veterinarian prescribed two pain medications to have on hand when a flare up happens.  All activity and walks have been put on hold....

In other news....this beautiful arrangement arrived...compliments of Mr. Seventies sister (she resides in a different province)....

So beautiful with the battery operated candle flickering....absolutely love it....

I discovered another of my favourite boots on sale!  Manitobah Mukluks (not a sponsored mention)....have a line of leather, waterproof boots...and I chose these ones called Gatherer in the colour shown which is Tobacco.  The darker Cocoa had understandably sold out.   I cannot wait for them to arrive!

The pair I currently have are Snowy Owl suede leather boots....they are so warm...and comfortable!  Short of putting mine on & taking a photo of my feet....I'l share a pic of them instead.  The soles of their boots...tell a story....and leave the most awesome footprints in the snow!  I'll share mine in a future post!  If you are looking for a warm, winter boot....I highly recommend Manitobah Mukluks...they are an investment you will come to love.  Socks are not required either...but I wear a light pair....

And...drum roll...our new refrigerator is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow!  With the storm...I'm not holding out much hope that is going to happen....unless it can be done early in the morning.  When they call today to set up a delivery time...I'm hopeful that will be the case.  If not...delivery will likely wait until after the storm.  Our current freezer area...has fully stopped working!  

Today we'll take advantage of the "calm before the storm", run a few errands and pick up necessities.  Since it's Monday...drop on over to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday .   

On Tuesday, I'm usually hanging out at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday...make sure you join us and check out some amazing blogs!

 

An Evening Stroll With Us

Our favourite way to enjoy outdoor Christmas decor and lights....is an evening walk!  We wear safety vests over our jackets...harness Liesel up...and head out.

Our walk did not go as planned.  Not one little bit.  Firstly, the traffic.  Never ending, noisy...sometimes rude drivers!  Like the one who paid no attention to the crosswalk we were attempting to get through!   And the constant noise!  Not sure how high gas & diesel prices have to go...before people stay off the roads!  Even it a small city, with a population of around 40,000....our traffic issues are next level.  Our Current infrastructure is not built to have this much traffic!  

So, there was that to contend with.  And...I was not able to get as many photos as I had planned...but will share a couple I did get.  Next walk, we will enjoy one of the quieter, more decorated subdivisions nearby.

Firstly, our humble abode....

And this home...owned by a dear, sweet woman...whose husband passed away a few months ago.  They used to enjoy travelling for months in their huge motor home!   Liesel & I stop & chat with her on our walks...she does have grown children near by to be with and care for her.  You can't tell from this photo...but there are candles in all the windows....

And this beautifully lit home....the owner would always wave to us as we were out walking!  Last year, while apple picking....grand baby & I were sitting on a huge pumpkin....and a gentleman asked if I wanted him to use my phone to take our picture. His wife & family were paying for their apples...so I gladly took him up on his offer.  Mr. Seventies came along, with our basket of apples...and informed me the gentleman was the same guy who has waved to us for years!   This is their home...beautifully decorated.

And the final home I was able to photograph...belongs to Miss Lacy!  She is a West Highland terrier....rescued from living in a barn for almost one year!  She was as close to feral as I have seen...yet she was saved...and her sweet owner spent months....and months...rehabilitating her!  We would meet them almost daily on our walks!   Miss Lacy is a senior now....and prefers strolls around her property....and keeps a watchful eye on the street from her perch in the window!  I love a success story!!

I wish we could have seen more...but there is always another evening!  We will definately be out a time or two again! 

Outdoor Decor

It was a bitter, cold day when Mr. Seventies strung three sets of lights on the outside tree.  Initially, we thought two sets of with 100 clear bulbs would suffice....but the tree required a third set.  And it happened to be the last set in the store!  Next year, I think we will pick up another set or two.  One thing we've noticed is many homes are decorated with outside coloured bulbs and various blow up figures.  

While I didn't get a photo of the tree lit up....I did capture our doxie after it inflated!  Liesel is not quite sure what to make of it!  Whether it be friend or foe...

Mr. Seventies filled our crock with greenery, holly from our shrubs and a couple of thin birch logs...and of course our baby reindeer is making an appearance this year!  I apologize for the shadows...perhaps I should have taken the photos during the day....

With winds being what they are here...it can be difficult to secure outside decor pieces.  We had two beautiful Christmas garden flags that keep getting blown over in their holders...so brought them in.  

We've been taking in all the beautiful lights in our neighbourhood when weather permits...donning our safety vests and heading out with Liesel in the evening.  Walking is my favourite way to see the lights!  

We finished wrapping of presents...I still have a few last minute items to pick up...and a couple to come in.  Then I think we will be ready.  Counting down the days until our new refrigerator arrives....and it won't be a minute too soon!  The freezer section of the current one...is empty...since it cannot even freeze ice cubes!  It's been a challenge to only keep some food items we plan to use within 2-3 days!!  It will be nice to have a freezer again....thankfully the cooling section is still operational!

One of my favourite clothing shops was having a massive sale...and this "shackett" had sold out in my size online (it was not available in store here).  I kept checking their website...and lo & behold it came in stock...briefly.  I ordered it so fast....and when it arrived...it fit perfect!  It is un-lined...but I find it great for shopping....as it isn't bulky or too warm for being in the stores or vehicle...

At the time, the matching hat was not on sale...but over the weekend it was marked down 1/2 price!  I quickly ordered it.  

So...how are your Christmas preparations coming along?  I don't do Christmas baking anymore...the extra calories and pounds I don't need!  Somehow we always manage to have our fair share of goodies though! 

Plan to stop over later today at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday.   There are some amazing bloggers who participate on Susan's blog...and I enjoy reading and catching up with everyone who blogs have some pretty amazing stuff!!

Have an awesome day....and thanks so much for stopping by today.   Until next time...

 

Touches Of Christmas In The Kitchen

 

Just a few touches of Christmas in the kitchen...the cocoa/coffee/tea area gets a workout daily...

The other side of the counter top range...is where I plugged in my gingerbread tart warmer....a couple of mugs of hot chocolate waiting to be filled!  We've been using hot milk instead of boiling water and it makes hot chocolate so creamy and yummy!  And a few mini marshmallows added on top!

I'm liking having a tart warmer plug in...the scented wax currently is Vanilla Pine and smells amazing!

My tiered tray is full of Christmas goodies....

You can see to the right of the pantry is where I hung my second painted canvas my talented artist cousin painted....

And that about wraps up the kitchen ready for Christmas!  Not too much....just enough to add some cheer!

Fifteen days until the new refrigerator is delivered!  And it won't be a moment too soon...the current freezer is making some pretty strange noises!  We've held off purchasing freezable food items...in the event it stops working completely!  The refrigerator section below is working fine...keeping perishables cold...

We have a wind warning in effect for overnight tonight....our weather has been up and down for the past few weeks.  Biting north winds and cold...to very mild and rainy days.  Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind....or she is menopausal!

Thanks for stopping by today...so appreciate you taking your time to spend with me!  Have an awesome day!!

Christmas In The Family Room

Not overly decorated...just a few touches here and there...I ended up picking up a couple more strands of pom pom garland...and a few dachshund pieces are always much loved...

I love the gnome canvas my cousin painted...she is such a gifted artist...I forgot to share a few more pieces she completed...I'm obsessed with the Grinch!  I've seen a couple of trees fully decorated in Grinch theme!  

As mentioned in one of my previous posts...the mantle is plain.  But the stockings are hung...Liesel is anxiously waiting for Santa Paws to fill hers with goodies...

The "Lowrider" dachshund keeps Liesel entertained!  It moves and dances to the tune "Lowrider'....she hasn't quite got it figured out....and will circle him and bark a time or two!  Mr. Seventies used the crock from the mantle and filled with greenery, birch logs and holly....and it sits on the front step now.

I had forgotten completely about the elf wreath!  I didn't want to hang it outside...the weather might ruin it...and it's lightweight enough the winds could carry it off!  I decided to secure it to my dish cabinet....

We moved this chair over to the opposite side of the room...to accommodate the Christmas tree this year...

I enjoy the pink battery operated tree...it even has a timer!  Love when it comes on...around the same time the Christmas tree timer is set!  Pretty lights everywhere....

And that is all the decor I placed in the family room!  It's simple...and easy.  The holiday season snuck up on us, we're later getting ready this year.  It was so cold & windy on Saturday...we chose to forgo the Santa Claus parade... enjoyed the evening with daughter & family....and home made pizza!  On the evenings when it's mild...we wear our safety vests and walk the neighbourhood with Liesel to take in the Christmas lights!  Best way to enjoy them!

I decided to use my Lazybones jersey quilt & shams in the main bedroom...since I'm unhappy with the quality of the toile comforter after a few short months.  I'll share photos another time of how the bedroom looks with the pink quilt set.  Anthropologie discontinued the set I believe...but I had ordered mine directly from Lazybones in Australia.  I've had this set in white as well...and it is gorgeous....machine washable...although due to its size and weight I prefer to take it out to be laundered....

How are your holiday preparations going?  Be sure and drop over to Between Naps on the Porch...for 

Metamorphosis Monday and A Stroll Thru Life tomorrow for Inspire Me Tuesday!

So This Has Happened

Remember the gorgeous (and very expensive) Shelly Kline toile comforter set I ordered back in March?  Well....this has happened!!

Can you see the two faded areas?  Almost like the fabric has worn through!  That's the only explanation I can think of.  Neither Neiman Marcus or Border Free will do anything to assist.  Apparently, too much time has passed!  

To say I am annoyed, is an understatement!  For the amount of money spent on this set...I expected it to last for years not a few months!

I paid through PayPal...and opened a dispute with them.  But they have a 180 day time limit on purchases so didn't get far...as expected.  I wish I used a credit card...that is about your only recourse when something like this happens.  Lesson learned!!

Oh and Neiman Marcus and Border Free have lost a customer!  (Neiman Marcus uses Border Free for shipping to international buyers).  As soon as I contacted them...then sent me on to Border Free....where I had no response.  Then NM advised too much time has passed...and therefore nothing can be done.  

Be warned!

Moving on, it's been a busy week here!  The tree is up (that has become an all day event....with clean up!). A flocked tree looks beautiful...but it is so messy!!  

I ran out of steam decorating this year...things I had planned to do...just aren't going to get done.  I purchased a beautiful bulb garland for the mantle...and it just didn't work.  So...plain mantle it is.  Hung stockings...and called it a day!  

Might be getting old...might be time to set a ceramic tree out and call it a day?  Even the Christmas Parade we planned to attend tomorrow evening...likely will get rained out!  First year since Covid it's being held...and Ma Nature is going to spoil it!  

Hopefully, after a weekend of R & R...with hot chocolate and marshmallows...we can reset!  

Christmas At The Train Station

This impressive train station is located in my home town....a small village in south western New Brunswick.  Each November, the Restoration Committee holds a four day fundraising Christmas tour of rooms in the station....sponsored by various businesses, groups and individuals. 

The station was a huge part of my life growing up....my father was a train engineer...and I spent quite a bit of time in the main engine.  My mother was a teacher...any extra curricular activities she did with her students, ice skating on the outdoor rink for example...had to be done after classes or in the evenings.  Being younger...I got to spend that time on the train...for a few hours.   And you could literally, kick your suitcase from the station to my child hood home!

A photo of the station...in all it's impressive glory...lit up at night during the tours.....

Enjoy some of the decorations and many rooms beautifully decorated....

A couple of adorable elves...a mother & daughter team....

The antique merry go round was playing...

The dining room in the station...all decked out in its finery!  Can you tell the turkey is actually carved from wood?

And the lunch counter....one of my favourite hang outs as a teen ager!  Served the best hamburger and French fries anywhere!!  You had to get your seat...before the 10:00 p.m. passenger train came in...as the train blocked the station entrances...and you'd have to wait a while to get across...not to mention passengers going in to get a bite to eat as well!

And this is the lunch counter...just as it would have been...when I was growing up.  I even remember my favourite stool!  They still use the counter for Christmas dinner fundraisers....and serve delicious pieces of "Railway Pie" for dessert!

A few more photos of Christmas decor...

Behind the station....is a body of water...where fishing derbys were held when I was quite small...but I remember them!  And how upset I was when my father put a live worm on my hook!  A fisher-person I would never be!!

And in the winter months...skating was allowed...although this was before my time.  I learned to skate on an outdoor rink...which is still operation today!

A couple more adorable displays...

This was just a small glimpse of our tour....it was getting crowded and word was out there were a few bus tours soon to arrive!  

There was an awesome craft fair at a local hall...we took that in as well!  

It was wonderful to stroll down memory lane...and chat with people I hadn't seen in many years.  I don't have cause to visit much anymore....as my family members have all passed away.  We took a quick trip through Rockland Cemetery...where my grand parents & parents were laid to rest.

If you ever have the opportunity to join in on a tour of the train station, learn its history...and discover rooms I didn't even know existed (such as a jail)....it's worth your time.  And during the summer months, Railway Pie is served daily!

If you are interested in reading a bit history about the station....were it is listed on the website of historic places....

https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=6476

Thank you for joining me on but a small peek into Christmas At The Station!  We have vowed to make it an annual event!