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....