Bungalow memories...The Plant family.

The Humble Bungalow has many faces and the one that it is showing right now is sunny yellow.
Happily the sun is shining and the light is streaming in the windows.
The plants are putting on a performance as well.

White Christmas Cactus 

This Asian planter was a gift from the son of Mrs. Plant 

she was the longest resident of the Bungalow.

She was a widow and earned her living by taking in sewing 

and working as a seamstress at one of the better shops in the city.

She raised 3 children single handedly which back in the 30's and 40's would have been a struggle.

She had a small Victory Garden in the back yard, a King apple tree and black berry bushes.

Most of the garden had grown wild by the time we came to buy it and it took us several years to "tame it."

She had passed away a few years before we bought the house.

I researched the previous owners using the city's archives and found her son listed in the local directory.

I sent him a note and asked if he had any photo's which he did and would bring a few along for us to peruse when we got together.

We had Mr. and Mrs. Plant over for tea 

they also brought this lovely planter which had been a favourite of Mrs. Plant.

They provided us with the addresses of the two daughters who had married and moved to the United States. We corresponded for a few years until such time that they were in town and they popped by for a cup of tea and a tour.

I wish that I had taken pictures of all of us together but I was so excited to meet them that I completely was lost in the conversation and their impressions and memories of their childhood home.

The planter had a healthy plant in it at the time of their visit which unfortunately I managed to kill after a few months!

 I have much better luck with Christmas cactus plants.

Outside the garden is fading and the last flush of the roses are blooming.

Pretty in Pink

Nerine Bowdenii

a fall favourite.

Mrs. Plant

in front of The Humble Bungalow

which will be 100 years old in 2012.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

What are your plans?

I'll be walking outside in the crisp salty air

cleaning in and around the Bungalow

and 

reading 

The Beach House

 by Jane Green.

What to do with a Little BS?

I have a little BS...
no I am not being rude it's hanging in the closet.
Rubbing up to my LBD's...

Spanner retail originally $120

on sale for $25

This little Black Skirt will be the basis of many an outfit

I could tell immediately when I put it on that it was coming home with me.

I had the cash in my wallet and had party on the brain.

In fact I thought of a bohemian cameleon when I twirled in this flirty skirt.

Yes, Mother was there egging me on...

"birds of a feather flock together"

I can see this paired with my white tank top and black cashmere sweater

with three strands of pearl necklaces wrapped and roped about the neck.

My hair in a messy up do

dangly earrings.

A denim jacket would be fun 

would add a casual feel 

especially if worn with some boots.

I've got several black jersey knit tops too which would be 

oh so after 5

another up do and some bling.

I have a sequined black tee top and some Swarovski crystal encrusted mules

a shantung silk jacket

I'm ready for the theatre.

I own a crisp white shirt too which might be fun to play around with...

business meets pleasure

a camisole beneath

shirt cuffs rolled up

collar points up

hair worn down

simple pearl studs

and an armful of bangles

bow toed Stuart Weitzman shoes.

I have some netted mesh hose in black

a man's felt hat

a drawer full of scarves

belts

bangles 

baubles

and 

bows.

Can you tell that I am having fun?

I have only just begun!

What would you choose to wear with this LBS?

(how curious LBS = pounds)

Lost so far...4 LBS

My Plate at Livestrong is really helping!

What have you been up to?

I don't even want to mention my health

I'm so bored of Kleenex

and cough drops...

Tell me about YOU!

please embellish and do not spare any detail!

You have the power to heal...

I'm ready...

fire away!

Cabin Fever!

I've been housebound with a cold and now I am suffering from a case of cabin fever.
(my grandmother called it cabin fever when I was a young mom at home with 2 sick children, and it's stuck)
I did go for my walks but I was bundled up like I was traveling to the North Pole on an Arctic expedition!
Down jacket, boots, gloves, and a scarf.

The kettle has been constantly boiling and the fluids are flowing as fast as I can consume them...this is war!

In the meantime I am reading some light chick lit...

it's just what I need to read...

Why not take advantage of the situation and have a moisturizing facial?

Slather on this emollient rich mask and sit back and bask 

knowing that a dewier softer skin will emerge

refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hey why not tidy up and de-clutter the bathroom while I'm at it?

I must be on a roll

or bordering on delirious.

I cannot stand to see mess

I prefer to hide it

sweep it under the carpet or put a lid on it.

Take this simple enamel lidded tray

and hide things inside it.

What would you hide inside?

Make up and brushes!

While I am on this tangent I might as well expose the bathroom medicine cabinet

no medicine here

skin care

and lippy's.

Have I mentioned that I have found a new skin care line?

Avene from France.

The sensitive skin line is really helping my rosacea settle down.

The no rinse cleanser removes all traces of make up

and I do not need eye make up remover anymore.

I do use several cotton pads swiping gently several times until all make up has been removed.

Post cleanse I mist with Avene water 

be careful not to shake it or it will not spray.

Moisturize with the rich cream for dry skin

and that's it.

Easy Peasy

This little geranium made my day by blooming

what a lovely gift.

Must get back to my juicy novel...

the women from Hunting Hills are out to help the new wife get started on the country club "rules"

and they are taking her shopping for some high end clothes,

A tweedy Chanel suit for starters

and there's more dirt just waiting to reveal itself...

Thanks for dropping by

you're always welcome here in The Humble Bungalow.

De-cluttering, domestics and simple joys.

It's a home day...
a day for domestics and general tidying up.

Don't think that makes me want to cry

because I am more than happy when I get stuff put away

and I am able to stand back and see what has been accomplished.

Does this Kleenex box look a bit like a Missoni print to you or is it just me?

Homemade chicken soup is on the burner

I have a few sniffles and swear by this soup

 it's a cure all.

You've heard of those books Chicken Soup for the Soul

well for me it's Chicken Soup for the Bowl.

Bird sculpture made by a local artisan

crafted from rocks and wire.

Can you see the dents on the ledge?

Pepper had a hand in those...

she keeps knocking this bird over and it lands on it's sharp beak and pits a hole each time.

I de-cluttered the filing cabinet 

several years of bills and papers which I shredded

and it took several hours

the shredder overheated once during this operation

but I did have the satisfaction of filling 3 garbage bags,

yes sir, yes sir, 3 bags full!

I cannot tell you how great this makes me feel

procrastination is my downfall

the worst habit one can have when it comes to getting things done!

Can you see the pin?

It blends in quite well on the Windsmoor jacket.

Sherman vintage circa 1950 rhinestone pin in shades for the season.

This pin was a gift a few Christmas's ago.

I used to wear pins every day but now I seem to wear them only on jackets.

I have about 5 or 6 pins and they are all vintage.

I watched a PBS special with Alan Titmarsh and The Prince of Wales on TV

the focus of the program was the garden at Highgrove that the Prince has created over the past 30 years.

It's an amazing garden, 

organic and vast and full of surprises.

The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury 

has a few cameos where she discusses the early days of the garden

 about the design process involved 

and the planting of the yews.

She has been referred to as "The Grande Dame of Green."

I could not take my eyes of her diamonds and large gum ball pearls.

They were an opera length strand which she had layered with some smaller strands of pearls.

She obviously is a wonderful gardener

superior plantswoman

and 

she most definitely gardens in pearls!

The Garry Oak trees have got me all a flutter

perhaps it's their gnarly branches 

or

autumnal palette.

I can't quite decide...

never mind

what's not to love about an infusion of joy?

bubbles of happiness

percolate

up

from the leaves  ~  to the skies

rays of sun

flicker and flash

the gentle breeze picks up and tosses

a stand of oaks

whose response is to thrum and shiver

sending forth a cascade of leaves

swirling to the ground.

life is really so much richer

when one can harness joy and gratitude in the simple things

Nature weaves it's way into the hearts of the pedestrian and the pedigreed.

As it should do...

keeping us grounded and content.

Hermes...and the Hostess dips her toes into new territory.

What I am not wearing this Fall...

This lampshade is wearing Hermes....

because my waist needs to be whittled

and until I shed a few inches 

this belt will stay here and remind me to tow the line.

It's good to have a tangible goal.

to keep striving and sticking to those new eating and walking routines

(so far so good but it's early days!)

I 

 want to fit into this belt.

This will be the prize if and when I make my weight loss goal.

In the meantime...

I am wearing something of colour

you might be shocked

it's not black!

Windsmoor jacket 

heavily discounted...

in shades of brown, golds, and specks of blush pink

and yes a wee bit of black.

and these...

"can you say giddy up?"

with a pair of jeans

taking to the roads that wind their way around my neighbourhood

exploring opportunities for photography

while getting some restorative fresh salty air

and enjoying the feel of the cool temperature as it meets my face...

gloves are not far off the radar.

soaking in the shades of autumn

 in sepia...

this jacket with it's shredded edging makes me feel fabulous...

and I am not sure why because it is not black

perhaps there is a movement afoot

as I tentatively dip my toe in foreign country

like a pupa emerging from the bonds of a silky cocoon

I am fully awake and open to change...

The season has brought with it new energy and spirit

and I am breathing deeply

thankful for each living breath.

Are you enjoying the change of season ?

Hope that you find some time to stop and smell the flowers 

life has much to offer and much of it is free

and all you need to do is take the time to observe what is right in front of your eyes

you'll be richer for it.

Falling for Fall...new beginnings.

The weather was glorious today and perfect for walking, please join me and I'll take you on a scenic tour.
We are not going too far from The Humble Bungalow, and we are going to wander through a historic heritage cemetery...

Heritage trees create a lovely canopy

their leaves are turning autumnal shades and leaves crunch underfoot.

mushrooms growing in the flower holder of a grave

The cemetery is quiet and there are benches dotted along the paths for sitting

people walk through here often

and some bring their picnic lunches.

It has a parklike feel despite the fact that it is a graveyard.

Many squirrels scampered about 

and there was a symphonic cacophony of song from the birds.

Days with little wind are few and far between here 

because of the proximity to the ocean.

The seafront is across the road from the cemetery.

After a snowfall this place is hushed in quiet and is pure magic.

I'll try to come back in the snow and show you how lovely the trees look wearing a coat of white.

The headstones and crosses look frothy with the snow swirling and licking at their feet.

But I am rushing the season when speaking of winter

fall has arrived with it's multi-coloured coat 

with hues of umber, ochre, russet and mustard.

I am enjoying these new shades

and will show you in upcoming posts some garments that I will be wearing.

Where do you like to walk?

Do you prefer city streets or country lanes?

I have joined the My Daily Plate at Livestrong.com

(it's free)

they help you track your progress

keep a food and exercise journal

monitor your water consumption

offer tips and it's so easy to use

it's a fabulous site.

Perhaps you'll join me on my journey...

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions,

perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer."

Henry David Thoreau

Walking is my first step...

OK I had a serious talk with myself after reading the Dr. Dukan diet book and decided to start walking more.

Every site on weight loss, every book says walking is the number one step to getting fit.
If you need to start with baby steps they say to start with 20 minutes a day.

There are so many great places to walk in my city and I do walk, now I know that I need to walk for 30 minutes or more each and every day.
Walking briskly, walking with purpose and wearing proper walking shoes, to avoid injury.

So today I walked down and met Mother and sister in the Village for a late breakfast. I ordered a decaf Americano and an egg scramble with veggies. I ate half of what was on the plate and did not eat the toast that accompanied the breakfast. Next time I'll say hold the toast...my sister, who wears size 6, ate the toast for me so it didn't go to waist! (waste)
She stays in shape riding her horses, she has never had children and while I have hypothyroid she has hyperthyroid...
oh the luck of those hereditary genetics.

After breakfast we went to a women's shop, Mercedes Lane. They sell a wide variety of "cheap and cheerful" clothes. The European imports are not cheap, but they need a tall and willowy body to handle all the extra ruffles and ribbons so no temptation here!

Mother tried on a few things and then got tired of changing her clothes...
she's going back tomorrow!
My sister bought an amazing LBD in size 6 of course...
figure hugging and she looked as chic as could be with her blonde locks and her tiny frame and will look fabulous on her next trip to Rancho Mirage, near Palm Springs.

I bought a Papillion Company designed tunic out of Vancouver and Los Angeles
to wear with my leggings...

I will layer this with a longer sleeved or 3/4 sleeved Tee when the weather gets colder.

I'll be wearing the Debra Kay necklace that I bought to wear at our son's wedding several years ago.

The $350 sticker price when new was a bit steep 

but now

considering the CPW (cost per wearing) 

it's down to a dollar or less

it as been a super fun piece which I will wear to my grave.

I need to give up bread

all the diet books say so,

at least in the initial stages.

This will be difficult,

I'll be drooling while watching Mr. HB enjoying artisan bread 

with his Scottish Marmalade on toast...

(when will the technologists develop virtual tasting?)

I need an app for that!

I bought this mug for my tea at work...

loving the black and white theme is now transfering to the work place.

Hydration is a dieter's best friend.

I am on the second bottle of Perrier (500ml) of the day

so I am up to half my daily requirement of water and it is easy so far.

The other serious challenge that I will have is the reduction of my consumption of potatoes.

I can tell you that I honestly love potatoes more than any food I have ever eaten.

It must be my Irish heritage!

I feel that I am ready to make some changes 

I know that I am going to be challenged more than I have in many years

I see other women bloggers my age who have succeeded at reducing their weight

and I have no thoughts of becoming stick insect thin...

I would be happy to shed 20 pounds.

My joints would be happier too.

I am embarking on a journey.

Fear not,

there will be lots of other things going on in The Humble Bungalow.

Menopause seems like a time for redefining and reinventing

seeing life through the eyes of a wise woman

using life experiences to guide one into the next decade 

with humility, grace, and purpose.

Paying attention and being receptive to change 

addressing flaws and shortcomings

which honestly

makes me feel uncomfortable

as they are at my very core

 so personal in nature

that I feel vulnerable.

Acceptance

forgiveness

honesty

joy

strength

gratitude

energy

determination

hope

 at this stage of life anything can happen...

standing on a precipice 

waiting to see 

what is possible...

the unattainable, perhaps.

All these serious thoughts are weaving their way

through my mind as I walk home.

The sun is shining

the streets are covered in leaves

children are playing in the playground

parents are sitting on the benches enjoying their Starbucks coffee

watching.

To all intents and purposes I am invisible...

a woman strolling along the street

happy and smiling 

putting one determined step in front of another 

and giving myself the pep talk of my life.

I've got a long way to go...

starting with a few baby steps and when I get those "under my belt"

I'll tackle some more.

I have emailed Sheila

who is a WW leader

(Independent Fashion Blogger)

I am hoping to get some weight loss information from her years of experience as a WW leader.

You are never too old to turn your life around!

The Doctor is in the House!

I saw myself in a full length mirror the other day and it struck me that my mind and my body are not in sync.
I saw a fat woman gazing back at her image, aghast, incredulous...
yet the mirror does not lie,
it was me staring into the mirror eyeing up a generous rump, and a blurred middle.
How and why did this happen?
Have I been sleep walking through my menopausal years? I think I have been n denial!

I do not want to give up on losing weight...it's been quite a few years, many diets and several dress sizes later...and I find myself wearing a 12 and recently some 14's. I cringe as I write this.
(there, I have typed it and will post it, so I have said it, and you have read it, it is no longer a secret)

Bringing home yet another diet book and I wonder why.
Am I crazy to think that there is some regime out there that will allow me to eat wholesome food that can be bought at the market, food that my husband will eat, food that will nourish satisfy and still shed pounds?
Am I a dreamer?
Will I always be overweight?
What do I need to do besides join and gym to lose some unwanted unhealthy fat?

I have heard talk of this diet by French Dr. Pierre Dukan and now the book is available here in Canada.
Rumor has it that the lovely Kate Middleton, princess royal has been following this diet.
Need I say more?

I lost 20 pounds a few years ago on The South Beach Diet only to gain it all back again within the year.
I tried the Fat Flush Plan before that and lost 15 pounds only to regain 20.
Then the The Park Avenue calcium diet book How the Rich Get Thin which I had great hopes for...but no surprise, it did not work for me.
What I am looking for is a forever eating plan, one that doesn't have extreme phases where food groups are eliminated, one that can be inclusive and sensible, healthy and affordable.

I don't want to buy prepackaged food or food with aspartame or any prepared food for that matter.
I want to eat natural and organic foods, food that is varied and food that comes from from all the food groups.

Dr. Dukan suggests eating protein exclusively in the first phase of his diet for 3-10 days.
Eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, seafood and lean beef and 1 1/2 quarts of mineral water a day.
No vegetables...no fruit, no starch.
Right there alarm bells are going off.

How can someone who loves veggies eat only meats and seafood?
I suppose if I was guaranteed to lose 20 pounds I might give it a try, but something doesn't sit well with me excluding vegetables seems unbalanced...
I would have thought eating only vegetables would have been the way to slim down.
I have met very few fat vegetarians...maybe I need to give up meat?

This book sits on my bedside table and I read a few chapters at a time. I want to find some tips within the cover that will make it worth the money that I paid for it.
I might be rash in my dismissal of his diet and maybe I will warm to it when I get further into the "meat" of the diet.
I have more questions than answers.

Have any of you followers/readers tried this diet?
What are your opinions on the regime?
Did you lose weight ?
How are you embracing changes in your later years?

I for one am embracing black.
Black dresses, black trousers, black tops, coats, sweaters, vests...a bigger body loves black!
You heard it here...
Paint it Black.

Hostess tips on how to handle stress...

Stress comes and goes..
it can tiptoe in slowly or smack us right in the face.

None of us are immune to stress, there is good stress and bad stress. Stress is often there to nudge us into doing something that we know we "should do"
Other times it comes from things far beyond our control and is shocking in it's persistence and intensity.
While I try to avoid stress, it has crept into my life often and I have had to find ways to minimize it's effect on my mind and body.
Strategies that I use may or may not appeal to you dear readers,
I'd like to share what works for me.

Turn off the TV, radio and telephone...sit in silence.
Soak in a hot tub with scented bath salts.
Sip sparkling mineral water with a wedge of lemon or lime in a pretty glass.
Go to your bedroom climb into bed and cocoon in the warmth of your duvet.
Slowly let a square of good chocolate melt on your tongue, savour the flavour.
Look at some beautiful books, the kind that inspire serenity and calm.
Breathe deeply and focus on the inhalations and the exhalations.
(I do this during Yoga practice.)
Practice Yoga or a similar form of stretching and relaxation.
Dim the lights or light a candle.
Slather some body butter on your feet and put on some cotton socks for a mini spa treatment.
Write in a journal, make note of the positives that occurred in your day, aim for 5 gratitude entires.
If all else fails have a weeping session, blow your nose and move on...often we need to cry to release tension.
If there is someone that you are close with, a friend or partner, try some good old fashioned hugs.

If you can afford it, go to a spa for an aromatherapy massage.
Healing hands work wonders kneading those tight muscles and troubles away.

                                        Remind yourself that "this too shall pass."

If you know someone who is going through a stressful patch
 try to go out of your way to lend a hand
 or better yet, lend an ear and listen to their troubles without judgement.

Often clarity comes to us when we relate our woes to a receptive soul.

I am reminded of that British quote that is popping up everywhere these days...
"Keep Calm and Carry On"

(easier said than done!)

What happens when you are Mother's chauffeur.

Mother drives her convertible BMW (and she's 84!) in a close proximity to her condo. She prefers roads and boulevards that she is accustomed to driving so there are no surprises and she doesn't have any fear of getting lost.
Her beat is familiar and local but limiting, so that's where I come in.
She will often suggest that we make a pilgrimage to a larger store miles beyond the city limits and she prefaces this with "Oh and I'd like to buy you lunch while we are out!"

We lunch about once a week and I am the chauffeur, we drive in my older Volvo wagon, which is easy for her to get in and out of plus it has heated seats which she quite likes. I have noticed lately that she is not dressing for the cooler weather, she wears silk camisoles under a tweed jacket and a summer weight skirt. I have not said anything but if it continues I am going to suggest that we do a seasonal closet change up. She has many closets and many more clothes than she needs but she does love to dress well and shopping is a weekly event for her.
She is lonely and misses my Father and has not made a lot of new friends since he passed away. Sadly many of her friends are now deceased and some are in senior care facilities, which she cannot abide.

Today she told me that it was too rainy to go out for her walk the other day so she strolled through the mall and shopped and got her walk in there!
Talk about creative multi tasking...well done Mom!

We found ourselves at Home Sense which is a large store that specializes in everything that you might need to feather the nest. Candles, cookbooks, cushions, towels, bedding, pots and paraphernalia.

Mother bought a new down pillow that she needed.  I bought two!
We both like to buy new pillows every few years for health reasons.
I love down because it squishes and conforms to my head and suits my sleeping habits perfectly.

Mother bought some pretty patterned padded hangers for her silk blouses.

I bought a set of sheets, and two shams and a new coverlet for the Bungalow Bed.

(oops this is a rather dark image)

I like the quilted detail.

The light was playing havoc while I was trying to capture these shots.

So was Miss Pepper

stay away from my Cashmere and Pearls Pepper!

I am happy to report that the Land's Ends cashmere arrived

and I think they have made a fabulous sweater of good quality and it feels so soft and cozy.

If you are looking for a cashmere sweater I would recommend that you check them out.

They have a great return policy and the garments that I have purchased from their on line shop have been better than I had expected.

(no remuneration has been given to me from Land's End!)

You are a great community of followers.

I am still mulling over all your comments

and I have had a few emails as well.

I'm putting the kettle on to brew a pot of tea

and I hope you'll join me in a virtual tea party.

Hope that your weekend will have a few pleasant surprises in store...