The weekend of an entertaining hostess...

It's been a busy weekend here in The Humble Bungalow....
I have been wearing my apron again and acting as a Hostess.

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OOTD

boots

skinny jeans

V neck black jersey knit top

regulation black and white striped apron

I cannot cook without wearing an apron as I am a messy cook.

I have ruined many tops in the past before reconciling the fact that I need to have protection from splatters!

a rather blurry image of the table set for our dinner party

Mr. HB's bar set up 

Bowmore single malt scotch for the men

lemon drop martini's for the women

tray of nibbles

olives

Welsh cheddar cheese

eggplant spread

rice crackers

smoked salmon candy

dried apricots

spinach salad

tomatoes

sunflower shoots

slivered almonds

dried cranberries

with

maple syrup balsamic vinaigrette

(Dressing recipe Whitewater Cooks)

Thai coconut chicken

before cooking

recipe from Whitewater Cooks

served with coconut rice

sauteed green beans 

chocolate cake

(recipe from Whitewater Cooks)

served with raspberry coulis 

fresh raspberries

with 

vanilla soy dream ice cream

Our guests were consulted regarding food preferences and allergies

the meal was lactose and gluten free.

Our friends came bearing gifts!

yellow tulips

 paperwhites

single malt scotch for Mr. HB 

wine 

Prosecco for dinner

olives

and this lovely

chartreuse green baker 

to heat up the black olives

if you have never warmed olives 

run don't walk 

pop some in the oven

you are in for a delicious surprise!

Hope that your weekend has offered up some memorable moments.

The weekend is not quite done...

 The Golden Globes are on TV 

as well as Downton Abbey

 so we'll be glued to the tube tonight.

There's a dusting of snow on the ground

 I plan to get outside and enjoy some frosty loveliness

before donning my apron to make a roast beef Sunday Supper...

but first I must get out of my robe and get showered and greet the day.

I spent most of the morning lazing about in bed reading the latest Town and Country

sipping tea!

(and putting together this post!)

Hostess meets Bumble and Bumble for a razor bob

The tresses have been lopped and chopped...
there were a LOT of curly locks on the floor beneath my chair!

Diane worked her magic
she used her recent New York trek to Bumble and Bumble headquarters
and fashioned the Bumble and Bumble razor bob.

the cut has perked up my curls

it's not too short

and I can straighten it with my flat iron of I want a different look

I could also put in some styling gel and let it air dry for a curlier look

I am pleased with the results.

I am feeling rather like I am a high maintenance woman these days

which leads me right into the recent discussion that 

a bunch of us were having

 discussing age related things like eyes and complexions and pedicures

we have decided that it costs more to keep up our appearances as we age.

How does one factor in these costs into pension planning I wonder...

I went to the eye doctor and found out that I need new lenses

I don't know why they are so very expensive

($900 just for the lenses!)

 I opted for some new frames too

they are rather masculine looking

someone referred to them "geek chic"

we'll see

well that's the whole point

(ha ha)

Gosh that sounds silly but I am not hitting the delete key.

I am not a funny person but I do love a good laugh

I rarely "get "jokes

and am hopeless when it comes to telling them.

I plan to do some entertaining this weekend...

try out some new recipes.

What are you planning to do?

White speaks to me...

There is something so lovely about white.
I feel an elegance, charm and purity when I am surrounded by this shade and cannot seem to ever get enough of it in my life.
From those ethereal all white bouquets that I compose
to the shabby chic artifacts that keep popping up and into my bungalow
to that classic white shirt
the milky goodness of tapioca
an orchid
or pearls that make a heart sing a song of joy.

White is an instant mood lifter
a beacon of hope
she's a bride
she's a muse
the perfect antidote for the dark days of winter.

Picture white roses, or tulips, or star gazer lilies
draped in swatches
shades of white...

it could be the dishes

of the vintage persuasion

or a combination of both

as they happily marry together

and join us in service

"The White Issue"

My hairstyle research is complete

thank you for your feedback 

I really appreciate your comments...

the appointment is booked

and I'll show you the results.

While you are waiting 

go over and visit Rebekah at Cupcake Caramel

she looks amazing in her new chic cut.

It totally suits her and I think it looks like the penultimate French Chic Style.

Out and About...OOTD

Today the sun shone and I felt a lightness in my step.
The ground was still wet and muddy from all the precipitation but that seemed like a minor inconvenience when there was such a clear blue sky overhead. The weather was perfect for a stroll around the neighbourhood.

Walking feels very like a form of meditation
my thoughts flow and I let them percolate at their own rate
they bubble up and ebb
I see things in nature that give me cause to pause
details that are visible only because I am not rushing
I am open to what might cross my path
and I pay particular attention to what I see
looking clearly at what is before me
what is now
what is here
in this very moment in time
which will be changed a few minutes from now

it might be something as subtle as they way the light falls
or the breeze as it has rearranged the clouds
or leaves as they swirl about

walking gives me perspective
often gives me inspiration
it brings me solutions to problems
and answers to questions

I read an article recently that said 30 minutes of walking a day was a prescription for wellness...
I'd have to agree.

I looked up and studied the trees
their form
the branches
glorious in their beauty.

  a few blocks from The Humble Bungalow

Garry Oaks in a meadow

towering overhead

rocky outcroppings

carpeted with moss

OOTD

Charcoal tights ~ Secret

tan tunic top ~ Alfred Sung

boots ~ Hush Puppies

down puffer coat ~ Land's End

grey cashmere scarf ~ Club Monaco

Hostess hiding/lurking in the shadows...

I met my "besties" for coffee at the local coffee shop

we celebrated because BFF has had a birthday!

Happy Happy BFF!

gifts

 cards 

girly time

grand baby pictures

book talk

kid talk

sibling talk

mom talk

talk talk talk

there is not often a lull....

did I mention that I am getting my hair cut?

My girlfriends all look so amazing and young

and I am feeling rather old and somewhat tatty

I think it is because of my current hairstyle 

too long and lanky

no bounce

it needs a major tweak...

I would love to try something chic and French...

any thoughts?

What will I do...

any thoughts before I get snipped?

Here's a snippet of snaps...

I have a few ideas and fear not I am the boss of my own hair!

Just thought I 'd get some feedback by posing the question.

Mall therapy...

After spending a few days in bed staring at the same four walls and reading books I decided an outing was in order.
Gosh it feels good to be back in action!

I went to the mall and checked out the post Christmas sales. It was really busy so I am guessing that there were a lot of other shoppers who had the same idea.

I tried on dozens of jeans until I found just the right fit.
I got some cheap skinny denim jeans to wear with boots.
I really like a bargain and I am not a brand snob
these are by Jules and James.

Pepper

a.k.a. "the fashion police"

 is on the job!

Paws down she gave them her approval.

I love a crisp white shirt with jeans

and I'll roll up the cuffs when I wear ballet flats.

Pearls and sterling bangles and I am good to go...

Hermes scarf casual with a simple loop

or tied tight at the neck

the tips asymmetrically hanging loose.

I found some new boots to wear with the skinny jeans!

"Gelding"

by

Hush Puppies

who knew the Hush Puppies Company was still around?

Not me

I was really surprised.

They are super comfy and they are not too tall for my short legs

and they are supple leather...

can you say "giddy up?"

I found this timepiece at a consignment shop

it's sparkly crystals and blue leather strap

won me over

 I am happily checking out the time

and often!

Downton Abbey is back!

I will be recording the new season

watching and re-watching.

Julian Fellowes is such a clever writer

and the cast is far and away one of the best

the sets and the costumes are enchanting

I have read his books

"Snobs" and "Past Imperfect"

I highly recommend them if you are looking for a good read 

they are about the upper crust British Society

filled with tidbits and insights into how the upper class lives...

Please let me know what you think.

Hope that your week is off to a great start.