Last Weekend's round up...a bit late but I've been busy!

Walking affords leisure time to soak in the scenery and often I see things that are rather strange...like this!
I wonder who put this here and is there a message?

A spooky stuffed toy perched atop a crypt in Ross Bay Cemetery...

Red Geraniums planted on a vintage cannon at the corner of St. Charles St. and Dallas Road...

the house is in the mission style and we have always referred to it as "The Cannon House."

Sunny yellow dahlia the size of a dinner plate...

White tipped Red Dahlia, only one in a garden full of blooms...

situated on Hollywood Crescent...

you may know this home as it has the most amazing showcase of flowers at any time of year.

People frequently stop their car to take pictures...I have overheard the double decker tour bus operator's comment on this too.

Walking everyday is key for me to keep healthy and although it is not always easy

to be dedicated and motivated I just do it.

When the weather is sunny and warm it is ideal,

 but soon the gale force winds will blow and the torrential rains will fall.

My knee has been troubling me these past few days...

not sure why

 or what I've done

 so I have walked gently taking notice of my knee.

Walking does give one an appetite for food.

"Winner Winner Chicken Dinner"

where does that expression come from?

Ina Garten does it again...

I've been watching her series on TV.

She has the MOST beautiful home in a spectacular location...

I think I'd love the Hamptons!

Fall colour and wintry root veggies...which will be roasted to maximize their flavour.

I've been reading up on Paris and French Femme style lately...

getting ready for my trip to Paris next spring.

Following on the heels of Jennifer L. Scott's Madame Chic book is this book

which practically fell off the shelf into my hands at Ivy's Book Shop.

It's insightful, funny, very honest and totally entertaining.

I think the authors are rather self deprecating in their admissions of their total "Parisian Femmes Confessions."

We served French style radishes last Sunday from the Moss Street Market 

they slummed a bit when served with seven layer dip and baked chips for appies.

Emma Bridgewater held the bar high.

Delicious and low in calories, they impart a delicate flavour that was not as hot as regular radishes.

The weekend is now a distant memory...

I have some French homework to attend to, a date with Mom and Sis, and the garden is in transition which requires some attention...

Will be back when time allows...

please excuse me if I have been remiss but life is full and I have been busy

plus I like to live in the moment and savour all the joys of the day.

Thank you for popping by and visiting Our Humble Bungalow.

Hostess

XO

At Home with Madame Chic a new book by Jennifer L. Scott

Have you had the pleasure of reading Jennifer L. Scott's book "Lessons from Madame Chic?"
If not you might want to get a copy and read it before you delve into her newest book "At Home With Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life.

Jennifer is a gifted writer, blogger and mother of two...
She lives with attention to detail and does so with a gracious style and poise.

Jennifer sent me an advanced reading copy and I've savoured her new book and deliberately have not rushed through the chapters...I re-read passages and thought about each chapter after I closed the book.
Taking a leisurely tea break mid afternoons with Jennifer's book was a luxury.
Her thoughts, daily routines, philosophy of life, and her attitude of gratitude all resonate with me.

Reading this book now in my late 50's I can honestly say that I wish I had read this when I was much younger and struggling with the rigorous and demanding schedule of motherhood. It would have given me insight into how I could improve and streamline my routine and do it in a way that was positive and enriching.
I am certain that I would have benefited from her fashion advice, domestic tips and especially her signature 10 piece wardrobe strategy.

Her home keeping habits make sense and are streamlined to fit into her busy family life.
She adds elegant touches wherever she can and likes to putter in her balcony garden and grows orchids.
Jennifer makes sure that she has some personal time to recharge and relax, not always easy for a young mother of two, but so sensible.
I know how important it is to have some quiet time...even if you can only rest while the babies are napping.

Some highlights from her book without giving it all away are:
 ~ use your best everyday ~
~ prepare nourishing and healthy food (recipes included) ~
~ cultivate a 10 piece wardrobe ~
~ listen to uplifting and beautiful music everyday (suggested play lists included) ~
~ Madame Chic's recipe for a fabulous organic cleaner ~
~ finding time for yourself ~
~ and so much more...you'll have to read it for yourself!

I really enjoyed reading her book and am sure that you will too.
I also think that this book would make a great gift...especially when paired with the first one.

Perhaps you know a lovely and deserving woman who enjoys cultivating and honing her chic habits.
You can order the book here....

Meet Jennifer here on her You Tube page, she has a lot of great thoughts and a wide variety of videos.
Happy Watching!

Thank you Jennifer for allowing me to read your book and share my thoughts and comments on your book.
I wish you every success on the publication of your new book...

Hugs,
Hostess
XO