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 ~ 

October in The Humble Bungalow...

BOO!

Snippets from The Humble Bungalow.

October has flown by...it has been a bit of a blur.

Where does the time go?

Copper tray on the buffet...

Ojibwa duck decoys

white mini pumpkins

a dome with a dried allium inside

Vintage

First Nations woven baskets on the shelf above the built in buffet.

Fortnum and Mason baskets

with a

pudding bowl

I love baskets and have quite a few in The Humble Bungalow.

They are handy for storing things and I leave them out on display as I like the rustic natural effect they give to the decor.

Antique basket

First Nations tray on ledge

tarnished vintage silver 

dried hydrangeas in a copper vase

A peek inside the drop front arts and crafts desk

Surprise!

a headless "scarecrow" in our spare lot

someone is into the "Halloween spirit!"

Happy Halloween!

How is your week going?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Flea Market Finds...

I've been spending quite a bit of time "fluffing" the house.

Getting rid of extra stuff that clutters up the tiny space

and rearranging a few pieces.

Our bungalow decor is simple which lends itself towards natural items.

 Opting for colours that look pleasant in a woody arts and crafts heritage home...

almost organic.

"A tisket a tasket"

I spy a vintage basket...

and

some old silver.

An old oar

(before)

painted and cleaned up a wee bit 

then slightly distressed

(after)

Something for the cottage.

Old ironstone compote

Enamel ware

A large vintage Tea tin...

Roses in the small silver jug.

I purchased this Imari jug awhile back

I use it for pens and pencils in the kitchen near the phone.

It's fun to peruse home decor magazines for inspiration.

 Our clever daughter reminded me that I could find many lovely home decor things to "pin" off of the boards on Pinterest.

I started one for the cottage and am having fun getting ideas online.

I sit with my tea and before you know it an hour has evaporated!

It's also fun looking through the shelves of a vintage shop...

I like to think of it as an adventure because you never know what you are going to find.

~ Take care as you go about your day 

and 

Please Be Kind ~

Paris books...garden delights.

Memories of my trip last Spring to Paris have been flittering about in my mind...
by cultivating a few French habits this helps keep the feelings fresh and alive.

French Market Basket from Madison and Muse in the Cadboro Bay Village

Some things that help me recall my trip and french focus:

my morning ritual of a cafe creme served in a wide bowl...
the application of perfume
wearing pretty lingerie
nibbling a decadent croissant from time to time
walking in my neighbourhood and beyond
taking myself out for coffee and sitting outside watching the people walk by
reading about Paris in books and on blogs
perusing the produce and eating local fresh food that is "in season"
popping into a french charcuterie for lunch basics
harvesting our fresh home grown vegetables...our asparagus crop is amazing!
making a simple French vinaigrette
browsing in my French cookbooks

shopping in a French inspired store
I treated myself to a new French Market basket
a new linen apron
and a scarf!

a wee french inspired lunch

savoured at the table

with a large glass of sparkling Perrier

(if I was in France it probably would have been a glass of vin rose)

Heavy linen apron with large pockets...

great for cooking, cleaning and wearing in the garden.

(also from Madison and Muse)

I was on a roll and so why not buy a new linen scarf too?

Soft grey from Madison and Muse.

If you live in Victoria or come for a visit do yourself a favour and pop into the shop.

Margo, the owner, is very knowledgeable, has lived in France and her stock is sumptuous.

If I have a windfall I am heading straight to her shop to buy linen sheets...

happy shopping!

My Paris reading list has been getting larger 

especially after going to the library and Ivy's books on The Avenue

I have a few more on my book shelf waiting...

Our garden has a dedicated asparagus bed which is providing us with fresh picked asparagus.

We usually have this as an appetizer before our main course.

I pop it in a shallow pan with boiling water 

 let it sit in there bubbling for 5 minutes

drain and serve 

with a dollop of mayonnaise and a bit of salt and pepper.

Voila!

Strange things are happening to the rhubarb plants.

flowers are emerging

We have harvested several pickings 

 stewed the stalks to enjoy with a dollop of fresh yogurt.

oh and there is another strange thing growing in the garden...

looks like The Jack in The Pulpit plant.

I do not remember planting this!

Could it have come into the garden as a hitch hiker with another plant?

My goodness I am keeping my eye on this one.

Life is never dull when one has a garden to potter about in...nature is full of surprises!

Hope your weekend is full to the brim with lovely things.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tisket ~ tasket ~ a picnic basket....

Summertime means spending more time outdoors with opportunities to dine al fresco.
BBQ's and picnics
and for some of us it's tea time!

Mother, sister and I walk once a week along the Esplanade in Oak Bay.
As we saunter along we look at Mount Baker to see if there is a clear view of the snowy peak
we take note and comment on the water and weather conditions.

Our simple walk usually precedes dinner out.

As the weather has been hot and dry we cannot help but notice the happy families picnicing on the sandy beach. Picnic are fun...people of all ages love them.
Eating slowly, taking in the sights and sounds around, savouring the tastes and sharing some conversation...
what could be simpler?

Sis and I had a conversation about inviting mom, who is 86, to have a picnic next time we go for our walk...
we discussed how she might not want to sit at the picnic tables or she might be wearing clothes that aren't suitable for a picnic.
This week when I was out with Mother I suggested we try having tea at the seaside and see how we get on.
She's keen!

Hat and tote

a tisket a tasket ~ we have a basket

some pretty china dishes

 the makings for a tea party

I love a floral pattern for tea.

I will brew a pot of tea

add milk and keep it hot in a thermos

make some stuffed eggs

pack some fruit

and some crackers and cheese.

Tea's made.

I hope Mother will enjoy herself...

Are you finding joy in simple things everyday?

Be Well

until next time...

Hostess