OOTD a domestic post that rambles on willy nilly...

Many days are spent in The Humble Bungalow flitting about actioning simple domestics.
Now that I am retired I am quite content wearing comfy clothes and padding about barefoot!
The bar has been set very low as there are only the cats to impress...

Skinny jeans, a simple tee top in white are my "in house uniform."

The linen apron is a necessity as I am a messy messy cook.

Love this one by Now Designs.

The flooring in the kicthen is fir and has been patched and repaired and is cool underfoot.

I have an antique rug on the floor by the farmhouse sink as I spend hours doing the washing up.

I love gazing out the window above the sink...

it makes for a lovely opportunity to contemplate all that is good in life.

Trying out new recipes is great fun.

I do so love to cook for company and Mr. HB.

If I lived alone I think I'd dine on salads and eggs exclusively.

I used the Lemon Souffle recipe from the Best of Bridge.

It requires lots of whisking and stirring and that pairs perfectly with a CBC talk show on the radio to keep me company.

I used the trifle crystal bowl as the yellow lemony concoction is so pretty.

I'll be serving this with some chocolate brownies and fresh raspberries for dessert.

We have a small dinner party planned...

Time to wander about and pick some flowers for the house.

Jude the Obscure, my favourite David Austin rose is putting on a good show and there are many blooms to pick.

I love the chartreuse of the Lady's Mantle with the soft peachy yellow roses.

I usually have fresh flowers in the bathroom.

The cats can be quite pesky when it comes to deconstructing the bouquets.

 but they usually avoid those installed in the powder room.

Thank goodness for small mercies.

I picked some fern fronds to pop in this antique claret jug.

No one I know seems to drink claret anymore...

sherry, port and wine seem to be more in favour.

If you look closely at our Humble Bungalow you'll notice that with age comes many imperfections.

 Some parts of our home are looking very tired...scratches, dents, and blemishes and I often cringe when I see them but must accept that they are honest reflections of a 100+ year old home.

If I were to gaze at a 100+ old woman would I focus on her lines and wrinkles or would I see the sparkle in her eyes and the determination and sturdiness with which she carries herself despite the passage of time?

I've been toying with the idea of painting these chairs black.

I love black set against greenery and garden plantings.

These chairs are very worn and have quite a few years left in them so I think a coat of paint might be exactly what they need to see them through the next decade should they survive that long.

What colour would you choose to paint them?

Chester is up to his usual tricks...

a box or a bag left unattended quickly becomes a place to hide!

French classes are finished for the summer and I am reconsidering whether I'll be taking them again in the Fall.

I have discovered that there are classes in conversational French specifically for the traveller in Oak Bay.

I might investigate those and see if they are more to my liking as I have found the other classes a bit daunting.

Wore my pearls the other day with my Chanel "wanna be" jacket when I took Mother out last week.

I do dress up to go out and especially when I take Mother out...

I love this vintage pin with a genuine baroque pearl in the center.

It was a gift from my daughter and it seems to go well with this tweedy fabric.

Whenever I wear it I think of her...

Abkhazi Gardens and a vibrant orange azalea,

 an image from the archives...

Abraham Darby has me thinking orange thoughts...

Hermes signature shade for their boxes.

Alas it's been too warm to wear my Hermes scarves...

or any scarf for that matter.

It's been too hot for Pepper too and she has a fur coat!

It's certainly gin and tonic weather....

a cool refreshing summer drink will find it's way into my hands later this evening.

 after all the domestic chores have been completed...it's thirsty work.

Hostess

OOTD ~ Booties!

My OOTD is one you've seen many times but this time there is something new.

Banana Republic Breton striped top

Hermes scarf

both of these you have seen many times.

The smaller Hermes silk square is a very versatile choice especially in a basic palette of black and white.

These scarves are slightly less expensive than the larger silk squares.

The sterling bangles are getting some wear today.

I've lusted after short booties for many months and being on my frugal kick I have avoided temptation...
that is, until Mother gave me some Christmas money and then I knew what I was going to look for at the shops.

Timberland boots

black leather with suede insets.

Super comfy and these can be worn on my long walks to town.

I rolled up the cuffs on my skinny jeans.

I've worn these several times and the heel height is perfect for comfort on long treks.

I gained some weight over the holidays and fell off track for a few days when tempted to dine on delicious food and sip more cocktails and wine. 

Curried chicken and vegetables  in (lite) coconut milk sauce with rice and cilantro.

We had some fig and date chutney which paired so well with this dish.

Cheryl and I made this dish by using Vij's curry spice blend which was a gift and we used a large assortment of vegetables that we had on hand and added some skinless chicken thighs.

This was a little bit of heaven...

and when our guests were here we walked everyday.

Most days it was a 5K walk but once we did the 9K route.

I am stepping up my walks and whittling down my points to get back on track for my weigh in next week.

Fingers crossed I won't be too embarrassed stepping on the scale.

How is your weekend shaping up?

Shrouded in Fog, my OOTD and a surprise!

Fog horns are droning out on the strait...
it's a day to cocoon indoors with the heat on.
Fog is damp and dreary...kind of spooky too and it's not even Halloween.

I whipped around The Humble Bungalow so fast my domestic chores were done in a flash.
So I had some time to play around with scarves and type up a new post.

A white and grey drippy almost foggy Hermes here today...

A bright punch of orange always seems to perk things up.

I like to layer a sweater or jacket over this look as the scarf draws the eye upward.

Here I am mixing up a luxe Hermes scarf with a pedestrian Tee.

I probably wear my scarves tied simply as seen here most frequently.

The Cowboy is great if you want to focus on a certain part of the scarf's design.

Merino Tees from Costco

made in Canada!

Priced to sell and I think it's wise to buy in multiples.

Great for layering and oh so cozy and warm.

I opted for one in grey and the other in black.

I went up a size as they fit snug.

I have washed both and they hang to dry in no time.

I'd say these are going to be the workhorses in my winter wardrobe this year.

Calvin Klein candle in Fig.

I don't know about you but I do love a scented candle in the Fall and Winter.

I picked this one up at Home Sense.

My OOTD

included jeans and shoes.

Miz Mooz ballet flats.

DKNY jeans

Gelco vest

I think the weather influenced my OOTD!

It looks like FOG.

Look what Mr. HB found today!

I have really missed not having this cleanser.

The company has redesigned the label and it is back in Canada!

You know it really is the small things...

Thank you to my friend LA for suggesting where to search and thank you to Mr. HB for doing the legwork!

A huge thank you to the American readers who offered to send me some Bon Ami cleanser.

I'm so grateful for your kindness.

Have a fabulous weekend!

I'll be off for a couple of days as we have guests staying in our Humble Bungalow.

Until next time...

Be Well.

An Orange Post...

This season I have been dreaming of oranges...
juicy vitamin C ~ tasty orange segments
bright orange totes
orange shoes
sherbet
roses

my dreams have spoken as I opted for a rich shade of orange at the Spa...
OPI "Duetsch you want me baby?" from the German collection.

a bit of a departure for me but not too "out there"

I have had the Hermes out to review my scarf collection

for I will be compiling a few scarf related posts soon...

I have several of these boxed cards.

If you ever needed ideas for a new way to wear your scarf you are sure to find it here.

I have never laundered my Hermes scarves...

I have hand washed other silk scarves both vintage and new ones.

Once with disasterous results...

all the dye ran together and ruined the scarf...

I should have added lots of salt to keep the colour from running 

but I had no idea that it was not colorfast...

it was a vintage Balenciaga!

I've borrowed this book from a co worker

I am into it for a few chapters and so far it's got me hooked

 I read for a few minutes each night before I turn in.

~ ~ ~

I have been too busy to walk the past few evenings for various reasons...

food and eating has become a bit of a challenge 

 there are retirement parties and celebrations on the calendar...

I am trying hard to stay within the WW Points Plus allowance and I know this week I cannot expect to lose much ~ if any ~

I just need to be mindful.

I am in this for the long haul and it is a lifestyle change

 not a "diet."

There is a Ginger cat that has been coming by and meowing at our front door.

Our cats have been looking at it through the glass in the front door 

 they seem to be entertaining and communicating with it

 ~ cat chats! ~

I have been able to pat the cat and it is not thin and looks healthy.

I believe it belongs to a neighbour.

Have you been dreaming in colour?

What shade has been speaking to you?

I may still decide to take the plunge and buy an orange tote for summer...

I have seem a fabulous Ralph Lauren orange leather tote bag

on sale at our Hudson's Bay Co.

It would go great with my sandals and Lanvin scarf...

(said scarf is in a pic on the sidebar)

Have a delicious day my friends...

Squared silky....scarves.

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow!
I am posting and hosting from the bed chamber.

Feeling a bit better but not totally rushing back to work...
I do like to share with my co-workers, however I do draw the line when it comes to germs.

Isn't orange a dazzling shade?

Hermes signature colour...

I do have scarves that are not made by Hermes.

Hand rolled silk squares are my preference.

This Lanvin scarf is the only orange accent I have in my wardrobe.

I know the magazines are showing all manner of tangerines clothes

but I have to buck the trends and stay with what suits me.

I'd rather add it in small doses, a sprinkling here a sprinkling there.

An enamel bangle, a scarf or possibly some Havaiana's....

Not wanting to attract attention is probably why I shy away from brights.

This very large square by an Italian maker drapes softly and can cover my shoulders.

This scarf came to me via Value Village

and if memory serves it was under $20.

Black and banana yellow run riot in this detailed patterned scarf

another large square which has been hiding away for far too long.

I found this in the antique mall near Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The Coach scarf was a Christmas gift from my son and his lovely wife.

a very extravagant gift indeed!

I find the squares are the most versatile scarves to work with...

there seems to be a great supply in the local shops.

Silky scarves are a great way 

to add a splash of colour

for me they make me feel a bit more "dressed up."

If you've shied away from silky squares I'd challenge you to go to a local thrift shop and buy one 

with a pattern and colours "that speak to you"

play around tying it different ways in front of the mirror

and get comfortable with your tying skills.

On my last Hermes scarf shopping adventure

the clerk mentioned that I was very adept tying the scarves...

she said most women that come in are very tentative and shy.

I say this not to brag but to support the theory that "practice makes perfect"

well maybe not "perfect" but "good enough" to impress the Hermes clerk!

I watched "The Queen" with Helen Mirren last night 

she wore many different Hermes scarves

wrapped over her head in her signature style keeping her hair tidy.

(A look that works for her but looks silly on me!)

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee coverage will be starting soon on the CBC.

I hope to be watching...

will you?

Laying about these past few days has been tedious

the sun has been shining and the birds have been singing their little hearts out.

I long to be outside mucking about in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I finished reading the Post Mistress and I highly recommend it...

the author Sarah Blake spent some time at the VCCA

which reminds me

I must ask my artist friend Cheryl Fortier if she met her when she was studying there.

I am off to read a classic...

the thoughts and musings of a woman who is struggling with finding balance in her life.

I always come away from this with a bit more clarity.

Solitude and meditation, 

a room of one's own,

is what Anne Morrow Lindbergh needs

and finds it on a small island on the East Coast

where she lives in a rustic cabin steps away from a sandy beach...

Seeking some comfort and serenity

an escape from the sneezing and coughing 

that I want to ignore...

Glorious lilacs

lift my spirits.

Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning 

can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day ~ 

like writing a poem or saying a prayer ~

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

A womanly post...thinking in pink.

Getting the right fit
is so important.

Did you know that most women are wearing the wrong bra size?

I have had the luxury of shopping at a lovely boutique owned by a very skilled English lady Jackie,
who incidentally, insisted on measuring her clients every time they came in for new brassieres.
I scoffed at the idea as I shopped semi annually for bras, how could they change size in 6 months?
Who knew?
Thankfully I listened to her advice.

She has retired now and I miss the sumptuous selection and her expert service so much.
I may have vented about this here on my blog before...
like a dog with a bone I am not wanting to let it go!

It's frustrating to go to a department store, peruse the stock, take in a few at a time, try them on and then get dressed again and repeat the process several times before finding what works best.
There never seems to be a clerk about when I need one.
I am I the only one who finds this frustrating?

Jackie would eye you up after measuring you with her tape and she knew which bras would fit
and often the sizes would be slightly different than what you might expect based on the styles.
(not unlike a designer's sizing, each company has it's quirks)

Peg was Jackie's assistant and she was SO funny.
A woman of "a certain age" with a savvy sense of fashion and a figure quite like mine and a rapid rapier wit.
She once shocked me after she measured my chest with her tape
(which hung conveniently around her neck as if she was a tailor)
she placed both her "cupped hands" over my breasts
to determine my cup size. I kid you not.

It took me by surprise and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
I have told this story many times to my friends, but the weird thing is that she knew the cup size!

Living in a smallish town we have a few lingerie shops and I am hoping that someone will open a new one.
Vancouver is the closest city where one can find lovely the French lacy Chantelle's and the Italian engineered Prima Donna's, two of my favourite makers.
Good quality lingerie does not come cheap, they are investment pieces in my opinion.
When one spends a generous sum on staples like these, one needs to economize in other areas.

Do you ever order lingerie off the internet?

I picked this up the other day

at the small bookshop on The Avenue

apparently it inspired Julian Fellowes

to pen Downton Abbey.

The clerk Shirley, and I had a rousing and animated conversation about Downton Abbey.

We were both gushing about the series and have watched the episodes many times and never tire of them.

Are you a Downton Abbey fan?

I am mad for the series and can't wait for more.

You might like to read Julian's novels Snobs and Past Imperfect

both reside in a place of honour in my collection 

they are very rich and thoroughly entertaining.

To Marry an English Lord

"American Heiresses Take on Peerage"

"In 1895 nine American girls, including a Vanderbilt, LaRoche, Rogers, and Whitney married peers of the British realm-- among them, a duke, an earl, three barons, and a knight. It was the peak year of a social phenomenon that began in the Gilded Age after the American Civil War, and handed down the legacy of Anglomania, preppie, and the world of the television series Downton Abbey."

It has been added to the stack of books at my bedside table

so many fabulous books waiting...

Hermes share a shelf with future reads.

Bolder Breakfast Tea

(gift from Peg in Comox)

sipping and savouring this delicious blend 

while composing this post.

Thanks Peg!

I just realized there are two Pegs in my posts today.

Soft pink hydrangea blooms

subtle in the dim light

  of the Humble Bungalow dining room.

pretty in pink

This plant was under $20

 will bloom for many weeks 

before being replanted in the garden.

May brings many blooms to the garden

and with them come many weeds

and a lawn that runs riot.

Treat your self to some fresh flowers

or some pesky weeds if you prefer...

 a jar of sunny yellow dandelions are free

and ever so cheery.

XO

Hostess