Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Resort: pajama's and more...Part 1.

Do you buy new pajama's when going away on a trip?
A new pair in fuchsia pink have been purchased...

Small travel sizes of Aveda Shampure and Phomollient and Avene products have also been sourced to fit inside my cosmetic bag. Packing light makes sense as the bag needs to have room for purchases and be easy to tote.

Mother and my Sister are my travel companions so I like to wear new pajama's.
We often stay up late and talk well into the night over a glass or two of bubbly.


a wee bit of lace
a V neck
 the back is sheer and gauzy



Pepper is on the job
she started attacking the lace!
 Every time I lay something new down on the bed for a photo shoot she turns into the Fashion Police!


Pepper's so lovely that I think I am dressing in her colours.
Mette hinted at the possibility and I think she's onto something.
I bought a new sweater...
and it reminds me of Pepper.


Style My Way 
goes with all my black, white and greys...
was reduced as an end of season clearance
  then further reduced by 50% off the last ticketed price.....
at under $20 how could I leave it?

Honestly I am turning into a bargain shopper
it could be those renovations.

I have a lot going on in this post and it seems to be rather discombobulated so apologies...

Our getaway was such a good tonic for Mother.
She spends a lot of time alone now
many of her friends have passed away and several of her women condo pals have sold and moved into care facilities.

Our suite at the resort was large and had all the amenities.
The rooms were vast and very quiet in the wing that we were settled in.
It didn't take us long to get into holiday mode
have a look.


living room


bedroom


kitchen
I didn't take pictures of the bathrooms or the dining area 
as we had strewn all our stuff by the time I got my camera out 
and I wanted it to look pristine!


Unfortunately it was not sunny...
but Sis and I swam in the outdoor pool just the same...
we had to get some exercise because we knew Mother would be taking us out for dinner.


Beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and wine demi~glace.
Melt in your mouth perfection...
Prosecco was our night cap in our room and we did sit around in our PJ's and robes!
(it pays to be prepared)

High spirits and excitement
laughter
reminiscing
chatting and sharing
pictures
fabulous family time.

Moments to save and hold tight to our hearts.

 Mother had her very first ever spa visit!
we had three side~by~side manicures...
in the lush facilities
so relaxing...


"Hearts and Tarts"
looks a bit like a French Manicure

When Mother's onboard 
"shopping happens"
and "happen" it did!

I'll post my "loot shoot" soon so stay tuned...



Pepper was happy to see me come home.
I got lots of pats and licks
she's now napping on my bed.

We've had snow flurries so the drive home was a winter wonderland...
I must get back to reality and rustle up some dinner for Mr. HB.
Cheerio,

Hostess
XO



Saturday, March 10, 2012

OOTD or blushing pink and black

OOTD or what I wore to brunch at a luxury waterfront hotel with my family.
Casual, comfortable and a little hint of pink to mimic the cherry and plum blossom trees that are putting on a lovely show for Spring.


Spring Blossoms



Blush pink tank and sweater by Joe
(Superstore and a steal of a deal)
Black pants by Ralph Lauren
ballet flats by Roberto Vianni


Quartz necklace made on the lower mainland by a designer
purchased in Duncan BC years ago while on holiday
at Fabrications.
(a yummy shop chock full of fun fashions)
I can't wait to go back!


The length of the sweater is longer and so soft and cozy.


Arm candy
Kate Spade and a variety of bangles...
Two Tiffanys and the rest handmade by artisans or vintage.


I think with bangles more is better.


Subtle scent for a soft day...


speaking of soft...

Grammy's in love with a special Little Miss.

Isla's skin is sheer perfection


DIL, Lovely daughter and Isla
(her colour blocking did not escape my notice)

A lovely morning spent with beloved family for breakfast and then a sunny stroll along the waterfront.
My heart feels very full.

Share some love with your family this weekend.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Daughter love...and shopping!

I defer to my daughter for advice and her expertise on fashion and make up.
She is younger and very savvy and is on the pulse of what is current.

I was looking for a new eyeliner as the Kohl pencil I had been using was dragging...
when one applies eyeliner without progressive glasses it needs to be simple...


Revlon to the Rescue!
goes on smoothly
with a light hand and can be thick or thin...
Thank you J this is a winner!


Arugula tomato cucumber salad with homemade vinaigrette.
Oven roasted baby red potatoes
tenderloin wrapped in bacon...

quick and easy
it needs to be as 
I was at the salon
for a cut and colour....
until dinnertime
and it's hard to believe
it's been 6 weeks!


Bubbly!
I feel so energized with a fresh cut...
and it's not just the bubbles

my grey locks are in hiding....


J said "smile and don't look so serious"...

I tried...


and tried....



and tried!

Some gals are so photogenic
 not me.
J snapped a dozen or more and we whittled it down to these three!


I am on the hunt for a new handbag 
Macy's sale flyer came a' calling...

I love this Cole Haan number...
look

so tempting...

Mr. HB wants to take me away on holiday for my birthday.

I am thinking 
save the money for the getaway
buy in person
Hermes
Tiffany's 
Holt Renfrew
get the whole wrapping experience...

I love the personal touch :)
stay tuned.....

a gal with a fresh cut and a new colour could be a serious shopping diva!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Say Cheese

"Say cheese"...

Cheese is one of the basics I keep on hand in the fridge,
it's a quick and easy snack.
Cut it up and serve it with an apple, pop it on a cracker, melt it on bread, grate it on top of a fresh salad...
it's very versatile.

It's full of fat and that may explain my current shape
I also know it has calcium which is good for aging bones...
combined with daily walks I hope that I am warding off brittle bones.

I was not a regular Costco shopper until a friend showed me the great cheeses that she purchased at even better prices. I now go to Costco every 3 months mostly for cheese.

Behold the latest cheeses...


Large blocks with lots of time before the "best before" dates.
Perfect to have on hand for unexpected guests
I always stock olives, crackers and dried apricots 
which make up a quick and tasty platter
served with a glass of bubbly or white wine.

As I sit at my laptop and type...

I am currently doing laundry and cleaning the oven.
The oven is self cleaning so I can relax with a cup of tea
while sitting in the sunny Bungalow kitchen.


rays of spring sunshine


Modern Family
my current favorite TV comedy.
Mr. HB gave me the second season 
we have the first one
we regularly laugh out loud when viewing the episodes.

"Laughter is great medicine"

Laughter is good for your health

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

This information was found here.



American Bungalow
we have every issue ever printed
we visited their office when we went to California.
Those were the days when they were a smaller company and worked out of an arts and crafts bungalow in Pasadena.

Our Humble Bungalow was featured in the Family Album section many years ago
we are a Canadian Bungalow and they graciously extended their hospitality to us.


MOO!
Are you in need of a hard working hand lotion?
This one is fabulous.
I wash my hands often working in a school
 so I know what dry chapped hands are all about
this one works miracles.

Don't just take my word for it
 try it and see for yourself.
(no remuneration was offered by the company this is my personal rave review)


The Bungalow is scented with Verbena 
I open windows, run the fan and light a candle when the self clean oven is on
or we are reminded of the roast beef Sunday dinners...

Once Mr. HB came home after I had cleaned the oven 
and when he got in the door he thought we were having roast beef on a weeknight!

I wonder what he'll think when he is welcomed home with Verbena cooking!

I have no idea what we are going to have for dinner as the oven is still "locked" and it's nearly 6 o'clock.


It might be take out tonight!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Birthday Bling a weekend review....

So it's been my birthday weekend.
I am now officially 57 years "young"
sounds much better than saying 57 years "old."

The vintage rhinestone necklace I ordered from Ruby Lane Antiques arrived
I wore it out to dinner...
Sparkles + Twinkles = Bling.





To start the weekend celebrations we dined out Friday at a fabulous French Bistro.
The memory of that tasty meal is still ever so clear in my mind....


French 75 for the Hostess and a martini for Mr. HB...
we started with French Onion Soup,
followed by steak, mushrooms and pommes frites for the main course,
Creme Brulee with two spoons for dessert.
Coffee for Mr. HB and I sipped wine and water as I planned to enjoy a sleep in and caffeine affects my slumber.


French Red Wine
Sterling our waiter, 
recommended a Cotes du Rhone variety.


Fountain 
flooded in a fuchsia light

I snapped this image on my IPhone as we waited for the cab to arrive.

( Faux Fuchsia might like this)
I sent her a copy
 I sent her the Pho Fuchsia eatery from Seattle a few years ago 
and she posted the image on her sidebar.
If you've never been a visitor to her blog you'll be impressed...
she's a busy mom and a lawyer with incredible taste in home decor, food and fashion.


When we got home Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band were on Jimmy Fallon,
we watched our Boss work his magic. We are huge fans!

Saturday lunch with Mother...


I'd dare not show up wearing too much Bling...
I dressed sedately in a black knit skirt, boots, a cashmere sweater, Hermes scarf.
No reason to alarm her at her age.



Saturday evening and it's dinner with friends...
I wore the sparkly choker with
Gap wide legged jeans, black tank top, black long knit sweater and kitten heels.

Janet author of The Gardener's Cottage would have been glued to the TV as Jack White was on SNL.
How was it Janet?
We taped it and will watch it sometime this week.

If you haven't met Janet yet pop by for a visit and say Hi for me.
She embraces frugality and minimalism, gardens, practices Yoga and she's a drop dead gorgeous esthetician who looks far too young to be a grandmother!


Mr. HB designed the paper that he wrapped my gift in...
he's so clever!


Lovely delicate orchid blooms.


I am going to put my feet up and relax 
with In Style and a cup of tea...

It's been a busy weekend
filled with wonderful birthday celebrations
a I feel so Happy.

Thank you
from your 
Humble Hostess
XO

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