Thursday, April 15, 2010

Skin care update...the results are in!

I posted lamenting about my flaking dry post menopausal skin a few weeks ago.  I made an appointment and went to see the Dr. Hausckha rep and got the inside scoop on the latest and best products for my skin concerns. I was happy to meet a woman about my age with glowing skin. That does instill confidence for a start. I later found out to my surprise that she was not wearing foundation!


I explained my skin issues and related my current regime and was told that most of what I was doing was spot on that I just needed to replace 2 of my products for more intense products geared for skin of my age. I laid down my cash and walked away with the new products, serum and the moisturizer.
(plus a goodie bag chock full of freebies...which I am happy to report that I am using and loving! Yes samples work, I will be buying some of the select favourites especially the Lavender bath and Rose oil.)
I am delighted with the results from my new routine...my pores appear smaller and clearer, my skin is plumped and soft, and the flaking has disappeared. I am not at the stage where I will go without my foundation but I use a small amount and am evening out some visible capillaries beside my nose and on my cheeks.
I am indebted to the rep and delighted in the quality of the Dr. Hausckha line. There are so many products out there it is a dizzying array and one needs to zone in and focus on what works for them.
I have heard from many bloggers that the Clairisonic is a miracle tool, some swear by Hope in a Jar, or Creme de la Mer...
I try to balance cost with performance and what is gentle and safe that works for my skin.

What are you putting on your skin and are you happy with the results?

My thought for the day;
Honour yourself, walk with confidence and delight in the beauty that is uniquely you.


Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Easy peasy dinner, porch pics and garden gossip...

I am finally home after a very busy day in the library...took a fast trip to the Market and grabbed some easy peasy dinner....it is not gourmet, not even close, in fact you might be gobsmacked when you read this...the Hostess is cooking....Turkey hot dogs and sauteed onions...and condiments of course!
Always tastes good on the boat...rarely serve them at home...but tonight I am knackered. I know when to give up and give in...and relax!

I have some bubbly in my glass and Mr. HB is going to be late so I have time to blog a bit.

I took a couple of quick photos of the cushions that I found...went very conservative, some may even think boring but they were quiet and calming. I saw so many wild Hawaiian prints and really bold large details that I think I went into a frenzy. I prefer to be Zen, and the garden is a riot of colour and texture so it seems fitting that the cushions do not compete. I like the way they pick up the 2 tones of paint trim on the windows.
I need to get something else for the table.
 I have a metal vase (which should have some flowers in it!) and a shell...
I think I need a geranium in a pot for a punch of colour and add some interest...
I cannot put too much on there as we use it for our cups of coffee and cocktail glasses!


These are very cushy and soft and fit perfectly.

We frequently have a before dinner drink out here when the weather is conducive and debrief the days events with each other.
I love this time together, we relax and recharge while reconnecting.

Warm sunny weekend mornings we read the paper out here with our coffee.
Neighbours passing stop to chat and some come from across the street to discuss the garden and plants.
I have a habit of dividing up my perennials, and digging other large ones that I am not loving so much and rather than pop them on the compost pile I give them away.
People really like this!

I have heard it said that a gardener shows what she (he) grows and shares what she (he) knows.


Mr. HB made this for me in a minute one day when my paper signs blew away.
I have people asking me in advance of the day that new plants will be put out so they are prepared!
BYOB
Bring your own bag
(or Bring your own barrow)

 I garden out in front in the yard very close to the sidewalk as the front area is not too deep and it invites all manner of people and conversation flows freely.
It is such an easy way to keep informed about the goings on in the neighbourhood!
Garden gossip.

Do you know what your neighbours are up to?
We do!

It's officially called Neighbourhood Watch.


Sunday, April 11, 2010

Does your front entry reflect your personality?

I am amused by this cheerful riot of colour and whimsy...
nautical in nature as this is the front of a float home.


Found objects add interest and charm.


An artist resides here. 
He is a welder of metals and uses recycled materials.
These are for sale!


A window box planted with cheery flowers against a blue wall.


This was my "homage to winter vignette" beside the front door a few months ago.


My new plantings

Table and chair are porch ready

The rocking chair on the right is antique and sturdy with a sprung seat as you can see it is missing some canes!

Welcome!

I need cushions for all the chairs so I will go searching for something new to perk up the black.
That I will tackle tomorrow.



What do you have at your front door?
Do you have a porch?
Do you favour a simple uncluttered approach?
Or does your taste run to the more is better eclectic style?



Saturday, April 10, 2010

Saturday in the Bungalow garden and it's sunny!


I spent most of the day in the sunny Bungalow garden. It was lovely out there and I accomplished a lot. I did the edges and weeded, picked up some twigs and branches that had blown down in the recent strong winds. I looked quite disheveled in my black capris and hoodie! I do wear gloves so my manicure is still intact.
The company has finished building the fence and today Mr. HB put some copper fence post caps on and soon the fence will be done! The copper will patina over time and become a greenish tone.
We talked about our plans to put in 2 raised beds and grass in a section of the garden that was a veggie patch but now is too shaded by the huge acacia tree.
The birds were in full song and the hummingbirds were buzzing me as I worked. There was a flicker on the suet feeder at the same time as a house sparrow. The robins got busy in the recently cultivated soil digging for worms right beside me, they have no fear, they sing so loudly one almost thinks their chests will break! How can such a loud sound eminate from such a small body?

I zipped over to the hardware store and bought a gallon of black glossy exterior paint and some brushes and started transforming my wicker front porch furniture. I have 3 chairs and a table and so far I have done the small chair and the table...I am aching all over now!
I am very happy though as I feel very excited about the new porch decor...I will post some pictures when I have completed the job. I may also buy some new chair cushions and get a new black planter and pot up some great plants....see what comes my way in the shops. I  delight in embarking on new projects...there's a sense of energy and creativity that feeds my soul.

Tonight it's a BBQ burger night...cheeseburgers and potato salad.
I have a feeling I'll sleep well tonight!

I hope that you are enjoying your weekend....what are you doing?

Friday, April 9, 2010

Bungalow Blogging: Dinner in a wok, a G&T and a Thrift Shop Find.

Start with a great wok...mine is in Lime by Le Creuset


A variety of fresh veggies: I used mushrooms, celery, onion, pea pods, yellow peppers


Noodles, Braggs, Sweet Chili Chicken sauce


Small amount of protein: You can use Tofu, beef, chicken or pork.
I used skinny slices of lean pork.


In hot oil saute 3 cloves minced garlic gently...do not brown or the taste will be bitter!


Put noodles into boiling water for 1 minute and drain, set aside.


Saute veggies


Add pork and stir fry


Add noodles and stir fry some more...
I serve with extra Braggs.



   All that chopping and frying can make a girl thirsty!


G&T 


P.S. Look what I found at the thrift store!
I was buying a gift certificate at the restaurant near the thrift store for one of our staff who is retiring and I thought ...just go in for a minute and peek.


Denmark, circa 1959

Take it with a grain of salt........Piet and I have some things in common!


Salt mill of choice Peugeot


The salt we use in our mill



All the salts


French salt sifted from the sea...

Imagine the salters in the blue waters of Geurande wearing Breton shirts and berets netting grains of salt for me to use here in the Bungalow!
C'est impossible!