Date night our 38th anniversary and thoughts on marriage...

Our 38th anniversary was Friday July the 20th.
We kept it simple and went out for an early dinner as we had both had very busy days...
(I was arranging flowers for the wedding and Mr/ HB was working on the renovation downstairs)
we sipped a cocktail and dined on some some delicious food in one of our favourite local eateries.

Zambri's used to be a tiny hole in the wall in an out of the way spot with almost a cult following of dedicated diners.
Local foodies and chefs were known to frequent the place on their days off and some strayed in after hours to see what was left after the crowds had departed.
It has moved and is now located in the upscale architectural gem, The Atrium building.
The food tastes as good as it did when we sat on mismatched chairs and distressed wooden tables that invariably needed to be leveled with coasters to keep them from wobbling!
Their new decor is state of the art,
crisp linen table cloths,
twinkling lights above a bar
an open concept inside the restaurant and then Atrium space where we sat, which feels airy and bright.

a Tanqueray martini

~ ~ ~

 bread and olives

( I ate one wee slice of bread ~ the olives were a sweet bite of salty heaven)

we shared a Caesar salad

pasta for our main course

mine was penne with gorgonzola and green peas

I've had this many times and I cannot tell you how much I love it.

Mr. HB had pasta with Dungeness Crab Ragu

deliciously

satisfied 

we took ourselves home 

for a cozy evening watching our new fave show Newsroom by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin.

38 years is a long time plus we knew each other for several years before getting married

We have no secret as to why we have managed to stay married so long

but we ALWAYS celebrate our anniversary

cards always 

gifts optional.

Mr. HB has been very generous over the years 

I have some special pieces of jewelry that he has given me to mark the occasion of our 10th, 25th, and 30th dates.

In earlier times when the children were young and money was tight we'd have our parents take the kids overnight so that we could go out and enjoy a bite of food together. 

Dinner out once or twice a year back then was a real treat.

Things change, 

kids grow up and move out 

and we are fortunate enough that we still enjoy each other's company.

Every evening when Mr. HB comes home from work 

we take the time to sit and chat and catch up on each other's days doings.

I think communication is huge in a marriage.

Sharing dreams and having goals

planning ahead

working side by side

in the house and in the garden 

never taking the other for granted

compliments go a long way ~ they must be genuine and heartfelt

apologizing when you know you are wrong

sharing laughter

are all things that we have worked on to keep our marriage strong

I do think there is luck involved

we were fortunate enough to meet in our teens

 still surrounded by friends that we grew up with 

who are also long time married folks

probably helps a lot...

I highly recommend this restaurant

it has won many awards

and we have never been disappointed by the service or the food.

Do you have a special place that you like to go?

If a young bride were to ask you for tips on the longevity of marriage what would you say?

Statement pieces

On occasion, when I am going out to something rather arty I like to wear unusual jewelry.
Jewelry that makes a statement.
If it could talk it might say I am not "pedestrian."
I really am...
but by choosing jewelry that may convey a little daring and a shout out
 "look at me" I feel like I have risen to the occasion.

Here are a few of my fun pieces to illustrate my point...

all pieces are vintage and found locally

The necklace is by Guy Vidal a Canadian designer

it has two faces

very modernist in pewter.

The strange ET characters are from Denmark by Tennesmed.

The antique brooch with the natural pearl is unmarked

a gift from my lovely daughter.

All these pieces have been worn to events where they have garnered interest from complete strangers.

I think of them as conversation starters.

They come in handy when I am standing in the lobby waiting for the second act to start and Mr. HB has gone in search of refreshments...

smiles, remarks and queries break the ice and offer an easy opening for a casual chit chat.

I notice the other women who are wearing large colourful ethnic beads and baubles too.

There are usually stories behind these gems

souvenirs from trips abroad

or found in

antique shops and galleries from around the world

or perhaps thrifted from a local shop.

I am drawn to 

lapis lazuli

turquoise

amber

cherry red garnets

nuggets of jade

twisted strands of mixed metals and stones

the meshing of unlikely partners 

that go together to create something of lasting beauty.

I am always on the lookout for a knock out piece to add to my small collection.

sterling designed bangle

presenting many personalities

Is there something in your jewelry drawer that makes a statement?

How do you feel when you wear it?

Do you feel more creative just putting it on?

What statements do your accessories make?

Loot shoot in the limelight...

It's been awhile since Mother had her spell of illness and she is slowly improving.
Thank goodness for our medical system and our wonderful family doctor.
Her energy is not quite back where she feels like driving so either my sister or I chauffeur her around town.
Today we had a wonderful call from her saying she'd love to go out for lunch and do some shopping.
We are understanding and devoted daughters, and so jumped at the chance to enjoy some girl time.
Sis drove her vintage BMW convertible...
I must confess that I am the only one in my entire family that does not drive a Beamer...
our son and his wife each have their own...maybe it's time I trade in my old Volvo!

We had a delicious "ladies who lunch" spinach salad and a pot of Earl Grey tea at Adrienne's Tea Garden.
Totally refreshed, we hit the shops.
Sunday's Snowflakes was having a sale and my sister bought 3 things, all tops.
I bought a black BOHO vibe skirt.
Then Mother and I got our pearl fix on with locally designed sterling and freshwater baroque pearl earrings.

I picked up the dress from the tailor's, the one I am wearing to the wedding.
Remember I bought 2 because they were 50% off.

Dress for the garden wedding.

Slimming V neck with ample coverage for the "girls"

contoured for my hourglass figure 

fully lined and it's jersey fabric skims the body beautifully

in a cool tropical print

feels very feminine

I forget that I need to pay more on occasion for a great fit that flatters.

Casual dress for daytime

navy and white

slimming forgiving and so easy to put on.

I've worn this with my jean jacket.

classic navy and white

so crisp for summer

long twisted silver drops with vast baroque pearls at the bottom

from the Gallery at Mattick's

funky BOHO skirt

can be worn with capri tights, boots or sandals

a fun piece of clothing to wear.

behold the magnificence of The Humble Bungalow Garden limelight hydrangeas

these are thriving and fill in a large space

they just sing happy to me

Lovely limelight hydrangeas and Lady's Mantle

and beautiful marriage of green.

It's a sunny morning

 I'm feeling there's a lightness of spirit 

filtering through the windows

and it's making me smile with gratitude.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Hostess

XO

Fundraising for the TLC an indulgent post...

Please indulge me
I am passionate about the TLC.
The Land Conservancy here in town is having some serious financial woes.
Mr. HB and I are keen and loyal members of this organization and we both applaud their acquisitions of land and preservation of heritage sites. There is no longer government funding to help support this agency so funds are tight.
The Abkhazi Gardens was saved and is run by the TLC and it's one of my favourite spots for a stroll, a cup of tea, or a bite of lunch. Wandering about in the garden provides me with inspiration for my hobbies of gardening and painting. It's a place of peace where one can sit, be quiet, and meditate, soaking in all the surrounding natural beauty.

It seems fitting that I donate to the cause and hope that others will as well.
They desperately need our help.
I decided to part with one of my paintings and the director thought that this was a good idea.
He chose the painting of the Abkhazi gardens.

It will be hung for sale in the tearoom and I must say I hope that someone loves it enough to purchase it and help the cause.

I hope that this post might inspire you to send a cheque to the TLC and if you have not yet visited the Abkhazi Gardens please run don't walk and come back and tell me all about your experience! Tell them I sent you!        
                                                                     
                                                                      ~  ~  ~

OOTD the Island Mavins Show

Sunday morning bright and early saw me dressed and ready to be first in line at The Island Mavins Show.
Held in the lovely historic gardens of Point Ellice House
the sale was a riot of vendors selling handmade and vintage wares.
The weather was grey spotted with patches of summer rain and gloomy.

Burberry jacket

grey tank top by bobi

Jules and James skinny jeans, cuffed of course

Mee Too flats 

with the nod to the equestrian via the snaffle

usus Labradorite earrings

I had a fun weaving my way through the vendors outdoor "shops"

I knew a few of the gals as I frequent their retail shops on a regular basis.

Other vintage fairs are planned for late in August up island

I am hoping to drive up and spend the day exploring the wares and have lunch in one of these lovely spots.

new whites have arrived 

and will be competing for shelf space 

here in The Humble Bungalow

a book for some inspiration...

I can see both these vessels filled with flowers.

Bringing some joy just by being there.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

~ Hostess ~

A stormy Date Night

Mr. HB and I left our Humble Bungalow under sunny skies with plans to eat outdoors on the Inner Harbour.
Red Fish, Blue Fish serves up fresh seafood,
it's a local food kiosk that is so popular that people stand in line to be served
and often the wait will be 45 minutes.

I had the tempura cod tacone

it was a little bit of heaven on earth

I ordered two, thinking for $9 they'd be small

but they were very filling so next time I'll be wiser and order one.

this is where we sat

yummy

and then the clouds rolled in...

Thunder and Lightning and Torrential Rain

we had to run for cover

along with all the other diners!

We walked along the harbour after the rain let up.

Did some window shopping in The Empress Hotel

Souvenirs anyone?

The lobby was full of people enjoying High Tea Empress style

3 cruise ships were in town and the town was hopping.

Drinks were ordered in The Bengal Lounge

we watched outside the window

thunderous booms and flashes of white

the storm had become electric

look at that rain!

After sipping our drinks we made a run for it...

fortunately we timed it right and dodged the heavy rain and made it to the car just before it started up again.

The storm continued well into the night 

long after we were safely tucked into bed.

Thanks for another adventure honey!

Something new...

These are handmade locally by a clever young woman and her partner.
Loving Labradorite the way I do I could not resist these simple earrings.

longer than my usual styles

usus

a team of two young women

created these lovelies

they are more visible with my messy bob

Grey, black and white are "my colours"

the wardrobe basics

easy peasy

plus they work with all my pearls.

I bought 2 new dresses

both are patterned and are not black white or grey!

One is for the garden wedding

it's at the tailor's getting shortened

the other is a navy and white number

I haven't had navy in years.

I'll show you both of them in a future post.

The brand is Precise Petite

both were on sale for 50% off...

so it made them more affordable and I was able to buy two!

How's that for rationalizing a purchase?

Good news on the renovation front...

our tile person is returning this week to work on the ceramic tile in the bathroom!

That means when the tile is finished the plumber can return and then I'll be adding a few touches

and then we'll be able to flush and shower downstairs!

We had quite the thunder and lightning storm and it was date night so I'll pull up my sox and get working on that post soon.

Hope that your weekend will be grand

perhaps you'll find time to steal a few moments of bliss.

~ ~ ~

OOTD...what I wore running errands for Mother.

The sun is shining and Mother is feeling much better
my stress is starting to ebb.
Mother gave me a list of things to do for her as she is not quite ready to step out of her condo and pop herself into her BMW convertible just yet.

I finally got to wear my newest grape drape bamboo dress by Gilmour.

I paired it with my newest Hermes silk scarf.

donned some artsy earrings

these are as old as the hills

made by a creative girlfriend 

I have never tired of them and they have survived every jewelry purge.

I took myself out for a bite of lunch before returning to Mother's condo.

Beet, orange, feta and kale salad

I sat outside among the plants on a French iron chair and a matching table

in the nursery/cafe that is known as The Demitasse.

I met and had coffee with Pondside at this cozy little spot.

I took deep breaths and savoured the tastes of the delicious ingredients and sipped a tall cool glass of water.

Kale is so delicious and nutritious

it was just what I needed.

I had my hair cut and tinted today

and 

I feel refreshed.

I bought this in Seattle on my hour at Nordstrom's.

baby soft linen

unconstructed with a relaxed summer

vibe.

off white on the outside pure white inside

this will be going out with Hermes peinture fraiche at some point

Did you see what clever ideas Janice from the Vivienne files came up with for my scarf?

Let me refresh your memory.

I bought two new tanks for layering

women in mid life know all about the advantages of layering

it's not a secret that

we can keep our cool with grace.

can you see the theme going on here?

Peinture fraiche

is inspiring me no end

~ ~ ~

since having discovered bamboo clothing 

I think I could live in yoga pants and tanks all day long

and be very happy inside my wee Bungalow.

The kind of happy that says a freshly brewed cup of tea, 

take one magazine

a sunny spot

 a comfy chair

and 

in view of some gorgeous roses...

Mother's on the mend and I am feeling so relieved

immense gratitude is filling me up.

I've booked myself into the spa for a manicure/pedicure next week

so I am taking care of myself

and thank you all for your kind comments. 

If anyone knows where I can find another bread tin like this vintage one please let me know.

Peg from Comox covets mine and I'd like to help her find one.

Today

give yourself permission to be lovely and beautiful.

Hostess

XO