Nearly 100 years old.....Bungalow kitchen, over 10 years in the making!

I promised Frugal Scholar that I would post some pictures of my kitchen. The renovation took years as we did most of the work ourselves while living and cooking in said space. We actually entertained, hosted dinner parties and celebrations here amid dust, and lack of walls...think Thirty Something! We lived it too. I cannot believe it has been that long...thirty something  and now we are 50 something..where did the time go?
It has to be noted that we opted for granite countertops and they are not traditional and we have been severely chastised by Jane Powell of Bungalow Kitchen fame! We really are beyond critiscism in that area because we felt that the benefits of being able to put hot pots, pans and roasters directly on the counter would outweigh the negative comments. We are, after all, the ones who inhabit the space.
Mr. L made all the cabinets himself using just a table saw and hand tools. The glass panes were cut by a local sash and door company and the hardware is new but in the same style as the original would have been. The sink is a Shaw French Country model in porcelain, now in vintage looking condition with scratches and a few chips. The stainless appliances are new of course and yes Jane Powell sneered at them as well....tsk tsk! The floor has been patched and resanded and is soft fir so it is honestly "distressed."

The walls are dark stained fir in "board and batten" is the same as the rest of the house and in an original bungalow there would be "wainscotting" which would more than likely have been painted white. We dithered about for several years in the planning process and the "architect" in the family convinced me to stay with the dark fir. The architect has the professional eye and I bow to his expertise!

The room is smallish, with 3 door openings; the butler's door which is on hinges that swing from the kitchen to the dining room, the French door to the deck, the third has been removed and opened up  onto the family room/den and then there is the stairway to the basement. These were challenges that we had to work with because we did not want to add on and expand.

The granite we purchased from a dealer, had it professionally cut and we installed it ourselves....very hard, heavy work. I do not recommend doing it yourself...we were slightly crazy to attempt it but budgetary considerations played a huge part in that descision!

I did not keep receipts, but I do remember one Valentines Day I received a large piece of steel painted red...a reinforced brace designed by a local engineer...and it was about $250....more than a dozen red roses and dinner out. (It was in the late 1990's) We were frugal and resourceful because we had to be. We sold our Catalina sailboat and had purchased the Chris Craft Constellation, so our time, money and energy was split in several areas...not to mention being parents and holding down jobs.

Wood on the water...propelled by fossil fuel 2 X 350 CC conversions...not that green, but a lot of fun.

It is a quality ride...I am the admiral and the Galley Slave!

After taking the Power Squadron course I am aka as the "Nag-i-vator"...it has paid off, I am a second set of eyes and am aware of the rules on the ocean...

Red shoe diary...there's no place like home...

Salad anyone?.....or rather, Harumi Ota meet Mee Too...I feel like clicking my heels together...there's no place like home...there's no place like home, Judy Garland at her freshest.

I love orchids and I have some young paphiopedilum orchids... aka Lady Slippers, in the background.

(I only grow orchids that are able to survive in my kitchen environment)

Mee Too...Tyler Red Patent Leather shoes with Kitten Heels!

Not even looking...they popped up into my radar...on sale, comfy, and will be wearing them with dark denim jeans, crisp white shirt, masses of pearls, circulating books at school.

A cause for a celebration and some bubbly...I have been looking to replace my worn out BCBG red flats for quite sometime now...Mr. L said to daughter "Your Mom really likes red shoes!"

I do!  I do! I do!

Who doesn't?

Bungalow snapshots and details...

My writing desk

Alliums grown in the backyard dried, on display.

Note the bottom left corner of Jane Powell's book!

I have moved  the alliums to the dining room and placed the Van Briggle Bunny and bowl on the ledge...Mrs. Plant's photo can be seen through the pillars.

                                  
Jane Powell came to our humble bungalow and photographed some details of the interior several years ago. She lives in Oakland California and is restoring her arts and crafts home. Her restoration philosophy is pure, honest, and true to the historic details of the period.

San Francisco artistic license article.

The heritage movement has many supporters and they are a group of diverse personalities that are passionate about their cause. In my experience, they are creative and flamboyant with academic art history roots.

A small portion of our arts and crafts book collection on the Stickley bookcase.

Have you restored or renovated a home?

Have you overseen the process as a contractor or are you hands on?

Do you have any advice or hints when living in a home during the construction?

What were the biggest challenges and would you do it again?

Interested in opinions as I am contemplating a bedroom redecorating project in the next few months....

Skincare, what works for me...what works for you?

While I was standing in line at the market I noticed that almost every magazine had an article on skincare. Skincare is big business...many many millions, I really do not know, it is dizzying for me to even consider!
There are so many products out there that it gets very confusing. There are potions and creams for day and for night, and they come with promises for everything from smoother, younger, more radiant, firmer, less pigmented, less wrinkled....and so on....you've heard it, seen the advertisements, possibly comtemplated even trying them.  But do they live up to their promises?
I wonder how many steps the average woman takes in caring for her skin...how many products does she use before she gets out the door? I am not suggesting to ignore the skin, nothing could be farther than the truth. I am a fan of taking care and pampering the skin, as it is right out there for all to see.
My skincare routine involves getting professional facials every 2 or 3 months and the rest of the time I do it myself here at home.
I have delicate skin and have a tendency to flush. I also am concerned about the toxins the manufacturers add to products and have come to the conclusion that there is an element of risk with just about any product on the market. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a large database if you care to research what you are currently using. If you are like me, it was an eye opener!

I try to keep my routine fairly simple and the products to a minimum as I like to be able to do my morning face in 10 minutes or less.

I use VIVA face wash from the Health food store, Thayers alcohol free toner which has witch hazel, rose petals and aloe vera gently all over with a cotton pad (my slpurge are Shiseido cosmetic pads) followed by Dr. Hauschka's rose cream.  I need the heavier rose cream, they make a light version. (Did I mention my aging skin is VERY dry?)

I then sweep a small amount of Badger sunscreen on top (which I have been advised to do for anti-aging purposes) before applying my Dr. Hauschka foundation which is light and adds a hint of tint blending easily to even out some of my redness.

I use Dr. Hauschka eye shadow #4, curl my lashes, apply Lancome Definicils mascara.

I use Burts Bees lip balm follwed by Dr. Hauschka lipstick #7.

My favourite products are not the lowest on the website safety ratings, neither are they the highest.

For removing my eye makeup I use Neutrogena eye make up remover and every other day I use Physiodermie Bio-Gommage which is a gentle exfoliator that keeps my skin looking fresh and feeling soft. Scrubs are too harsh for me and glycolic peels have resulted in a nasty rash.

I have tried the rhythmic Dr. H ampoules which are pricey and I am not convinced of their effectiveness...but I am willing to try again and reassess.

What products work for you?

What can you not live without....mascara, lip balm, moisturizer...?

Do you splurge, or are you frugal?

Reflections, thoughts and musings...on a sunny Monday morning.

Arbutus tree outside the living room window.

Looking back, I do not feel that much older than when we moved into our bungalow, yet here it is nearly 28 years later.

Time does seem to go faster as we get older.

A friend suggested it is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer it gets to the end the faster it unrolls.

Our darling children spent their childhood growing up here.

Our home is much quieter since they moved out, Mr. L., the cat and I are not noisy. Except of course on hockey nights when shouts arise when goals are scored.

Bronzed Baby shoes.

Does anyone still do this with their babies first shoes? We were recently in Birks and I noticed that they still provide this service, how comforting to know that some things never change!

We have 2 children, a boy and a girl, they are adults now, and have created lives of their own. JAL our daughter has a great job and a lovely character apartment filled with mid century teak and art glass. She has a trained eye when it comes to antiques and collectibles, the art history university background has helped her recognize quality pieces.

 SBL our son has a lovely wife, they live in a large home with a view which is full of mid century teak and art glass as well. They are expecting a baby in early June and are decorating the babies room at present.

I love my family and want to spend time with them. I do not want to smother them or appear desperate or needy. It is a fine line and I do not want to cross it.

 I am eager to invite them back for Roast Beef Sundays and enjoy the friendly banter and chatter that accompanies their visit.

Monday evenings, JAL comes over to do her laundry, we drink some bubbly, make dinner and watch The Batchelor. I do so love the regular Monday night visit.

 I am grateful for so many things; children who live in the same town, who are connected and share with us, much of what is new in their lives.

I am kitting out the pram and have a knitting project on the needles at present.

Grammy's knitting project #1 box blanket in off white yarn.

Knitting in a quiet room, the sun streaming through the windows, does lend itself to reflection.

The soft sound of the bamboo needles as the stitches slip over top to the other side...counting, concentrating, feels a bit like Yoga for the hands!

Tie one on.....another Hermes scarf, and a cheery red the colour that makes me happy.

Bright and cheerful, this vintage, late 60's Hermes scarf is red, white and blue with a touch of gold....equestrian theme.

Hermes have cards and booklets which are full of photos showing various ways to tie and wear their scarves, maybe too many ways!

I stood in front of the mirror trying various knots but with this one I like to loosely toss it casually around my neck so that all the colours show.

I wore this scarf to an orchid show and a fellow volunteer commented on how she had stood in front of her mirror that very morning fussing and repositioning and tying and untying her scarf only to rip it off in disgust. (sound familiar!)

She was admiring the way I had done mine. I was embarrased by all the fuss but explained that it was easy,  just one loose simple crossover and I left the V at the back...et voila.

I believe the secret to wearing scarves is just to wear them with an attitude of confidence. It is not perfection, it is colorful silk draped simply encircling the neck or tied on a handbag.

Don't take it too seriously, it's meant to be FUN!

Accessories are the workhorses of my wardrobe, and generally they are affordable items.

I shop thrift shops for vintage pieces. There is a thrill in thrifting something of detail and beauty.

I have been thinking about red boots recently.

I swooned over a wonderful pair that  mater blogged about at Christmas.

Ah, the power of suggestion!

I have admired Hunter boots and have seen them in English Country Living magazine which I read every month.

 These boots would walk along the waterfront, on the beach, to the market, and trudge around the garden look cheerful, and keep my feet dry. I think I am convnced!

Those red Hunters are sold out in my size and will not stock more until March.

I'll be dodging puddles until then....

P.S.  The sun made it's debut today after many days of rain and Mr. L and I went for a walk along the waterfront. (as did most of the neighbourhood!)

The skies were clear, the water calm, the air fresh.

People were smiling.

Clumps of pure white snowdrops are popping up in the garden.

Bulbs have started to grow.

The flower venders have bunches of yellow daffodils in their buckets.

I have a sneaky feeling that Spring is coming early this year.

Water, water everywhere...some are tears...snapping out of it I hope!

Torrential downpour here...gutters working overtime, spluttering, gurgling...and I am hunkered down inside with my cozy PJ's on and a warm beverage in hand.
I drove through some very deep puddles, small ponds rather, in the car on the way home from work tonight. Hydroplane averted thanks to DSTC on Volvo.
Worried about flooding...nothing serious compared to Haiti how devastating, Reality Check...self talk..."stop whimpering and buck up."
Met at the door by a very hungry cat, meowing at a very high decibal level....ouch, food in bowl before removing new lovely coat, recent purchase, and still in love! Cat still ill, high blood pressure meds once in the morning, mixed in cream cheese smeared on cat lips while bleary eyed owner stumbles around kitchen, oblesse oblige....is the coffee ready yet?
Cat eating 2 cans of food a day after dodging the "bullet" which might have been a few days before Xmas...family meeting, tears and all home excused from work, dire health of cat...who rallied and thrived with all the attention, sorry I am mistaken...bad cat mommy!
I wonder how much longer sick cat has to live...9 lives, how many are left? Stickley...name of cat, weird I know but A&C bungalow, so it fits...cat cannot jump up on sofa or queen size bed of owners anymore, beds of choice, now sleeping under Limbert oak quarter sawn rocker...too much info I know...abbreviate, note to self...almost 17 years of purring, shedding, love and company...do not depart please can you not live forever?
Golden retriever, Rufus, lived to 13...still we mourn...we are a very sappy animal loving family. Will get another when I retire.

On another topic, mother still suffering from a bad cold...several visits bearing lunch and dinners later...she is looking better, get well soon PLEASE! Ordered more Anne Morrow Lindbergh books online as requested....and yes your RIFFs have come due so spend without guilt. Sister still in Rancho Mirage supervising contractor paint and redecorate new townhouse, her partner golfing 24/7...come home soon please, you are too young to be a SNOWBIRD!
Low moment here...like LPC says at Privilege
Ferris wheel should be on the upswing about now....this is not characteristic of me, complaining is bad form...must be all this rain, must go to bed and emerge from the bed chamber re-invented, re-energized, restored, revitalized, renewed, reminted, restyled, rewired, refreshed from zzzz's...the bed is calling my name!
Pardon me for venting....a shameful post I acknowledge that, forgiveness requested if you please.
Humbly,
The Hostess

I am not a trophy wife, but I have several trophies.

I fancy trophies, they represent great achievements.

I have had the honor of winning a rose bowl from the Garden Club for best rose in show. My name was engraved on it and I had it on display, proudly but humbly, on my mantle for one year... I had to give it back as I did not win best rose in show the following year!

This large vintage trophy was a gift from my delightful daughter JAL. It was  filled with white lilac on the occasion of Mother's Day!

I do not think that my mothering skills are worthy of a trophy, I'll take it as a compliment.

I was not athletic in my youth, save that darned grass hockey team that I played on in high school. Grass hockey was a rough and tumble sport and my shins were black and blue with bruises. I was short and and slow so I was an easy mark.  I was very afraid when we played against the private schools as they played for honour, to win and there was usually blood.

Look at that dirty window pane. No one would bestow an award for cleaning here...excuse me, Ms.H (she doesn't do windows) besides the mess is on the outside!

I am told this trophy appeared in the movie The Fog....I wouldn't know.  I do not watch horror films.
I love the racket details, so artistic and finely crafted.

A trophy wife is defined as -

A wife, usually young and attractive, regarded as a status symbol for the husband, usually older and affluent.


"Our romantic ideals are always grounded in economic realities, from the Victorian marriage model to the 1980s masters of the universe for whom a standard-issue trophy wife was a badge of honor."
Source: Deborah Siegel, PsychologyToday.com, "The New Trophy Wife", Jan/Feb 2004.


MOTU...trophy wife! Classifying and labelling are too general as they do not allow for individuality...I am sure there are exceptions to every rule. 
I'll leave that dangling thought as I need to ponder and ruminate more on the subject.....

French chic style...one page at a time, read, digest and adapt.

French Style

How to Think, Shop and Dress Like a French Woman

by Veronique Vienne

Fashion, style, do's and don'ts...what is French chic...what to wear....how to tie a scarf...and much more it's a crash course in French Dressing.

I found this book online and was curious, and it did not disappoint.

...more French books.....

Alas I am not French, nor will I ever be.

I am, after all, simply a hostess in a humble bungalow.

My lifestyle does not involve red carpet events. It revolves around work, dinner parties, lunches with the ladies, lectures, theatre, boating, domestics, gardening and Yoga.

My style is a mixture of regional dressing and fashion, dictated largely by climate, necessity, purpose and  what my heart and pocketbook can agree on.

I dabble in quality not quantity.

I purchase clothing in neutral colors black, white, taupe, cream, grey.

Accessories are what give my wardrobe a more "fashion foreward edge" and I do not "stand out in a crowd" nor do I desire the attention.

Scarves, belts, pearls, diamonds, silver bangles, and some faux brooches are the "workhorses" that I employ.

Check this out.

Secrets of Style French Chic

Parlez vous francais?

Today:

I am wearing grey Lululemon pants, a tee and my grey and white Lulu hoodie, I am off to the studio for an hour to practice Yoga.

My mantra; dress appropriately for the activity or event.

Shopping with my BFF, we've been getting into mischief like this since grade 3!

I got an early morning call from my girlfriend SMB. whom I have known since grade 3...She is my BFF and have shared all kinds of adventures. We are very close, symbiotic almost, love the same things, do not compete in any area, love and honor each other, have way too much fun together, doing anything and nothing. We are still growing up and getting older together,  hopefully, with a modicum of grace. We are not navel gazers,  do not take ourselves seriously, we laugh, we share and we DO.

I feel so incredibly blessed to have her in my life. We are like family, but more so.  Our kids hang out together, they are like cousins.
We CELEBRATE.....birthdays, dinners, lunches, we go boating together, we shop, we share books, we both live in arts and crafts homes, we can talk on the phone for hours, (until the batteries die and we need to hang up and recharge them!) we share similar opinions and have the same taste in clothing. It is actually quite funny... when we shop individually we frequently end up at the same event dressed in the identical piece of clothing. People smirk and think we shopped together...LOL! (We stopped phoning each other asking about our attire when we were out of high school, well, truthfully we still do it once in awhile!)
Here's one of the BEST BITS...our husbands really get along, and famously, they trade books, help each other on the boats, and go crabbing together. They are both self employed and so have much in common  as bosses and business owners.

Today we met at the Mall she was on a jean shopping mission and so was I, we ended up at the Gap and both got some dark wash denim, mine are curvy ankle length 1969 and she got 2 different pairs of 1969's and not the same styles as mine!
After the Gap, we cruised the mall and I found my black wool "dream coat." I have been looking for one like it for about 2 years!  And it was on SALE 50% off the regular price of $600....looks great, feels soft, will go with everything! European made by OLSEN.

We stopped for a bowl of hot soup before parting and getting on with our grocery shopping...which we do at the same small independent market in her neighbourhood, (a very Tony area) I drive 15 minutes to get there as I am closer to town. It is well worth the drive as this market has the best produce and organic meat and poultry. I work in this area so I usually drive by and shop on my way home, but today I was off work and I needed a chicken for dinner and a few fresh veggies.

My pictures do not do it justice but trust me ithe coat is sumptuous! Cashmere and wool, what a great combo.
I love it and with any luck and TLC it should last me years. The CPW will be pennies as it will be my fall and winter basic all occasion coat.
The collar is wide and asymetrical, it can stand up with a kind of "Elizabethan" feel, very soft looking and flattering for my curly hair and roundish face.

I am pinching myself as I write this...another "AH HA" moment.

Mother, illness, and cure all that ails you, chicken soup.

Yesterday I phoned my 82 year old mother who lives a block and a half away. We are friends and we have a lot in common. (Not just genes.) Physically, I am starting to look more and more like her!  (Not a bad thing.) She dresses and comports herself well.
Attire and appearance were important in our home. When I was young, I recall she would change out of her daytime dress and put on her Shalimar and dress for dinner! Sometimes we would be eating macaroni and cheese but there she would be dressed for my father's arrival, home from the office!
I could write for hours about my mother as she has had many challenges during the course of her lifetime. She has somehow managed to rise above these and come out on top with style.

But I digress, she has a cold. I could tell the minute that she answered the phone, that raspy sound in her voice gave it away. She, being who she is, shrugged it off and said no she was fine, just a little tickle and another cup of tea would take care of it. I was not to worry, don't come over...and no that chicken soup that I suggested was not needed but she could use a new novel. (We share the love of reading and I supply the books.)
As I hung up the phone I knew exactly what I was going to do...I pulled the chicken stock out of the freezer and started dicing celery and onions...(I buy organic free range chickens locally and I make stock after roasting them. The flavor is amazing!)
I sauteed the onions and celery, added the stock and simmered until it melted and was hot. I seasoned it with herbal salt and seaweed add some dry noodles and cooked it until the noodles were soft. Poured it into a jar and zipped over to mom's. I let myself in as I have a key and there she sat, elegantly wrapped in her pashmina, dressed in black pants and a black and white top, pearls, rings and bling...to the observer one would never know that she was ill. As she sipped her tea, (china teacup) I put the soup on to simmer.
She really didn't want the fuss, but was grateful that I had bothered. I didn't stay long, as she would need to rest her voice and maybe snooze in her chair.
I called later and she had enjoyed 2 bowls of soup and was into one of the books.
She mentions again how I spoil her and that I am too good to her, but I do not feel that way, it just feels right to give back to her some of what she has given me over the years.

Just breathe...the wisdom of Yoga.

I sit and breathe.

 I am sitting on a Yoga mat.

My clothes are loose and comfortable.

I breathe in and breathe out, it's that simple.

I do not try and control my breath or my thoughts, I simply sit and observe.

It is quiet, I can hear my heart beating.

I am visualizing the tension in my muscles relaxing.

My body responds and is calm.

My eyes are lightly closed, my mouth is soft.

My thoughts are floating, skimming, skipping, random.

Lying down, I stretch.

My breathing is deeper I feel sleepy, but aware.

I stay like this for many minutes.

When it feels complete I start to make small movements.

I roll onto my side and slowly sit up.

I open my eyes.

I am restored, I am calm, I am alive, I am in the moment.

I feel contentment and joy.

Pure Bliss.

Collecting diamonds, one heart at a time, creating a family heirloom.

I am a gal who likes sparkle and diamonds are up at the top of my list. Pearls are likely second on that list and then it all goes awry...sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, the mind boggles.

I am a collector, so naturally I collect. It doesn't have to be things that are bought, it can be "found items."

I have colored beach glass that I have found and put into a sealer jar. I have found "bits and bobs" in my garden when digging, a rusty jack knife, marbles, a child's ring. I have some shells, some rocks, huge conifer cones, a brick from Sidney Island.

I also collect diamond hearts, or hearts with diamonds. I have them on a bracelet and am making my own memory piece to bequeath, a modern day heirloom of sorts.

I wear this bracelet with my channel set diamond hoops or my simple diamond studs.

I have a pink and yellow gold pave set diamond heart that can be added to any of my pearl necklaces. I particularly like this as I feel somewhat whimsical wearing it.

You may have seen me!

My nose is usually pressed near the glass case in an antique shop looking out for my newest vintage heart! I am serious about creating a family heirloom one heart at a time.

I'm not sure how I feel after today...

I went to Yoga, a lovely hour of stretching and strengthening muscles and core. I have missed the regularity of going, no one's fault but my own. Feel so rejuvenated after the session. Note to self, go again, establish a pattern, commit to wellness!

Later, I delivered a sympathy card to a co-worker, a teacher whose brother passed away. I met her in front of her home as she was going out and we hugged, she clung to me and sobbed. "He was young, it was sudden, we were not expecting it." I was at a loss for words, I listened, then she was quiet...I said how sorry I was to hear and how we were all thinking of her at school...tears, awkward moment, then I took my leave.

Grief, we experience it personally and witness it when it strikes others. Gentle words, thoughtful gestures, flowers, a casserole, a cup of tea, a warm hug, or a shoulder to cry on...extend yourself and think of someone who might benefit from your kindness.

Simon Chang and Chanel, may I introduce you to the Hostess!

Oh don't you love going shopping when you find something wonderful?
I HAD to buy this Chanel-esque jacket by Simon Chang. I mean, it gave me a thrill when I put it on, it felt elegant and could stand on it's own. The loose threads at the collar soften and flatter, the fabric is soft and does not cling to my ample bosum and it skims my curves without looking baggy. It does all this and yet does not look too "Mumsy" (translate DOWDY, for those who may not be familiar with that terminology!) It  will go with everything from jeans, black pencil skirt, black trousers, and some of my black LBD's.

I like the neutral golds and creams, I can dress this up or down. I am thinking pearls, of course!

Maybe my newer mocha tank by ca va de soi, or my standard white T and black denim jeans.

My Furla Carmen leather bag will be a great partner with this jacket.

I am planning on wearing this to the theatre with my Mother. We have seasons tickets and I find dressing up essential when accompanying Mom. (command peformance, if you get my drift!) She dresses up even to stay home, and at 82, has an amazing fashion sense. I fear that this gene was not passed down to me, but rather skipped a generation and my lovely daughter was the recipient of said gene. My fashion genetics lean more to casual, simple, white and lots of black, Hermes scarves (color!)  and my fave JEANS!
I wear diamonds and pearls with jeans and white T's; they are not jeans for gardening or painting nor are they $$$ Jeans. DKNY, GAP, LIZ and a few other generic jeans.

Looking at this image don't you think Simon deserves a better hanger?

The Art of Thrifting, "Scores" and Accounting for taste, or not!

I am an avid thrift shopper and can be found frequenting the local Value Village, which in our circle, we refer to as the VV Boutique! I have found all kinds of treasures there. I have found things for friends, family and our bungalow home. My best score by far, was a pair of arts and crafts bookends, bronze with sterling birds, made by the Heinz Art Metal Company. My heart accelerated when I saw the makers mark as I knew this was a valuable find. I purchased these and quickly left the store, raced home and confirmed that indeed these were valuable and collectible so I promptly sold them to an antique dealer and within a few minutes had walked across the street to an antique mall and purchased a lovely string of baroque pearls!
I have passed this thrift shopping onto my daughter who is very successful and lucky when it comes to sourcing out treasures, she has an art history background which helps her to spot a gem when others have passed it by. She has furnished her apartment in mid century modern teak and art glass and has a  collection that would easily be representative in a gallery or museum, of the Mid Century Modern Era.

Not all my treasures are to Mr. L's liking! I have stashed some of my whimsical items away and some I display in my hobby room. I admit they are not "quality art" simply vintage finds, and they do not represent "us as a couple" they speak only to me!

As you can see, I have shelf space waiting for the next arrival. There has been a bit of a drought here for American Art Pottery figurines in matte white, which of course they must be...and whimsical too!

I go hunting for treasures with an open mind, that seems to help me achieve clarity and not discard or ignore the possibilities that are there if one just "looks"...you really never know what you're looking for until it presents itself!

Happy Thrifting!

Rainy Sunday morning and which Hermes should I wear to the grocers?

I read Wild Mary late last night in bed, it was close to midnight before I turned out the light and this morning when I got up I realized that I slept in my pearls!

I have a busy day ahead as I am cooking a Traditional Sunday Roast Beef dinner.

Here in the Humble Bungalow that translates to Yorkshire Pudding, Prime Rib of Beef Roast, Potatoes; usually scalloped, Peas, Carrots, and gravy of course. There are two condiments necessary, Colman's hot mustard and Woodman's Extra Hot Horseradish.

I need to go to the grocers to pick up some fresh vegs and buy more potatoes and it is raining out. I will wear jeans, a long sleeved T shirt and add a bit of color via my Hermes scarf. Today I will toss on my "Lumieres de Paris". I purchased this one to wear with denim mostly but it looks very nice with grey, and beige as well.

I am opting for this scarf as it suggests light and will illuminate and elevate the grey skies and raindrops.

I love grey in clothing as in sweaters, scarves, and tops.

I do not LOVE grey skies!

I have vivid red gloves for these days.

I have a bounce in my step when I consider adding that swish of color.

When the skies are grey do you dress in a mindful way? Do you add color or have a favorite outfit or garment that you put on?

I see lots of yellow slickers, yellow boots and yellow brollies.

The power of color does affect my mood, does it affect yours?

Meow, I won!

I just discovered that I have helped name Jamie Cat Callan's kitten. She invited readers to suggest possible names for her orange tabby rescue kitten and being a cat lover I leapt at the chance!
He is now affectionately known as Mr. Pickles! Jamie will be sending me a copy of her book and I am eager to read it. She is currently working on another one which should be out sometime in 2010.
In case you are not familiar with Jamie, she is an author and has a blog called

Bonjour Happiness!

I will be reading her book as soon as it arrives and I am looking forward to finding out more about "Why French Women Don't Sleep Alone"

Our resident bungalow cat is nearly 17 and is showing her age. We have her on medications and visits to the vet have become all too regular. She is a lovely cat and we know that her days are numbered, we are lavishing love and fancy food on her as she has given us so much.

Stickley, Humble Bungalow Cat

New Years Dinner, New Years Day, birds, rainbows and de-decorating the tree, before reading my novel!

To ring in the New Year we enjoyed a delicious dinner and evening with very dear friends.

On the menu:
Cocktails - Gin and tonic for the ladies and single malt Scotch for the gentlemen
French Brie, English carmelized onion cheddar cheese, Rustic crackers, pickled onions, dried apricots, and tapenaude.
Feta cubes, basil leaves, grape tomatoes stacked on a toothpick with balsamic reduction dip.

Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc
Lobster bisque
Whole Dungeness Crab drawn butter
Caesar Salad with artisan bread

Frozen Lemon Mousse with blueberry coulis

This morning I awoke to rain pitter pattering on the roof and by the time I got out of bed to put on the coffee there was a beautiful rainbow!
The hummingbirds and the bush tits are jockeying for position at the hummingbird feeder and the house sparrows are chattering noisily on the arbor. The suet feeder is getting attacked by the starlings and there is quite the roar outside. No sign of the resident Great Blue Heron, he comes and goes and I am never sure when I'll catch a glimpse of him.

I am snug and cozy in my bungalow kitchen wrapped in my robe, coffee in hand, slowly starting to greet the day. I plan to de-decorate the Christmas tree and put away the festive bits and bobs. I am thinking of taking a walk later and making time to read my new book Wild Mary, the biography of Mary Wesley's life.
 Mon Avis, Mes Amis. wrote about Mary Wesley on her blog and it sparked my interest.
What are you reading? Any book recommendations?