Adding a wee bit of polish to my days...

The New Year is here and with it comes the opportunity to make some changes.
What changes might those be?
For starters,
getting back on the Weight Watchers Point Program with continued walks is my top priority.
Over the holidays too many sweets and treats have been savoured and despite the walks I am up a few pounds...it is not the end of the world but I do not want to let it get out of control.
I feel better when my clothes have a little bit of "breathing room!"

But I digress...
this post was titled adding a bit of polish.

 My hands and nails have never been given much thought...
I am a no nonsense kind of gal...and have thought of my hands as tools in the domestic arena.

As a result of neglect and my haphazard way of wearing gloves when I wash dishes and clean house
I have had to invest heavily in hand creams and slather them on throughout the day.
(L'Occitane Shea Butter... and I buy the small size to keep in my handbag and the car)

I have been inspired to make a wee change...
at least for now
while the New Year is fresh and new.
(will see how long it lasts!)

For now I am enjoying taking extra care of my hands and my nails.
My gloves are handy right beside the sink
as a reminder to put them on when I am immersed in domestics, which I am on a daily basis.

Purple Playtex Living Gloves

endorsed by This Hostess.

Workhorses in The Humble Bungalow

Base coat, polish and a top coat are applied so that they last longer and resist chipping.

This OPI shade is called Chocolate Moose...

I love how they choose creative names for their polish.

 I think this is a neutral versatile colour.

Looking for some pretty pink shades in the OPI,  Essie or Butter lines to add to my collection.

Perhaps something soft...and light, maybe in a blush pink.

or a deeper fuchsia like this Camellia.

Blues and greens and blacks are popular 

I am not sure that they are suitable for my 60 year old hands...

 though they are fine on my toes in the summer months.

Speaking of trying new things...

Cheryl, my friend from France, taught me how to make duck confit.

We browned the duck legs in a hot Le Creuset pan and then heated them in the oven.

We de-glazed the pan with a bit of Sancerre and added about a half cup of marmalade and let it simmer and reduced it until it was thick.

The wee potatoes were roasted in a bit of the duck fat in a hot oven until they were golden and softened.

The green beans were steamed until they were almost tender...

(I like a bit of resistance when I bite into a green bean)

~ Dessert ~

tasty lemon tarts from the bakery.

You can see why I am up a few pounds as we enjoyed many rich meals 

while our house guests were here in The Humble Bungalow.

So it is salad daze and healthy eating for the foreseeable future.

If you are looking for some inspiration and a fresh way of starting your New Year

Janet at The Gardener's Cottage has a week of healthy menus posted on her blog.

Chat soon

until next time...

~ Be Kind and Take Care ~

Activities ~ Senior Style ~ OOTD

Life is busy... and I'm finding it a bit of a challenge to sit down and blog.
Instagram is quick and easy and I am falling under it's spell.
Time is ticking along quickly...my days are full.
It could be the dental work, Mah Jongg, Bridge lessons and games, the walking, domestics, gardening and lunches out with friends. I am really enjoying meeting new people and exercising my brain cells!
I've joined Goward House, a seniors centre ( 50 years +) that is housed in a heritage home with several acres of woodland walking trails. A wide variety of classes and courses are offered and special interest clubs meet on site.
There is a small tea room set in a lovely room with vast windows overlooking the gardens...
soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee and sweets are reasonably priced, and the tea room is open to the public.
There are wide expansive decks that have tables and chairs which are used in the warmer weather...
weddings are frequently held here in the summer. It's a quiet and peaceful location for a celebration.

I think it is just lovely, such a relaxed atmosphere, antique and comfy furniture, beautiful artwork hangs on the walls, fresh flowers in vases, it feels like you are in the home of a good friend.

We purchased a beauty berry bush last weekend and planted several dozen purple allium bulbs around it's base...we plan to add a bunch of black mondo grass in the same bed.

Purple and Black sound like a interesting pairing.

I spied this super hero on my walk in our neighbourhood.

I wondered if it was making a statement and if so what was the message?

It's probably some one's idea of "garden art."

Moss covered rocks seen on Moss Street!

Creepy spiders are lurking in the trees....

Ghosts

Yikes!

Halloween decorations are more popular than they have been in the past.

We live in an area with good schools that offer French Immersion and so there are a lot of families with young children.

I'm reading this book right now and it's an easy and entertaining story.

If you liked The 100 year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared,

 I think you'll enjoy this one too.

I've used up all my old lotions and potions and have switched up my skincare regime.

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses for Sensitive skin.

An organic and cruelty free line.

I love the rose scent of all the products.

It's scent lingers long after you put it on...

(some people would not like to smell like a rose)

I'm new to eye gel and find this product has helped plump up and fills in the fine lines.

The exfoliator is gentle and does it's job without causing irritation or redness.

The oil is great for cuticles, hair and after shaving.

The Heavenly Night Time Moisturizer is so rich and soothing...I use it for daytime as my skin is super dry.

I'm going to invest in their serum for winter as my skin usually gets drier and needs more moisture.

I draped this Hermes scarf around my neck...

for the afternoon of Bridge.

Blue top  ~ Style My Way

Black denim jeans  ~ g21

Black loafers  ~ Coach

Sitting playing Mah Jongg or Bridge there are lulls in the game where you notice what the other players are wearing...

rings, necklaces, bracelets and scarves.

"Any opportunity to adorn oneself is human, and accessories are an easy way to do it."

~ Marc Jacobs ~

Thanksgiving weekend menu...part 1.

Thanksgiving Greetings,

You might be surprised to read this but I am not cooking a Thanksgiving turkey this weekend.
I hosted a small dinner party for friends...
the family brunch to follow another day...

Upon the guests arrival we sipped on lemon drop martinis

munched on tapenaude,
hummus,
carrot sticks,
cucumber slices,
Red Leicester cheese and crackers.

At the dining table we started with a cocktail of fresh shrimp atop a bed of torn romaine lettuce, served with a lemon wedge and a dollop of seafood sauce,
for the main course baked chicken breasts stuffed with goat cheese topped with red pepper pesto,
sauteed green beans, chanterelles and button mushrooms gently braised in butter,
and crispy oven baked potato slices.

Red and white wines were offered as well as sparkling mineral water for the designated drivers.

Dessert was a rich chocolate mousse served in ramekins upon which I popped a few fresh raspberries.
I love the marriage of raspberries and chocolate.

Freshly brewed orange pekoe and spearmint tea capped the evening off...
we sat and chatted....the range of conversation ran the gamut...
topics that were near and dear ever so close to our hearts...
there was a comfortable sharing of intimate tidbits of life with trusted friends.
Not surprising, eldercare issues were a common thread linking us all.
Tears welled up in my eyes...threatening to spill...and glancing the faces of my most cherished friends I knew it was going to be alright.

Our children, grandchildren, real estate ventures,  stock market, business, travel and work...all took  the stage as we related the poignant, sometimes troubled, frequently funny diaramas that define our existence.
Owning and embracing our paths as they curve and weave through every day life...not always the happy endings or outcomes that we might wish for, but grateful for the fact that we are alive and able to feel deeply, the sometimes raw emotions that move and shake us to our very core.

The Arts and Crafts English Westminster clock chimed to remind us that it was it was the Cinderella Hour...
we all stop and look at each other...
plans are in place for tomorrow...
it's Thanksgiving weekend...
one couple are off to their oceanfront home on a Gulf Island and have an early ferry to catch,
the other couple are expecting 21 for dinner...
our guests took their leave and depart...

As an experienced Hostess...I would like to share one of the things that I feel is of utmost importance...
Spend as much time with your guests as you possibly can...prep ahead and make dishes that are easy so that you do not have to be in the kitchen too long.

I do not like to make a lot of noise rattling around in the kitchen either...I like to put away any food that might spoil and stack the dishes but do not spend much time in the kitchen in "tidy mode"...
I have a butlers door which I could close but I do not have a butler....if I did, I would have to say dear Jeeves please clean up but be as quiet as a mouse as we do not live in a very large house.

I wait until after my guests have departed before loading up the dishwasher and scrubbing any pot and pans...
Mr. HB assists and we have a recap and a nightcap before heading off to bed.

The exception to this "rule" would be an "all family get together" where we gals roll up our sleeves and get in the kitchen together to laugh, chat and share a little bit of local gossip... there are secrets shared and we often catch ourselves as we divulge information about our spouses...
supportive hugs are given freely...
tears have been shed, health issues have played a role...cancer has touched our lives several times...
all seems as it should be when we go through the motions of homekeeping and domestics...


We put the first of several loads into the dishwasher, package up dinners for the Moms to take home....
this might surprise you to know that this is penultimate quality family female bonding...
Humble Bungalow Style

Hugs from the Hostess.

OOTD and a few tidbits...post # 1111

What can I say? I have been too busy to post on the blog.
Living life fully in the moment supersedes time spent sitting at the computer.

Here we are hamming it up in front of the camera...

we both bought the same T shirt at Aritzia in Mayfair Mall.

#FullOfHeart

OOTD 

(on the Hostess)

Wilfred black tee

g21 skinny jeans

Timberland short boots

We stopped for a bite to eat at Pure Vanilla in Oak Bay to refuel on our Christmas shopping mission.

Skinny decaf latte for the Hostess

Lovely daughter has been helping me choose Christmas gifts for the family.

I love a second opinion and she has a great eye for fashion.

On December 1st

 I lit a Diptyque candle.

Nothing like a fragrant festive aroma to put me in a happy mood.

I've been trying to stay one step ahead of the house keeping as our cleaning gal is vacationing in the warmth of sunny Mexico and I really miss her help.
She takes such good care of the basic domestics allowing me time to polish the silverware, tidy up the drawers, cupboards, wash and iron the clothes and generally enjoy "fluffing" our space.

The weather has been freezing with a dusting of snow and the sidewalks have been icy.

Walking has taken a back seat and I have been focusing on indoor activities.

I like to have hostess gifts on hand so I made a batch of marmalade...

Seville oranges water and sugar.

I like looking at the fruits of my labour...

if you want to see my recipe for Scotch Orange Maramalade go here.

Chester has been spending too much time at the window watching/scaring the resident hummingbirds

while they drink at the feeder...

Mr. HB and I have tried to keep him from pestering them as they need to keep their strength up in this frigid weather.

I really enjoyed this book and thought that Betty was particularly honest about her shopping habits.

I loved reading about her life and am so impressed that she continues to work as a personal shopper at the ripe old age of 86!

(I give it 5 stars)

I might be the last person I know to read this book.

 Better late than never...

a well written book which is keeping me up late as I cannot put it down!

I'll be back soon to show you some of the highlights of the Gingerbread Houses on display at the Laurel Point Inn.

Hope you are getting into the festive spirit and not getting stressed...

remember to take it one day at a time and don't forget to breathe.

Hostess

Mirror, mirror, on the wall....

The mirror does not lie...

it reflects
with startling accuracy

and if I catch a glimpse of myself
I quickly look away!

I do not like to look of the stranger staring back at me.

I never have been comfortable having pictures taken either...

(I have posted a few carefully edited here on the blog,
which took courage and encouragement )

I am generally happy, have an amazing family, wonderful friends,  a roof over my head, a great job that I love and so far, few aches and pains.
Life is good.
(pinch me)

Grateful for so many wonderful and simple things...
I take nothing for granted.
(cancer has touched our lives too many times)

So why am I entertaining
or relating these thoughts?

Musings...
not of a new bag or a pair of shoes...
stuff that is well, for want of a word, more real.

I am curious how you are transitioning into the body of an older woman.

Is what's inside in sync with what is outside?

Am I alone with this thought?

I do feel "young" for my 56 years.

I spend hours in solitude, weeding the garden and listening quietly to thoughts as they bubble up and surface.

I feel that I might be clinging to an ideal of youth that is long passed it's best before date!

We all know a wise woman who is comfortable in her own skin....therein lies our hope.

She's the woman that we study from across the room. 

Observing her classic outfit and simple, yet elegant, jewels.

As she converses she smiles broadly showing off her laugh lines,  as if they were her newest and chicest accessory!

There's a twinkle in her eyes...they sparkle across the room.

She is not sleep walking through life, she is energetic and vital...she has energy.

She's the gal whose been to the latest Gallery exhibit, is currently reading a best seller, and has just been on, or is planning a fabulous trip. 

She could be an active board member or a volunteer, she may play bridge or be a weekly lawn bowler.
She has dates and events scribed on her social calendar.

Balance is key,
she is wise enough to know when to take a nap or a weekend off.

If there was an image for the definition of wisdom and grace it would look just like her.

There is an art to aging gracefully...I would love to know the secret.

a few things come to mind...

Embracing Joy whole heartedly will help transition the obvious physical changes.

While lowering expectations might be a quick way out I will not give over to polyester pull on pants and will continue to dress with an eye for what is current, comfortable and not clingy!

Acceptance and knowing limits.

Make an art of everyday domestics they are comfortable rituals.

Rest, hydrate, relax...

Yoga.

Movement is a Must! "Use it or Lose it"keeping those muscles elastic and strong and ward off osteoporosis.

Trying something new to stimulate the grey cells which goes a long way to revving up enthusiasm.
Reinvent yourself!

Shake up what might be routine and add some spice to life...bring on the cajun, and pepper!

Seek out beauty in all things....

Take yourself less seriously and laugh more often, even if you laugh at yourself. 

Self deprecating humour has it's value!

NOW...
turn that mirror around

and
FOCUS ON OTHERS!

Let your years shine bright and radiate...

wisdom does come with age!
Enjoy the person that you aspire to be...
fake it until you make it and the rest, my dear, is history!

A perfectly decent dress for a sunny day of errands

pale bare legs

and 

painted toes 

in pretty sandals.

I am simply putting one foot in front of the other and going about the rounds.

Greeting those that I meet

with a smile

not judging

and

taking time to chat with those that I encounter

when doing business

and 

helping when opportunities present themselves.

Heart felt thanks...

in gratitude

I am your Humble Hostess

Mary Engelbreit

said it best.

"Bloom Where You are Planted"

P.S. Do not forget my giveaway

I posted it yesterday

good luck!

Darn it Kate Spade I am in lust!

Do you have a week that flies by so fast that you are left wondering where the time went?
So much living gets packed into a week and we measure a lot of our success by what we get accomplished.
A lot happens in those 7 days. chapters are read, meals get made, floors get swept, family is tended to, blog posts are published and pets are cuddled.
On top of the domestics duties I make certain that I take my walks as they are a priority, I practise some Yoga and there's the mandatory time set aside to savour many restorative cups of tea so it is not all work and drudgery!
This week I have been browsing online at the Spring collections...which can be a wee bit tempting.

One NEEDS to make some time for fun...a girl can dream...

I have been looking online at Kate Spade's gorgeous website and lusting after some of her scarves and shoes.

There is something refreshing about her line of goods...it's a little bit girly and whimsical.

I don't know if she would take that as a compliment but I do mean it in the nicest possible way.

I am so in love with this beautiful Giverny scarf.

If I still feel passionate about it after a few days I may buy it, but in the meantime I am still very happy with my white linen scarf.

L'Occitane almond milk is my favourite body moisturizer...

I slather it on my legs and arms after showering and it has a very subtle scent.

A little goes a long way so a jar will last many months...it's a little bit of every day luxury.

I think this scarf was an Eileen Fisher from several seasons past.

The versatility of white was the reason that I chose this at the time.

I like it for summer and it goes so well with so many things that I own.

You can use it as a shawl over a sleeveless top or dress and it is very feminine.

Now back to that gorgeous Giverny scarf!

it has such a pretty pattern that I can envision wearing with many of my solid tanks and tops.

It would be a versatile accessory and one that I could keep for years to come.

My birthday is in a few days so maybe I will splurge.

It's not a milestone birthday so there will not be a lot of fuss and bother.

My husband and I will go out for a meal, perhaps with our best friends.

There is a brunch planned for the weekend following my weekday birth date.

Now getting back to that scarf...

Sometimes a gal just wants to give in and throw caution to the wind and buy something fun,

besides do I always need to be sensible and thrifty?

I keep seeing pretty patterns for Spring in all the fashion magazines that I flip through...

have I convinced you?

Maybe you'll buy it and I can live vicariously through you!

What are you tempted to splurge on?

Have you got your eye on something to add to your wardrobe this season?

Weekend Dinner Party and a Yummy Salad Recipe

Our daughter is going to be wed to her Kiwi fiancee this summer in an intimate ceremony on one of the beautiful Gulf Islands just off our coast.
We were introduced to our future SIL's father and step mom on the weekend and we celebrated by hosting a casual dinner here in The Humble Bungalow.
The Marlborough area in New Zealand is where they reside and they own and run an award winning olive grove and make olive oil...they gave us a bottle and I cannot wait to try it!
Marlborough is well known and famous for their vineyards and top notch wines so we wanted to introduce them to some of our BC wine and local seafood.

We served a very simple dinner and we sipped a Sandhill Pinot Gris from a BC Winery in Oliver.

We were celebrating our future SIL's birthday and getting acquainted with his father and step mom. The conversations were animated and we really got on well.
Such lovely people, warm and friendly, it feels as though we have been friends for a long time.

Dinner menu:

Cheese and olive platter with candied smoked wild salmon for the appetizers
Salad
Baby new potatoes with butter and chopped fresh mint
Salmon glazed with soy sauce and drizzled with maple syrup
Chocolate mousse with raspberries

I tried a new salad which was colourful and full of flavour.
Here is the recipe...
I have not indicated quantities because it is so easy to adapt the amounts to make more or less depending on how many you are serving.

Yummy Salad

A variety of salad greens and I added radicchio for colour
cooked beets (I used baby beets and quartered them after cooking)
radishes sliced
roasted pumpkin seeds
sliced green onions
goat or feta cheese crumbled

Put all these gorgeous ingredients in a large salad bowl.
(I used a shallow white bowl to show the rich colours of this salad)

Dressing

1/4 cup wine vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon of fresh dill or 2 tsp. dried dill weed
salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Put all the ingredients in a large jar and shake until emulsified and dress salad just before serving.

I ate the leftovers today (a wee bit soggy but yummy!)

I am half way through this book and am having difficulty putting it down.

It is well written and very interesting...and yes it is on my Paris themed reading list!

(I have it on good authority that Tilar Mazzeo is residing in Victoria for several months of each year)

Well I must get a move on and tackle some of the domestics around here...

no more excuses!

 After I have finished them I am going to pop the kettle on and sit for a bit and read my book!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~