I can see clearly now....

After procrastinating for months...
I finally got around to purchasing new glasses.
Several readers asked to see what they looked like when I got them...
so I took a couple of selfies in the bathroom!

The glasses are from Paris made by a company called Face a Face.

They have a few fun details that make them a bit more interesting than my previous pair which were also by Face a Face.

Check out the shoes!!!

I'm seeing much clearer now.

On the same visit I ordered Maui Jim sunglasses 

made up with my new prescription.

It was a wee bit of a splurge but the coating was wearing off my previous sunglasses 

the lenses were so scratched that when I wore them 

the world around me looked fuzzy!

And with such lovely things to admire in our neck of the woods 

why not be able to see them better?

My sister gave me a bar of pink Zote soap...

I just realized that you can see my reflection in the LG dial!

Clever perhaps?

not really

'twas an accident.

Have you ever heard of this soap?

It's new to me

she said it is an excellent laundry stain remover.

She spends time in Palm Springs in the winter and this is where she discovered its remarkable stain removing powers...

Speaking of new products...

have you tried David's Teas?

I was surprised that they carry so many different blends of teas.

This one caught my eye...perhaps it was the name

"Forever Flawless"

I like the taste 

brew a big mug full every day 

to sip it while I work around the house...

it helps to keep me hydrated and hopefully it is also helping my skin.

My skin tends to be dry, especially during the winter months 

I put that down to the the cold air outside and our forced air furnace.

I am diligent with my weekly exfoliation habit and I use moisturizer morning and night.

Avene mineral water spray helps add extra moisture throughout the day.

Drinking extra fluids...

(non caffeinated fluid)

 is important.

I read somewhere that for every cup of coffee one drinks 

that you need to drink 3-4 glasses of water to balance out 

the diuretic effect of that cup of coffee!

Made a roast beef dinner this past week...

one of the perks of making a roast is that there are leftovers to reheat the next evening.

Cook once dine twice is my kind of time saver!

Hope your week is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday thoughts January. 2018....

I finally purchased a new IPhone case...

my other one was chipped and the coating was peeling off

 every time I looked at it it made me cringe so why it took me so long to find a new one is beyond me.

I'm experiencing disrupted sleep

it is most likely stress

but

like many women of my age 

who frequently find that our sleep wake rhythms change

the nights feel rather long when one lies awake 

listening to the ticking of the clock

I am trying to come to terms with these new sleep patterns

but it is not easy.

In the morning when I wake up and look in the mirror 

I see that my eyes are puffy 

and my skin has creases on the side of my face

from lying on my pillowcase.

I  googled "wrinkles on the face from sleeping" and to my surprise discovered that if one uses a satin or silk pillowcase that these wrinkles will be reduced.

I was really skeptical 

but with several leading dermatologists endorsing the product 

I thought that I better give it a try...

 after one night of sleep

I am thrilled to tell you they really do WORK!

I did not wake up "Feeling Glamorous like the box indicates 

but I woke up and was happy to see that the deep creases were not imprinted on my cheek!

I also have introduced a healthy product into my skincare regime

At bedtime after cleansing my skin

I apply a small amount of coconut oil on my face.

It is super emollient and feels so soft in the morning.

This large jar was under $10 and it will last a long time...

and you can use it all over the body.

I am taking life one day at a time...

seeking small comforts and snippets of beauty

where I can find it in my daily round...

it is a lot harder to find than it used to be

and 

if I had a magic wand I would wave it and erase all the bad stuff in our world.

I will continue...

to do my best.

Home keeping

cooking

taking care of my husband

offering support to our family

tending to our cats 

and 

walking.

sharing random acts of kindness

Cocooning and recharging....

behind closed doors.

Its also the time of year when I like to replace some of my lingerie

so this is on the top of my list of things to do 

perhaps I'll get around to it this week.

Have you got a long list of things to do this month?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Fading beauty...and my personal thoughts on aging

This beautiful rose was once a stunning bloom

but she is fading in her beauty

but still worth a look...

This rose got me thinking about aging...

aging gracefully

naturally 

perhaps with some elegance.

How does one age well?

And I do not mean Botox or plastic surgery...

its not for me.

How do I

ease into my advancing senior years

with the face that I was born with 

embracing the lines and wrinkles 

that are the result of years of laughter?

There are certain things that we can all do to help us look more "radiant."

Ali McGraw looks the picture of health and she glows.

I was impressed by this article.

She is such a radiant beauty both inside and out...

a fabulous role model.

Thoughts that may help navigate the road ahead are basics like...

Exercise 

eating healthy 

getting a decent night's rest

alleviating as much stress as possible

experiencing joy and happiness whenever the opportunity arises

listening to our "hearts" 

expanding our horizons which may be travel or going to local cultural events

learning something new to keep us fresh

helping others

staying in touch with friends and family

finding and making time for creativity

"First impressions"

  tell those who meet us about ourselves 

(whether we like it or not) 

how we dress and what we say conveys a lot...

good manners and kindness

go a long way.

At 62 and not the freshest rose in the bouquet...

I try to focus on

wearing neat, comfortable and (hopefully) flattering outfits

paying attention to style

dressing in clothing that is honest and genuine 

a reflection of my personality...

some days it may be a classic LBD

or 

jeans and a Tee with a cashmere sweater and Chelsea boots

which just happens to be my "uniform."

I try always to look put together...

some days it is more difficult than others!

The word "Frumpy" scares me.

My Mother managed to look well dressed well into her 80's and I never thought that she looked frumpy or dowdy.

Skincare...

 has always been important to me.

People look at our faces when we meet and greet each other.

From the time that I went to The Hudson Bay's Saturday charm school 

where among other things

we were instructed on how to wash and care for our skin.

(in that era it was Yardley's oatmeal soap and Noxema or Nivea)

I have been preoccupied with taking care of my complexion.

Today

we have thousands of options...

and how does one choose?

I have been testing a new moisturizer.

It is super emollient, which my dry skin needs, but is not greasy.

The results are a dewy rosy glow which I quite like.

I think that my skin looks healthier...

but maybe I am just hopeful

seeking a fresher rose

one that is petal soft and blush pink!

Two rose scented hard working products from a previous delivery of

  My Stylish French Box

they are almost gone

 are truly quite amazing...

 I have been using them on my hands and feet with really great results.

I'll have to see if I can buy them online.

In the whole scheme of things our inner beauty traits 

are far more important 

than how we look on the outside...

Kindness

compassion

a giving nature...

They are the real super stars when we really think about it.

While I like to buy new things 

I plan to cultivate and focus on some inner improvements this month...

What are your thoughts on aging gracefully?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Skincare and make up Hostess Style ~ in response to a reader

One of the many things that I enjoy about blogging
is receiving private emails from readers.

Once in awhile, a question is posed or a specific request slips into the mail.
Often that prompts or inspires me to write a blog post.

This past weekend I was asked my opinion and recommendations on "green" skincare products. This is an area that I cannot address without a significant amount of time and research...so I will leave that to those who are much more qualified.

I bow to the experts at The Environmental Working Group.

This site is user friendly and one can look up many of the products currently on the market and read about the pros and cons of the ingredients.

If you are interested in what I have discovered that works for me
I am happy to share...keep reading.

My skin is mature, sensitive and I have rosacea.

I have discovered that skin is a reflection of genetics and general health.
Our skin says much about our lifestyle and what we eat.

Cosmetics can augment and enhance beautiful skin,
or they can cover up a problematic complexion.

I indulged in a professional Hydra Facial at the Spa and it was amazing...
a specialized machine was used to cleanse my skin,
a gentle peel was applied that unclogged pores,
emollient serums followed and when the facial was finished
my skin felt soft, supple and it glowed.
I plan to go back for another facial in a few months...
perhaps after the summer season.

Hostess Skin care Tips...

Start by choosing fresh fruits and vegetables,
drinking lots of water and eating small portions of protein.
Exercise (for me that means walking and also practising Yoga),
Aim for 8 hours of sleep
Reduce stress as much as possible
Wear sunscreen and or avoid the sun altogether.
Embrace joy and beauty everyday
Adopt the attitude of gratitude and give thanks...
Smile!

For things that you can buy pop into your local pharmacy
or the beauty counter in your department store.

I opt for a mix of high and low priced potions.

For those that do no "stay on the skin" I use a less expensive but a quality line...
there are many good ones out there you just need to experiment to see which ones work for your skin type.

My skin is prone to rosacea so I need to treat it kindly...

Gentle Avene products work for me.

Anti redness cleansing milk and mask are two in my skincare arsenal.

I avoid hot water.

The more expensive Spa line by Methode Physiodermie...

for the products that stay on and those that need to perform. 

I love the Bio-Gommage 

which exfoliates efficiently with a minimum of irritation.

I use it once a week.

My skin gets slightly pink but it doesn't stay that way for long.

The anti redness emulsion I use sparingly each morning

 followed by the Emulsion for Sensitive Skin.

Then I wait a few minutes before applying my make up.

Make up is light and takes 5 minutes.

5 products for daytime = 5 minutes

Mineral make up

Eye brow tint

eye shadow

mascara

Lipstick

SPF 20 mineral make up

use with a light hand or for more coverage it can be built up

used with a big brush it is easy to apply.

Amethyst eye shadow by La Bella Donna

an everyday colour for my hazel coloured eyes.

For evening

I simply add blush and eye liner for a bit more of a dramatic effect

and apply a darker shade of lipstick.

I have posted before about skincare and make up...

to read previous posts please scroll down on the right hand side bar to the "labels section"

click on the titles "skincare" and "make up"

I love the following quote...

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. 

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

Hostess

XO

Holiday dressing ~ Hostess Style

Today I want to chat about my thoughts on dressing for the holiday season.
Views are strictly my own and I am not professing to be an expert on fashion...

Hostess Style aka Grammy Style,
is an honest, comfortable, and affordable way of dressing.
I have new, vintage, and thrift shop finds in my closet.

Essentially, I dress to camouflage my figure flaws,
drawing focus on the better bits and minimizing the mid section!

My wardrobe is small, curated, and bordering on spartan,
and it leans decidedly toward conservative...
The colours tend to be mostly black and grey.

Black is so versatile that I keep getting drawn back to it time and again.
It looks dressy in daylight and elegant at night. You get a lot of mileage out of black clothes as they go with everything...that's the "practical" coming out in my personality!

Black is rather like a backdrop,
a black canvas perhaps, just waiting for accessories.

The iconic LBD is still as popular today
as it was when it was first introduced many decades ago...

I own several little black dresses and they are so easy and effortless to wear.

I recently purchased a simple black skirt that sits slightly above the knee.
It will get worn quite a bit over the holidays and can be dressed up or dressed down. I already own several pairs of black shoes; flats, kitten heels and pumps as well as Chelsea boots.
This budget friendly addition is a welcome garment for the festive season.

At this time of year I like to add a bit of sparkle...

St. John black knit top with beads...

great with my new skirt or pants.

Can you imagine this top worn with my boyfriend jeans

black leather "moto jacket" and Chelsea boots?

Vintage wool and sequin top from Woodwards,

It's party time!

Sparkly jewels

J Crew necklace and two vintage Sherman brooches.

Festive dressing can involve a few bling-y pieces and at this time of year I like to play at bit more with accessories when dressing up.

I also like to take some extra time with my skin care regime.

A morning spent quietly sipping tea and giving myself a facial 

is my idea of luxury.

Sleep has been hit and miss for me for the past few months 

I go to sleep but wake in the night and I do not fall back asleep easily.

Unfortunately this pattern of waking seems to show up on my face...

it is actually bugging me as I used to be such a great sleeper.

As a result 

I have been focusing more on healthy eating 

making sure that I stay hydrated

taking time to set aside a few minutes to meditate

and focus on my breathing

I also think that I need to get back to practising Yoga in the New Year.

Bone broth with turmeric

Nourish, just as its name suggests, serves healthy nutritious food. 

Many of the options are dairy and gluten free.

Poached eggs on a bed of kale, mushrooms and sweet potatoes 

topped with a cashew cream hollandaise.

Nom Nom!

So how do you like to dress for the holidays?

Are you drawn to bright colours or do you prefer neutrals?

What, if anything, are you planning to add to your wardrobe?

I like to add a splash of scent everyday

and two of my favourites are

Mitsouko by Guerlain and Jour d' Hermes

Hope your week is off to a great start...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD and some budget friendly ideas

My "new to me" thrifted cognac coloured vintage Due Fratelli bag inspired me to take out my old Burberry jacket which I have not worn for ages.

This jacket was an "investment" piece.

I purchased it when I was working.

It was worn almost every chance I got when it was new 

but of late it has languished in the closet.

I have a weakness when it comes to coats and jackets...

Quite a few are in hanging my wardrobe, a mix of casual and dressy.

Some new and others thrifted.

Walking jackets make up a good portion of these and there are a few cold weather down options in the closet too.

A priority for me "being prepared for all kinds of weather."

~ OOTD ~

Burberry jacket, NYDJ, Jessica Simpson flats, Due Fratelli bag

what you cannot see is the 

thrifted crisp white shirt by Northern Reflections and my baroque pearl necklace.

"Retirement dressing"

Mixing high and low priced pieces help me stay within a budget.

I have a book where I record all the garments that I purchase so I can keep track of my expenditures.

It is surprising how it adds up!

My retirement budget also requires me to mix high and low priced cosmetics and skincare products.

The newest items in my arsenal of products...

Jane Iredale Dream Tint with an SPF of 15

100% natural Brilliant Lip Shimmer by Burts' Bees in Cherry

I love a pop of red in the Fall and Winter.

this is not a sponsored post

 opinions are mine, and are posted for the convenience of my readers

I switched from the powdered Jane Iredale foundation to the tinted moisturizer 

it adds a soft glow and boosts moisture levels

works with my dry skin.

The Brow Drama is like mascara for the eyebrows...

I have found that a spa eyebrow tint lasts only a few weeks 

then the coarse white hairs are visible again...

This product is under $10 and lasts for months.

Spa visits are few and far between...

pedicures in sandal season and possibly one or two facials each year.

While I love the pampering I cannot afford to indulge as often as I would like.

I have fun doing my own facials.

Often I will dedicate a morning to some self care

using products similar to those available at the spa.

This red rose looks so pretty against the soft yellow siding of our neighbours' home.

Thankfully the wild storm that was predicted did not hit us as hard as we expected.

The book that I have been waiting for at the library arrived!

In the spirit of thrift I have been reserving books at the library instead of purchasing every book that I want to read...

Hope you are having a fun weekend.

Are you saving for something special?

Do you try to live within your budget?

Thank you for stopping by my humble blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Skin Dew a Hydration booster

Generally speaking I am happy with my Eminence skin care products
but in the past few weeks my skin has been feeling a wee bit dry.

I drink a LOT of Perrier so I don't think that I am dehydrated...and our summer has been long and hot so maybe that is a contributing factor.

It could also be aging, or hormones, or a combination of both...

While my friend Cheryl was stocking up on tea at Silk Road Tea Company...
I was browsing their skin care items.

When I spied their "cult favourite" Nourishing Dew popular for over 20 years...
 a sample was offered to me.
 I was impressed by the consistency and the key ingredients...
a little goes a long way.

Locally made which makes me feel even better about my purchase.

Taken from their website...
skincare benefits

Renowned for its radiant effect, NOURISHING DEW is a beloved cult favourite. When you use it regularly you’ll discover why. Happy clients of all ages & skin types have used this product for over 20 years, & their beautiful skin is a testament to the amazing benefits.

- regenerates, repairs, nourishes, re-balances & restores 
- gives skin an instant, luminous glow
- optimizes skin to function at a peak level while moisturizing
- powerful antioxidant, nutrient rich oils & botanicals encourages a healthy, glowing complexion
- prevents & diminishes visible signs of aging (combine with JADE ANTI-AGING SERUM for best results)

mindfulness benefits

- designed to have a soothing, powerfully harmonizing, mood balancing effect 

how to use

Apply NOURISHING DEW after washing face, before make-up (as a primer), before bed & anytime your skin needs hydration or a radiant, healthy, youthful glow. 

I am applying a few drops before bedtime and it feels wonderful,
my skin feels softer after just a week and it smells absolutely wonderful!

Now I am tempted to buy the Jade Serum for an extra punch of potency...
it was sold out as it is so popular they have trouble keeping it in stock!

I booked in for a facial in the Silk Road Spa and will report back on my experience in an upcoming post.

Hope that you are having a great week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

August greetings...sunny daze.

Thank you for your well wishes on my blogging break...
I am enjoying my time off line and thinking of post ideas as I spend my days leisurely reading, walking and relaxing in the warm summer sun.

Today is the first day of August...and I thought that I would check in.

I have started this book and have read about 5 books in the past few weeks.

This one is taking me awhile to get into it but the characters are quirky and their lives seem very dysfunctional.

I have been wearing these lovely fresh water grey baroque pearls most days.

Darling daughter gave me these last Christmas.

They elevate the simple outfits that I have been wearing.

With the hot days I have been wearing a simple black bamboo dress that is loose.

My straw hat and prescription sunglasses have been essential to keep the sun off my face.

I tend to keep my summer skincare routine light and simple.

Eminence sunscreen powder is water resistant and goes on easily with a brush.

I use it after cleansing and moisturizing.

Then apply with a big brush a dusting of Jane Iredale's foundation.

Lastly a light application of

Jane Iredale's mascara and her lip plumper in the Tokyo shade.

Keeping hydrated with a lime margarita on the deck!

So I will close for now and get back to my book.

I hope that your summer is going well.

I will be back soon.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~