Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A not-so-white Wednesday!

I knew it would come to this at some point...
I just never thought it would be so soon!

Colour is creeping into White Wednesday
and the other days of the week for that matter.


Mother and I are planning to go to Seattle for some cross border shopping soon.
We stay at our Home Away From Home 
lovely suites
friendly staff
 award winning martini bar Oliver's
room service for a superb breakfast
and a great restaurant for dinner


I felt the need for a cross body bag
one that allows easy access 
and is hands free.
It is customary that I take Mother's arm
we link arms so she can walk unencumbered by a walking stick 
and I help her negotiate uneven pavement.



Red roses on a black leather background
made in Italy by Maurizio Taiuti
my friend L suggested this rose bag to add that "fun factor"
she knows me well
and accepts my conservative style
she who has a flair for fashion
 embraces arty bold and creative styles


 Be brave 
and buy the bag
after all she says 
it's only money!

I can be Brave
and I do like Fun!


Purchased at Winners 
for under $100
many sections = user friendly
hands free
Win WIn Win



Friend and house guest L 
and 
I went for a pedicure 
at a local esthetic school
it was a no frills experience
yet
 seriously professional 

OPI  Texas
"Houston we have a purple"
was chosen by both of us!

we enjoyed a complimentary hand wax
this treatment was very moisturizing
and warm

The young woman who gave me my pedicure was so sweet
she couldn't have been a day over 19 and she has already secured a job in a Spa in her hometown.

The cost of this experience was 1/3 of what I usually pay...
the atmosphere is very plain, it's a school 
there are no soft cozy terry cloth robes 
 mineral pools or saunas
 fresh bowls of fruit
 water or herbal teas
or 
Bento Box lunches

BUT
 the treatment is the same...
and the students are closely supervised
I might go back!

Houseguest L has now departed
the Bungalow is quite quiet

it's amazing how much two friends can talk about when they get together!

I find that spending time with friends who have a certain style
influences me
 I see myself in a clearer light
while appreciating the uniqueness that makes them who they are.

I cherish the time that I spend with my family and friends.

Wishing you a Rose-y Fun Filled White Wednesday!

Hostess

Monday, April 11, 2011

Wardrobe basics Hostess Style and a close encounter with Chanel!

Embracing thrift through the CPW ( cost-per-wearing ) factor makes sense.

Take for example the $100 pair of ponte knit black pants that I purchased in the fall of 2010.
I wear these pants at least 3 times each and every week.
They are so versatile and more to my liking they are comfortable, machine washable, hang to dry, retain their shape and so far, retain their crisp black hue.
(Proportion Petite by Conrad C)

All I need to do is to choose a variety of different tops to change up the look and keep it fresh.


Silky rayon cotton blend tunic top
Cleo

I do not feel that I need to have a huge wardrobe....in fact too many choices stress me out.
I find it difficult to decide what to wear when there are too many garments hanging in my closet.
My closet here in the Humble Bungalow is very tiny so it is best that I don't overstock.



Style and Co.
tunic top
which fits small so I had to go up 2 sizes...ugh!


grey and black striped waterfall sweater 
grossgrain ribbon bow in back
Gilmour
with
 black V neck long tee 
 Splendid




grey knit tunic 
INC
I've worn this top at least once a week since I purchased it
rayon scarf



charcoal ruffle front top
Press


Ballet flats
black and Platinum
Mee Too NY

Bold unusual ethnic
"Statement Jewelry" 
is being showcased 
 as a Spring fashion 
"trend"

while I do not ascribe to trends per say
I do admire and collect different pieces that speak to me.
Holidays are a great time to source out interesting and fun pieces. 
They are not too usually too bulky to pop into a suitcase or better yet wear them home!

I bought this necklace at a local Cancer fundraising silent auction many months ago.


Guy Vidal Canadian Designer
circa 1970


same piece reversed 

Decor here these days reflects the black and white theme....
House Dressing Hostess style!



Bungalow kitchen bench seat cushions


distressed country style bench 
with gingham cushion


Hostess Mitts


Hogweed tea towel
from the UK 



Coco Chanel's influence 
affects me here today
in the Humble Bungalow.

I had the opportunity to try on a Chanel tweed jacket in local high end consignment store.
It would have been a perfect partner for my black pants or jeans
I was completely gob smacked by the quality of construction and the luxe fabric
details, details it's all in the detail
subtle Chanel buttons
ragged tweedy bits jutting out at the cuffs
 embossed with  "Chanel" on the champagne toned silk lining 
wearing it made me feel posh
Posh in a good way, not in a snobby way
the smile of knowing one has such a garment 
without screaming crass
just class

I did not get the jacket
it was too snug
pout pout...

Time to shop my closet...


 Chanel-esque
as interpreted and designed 
by 
Simon Chang

The CPW is higher
currently at around $10 
 it will be around for many years to come
so the CPW will decrease.



Marcel Boucher vintage brooch
which currently resides on the Simon Chang jacket.


Saturday, April 9, 2011

Humble Bungalow Domestics...France, Friends and Tea Time

A house guest will be arriving soon
so I have been busy prepping
and tidying the Humble Bungalow.


The warrior glove
protector 
and 
 friend of the Hostess.

I put hand lotion on before donning these gloves 
and my hands and cuticles get a moisture treatment 
which is activated by the cleaning action.


At rest


Oranges were on special at the Market 
I bought a mesh bag full
seedless and sweet 
and they look so cheerful in the bowl


I like to have some tea bread or a loaf on hand for tea time
I am looking forward to some friendly chats 
while taking tea 
with my guest.

The internet is such a handy resource 
It is especially great for recipes

I typed in 
orange-raisin-loaf
and found this recipe


baking in the oven 
scenting the kitchen with orange


the dishes are air drying



 recent books and DVD's that I have been reading and watching

Priceless was a cute film
Audrey Tatou is charming

A French movie with subtitles
in one scene there is a song playing 
in English 
and the lyrics are printed in English as subtitles!

Vicki Archer's book is a feast for the eyes
she has a fabulous blog 
full of lush images.
I gave her newest book French Essence as a Christmas gift this year to a dear friend.
I snuck a peek before I wrapped it up and the images are so beautiful
Vicki has a great artistic eye for details.

French Toast by Harriet Welty Rochefort
is a peek inside life from an American woman's perspective as she marries into a French family.
Her website offers a lot of great tips and information.

Words in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse
was inspired by the blog

Lunch in Paris 
by Elizabeth Bard
is entertaining and funny 
 French recipes are included with each chapter of the book
and they look delicious!


Orange Raisin Loaf


I am brewing a pot of my favourite tea
I use a variety of loose and herbal teas
this one tops my list for flavour

Ingredients: 
Ceylon and Chinese black teas, 
bergamot essence, vanilla beans and essence.

Enjoy your weekend whatever you do
maybe like me you'll be enjoying a friendly conversation with a friend
and sharing a cup of Tea!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

I am 56, with a grey hair dilemma and can you believe it I am still making mud pies

I  am 56 and I have been playing with paint....
again
I graduated from kindergarten so many years ago and here I stand at an easel and it all comes flooding back to me...
is that youth calling?


"Raindrops on Roses"


Creative urges are not to be ignored as they can be fleeting...they come in fits and starts.
Not unlike actioning Spring Cleaning, window washing or sorting out a closet or junk drawer.

When the urge strikes I act...
I reworked a painting I did over a year ago...
I didn't like the first one and I am not too sure that the reworked one is "finished" or to my liking...
an artist I am not,
merely a woman unleashed
in a room with tubes of paint, brushes and canvas...
with the overpowering urge to play
with paint.

It is like making mud pies...

I don't "think" about what I am doing...
I "feel" it.
I am not asking for judgement or praise here...
It has taken me a long time to feel comfortable enough to expose these forays into acrylics
enough already...

Onto a New topic...
no segue...

Have you ever had a Bad Hair Day?
I caught sight of myself today and gasped....
I need a 911 rescue call for my overprocessed hair.
I have been having highlights for quite some time...(hiding the grey tinsel strands)
My hair is naturally dark brown...and my hairdresser suggested highlights as an option for a graceful way of aging...
she is very talented at her craft
but I am seriously considering letting nature take it's course.

What do you think about greying?

Are you sprinkled with grey or totally grey?
Do you feel old with grey hair?
Do you embrace your greys?
Do you dye it all one colour? Have highlights?

Just curious...
I have an appointment soon and am considering my options....

If you have been following the blog for awhile you might remember my commenting on our school secretary...
she is the one who has breast cancer...
she came in for that Meet The Babies Shower and was wearing a really cute red pixie styled wig.....
she is so thin it took me by surprise and I am hoping that my eyes did not register the shock I felt inside.

I think I held her too long in a hug that was meant to be friendly...awkward moment.


Her smile was as beamy as could be...she is one of the bravest women I have ever met.

I feel so ridiculous lamenting about my hair while she struggles on with chemo and has had to buy a wig.

Go get a mammogram ladies...
mark your calendars and do you monthly exams
please and go for the "squish test" it's important...

Did you know that BC is a leader in Breast Cancer Screening?

Hugs in Health,
Hostess
XO

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Hostess Whites...and links to whites should you choose to go there.

White Wednesday is challenging...
I love black with white and there is a surprising amount of black here in the Bungalow...
Hermes, Breadtins, teacups....and beyond.

White Wednesdays may not be around long here!



Abyss towels
thick and absorbant
and Bungalow Basics
bath salts and soap


Super emollient skincare
the in house favourite
by
Dr. Hauschka


Canadian 
Guelph Ontario Soap Co.


Scented bath salts


Fragrant organic 
Lavender Orange Lotion
by


soft and silky chemise
cool and sumptuous
(oops look away, it needs ironing!)

Home of the Hutterite Down Duvet
LaJord
the duvet which keeps us cozy here in the Bungalow.


 Oar
distressed
 hanging about in the guest room
which has a slight beachy theme...


Bowl of white roses
on a black background

I ask you...
would an all white painting be interesting
or 
would it be a canvas awaiting a smattering of colour?

 Hostess
XO