Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & a Happy & Healthy New Year!   Thank you sincerely if you follow along on my blog....it has been wonderful sharing with you.

I'll be taking a break until January 1, 2024 to enjoy the holidays with  my family & friends.  

Hope to see you next year!!!   

City Lights

We loaded Liesel in the SUV one beautiful evening & set off to take in a few of the homes around the city all decked out for the holidays.....

As we turned to drive along one street....most of the neighbourhood trees were covered in lights!  Must have been a joint effort....

A few of the beautiful homes....

This home decorates extensively for fall & Hallowe'en as well....

By this time,,,,,Liesel had done enough sight-seeing and after a short walk around the block....we headed for home.  It was a beautiful, calm evening and we will likely take another tour around some evening.

I'm getting many comments & compliments on my gingerbread bag!  It's the perfect time of year to use it....and the keychain is adorable.....

Beginning another week.....the last full week before Christmas!  We are mostly ready.....I have a couple of small items to pick up.  Liesel has a spa day this morning.....and her yearly veterinary exam tomorrow.

We have a wind warning in effect today....fingers crossed we don't lose our power!

And it being Monday....I'll be sharing at a blog party over at  https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ where Susan hosts  Metamorphosis Monday

On Tuesday I'll be hanging out with other bloggers at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ and also with Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/ for Tell It To Me Tuesday.....

Thanks so much for spending a bit of your time with me today!  Until next time.....

Shopping For Me

My sleepwear was needing an overhaul!  I've been on a weight loss journey the past few months losing thirty-two pounds so far.  Needless to say I've had to transition my clothes accordingly.  I've picked up the odd cozy top or two, a couple of pair of jeans & leggings and when sorting through my current night shirts & sleep pants...most were too big. 

And that meant a trip to la Vie en Rose...a store which sells undergarments and every style of sleepwear, robes, warm socks and sleepwear imaginable.  And the pre-Christmas sales are on!  So I headed to the store & picked up a couple of pj sets - 2 pair for 1 sale!   And some pieces for kicking about the house...

And a couple of these to wear as coverups, but they could easily be worn over leggings...

I'm loving these long pieces...for sleeping or just chillin'.....they were on mark down so I got a couple...

In other news...I'm needing a knee replacement...after dealing with osteoarthritis for the last number of years.  It's wreaking havoc on my mobility....and it's difficult to plan anything when there's a good chance I'm going to be in constant pain.   I completed the necessary paperwork at my orthopaedic surgeon's office.  And now I wait...and the wait could be long.  But it won't happen if I don't get the ball rolling...I've put the surgery off long enough.  

I finally finished wrapping presents....that is one task I truly dislike!  Some people love to do it....I am not one of them.  But I sat at the kitchen table and got it done!  

We're getting together for an evening with our neighbours....looking forward to hanging out with them.  We had a dusting of snow overnight & it's chilly here currently.  

Have an awesome weekend everyone!   Til next time...

Catching Up

Happy Monday peeps!  It's inching closer to Christmas....I did very minimal decorating in the kitchen....it's a busy time of year.  And I have quite a bit of wrapping left to do....I hope to wrap that up (pun intended) this week....

I am in love with the vintage inspired reindeer mugs!  I had planned to paint the mug holder....will have to do that after the holidays....I will continue using it to hold mugs....

I need to purchased a new kettle...brushed metal to match the appliances....(it's on back order)....and Mr. Seventies will be receiving a single serve Keurig coffee maker....they seem to have a short lifespan, since we've gone through two of them....although we've switched up our hot beverage & enjoying hot chocolate most evenings....the snowman wearing the top hat holds mini marshmallows......

We took a drive one evening to the community of North Rustico (about 37 km from us)....to take in the beautiful lights and Christmas displays.  The homes along the way are always decorated and so pretty and enjoyable to take in....

Homeowners in North Rustico (a small fishing village) go all out during the holidays....decorating everything from fishing boats to tractors.....and this particular spot covers just about every square inch of their home and property....they even do their side lawn but the packed down layer of snow had turned to ice....and we decided against venturing up the small embankment to view it.....I noticed a couple of people slipping on their way down.  Most of our snow has melted now with warmer temperatures....

Perfect backdrop for a photo op....when there was a lull in people checking out the displays.....

I asked Mr. Seventies not to zoom in too close as the dermatologist removed pre-cancerous cells from my face....using liquid nitrogen!  Yup...that hurt.  And my face has scabs from the removal.  Enuf said....

Friends built a new home in North Rustico a couple of years ago....and invited us to drop in after our tour of the village....lovely to see them and their home decked out (inside and out) for the holidays.  

Mr. Seventies, grand baby & her Daddy decorated a gingerbread house over the weekend....we enjoyed a visit and meal with them....and she placed her gifts underneath her tree...

I have a phone consult with my orthosurgeon....supposed to be an office visit...however his receptionist has Covid....so appointments are done over the phone for a while.  My knee is causing much pain (and annoyance) these days...it's interfering with walking and my mobility in general.  My sweet neighbour dropped in a couple of weeks ago....and she convinced me it was time....she had one knee done about this time last year...and waiting to have the other one done.  I presume the wait times for surgery will be long....so thought it best to get the ball rolling at least....

I have a friend who is a frequent Home Sense shopper....she runs a side business setting up beautiful tables for parties, wedding receptions and events.....and is constantly visiting the store for pieces to use.....when I saw this ornament....I knew it was perfect for her tree!

Our silly goose in a playful mood...showing off vicious teeth...lol.  She has an upcoming  spa day booked....and an annual exam with our veterinarian....we'll keep those days on the down low....neither are her favourite activities....

Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing a bit of your time with me!  Join me later today at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for  Metamorphosis Monday.  

Marty at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ is under the weather....but if she hosts Inspire Me Tuesday this week...we will see you there along with Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/ for Tell It To Me Tuesday!  Please support these amazing bloggers by checking out their blogs....

Til next time.....

Ready For Christmas

With the exception of a bit of wrapping gifts...we are just about ready for Christmas.  And wrapping is my least favourite thing to do!  Gift bags were made for people like me...some enjoy wrapping....I am not one!    I hope to get to it in the next few days though.

I didn't do a lot of decorating this year....I ran out of steam!  Such a busy time of year...numerous medical appointments and so on.  It's my favourite time of year  (well...second to fall).  A little bit of fun in the front entry....

I do love our tree....but will rethink if we want to deal with the mess of the flocking each year...

The gingerbread cushion...a bit smaller than expected...especially since Liesel thinks it is a stuffy for her...I caught her with it, because she has such a toy shortage...

I love my Willow Tree nativity set - I saw pieces the other day in a gift shop....and everything was 50% off!   That is a steal!  The stable wasn't available... it is a huge (breakable) piece & I'm happy with the number in my collection.....

One of my favourite cushions...I had purchased two....and gave one to my daughter.....

A couple more decorative cushions on the sofa...the snow globe on the table to the left has a dachshund in the centre....and plays a Christmas tune when wound up....and snow falls when shaken.  The coffee table is off centre a bit...Mr. Seventies tends to move things around when vacuuming...(no complaints).  And the gate.....just keeping it real...Liesel stays in the kitchen (for her own safety) if we happen to be out.  Keeps her from jumping off furniture...and causing an issue with her front legs or back....

That's about it for the family room.  Not a lot of clutter....we need to be able to live in this room.  I did pick up this candle....in a wooden bowl!  Doesn't it look real?  It isn't.  Battery operated.  I now mainly purchase soy candles...they burn cleaner...and their scents last longer I find....no lingering petroleum smell either....that can't be healthy.....

And while out & about I stopped to check out a calendar/puzzle kiosk at the mall....and could not resist this puzzle.  It's called Vintage Main Street!  I'm not a huge puzzler (or puzzle person)....but cannot wait to start this one!  Mr. Seventies is going to cut me a board to put it together on....it's about 19" x 26".....and comes with a poster for assistance in putting it together.  I may invest in a puzzle board....I'l see how we get along.  A great past time for wintery days!

I stopped into Winners while at the mall...(they are expanding the store).....and noticed these adorable mugs...the gingerbread is my favourite....(of course)....

And while I love the tops on these candles....they are not soy....and burn smokey....

And of course a gingerbread piece...stock in the stores for Christmas decor and decorations....has depleted significantly I noticed....

We have a layer of snow about....covering the ground and trees.  And while pretty....there is rain in the forecast in the coming days.  Ugh!  Up & down temperatures with precipitation makes it so messy for getting about.  The SUV goes through the car wash a few more times when it's ever changing like this.

We have better chance of having a white Easter than a white Christmas!

Thanks so much for spending a bit of your time with me...I truly appreciate it.  Til next time....

Mini Getaway!

Mr. Seventies & I spent an enjoyable couple of days with my nephew & his wife (and two pups) in Nova Scotia....their newly built home is beautiful!  So well thought out and decorated...I'll share but a small peek inside their modern farmhouse.   The welcoming exterior in all it's festive glory...

An inviting & cozy front entry.....each window decorated with wreath and candles...

This beautiful setting as you enter the front of the home....the lighted snowmen...are glass jars...with inverted rose bowls for heads....painted white...wearing adorable hat & scarf! (stitched from a dollar store throw).   Inside each jar is a set of led lights.  These were made by my nephew's mother-in-law who has since passed away.  

The floor to vaulted ceiling gorgeous fireplace....they plan to purchase a taller tree after the holidays...I'm crushing on the framed television....what a decorative way to show it...besides big black boxes on the wall!  I am so not a fan of having a television stuck on a cabinet or wall (such as ours is).  I'd love to have Mr. Seventies frame ours....it's an older set....doubtful they even make frames for them.  

Next to the family room....is their amazing kitchen...no detail has been overlooked.  A small pantry is off to the right of the custom kitchen island...there isn't one thing I don't love about this home! (just knock on the oven or refrigerator door....and the insides light up)...and that range hood and light fixtures!!

The glass areas over the cabinets....house my nephew's Mom's china set...

The pantry is well stocked....and such a wonderful room for storage....

To the left of the kitchen is a wonderful dining area....which can seat eight comfortably....

The back of the house....is still a work in progress.  A beautiful spot to relax with in ground pool, hot tub....and pool house complete with 1/4 bath!   Also a covered area with a large patio & propane fire pit.  An outdoor kitchen is in the works for next summer...there's even an outside pizza oven.  Not visible in the photo is a temporary fence....to keep their two Frenchies from wandering away!  This little guy is a first class escape artist. A permanent fence will be installed in the spring....

The main bathroom....with heated tile floors!  Oh so luxurious on the feet!!  

And a sneak peek into the main bedroom ensuite!  With heated floors as well....such a beautiful, relaxing way to wind down or start your day...

Their laundry team....and to the right of the set is a large cabinet storage area....

There are two large guest bedrooms....the main bedroom & my nephew's office on the main floor.  The upper level contains a large office/craft room (complete with 3/4 bath)....his wife's workspace. 

And the French brigade...Harley is the cream...and his brother Dozer is a brindle boy.  We had such a great time with them....they are much larger than a little wire hair dachshund!  But every bit as loved and well cared for...

Dozer's favourite hang out.....a great spot to warm his backside!

We had such a great visit....hanging out & catching up & enjoyed a delicious bar-b-que!  We didn't want to do anything but enjoy their company and home.  They have been nomads while their house was being built...staying with various family members or  at their summer cottage in Maine.  So thankful they are getting settled...we look forward to spending time with them.  After twenty years or more living and working in Ontario....it's wonderful to have them back in the Maritimes!

Sadly each lost their Moms in 2016.....within a few weeks of one another.  I know they are so proud...watching over from heaven.  My beloved sister is mother to my nephew.....she is missed every day.

Liesel had a wonderful time with our dog sitter...and I felt fully at ease that she was in the best of care...and received photos and videos of their time together.  I'm a tad bit attached to Liesel....her care & happiness is extremely important.  She looks pretty happy in this photo!

We're getting a bit of snow today....not a storm and no winds thankfully.  

Thanks so much for stopping by today....I'm so glad you did.  Drop over to Susan's blog https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for   Metamorphosis Monday 

There are some awesome holiday blog tours going on this week at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ and I'll be sharing on Tuesday with Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/ for Tell It To Me Tuesday!!

Til next time peeps!