Flowers, brown paper packages and keeping up appearances...

I wrapped a gift with brown paper and string and it reminded me of that song from the Sound of Music.
I viewed the movie no less than 7 times
my grandmother took me to the theatre often
as my grandfather was a projectionist at the Pantages Theatre here in town for years.....
he earned his gold watch.

brown paper package tied up with string...

a package of another kind

I drove up island awhile back and stopped for coffee in Cobble Hill

at the Drumroaster cafe

it turned out to be the best cup of coffee I have had in recent memory.

www.drumroaster.com

these little sweets came in a small brown box nestled on top of spun cotton

dainty pearls

and

deep red garnets

   I will wear them when I want to feel feminine.....

I like taking the extra time to get dressed up to go out

I don't always do this and I should

because I have been "caught" in my Yoga pants and sneakers!

It does seem to me that when I am thoughtlessly dressed I invariably meet up with a well turned out woman friend

who politely ignores my attire

she graciously excuses me when I stammer

 "I have just run out of a key ingredient for something that is simmering on the stove and I really must run."

I make a hasty retreat and vow under my breath, that I will not leave the house in the future 

unless I look decent...

(until next time that I must dash out unexpectedly!)

Sunny Yellow Tulips

fresh flowers in the Bungalow are a staple

considered not to be an extravagance.

In spring and summer the Bungalow garden has plenty of fresh flowers free for the picking.

Roses are plentiful....

Bright blooms are so cheery

 I buy them by the bunch in winter.

My "go to" flower shop is Harry's.

they carry a wide variety of greenery

and berries

as well as the mainstream blooms...

 I do so love the frothy petals on peonies.

Florist roses are not highly scented like the David Austin Roses 

that I tend and grow in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I'll be perusing and choosing some flowers today

after taking Mother and darling daughter out to tea.

"Take care of luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves."

~Dorothy Parker~

Have a fabulous weekend

and treat yourself and others kindly.

Thoughts of motherhood, food and more...

Children are a gift.
Mothering has offered me so many benefits beyond feeding and diapering.
I am eternally grateful that I was able to be a Mom.
It has been such a huge part of my life...

Tears well up when I recall past events or look at their baby pictures.
I turn to mush.

They grow up so fast and when they leave the nest it is painful to see them go...
knowing that my job was done and that time of my life was over and done with was not without sadness...
sure there would be new beginnings and opportunities would present themselves, but it's not quite the same.

In the quiet moments of solitude over a mug of steaming tea I often go back to those busy days,
the house littered with toys
mounds of laundry waiting to be washed and folded
cookies to bake
lunches to be packed
baths to be drawn
bedtime stories
hugs and kisses
the goodnight bed bug song before lights out...

Was it really so long ago?
It seems like yesterday and my heart is full with wonderful memories
and yet sometimes in the space that happens "in between" moments...
I feel an ache that goes very deep
and it startles and humbles me by it's sheer power.

Spending time with my adult children is so precious
I feel honoured to be invited into their homes.
I love how they have turned out.

Last weekend we were invited to our son and lovely DIL's for dinner
which meant there would be playtime
Isla = hours of grammy good times = LOVE
talk about tugging at my heart strings!

I snapped a few pictures and video's which were emailed off to friends near and far.
Who have responded with oohs and ahhs...thanks guys for indulging me my bragging "grammy time."

The other afternoon our darling daughter called and asked if she could come over and watch The Batchelor
(the ritual mother/daughter show)
and cook us a Thai dinner...
well that's a no brainer...
I'll be the sous chef,
bring it on!

Oh it is so delicious

Thai jasmine rice

Le Creuset wok full of Thai tasty goodness...

chicken, peppers, beans, coconut curry...

so amazing that I had seconds.

(sadly it's not low cal)

We enjoyed cooking together and critiquing the Batchelor

there is always so much drama!

I wonder if Ben the winemaker will find a wife?

Downton Abbey was fabulous

I just wonder how that housekeeper sleeps at night!

"Modern Family"

is a relatively new favourite of mine

such a great cast and the episodes always make me laugh.

If you are a mom and your kids have left home...

do you still hear their voices, 

and listen for their footsteps on the stairs?

Sitting here in the glow of the candlelight

I reflect on days gone by....

 while a new life has been born

Welcome to Rose Ashley

lovely DIL's BFF has become a mom!

I feel that great things are on the horizon

sincere congratulations

 the circle expands

we are all in this miracle of birth and life together....

Sleep well mom and babe....

know that you are in our thoughts and hearts tonight...

Cold winters and a skin care S.O.S

My skin dries out in the flashiest of flashes...
and not those of the menopausal kind.

The kind that is brought on by cold winter temperatures, those on the minus side of zero.
My skin has been rather parched by being outdoors and when indoors the central heating wreaks havoc on it too.
I have a small patch on my cheek that looks flakey despite my best efforts to keep my skin exfoliated and moisturized.
I find this exasperating....

I suppose I obsess about my skin...
with a no make up look I cannot slack off in the skin department.

I'd rather spend money on my skin than buy a new outfit or handbag.
It's something people notice right away when they meet you.

A frosty welcome...

 not my style

( in case you are wondering...I am NOT a doormat!)

I am not vain

nor beautiful

or remarkable in any way, shape, or form

I am

 an aging woman

who has started to sag

wrinkle

with a waistline on the move

expanding hips

who chooses to focus on her skin

as there will be no cosmetic surgery

no nips 

nor tucks

or magic tricks

just due diligence

and

a happy attitude towards the future.

“Nature gives you the face you have when you are twenty. 

Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But it is up to you to earn the face you have at fifty.”

~ Coco Gabrielle Chanel ~

I am going to make an appointment for a professional facial.
It's been months since I had one.
(I will use the gift certificate I received from Mr. HB at Christmas)
I enjoy a little pampering...

My daily army of products are these 5 basics...

I regularly have a home spa day for exfoliation and a mud masque.

The Olay version of the Clairsonic is a great tool which I use several times a week.

Rosacea is a tricky skin condition that needs lots of TLC.

The Sea Buckthorn ointment is only used at night.

I love it when companies put together packages...

this one has eye make up remover and eye cream.

I have not been a regular user of eye cream because my eyes are so reactive.

Rosacea affects the eyes too.

Interesting that the size of these two products are the regular sizes that are on the shelf not travel sizes.

The cost for both was $10 more than the eye make up remover alone.

French women value their skin and take great pains to maintain their complexions.

My Inner French Girl is listening...

I will be visualizing 

smoother, plumper, softer, clearer, more radiant skin.

Mother disapproves of spending money on facials and pedicures

she has never gone to a Spa.

My sister and I are trying to persuade her to go with us so we can all be pampered together.

My sister has booked all three of us into a luxe resort in February

which BTW has an outstanding Spa...

so we'll see what happens.

How do you feel about skin care?

Would you consider a face lift, Botox, Restylane ?

If you do, or did, would you tell anyone?

 or 

would you keep it secret?

"Geek Chic" Goggles and a Bungalow Style Weekend

Weekends see me getting up later and lazing about in my robe longer
savouring the slow pace
listening to the sounds of the clocks chiming in the bungalow
as life ticks along...

Breakfast usually turns into brunch
with a light snack to follow later in the afternoon
before a hearty dinner of roast chicken or roast beef.

One skillet

brunch for two.

I had a play day and went thrift shopping with my daughter and BFF.

I found a butter dish in our everyday Maxwell Williams pattern

 a large vintage English Johnson ironstone bowl

which will be fabulous for pasta, salad or fruit.

I picked up my new glasses

  "Geek Chic goggles"

(can you say investment glasses?)

I don't know if they are chic

  they definitely are GEEK!

I love them especially with my bright red Chanel lipgloss.

At my age I feel that I have earned the right to push the envelope...

I can see so much better now...

gosh 

it's been 3 years since my last prescription 

words were getting blurry, very distorted and wobbly.

If things get much worse I might need to get a seeing eye dog...

a Golden of course!

These Eyes by The Guess Who

A Canadian band

who played at my high school...

there's a bit of a story...

I played the flute

and backstage my BFF and I met the band

we got autographs

the flute of Burton Cummings jumped into my hand 

and he indulged me

and listened

a very nervous girl

who was somewhat awestruck

played a few notes 

before their concert 

 my BFF and I were in the front row!

I have been cruising the internet for their songs...

check this out...

Nils Lofgren 

Bruce Springsteen

ROCKS!

He's going to be touring soon

I hope I can be there!

Have a fabulous weekend

January Blues...

Are you feeling BLUE?

Blue Boy

designed and made 

by The Hostess

January and February are months that many people experience a slump in attitude or the blues.
Feeling blah in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing.
In order to feel joy one does need to know what sadness feels like.

If you are feeling extremely depressed and have lost interest in things that normally made you happy then it is a more serious condition and you might consider visiting your doctor.

Feeling low happens from time to time.
It can be lack of sleep or vitamin D or not enough exercise...
or a combination of things.
Often it is due to worrying about things that are beyond our control.
(I am guilty of this one!)

Are you eating a variety of healthy nutritious foods?
Have you remembered to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day?

Do you set aside some time to sit and quietly reflect on the positive things in your life?

Have you been keeping in touch with your best friends?
Friends are a very dear breed as they accept us with all our quirks and foibles.

I think of these low ebbs as a time to delve deep and learn strategies I need to employ in order to alleviate and reclaim a happy mindset.

Fortunately I have learned to listen to my body and I am proactive and take steps to ward off the blahs...
but if they do strike despite my best efforts I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Flowers are my go to pick me up...

Narcissus

and

snow dust on the back deck.

"Blues Busters"

Pick fresh flowers from the garden or buy some at the florist.

Call and chat with a friend 

or better yet meet for a walk and a coffee.

Wander through your neighbourhood and greet the people you meet.

Watch a movie

(I prefer romantic comedies)

Soak in a hot tub of scented salts

slather on shea butter when you get out

wear your robe and slippers and cozy up with a good book.

Explore the local galleries and museums.

Take a class in something new and exciting...

many courses are offered throughout the community

photography, bridge lessons, ethnic cuisine, crafts and dancing, 

are just a few ideas.

Volunteer to help in your community.

The local SPCA is a great place to start...think of all those animals needing a little TLC.

Pepper was a rescue kitten.

Pets are wonderful companions

I highly recommend owning one.

Put your favourite music on and play it loud!

Make some comfort food for lunch or dinner.

Get creative...

knit, sew, paint, decorate.

Browse through inspiring and beautiful coffee table style books at the library.

Have one chocolate and savour the flavour.

Go to the cosmetic counter and have a free makeover

take advantage of the freebies they offer you.

Reorganize your closet.

Go thrift shopping for something whimsical that speaks to you.

Give yourself permission to be sad for a set amount of time and then get on with life.

It's OK to be blue

just don't make a habit of it.

If you or someone you know is depressed 

take action

and seek professional help.

Remember to take deep breaths

try to relax

this too shall pass....

What a dump and something rather controversial for the Fashion Police.

We got a surprise when we woke up this morning...
a dump of snow overnight!

The North side of The Humble Bungalow

The east facing covered front porch!

Our resident hummingbird at the feeder

I bumped up the amount of sugar this morning.

We take this in at last light and put it out at first light.

There were two of them buzzing around today.

One sits on a branch very close to the feeder conserving energy and possibly standing guard

marking the territory.

Miso soup a warming concoction was made in a jiffy by a chilly hostess.

Carrots, parsley water and miso paste

oh so easy peasy.

Now for the controversial portion of the post

fasten your seat belts!

Some of the following images may be disturbing

so proceed with caution.

Fashion Police look away!

Sperry Boots

Jules and James Jeans

Lands End cashmere cardigan

Lands End T shirt

Vintage Fur Coat

I have no idea what type of fur this coat is made from...

it's very old.

rolled cuffs

 by Eaton's Fur Salon 

I am guessing sometime in the 1940's

Please do not judge me too harshly...

I thank you on behalf of 

my great aunt Tirzah.

A lady of some style whose many fur coats were bequeathed to various family members

upon her demise.

I have a confession to make...

this is the warmest thing I own for these minus weather conditions.

I do feel like a target for the red paint brigade.

I put on bright red Chanel lipstick just in case there might be a sighting

one does want to be co-ordinated!

So I am interested to know where do you weigh in on vintage furs?

love em?

hate em?

If you were given one would you wear it?

Mr. Snowman...

Greetings!
We have snow and ice, and the roads are treacherous.
Walking is safer than driving but it limits how far one can travel.

Our students had so much fun at recess making snowmen, snow angels and forts.
When I was a child I got so excited when the snow fell.
I have lost some of that enthusiasm...

It is lovely if you do not need to go out or drive anywhere and can stay warm and cozy by the fire, occasionally stirring the soup as it simmers on the stove.

This fellow greeted me today.

He is a handsome specimen if I do say so myself and I can take no credit other than snapping this image.

The temperatures are dipping again and more snow is on the way...

I may pull out my vintage fur coat as the down puffer coat is not quite as warm.

I wish that I had purchased some serious gloves or mitts as my fingers were frosted and chilled to the bone.

I wore my old boots today as I did not want to risk getting road salt stains on my new leather babies.

Have you met Tabitha at Bourbon and Pearls?

I am swooning over her boots

and whose boots is she wearing ?

you may well ask...

I'll give you a hint

the maker's name starts with the letter 

"H"

she's got the best taste....

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

What a difference a day makes...

My IPhone is with me on my walks and I am finding that it is so handy when it comes time to taking photos.
I rarely get a call while I'm out walking, I take it just in case I might need to make a call.
Hopefully there will never be a need to make an emergency call,
but if one was required I'd be prepared.

I never was a Girl Guide.
I was an Explorer, a Discoverer, and was in C.G.I.T.
(Canadian Girls in Training)

Mother always made me take some money in my pocket for the pay phone just in case...
and she impressed upon me to be aware and alert at all times.
(that and her clean underwear rule!)

I can still hear her voice with her reminders as she zipped up my coat
and then wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug.
I know she loved me so much
and still does...

(it's that maternal feeling of protection that never leaves us moms even after our children are grown and fly the nest)

But I digress...

this is not broken glass...

it's a sheet of ice

BRRR!

the air is crisp and cool

the sun is shining

there's a quickness in my step

I can see my breath as I exhale

too chilly to linger

I keep moving forward

generating heat

and keeping my hands in my pockets

my leather gloves are lovely but sadly they are not warm enough

I need to go mitt shopping!

that was yesterday....

                                             we awoke today to find a dusting of snow on the ground

sprinkled snow

looking like icing sugar

it's not too deep

everything looks so pretty in white...

the forecast is saying there's a lot more snow on the way!

I'll be looking out for snowmen and snow angels

stay tuned...

and keep those home fires burning

'cuz baby it's cold outside....