We have been "Empressed"

The Fairmont Empress is a grand hotel with many "Empressive" amenities...
We walked from our home not too far from the hotel on a sunny warm summer's eve.
Our 40th wedding anniversary was last month and we were given a gift voucher for The Bengal Room.
Thank you to our son and daughter in law for our lovely evening and classic Bengal Room Curry Buffet.

Looking out the window towards the legislature...

a celebratory cocktail

Edwardian decor...

very much a hunting vibe going on here!

The Bengal Room is famous for their curry.

It was delicious!

Dessert rice pudding and a chai creme brulee...

After our dinner we walked through the lobby to hail a cab.

Lovely shops...with high end clobber!

I'll be wearing my scarf tied over my coat this way when the weather cools...

Oh and those blue bags so tempting...

How about a ruby ring?

40th after all is "ruby celebration."

How about a sapphire necklace?

The tea shop beckons...

Pretty plates for an afternoon tea party.

How about a classic afternoon tea at The Empress...

when one is in Victoria this is a must.

A high calorie indulgence...

worth it once in awhile.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

On the Hostess's Bookshelf...

Summertime reading has always been a luxurious pleasure.
One that I could hardly wait for when I was working...
When school would let out for summer I would eagerly peruse the shelf laden with books.
I'd read the book jackets and then decide which one to start reading...
you might have gathered that I collect books just for summertime reading.
I find them at thrift shops, garage sales and of course, our wonderful local book stores.

A fun light read, one that would make a good cottage or beach book.

I picked up this book mark at Chapters...

I usually use a piece of paper as I never turn down the corners of the pages...

having worked in a library for many years that habit does not sit well with me at all.

Chester thought it was a cat toy!

Here are just a few of the books that sit on the shelf waiting...

It took me a long time to read The Time Traveler's Wife because we were travelling at the time I was reading it and had so many interruptions and I could never just pick it up where I left off because of the time travel involved...I am hoping this one is easier to follow.

Mother liked this but thought it "a bit of a different book" 

On my toes today I am sporting Embarca dare you by OPI

a hot pink shade that shimmers with light.

Pedicures are a summertime luxury and one that I indulge in as sandal season is hard on the feet.

I am so grateful to have a wonderful gal who helps keep my feet in good shape.

I cannot do my toes anymore as I have poor eyesight and find it a challenge to bend over and paint with precision!

What books do you have set aside for your summertime reading?

TGIF it's Friday!

It will be a busy weekend...

a baby shower, a short boat trip and a potluck supper.

Whatever you have planned I hope you make some time to relax and put your feet up.

Indulging...OOTD

Almond Joy!
I'd like to think of this as a WW point friendly way to enjoy almonds.

I love the scent of almond as well as the taste.
Having a weakness for the nut I try to keep my almond eating habit in check...

Enjoying the scent is one way to satisfy the craving...

L'Occitane makes a great almond products and the jar of almond milk concentrate is a Humble Bungalow staple.

The shower gel is heavenly and they have just launched a body oil which I recently purchased.

The wee package of travel sized almond products were added to my order for a fraction of the cost,

an indulgence if you will.

"Orange is the New Black"

 was hot a few seasons ago...

then Panetone Green was on center stage and now it's Radiant Orchid!

Have you seen designer and blogger Tamera Beardsley in her radiant orchid kimono?

 She is featured in the fashion section of this month's Skimbaco Lifestyle magazine!

I discovered Skimbaco Lifestyle magazine when Adrienne Shubin started writing for them...

you might know her from her blog The Rich Life on a Budget.

These gals are having so much fun with fashion that I was energized by their enthusiasm...

Dressing in colour has never been so exciting!

A soft infinity scarf with a smattering of radiant orchid...

a birthday gift from my BFF.

I wore this scarf with a black tunic top with black leggings and black ballet flats.

The colour made the entire outfit pop!

I chose Revlon 070 Cherry Tart to wear with the scarf...the richer colour looked better than 001 pink truffle

 which I thought was a wee bit pale.

I wear these rich shea butter glosses often and alternate it with the Chanel Orchidee.

I do love a great stripe as patterns never feel like they suit me.

I have tried and tried but they always hang in my closet sad and lonely...

scarves are my go to accessory for pattern.

Colour won't take center stage in the same way black does in my basic wardrobe

but it will pop up this summer on the boat paired with my white jeans.

I may look for a fun orange coral necklace to wear with this shirt.

I plan to use this as a"jacket" layering it over a plain white tank top.

Ralph Lauren shirt

It has a nautical edge so it will be a fun summer boat basic.

The 3/4 sleeve length won't get tangled up in the ropes...

I found my first pair of what I might call high end or luxury jeans.

Seven For All Mankind slim fit boot cut Kaylie's.

When I tried them on I wondered what exactly makes a luxury jean worth the money.

I'd have to say it is in the fit and the details.

The weight of the denim feels good and it has more body that the less expensive jeans that I regularly wear.

The shape seems to stay true after several wearings so I am not tempted to wash them as often.

Jeans play an important part of my wardrobe and since retiring I wear them much more often than dress pants.

I currently own two pairs of black ponte knit dress pants and now I have 4 pairs of jeans!

So where do you stand on luxury goods?

What would you indulge in if money were no object?

Are you on Pinterest?

I'm finding it is a bit like eating almonds...

 once I start I cannot stop!

Until next time,

Be Well and Be Kind.

Funtime Friday

Since retiring I have not allowed myself the luxury of spending an entire day playing hooky.
Doing silly and fun things...an entire day out and about in the downtown core.

I wore my pearls...love a dangly drop earring as it makes me feel so feminine.

I hitched an early morning ride with Mr. HB on his way to work and took myself off to Starbucks for coffee and breakfast. I do love a good decaf Americano.
I sat myself down at a table beside the window and gazed out onto the streets of Chinatown and noticed some weary looking street people gathered with their over flowing shopping carts which they use for all their personal belongings. Our city has quite a few street people who live in the downtown core. Some sleep in shelters at night and others create makeshift beds on cardboard scraps and hunker down in doorways and alleys.
It is a sad state of affairs...
I wonder how they have come to be down on their luck, displaced and homeless.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to be living on the street, cold and hungry without a roof overhead.

When they noticed I was staring, I turned my eyes away so as not to invade their privacy.
Then I watched the people in line come in and order their morning coffee and wondered if they were regulars and by the greetings that they were exchanging I felt they must be, at least on Friday mornings.

After a leisurely breakfast I caught up on my blog reading on my IPhone and then walked down through Chinatown to Value Village. It was quiet at 9 am and I felt like I had the store to myself when an older gentlemen came up to me and started telling me that many of these items could be re purposed for things that they were not originally intended to be used for ...he was going off on a tangent and said "Young people need to know this but you don't!" I couldn't help but laugh! I said laughing "Yes I am old, have a great day!

I found a vintage jar with a lid that I am going to use in my pantry cupboard. I am always on the look out for these to store oats, flour, sugar and such in them as they look so much nicer and keep things fresh and neat.
I also found a pair of cowboy booties...my breakfast cost more than these boots!

Giddy Up!

I cruised through Gap looking at their sale racks and found two new tops.

I am loving these striped tops.

I had a further discount card so they were a steal.

I browsed Roots and checked out their new handbags as I love the quality and that they are made in Canada.

A bright colour would be fun for a change.

I own a few bags and they are all black!

I walked out without buying a thing.

I visited Chapters and looked at the books and was surprised to see how many other things that they have for sale.

Scarves, candles, home decor items...

I rarely shop in Chapters because I use the public library and buy books from a small shop on Oak Bay Avenue owned and run by the sister of a long time friend.

Ivy's Book Store is so convenient and the ladies that work there are super fun and friendly.

I checked out the Bay and some of the racks of women's wear but nothing really stood out and besides my stomach was growling. I checked my watch and it was 1:30 so no wonder I was hungry.

I took the escalator up to the top floor and dined in the cafeteria and sat beside this seagull.

I had planned to walk home but after 5 hours of walking my feet were tired so I hopped on the bus.

Came home and polished my booties, washed the jar and put the kettle on.

I finished the book that I was reading.

I leafed through the cookbook given to me by a friend.

Soup Sisters is an organization that makes soup for the needy.

We have a local chapter here in Victoria.

They meet at The London Chef on Fort Street.

Sounds like fun!

By the time Mr. HB arrived home after his day, I was in the kitchen with my apron on making dinner.

It was a great day and I was weary so we had an early night.

I plan to schedule in another full day of play next month. 

Have a great weekend!

Fortnum and Mason Teas...

Taking tea is an everyday ritual here in The Humble Bungalow.
It might be a restorative mug sipped while doing domestic chores or it might be served in an elegant cup and saucer and savored with a magazine or a good book. Often I sit and look out the window at the garden beyond and take s few deep breaths and ponder.

Emma Bridgewater's tea tray

Good tea is essential.
Testing and seeking out blends and flavours that please your palate is worth the effort.

On our trip to Vancouver I found two such teas which I think are delicious and I am happy to share with you.

Making great tea is simple.

You must boil the kettle to a full rolling boil

put some of the boiling water in your tea pot to warm it and let it sit for a few minutes

Pour out that water then add your tea

if it is loose tea leaves you'll need

one teaspoon for each cup brewed and "one extra for the pot."

Let it steep at least 5 minutes

then using a tea strainer pour into your cup

drink plain 

or

add milk

a squeeze of lemon

and possibly a bit of sugar

it's a matter of personal taste.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the moments

taking tea is a ritual worth cultivating.

It is of of life's simple luxuries.

Like linen tea towels...

they are the towels of choice here in The Humble Bungalow

many of mine are soft and worn with regular use

I have trouble parting with them when they do get holes from years of wear.

Irish linen is wonderful

My family hails from Ireland

they fled when the potato famine struck and emigrated to the US and found their way to Canada

and settled on the west coast.

I love potatoes and can eat them every day served any way.

If I could eat nothing else for the rest of my days I would be blissfully happy 

passionate even if potatoes were on my plate 3 times a day.

One of my favourite Hostess gifts are a pair of beeswax candles wrapped in an Irish linen tea towel.

Dani Mop Philosopher has been sewing tea towels to give as gifts this Christmas

she's been busy making Scotch marmalade too.

I love to receive home made gifts

they mean so much more.

What are your most coveted Hostess gifts?

To give or to receive?

~ ~ ~

Paris Tea and The Titanic.

The lovely reader Peg sent me some teas and I am in love with Paris Tea!
Nothing says luxury better than a cup of tea brewed to perfection
served in a beautiful patterned bone china cup and saucer.
I highly recommend it for what ails you...

My favourite china tea cup is by English maker Royal Chelsea.

I love the deep wide bowl

and the pattern is so pretty and the gilt is thick.

I hand wash this very carefully, never ever will it go in the dishwasher!

I do love a special teacup to celebrate the simple pleasure of taking tea.

I cannot imagine life without tea.

It's a life saver...

The Titanic is in all the newspapers

 100 years ago that she was launched and then sank

such a tragic disaster

so many lives lost

the story still haunts us

stories that have come out years after her sinking are grim reminders of how fragile and precious life can be...

Julian Fellowes production Titanic is on the TV

it's worth a look...

I caught up on some blog reading here at Slim Paley's blog

she is a clever and talented woman

you really must not miss her blog posts

just browse her amazing photographs 

and you'll be hooked like her several thousand followers!

(of which I am one)

Life is infinitely better when sipping tea.

It elevates my pedestrian life to meet up with those of the titled and privileged.

Hostess

XO

I'd love to see your favourite tea cups

perhaps you'll send me a picture

it would make a fun post to show all the cups here in a future post.

There's your challenge people

send me your tea cup images

or link up a blog post on your tea cups for a virtual tea party!

A quickie with a few tidbits and snippets of our trip.

I've been busy getting back in action here in The Humble Bungalow and late getting to my blog.

Weekend wrap up
highlights...
we wined and dined and visited friends aboard their boat in False Creek
we walked in Stanley Park
meandering
leisurely
poking in shops
window shopping
serious shopping
reading
sleeping late in the most comfortable beds...
PURE BLISS!

19th floor

digs for the weekend

Wetizman "party shoes"

snapped just 

before we tripped the light fantastic...

Black Symplii dress

 jersey knit

rolled in a ball in my suitcase

unrolled and crinkle free

travel friendly

Debra Kay necklace

OOTE

 Italian dinner 

 before sipping a nightcap high above the clouds

42nd floor

(if memory serves)

looking at the city lights

and there were fireworks below!

When we got together with our friends

I wore a LBD sheath style with little room to lift a leg

and getting into the minivan model taxi was less than lady like!

Boarding the boat was virtually the same 

thank heavens no one was following behind me!

We had bubbly and some nibbles before we went to the

French bistro

The food was amazing and the atmosphere subtle

every table was in use

and most people were enjoying themselves...

except for one unfortunate couple who were engaged in a very heated discussion within earshot 

my friend Cheryl and I were treated to a list of expletives that made us turn around.

A couple in their late 50's to mid 60's were having a full on domestic dispute!

I've never been in a situation quite like this one.

The waiter came over and told them to take it outside!

They left promptly leaving us wondering what could have gone wrong in such a romantic establishment.

New handbag

made in Canada

by ROOTS

cross body saddle leather

in black

the tangerine cellphone case was a gift with purchase

now in the hands of lovely daughter

an everyday basic

simple

hands free

with pockets and compartments inside

easy peasy 

I'd call this bag a work horse.

Next stop was Hermes...

busy place on the day we chose to pop in

Birkins on the wrists of most of the well heeled customers

(Mr. HB whispers "what recession!")

Terre d'Hermes for Mr. HB

Voyage d'Hermes for my sister

(we wear the same scent!)

It took about 30 minutes to choose my new scarf

this was my first choice and I kept trying others with more splash and colour

but I kept coming back to this painterly pattern.

Hermes scarf

Peinture Fraiche

by Dimitri Rybaltchenko

White background

grey design

conservative

Hostess style

(it looks great with pearls!)

Belated Happy Birthday Hostess!

There's more shopping adventures to follow when I have more time

so please stay tuned...

In the meantime we have to eat so

 I made a curry for our lovely daughter and her friend in appreciation

as they house and cat sat.

We lunched at Rangoli in the Tony South Granville neighbourhood.

it's Vij's casual eatery.

The food is amazing Indian fusion

the food and flavours are complex 

my taste buds did a happy dance!

I made the chicken curry

served it over rice...

Prosecco for the ladies

beer for the gents.

I'll close with this image of a lone native plant 

which is bravely blooming in the rocky area of the school grounds.

It reminds me of my favourite Mary Engelbreit quote

"Bloom where you are planted"

Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!

Hostess