OOTD weekend duds...remembering DAD.

Weekends are usually a casual affair in The Humble Bungalow.
Walking gear, a bathrobe, comfy clothes and not necessarily in that order...
this post is a mish mash of thoughts and bounces around rather hap hazardly...

We went out with our BFF's for dinner Friday...

I wore capri's from Tulipe Noire

by Lisette

my trusty and true denim jacket by Blue Willis

white tank from H and M

Franco Sarto sandals

I think the scarf was purchased at Macy's

( a trip when Mother and I shopped Seattle until we very nearly dropped!)

My hair is going grey before my very eyes...

I had a cut this week before

 my hairdresser went off to NY for a Bumble and Bumble training session...

I think she wants to add more highlights but I am holding firm.

(for now)

~ ~ ~

We bit the bullet and bought a new stove.

After months of problems with no timer or self cleaning program I decided that it was time!

Honestly I think Mr. HB was the one who pushed for the replacement...

~ ~ ~

it arrived this morning and I was up bright and early 

showered and ready to receive the delivery

It works!

and I think it looks great.

GE Cafe series

I like the commercial look of those nobs!

~ I think I will refer to this expenditure as my retirement gift! ~

it could be a string of pearls

or a diamond ring 

I prefer to keep things simple

a stove is way more my style anyway.

Mr. HB bought a new battery powered lawn mower and I can use it as it has a push button start.

Lime green by Ryobi...

oh and while he was at it he bought a weed whacker...

I will stay far away from that tool as they scare the dickens out of me.

~ ~ ~

I received quite a few emails asking to see the Swarovski flip flops...

Lucy Blue

You can buy new soles when they wear out 

which I think is so handy 

especially when one considers that appliance companies no longer want to repair the things that they build and sell.

We really do live in a throw away society.

We happened to buy a new toaster...

on sale

matches the new Krups coffee maker

Walking a bit farther this morning...

think I'll have to buy some new shoes soon as the soles are looking thin!

Happy Father's Day.

I'll be remembering my Father

with fond regard and lots of love.

Oodles of memories 

and I get a bit choked up when I think of all the sacrifices that he made for our family.

He was one of a kind

a scholar

 tomato grower

avid reader

hard worker

natty dresser

member of the BPOE

husband to Mother

Dad to my sis and I...

an unselfish man

always put others' needs before his...

Dad I LOVE and MISS YOU.

~ Tuesday ramblings ~ an abstract tangental post!

These are handy to have on hand...

any thoughts as to what they are?

Napkins by the roll.

You simply pull them off where they are perforated and they can be washed and reused many many times.

I purchased both the luncheon and the dinner sizes.

They usually are a tad expensive but these were on clearance.

I popped them in the napkin basket

we use cotton or linen napkins every day.

I brewed a pot of coffee this afternoon.

I usually drink tea but after our recent cup of Drum Roaster brew I knew that tea would not cut it.

Tracking points seems like a never ending job...

I am hoping that my due diligence will pay off.

Last week I was sorely disappointed by the reading on the scale...

I have not cheated at all.

I have noticed that my thoughts are always on food and planning ahead.

This is new, and I wonder if it is healthy to be so focused on meals and snacks.

For example a few minutes ago I had a "modest" snack 

consisiting of 6 wheat thins and a wedge of lite Laughing Cow Cheese.

I was ravenous when I got home from work and thankfully the pangs of hunger have abated.

Normally I would have grabbed a handful of crackers and a chunk of full fat cheddar or brie

munched them quickly and maybe have gone back for more...

Any thoughts on mindful eating?

~ ~ ~

It's a dreary day out there but I need to put on my walking shoes and get going.

Attitude is huge isn't it?

It might sound crazy but when I am wearing fitness gear I feel more like walking...

What motivates you to stick to your exercise regime?

Do you have a personal trainer or do you work out with a friend?

Any tips that you care to share?

~ ~ ~

I bought the new Michael Buble CD "to be loved"

and could benefit from an uplifting energizing listen.

Just finished booking my appointment...

so glad that they send out reminders.

If you are due for yours perhaps you'll make that important call.

~ ~ ~

Don't forget to enter the giveaway...

Jamie Cat Callan's new book could be yours!

You've got one more day to enter.

~ ~ ~

Bon Chance!

Pins, pans and perfume....

Life around here is nothing too out of the ordinary.
It's ticking along with a more regular rhythm
we are not complacent
just catching our breath
after some recent family medical issues which finds us breathing deeper with our pulses are slowing down.

The Fall weather has arrived with a vengeance
bringing with it gusty gale force winds and the trees are shedding their leaves swiftly.
The old furnace is rumbling as it chugs out warm blasts of air.

Sunday dinners will mostly be roasted and they will certainly be comfort food,
in the sublime form of prime rib of beef, free range organic chickens and the occasional ham.
(vegetarians and vegans look away)

Turkey is reserved for Thanksgiving and Christmas and I do love a great roasting pan.
Luckily / fortunately for me Mr. HB believes in good tools...
so it was last Sunday that found me unwrapping a vast box bearing...

a sturdy roasting pan

"All Clad"

stainless that will accommodate a turkey, chicken, rib roast or a large lasagna

this will be in use on a regular basis in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen.

Thanks Honey!

I have been wearing my vintage pins lately...

if nothing else they start a conversation...

Baroque pearl

marquisites

circa 1920

a gift from lovely daughter

I LOVE this one

it's simple and sparkly

and goes with most everything I own.

Gilmour tunic top

Lands End leggings

Hush Puppies leather boots

"Orange" vest

OOTD

please accept my apologies as

I look tired

I have been busy de-cluttering the downstairs 

as well as being a social butterfly...

I know I have been burning the candle at both ends

( I have made a reservation at the spa...)

a new discovery...

"Passionate Night"

pillow spray

I have never heard of this before and I love this scent.

It is available in a candle or this spray

sadly no perfume...

if it were I'd be buying up a few bottles as the scent is lovely

and I did slumber deep with this scent wafting up from my pillow.

I cheated and spritzed some on my vest this morning so I could enjoy the subtle scent throughout my day.

It's subtle, kind of musky with notes from the Orient.

What perfume do you wear?

Have you worn this for a long time or is it new for you?

Do you like to keep your scent a secret?

~ ~ ~ 

Hostess

Olive wood...or post 700!

Mother and I went to the Home Sense store and trolled the aisles for a few items.
Home Sense is a bit farther than Mother likes to drive so she has made it clear to me that anytime I plan to go I am to ring her and see if she wants to tag along.

I replaced the curtains for my closet as Chester shredded my other pair and we found some new kitchen gadgets for Mother...
her things are starting to break and fall apart, I suppose after 50 plus years of use one should expect this to happen. Most of her wedding appliances are still in use and show no signs of fatigue. I think that we are on our second or third set of most electrical things and we have been married for 38 years. I suspect things are made to be replaced and not designed to last forever like they used to be.

I did come home with something that was not on my list and I'm quite pleased with it as it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well as functional.

Olive wood Italian cheese board.

What a wonderful way to use up the wood of an elderly olive tree.

With grain so interesting it would seem a shame to use it as firewood.

The instructions are very simple to keep it looking good

wash with a mild soap and a bit of water and occasionally oil it with...

Olive Oil and buff with a soft cloth!

I'd love to get my mitts on a large board like this one for bigger chopping jobs.

I'd even consider leaving it on the counter in plain view.

Mette has fabulous taste.

If you have not met up with her on the blog metscan please do yourself a favour and pay her a visit.

Her kitchen is a work of art and her philosophy is rather like William Morris's

~ ~ ~

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. 

William Morris 

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

What's this?

Do you know what this might be ?

It looks like a bottle cap

but it's not.

any ideas?

Georg Jensen Designed this gadget

Do you give up yet?

It's a bottle opener...

you use the ridge on the underside of this "bottle cap"

to de-cap-itate the bottle!

How about this gadget...

do you know what it's used for?

I love this one and use it regularly.

Looks like something from a Star Wars movie.

Do you want me to tell you?

It's a cap for champagne or bubbly and keeps the effervescence inside until you want another glass

works for many days.

Honestly!

Last one...

an instrument of torture

or

a strong pair of hands?

This brawny gadget will open any jar...

it's a life saver.

Vintage,

 a wee bit rusty

appearances pale compared to the fact 

that it's so trusty.

I ordered some comfy casuals

to wear while doing domestics around the Bungalow.

Why you might ask?

My cleaning gal is off for 6 weeks as she is resting up after surgery.

When she comes here she wears stretchy exercise gear and "works out" while cleaning.

(The Lessons Learned From Madame Chic mentions this too!)

I bought a French terry tunic in grey

which I layered over a black tank top.

Bought some new capri's in black

with a slight scallop at the hem...

see Land's End for more great casuals.

Look here's a late bloomer...

this bulb was sitting in the planter with the Xmas paper whites and never bloomed

until now.

Better late than never!

Is there something that you really want to do in your life?

Well...

what are you waiting for?

Mr. HB and I have narrowed it down to a few candidates for the giveaway

but there is still time to enter if you want to tell us what makes you feel Chic.

Quicker pasta and the menu for New Years Eve.

There's a happy Hostess in the Humble Bungalow these days!
Pasta making just got so much easier...

My first ever Kitchen Aid attachment,

it works like a dream.

It only takes minutes to run it through

and it is so easy

I cannot believe how fast this happens and with very little effort on my part.

I use the food processor to make this pasta

Adrienne from La Vie Quotidienne

gave me the recipe and I love how easy it is to make.

I made a simple sauce

saute onions, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil

add a can of DOP Italian tomatoes

some red pepper flakes, salt and pepper

and simmer for about an hour to allow the flavours to meld.

Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente

fresh pasta takes less time

so check often

sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top

enjoy!

I am getting ready for New Year's Eve dinner

several couples are celebrating at the table

on the menu...

antipasto assortment 

(my BFF calls this a "picky plate")

Caesar Salad

fresh Dungeness crab

served in the shell ready to pick

with

drawn butter, lemons, and ginger mayo dip

dessert

(which my BFF is making)

I haven't thought of any resolutions to make just yet...

self improvement is one that I often consider

giving back to the community is another

and I think there's a new hairstyle in my future

and possibly redesigning

 The Humble Bungalow Blog...

What resolutions are you making?

Cheers!

I hope that you will pop back in 2012.

Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Calling, texting, and cruising the net just got so much easier...

I have had a cellphone since 2003.
It was never a snazzy jazzy swanky phone...
just a simple dial and talk model in basic black.

My adult children are way ahead of me and so is Mr. HB...they all have IPhones.
Most people that I know have Smartphones, Blackberry's or IPhones and I was feeling left out as my kids text instead of talking,
it's free with most plans so that's a no brainer.

My dear Husband has been encouraging me to get one for the past few months and I was resisting.
Why? I really don't know.
So we went together and bought one.

The Humble Bungalow Roses

are carried with me as are thousand of my photos

especially my "brag book" with sweet Isla's images.

I sent my first texts to my children letting them know I was now "available to chat" (text)
The second text was to my BFF which said...

"Hi! I just got an O"...

I inadvertently hit send instead of backspace.
We were sitting on a bench in the mall laughing so much my eyes teared up and I could not see clearly for a few moments to resend the correct text message.

So I am on a learning curve...
I feel that I have entered the 20th Century...or rather the 21st Century...
(those grey haired moments have been happening a lot more frequently!)

I keep this vintage landline as it works during a power failure

and I love the sound that it makes when dialing.

When I was young we were on a party line which meant that another family shared the same line.

My sister and I would listen in and eavesdrop if Mother was busy elsewhere.

(she would have grounded us if she caught us)

Sometimes our breathing or snickers would be audible by the other party and they would say

"if you don't get off this phone right now I am going to tell your Mother"

Those were the days when Father had an egg timer by the phone and 3 minutes was the extent of our conversations.

I remember turning the sand filled vessel over before time had elapsed to see if I could talk for longer.

Often if Mother and Father were enjoying a pre dinner cocktail I'd get away with it.

Most of the time though my sister would come by and say in a very loud voice...

"I'M TELLING!"

Things have really changed.

Have you resisted embracing change

or are you the first on the bandwagon?

Soups on.....

What could be better than supping on soup on a cold winter day?

Ina has persuaded me to embrace my Inner French Girl...

put on an apron and COOK!

I made this and it is tasty

so great that I am adding it to my repertoire

I could serve this to company

it is guest worthy...

just add bread.

Ina uses a food mill and I cheat with this contraption

works a treat

easy clean up

so I am done in half the time.

Soup is soul food

it warms and comforts all that ails

very affordable

a great tonic to the over indulgence of the holidays

easy to take to work for lunches

freeze in smaller batches for nights when you need to pull off something fast and easy

and make it look like you've been toiling all day

as Martha would say...

they're a good thing!

Look for some opportunities to bring comfort to someone this weekend...

be it a bowl of homemade soup

cookies

  running an errand for a senior that lives alone

 calling a family member that you have been neglecting

cheering up a friend 

helping out at your local soup kitchen

you will feel better for it...

Lazy Stew...recipe for the busy or weary

Days are often full to the brim with activities and dinner can be problematic...
I am tempted to dine on junk food but that is not what my body needs.
After a night of interrupted slumber... keeping a post-op kitty company...
energy runs low and the thought of preparing dinner flies out the window...

Enter Beef Daube Stew.

It is easy and quick to prepare...
it stews happily bubbling in the oven freeing up the cook to attend to other things.
(like a cat nap...yawn)

Beef Daube
1/4 c. oil
3lbs. chuck roast cubed
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c. flour
750 ml. bottle French Red wine
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. Herbs de Provence
1 bay leaf
4 carrots sliced
12 ozs. package of pitted prunes
onion chopped
parsley as garnish

I use a Le Creuset ovenproof pot, (Humble Bungalow Hostess chartruese green)
brown beef and onion in oil,
add flour stirring for 4 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Cook in oven at 325 degrees covered for 75 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and
Serve with soft bread (for mopping up the rich gravy)

green peas and orange carrots 

remind me of this...

(she says as she shakes her head)

these are

Made in Spain

and such a great idea

they

save messing about with cling film

I am not usually excited about a kitchen product but these really are amazing

(or maybe it's sleep deprivation)

100% platinum silicone

and

cheery colours

Pepper's food

she's got her appetitie back after her spaying

is wearing a Buster collar and is confined to a room that has been "cat proofed"

jumping is strongly discouraged 

I am hunkered down with tea, my book, and laptop

an improvised bed of sorts on the floor...

last night I hardly slept

I cat napped 

but I felt better keeping tabs on Pepper

and

she's doing pretty well all things considered.

I am lusting over the bedrooms and linens

 a

A Simply Luxurious Life

I almost forgot that I had taken this picture

 they look like coloured paper towels but they are much "greener"

Santa popped them in my stocking...

100% cotton cloths/napkins by the roll

you tear them off as you need them...

P.S. Julianne, if you are reading this,

there is no contact email on your Blogger profile...

please email me

you won the giveaway!

Partners in grime...saving $$

Meet the big guns

partners in grime...

they work for me

I employ them 24/7

and they perform

so well

that I am sharing them with you

Lovely scent

tough on grime and skin friendly

my gardening hands 

are a testiment to their tender ways

saves money

it's dispenses foamy soap

you mix 1/3 liquid soap 

then add 2/3 water

agitate

and voila!

I am saving money for pearls... :)

Gadget I resisted but now embrace...

...it's functional.
I never knew what I was missing until I got hold of one myself.
It completetly transformed my cooking
of rice...

I had resisted..

Hostess of very few gadgets and kitchen aides

I employ sharp knives

cutting boards

 Kitchenaid, Le Creuset pots and a cooker

Lovely daughter suggested this and I said pshaw...

I can cook this any day in a pot with no trouble whatsoever...

it's only a marketing ploy to part us from our money

little did I know...

on closer inspection...

and rice perfecto mundo every time

I can embrace change

add a gadget

I am a fan

and it was only $10 at a garage sale

We have been enjoying veggie stir frys

the Bungalow Garden is bountiful 

and I am happy to say

that I change my spots...

at least when it comes to modcons and rice cookers...

sometimes I feel that I am stubborn and resist change..

Blighty this one's for you...

I'm Really Not Just A Waitress 

Base/Top Coat and

Peru B Ruby

O.P.I.

These toe thingamagigs hurt!

 a drum roll s'il vous plait...

A balancing act!


I want to share something that makes me smile every time I see it...
Ava..
it's not new...
pure sweetness...
and if it doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will.