Saturday, November 22, 2014

A rabbit hole...and a 5 year blog anniversay giveaway.

On a grey day while walking I almost fell into a "rabbit hole" that appeared on the path right in front of me.
Looking around I noticed the grey gloom, the cold and heavy mist hanging like curtains almost hiding the trees.

On a day like this we could use some sunshine and light,
a bright punch of colour would be a great mood lifter...



Mushrooms 


Leaves


Autumn Trees on a sunny day so much lovelier and distinctly more beautiful.

Colour is Mother Nature's best accessory...
which got me thinking
about some of my choices 
which at the time seemed sensible and prudent 
but now feel "boring and plain."

A prime example here is "the clutch."

I own several clutches and most are black except
 for this vintage gun metal grey bag...


This one is hands down the most useful due to it's size but it could be in a brighter shade...


Hmmm....
Looks like there's a bit of a copy cat thing happening here with the ridges in bedding and the bag.


Vintage Nordstrom


Paired with the Lisa Campione skirt


Chanel inspired tweed jacket Jeremy Spenser
I'd opt for one of the black bags with this jacket.


It works with the black Velvet Jones of NY fancy pants.


not so much with the wrap top by Laura Petites...
I'd use one of the black bags with this top.


Sherman brooch


Aurora Borealis Sherman brooch


Boucher pin


unknown maker
I like to think of it as my St.Tropez brooch


Gumball Freshwater Pearls...
anniversary gift from my husband several years ago


Vintage coin necklace


Salt Spring Island silversmith artisan designed silver bangle


Venus flytrap necklace J Crew

I'm going to keep my eyes open for a classic clutch in a brighter shade.


If you have been reading my blog for awhile you'll know how much I love drinking tea.
I find teatime a wonderful opportunity to sit in peace and quiet. 
I count my blessings
and reflect on all that is good in my life.

If I am having a gloomy day I always reach for a cheerful bone china cup and saucer.
Sipping tea out of a pretty cup is so soothing to the soul.

 I try lots of different teas...
I have developed a fondness for Lapsang Souchong Tea.
It is a smokey tea and quite different from others that I have tried and I highly recommend it.


Abraham Darby Rose

You might also know that I am a passionate rose grower and I love David Austin roses.


Climbing Iceberg with Lady's Mantle on the table and in the background atop the cabinet Abraham Darby.


It's been quite a journey...
since I started blogging back in November of 2009.
I've learned a lot about myself in these 5 years.
I lost 30 pounds through Weight Watchers
took up walking for fitness
discovered my personal style
 honed my wardrobe 
I retired
I decided to follow my dream and plan a trip to Paris
I've started taking French lessons
and am trying to figure out how to pack for 3 weeks in France in a carry on!

I hope you come back frequently and read my humble blog

In celebration of the blog's 5 year anniversary I have decided to give a gift to one of my readers.
Please leave a comment telling me what you like best about my blog.


A Bone China mug with roses, of course, and a tea towel.

All the entries will go into a bowl and I'll draw one name.
The giveaway closes on November 29th, 2014 at midnight PST.
If you are the winner you'll need to email me at bungalowhostess@gmail.com with your mailing address.

Good luck!

65 comments:

Susan said...

Hostess, I read your blog because I like your personality. You are such a genuine person and I like to read about your life. There are interesting facets---your wardrobe, your charming Craftsman house, your cats, your garden, your sweet relationship with your mother--your journey. I am a number of years older than you are, but I feel we are kindred spirits.

Judy said...

I LOVE your blog! I am a fairly new follower but over the last month or so I have gone back and read EVERY post. I thoroughly enjoy how you can make even the most mundane task seem interesting. I love it! You find beauty and peacefulness in each and every day. The way you share things with us is so relaxing. I so appreciate the work you put in. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

Madame Là-bas said...

I read your blog even with slow expensive ship internet because you have such a positive attitude and you inspired with weight loss (not achieved yet) and grey hair (love it). We seem to have similar tastes (all things beautiful and French) and background experiences (HBC charm school and teacher-librarian/resource background) so I always feel that I am visiting with a friend. Thank you for your years of blog friendship.

LPC said...

Such beautiful photos! You can exempt me from the giveaway, lovely and Hostess-appropriate though the mug and dishtowel are. Let someone else be so lucky as to win. But what do I like best? The cozy feeling of your words and images, and the sense I have that you really hard to be kind and comforting. <3 Happy blogaversary. You've come such a long way!

Annice said...

I very much look forward to your blog and photos. There is a serenity and charm to your blog that makes it a delight to read. I like the way you find beauty in each day or occasion, even if it isn't a pleasant task you find the positive in it. Keep up the good work. I am sitting in the early morning cool enjoying my lap sang sou chong and toast, waiting for a very hot day to start warming up (41 degrees celcius expected in Sydney, Australia!)

Anonymous said...

Bon anniversaire a l'une de mes favorites bloggers. Je vous lis quotidiennement et savoure les postes. Voila 3 ans depuis que j'ai decouvert votre "blog" . Succes continu !!
PS : Bonne chance a Paris !!

Deborah Montgomery said...

Congratulations on five years! I am celebrating my one year with a giveaway too; stop by to enter! You've accomplished a lot, and have a lot to look forward to -- Paris! I love reading about your wardrobe curating, love of tea and books. You seem to look for the beautiful in the every day things.
I love your brooches, and those roses, too.

Jeannine said...

I love the variety of your blog and your sincerity. You are an inspiration as I look forward to my own "someday" retirement. Thanks for all you do. Keep up the good work.

Linda @ a design snack said...

What do I like best about your blog? I always feel that you are completely honest and truthful. Congrats on your 5th anniversary!

SusanJ said...

I love how you share your joy in the simple things of life. I am inspired by the way you care for yourself, your family, and your home. Thank you for sharing your life and your thoughts. Happy Anniversary!

Anonymous said...

What I like best about your blog is your wisdom and soulful insights to life in all its highs and sorrows. Plus your inspirational weight loss journey, updates and your outfits! Happy Anniversary. Lucy

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed blog for your style sense, your photos of the west coast and the glimpse of home. Congrats for on 5 years. Looking forward to your Paris adventure this year. Pat

Anonymous said...

First, congratulations on five years of blogging. Yours is one I read consistently - why? You have such a gentle spirit that is refreshing. As a blogger-in-training (for oh, so long), your kind personal communication has been encouraging. I hope doing what you do so well brings you happiness for a very long time. Jen in NY.

KSL said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary and all the accomplishments and positive changes in your life. I love the cozy, "real" feeling when I come here. Please don't enter me in the giveaway, they're lovely things, but I'm trying to declutter.

urbvirg49 said...

I am delighted to have found your blog recently and look forward to your entries each week. Thank you for the tea recommendation; I am still trying to find an everyday tea and will try this one. Clarissa

Mystica said...

Congratulations on your five years of blogging. Coming from a tea growing country I'd love to be counted in for this one, provided the giveaway is open to all.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading your blog as I lived in Victoria while I was a student - so many familiar places.

For packing tips, see this video by Catherine Jane (designer from San Francisco) - she shows how to pack for weeks in a carry-on. It's great -

http://blog.catherinejane.net/tag/how-to-pack-1-carry-on-for-2-weeks/

Anonymous said...

PS Congratulations on your blog and the many milestones during the past five years.

Louise said...

I enjoy reading your blog for a variety of reasons. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail in so many areas (nature, cooking, fashion, lifestyle, etc.) are inspiring to me. Your photography is simple yet beautiful. I'm fairly new to this blog, so I wasn't away of your journey. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations and I hope you continue blogging.

Lizzie said...

There are many reasons I love reading your blog. I love hearing about your adventures. I love seeing your wardrobe. I love seeing pics of your gorgeous house and garden. I admire your dedication to everything you do.
Congratulations on 5 years of blogging

Lorrie said...

Congratulations on 5 years of blogging. They go by quickly, don't they? I enjoy reading your blog because it's a little like visiting a friend with tidbits of this and that.

Please exempt me from the giveaway as well, since I won one of yours a while back.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. It has been so nice getting to know you.

Anonymous said...

The joy and beauty you find in the everyday experiences, Hostess, brings me back again and again. Peace to you and your family this festive season.
Mel

Sheila said...

Congratulations on 5 years, Leslie! That's awesome. I always enjoy the calm vibe you give off. I adore Lapsang Souchong tea!

No Sacrifice Bags said...

I love your flower photos! As a fellow Canadian, I also love to read about your life on the West Coast. I have friends and family in BC; and I never "got" the lure that drew them there, and keeps them there. I read your blog in hope, of becoming a little less provincial. lol.

Deana said...

You inspire me. My precious husband has in the past 6 months been confined to a wheelchair and I have had to retire early to look after him. When I start to feel low and get the poor me's, I can come to your blog and be jolted, not jolted exactly, guided is a better word, back to reality. I still have my special man, I have a small but lovely home to live in, I have a small garden with a lovely rose bush in it and I have enough extra cash to buy a little something special at a second hand store if I want and I have a tea canister with tea bags in it. You help me see how much I do have not the why us, poor me side of life. Congratulations on you anniversary and keep on brightening our days. You are much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

I read because you're adorable. :o)

I love your beautiful home and garden.

Cheers,
Marsi
manon729 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Your blog resonates with me because you are "real"; especially in your devotion to your family. We have much in common in our tastes and although being at opposite ends of the country, we are both in "Oak Bay". I hope you continue blogging in the manner to which we have become accustomed. It suits you, and it suits your readers.
LmC
LmC

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Susan, I love reading your comments.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Judy you've gone above and beyond reading all those archived posts!
I do that too when I discover a blogger whose posts "speak to me."

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Dear Madame...
I avidly followed your Paris trips and think that they are one of the reasons I have decided to go :-)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Those are wonderful compliments and I owe blogging to you...
I am indebted to you and grateful for the introduction.
Merci beaucoup!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'm sitting with a cup of that tea too reading your words...it is cloudy and cool here so the tea is a perfect pick me up...you might like to pour some of your LS tea over ice!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Merci beaucoup...
I am happy that you have been following along for the past 3 years...I've purchased my ticket for Paris and so looking forward to the adventure!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I saw that we share the same date although both different years...keep up the good work Deborah and soon 5 years will be here before you know it!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your positive comments are going to fuel my desire to raise the bar...I hope that i am up to the task!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I hope that all my posts are honest representations of who I am and what I do...some are rather mundane but they are my reality.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Susan...it's so much easier to enjoy the routines of homekeeping when you like living with order over chaos! I do not do well in a muddle.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Lucy...I hope you'll continue to pop by and visit, and your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think I'll be posting pictures on Instagram when I get to Paris instead of writing indepth posts while I am there as I will not want to miss a moment in the city of light...will write the posts when i get back!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Jen...I would love the opportunity to read your blog...in my experience the "training" started when I pressed the publish button on my first post! It is a learning curve and fun to see how it evolves.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for taking the time to comment Kathy...I always appreciate seeing you and Pearl on FB...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Clarissa...this tea has a punch of flavour that is quite unique...great for an afternoon tea.
I love an English Breakfast and Earl or Lady Grey teas for mornings.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

As long as you can provide a valid mailing address that the post office recognizes I am confident that if your name were drawn I could send it to you....good luck!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I watched her video and she has some great ideas.
Anonymous if you want to be entered in the draw please post a first name and initial at the end of your comment so I know who you are!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Welcome Louise!
I hope that you'll continue to read and enjoy my blog.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Nice to see that you are reading my blog!
I never really know who reads my blog and I think this might be the first time you have commented and thank you Lizzie!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I like seeing your pictures of your walks and boating adventures and hearing what you are doing. Your vast summer veggie garden and canning and preserving always inspire me.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Adrienne...I love seeing what projects you are working on in your home and garden. I am happy to have been introduced to you on your blog.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Mel...
wishing you a wonderful holiday.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Do you have a favourite brand of Lapsang Souchong tea?
The only one I have tried is Murchies blend.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Deana,
You are an inspiration to me.
I applaud your devotion and dedication.
We never know what life has in store for us do we?
It is so important that we savour the small joys everyday...
I know when my dear husband had cancer I was not the calm woman that you see now...there were many days when I could not to keep it together. But that experience taught me a lot about myself, the way that I chose to react to things I could not control and ways in which I could change the way I looked at life...
Remember to take care of yourself and continue to enjoy those cups of tea.
I am honoured to have you on my readers list!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Marsi...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

LmC,
Oak Bay is a lovely spot...it sounds as if you know of it.
Victoria is a very scenic city...
I'll try to maintain a level of decorum that Oak Bay residents and previous residents would be proud of!

Anonymous said...

Hi - thanks for your generosity. The offering is lovely; and I am downsizing, so don't need to be in the draw. Thanks for reminding me, though.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Hostess - wow 5 years - I have been dipping in and out of your blog from before you retired, and have enjoyed every post. You sound so reassuringly normal with similar attitudes to mine with regard to family and friends and the way that you are so content in your skin. Hope that you can keep it up.
Cindy F from Oz

Annice said...

That sounds delicious, will try it!

Denise said...

I am a new reader to your blog. I love your positive attitude as well as fashion info with the French flair! I too love fashion and France. I am 64, retiring in May and moving to France! I am so excited. When are you travelling to Paris?
Take care,
Denise

Susan ~ Southern Fascinations said...

Hostess.. Congratulations on your blogaversary!! From the beginning I found several common threads of interest between us. I enjoy reading about your home, family, and other personal shares. You have such a lovely relationship with your mother so for someone like me who lost hers so many years ago, your posts are quite dear! Also, love hearing about life on the other side of our vast continent! Smiles... Susan

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Nice to hear from you Cindy and I am happy to be seen as somewhat normal...I consider that a compliment. I feel so grateful for my family and friends as they add such riches to my life.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Susan it is great to have you along for the ride...
I cherish my Mother and our closeness, I cannot imagine a life without her so I can empathize with how you might feel when you read about our jaunts.
I appreciate your perspective on my posts and always welcome your comments.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and move to France. That sounds like a great adventure. I'm planning to be in Paris next spring!

LynneinNC said...

Hostess, I'm not sure when I started reading your blog but I found it on the blog roll of Une Femme d'un Certain Age and have enjoyed reading your posts over the years.
Your recent postings on your French lessons recall "Madame" from my school years who was (and is) a very stylish French lady who makes chic look effortless.
I also enjoy your posts about your tea times with your mother.
Happy blogiversary and here's to many more!
Cheers,
Lynne

donnyb said...

Along with all the other ladies, I'm wishing you a happy anniversary. I so look forward to your posts as they remind me of my time in Victoria (we had an apartment in Fairfield while our son was going to UVic). But you also are an inspiration as I start to plan towards retirement - so much to look forward to. I had that same china mug, bought in Victoria at the (no longer there) china shop across from the Empress, but my husband accidentally broke it and I couldn't find the same one again over here in Vancouver. I did enjoy having my Murchies tea in it. I hope you continue to bring us your insights for years to come.
Lyn

Anonymous said...

What I like best about your blog is your direct honest writing. :)