Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Squared silky....scarves.

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow!
I am posting and hosting from the bed chamber.

Feeling a bit better but not totally rushing back to work...
I do like to share with my co-workers, however I do draw the line when it comes to germs.


Isn't orange a dazzling shade?

Hermes signature colour...
I do have scarves that are not made by Hermes.

Hand rolled silk squares are my preference.


This Lanvin scarf is the only orange accent I have in my wardrobe.
I know the magazines are showing all manner of tangerines clothes
but I have to buck the trends and stay with what suits me.

I'd rather add it in small doses, a sprinkling here a sprinkling there.
An enamel bangle, a scarf or possibly some Havaiana's....

Not wanting to attract attention is probably why I shy away from brights.


This very large square by an Italian maker drapes softly and can cover my shoulders.
This scarf came to me via Value Village
and if memory serves it was under $20.


Black and banana yellow run riot in this detailed patterned scarf
another large square which has been hiding away for far too long.
I found this in the antique mall near Pike Place Market in Seattle.


The Coach scarf was a Christmas gift from my son and his lovely wife.
a very extravagant gift indeed!

I find the squares are the most versatile scarves to work with...
there seems to be a great supply in the local shops.

Silky scarves are a great way 
to add a splash of colour
for me they make me feel a bit more "dressed up."
If you've shied away from silky squares I'd challenge you to go to a local thrift shop and buy one 
with a pattern and colours "that speak to you"
play around tying it different ways in front of the mirror
and get comfortable with your tying skills.

On my last Hermes scarf shopping adventure
the clerk mentioned that I was very adept tying the scarves...
she said most women that come in are very tentative and shy.
I say this not to brag but to support the theory that "practice makes perfect"
well maybe not "perfect" but "good enough" to impress the Hermes clerk!

I watched "The Queen" with Helen Mirren last night 
she wore many different Hermes scarves
wrapped over her head in her signature style keeping her hair tidy.
(A look that works for her but looks silly on me!)

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee coverage will be starting soon on the CBC.
I hope to be watching...
will you?

Laying about these past few days has been tedious
the sun has been shining and the birds have been singing their little hearts out.
I long to be outside mucking about in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I finished reading the Post Mistress and I highly recommend it...
the author Sarah Blake spent some time at the VCCA
which reminds me
I must ask my artist friend Cheryl Fortier if she met her when she was studying there.

I am off to read a classic...
the thoughts and musings of a woman who is struggling with finding balance in her life.
I always come away from this with a bit more clarity.
Solitude and meditation, 
a room of one's own,
is what Anne Morrow Lindbergh needs
and finds it on a small island on the East Coast
where she lives in a rustic cabin steps away from a sandy beach...


Seeking some comfort and serenity
an escape from the sneezing and coughing 
that I want to ignore...


Glorious lilacs
lift my spirits.

Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning 
can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day ~ 
like writing a poem or saying a prayer ~
Anne Morrow Lindbergh


Sunday, May 27, 2012

OOTD and a new Land's End dress...

Let's be realistic do you dress up when you are ill?






The Hostess does not.
Mother on the other hand, does...
she looks like she could go to the theatre or a party when she's ailing.

Mother's theory is that if one is dressed well
then one naturally feels better.
Sorry Mom
I am not living up to that standard.

I like comfort and to be cozy when I am sidelined and in bed.


Do you eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away?
I do.


Behold the simple black dress
Land's End 
this one is a keeper.

I will be wearing this a lot.
I can wear it with pearls
a funky necklace 
an armload of bangles
a scarf loosely tied at the neck
it can come to the farmer's market on Saturdays with my straw basket
 go to lunch with the gals
I could wear it on the boat and go beach combing 
tea with Mother
to work
shopping
etc...

I can wear this with flip flops or sandals
dress it up or dress it down.

It feels soft and easy to wear.
I'm excited about this super simple dress.

The best part is it was only $55
and if you shop their 30% sale this weekend you'll get free shipping!
(Land's End has no idea that I am promoting their products)


I am about to delve into the joy that is Country Living UK

Happy Sunday to you all.

Thanks for popping by...
until next time.

XO

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Saturday morning...

I woke up early only to discover that I am coming down with a cold.....
but it's not a pity party here in The Humble Bungalow.
I jumped into the shower and let the hot water run and steam my sinuses
the kettle was put on
and tea was poured by Mr. HB.

I am sipping my second cup of tea...
planning to do a few necessary errands...
we are almost out of tissues and the fridge needs restocking.

Saturday morning and the weekend is about to begin.


The vegetable seeds were planted last weekend.

In the right raised bed are sweet peas
in the left we planted peas
yellow beets, swiss chard, zucchini
clematis is in back to lure the bees.

Fortunately we have a garden full of mason bees
 a heavy clay based soil that cracks 
and a shingle house
which provide many crevices for these bees to live has turned out to be a bonus.

These Mason bees have been in our garden since we moved in 30 years ago.


the lilies are thriving


 native camas in the park


a sea of blues

I ordered some black pants from Lands End and bought the large 
but when I put them on I was swimming in them!
I have re ordered the medium and hope that they fit better.
I wonder if perhaps the walking and mindful eating is paying off?
(one can hope!)


Pepper loves to sleep on our bed and she sleeps on my side at night.
My legs get cramped sometimes trying to accommodate her furry form.
When the bed is made she sleeps on my side too!
If I snuggle under the duvet this afternoon I am sure she'll be at my side.


This weekend will be a slow paced one so that I can rest up and get rid of this cold.
I am seeking comfort in the simple things
a warm mug of tea
cozy socks
a scarf
a soft sweater
some magazines to lose myself in
a novel
(The Post Mistress)
a blanket to wrap myself up in 
and
perhaps my Steiff bear will join me in bed...

I think I'll skip my walk.
I may buy a bar of really good chocolate
I have not had any chocolate for what seems like months
but in fact may be weeks.
(I'll allow myself one or two squares at the most)

Tell me all the exciting things that you'll be doing this weekend 
as I 'll be living vicariously through your adventures!
Be Well.
XO

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Unbelievable!

On my walk I saw something so strange that I had to look twice...
it was not a bird sighting or a whale spy hopping in the bay.
It was...
well you'll have to see it to believe it.


Scene
as seen
 on top of a man made rocky groyne
in the bay not too far from The Humble Bungalow.

Old love seat and chairs 
that someone has obviously dumped there.

In my opinion this is littering of the first order
it looks ridiculous 
and 
makes our pristine waterfront look like a tip.

Bypassers were stopping their cars and hopping out to take pictures.
Some brave ladies, in heels no less...
scaled the rocks and logs and took photos of each other sitting 
on the
precariously perched pieces of furniture.

I stopped my walk to capture this image 
and then hastened on my merry way.

This must have been done under the cover of darkness
no one in their right mind would attempt this during daylight hours
I am sure there would be a substantial fined levied if the city caught them.

Maybe it was a Graduation prank...
there are lots of grad ceremonies going on and schools do try to "outdo" each other.
UBC engineers used to hang VW bugs from the Lion's Gate Bridge
at least they did that when I worked for UBC.
(that was back in the mid 70's)

Did your graduating class participate in any pranks?
I cannot remember what, if anything, my class did
but hey that was in 1973....
and we were still the peace and love generation.

Mr. HB and I were high school sweethearts
we've been together since I was 15 years old...
this is our song
and I am still in love with him....

Have a great Friday....
Hostess
XO

Salad daze....

In the spirit of health and weight reduction I am working my way to a more healthy style of eating.
Salads and proteins are my new go to partners in crime.
Colourful meals that could come from a spa are finding their way into the Humble Bungalow
a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.


Salad daze
look at the colours!

Romaine and red lettuces, red onions, radishes, yellow peppers, black olives, tomatoes, and shredded carrots. 

There's lots of chewing involved so it takes longer to eat
add some lean chicken or steak
(about 3 ounces)


a small amount of dressing for added flavour
and lunch or dinner is ready.

Rebar basil vinaigrette
I made a batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days and use it sparingly...
olive oil is the base with lots of spices and basil leaves
it is delicious.


I am avoiding bread
although I did have two slices last evening with my bowl
of vegetable beef and bean soup.

No hunger pangs after dinner.

I have also been moderating the amount of wine I am consuming.
Funny that I could convince myself that a liquid could be calorie and sugar free!


Yesterday afternoon when I walked home from work the sound of dueling chainsaws could be heard before I rounded the corner and saw the chipper truck.
Our tree is gone...
the large acacia tree was felled in the garden yesterday 
so after work
we were dong some clean up
and Mr. HB stacked wood!

I did not get a long walk in but I did get a work out in the garden.

Thank you for all your emails of support 
on my recent post about the frustration of post menopausal weight loss.
They really mean a lot to me.


While life may not always be rosy
you can always grow roses!

Your Humble Hostess
XO