Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Today we woke to a frosty morn...cold and icy but clear and sunny.
We have been catching up on all the news from our friends John and Cheryl,
who by the way, are incredibly gracious house guests.
They pitch in and help and put up with the badly mannered bungalow cats.

Last evening we shared a delicious meal.
John made a tasty appetizer which he got from a neighbour in Auvillar...whose name is Jean-Philippe...it's a keeper and has a very French flair...
I love working with others in my tiny kitchen...
sipping a Junipero martini while we chat and prep is my idea of fun!

Mix approximately1 cup of duck rillette, with 2 chopped shallots and 2 tablespoons of drained capers.

When mixed top slices of a fresh French baguette with a dollop of the mixture.

Place on a sheet pan and bake at 350 degrees until the edges of the bread are golden and the duck is warm.

I made a quick and colourful arugula salad with cucumbers, green onions and pomegranate seeds.

I mixed up my Humble Bungalow jam jar vinaigrette.

In a Bon Maman jam jar put 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt. pepper, and add 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon of vinegar...shake and dress and toss the salad just before serving.

Oysters with mignonette sauce and freshly grated horseradish.

Casual table setting...

Oysters are not to every one's liking but they are one of my favourites.

 I prefer the small varieties as they are much sweeter tasting.

We indulged in a cheese course...fresh from the French deli Choux Choux Charcuterie on Fort Street.

French macarons from Bon Macaron Patisserie for dessert!

Yes we ate them all...

and watched a lovely film on Netflix called Summer in Provence.

 A French film that was subtitled...

beautiful scenery, great story and wonderful actors...

I highly recommend that you watch it!

Thank you for stopping by and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Healthy and Happy New Year.

New Year's is a time to rethink old habits, make resolutions and start fresh...

What have you got on your list for the New Year?

Post Christmas Wrap Up....

Mr. HB gave me a new Butter Dish by Emma Bridgewater which I love as it is in my favourite Black Toast pattern but more than that it is really very apropos...

One of our cats, Pepper, has earned the nickname "Butter Lick-er"

She can smell the butter on the counter in the butter dish, which has a cover and she often is caught licking the outside of the butter dish which is really kind of gross and so unhygienic.

Now if she could read...

we'd be in terrible trouble!

Last week I met up with some girlfriends for lunch at Rebar  and was served the most amazing kale salad.

I decided to try to replicate it and I think it was quite successful so I thought that I would share it with you all.

I used small tomatoes that are sold on the vine and cut them in half.

Sprinkled them with sea salt and fresh ground pepper and a lean drizzle of olive oil.

Roasted them in a hot oven until they were soft...about 15 minutes.

I thinly sliced two onions.

I put them in a cast iron pan with a bit of olive oil and a small knob of butter and cooked them until they were transparent.

A secret I learned about carmelized onions is that they love a dollop of brown sugar and a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar...don't ask why it works, try it and you will be happy you did.

Gently wilt a bunch of kale leaves in a small amount of water...

(remember to remove the inner tough stalk and discard)

In a jam jar 

mix 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste, 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of vinegar...screw the lid on tightly and shake.

Shave some Asiago cheese...

put kale on a plate, top with carmelized onions, add tomatoes, and top with dresssing and shaved cheese.

Enjoy!

I went online and found a recipe for turkey tetrazzini and it was yummy but not WW point friendly.

I'm going to need to get back on track after New Years!

We have been walking a lot but it doesn't really compensate for all the extra treats that have been consumed with gay abandon!

Chester has had a rough day...

I guess I won't be cooking dinner tonight unless he moves!

We took the tree down earlier and I vacuumed up the fir needles...

I cannot believe how much preparation we do to get ready for Christmas...

and then it's over so quickly...

We are leaving some of the decorations up as we are hosting New Years Dinner here for two other couples.

We will have our friends John and Cheryl here visiting for a few days too.

I'm looking forward to seeing them...

Cheryl and I plan the meals, shop and cook together in the kitchen

 we all go for long walks

there is a lot of chatting and catching up

we plan to take in a Yoga class

I'm going to ask them to tell me more about Paris and Auvillar.

So I may not be posting much here on the blog...

I'm sure you'll understand.

Happy New Year!

Hostess 

Snow Day Doings...

I've been busy this morning in The Humble Bungalow.

I "planted" the paper whites so that they will be blooming for Christmas.

These bulbs are forced into bloom using glass pebbles and water at their roots.

 I love their heady fragrance and pure white flowers.

Keep the water levelled at the roots and you will be surprised how fast they grow.

We woke up to see a light frosting of snow this morning and it is still snowing.

I love an excuse to stay home, keep warm and putter in The Humble Bungalow.

Our house guest left yesterday...

we had a wonderful visit.

I served her a curried chicken soup which proved out be a great time saver as we had gone to the late afternoon showing of Philomena starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Steve wrote the screenplay, produced and starred in the film.

We had a funny experience at the ticket wicket...

The young fellow on duty assumed that we were both seniors!

I was ahead of my friend and I quickly moved aside to make room for her at the wicket 

and I was out of earshot while she was paying.

When she caught up with me she was smiling broadly...as was I.

I told her that I got in for $4.75 the seniors rate!

She told me she got the seniors rate too but the fellow had a problem with her debit card...

 so he said go on in the movie is on me today.

I highly recommend the film.

The soup "mix" base.

All you need to add are onions, chicken or prawns, a can of coconut milk, water and a few carrots.

I made this the previous day.

This hearty soup made a great meal.

We walked to and from the theatre and did not get back until just about 7 pm.

  I put out some fresh veggies and dip while I heated up the soup and we sat and had a glass of wine while we waited for it to get hot.

I'm going to spend some of the afternoon cooking before sitting down to finish reading my current novel.

The forecast is for a wind chill factor which will give the impression of minus 15...

I might need to light a fire in the fireplace to chase the chill away.

Cashmere socks and a thick fleece jacket are not quite enough!

 Definitely not my usual OOTD!

Hostess

XO

Sumptuous, Soft and Soothing ~ Cashmere OOTD

I adore cashmere!
Do you love it too?
Lately I have found that the cashmere sweaters available in our local shops are of lesser quality and almost whisper thin, yet the prices are quite steep for what you are buying.
I really wished that Lands' End would ship their cashmere sweaters across the Canada border but those gorgeous buttons made of Mother of Pearl or abalone shell are the reason that they cannot ship. Apparently they are "protected and at risk."

Years ago my husband gave me a luxurious black Johnston cashmere pullover. It is soft, thick and warm like no other sweater that I had owned before. It cost the earth though and I would need to save up for a donkey's age to buy another! Let's face it my lifestyle has changed and I really cannot justify that kind of expense at this stage.

Lands' End had some exceptional weighty cashmere cardigans a few years ago. I bought a black one which is still going strong, although it is a tad big now, I will not part with it until it is in tatters.

I couldn't believe my luck when I found a similar cardigan with a V neck and abalone buttons recently in the thrift shop.
The quality and weight was evident even before I even looked at the tag...alas it was a size small.
I wear a medium, but I tried it on anyways and guess what?
I bought it...I usually do not button my cardigan but did so that you would see that it is a bit on the small size.

Cashmere Lands' End in Navy Blue!

The pearls have a new partner in crime.

Pearls + Cashmere = Bliss 

We have a house guest in The Humble Bungalow for a few days so my posting will be sporadic.

I might manage a few minutes to check in but it will depend on how full our schedule will be.

We do love to focus our attention and energies on our friends when they come to stay.

Hostess

We may get some snow this week!

I love how beautiful the neighbourhood looks all dressed in white.

I will host a snow post if we get a frosting.

The Humble Bungalow ~ Our Guest Room.

As a Hostess I try to make guests feel welcome when they come to stay.
I think it truly is "the little things" that make a BIG difference in their enjoyment and comfort while they are away from home. I put myself in their position and think about what I like to have when I am staying in someone else's home.

A quiet place to sleep and one that feels cozy enough to retire to for a midday nap. Often we do not sleep as deeply or as long in a strange bed so naps are often needed. This time will also allow the Hostess to prepare appetizers or tidy up a bit before serving the next meal.

I like to have extra blankets, a shawl and robe for guests to use.
Some light reading and a room spray as well as a light pillow spray for setting the tone for slumber.
Bottled water, energy bars or chocolates if I know my guests have a sweet tooth.
Shampoo, cream rinse, soaps and lotions are kept in the bathroom in case they have forgotten to bring their own.
Cotton balls, Kleenex, razors, Q Tips, toothpaste, mouthwash and Tylenol...just a courtesy really but it saves them having to ask.
I realize that I need to buy a blow dryer as my friend did not bring hers along when she last stayed overnight.

A bedside light to read by...

Perrier and pillow spray.

Vintage oak luggage stand at foot of bed

like a butlers tray but lower.

Warm wool blanket just in case.

The duvet on the bed is down filled and usually warm enough but it never hurts to be prepared.

Wicker chair by the window.

A distressed oar adds whimsy.

Thrift shop floral painting.

I used a nautical, beach theme to decorate the guest room.

White beach glass that I collect is stored in a vintage sealer jar.

Shells and coral round out the beach theme.

Light reading...

The bathroom has the basics.

I love fluffy large white towels so naturally I put them in the guest bathroom.

Hotel size samples.

More toiletries reside in this handy shelf unit.

We like to let the guests wake at their own time.

So we get the coffee maker ready the night before and show them how to use it.

With glass fronted cupboards in the kitchen it is easy to see when the mugs are located. 

I would put mugs and sugar out on a tray in the kitchen otherwise.

The Breakfast I usually serve is:

Yogurt, fruit, scrambled eggs, turkey sausages, toasted English muffins assorted jams.

Coffee, juices and tea.

It's important to make your guests feel welcome.

I think by providing the basics and thinking ahead one can relax and enjoy the company with the minimum of fuss.

~ ~ ~

Have I forgotten anything?

Tell me what you like in a guest room?

Have a wonderful weekend.

I am going to play around with my camera and be back soon.

Hostess

XO

Weekend Doings and Thoughtful Musings

Weekend Doings and Thoughtful Musings

Abkhazi Gardens

Cheryl and I strolled through these lovely grounds on Saturday.

Beauty was all around

every nook and cranny sported blooms.

Easter Lilies

so pure and delicate as they nodded in the gentle breeze.

So much has been packed into a short time

the weekend is almost over...

The weekend has flown by

Cheryl and I went to the spa

while Mr. HB and John went to a brew pub for lunch

I took Cheryl to the Abkhazi Gardens

we all walked along the sea front and watched the wind surfers

watched the movie Crazy Stupid Love

catch up

share laughter

we did our best to serve delicious meals

and offer comfort and hospitality to our friends

it was great to see them as they are off to France for the next 6 months.

Bon Voyage John and Cheryl!

The Humble Bungalow Blog was started on a whim and has become a large part of my routine.

I can't quite believe that I have arrived at the 603rd post, 

it's rather staggering when I seriously think about it.

Our life here is so simple...

we are humble

and go about our daily round

expecting little

joys are often found while doing chores

they pop up and surprise us when we least expect it.

This morning is a good example

we had said goodbye to our house guests and I was tidying up

the vacuuming was finished and Pepper was in the front hallway

I was just about to take a load of towels downstairs to the laundry room

when I was stopped in my tracks...

Pepper was pawing frantically in the air trying to catch the dust particles that she could see moving in the sunshine.

It was a glimpse of something unexpected and it made me smile.

Tell me about your weekend!

Phalaenopsis Orchid....A Perfect "Hostess" Gift

Orchids make great hostess gifts.
They last for months before the flowers drop and can be cared for easily with a weekly watering
and will re-bloom in 6 months on a windowsill with bright indirect light.
I like to opt for white as they fit into any decor.

The Phalaenopsis are a very easy care variety of orchid and are readily available at most florists and supermarkets.
Prices vary widely and the more blooming stems the plant has usually affects the price.
They are more expensive than the single stemmed orchids.

There have been a few sales of orchids lately and I have been tempted but resisted.
Today I could not walk away from this one as the price was unbelievable!
 ($20)

White Orchid

Weller arts and crafts jardinere

North exposure

bright light from the dining room window.

Pepper was extremely curious when I unwrapped this orchid

she has a distinct "taste" for greenery 

I put it up high 

well out of harms way!

This orchid is actually for the Bungalow...

For my Hostess

I purchased a brightly dyed scarf for my hostess

with her colours in mind

and I will be bringing wine...

Plans for the weekend include a visit to an Aveda Spa

destination shopping 

and 

I am going to be a guest for the weekend on a Gulf Island 

in a waterfront home of a dear friend

so I'll catch up with you early next week...

there will be laughter

and a comfortable familiarity

that allows us to share

without judgement

confident and safe

and just be

in the moment

I'll be watching the shoreline

and 

listening to the sound of the waves...

what will you be doing?

Hope that you all have a great weekend!

Hugs from The Hostess

XO

Humble Bungalow Domestics...France, Friends and Tea Time

A house guest will be arriving soon
so I have been busy prepping
and tidying the Humble Bungalow.

The warrior glove

protector 

and 

 friend of the Hostess.

I put hand lotion on before donning these gloves 

and my hands and cuticles get a moisture treatment 

which is activated by the cleaning action.

At rest

Oranges were on special at the Market 

I bought a mesh bag full

seedless and sweet 

and they look so cheerful in the bowl

I like to have some tea bread or a loaf on hand for tea time

I am looking forward to some friendly chats 

while taking tea 

with my guest.

The internet is such a handy resource 

It is especially great for recipes

I typed in 

orange-raisin-loaf

and found this recipe

here at ifood

baking in the oven 

scenting the kitchen with orange

the dishes are air drying

 recent books and DVD's that I have been reading and watching

Priceless was a cute film

Audrey Tatou is charming

A French movie with subtitles

in one scene there is a song playing 

in English 

and the lyrics are printed in English as subtitles!

Vicki Archer's book is a feast for the eyes

she has a fabulous blog 

full of lush images.

I gave her newest book French Essence as a Christmas gift this year to a dear friend.

I snuck a peek before I wrapped it up and the images are so beautiful

Vicki has a great artistic eye for details.

French Toast by Harriet Welty Rochefort

is a peek inside life from an American woman's perspective as she marries into a French family.

Her website offers a lot of great tips and information.

Words in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse

was inspired by the blog

french word a day

Lunch in Paris 

by Elizabeth Bard

is entertaining and funny 

 French recipes are included with each chapter of the book

and they look delicious!

read more here

Orange Raisin Loaf

I am brewing a pot of my favourite tea

I use a variety of loose and herbal teas

this one tops my list for flavour

Ingredients: 

Ceylon and Chinese black teas, 

bergamot essence, vanilla beans and essence.

Silk Road Tea Company

Enjoy your weekend whatever you do

maybe like me you'll be enjoying a friendly conversation with a friend

and sharing a cup of Tea!