Roses, Hermes and a negligee...

I do love a surprise and that is exactly what I found when I came home from my walk.
On the table by the front door was a lovely wrapped bouquet of flowers and a card from the staff at work.

pretty in pink

a lovely combination of Roses and Gerbera daisies

creating cheer and bringing with them a feeling of complete and utter joy

flowers are always a welcome gift

I think they are a perfect way to say all kinds of things

~ ~ ~

congratulations

in sympathy

romance

festive occasions

weddings

thank you

get well soon

cheer you up posies

you name it there is a flower to mark the event

~ ~ ~

always a welcome Hostess gift !

I wore my newest Hermes scarf tied simply with a white tank and a grey cashmere sweater.

I feel very feminine when I take the time to wear a scarf

it's just like wearing a light spritz of my signature scent

or knowing that I have on some pretty lingerie.

Not everyone will notice but they make a difference to me and how I feel about myself.

Just a wee message that says you're worth it.

I love the weight of the Hermes silk twill

it has body and can be draped and tied in so many wonderful ways.

Did you know that Hermes does not recommend that you wear your scarf in the rain?

So be careful.

something a little silky to wear to bed...

a hint of lace

soft shades of aqua and grey

What makes you feel feminine?

Do you have daily rituals that contribute to your well being?

Are they things that were passed down from your Mother

learned from your girlfriends or discovered all by yourself?

I'd love to hear from you...

 Dr. Andrew Weil's Book 

8 Weeks to Optimum Health

has some interesting tips on living a balanced life

there is great advice on healthy eating

 habits that can reduce your weight

lower your stress and blood pressure

and generally improve the quality of life.

SO...

with that in mind

I am taking a few days off from blogging

going to unplug my tech toys for a bit...

I plan to read, knit, walk, sleep, eat healthy, recharge, refocus and relax.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Chilly February OOTD ~ make up and a great book.

OOTD
I dressed simply to accompany Mother our for a brisk walk
before joining her for a warm bowl of soup at a local bistro.
Soup is the perfect lunch for us on a chilly February day...
it warms me to the core and chases all those cold thoughts away.

Lands End black ponte knit trousers

Lands End cashmere sweater

Gelco

faux fur vest 

Jones of NY pewter rain coat 

(not shown)

layered for warmth

pink lipstick looked better than red with this marigold yellow sweater

I'm trying some new make up

and it's very kind to my aging skin

it goes on smoothly and imparts a slight glow

(which I think looks healthy)

it is light and does not offer a lot of coverage but I do not feel good in a heavy make up

you might like to try it

Jane Iredale

Dream Tint

 it is a tinted moisturizer

  I use my regular moisturizer first 

then let it set and apply this product evenly with a sponge.

My skin seems to absorb all the moisture and then some...

your skin may not be so parched and you may find that this product is enough to satiate your complexion.

The reason I am wearing flip flops in February should be obvious...

it's a post pedicure spa requirement!

I am sporting 

Danke Shiny Red

OPI

from their 

German Collection

I'm immersed in The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

my goodness she weaves a great storyline

 she is so young 

we may have another prolific writer like Maeve Binchy was to keep us entertained for years to come.

What are you currently reading?

Would you recommend it?

My bookshelf is thinning and I am looking for some great new titles.

~ ~ ~

Boyfriend Jeans???

It's been slow going but I have lost enough weight to go down a size in jeans.
So I was able to pull out my formerly "too tight" jeans and pack away the baggy ones!

On a recent thrift shopping expedition with my lovely daughter I stumbled upon a pair of "boyfriend jeans" by Vera Wang. Simply by Vera Wang.
Why do they call them boyfriend jeans?
Are we supposed to have borrowed them from our "boyfriend?"
Well Mr. HB just let me state now and for all to hear that I do not have a boyfriend, just the boyfriend jeans!

they are distressed

 soft and so very comfy

there are two areas of wear at the top below the pockets 

which will be covered up by a cashmere cardigan or one of my tweedy jackets

I plan on wearing these with my red ballet flats 

a simple tank top and as I mentioned either a cashmere cardigan and pearls 

or a tweedy jacket and a vintage brooch

I will choose very carefully where I wear these jeans

(certainly not when I am out with Mother!)

some of you might be holding your breath and saying NOOO hostess these are far too young a look for you

well they are and they aren't

I plan to classic them up like Ines does with her jeans

it's just attitude

and 

I like the way they fit and can see myself running errands in them with a bounce in my step!

Who knew Vera Wang made things other than wedding gowns?

I must be living under a rock!

Ralph Lauren denim shirt

(also thrifted)

which I plan to wear like a jacket in the warmer weather with a white tank

a Hermes scarf knotted at the neck or pearls

sleeves rolled up

simple

(it would look great with a pair of white jeans if I ever mustered up the courage)

~ ~ ~

While taking tea I pulled out this book

I used to buy Victoria magazine every month and saved the copies for years

the photos and detailed vignettes were pure art

they also published a few hard cover books over the years and this is a keeper.

I've tried to wear my Hermes scarves like this chic french femme 

but on me it looks laughable

I do not want to accept defeat and keep trying it just in case I look a bit more Grace Kelly than HRH!

Hermes an iconic classic firm when it comes to leather and design

if they make great boots and saddles for the consummate equestrian why not for those who can afford it?

Love those buttery caramel colours.

The last two pictures are from the France book by Victoria magazine

you may be able to find a copy of this 2000 edition in your local library or at a used book sellers

My latest knitting project

a cowl

which I plan to give away...

now I am onto knitting up cotton dish cloths

they make great Hostess gifts.

~ until next time ~

 Hope that you are having a fabulous week!

OOTD and a new bag!

Sporting my new do I went out and about nosing around in the charity shops.
An open mind and leisure time are all one needs
to get "into the zone"
it is a treasure hunt after all and you never know what you'll discover and it cannot be rushed

OOTD ~ Casual attire
I imagine that this or a variation of this will be my retirement uniform.

Gap 1969 skinny jeans

white tank "generic no name brand"

grey cashmere cardigan from Lands End

fave belt from Olsen

pearls from Rennaissance Studio, Pender Island BC

Mee Too flats 

with an equestrian nod ~ via the snaffles

There's nothing like a little potter about in vintage clothing and accessories.
Often you'll strike it rich and find a gem...
I'd been looking online on etsy and ebay for a smaller classic hand bag for the past few weeks and nothing struck my fancy until I spied this one today....

Chester likes it!

I love the details and the quality of craftsmanship.

It's large enough to hold my wallet, keys, glasses, a lipstick and IPhone.

It's not too heavy and the size would work for evening.

I know I know

I can hear you murmuring

it's ANOTHER BLACK BAG 

but it's seriously difficult for a leopard to change her spots.

I instantly recognized the logo inside the bag...

Banana Republic

after a quick tootle around google 

I discovered this bag is circa 2008 and is called The Robson,

sold for just under $200 when new.

Chester in the background

not a bad size for a bag for the Hostess

and the price was right!

I am getting used to the new cut...

it dries in a flash and just needs some mousse to help the curls stay in place.

What fun things have you been up to?

My daughter has been scoring some great mid century pieces in her travels.

I'm looking forward to spending some time with that darling of all grand daughters 

the lovely Miss Isla and her fabulous parents.

 Be Kind

and mind your manners

they speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

~ ~ ~

Going grey and a new coif...

Planning for retirement means that a few changes are wise and prudent...
at least for a Humble Hostess as money does not grow on trees.

Thoughts on what is important, priorities and the lifestyle changes I need to make
have been occupying my mind.

One of which is my hair...
I have been going to the hairdresser every 5 -6 weeks for all over colour and a cut.
The cost of which is rather dear.
I adore my hairdresser and hope that as long as she continues to work that we will enjoy our visits but they will be less often starting now.
In consultation with my hairdresser I am not going to have all over colour anymore.
Instead there will be a few highlights added at the root line every couple of months to allow for the gradual growing in and transition of the greys!

She agreed with me that we chop a bunch off and have a new look while we embark on this new path.
I'm excited about the change!
It really pays to have someone onboard who knows your hair texture and knows what will suit your face shape.
I haven't a clue!

you can see how much shorter it is...

the weight of the length gone and now the curls spring loose

the tinsel is there at the root line

and as time goes by there will be more tress bling!

There will be a few more lifestyle changes in the works

I'll keep you posted as they surface on  the radar!

Hope that you have a wonderful weekend...