Top three pet peeves

 We like this challenge.  It is a variety of questions or blog post ideas and we are going for it.  We already wrote 10 things that make us happy so check that out.  Three top peeves - we had to narrow them down as once we got talking the flood gates opened.  So top three only.  Drum roll please.

1. People that are right in front of your that let the door swing back into your face.
2. Littering - anyone that litters.  We are definitely including cigarettes here.  People! Hello! Dropping your cigarette butt is littering.  We don't want to hear no garbage can is near - maybe option is don't smoke then. 
3. Not recycling. Individuals that are too lazy to walk their recycling to appropriate can. They just toss stuff in the garbage. An extra five steps is out of the question. 

What would be your top peeves?

One pillow so many looks

 The majority of us love to decorate - one of us thinks nothing of painting a room in a weekend. Just because.  The rest of us are not so bold nor have that energy level.  What we all enjoy is easy decorating ideas.  One is cushions.  IKEA has a cushion form 20 x 20 inches and lots of cushion cases.  We thought we'd share our favourites and why.

One of us likes softer colors with some design.  No cushions that are going to jump out at you. Their wall color is that pale blue in the first pillow.

Black and white all the way.  Cushions that are versatile enough to go in any room.  This is also the person that wear a lot of........ you guessed it. Black and white.

 

This is actually a recent make-over.  Person wanted pops of color on a neutral sofa.  She gravitated to the yellow.

There are so many choices and most of the cushion cases are under $10 (some under $5) making it fun and easy to swap up your look.  

Writing challenge and getting to know us

 Saw this writing challenge and decided yeah let's check it out.  First challenge is 10 things that make us happy!  Here goes.  Please add yours in the comments.

1. Beautiful day at the beach
2. Hiking
3. Curling up with a good book
4. Day at home with no agenda
5. Delicious meal at a restaurant
6. Hanging out with family/friends
7. Day shopping with girlfriend
8. Planning a trip
9. Going on a trip - somewhere have never been before
10. A clean house

It was interesting when we were discussing what to put on list that it was experiences that made us happy more than purchasing a specific item.  What about you?

Summer is a happening

 Well the second weekend in August.  Hard to wrap head around but summer is happening. We are taking advantage of places being open.  Have done a winery tour - love.  Sat out on patios, cottage at the lake. All normal summer routines where for a little while we can forget we are still in a pandemic.

Staying close to home is having advantages. We are supporting our local economy and being tourists in our own area.  We plan another winery tour this month. Of course patio season is in full swing. We have been to local farmers' markets.  A few of us are supporting local artists so that of course means shopping!!

The one thing we have alll agreed upon is that we are spending less in others areas. Like clothes and shoes.  The mall is not a destination we frequent. Or even really think about now. Since not shopping for three months we realize we have enough. It is using what we have in our closets and making due.

Reports are saying people have spent less during the pandemic. With the highest debt load every, certain reports are saying, that is a good thing. Hoping people are puting the extra money on high interest debt and making a difference in the long run.

The pandemic has changed priorities. It is no longer about new summer sandals, summer color trends and oh of course new swim suit. Summer this year is staying and spending local. Heading to the local coffee shop not the big chain.  Looking at that pretty pottery by local potter and yeah finally picking up a piece.  Heading to the local craft beer shop.  

This summer is local and we are kinda loving it.  Doing out local thing!  So much to see, do, experience and we still have rest of August.

 

Summer cocktails

We thought we'd bring together in one spot a few summer cocktail ideas.  If you have a favorite please share!!

A beautiful mess  has a whole post on cocktails! Check it out.

Another inspiring blogger Inspired by Charm showcases his summer cocktails.

Have you tried cantaloupe and ginger cocktail? Visit Style at Home.

Apartment Therapy  shows us 13 easy to mix cocktails that could become our signature one!

Hope you found something you'd like to try this summer to sit and enjoy on the patio.  We deserve it.

Summer talks on well everything!!!

With lifting of restrictions we have finally had a few chances of getting together.  Loving it.  We know we were and are fortunate to have access to Skype and other social media platforms to get together, share and make sure we are connecting.  But seriously face-to-face can't be beat.

Our latest discussion resolved around summer trends from clothes to make-up to decor.  With being home for extended length of time home became a focal point.  Reading articles on what COVID-19 has told us, home design wise, we are in agreement (majority of us). Open concept is great but we need more define areas if we are working and living at home for longer periods of time. Maybe not go back to a formal dining room but an alcove or working in a desk in the kitchen or living room.

Outdoor space was also highlighted and much needed.  Part of our self-isolation was still winter but still we need natural light.  Consider adding plants to your home if you are not a plant person. Nothing major but we found having something green to look at during the winter or anytime is nice.

Introverts know they need their own space. So consider reworking your bedroom. If you don't have a large home with living room and family room - everyone needs a place to escape. Rework your (kids) bedroom. What do they really need in there?  If you moved furniture around, did a good purging of old toys, clothes, even furniture could you make space for a small chair for reading? A space for yoga? One of us has a chair and table in the corner of their bedroom and it was much used during pandemic.  A place to curl up with coffee in the mornings. Reading in the evening. Just a space to get away.  Another person moved a bed from the centre of the room to a wall and free up floor space.  Think outside the box. Who uses the room?  How do you want it to function?

Since the stores have opened up we have been shopping for home decor items. Pillows and/or pillow covers.  Pretty summer dishes.  Small rugs for splashes of color.  It has been fun to add new items to our decor.  You don't have to spend big money.  IKEA and other places have pillows forms. Buy a few and then purchase pillow covers for different seasons.  Easy way to switch up your decor. Plus pillow cases are easy to store if they all fit the same pillow form! Win / Win.

Clothes and make-up wise we have been purchasing just fun clothes. Nothing expensive and if they last this summer great. Not an investment. It is about making the most of time and money. This is summer people for some of us it will only last a few months so get out there and enjoy.

Celebrating with the new normal

Canada Day July 1st.   Different places have different celebrations.  They can include parades, breakfast, activities for the kids, concerts and of course fireworks.  This year, well not so much.  People offered virtual concerts and fireworks but not the same feeling.

We miss being with a crowd, Excited and gathering energy from each other.  Sharing an exciting event together. Taking to strangers.  We are trying to adjust to the new normal and in cases embrase it. Working from home making better flex hours of our days. Less travel so less gas emissions.  Connecting more with families and friends away via Zoom, Houseparty and Skype.  All good.

But yesterday so lacked celebration. A few of us discussed it and felt off all day.  We know the reasons behind decisions and support them. It is just maybe we as a family/friends have to get more creative at home.  BBQ? Breakfast? Flags? Activities for the kids.  Yeah we can do this as summer is here.  Take a special day and blow it out of the water. Yes it might take more planning but start early and pick up a few fun things for kids and adults.

If this is the new normal for the forseeable future we have to work with it not against it.