Lovely things...

Have you discovered the functionality and loveliness of linen?
If not, please consider the benefits of this hardy fabric and textile.

It holds a place of honour, that seriously borders on royalty, here in The Humble Bungalow.

Linen tea towels and dish cloths are pretty.

The dish cloths stay fresh and don't carry odors, they are slightly abrasive so they make quick work of washing up.

Love the way that they look and perform.

Call me a snob if you like, even the Mister is not convinced, but they do pass muster...

I "luff them 24/7"

(as per Faux Fuchsia)

Wooden Ships cowl necked sweater...

in a wool blend

found in a thrift shop

perhaps a great piece to take on the plane?

An antidote to "life's tough stuff" 

I'm loving a shot of colour in my daily round.

It's been foggy and damp these past few mornings.

I was walking down town...

when I stopped in my tracks

to capture this image.

Blues can be so bold and beautiful.

A Punch of Pink on a grey day look even brighter against the gloom.

These last rose blooms herald Fall,

as it settles in to shroud us with colder weather.

Lovely mossy mounds in a garden a block from The Humble Bungalow.

I'd like to know more about these as I'd quite like to have some in my front garden.

Anyone have any thoughts as to what type of moss this might be?

We have moss growing on the patio...

I love the five pin bowling balls as they offer up a wee bit of whimsy in the garden.

My sister and I took Mom out to Brentwood Bay for some shopping earlier in the week.

We had dinner on the outdoor patio at the Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa

such a lovely setting!

The food was beautifully presented and delicious.

I opted for the crab cakes and they were huge!

My sister loves quinoa salad and this one looked amazing.

Mother decided on the charcuterie...

it was a wonderful outing for all of us and I am so happy that Mother enjoys these shared mother daughter dates.

I have been on a bit of a buying binge.

It started so innocently with a bar of soap...

which seemed to prime the pump 

 I've got some new things to show off in an upcoming post.

But for now I've got to go...

laundry is waiting, the dishwasher needs emptying and wouldn't you know it's the maid's day off!

OOTD getting my happy on.

The gloomy sky looms above
sipping coffee without cream...
seem to have contributed and clouded my usual cheery morning.

I am sitting at the table, in front of the laptop, still wearing my bath robe...
thinking about today...
my attitude...
how it can make or break the moments
that together link up
to set the tone
as the morning
slowly unfolds...

Agreed, my appearance is rather sloth like, and one that I would be most assuredly be ticketed
by the Fashion Police should they venture this far off the beaten track!

Cheers!

Here's a cocktail sitting on the counter.

Well it is not really a cocktail, it's a trap...

for fruit flies that have descended on the Humble Bungalow Kitchen.

Recipe for fruit fly cocktail

take one tall glass

(preferably encrusted with bees made in France!)

banana peel and lemon lime Gatorade

plastic film

elastic band

poke a few holes in the top and wait...

Reason for the fruit flies...

we recycle all our food scraps

as per the municipality's recycling program.

Standard issue recycling bucket lined with biodegradable liners.

(Hostess approved green top)

What light through yonder window breaks...

Christmas cactus.

White orchids blooming in the living room on the mantle.

a pretty lime tinged center...

Le Creuset pots and pans live here...all lime green.

A wok, two fry pans, a dutch oven and this sweet pot.

I love how pretty they are to look at when I cook with them.

I've decided that I need an infusion of colour today...

My first Hermes scarf purchased while on holiday in San Fransisco.

A reader mentioned recently I should wear more of the lime green shade.

I know it is a serious pop of colour 

but sometimes one just craves the energy one gets when standing out like a peacock.

BTW Lands' End sent me an email this morning...

"trending now the long sweater"

well I am well on my way and who knew it was a trend?

Cheap and cheerful Mossimo long knit cotton sweater drastically discounted from Target.

Hermes scarf

skinny jeans and ballet flats.

I'm off to get dressed now and get on with my day.

Hope you've got your HAPPY on today!

Cheers

Wardrobing...my love affair with black.

I am not an expert on fashion nor am I the guru of the perfect wardrobe...
but have learned scads since I started reading blogs.

Jennifer L. Scott's Madame Chic book introduced me to the concept of a small chic wardrobe.
Her 10 item basic wardrobe guide has helped me to see the benefits of living with less.

Having a small wardrobe means that pieces need to work with each other so select a neutral colour for most of your clothes. I love black and I never tire of it.
It feels like a blank canvas waiting for a pop of colour, a backdrop for a pretty brooch or a colourful scarf.
You are the artist when putting your outfits together so have some fun and be creative with your accessories.

Janice is a creative and fashion savvy genius, she writes The Vivienne Files.
If you have not discovered her blog rush on over and prepare to be amazed.

I've read numerous books and umpteen blogs on how to cultivate a small but efficient wardrobe that functions optimally allowing for panic free dressing...
I have pared down my wardrobe so I can see it all at one glance and things are not crushing each other in the attempt to find their place in the closet.
Remember most of my clothes are BLACK!
You may be thinking how boring or dull, but once you've organized your wardrobe in black or your chosen neutral, I don't think you'll ever regret the loyalty you'll feel to those great clothes horses and their flexibility.

This is a great read if you are looking for some tips on dressing in the French Chic Style.

Dressing well needn't break the bank...

there are lots of thrift and consignment stores that offer quality clothing.

The secret is that you have so shop often and seriously hunt for those gems.

When you find one examine the garment carefully for rips, holes and stains.

A seamstress or tailor can usually alter the piece to fit if it is in good condition.

I love to shop this way but I know it is not for everyone.

I do enjoy purchasing quality basics on occasion but I seriously consider the CPW factor

(cost per wearing) 

before I plunk down the cash.

Most of you have heard me rave about the 10 item basic wardrobe that Jennifer L. Scott has written and blogged and V-logged about in her You Tube tutorials...

her book is a great introduction into living well with less.

This vintage book is a classic guide to French Chic dressing.

Coco Chanel loved black.

 Her contribution to fashion, with her launch of the LBD, is as popular and alive as it was when she took the fashion world by storm.

I have a lovely LBD in my wardobe by Elie Tahari.

It is THE MOST VERSATILE dress that I have ever had the pleasure of wearing!

Do you like how I have photographed it by the fridge?

What could be a simpler shape and line?

It fits as if it were tailored personally for me.

The fabric has body and a bit of weight to it and the dress is fully lined and top stitched by hand.

The zip is in the side which I like as I am not too good at doing up back zips.

(my husband helps out with back zips when he is at home!)

I wanted to show you a few ways that I style my favourite LBD.

If you have any doubts about buying one I hope that I have shown you the value of owning a great classic.

If you think you look dreadful in black try another neutral shade...navy, tan, white, or grey.

I made this necklace years ago when I took a course and wear it often.

Silver belt with an ethnic vibe at the waist can dress it down when it is worn with a jean jacket and boots.

A armload of bangles...

Gumball sized pearls are a bit more refined.

An interesting bangle worn solo is all you need to add a bit of interest and the silver is a nice shade with black.

Dressier shoes for afternoon and evening.

Flats work too as well as kitten heels.

A vintage small eel skin bag is just the right size for evening and I love that it has a chain strap so that my hands can be free to hold a drink or nibble on canapes.

"Mother approved" outfit for dinner out or an afternoon matinee at the local live theatre.

(maybe a bit Mumsy, I consider it a bit more modern version of a Castlebury Knit!)

If I haven't convinced you of the value of having a LBD perhaps I have not done my job!

Perhaps you prefer a skirt and sweater?

I have those items in my wardrobe too....

A longer skirt to wear with boots and a soft wool blend sweater.

Lisa Campione skirt is made of a firm fabric which gives it staying power and lots of body.

It is a very fun and feminine skirt to wear.

You could wear a white tee and a denim jacket to make this a super casual outfit...perfect for shopping or lunching out with your friends.

I just watched Jennifer L. Scott's Tedx Talk and thought you might like to see it too.

Watch and enjoy...

Now it's your turn to chime in with your thoughts about how you approach dressing.

Are you a minimalist or do you go for the maximum amount of garments?

Are your closets organized by colour, by type of clothing, or are they cluttered?

With a jumble of colours, styles and garments do you feel that you have "nothing to wear?"

I hope that you have a fabulous weekend!

Hostess

I've got Paris on my mind...and it is a lovely distraction.

Since hearing the news that I am one of the lucky ladies to accompany Jamie Cat Callan on her Paris Ooh La La Tour this coming May I have let my thoughts stray to all things Parisienne...
By the way, I think there are a couple of spots left on Jamie's Tour if you want to come along, but act fast if you want to join in!

I have been looking online at Paris blogs and websites and many kind readers have emailed me behind the scenes offering their thoughts on what to pack and what brand of carry on they prefer and several of my readers who live in Paris have suggested we meet for a drink while I am there...
more about Paris later in the post.

We recently went to a Scottish Celebration...
my husband's ancestors hail from Scotland...
The Campbell's and the MacDonald's.
Two clans that were constantly warring with each other!

Have you ever attended a Ceilidh?
Do you know what it is?
I had to look at this sign to spell it correctly as it is pronounced "Kay Lee."

An online source describes a Ceilidh ~
"a social event at which there is Scottish or Irish folk music and singing, traditional dancing and storytelling."

It was a fun evening filled with entertainment and a plethora of tartan kilted regimental musicians.

We were happy to be invited as it was a fund raising event for the local band's upcoming tour to Europe.

Isn't this a beautiful pin?

I love the acorn and the oak leaf.

I do love to see a man in a kilt and kitted out smartly to play in the band with those bagpipes and drums...

My Irish background can appreciate those who hail from the Highlands, after all we were practically neighbours! 

I made a Freekeh grain salad last week and it was delicious.

How does one pronounce Freekeh?

I have been saying Freak Ah!

I used the recipe on the back of the box.

Spinach, roasted red peppers, Greek olives, feta cheese, and I added some red onions.

It called for a dressing of lemon juice with a pinch of nutmeg and a bit of cinnamon but it really tasted delicious without it.

It made a large bowl full and I served it to Mother and my sister at our weekly dinner.

The verdict was that it was a keeper.

There was some leftover so it made for easy lunches for me for the next few days.

I made our favourite prawn bisque.

The recipe is in the Whitewater Cooks  cookbook as shrimp bisque but I use prawns for more flavour.

I posted about this shrimp bisque way back in the day...

This recipe has big flavours and is loaded in WW points so make sure that you proceed with caution!

The roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden are laden with rose hips... 

perhaps a sign of a harsh winter to come?

The cushions have been removed from the front porch chairs as the colder wet weather is almost upon us...

the pockets of sunshine continue teasing us into believing that summer is still here.

Stews will be back on the menu as the temperatures dip.

I'm thinking about what I will pack when I go to Paris!

I always love reading posts on packing by un femme d'un certain age.

I've been reading quite a bit...

New Year New Dreams blog author Madame La Bas suggested these mysteries set in Paris.

The stories are well written, engaging, and I am enjoying reading about the different areas of Paris.

So much is happening here in and around The Humble Bungalow.

We are living in busy times.

I really must run and get some things done.

Thank you for visiting!

I am planning a wardrobe post next...so please come back soon.