Sneak Peek-Liesel's Crate Re-Fresh

It only seemed fair since we are doing a refresh of the main bedroom....Liesel's bedtime crate get freshened up as well!  If the weather co-operates this weekend, Mr. Seventies will take her crate out on the deck & give it a good washing & rinsing.  Her crates are usually cleaned & disinfected 2-3 times a year.  (not that she has issues...just nice to keep things clean...she only sleeps in one crate over night)....

The set consists of a crate pad...and crate cover.  Where the door opens to her crate...there is a flap that will be rolled up & held up with ties.  We will likely use the cover more in the winter months.  I will post photos when it's put on her crate.  A friend in Nova Scotia (an awesome seamstress) stitched this up for me....she did a beautiful work.  I love the buffalo check with the red paw prints I chose. 

I'm hoping the curtain panels arrive before the weekend...and we get to finally pull the bedroom together.  Fingers crossed....

I'm loving the way the little table turned out...and looks in the front entry....remember the lantern from the Christmas arrangement we were gifted?  The rest were items I had on hand...and here you can see the green in the rug...

And if all goes well...plans are underway to travel to Nova Scotia for some brother/family bonding...and hey let's build a new deck while we are there!  Mr. Seventies brother & wife have been dealing with a major flood in their finished lower level these past few weeks...but are close to the finish line...and soon things will get back to normal!  

And the deck on the back of their home needs replacing...and that is in Mr. Seventies wheel house...so to speak.  He's built a few in his day.  We're hoping for good weather & mild temperatures to get this job done!  We have not left the Island in almost two years!!  Since July 2020....when grand baby had heart surgery...and we had a small window of opportunity to travel (since Covid had just begun then).

I'm still on the down low...not able to get too far.  Wearing footwear is still a bit difficult...but nothing a few more days of soft slippers can't handle!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have an awesome weekend!!  Tomorrow is a whole new month!!!

Front Entry Table Re-Do

Happy Monday!  And welcome to the last week in March!  Mr. Seventies reports crocus are up in a couple of the flower beds!  They are always our earliest bloomers!  Just a hint of pretty florals to come.

I'm still on the down low...recovering from my foot procedure last week.  I haven't been far from home the past few days....and likely it will be a few more days before I can actually slip on foot wear.   In the meantime...I'd been wanting to change the colour of this little table in the front entry...this photo was taken last fall....

I pulled a colour front the front entry rug...and went with this shade of green.  Here is the table with one coat of paint applied (still wet)...Mr. Seventies now has two coats on...and since there is paint to use up...will add a third & final coat today.  The little sample pots from Home Depot are great for little projects like this.  Such a cute little table and perfect size for our narrow front entry.

The curtain panels for the main bedroom are still in transit...according to tracking information they will arrive this week!  

Daughter has requested a closet organizer for her birthday later in April, Mr. Seventies took measurements yesterday...and the search begins for one that will provide the greatest amount of storage.  Miss Grand-baby's birthday is this weekend...looking forward to her celebration!

Hope you have an awesome day!  I'll be happy when I'm fully mobile again!

Busy Week!!

I'm so happy it is Friday...it's been a busy week of appointments...crammed into three days.  Monday started off with the SUV in the garage for an oil change....and investigation of a rattle in the back end.  Turns out it needs two "bushings"....and there are none to be found....in any of the Maritime provinces.  They are on back order...so our name has been "added to the list".  Whenever they come in...we will get the old ones replaced. 

I had a massage appointment directly following the appointment at the garage.  Sounds relaxing...it isn't.  Although the massage gives relief...I'm usually sore for days following.  I can hear the "poor baby" thoughts now...lol. 

Tuesday....Liesel's vet appointment and x-ray went well.  Her range of motion in her front legs (which both show arthritis) is currently great...no soreness detected.  We were prescribed pain medication in the event she has another flare up....to give her relief sooner.  This osteoarthritis...as in humans...will be an ongoing issue....but we hope to manage it & keep her comfortable.  Walks are to be shorter in duration...

In the afternoon...the heat pump technician arrived and to my disappointment the wall at the end of the hallway is too narrow for the vent to be installed there. (vent has to be ducted to an exterior wall).   Mr. Seventies & I discussed our only option....and it will be installed in the family room...on the wall to the right of the fireplace.  Not of fan of that placement...as the vents are ugly in my opinion.

But when it's 32 degrees and humid this summer....it won't look so ugly!   The province kicks in a $1200 rebate...and Mitsubishi (manufacturer of the heat pump) is giving $275 Visa cards for pumps installed in April!  April 5th is when our install is scheduled.  Win-win.

And Wednesday morning...this happened.  I won't go into the details...suffice to say it will be better in the long run.  I was instructed to sit with my feet up for the next 5 days.....I've taken that advice to heart & done exactly that.  

Prior to the procedure...I was fitted with new orthotics.  This orthotic sits mostly in the heel of my footwear...and seem really comfortable.  Sitting on my tukus for the past couple of days has given me the opportunity to shop for summer sandals...ones recommended by the podiatrist.  These are Propet brand...leather and new were $43 cheaper on E Bay... even with shipping.    If I like these and they are comfortable...I may get a brown pair as well.  Another recommendation was Birkenstocks....I have two pair...so I am set for them.  

These are the ones I ordered...the colour is called Denim....and orthotic friendly.  I prefer to have open toe sandals...but I'll give these a go.  They are for casual wear...which works for me. 

Freezing rain warning in effect here for today....another reason to stick close to home. 

Hope you have an awesome weekend!  Last week of March coming up...that much closer to summer!

Easter Goodies

I'm doing up an Easter "bunny" basket for our little grand daughter...after seeing this adorable one on Bed Bath & Beyond website.  And they can be personalized...so her name will be on her very own basket!

Photo from the website....is this not adorable?  They have a variety of animals, shapes & sizes available...all with the option to be personalized...

And the back side is just as cute as can be....ya'll know my love of bunnies!

I also ordered a couple of things to go in her basket....she is a lover of books...and loves to be read to....or just sit quietly and browse the pages...and loves all things farm animals.  Currently she mainly has access to board books...and this one she will enjoy.....

And this adorable Cabbage Patch fox to love up on is on order!  They were all the rage when her Mama was little....

Everything should arrive by the weekend...in plenty of time for Easter. I will likely get a few of her favourite snacks to tuck in her basket as well.  

Her Grampie was busy a few days ago putting together her birthday present!  An adorable table & chair set!  She is being gifted a bubble machine as well.....I can hardly wait to use it!  lol! Not sure who is the bigger kid!

Overcast & cool here....and the technician from the heat pump company is coming this afternoon.  Fingers crossed installing a heat pump at the end of the hall is do-able.

And Liesel has a re-check with our veterinarian today...a second x-ray of her chest and leg.  Things appear to have settled down for the time being...she is able to enjoy short walks when the weather is agreeable.

Wishing you an awesome day!  March is quickly slipping away....

Happy Spring!!

It's been really feeling like spring here the last week or so...the snow is melting!  I'm hoping the mild weather continues! (I just noticed....it's flurrying outside....ugh!!!)

My curtain panels have shipped & are headed my way!   I'll check on their progression later today...with the tracking number.  Cannot wait to get everything pulled together.  Mr. Seventies hung the lanterns...and I am loving them!  I switched out the flowers for some pretty hydrangea...the lights have about eight different settings which can be changed with a remote...and they are also on a timer!

I scored a deal on FB Marketplace for two Gripstand bowls to add to my collection!  Introducing #12 & #13!  Mr. Seventies & I spent an afternoon washing all my bowls, wiping off the top of the cabinets & cleaning out all the cabinets & wiping them down inside and out!  An early start to spring cleaning.   And in doing so...now have two boxes to donate to the Mission Store.   These bowls are true TG Green Gripstand bowls...made in England...as are all my bowls...

The flatware arrived...and the towel ring is installed under the kitchen sink.   And the cabinets are sparkling clean and organized.

I  picked up a couple of new much needed stoneware baking dishes....using a 20% off coupon at Bed Bath & Beyond...

Today is my birthday!!  We had an awesome celebration with my daughter and family last evening...and after a delicious meal & birthday cupcakes (lovingly made by my son-in-law)....I was gifted three pieces of Mason's Pink Vista pieces from Mr. Seventies!  I have quite a collection of this stoneware...and was so happy to add a few more.

What is wonderful about this pattern....older pieces are still available...such as these, along with pieces that have been produced more recently.  And there is a huge choice of pieces... I never tire of discovering ones I've not seen or been gifted before!  I would need a huge display case to showcase all the pieces I have....

Daughter must have read my mind when she picked up a few more baking dishes for me...these are great for cooking or baking smaller meals...

And an assortment of cozy warm socks & a large jar of Moroccan Oil Body Butter...one of my favourites!

Remember this tattoo I fell in love with?  My second daughter gifted me the appointment to have it done in May!  My girls know me only too well...and what I truly love (besides them).....this design will be going on my left arm and hand.  May is the perfect time of year....before pool season!!  (new ink needs about 3 weeks to set before going in chlorine)...

And this little tyke was on hand to provide the evening's entertainment!  A zillion toys scattered about...but playing with bubble wrap was a lot more fun!!  She had been practicing  "Happy Birthday Mimi" song all week....and pulled it off beautifully!!  

I am truly blessed to have such an amazing family and life!  I do not take one minute of it for granted.  

I've decided this little table needs a make over!  I'm not loving the look...and want to change it up for the front entry.  If time permits I plan to browse the paint colours at the hardware store today.   It's the perfect size for our narrow and small space...but could use a bit of sprucing up.  Mr. Seventies has offered to give it a couple of coats of fresh paint in whatever colour I chose.  

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I hope your day is amazing and if you are celebrating with me today....Happy Birthday to you as well!!

A Few New Finds

I was emptying the dishwasher a few days ago...and took notice of how crappy, old, mis-matched & stained our cutlery is!  Some came from the Dollar store...or thrift shop.  Yeah...kinda gross when you think you could be eating off long deceased Grannie Fanny's forks!! Funny how you just don't take notice of the little things & only concentrate on the bigger things!

I can't tell you how long we've had this mish-mash of eating utensils!  But we are long over due for an upgrade.  I think this 40 piece set is a good place to start...they will be suitable for everyday use...I love the shape and semi flatness of the handles.   If need be I'll order a second set...but for now I think these will work great.  Do real people actually use the salad/dessert fork?  I know we don't...but maybe that says a lot about us...

It's the little things!  Things that irritate....like having no where to hang your dishtowel!  Our wall oven door handle is enclosed and on the side...and there are no other handles on any of our appliances.  I didn't want anything fancy or something that would take up space...so opted for a good old towel ring!  Mr. Seventies can install it on the inside of a cupboard door...under the sink.  Far too long it has bugged me that I had no place to hang my dishtowel!  This one is available on Amazon...any hardware store carries them as well.  I can't tell you how excited I am to get something so simple as a towel ring!

I was propped up in bed the other night....browsing Michael's website.  Because that is what normal people do.  And they just happen to have a BOGO sale going on right now....I've been loving on this for a while...for the bedroom refresh.  It's a good size as well...11"x 30".  Put it in my cart for store pick up the next day....

And since my second item would be "free"....I love this pretty piece...from their French Chateau collection.  (sounds so fancy). They have a variety of decor collections,  Honey Bee,  Spring Refresh, Very Berry and Heritage Home.  This vintage ballerina wall piece is 11" x 16"..... I chose it as my "free" piece....just because I guess. 

I happen to be in Wal Mart...and in one small area...were three cramped shelves of Easter tableware and decor.  So small....most walk by without taking notice....our store here is pretty sad.  As I've mentioned many times.  They really push people towards ordering from their website....and focus more on the grocery side of things....

I was in tight quarters...with an employee scanning on the aisle directly behind me...so I wasn't able to get many photos...but chose a few things I thought were so pretty.....table runners, oven mitts, adorable salt & pepper shaker set.....and I almost picked up the tulip spoon rest....

There were other pieces of dinnerware and plates....but I couldn't get more photos....I now had two employees scanning behind me.  How pretty these would be, with the matching running on a table set for Easter dinner?  

I did pick up this adorable carrot spoon rest...I'm drawn to vibrant colours...no secret.  Mr. Seventies was happy to see it...as he shared he never has anyplace to rest a spoon when at the countertop range!  Who new?  It's not just for Easter...we'll  use all year long.   Again...it's the little things....

I ended up ordering cushion fillers on Wal Mart's website.  While I have 18" x 18" ones to use in the main bedroom....I needed two of the 20" x 20" size. (for the covers I intend to use).   And since there were none in store...I ordered online & had shipped to the store.  

Liesel has been able to go for neighbourhood walks again without any signs of discomfort.  That is promising...but we are still trying to curb her jumping.  But...sometimes she just has to be a dog.  Later next week I will book a veterinary appointment for a second x-ray...and hoping the "hazy" area of her left front leg...turns out to be nothing or has disappeared. 

Going to spend today making it a great one!  I hope you have the same!!

Couple of Finds

I was out & about the other day...and look what I came across at Winners!  I already have two bread storage bins....but this one...just happen to be apple green!!  I love when I find things when I'm not even looking!!

And I love how it looks on the counter...and is functional as well.  Pardon the oven mitts...there was such a glare from the window on the countertop...I tossed them on there to cover it up....

And....the bin just so happens to match the Kitchen Aid perfectly!!  I also found the perfect size ceramic pedestal to hold the dish soap & pot scrubbers!  Most of the ones I have seen were either too big, wrong shape or vibrant in colour.  I was looking for a smaller, white stand....and found this one at Home Sense...

And this one lone dachshund item...I always browse...but seldom purchase.  Unless it's something different...but we have an assortment of mugs with dachshunds on them....and this particular one I doubt is microwaveable.  But adorable nonetheless....

I did happen to forget it's March Break here...so the stores were busier than usual...Moms with bored kids...most are forgoing travel...but opting for staycations at home.  With that in mind...I decided to wrap up my outing and headed home.

The weather promises to be sunny and mild today...perfect weather to get Liesel out for a walk...stretch her paws, so to speak.  We've taken her on outings in the SUV...contained in her bucket seat...just to get her out of the house.  And have begun short walks down the street...we have to start somewhere.  

Wishing everyone an early Happy St. Patrick's Day!   I'll leave you with an Irish blessing!

                                          May The Road Rise Up To Meet You

                                      May The Wind Be Always At Your Back

Planning & Dreaming of Summer!

While it's chilly & windy outside...and since winter is slipping away....our thoughts have turned to warmer days, flowers blooming and being able to spend time outdoors...without warm jackets, knitted hats & mitts!  

Next week a technician from an Eco Energy Solutions company is coming to discuss the installation of a mini split heat pump.  If you are unfamiliar with heat pumps...they are also known as zoned HVAC systems that don't require any ducts to heat or cool the air in your home.

Ductless units are a great solution for homes, like this seventies split, that don't have existing ductwork. HVAC systems were seldom the norm in most homes in our area....as our weather never warranted having air conditioning.  Summers are hotter. now and most opted for window air conditioners.  Not a great look...but if placed in a window out of sight...it was about the only solution...until the availability of heat pumps...like this one.

The pump is mounted on the exterior of your home...some are held in place with brackets or directly mounted on an exterior wall...and the vent inside is usually a white, rectangle box installed on a wall...with a remote for ease of use.  Placement is key when having the vent installed...to provide the most efficient heat or air conditioning in your home. 

While I am on board investing in a heat pump...as they are extremely energy efficient....I'm not a fan of a large, white vent placed on a kitchen or family room wall.  Just not a great look in my opinion.  If placement can be on the wall at the end of our hallway...and will provide heating and cooling to the main living space...I'm all in.   This seventies split is small...without vaulted ceilings...so we are hoping that option is a good one for us.

Larger homes can sometimes require two or three heat pumps to have consistent heating or cooling in all areas of the home.  As well, our province provides a $1200 rebate for new installations...to cut down on the use of oil and electricity consumption as ways of heating & cooling homes.  So we shall see what the technician from the company recommends.  Since our lower level is below grade...it remains cool there in the summer...and if we chose to spend time there during the colder months...there is the propane stove for warmth...or simply run the furnace to provide heat. 

And what would dreaming of summer be without a couple of new wardrobe pieces!  This flowy dress speaks to me as a great cover up while hanging out on the deck....and it has pockets!!

And this little wrap dress...(won't be so tightly wrapped on me)...is perfect for zipping about town, running errands...and appointments.  I ordered it in the colour shown.....and a little dressier than shorts & a tee shirt!

This this piece can be worn as a dress or over a pair of long shorts or capris....it will depend on the length on me how I chose to wear it...but an easy piece to pull on with a cute pair of sandals...

And look who has completed her recovery and is now "x pen free"!  The difficult task now is to prevent jumping on & off furniture...a herculean feat!  We've begun taking her on short walks as well.   She requires a second x-ray of her chest & shoulder area...and her left leg...I'll schedule that appointment this week.  Nothing like a soft blanket, warm fire and a few toys to make this girl happy.....

I received word the bedroom curtain panels.will be shipped later this week!  They are coming from quite a distance...but I will be able to track their progress once they are mailed.

After a very windy day yesterday with wind gusts of 165 km/hr clocked on the Confederation Bridge...today is much calmer...and the week is promising warmer temps and sunny days.  With the rain we had...and the winds...sidewalks have dried up & are great for walking now.  

Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your time with me & have an amazing day! 

  

Some Awesomeness Has Arrived!!

I was so pleasantly surprised when a huge box arrived the other day!!  I mean huge...and this...little bit of gorgeous-ness was inside!!  My heart near stopped when I peeked inside...anyone else get like that...excited?  Or is it just me?  It's me, isn't it?   Anyhow...feast your eyes on this...

I wanted to savour the moment....leave it boxed up.  But our recyclables go out this week....and cardboard is recyclable!  So I forced myself to open the box...and just drool over this in the package!  I'm not planning to open it fully, until the curtain panels have arrived...and we are ready to refresh the bedroom.  (I should have moved the curtain rod to the right a bit more...out of view)....

And....the cushion covers were delivered as well!  These are 18"x18" ones...and I put my bolster cushion together.  What do you think?  Not bad for a $4 investment.  I cannot remember what I spent on the material....it was that long ago.  And there still a large piece of it left!  (I layed them on the guest room bed to take this photo)....I have to go through my stash of cushions to stuff inside the covers!

As well as the 20"x20" covers...they are darker red than the duvet cover in the guest bedroom ...but match perfect with the comforter set.  Not quite as red....but a cranberry colour...

And a set of these mason jar wall sconces is arriving today!  I plan to hang on either side of my tobacco basket over the bed!   I may change the flowers....but the best part?  They come with a remote for switching the LED lights off & on!!  I chose the colour shown...weathered gray.  

It's starting to come together!   I'm confirming with the seamstress on Etsy that the curtain panels have been shipped...I hope to hear word on them today.  

We are seeing improvement in Liesel's condition.  Today is the first day she is able to walk without a limp!  It's going to be a beautiful afternoon...so plan to take her for a stroll to the corner close to our house.  She is getting a bit "shack" happy.  We intend to take it very slow... short walks to start out.  

Have a great day & hope you stop by again soon!!

Come Browse With Me & Upcoming Birthday Gift

I did a little browisng around the stores last week...lots of Easter and spring decor to be found.  I picked up the curtain rod for the main bedroom...and decided to take a stroll around Bed Bath & Beyond...first item I spotted was a pretty egg wreath...price tag was a bit much at $50!

In my opinion, stock has not changed in that store for ages!  There was a time when they sold beautiful bedding, decorator cushions...and I loved seeing all the new & beautiful pieces.  Now...it's a store I seldom visit.  There is a "clearance" section...where nothing piqued my interest except this large pumpkin.  I considered it for the hearth...but upon inspection discovered it was styrofoam...and some of the orange bits on the back side...had flaked off.  Too bad...as it would be suitable for indoor use, a generous size ....yet still carried a $24 price tag!  On clearance....

I just have to share the mini waffle makers though!  How adorable for fall is this pumpkin one?

This one makes delicious looking mini bundt cakes!  Great for mini desserts!

And as much as I love these beautiful ceramic candles...they too were over priced at $26 each...

After picking up the curtain rod...I took a quick peruse around Home Sense...I'm not much for Easter decor...but a couple of things caught my eye!  I'm crushing on this particular wreath.  Easter weather in our area can be just an extension of winter...and if I hung this on the front door....it would blow off in a heartbeat.  Unless I only hung it out on mild days...with no wind.  Hard days to come by.  And it's still winter here....in April. 

The second item to squish my heart... an adorable driving bunny!  Carrying a sweet Easter egg!   I do have such a weakness for bunnies...

And I've been thinking about this throw since I saw it!  (strangely enough there were three of them).  Are the colours not perfect for the family room?  It's very lightweight...but so pretty!

How adorable are these dogs beds?  I so wanted to get a pink one for Liesel.....but thought better of it...as she would likely tear it to shreds!  With something this big...the temptation would be too great.  We've tried beds in the past with her....it never ends well...for the bed.

It was even available in a gray colour...

Then daughter and I hit up a couple of thrift stores.....I was on the look out for a neck roll cushion.  I planned to remove the cover....and make a new cover with fabric I've had for ages....and a roll of ribbon I picked up for $1!  The neck roll was only $3 and it washed & dried just fine.   I don't sew...but have some no sew binding that works perfect for projects such as this!   I plan to use this as a decorator cushion in the main bedroom...

And....my oldest daughter has gifted me a tattoo sitting!  (yes...I have a few of them).   This particular one I shared with her...and she decided it would make a beautiful birthday gift for her Mama!  She even booked the appointment...in May.  The shop is insanely busy...but May is a perfect time...before pool season...as it is not feasible to swim in chlorine with a freshly inked tattoo!  

I am so excited to be getting this done on my left hand.  Originally I was not having the pinky finger done...but I may decide to go ahead.  It will depend on how easy it is for the medical bandage to be adhered. 

This was my very first ankle tattoo....done about 15 years ago.  I think it speaks for itself...my love of dachshunds!

I suffered two major losses in 2016...a daughter and sister...both to cancer.  This infinity tattoo represents unending love and closure.  This tattoo is very special.....

I suffered loss again...in the fall of 2019 of my best friend....and this beautiful heart represents beloved memories of her...

I also have pink heart shaped paw prints on one shoulder and back....as not every tattoo represents a loss!  The beautiful one on my hand...is just because it is beautiful.   And a cherished gift from my daughter....

This week will be spent helping with care for our grand daughter!  The Early Learning Center she attends is closed...due to a Covid exposure!   We cannot believe this little tyke will soon be having a second birthday!   With nasty weather yesterday, we didn't get to spending our usual Sunday dinner together...so this is a real treat!  The weather looks great...so plan to enjoy some strolls around their neighbourhood!

Hoping you have an awesome day!  And thanks for spending a bit of your time with me!