More Snow Penny sitting & Smoke Alarm

So as we speak, well I speak you listen, hubby is out there once again with the snow blower. Yeah we got another dumping of snow, started yesterday morning, continued throughout the day and well into the night. May have carried on all night as far as I know.  Seems like this winter is like "the song that never ends and yes it goes on and on my friend..." 

Ah well looks like the snowing & blowing have ended and at least now the sun is shining. 

So we did end up choosing a classic white subway tile for the kitchen back splash. Had to go with something simple since the counter has a fairly busy pattern. Tiles & shelves are a work in progress; here's a sneak peek. By the way hubby is loving the nearby lumberyard  (Hefler Lumber) picked up all the rough lumber for the shelving from there. I haven't been yet but I'm sure he will be a regular at this place. 

On another note, while we were out getting tiles for the kitchen back splash, spotted these Boston Ferns that were on sale. Had to have me one as I believed I had the perfect spot for one of them, well at least I hope it is the perfect spot. Always wanted one but never had the ideal spot for one. A plant hanger was already in place so that must mean something don't ya think? 

Yes backyard looking like it's a Perfect Winter Wonderland once again!

One of my first contesting prizes that arrived at my new address from Bell Lifestyle products. Love it when I go to my community postal box and find a key in my box to unlock an even bigger box. You know it means that there is something bigger waiting inside. Kind of like unlocking a treasure box, well at least for me it is! Hoping this new address brings me lots of small treasures!

Kitchen Reno & Contesting

Kitchen Reno is moving right along. Hubby is currently tiling the black spash (photos coming soon) and here is one of the open shelves that he built & installed. Putting the microwave on the shelf frees up a little more space for other stuff. Similar shelving will be installed above the bottom built ins on the other side. On the far left is the pantry door painted in the same exact colour as the base cabinets. Looks more blue/grey here in this pic does it not and not a bright blue? Well that is what the cupboards actually look like! 

Took a break from the Home Reno Scene and attended a Home Show today. Great place to get ideas & get the creative part of your brain flowing!

 Best part was I got the tickets for free by winning them in a contest. My Deep Dark Contesting side is not something I have shared with you on this blog yet, but it is definitely a big part of who I am. Yes I am a Contesting addict/junkie. and I enter tons of contests. Sometimes I win and sadly mostly I don't win. Have had a few big wins over the years but generally win a lot of small stuff, like these home show tickets. But when you're spending money on renovations every little bit helps at least in my books. And if you haven't figured it out by now I have a frugal side too! But that is a story for another day...

Felt Like Spring & Kitchen Reno Sneak Peak

 Ah it felt & sounded like springtime as I walked to the community mailboxes on this mid March morning, minus the Ginormous snowbanks that still surround us. Picked up a whole pile of mail cause we had no mail delivery for a week.
And a lot has happened in the past few days. All of the new appliances are now in place, propane stove is up and running and we have a connection outside for the BBQ too. Today our new counter top & kitchen sink/faucet were installed. And we're extremely happy with the results! Still plenty to do though.  We have decided on a classic white subway tile for the back splash so need to get that. Open shelving is being stained & lacquered and lighting is still a work in progress. So here's where were at!

Cabin Fever & What to do!

As another system of rain/snow/freezing rain mix is upon us, I'm starting to go stir crazy. I want to go places, want to do things; I'm feeling antsy! Yep I'm thinkin I got me a case of that so called Cabin Fever
Yeah I know I could go downstairs & hang out on the elliptical but I'd still be in the same darn cabin.
Could go for a walk but most roads in the neighbourhood are down to a single lane due to all the snow & I'm not a fan of  sharing my walk with cars coming at ya in both directions.  I could walk on the sidewalk, well that is if I could find em.
Could go shopping but that would involve spending money & we've done enough of that lately with buying new appliances & reno stuff & all.
And window shopping, well is kinda like putting cheese in front of a mouse but not letting the mouse have it! For the birds if you ask me!
Could do some more Renovations except we're kind of  at a  point where certain things need to get done first so we can move on.
Could always do some cleaning except some areas are pointless to spend time cleaning when you're in the midst of renovations and yeah at the end of the day I would still be in the same darn cabin.
I know there are probably a million things I could do but I'm just too antsy to do anyone of em.

At least hubby can escape these 4 walls & hang out & putter in his large shed/garage.

Ah well I've done enough ranting!
Maybe I'll  just watch the snow plow widen the roads or continue reading Chihuahua's For Dummies or maybe I'll google things to do in Snova Scotia! Guess it  could be worse as some folks in my area are without power!

Oh and I haven't had mail since last Tuesday! Looks like the snow around the mail boxes is slowly melting away; maybe there will be something good in the mail this week!

Too Much Snow Thursday & Hubby are you out there!

Well the storm has passed and the sun is shining and the clean-up has begun. It's been a slow process, as our snow blower is kind of a baby one & needs to take breaks now & again. I went out to loosen some snow so hubby could then come by with blower & blow it away. Not sure exactly when we'll have the driveway opened up to the street or even when the car will be able to get out. And as far as clearing a path to the front door goes, well forget about it! Who needs a front door anyway! 

Hubby are you out there?                                                                                                                            

Ups & Downs & In Betweens!

Good News, the shiny brand new kitchen appliances finally arrived! Not So Good News, the kitchen range has a ding on the door panel & someone has to come by and replace it  & also the old dishwasher wasn't originally installed with a proper shut off valve, so installing the new one has created a bit of a plumbing headache, no nightmare! Pics of the new appliances coming soon once they've all been properly installed and the kitchen is all tidied up. 

Easiest way to get rid of the old dishwasher was to toss it out the patio door onto the deck Fridge wasn't quite as easy to remove since it didn't fit through the patio door. Good thing Dear Son came by to help get it out the front door. Received a post card from Efficiency Nova Scotia & apparently they pay cash to remove old appliances like fridges, freezers & air conditioners so will be getting a little bit of cash for our fridge & freezer! And I'm sure the new ones will save us a ton of energy too!

Here's a before pic of the dishwasher pre winter storm! Yes we are expecting another storm! 

And here's a pic of it in the midst of the storm which is not over yet!

On another note, here  is Penny Lane hanging out with her new toys from the Target closing sale. I think she is happy with our finds!

  

Blue Skies & Kitchen Reno

The skies were blue & the sun was shining so we went for a drive to The Bay of Fundy. I'm not sure if it's my imagination but when the skies are blue & when the sun is shining, the skies appear much bluer and clearer than in Southern Ontario. 

We had planned to visit a lighthouse at Burncoat Head but unfortunately the road leading us there was icy & we didn't want to risk getting stuck with only having all season tires. Kind of disappointing not to get to see the lighthouse but the drive was a diversion from all the renovating we've been doing.  And it was one of Penny Lane's first outings too. She didn't fare so well on the drive home thanks to car sickness. Won't be sharing any pics of that. 

But here's a pic looking out at Cobequid Bay

And some updates on the kitchen reno. Walls, ceiling & lower cupboards have been painted, original globe light above sink has been re-invented. ( Wall colour is Benjamin Moore mt. rainier gray & cupboards are Benjamin Moore normandy ) Range hood installed. Purchased a new sink & faucet & awaiting on a new window & counter top. We have a pretty good idea on the tiles we want for the back splash as well as the cabinetry handles. We have the wood for open shelving, hubby just needs to get on it. And a few other minor details to iron out. And hopefully new appliances arriving tomorrow! Can't wait but I know I haves to! More to come; will keep you posted! 

Too Much Information

Back has been bugging me a bit, probably from walking home from the gym with my backpack carrying everything but the kitchen sink. So part of my workout routine today included hanging out in them massaging lazy boys at the gym. Was gonna take a selfie hanging out but I'm pretty sure taking pics at the gym is frowned upon and considering those chairs are situated right across from where management & staff hangout, I thought I'd forget the selfie. 

But here's another one I thought I might share. So maybe too much information for some but this is what going to the bathroom now looks like! Good thing hubby knows photo shop & was able to photo shop the hair off my legs. Never been a fan of shaving legs; it's kind of up there with ironing and in the winter the shaving of legs is one thing I avoid like the plague! Makes my legs super itchy and makes me want to scratch my legs till they bleed. So unless absolutely necessary no leg shaving until spring! Would appreciate any tips/secrets to help avoid itchy legs in winter! 

On another note, should have asked hubby to photo shop  me a fake tan on my legs so I actually look like I went somewheres warm this winter! 

Tried out a new route walking home from the gym. It's more scenic and off the main drag with less vehicle traffic. Thinking it might be a quicker way home, but hard to judge on a day when the sidewalks were like an ice rink. It was great to have a day or two of plus temperatures, sunshine & melting snow but when all the melted snow freezes up overnight, it creates super treacherous walking conditions. 

Came across this poor stop sign on the walk home. I reckon, a snow plow got the better of it. 

Wordless Wednesday

Countin Flowers on the Wall & Penny happy with her new sweater

Ever heard the song Flowers on the Wall; Counting Flowers on the Wall, that don't bother me at all? Well I unfortunately didn't write the song but I can tell you these Flowers do bug me/bother me & yeah they so gotta go even if we're not exactly ready to reno the main bath yet. 

And since the wallpaper in the kitchen came off super easy, I thought I'd rid me of those flowers in the bathroom too. Well turns out these particular flowers weren't so easy to get rid of. They were kind of plastified & designed especially for bathrooms & moist/damp spaces. Took a garment steamer & my concoction of fabric softener & hot water to get rid of em and mind you a little elbow grease too! Still some of them darn flowers left; only so much a girl can do in a day! 

And now thanks to a stencil painting beneath the border I'm now countin bows as well as flowers! Maybe I should write a song about that!

 

Propane Oops, Penny's 1st bath, gas prices & FNC license plate

Well the gas prices went up today in Nova Scotia, up to $111.6. Friday is the day that gas prices change. And you don't have to go searching for cheaper gas cause unlike in Ontario, gas prices here are regulated and it's the same price no matter where you go. ( Although some stations give you a lower price if you pay with cash ) Only thing that is different from one gas station to another is their loyalty program. One may offer air miles and another station such as Atlantic Superstore will give you a coupon towards your grocery purchase. So which gas station you choose is more about which loyalty program you prefer. I kind of like getting a discount on groceries cause that is something you always need. 

Oops on another note, we noticed the propane fireplace went out yesterday at some point. Positive we basically had free propane since the time we got the house until the propane ran out.  Negative we ran out of propane and have to wait 7 business days to get the tank filled unless we are willing to pay a premium to get it filled sooner. Never had propane & a propane tank before, guess that's something we need to be on top of especially since we will soon be cooking with propane once we get our new range. And good thing right now, propane is not our only source of heating our home. 

We got Penny Lane about 2 weeks ago. I figured it was time to give her a bath, not that she was dirty but just want to get her used to the idea. I don't think she was totally impressed but she's so tiny the bath took no time at all. And she did enjoy being snuggled in the towel afterwards! 

Hubby finally got around to changing his license & plate and stuff like that. So we got ourselves a FaNCy new license plate. Only 1 plate cause that is all the province requires and it goes on the back of the vehicle. Even though our vehicle is fairly new, from 2014 because it came from out of province we had to do a Motor Vehicle Inspection. All set now for a couple of years.

A Visitor & Removing Wallpaper

Finally got to getting our bird feeder on the go. I'm sure this blue jay appreciated it in the dead of winter. 

Today was the day that we really started ripping the kitchen apart. We've been doing our research, figuring out what we want and visiting home renovation stores. Decided to take down the wallpaper in the kitchen and thought it would take several days. And thanks to my daughter in law, it didn't. She suggested a mix of hot water and liquid fabric softener to be sprayed/sponged on and it worked amazingly well. Wallpaper gone in less than an hour!

Kitchen minus Upper Cupboards; really opens up the space! 

Dining area; wallpaper gone. So much brighter! 

Not in Love & Tiny Project

I'm not Head Over Heals in Love with my new gym yet. And I would be further along in the falling in love process, if it hadn't taken a week to set up my discounted membership. So it's really no surprise that any little excuse to stay home has a stronger pull than my desire to go there. We had some more snow & well it's still snowing and and that was a good enough reason to keep me home from the gym today. Once again the outdoors looks like how you want it to look on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. 

Even though I stayed home, I did get in 40 or so minutes on the elliptical, did some weights and sit ups and push ups. Probably did more than your average person in a day, so not completely a slacker! And tomorrow I AM GOING TO THE GYM! 

On another note, I've been working on a little project. This little shelf was hanging by my kitchen range and was really kind of useless there. Decided to spruce it up a bit and hang it where it actually serves a purpose. I had some left over Chalk Paint from a project in the old house so painted it and waxed it to seal it. The neat thing about Chalk Paint is that no sanding is required although I did lightly sand this little shelf. You can see my finished project if you scroll down a wee bit. 

Here is my finished shelf in it's new location in the front hall. It now actually serves a purpose & is the perfect spot to hang Penny L's leash, collar and harness. By the way finally found a harness to fit Penny in the cat section. Wouldn't have thought of looking there if it weren't for a shopper who overheard our conversation about tiny harnesses and suggested we look there. Just don't tell Penny it's designed for cats!

All Tuckered Out & More!

It was a busy day in the East and even Penny L was tuckered out by the end of the day. We were having dinner and she wanted some cuddling time and decided to curl up on hubby's feet! 

Since we are planning on doing a bunch of renos, we attended The Real Home Show in Halifax. Picked up a ton of literature on Heat Pumps; just need to sit down and read it all. Seems like there is a Heat Pump Revolution goin on here in Nova Scotia probably cause generally due to minimal areas of natural gas availability, home heating is electric. And electric is definitely not cheap here! Don't exactly know how expensive but when our electricity bill comes in, I'm sure it will be a shocker! Pretty sure, installing a Heat Pump is the way we are gonna go once we decide on a brand & size. The folks from Efficiency Nova Scotia were at the Home Show & apparently they will come to your home and install some energy efficient products at no cost too you. So yep that is definitely going to happen. Will let you know what kind of stuff they all provide. Also found out they pick up old appliances like fridges & freezers & air conditioners and actually pay you to remove them; imagine that! So once I have all my new appliances in place & working, will definitely be giving them a call. 

Learning how to use my new washer/dryer combo. Just need dear son to come by and give hubby a hand with stacking the dryer on top of the washer.