At Home with Madame Chic a new book by Jennifer L. Scott

Have you had the pleasure of reading Jennifer L. Scott's book "Lessons from Madame Chic?"
If not you might want to get a copy and read it before you delve into her newest book "At Home With Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life.

Jennifer is a gifted writer, blogger and mother of two...
She lives with attention to detail and does so with a gracious style and poise.

Jennifer sent me an advanced reading copy and I've savoured her new book and deliberately have not rushed through the chapters...I re-read passages and thought about each chapter after I closed the book.
Taking a leisurely tea break mid afternoons with Jennifer's book was a luxury.
Her thoughts, daily routines, philosophy of life, and her attitude of gratitude all resonate with me.

Reading this book now in my late 50's I can honestly say that I wish I had read this when I was much younger and struggling with the rigorous and demanding schedule of motherhood. It would have given me insight into how I could improve and streamline my routine and do it in a way that was positive and enriching.
I am certain that I would have benefited from her fashion advice, domestic tips and especially her signature 10 piece wardrobe strategy.

Her home keeping habits make sense and are streamlined to fit into her busy family life.
She adds elegant touches wherever she can and likes to putter in her balcony garden and grows orchids.
Jennifer makes sure that she has some personal time to recharge and relax, not always easy for a young mother of two, but so sensible.
I know how important it is to have some quiet time...even if you can only rest while the babies are napping.

Some highlights from her book without giving it all away are:
 ~ use your best everyday ~
~ prepare nourishing and healthy food (recipes included) ~
~ cultivate a 10 piece wardrobe ~
~ listen to uplifting and beautiful music everyday (suggested play lists included) ~
~ Madame Chic's recipe for a fabulous organic cleaner ~
~ finding time for yourself ~
~ and so much more...you'll have to read it for yourself!

I really enjoyed reading her book and am sure that you will too.
I also think that this book would make a great gift...especially when paired with the first one.

Perhaps you know a lovely and deserving woman who enjoys cultivating and honing her chic habits.
You can order the book here....

Meet Jennifer here on her You Tube page, she has a lot of great thoughts and a wide variety of videos.
Happy Watching!

Thank you Jennifer for allowing me to read your book and share my thoughts and comments on your book.
I wish you every success on the publication of your new book...

Hugs,
Hostess
XO

Summer salad and friendships...

My friend Ruth emailed me a handful of her favourite new recipes...
we chat a lot!
The conversation revolves around recipes, cooking, novels that we are reading, have read and want to read, hosting family dinners, lunch places in town and tea rooms when we walk along the seafront.
If you see us we are so absorbed in our conversation that we might not even see you.
We walked right by her husband as he passed us on the other side of Moss Street one afternoon.

Here is a salad that is fresh from the garden and as colourful and appetizing as one could wish for..
Perfectly portable for a picnic or a buffet, particularly nice if you have a bumper crop of zucchini.
Tasty, low calorie, a great compliment to a summertime BBQ dinner.

Ruth's Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Sweet Corn and Avocado

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

salt and pepper to taste

2 each medium green and yellow zucchini

2 ears fresh cooked sweet corn

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 red onion diced

2 medium ripe avocados, peeled pitted and sliced

1/2 cup queso fresco (Mexican) cheese or substitute feta cheese

In a large bowl whisk the olive oil and the lime juice together, season with salt and pepper, set aside.

Trim ends off the zucchini and using a vegetable peeler shave lengthwise into long strips. 

When you get to the seeds turn and shave other sides until you get to the center again.

Put the zucchini ribbons in a large bowl.

Cut the corn off the cooked and cooled cobs, add cilantro, red onion, and avocado to the ribbons.

Pour dressing over top and toss.

Crumble the cheese on top.

Serve chilled.

~ ~ ~

I've been thinking about friendships...

how important they are and how fragile and fleeting some can be.

Women friends are an important and vital part of my well being.

Nurturing, encouraging, supportive...

spending time together sharing life's ups and downs.

Spending time together

lunching

walking

sipping a cup of tea 

chatting on the phone

all help to fan the friendship fire

and keep it aglow.

I have had a few friendships fizzle out over the years...

 we moved in different directions or to different parts of the country and lost touch.

 I wonder, looking back, if we grew apart as our lifestyles were so opposite or if we both just stopped "trying."

 I love hosting a ladies afternoon tea...must get organized and plan another soon.

Keeping in contact is often a challenge.

 We lead busy lives and we must make our friends a priority if we want to continue to nurture the relationships.

I feel so blessed that my BFF and I have a rich long time friendship

we chat on the phone and text when we cannot visit

and can pick up where we left off if we are busy elsewhere.

 In the next few days a few friends will get together

spend some fun girl time on a lovely island 

in the waterfront home of a friend

and 

another girlfriend 

who moved off island years ago who lives on the mainland.

I'm really looking forward to our visit.

I have packed some bubbly

facial and hand masks.

 We will laze around in our pj's sipping our morning coffee

we'll walk along the quiet roads

 eat simple meals

watch a chick flick

 chat about our families

read

play cribbage

and

re-charge the bonds of friendship

working to keep the lines of communication going

despite the fact that oceans separate us

we are reconnecting to keep that spark of friendship aglow.

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hostess

En route to French class....

A crisp and sunny morning greets me as I walk out the front door of The Humble Bungalow.

The cats look through the window as I descend the steps...
If they could only talk.
I wonder what they might be thinking.

Oh look she's leaving us alone again...where is she going and how long will she be gone?
Lets nibble that new white hydrangea that she has on the counter in the kitchen!
No I think we should roll around on the new bed cover and leave as much hair as we can on it...
oh forget that...
let's just sleep until she gets home and then act aloof as if we could care less that she even went out!

I had to stop and take a few pictures en route to French Class to share with you...

Two varieties of clematis were happily tangled and twined along a cedar fence spilling forth toward the sidewalk.

I love the pretty combination chosen by the green thumbed gardener who tends this lush green space.

Wisteria loves to climb and demands a strong reinforced structure or it will pull down eaves and drain spouts.

Ah look at those delicate pendulous tendrils of mauve flowers.

Their scent is soft and fragrant rather evocative 

and I think most exotic and sweet.

We have some new class members for our new session of French.

The core group have returned and it is wonderful to be reconnecting with this eclectic group of women.

Their stories are interesting and romantic...

many are seasoned travellers, 

one has a French family whose children attend SJD in French Immersion

 several, myself included, are planning trips to Paris, 

another is marrying a Frenchman and will soon be living in France!

Our instructor is kind and gentle and encourages us to speak freely in French.

My ability to speak the language is very weak, although my comprehension and writing are much better.

Madame does not judge us harshly or laugh at our expense.

We laugh at each other as we struggle to find the right words which are not easily found.

I highly recommend taking a course in something out of one's comfort level 

as it forces you to get creative and use those brain cells.

"Use it or Lose it!"

Meeting new people is a bonus and easy when you have something in common...

it's surprising how fast we have connected as a group...

united by the simple desire to learn a new language.

I'm hoping to continue taking these lessons until I am fluent.

My goal is to be speaking, reading and understanding French.

I'd love to explore and expand my study of France and reading blogs is an easy way to further broaden that knowledge.

Do you have any favourite blogs that focus on French Life or travel in France?

Perhaps you'd be kind enough to share them.

Take time to stop and smell the flowers...

Unexpected and so welcome...

Mother has been busy helping me from the other side of the The Humble Bungalow Front Door.

She's working the outside while I am marooned in the sea of a downy duvet.

The tables have turned and I am so grateful that she wants to be of assistance.

She never asks for help herself but is the first one to give it.

I do the same for her.

She picked up library books that I had on hold when she was in the Village.

She called ahead and said "I'll ring the bell twice and run!"

Sounds like a secret agent code to me.

When I opened the door to pick up the books she was just getting into her BMW and there on top of the stack of books was a bouquet of pretty roses!

They fit perfectly in this vintage ironstone jug.

Mother was with me when I found it hiding on a dusty shelf in a local shop.

This book was a quick read and I found myself salivating when Amy describes the various sweets that she eats.

Her list of recommended Paris boulangeries and pastry shops are listed in the back of the book.

I do love a good piece of chocolate and have a crush on salted caramel chocolates.

Quarantine has it's ups and downs.

I don't want to share my germs but I do not want to be a burden or take advantage of my family.

 I did text Mr. HB and asked him if he would mind picking up some lemon shortbread when he picked up the BBQ chicken at the market. 

No problem.

I tried a sample last week and was quite impressed and thought how delicious it would taste with a cup of tea.

They are yummy!

The shortbread did not disappoint and there are several cookies left in the box on the counter for later!

I always have lots of fruit on hand...

fresh pineapple, grapes, bananas, oranges and apples.

My go to healthy sweet treats.

Besides reading, resting, roses

there's been a wee bit or retail therapy involved...

I know I am vulnerable when I am under the weather but we all need a pick me up once in awhile.

So try not to judge me harshly.

With that out in the open...

GAP had a 30% off sale and I wanted to buy a denim jacket so all I needed to do was decide which wash to order.

Do you think I could decide?

I opened the page several times and closed it again.

I wanted a jacket that I could wear with my white jeans, dark jeans, regular wash and skirts or dresses.

Having such a fuzzy brain meant I needed to ask for help.

So I did what I usually do when it comes to fashion I ask the daughters.

I did not want to disturb my DIL as she would be busy with her two children...

bedtime, books and baths.

I did text my daughter even though I knew she would be watching the hockey game.

She got right back to me.

Thanks J!

She decided the lighter wash was more versatile. 

I have to agree.

Not too "matchy matchy" even though double denim is not an offence with The Fashion Police this season.

(I've noticed that they rarely leave comments on my blog anymore...

maybe I'm not guilty of as many infractions as I used to be.)

I am thinking of pinning on a sparkly Sherman brooch.

The JCrew rhinestone necklace will work as will one of my Hermes scarves or pearls.

I am going to wear this a LOT!

Cannot wait for the parcel to arrive.

The highlight of my day was a lovely Thank You card and a gift from Jeannine.

You might remember that she was the winner of the most recent giveaway.

She made this rose patterned coaster especially for me.

Jeannine, I hope you don't mind me sharing this with the readers.

It is such a lovely gesture and it made me feel so good.

I will think of you whenever I use it.

Thank you.

It amazes me how many wonderful connections and friendships have come about through this little blog.

Four bloggers that I follow, all from California are meeting together for 4 days in Napa.

Can you imagine how much fun they are going to have?

Adrienne of Rich Life on a Budget organized the trip...

perhaps you'd like to drop in and see what the gals are up to!

Thank you for stopping by...

don't forget to wash your hands as the germs out there are particularly nasty right now.

Blogging and thoughts of gratitude...

"Blogging has become a bigger part of life than I could have ever imagined. When I embarked on the process over 5 years ago it seemed so scary and I was afraid that I was taking a huge risk by putting myself out there.
My life is ordinary, pedestrian if you will, and truly humble.
I wondered then, as I do now, if anyone would be interested in reading my thoughts and experiences.
Could the simple everyday things that we all have in common be interesting material?
Would I have followers?
I took a leap of faith and I have not regretted my decision as it has enriched my life.
Writing is rewarding and gives me a sense of accomplishment and I derive a great deal of satisfaction when I am  actively being creative and putting it all together with pictures and words.
I look at everything around me with an eye to the possibility of it being blog worthy...
inspiration is at every turn.

I feel very supported in this blogging arena and I have met up with some wonderful people as a result of the blog.
One of the most surprising spin offs is that I have a network of women friends that I exchange emails with on a regular basis...they are a diverse circle and have been particularly supportive in view of the recent health issues with the family.
I feel so much gratitude for your kind thoughts and concerns and the comments and emails are really very special to me.
Thank you sincerely...

I have been helping out the best way I know how and that is by cooking up a storm.

This pot holds a Vegetarian Chili.

Homemade focaccia bread.

I delivered some clam chowder this morning and plan to bake a vegetarian lasagna next.

Having had pneumonia 4 times myself I think I am susceptible so I am not spending much time at the house.

Last year I was down for a month and it was weeks before I got back on my feet.

Not wanting to willingly go down that road again if I can help it.

It is difficult for me not being able to offer more help.

My days have been very quiet.

I have been very introspective and cocooning at home with the cats.

Fortunately I have been getting out for walks and just being able to air my worries has been very theraputic.

I have faith that the medicine is working and it will just take some time before they all bounce back.

I'm not sure that if I had been told that Mothers would still worry about their adult children after they left home

that I would have believed it....but it's true!

The weather has been quite wonderful.

Which has helped, even though I am gazing out the salt spotted windows.

(I must phone the window washer)

The Easter Lilies are blooming...

another one of Nature's gifts.

Woodland Native Flowers bloom in areas undisturbed by development.

The Garry Oak Meadows are a beautiful place to glimpse these wee flowers.

The city has a bounty of baskets and planters.

Victoria used to be known as "The City of Gardens."

Spring Cheer is never far away...

I am so grateful for these oases of colour.

Chester our "resident trouble maker" looking very innocent here has been climbing up the wooden slats of the blinds by my laptop trying to get closer to the birds that are nesting in our eaves...

he's pulled off the big valance and it crashed down on my head...

it must be time to close for now and give him some attention.

He is very clever when it comes to getting what he wants!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. 

It turns what we have into enough, and more. 

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. 

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."

Melody Beattie

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!

A Baby Shower celebration...my OOTD

My BFF's youngest is going to be a mom very soon and a group of women friends got together for a baby shower.
I loved seeing all the gals sitting in a circle smiling eagerly as they observed the very pregnant soon to be mom opening gifts. We were gathered together to celebrate womanhood, mothering and babies.

Emotions flowed and my thoughts wandered back to my own experiences of carrying a child within and the overwhelming joy that I felt when I held my newborn daughter for the first time. There were some fears that I might not know how to keep my baby happy all the time and would I make the right decisions?

First time mothers are navigating new territory and it is such a comfort having older women who have been here before to reinforce and encourage them to listen to their maternal instincts.
It's enough just to be there and listen,
make a cup of tea, or hold the wee one while the new mom has a shower and washes her hair.

I am getting ahead of myself though...it's the shower!

You know it's a party when there are balloons in the room!

Vintage Silver Cross Pram.

The baby will enjoy many outings travelling in style.

The shower had an owl theme...

and coincidentally one of the gifts that I gave was a velour sleeper with and owl on it and an owl soft rattle.

I knit a blanket for the crib and popped in some receiving blankets and some onesies.

Baby clothes were hung like bunting...

The beautiful christening gown on the left was made by my BFF's French Canadian great grandmother.

It was used for family christenings...and with several of the younger cousins expecting babies it might be used again in the near future.

Ooh la la cupcakes!

The table was laden with delicious treats which disappeared surprisingly quickly!

This wee owl was atop the tiered glass cake stands.

We were given goodie bags with English Bon Bons inside as we departed.

(I ate mine later that evening while reading my novel in bed.)

It was a lovely shower and I am so excited that my BFF will have her third grandchild in her arms very soon.

I can hardly wait to meet the baby...we don't know yet if it is a boy or a girl.

In the spirit of Faux Fuchsia I painted my nails.

OPI Peru-B-Ruby, an oldie but a goodie.

I wore my Eileen Fisher linen scarf.

Hand made earrings by my friend Peggy.

Anne Klein black tunic top and tights with Mee Too ballet flats

My nails looked pretty all of two days...

I am much too hard on polish to keep it on for very long.

I ate a healthy breakfast before heading out the door for my walk in the rain.

Scrambled eggs, pea shoots and salsa on a corn tortilla.

Keeps me sated until lunchtime rolls around.

On the WW front I am on the 6 weeks of maintenance and so far so good.

Fingers crossed I get that golden key and the lifetime membership which means I can weigh in and attend meetings for free!

Hope that your week has some fun packed into it!