Antidote to stress ~ I'm going to Paris!

Do you ever have a day that just about sends you over the edge?
How do you react?
Do you melt down and cry?
Do you scream?
Do you get raging mad?

I think...

I just need to go with the flow and remember to be flexible...

there's no point getting my knickers in a twist.

Everyone has those days when there is some unravelling...

when one feels a wee bit droopy from the weight...

you can still put on a pretty face and put yourself out there for all to see....

So here's what happened that gave me a run for my money...

the car broke down on the way to an appointment 

in the middle of a busy street and would not restart despite several tries...a cab was called

(I ran out in the street NY style, waved my hands and yelled cabbie)

Dealing with misinformation, miscommunication, and incompetence with various health care agencies = frustration

"Code Red" in the imaging area of the hospital where we were in a room with other people waiting for an X-ray with not enough seats for all the clients which meant standing room for a few folks
 = noisy alarms, agitated clientele and wondering why the staff were so relaxed and complacent?

Code Red means there is a FIRE!...
the doors were sealed off, the elevators stopped, the alarms were ringing loudly and constantly until the fire was extinguished before we could leave...
why would we not be evacuated?
(I guess we would lose our place in the queue!)

the bundt cake I was baking at 6 am when I could not sleep overflowed it's pan in the oven and made a huge mess

the 3 litre can of olive oil spilled on the counter and ran down the front of the cupboards onto the floor...
can you imagine dealing with an oil slick of that magnitude?

so in the whole scheme of things it's really not that bad
right?

I get that too...

I could sit around and feel sorry for myself but that is not my style...

I get busy...

BTW this Method cleaner is a serious work horse in the kitchen.

I love it for cutting through grease and grime.

Beauty is out there just waiting to pick up your spirits when they flag, you just have to look.

Happy is just one dance away...

there is a special place in my heart for pink

I love the pink roses that we have in our Humble Bungalow Garden.

I love wearing pink when it rains...

When I am feeling low I put on my linen apron and get busy in the kitchen.

I cook for others and it helps me regain perspective, 

gives me something positive to do,

 and before long any negativity has dissolved like butter in a hot pan.

(picture from the archives)

(I think that working in a soup kitchen would be such a rewarding volunteer job.)

sipping coffee while working over a hot stove gives me a much needed boost

You've got to love simmering a large batch of soup to freeze for a rainy day.

All the chopping is great exercise and if you can lose yourself in the process you've won!

You can light a scented candle...

sit and knit for a bit...

put on a pretty shade of lipstick

spritz a bit of your signature scent

indulge a wee bit...

(but be careful!)

read some of your favourite blogs!

go for a walk somewhere scenic...

listen to some music....

read a good book

and guess what?

I received an email today that made my heart soar...

I am going to be on Jamie Cat Callan's Ooh La La Tour in Paris next May.

I am doing a happy dance!

So dear reader I am going to need help figuring out the best carry on case to buy and any packing tips that you care to share...

I feel a little bit like I just won the lottery...

I sincerely hope that your weekend is full to the brim with good stuff and that the nasties stay out of the way...

Thank you for stopping by...

merci beaucoup

Hostess

Last Weekend's round up...a bit late but I've been busy!

Walking affords leisure time to soak in the scenery and often I see things that are rather strange...like this!
I wonder who put this here and is there a message?

A spooky stuffed toy perched atop a crypt in Ross Bay Cemetery...

Red Geraniums planted on a vintage cannon at the corner of St. Charles St. and Dallas Road...

the house is in the mission style and we have always referred to it as "The Cannon House."

Sunny yellow dahlia the size of a dinner plate...

White tipped Red Dahlia, only one in a garden full of blooms...

situated on Hollywood Crescent...

you may know this home as it has the most amazing showcase of flowers at any time of year.

People frequently stop their car to take pictures...I have overheard the double decker tour bus operator's comment on this too.

Walking everyday is key for me to keep healthy and although it is not always easy

to be dedicated and motivated I just do it.

When the weather is sunny and warm it is ideal,

 but soon the gale force winds will blow and the torrential rains will fall.

My knee has been troubling me these past few days...

not sure why

 or what I've done

 so I have walked gently taking notice of my knee.

Walking does give one an appetite for food.

"Winner Winner Chicken Dinner"

where does that expression come from?

Ina Garten does it again...

I've been watching her series on TV.

She has the MOST beautiful home in a spectacular location...

I think I'd love the Hamptons!

Fall colour and wintry root veggies...which will be roasted to maximize their flavour.

I've been reading up on Paris and French Femme style lately...

getting ready for my trip to Paris next spring.

Following on the heels of Jennifer L. Scott's Madame Chic book is this book

which practically fell off the shelf into my hands at Ivy's Book Shop.

It's insightful, funny, very honest and totally entertaining.

I think the authors are rather self deprecating in their admissions of their total "Parisian Femmes Confessions."

We served French style radishes last Sunday from the Moss Street Market 

they slummed a bit when served with seven layer dip and baked chips for appies.

Emma Bridgewater held the bar high.

Delicious and low in calories, they impart a delicate flavour that was not as hot as regular radishes.

The weekend is now a distant memory...

I have some French homework to attend to, a date with Mom and Sis, and the garden is in transition which requires some attention...

Will be back when time allows...

please excuse me if I have been remiss but life is full and I have been busy

plus I like to live in the moment and savour all the joys of the day.

Thank you for popping by and visiting Our Humble Bungalow.

Hostess

XO

Gearing Up for Fall....OOTD

The temperature has taken a bit of a dip and the leaves on the trees are starting to turn
which gets me in the mood to switch up my wardrobe.
Time to take the cashmere sweaters out of storage and put the sleeveless tops and summer dresses away.

Club Monaco jeans

Franco Sarto sandals

Tribal ribbon top

I'm stretching out the last of the summer wearing white after Labour Day!

It does feel a tad chilly here in our Humble Bungalow and I am thinking of putting on the heat.

It's definitely sweater and vest weather this morning...

but I am bucking the tide...

latent rebel that I am!

I made a comforting rotini casserole...

I love pasta for the ultimate in comfort food.

Watch out for the WW high point count though...

portion control is achieved by serving a big salad with this meal.

I can never eat with gay abandon and not expect that the scale will tell me the truth...

if only it could, I would eat fries and chips until "kingdom come!"

Eddie Bauer Down vest

Roots Tribe Pocketbook bag

A few weeks ago I bought the Roots Vicky Tote bag and decided it was too big so I returned it.

I love Roots as they make their bags in Canada and they stand behind their products.

I have several Roots bags and they last forever.

Years of use have meant that a few repairs were required which Roots is happy to perform.

 They send the bag back to their leather factory, fix anything and it is usually done for free.

But I digress...

The Vicky tote went back and the new one is The Pocketbook from their Tribe line...

smaller and more compact but offers lots of compartments and is much more in the scale and style that I prefer.

In a classic neutral shade which is a bit of a departure from my usual black bags.

The front flap is a great place for keys

inside there is a cellphone pouch

 a zippered compartment 

where I put my lipstick, nail file, hand cream and gum.

On the back there is a small zippered spot which is handy...

might be a good spot for parking meter coins.

I love a company that offers stylish products, great customer service and their leather bags just get better with age.

What companies do you regularly buy from?

Are you happy with their merchandise and does their customer service and return policies live up to your expectations?

Fall is just around the corner and Jennifer L. Scott, author of The Madame Chic books and writer of The Daily Connoisseur is switching up her wardrobe and I love her style.

Check out what she has to say here.

Hope you have a fabulous week and I will be back soon.

Hostess

At Home with Madame Chic a new book by Jennifer L. Scott

Have you had the pleasure of reading Jennifer L. Scott's book "Lessons from Madame Chic?"
If not you might want to get a copy and read it before you delve into her newest book "At Home With Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life.

Jennifer is a gifted writer, blogger and mother of two...
She lives with attention to detail and does so with a gracious style and poise.

Jennifer sent me an advanced reading copy and I've savoured her new book and deliberately have not rushed through the chapters...I re-read passages and thought about each chapter after I closed the book.
Taking a leisurely tea break mid afternoons with Jennifer's book was a luxury.
Her thoughts, daily routines, philosophy of life, and her attitude of gratitude all resonate with me.

Reading this book now in my late 50's I can honestly say that I wish I had read this when I was much younger and struggling with the rigorous and demanding schedule of motherhood. It would have given me insight into how I could improve and streamline my routine and do it in a way that was positive and enriching.
I am certain that I would have benefited from her fashion advice, domestic tips and especially her signature 10 piece wardrobe strategy.

Her home keeping habits make sense and are streamlined to fit into her busy family life.
She adds elegant touches wherever she can and likes to putter in her balcony garden and grows orchids.
Jennifer makes sure that she has some personal time to recharge and relax, not always easy for a young mother of two, but so sensible.
I know how important it is to have some quiet time...even if you can only rest while the babies are napping.

Some highlights from her book without giving it all away are:
 ~ use your best everyday ~
~ prepare nourishing and healthy food (recipes included) ~
~ cultivate a 10 piece wardrobe ~
~ listen to uplifting and beautiful music everyday (suggested play lists included) ~
~ Madame Chic's recipe for a fabulous organic cleaner ~
~ finding time for yourself ~
~ and so much more...you'll have to read it for yourself!

I really enjoyed reading her book and am sure that you will too.
I also think that this book would make a great gift...especially when paired with the first one.

Perhaps you know a lovely and deserving woman who enjoys cultivating and honing her chic habits.
You can order the book here....

Meet Jennifer here on her You Tube page, she has a lot of great thoughts and a wide variety of videos.
Happy Watching!

Thank you Jennifer for allowing me to read your book and share my thoughts and comments on your book.
I wish you every success on the publication of your new book...

Hugs,
Hostess
XO

Orange...a pop of colour that elevates the spirit and energizes.

The heart of the home...
our kitchen
in The Humble Bungalow
where I spend many contented hours cooking, baking and cleaning.

Orange Gerberas in a vintage vase add a shot of colour.

I keep an old fashioned day timer in which I record our appointments and meals.

Mandarin oranges add colour and a tangy flavour to this coleslaw salad...

Mandarin Orange Coleslaw

Shred or slice a red cabbage

chop a few scallions

grate a large carrot

1 cup mandarin oranges sliced in half

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup dried cranberries

Place in a bowl and top with dressing.

Dressing

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Toss together and chill until ready to serve.

Enjoy.

I served this to company with BBQ ribs and boiled new potatoes topped with butter and freshly chopped mint.

Dessert with a little help from Ina Garten.

It is from her Barefoot Contessa Parties cookbook.

(You could substitute the lemons for oranges and make orange bars.)

A delicious and easy recipe.

The Kitchen aid gets plenty of work here in The Humble Bungalow.

I love mine and they come in many colours...even orange!

Luscious lemon squares served with fresh blackberries.

This luxurious linen towel is made specifically to clean glass and crystal.

I use it to clean the windows.

It is from the Irish Linen Shop here in Victoria and I cannot recommend it highly enough...

some may like micro fibre for this job but I am a die hard linen fan.

The drawers in the kitchen have been cleaned and sorted.

The Humble Bungalow everyday cutlery is Reed and Barton stainless.

If you have a bumper crop of tomatoes you might like to pop them in a hot oven for a few minutes

so that they take on a rich flavour and top them with some freshly grated pepper and sea salt.

I like to drizzle mine with some balsamic crema...which is a reduced balsamic vinegar.

I buy mine from the deli area of Thrifty Foods.

I'm feeling in an orange mood and will pop this vintage silk Lanvin scarf on when I go out to do my errands.

It may hide my pearls but that's OK as I know they'll be on my neck...

rather like wearing nice lingerie..

it's a secret that makes me feel a bit more dressed up and adds that little bit of French Chic.

Hope that your week will be fun...

thank you for taking your precious time out to stop by my humble blog today

and I appreciate the emails you sent introducing yourselves to me. 

It's nice to meet and connect with readers.

Hostess