OOTD ~ a leaner wardrobe and some holiday sparkle.

Still rebuilding my wardrobe...
It is taking a long time because I am being very discriminating when I buy something new.
It needs to tick all the boxes...fit well, be versatile and classic, and at a price that I can feel comfortable spending.

Our local thrift shops have lots of stock so it takes time to carefully sift through the racks.
Keeping my wardrobe on the leaner size I pass up a lot of clothes that would "do."

In the new year I have an appointment with a consignment shop to sell off the garments that are just too big to wear. I thought I could make them work but they do not flatter me anymore...much too much volume!

OOTD

Ann Taylor top which feels like silk but is obviously a high quality polyester.

Gemstone earrings made by lovely daughter.

They pick up the amber shade in the top.

I like a drop earring for evening.

They catch the light and I feel more feminine.

The basic black Bellissima ponte knit pants were a thrift shop bargain

worn here with my new Calvin Klein kitten heels which are so comfy.

I wore this OOTD when we had some friends over for a casual meal.

The basic garments (the ones I refer to as workhorses) are getting lots of wear.

CPW (cost per wearing) is hovering at about 50 cents for these pants.

Our Humble Bungalow "Closet" has no doors!

The last room on our renovation list is the master bedroom.

It needs a complete makeover.

I have empty hangers in the closet for the first time in many years.

Each garment is hung in its' colour group and has lots of breathing room!

Our wee Humble Bungalow closet has never seemed as large as it does right now.

Living with less, has surprised me so much, I should have done this years ago.

I've discovered that it's never too late to make a change...

I just needed to be in the right frame of mind to commit and embrace it wholeheartedly,

My recent weight loss journey is a prime example.

I needed to be "ready" before embarking on the program.

It only took me 6 years!

The festive season is a good excuse to wear some sparkly jewels.

JCrew necklace a gift from son and lovely daughter in law.

Sherman brooch

Sequins

Club Monaco earrings from last season.

These are fabulous to wear for candle lit dinners!

Thoughts and changes are afoot...

In the New Year I plan to explore the opportunities to get more involved.

With so many agencies needing volunteers in our community I'll have a few options.

The difficulty lies in deciding where to put my time and energy.

If you volunteer in your community how did you decide which job to take on?

Hostess

Meow...

Our cats rule the roost here in The Humble Bungalow!
They sleep wherever they want and are very vociferous when it comes to feeding time.
We have had to modify the plants and flowers that we have in our home as they munch leaves of the plants and deconstruct the floral arrangements that I love so much. Fortunately they leave the orchids alone.

Chester the youngest, is what our grand daughter Isla calls a "Troublemaker."
He gets into everything! Cupboards, drawers, baskets, the washer and dryer when the doors are open.
If there is something mischievous that he can find to do, he does it!

Pepper is much more ladylike and she is less demanding and much better behaved...perhaps because of her age she has matured and has left those kitten habits behind. Pepper chirrups at the moths that flap by the light shining through the windows into the night.
She will bite us when she has had enough attention.
Chester will bite if we have not put out the dry food at the same time as the canned food.
He is greedy about having food on the bowls all day long and I attribute that to the fact that he was malnourished in his first few weeks of life.
He was a California rescue kitten flown up by Victoria Adoptables a local rescue organization and he only weighed 1 3/4 pounds when we got him at 7 weeks old.

Pepper was also a rescue cat but she was a local find from a farmer's field on the Saanich peninsula.
Pepper has the softest fur and she eats lots of food...
where Chester grazes Pepper gobbles!

They bring us much joy here in our Humble Bungalow.

The cats asleep on our bed.

Pepper

Chester

This post is in response to a request from reader Sharon from Toronto.

I'm glad that you asked.

Hostess

Popcorn cookies ~ Smitten Kitchen

The inclement weather kept me inside so I decided to have a browse in my cookbooks and make some cookies for my husband, lovely daughter and her fellow.
My OOTD is the Bon appetit linen apron with skinny jeans, a Merino long sleeved sweater and cozy slippers.
Not really photo worthy!

This book was a gift from my son and daughter in law.

Deb Perlman is very creative and in her small kitchen she produces some pretty amazing recipes.

Can you see the popcorn in that cookie batter?

I was curious about popcorn cookies so I just had to make them.

I tried a small one and they are delicious.

Mr. HB enjoyed them too.

The collection of cookie tins has been a focus for the past few weeks.

 Homemade shortbread, cookies and rum balls make great Hostess gifts.

I thought that I was being quite thrifty sourcing them at second hand stores until I popped into the dollar store 

where I found new ones for the same price and less than I was paying for second hand ones!

What do you make for the festive season?

Do you have any tried and true favourites?

Holiday thoughts...giving.

Have you experienced the stress that can accompany the festive season?
Getting everything ready when working full time can be a challenge.
I learned how to cope with what I could control and let go of the rest...

For the things that can be controlled I say "minimize getting frazzled" by starting early and making lists.
I am a fan of lists...they can be handwritten or entered into "Notes" on your IPhone.

Lists of the people whom you exchange or give gifts to with ideas and a budget amount that is realistic.
Another list of things to do to get ready...the tree, order the turkey, buy the Christmas crackers, etc.
Food items that you might need to buy for homemade Hostess gifts, food and spirits for any events you are planning to host, the annual Christmas feast recipes and ingredients so there is no last minute panic.

I am an advocate of shopping early in small shops.

I also like to make homemade gifts like marmalade, chocolate dipped fruit and shortbread.

I find these are especially nice as Hostess gifts.

My other favourites are beeswax candles wrapped in linen tea towels, scented candles, and exotic teas.

I wrap presents as I bring them home.

The gift wrap is purchased on Boxing Day of the previous year at 50% off.

Tags are often recycled Christmas cards cut into shapes using pinking shears.

Beautiful ribbons are saved and then reused.

If you do not have the time to wrap you might opt for one of the gift wrap kiosks that local charities run at this time of year and for a donation they will do the job for you.

I make a "two dinner meal" so that I cook one night and reheat it the next.

Baking happens a week to 10 days ahead of Christmas.

Lots of pretty tins are lined with doilies and I store the baked goods downstairs in a colder spot.

Weight Watchers website published a cranberry chutney recipe this week and I made two jars for our family feast.

It keeps in the fridge for a month.

Finding balance during this busy festive season is essential for my well being.

I take extra care of my health and pay attention and slow down when I feel that I am too busy.

I drink lots of Perrier to keep hydrated and I go to bed early.

 I take Mother out more often as with the holidays she seems to feel the loss of my father more profoundly.

We go to The Fairmont Empress to look at the decorated trees and wander along The Esplanade in Oak Bay.

We'll grab a nourishing bowl of soup at Pure Vanilla Cafe.

This year she is hosting a wine and cheese!

She has invited all the residents of her condominium to drop in for the afternoon.

She is so excited that the response has been so positive but now she is feeling a little overwhelmed.

I am going to help her prepare and serve the food after all she is 86!

She continues to be an inspiration to me...

I've learned so much from her all these years.

I've got a few things yet to accomplish, the biggest of which will be cleaning The Humble Bungalow.

Our cleaning gal is in The Philippines lending her capable hands to action some much needed "missionary work." 

Knowing her as I do, I am certain she is helping the victims and putting a much needed smile on their faces.

Giving them hope and help.

She has put her jobs on hold and to do so in these busy times is so generous.

A reminder that we all need to be mindful of our fellow man.

Not just at this time of year but all year long.

I know that I need to do more to help those in need.

I'm curious, 

do you volunteer in your community?

Will you share with us how you help.

Shopping with Sheila....

After enjoying a delicious Sunday lunch with the fashion savvy Ephemera blog author Sheila we ventured out for  some serious shopping.
Sheila has a gift when it comes to finding the "needle in the haystack."
She seems to hone in on "the best of the best."

We went into My Sister's Closet a consignment shop, with open minds.
Being open really helps when you are looking at second hand merchandise.
If you have a rigid list you miss some of the goods that might be perfect for your wardrobe.

I am passionate about red shoes...

these Geox suede loafers have never been worn and were half price!

 At $11.50 they HAD to come home with me.

This silver belt had some texture and details that made my heart soar...

a bit of eccentric fun that might elevate my pedestrian denim just a tad.

Hello Peter Nygard!

I spy with my little eye a party skirt.

This will see me through the festive season...

I can cook our Christmas dinner in this (wearing my apron of course!)

Sheila found this gem for me...

merci beaucoup!

am loving the details

My new LBD

so grateful to have found this as it has been several months of looking.

(it's packable)

Brand new with the original tag.

I looks like a dud on the hanger but if fits like a dream and is a winner!

V wrap top and a flattering mid section detail.

I will be wearing this for years to come....

My head is still in a bit of a tizzy and I had SO much fun shopping with Sheila!

She is so much fun to shop with and I am so grateful that we can meet up.

I gave her a big hug as we parted saying that we need to make this a regular event.

Thank you for popping by and sharing my exciting bargain hunt.

Four pieces for under $100 and those great classic workhorses that I will wear for many years to come.

What have you found in the thrift shops lately?

Have you ever found a couture item?

Be well and Be Thrifty!

Hostess

XO

OOTD at the Staff Party...

My husband had his Christmas Staff Party on Saturday evening in the penthouse of a local hotel.
A spectacular choice of venue and expansive views of the city and the twinkling lights.
Food and wine flowed and I stuck to my Weight Watchers points and had a great time.
It was lots of fun meeting some of the new people and I felt confident in my outfit.

Sigrid Olsen mauve sleeveless top

Susan Bristol sweater jacket in black rayon

 (Chanel-esque with ruffle details at the sleeves and hem)

Black skirt with raised ridges Reitmans

Pearls an anniversary gift from Mr. HB a few years ago.

Black Calvin Klein pumps with kitten heels and fishnet hose.

I met up with my blogger friend Sheila for lunch and a shopping spree at My Sister's Closet in the plaza.

I found a few gems thanks to her expert shopping skills.

Sheila shares something valuable about shopping every time I meet up with her. 

She worked in retail for years and she knows quality fabrics and designs when she see them.

Sheila looks at everything in all the sizes because there is no universal sizing standards.

If I had not listened to her I would have missed a couple of things.

I had a great day and am very excited to show you what I bought...

all at bargain budget friendly prices too.

I'll get busy and put together my post and try to have it ready for tomorrow.

Hostess

XO

High Maintenance on a shoestring.

Keeping up appearances does require some personal effort or money and time spent at the spa.
While I am a fan of the spa and their treatments I cannot justify the expense when I have oodles of time to do my own high maintenance at home. I will indulge from May to September where I will enjoy the pampering pedicures and have my toes polished. The rest of the year I keep my toes buffed and free from polish.

It is sunny but bitterly cold today so I donned my cashmere socks this morning...
but not before giving my feet a little TLC.

($20 for the basics)

My home pedicure starts with a foot bath of warm water and bath salts.

I soak for about 10 minutes and close my eyes and visualize a beautiful place that makes me feel serene.

After toweling off my feet I use a pumice on the heels and rough patches.

Rinse and then slather on Badger Cream...don't let the label fool you it is great all over the foot.

Clip to shape and file the nails then push back the cuticles.

Make sure the nail beds are free from the cream and use the Revlon buffer.

One side smooths any ridges and the other imparts shine that is dazzling.

I love this tool!

I reapply the cream and pop on my socks and my pedicure is complete.

Even though my toes are not "on display" I know they are in good shape.

Looking down at my socks I know I am putting my best foot forward.

In my attempt to warm, this time from the inside out, I am actioning another curry!

Curried Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

My favourite thing to make and take to a potluck supper.

You can make this a vegetarian feast by adding a variety of vegetables and omitting the chicken.

It is really good with white fish or prawns.

I published the recipe BBC Bungalow Basic Curry back in January 31, 2011.

If you want the specifics go to the tag list on the sidebar and look under recipes and you can see step by step instructions.

Bon appetit!

Snow Day Doings...

I've been busy this morning in The Humble Bungalow.

I "planted" the paper whites so that they will be blooming for Christmas.

These bulbs are forced into bloom using glass pebbles and water at their roots.

 I love their heady fragrance and pure white flowers.

Keep the water levelled at the roots and you will be surprised how fast they grow.

We woke up to see a light frosting of snow this morning and it is still snowing.

I love an excuse to stay home, keep warm and putter in The Humble Bungalow.

Our house guest left yesterday...

we had a wonderful visit.

I served her a curried chicken soup which proved out be a great time saver as we had gone to the late afternoon showing of Philomena starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Steve wrote the screenplay, produced and starred in the film.

We had a funny experience at the ticket wicket...

The young fellow on duty assumed that we were both seniors!

I was ahead of my friend and I quickly moved aside to make room for her at the wicket 

and I was out of earshot while she was paying.

When she caught up with me she was smiling broadly...as was I.

I told her that I got in for $4.75 the seniors rate!

She told me she got the seniors rate too but the fellow had a problem with her debit card...

 so he said go on in the movie is on me today.

I highly recommend the film.

The soup "mix" base.

All you need to add are onions, chicken or prawns, a can of coconut milk, water and a few carrots.

I made this the previous day.

This hearty soup made a great meal.

We walked to and from the theatre and did not get back until just about 7 pm.

  I put out some fresh veggies and dip while I heated up the soup and we sat and had a glass of wine while we waited for it to get hot.

I'm going to spend some of the afternoon cooking before sitting down to finish reading my current novel.

The forecast is for a wind chill factor which will give the impression of minus 15...

I might need to light a fire in the fireplace to chase the chill away.

Cashmere socks and a thick fleece jacket are not quite enough!

 Definitely not my usual OOTD!

Hostess

XO

Sumptuous, Soft and Soothing ~ Cashmere OOTD

I adore cashmere!
Do you love it too?
Lately I have found that the cashmere sweaters available in our local shops are of lesser quality and almost whisper thin, yet the prices are quite steep for what you are buying.
I really wished that Lands' End would ship their cashmere sweaters across the Canada border but those gorgeous buttons made of Mother of Pearl or abalone shell are the reason that they cannot ship. Apparently they are "protected and at risk."

Years ago my husband gave me a luxurious black Johnston cashmere pullover. It is soft, thick and warm like no other sweater that I had owned before. It cost the earth though and I would need to save up for a donkey's age to buy another! Let's face it my lifestyle has changed and I really cannot justify that kind of expense at this stage.

Lands' End had some exceptional weighty cashmere cardigans a few years ago. I bought a black one which is still going strong, although it is a tad big now, I will not part with it until it is in tatters.

I couldn't believe my luck when I found a similar cardigan with a V neck and abalone buttons recently in the thrift shop.
The quality and weight was evident even before I even looked at the tag...alas it was a size small.
I wear a medium, but I tried it on anyways and guess what?
I bought it...I usually do not button my cardigan but did so that you would see that it is a bit on the small size.

Cashmere Lands' End in Navy Blue!

The pearls have a new partner in crime.

Pearls + Cashmere = Bliss 

We have a house guest in The Humble Bungalow for a few days so my posting will be sporadic.

I might manage a few minutes to check in but it will depend on how full our schedule will be.

We do love to focus our attention and energies on our friends when they come to stay.

Hostess

We may get some snow this week!

I love how beautiful the neighbourhood looks all dressed in white.

I will host a snow post if we get a frosting.

Forever Chic has arrived in The Humble Bungalow!

Blogger and writer Tish Jett's book Forever Chic arrived in the post this week!
The chic and savvy Deja Pseu hosted a giveaway on her blog and I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of this delicious book. Thank you Deja Pseu I am so grateful that the book arrived safely after the post office mix up.

I can hardly wait to read it but it will have to wait as we are busy with friends and the calendar is getting filled up.
I'd like to hunker down and take a couple of days and simply soak in all of Tish's words of wisdom.

I'll write a review of the book when I am finished reading it.

(Did you notice the card that Deja Pseu sent with the book?)

My lazy lunch...

leftover butternut squash, a few strands of spaghetti noodles, and an egg beaten up and topped with chives.

When I bought this wee frying pan I had no idea that it would get so much use.

It comes in so handy for roasting nuts, cooking up an egg or two and making a single serving of French Toast.

I must be off as I have some chocolate zucchini cakes to bake.

The Root Cellar had zucchini on sale and I could not resist a bargain.

Be Well and remember Kindness never goes out of style.

Hostess

Black Friday, OOTD and a blog anniversary.

It's BLACK FRIDAY.
This is a black post so if you are looking for colour you'll be disappointed!

In Canada, shopping Black Friday is relatively new, but for our neighbours to the south it is the kickoff for the season of holiday shopping. Stores open early and there are sales galore.
It sounds quite crazy when people camp out or stand in line for hours waiting for the stores to open...
I suppose it is no different than standing in line to get tickets to see Bruce Springsteen and I seem to recall doing that many years ago.

I was able to take part in a little bit of Black Friday shopping but it was only Thursday!
The shop I was in was having a "black friday sale" and all black garments were 25% off!

Black Giacca coat with feminine details.

OOTD

Chillax coat

DKNY jeans

Franco Sarto loafers

Burberry scarf

Adrienne of La Vie Quotidienne mentioned how much she liked the Benefit mascara 

with it's new wand.

 This mascara was also the best seller at Sephora so I decided to take her advice and give this a test drive.

There should be four candles alight...

you may ask why.

Let's pretend this is cake shall we?

The Humble Bungalow Blog is celebrating a four year anniversary today.

The blogging journey has been full of surprises.

Writing has opened up many opportunities for growth.

Who knew that through blogging that I would forge new friendships near and far.

The Humble Bungalow Blog has become a part of my everyday routine....

whether I am thinking about a future post or taking a picture of something beautiful.

The blog material is never far from my mind.

 I think I look more closely at everything around me than I ever did before.

Often it is the ordinary and simple things that inspire my posts.

I plan to keep blogging as long as I have something to say.

I hope that you will be interested enough in what I have to say to stop by...

To those who read my blog and comment I am very grateful.

Thank you.

Hostess

XO