56 and dressing today....

Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity...
I turned 56 and went to work....not even whispering that it was my birthday.
I confess that I ate a piece of cake.
How can one say no when the candles have been lit
and it is paraded into the staffroom by singing co-workers!
(Diet be damned...one piece and then it's back on track)
I was honoured by friends, showered with cards, fresh flowers and enjoyed meeting up for tea after work with a couple of friends.
After several long phone calls and reading my emails I changed into a going out for the evening outfit...
I wore my striped black and grey waterfall sweater with the grossgrain ribbon tied in the back and a black silky v neck top with black ponte skinny legged pants and my black ballerinas...

I was taken out for dinner by Mr. HB to a lovely French restaurant...where we supped on French Onion Soup and I had salmon on a bed of French lentils and kale...and a glass of crisp white wine....Mr HB had a grilled steak with Roquefort cheese on top and pommes frites.
YUM!

Josef Siebel shoes

skinny jeans

Gap wool vest

cream top from Joe

Pearls

what else?

Pearls are twisted in the photo

oops!

Curly locks

enriched and nourished by Argan Oil

best new accessory for my hair!

(smells great too)

This is what 56 looks like here in the Humble Bungalow

I cannot believe that I am now moving upward towards 60

that sounds

 well 

a wee bit daunting

I will need to reinvent myself between now and then.

I do not mean Botox or a face lift

I mean a healthier, wiser, woman in all ways.

It's never to late to turn your life around!

now where shall I start!

Silk scarf a Seattle find...

Hermes scarves are my favourites...
I cannot afford to buy a wardrobe of Hermes scarves exclusively.

Numerous scarves,
in various sizes, colours, patterns and weights  means that there is a scarf for every occasion.

A frugal alternative to Hermes and other higher end designers is to seek out silk scarves in thrift and consignment shops.
I have been surprised to find scarves in mint condition for very reasonable prices...I often think that they must have been gifts and never or seldom worn.

This large scarf was an unexpected find at the Antique Mall near Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The Mall is a wonderful place to browse in as there is something for everyone.
It's a great spot to dodge the rain and spend an hour looking at things from days gone by.

There are full glass cases with a wonderful assortment of trinkets and treasures.
From Chinese porcelains to paintings, and estate jewelry to World's Fair memorabilia...
wicker and teak, tasteful and tacky...it's all here!

In the back of the space it opens up to some themed rooms or open areas where you can find
Mid Century Modern teak and glass, Country wares, Shabby Chic furniture and a fewVintage clothing stalls.

Saldarini

silk scarf made in Como Italy

the company has been in business since 1882

I was not familiar with the brand

I purchsed it because I liked the weight and feel of the silk

 the delicate evenly stitched hand rolled edges

and it's large size.

 The soft banana yellow and black mix well with my wardrobe.

The crisp intricate floral pattern reminds me 

of the Arts and Crafts prints that William Morris designed.

Seattle is a great city to visit

if you go make sure to pack an umbrella and a rain slicker!

It's a very beautiful city by the sea

and make sure that you go and explore the Pike Place Market.

Pepper....fashion police on patrol....

Here she is back by popular demand!
Pepper the Pampurred Puss
relaxing
watching
waiting
and then pouncing...

Greige Paws

Grey walking shoes

comfort

and engineering

they are none other than

Josef Seibel

The J. Peterman Tees that I ordered a few weeks back arrived.

When the postman rang the bell Pepper ran to greet him at the front door

I had to scoop her up so she would not escape when I signed for the parcel.

She's on the prowl

her favourite "toys" are bags, boxes and tissue paper.

I opened the bag and removed the contents

and she crawled right in!

She's quite nosy

and sniffs anything new or different.

Tissue makes such crunchy sounds before she shreds it into a zillion pieces.

She looks quite smug sitting here

anyone would think that she was in charge...

I actually think she might be!

I was on my knees picking up the shredded scraps of paper

and trying to put away the "toys" while she looked on. 

I have test driven these walking shoes and they are so comfy and amazing...

I bounce a bit when I walk...

and I'm off to the races

actually 

only a little faster than a stroll...

BTW

Northmoon where are you?

You won the pearls!

Email me....please!

Yoga, walking, and fatty talking...

After my morning Yoga session at the studio
I decided to take advantage of the sun
and I put on my new walking shoes and I took to the streets.
I wove my way past melting snowmen with their carrot noses and eyes made of stones...
I dodged puddles and was snug and warm in my down jacket
I forgot to wear my sunglasses so squinting was actioned when facing into the rays.

Lots of folks were out too...
it might be a result of cabin fever
after all that ice and snow kept us huddled by the home fires.
I wandered without a route in mind and just let my feet guide me on..
I happened upon a nearby shop which beckoned...
magazines, books and an assortment of cosmetics and potions...

I have many friends who are using this on their hair and giving it rave reviews...

not to be left behind I am on the band wagon.

Wispy hairs and curly frizzies can be tamed

sheen and glossy locks are the other perks.

With the snow almost a distant memory and the sunny sky today

I felt a sense of lightness

maybe it was the invigorating walk,

maybe it was the vitamin D.

 I attribute the bounce in my step to my new and not worn out walking shoes.

It could be also because I have lost a few pounds

and don't go thinking that I am looking for them

far from it

good riddance

I want them gone for good

stay away and don't come back!

I pulled out my old scale awhile ago and was stunned to read the number

I did a double take

I mean, after the winter a few pounds might creep up, but not this many.

UGH!

I am a hopeless dieter

hypothyroidism

hampers weight loss 

so I get very discouraged...

Look at this sentence...

OK 

it seduced me into buying this book!

while I do not want to be a stick insect 

I would like to reduce

I hope that there are a few gems inside...

10 stone?

I'll have to find out how much that is....

20 pounds?

I'd love to lose 20 pounds...

Idiot proof

could they be talking to me?

Perhaps I am the target audience!

My jeans are not fitting well anymore

the spandex has gone on strike

overworked and not a holiday in sight..

it's lost it's oomph

probably weakened because I stretched it beyond it's limits

and it's exhausted...

How long are jeans meant to last anyhow?

do they have a shelf life?

a best before date?

 I want new jeans

with spandex that works

jeans that flatter

and don't make me look fatter

than I am...

I'll treat myself to a pair when I lose at least 10 pounds

that could be my reward....

I wonder how many pounds I need to shed to go from a size 12 to a size 10...

I ask you

is it possible

 for an hourglass figure 

who is counting the hours 'til turning 56

who is seriously height challenged 

find a pair of stylish jeans

that rock her world?

I hope so...

What kind of jeans should I buy

and do you have any weight loss strategies or tips for me?

I know there are some savvy slimmers out there

come hither...

the Hostess needs your advice.

Celebrating the Oscars.....and the Pearls go to....

Greetings!
It's Oscar night here in the Humble Bungalow...
the ballots are all in
printed on fuchsia
(Faux Fuchsia is expecting a baby!)

A simple dinner has been prepared to allow the Hostess
full access to the TV
with the fewest distractions possible....
a salad and a vegetable and noodle casserole.

Most of this post has been prepared ahead...

LPC suggested that the glove play with the Majorica Pearls

and I thought

why not?

Here is Pepper getting into the act

I think she bit some holes in the glove

I was trying to cross the fingers of the glove and say good luck 

but she undid my handiwork.

See how a simple strand of pearls,

and these are faux pearls

can elevate even the simplest attire.

First Nations Nootka basket

will be the keeper of the finalists...

and the winner goes to...

my lovely daughter J helped.......

wearing a head dress in beads and sparkles

she is digging deep...

her mine cut diamond and eternity band......

and the Oscar / giveaway 

goes to...Northmoon

please email your mailing address

I'll pop it in the mail asap

well done

you've won!