Sunday, September 26, 2010

What's in the box?

 What's in the Box?

 open the latch...

read  the directions...

shells in a jar


a reed diffuser
a bit of a splurge
what an interesting bit of background India!

Crabtree and Evelyn
India Hicks
has a variety of scented candles
perfumes, lotions
and soaps

The Bungalow Bathroom 
is delicately scented with a light tropical air
floral and fruity

as for the box...
what should I use this for?
it's too nice to discard..

(I don't have a pistol!)

I could use some ideas.

Friday, September 24, 2010

yellow blooms, a hasty planting...


a little burry image of my pudding bowl 
I planted these in a hurry
lots of things happening here
we have
a house guest
family obligations
and
we are dealing with a dysfunctional relative
there's one in every family!




         I thought that these were pansies
I do know
     they are sunny yellow
    and they add light to the grey rainy days
and I love blooming things




cheap and cheerful




they'll have a spot on the porch
on the black wicker table






I have taken all the cushions off and stored them for the winter

Fall is upon us...
summer is over

I feel like
pulling the covers up 
sipping hot tea

look what my houseguest brought for me!
from England


reading a good book



and 
cocooning in my nightgown

I'm off to the serenity of my bedroom
sweet dreams to all...
Hugs



Thursday, September 23, 2010

Closet clean out and Recipe cards!

My closet is now ready for Fall and my work wardrobe is easily visible.
I have hung things in basic colour groupings...black, white, grey, navy...
with a few prints and coloured garments to the side.

I had some items to donate to charity and a few that I felt might be candidates for the consignment shop.
The consignment shop is on a busy street and parking can be difficult but I found a spot with ease and while they looked over my garments I perused their stock. 
The staff are very well turned out and fashionably accessorized...the stock is neat, clean and attractively displayed. 
Most items are name brand designers and are in current styles...some are new with tags still attached...
I did not find anything to purchase and was not really engaged in looking, having just pared down and added a few new recently purchased pieces.

Nextdoor to the consignment shop is a vintage decor shop which has great stock.
I browse here often and need to steel myself from making purchases as there is ALWAYS at least one thing that calls my name...
It might be the artfully arranged groupings of items which are so sumptuous that I swoon!
The owner has a keen eye and she finds unique time worn pieces...some very country, others very fine.

I saw weathered oars, concrete garden urns, antique inlaid wood dressers, country jelly cupboards, painted French trays, silver bowls, ironstone crocks, biscuit tins, costume jewlery, hat stands, crystal chandeliers, floral printed china, rugs, mirrors of all shapes and sizes, oil paintings, and a large collection of garden gnomes!

I found these...and they spoke to me!
circa 1969


French Recipe Cards!


 a complete deck...


recipes in the French style of eating
circa 1969
not low fat
high flavour


French women don't get fat!
there is a book available
with that title...
after reading these cards
I would like to believe that
but
I have my doubts!

Duchesse at Passage des perles
recently commented on my blogpost 
referencing a book "French Women" by Marguerite 
where a 3 bite rule
is suggested

thank you
great advice Duchesse!

one dessert and forks for all diners at the table
equals French chic!

and now...
Bridge anyone?


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Lights, camera, action....


New lights in the Bungalow
kitchen
I am so excited 
I will be able to see so much better!


Arts and crafts style fixture
custom crafted
by Waterglass Studios
 if you look closely
you'll see some holes...
ceiling patching and paint 
will be added onto the "honey do list"


my trusty camera
an oldie but a goodie

a Nordstrom's box
wait for it...

my boots arrived

they fit and 
they're super comfy
and the desired flat sole
for the sake of my feet


buckle up

giddy-up

the leather is pebbled like my Roots bag
soft and supple

we get buckets of rain here in the Pacific Northwest
 so boots are required
"Gum boots" or  Hunter's for gardening or beach walks
lined boots with traction for snow days
and these for
window shopping
work and play
marketing
errands
sightseeing
antiquing and thrifting
and so much more...

I was very apprehensive about the sizing, shipping and quality
I am pleased and content.
these
 "generic fashion boots"
have a new home.

Nordstrom's
your service agents are so helpful
especially to a rookie like the Hostess
I heard no laughing
just efficient polite responses
which I do so appreciate
Thank you!




Monday, September 20, 2010

Lanvin and Park Avenue...interlopers in the Humble Bungalow!

When it comes to scarves 
I am wooed by Hermes and luxe silk
handrolled edges

 I can be persuaded to purchase other designers scarves
and here's an example


a foray into orange
with the safety net of navy and white


Park Avenue shirt
softest cotton
and 
it is made for a man
but worn by a woman
because...


the quality
is Luxe



I feel very comfortable wearing a man's shirt
I can wear it with the collar and cuffs turned up
and tucked into jeans
or layer it over a white tank
open
or loosely belted
simple
yet 
dare I say
chic!

is there a certain look or style that makes you feel more confident ?
....like my happy red shoes