Monday, January 2, 2012

I was recognized and identified....

Minding my own business
as I stood at the counter of the local shop,
consigning the lime green Franciscan ware set of dishes that I was so tired and bored with....

I was approached by a smiling woman whose face I did not recognize...
she introduced herself
when I heard her name I knew immediately that she was none other than the author of the blog Pondside!

I was busy at the counter so she continued shopping while the clerk finished up the paperwork.
She paid for her merchandise; a lamp and a cheery pillow for her sunny bedroom...
we decided that coffee was in order.

A short drive later, we found ourselves perched upon high stools seated across from each other
sipping steaming lattes.

Pondside has a very interesting job,
she comes from a creative and talented family who are very much in the public eye.

We both have long time marriages, are family oriented, are happy grand mothers,
we both love to read, and are keen walkers.
The topic of conversation ran all over the map...and an hour passed swiftly.



She is lovely...
a genuinely warm and gracious woman.

 She spent her morning walking with her friend along the blustery ocean seafront
and had already enjoyed a coffee with her friend
so I felt honored that she take the time to sit and share a cuppa with me.


Humble Hostess
 not looking my best..
but I am my own worst critic
if you follow me you'll know that I am much more comfortable behind the lens...

We both love to blog
   a "secret hobby" 
only a few of our friends and family know about.

We'll probably bump into each other again sometime soon
and we will be on a first name basis.

We do like walking the same route so it is just a matter of time before our paths cross again.

Thank you Pondside
until we meet again....


Friday, December 30, 2011

Quicker pasta and the menu for New Years Eve.

There's a happy Hostess in the Humble Bungalow these days!
Pasta making just got so much easier...


My first ever Kitchen Aid attachment,
it works like a dream.

It only takes minutes to run it through
and it is so easy
I cannot believe how fast this happens and with very little effort on my part.



I use the food processor to make this pasta
Adrienne from La Vie Quotidienne
gave me the recipe and I love how easy it is to make.


I made a simple sauce
saute onions, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil
add a can of DOP Italian tomatoes
some red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
and simmer for about an hour to allow the flavours to meld.

Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente
fresh pasta takes less time
so check often

sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top
enjoy!

I am getting ready for New Year's Eve dinner
several couples are celebrating at the table
on the menu...

antipasto assortment 
(my BFF calls this a "picky plate")
Caesar Salad
fresh Dungeness crab
served in the shell ready to pick
with
drawn butter, lemons, and ginger mayo dip

dessert
(which my BFF is making)

I haven't thought of any resolutions to make just yet...
self improvement is one that I often consider
giving back to the community is another
and I think there's a new hairstyle in my future
and possibly redesigning
 The Humble Bungalow Blog...

What resolutions are you making?



Cheers!

I hope that you will pop back in 2012.

Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

White Wednesday and more...

It's White Wednesday today...
and I have not posted on this theme for ages.
While one might expect snow and all it's pure whiteness
we are experiencing a very torrential Wet Wednesday!

Here in The Humble Bungalow we love to give gifts
and at Christmas, especially to our children.
It's a habit that goes way back and one that gives us great joy.

The gifts needn't be expensive nor do they need to be new.

I love finding second hand Mid Century Modern pieces...
this year I was able to source
a Dansk teak tray,
a Festivo tall art glass candlestick,
a set for four vintage linen place mats and napkins in their original unopened package
a matte white Rosenthal embossed vase
a Catherine Holm black and white covered casserole dish.

Our adult children collect, live with, and use mid century furniture and accent pieces.

Look at these shiny sterling babies!


sterling hoops
a
white pashmina

they look like they were made for each other!


I love the elongated form
thank you son and DIL!


My sister gave me this soft and lovely Pashmina,
Mother received one as well
and Sis bought herself one too.
It will be funny when we all show up wearing them together on one of our lunches!


I snapped up this interesting vest in charcoal with black accents.
(like my sister and Mother I usually find one thing for myself)


Lovely daughter knows how much I love Vintage White Ironstone....


a trio of small oval platters


a jug


some hand crafted magnets...


a crown

lovely daughter is on an economy kick right now 
she found the most amazing treasures in her rounds
and those lucky enough to be recipients were thrilled!


I look quite tired here
and I am!

I find that after Christmas day and dinner it takes me a few days to rest up.
I am loving the Chanel Triomphal that I bought for evening
here it is making an appearance in the daylight
in an attempt to add some energy 
and colour.

Lip colour is the one of the quickest ways for me to perk up
besides drinking lots of Perrier.

What your Wednesday White or Wet?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

OOTD and then it's leftover Turkey Tuesday...

As the Hostess and cook I like to wear cool "food friendly" attire.
(it's hot in the kitchen)

My Christmas OOTD was a sleeveless LBD with black beaded flowers,
charcoal hose and black slingback shoes.

A black apron protected me from splatters...
I added a little bit of bling just because I felt like it...



Rhinestone Sherman pin
circa 1960




The Humble Bungalow Christmas table....
set in black with some silver accents.


Plain and simple.


Pepper wanted to jump up on the table
 so we had to put her downstairs until dinner was finished!


On a walk in our neighbourhood
 we found some cedar cuttings
and I popped them into some matte white vintage pottery.



They sit on the window ledge above our sink.



I put the reindeer on the boughs
they were the centre piece
they looked lovely flickering in the candle light.


It's the Tuesday after Christmas and we have dined on turkey sandwiches with gravy dip...
decadent and tasty,
if it were not pouring rain I would have gone for a long long walk today.

We sat in front of the warm fire in the Bungalow living room and read books this evening.
There is such luxury in reading and relaxing.


The paper whites
 are pretty and perky 
and have shown no signs of wilting.

I, on the other hand, feel like crawling into bed early 
between the cool sateen sheets
cocooning with my book
sleeping long
to awake refreshed
ready to greet the day
renewed 
with energy and an optimistic view.

I received the DVD 
"Midnight in Paris" 
and am keen to watch it.

Mr. HB gave me a Spa Package at my favourite hotel.
I am going to savour that gift...
Thanks darling!


I'd like to take a moment to thank you all 
for your gift of visiting me here in The Humble Bungalow.
I value your comments
and hope that you will keep coming back.

I hope that you have been enjoying your time with family and friends.

Happy Holidays
and
Sweet Dreams

Hugs from the Hostess

Friday, December 23, 2011

All is calm....all is bright...

The festive season is in full swing and for those of us who embrace family, friends and food we are happy.
We are content, that's it.
It's all we need.


Pepper is up to her tricks!


Perfection is unattainable and who really wants perfection?

I say let's dance and let the light shine on us as we weave our merry way....let's embrace the imperfect and accept life as it presents itself, foibles and all.

Joy is found everyday...

Hot water
soap
indoor heat
food in the fridge
friends calling by
music
a good book
greetings from afar
clean sheets
memories
candlelight
a surprise visit from the best of the best...
a red headed star
the sweetest little munchkin that ever graced the Humble Bungalow....
Isla!

We could never wish for anything better than to be in her company.

Happy Christmas!
I hope that you are all snug in the arms of those that you love and hold dear.

Best of the Season,
Hostess,
XO

I would LOVE to share an image of the sweetest little angel with you as she gently lays her head on our shoulders and says "Meow" to Pepper, opens our cupboards and plays with her toys but I promised her parents that I would not post her image here....
I respect their perogative...
you'll just have to use your imagination!

Trust me, I do know a beauty when I see one!

Blessings,
Hostess
XO