FESTIVUS (Feats of Strength) 21 Feb 2012 5:32 PM (13 years ago)

Thank you friends for all the birthday wishes on my last post!

I went and picked up my corner cabinet on the weekend.

I sighed when I first laid eyes on it. It was big ... really BIG and probably wouldn't fit in its intended place. I loved it though and couldn't leave without it. Eventually I would find a space for it.

The cabinet barely fit in the back of my van. We tied the backdoor shut as best as we could and made the long journey from Toronto back home. We couldn't risk driving on the highway so we took, what I like to call, the scenic route.

Once we arrived home it was a struggle to move the cabinet into the garage. I was told I was not strong enough to get it back into the house and we would have to wait until my son returned home from a snowboarding trip in Banff.

What ... wait FOUR MORE DAYS before I could have my cabinet in the house! Was he kidding? I instantly thought of Festivus from an episode of Seinfeld.

Festivus was a holiday that George and his family celebrated and part of the festivities was performing 'Feats of Strength' and that was exactly what I was going to do to get that cabinet up a flight of stairs and through a narrow door into my dining room. And I did!

It didn't fit properly under the bulkhead so the top scroll had to be removed.

I'll come up with something to add some detail back to the top.

And my white little curio cabinet that previously occupied this corner ...

~ SOLD ~

Cheers - Lisa

SELLNG ON KIJIJI 17 Feb 2012 11:19 AM (13 years ago)

This week was my Birthday!

Yes folks, I turned 29 yet again. I've celebrated almost twenty 29th Birthdays!

Guess next Birthday I should be turning 30.

This was for sale on Kijiji and hopefully will be coming home
with me as my Birthday present.

Sorry about the wonky pics but that's the way

it is on the ad and I don't know how to rotate them.

You get the idea

In order to fit the 'New" corner cabinet into my home
my 'Old' corner cabinet must go!
So I've listed it for sale on Kijiji because I've used the site so
often to purchase items.

But NEVER to sell something

And now I understand why some sellers are so

particular when you make contact with them about an item.

You come across the most 'bizarre' people when selling something.

There seems to be interest and then they just disappear. Or they make

an appointment to come and view the piece but then

they just don't show up!

Hmph ... like I don't have anything better to do with my time!

Wish me luck with my sale and I hope you all have

a great weekend!

Cheers ~ Lisa

GIVEAWAY WINNER 15 Feb 2012 7:37 AM (13 years ago)

Congratulations to Tracie of Fishtail Cottage! She was selected as the Winner

of my Blog Makeover.

Thank you to all who entered and many thanks to
Sharon of Plumrose Lane
for working with me to put this Giveaway together!

Cheers - Lisa

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 14 Feb 2012 1:51 AM (13 years ago)

Here is my mantle for 2012!

My new banner purchased from the ubber-talented

crafter, Diane from Saturday Finds.

Lovingly hand-crafted

My vintage chalkware cherub is wearing a new

Santos Crown this year

This pair of cherubs only appear once during the year

to take their place of honour for

Valentine's Day

A little sparkle for some evening ambiance

when the candles are lit

Some faux flowers perched upon a

shabby wooden box

I'm hoping Cupid will stop by

today and replace them with some real blooms!

**hint ** hint**

Hope you all enjoy a Romantic Filled Day

with many Surprises!

It's still not to late to enter my

GIVEAWAY!

C'mon folks, who couldn't use a makeover

in 2012?

I'll be selecting my winner at the end of the day today.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Cheers - Lisa

BURLAP HEADBOARD - TO TUFT OR NOT ... THAT IS THE QUESTION 10 Feb 2012 4:09 AM (13 years ago)

Okay, I know so many of you have done it before; spotted something appealing sitting in a pile of garbage and you've stopped, snatched up the item and taken it home with you. I read your stories all the time but personally, I have never dove into a dumpster until the day I spotted this headboard.

I was a very nervous Newbie! I didn't want to be caught stealing someone else's garbage!

In defence of my actions let me just tell you that it was VERY dark out. It wasn't until the light of day that I noticed this headboard was NOT wood but in fact some kind of gross plastic material.

Can you say U-G-L-Y? Undaunted I decided to go ahead with my 'vision' and gathered my materials.

This was my inspiration ...

Source Unknown

I used homemade chalk paint. There are many versions with various reviews but I used the plaster of paris method. I haven't used the real ASCP so I can't do a fair comparison but I can tell you this paint did what the reviews promise - dried quickly with great adhesion to that plastic material, with no priming.

I used it for the outer frame. The thickness of the paint prevents dripping, which I really like.

Then I had to figure out where to place all those buttons. I played and played until I thought it looked okay.

After careful measuring, the button holes were drilled.

1.5 inch foam was adhered with spray adhesive.

Then I covered the foam with batting.

Once the burlap was attached I was very pleased with how it looked.

Now I'm not sure if I should take it to the final step and add those buttons.

What do you think?

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to enter my

BLOG MAKEOVER GIVEAWAY!

I'll be selecting a winner on February 14th.

Cheers - Lisa

FIRST GIVEAWAY OF 2012 30 Jan 2012 11:08 AM (13 years ago)

Well, I finally got around to getting my ceiling medallion installed. My installation assistant has been sick for the past 2 weeks and this was not a one-person job!

As a matter of fact, the job was much more painstakingly difficult than I had imagined. But really, that's always the case. I want things done, Zip Zip, at the snap of my finger. My plans are always GRANDE but the reality of it is, I usually run out of time and/or energy before I actually accomplish all that I want to. Working long hours at my job leaves me only Saturdays and Sundays to get to that "To Do" list.

At least I've been able to cross off another project as Done and I'm happy with how it turned out.

Now onto the GIVEAWAY part of this post.

Some of you may remember, at some point last year (don't quite recall at which point) I had my Blog overhauled! The look of it drastically changed (for the better) thanks to Professional Intervention in the form of Sharon from Plumrose Lane.

And now, I will share some of the love with one of my followers who will win

Custom Blog Theme Basic Package from Plumrose Lane.

This package will include 1 Background

1 Banner

and a set of 6 Sidebar Buttons.

Sharon is a freelance graphic artist currently studying for her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree.

She is a generous Blogger who provides a bunch of tutorials & freebies on her blog so please go visit and have a poke around ... there is so much to see!

I thoroughly enjoyed the process of starting with a vision for my Blog and then having the expertise of Sharon to put it all together and make it come to life.

If you want to be entered in this Giveaway and you're a Follower, simply leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win. I'll select the winner on Valentine's Day - February 14th!

Good Luck!

CEILING MEDALLION 17 Jan 2012 4:42 PM (13 years ago)

I have patiently been waiting for the call.

I knew it was going to be sometime after the holidays as I placed my order

way too close to Christmas Day.

Today was that day!

One side of the family pick names for our gift exchange and as I've been told, no one wants to choose me (they think I'm difficult to buy for). Are they for real???

In order to make it easier for the poor sucker who had the misfortune of drawing "Lisa", I decided to ease their burden and picked my own gift. I knew it wouldn't be ready in time for under the tree, but that was okay because I was getting something

I really wanted.

I was disappointed today when I saw the size of the package. I expected to see some strong men struggling with a GINORMOUS box instead of the one man who approached me with my parcel tucked under his arm. I am terrible with numbers when they relate in any way to some kind of measurement so that set of numbers (width, depth, length) beside the item description, meant nothing until today.

I like my details BIG and FLASHY and BOLD and although this ceiling medallion is smaller than I envisioned, it still is very pretty and I'm sure will look beautiful,

paired with my chandelier.

I'll share more once it has been installed.

After being away for so long, I'm having to relearn Blogger all over again and I haven't

quite mastered it yet. I've missed linking to some blog parties and I'm still working on my post that will announce my Giveaway! I'm excited and I will have it figured out hopefully by the end of the week.

Cheers - Lisa

I'M DREAMING OF A SPRING GARDEN 12 Jan 2012 5:51 AM (13 years ago)

Undoubtedly this is the time of year I find myself longing for
my Spring Garden.

The desire to be surrounded by the unequivitable beauty of nature and its flowers is so great, I take pleasure in whatever form I can find it in.

The soft textured petals of a silk rose;

A pretty chintz floral plate;

The delicate hand-painted bouquet on a vintage tole tray;

An African Violet in the purest of white, neatly tucked away in
a cherub planter;

Some dried hydrangeas right out of my own garden.

I'll even cherish the ceramic variety of flower!

So whether it be

Cloth ...

Cardboard...

China ...

Porcelain...

Dried...

Silk

or Glass

I will delight in an alternative type of bloom until I can get back outdoors and into my Spring Garden!

Hope you're all enjoying a FABULOUS week!

Stayed tuned ... I have a Giveaway Announcement coming soon!

Cheers - Lisa

TWENTY-TWELVE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION 5 Jan 2012 3:22 PM (13 years ago)

I promise ...

...to be a better Blogger and not only NOT neglect my Suburban Retreat but also NOT neglect my email account associated with my Suburban Retreat. I do hope to keep these Resolutions better than my prior intentions to “Lose Weight” ...

"Quit Smoking", "Exercise Regularly, "Eat Healthier" and so on!

Our Blogland is full of many Wonderful, Caring and Thoughtful individuals. Hugs and more Hugs to all those who thought of me during my hiatus. Sometimes bad things happen to good people but my life is back on track and I start 2012 with renewed Enthusiasm and Optimism.

I purchased this two-piece pine hutch off of Kijiji for $70.00.

The plate slats were removed to give it a more 'updated' look. The entire piece was primed with Kilz.

I need some colour in my life so after much contemplation I selected this shade of Green

Further contemplation had me resand the top and then apply a walnut stain. The drawers were painted in a cream colour.

Never one for doing things in a proper sequence, I then searched for a co-ordinating fabric to tie the entire piece together. Spray adhesive glued the fabric to my back wood panel.

Nothing like a little colour to brighten one's world during winter's bleakness!

Some new hardware for added 'bling'!

I rushed this project to complete it just in time to be dressed for the holidays.

Happy New Year to all of you and may 2012 bring you Peace, Joy and Good Health. I look forward to visiting with you soon.

Cheers - Lisa

Addendum - May I add "Aquire More Patience" to my Resolution List? After a long Blogger absence, this post has taken me 3 hours to complete!

PLANT STANDS 9 Apr 2011 4:57 PM (14 years ago)

I attended a very special, by invitation only, sale yesterday. A very talented lady who repurposes furniture is moving, fast, and had a garage full of furniture and accessories she needed to get rid of. She advertised that every item would be sold for exactly what she paid for it!

One of my purchases was this gorgeous white wicker plant stand.

I was compelled to purchase one of these equally gorgeous hydrangeas when I saw them for sale at Home Depot.

I placed a small garden statue on the little shelf below.

I put the plant stand in my entrance to bring some much needed "Spring" to this tiny foyer.

The second plant stand was purchased with the intent of going outdoors.

Actually, I'm not even sure it is a plant stand. It has 3 holes in the bottom tier. (Cats are allowed but must enter at their own risk as there are 3 dogs in residence)!

Both the seller and I have 'assummed' that's what this 3-tiered, half round table was intended for and after much pondering over this piece, I decided to 'bring it in'.

I used clay pots with ivy in them to fill the 3 holes.

Also a couple of sweet birds because what's a garden without our feathered friends (even the indoor kind)?

Love the details ... brass feet and wheels.

Intricate turned wood.

A vintage inspired garden journal sits atop the second tier ...

Along with a wire bird cage, complete with nest and bluebird.

And a small white urn.

The top tier holds a faux lavender topiary in a clay pot.

Although there isn't much happening yet outside, my indoor garden is looking

lovely, thanks to the addition of my new plant stands!

I'm joining the party at French Country Cottage! It's Feathered Nest Friday No. 30!

Come and join the fun!

A WEDDING 4 Apr 2011 7:32 AM (14 years ago)

Here is my eldest son, pictured many years ago during Easter. He was so adorable but also a handful; a very spirited boy with a mind of his own!

He provided me with so much joy and entertainment! He was an extremely active boy who kept me on my toes and on the run with his various activities.

He played hockey, baseball, soccer. He took swimming lessons and Karate. He was a Boy Scout and an Army Cadet. He took guitar lessons but ...

eventually settled on playing the drums! He played in his school band and is now currently playing in a local band, looking for their big break.

And while vacationing several years ago, he met Erica.

They fell in love, he proposed and they started planning a destination 'beach' wedding.

Last week they tied the knot in Jamaica!

Sadly, I was not able to attend but along with other family & friends who couldn't be there .....

I enjoyed a live webcast of the event!

Congratulations to my son and his new bride but looking back, where did the time go?

Cheers - Lisa

WINNER! 29 Mar 2011 6:21 AM (14 years ago)

Sorry for the delay in announcing my Spring Giveaway Winner. I've been having problems with Blogger and it can be frustrating. I cannot upload any photos so take my word for it when I tell you that I still do things the old fashioned way and printed off all my followers names, duplicated the ones that entered multiple times, and used my scissors to cut all the entries into tiny, individual strips. I then used a vintage tin to hold all the names and Hubs selected the winner for me!

Without further delay ... the winner of my Giveaway

is Susan from Evelyn & Rose!

Thank you to all of my followers, new & old, and especially to those who took the time to add my Giveaway to their sidebar and/or posted about my Giveaway!

Cheers - Lisa

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE 22 Mar 2011 10:38 AM (14 years ago)

HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT
THIS BOOK YET?

I had advanced ordered two copies of Romantic Prairie Style (One for moi and One for my Spring Giveaway) and the predetermined delivery date had come and gone. Actually LONG gone. Talk about cutting it close to my Giveaway Deadline of March 27th.

I was already formulating stall tactics for the potential winner.

This morning when I opened my email at the office, Indigo sent me a message letting me know that my order had been shipped! And then, a couple of hours later my package was delivered and now I've lost all concentration (where work is concerned) and I'm sneakin' peeks at the photos in the book, all while it's hidden in my desk drawer, so as not to draw attention to my ADDICTION!

The book is FABULOUS and congratulations to Fifi O'Neill for putting together such a treat and feast for the eyes!

This Sunday, one of my lucky followers will win themselves a copy

and then they too, will really understand where I'm coming from!

Cheers - Lisa

TWENTY-ONE YEARS 16 Mar 2011 4:12 PM (14 years ago)

21 years! Yup ... Two Decades + One Year!

Not years of age (hmmmm, a gal can dream, can't she)?;

Nor an anniversary of wedded bliss (THAT ended in half the time)!

No, these flowers represent 21 years of continuous employment with the same Employer.

But they weren't presented as a token of loyalty or a pat-on-the-back for a job well done!

They were simply a beautiful & generous surprise from a thoughtful colleague who wanted to take a moment and recognize my years of service.

It's those special friends and co-workers who surround and support us daily that make 21 years feel as though it were just yesterday!

Cheers - Lisa

SPRING GIVEAWAY 9 Mar 2011 3:41 PM (14 years ago)

Around here it feels as though
we're still heavily immersed in our Canadian winter ...

But the Calendar doesn't lie and apparently Spring is set to
arrive in a few short weeks ...

So it is time to announce my

SPRING GIVEAWAY!

When I started my blog I decided I would

have 4 Giveaways that would coincide with

the changing of our seasons.

First up .... a beautiful

STERLING SILVER ROSE

QUARTZ BRACELET

Hand Crafted by Gracie Jewellery

A bracelet of 3-sided Rose Quartz accented with beads of sterling silver hand wrapped with sterling silver. Closes with a sterling silver toggle clasp with oxidized accent.

Rose Quartz Bead 11mm W x 15 mm L

Fits 7½" wrist

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
PINK TOTE

GO SHOPPING IN STYLE!
Perfect tote to take along to the Grocery Store or Flea Market!

Digital transfer printed onto a light weight cotton tote that is
reusable with double handles.
A removable flower pin that can be worn on a jacket or left in place on the tote.
Bag should be hand washed in cold water and line dried to preserve the transfer.

And finally, as previously mentioned
~
A copy of

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE

This SPRING GIVEAWAY
is open to all of my followers.

Leave a comment on this post and I'll enter your name twice.

Blog about my SPRING GIVEAWAY
and let me know and your name

will be entered three times.

I'll draw the winner's name on Sunday, March 27th, 2011.

Giveaway is open to all Countries!

SPRING FEVER IS SETTING IN!

Cheers - Lisa

LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY 5 Mar 2011 7:18 AM (14 years ago)

Louis Comfort Tiffany was an American artist & designer best known for his

work in stained glass.

Tiffany designed stained glass windows and lamps, glass mosaics,
blown glass, ceramics, jewelery, enamels and metalwork.

I just purchased this Tiffany style 10 light lily lamp!

This is not my first Tiffany inspired lamp. This one is featured in my blog header.

When these lamps are lit, they are simply a gorgeous piece of art! The colours are exquisite!

The 10 lily shades are crafted from mouth blown glass.

The base is done in an antique bronzed finish. Just look at those details,
so similar to the original.

The lily lamp is a reproduction of one of the most popular Louis Comfort Tiffany styled lamps.

I'll probably move this lamp all around the house but for now it sits on my sideboard,

in all its glory!

FOLLOWERS - STAY TUNED!

I'll be announcing the details of my SPRING GIVEAWAY this week.

I can reveal that the book that has been

ALL THE BUZZ

in Blogland is part of my giveaway!

I'm joining Feathered Nest Friday!

ROMANTIC DECOR & BLOGGER LUNCHEON 24 Feb 2011 7:22 AM (14 years ago)

In the midst of a long, cold winter, I find that I tend to spend more time reading than any other time of year. I recently purchased the book "Romantic Style" by Selina Lake and Sara Norrman.

There isn't much NOT to LOVE about this book ~ especially if

you're a die-hard romantic such as myself!

Inspiration = Tweaking Time at Suburban Retreat!

With Sping just around the corner, I've decorated the top of my

china cabinet in a Romantically Gardenish style!

I hung my rose print just above my cabinet, filling in that narrow

space between the crown molding and the top of the china cabinet.

I draped some pretty silk hydrangeas over the edge ...

And used a tall wire cloche.

Throw in a couple of cement garden pheasants ....

And there you have

Romantically Gardenish Style!

Chris from "Red Gate Farm" is visiting her daughter Krysta from "Dropped Stitch Knitter".

Chris is from Washington State, USA and when I learned she would be traveling to the Greater Toronto Area, well, I was EXCITED! Chris was one of the first people from Blogland that extended a helping hand to me and we've been Blog Buddies ever since!

So obviously ... lunch was in order!

Failte Irish Pub

Mrs. Red Gate Farm Herself!

Chris came with her daughter Krysta and Krysta's boyfriend Sten!

Krysta - Dropped Stitch Knitter

The food was delicious, the conversation was lively and the afternoon was fabulous! It was my pleasure spending time getting to know these lovely people and Sten, we're all anxiously waiting for you to jump into Blogland with both feet!

Sten ... Future Blogger???

I understand he brews a mean Beer!

There were plans underway for a couple of other Bloggers to get in on the fun but unfortunately, life gets in the way sometimes.

I would love to do something like this again so if anyone out there would be interested in a Blogger's Get-Together in the GTA, feel free to contact me and maybe something can be arranged again, when the weather improves!

Cheers ~ Lisa

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY WIN! 17 Feb 2011 9:21 AM (14 years ago)

I'M BACK!

I've been technologically challenged the past few weeks with both my laptop at home and Blogger. I thought I had forever lost my "Suburban Retreat" and the thought of starting over made me shudder. Seriously ... I've missed you all and my daily "fixes"!

Vintage Valentine Dated 1922

I hope you all enjoyed a deliciously romantic Valentine's Day! Hubs decided to think outside of the box this year and gifted me with something very original! Personally, I like to remain within the confines of my container so the gift failed miserably.

Yes folks, it was an Ed Hardy Heart-Shaped Watch! I wasn't totally ungrateful as the "Heart Shape" was not totally lost on me and I know what you're all thinking ...

"It's the Thought That Matters" and it truly is!

THOUGHTFULNESS - 10 out of 10

ORIGINALITY - 9 out of 10

CHANCES OF SUCCESS - SLIM

Sorry Ed, but the watch went back and instead, we came home with this!

Babs hit a home run with this! It's simply delightful!

After dinner Hubs went to collect the mail and SURPRISE, there was a package for me. Several weeks ago I was THRILLED to be the lucky winner of French Country Cottage's Giveaway - an assortment of letterpressed stationary and treasures! WOOHOO!

Sincere apologies - my poor photography does not do this artwork justice.

It must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

Olivia of Olive Route works on two presses - a Chandler and Price platen press that's almost 100 years old and a mid-century Vandercook proof press. PLEASE go visit Olive Route here and see for yourself the amazing talent she possesses. She also has an Etsy shoppe where you can purchase ready-made products!

Picture Frame Courtesy of French Country Cottage

I also received a couple of SURPRISES in my Giveaway Box!

Trio of Dish Towels - Maybe Too Pretty to Use???

Thank you Courtney!

I've been awarded the "Stylish Blogger Award" a few times in the past month and have yet to publish my post (due to my technical difficulties). Thank you to those who nominated me and I will get on this ASAP!

Ahhhhhhhh ... it's good to be back!

Cheers - Lisa

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED 7 Feb 2011 10:43 AM (14 years ago)

"L"

"O"

"V"

"E"...

spells "LOVE" and that is what I'm feeling about my new banner that I purchased from Ginger

of Glitter & Roses from her ETSY shoppe!

Back in early December I blogged about this

beautiful Rose Print that I purchased at a new store in town

called Not Too Shabby.

As my home is ever-evolving (like so many of yours) that Rose Print has now been moved and replaced with this mirror that I recently purchased. Originally I intended on using a mirror for this location as the diningroom window sits directly across from it. This will help bring some much needed light into my rather dark main level.

Look at all the details!

And now I

"L"

"O"

"V"

"E"

This marriage of my new mirror and my new banner!

Thank you dear Blogging friends for all your kind words

and comments on my last post.

You really are the Greatest!

Cheers - Lisa

LANCE 31 Jan 2011 3:45 PM (14 years ago)

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 26 Jan 2011 6:43 AM (14 years ago)

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 22 Jan 2011 3:04 PM (14 years ago)

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 20 Jan 2011 3:39 PM (14 years ago)

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 17 Jan 2011 8:58 AM (14 years ago)

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

Check out the website here.

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BREAD 12 Jan 2011 2:16 AM (14 years ago)

Yup ... I did a lot of baking over the Christmas Holidays! I enjoyed it so much that I'm now on a roll. This was recently added to my arsenal which probably contributed to my success in the kitchen.

She's a real beauty and makes the entire process of creating divine treats a pleasure. Hubs was surprised last night when I started assembling all my baking supplies, on a week night, to bake something. Well that is no way to treat Betty Crocker ~ and I feel somewhat under-appreciated because I know many who never get the opportunity to ingest home-baked goodness.

What's on the menu you ask? Peanut Butter Banana Bread! A quick and easy recipe with a twist on the usual banana bread ... the addition of Chunky Peanut Butter.