Almond Joy!

I keep coming back to the amazing products made by L'Occitane in Provence France.

This almond milk moisturizes and hydrates my skin like nothing else I have ever used...
plus it smells delicious and a little goes a long way.

Thinking of almonds

I decided to expand my experience and sample the shower gel and hand lotion.

I am pleased to say that they are worth every penny...

I received a small travel size of almond milk in the pack

 which I will come in handy when I meet my girlfriend up island for a Spa treat and a getaway at The Kingfisher.

My first impression of Retirement is that it is Blissful!

I have savoured playing with our gorgeous little Miss Isla.

She is so much fun!

Grammy's in love with her big time...and I think that Grampa is a just a wee bit of envious.

She painted him a picture so that he could get in on the action.

Thank you Isla Grampa loved it.

It's a warm and sunny day and I plan to sit and sip my afternoon tea outside

and browse and savour the latest Country Living magazine.

It's too hot to walk my route just yet...

will need to cool down a tad before I pound the pavement.

What a luxury to have the time to choose when to walk.

I took my time when I was in at the Avenue book sellers...

I browsed the shelves and found a new book to add to my ever growing pile of books beside my bed.

~ ~ ~

Time to do things at a relaxed pace is what I think I will enjoy the most about retirement.

But it is early days yet...

Thank you all for popping by and visiting my Humble Blog.

Be Well 

Remember Random Acts of Kindness never go out of style.

The very first day of retirement...

Day  One
and a recap of the events yesterday.

I am officially retired as of today!
It's been a couple of months short of 25 years with the school district.

Packing up and saying goodbye to my colleagues was difficult...
but I am THRILLED to be able to start a new chapter.

Last day of work OOTD

I wore this soft white and grey hued Hermes scarf 

 my grey Lands End cashmere cardigan 

 Gap 1969 boyfriend jeans and black Mee Too ballet flats.

I got a chuckle when I noticed that Chester had posed in the photo...

if you have been reading my blog for awhile you might remember that he hopped into the dryer 

when my back was turned and rode out a couple of spins when I turned the dryer on...

the noise and thumps were so loud I thought something was wrong with the brand new dryer

boy was he ever lucky!

I think that was one of his nine lives used up

Our BFF's met up with us last night and we went out on the town!

I used my my WW weekly Point Allowance and enjoyed a burger with yam fries...no bun!

The Bard and the Banker Pub

We arrived early as there was a special event...

The Royal Canadian Scottish Regiment

pipe and drum band were playing outside the entrance

to a crowd of tourists and locals.

Aren't these stunning?

Waterglass Studios designed and created all the light fixtures

Intricate details and period lamps 

 historic architecture 

all blend together to create a warm ambiance.

loved these white foxtail blooms

set inside tall crystal cylinders

I am a fan of bevelled glass

this section of the pub is quite cozy and private.

This morning

I ran several errands

shopped for groceries

 did some laundry and ironing.

I headed out to French Vanilla for the latest edition of Jeanne d'Arc Living

 when I was browsing the shop I found some gorgeous linen tea towels!

Sheila has such a flair for all things French

her shop is a treat to visit.

These are thick and plush and feel soft at the same time.

I adore linen towels...

It is lovely and hot outside.

The weekend weather forecast is favourable...

HOT and SUNNY!

Canada Day is being celebrated on July 1st...

there will be musical events and fireworks.

I hope you will be able to follow my Humble Bungalow Blog when Google Reader is disabled July 1st.

It should be an easy transition if you opt for Bloglovin

or you can follow me by email

or simply type in

www.hostessofthehumblebungalow.blogspot.com

into a search engine window and you should be able to keep in touch.

Thank you for popping by!

Hermes ~ the ultimate accessory

Accessories make the basic wardrobe POP!
You can own a few basics and add a few scarves or belts and shoes and you have more than a dozen outfits.

I do love pearls...they are luxe and I own more than a few strands.
Wear then in multitudes if you have them..

The best bang for your buck is a scarf...
vintage, new, designer brand or the ultimate....

Hermes.
For my money it is THE scarf to buy.
Wear it often, change up the tie.

choose a great colour palette

 a pattern that speaks to you

one that ignites passion

look at the features and fold accordingly

point to point

repeat the fold

and again

tie a knot

wrap around your neck

knot in front

ends go through each side

pull tight

voila!

simple 

longer double knot in front

loose ends

on the side

looks so casual and uncontrived...

if it looks too fussy

it is

RELAX!

Play with your scarves and you will get comfortable

I stand in front of the mirror and look to see that the tie matches the theme of the outfit and that it feels right.

Wear your scarves often

they do nothing languishing in a drawer or an orange box!

Tie one on a tote

drape one under the collar of a jacket

wear one with a swimsuit

( take it off before diving in!)

Wear two at a time

just wear them

if they are Hermes  ~ they cost you a small fortune

(if you earn a conservative salary like me)

With the weather getting warmer

I think I 'll be wrapping my Hermes around the brim of my straw hat....

There was a retirement event this evening

Thank you to all who attended

I have so much to be grateful for...

colleagues

friends

family

I was more than humbled tonight...

tears fell

easily

I am sure there will be more in the days to follow.

~ ~ ~

White Wednesday or April 24, 2013

A co-worker mentioned at coffee break that there were about 10 weeks left before school was out for the summer holidays...
I did a quick computation and give or take there are about 50 days left for me in my current job!
After 25 years this seems almost surreal.
I don't want to start counting down yet as it seems far too soon to get fixated on my departure.
Just let me do my job and maybe on the last week I'll focus on the days, hours, and minutes.
My preference is to just walk out the door with no fanfare or fuss...
a retirement event is planned as several of us are hanging up our hats but I really shy away from the spotlight.
But enough about me.

How are you enjoying Spring so far?
I've been noticing the wonderful light coming in through the windows.
(also noticing that the windows here in The Humble Bungalow are dirty!)

Do you follow Faded Charm Cottage?
It's another White Wednesday!

White and shades of white are lovely accents that seem to ooze relaxation....

Sea shell

Coral and a mollusc shell

My neighbour put this tin planter out on her boulevard

as it was "free for the taking" 

I scooped it up

and promptly bought some white geraniums from the nursery.

Our rhubarb has sprouted something rather fierce!

We have a bumper crop and Mr. HB went on the internet to see what this might be 

and decided that it needed to be cut off 

or the energy would be diverted to the flower rather than the plant.

I've been following Madame La Bas's journey in Paris.

You might just like to tag along too.

New Year, New Dreams...

Take some time to breathe deeply and look around your life

what makes you happy?

Staring out the window...

I've been so busy lately that I feel that I have been neglecting my blog.
It may be that I have been mismanaging my time or that I am trying to pack too much into each and every day.

I don't know if you read Faux Fuchsia's brilliant blog but if you do you know what an energetic and busy woman she is...
She works outside of the home at a firm that she refers to as Coalface and she has a husband, and an adorable young son. She cooks, entertains and has a gorgeous home and garden. She takes fabulous pictures and her blog never disappoints. Rush on over and meet her and tell her that I sent you!

Are you good at multi tasking?
Do you find that your time management skills are in tip top shape?

I've caught myself staring out the window meditating on life more frequently these days.
It's most likely a combination of world events and the fact that I am on the cusp of a lifestyle change.
Retirement is a big step and I want to do it well.
There are so many opportunities for renewal...
I want to explore new things, get more involved in my community and take an active role in keeping Mother moving and engaging her in some extra curricular activities.
Speaking of which...

I took my students to The Shaw Discovery Centre this week and it was such fun. There was a lot to take in and our special needs students ran from one display to another and back again! It was early and not crowded so this worked out to our advantage. The volunteers were most helpful and their knowledge and information enriched our experience. This ocean science centre has tanks of sea creatures and there is a hands on area where you can actually touch some of the creatures....star fish, sea anemones, crabs and more. If you get the opportunity to visit the centre go early and bring your young children or grandchildren.
I want to take Isla with me when I go next time!

We went to McDonalds for lunch after and the groups played in the play zone before we had a bite to eat.
It's been a long time since I've set foot in McDonalds and I was most impressed with their welcome.
Our students were so happy and their smiles were plentiful...I cannot show you the pictures as that would be a violation of their privacy rights so you'll just have to take my word for it...they loved it!

Today I am meeting up with Susan Grieg she writes the wonderful blog Arts and Crafts Bungalow.
I'll report back on our visit soon.

I think the people of Boston must be sighing with relief...
their city has been turned upside down this week.
It's all just so sad.

Be kind and gentle as you walk through life.
As John Lennon said.....Let's Give Peace a Chance.

OOTD...my new uniform.

After years of fussing when getting dressed I am happy to report that getting dressed has taken on a casual twist.
Staying close to home has brought new meaning in wearing "the uniform."
It needs to be comfortable, neat and tidy...
easy to wear and fast to assemble.

OOTD

It's simply me

the retired version

(I have a few months left to work before it's official)

I am practising for my future role!

Gap boyfriend jeans

white tank from H and M

grey cashmere from Lands End

Olsen belt

red Nine West ballet flats

Hermes scarf

I plan to invest in a few more cashmere cardigans when they go on sale

and I have oodles of scarves to pair with them.

It's my new comfort zone.

Not too sloppy...

but let's keep things simple.

Life is too short to spend everyday standing in front of the closet searching for clothes to put on.

I love the quick pick speedy way of dressing.

How about you?

Do you have a basic uniform?

I hope that your week is off to a great start.

Basics on a Budget...

Do you adhere to a budget?
I do, sort of...
it's a bit willy nilly but I do TRY!

My favourite shop for basics that do not break the budget 

they are not "cheap" 

 the CPW (cost per wearing) is what makes them a great buy.

I can ALWAYS find something that will work with my wardrobe here.

When sales are at 50% or better I only browse for the basics...
I am NEVER wooed by rampant patterns of colour...it may sound boring but when I did this in the past they were the buys that were worn once and then they hung sadly passed over forever after in the closet until they were purged by me in disgust!
The basics are neutral and are the workhorses in my wardrobe that I wear over and over again.
They are the backdrop to accessories...
think of them as a blank canvas waiting for a dab of colour or a smattering of sparkle!

I found one new basic today when getting out of the house to ease the cobwebs of inactivity and a release from the domestic chores that have taken most of my morning. In case you think I am complaining I am not...domestics are a big part of my life here in The Humble Bungalow and I truly enjoy pottering about getting things done.

Carilyn Vaile 

(made in the USA)

basic black Tee top in a weight that is flattering 

(especially great for those of us who are not comfortable wearing Spanx!)

This top looks really large but in fact it is not

the sleeves are a bit on the dolman style and 3/4 length which I like to wear at the elbow

it is very sheer and hangs close to the torso

it needs to be worn over a tank top.

This "Splendid" top was not on sale as it is Spring Stock but I liked it so much so I bought it anyway!

I love this lacy "Atmosphere" vest and it is a nice layer over top a white top

not too hot for summer either...

loose weave and it drapes wonderfully

it's

longer in the back than in the front

I think this neutral shade that I would call oatmeal is a great option for a variety of reasons

it's so versatile for starters

can be worn over a dress

pants

capri's or a skirt

it makes total sense when one opts for less rather than more clothes.

Have you been aware of the popularity of dots lately?

I m seeing them every where...

I love the cardigans at J Crew and some of the pretty dresses and scarves in the shops are all dotty.

I might splurge on a dotted scarf too but for now I opted for some cute dotty sox.

In keeping an eye on my expenditures I chose a simple Skimmia posy

which was under $10 and I later divided in two vases

one for the kitchen and one for the powder room.

I got this sweet vase from my BFF as a gift a few years ago

I love the swirly pattern on the matte white background.

Skimmia lasts weeks looking fresh

so it's a great way to stretch the budget.

My orchids are the "go to performers"

 when the Humble Bungalow Roses are not ready for picking.

Orchids are budding out but not in bloom just yet and I do so love having something in a vase to perk me up.

Orchids are budget friendly and re-bloom again and again.

What measures do you take to live within your income?

Are you a budget conscious consumer or do you spend with wild abandon?

Just thinking it might be fun to have you all chime in on this topic 

as it is one that I have been considering quite a lot of late...

what with retirement on the horizon.

I really could use some of your ideas...

Going grey and a new coif...

Planning for retirement means that a few changes are wise and prudent...
at least for a Humble Hostess as money does not grow on trees.

Thoughts on what is important, priorities and the lifestyle changes I need to make
have been occupying my mind.

One of which is my hair...
I have been going to the hairdresser every 5 -6 weeks for all over colour and a cut.
The cost of which is rather dear.
I adore my hairdresser and hope that as long as she continues to work that we will enjoy our visits but they will be less often starting now.
In consultation with my hairdresser I am not going to have all over colour anymore.
Instead there will be a few highlights added at the root line every couple of months to allow for the gradual growing in and transition of the greys!

She agreed with me that we chop a bunch off and have a new look while we embark on this new path.
I'm excited about the change!
It really pays to have someone onboard who knows your hair texture and knows what will suit your face shape.
I haven't a clue!

you can see how much shorter it is...

the weight of the length gone and now the curls spring loose

the tinsel is there at the root line

and as time goes by there will be more tress bling!

There will be a few more lifestyle changes in the works

I'll keep you posted as they surface on  the radar!

Hope that you have a wonderful weekend...