Seattle getaway...part 1!

We are home from our 4 days in Seattle, lots of walking as predicted and the weather was wonderful, sunny and crisp but very litttle wind and rain.

Space Needle

Monorail

Pike Street Market

Our suite at the Mayflower Park Historic Hotel

Very comfortable, and great to come back to for a bit of rest after hours of walking and sightseeing.

Frank Gehry architect, marries art and function, and voila, The Music Experience!

...and across the street, 

Ride The Ducks!

 I thought it might be a bit too touristy, but was so much fun and a great way to see Seattle and a cruise in Lake Union!

Amphibious WW11 Ducks!

I had to take this photo as I follow a blogger whose blog is named Faux Fuchsia go and pay her a visit.

We did shop and we both found lots to bring home...Mr. HB was especially pleased to find polo shirts with No Logo's on them at Nordstroms!

Mr.HB does not do Logos...and on the boat, during summer his signature top is a classic polo shirt. Thank you Nordstroms!

Shopping does give you an appetite, so laden with our many bags, we made our way to the closest eatery...

We ate lunch in the Nordstroms Grill, great food and exceptional service.

I dined on a roasted vegetable salad and a glass of bubbly, Mr.HB had a pale ale and a beef dip sandwich.

I have some shopping surprises too...I will reveal them tomorrow!

Minimalist fashion luggage challenge.

I have a "small carry on bag", regulation size and I need to be prepared for 4 days of windy and rainy Seattle weather, dinners out, shopping and a LOT of walking.
Sounds easy for those of you who are experienced globe trotting executives or world travellers. NOT EASY pour moi!
I was very impressed with Janet over at The Gardener's Cottage who recently packed for a romantic weekend in Palm Springs and fit everything into a modest sized tote. She shows us pictures of her ensembles and she was spot on with her choices!
Note to self; it can be done.
I have to admit my packing history is shameful. I definitely fail in this area so I set myself a challenge, be ruthless, plan ahead, hang things in wearable groupings, mix, match and discard what doesn't do double duty....and here's the reason for this challenge...to leave space for holiday purchases!

I am going to be wearing my skinny jeans because I can wear flats for the ease and comfort navigating the streets and the expected mileage.

Hermes scarf, Gilmore top, Olsen belt, skinny jeans in petite, sequined black flats.

We will be staying at Our Home away from Home.
We will be shopping and sightseeing....Pike Place Market and more.
I love the vibe Downtown

INC top, skinny jeans, sequined flats.

Sweet Tea in Seattle has suggested the Bravern Mall in Bellevue which sounds very enticing! LV, Hermes, Neiman Marcus, Woolfords and that is just the start...OMG, there is even Valet parking!

 I have dark denim skinny jeans, (to wear with flats) and dark denim dressy jeans, (need heels), capri length black Hue leggings....neutral tank top, white 3/4 sleeve Cut Loose top, Parkhurst long sweater which can be also belted for a coat effect, new black trench style jacket, scarf, Olsen belt with ornate buckle detail, and a nightie. Does that sound like enough? Too much?
I have not packed a skirt or a dress which might be a mistake...but I did not want to put boots in or hose (my legs are ghostly pale) and dressy shoes....but can pair the grey or winter white longer tops with my Hue black capri tights. These tights with flats have me feeling very Audrey-esque!

Debra Kay necklace, Cut Loose top, Parkhurst sweater.

Hermes scarf, black spring jacket.

Weather feels very cold outside so I am thinking I'll wear my winter wool black Olsen coat just to be on the safe side...Is snow mentioned in the forecast!!!

Olsen winter coat, and hide gloves in Elliot Lucca bag just in case.

I also plan to pack my grey Club Monaco scarf which doubles as a wrap...soft and cozy, great if one is sitting beneath the air conditioner in a restaurant.

Have you noticed the theme here?

Black, black, more black and a smattering of neutrals...only color here is in the lacy lingerie and the toes, neither of which will be paraded in public.

I usually wear a stack of silver bangles but I am wearing my Tiffany necklace as a bracelet to mix things up a bit...and if I get lost...

I had a pedicure with Shelley this morning....and I have happy feet and toes!

OPI toes.... I'm India Mood for Love!

In Seattle, I will be first and foremost "holiday making" with Mr. HB.  I'll also be shopping for shoes....and maybe a bag. Mr. HB is very helpful and his opinion is valued especially when Hermes scarves are being considered...he has been involved at Tiffany's as well. Maybe I'll introduce him to Chanel and Louis Vuitton this time and see how they get along! He gets bored in Macy's so I'll go solo for an hour or so and see how many pairs of shoes I can buy. I hope there are some cute ballerina flats in my future.

I may be away from the blogosphere for a few days...
Don't forget to check out the FANtastic silky scarf I am giving away...see earlier post.

Silk scarf giveaway....in celebration of my recent 100th post....

I have a vintage gently used pure silk, large and luxurious scarf to give away.

 Drape, twist and flaunt it...wear with attitude...wrap your hair Grace Kelly style while riding in a convertible.

Are you on a windy road near Monte Carlo

or are you riding on the bus commuting to work?

Weave a dream, where are you while wearing this...

I would love to hear from you... embellish, elaborate, exaggerate...

I hope that you will participate.

Have some fun...fan that creative fire.

Please comment for one entry, become a follower of The Hostess of the Humble Bungalow for two, post on your blog for three.

I'll keep this open for a couple of weeks...and see if I have any interest.

Closes on March 21, 2010

Good luck!

The Hostess.... a not so big Reveal!

How do I take my own picture?

Stand tall, stretch arms...click!

and turning to the side...

I am not now nor have I ever been photogenic...I really do not enjoy having my photo taken so it has been with a bit of reluctance and trepidation that I share these.

Many of the blogs that I follow have images of bloggers in beautiful garments, wearing enchanting gems, and looking so relaxed. I love that they are so creative in their dressing and appear comfortable and natural.

I am a "behind the scenes" kind of gal.

I am thinking of updating my profile picture and one of these might work.

I am wearing the Debra Kay necklace, diamond studs... and a Liz Claiborne grey tank top, highlights courtesy of Aveda salon and the divinely talented Chris.

Anyone else feel camera shy?

Week 15, Grammy casts thoughts and stitches....

For those of you who have been following my blog...I am going to be Grammy.

This life altering event is much anticipated and I have put a lot of thought into what kind of grammy that I might be. I would like to be seen as a resource for help when needed or desired, caring for and supporting the family in a variety of ways.

I want to indulge.

Knitting sweaters, buying shoes, paying for lessons, exploring the arts and sports.

Babysitting, yes please!

I cannot fully imagine what my role will look like, suffice to say, I hope to be involved in a positive way.

Not stern or overbearing or too opinionated...rather kind, gentle, approachable, flexible.

Debbie Bliss is a talented knitter and designer from the UK.

I love her patterns and the books are chock full of dreamy looking wee ones wearing all the wondeful knits. 

Pink for a girl...this yarn is sumptuous...cashmerino aran. Feels like silk and cashmere, and this blush pink is heavenly....oh if it is a girl!

Blue for a boy...and cuddly soft.

Hooray for a boy!

Behold this simple little pullover...

Grammy is casting on...and will be knitting one in each colour.

I will be prepared.

I do not think any amount of thought can really prepare one for the overwhelming joy that accompanies the birth of a grandchild.

I am excited!

I would so love to hear from any grammies who might be reading this post.

Care to share your thoughts or wise words?

Shopping, new and used...

Black with charcoal flecks lined wool trousers, side zip, dressy, flattering and on sale marked down from $200, for $45 how could I not buy these?

Shop a holic that I have become, I went yesterday with my beloved mother....you should see what she bought! 

Picture this...an 83 year old, with silver bobbed hair, black tailored jacket and skirt (not a suit), pearls and a modest blouse in beige, sensible shoes..flats in black with a bow....ends up with a sumptuous grey wool tweed fitted jacket sporting a flirty peplum flare with a grey and white fur (removeable) collar to frame her face (She looks so fabulous and energetic in this jacket I just had to smile)

She said oh where will I wear this?

My response, the theatre, the symphony, to tea, to the grocery store, to the bank, out to dinner...SOLD!

 That's what she bought, she tried on many garments so many that I was wondering if I was going to have to get a chair and sit down!

I learned from the master.

Skinny leather belt came with the trousers and they popped the hanger in to the bag.

INC new ($69) spring line grey longer top to wear with my new capri length leggings. I really love this on me...covers a multitude of sins but doesn't swamp me.

Debra Kay designed crystal necklace which I have had since my son was married several years ago.

Debra K. does lovely work and this piece has been worn a lot, it goes with everything!

($350  CPW=dollars)

As you can see I am not a skinny gal and so I need to be ever mindful of cut and style...no flappy pockets on the chest...no extra heavy fabrics, simple unadorned garments are best, but not too skimpy either, abhor cling.
Cleavage works, and I work it too! V necks or lower round, not high or turtlenecks because I turn immediately into MRS. DOWDY.

Tribal gently worn (9.99)  off white cotton sweater, shorter length with 3/4 sleeves scalloped edging works as a great layering piece over a tank top (blush pink). Worn here with my new Gap striped wide legged pants and Dolce and Gabbana wide leather grey belt....and I have on my Mee Too red shoes... and my black Elliot Lucca bag...(Hello stranger, I've missed you)

Did some sorting and purging of garments that have been taking up needed space in my small closet...donation bag ready for the charity shop.

Air is good, garments hang without being crushed, sorted into colour groupings, I can dress with ease as I can see everything now.

Have you spring cleaned your closet?

Is it easy for you to purge the garments that you no longer wear or do you hang onto them?

I have two types of friends, the savers and the chuckers...I'm a chucker.

Emma Bridgewater has entered the Humble Bungalow.

Cheerful Emma Bridgewater mugs, a gift from Mr. HB...I have been lauding the fact that Emma and her husband have saved a company and launched a hugely successful business with hard work and passion.

Daffodil inscribed inside the rim, how lovely and cheerful.

What time is it in the Bungalow?

Pure and simple

Tissue, wrap, and ribbon...

I have admired Emma Bridgewater's lovely wares from the UK via my favourite magazine Country Living UK...she has a delightful line of country inspired pottery...you can see her lovelies here.

I opt for the artist more often than the mainstream manufacturer when choosing something new and needed...I feel more of a kinship with the person who created something lovely with a passion than I do with an item that is mass produced in an offshore factory.

I spend more by choosing this route but the cost of enjoyment is more than worth it.

 Go out and find something wonderful made by an artist or craftsman and report back to me!

55 years ago today....a baby was born.

Snow on our street a few years ago.

March 3, 1955

Leslie Anne entered the world.

It was a snowy day and father had to shovel snow before getting the car out of the garage and up the incline that was the driveway to the street.

There really was no need to panic as first babies sometimes take their time. 

Mother, a nurse is excited and panicked as she is experiencing labour pains, and worried that she will not be able to get to the hospital due to the snowfall, and might have to deliver her own baby.

Father who is expert in all things snowy, is confident, packs his shovel in the trunk and has confidence in the snow tires that he put on in the early winter. (He did this every year until he passed away)

Mother has her bag packed and father carries it to the car and then goes back to assist her, no slipping is permitted. It is of note that mother has "dressed" for the occasion! (some things never change!)

They drive slowly through the deserted streets, it is very early and there is not much traffic, there really was not much traffic back in 1955 in the quiet neighbourhood where they resided.

The hospital is run by Catholic nuns, mother trained there and they know her well. She gets extra special treatment, and a private room.

Leslie Anne takes her time in arriving and mother has some pain medication and gets "knocked out." (She tells me that this is what all the mothers did back then.)

When she wakes up a few hours later...

She has a tray brought to her with tea and toast and after a quick bite she freshens up using the hot water in the washing bowl, applies some lipstick, perfume, and arranges her hair. 

The nuns plump her pillows, she sits up in bed and they bring Leslie Anne and place her in her arms.

Father is then allowed in to see Mother and baby...

Father leaves sometime after and goes out to the tobacconist to purchase a box of cigars banded in pink foil declaring "It's a Girl" on them and to the liquor vender for a bottle of Seagrams Crown Royal...which incidentally comes wrapped in a purple felt bag with a gold cord drawstring at the top.

(I use one of these bags for my marble collection when I am older)

He has some celebrating to do before Mother comes home a week later!

The accuracy of this story might be slightly skewed by years of retelling and a foggy memory...but that is pretty much how I entered the world.

I was born tongue tied and did not nurse as vigorously as desired so I  had to have minor surgery to allow my tongue to move more freely. To this day I cannot stick my tongue out far, it only reaches the lower edge of my bottom lip.

I am happy to say that this has not hindered me in carrying on long conversations or licking ice cream cones!

Snow angel across the street, circa 2008.

 Erected in honor of a family member who had died.

This enchanting angel took almost a week to melt.

Hermes, tying one on in a variety of ways, or distracted on a domestics day.

It's a day of domestics here in the Humble Bungalow, yes they do exist, it is not all shopping, partying and playing....sheets need to be laundered and clothes need to be washed.

I am wearing my grey matchy matchy capri's and jacket here to attack the chores and get a bit of a work out at the same time....running around the bungalow in barefeet multi-tasking and getting distracted.

Time out for a late breakfast, cottage cheese and cantalope, and a sidetrip to the blogosphere.

I spy with my little eye....a stack of orange boxes....

Hermes, 

what a lovely distraction!

(One cannot stare at the washer as it turns around and around or one would become dizzy.)

OK playtime...just for a few minutes.

Humour me here!

Hermes a study in black and white, probably my most worn scarf so far...CPW = pennies.

Simple square knot, it doesn't get much easier than this.

I always think of a cowboy scarf when I wear it on the side, giddy up!

 Tuck this under a coat or jacket, a pop of color and pattern that elevate and add interest.

Silky and soft it folds so easily,

it drapes with little effort,

it can be twisted and folded into a variety of shapes and looks.

Tie one on...and dress up your daily round, you'll be glad you did!

My dedication to domestics is not a passionate one, rather a necessary job which I perform only to be able to stand back and admire such accomplishments and move on to more rewarding and exciting activities...flower arranging, thrifting, shopping, gardening, and hostessing.

Are there any Domestic Diva's out there?

Do they dust with devotion?

Dirt bust with delight?

Domestic Diva's Do Have Help ( I do)