Thursday, May 6, 2010

The Hostess took her toes to a school instead of a spa....what's that all about?

My houseguest Mrs. M and I went to have our toes done at the School where the Aveda estheticians learn their craft. 
I mentioned that I would report and report is what I am about to do.

I usually go to a large hotel with a spa in town where I am pampered and treated like a Royal!
I must confess I like this treatment! 
The plush terry robes, the mineral pool, sauna and steam rooms, the zen-like atmosphere, fizzy water, herbal teas and bento boxed spa lunches, candle lit rooms with silky sheets and cuddly heated blankets and beds.
Infused with the soft sounds of the rainforest the treatment rooms that are an oasis.

A girl could get used to this and if time and money were no object...I might dabble on a bi-weekly or at least a monthly basis...
(but that is not reality for the Hostess)
Did I mention that the staff are exceptional and service many a world weary traveller, the standards are above and beyond.



I am wearing OPI I am Really Not Just a Waitress and my shy toes are sporting some bling...for the camera.

The experience was less than thrilling for me, and I do not consider myself a snob.
The mainfloor storefront was immaculate and the Aveda displays were artfully arranged, there was water, tea and a variety of current magazines in the waiting room and a large and welcoming staff on hand.
We were called by name and herded upstairs through a warren of rooms to a cubicle which had curtains dividing and defining the treatment area.
The treatment area was dusty and the linens were obviously old and had been laundered so often they were off white.

The esthetician was delightful, professional and skilled.
She was neat and tidy and cute as a button.
She did all she could to make my time there a wonderful experience.
She has a job waiting her when she graduates next month.

I couldn't help but compare this pedicure with the grand spa experience...unfair I suppose, but at 1/3 of the cost of what I usually spend I would have to say it was OK.
It was a no frills pedicure...I am wondering how it will last comparing it to my usual...which lasts 4-5 weeks.

I am not looking for OK when spa-ing....I'm looking for over the top.
I don't do it often so I am willing to pay more.
I guess it just proves that you get what you pay for!

I am in need of a facial...and hope that I can convince my "Spa Buddy BFF" to arrange a date so we can indulge.

Closing now...getting the Bungalow back in order as our guests have departed, laundry is in the washer and dryer, spaghetti is simmering, Mr. HB is watching the News, he's poured me a G and T...I plan to go to bed early tonight.
Sweet dreams and Hugs from the Hostess!




Wednesday, May 5, 2010

50...something?

I just checked and I am nearing 50...followers!
I cannot believe it.
I guess it might be time for another gift-away....

Some things in life are so simple...

others are so much more complex...

I will think of a gift away...any suggestions...send them to me...

not my bronze cat!

or the Guy Vidal....

 sheepish as I am....
I will find something to celebrate if we get more followers!
I think we need to invite more...
60...
I will work on a gift-away for 60
that's my goal...


 It's very late I am sneaking reading blogs and the guests are sleeping...I need to go to bed!
Sweet dreams
Hugs from the Hostess!


I am busy Hostessing in the Bungalow....so it's a brief post!



I have been very busy being a hostess and enjoying the events.
I like to focus on guests when they are here in the Bungalow...I have standards to maintain!
There has been a lot of errand running and shopping involved as my friend lives on an island and comes to town occasionally.
Last night Mrs. M and I went and met another friend for some Thai food at a local restaurant. I did not take my camera as I feel rather shy snapping shots in a small eatery.
I need to practice my spy skills and use a tiny camera which is hidden up my sleeve!

Today we are off for our pedicures. 
I usually go to a large hotel spa and have a regular esthetician but my friend Mrs. M, who is retired, goes to the Institute. I have not been to the Aveda Institute where they teach esthetics but my friend has and enjoys the service and pampering.
I will report back.

I hope that all is well in your patch...will be back in the saddle soon.
See you later!
Hugs from the Hostess!


Sunday, May 2, 2010

May Showers....

Today is a very much anticipated day of joy for Grammy!


There will be a gathering of friends and family 


I am bringing cheese and crackers




There will be frosted cupcakes and tea


Time approximately 5 weeks
not long now!


Shopping has been done, presents are wrapped and ready to go!
The knitted blanket has been completed.


A bundle of joy will be coming into our lives
I think it will forever change me
and enrich life here in the Humble Bungalow.

Grammy's Pedigree Pram has been polished and a new mattress and blankets are ready, waiting.

Our guests arrive this afternoon so I may be absent for awhile and will pop in to visit when time allows.
Hugs from the Hostess.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Dinners on the back burner in the Bungalow....the Hostess has her nose in a book...

I am reading this delightful book, a sequel to Chocolat, 
the story revolves around making chocolates, and I am salivating!
Mouth watering, totally suggestive, it had me running off to the store to appease my cravings!
Yum.


...and for later


Italian bubbly

I was planning on my leftover easy peasy pot roast, smashed potatoes, and peas as a shepherds pie...
Simple fare so I can indulge in reading...I am hooked on this book!


One of our resident Flickers
they love the suet and hang upside down on the feeder... 
(the wee house to the top right)
The Downy Woodpecker frequents the same suet feeder but I have not captured that on film yet.


We have resident Anna's hummingbirds and now the transient Rufous ones have flown north so we are entertained by the territorial postulations at the feeder!
This hangs beside our family room window which is very close to the kitchen.

I have a yard full of birds...and am always serenaded by birdsong...
robins, house sparrows, bush tits, kinglets, wrens, chickadees, thrushes, crows, towhees.
The Coopers Hawk comes by for a meal every once in awhile and he is very large.
The Smaller Merlins fly in swiftly and 
 catch an unsuspecting bird for dinner.

I am off back to the cobblestone streets of Montmartre to check in on what is happening to Vianne and Anouk.

I am hoping to finish this before our guests arrive!

Late News Flash...

Surprise!
son called...
he wants to come over and watch the Hockey game
 and hopes that we can chill and order in
YES!
Daughter, her man and lovely DIL....
all's good.
  even better than good...how great is that?
My family wants to come and spend time with us tonight...any plans I had have flown, my family are IT!
My planned dinner is in the freezer ready for another day.
I can read anytime....
I cherish our times together.
DIL looks amazing...
I feel so grateful!
FYI it's 5 weeks until Baby is due!