Merry Christmas To Me

I am so excited to have ordered the adorable Kate Spade gingerbread crossbody bag!  It is available on their U.S. website....but for certain items....(such as the bag)...they do not ship to Canada!  Go figure.  The Canadian website does not carry the bag...so I spent some time sourcing the bag & getting it at a price I was willing to pay!  

It's well known sellers on various sites...purchase items....for resale.  And of course adding on a substantial mark up!  I've found the bag selling anywhere from $230 to $770!  It's ridiculous when these sellers ask astronomical prices...not counting shipping, taxes, and duty (if ordered from the U.S.)......no thank you....

I struck a deal with a fellow Posher for the bag!  I'm happy to support a fellow Canadian seller on Poshmark.ca!!  I suspect this bag won't be available after two or three years....

It comes with a leather strap for wearing it across your body or over shoulder...or you can carry by the handle.  It's constructed of smooth leather as well!  I cannot wait for it to arrive...so festive for this time of year!

Of course, the bag would not be complete without attaching the gingerbread keychain (sold separately)....it finishes the look!  There is a small replica of the handbag keychain as well....but I'm crushing on the gingerbread boy!!

The bag might seem expensive....but investing in a quality leather bag is never a bad choice, in my opinion,  And you are also paying for the brand.  I am a lover of leather.... in purses, boots, shoes and furniture...even the upholstery in our SUV and Liesel's leash are leather!  Leather wears for years....and that in my mind....is worth the investment!  We have leather furniture in the family room downstairs over 25 years ago....and it still looks like the day it was purchased.  Which is why we purchased leather again for upstairs family room.  It wears so well.  I've got my eye on a beautiful teal leather small recliner...may be my investment next year....

And my nails just so happen to be showing a couple of cute gingerbread boys & candy cane stripes!

We put our tree up!  I've mentioned how messy a flocked tree is!!  This will likely be the last year for it...maybe next year I'll feel differently.  It's a lot of work decorating for the holidays....and I don't do much these days.....

We picked a sunny, warm day to put clear lights on the tree outside...and a flood light pointing to the wreath & front step.  I'll take a photo the next clear evening we take Liesel and go around the neighbourhood to enjoy the Christmas lights.  Last night was a full moon...we had a great walk before settling in for the night.  That meant digging out safety vests & wearing them to be more visible.  Traffic is still steady in the evenings...better to be seen....

And somehow....dam mice were getting in the house!!  And peeps...you have no idea how that creeps the bejezuz out of me!  We had success setting down traps....but called in the professionals to do an inspection and block them outside.  There are three bait boxes around the house...and in the attic which contain poison as well as traps hidden in places inside where Liesel does not have access to.  (the inside traps do not contain poison).  The bait used?  Licorace!  Go figure. 

Apparently the poison bait is biodegradable & the inspector will come every day or so to ensure they die in the box.  The fox population (which used to control the mice population)....is depleted in numbers due to mange....and with mice having only birds for predators...they are everywhere!  The inspector will come regularly for the next three months.  Any spots that he identified as a potential entry spot....he plugged with steel wool....although Mr. Seventies had most areas filled.  But they were getting in somehow!  Such is life...

My neighbour offered to send her cat over!  Ha!  Then I'd have a Liesel/cat problem on my hands!!

Thank you for stopping by today!  It's my favourite day for hanging out over at Susan's at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday .  

And tomorrow be sure and check out https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Marty's blog party Inspire Me Tuesday.  And Lyndsey hosts Tell It To Me Tuesday at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/.

Christmas Quilt Set

Another not so nice day on our fair Isle!  Rain & wind...typical late fall day.  The temperature went below freezing & Mr. Seventies spread salt on the walkways & around the SUV.  I'm not a fan of using it....but it's better than taking a tumble on ice.  We've tried the "pet-safe" brands....but they just do not melt the ice.  We carry Liesel over the salted areas....

I'm loving the Christmas quilt set I ordered a few weeks ago.  I ordered a king size...but could have gotten away with a queen as it is quite oversized.  I'm not purchasing king size pillows for the shams....the set will be on the bed for only a few short weeks....

At bedtime.....I remove the shams & fold the quilt down to the bottom of the bed....

We are having a mouse problem!!  Poor Mr. Seventies has near driven himself crazy...plugging every possible spot he can think where they might get in....to no avail.  Liesel alerted us one evening....she started running around....tracking like mad1. The next morning....there were two pieces of her dog kibble in the middle of the kitchen floor....I left purposely in her bowl.  Convinced we had a mouse....a trap was set that night....and within ten minutes of turning in the for the night....we heard a loud snap!  Mouse #1 gone.  We've managed to rid three more in four nights!  I suspect they are coming in somewhere in the basement and travelling up the chimney.  We set traps on the hearth....and with bait...we've caught four. 

I've contacted a pest control company to come & sort out how they are getting in.  The lack of foxes around now (a mange outbreak depleted the vast majority of them)....we used to see them daily hunting in the empty field behind our house.  They were great natural predators to keep the mouse population under control.....until now.  Mice are looking to get in nice & cozy for winter.   I'm not having it.   Our previous dachshund Schatzi......was our mouser!  She possessed a very high prey drive...and mice were no match for her.  Better than any cat!  Liesel has little prey drive...she was more interested in her bedtime routine to bother hunting a mouse!

In other news...I've been dealing with an arthritic knee for the past five or six years.  I've tried injections & physiotherapy...my orthopaedic doctor advised I will know when the time comes to have a knee replacement.   I've begun having more painful days than good days...so that's telling me it's time.  I've had osteoarthritis in my lower spine all my adult life...medications help with that.  But nothing worked for my knee....and I don't want to spend the rest of my life hobbling & dealing with knee pain.  It's difficult to get out & about....go walking...and deal with pain in general. 

It could likely be a while until I get a call to prep for surgery....my neighbour had one knee replaced last November.....and she is having the other one done as soon as she gets word from the hospital.  Wait times are long....so I felt it necessary to get put on the wait list.  Such is life.

Next week is the Christmas home decorating show...I'm attending with my neighbour & another friend.  We plan to go for dinner first...then head to the show.  It's an evening of fun, laughs and give aways!

That's all the news from here!  I do have to get out Christmas shopping....so have that planned for a day next week!   

Til next time....

 

A Little Decor Outside

Last week was hectic....and it honestly got away from me.  There were various errands, appointments & I was under the weather most of the week.  The weather has been unsettled as well...wind, snow & rain off & on.  No accumulative snow yet...it comes and goes.   My sweet neighbour dropped in for an afternoon visit as well....

Mr. Seventies decided to pull together a wreath for the back door....I love the mix of greenery he used...Austrian pine, white spruce and snippets of holly from our shrubs.  He prefers to use balsam fir...but our only Balsam fir blew over during Fiona.  We considered adding some ornaments...but this is the north side of the house....and it takes the brunt of our storms so decided to let it go "au natural".   This weighs about twenty pounds as it is....

The front entry is looking a bit festive.  I considered setting out a couple of Christmas door mats...but thought better of it.  They would serve no purpose....other than to get soaked or blow off.  They would look nice...for about a day.  If the outside entry was less exposed to the elements I might have considered it....but such is life here.  Mr. Seventies did a great job with the crock arrangement...and our Santa gnome is such a handsome little guy.

We haven't put any lights on the outside tree yet....or the flood light that illuminates the front door...that will happen some time this week.  The inflatable dachshund we usually put out....is going to spread some holiday cheer on grand baby's lawn.  We think she will love it....her neighbourhood is very family oriented...lots of children.....and inflatables everywhere.....

Mr. Seventies put together this arrangement... the pot held a previous arrangement his sister sent for the holidays...a couple of years ago.  She usually sends a live Christmas arrangement every year...and we love receiving them!  

And a sneak peek....we did a little bit of inside decor but we both ran out of steam.... realizing the time is coming to scale back a bit.  Not that we went all out...but it is a tremendous amount of work...brining up bins from the storage room and setting things up.  A flocked Christmas tree is very messy as well....the lights on our daughter's tree stopped working....might be a good time to pass on our tree...for next year.   If she wants to deal with the flock mess that is.  They are messier than having a real tree!

I love having our nativity scene  set up....daughter passed on a piece of new burlap....strings &  all to set underneath it....

Grandbaby & Grampie spent a day together complete with a shopping trip for Christmas gifts for Mimi.  Of course the usual park activities....and they hung out with the ducks & geese at a pond close by.  They are quite the pair.  I haven't begun to wrap anything....needing to pick up wrap & bows.  Plan to do that tomorrow...and attend a couple of appointments and the Victorian Christmas market starts Friday in the city for four days.  Weather permitting...plan to take that in.  

I haven't started shopping for Mr. Seventies yet....will get that off my to do list within the next couple of weeks.  We  plan to visit with my nephew & wife later in the month....and have a friend's daughter dog sitting with Liesel.  As a rule....Liesel travels with us....but this trip she will enjoying having the full attention of her sitter!   I think I will be okay... it's a struggle for me....she is my constant sidekick...

And it's time to take in some blog parties this week....Susan at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ is hosting  Metamorphosis Monday.

Join us tomorrow with Marty at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....along with Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/category/tell-it-to-me-tuesday/.

Thanks so much for stopping by today....greatly appreciate your visit!  Til next time....

Craft & Home Decor Sale

Happy Monday!  My friend & I spent an enjoyable day in Summerside.....taking in a huge craft fair at the high school & our favourite home decor store!

I did not take photos at the craft fair...as vendors were of course at their booths...and there were hundreds of shoppers milling about.  Saturday...the line up for entrance was long...people waiting in the cold and wet flurries!  Glad we chose to go on Sunday....still busy....but we were able to navigate around the school (got turned around a few times)!  It's a large high school....and neither she nor I are familiar with the layout...even with a print out of the vendors.  The exits were not well marked....our only complaint.

Upon entering the school....we each filled out a ballet for door prizes....and before long I heard my name announced as a winner!  Before we left, we headed to the main office where I collected my prize....a beautiful infinity scarf and a handmade pot scrubber!  I'm not a scarf person...I immediately gave it to my friend...as she loves scarves.  The pot scrubber apparently is safe for coated cookware.

There were vendors selling just about everything from pottery, cutting boards, baking, jams jellies, knitting, candles and tarts to name a few!!  And you know I love tarts!!  

The Kristin Handcrafted tarts are amazing!  I currently have two squares of the Maple Walnut Fudge tarts in a warmer...and they smell heavenly!  They are soy melts and the seller is located in  Summerside (there were a number of vendors from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well).  She will be set up in Charlottetown later in the month at a couple of craft fairs here....I will be picking up a few more packages!  And I picked up a bag of fudge for Mr. Seventies.   My friend picked up three hand made ornaments & a couple of soy candles.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local Chinese restaurant there....a real treat for both of us.  We had thought we would grab a bite to eat at the Starlight Diner...but decided on Chinese.  

After lunch...we headed to Prestige Home Decor store!  Wow....it was a bit overwhelming when we first arrived.  The store was decorated to the ceiling....we didn't know where to start!  It was busy...with lulls that gave us plenty of room and time to browse about....everything in the store was 25% off!

I missed out on this framed Santa!  I had planned to purchase him....and stupidly did not take him to the cash to have them hold it for me while I shopped...and when I went back around to get it....it was gone!  

This one was my second choice....but it was gone as well!  You gotta be quick if you see something you want...

Are these not absolutely adorable?  I couldn't resist not getting a pic of them....

A number of beautifully decorated trees....in various colour combinations...my favourite item in this photo is the Christmas stocking .....with our PEI tartan cuff!   The stocking was soft wool...from a local woolen mill!

Oh to be a child again....and have these nutcrackers hung in your bedroom for the holidays....

They carry such beautiful bedding, cushions and throws.....we browsed here for quite some time....

I wish I had picked up a couple of these pretty trees....and the mug is pretty adorable too....

A couple more decorated trees...beautiful colour combination of white and gold....

Adorable gnome cushions and I'm crushing hard on these little sheep!!!

Surprising enough....I didn't purchase anything!  My friend picked up some greenery picks and a couple of gift items for family members.  One thing that shocked me was the price of the various faux garlands they had!  I plan to pick up a cedar garland for the mantle....but their price of $159 for six feet seemed a bit steep.  Even with 25% off!  Inspired Living sells them for $59.99......so I will be getting mine there.  Talk about sticker price shock!

On our way home....we attempted (our fourth attempt ) to visit Star & Stable....a local Christmas store.  But...again our plans were foiled...they were closed!  Again.   We discovered earlier they are closed on Mondays....but were hoping they'd be open for business when we visited.  Plans foiled.  It's difficult to support local....if local has wonky hours.  One lady wrote she was very annoyed...she had planned to visit the shop on a week day (after an hour drive)....only to discover the shop closed for the day - for a Family Day! (they got a new puppy that day).  

Look what I scored at an online auction!  Are these not the most adorable mugs?  I've seen the vintage ones from years gone by....these ones are from Pottery Barn.  I may get Santa mugs that I've been eyeing as well.....I'm kinda over the Rae Dunn line of Christmas mugs.  I'm on the hunt now for a mug tree to hang these on...I hope to have luck at one of the thrift stores....

Spent an afternoon with grand baby....she is graduating from her crib to a big bed soon.  Grampie will be on hand to help her Dad with the take down and set up.  She has a doctor appointment this week to check on the status of her lungs....be certain the pneumonia is cleared up...and an additional puffer prescribed.  She is feeling so much better.  She & Grampie have a shopping date planned (for Mimi's Christmas stocking I am told).  Afterwards the three of us will be going out for lunch!  

Be sure and check out https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ later today for  Metamorphosis Monday. 

Tell It To Me Tuesday on  https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/

I wasn't able to participate last week....as I didn't see a link up to her blog.  Maybe someone can share if she is still hosting.

The propane company came last week to switch out the outside propane storage tanks to new tanks.  We have two large green tanks...which have not been replaced since 2011.  The technician lit the pilot light in the propane stove downstairs....and the hot water heater automatically resets.  So it was an easy half hour job.

The weather has been crappy....cold, windy with either rain or wet flurries.  Typical November in Prince Edward Island.  Busy week with appointments later in the week.  I saw my first Christmas tree up in a home down the street!  Not ready to set our up yet....

Thanks for stopping by today....I hope your day is awesome!!  Til next time...

 

Little Bit Of Christmas Shopping

Since we plan to visit my nephew & his wife next month...when I come across things I know they will love...I grab them quickly.  Firstly, let me introduce you to their fur kids...Dozer and Harley.....

Are they not adorable boys?  We haven't met Harley yet... he is the newest member of their pack.  So looking forward to spending time with them....and seeing in person all their antics!  Fun fact - they have a Boxer cousin....Copper.  Copper suffers terrible separation anxiety when his peeps leave for work....so he spends his days with Dozer & Harley...and they are all the best of friends.....

I came across these adorable sleep pants for my nephew's wife....and she is all about anything Frenchie!  She is going to love these!

And a couple of new mugs....one can never have enough coffee mugs.  And new football toys for the boys!!

I tucked in a 2024 calendar....and a package of chocolate covered potato chips from Cows (they are so delicious)!!!  My nephew has been wanting to try them!

And of course....I couldn't resist a doxie Christmas sleep shirt for myself!  

There is a new doxie candle out this year as well....this one is a bit different from the one I got last year...with ear muffs and adorable boots!  I just may have to have this.....

I'm waiting for this gingerbread pillow to arrive....I hope it is as cute as it looks!

And a pretty thermal blanket to lay across the bottom of the bed.  We have taken the big comforter off the bed....replaced it with our down duvet for a few months....and it's cozy to have a blanket on hand to pull up on the bed...and I love this honey mustard colour....

It's going to be a fun weekend...my friend and I are taking in a couple of events in Summerside....the first one being a large craft fair held each year at the high school.  It's been a few years since I've attended this one....very much looking forward to it....

And afterwards....our favourite home decor store is having a sale...and we definitely want to check it out....we enjoyed our visit there last spring...it will be beautiful all decked out for Christmas!!!

The days have been cooler.....and unsettled.  Showers and flurries one minute....and sun and wind the next!  Typical November here!

Thanks for visiting with me today!  Tomorrow is Remembrance Day...a day set aside to honour our war veterans and never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could live free.  

Back To Seasonal Weather

After that little blast of wintery weather we had a couple of days last week....the snow has melted...and we've been able to enjoy the trails again!

Today is a very special day....Mr. Seventies is celebrating a birthday!  We had a pizza party & cake at daughter's home on the weekend...very enjoyable.  Yesterday...he & grand baby went to a football game for a while...(her Dad was one of the referees)....bought snacks from the canteen, played at a park close by and checked out a pond of ducks and geese!  

Happy Birthday to the best husband, father & grandfather!  You are loved and greatly appreciated...

It was a perfect day to enjoy a trail close by...I think these two are arguing over which way to go....

Still some pretty colours to enjoy....

Our rodent hunter extraordinaire....(not)....walked right past this little fellow....she paid him no mind....

She does not possess a high prey drive....as most dachshunds do.  If he ran in front of her...she may give a half hearted chase attempt.  Crows...however are a different story....they're the bain of her existence!  Pretty certain unless she sprouts wings....the crows are in no grave danger....

The Christmas quilt arrived.  It will give great coverage on the bed...I ordered a king size...this is one sham!  Huge!!

I've left the set in the package until I'm ready to place it on the bed....will give it a quick steam to get out any wrinkles.....

Mr. Seventies spent the last few days....cleaning out the gardens, shearing & trimming shrubs, removing peony rings...and will likely need to mow the lawns one last time.  Not a lot of leaves on the lawn....hard to rake when they are still on the trees.  We have a dead tree on the side lawn that he & our neighbour plan to take down....the wood will be taken to our other neighbour across the street...as they have a wood stove.  

Join me later today at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for  Metamorphosis Monday.

And Tuesday I'll be sharing over at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday and with Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/ for Tell It To Me Tuesday!!

Thanks for stopping by today....I so appreciate your visits!  Feel free to leave me a comment!  Til next time.....

Woke Up To This!

It's bound to happen....does every year!  This won't stick around long....just enough to make it wet & messy...

The power has flickered a couple of times!  When snow arrives before the leaves are on the ground....the trees are heavy....and tend to take down a few power lines!  The ploughs are out on the roads....

Seldom when the snow comes in November...does it stick around.  We are more likely to have a white Easter than a white Christmas!!

My friend and I decided to go to the mainland on Monday...her husband claimed Tuesday was going to be a nasty day (it wasn't).   But it snowed after we arrived there...made for a messy time getting out and about though.  Our first stop was Costco.   Of which I am not a fan....never have been.  Just don't see the draw in spending money....to shop in a store. And the line ups!!!  Crazy....

And the ginormous sizes of everything!  Mr. Seventies and I don't require a 45 gallon drum of peanut butter!! (slight exaggeration).  I agree you can get bulk sizes...I guess if you have a large family....but we know families that are two people.  Like us.  But still have to do Costco hauls!!  Don't understand...a trip to the mainland alone for gas and bridge toll is about $150.  I got bored quickly....my friend had a cart full and by this time....it was on to lunch afterwards.

We checked out their Home Sense...which is much larger and carries way more stock and choices than ours does...

I saw these...adorable!

Also black & tan dachshund available.  And no...I did not buy one....

My big splurge.....a couple of toys for Liesel....

I picked up a couple of things for grand baby for Christmas...and that was the extent of my shopping excursion.  I guess I wasn't missing much after all!  Although this adorable cushion was tempting...but I have at least two dachshund Christmas cushions already....

Later in the month, my friend & I have an excursion to Summerside planned.  A gorgeous home decor store we love to frequent is having its annual sale....and a large craft fair held at the high school there the same day!  And my favourite junk/antique shop has moved and opened up in a larger location...so we will stop in there as well. 

If you remember this guy I shared the other day....(they only had one in stock).  And now he is mine...to set on the front step.  The tree he holds....lights up!

I spent a full day packing up and putting away Halloween & fall decor!  Wow...three boxes and a very large tote to get it stored away!  The house feels so bare.   Clean....but bare.  

The wood pellet stove is up and running....no major repair.  Just a good cleaning of parts and we were back in business.  The temperature here is currently 0.  

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today...wishing you an awesome weekend!