Monday, March 7, 2011

Tea and a little creativity...

Lots of domestics are underway...
I am on my 4th load of laundry
and the bed linen has been changed.

I have stopped for a well deserved cup of tea...
and a little foray into creativity.


Tulips with a hint of colour


camera tricks


Weller arts and crafts jardinere
the detailed tooling captures my fancy


subtle and suggestive


sturdy feet help support the weight


I purchased this piece from a thrift shop
and had no idea it was a Weller at the time nor did the dealer
it is a thrifty find which has become a treasure to behold.



I am wearing these to keep my spirits light
while 
actioning brisk tasks in domesticity.


On a bright note...
the Garden issue is here!


Look at these great new garden gloves by Ethel
as seen in Martha Stewart Living
and 


Laying around
on the Humble Bungalow bed 
playing with the Hostess's Pearls...

These Ethel warrior rose gloves were a gift 
from my BFF on the occasion of my recent birthday
just in time for the pruning season!

(I wonder how the glove will feel?)


perhaps a wee bit jealous?

I hosted a belated birthday brunch with the family
here in the Bungalow...
I had a great time playing on the floor with grandaughter Miss Isla
and so nice to have my family gathered 'round.
My mother came as well and she was very quiet
as she took it all in...
emotion can well up and tears can so easily spill
when ones heart is full to bursting.

Mr. HB and lovely daughter poured mimosas
I made fruit salad, 
lamb sausages with mint sauce, 
hash brown potatoes, 
scrambled eggs
smoked salmom lox with dill
and 
these amazing
mouth watering tasty pancakes
topped with a small dollop of creme fraiche
YUM!



Do try these
they are a winner.

Break time is over 
the tea has re-energized me so...
now it's back to the chores.

What strategies do you use to keep your spirits up 
when moving through your domestic chores?

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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
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!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

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.



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?

Friday, March 4, 2011

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!


Thursday, March 3, 2011

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.