Showing posts with label champagne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label champagne. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Finding my way in Paris...

International travel, solo at 60...sounds rather daunting doesn't it?
I was as prepared as I could be having done my research ahead of time and I had maps, a French phrase book and a list of places that I wanted to see before my tour started.
(A few things that were not on the Ooh La La Tour.)

The direct flight from Vancouver was 9 + hours long but time passed quickly...(I was very excited!)
There were in flight movies and I cannot praise Air France enough...from their warm greetings, smartly dressed stewardesses, champagne reception and their tasty meals and snacks...their in flight safety announcement is just an example of the quality of service they offer!


When I arrived at CDG airport arrivals gate there was a sign with my name on it and I was whisked away to my hotel in a comfortable car...thank you to the Ooh La La Tour leaders Stephen Solosky and Jamie Cat Callan for arranging such a lovely warm welcome!


After I got settled into my room of Hotel Belloy in the 6th I went out and explored the streets and shops in the area near the Sorbonne...lots of people were out and about and the cafes were full of smartly dressed men and women. (The men looked particularly well turned out in their scarves and stylish jackets!)



Rue Racine near the Sorbonne where my Hotel was located.


Many cobblestone streets beckoned...




The Metro stations were conveniently located...
I preferred taking the bus or walking as I wanted to see all the sights.


I walked for several hours popping into shops along the way before stopping at a cafe for a coffee and a snack...
my Parisian instructor would have been proud of me as I spoke French when I ordered.

Everyone it seems wears scarves in Paris even the children!

Some friends were staying in the next arrondissement...they had arrived 4 or 5 days ahead of me and they kindly took me under their wing and walked me through the neighbourhood and far beyond the first two days after I landed! I was glad that I had brought comfy walking shoes as we walked 6 1/2 hours the first day and 6 the following...our stops were for coffee and a wee pastry and in the mid afternoon for lunch.






We ventured along the rues of the art district, then along the Seine where kiosk sellers have books and posters for sale...this is a very "touristy area"...with lots of shops selling souvenirs and Tee Shirts...
I was cautioned to be on the look out for pick pockets!

After crossing over the Seine we wandered through The Marais...which is full of small boutiques and cafes.
Loved this area for shopping as you get a real taste of the fashions worn here and there are so many chic Parisian femmes street sightings!


We cruised through the large BHV department store where we discovered the "pop up vintage shop" where I bought a vintage silk Jeanne Lanvin scarf.
We lunched in their cafeteria which served a wonderful array of foods and wines...and a wonderful view.

I opted for a healthy salad and a bottle of Badoit water...
after several more hours of exploring we made our way back to the 6th.
I decided that I needed a rest and went into the well stocked Monoprix to see what I could find for dinner.


Fresh strawberries, a cheese plate and a demi baguette with wine.
I nibbled this in my room and had leftovers for another day.
It was lights out by 10:00, physically tired but blissfully happy.
Pinch me I must be dreaming!

Monday, May 18, 2015

Paris is Always a Good Idea!

Audrey Hepburn wasn't kidding when she was quoted as saying "Paris is Always a Good Idea!"


The past three weeks have exceeded my expectations and although I am slightly jet lagged I am very excited to be able to post a few words here and share a few quick thoughts.


In the next few days or weeks I plan to do some more in depth posts on Paris and my travels south to the idyllic and enchanting village of Auvillar and the surrounding countryside.


Notre Dame Cathedral Paris
the iconic church on the Seine.
Paris IS a beautiful city!


 The best way to see it is to walk in the various arrondissements taking in the sites then when you get tired stop for a coffee and a croissant in a street front cafe. 
(Great way to study Chic Paris Street Style!)
Lunches were delicious and I frequently opted for salads, omelets and I tried a traditional Croque Monsieur.
I started my day with a big breakfast in the morning at the Hotel.


The bread in France is like nothing I have ever tasted before...I don't know what they do to it but it is exceptional!


Meandering along the rues and grand boulevards gives you the best views 
and behind the beautiful doors there are hidden gems if you peek inside!
These doors, when opened reveal an inner courtyard.
I was obsessed with these doors and took many photos of them...
if you followed me on Instagram while I was away you've seen quite a few already!


The Ooh La La Tour was fabulous and I met some great women.
I'll chat more about this later...


 I had some fun and silly moments after our tour of the Fragonard museum!


I'm going to miss the champagne social...
that The Hotel Belloy provided every afternoon...


oh and the pastries and espresso!

I'm happy to report that my carry on was the perfect way to travel and my minimum wardrobe worked beautifully and I wore every item several times in the 3 weeks that I was away.

Basic wardrobe.

Black Eileen Fisher pants
Dark denim skinny jeans Banana Republic
Black and white striped Tee dress 
black skirt
4 tees
2 tanks
silk cream blouse
black cowl Wooden Ships sweater
2 bras
4 panties
2 pairs of black textured hose
2 pairs of socks, one compression style
nightie and light weight silky robe
short black boots
black ballet style walking shoes
2 scarves 
watch
 opera length pearls
umbrella
Barbour quilted jacket
black lightweight rain resistent coat


I did some shopping in Paris...more about that later...
Here is the vintage Jeanne Lanvin scarf I picked up in the vintage "pop up shop" at BHV.

Hope you've been well while I have been away and thank you for stopping by to read my little blog.
Hope you have a great week and I will be back soon.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

OOTD ~ New Years Eve 2014

Our New Years Eve was spent at the gorgeous home of my BFF and her husband.
Friends from Vancouver came over to our Humble Bungalow to stay and help with the celebrations.


At Tigara, Christmas trees are full and fill the grand living room and touch the ceiling.
They are lavishly decorated with vintage baubles and many lights.


The first course consisted of delights from Hilary's Cheese shop on Fort Street.
Olives, antipasto, crackers, cheeses, stuffed peppers and salami.
We grazed leisurely over these while sipping a couple of cocktails.


This year Mr. HB made us Brambles.
Cheryl had enjoyed one of these at Heath Row Airport Lounge while waiting for her flight to Paris.
They are so very refreshing.
Gin, simple syrup, lemon, and Chambord served over crushed ice then garnished with blackberries.


The dining table set with care.


I love the art nouveau sterling vases.
The Roycroft china is perfect for this arts and crafts home.


On the menu...
fresh Dungeness crab
Caesar salad
bread


Nigella's olive oil chocolate torte with raspberries.
Served with coconut bliss ice cream.

We drank wine with dinner and by the time we had dessert we were sated.


We still have the champagne!


Lace retro inspired top
black skirt
fishnet tights
Calvin Klein pumps


JCrew necklace Xmas two years ago,
a gift from my son and DIL.

New Years always feels more festive with some sparkle.

When we came home we drank lots of Perrier before going to bed.
The men were up early and the women slept in late!
 Fortified by freshly brewed coffee and tea we slowly welcomed the new year.
After a brunch of sausages, farm fresh eggs and a large fruit salad we watched the snowy outdoor hockey game from Detroit on the TV.

A 9K walk and a chicken curry were in the works for later.
WW weigh in will be postponed this week due to house guests, rich food and drinks!

Have you made any resolutions for 2014?



Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year!

As 2013 closes and I reflect on the days, months and events over the course of the year...
inspired by wonderful friends both near and far,
a loving husband, family and precious grand babies.
A cozy home, food in the fridge, and the bounty and beauty of nature.

It is gratitude that keeps me on an even keel.
I find immense comfort living a simple life, finding joy in the small everyday routines.


Perhaps a small celebration is in order...a toast for the things yet unknown.
The good, the not so good and those things that we cannot change and must accept.

I wish you all the best for 2014.

Hostess

Friday, December 30, 2011

Quicker pasta and the menu for New Years Eve.

There's a happy Hostess in the Humble Bungalow these days!
Pasta making just got so much easier...


My first ever Kitchen Aid attachment,
it works like a dream.

It only takes minutes to run it through
and it is so easy
I cannot believe how fast this happens and with very little effort on my part.



I use the food processor to make this pasta
Adrienne from La Vie Quotidienne
gave me the recipe and I love how easy it is to make.


I made a simple sauce
saute onions, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil
add a can of DOP Italian tomatoes
some red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
and simmer for about an hour to allow the flavours to meld.

Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente
fresh pasta takes less time
so check often

sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top
enjoy!

I am getting ready for New Year's Eve dinner
several couples are celebrating at the table
on the menu...

antipasto assortment 
(my BFF calls this a "picky plate")
Caesar Salad
fresh Dungeness crab
served in the shell ready to pick
with
drawn butter, lemons, and ginger mayo dip

dessert
(which my BFF is making)

I haven't thought of any resolutions to make just yet...
self improvement is one that I often consider
giving back to the community is another
and I think there's a new hairstyle in my future
and possibly redesigning
 The Humble Bungalow Blog...

What resolutions are you making?



Cheers!

I hope that you will pop back in 2012.

Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!


Saturday, November 5, 2011

Lazy Saturday...after a big night on the town.

I slept in and am sipping a mug of real coffee, the first in many months. Feeling very lazy sitting here in my robe and slippers...
There is something so decadent about waking up to the aroma of coffee brewing in the kitchen.
We had a wonderful evening last night and it was a later one than is usual on a Friday evening after a busy week.
It's hard to imagine that we can go out on the town and live it up like we did when we were much younger. Good to know that we haven't forgotten how to have fun!

We were celebrating the fact that I have a new job!


Flowers from my daughter's fellow!

We walked downtown and dined at one of our city's top restaurants and then we hoofed it over to a heritage hotel by the sea and had a bottle of champagne, a gift from my daughter's fellow. I don't like the word "boyfriend" as that does not adequately describe him because he is a man not a boy.

I could have pinched myself as we were sitting on sumptuous leather sofas enjoying the lights of the harbour living it up and savouring the moment rubbing shoulders with international tourists.

As we were leaving we strolled through the convention center and were surprised to see a large group of red headed Lucille Ball look a likes...the Ricky Ricardo's were inside waiting!



It was a dreamy date and such a memorable way to celebrate and mark new beginnings.

New beginnings and the rapid way that change is making an entrance into what was a predictable routine has taken us by storm and I am reeling...
but all in a good way.

Once I started to action change with a new approach to fitness and health, lots of things started happening and there seems to be a domino effect.

The new job is going to be a challenge and one that I am keen to take on. I am ready to embrace a new direction in the late stages of my career and have so many tricks in my bag just waiting...so wait no longer, it's time.

Walking to work is going to be such a bonus.
Not only is it healthier it's greener and cheaper!

I did have to go out and buy some good looking walking shoes that I could wear to work.
(They cost less than 4 Michelin tires for the Volvo though!)
I never need an excuse to buy shoes, who does?

Adrienne over at The Rich Life (on a budget) has done some shoe shopping recently...
she has chosen some lovely colours.


I imagine that you are not surprised that the shoes are black...

Lisa over at Privilege shares a love of black footwear.
She just started a new job and check out how great she looks in her khaki and black.


a little silver bling in the mesh


they are not shoes for the faint of heart
they have serious support and are made by Geox
which has a patent on their shoe building technology.

I am lusting over some Frye boots and tried on some fabulous Ralph Lauren riding boots at Winners...
they are most definitely investment boots...
(cheaper than Michelin's hmmm....)
I just don't know if they are in the budget right now.

The reno is taking most of our cash and still is the number one priority around here.

Lots to think about...
I am taking today as a lazy day to ponder the whirlwind of change that is blowing through the Humble Bungalow.

(I had better get dressed as the plumber will be here in a few minutes!)

I am still the same Hostess
but with a newness that is redefining 
how I view my life and the direction that I seem to be going.

Make the most of your weekend whatever you choose to do...
carpe diem
take a leap of faith and shake up your world.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Moet and Chandon, Sunshine and Pepper

The sun has come out after an afternoon hailstorm.
It's been a lazy day here in the Humble Bungalow...


Pepper is napping in the sun
she loves to find a sunny spot to curl up in...
It makes me want to climb back into my bed and have an afternoon nap myself!


She is enjoying a lazy day too.


Champagne anyone?


I found a new tote
it's so much 
better than using plastic or paper bags.
It is very sturdy and has nice leather detailing
I'm not one who likes a lots of logos on display but this label is very subtle.

My grocery bags are rather glaring as they have the store's name in bold large lettering
and I feel like I am advertising their business when I use them
and I suppose that I am in a way.
I must see what I can find that is more to my liking.


Pepper is checking it out...
I wonder if it meets with her approval.


Songbirds outside are keeping Pepper entertained as they flit about in the garden
she loves to sit up on her perch
 and look outside.


The Humble Bungalow is filled with light and the sound of birdsong


Pepper's kitty grass sitting on the windowsill
she loves her greenery.

The grass in the garden is really growing fast and needs to be mown every week now.
Many plants in the garden are sprouting forth
after the winter slumber
I hope to get out and tackle the jobs that need to be done
but not today.

I am giving myself a day off
a day of rest
and day to listen and look
 and just be.

What did you get up to this weekend?