Paris...maybe one day...

I dream of going to Paris....

In the meantime I aspire to the French way of cooking...simple fresh and using what is in season.
There are many wondeful books on French cooking and I have my favourites...

Ina Garten and her husband love Paris and have an apartment there,
she has such a passion for food and I adore her enthusiasm for life itself.
I watched her cooking show religiously when it was on the Food Network
her home in the Hamptons was "to die for!"

This book gives insight into the philosophy of French life and cooking

there are a few recipes

but it is more of a how to book.

Aspiring to be stylish here...

A colourful romp through French Markets and Fishmongers

by the creative and talented author Joanne Harris

richly illustrated

with easy to follow directions

some of the ingredients are not found locally

so substitutions are required.

I follow and read many books and blogs on France and the French way of life.

I am adopting some French habits

and dreaming of Paris.

This pursuit has lead to some changes...

I have focused more on my skincare, 

I am indulging in facials more frequently

I do a spa facial every few months and an at home one every month.

I use the exfoliating Bio Gommage by Physiodermie followed by the Burt's Bees Clay Pore Refining Masque and then finish by dabbing on Dr. Hauschka's lavender oil.

This takes about 30 minutes 

 I relax with a cup of herbal tea

when I have finished.

I have rethought the use of makeup too

I now use lightly tinted Dr. H foundation, 

eye liner to draw attention to my eyes

 mascara and 

lipstick or gloss in a berry shade

as I am keeping things on the light side I felt I could add a bit of colour on my lips.

I am dressing simply and as a result acquiring less.

I am paring down the wardrobe 

the local Hospice Thrift shop has been receiving my cast offs!

I am using accessories to add interest and colour;

Hermes scarves

sterling bangles

 layers of pearls

vintage brooches and pins

(but not all at once!)

I now choose garments with a critical eye

I study the construction

the seaming, 

the details

the cut

the fabric

the weight of the cloth

does it flatter?

will it last?

do I love it?

does it reflect the image that I want to convey?

I am by no means "there" yet

I am so enjoying the foray into the French Way...

if you have any fabulous French bloggers or books to assist me in my quest please let me know.

 (The French themed blogs that I follow can be seen on my sidebar at the bottom.)

Merci beaucoup!

Too Much Cleavage? What do you think?

My new Mee Too ballet flats are sooo comfy...but they do reveal a bit of toe cleavage...
is it too much?
What do you think?

I welcome your comments

Here they are with my cargo pants

I have been wearing these pants quite a bit lately

they are perfect active wear

as they have little pockets and compartments

for cell phones, keys, lip gloss and whatever else you might need to take leaving your hands free to carry your water bottle.

a close up

I am pointing my toes as one does in ballet.

I took ballet as a young bride but never quite got the hang of it.

Those were the days when Mr. HB had a Fiat Sport Spider

and I drove across town to attend classes

 I needed to sit on top of a few pillows to drive it!

(Those Italian men must be very tall!)

I am very short at 5 foot 1 inch...

thank goodness my Volvo has adjustable seats

can you imagine my shame if I had to sit on a booster seat

at my age!

anyhow

I do not usually do toe cleavage

do you?

The chest/breast cleavage is something

completely different

what's your feeling on that?

Personally I find it appropriate

in evenings

when dining by candlelight

or sipping a cocktail

Mother and I were out for lunch a few weeks ago and a woman in front of us had on the most shocking outfit.

(Who I might add, was accompanied by a refined elderly lady who was appropriately attired)

She was wearing teensy short shorts

(She did have great legs)

and a skimpy halter top which exposed most of her ample enhanced bosoms

cute Gladiator sandals

(I love shoes)

and a shock of bleached "within and inch of her life" hair

we couldn't help but notice

 as did all the other tea taking crowd

and the sound of whispers

and giggles

ensued...

The beaudacious blonde was smiling and took delight in all the attention!

Any thoughts?

My Blog list is finally updated...

Well who knew that you needed to update the Blog List everytime you started following a new blog?
I didn't and so I have been remiss in keeping up to date...please accept my apologies.
It's all good news now as I have added all the blogs that I am following onto the sidebar.

Have a wonderful evening...lovely daughter is coming over for dinner tonight and I have not seen her for nearly 2 weeks so we are opening some bubbly and there'll be 2 chatty gals on the leather sofa with their feet up "chillaxen" don't know if that's  a word but we use it here in the Bungalow!

Home Sweet Home....

After 2 weeks on the Boat we have cruised home to the Humble Bungalow.
I still have my sea legs...the feeling that I am still bobbing and swaying on the water!

Walking in the front door I felt like I'd been away for much longer than 2 weeks.
I felt happy to be reacquainted with my household and all my bits and bobs.
I threw open the doors and windows wide as the air was stuffy and stale...the weather is hot!
I have unpacked the totes and stowed them for the next trip.

A mountain of dirty laundry has covered the floor and I am sorting, washing and drying...it looks like about 6 loads. I did spend several hours in one of those marina laundromats last week but I've taken off the bedding and all the towels which make up the bulk of the pile.

I had a walkabout in the Garden to familiarize myself with what is blooming and to check on the weeds...they have grown and spread...I'll be out there tomorrow to start to sort them out.

Climbing Royal Sunset

glorious and fragrant

These blooms are full blown and I'll be dead heading them soon

Sweet Peas

I picked a posy full and popped them in water to sweeten the air inside the Bungalow

If memory serves, this is Rosa Pink Fairy

Foxglove 

Alliums

I grow these for fillers in my flower arrangements

they last well into the fall outside

and can be dried inside for months.

I harvested some veggies for dinner

It's a scorcher here today

too hot to sit in the sun

Swiss chard, lettuce, new potatoes and green onions

all scrubbed and ready

I am going to pour myself a cold lemonade

and go and sit for awhile before I prep the dinner.

It's good to be Home

going away is divine 

when I return

I am delighted to be back.

Berry, grape and Coco...maybe.

Berry tinted lip gloss from AVEDA

My new summer shade

it's full of moisture

protection

from the sun with SPF

and easy to apply

affordable

small enough to pop in a pocket

mine goes into my cargo pant leg pocket and I reapply whenever I feel the need

soft smooth lips are mine

My newest read...

I love the luscious looking grapes

This story is about a couple who take up residence in the South of France in an old stone house

my idea of romance and fun!

The lovely Julianne Moore
such a beauty, poised, elegant and sultry.

Lighter reading and some ideas for Fall

it's windy and hot here

I am keeping hydrated with water

hard to concentrate on the Fall Fashion forecast!

Fabulous issue full of inspiration and charming decor

Run out and get a copy if you like the Country look.

This is a keeper!

My new journal

for jotting down notes and observations

Authors who visit our school Library 

recommend this as a valuable tool for writers and budding authors everywhere.

I am hoping to see this movie soon...

What are you doing with your weekend?

Wishing you fun from here.

Hugs from the Hostess