OOTD a fabulous dinner and something new...

 

OOTD

I had my hair flat ironed for a festive holiday dinner.

I don't own a flat iron and I am not great at straightening my hair with the blow dryer.

It's fun to play around with hair styles...

wavy, curly, messy up do's and simple pony tails.

Red ballet flats for a pop of colour.

A black dress with capri tights.

Sparkly Sherman rhinestone brooch for a wee bit of festive fun.

With a minimal wardrobe that is mostly black

it's easy to get dressed 

I always add a few accessories to lighten the overall look.

My friend Julie hosted a lovely gathering last evening.

Her home radiates warmth and was bright with very festive accents.

Here is the French Themed menu...

so delicious!

Cozy, charming and elegant.

Julie is multi talented...

she is so incredibly creative!

Julie sews, decorates, gardens, cooks,...

I don't think there is anything that Julie cannot do!

Thank you for the lovely evening.

I might be rushing the season a bit...

when I saw that Charlotte of Vivi et Margot had a sale...

I pounced!

New French Market basket from Vivi et Margot.

Love the long leather straps that make this a hands free option!

Will be a workhorse throughout the year...

toting around an assortment of things and market ready.

I made a double batch of whipped shortbread cookies.

The recipe is "an oldie but a goodie."

It is in The Best of the Best of Bridge Cookbook.

They are quick and easy to make and they melt in your mouth!

I found this wee festive tray at the Pharmasave in Oak Bay.

Thought it would be versatile and I can use it for veggies and dip, nuts and dried fruit or cookies.

Seasons Greetings

from

The Humble Bungalow.

Best wishes for a safe and Happy Holiday.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

OOTD ~ It's all about pearls...

Cashmere V neck sweater by Black Goat overtop a simple denim shirt and jeans.

My "go to" OOTD for cooler winter days.

It has been given a wee bit more "oomph" 

with the acquisition of a vintage baroque pearl pin.

Darling daughter @thingfinder on Instagram 

had this pin ready to list in her ETSY shop 

when I spied it and saw just how exquisite it is

I knew that I wanted it!

The pearl looks like a juicy pear...

The jeweller must have seen it too 

an opportunity to create leaves and accentuate the pear shape.

A work of art.

Lovely nachre...

just a tip to those of you who may not be familiar with genuine pearls

do not spray them with perfume or scent as it destroys the natural lustre.

OOTD

black camisole fringed with lacy edges

Lands' End new cashmere cardigan

Gisel B pearl necklace from a previous My Stylish French Box delivery from France.

Layers in my hair thanks to my recent visit to my hairdresser...

my last visit was in September.

It felt wonderful seeing her and I enjoyed the "pampering."

Camellias are in bloom!

January bud on our Gertrude Jekyll rose 

out in the front garden of The Humble Bungalow.

Have you purchased any new clothes to wear during Covid?

Are you wearing athletic wear and casual cozy clothes?

I mix it up.

Some days I will wear my Yoga pants and go for longer walks.

The problem for me is that they are so forgiving...

so I think they have given me a sense of comfort despite gaining a few pounds...

my jeans tell me to stop eating so much, move more and get in shape!

So jeans are my guide to wellness.

Current Goals:

Walking more, counting my WW points and drinking less alcohol.

Have you embraced new healthy habits?

Wishing you good luck on your fitness journey.

As a small "non food reward" for my efforts...

I've ordered a vintage classic handbag and when it arrives I will share it with you all.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have some fun in your weekend whatever you do.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tea time, a french chic book and a drug store purchase...

Afternoon Tea in The Humble Bungalow

Canterbury pattern cup and saucer 

one of several patterns of tea cups that I use for my afternoon tea ritual.

I am on the lookout for a spectacular ornately decorated floral cup and saucer.

Reading an inspirational French themed book by Tish Jett

I read and enjoyed her first book Forever Chic.

A lovely tea from our local Tea Merchant Murchies

Paris Afternoon is sweet and tastes like a decadent dessert.

My last mascara was gloppy and had not performed that well.

Frustrated, 

but on a mission

 off I went to the local pharmacy to buy a new mascara.

Always one to seek advice from the knowledgeable gals in the cosmetics department 

I asked the clerk what she uses and could recommend.

Marcelle was her hands down winning performer.

 She handed me the gift pack that included a Kohl eye pencil.

This pencil is SO soft and easily lines the eye without tugging or pulling.

It is rather like Velvet Gel.

So now I am regularly defining my eyes with Kohl 

and they are the focus when wearing my mask.

New Year Goal

walk a minimum of 4 km each and every day

I've downloaded the Walk Meter App which is free and helps me track my distance.

The IPhone tracking is not that accurate but it does record the individual steps.

So I am using both to keep tabs on my progress.

Do you have any New Year resolutions or goals?

My winter accessories

consist of 

a cashmere scarf and a vintage Coach bag.

Do you switch out your handbag often?

I am a creature of habit and frequently use one for years...

I  have other bags.

A straw bag for summer

a vintage wine coloured quilted bag

a travel bag

a small vintage black Coach bag for evening.

Hope that you are staying safe.

Our provincial doctor has just extended our Covid restrictions until February.

Our numbers of new cases continue to go up...

hundreds are in hospital with many in critical care.

I'm going to have to get creative to help pass the time.

Another month of not seeing my grandchildren and family is going to be difficult.

I walk with a friend each week but we stay a safe distance from each other.

How are you coping?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Fashion with a Vintage Vibe ~ French themed books

When I visited Paris in 2015 I met a savvy young stylist named Alois Guinut.

She led a workshop on French fashion and style 

for women on The Ooh La La Tour.

The tour was arranged and led by author Jamie Cat Callan.

You may have read some of her books...

( if you haven't already read her books you may want to!)

French Women Don't Sleep Alone: Pleasurable Secrets to Finding Love 

Bonjour Happiness: Secrets to Finding Your Joie de Vivre

Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day

Parisian Charm School: French Secrets for Cultivating Love, Joy and That Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

I took notes at the workshop as I was so inspired by this young woman.

When I returned home I decided to add some French flair to my daily outfits.

Not too long after I returned I learned that Alois had written a new book

"Dress Like a Parisian."

 I knew that I had to buy it and read more about this fascinating style.

I have just finished reading 

"Why French Women Wear Vintage and other secrets of sustainable style."

There are lots of great ideas here and as I am a passionate second hand, consignment, and thrift shopper so this fits right into my values of recycling and my current relaxed lifestyle.

My wardrobe is streamlined and minimalist with a colour palette based on black, white and greys that makes it easy to mix and match items.

I have denim jeans and chambray shirts too.

I add a pop of colour with accessories.

Alois shares some fun ways to add fun and flair to the classic basics.

I plan to look for more "unique accessories" when I venture out in the second hand consignment and charity shops

as well as

perusing

 ETSY and EBAY 

for more vintage finds.

Now I want to re-read her first book!

Hope that you are keeping well.

Are you cooking, baking, knitting, crafting or reading to stay safe during Covid?

 'French Exit ' a new fragrant candle from the company Cancelled Plans.

Scented candles add ambiance to our Humble Bungalow.

When the Fall and Winter weather gets gloomy I can't think of anything easier

 than lighting a candle to add a warm glow and a beautiful fragrance.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you are staying safe, wearing your mask and washing your hands!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

 

OOTD...a focus on the classics

 

 ~ OOTD ~

Shirts with Jeans

My current uniform 

on rotation here in The Humble Bungalow.

New white shirt from Old Navy

worn here with classic pearls.

When I was working 

White shirts were worn a lot and I owned several in different styles.

Worn tucked into black pants and simple skirts.

On Fridays we wore jeans.

I paired my white shirt with a soft wool blazer, jeans and loafers.

Accessorized with faux pearls...

One Christmas several decades ago, my parents gave me a lovely pair of genuine pearl studs.

( I still have them and wear them often)

One Valentine's Day, a few years later, my husband gave me a strand of Akoya pearls.

I love pearls

My Mom loved pearls too.

When I wear my pearls I always think of Mom.

Mom wore her baroque long opera length pearls almost everyday.

The necklace was a gift to her one Christmas from my father.

Do you wear pearls?

Have you a classic white shirt in your wardrobe?

I also love denim and chambray shirts.

I have two...

I am wearing one right now with my pearls.

This shirt has all the details that make it a classic and yet it is budget friendly.

Keeping a white shirt white is tricky.

If I get a mark on it

 I spray it with my pink grapefruit Method brand cleaner 

gently scrub with a soft brush before popping it into the wash.

I hang my shirts to dry and smoothe out the edges when they are damp.

Ironing carefully after they are dry.

I wear an apron when I am cooking and cleaning.

It saves my clothes from stains.

I love this linen one from Rough Linen.

It was an early Covid purchase.

Pope John Paull II white rose

blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

White is such an elegant shade...

(White shirt quotes)

"You can wear them with anything. 

It's the person and the way that they wear it 

that makes it different. 

I have been designing white shirts forever, 

but I don't get tired of it." 

~ Carolina Herrera ~

"The white blouse can be light and floating, impeccable and austere, sumptuous and all-enveloping, tight and close-fitting. 

It rises up to frame the face. 

It sculpts the body by transforming itself into a second skin. 

Imputed with glamour and poetry, freedom and impetuousness, the prim white shirt turns out to have a thousand identities." 

                                 ~ Gianfranco Ferre ~

How will you style your shirt?

The important thing is having fun with your creative accessories.

A scarf

necklace

brooch

collar up? or buttoned up?

maybe opened up?

 as a layering piece over a camisole or top.

The White Shirt is a versatile classic

a worthy workhorse in every wardrobe.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Self care...rituals and comfort during the Pandemic.

 

Taking time for self care is not "selfish."

It is important for our mental well being.

My hands work hard

and

with all the hand washing and hand sanitizing my hands take a beating!

I recently discovered Derma E Rosehip and Almond Hand and Cuticle Cream.

The cream absorbs well into the skin and is not overly greasy.

It really helps my cuticles which have become quite dry.

Nothing ruins the look of a manicure like ragged or torn cuticles.

Pacifica

Crimson Kimono

Cruelty Free Formula

Long lasing polish.

Brew a pot of tea...

Enjoy

a relaxing soak in warm water mixed with a few spoonfuls of bath salts.

File nails with an emery board, push back cuticles and they are ready for polish.

Manicure done...

Pop on my red ballet flats and I feel a lightness of spirit.

Energized and hopeful...

I don't know about you but I find I NEED (crave) more TLC these days.

The pandemic has changed the way I look at my days.

My attitude often needs a gentle nudge...

Routines and Rituals are key players for me.

Each morning after my shower I put on my make up.

Dab on Perfume

Dressing in jeans and a Tee

 simple comfy basics

I add an accessory like my pearls, or a colourful scarf

to elevate my spirit.

I seem to have more time to "fill."

Do you feel that way too?

Frustrated that 

I am unable to resume the activities that I enjoyed before Covid.

Bridge games and weekly lessons, Mah Jong, French class, and Yoga.

Many of my friends are playing bridge online.

While others are doing Yoga and language lessons with ZOOM.

I've been keeping pretty busy here at home and in the garden.

Cooking most meals in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen since mid March.

Seeing our grandchildren always makes me feel happy.

We took them out for lunch at Fisherman"s Wharf.

We were able to eat at a picnic table outside which felt very "safe"

A totally wonderful tonic and a fun filled "outing."

Reading with a pot of tea in the afternoon has become a daily ritual.

Beware!

This book is quite provacative and deals with many sensitive subjects.

It doesn't take much effort to arrange afternoon tea on a tray.

It tastes so much better in a china cup.

I would like to open up a dialogue about self care and hear from you.

Are you finding time to elevate your daily routines?

How are you beautifying your day?

Do you practise self care?

I'm going to pop the kettle on now and brew a pot of hot tea...

I'll come back soon and read any comments that you have shared.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ I met up with the fashion savvy blogger Jennifer, who writes A Well Styled Life

OOTD 

Jeans ~ Eileen Fisher

Top ~ Saint James

Ballet Flats ~ Josef Seibel

A messy updo

diamond studs and necklace

pearl earrings

a fresh manicure

Kimono Crimson by Pacifica

Meet

Jennifer Connolly

We had tea and a chat at Murchies.

She is on vacation and was in Victoria for a few days.

You probably already know

Jennifer who writes the blog A Well Styled Life.

We have known each other since 2007.

 This is the first time that we have met in person.

Jennifer is a gracious and fashion savvy woman with a winning smile.

We had a lovely time sipping our tea and chatting.

It felt fabulous to finally meet her in person.

Her series "Dressing room Diaries" is one of my favourites on her blog.

I told her how she has influenced me over the years.

For example...

 I recently purchased a new crisp white shirt 

after reading her post on classic white shirts!

Meeting Jennifer was truly wonderful.

I hope to meet up with her again...

Making connections with other like minded women 

unites, empowers and inspires us.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Five things Friday

Five things Friday

Gorgeous wee daffodils that were a gift

they are especially cheerful on these rainy grey days.

Colour and flowers can make a big impact in elevating our flagging spirits.

I know I seek out bright pops of colour at this time of year.

Shopping the trends...

I went to the mall to check out the newest straight cut jeans.

I tried on several pairs but don't think they flatter my short frame.

Too heavy and make my legs look like tree trunks!

I much prefer the skinny silhouette which I find makes me look taller and slimmer. I hope that they will continue to be available as mine are all several years old and will need to be replaced at some point.

I don't usually follow the trends as I prefer a classic look 

with a touch of vintage

like this Coach bag 

which has many miles on it and some signs of wear

but it ticks all the boxes for me.

Quality, versatility, classic style and streamlined shape.

Did I mention that Vintage is a big fashion focus in Paris?

OOTD 

Eileen Fisher dark denim jeans

Timberland Tobacco coloured short boots

Large square silk hand rolled scarf

in a leopard pattern

Found at a local thrift shop for under $10

Love a bargain and it is in mint condition.

Citrine earrings made by my darling daughter they pair well with the scarf.

Eileen Fisher black vest.

This weekend we have several casual events planned...

I will make every effort to add a pop of colour and a touch of vintage to my basic outfit.

Do you LOVE vintage?

What is your best thrift shop find?

My best "score" 

 a pair of arts and crafts bookends 

copper with sterling silver inlay birds

($7.99)

I sold them so I could buy a strand of baroque pearls. 

 I literally ran across the street to a dealer who specialized in arts and crafts items 

(He purchased the bookends for $500.00)

then I skipped happily back across the street to snap up the pearls.

Hope that you have a fabulous weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~