LANCE

Meet Lance!

Lance Romance!

He's been keeping me company the past couple of days while I've been away from Blogland.  I've been undergoing some medical tests so I've just been taking it easy in between appointments.  I know I have a lot of catching up to do with all of you and hope to be back in the next day or so.

In the meantime, I wanted to introduce you to my new friend!

Cheers ~ Lisa

DINING OUT

Welcome to my Step-Daughter's house!

We were invited there this past weekend for dinner. 

Lindsay and her husband live just around the corner and down the block from us.  So convenient ~ especially for impromptu get-togethers!

Lindsay & Mike Wedding - March 2009

They've been married almost 2 years now and purchased this house a few months before their wedding.  Although Lindsay is not too interested in decorating trends or fads, she knew she wanted her first home to be stylish and she knew what she liked and disliked.

I am thoroughly impressed with what she pulled off!  The house is cozy and charming and has a sort of beachy feel to it!

I'm also impressed with what great hosts they've become, especially considering they are still a fairly young couple.  It took me quite a few years to get my mojo on

and pull off entertaining with ease & confidence.

Ahhhh, but the son-in-law is quite saucy!  They took home the trophy (my vintage bowling pin) after winning our family bowling tournament, held over the Christmas holidays!  He made sure it was prominently displayed for our visit.  Go ahead, rub it in ... but enjoy it while it's yours!  Hubs and I plan on being a force to be reckoned with next time around!

I made dessert.  Chocolate cupcakes (a light version with applesauce) ...

And rice pudding with raisins!

Served with whipped cream (made with the assistance of my KitchenAid of course)!

DELICIOUS!

Since I've started blogging, I take my camera with me EVERYWHERE and photograph EVERYTHING because each and every event in my life now has the

potential of becoming

ANOTHER BLOG POST!

You all know what I mean!

Have a great day!

Cheers - Lisa

SEASONAL MANTEL

Valentine's Day is a welcomed occasion to break up the expanse of the long winter!  For me, it's coupled with my Birthday so it's a great month of romantic celebrations!  I say "romantic" because as a gal who loves jewellery, this is usually the one time of the year when I can expect (or hope) to be gifted with a new piece!  

Today I'm going to share the 'jewellery' on my fireplace mantel,

 all accessorised for February's special days!

~Delicate Paper Roses in Tarnished Silver~

~Italian Made Rhinestone Embellished Clock~

~Vintage Chalkware Cherub Wearing Hot Red Lipstick~

~A Second Chalkware Figurine Sitting Peacefully 

With a Feathered Friend~

~Love Plaque for the Love Shack~

With the addition of some cream candles and a glittered heart garland,
 I've set the mood for some romance at Suburban Retreat!

Have a lovely weekend!

I'll be linking this post to the following parties:

French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

Cheers ~ Lisa

I GUESS THAT'S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES

With the fun & festivities of the Christmas holiday season sadly over, we now find ourselves past the midway point in January - an opportune time for the Winter BLUES to set in.

We're experiencing, in my humble opinion, quite a harsh Winter here.  When my sons were boys, I eagerly embraced all of the various seasons.  Winter represented hockey along with skiing and snowboarding, all activities that my boys participated in from the time they could walk.  But my sons are now men and they don't rely upon me any longer to accompany them to their activities.

Maybe it's the fact that I now find myself a middle-aged woman.  The bitter cold of our Canadian winter seems to go right through my clothing and settle in to my bones.  I'm left always feeling 'chilly'!  Maybe it is my fear of slipping and falling on the ice.  I don't want to end up like my Dad!

Owning 3 dogs forces me outdoors at least twice daily, no matter what the temperature or weather conditions.

Due to my work schedule and our days of 'shortened light', my first walk of the day happens in the AM before sunrise and my last walk of the day is after sunset in the PM.  My daily dose of fresh air is experienced in total darkness. 

I now eagerly await & will joyfully embrace our next season!

No wonder I'm feeling BLUE!

NOT TOO SHABBY

After my recent post about my new ROSES piece of art, many of you inquired about the boutique I purchased it from.  I've decided to do this little feature.

I now have the pleasure of introducing you to this delightful store,

located right here in the heart of downtown Brampton.

WELCOME TO NOT TOO SHABBY!

It's important for us to support and promote our local small businesses.

Let's take a wee inside tour, shall we?

The big box stores are always lurking in the background, waiting to chew 'em up and spit 'em out!

This type of boutique is borne from one's passion!

There is a dream that is to be fulfilled.

You won't find these items in a chain store at the local mall. 

These are all unique, one-of-a-kind treasures!

The proprietor is a young woman who clearly has talent and vision.

This is apparent as soon as you enter her store.

You'll be greeted with a cheerful "Hello" accompanied by a sunny smile.

The perfect place to shop if you're looking for a beautiful Shabby Chic

piece for your home or a unique gift for yourself or a special someone!

NOT TOO SHABBY

46 Main Street North

Brampton, Ontario

L6V 1N6

(289) 752-7911

or

Check out the website here.