Canada is HOSTING and I think we might need mittens!

Go Canada Go!

I promised photos....

I'll be clapping when we win....and even if we don't.

After all, I am a good sport.

These mittens are lined and very warm, AND I have my new red Mee Too kitten heels....on the other hand,  I could use some red boots, maybe those Hunters that I have been lusting after...and Valentine's Day is on the horizon!

It's an unexpected pleasure to receive this award!

I have had a few technical difficulties getting this post ready, sorry for the delay!

I have been awarded the Kreativ Blogger Award

  

First I'd like to thank Deja Pseu over at une femme d'un certain age for nominating me for this award!
Merci

I am putting on some special things......to help me get in the mood.

Some key facts about me are required in order to be eligible....

I happily accept this gracious award....

Seven things about me....

1. My favorite color is green, all greens, lime, forest, chartreuse, hunter, emerald, avocado, etc!

2. I am busty and short measuring in at just over 5 feet and was once asked if I impersonated the Queen ! (OUCH) ....I was in a round necked cashmere sweater set, pencil skirt and pearls....a BAD LOOK on my frame! The fashion gene skipped a generation...lovely mother and daughter are naturals, me, I need to work at it.

3. I have a tendancy to overreact...once there was a fire in the boys washroom at school, I smelled the smoke and ran screaming loudly "there's a fire in the washroom, there's a fire in the washroom" while waving my arms, into the office and the quick thinking assistant grabbed her tea kettle and ran into the boys washroom and doused the fire...I was left hyperventilating and attended by our secretary!

4. I was born tongue tied. (Luckily for me, it was fixed)

5. I am obsessive about doing laundry, I hate to have a hamper full. When we return from boating or a holiday one of the first things I do is sort the clothes and throw a load in the machine. I am also laundry challenged...somethings get shrunk, others are dyed pink...

6. I rarely understand or get the punch lines of jokes and cannot tell a joke...REALLY, cannot, always screw it up royally!

7. I am afraid of spiders.

Ready? Lights, camera, action....

I would like to nominate the following stars for this award....
.Faux Fucshia
 Bonjour Happiness!  
the gardeners cottage
 daily connoisseur
 Sweet tea in Seattle

I am sending you roses today.

I took a photo of my roses here on the carpet for my fellow blogger LPC from Privilege who was amused by a former photo that I posted showing my red roses on the bare floor! 

Red roses in a vintage off white Hyalyn vase, 

on bare fir floors, just because the sun was shining!

I started following her blog when I had been off work, home and ill and was looking for a diversion and all I can say is WOW, this whole cyberspace arena caught me by surprise! 

I started off by getting a google account and leaving comments,

 then it morphed into my Host (ess)-ing the Humble Bungalow Blog.

I viewed Janet's post this morning over at The Gardener's Cottage and see that we have the same taste in bouquets, all white, pure, simple and elegant.
She has a very lovely home and if you get the chance pop over to her blog where she has posted many lovely images of the decor.

White roses in an off white vintage Weller vase.

Excuse me!

When I read blogger mon avis mes amis post this morning I was quite disturbed. She had been enraged by a rude comment directed at her young children by a complete stranger!

Please take the time to read her post.

Some people display a distinct and obvious lack of decorum. Rudeness seems to be infiltrating our society at such a rapid pace I wonder where we as a society have gone awry.

Rudeness rears it's ugly head day to day, from the bull nose drivers who cannot yield or wait their turn to the pushy folks at the market. I for one do not feel that we as a society should stand by and be complacent or accepting of this and that we should show our displeasure and disapproval by politely reminding people that they in fact are out of line. If you have read the post of which I am speaking of you may get the gist of what is amiss. 

Manners, turn taking, sharing, polite conversation, was learned at my mother's knee. She directly supervised my interactions with friends from an early age. She reviewed and corrected my thank you notes and letters which were part of my training, and were required after a gift was received. 

(I also had a pen pal on which to practice my letter writing, we all did, that was grade 3)

 The telephone was not appropriate and stationary was as plentiful as soap was in our home. 

I also was sent to Charm School, not that I led a charmed life, (far from it!) but I did absorb the basics.

I am suggesting that quite possibly families are so busy working and parenting and tired/stressed as a result, that these lessons have been put on the back burner so to speak, and or completely tossed out with the garbage.

It might just be the ripe time for someone very savvy to pick up the pen, or laptop, and write a "How-To Book" on manners and their instruction with the goal of ridding our society of rudeness.

(and I am not suggesting milque toast)

Maybe Disney would consider an animated film on the subject? It might be a 2010 version of Animal Farm without the political metaphors.

May I suggest that the next time someone is rude that you gently remind them of this slight offence. I am not suggesting a full on assault, consider the situation and your risk first...maybe all that is required is a look...or an indignant pardon me did I hear you correctly? Or excuse me but I believe that I am next, or could you kindy wait for your turn? And please if you are in your car no "flipping of the bird" that is Rude!

In our school, we Expect and Encourage good manners and behaviour, we lead by Example and Instruct and Correct where necessary. It is constant and exhausting work however, we as a staff know it is in our best interests to persevere, after all we do not live in the Stone Age.

It has never been good form to throw stones...

Bring on the weekend...

Crazed vintage pudding mould.

Crazy busy day.

I am home at last, busy day at school today in the library. We are gearing up for the Olympics and decorating the space in RED and WHITE with flags and posters and themed books. It looks a little over the top and we still have balloons to inflate and streamers.

Our new big screen TV is installed and we will be televising the Olympic coverage during the games so that students will not miss out when they are at school.

I purchased Olympic mittens to show my support and enthusiasm...it will be very challenging to type and circulate books at the computer...they did not have fingerless gloves!

I hope that the weekend has something wonderful in store for you.

I am planning to let the weekend unfold as it may...no plans at present.

R&R for sure!

Life, death....and unanswered questions.

Something profoundly sad and tragic happened in our neighbourhood this week....something so sad that I am hesitant posting about it.

It is heart wrenching...I'll be brief.

A young girl took her own life, the family lives across the street, the police were knocking on doors, the police dogs were checking the neighbourhood for clues...she was found, but too late.

Many questions remain, many will be unanswered.

I left a bouquet of flowers and a note at their front door, it is too soon to disturb, and I was unprepared should I confront the grieving parents.

I cannot fathom the depth of grief they are experiencing and I want to scream out "WHY?"

Are there lessons to be learned here?

Did this young girl fall beneath the radar at school?

Could we as a society have prevented this?

How did we fail her?

It takes a village to raise a child.

African Proverb

Lingerie day, an intimate affair.

This afternoon I continued my quest shopping the small independent retailer.....this time a fabulous lingerie shop!
I received personal service, did not have to guess my size, or go back and forth from the change room to the showroom. The sales clerk knew what would work for me and what would not and she brought in a variety of choices and helped me get the best fit. It was a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I have been shopping at this same store for about 20 years and I have never had a problem. The costs of the garments are dear but with careful hand washing they stay looking new for years.

I purchased a lovely set, bra and panties by Prima Donna as seen here...Chocolate brown and pink

After reading Jamie Cat Callan's book French Women Don't Sleep Alone I realized that my arsenal was in need of an update...so lingerie day was scheduled and it was a huge success!

I usually shop twice a year for several basic bras and panties and am happy with the performance of the higher end quality companies that they carry.

My other set is basic but lovely and I think everyone needs a bra that disappears underneath a Tee shirt or top,  Rosa Faia Kelly

I use my Aveda shampure to wash my delicates...fill the sink with warm water squirt in a pump of shampoo and let soak and after 5 minutes, gently swish around and then rinse in warm water hang in shower to dry overnight...easy peasy.

And while we were out this afternoon my dear mom wanted to treat me to something in appreciation for the homemade chicken soups, errand running, book loaning and visits during her recent illness. I attempted to avoid the gift but when my mother has her mind set on something it does not do to argue, so graciously I accepted and this jacket was said "gift"...lightweight, will go with lots of colors, and a great little travelling piece (I am heading to Seattle in March) not expensive (just over $100) and totally fun.
The color does not show well in the photo, it is a neutral pea green goldish amber mettalic, even harder to describe with words than the camera!!

Mom and I enjoyed afternoon tea and scones in an English style tea garden, my treat, as we were parched and in dire need of restoration after our expedition.

Do you frequent small retailers? Do they greet you in recognition? 

Are you happy with the service received or does that even factor in your decision of where to shop?

I choose yellow because....it just makes scents!

Did you know that the yellow primulas are the only ones that have scent?

I have 2 in a planter in front of my humble bungalow and the scent is very aromatic, so much so, that people comment and look around to find the source of the scent when they are coming up the steps!

On a whim to explore and get to know the small specialty shops in my city...

 I set out to re-acquaint myself with a French themed shop where I had purchased the Toile du Jouy bedding for the guest room and found a variety of decorative and sumptuous luxuries within.

I discovered the wonderful French aromatic diffusers by Lothantique, I chose "Wood" as it felt earthy and simple.

I have placed it in my main bathroom and am enjoying the subtle aroma radiating from the reeds.

  

Lothantique Reed diffuser

I have a Lampe Berger in the bungalow kitchen as we do not have a fan.

 I put it into service whenever I cook up a curry or fish.

 These small but mighty Lampes are surprisingly efficient at ridding the air of any strong smells.

They are available in a wide range of fragrances as well as unscented and neutral.

I was fortunate to get out of the store without completely emptying my wallet...very tempting treasures within the walls that called out to me. I did purchase that lovely green distressed pot in which the yellow primula proudly sits. I also bought some French lavender soaps, a Toile du Jouy sachet, and a scented candle. 

Shopping as a recreation is a dangerous thing...granted, it can be a sweet diversion or an uplifting experience but it can also become habit forming. I fear that I have a tendency to be weak in that department, instant gratification seems like a tonic of sorts...

Do you shop only for things that are needed or for fun? 

Do you have favourite shops that feed your soul?

Do you have a weakness in the retail arena?

I gravitate to soaps, shoes, scarves, handbags, sparkles, flowers.

What calls to you, buy me, buy me?

Are you strong or do you give in?

Monday evening visit, laundry, dinner and daughter...rituals I savour.

 Monday evenings are very special here in the Humble Bungalow.

Lovely daughter comes for dinner, and she brings along her laundry.

We watch our "guilty pleasure" The Batchelor and sip bubbly.

Last evening, Mr. HB supplied a lovely champagne and the taste was soft and smooth. We sip from crystal flutes, our wedding crystal, Flamenco by Zweisel...not made anymore. Did I mention that we are in our 36th year of marriage?

We ate caesar salad, and spicy Italian chicken sausage in tomato sauce over pasta. Lovely daughter made the pasta and sauce. She is a very good cook!

Caesar salad is one of my favorite salads to make and eat. I never tire of it, and fortunately for me, my family love it as well!

Bungalow Caesar Salad

Fresh washed and torn romaine heads 2-3 depending on size of lettuce in a large bowl. 

1 cup of Croutons

 I make my own croutons by slicing thick pieces of a baguette and sauteeing in butter and a fresh minced clove of garlic. Cook only until golden, let cool.

Whisk together with Braun style hand mixer in tall splatter proof jar or container:

1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1-2 chopped anchovies, 1-2 drops of Tabasco, 2 tbsp. wine vinegar, salt, pepper.

When blended add in a steady stream 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil blend until creamy and pour onto lettuce, toss and add 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Cooking French avec mes amis....

Winemakers Soup

from the French Market Cookbook

This could be a meal on it's own but we served it as a first course.

We used all the kitchen counters in our 5 course meal preparations.

Gin and tonic to keep the galley slaves happy!

Our appetizers were olives, asparagus tapenaude, bread, and 3 cheeses.

Red Leistershire, aged goat cheese from Quebec, and La Sauvagine by Portneuf.

On the menu

Appetizers as above

Winemakers Soup

Grilled Tuna Steaks on white beans

Caesar Salad

Pumpkin flans

Chocolates

Our weekend guests have left and I am sipping tea, have caught up on my blog reading and am comtemplating a nap!

There was fun and laughter, good food, and much (too much!) wine.

We nibbled Bernard Calibeau chocolates and saw our friends amazing photos from Paris and Auvilar.

I received the autographed copy of French Women Don't Sleep Alone, a mustard yellow French shopping mesh bag from Paris, and some French food delicacies.

I must away as Jamie Cat Callan's book is calling....

Bouquet of warm wishes...for you and a wonderful weekend.

Warm wishes for a lovely weekend.....

do something nice for someone, or for yourself, a simple small gesture of kindness, a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa and a magazine or a good book.

A posy of flowers.

Carve out some time for yourself...

enjoy, 

savour, reflect, recharge, laugh, 

give yourself permission to relax.

Breathe.

See what adventures and delights you can participate in this weekend that do not cost any money.

Go for a walk, explore your neighbourhood, if you've never gone thrifting go to a charity shop and look around, it might surprise you!

Whatever you do wherever you go, notice....

and if you have time,

take a minute or two and let me know what you liked best about your weekend...

I'll check back in on Monday.

Bungalow Hostess wishes you all the best for the weekend.

Gifting primulas...simple, cheerful, and easy on the pocketbook.

I am on the Sunshine Committee at work...that means I buy cards, flowers, and fruit baskets for those who are ill, have lost a loved one, or have been hospitalized.

I bought this great basket and then filled it with primulas which were on sale for $1 each.

I delivered it today after work, and had a short visit with a co worker who had surgery.

These will last for several weeks in the house and then they can be planted outside to repeat bloom every spring and again in the fall.

....and then not so much a sunshine errand...

While I was at the florist I picked out all white flowers for my husbands' co worker who very recently had a death in the family. 

All white floral bouquets with greenery are the most elegant and for some reason just feel right at a time of sorrow. I chose white roses, baby's breath and feathery ferns.

I enclosed a handwritten note and arranged for delivery.

 Death is something I acknowledge with cards and frequently flowers, and not only for close friends but acquaintances and people who I have known in the past.

There is comfort taken when a handwritten note or card is received. I carefully choose my words, keep the thoughts from being morbid, leaning more to cherishing the happy memories and moments spent together in happier times.

Company's coming! Fresh from France....market baskets, and hostess-ing in the bungalow

In a couple of days our dear friends who have been in France for 5 months are coming to stay with us for a few days. So I will be in full on hostess mode! I am eager to see them as it has been far too long and they have pictures of their adventures, from Paris to the countryside near Auvilar where they were living. I also think my autographed copy Of French Women Don't Sleep Alone written by Jamie Cat Callan is coming!
I am getting things tidy and ready for them. I washed and ironed the Alfred Sung sheets (Yes I had to iron them as the edges were wrinkled and said to myself who irons sheets in this day and age? )
That prompted me to go out and seek out some better sheets. The thread count that I usually aim for are over 500 but I found a set that were sateen and at 400 thread count they feel very soft and smooth. They look lovely on the bed under the toile du jouy coverlet.

Humblest of Humble Bungalow Guestroom

(Small but cozy!)

French books, magazines, chocolates and Perrier.

There is a small bathroom and a sitting area just outside the guest room but as I have said, our bungalow is small...the accommodation is very modest, comfortable, and we usually spend time socializing and going out. So far none of our friends have complained!

WARNING!  the next pictures show a very dated decor! Peek only if you are brave!

This bathroom is on the "To remodel list"...I want to add a shower and expand on the space but that means a general contractor and disruption so not this year, maybe 2011.

This bathroom was done in the late 1980's....need I say more?


We plan to go out to a local Italian restaurant one evening and the other we plan to cook an authentic French dinner of 5 courses! We each have a copy of the cookbook The French Market Cookbook:More Recipes from a French Kitchen by Joanne Harris and Fran Warde. According to my girlfriend this was spot on for the local area where they were living, as the local markets carried the food items required in the recipes.
The French Market cookbook is wonderfully illustrated, the recipes are simple and straightforward and as with so much of the French influence, it revolves around marketing, small specialty vendors, local produce and wine.

The Joie de Vivre book is not as much of a cookbook as it is a lesson on shopping, cooking, serving and eating the way the French do.

I am heartened that marketing involves baskets as I am a huge fan of baskets. I do have a variety of vintage first nations baskets but I am referring to the sturdy ones with handles that one can pop over their arm and load up with veggies, cheeses, bread and wine. I have several baskets that I use for a variety of things, from a lasagna size casserole to a small appie and a bottle of wine.

I have "planned ahead for my retirement" in that I ordered a French Market basket on wheels! I ordered this online as I couldn't find one anywhere close by. In my retirement I wonder if I will have more time to leisurely stroll to the Village? Who knows?

French Market Basket on wheels.

Post spa...

I am in that Zen Zone..my spa experience was stellar, a facial and a manicure, a soak in the mineral pool, decadence.......I came home to pop that free range organic chicken in the oven and made some mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and gravy.....a few glasses of bubbly and I am ready for bed!

Have been planning a getaway to Seattle in March...and Sweet Tea in Seattle has suggested some shopping spots and dining too! I have admired her Tory Burch flats and there is a new shopping area with Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Hermes! called The Bravern.
Thank you Sweet Tea your help it is much appreciated!

Blogging is interesting, informative and still so new to me, a network,  like a community of sorts.
I had a pen pal way back in the 1960's, we've come a long way....

Wednesday is an indulgent ME DAY....Yoga 1st, Spa 2nd...and Flea Market Style is having a giveaway!

Tomorrow I will be attending my regular Yoga class and after many downward dogs, and several sun salutations I am heading off to the spa for a facial.
I go to a luxurious spa in a large hotel downtown and have been going there for several years. My family have kindly given me gift certificates for birthdays and Christmas. I haven't always been a spa client. It's a luxury that I have come to appreciate since my 40th birthday!
I received a gift certificate for a 90 minute facial from Mr. HB for Christmas which had a 30 minute mini manicure added on as a gift bonus.  Thank you Mr. HB, I am going to use the mineral pool and sauna, shower, put on a plush terry robe, sit in the lounge, read magazines, sip herbal tea and eat fresh fruit and yogurt before the 90 minute facial and then the 30 minute manicure...
After which I will retreat to the lounge to let my polish set, sip mineral water and take a few deep breaths before dressing in my street clothes and driving home.
I will be in the Zen Zone, not rushing about, not working hard, not thinking about world events or worrying about our elderly mothers. I will banish the thought that I am unworthy of such pampering and put my "Do list" aside for a few sacred hours and give myself up to momentary bliss.

I am excited about a new magazine coming out in February...
flea market style is having a giveaway to celebrate the launch of the magazine...pop over to their blog and check it out, and enter their giveaway.

Manners are not what they used to be...please, thank you, excuse me.....

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.

Marcus Garvey 

I am appalled at the lack of manners these days. I don't know if I should let this go or if I should hang on tooth and nail and pontificate loudly.
My upbringing was such that there was an unwritten code of rules that one followed. I was born into a middle class family who had endured financial hardship, during that Great Depression. My parents taught me at an early age to say thank you, wait my turn, chew with my mouth closed, not to speak with my mouth full and men and boys were NEVER to come to the table with their hats on! It would appear to all intents and purposes that their financial state did not affect their ability to acknowledge what was considered proper and polite. Courtesy and comportment still mattered.
I see men dining in restaurants and cafes with ball caps on...why? Are they bald? Are they cold?  Did their mothers never tell them that the hat comes off at the table? There is a time and a place for everything...OK wear that cap at the game in the stands, eat your hotdog, burger and drink that beer.
And while I am on the subject, where are the thank you's for gifts and flowers? A telephone call will suffice, definitely not a text or an email.
Pushing ahead in line up at a movie or bakery, what is that all about? I offer the person behind me in line up to move ahead if I have a full cart of groceries and they have a few items, common (or so I would think) courtesy, is it not?
I recently went to the local museum and was standing in front of a display, not too closely mind, as there were others also reading the posted information and a man pushed in front and stood directly in front of me totally obscuring my view...did he not see me?
I am getting worked up over this and I need to find that zen Yoga breath and put things into perspective!
I am quite possibly an over-the-top manner snob!
I phone to thank my host and hostess after a dinner party, acknowledge gifts and flowers, write thank you notes, sympathy cards and letters and send them in the post.
I have heard this before, in the presence of my dear mother...I have become a parrot of sorts but share the same values.
I am now stepping down from the soapbox and slowly walking away....pontificating no more, at least for today!

Simon Chang meets Marcel Boucher

Saturday: matinee, live local Theatre production, with Mother.

Outfit: Ca va de Soi taupe tank, Black trousers, Simon Chang jacket,

Brown Nine West shoes.

Accessories: Diamond studs, diamond solitaire pendant, diamond engagement and anniversary rings.

and introducing Marcel Boucher...the brooch.

Boucher designed jewelry and apprenticed for Cartier in Paris in the late 1910's and early 20's. He was transferred to the New York branch in 1922 and continued making jewelry until the 1929 Wall Street crash. He worked in the costume jewelry business with the Mazer Brothers and then opened his own small company Boucher et Cie in 1937. He had a reputation for innovation and exceptional metalwork, his rhinestones were exquisitely cut and enameling so colorful that the pieces were often mistaken for precious jewels. Saks Fifth Avenue carried his designs, and when he died in 1965 his wife, also a French jewelry designer, Sandra Semensohn kept the company going until she sold it in 1972.

Wonder women...in Town and Country.

I picked up the latest issue of Town and Country at the Market. It's focus is Wonder Women, and Cindy Crawford graces the cover. Inside there are some truly interesting stories of strong, creative, talented and resourceful women.

I read them all but am choosing to mention two of the women.

Fleur Cowles was a pioneer in publishing and a socialite and lived to be 101! Her life sounds fascinating.

Alexandra Penney a victim of Madoff,  has written The Bag Lady Papers....what a transition she has had to make in her life. She is an inspiration in her determination to regain some control of her life.

I will put the book on my list of must reads...that book list is getting longer as the days go by....so many books so little time. (to read)

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances."
—Martha Washington