An Evening Stroll

The wet weather improved for us to enjoy a stroll around the neighbourhood to take in some festive Christmas lights!  I thought I would share a few pretty homes with you....

I realize photos don't do any of them justice...but it is our favourite way to combine an evening walk & take in the festive displays & lights....and Liesel loves a pre-bedtime walk....

Santa has quite the team to haul his sleigh this year...who doesn't love a festive cow.....

Most of the homes in this development....are about the same age as ours or older....bungalows built in the late 60's & early 70's....but all very well maintained & updated....

No neighbourhood is complete without the Grinch making an appearance.....

One thing I've noticed in the older neighbourhoods....the inflatables don't seem to be as popular.  In the newer developments....most streets are lined with them on their front lawns...(I love them...btw)..

There are still a few areas we want to check out.....newer homes & also the older section of homes in the centre of the city...

Old Ma Nature is going to give us a taste of wintery weather to end off this week....a bit of snow mixed with rain or "snain" as we call it......which means a slushy day tomorrow.  There will be a number of fender benders as drivers "forget" how to drive in winter....it will take a few messy days to acclimate to winter driving........

In other news....remember our kettle (which is by far my favourite kettle.....ever).....keeps shutting off....

I reached out to the company....and was advised the kettle is still under warranty!  It has a one year warranty & since I had only purchased it eight months ago....they have sent me a new one via Purolator!  I'm extremely happy that a new kettle is on it way!

Daughter has the same kettle, in this pretty colour....a soft pistachio green...hers does not get as much use as ours....they are coffee drinkers & tend to use the Keurig more....I advised about the warranty though in the event hers has any problems within the year.....

Another brief update on the gorgeous leather jacket I ordered.....it was a bit snug!   It runs incredibly small....although it did "fit".....I prefer a bit more shoulder room!  I sent it back & ordered an XL (yes an XL) & am happy to report it arrived quickly & fits perfectly!  Some buyers mentioned it's short length....but it is exactly the fit I wanted.....

I came across this amazing corduroy dress & although I am not much of a wearer of dresses....this style is exactly the type I love!  Pair it with tights & a pair of ankle boots....and it's a winner for me....I even love the brown colour!!!  I sized down as it looks to be fairly loose & flowy.....

Can you believe how fast the month of November flew by??  Today's forecast is calling for sun....we haven't seen it since November 10th!   Mr. Seventies plans to put up the outside Christmas lights & put together couple of live wreaths.....and I have a date with cardiac rehab this afternoon.   

Hope to see you back with me in December!! 

Til next time......

Nothing Like Retail Therapy!

I enjoyed an afternoon of local shopping....nothing any better to lift one's spirits!  It has rained here every day...since November 11th!  The ground is soggy & drenched....high winds have been another issue.  Poor Liesel has only been walked a couple of times since the "monsoon" began....she's getting a bit "shack happy".... 

But it's not snow!  So there is that...

I picked up a  couple of things to wear during the holidays...I'm crushing on this awesome sweater....which is so soft & comfortable.....(these pieces are available at Maurices)......on their website or in store....

I paired it with an oversized shirt....which can be worn over the sweater....or by itself....

I fell hard for these...I use them as slippers...but they can be worn outside...if you prefer....they are so cozy & warm....

Since my previous leather jacket is much too big ...I ordered this one online.  However, it runs very small & a size large was a bit snug.  It likely would have stretched (as leather does)....but I decided to return it & order an XL...I love the cognac colour and that it is fitted.  A great jacket for wearing in the car & running errands...

I had a loverly afternoon shopping....however the traffic & the stores were extremely busy!  The sales have started & with the crappy weather....folks are getting out & in the mood to do some Christmas shopping!!

We recently spend an enjoyable evening with our sweet neighbours...the last time we attempted to enjoy time catching up....I suffered my heart attack.   This evening ended much nicer & we had a wonderful time...enjoyed some delicious snacks & drinks....and exchanged gifts.  Of course, they know anything doxie is a huge hit with me....how cute are these adorable pieces??  

And an adorable ornament for our tree...the only decoration on it...(but I'm working on it)!!

I came across a wonderful idea for a heartfelt gift for Mr. Seventies!  (this pic is from their website..).  It will have our names on the tailgate....and the license plate # is our wedding date...month/day/year and with the caption as shown (which is a line from a song, btw).

I chose a 16'x32" framed canvas....cannot wait for it to arrive.   If you want the website.....leave a comment & I will share....(shipping is free....however Canada Post is currently on strike....no mail is moving!!)...

Another busy week of medical appointments (two today), hair appointment, vehicle oil change and two afternoons of cardiac rehab classes....

Our electrician was here a few days ago & repaired the outside electrical outlet....a very quick fix!  Mr. Seventies hopes to get outside (between rain showers) this week & put Christmas lights on our Yew tree...

Thanks so much for stopping by today...join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday!

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

Til next time...

Another Busy Week!!

It seems every week is busy these days!  Any day I don't have some appointment or another...is relief!  A day where I can putter around the house in my sleep pants!

We've had rain & wind every day for almost two weeks!  And not much improvement in the forecast!  Poor Liesel is "shack happy"!  No walks...not the norm for her!

The tree is up... I've reconsidered having no decorations on it...I think it needs maybe just a few....like these dark chocolate brown velvet balls I ordered...just one box for now....

I'm not a fan of the bent metal hangers normally used for hanging...they are a hazard when you have a pet....I plan to use some pretty olive green ribbon to attach them to the tree....

I'll share photos when I get it pulled together....I may have to order another set of the balls....

Remember this kettle I purchased last March?  It has been an amazing appliance....heating up so fast....until now!  The lever refuses to stay down once it's turned on!  It either pops off....or won't stay down at all.  The lever turns the kettle on for boiling....

I've reached out to the manufacturer...they requested a video of it performing (or not).....I sent that off to them so will wait to hear back!  I absolutely love this kettle... .fingers crossed they replace it.  Daughter has the same one....only in a pretty green colour.  And yesterday....it suddenly came on....by itself...then shut itself off.   That was a little weird....

The adorable nutcracker Kate Spade cross body bag arrived....I'm a bit obsessed with it!  It pairs nicely with the gingerbread bag I purchased last year....it may become a yearly ritual where I obtain a new holiday bag each year....

One thing I've been needing are warm, lined rubber soled boots!  These are so comfy....and warm!  I usually wear Blundstones this time of year....but they are not lined....these ones are great for getting out & about...and keep my toes toasty!!

These vibrant sneakers are perfect when I attend cardiac rehab!  Part of the program is geared towards exercise...for about an hour....then an additional hour of education talks.  Today we have a dietician coming in to speak with us....looking forward to her presentation...

When attending rehab....besides checking blood pressure & oxygen levels....myself & another participant are diabetic & that requires testing sugars a couple of times during class.   My lancing tool was jamming.....this is the piece used to poke fingers...

.

These are the test strips and the meter used to test the blood drop....sounds horrible....but it really isn't...

These kits are provided from the pharmacy....at no charge.  It comes with a supply of lancets (needles) and testing strips....this is the system I use.   In seven years this is the third kit I've required...it tends to get a lot of use...

The kits are available either at our Diabetes Education clinic or any pharmacy....while the kit is free...the lancets and testing strips are not.  Those are purchased by prescription at the pharmacy....

Our private health insurance does not cover the cost of the Libre continuous diabetic monitoring system - no finger pokes required!  I was advised by our insurer... I need to be on insulin to be covered!  How insane is that?  Pretty insane.  Switching insurance providers is not an option....highly doubtful any company will insure me with my current health issues.....

My neighbour..., (also a diabetic).... uses this system....her insurance does not require her to use insulin (which she doesn't).....this system is much more user friendly...

Such is life, right?  Our insurance provider is not that great....but any little bit helps...

The electrician is coming Saturday to replace the outside electrical outlet & if it ever stops raining....Mr. Seventies hopes to put Christmas lights on the tree closest to the house.  I spent an hour or so wrapping presents...(my least favourite activity).....and still have a few items & gift certificates to pick up.  With Canada Post currently being on strike....the courier services are busier than usual....

We have Sunday dinner plans with daughter & family....home made beans are on the menu! 

Many thanks for stopping by today....I'm truly appreciative you spend a bit of your time with me....have an awesome weekend!

Until next time....

Chock Full of Christmas Goodness!!

Stores here are full to the brim with Christmas decor....and one of my favourites is no exception!  I actually prefer this local store over Home Sense and Winners.  They are constantly bringing in new decor pieces, bedding, furniture....and respond to their customer's requests & ideas...

I popped in recently....please join me as I browse around....how fun are these wooden, spiral trees....

This gnome with faux greenery....is just adorable...

Had to chuckle when I saw this apron...hmmm....might work for Mr. Seventies at the bar-b-que.....

This fireplace & mantle are lovely....crushing on the garland...white feather trees &  those stockings!!

Now this tree has got my mind swirling with possible ideas...we have our tree up....but other than the lights...it's nekkid of any ornaments!   Which was my original plan...I might be rethinking that after seeing this amazing tree done up.....I love the rustic look!   It's a bit over decorated....but I've picked out a few ornament ideas....luvin' those small gold bells...hmmmm....

How adorable are these gingerbread gals?  And a couple of frosty snowmen....

A beautiful Santa picture....I love how it would look over a mantle...with our new smart tv....I can switch wallpapers & have different backgrounds daily!  

I'm a train lover from way back....having grown up in a small village where my Dad was a train engineer!  I spent a great deal of time at our train station...and lived close enough to kick your suitcase from it to my childhood home!!  

I was very tempted to pick up this adorable cushion....but resisted....I don't need another cushion!  But oh...it was hard to leave it behind....

Are you all decorated for the holidays?  Homes here are showing off their beautiful exterior lights & decor...even with the ten days of rain & winds we have sustained!   November is such a dreary, wet month here....but it beats having snow!!

Mr. Seventies has not strung lights on our Yew tree beside the house....he needs to contact an electrician to repair the outside outlet.  Remember a few weeks ago...he was detailing the SUV....and blew the motors in two vacuums?  We suspect it's an issue with the outlet...so until it is checked out...the lights are put on hold...

I'm obsessed with my beautiful tart warmer...(yes...I may have a problem)....but...oh..it's so pretty....the roof part on the right lifts off...and there is a holder for the tarts there...

I did have to set out my reindeer mugs....they are too adorable not to display....

This photo popped up...taken on this day in November 2017....not sure why I was doing my best Vanna White pose...but it's one of the few "before" photos I came across....(we had just finished putting the planter & wreath together with branches & holly from our property)....me all smiles weighing around 218-220 pounds...

And currently...sans make-up.....(my face is red from IPL treatments)..... 60+ pounds off & counting....I don't weigh myself only at medical appointments.....or 3-4 months go by & I'm curious.  The important things I focus on are the positive outcomes of getting the weight off...it's better for my heart...keeps my blood sugars in check...and reduces stress on my arthritic joints.  Win-win-win!  This jacket I purchased last month...already roomy.....but comfortable & warm.  I may pick up another perhaps during the after Christmas sales...

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

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

Wishing everyone an amazing day...thanks for spending a bit of time with me....

Til next time....

Why, Yes I Did!!

It's very windy on our beautiful Island today...and they've been throwing the "F" word around quite a bit....(flurries)....so there is that......

Liesel was none too pleased being forced to go out....not a fan of winds!  They are blowing northerly so it is cold out as well....

The other day I posted a photo showing the Kate Spade Toy Shop bag available for this holiday season...(I suspect it's a limited edition maybe)....

While I do love it...the Nutcracker crossbody has stolen my heart!!  It is currently on it's way to me!!  *swoon*......

I might be obsessed....I may order the Toy Shop bag as well....the pink Nutcracker has stolen my heart!    Cannot wait for it to arrive!!  I'm checking to see if a keychain is available as well....

When I wasn't fawning over handbags....I placed the garland across the mantle...about all the decorating I'm doing this year.   The adorable snowman was gifted from my nephew & wife....I absolutely love it!!

Our neighbours have their Christmas tree up....looking forward to seeing it.  Since the plan is very minimal for ours....it may go up in the coming days as well...

The days are dark here...especially with the recent time change....I fully understand the need for pretty lights and colours....no judgement from me whatsoever....very enjoyable to see...

I set out my Christmas gnome tart warmer...he's pretty special...brightens up the kitchen on these dark evenings....and with my assortment of wax melts....the house smells amazing...

I am excited our dog sitter is available to stay with Liesel while we visit my nephew in Nova Scotia in the coming weeks!  They start decorating their home (inside & out) this weekend....it takes 4-5 days to complete!  Cannot wait to visit with them again.....and check out an amazing decor/antique shop nearby.  

We just recently spent a wonderful weekend with them visiting us....he is very special to me.   My sister (his Mom) passed in 2016 since then he & his wife have moved to Nova Scotia  (after spending twenty years living & working in Ontario).....not quite three hours from us.  It's awesome to have them close-by.  We had planned to visit during the summer....but my heart attack derailed that.  Now we are making up for lost time....

How is your holiday shopping going?  We are mostly finished....just need to pick up additional gift bags & wrapping paper....still have a few last minute things to pick up...

Mr. Seventies has been battling a terrible cold..... losing his voice for a day or so ...... daughter is dealing with it as well!    It is that time of year....

I hope everyone is staying healthy!  We plan to curl up inside today......thankful we haven't lost power (yet) with these high winds!  Always a possibility....

So glad you stopped & spent a bit of your day with me!  

Til next time....