I choose yellow because....it just makes scents!

Did you know that the yellow primulas are the only ones that have scent?

I have 2 in a planter in front of my humble bungalow and the scent is very aromatic, so much so, that people comment and look around to find the source of the scent when they are coming up the steps!

On a whim to explore and get to know the small specialty shops in my city...

 I set out to re-acquaint myself with a French themed shop where I had purchased the Toile du Jouy bedding for the guest room and found a variety of decorative and sumptuous luxuries within.

I discovered the wonderful French aromatic diffusers by Lothantique, I chose "Wood" as it felt earthy and simple.

I have placed it in my main bathroom and am enjoying the subtle aroma radiating from the reeds.

  

Lothantique Reed diffuser

I have a Lampe Berger in the bungalow kitchen as we do not have a fan.

 I put it into service whenever I cook up a curry or fish.

 These small but mighty Lampes are surprisingly efficient at ridding the air of any strong smells.

They are available in a wide range of fragrances as well as unscented and neutral.

I was fortunate to get out of the store without completely emptying my wallet...very tempting treasures within the walls that called out to me. I did purchase that lovely green distressed pot in which the yellow primula proudly sits. I also bought some French lavender soaps, a Toile du Jouy sachet, and a scented candle. 

Shopping as a recreation is a dangerous thing...granted, it can be a sweet diversion or an uplifting experience but it can also become habit forming. I fear that I have a tendency to be weak in that department, instant gratification seems like a tonic of sorts...

Do you shop only for things that are needed or for fun? 

Do you have favourite shops that feed your soul?

Do you have a weakness in the retail arena?

I gravitate to soaps, shoes, scarves, handbags, sparkles, flowers.

What calls to you, buy me, buy me?

Are you strong or do you give in?

Monday evening visit, laundry, dinner and daughter...rituals I savour.

 Monday evenings are very special here in the Humble Bungalow.

Lovely daughter comes for dinner, and she brings along her laundry.

We watch our "guilty pleasure" The Batchelor and sip bubbly.

Last evening, Mr. HB supplied a lovely champagne and the taste was soft and smooth. We sip from crystal flutes, our wedding crystal, Flamenco by Zweisel...not made anymore. Did I mention that we are in our 36th year of marriage?

We ate caesar salad, and spicy Italian chicken sausage in tomato sauce over pasta. Lovely daughter made the pasta and sauce. She is a very good cook!

Caesar salad is one of my favorite salads to make and eat. I never tire of it, and fortunately for me, my family love it as well!

Bungalow Caesar Salad

Fresh washed and torn romaine heads 2-3 depending on size of lettuce in a large bowl. 

1 cup of Croutons

 I make my own croutons by slicing thick pieces of a baguette and sauteeing in butter and a fresh minced clove of garlic. Cook only until golden, let cool.

Whisk together with Braun style hand mixer in tall splatter proof jar or container:

1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1-2 chopped anchovies, 1-2 drops of Tabasco, 2 tbsp. wine vinegar, salt, pepper.

When blended add in a steady stream 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil blend until creamy and pour onto lettuce, toss and add 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Cooking French avec mes amis....

Winemakers Soup

from the French Market Cookbook

This could be a meal on it's own but we served it as a first course.

We used all the kitchen counters in our 5 course meal preparations.

Gin and tonic to keep the galley slaves happy!

Our appetizers were olives, asparagus tapenaude, bread, and 3 cheeses.

Red Leistershire, aged goat cheese from Quebec, and La Sauvagine by Portneuf.

On the menu

Appetizers as above

Winemakers Soup

Grilled Tuna Steaks on white beans

Caesar Salad

Pumpkin flans

Chocolates

Our weekend guests have left and I am sipping tea, have caught up on my blog reading and am comtemplating a nap!

There was fun and laughter, good food, and much (too much!) wine.

We nibbled Bernard Calibeau chocolates and saw our friends amazing photos from Paris and Auvilar.

I received the autographed copy of French Women Don't Sleep Alone, a mustard yellow French shopping mesh bag from Paris, and some French food delicacies.

I must away as Jamie Cat Callan's book is calling....

Bouquet of warm wishes...for you and a wonderful weekend.

Warm wishes for a lovely weekend.....

do something nice for someone, or for yourself, a simple small gesture of kindness, a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa and a magazine or a good book.

A posy of flowers.

Carve out some time for yourself...

enjoy, 

savour, reflect, recharge, laugh, 

give yourself permission to relax.

Breathe.

See what adventures and delights you can participate in this weekend that do not cost any money.

Go for a walk, explore your neighbourhood, if you've never gone thrifting go to a charity shop and look around, it might surprise you!

Whatever you do wherever you go, notice....

and if you have time,

take a minute or two and let me know what you liked best about your weekend...

I'll check back in on Monday.

Bungalow Hostess wishes you all the best for the weekend.

Gifting primulas...simple, cheerful, and easy on the pocketbook.

I am on the Sunshine Committee at work...that means I buy cards, flowers, and fruit baskets for those who are ill, have lost a loved one, or have been hospitalized.

I bought this great basket and then filled it with primulas which were on sale for $1 each.

I delivered it today after work, and had a short visit with a co worker who had surgery.

These will last for several weeks in the house and then they can be planted outside to repeat bloom every spring and again in the fall.

....and then not so much a sunshine errand...

While I was at the florist I picked out all white flowers for my husbands' co worker who very recently had a death in the family. 

All white floral bouquets with greenery are the most elegant and for some reason just feel right at a time of sorrow. I chose white roses, baby's breath and feathery ferns.

I enclosed a handwritten note and arranged for delivery.

 Death is something I acknowledge with cards and frequently flowers, and not only for close friends but acquaintances and people who I have known in the past.

There is comfort taken when a handwritten note or card is received. I carefully choose my words, keep the thoughts from being morbid, leaning more to cherishing the happy memories and moments spent together in happier times.