Holiday thoughts...giving.

Have you experienced the stress that can accompany the festive season?
Getting everything ready when working full time can be a challenge.
I learned how to cope with what I could control and let go of the rest...

For the things that can be controlled I say "minimize getting frazzled" by starting early and making lists.
I am a fan of lists...they can be handwritten or entered into "Notes" on your IPhone.

Lists of the people whom you exchange or give gifts to with ideas and a budget amount that is realistic.
Another list of things to do to get ready...the tree, order the turkey, buy the Christmas crackers, etc.
Food items that you might need to buy for homemade Hostess gifts, food and spirits for any events you are planning to host, the annual Christmas feast recipes and ingredients so there is no last minute panic.

I am an advocate of shopping early in small shops.

I also like to make homemade gifts like marmalade, chocolate dipped fruit and shortbread.

I find these are especially nice as Hostess gifts.

My other favourites are beeswax candles wrapped in linen tea towels, scented candles, and exotic teas.

I wrap presents as I bring them home.

The gift wrap is purchased on Boxing Day of the previous year at 50% off.

Tags are often recycled Christmas cards cut into shapes using pinking shears.

Beautiful ribbons are saved and then reused.

If you do not have the time to wrap you might opt for one of the gift wrap kiosks that local charities run at this time of year and for a donation they will do the job for you.

I make a "two dinner meal" so that I cook one night and reheat it the next.

Baking happens a week to 10 days ahead of Christmas.

Lots of pretty tins are lined with doilies and I store the baked goods downstairs in a colder spot.

Weight Watchers website published a cranberry chutney recipe this week and I made two jars for our family feast.

It keeps in the fridge for a month.

Finding balance during this busy festive season is essential for my well being.

I take extra care of my health and pay attention and slow down when I feel that I am too busy.

I drink lots of Perrier to keep hydrated and I go to bed early.

 I take Mother out more often as with the holidays she seems to feel the loss of my father more profoundly.

We go to The Fairmont Empress to look at the decorated trees and wander along The Esplanade in Oak Bay.

We'll grab a nourishing bowl of soup at Pure Vanilla Cafe.

This year she is hosting a wine and cheese!

She has invited all the residents of her condominium to drop in for the afternoon.

She is so excited that the response has been so positive but now she is feeling a little overwhelmed.

I am going to help her prepare and serve the food after all she is 86!

She continues to be an inspiration to me...

I've learned so much from her all these years.

I've got a few things yet to accomplish, the biggest of which will be cleaning The Humble Bungalow.

Our cleaning gal is in The Philippines lending her capable hands to action some much needed "missionary work." 

Knowing her as I do, I am certain she is helping the victims and putting a much needed smile on their faces.

Giving them hope and help.

She has put her jobs on hold and to do so in these busy times is so generous.

A reminder that we all need to be mindful of our fellow man.

Not just at this time of year but all year long.

I know that I need to do more to help those in need.

I'm curious, 

do you volunteer in your community?

Will you share with us how you help.

Shopping with Sheila....

After enjoying a delicious Sunday lunch with the fashion savvy Ephemera blog author Sheila we ventured out for  some serious shopping.
Sheila has a gift when it comes to finding the "needle in the haystack."
She seems to hone in on "the best of the best."

We went into My Sister's Closet a consignment shop, with open minds.
Being open really helps when you are looking at second hand merchandise.
If you have a rigid list you miss some of the goods that might be perfect for your wardrobe.

I am passionate about red shoes...

these Geox suede loafers have never been worn and were half price!

 At $11.50 they HAD to come home with me.

This silver belt had some texture and details that made my heart soar...

a bit of eccentric fun that might elevate my pedestrian denim just a tad.

Hello Peter Nygard!

I spy with my little eye a party skirt.

This will see me through the festive season...

I can cook our Christmas dinner in this (wearing my apron of course!)

Sheila found this gem for me...

merci beaucoup!

am loving the details

My new LBD

so grateful to have found this as it has been several months of looking.

(it's packable)

Brand new with the original tag.

I looks like a dud on the hanger but if fits like a dream and is a winner!

V wrap top and a flattering mid section detail.

I will be wearing this for years to come....

My head is still in a bit of a tizzy and I had SO much fun shopping with Sheila!

She is so much fun to shop with and I am so grateful that we can meet up.

I gave her a big hug as we parted saying that we need to make this a regular event.

Thank you for popping by and sharing my exciting bargain hunt.

Four pieces for under $100 and those great classic workhorses that I will wear for many years to come.

What have you found in the thrift shops lately?

Have you ever found a couture item?

Be well and Be Thrifty!

Hostess

XO

OOTD at the Staff Party...

My husband had his Christmas Staff Party on Saturday evening in the penthouse of a local hotel.
A spectacular choice of venue and expansive views of the city and the twinkling lights.
Food and wine flowed and I stuck to my Weight Watchers points and had a great time.
It was lots of fun meeting some of the new people and I felt confident in my outfit.

Sigrid Olsen mauve sleeveless top

Susan Bristol sweater jacket in black rayon

 (Chanel-esque with ruffle details at the sleeves and hem)

Black skirt with raised ridges Reitmans

Pearls an anniversary gift from Mr. HB a few years ago.

Black Calvin Klein pumps with kitten heels and fishnet hose.

I met up with my blogger friend Sheila for lunch and a shopping spree at My Sister's Closet in the plaza.

I found a few gems thanks to her expert shopping skills.

Sheila shares something valuable about shopping every time I meet up with her. 

She worked in retail for years and she knows quality fabrics and designs when she see them.

Sheila looks at everything in all the sizes because there is no universal sizing standards.

If I had not listened to her I would have missed a couple of things.

I had a great day and am very excited to show you what I bought...

all at bargain budget friendly prices too.

I'll get busy and put together my post and try to have it ready for tomorrow.

Hostess

XO

High Maintenance on a shoestring.

Keeping up appearances does require some personal effort or money and time spent at the spa.
While I am a fan of the spa and their treatments I cannot justify the expense when I have oodles of time to do my own high maintenance at home. I will indulge from May to September where I will enjoy the pampering pedicures and have my toes polished. The rest of the year I keep my toes buffed and free from polish.

It is sunny but bitterly cold today so I donned my cashmere socks this morning...
but not before giving my feet a little TLC.

($20 for the basics)

My home pedicure starts with a foot bath of warm water and bath salts.

I soak for about 10 minutes and close my eyes and visualize a beautiful place that makes me feel serene.

After toweling off my feet I use a pumice on the heels and rough patches.

Rinse and then slather on Badger Cream...don't let the label fool you it is great all over the foot.

Clip to shape and file the nails then push back the cuticles.

Make sure the nail beds are free from the cream and use the Revlon buffer.

One side smooths any ridges and the other imparts shine that is dazzling.

I love this tool!

I reapply the cream and pop on my socks and my pedicure is complete.

Even though my toes are not "on display" I know they are in good shape.

Looking down at my socks I know I am putting my best foot forward.

In my attempt to warm, this time from the inside out, I am actioning another curry!

Curried Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

My favourite thing to make and take to a potluck supper.

You can make this a vegetarian feast by adding a variety of vegetables and omitting the chicken.

It is really good with white fish or prawns.

I published the recipe BBC Bungalow Basic Curry back in January 31, 2011.

If you want the specifics go to the tag list on the sidebar and look under recipes and you can see step by step instructions.

Bon appetit!

Snow Day Doings...

I've been busy this morning in The Humble Bungalow.

I "planted" the paper whites so that they will be blooming for Christmas.

These bulbs are forced into bloom using glass pebbles and water at their roots.

 I love their heady fragrance and pure white flowers.

Keep the water levelled at the roots and you will be surprised how fast they grow.

We woke up to see a light frosting of snow this morning and it is still snowing.

I love an excuse to stay home, keep warm and putter in The Humble Bungalow.

Our house guest left yesterday...

we had a wonderful visit.

I served her a curried chicken soup which proved out be a great time saver as we had gone to the late afternoon showing of Philomena starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Steve wrote the screenplay, produced and starred in the film.

We had a funny experience at the ticket wicket...

The young fellow on duty assumed that we were both seniors!

I was ahead of my friend and I quickly moved aside to make room for her at the wicket 

and I was out of earshot while she was paying.

When she caught up with me she was smiling broadly...as was I.

I told her that I got in for $4.75 the seniors rate!

She told me she got the seniors rate too but the fellow had a problem with her debit card...

 so he said go on in the movie is on me today.

I highly recommend the film.

The soup "mix" base.

All you need to add are onions, chicken or prawns, a can of coconut milk, water and a few carrots.

I made this the previous day.

This hearty soup made a great meal.

We walked to and from the theatre and did not get back until just about 7 pm.

  I put out some fresh veggies and dip while I heated up the soup and we sat and had a glass of wine while we waited for it to get hot.

I'm going to spend some of the afternoon cooking before sitting down to finish reading my current novel.

The forecast is for a wind chill factor which will give the impression of minus 15...

I might need to light a fire in the fireplace to chase the chill away.

Cashmere socks and a thick fleece jacket are not quite enough!

 Definitely not my usual OOTD!

Hostess

XO