What's in the bags?

Seattle weekend continued...
Do you remember we arrived early and had some time to kill?
So a shopping we will go...
I owe I owe it's off to work I go!

Some clues as to what is in the bags...

Coral lipstick does not suit me...

floating back to the party sounds dangerous

the phrase conjures up adventure

and possibly espionage...

I am intrigued!

Hobo has been on my radar for about a year

 and you might ask why..

well

it has been a cost factor

and 

I have needed to justify my purchase...

(money does not grow on trees here)

and my Rutherford and Brown wallet has held up remarkably well

I saw RED and was WOOED!!

Filthy Rich

awaits on my bedside table

I am curious about the title...

what does filthy have to do with riches?

it might look like a simple leather wallet

but it is so much more!

a cheery lining

commodious room for cards, cheques and coins

 in the zippered compartment- phone, passport and some lipstick!

I christen thee The Red Queen!

(she will be serving me for a long time!)

the Hobo can hop in here!

If you have been following me for awhile you might know 

 Black and White

are 

my Go To Shades

I try to colour my world but it feels like I am cheating on myself...

I dabbled with orange and green and with yellow

but I felt like a fake...

I embrace honesty in all things.

Mr. HB and I strolled through the handbags 

in Nordstroms...

one purchase in hand on a mission for more...

we moved methodically by designer and displays...

I let him know that I was on the prowl for a new bag before we left town...

I had done some research online and had narrowed it down to a few contenders.

What I had not anticipated 

was Mr. HB's opinion on which bag he preferred...

I selected the contenders and put them on my shoulder and moved closer to the mirrors

he commented

and 

I took his advice.

Black leather

quilted

bag

Kate Spade

N.Y.

a classic choice

affordable price

and

Mr. HB chose it

so I think that is 

WIN WIN WIN!

Pike Place Peony's

a plethora of petals

rich in perfume

and

pennies a stem....

stay tuned!

Seattle weekend....

We had a marvelous time!

We arrived before the hotel's check in time 

so we had the Mayflower Park store our bags and we went shopping!

(More about that in the next post!)

The weather was quite lovely, warm and sunny.

Seattle can be cool and rainy but she performed beyond our expectations 

as did our accommodations.

We were delighted with the suite

and the Love Thy Canadian Neighbour Package included breakfast and valet parking!

The service and the staff are amazing and we feel very spoiled...

I suppose that is why we keep returning to our 

"home away from home"

Oliver's is the lounge in the Mayflower and we enjoyed a cocktail

Mr. HB had an Oliverita which is like a marguerita

and I sipped a French 75

(the bartender filled the glass so full!)

We walked for many hours every day taking in the sights and sounds of downtown.

Seattle is such a pretty city located by the ocean and the snow capped mountains beyond

the people are friendly

the streets are green

  so many great spots to stop for coffee

cafes and restaurants galore

lots to see and do...

looking up at the canopy of trees

people were out and about enjoying the fresh air

a giant game of chess was being played in the square!

Open spaces and greenery

people friendly spaces...

We watched children as they ran through this water feature

giggling and laughing as the water poured all around them

Pike Place Market

and more...

in my next post.

Thank you for the many anniversary wishes...

officially our 37th is not until July 20th

I suppose we will be celebrating for a few more weeks!

I have been away from my computer for a few days

 and 

now need to catch up on my blog reading...

My bags are packed...I'm ready to go!

Does your neck get chilled when you travel?
If I am sitting near the air conditioning or in a draft I get very cold and I find that very uncomfortable.
So when I travel I never leave home without my pashmina. It's long, wide and warm. I can wrap it as a shawl or double it over and wrap it around my neck. It takes up little room and can be thrown into my travel tote or draped on my shoulder.

one side is a soft beige 

the other... cafe au lait 

I have had this Pashmina for many years and it has given me great service.

I will be taking it with me when we visit Seattle.

I have packed the following pieces

as they can be 

mixed and matched.

Sympli black jersey tunic dress and waterfall jacket

black leggings

black Sofft sandals

black MTNY ballerina flats

black Eileen Fisher capris

black Sympli Vneck sleeveless top

white Style My Way capris

2 white Joe tank tops

tan Eileen Fisher shrug/sweater

white Cut Loose casual cotton coat

black Sandwich packable rain coat

nightgown

lingerie

and 

crystal and black artsy Debbie K necklace

white scarf with grey and black roses

( I have left room should I find something to buy!)

Here we are a few years back on our anniversary

we were going out for dinner when our lovely daughter captured this image.

I love to go away with my husband!

leaving town gives us a chance to reconnect without any distractions

there are no chores to be done

no meals to be cooked 

and 

no work related duties.

I will not be checking in as frequently while away

as I do not want to miss any opportunity to share in the fun

of exploring 

one of our favourite spots in the Pacific Northwest 

Seattle!

Enjoy your 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

Silk scarf a Seattle find...

Hermes scarves are my favourites...
I cannot afford to buy a wardrobe of Hermes scarves exclusively.

Numerous scarves,
in various sizes, colours, patterns and weights  means that there is a scarf for every occasion.

A frugal alternative to Hermes and other higher end designers is to seek out silk scarves in thrift and consignment shops.
I have been surprised to find scarves in mint condition for very reasonable prices...I often think that they must have been gifts and never or seldom worn.

This large scarf was an unexpected find at the Antique Mall near Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The Mall is a wonderful place to browse in as there is something for everyone.
It's a great spot to dodge the rain and spend an hour looking at things from days gone by.

There are full glass cases with a wonderful assortment of trinkets and treasures.
From Chinese porcelains to paintings, and estate jewelry to World's Fair memorabilia...
wicker and teak, tasteful and tacky...it's all here!

In the back of the space it opens up to some themed rooms or open areas where you can find
Mid Century Modern teak and glass, Country wares, Shabby Chic furniture and a fewVintage clothing stalls.

Saldarini

silk scarf made in Como Italy

the company has been in business since 1882

I was not familiar with the brand

I purchsed it because I liked the weight and feel of the silk

 the delicate evenly stitched hand rolled edges

and it's large size.

 The soft banana yellow and black mix well with my wardrobe.

The crisp intricate floral pattern reminds me 

of the Arts and Crafts prints that William Morris designed.

Seattle is a great city to visit

if you go make sure to pack an umbrella and a rain slicker!

It's a very beautiful city by the sea

and make sure that you go and explore the Pike Place Market.

Post spa...

I am in that Zen Zone..my spa experience was stellar, a facial and a manicure, a soak in the mineral pool, decadence.......I came home to pop that free range organic chicken in the oven and made some mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and gravy.....a few glasses of bubbly and I am ready for bed!

Have been planning a getaway to Seattle in March...and Sweet Tea in Seattle has suggested some shopping spots and dining too! I have admired her Tory Burch flats and there is a new shopping area with Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Hermes! called The Bravern.
Thank you Sweet Tea your help it is much appreciated!

Blogging is interesting, informative and still so new to me, a network,  like a community of sorts.
I had a pen pal way back in the 1960's, we've come a long way....