Shampoo Spa...a tonic.

A lazy start found me sipping tea in bed
the sun streaming in through the windows
with no definite plans...

What luxury!

It's been awhile since I have indulged in a professional facial and I thought my complexion looked liked it needed an intervention.
I got out my home spa potions and gave myself the royal treatment.

Microdermabrasion scrub which is gentle and safe enough to use on rosacea.

Moisten skin first

 portion out a small amount using a light hand

 move in small circular motions all over the face 

and don't forget the lips.

Rinse well and gently pat dry.

Mix Burt's Bees Mud Mask

with a little water and make a thick paste

sweep over face avoiding the eye area

let dry 5 -10 minutes and remove with warm water 

a dark coloured facecloth is needed for this job.

(as this has stained my white ones before!)

Mist face with water 

or use toner

then slather on moisturizer.

Do not apply make up 

let your skin breathe and glow in it's natural state.

The blood will have been flowing with this attention so you might be a wee bit pink.

Do not worry this is temporary and I have the same reaction when I go to the spa.

This scrub is divine!

(thank you DIL and son)

It sloughs off those unsightly bumps on elbows...

but I use it all over for a silky transformation.

Be careful to wipe out your tub or shower after 

as this product does make it slippery!

Now it's time to moisturize head to toe...

I love Shea body butter for it's luxe spa effect.

Wrap yourself up in a cozy robe...

The robe is not glamourous or chic

but it does have a soft plush feel and is so very cozy 

that I will wear it until it wears out!

It's a humble robe.

Hostess approved Aveda Shampure.

This wonderful shampoo washes my hair, all my cashmere and my brushes.

The middle brush is from Aveda 

the other two are so old I cannot remember where I got them...

I do know though that it pays to buy the best brushes that you can afford 

as they will last forever with the right care.

 (like great lingerie)

Clean

 free from product build up

now air drying in the sunshine.

Did you ever see that classic movie Shampoo?

I love it and will watch it anytime it's on TV.

Here's a montage of clips from the film...

there is some harsh language be warned before you go

  here!

Don't forget to keep hydrated throughout your in home spa day

pour sparkling water into a glass with a wedge or two of lemon for a refreshing drink.

Put it in a pretty glass, perhaps a champagne flute

your spa day should be a rich luxe experience 

one that soothes and rejuvenates

and restores.

During this busy festive season it makes sense to slow down.

Finding some time to pamper yourself 

which restores a sense of calm will go a long way toward

achieving a relaxed state of mind

which is much more attractive and chic than a tired and frazzled one!

Take care and be kind to yourself and to others.

Use gentle words and be mindful...

Roman Holiday....

I do so love the romantic movie Roman Holiday.
Dashing Gregory Peck and the exquisite Audrey Hepburn in her American debut performance.
The movie was made in 1953 two years before I was born and stands the test of time.
I love to watch it, and usually see it once every year.
If you have not seen it you might enjoy looking and listening here.

It's hot and sunny here and the shopping needs to be done.
I have my market basket, sunglasses and a new silk scarf...
feeling very much like I'd love to be on holiday in Roma....

I found this vintage silk hand rolled scarf in a thrift shop

and after touching the fabric

eyeing the stitching

and opening it up to reveal the intricate design

I knew it would need to come home with me.

Hermes you have some serious competition!

This colour palette will work well with denim and greys

and none of my Hermes scarves are in this colour range.

Plus an added bonus was that it was under $10!

not the $400 that I usually spend at the Hermes Boutique.

I have no idea who the designer is...

if you recognize it perhaps you would be kind enough to advise me.

Is the signature Constantino?

I am not too sure...

All this talk of Italy has made me think of pasta!

For dinner I am preparing a simple sauce made with San Marzano DOC tomatoes,
Only grown in and around Mount Vesuvius,
(sweeter and tastier than most tomatoes because they are grown in that volcanic ashy soil)

spicy Italian sausage sauteed with garlic and onions,
oregano
salt and pepper

simmered for an hour.

Yum! 

The Humble Bungalow is scented highly with this tasty goodness.

All I need to do is cook the pasta and dinner's done.
Easy Peasy.

                                                            
                                                                           Ciao for now!

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!

Stop, Look and Listen....

A few weeks ago I entered a blog giveaway...
Adrienne of  The Rich Life on a Budget  generously offered gifts from Luxuria.
I find it hard to believe, but my name was chosen randomly!

The ring that Adrienne gave away is from Vanessa at Luxuria
please do pop on over and look at all her sparkly Bling!

Good things come in small packages!

I love the grossgrain ribbon bow 

and look it's in my favourite colours

black and white!

Adrienne has her own blogger cards

a nice touch...

As is her habit

Pepper had to supervise

She is licking the tissue paper

the tip of her tongue is just visible if you look ever so close.

Playtime continues...

The ring fits perfectly 

and in case you are interested the colour is Fume

it is multi faceted and really sparkles 

I am also planning to use it as a scarf ring

because of it's size 

it makes a statement and will not be lost in a scarf.

I am thrilled!

Thank you Adrienne 

and 

Vanessa

Pepper loves the bow

she's got her paw firmly planted

and she doesn't want me taking it from her

I'll let her play with it to her hearts content.

Yesterday I meandered in the garden 

in the sunshine with my camera...

Janet at the Gardener's Cottage 

enjoyed a morning walkabout with her camera

she has roses blooming

it will be several months before ours will even hint at flowering.

King Alfred daffodils

succulents have taken over the bird bath

this is what I call a happy accident

Hellebore

Hellebore

I love these but have forgotten the names!

Hellebore

another variety unknown

English primroses 

English Country Living 

with 

a springtime theme

I'll be sipping tea while perusing this luxe magazine.

Spring-ing into

Fashion 

In Style UK

can't wait to see what they are forecasting...

I will be offline

 and

 incommunicado

for the next few days...

I plan to

 read some books

 watch some DVD's

live simply

listen to the sounds of the birds

look at details - absorb beauty

breathe in the fresh air

 eat simple wholesome food

walk

ponder and reflect

Take care,

Hostess

Berry, grape and Coco...maybe.

Berry tinted lip gloss from AVEDA

My new summer shade

it's full of moisture

protection

from the sun with SPF

and easy to apply

affordable

small enough to pop in a pocket

mine goes into my cargo pant leg pocket and I reapply whenever I feel the need

soft smooth lips are mine

My newest read...

I love the luscious looking grapes

This story is about a couple who take up residence in the South of France in an old stone house

my idea of romance and fun!

The lovely Julianne Moore
such a beauty, poised, elegant and sultry.

Lighter reading and some ideas for Fall

it's windy and hot here

I am keeping hydrated with water

hard to concentrate on the Fall Fashion forecast!

Fabulous issue full of inspiration and charming decor

Run out and get a copy if you like the Country look.

This is a keeper!

My new journal

for jotting down notes and observations

Authors who visit our school Library 

recommend this as a valuable tool for writers and budding authors everywhere.

I am hoping to see this movie soon...

What are you doing with your weekend?

Wishing you fun from here.

Hugs from the Hostess

I almost forgot, pardon me ...pictures were requested.

Debra K and Linda Lundstrom

Self portrait, sort of...

I need a longer mirror!

A couple of quick pics...the jacket as requested.

It is a small Bungalow...and Mr.HB is at the Firm.

It's just me and my camera...

I even put on my glasses.

No worries.

Use your imagination

I watched a film that made me weep....The Blind Side.

Sandra Bullock was amazing...

Humour me here...please.

I think that there are more amazing women whose stories could and should be told.

Maybe you know one of them?

Maybe you are one of them?