While the master is away the cats will play....

The cats get a new toy on Christmas morning.
I usually find them some catnip mice or a feather wand but this year I splurged on a bigger gift.
It was so worth it because they have been amused by this new toy.
It can be folded up into a small hoop for easy storage and makes a crinkling sound when they crawl inside.

It's a Kong cat tunnel.

The ribbon is a hit too!

There is a hole in the side and when it is stood on end the cats can climb into it.

Dangling the ribbon at the end of the tunnel waiting for them to pounce.

Chester is the lion king, at least that's how he looks when he's caught his "prey."

Pepper is not as easily amused...

she is the older and more sedate of the two cats.

Have you heard the expression that dogs have owners and cats have staff?

Pepper does love her beauty rest.

Makes me want to climb into bed and hunker down under the duvet...

while the master is away and I have a new book to read.

It's freezing outside this morning, although we are not in the deep freeze that some of the provinces are experiencing and for that I am extremely grateful.

I am making a pot of split pea soup for supper so dinner is well in hand.

Do I really NEED an excuse?

I think I need a nudge...

Maybe if I just read the first chapter.

What are you reading?

OOTD ~ Booties!

My OOTD is one you've seen many times but this time there is something new.

Banana Republic Breton striped top

Hermes scarf

both of these you have seen many times.

The smaller Hermes silk square is a very versatile choice especially in a basic palette of black and white.

These scarves are slightly less expensive than the larger silk squares.

The sterling bangles are getting some wear today.

I've lusted after short booties for many months and being on my frugal kick I have avoided temptation...
that is, until Mother gave me some Christmas money and then I knew what I was going to look for at the shops.

Timberland boots

black leather with suede insets.

Super comfy and these can be worn on my long walks to town.

I rolled up the cuffs on my skinny jeans.

I've worn these several times and the heel height is perfect for comfort on long treks.

I gained some weight over the holidays and fell off track for a few days when tempted to dine on delicious food and sip more cocktails and wine. 

Curried chicken and vegetables  in (lite) coconut milk sauce with rice and cilantro.

We had some fig and date chutney which paired so well with this dish.

Cheryl and I made this dish by using Vij's curry spice blend which was a gift and we used a large assortment of vegetables that we had on hand and added some skinless chicken thighs.

This was a little bit of heaven...

and when our guests were here we walked everyday.

Most days it was a 5K walk but once we did the 9K route.

I am stepping up my walks and whittling down my points to get back on track for my weigh in next week.

Fingers crossed I won't be too embarrassed stepping on the scale.

How is your weekend shaping up?

OOTD ~ New Years Eve 2014

Our New Years Eve was spent at the gorgeous home of my BFF and her husband.
Friends from Vancouver came over to our Humble Bungalow to stay and help with the celebrations.

At Tigara, Christmas trees are full and fill the grand living room and touch the ceiling.

They are lavishly decorated with vintage baubles and many lights.

The first course consisted of delights from Hilary's Cheese shop on Fort Street.

Olives, antipasto, crackers, cheeses, stuffed peppers and salami.

We grazed leisurely over these while sipping a couple of cocktails.

This year Mr. HB made us Brambles.

Cheryl had enjoyed one of these at Heath Row Airport Lounge while waiting for her flight to Paris.

They are so very refreshing.

Gin, simple syrup, lemon, and Chambord served over crushed ice then garnished with blackberries.

The dining table set with care.

I love the art nouveau sterling vases.

The Roycroft china is perfect for this arts and crafts home.

On the menu...

fresh Dungeness crab

Caesar salad

bread

Nigella's olive oil chocolate torte with raspberries.

Served with coconut bliss ice cream.

We drank wine with dinner and by the time we had dessert we were sated.

We still have the champagne!

Lace retro inspired top

black skirt

fishnet tights

Calvin Klein pumps

JCrew necklace Xmas two years ago,

a gift from my son and DIL.

New Years always feels more festive with some sparkle.

When we came home we drank lots of Perrier before going to bed.

The men were up early and the women slept in late!

 Fortified by freshly brewed coffee and tea we slowly welcomed the new year.

After a brunch of sausages, farm fresh eggs and a large fruit salad we watched the snowy outdoor hockey game from Detroit on the TV.

A 9K walk and a chicken curry were in the works for later.

WW weigh in will be postponed this week due to house guests, rich food and drinks!

Have you made any resolutions for 2014?

Happy New Year!

As 2013 closes and I reflect on the days, months and events over the course of the year...
inspired by wonderful friends both near and far,
a loving husband, family and precious grand babies.
A cozy home, food in the fridge, and the bounty and beauty of nature.

It is gratitude that keeps me on an even keel.
I find immense comfort living a simple life, finding joy in the small everyday routines.

Perhaps a small celebration is in order...a toast for the things yet unknown.
The good, the not so good and those things that we cannot change and must accept.

I wish you all the best for 2014.

Hostess

The gentle ebb and flow of domesticity...is elevated by tea!

Quiet days are such a respite from the busy work that we all do.
Sometimes I like to just sit in the peace and stillness listening to the ticking of the clocks.
I do my best thinking when I am alone.

On a day like this I like to brew a pot of my favourite tea and serve it in a cup and saucer.

One needn't dress up to use a cup and saucer.

I frequently wear my jeans a white tee and a cashmere cardigan when sipping from a bone china cup.

I have collected quite a few pretty cups and saucers over the years.

Sadly they seem to have fallen out of favour.

On a positive note one can find these in thrift and charity shops for under $10.

Mr. HB gave me my favourite blend for Christmas.

I think this might be my favourite cup and saucer.

I love the gold and turquoise blue together.

The bowl of the cup is shallow and wide and feels very comfortable in ones hand.

Royal Chelsea is the maker.

This dainty pattern by Aynsley is cheerful and when the tea is finished you can see the pretty flowers in the bottom of the cup!

As you can see I am drawn to gold and turquoise patterns.

Royal Chelsea 

Now to decide which cup to use...

Royal Chelsea wins again.

Why don't you join me for a cup of tea?

Do you have a favourite cup and saucer?

What pattern makes your heart swoon?

"Architecture is basically a container of something. 

I hope they will enjoy not so much the teacup, but the tea."

~Yoshio Taniguchi ~