New Mantle

The new mantle is installed & I'm loving it!!  It's exactly what was needed....I think it looks amazing...

The before....when the fireplace was constructed I was adamant back then I didn't want a mantle....the previous fireplace was huge & took up most of the wall....and had a thin mantle....

Once it was built, Mr. Seventies applied two coats of Early American stain followed by two coats of clear satin  varathane....I'm loving how it brings out the "brown" in the bricks.  Such a simple change....but it really finishes off the fireplace....

It's been feeling like "sweater weather" the past few days.....although the forecast is calling for a couple of warm days this week.  I picked up a couple of cozy, warm sweaters....I absolutely love sweaters!

The first one looks muted....the colours are a bit more vibrant....such a fall feeling to it...

This one is equally as soft & cozy....and great for pulling a puffer vest on over...and it's equally soft & cozy....with a bit of a turtleneck....the colour is gorgeous....

Christmas decor is starting to creep into the stores here...if Hallowe'en decor can be set out in August....I guess Christmas decor is due in October!  I'm fine with it....I enjoy browsing and seeing what is new this season.  I did come across some tarts I'd not seen before....and you know I picked up a couple to test...

We're attending a couple of "spooky" events later in the month....the first being held in an old Victorian heritage house located in the downtown area of the city.....Beaconsfield is the name of the mansion...built in 1877....ghost stories, tour & music should be an entertaining evening....

The second event...we are participating with our friend & his wife....plan to enjoy a meal beforehand...and then take in a "ghost" tour around the city...... with our tour director being a "grave digger"!  All in the spirit and fun of Hallowe'en....

My mouth is healing...my recheck appointment with the oral surgeon is later this week.  I pushed my dentist appointment  (to have temporary crowns & bridge put in place).... back an additional couple of weeks.  I am no where near healed enough & suspect the surgery was more invasive than previously anticipated....(there are stitches as well).....

The swelling is down....and still no pain.  Soreness....but no pain & four more days with rounds of antibiotics....

Join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays...

Thank you ever so much for spending a bit of your time with me....

Til next time....

New Chairs In The Kitchen

I've been keeping my eyes open for suitable "dining" chairs to set at both ends of our kitchen table...keeping in mind our kitchen is only nine feet wide!  Or as I call it "a one bum kitchen"!   Before adding the cabinetry a number of years ago.....the kitchen felt like a bowling alley!

I'm so pleased with the chairs I found....on Amazon!  Exactly what I had in mind....the quality (solid ash)....and the best part - they slide under the table perfectly!  Weight limit is 275 pounds....they are constructed so well....

They will work great when we need extra seating at the table!  The seat is 18" up from the floor - exactly the same height as the benches....and they are not large or clunky....most I had seen up til these had much higher backs.  I wanted chairs that could easily be wiped down....it's amazing how much food lands on the seats & floor from a five year old...lol.  Anything upholstered wouldn't work!!

Side note - I was not aware prices "fluctuate" on Amazon!  The day after I ordered....the list price of the chairs....went sky high!!  Only to be reduced today....but still double in price than when I ordered!   Good to know, right?

*Surgery Update* - Surgery went well.....I slept through it all!  I arrived home about supper time - and crashed.  My face is quite swollen today....and my mouth is tender....I re-scheduled the appointment set for this morning....to have temporary crowns & bridge put in....until next week.   Not sure why my dentist thought I wouldn't be sore.....or appear to have a softball tucked into my cheek!  

Nice to have it over with....my oral surgeon & his team are amazing - I received excellent care....and have a recheck next week.  The surgeon reminds me of my son-in-law..... a bit taller...and just as sweet & caring....

The next few days will be spent with ice packs, antibiotics, rinses & pain meds (although I am in no pain)....

It poured rain off & on yesterday.....much needed!  The sun is out & the next few days look pretty amazing with lots of sun!

Wishing you an awesome weekend....

Til next time....

 

 

Hallowe'en In The Family Room

Happy Monday!!  Here we are at the end of September already!  We finally had some much needed rain...enough so the province removed the outdoor fire ban....(no open fire pits or camp fires)....we had planned to enjoy a fire last evening.....but it was too windy.  Perhaps this evening....it's been weeks since we've enjoyed sitting by an outside fire.....

In the meantime....the family room is all "spooked" out!!  I'm hopeful my mantle will be built soon....may have to jog someone's memory.....

Doug the ghost dog cushion is keeping a watchful eye....

I'm loving the lamp that melts a candle....I don't have to worry about an open flame....

Can you believe the size of the pumpkin kitty cushion?  So cool kitty's eyes are reflective & glow in the dark!!  Available on PB website.....but also on Simons for a fraction of the price.....I do love me a bargain....

This lantern has been kicking around for years....I had Mr. Seventies remove the plastic panels...gave it a good cleaning & added new batteries & a bow....

The family room is so cozy in the evenings....it's my favourite place to hang out!!  I did order one more little Hallowe'en piece...an Amazon find...how adorable is this little lamp? (operates with batteries).....cannot wait for it to arrive.....

This is the week of my oral surgery.....I'll be so happy to have it done with.  I have dental implants....and one has failed miserably & needs to be removed!  My dentist will remove the crowns Wednesday morning....two hours after I head to the oral surgeon....& he removes the problem implant.  The next day....my dentist will attach two crowns & bridge.  Sounds easy enough, right?   This procedure was scheduled for last April....but my knee replacement took priority....

Please join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday and tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays!

Thank you for stopping by today.....I hope you have an awesome day!!

Until next time.....

Front Door & Thrift Store Finds

I puttered a little bit outside a few days ago....see that green birdhouse?  There is a wasp nest inside....we've had an abundance of wasps this year....Mr. Seventies removed one nest during the summer from underneath the pool steps!  Go figure.  This nest....we are leaving alone....when the frost hits Mr. Seventies will remove it then....

They were in abundance of them on this day....so I didn't spend too much time out there....the corn stalks will have to wait....

That same afternoon I took a quick visit to a couple of thrift stores.....it boggles my mind the outrageous prices they are selling things for!!  The bargains are few & far between nowadays....I found this bundt cake pan & since I didn't have one....I picked it up.   Along with a couple of books....

That was the extent of my purchases!  I really didn't find any bargains....

While browsing La Vie En Rose website....I came across this snuggly robe.....and since I only have a knee length one suitable for summer.....I ordered it in a size Large.  I should have ordered a size Medium....as it's quite roomy....but I decided to keep it....some things I like roomy!  This was also available in a navy colour.....but I went with pink....

And....the fire ban has been lifted!  We've been under "No Burn" restrictions for weeks....(due to lack of rain).  We've had the odd shower or two.....it must have been enough to ease the restrictions....we're looking forward to enjoying our outside fire pit again......especially since the evenings are darker earlier & the temps are cooler!  Propane fire pits were allowed...(daughter has one).....but open wood burning fires at home or campsites have been forbidden.....too much risk involved.....

Today....I'm on the hunt for jeans!  With the arrival of fall....summer clothes have been packed into totes....and I am in need of jeans.  It always feels strange the first few times getting back into long pants....after a summer of shorts & t shirt dresses.....

I hope you have an awesome day & weekend.....I'll be finishing up decorating the family room for Hallowe'en....

Til next time....

Hallowe'en In The Kitchen

 It's officially fall!!  While we are still having sunny days....the overnight temperatures are dipping low!  If you have a few minutes....pour a cup of your favourite hot beverage & join me in the kitchen & enjoy a bit of Hallowe'en fun.......a couple of dish towels are hung on the freezer drawer handle....

I'm still crushing on the witch & ghost dancing canvas.....purchased on Etsy.....along with the two canvases in the family room....the wicker pumpkin place mats were purchased last year on Simons website for a fraction of the price on Pottery Barn....and the table runner was a Temu purchase from last year as well....

I now purchase all my table runners on Temu.....they are a fraction of the price Home Sense charges.   I have a number of runners folded over hangers in the guest room bedroom closet.....

The Hello Fall sign was painted at a class I took with my friend....(sadly she has passed away).....I cherish this piece & remember our evening together & the fun we had painting that evening.....the stack of pumpkins was on clearance at Michael's a few years ago....

The coffee bar area is Mr. Seventies favourite spot....he loves putting on a coffee or cappuccino or the kettle for a hot cup of tea.  I made a fresh batch of sprinkle cherry cupcakes & apple crisp....(cupcakes are little granddaughters favourites).....

She was very much taken with the witches legs in the cauldron as well....

The adorable pumpkin tissue box cover finally arrived.....this one through Amazon....as well as ordered on Wal Mart's website.....but it never arrived....(that happens a lot when I order through their website....always a good chance it will never arrive).....

I haven't filled Marvin's pumpkin candy dish yet....I live with someone who has a real sweet tooth when it comes to candy.....so I'll hold off for a couple of weeks before filling it.....and of course the candy corn tart warmer throws off an amazing pumpkin spice scent....

This little mat I found on Temu....for an economical price too....

Any wonder why this is my favourite time of year?  I am thinking ahead though....my neighbour advised Simons has their Christmas decor available on their site.....(thanks for that).....I couldn't resist this cute guy.....he's tucked away for now....but will make an appearance later in the fall.....

Since the pool is closed for the season....we also washed & packed up swimsuits & pool towels....(which are stored all summer in this wicker trunk in the kitchen).   It now holds winter mitts, gloves, scarves & hats....as well as three of Liesel's winter wear....(*sniff).  Since grand puppy Oliver is growing & will be needing some warmth this winter....I'm passing them on to him.....an adorable hand knit red sweater, a warm hoodie & wrap to keep him cozy & warm.....

I hope you join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday & again tomorrow with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays & https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday.....

Thanks so much for spending a bit of your day with me....I do so appreciate it!

Til next time.....

Halloween Sneak Peek & Stain Decision

I've been puttering around the house....finishing up my Hallowe'en/fall decor.....plan to share a full post on Monday.   In the meantime.....how adorable are these mugs (with removable lids).....

And the peek-a-boo kitty cushion...from Simons ( sold on PB for much higher price).....as well as the spooky throw I picked up at Winners....

My neighbour advised Simons.ca has Christmas decor available on their site!  I couldn't resist this adorable snowman cushion....(she currently has this cushion  last year & the quality is exceptional.). Pottery Barn your shipping and availability of some products.....is severely lacking!  Simons products typically arrive within 3-4 days.....not months....this cushion ordered Monday is being delivered today!

I  chose Early American colour stain....by Behr....the photo underneath is a pretty close representation of the final application on pine....fingers crossed....

In other news.....my friend & I took in the final chapter of Downtown Abby....such a great finale to a wonderful series....have you seen it?

The cinema was packed.....and when the movie was over....once the lights came on....it didn't escape us the viewing audience....were mostly seniors...lol!  They targeted a certain age demographic for sure.  It is a long movie.....well over two hours.....but worth it....

Another warm & sun filled day here....I plan to set out the outside Hallowe'en decor.....(minus the corn stalks....still full of corn...).   And btw.....are the prices for pumpkins in the grocery store where you live....insane?  They are also smaller this year.....due to lack of rain.

Prices are averaging $5-$6 each here....I suspect the U Picks are a bit more reasonable.  We have a few growing in the garden....even with Mr. Seventies watering them...they likely won't be very big.....

Wishing everyone a great weekend .......

Until next time.....

 

Mantle Update & Having Trouble With Stain Choice

Mr. Seventies & I picked out three pieces of lumber for the mantle build.....recommended by our contractor..  He suggested we take a look at it....we decided it will work just fine.  

Not sure if you can tell from the photo....the piece is rough....not planed....it's pine & will work great to construct the mantle....

Two additional pieces....I chose ones with a bit of knots & character....the mantle will basically be a box that sits over the current brick mantle....

I thought I had chosen a stain....but once I tested it on a piece of pine.....it was too "red"....I mean really red.  I had thought I would go with Dark Walnut.....but it shows really dark....almost black.  Not what I'm wanting.  

The colour on the stain can.....is deceiving....the only way to know for certain the actual colour....is to test it on actual pine....(most samples in the hardware stores are shown on oak).....so my quest continues.  I also love the coloured stains....there is a beautiful teal shade....but I don't want to be stuck with a particular colour for years to come....

While roaming through Winners one afternoon.....I spotted a couple of adorable lamps that can melt a candle.....rather than lighting it!  There were a number of styles to choose from....

This is the one that came home with me.....they come with a bulb in the shade....the box houses the cord & on/off switch....which has an optional timer.....

I currently have a delicious smelling candle melting..... a bit of Hallowe'en decor out....hope to finish this week....

I asked Mr. Seventies if it was starting to feel like a Home Sense in here....to which he responded "it brings you joy".   I do luv that man. 

Speaking of Hallowe'en decor.....remember the ghost walking a dog statue I ordered?  This is how it arrived....much to my disappointment.   Since the broken piece was not in the box....I can only assume it was placed in the box broken.  I'm waiting to hear instructions from the seller.....to ship it back...(which requires a prepaid shipping label from them).....and a replacement.....or I toss the piece & receive a full refund.....

And look what else arrived!  I may get Mr. Seventies to lower it a bit....but for now I'll leave it as is!   It's the same size as the two in the family room....with a black frame....

We attended our nephew's birthday celebration in Nova Scotia on Saturday....daughter accompanied us.  He was very happy & appreciative we made the road trip (it's three hours each way).....here's a sneak peek at their pool....(the fence around the pool is for safety to keep their three French bulldogs from falling in).....

The pool house to the right....is affectionally known as the "Dog House"....... a man cave of sorts complete with a massive wall mounted television, beautiful sectional, kitchen area and nostalgic red fridge for snacks and drinks.   As well as a powder room.....it's a great hang out for them & their friends to watch sporting events.....

There was a large number of friends & family in attendance....I was unable to get any additional photos...there is an outdoor kitchen, grill & sectional seating area under a covered gazebo.....oh & a hot tub!  Luxury living at is best....

Dozer....crashed from all the excitement....he's such a character....

Please join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday.....

Thanks so much for stopping by today....I so appreciate you spending your time with me.

Until next time....

Mid Week Catch Up

It's cool here this morning.....it's currently 9 degrees Celsius (that's about 48 degrees Fahrenheit) ......a touch of fall is definitely in the air....

The pool is draining....we will need a new solar blanket next year....Mr. Seventies removed it from the pool, cut it up & placed some of it in our trash bin.  It's too much to dispose of all at once.....he will get rid of it in stages until it's fully disposed of......

We had a couple of leads on old beams for potential use on the mantle....but neither worked out.  The first place we visited....the beans were not thick enough..... we want a beam 8" x 8" x 6'.  The beams we saw were only 6"..... so we kept checking around.

The next ones we found...could have worked....firstly they were located on the eastern end of the Island...(which wasn't a big deal).....but the asking price was $225.  Not willing to pay that much.  Our search led us to a local wood millers....where we could have ordered a "faux" beam....for $300 and it would take about a month for it to be ready.

We decided to go with that option.....until Mr. Seventies ran our plans by our contractor...who felt if the wood millers can build it....so could he & Mr. Seventies.....for a much better price too.  I'm checking out some wood he wants me to view at the lumber yard. My initial plan is to use the stain colour Chestnut....on rough pine it will look something like this....

I like how the colour has red undertones....as does the brick on the hearth.  This is my first choice....but it could change....we'll see how it goes.  We are stopping at the lumberyard today.....stay tuned. 

Finally, after a five month wait.....the Euro shams from Pottery Barn arrived!!!   My only complaint with PB is the long, long time it takes for items to arrive!  A number of times....things are not in stock....add to that the wrong size shams being sent (king size) they took forever to be delivered..... this is not the first time I've waited months for something to arrive.  Other than that, I love PB....I guess they were worth the wait...

My second canvas arrived.....Mr. Seventies hung it & to say I'm obsessed is an understatement! (sorry for the dark-ish photo) .......

This one hasn't shipped yet....but I expect it will within the next few days.  I'll hang it in the kitchen & take down the cow canvas.  As mentioned in Monday's post.....I chose the black frame for this one as well....

My Bath & Body Works order arrived....I used two e-vouchers I acquired....switching out air miles points to e vouchers for use on Bath & Body Works website....

This ghost candle holder.....was on sale for 50% off..... luv how it lights up....adorable....

I've got to get moving on my fall/Halloween decorating....

While on our morning walk....we stopped to admire this red maple.....already showing off fall colours...(it's early for them to turn...with lack of rain trees are under stress & changing early)...

I have a dentist appointment today as well....in early October I'm needing  an implant (dental not boob) removed...much to my dismay!  Once healed.... a bridge & crown will be put in its' place....today my dentist needs to do a scan of my mouth in preparation for that.   An oral surgeon will be removing the implant....and there will likely be a "healing time" before the work is finished.  I will be so happy when it's done & over with!!  This will be the third...and final surgery......with failure of the implant & removal required.   Such is life.....

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today!  Have an awesome day.....

Until next time....