The trouble with walking is...

 I took a long walk yesterday...
the sun was shining and the birds were chirping
and I feel rather proud that I have seriously started to action healthier eating
and took the time to walk and meditate on life and all it's gifts...
it surprises me how quickly I can get out of the habit of taking a daily walk...
using weather as an excuse to stay indoors.

Tulips

in an Arts and Crafts Weller vase

such cheery blooms

they are an instant mood lifter

Hours of walking
(another great mood elevator)

punctuated with stops in shops...
and chats with sales staff
and I got into some mischief!

I hadn't planned it as I was dressed so casually
in LuLulemon workout gear
Eddie Bauer Down jacket...
my only stab at fashion was the Burberry pink plaid scarf encircling my neck.

Happy to say the Siebel shoes are comfy
my feet are happy despite the mileage.

First I found...

No not a real Sandwich

have you heard of Sandwich?

they make fabulous garments

I love love love them

and could buy many pieces

but I will not be

  I am trying to be a minimalist

and I could be so easily led into temptation!

back detail

with the ability to snug it in

the style is uber boxy

great piece for a body in transition

(hopefully shrinking)

even better it's packable and lightweight 

a great travel coat

it can be stuffed into a tote for the surprise rain showers that often occur.

a heavenly scarf that set my heart all aflutter

my favourite shades all married together

so versatile with my closet contents

Pepper of fashion police fame

is eyeing up the goods

and now for the taste test!

She does have an eye for fashion...

I think the scarf would look nice with her coat too.

She has been trying to eat all my tulips

I am concerned that they are toxic to cats

I have tried clapping my hands loudly 

and 

I even resorted to spraying her with the plant mister!

She is determined to chew on the greenery...

I have some kitty grass in a pot

 and 

I am hoping that she will enjoy munching on something safer.

We all need our greens!

HMMM...decisions decisions...fashion and more fatty talking...

To accessorize or not
I cannot decide..

Ruffle fronted top

this top can be worn open or buttoned up

my love affair with grey continues...

I plan to wear a white tee under this when it is cold

 and wear it solo in the summer

it doesn't need any extra decoration 

but

I think I might

just because

Pearls 

my first choice

I made this necklace in bead class

Pearls 

and 

assorted Labradites

the big one on the bottom is wrapped in sterling wire 

and can be removed to wear alone

I love the fire and opalescence of these gemstones

they have a glow of their own.

Artist Debra K 

designed and cleverly crafted

this necklace.

My sterling hoops and diamond studs are getting play time

The argan oil I bought a few days ago

is pure genius

it is luxurious

my hair feels ever so soft 

 I find my hands keep reaching up and touching my hair

I cannot believe that just a few precious drops can be so restorative

if you like me have waited to buy some

wait no longer

get some soon

you'll be glad that you did!

Pepper is weary

and 

in one of her quieter moments

atop a plush pillow

she is so much easier to photograph when she is still!

Speaking of quiet moments
I have quite a few books that are waiting to be read.

Books for every mood

I just need to decide which one to choose to read next...

Eeny meeny miny mo....

but first I am lacing up my new trainers

and 

wearing some stretchy Lululemons

and 

am taking to the street

to activate my metabolism

and fill my lungs with fresh salt air from the ocean

it's sunny this morning!

I have been trying to spend less time on the laptop 

and more time getting fit...

I hope that you cherished dear readers, 

will not hold it against me 

if my comments 

are somewhat reduced...

I am desperate to lose weight

you cannot see my flabby thighs

nor will I expose my chunky mid section

what I know is

the scale does not lie!

Hope that you will enjoy a lovely weekend...

tell me what are you getting up to?

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!