Meet Henry

Henry's first photo shoot

 We have a very special new addition to the family - an 11-week old schnoodle (schnauzer-poodle mix) named Henry! We picked him up on Friday and it's been delicious chaos ever since. I forgot how much work a puppy can be, so it's been constant care and attention - plus outdoor potty training and middle of the night whining ever since!

We really wanted a buddy for our dog Gus, who has some anxiety issues. He's starting to adjust as of today, but definitely went through a jealous phase on Saturday and Sunday! He's used to being an only pooch :)

It was also my bday yesterday so there were all kinds of wonderful things going on - dinner out with my hubby and a family birthday party. So great! I'm happily exhausted today and back to work...but I can't wait to rush home and see my little Henry!

 My two boys together, Henry and Gus

 

 Sweetie pie!

How was your weekend friends?

It's 10:07 on Saturday Night

After a flurry of activity the last few weeks, I'm taking a much needed breather for the weekend. No wedding stuff, no big obligations, no major cleaning, no working on my course - just lots of pure relaxation.

So far I've:

-treated J to burgers and cheesecake at Baked Expectations for Friday date night
-slept in
-enjoyed a long brunch full of garlic-y ceasar salad and awesome talks with my pregnant (yay!) friend S at Stella's
-picked up Starbucks and taken Gus to the dog park for playtime
-cooked old-school perogies and garlic sausage for dinner (a gluttonous treat!)
-painted some new furniture pieces exactly the colours I want!
-laid in bed like a lazy log watching Project Runway
-read chapters and chapters of the new James Patterson thriller

And that's just so far!! Talk about awesome.

What are you up to this weekend friends? Keeping busy or recharging?

Scenes from a Weekend

How is your weekend going friends?  Are you making the most out of your days?  We're having quiet little weekend over at Casa L&J.  One of my office dogs, Coco, has been staying with us while her mama is on a little holiday.  Gus is definitely having a few jealousy issues with another pup in his space but he's more curious and excited than anything.  Here's a shot of the two cuties hanging out together on top of J...

It's definitely given me a taste of what life would be like with another dog around if we ever want to add to our family!

I also recently picked my knitting needles back up after a four-year absence.  I don't know why I let them sit for so long but I was invited to a local knit night with some local gals, which I checked out on Thursday.  It was nice to sit and chat and be crafty.  I was so impressed with their speed and skill level...one day!  For now I will keep knitting and purling away on my little scarf project.  Hopefully it won't be another four years before it's done.  Do you like to knit?  Do you find it soothing and relaxing?

I've been battling an oncoming cold for the past few days, which is another reason I'm taking it easy this weekend.  But I am putting in a little bit of time on a few projects that I have on the go with Lather Creations.  I'm working on this chair for my good friend L, who saw the Spoonful of Yellow Flowers Bench and fell in love with the fabric.  Here's the before shot...I'll share after pics when it's done.  It's going to be a fabulous new addition to her kitchen's office nook!

I'm also working on this curvy side table.  I love the sexy legs on it and it's primed and ready to go (the pic was taken mid-prime)...just waiting for some colour inspiration!

And as promised, here are some pics of those 1960's wood veneer side tables I told you about on Facebook this week.  Thanks to B who was clearing out some old furniture and thought of me!  I love love the modern, clean lines and tapered legs on these pieces.  They are so versatile, they could be living room end tables or bedside tables, or you could put them together to make a fabulous dining room sideboard.  I see wine glasses on the lower level and crystal decanters and a serving tray on top! 

If you're interested in commissioning these pieces for your home, drop me a line at lhume1@mts.net.

So that's what I'm up to, how about you?  How are you enjoying this mid-November weekend?  I can't lie - with the beautiful weather we've been having, my Christmas shopping is at the back of my mind.  But I do plan to get on it this week!

Have a lovely day friends!

Shades of Gray

May long weekend has come and gone and as usual, with less than desireable weather!  But it was great to get away and take the year's inaugeral boat ride. 

Gus the Fisherdog taking his first boat ride!

Gray, gray and more gray!

The boots I had to buy at the Bargain Store because I foolishly left my cute rubbers back at home...

The hat I had to buy at the Bargain Store to keep my hair under control in the wind...

Crashing waves on a lake that NEVER sees waves!

The sun poked its head out the next day but the hurricane force winds meant no boat rides.

J put a wood floor in the cabin this year and what a difference it makes.  Years and years of god-knows-what's-in-here nasty carpet was pulled up and J installed a salvaged gym floor maple mixed with a few tigerwood boards.  It lightens up the whole place and the floor design is quirky and unique.  Love it!

I found a fab used couch set on Kijiji for a major bargain and it's got the perfect rustic, retro cabin feel with very comfy cushions!  They were put to good use with all the movie watching we did during the rain!

As always, it was good to go but it's good to be home.

What did you get up to for your weekend?  Do you love coming back home after a getaway?

Written with love,
Lenore

Cold city - Right life

Life fell into place when I moved to Manitoba.

The stars aligned.  The paths cleared.  The ducks found their row.

It certainly wasn't the easiest decision to turn my life completely upside down on it's head.  But I knew I had to do something. 

I had been living in Calgary for 8 years (and couldn't stand the traffic).  I had a good job on paper at one of the country's most famous employers (that I hated in real life).  I had an amazing condo downtown (with loud neighbors that stomped above me all night).  I passed the mountains every day in the distance (and rarely every actually went there).  I was single (but went on 147 bad dates).  I had amazing friends (still do, that's the one thing I won't complain about!).

So I sold the condo, quit the job, kissed my friends, packed up the U-haul and said goodbye to my life as I knew it.  And moved to the coldest, buggiest place on earth.

Fast forward 2.5 years...

I fell in love (with the same guy I fell in love with at 15 years old).  I bought an adorable vacation property just 3 minutes from the beach.  I bought a character-filled 100 year old house in one of my favourite Winnipeg neighborhoods.  I got a puppy who fills me with joy.  I got a job at an advertising agency that feels like the most perfect job I could have asked for.  I'm making amazing new friends.

My only regret?  Missing my ladies.  But I know they're always there.

Best decision I ever made.

What's the best decision you every made?

Written with love,
Lenore

Dog park people

I have encountered the tribe known as the dog park people.  This was our first time at Churchill Park in Riverview and it's a great place, with lots of rolling grass hills and a prime river view.  Hence, it's in Riverview.  Anyway, we came across another dog, which quickly turned into 2 then quickly turned into 22.  Not kidding, it was like I would imagine parents at the park all watching over their children and shouting words of encouragement and complimenting the other parent's children.  One dog parent brought a communal water bowl for everyone to share.  Gus hogged it, which was a little embarassing considering it was our first time with the 'group'.  I kept thinking 'GUS!  Don't bogart that water!'.  But everyone was very gracious about it.  It was a pretty dominant bunch and Gus was by far the smallest dog, but I was a proud mama as he got in there with the giant dogs and sniffed some butts of his own.  Everyone was tittering about who the new dog was, so we did lots of waving and 'he's ours'.  But he impressed, with his small but confident stature and mellow nature.  Yes, Gus made mama proud.  Guess we're dog park people now...

Written with love,
Lenore