Dressing and living simply...

Living simply in retirement is my goal.

Dressing simply seems like it will reflect my new lifestyle.

Taking tea on the front porch

with time to mull over what is important

~ things I'd like to persue ~

~ things that I can let go of ~

~ enriching my life and those of others through volunteer work ~

~ taking an art class ~

~ meeting new people ~

~ re-joining the Victoria Horticultural Society ~

and

 that's just what I thought about today!

 simple bouquet of chartreuse green Lady's Mantle

This cheery red white and blue tote "spoke to me"

 every time I went back to The Bungalow in the Estevan Village I looked at it

it kept speaking..."buy me Hostess!"

I picked it up and carried it a bit

yesterday and decided that I could treat myself.

Oh and won't my red flats have fun with this great tote?

Happy Shopping and Happy Dancing.

I love this message

as it also speaks to me...

and I AM listening

listening to ALL that is my daily round

soaking up life

 embracing JOY

the powerful

attitude of gratitude

I popped into out local Hospice Thrift Shop 

and found this basic linen shirt which I will wear layered over a simple white tank top

I love the organic neutral shade and think it will look fabulous with creamy strands of pearls.

I think there will be multiples of pearls worn with this shirt

Coco would approve!

Sandwich white skinny capris

perfect for a summer day

thinking of wearing them with my blue and white striped Breton tops

red flats or sandals

perhaps paired with the new J Jill linen shirt

and an armful of bangles

or a simple silver cuff

another thrifted find

a silver disk on a strand of simple leather

casual ~ simple ~ fun

The WW program is keeping me mindful of what I eat.

Recording all the food points really helps keep me accountable.

The walking is helping me whittle the weight, build muscle and is making me feel more energetic.

The best news is that I have lost 16 pounds as of my weigh in this week!

My boyfriend jeans are looking so baggy and there are only a few pairs of pants that fit me now.

I do not want to go out and invest in a lot of new things because I want to lose another 10 pounds 

and they tell me that is usually another size down.

Happy Fourth of July!

Enjoy the festivities and fireworks.

Hostess

XO

Tigara ~ Part 2

Tigara is one of my favourite places to visit...not only is it home to my BFF but the gardens are pure magic.
Without further ado you will be able to witness more of our friends' glorious home and garden...

The weather was hot and sunny 

and fortunately a gentle breeze blew off the ocean.

The porch overlooks the garden and the ocean beyond.

Vintage wicker is the perfect furniture for this arts and crafts home.

My BFF sets a lovely table!

Fresh flowers are always in abundance and artfully arranged.

Appetizers 

The British AGA is at home here in the heart of the home.

Many delicious meals have been cooked in this kitchen.

My BFF's husband is a clever craftsman 

He designed and crafted this copper hood.

He's also the talent behind their company Waterglass Studios...

just look at all the wonderful period light fixtures in these images.

Alabaster beauty

The living room ia spacious and furnished with oak arts and crafts furnishings.

This bath serves the two bedrooms either side of the doors.

Another powder room is tucked away underneath the staircase in the front hall.

The dining room

A third guest room off the main hall.

I love this light

looks like she has serious matters on her mind besides holding the torch!

I spied this tote in the guest room and my BFF said it was a gift for me!

Thank you S.

The main entry way and stairs leading up to the vast bedroom suite above.

French 75's were the cocktail of the hour.

Delicious mix of bubbly, gin, and lemon.

The front porch which I am so passionate about...

Mr. HB did some fine design work here.

My BFF got her hands on my IPhone and snapped this one of me...

barefoot

just wish I was a barefoot contessa!

Looking west to their neighbour's home across the croquet lawn.

The heritage Tea House.

Cooper their Welsh Terrior

which my BFF refers to affectionately as the Welsh Terrorist.

He is picking up on the scent of the resident native bunny...

who apparently lives under the ground in a burrow in this perennial border.

The garage and a shed with a patio seating area in front

this is where one of the BBQ's are located!

Vintage lighting in the Tea House!

Looking toward the shed and patio.

Toward the house.

Mr. HB relaxing in the cool of the Tea House

while he and my BFF's husband took a break from BBQing the lamb.

I hope that you have enjoyed this tour....

Tigara really is a magical place to visit.

An even better place to be invited to dine or pop by for a drink!

The hospitality is amazing as is the warmth of good friends and shared experiences 

It is the kind of thing that one finds only once in a lifetime.

Rather like Tigara...

Thank you to S and P for sharing your special home.

OOTD ~ French Style...

This outfit is comfortable and casual and for some reason makes me feel more energetic.

Banana Republic Striped Breton Tunic Top

I am working (walking) on whittling away the hip and tummy areas.

Bangles that jangle...

Hermes scarf

that adds a hint of French flair.

I think that I will be dressing more casually in my retirement...

I am hoping to have more time to go thrift shopping too!

Thrift shopping is like a treasure hunt

as one never knows what gems are lurking in the racks.

It will be fun to find some new pieces...

perhaps it will become a regular blog post 

"what I thrifted"

Have a lovely day...