Inspired by Janet at The Gardener's Cottage

Janet writes the beautiful blog The Gardener's Cottage from Redlands California.
I've been an avid reader and follower for many years and every time I see her new post pop up I get excited! I know that I am in for a treat!

There are many reasons that her blog is a favourite of mine...
from the charming cottage that she and her husband Larry have lovingly restored, to her exquisitely curated furnishings and home decor,
the tasty recipes,
her beautiful garden and oasis of calm,
and of course her refined and honest personal style...
Janet's is a "must read blog" in my humble opinion!

Janet has recently redesigned her blog...
and she has been posting more frequently which thrills me no end!

Janet posted about an outfit that we probably already own here..
I do own jeans...but did not have the shirt.

It's been on my radar ever since I read this post and I must admit that I have been obsessing about finding the right shirt...

I discovered after trying on several styles that I need an extra large size.
The buttons and snaps were gaping at the chest and everywhere else
the shirts would fit, so finding "The One" proved to be a challenge...
but I do love a challenge!!

Yesterday I found a shirt that fits and flatters.

It's by Ralph Lauren and in a Petite size

and it was on sale!

It has pearl snap details.

Which made me think of my bubble gum pearl necklace.

Pearls and denim 

perfect paired

with my skinny NYDJ jeans.

A new look for this Hostess thanks to Janet at The Gardener's Cottage.

How's your week going?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Greetings from Telegraph Harbour....

The last week of our holidays finds us moored at the scenic Telegraph Harbour Marina on Thetis Island.
The WIFI is decent but there are so many boats using it that it has been rather hit and miss. Today after many boats left I was able to go online and check my email and as a result found that if I worked quickly I could sneak in a blog post!

Here is a view of the docks from the cafe.

Boating 

the way that we do 

 is relaxing.

Meals are simple

our days have a lovely rhythm 

rising after a restful sleep in our cozy bunk

coffee is the first order of business

showers 

then breakfast.

Books are the main source of entertainment

 and watching the boats come and go.

A leisurely walk perhaps

cocktail hour 

and a simple meal before bed.

Our small boat is the perfect size for two people.

The chores are quickly accomplished and there is ample time to just sit and enjoy the scenery.

Fried egg jelly fish which looked to me like something from outer space!

I am loving this new tote bag which was a gift from our lovely DIL's mom.

I am using it for my books and magazines.

We met a couple here at the marina that live in the Seattle area and it turns out she reads my blog!

Dennis and Nancy invited us aboard their boat for a visit

and we discovered that she and I have very similar tastes in books and she loves Paris and France.

It reminded me that we really do live in a very small world.

This tiny local Tree frog is no bigger than my thumb nail!

Bees were busy buzzing as we strolled by this shrubby plant.

Thistles line the roadside

Breakfast for this Hostess onboard is fresh fruit...

a juicy nectarine this morning with my coffee

pure bliss.

I gave this book to Nancy to read as she was leaving...

we exchanged contact info and hope to meet up with them again...

perhaps at Otter Bay next summer.

I like having fresh flowers aboard...this lavender plant is my wee garden! 

I must close for now as there are many more boats in the marina and the WIFI is getting slow...

Take care and Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Glorious colours in Humble Bungalow Garden

Orange poppies

with

paper thin petals

waving in the breeze.

Pure white lilacs against a clear blue sky.

Weigela 

a foamy pink and white flowering bush

below lies the stalwart pink ground cover "pride of London"

and below that the hardy Lady's Mantle which when in bloom is chartreuse green.

(succulents to the left in a planter)

The weaving path is lined with 

Creamy Smilacena racemosa

Hostas

Pinky Pride of London

Ferns

Purple Alliums

The pink Madame Gregoire Staechelin roses have started blooming...

The climbing Royal Sunset Rose has a few blooms.

You may see those small dots of orange colour at the top of the lattice.

This vigorous rose has the most amazing fragrance and is a reliable supply of cut roses throughout the season.

There are 4 new white David Austin Roses below just getting established...

we planted the boxwood to line the edge of the bed.

I am very eager to see them bloom.

Our red chairs look so tempting

but they will have to wait as

there is a lot of work to do in the Humble Bungalow Garden.

I have yet to open this book which is a recent purchase.

It was recommended on several of the blogs that I regularly read.

The community of dedicated bloggers that I follow

share loads of information with their readers.

They are most 

Kind

 generous

and giving.

I have been able to read and discover...

their favourite books

recipes

make up and skincare products

fashion

packing tips

travel pictures

cleaning tips

candles

style

home decor

crafts

Thankfully there are many many wonderful blogs...

do you have any that you love and care to share with our readers?

Thank you for taking the time to stop by mine.

XO

Skincare and make up Hostess Style ~ in response to a reader

One of the many things that I enjoy about blogging
is receiving private emails from readers.

Once in awhile, a question is posed or a specific request slips into the mail.
Often that prompts or inspires me to write a blog post.

This past weekend I was asked my opinion and recommendations on "green" skincare products. This is an area that I cannot address without a significant amount of time and research...so I will leave that to those who are much more qualified.

I bow to the experts at The Environmental Working Group.

This site is user friendly and one can look up many of the products currently on the market and read about the pros and cons of the ingredients.

If you are interested in what I have discovered that works for me
I am happy to share...keep reading.

My skin is mature, sensitive and I have rosacea.

I have discovered that skin is a reflection of genetics and general health.
Our skin says much about our lifestyle and what we eat.

Cosmetics can augment and enhance beautiful skin,
or they can cover up a problematic complexion.

I indulged in a professional Hydra Facial at the Spa and it was amazing...
a specialized machine was used to cleanse my skin,
a gentle peel was applied that unclogged pores,
emollient serums followed and when the facial was finished
my skin felt soft, supple and it glowed.
I plan to go back for another facial in a few months...
perhaps after the summer season.

Hostess Skin care Tips...

Start by choosing fresh fruits and vegetables,
drinking lots of water and eating small portions of protein.
Exercise (for me that means walking and also practising Yoga),
Aim for 8 hours of sleep
Reduce stress as much as possible
Wear sunscreen and or avoid the sun altogether.
Embrace joy and beauty everyday
Adopt the attitude of gratitude and give thanks...
Smile!

For things that you can buy pop into your local pharmacy
or the beauty counter in your department store.

I opt for a mix of high and low priced potions.

For those that do no "stay on the skin" I use a less expensive but a quality line...
there are many good ones out there you just need to experiment to see which ones work for your skin type.

My skin is prone to rosacea so I need to treat it kindly...

Gentle Avene products work for me.

Anti redness cleansing milk and mask are two in my skincare arsenal.

I avoid hot water.

The more expensive Spa line by Methode Physiodermie...

for the products that stay on and those that need to perform. 

I love the Bio-Gommage 

which exfoliates efficiently with a minimum of irritation.

I use it once a week.

My skin gets slightly pink but it doesn't stay that way for long.

The anti redness emulsion I use sparingly each morning

 followed by the Emulsion for Sensitive Skin.

Then I wait a few minutes before applying my make up.

Make up is light and takes 5 minutes.

5 products for daytime = 5 minutes

Mineral make up

Eye brow tint

eye shadow

mascara

Lipstick

SPF 20 mineral make up

use with a light hand or for more coverage it can be built up

used with a big brush it is easy to apply.

Amethyst eye shadow by La Bella Donna

an everyday colour for my hazel coloured eyes.

For evening

I simply add blush and eye liner for a bit more of a dramatic effect

and apply a darker shade of lipstick.

I have posted before about skincare and make up...

to read previous posts please scroll down on the right hand side bar to the "labels section"

click on the titles "skincare" and "make up"

I love the following quote...

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. 

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

Hostess

XO

OOTD, flowers, "serviettes vs. napkins"...

Surprise delivery of flowers from a friend...

a lovely and thoughtful gesture of kindness.

beautiful blooming buds 

such beauty 

soft delicate blush pink roses

sunlight on the floor

reflections

of the blinds

OOTD:

Northern Reflections crisp white shirt

NYDJ skinny jeans

Ferragamo flats

 Mr. HB took the photo...

it's a silly one

Delete?

Publish?

I am not a professional model and do not take myself too seriously...

so the pictures stay.

What is so funny you may ask?

Mr. HB was snapping photos so fast I could not keep up with him.

Stop now, please...

Crisp Fresh linen from Belgium

an extra large tea towel

that may be used as a tablecloth 

on our small arts and crafts 

kitchen table.

I noticed the pretty native lilies are blooming in the park.

Today I've been busy washing the bedding and catching up on the ironing. 

It is pouring rain outside and there is a chill in the air.

In the previous post 

several comments were made about the inappropriate use of the words 

"serviettes" and "napkins."

I use both...

We use paper "serviettes" as well as linen "napkins."

What about you?

ser·vi·ette

ˌsərvēˈet/Submit

nounBRITISHCANADIAN

plural noun: serviettes

a table napkin

nap·kin

ˈnapkən/

noun

1.

a square piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the fingers or lips and to protect garments, or to serve food on.

synonyms: table napkin, dinner napkin, cocktail napkin, serviette; More

2.

NORTH AMERICAN

another term for sanitary napkin.

What are your thoughts?

Tea is served in a variety of vessels here in The Humble Bungalow...

Emma Bridgewater mugs...

Fine bone china cups and saucers...

this one is my favourite as it is a wide deep bowl with a bright bold pattern. 

Speaking of favourite things...

My "go to casual fave" outfit.

Jeans, a white shirt or Tee

sterling bangles and pearls.

Chester found the one sunny spot for his nap.

Must close for now as I am making a new recipe for a comforting soup.

It is a curried sweet potato carrot and red lentil soup.

Vegetarian and perfect for a cold day like today.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

XO

OOTD and some new bits and bobs.

Selfie of my OOTD

Cut Loose top

 Zella skinny pants

Jessica Simpson flats

I've been wearing comfy clothes more frequently since Mother passed away.

I crave comfort in all the areas where I have control.

Clothing is one area where I abhor discomfort...

I could not resist this classic Saint James raincoat.

It is lightweight and a very comfortable and sensible choice for our April showers.

I am smitten with this line of garments designed in France.

Their Breton striped tops are wonderful and they make some fabulous sweaters and coats...

You may remember that I bought their navy and white striped brolly 

a few weeks ago.

I spy a new gadget in the Humble Bungalow...

this wee machine makes quick work of pills 

found on cashmere and wool sweaters

it is fast and easy to use.

I give it two thumbs up!

a soft scented candle recently found its way into my shopping basket

I love roses and our garden roses are still at least a month away from blooming

so I found a way to imbue the home with the scent of roses...

cheating a bit, I know,  but that's fine by me!

The spiky ball that we use at Yoga is now working overtime to help me at home.

It is amazing how this wee thing can loosen up hips and rid shoulders of tension.

It works really well on the balls of the feet too...

just go easy until you get used to the sensations!

In other news...

the view from here is dramatic.

The driveway has shrunk and our fence has too. 

We consider ourselves kind and decent neighbours...

so we have allowed a portion of our fence to be removed 

some of the driveway has been "loaned" 

to the developers 

to allow them to excavate with ease at the property line.

Deep holes have been fenced off so that no one falls into the pit!

Looking out the window you can see the site which is ready for construction to commence.

Which we have been told will be any day now...

On the past post I asked for books suggestions 

I was most surprised as you went above and beyond my expectations.

Thank you!

Hope that your week is ticking along nicely.

Cheerio from The Humble Bungalow.

XO