I am going to be absent for a few days.....

I am going to be incommunicado for a few days.....taking my lovely daughter away...she has a new job, and her birthday is in a couple of weeks, we enjoy spending time together, (I pray this will always be this way) we are going to shop for her, see some new sights, drink some bubbly, (she who is not afraid of corks!) dine at some fine bistros, and who knows what mischief we might get up to?
I am not taking my Laptop...I am travelling light

Janet would be pleased....
and Metscan I am trying to pare down my "baggage" as you have suggested!

Hugs from the Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
XOXO

Tweaking skin with help from the DR.

I have been using the Dr. Hauschka line for several years now and have been happy with the products until recently. My skin has been getting much drier (which is to be expected post menopause) and has started to flake in spots. I have professional facials every 3 months, not maybe as often as suggested but money does not grow on trees in the Humble Bungalow garden.

I had an appointment with the representative from Dr. Hauschka, and got some new information on caring for mature skin. In fact, they have recently launched some new products to address the aging population. Hooray!

I am going to replace my current intensive treatment 05 and rose cream daytime and use the regenerating serum under the regenerating day cream.

At night I am going to use the serum after cleansing.

I timed this very well as the 2 products that I normally use and are replacing were within drops of being finished.

I received 20% off today and some freebies for scheduling a consultation.

Check out these great samples.

I should also mention that I am taking BioSil Skin and Bones by Lorna Vanderhaeghe. I take this internally to boost the production of collagen and help with my osteopinia. 

Warning...it tastes bad but I mix it with a small amount of water and drink fast!

I will try the new products for a few weeks before commenting on the results.

In the meantime I am drinking more water...taking my vitamins and evening primrose oil.

I went for a brisk walk in the sunshine today and it energized me.

Flowers blooming, bees buzzing, blue skies and white puffy clouds.

Blue and white hyacinths for the bathroom... 

their fragrance is sweet and intoxicating...

 I breathe!

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.