Homework for the Hostess

Post 55, pondering aging and beauty...continued.

 Questions have arisen, answers are being seeked.

The illuminating comments from lovely followers, (of which I am ever so grateful!) have been read and reread.

 I have decided to further explore areas and topics of which I know very little.

I have been so busy being a wife, mom, gardener, domestic engineer, librarian, friend, hostess that I have not spent much time on my grooming or wardrobe.

(It has been a simple routine with simple safe garments.)

In fact, I am coming late to this party!

I am discovering that this area interests me more than I would have imagined.

I do wonder why...I am not "full of myself", do not go out with the sole purpose of getting noticed, that would be uncomfortable for me.

I ran errands the other day and I got noticed, or maybe my clothing did!

....it was a revelation to me...

I didn't mind the attention!

I wore my Simon Chang, Boucher pin, pearl chocker, dark denim jeans, new antiqued gold loafers, a simple tank, bag; Tory Burch. (Tory and Simon are made for each other!)

I felt good in what I was wearing...I even glimpsed my reflection in a store window and it made me smile!

What's up with that?

I have been perusing these books and drinking copious amounts of tea. 

Dayle Haddon has a site which is worth a visit, see for yourself.

I have an appointment with a skin care representative for a consultation this afternoon.

I want to hear from the expert what aging skin requires...besides a good diet, sleep and lots of water.

I am very casual today...I am in my fave DKNY worn denim jeans rolled up, black ballerina flats, a crisp white Talbots shirt sleeves and collar rolled up, shirt tales out, pearl choker and the requisite diamonds.

Not seeking attention, seeking comfort.

Seeking answers...the study continues...

will report back on progress.

I almost forgot, pardon me ...pictures were requested.

Debra K and Linda Lundstrom

Self portrait, sort of...

I need a longer mirror!

A couple of quick pics...the jacket as requested.

It is a small Bungalow...and Mr.HB is at the Firm.

It's just me and my camera...

I even put on my glasses.

No worries.

Use your imagination

I watched a film that made me weep....The Blind Side.

Sandra Bullock was amazing...

Humour me here...please.

I think that there are more amazing women whose stories could and should be told.

Maybe you know one of them?

Maybe you are one of them?

Space challenge 2010

I wonder how many women have homes with space and storage challenges.
I know gals who have walk in closets with built in drawers and shelving...some are bigger than my bedroom!
I live in a bungalow built in 1913 when I imagine women had maybe 2 or 3 "house dresses" and a Sunday Best outfit for church, weddings, and funerals.

I have more clothing than the imagined woman of 1913 who might have lived here, a woman who like myself would reside in a Humble Bungalow.
Humble in size, hence cost and living on a relatively humble income.

I have quickly and not very artfully snapped a few pictures to give you a visual here.

Behind the curtain....

The left hand side, my longer clothing, including coats and jackets.

Right hand side shorter clothing.

In the middle 2 shelves for sweaters

Baskets of shoes

Wardrobe clothes storage downstairs

Out of season and dressy clothes.

As you can see my space for garments is very small. 

I find it a challenge but really it is a great exercise in minimalist wardrobing.

I have the new Stickley cabinet which holds my lingerie, some jewelry, tank tops and scarves. 

I blogged about this awhile ago, see earlier post.

I keep my colour palette to neutrals and of course black, white and greys for the basics.

and with a few exceptions I add colours and textures through accessories.

When I shop I ask myself; 

Do I need this? 

Does it work with most of my current clothing?

Does it look like it will date or is it a classic?

Do I love it?

Is it well made?

Does it fit me and is it flattering?

and 

Do I have room for it?

I almost forgot...I have a plastic bin under my bed for my cashmere sweaters...once the moths ate an entire Banana Republic cable knit scarf in only 2 months....

and it was my favourite chartreuse green :(

I hope that you can see these photos as my Blogger has been incredibly persnickety today.

Sweet Sunday and the multi-tasking Hostess

Lovely sunny day here in the Bungalow garden, the fence crew have a day off to rest.
I wandered about on a zigzag weed patrol...lots of things are popping up, hints of hostas and peony's, and a lovely surprise...my yellow lily is in flower!

Fence construction zone

Look how close the lily is to the post and hole that the crew had to dig...my goodness they must be so careful where they set their feet!

Dainty violets

Euphorbia in a pot

Chartreuse euphorbia

What I am reading now...

"mental snack food" an easy peasy romp into the ridiculous!

The washing machine is spinning, the self clean oven is smoking me out as I am well into the first hour of the 2 hour clean...I have candles burning and will need to bring in the bug guns after it has finished...Mr. Lamp Berger.

I have chopped the ingredients for Osso Bucco...dinner is not roast beef tonight.

I am adding mushrooms to this recipe as I have several pounds to use up and Mr. HB loves mushrooms.

Trusty garlic gadget works like a charm

Beef shanks, a very frugal choice, 4 for under $10.

 Mr. HB orders Osso Bucco frequently when we got out to dine... usually costs $24...experimenting here in the Humble Bungalow tonight and he will be able to do an honest taste test.

He has requested mashed potatoes also and peas.

My fave Le Creuset pot sees action so often here in the Bungalow, I'd be lost without it!

Have a great Sunday!

Pondering beauty and aging...and looking for direction!

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty you get the face you deserve. Coco Chanel

Images of youth and beauty have been weaving in and out of my consciousness of late.
I recently celebrated my 55th birthday, and I have been reading blogs on skincare, fashion and beauty in all it's forms. I call this research!
I have really never spent much time pondering beauty or aging, but now I am alert to these two concepts...these may be fleeting thoughts...they may linger, they might flee...time will tell.


What is beauty? 
One definition I found : The quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such properties as harmony of form or color, excellence of artistry, truthfulness, and originality.


Aging is defined as The organic process of growing older and showing the effects of increasing age.


How does one age gracefully and with style?
What does age appropriate translate to with regard to fashion and make up?
Are there rules, guidelines, or secrets?


I feel that I will need to work harder, longer and spend more time and money on my fitness and beauty routines as I navigate this new territory...I am hoping that I find my way....I get "lost" so easily!

What is your sense of direction like?