OOTD...what I wore running errands for Mother.

The sun is shining and Mother is feeling much better
my stress is starting to ebb.
Mother gave me a list of things to do for her as she is not quite ready to step out of her condo and pop herself into her BMW convertible just yet.

I finally got to wear my newest grape drape bamboo dress by Gilmour.

I paired it with my newest Hermes silk scarf.

donned some artsy earrings

these are as old as the hills

made by a creative girlfriend 

I have never tired of them and they have survived every jewelry purge.

I took myself out for a bite of lunch before returning to Mother's condo.

Beet, orange, feta and kale salad

I sat outside among the plants on a French iron chair and a matching table

in the nursery/cafe that is known as The Demitasse.

I met and had coffee with Pondside at this cozy little spot.

I took deep breaths and savoured the tastes of the delicious ingredients and sipped a tall cool glass of water.

Kale is so delicious and nutritious

it was just what I needed.

I had my hair cut and tinted today

and 

I feel refreshed.

I bought this in Seattle on my hour at Nordstrom's.

baby soft linen

unconstructed with a relaxed summer

vibe.

off white on the outside pure white inside

this will be going out with Hermes peinture fraiche at some point

Did you see what clever ideas Janice from the Vivienne files came up with for my scarf?

Let me refresh your memory.

I bought two new tanks for layering

women in mid life know all about the advantages of layering

it's not a secret that

we can keep our cool with grace.

can you see the theme going on here?

Peinture fraiche

is inspiring me no end

~ ~ ~

since having discovered bamboo clothing 

I think I could live in yoga pants and tanks all day long

and be very happy inside my wee Bungalow.

The kind of happy that says a freshly brewed cup of tea, 

take one magazine

a sunny spot

 a comfy chair

and 

in view of some gorgeous roses...

Mother's on the mend and I am feeling so relieved

immense gratitude is filling me up.

I've booked myself into the spa for a manicure/pedicure next week

so I am taking care of myself

and thank you all for your kind comments. 

If anyone knows where I can find another bread tin like this vintage one please let me know.

Peg from Comox covets mine and I'd like to help her find one.

Today

give yourself permission to be lovely and beautiful.

Hostess

XO

TGIF and my newest scarf trick

Gosh I am so happy that it's Friday.
Nasty pain has been an unwelcome issue plaguing my upper back and neck.
OUCH!
I have had one massage and am scheduled for another one later today.
My masseuse has magic hands you'll have to trust me, she really is worth her weight in gold.

I think it must have been swimming laps at the pool that made these muscle seize and go into spasm.

I have been avoiding the computer and so there has been a lack on my part of commenting on the comments that you have so kindly left...
my shoulders seem to be up at my ears when I type so please accept my humble apologies...

In a magazine I was perusing I saw a new scarf trick which I liked very much because it felt less structured than my usual ties.
So I grabbed one of my Hermes scarves and simply tied in once and then on the second knot I didn't pull the end all the way through...

I'll pop a jacket over this and the scarf will add just a dash of colour

it will certainly say "rain rain go away"

and I hope it does!

The garden flowers are enjoying the moisture...

Last week when I went to the Spa 

(salt scrub, massage and wrap)

they offered me fresh fruit and yogurt 

tea and sparkling water.

Nibbling in the posh atmosphere wearing a plush white terry robe made me feel like royalty.

I did feel spoiled...

(thank you Santa!)

So

I have been indulging in French Vanilla Activia here in The Humble Bungalow

ever since...

I try to seize these snippets and savour them.

I wish you all a weekend with many moments of happiness and JOY!

Be Well.

Cold winters and a skin care S.O.S

My skin dries out in the flashiest of flashes...
and not those of the menopausal kind.

The kind that is brought on by cold winter temperatures, those on the minus side of zero.
My skin has been rather parched by being outdoors and when indoors the central heating wreaks havoc on it too.
I have a small patch on my cheek that looks flakey despite my best efforts to keep my skin exfoliated and moisturized.
I find this exasperating....

I suppose I obsess about my skin...
with a no make up look I cannot slack off in the skin department.

I'd rather spend money on my skin than buy a new outfit or handbag.
It's something people notice right away when they meet you.

A frosty welcome...

 not my style

( in case you are wondering...I am NOT a doormat!)

I am not vain

nor beautiful

or remarkable in any way, shape, or form

I am

 an aging woman

who has started to sag

wrinkle

with a waistline on the move

expanding hips

who chooses to focus on her skin

as there will be no cosmetic surgery

no nips 

nor tucks

or magic tricks

just due diligence

and

a happy attitude towards the future.

“Nature gives you the face you have when you are twenty. 

Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But it is up to you to earn the face you have at fifty.”

~ Coco Gabrielle Chanel ~

I am going to make an appointment for a professional facial.
It's been months since I had one.
(I will use the gift certificate I received from Mr. HB at Christmas)
I enjoy a little pampering...

My daily army of products are these 5 basics...

I regularly have a home spa day for exfoliation and a mud masque.

The Olay version of the Clairsonic is a great tool which I use several times a week.

Rosacea is a tricky skin condition that needs lots of TLC.

The Sea Buckthorn ointment is only used at night.

I love it when companies put together packages...

this one has eye make up remover and eye cream.

I have not been a regular user of eye cream because my eyes are so reactive.

Rosacea affects the eyes too.

Interesting that the size of these two products are the regular sizes that are on the shelf not travel sizes.

The cost for both was $10 more than the eye make up remover alone.

French women value their skin and take great pains to maintain their complexions.

My Inner French Girl is listening...

I will be visualizing 

smoother, plumper, softer, clearer, more radiant skin.

Mother disapproves of spending money on facials and pedicures

she has never gone to a Spa.

My sister and I are trying to persuade her to go with us so we can all be pampered together.

My sister has booked all three of us into a luxe resort in February

which BTW has an outstanding Spa...

so we'll see what happens.

How do you feel about skin care?

Would you consider a face lift, Botox, Restylane ?

If you do, or did, would you tell anyone?

 or 

would you keep it secret?

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...

Tonic for a tired soul....

Life has been rather fraught with challenges and work has been busy
so last night I gave in to fatigue and retired early with two of my favourite things...

I have not indulged in Chocolate for months

but I have not forgotten it's healing properties.

I love to pop a square on my tongue and let it gently melt...

I am just eating up this delicious read.

It's about Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley 

and the days that they lived in Paris

hobnobbing with Gertude Stein, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald,

 and assorted other characters of note.

If you are like me you'll want to read this while you are cooking supper!

I slept rather late so I apologize that this post is a bit short on words

but considering the high calorie content I hope that you will not mind.

I hope that your weekend is of to a great start.

T.G.I.F.

I am taking my lovely daughter for lunch

to be followed by an afternoon of pampering at the Spa.

What's on your agenda?

Don't forget the giveaway from two posts back...I am drawing a name next Monday!

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

and the book goes to...

It's just past 10:00 and we have drawn a name of the lucky recipient of the giveaway book.

official time clock

I was going to use a bag but decided on the pudding bowl instead

entries

Mr. HB drew a name

Julianne

Congratulations!

please email me with your address and I'll pop this book in the Post for you.

It's been a blissful day

Mr. HB and I had an fabulous afternoon at the Spa.
We both gave each other Spa gift certificates for Christmas, which was a surprise and a coincidence.

We relaxed in the mineral pool before having hot stone massages. These were followed by a delicious dinner out in the historic dining room of Hotel where the Spa is located.
We enjoyed our meal with one glass of wine and many glasses of water, which we were advised to drink to help with the detoxification that accompanies a massage.

I started with a mushroom risotto and had the vegetarian meal which was a crepe filled with quinoa, kale, beets, beans and topped with a carrot puree.

Mr. HB started with crab bisque and for his main had Seafood Mac n' Cheese...we were too full for dessert and the effects of the massages were making us feel very weary so we declined dessert and ate the two wee truffles and macarons that were presented with the bill and left for home.

I do go fairly regularly for pedicures and facials but I do not often opt for massage.
These treats are something that I do not feel guilty about, I save in other areas so I can indulge once in awhile...and in Marissa's book she also suggests saving for what you love and economizing on things that do not matter to you.

Last year we experienced the hot stone massage while on holiday at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, B.C. at the Ancient Cedars Spa The scenic location and wonderful amenities offered here are of the highest quality.
To get us in the mood we were seated outdoors in adirondack chairs wrapped in terry robes covered with blankets, our feet soaking in shallow bowls of warm scented water. The view of the ocean was breathtaking and beautiful. Our treatments were performed side by side in an airy room high up overlooking the beach with the sound of the surf surging on the shore.
Such a luxury and one that was new to us, which has left us craving for more.

I highly recommend this destination should you ever find yourself travelling to these parts.

I am taking a large bottle of water to my bedroom and will be snug under the duvet in a matter of minutes....

Sweet dreams and hope that your weekend has moments of bliss.

Spa-cation Hostess Style...

I spent a well earned day at the Spa soaking in the Mineral Pool and soothing my garden weary muscles...
several 4 hour days of intense gardening had my body complaining.
I dream of a strong gardener they way some may desire a lover......

My toes touchdown on the infloor heated tile.

Peru B Ruby by OPI

(my summer go-to shade)

The SPA 

has water, teas, snacks, Bento boxed lunches,

 steam room, sauna, mineral pool, hot tub, pool,

plush terry robes, showers, and an assortment of comforts to meet every need.

I go there because I get the best treatment 

 it's not cheap

it's a luxe treat

I make it part of my routine

and I save in other areas 

to make this happen.

It's a great tonic !

I am planning some major changes in the garden and have committed them to paper

I have discussed these with Mr. HB and he says he will help me!

It involves sod, moving some established Agapanthus Alba plants, digging up 2 roses that I will be putting on the boulevard for FREE!

I want a chartreuse and white border in one area...

Lady's Mantle, White Agapanthus

I need a larger green space

for croquet and play

I chopped up too much for bedding...

what was I thinking?

I am loving my Limelight Hydrangeas

they are greedy with water 

I adore their hue

I bought 3 last year and they are divine in their grouping

nudging each other.

The Lilac Asters are a mess

but they are abuzz with honey bees

so I am keeping them until they wilt

there is a problem with bees and many hives have collapsed

(such a concern)

so I am being GREEN

keeping the bees happy

hostessing

here in the Garden.

I'll dig them out in the Fall

no matter what season

or the weather conditions

there's a job to be done

if you have the pleasure of owning a garden.

(it's a life of work)

LOVE is more like it!

The Hostess took her toes to a school instead of a spa....what's that all about?

My houseguest Mrs. M and I went to have our toes done at the School where the Aveda estheticians learn their craft. 

I mentioned that I would report and report is what I am about to do.

I usually go to a large hotel with a spa in town where I am pampered and treated like a Royal!

I must confess I like this treatment! 

The plush terry robes, the mineral pool, sauna and steam rooms, the zen-like atmosphere, fizzy water, herbal teas and bento boxed spa lunches, candle lit rooms with silky sheets and cuddly heated blankets and beds.

Infused with the soft sounds of the rainforest the treatment rooms that are an oasis.

A girl could get used to this and if time and money were no object...I might dabble on a bi-weekly or at least a monthly basis...

(but that is not reality for the Hostess)

Did I mention that the staff are exceptional and service many a world weary traveller, the standards are above and beyond.

I am wearing OPI I am Really Not Just a Waitress and my shy toes are sporting some bling...for the camera.

The experience was less than thrilling for me, and I do not consider myself a snob.

The mainfloor storefront was immaculate and the Aveda displays were artfully arranged, there was water, tea and a variety of current magazines in the waiting room and a large and welcoming staff on hand.

We were called by name and herded upstairs through a warren of rooms to a cubicle which had curtains dividing and defining the treatment area.

The treatment area was dusty and the linens were obviously old and had been laundered so often they were off white.

The esthetician was delightful, professional and skilled.

She was neat and tidy and cute as a button.

She did all she could to make my time there a wonderful experience.

She has a job waiting her when she graduates next month.

I couldn't help but compare this pedicure with the grand spa experience...unfair I suppose, but at 1/3 of the cost of what I usually spend I would have to say it was OK.

It was a no frills pedicure...I am wondering how it will last comparing it to my usual...which lasts 4-5 weeks.

I am not looking for OK when spa-ing....I'm looking for over the top.

I don't do it often so I am willing to pay more.

I guess it just proves that you get what you pay for!

I am in need of a facial...and hope that I can convince my "Spa Buddy BFF" to arrange a date so we can indulge.

Closing now...getting the Bungalow back in order as our guests have departed, laundry is in the washer and dryer, spaghetti is simmering, Mr. HB is watching the News, he's poured me a G and T...I plan to go to bed early tonight.

Sweet dreams and Hugs from the Hostess!

I am busy Hostessing in the Bungalow....so it's a brief post!

I have been very busy being a hostess and enjoying the events.

I like to focus on guests when they are here in the Bungalow...I have standards to maintain!

There has been a lot of errand running and shopping involved as my friend lives on an island and comes to town occasionally.

Last night Mrs. M and I went and met another friend for some Thai food at a local restaurant. I did not take my camera as I feel rather shy snapping shots in a small eatery.

I need to practice my spy skills and use a tiny camera which is hidden up my sleeve!

Today we are off for our pedicures. 

I usually go to a large hotel spa and have a regular esthetician but my friend Mrs. M, who is retired, goes to the Institute. I have not been to the Aveda Institute where they teach esthetics but my friend has and enjoys the service and pampering.

I will report back.

I hope that all is well in your patch...will be back in the saddle soon.

See you later!

Hugs from the Hostess!

Post spa...

I am in that Zen Zone..my spa experience was stellar, a facial and a manicure, a soak in the mineral pool, decadence.......I came home to pop that free range organic chicken in the oven and made some mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and gravy.....a few glasses of bubbly and I am ready for bed!

Have been planning a getaway to Seattle in March...and Sweet Tea in Seattle has suggested some shopping spots and dining too! I have admired her Tory Burch flats and there is a new shopping area with Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Hermes! called The Bravern.
Thank you Sweet Tea your help it is much appreciated!

Blogging is interesting, informative and still so new to me, a network,  like a community of sorts.
I had a pen pal way back in the 1960's, we've come a long way....

Wednesday is an indulgent ME DAY....Yoga 1st, Spa 2nd...and Flea Market Style is having a giveaway!

Tomorrow I will be attending my regular Yoga class and after many downward dogs, and several sun salutations I am heading off to the spa for a facial.
I go to a luxurious spa in a large hotel downtown and have been going there for several years. My family have kindly given me gift certificates for birthdays and Christmas. I haven't always been a spa client. It's a luxury that I have come to appreciate since my 40th birthday!
I received a gift certificate for a 90 minute facial from Mr. HB for Christmas which had a 30 minute mini manicure added on as a gift bonus.  Thank you Mr. HB, I am going to use the mineral pool and sauna, shower, put on a plush terry robe, sit in the lounge, read magazines, sip herbal tea and eat fresh fruit and yogurt before the 90 minute facial and then the 30 minute manicure...
After which I will retreat to the lounge to let my polish set, sip mineral water and take a few deep breaths before dressing in my street clothes and driving home.
I will be in the Zen Zone, not rushing about, not working hard, not thinking about world events or worrying about our elderly mothers. I will banish the thought that I am unworthy of such pampering and put my "Do list" aside for a few sacred hours and give myself up to momentary bliss.

I am excited about a new magazine coming out in February...
flea market style is having a giveaway to celebrate the launch of the magazine...pop over to their blog and check it out, and enter their giveaway.