OOTD ~ Costco and cleaning the clutter.

Costco is about a 25 minute drive from The Humble Bungalow.
I make the trek several times a year.

I usually shop close to home but there are bargains to be found at Costco and I am keen to save money...and with retirement on the radar and a pension income I am trying to embrace thrift!
One step at a time...

You can see that I am still wearing my old clothes despite the weight loss

Mother thought my face looked thinner?

I am wearing scruffy Vera Wang Boyfriend Jeans

I love the word scruffy...

I think if I had a rag a muffin dog his name would be Scruffy!

I am barefoot in the picture 

fear not I did put on some walking shoes before I left the house.

I wore this pendant

the top and bottom diamonds are those from my 10th anniversary stud earrings

the rest of the diamonds are from an old ring.

I have very few necklaces other than pearls

of which I may be guilty of owning too many strands...

The summer gold has surfaced

these were a gift from Mr. HB years ago...

I still love wearing them.

I came home with oodles of fresh organic produce

treats for the staff at my school as I am on duty this week

some black capris in a smaller size to get me through June

and a light weight walking jacket.

I was hoping for some hanging baskets 

but sadly they were picked over and what was left looked like the dog's breakfast!

I've been cleaning and culling...

I know it's not glamourous but a necessity.

The CBC has been keeping me company.

I do this every Spring when I do a deep cleaning of The Humble Bungalow

I dust shelves and books

open and empty out drawers

look at what we have

decide if we will need or use it 

 recycle or donate to the charity shop what is in excess.

Two bags gone so far.

~ ~ ~

I realized that our every day drinking glasses were mismatched and scratched.

Rather ugly in fact, and old as the hills ~ but not in a vintage collectible kind of way...

TRASHY!

I seized the opportunity to pop over to my favourite gift shop 

The Bungalow...

You must go and see for yourself 

this shop is fabulous!

Honestly I would never steer you in the wrong direction...

tell them The Hostess sent you.

 I found a dozen lovely French glasses made by a company that has been in business for over 500 years!

They are durable and nice to hold

I like the wee bees that adorn these simple vessels.

La Rochere makes a variety of designs

all sturdy and attractive and very French!

This is on my bedside waiting...

The sun is shining here in our neighbourhood

 I can already hear the hum of a lawnmower...

Hope that you enjoy your week.

Weekend and white lace....

The skies are blue and the clouds look like white cotton balls...
it's a gorgeous day for a brisk walk around the seafront.

Weekends are so precious.
If you work hard all week you might agree!

Before I started on this weight loss journey I was exhausted and slept in late on Saturdays and Sundays
lazed around in my robe...often until almost noon!
One change that I have noticed since joining Weight Watchers is that I have oodles of energy.
(it might be all the fresh fruits and veggies I am eating)

Last week at my weigh in I was down another 3 pounds.
I am seriously excited about the program.
It really does work if you don't cheat!
I thought my weigh in might be like the previous week where I had a half pound down as I really had not eaten much different than I did the prior week...if anything I had eaten a bit more. Still within my points allowance but I needed a wee afternoon snack around 4 pm with my cup of tea most days.

So I am encouraged and feel motivated to keep going...

Do you love blue and white?
There is something so crisp and clean about that colour combination.
I never tire of it.

My brain needs exercise too!

The Harumi Ota porcelain bowl is one of three that I own

this one is the smallest...

A long rectangular serving tray is at the Gallery in Oak Bay 

I have thought about it for several weeks now

 perhaps my next non food treat.

I love this almond milk cream...

it smells lovely and hydrates even the driest skin.

I use it after shaving my legs and slather it on my feet before putting my walking socks on...

my feet get a little pampering while they do the walking.

Our clematis is putting on quite a show in the garden.

The bees love it.

With so many blooms I am tempted to pick one and float it in a silver bowl.

It might be just too tempting for the cats though...they play with and rearrange all my bouquets.

This week I treated myself to a non food reward for my 10 pound loss.

It's a wee bit of lace and white...

a pretty little top that I will enjoy wearing for the summer season.

sheer sleeves

looks a bit retro

reminiscent of the "London Look" when Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton were modeling.

You know what they say...

everything comes around again.

There is a pair of tan capris' hanging in my closet that I will pair with this top.

and the new sandals from last weekend will complete the look.

Next time I get my toes painted I think I'll choose a bronze or gold shade of polish 

and bring out some of my gold jewelery which has been in hiding for the winter.

Gold looks so much better when one has a bit of colour...

silver seems to go better with my pale winter skin.

Do you have different jewelry for winter and summer?

Do you opt for fun faux, vintage or ethnic, or classic designer pieces?

~ ~ ~

This sapphire and diamond deco ring has been getting some wear this week.

Vintage pieces are often a great value.

I think you get more bling for your buck.

It's such fun shopping in antique shops for different and unusual gems.

Often they have layaway.

If you are fortunate you may have an elderly friend or family member who has left you a treasure...

make sure that the stones are secure and have it appraised...

before you start wearing it

you might be surprised how valuable it is.

Have some fun this weekend

and don't forget to be kind to others.

The book goes to....

I apologize but it's been a busy week and I am behind on my posting.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog,
I hope you know how much your feedback and emails mean to me...
it's often your voices that inspire my blog topics.

The selection committee of two...the Mother Daughter team have struggled with our decision.
What makes one feel beautiful is very personal.
Beauty is as one writer said..."in the eye of the beholder."

It would be wonderful if we all found our reflections those of beauty.
Being comfortable in one's skin
accepting ourselves for who we are
and confident enough to be content.
It may seem illusive and yet there are many aspects that radiate love and loveliness.

Now if only we could award all of the participants a book our job would be easy.
Jamie Cat Callan will autograph her new book and send it in the post.

We narrowed it down but we chose two of the commenters...A Well Styled Life and Little Sister.
Please email me at bungalowhostess@gmail.com with your mailing addresses and I will forward them to Jamie Cat Callan as soon as I receive them.

I hope that you both will enjoy Jamie's book.
If you did not win a copy her book is available online and at a local book store soon.

I brewed a pot of tea when I received the Advanced Reading Copy of her book and found myself transported to Paris...
through the voices of the fabulous French Femmes who were profiled and interviewed in
Ooh La La! French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Everyday.

Look for beauty today...
it might be in the eyes of a child, the smile from a stranger, a weed blooming in the garden.

~ Tuesday ramblings ~ an abstract tangental post!

These are handy to have on hand...

any thoughts as to what they are?

Napkins by the roll.

You simply pull them off where they are perforated and they can be washed and reused many many times.

I purchased both the luncheon and the dinner sizes.

They usually are a tad expensive but these were on clearance.

I popped them in the napkin basket

we use cotton or linen napkins every day.

I brewed a pot of coffee this afternoon.

I usually drink tea but after our recent cup of Drum Roaster brew I knew that tea would not cut it.

Tracking points seems like a never ending job...

I am hoping that my due diligence will pay off.

Last week I was sorely disappointed by the reading on the scale...

I have not cheated at all.

I have noticed that my thoughts are always on food and planning ahead.

This is new, and I wonder if it is healthy to be so focused on meals and snacks.

For example a few minutes ago I had a "modest" snack 

consisiting of 6 wheat thins and a wedge of lite Laughing Cow Cheese.

I was ravenous when I got home from work and thankfully the pangs of hunger have abated.

Normally I would have grabbed a handful of crackers and a chunk of full fat cheddar or brie

munched them quickly and maybe have gone back for more...

Any thoughts on mindful eating?

~ ~ ~

It's a dreary day out there but I need to put on my walking shoes and get going.

Attitude is huge isn't it?

It might sound crazy but when I am wearing fitness gear I feel more like walking...

What motivates you to stick to your exercise regime?

Do you have a personal trainer or do you work out with a friend?

Any tips that you care to share?

~ ~ ~

I bought the new Michael Buble CD "to be loved"

and could benefit from an uplifting energizing listen.

Just finished booking my appointment...

so glad that they send out reminders.

If you are due for yours perhaps you'll make that important call.

~ ~ ~

Don't forget to enter the giveaway...

Jamie Cat Callan's new book could be yours!

You've got one more day to enter.

~ ~ ~

Bon Chance!

Shopping Spree and the Giveaway reminder...

It's been a shopping dry spell that was broken this past weekend.
It didn't hurt that I spent the weekend with a friend who loves to shop!
She lives on Thetis Island and I picked her up on Vancouver Island at Cobble Hill.

The Drum Roaster Coffee Shop fabulous brewed coffee beverages and tasty food for those who are hungry!

We explored the Vintage Fair in Cobble Hill before going to the Duncan Farmers Market
and the quaint shops in the older part of downtown Duncan.

14 vendors with shabby chic and country items

furniture and home decor accessories

a wonderful event!

Tick Tock

I found this clock for my hobby room

time flies when I have my paint brush in my hand!

Mustard pickles

antipasto

from Hillary's Cheeses at Cowichan Bay.

 Thetis Island vineyard 2012 pinot gris

Domaine Jasmin

a wine tasting this morning and a subsequent purchase

very pretty blush coloured wine

a lovely fruity flavour and a perfect summer wine...

great to pair with salads and seafood.

Franco Sarto

sandals

a sweet slip of a scarf by Echo

light weight for summer

my "go to colours"

  black and white

a light loose cotton topper

shown here with my Eileen Fisher tank

Mr. HB picked a Royal Sunset bouquet!

The fragrance is delicious...

the blooms exquisite.

I had a fun filled weekend

the weather was cloudy with patchy sunbursts and a smattering of rain.

It didn't matter because we know how to make the most of our time together.

I hope that you had a great weekend too.

Don't forget to enter the book giveaway...
you've got until May 29th to leave me a comment and become a Bloglovin follower.
My daughter and I will read through your comments and decide on who Jamie Cat Callan will send her new book to so check back to see who wins as you'll need to provide her with your mailing address. Good Luck!