Friday Fun Finds

Happy last weekend in August!!  There has been a shift in the weather here...it cooled down to 9 F (that's abut 42 C) overnight!  Mr. Seventies will be closing the pool in the next day or two!  Swim season has come to a close....

I came across these cute spiders & bats at Wal Mart!  (they actually had a bit of Hallowe'en goodness....finally)...

Little dots included with the bats to stick them on the wall!  Can't wait to put a few up!!

I was as surprised as anyone to see a bit more Hallowe'en things at Wal Mart!  And....Christmas stuff as well!  The seasons appear to be competing.  Not ready to think much about Christmas....yet.  Other than our tree has been shipped & will arrive in a few days!!

How adorable is my dachshund cutting board?  Not over-sized....but I love it just the same!!  Since I used an Amazon e-voucher....I paid 0 dollars for it!

I've been crushing on these pumpkin placemats on Pottery Barn Canada website....for weeks!  Waiting for them to go on sale - as $35 each is not going to work for me....

Imagine my reaction when I came across the exact same ones....on Simons website - for $9.50 each!!  You don't need to ask how fast I ordered four of them!!  (it was fast btw).....do these not look identical?

I'll update when they arrive...I suspect I will be very happy with the quality!!

We've been searching for a small table & chair set to use when grand daughter visits!  Been keeping an eye on FB Marketplace...but nothing has been available.  Daughter found this adorable set.....with an asking price of $15!  It has been pre-loved as you can see.....her Dad is picking it up on Tuesday since it is close to his work...

Absolutely a make-over project for little one's Grampie!  He plans to sand it down...and give it a couple of coats of durable non toxic paint....it's going to be adorable!   Our neighbour has a great workshop which is always available to Mr. Seventies...for any reason... he will sand and finish the set indoors....daughter & I will come up with a paint colour or colours.....

I had enough Optimum points saved up to have $30 reduce the price of these overalls! (yes...a throwback to the 70's era)....these weren't available in store...but I was able to order on Joe Fresh website...

I'm sharing a "before" and "after" my weight loss journey! (not really an after photo...as I'm still losing).  So far, I've lost about 55 pounds...here's a before...think we were headed out for a date night...

And my current status....photo taken a few days ago...I'm not great at taking selfies btw...I usually resemble Shrek!  (redo of the primary bedroom upcoming...can't wait to share)....

I've gone from wearing plus size 20 to size 12 regular in jeans & medium size in tops and sweaters.  I'd be happy to stay at this weight...but if I lose a bit more, I'm ok with that too.  With my current health status...it's been a much needed health journey & great to alleviate my knee pain.  I'm "on the list" for knee replacement surgery....I'll make the decision to proceed or hold fast when the time comes...

In other news....Liesel made an impromptu visit to see our veterinarian.  She has this lump on her tail!  Not a great photo...but we noticed she was trying to get at her back end....and fur is missing....(the lump is about 3/4 way up her tail...towards her hiney)....it's a hard "cyst"....

Fluid was drawn from the lump & sent for analysis.  We had the results in 24 hours!!  Happy to report the cyst is non-cancerous...she's been prescribed antibiotics (as bacteria is present the analysis revealed) pain medication & anti-inflammatories for the next 7 days.  We will see where we are then....if it's healed & whether it returns on not. 

It's in an extremely hard spot for removal we've been advised...we will cross that bridge if & when necessary...fingers crossed. It's odd that first she had an ear infection....and now this.  She has remained relatively healthy all these years (arthritis being the exception)...and now required two trips for treatment in August.  She is booked in September for her yearly dental cleaning....

We planned to have a bar-be-que & pool day tomorrow....now it's looking like just a bar-be-cue with daughter & family to celebrate the long weekend!   With the cooler temps....no one has any plans to go for a dip!!

It's been a hot summer with many pool days...but I'm looking forward to fall!  I've been holding off bringing out the fall decor...but it's getting harder to wait!!  

I hope to pick up a couple of cans of ivory spray paint & spray my stack of orange pumpkins...while it looks okay, there are a number of scuffs on it.  BTW - has the price of spray paint double in your area?  It certainly has here...about $25 for one can (with taxes)!  This is the stack....photo from last year....

I had planned to spray them black....then decided on off white.  Which colour do you think would look best?  Or leave as is?

Liesel...lump on tail & all...has a grooming appointment today.  Since the lump or cyst is hard & bathing will cause no issues....the veterinarian has cleared her for grooming.... her groomer is on board...since Liesel is hand stripped... her tail is only trimmed to remove long spears of fur.  Her ear is also cleared up...so she is good to go for a "spa" treatment!

Hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!!  

Til next time...

August Is Winding Down

It's the last week in August already!  We've been enjoying hot temperatures & high humidity again...for the next few days at least!  The weekend was very warm.....great time to enjoy family swims & bar-b-cue!

Schools open here after the long weekend...busses will be rolling on our road & the weather will be a bit more seasonal!  Always leery of hurricanes this time of year....so we keep a close eye on the forecasts!

I've mentioned before how I collect Air Miles and turn them into e-vouchers which can be used in various stores (online & brick & mortar stores)...Old Navy, Amazon, numerous restaurants...to name a few.  A simple way to collect Air Miles is to sign up on airmilesshops.ca and then go to that site when you plan to order.... I use it to earn air miles....

Then turn those air miles into e-vouchers.  It cost nothing to use...and I've used e-vouchers to order from Boston Pizza, Amazon, Bath & Body Works to name a few....

When my friend sent me a couple of Amazon links.....one to this adorable cutting board.... a must have!  (she knows me too well) I used an e-voucher....

I'd seen this cute night light all over the internet...and it too is available on Amazon!  I was able to use an e voucher for it as well....the little flame flickers when it's turned on....

And who isn't thinking Christmas trees in August?  I can't be the only one, surely.  Since our current one has gone with daughter...I've been on the hunt for a replacement.   Something easier to set up...not flocked and hopefully will fit in the basket I purchased from Home Sense.   I chose this one from Bed Bath and Beyond Canada (which has been bought out by Overstock)....there is no physical store...but they have a strong online presence....I've had great success ordering in the past.  

This is a six foot pre-lit fir tree with three hundred warm clear lights & a sturdy metal base.  Not a fan of the pine cones....hopefully they can be easily removed...and if one bulb burns out....it does not affect the rest of the strings.  The measurements for the stand were not given...fingers crossed it will fit in the scalloped basket.......

Switching back to summer mode...it's going to be another pool day here!  The vegetable garden has been bountiful....we are currently enjoying yellow beans, carrots (my favourite) and corn on the cob!  There is nothing like having a meal of delicious veggies that were growing an hour before dinner!!

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

And tomorrow with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays and https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....

Thank you for stopping by today...I hope you enjoy this last week in August!!

Til next time.....

Like I Need Encouragement!!!

 

Home Sense - It's Been A Minute!!

I haven't been in to Home Sense since early August!  I was overdue....to say the least!!

And...oh my...the Hallowe'en awesomeness is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!  Finally, after being open a few years....our store is getting more stock!  I realize it's not as large as Home Sense stores in other provinces....but they could dial down on the amount of furniture they carry (in my humble opinion)....and carry more home decor items!  

I don't know if the masses have spoken...or there are new team members on staff....but this is the first year they have a larger selection of everything...including fall & Hallowe'en goodness....

The first item I saw upon entering right at the front of the store.....(and went immediately in to my cart)....were scalloped baskets!  I chose a medium size...know what I want it for?  Think Christmas.   Now think Christmas tree.  This basket will be perfect to set our tree in this year!  (it better fit...since I haven't purchased the tree yet).   If not....I'll buy a tree that will fit!  (that's how my mind works)....or Mr. Seventies will come up with a solution....

They carried only one in each size ....small, medium & large.  These will not last but a minute!

Prepare yourself for some adorable pieces....you have been warned!  These brooms are all over Tik Toc & Instagram!   This one didn't move or play eerie music...but crushing on it all the same....

First time seeing these pieces!  This Frankenstein tho....and who doesn't love a ghost with a pink bow?? Hard to resist....seriously.....

Awesome pumpkin baskets...great for storing left over Hallowe'en candy!!  Who am I kidding?  There's never left over candy...

Not going to lie...I had to google Brie!  I knew it was a type of cheese...but since I'm not a lover of cheese...I wasn't sure.  But I'd try some....just to use this adorable dish!!   Baked brie with honey & pecans!!  Sounds delicious...

No trip to Home Sense would be complete without seeing a couple of adorable dachshunds on tea towels!  Am I right?

Not an abundance of Rae Dunn this year...I feel the collection had its moment last year!  Still the odd piece here & there....

Both my neighbour & I ordered a ghost bucket!  We are so not great influences on each other...we share everything we find or see....and that in turn....means we buy!  Not a bad friend to have tho...it's rare to find a friend who thinks & loves the same things you do!!  

These are all over the internet as well...a large size will be arriving here in a couple of days!  The photo shows it used for fall arrangement....which is my plan!!

There was lots more to see, but the store was getting busy!  I'll save the rest for another visit in a couple of weeks....I space them out a bit more...and get to see all new pieces every time!!

Wishing you a wonderful day wherever you are!  Thanks so much for spending a bit of your day with me.  

Til next time....

Quiet On The Home Front

I've always considered August a transition month!  That month where the temps start to dip, mornings & evenings are darker sooner...it's not quite fall....yet you can feel the shift in the air.  Old Home Week is over....the midway has packed up & moved on...tourists have thinned out & headed home....and vacations are winding down.... 

I am a huge fan of the "ber" months....September, October, November & December....these next few months are my favourite!   I am obsessed with these pumpkin woven placemats!  However, they are $35 a piece, which seems a tad overpriced!   I've decided to wait & hope they go on sale...

The star tiered tray arrived...and it's even more gorgeous than I expected!   It is available through Hallmark...

I've picked up a few fall pieces to add to my wardrobe.  Pieces that were a tad too small when  purchased a few months ago...are now too big!   I ordered these flannel lined jeans in the spring, I think & when they arrived I could not get the zipper closed - they were too small.  Forward to now.....and they hang off me!  I don't care...I still plan to wear them wear them when the weather gets cold...baggy or not!!  (they are really baggy)....is that style still a thing??

I have very few light sweaters to get by during the fall months....so these two will be perfect...not overly heavy or bulky....

I visited a couple of stores in search of jeans...since I've down sized from a 14 to size 12!   I could not find any suitable...most are mid rise...and I need high rise jeans.  Usually, they are not difficult to find...but I was unsuccessful & ending up ordering a pair online.  I prefer a slimmer leg for wearing with boots...

When I was out & about the other day....I noticed my leather wallet lining was ripped...and my cards could easily fall out!  I went with this pretty leather one...lots of room for bank cards, health cards, change & small bills...

Since I don't carry a large handbag I like a wallet that folds over & easily dropped in to any of my bags....

Mr. Seventies & I have spent these cooler days cleaning & purging...perhaps we are in transition mode as well!  Last year we decided would be the last year for our flocked Christmas tree (oh...they are messy)...and since daughter is in need of a new tree....we are passing it on to her! (she is aware how messy flocking can be)...

When this one comes in stock...it is our tree of choice..a bit of a Charlie Brown tree perhaps?  It's smaller...prelit & no flocking!  We'll set it in a basket...and it will be perfect...

We plan to sort through the Christmas decor...and what is no longer wanted...will be passed on!

Mr. Seventies spent a day cleaning out the furnace room...tossing what was no longer wanted or used.  I picked up a couple of plastic totes and packed up most of my summer clothes that I won't be wearing....

How about you?  Are you transitioning into fall?  Or hanging on to the last remnants of summer?

Join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday!

And tomorrow https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday and https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays!

Lots of amazing bloggers sharing, so please be sure to check them out!

Til next time....

My Recent Finds

The nights are cooling down...there is a week long festival happening & when that ends this weekend...it signals the end of summer.  It's like a switch gets thrown...and we are feeling the "chill" of fall in the air!

I'm okay with that!  The heat & humidity are draining...we've had our fill of days in the pool!  Still a few warm days in the forecast....will enjoy them while they last!

I received a new Fiesta jug...this one is a pretty turquoise!  So, that makes three in my newest collection-obsession!

A few days ago I browsed around Inspired Living home decor store!  A bit of fall goodness available...

They had a stack of these stoneware pumpkin serving plates at the checkout counter....marked down 1/2 price!  Too good a deal to pass up!  My neighbour liked it so much, she called the store & purchased it as well!  We plan to drop in tomorrow & pick it up!

I found these "faux" acorns & will use them when I decorate for fall!  I'm thinking of placing them in the star tiered tray when it arrives....

They had three of these amazing baskets (pictured on the floor) hung on a blanket ladder.... I could not resist!  I left the ladder...but re-thinking that - might get it tomorrow when at the store again!  

And....look what arrived!!  I am so loving this haunted house!!  It hasn't moved it since being unpacked!  

While I was in Wal Mart the other day...I went in search of their fall decor!  (if you could call it that)!  I've mentioned a few times how sad the decor & home goods at our local store is severely lacking!  They seem to focus more on the grocery side.   This is their pathetic attempt....one small section!  This was the best display area....the remainder was strewn about other shelves.....so sad...

Elsewhere fall decor & back to school necessities is coming full throttle in the coming days!  School doesn't resume until after the long weekend...then buses will be rolling out!

Hope you have an awesome weekend!  Thanks so much for spending a bit of your day with me!  

Til next time....

 

My Latest Obsession

Fiesta pitchers!  I'm a bit obsessed & adding them with my Gripstand bowls!  I've got two on display...with a third one, in the colour Peacock Blue arriving any day....

I'm keeping my eyes open to add one more bowl to my collection.... I have room over the pantry to fill an empty space....

More Hallowe'en greatness in the stores!  If it's too early for you....perhaps scroll on by.  But for those like me, who can't get enough & consider it never to early....here's a few I came across.  Apparently my neighbour is itching to decorate for fall as well!!  We're trying to convince each other to wait until at least the end of August...we'll see how we do!!

Oh my gosh...this big guy!  And I do mean big!  I didn't realize he had motion....imagine my reaction...when I stood beside him & he began moving & making horrible sounds!   I didn't stick around to see if his sidekick moved too!  And can you see his price tag?  $499.99!!  Ouch!

Witches hats are everywhere this year!  I'm crushing on these found at Michaels...

I considered getting this stack of books...and how awesome is the inkwell & feather pen!!

These adorable acorns are available in two sizes...and on BOGO sale!  Even better!!

I  picked up a couple for the mantle...since they were on BOGO....

I had previously purchased this vase a while back & floral picks were included in the BOGO sale...I added a couple to the vase...

Ghosts are everywhere this year too!  Nothing cuter than one masquerading as a witch...complete with hat & broom!!

Always a great deal of pumpkins around!  

One of these would be so cute by your door....to keep your Hallowe'en treats handy for trick or treaters!!

The stores are putting fall & Hallowe'en decor on the shelves it seems daily!  It's hard to keep up with it all!  But I try...

Switching gears.... we required a visit to the Urgent Veterinary Care Clinic.... suspected a certain wire hair may have had an ear infection...

The urgent veterinary care clinic is an amazing service available here... easy to book an online appointment with any one of a number of veterinarians & technicians to be of service!  Within an hour Liesel had ear swabs taken & diagnosed with an ear infection in one ear....(the other ear is clear).  Not sure what caused the infection... it is common in dogs with ear flaps that fold over. This is a first time issue for Liesel.    We left with prescribed ear drops & hopefully we will see an improvement in a day or two....

My reason for visiting the emergency clinic was in the event we may not have been able to get an appointment quickly at our regular veterinary clinic... I needed treatment as soon as possible rather than a longer wait time for her to be seen!

In over twenty years of dog ownership...my gut instinct was only ever wrong once!   When you spend a great deal of time with your pets....you know when something isn't right!  My inner voice has never failed me...

I'd rather spend money & be wrong than let my pet suffer in any way!  I consider it money well spent for a peaceful night of sleep and my dog not be in distress...

Be sure and join me over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday!

And again tomorrow with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays.....always a number of blogs linked up to browse and https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday

Have an awesome day wherever you are!!  Til next time....