Friday, June 3, 2011

Friday Flowers....

Friday Flowers...


Clematis


Smilacena racemosa


Hosta 
and beyond
 Pride of London
a superb ground cover


White Lilac



A carpet of wooly thyme


where would we be
without the hard working honeybees?

Thank goodness we have the local Mason Bees
as
the honey bee population 
has been
severely depleted
and 
continues to be 
at risk...

Burt's Bees
produce products which I use 
and recommend
the cuticle cream and lip balms are favourites of mine

go here 
and see what Burt has to say about Bees.

The demise of bees
and the collapse of their colonies
scares the heck out of me...

I really dislike what's happening to Mother Earth
and that's one reason that The Humble Bungalow garden is totally pesticide free.

We 
recycle
compost
repurpose
donate things 
we no longer use
or 
want

This weekend 
I challenge you to try to do something "Green" 
Enjoy!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Mellow Yellow and an Award...

I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Rebekah from Cupcake Caramel
Thank you for the nod I appreciate it!

A few things that you might not already know about me...
after 400+ posts I think my life is pretty much an open book!

Yellow is the colour of happiness here in the Humble Bungalow.


Sweet Pansy
colour me Happy!
In my opinion just about the best bloomin bargain in the plant shop.


Fragrantly scented Azalea
Rothschild variety
my favourite


Delicate petals
an infusion of sunny sweetness


I love the contrast of the bloom and the foliage
nature has got so many things right.


I took a mosaic course a few years ago 
and made many pots
for friends and family.
(the centers of these black pansies are yellow!)



 I love to start the day with a sunny breakfast
protein 
packed with organic free range goodness.

A piece of whole wheat toast 
and a glass of water

To cut calories I used to skip breakfast 
until I read that the metabolism slows down
if food is not eaten.

I must have mentioned a bazillion times that I am not happy with my weight.
I try not to obsess about it
life's too short.

I also detest sweating 
or perspiring as Mother calls it!
I think it was because I have had more than my share of Hot Flashes!

I guess that's enough about me...


Mellow Yellow
 by Donovan Leitch 
a song that I listened to in the mid sixties
I thought he was a super cute bloke back in the day
and 

you can read more about Donovan on his website
 Wow! 
he's performing at Royal Albert Hall June 3rd!


Hugs
from the Hostess
Thanks Rebekah!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Wednesday...

The morning is grey and overcast
the sounds of birdsong are coming through the single paned window beside my kitchen nook
where I sit to blog...
a mug of steaming hot coffee is fueling my morning routine

Pepper is perched upon the window sill and she is chirping at the birds
the washer and dryer are in full swing
and it would appear that all is as it should be
for a Wednesday


Wednesday 
as often as not 
is wash day here in the Bungalow


Whites are washed frequently
almost after every wearing
I love whites for summer
a crinkled shirt worn over a white tank top is a look that I embrace

I replace my white tanks every summer 
I look for cotton that is not sheer 
and buy in multiples
this year I found a very inexpensive tank at Superstore
the line is called Joe
the crinkle cotton shirt is also Joe
I feel fresh as a daisy!



Joe cargo pants
Bandolino sandals
Thanks so Muchness OPI


Anne Klein 
soft nightgown in Black and White
I suppose you are not surprised to see more black and white!
I know! I know!
is it boring yet?

Fasten your seatbelt...
there's more where that came from!




my passion for pearls
is
evident in my choice of buttons


an Opus is a creative work
often a composition


loosely constructed and somewhat deconstructed
boxy
Bohemian jacket in linen
a gamine option
which instantly energizes me when I put it on
(and it's perfectly packable)



a bit of Bling
shine
Hi Ho Silver


a strand of pearls
and 
I'm happy


Lily of the Valley is putting on a show 
and 
scenting the bungalow bathroom

I love scented soaps and seek out lovely bars when shopping
it's a clean conscience purchase
and I have amassed quite the collection.

Mother instilled in me at a very young age how important it was to wash with soap and water.
I can still hear her saying soap is cheap and there's no excuse for being dirty!
(I think that was her nursing background coming out!)

Yardley's English Lavender Soap was her favourite
she used to keep it in her lingerie drawer to scent her delicates
 whenever I smell it 
I am transported back to my childhood 
memories and scents
go hand in hand.

What is the scent that takes you back to your childhood?


Hope that you are having a Happy Wednesday!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Thank you so Muchness!

This past weekend I went to visit a friend who has retired to a wonderful idyllic island.
She and her husband have built a lovely home perched high above the waterfront with large windows capturing the expansive views beyond. If one is ambitious and energetic there is a steep staircase that goes down to the rocky beach which is great for beach combing or watching the eagles and wildlife frolic.
Rock walls, raised beds, large pots with plants and an orchard grace the landscape and more beds are being designed and planned.



I snapped this image before I commenced the road trip...



The interior of the car was infused 
with the intoxicating scent of lily of the valley.

I had popped this wee bundle of blooms in water for the journey in the morning
worked my usual day at school and when I opened the car to get in
I was met with a warm and heady atmosphere!

Traffic was surprisingly light
and 
I employed the Cruise Control 
and listened to music
and the next thing I knew
I was at the ferry terminal.



A short ferry ride later
I arrived
on the island



here life moves slowly
a state of balance and ease is embraced
people have time to stop and smell the flowers
no rushing about
 friendly moments to chat with friends and neighbours
even strangers
(as I found out)



lush gardens 
superior birdsong
 warm sunshine
a comfortable bed
great friends
and fun


wisteria canopy
it's sweet scent wafting

Slumber was long and deep in the still and quiet night
I awoke each morning early and refreshed
I lay in bed waiting to hear that my hostess was up and about


I took the book I am currently reading
(which is well written and utterly fascinating!)

 I would read a few chapters 
until 
I felt that my hostess was ready and expecting me to join her for morning coffee.

We went off island for some sightseeing...
 a vineyard,
a country bakery / coffee spot
and we indulged in
a pedicure at an Aveda salon
BLISS!

I chose Thank you so Muchness!


We also did some shopping...
there were many interesting boutiques and home decor shops
dotting the small streets.

My hostess knew all the "hot spots" and directed me accordingly!
I found much to tempt me...
but I did not succumb until I saw these..


Canadian Company
 Sympli


I was very pleasantly surprised by the comfort and fit of this garment
it does flatter a size 12 woman's curves!


There is some flaring at the bottom and the hem is uneven
jersey knit
3/4 sleeves
 fitted through the bodice
so it doesn't look enormous and baggy
I will pair this with...


The Sympli waterfall jacket in a jersey knit
and skinny black knit pants.

Such great basics
and they are reasonably priced.
I will have fun accessorizing these
as they can be worn casual or for dressier occasions.


We enjoyed sharing meals
sipped cool cider on the deck overlooking the ocean
played a few games of Cribbage
went for long hikes on the island trails
watched a DVD
visited the Sunday Market
and drove to the nursery 
where we loaded up my car with plants for both our gardens!

It was a weekend of laughter
and 
relaxation...
which all too soon 
found me sitting in the car at the Ferry Dock

 As I sat alone
I realized how happy the past few days had been
and how sad I felt that it was at an end.

I suppose that is how one measures a great getaway.



Thank you so Muchness
to my Hostess


I am forever in your debt...



Friday, May 27, 2011

Phalaenopsis Orchid....A Perfect "Hostess" Gift

Orchids make great hostess gifts.
They last for months before the flowers drop and can be cared for easily with a weekly watering
and will re-bloom in 6 months on a windowsill with bright indirect light.
I like to opt for white as they fit into any decor.



The Phalaenopsis are a very easy care variety of orchid and are readily available at most florists and supermarkets.
Prices vary widely and the more blooming stems the plant has usually affects the price.
They are more expensive than the single stemmed orchids.

There have been a few sales of orchids lately and I have been tempted but resisted.
Today I could not walk away from this one as the price was unbelievable!
 ($20)


White Orchid
Weller arts and crafts jardinere


North exposure
bright light from the dining room window.

Pepper was extremely curious when I unwrapped this orchid
she has a distinct "taste" for greenery 
I put it up high 
well out of harms way!

This orchid is actually for the Bungalow...

For my Hostess
I purchased a brightly dyed scarf for my hostess
with her colours in mind
and I will be bringing wine...


Plans for the weekend include a visit to an Aveda Spa
destination shopping 
and 
I am going to be a guest for the weekend on a Gulf Island 
in a waterfront home of a dear friend
so I'll catch up with you early next week...

there will be laughter
and a comfortable familiarity
that allows us to share
without judgement
confident and safe
and just be
in the moment

I'll be watching the shoreline
and 
listening to the sound of the waves...
what will you be doing?

Hope that you all have a great weekend!
Hugs from The Hostess
XO