Osteoarthritis

Little off topic...but let's talk arthritis.  When most people think or talk about arthritis...they consider it an "old person's" issue.  And that is just not the case.

My struggle with osteoarthritis in my back began when I was still in my teens...although it took many years for a diagnosis and pain treatment.  For many years I was prescribed anti-inflammatories...and I used every available treatment at my disposal.  Physiotherapy, acupuncture, aqua fitness, massage therapy, over the counter pain mediation and injections...all which helped short term.

My previous doctor advised there was nothing more could be done.  After living and coping with chronic pain all my adult life...and reaching the point where I could no longer cope...our doctor retired and his predecessor is an amazing, caring and compassionate physician.  When discussing my medical situation he informed me, that we did in fact...have options.

My doctor explained fully my condition (which is genetic) and how severe and progressed the arthritis was.  He referred me to the Pain Management Centre..and after a few trials and tribulations with various pain meds...I finally saw positive results with one in particular.  For the most part...I now live a pain free life.  Living with chronic pain is exhausting...difficult enough when you are younger...but as I got older...life became unbearable.

Then my left knee starting giving me severe pain.  I went for x rays...and no surprise...my knees is arthritic as well.  Due to a heart issue...I cannot take anti-inflammatories.  I did some physio for a while, I keep walking to keep the knee lubricated...and when the pool is operational...the water will be a huge help.  During the winter months...I plan to join a local gym...where I can use the heated indoor pool and stationary bike...both recommended to help.

I also ordered a tens machine on Amazon...this one in fact.  It has great reviews..so what do I have to lose?  It arrived a couple of days ago...I've been using it twice daily.

 Everything needed comes in a nice zippered pouch...and it is super easy to use.  The pads themselves are re-useable...I also ordered 16 replacement pads...as they do lose their adhesiveness over time. 

So far, I am really pleased with it's performance.  And it is helping...my knee feels better today.   Some private insurance companies cover the purchase of a Tens machine...ours does not.  But it is a medical expense and can be claimed at tax time.  So there is that.  

And totally switching gears here...how adorable is this dachshund quilt?  A talented seamstress in Newfoundland quilted it..and I am the lucky person to purchase it!  The quality of workmanship is total perfection.  

Did I mention I gifted my daughter the quilt?  Not only is she a dachshund Mama...but she and her husband do plan to bless us with a grand baby someday...and won't this look amazing in a nursery?  Or even just as a keepsake!

Second Order Arrived

I was thrilled yesterday when my second order of Pioneer Woman linens arrived!

Look how pretty these dish towels are!  They are huge and super absorbent!  And love the vibrant colours!

 I couldn't resist ordering another pretty tablecloth...this one is even more gorgeous than in the photo!

Such a pretty table runner!   A beautiful runner is nice change from tablecloths and place mats!

And the napkins came back in stock...and only $3 for a set of four!!  Now that's a steal!!

And this is my first copy of her magazine!  Discovered it while shopping at a local supermarket!  Can't wait to sit on the deck and delve into it!!

While out browsing the other day...I came across some awesome farmhouse decor!  And you don't have to live in a farm house to enjoy it!

I love this cute bath tub...could be use to hold soaps or bath bombs...and who doesn't agree that Laundry Sucks?

Love these tin plates!!

I considered this scale..but it's a bit too "rustic" for my kitchen...by I'm crushing on it big time!

And I don't know what I love more...the General Store sign...or the bread box underneath!  Ever notice when you are not looking for something...you see a dozen or more of them?  Seeing bread boxes everywhere now...

It's raining here currently...but supposed to clear off and sunny this afternoon.  Will take my new magazine and enjoy the afternoon on the deck!!

Pots A Plenty...

The weather was beautiful here over the weekend...and the garden centres were jam packed!  It's been a very long, cold and wet spring...everyone is just itching to get their flower and vegetable gardens in...and planters filled, now that the risk of overnight frost is hopefully behind us.

We visited two of our favourite green houses...Mr. Seventies picked out six new perennial plants at the first one...and we purchased our annuals at the second one..begonias, pansies, petunias to name a few.

Yesterday afternoon, before hubby's Father's Day bar-b-que...we got busy filling our planters...

Please excuse the condition of the steps & decks...but we are holding off re-staining until the pool company comes to repair the pool!!  No sense in having them track across freshly stained areas...especially since we are uncertain how much disruption the repairs will be to the decks.

Liesel's ramp(s) (there is one off the pool deck as well) need to be restained.  I'm thinking I'll purchase a new outdoor rug...the current one is getting a bit worn around the edges. I'm on the fence about new chair cushions...they add a pop of colour..and are comfy...but such a pain as they need to be taken in at night.  Heavy dew or rain will soak them...so they are annoying to have to deal with.  I could purchase a deck box to store them in...but we already have two large deck boxes on the pool deck for the pool vacuum and pool chemicals.  Going to mull it over a while longer.....

We discovered when we cranked up the umbrella...it was broken!  Apparently a gust of wind caught it one afternoon...and tore it from the base (it obviously was not secured in)....and tossed it off the deck.  Mr. Seventies tried without success to repair it...so we chalked it up to lesson learned and ordered a new one...will pick it up hopefully later today.  It is on sale $10. cheaper...so there is that.  

Loving my little planter with the cute water tap...once the pansies fill in..it will be adorable.  All the planters required holes to be drilled in the bottoms for drainage.

My cute little stand is filling up with flowers...

Mr. Seventies picked up a flat of Salvia..these were my Mom's favourite annual flowers!  My Dad always planted them for her...and we planted these at the front walkway...nice to have a pop of red!

Liesel has a spa-di-cure appointment today and Mr. Seventies wants a few more annuals for the front gardens...so I see another trip for flowers in the works.  It's overcast and rain in the forecast..so no outside work will get done today.  

We are getting price quotes to have the driveway resurfaced this summer.  It needs to be levelled and a couple of layers of new asphalt laid.  When the city installed new drainage pipes...they tore up the end of our drive (the city owns the first so many feet)...and they did a terrible pave patch job!  We now have an incline at the end...when it should be flat.  The paving company will level everything out and that will take care of that.

Hope you are having an awesome day wherever you are!!

Wishing all Dads this Sunday a very.....

Old Becomes New Again...

Quick little redo today.  While spring cleaning cupboards the other day...I came across an oval plate..given to us as a wedding gift...all those years ago.  Mr. Seventies even remembers who gifted us with it!

I thought, after all these years..it was a shame it was stuck in a cabinet.  I took an old frame I had on hand outside and gave it three coats of paint (which I also had on hand).  And here is the end result..and how I intend to showcase the plate.

I have a spot in our master bedroom where Mr. Seventies is going to hang it this weekend.   

So excited my Pioneer Woman order arrived yesterday!!  Well....all most all of it...one set of the dinnerware is due to arrive Friday or Monday.  I am so pleased with the beauty and durability of the sets..goblets and gorgeous footed mugs!  I loaded everything in the dishwasher and once dry...put them in the cabinets!   I'm hoping the napkins come back in stock...but if not...my gal pal with the FB page I mentioned before, is going to Maine in a couple of weeks and has offered to pick me up a set!!  

Decor For The Family Room

Was out and about with my bestie the other day...we popped into Home Sense...as she was looking for a couple of items.

What I love about Home Sense is even when you go in with no plan or if you are looking for something in particular...you can usually find some awesome home decor.

Take these gorgeous cushions...for example...I love feather cushions...with zip off covers for easy laundering...and these new turquoise pair fit the bill! (and compliment Clara beautifully!!)

And who can resist a sweet bouquet of tulips?  Not me...these look and feel just like the real thing!

And speaking of cushions...fell in love with this hooked cushion..another nod to Clara! And can you see my new tin Antiques sign?   Used a 50% off coupon at Michaels.  And did you notice the new apple green lamps?  Luv, luv, luv them!  $40 for the pair...Kijiji!!!  They are like new!!

Here's a close up shot...it fits in the space perfectly.  

And are you ready for this?  Fall decor is already out at Michaels!!  Now fall is my favourite time of year...but June is really pushing it!  We haven't had any summer yet!!

But, I have to admit...the colours of these pumpkins made me swoon a bit!!  I am so crushing on these beautiful colours!!  I may just have to pick up a couple!!

Such a pretty fall wreath!!  Love the mix of florals and pine cones!! 

There is beautiful decor at Michaels right now!  I went in to pick up something specific...and came home without it!!  Shucks!!  Guess I will just have to make another visit!!

Little Obsessed? Maybe...

Happy Monday!!  Weekend plans never go as anticipated...our trip to the greenhouse was put on hold...it's still cool and unsettled weather here.

I have been a long time follower of a local gal on FB who is restoring her grandparents home stead...so she is partially to blame for my love of Pioneer Woman tableware and linens.  She is a huge fan of them as well...and introduced me to them a few months back!
In a previous post I shared the pretty chair pads and placemats...now I have added a beautiful checked tablecloth and a couple of tableware pieces...

These are two pieces sitting on the table...the pretty butter dish...and

Adorable creamer....and I've shared my luv of all things cow!

I've been wanting to update our tableware for some time now...and these pretty dishes stole my heart..I love the combination of turquoise and red.  Since they are smaller sets (12 piece) and not available locally...I ordered two sets on line.  I like the shape and size of the bowls...our current bowls are shallow and have a large lip...they are Pfaltzgraff...very durable and pretty...but sometimes you are just due for a change. 

Since the dinnerware sets do not come with mugs...I ordered two sets of mugs to complete the sets.

Be nice to have co-ordinating, pretty mugs instead of odds and sods of stained and chipped coffee cups!

And how pretty are these drinking goblets?  The reviews are very positive..they are not only pretty but super durable...so needed a couple of sets of these as well!

And no table is complete (in my opinion) without pretty napkins!  Unfortunately, these are out of stock online..so I'm on a waiting list for when they come in.  

So, that my latest obsession!   Cannot wait for everything to arrive (later in the week)..and I can set a pretty table for Sunday dinners!

A Few of My Favourite Things

While I was out and about the other day, browsed my favourite home decor store.  So many bright and pretty things this time of year...this fan look familiar?  That's because I purchased it!

How cute is this tricycle planter?  Could be used indoors for a plant...or outside for a pot of annuals!

Liesel asked that I be on the lookout for something special for her Dad for Father's Day...think this adorable mug fits the bill!!

Even a matching shower curtain!!  Our showers have glass doors...so curtains are not required...but these curtains are super cute!  Helps it has my favourite breed on them too!!

I am so crushing on this gorgeous Maple Leaf throw!!  Lots of Canada Day goodies available for our July 1st celebration!!  

While the weather has improved somewhat..showers in the forecast today.  Each year Vesey's Seeds holds a massive warehouse sale...Mr. Seventies plans to hit that sale today!  And tomorrow a trip to our favourite green house is in order...so lots of pretty blooms will be upcoming!

Have a great weekend!!

Pretty Chair Pads and Placemats

Have been going a little stir crazy since my surgery...yesterday since I had a re-check with the oral surgeon...I made a couple of stops on the way home.

Was surprised to find these pretty chair pads and placemats, by Pioneer Woman at Wal Mart!  I love to hate that store...lol.

Little bit more comfortable to sit on than hard wooden seats.  And want to introduce Ursula...I've had her for a while...she keeps watch over the kitchen comings and goings...(sorry dark photos...early morning)...

Would you believe we had snow flurries this morning?  I'm dead serious!!  In June!!  I'm so over this weather...but that didn't stop me from picking up this gorgeous retro fan at Home Sense...you know...in the event we get summer!!  I love the rose gold colour!  If you're going to need fans...they might as well be pretty!

And the trunk I mentioned a few posts back..I cannot resist a wicker trunk...

Hope you have a great day!!

Watering Can Floral Arrangement

My oral surgery is over...it was very invasive and thankfully the swelling in my face has gone down.  Quite bruised on my cheek and down my neck..but bruising and swelling was to be expected.  The surgery lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes,  I was sedated so all was completed when I awoke in recovery.

Surprisingly enough...there is little pain.  Very sore...but other than taking a couple of Tylenol a time or two...pain has been minimal.  Very happy to have it behind me...and healing time is estimated to be three months.  I have a recheck with the oral surgeon next week...

If you remember a few posts back...I picked up a couple of metal watering cans on sale BOGO at Michaels.  I made up a floral arrangement for myself...and wanted to use us some florals and fall ribbon left over from daughter's wedding last fall...and make an arrangement for her.  This is the finished product...

And remember this wicker trunk for my previous post?

Couldn't get it out of my mind...so when it was still available...I bought it!  Always looking for storage for throws and pillows!

And I picked up a new set of lamps!  And you won't believe the price I paid for them!!

Looking forward to getting back to myself..have a lot of projects to get completed around here!