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?

A not-so-white Wednesday!

I knew it would come to this at some point...
I just never thought it would be so soon!

Colour is creeping into White Wednesday
and the other days of the week for that matter.

Mother and I are planning to go to Seattle for some cross border shopping soon.

We stay at our Home Away From Home 

The Mayflower Park Hotel

lovely suites

friendly staff

 award winning martini bar Oliver's

room service for a superb breakfast

and a great restaurant for dinner

I felt the need for a cross body bag

one that allows easy access 

and is hands free.

It is customary that I take Mother's arm

we link arms so she can walk unencumbered by a walking stick 

and I help her negotiate uneven pavement.

Red roses on a black leather background

made in Italy by Maurizio Taiuti

my friend L suggested this rose bag to add that "fun factor"

she knows me well

and accepts my conservative style

she who has a flair for fashion

 embraces arty bold and creative styles

 Be brave 

and buy the bag

after all she says 

it's only money!

I can be Brave

and I do like Fun!

Purchased at Winners 

for under $100

many sections = user friendly

hands free

Win WIn Win

Friend and house guest L 

and 

I went for a pedicure 

at a local esthetic school

it was a no frills experience

yet

 seriously professional 

OPI  Texas

"Houston we have a purple"

was chosen by both of us!

we enjoyed a complimentary hand wax

this treatment was very moisturizing

and warm

The young woman who gave me my pedicure was so sweet

she couldn't have been a day over 19 and she has already secured a job in a Spa in her hometown.

The cost of this experience was 1/3 of what I usually pay...

the atmosphere is very plain, it's a school 

there are no soft cozy terry cloth robes 

 mineral pools or saunas

 fresh bowls of fruit

 water or herbal teas

or 

Bento Box lunches

BUT

 the treatment is the same...

and the students are closely supervised

I might go back!

Houseguest L has now departed

the Bungalow is quite quiet

it's amazing how much two friends can talk about when they get together!

I find that spending time with friends who have a certain style

influences me

 I see myself in a clearer light

while appreciating the uniqueness that makes them who they are.

I cherish the time that I spend with my family and friends.

Wishing you a Rose-y Fun Filled White Wednesday!

Hostess

Wardrobe basics Hostess Style and a close encounter with Chanel!

Embracing thrift through the CPW ( cost-per-wearing ) factor makes sense.

Take for example the $100 pair of ponte knit black pants that I purchased in the fall of 2010.
I wear these pants at least 3 times each and every week.
They are so versatile and more to my liking they are comfortable, machine washable, hang to dry, retain their shape and so far, retain their crisp black hue.
(Proportion Petite by Conrad C)

All I need to do is to choose a variety of different tops to change up the look and keep it fresh.

Silky rayon cotton blend tunic top

Cleo

I do not feel that I need to have a huge wardrobe....in fact too many choices stress me out.
I find it difficult to decide what to wear when there are too many garments hanging in my closet.
My closet here in the Humble Bungalow is very tiny so it is best that I don't overstock.

Style and Co.

tunic top

which fits small so I had to go up 2 sizes...ugh!

grey and black striped waterfall sweater 

grossgrain ribbon bow in back

Gilmour

with

 black V neck long tee 

 Splendid

grey knit tunic 

INC

I've worn this top at least once a week since I purchased it

rayon scarf

charcoal ruffle front top

Press

Ballet flats

black and Platinum

Mee Too NY

Bold unusual ethnic

"Statement Jewelry" 

is being showcased 

 as a Spring fashion 

"trend"

while I do not ascribe to trends per say

I do admire and collect different pieces that speak to me.

Holidays are a great time to source out interesting and fun pieces. 

They are not too usually too bulky to pop into a suitcase or better yet wear them home!

I bought this necklace at a local Cancer fundraising silent auction many months ago.

Guy Vidal Canadian Designer

circa 1970

same piece reversed 

Decor here these days reflects the black and white theme....

House Dressing Hostess style!

Bungalow kitchen bench seat cushions

distressed country style bench 

with gingham cushion

Hostess Mitts

Hogweed tea towel

from the UK 

go here

Coco Chanel's influence 

affects me here today

in the Humble Bungalow.

I had the opportunity to try on a Chanel tweed jacket in local high end consignment store.

It would have been a perfect partner for my black pants or jeans

I was completely gob smacked by the quality of construction and the luxe fabric

details, details it's all in the detail

subtle Chanel buttons

ragged tweedy bits jutting out at the cuffs

 embossed with  "Chanel" on the champagne toned silk lining 

wearing it made me feel posh

Posh in a good way, not in a snobby way

the smile of knowing one has such a garment 

without screaming crass

just class

I did not get the jacket

it was too snug

pout pout...

Time to shop my closet...

 Chanel-esque

as interpreted and designed 

by 

Simon Chang

The CPW is higher

currently at around $10 

 it will be around for many years to come

so the CPW will decrease.

Marcel Boucher vintage brooch

which currently resides on the Simon Chang jacket.

Humble Bungalow Domestics...France, Friends and Tea Time

A house guest will be arriving soon
so I have been busy prepping
and tidying the Humble Bungalow.

The warrior glove

protector 

and 

 friend of the Hostess.

I put hand lotion on before donning these gloves 

and my hands and cuticles get a moisture treatment 

which is activated by the cleaning action.

At rest

Oranges were on special at the Market 

I bought a mesh bag full

seedless and sweet 

and they look so cheerful in the bowl

I like to have some tea bread or a loaf on hand for tea time

I am looking forward to some friendly chats 

while taking tea 

with my guest.

The internet is such a handy resource 

It is especially great for recipes

I typed in 

orange-raisin-loaf

and found this recipe

here at ifood

baking in the oven 

scenting the kitchen with orange

the dishes are air drying

 recent books and DVD's that I have been reading and watching

Priceless was a cute film

Audrey Tatou is charming

A French movie with subtitles

in one scene there is a song playing 

in English 

and the lyrics are printed in English as subtitles!

Vicki Archer's book is a feast for the eyes

she has a fabulous blog 

full of lush images.

I gave her newest book French Essence as a Christmas gift this year to a dear friend.

I snuck a peek before I wrapped it up and the images are so beautiful

Vicki has a great artistic eye for details.

French Toast by Harriet Welty Rochefort

is a peek inside life from an American woman's perspective as she marries into a French family.

Her website offers a lot of great tips and information.

Words in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse

was inspired by the blog

french word a day

Lunch in Paris 

by Elizabeth Bard

is entertaining and funny 

 French recipes are included with each chapter of the book

and they look delicious!

read more here

Orange Raisin Loaf

I am brewing a pot of my favourite tea

I use a variety of loose and herbal teas

this one tops my list for flavour

Ingredients: 

Ceylon and Chinese black teas, 

bergamot essence, vanilla beans and essence.

Silk Road Tea Company

Enjoy your weekend whatever you do

maybe like me you'll be enjoying a friendly conversation with a friend

and sharing a cup of Tea!

I am 56, with a grey hair dilemma and can you believe it I am still making mud pies

I  am 56 and I have been playing with paint....
again
I graduated from kindergarten so many years ago and here I stand at an easel and it all comes flooding back to me...
is that youth calling?

"Raindrops on Roses"

Creative urges are not to be ignored as they can be fleeting...they come in fits and starts.
Not unlike actioning Spring Cleaning, window washing or sorting out a closet or junk drawer.

When the urge strikes I act...
I reworked a painting I did over a year ago...
I didn't like the first one and I am not too sure that the reworked one is "finished" or to my liking...
an artist I am not,
merely a woman unleashed
in a room with tubes of paint, brushes and canvas...
with the overpowering urge to play
with paint.

It is like making mud pies...

I don't "think" about what I am doing...
I "feel" it.
I am not asking for judgement or praise here...
It has taken me a long time to feel comfortable enough to expose these forays into acrylics
enough already...

Onto a New topic...
no segue...

Have you ever had a Bad Hair Day?
I caught sight of myself today and gasped....
I need a 911 rescue call for my overprocessed hair.
I have been having highlights for quite some time...(hiding the grey tinsel strands)
My hair is naturally dark brown...and my hairdresser suggested highlights as an option for a graceful way of aging...
she is very talented at her craft
but I am seriously considering letting nature take it's course.

What do you think about greying?

Are you sprinkled with grey or totally grey?
Do you feel old with grey hair?
Do you embrace your greys?
Do you dye it all one colour? Have highlights?

Just curious...
I have an appointment soon and am considering my options....

If you have been following the blog for awhile you might remember my commenting on our school secretary...
she is the one who has breast cancer...
she came in for that Meet The Babies Shower and was wearing a really cute red pixie styled wig.....
she is so thin it took me by surprise and I am hoping that my eyes did not register the shock I felt inside.

I think I held her too long in a hug that was meant to be friendly...awkward moment.

Her smile was as beamy as could be...she is one of the bravest women I have ever met.

I feel so ridiculous lamenting about my hair while she struggles on with chemo and has had to buy a wig.

Go get a mammogram ladies...
mark your calendars and do you monthly exams
please and go for the "squish test" it's important...

Did you know that BC is a leader in Breast Cancer Screening?

Hugs in Health,
Hostess
XO