OOTD ~ Casual BOHO ~ Hostess Style

Do you ever feel like you want to dress in a carefree hippy dippy way?
Feeling somewhat artsy or a bit Bohemian?

I've observed many women at our local Farmer's Market
dressed in tie dyed maxi dresses,
hair flowing and casual Birkenstock sandals...
Interesting woven baskets spilling over with a colourful array of healthy vegetables.

I think I am too conservative and too advanced in age to get away with this look,
I'd feel a bit of a fraud....like I was trying to reconnect with my youth.

I feel that dressing is a reflection of my personality so I must be genuine about my image.
(Even my dirty gardening clothes show the real me!)

I often get the urge to throw caution to the wind and be a bit more daring...
a bit more of a carefree spirit.

Here is my take on that vibe...

Chalet linen top

Jackpot pants

 H and M tank top

I love the design of this asymmetrical top with the loose front detail

It's from Sunday's Snowflakes in Cordova Bay at Mattick's Farm.

The Jackpot pants are also from their store.

Mattick's Farm a great spot to shop if you haven't already been there...

a green grocer

garden centre

wine shop

card and gift shops

mini golf

and a gallery.

 "Something More" 

a ladies clothing store has recently opened

it's a great addition to the mall

focusing on natural fabrics.

 Adrienne's Tea Garden 

is a perfect place to recoupe after an afternoon of retail therapy!

Abalone shell buttons add a bit of interest

and the bangles are getting another day out!

These earrings were made by my friend Peggy Turmer

at least 15 years ago 

 I still love the design.

Interesting jewelry is a great way to add flair to any outfit.

 I apologize for this shot as it is a wee bit blurry but you get to see the whole outfit.

My hair is overdue for a cut and my hairdresser is on her summer holidays

so it will be a few more days...

When it comes to jumping out of your safety net...how do you dress?

Do you feel a bit like you are pushing the fashion envelope?

Have a great week!

Point Ellice House, Joesph Joesph and a Weight Watchers report.

Last month I visited the historic home and garden of Point Ellice House with my BFF.
The grounds are lovely and the home is situated on the Victoria waterfront...
back when it was built ~ visitors could arrrive by boat at the dock, however my BFF and I arrived by car!

It is set in what is now an industrial area of Victoria but do not let that disuade you from visiting.
The cream tea alone is worth the trip!

We ventured out early on a Sunday morning to attend The Island Mavins Market.

Some of you may remember that I attended last year

the weather this year was much more favourable

and although I did not buy as much 

it was such fun to share it with a good friend.

 a fragrant rose 

citrus overtones

creamy perfection

wicker chairs lined up along a table 

under the tent

great for a rest and a pot of tea

and one can sit and gaze out toward the sea

glimpses of ocean peeking through the trees

lots of people came out to this event

warmth and sunshine make it easy to meander about in the garden

perusing the wares

bunting and bouquets

a colourful combo

artists and crafts people were showcasing their creations

everything from hand made soaps to quilts

to cards and clothing

vintage collectibles

all nestled snugly inside the gorgeous grounds

a vast potager was smack dab in the middle of it all

heritage hollyhocks

some seedlings were available for sale

The house and garden are linked for indoor outdoor living

by verandas and patios 

I bought this antique box to hide various cords and chargers

the techy tools that we use daily

the camera, IPhone and IPad.

On the frontier of new gadgets...

Joesph Joesph is all the rage...

this garlic rocker works like a charm.

On the Weight Watchers Front I am a few ounces short of 20 pounds lost with 5 to go....

who would have predicted that I would be able to accomplish this a year ago?

Not me.

With support anything is possible!

Ebbing on the low tide...

Life has it's ups and downs.
This week has been a tedious one for many reasons.

We lost a family member, my beloved uncle, who was in hospital with pneumonia.
Fortunately Mother and I were able to visit him on his birthday.
We had no idea that he would pass away the next day...

The skies opened up and it rained..

the first in over a month

I thought it appropriate

like the sky was shedding tears.

I didn't go for my walk

I had arranged to meet a friend for a lovely walk and then a coffee

but I had to cancel.

Instead I had to go over and give Mother the sad news.

She took it very hard.

It's the end of an era...

My father was first to pass in 2007

then my Aunt in 2010 and now my uncle in 2013.

We sat and hugged and chatted for awhile until I felt she was composed and able to be left alone.

I visited the florist and picked out a bouquet to be sent to my cousins

and set about getting the ingredients to make a huge lasagna to take over to the family.

I rolled up my sleeves and got busy in the kitchen chopping and sauteing 

assembling a roasting pan full to the brim of nutritious veggies 

 a spicy tomato sauce topped with grated mozzarella cheese.

It felt good to be alone with my thoughts and busy with my hands.

I wept

as I remembered my uncle

 pictures of past events formed in my mind

it is in this simple way that I am honoring him.

He made this necklace for me in 1971

I cannot remember what the Chinese character means...

but I do recall him mentioning it was something that he chose just for me.

I wore this when I was the flower girl at his wedding

My aunt and Uncle gave it to me as a gift that very day

It is something that I dearly treasure.

Soon we will gather together as a family

in his honour

to share our thoughts and reminisce...

and keep him alive in our hearts.

~ ~ ~

The tide ebbs and flows

I take a breath and smell the salty air

there is a cool mist of fog on the horizon

 I see an empty bench...

 I take a moment and pause 

reflecting on how precious life is

and how fortunate we are to have had special people in our lives.

Namaste.

Tisket ~ tasket ~ a picnic basket....

Summertime means spending more time outdoors with opportunities to dine al fresco.
BBQ's and picnics
and for some of us it's tea time!

Mother, sister and I walk once a week along the Esplanade in Oak Bay.
As we saunter along we look at Mount Baker to see if there is a clear view of the snowy peak
we take note and comment on the water and weather conditions.

Our simple walk usually precedes dinner out.

As the weather has been hot and dry we cannot help but notice the happy families picnicing on the sandy beach. Picnic are fun...people of all ages love them.
Eating slowly, taking in the sights and sounds around, savouring the tastes and sharing some conversation...
what could be simpler?

Sis and I had a conversation about inviting mom, who is 86, to have a picnic next time we go for our walk...
we discussed how she might not want to sit at the picnic tables or she might be wearing clothes that aren't suitable for a picnic.
This week when I was out with Mother I suggested we try having tea at the seaside and see how we get on.
She's keen!

Hat and tote

a tisket a tasket ~ we have a basket

some pretty china dishes

 the makings for a tea party

I love a floral pattern for tea.

I will brew a pot of tea

add milk and keep it hot in a thermos

make some stuffed eggs

pack some fruit

and some crackers and cheese.

Tea's made.

I hope Mother will enjoy herself...

Are you finding joy in simple things everyday?

Be Well

until next time...

Hostess

A Victoria bistro with a twist...

Darling daughter and I love to go out for a bite to eat at this artsy bistro in the James Bay Neighbourhood of Victoria. The food is delicious, the menu is chock full of interesting combinations of seasonal ingredients and the food is plated attractively.

Live entertainment adds to the ambiance...
great music and an energetic vibe combine to make this bistro very special.

The Superior Supper Club hosted film noire evenings a few years ago and darling daughter and I went to almost every showing...they served themed dinners based on the movie titles and the wait staff dressed in costume in keeping with the movie.

the decor is rather edgy and unusual

they have a beautiful outdoor area which I neglected to photograph

it is lit with fairy lights and larger flood lights

a green oasis 

bamboo 

Japanese maples

grasses

with tables set underneath a canopy of leafy trees

a perfect spot for a romantic dinner

or a warm Sunday brunch

they have recently launched their outdoor donut service

a fun spot to go for a coffee and a sweet

perfect on a summer day

water and wine were sipped while we perused the menu

brushcetta with fresh cherry tomatoes and goat cheese 

drizzled with balsamic crema

arugula salad on the side

organic greens 

pine nuts

goat feta

tossed with a light orange vinaigrette dressing

salmon with couscous and pesto

I ate every morsel!

If you find yourself in Victoria looking for a rather unique dining experience I suggest that you come here.

The Superior Supper Club 

is one of my favourite spots to dine in Victoria.

If you go please tell Lisa that I sent you!

Weight Watchers update...

17 pounds and a few ounces lost so far with 8 more to go before I reach my target goal.

These 8 seem to be the most difficult to lose...

perhaps I have hit a plateau.

I was able to enjoy this meal and stay within my allowable WW points.

Good luck to those readers who have emailed me saying that they have been inspired by my success and have embarked on their own WW journey.

I wish you every possible success and please feel free to drop me a note and let me know how you are progressing.

Bon Appetit!