Monday, October 13, 2014

The Cat and the Mat...OOTD

It could have been the cat


or possibly the mat...


It could have been both...


Can you see the connection?


 OOTD
Thanksgiving dinner

Sympli black jersey tank top
Lisa Campione skirt
Pelican Cove beaded wool sweater
Mee Too black flats

We were invited out for Thanksgiving dinner.
 We celebrated with a large gathering of friends and family.
The food was plentiful and delicious...
such a nice treat to be a guest!

I made a tasty yam dish to take along.
( I doubled the recipe as there were 17 of us for dinner)
Recipe courtesy of my friend and walking partner Ruth.

Ruth's Yam bake

In a pot cook 3-4 peeled chopped apples in 3/4 cup of orange juice.
When soft drain and set aside, reserve juice.

Boil 6-8 peeled yams or sweet potatoes until soft
 ( you can use a combination of the two)
Drain
Depending on the consistency you may want to add in the remaining orange juice.
Pulse in batches together in the food processor and add the following:
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt

Place in oven proof dish ready to reheat in the microwave or oven.

Enjoy!

I haven't forgotten that I promised to show you the loot shoot...
the results of my recent spending spree.
It is in the works.

Hope your week is off to a great start.




Saturday, October 11, 2014

Thanksgiving....

The "Attitude of Gratitude" is alive and well and thriving here in The Humble Bungalow.

Canadians are "giving thanks" this Thanksgiving Weekend...
families and friends gathered together to share food and celebrate by acknowledging all their blessings.

Some folks are down on their luck, some have mental illness, some have addictions and many more are homeless.
If they are lucky they may receive a handout from the many volunteers who help our marginalized citizens.

There are vans with kind volunteers that drive around town giving out food, warm blankets and supplies.
Turkey dinners for the needy have been full of hungry patrons all week...
the local soup kitchens and shelters are open...
wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone was fed and had a nice warm bed to sleep in?

It's a harsh life out there when you have no one to extend a helping hand.
We need to stick together...

I suppose that is why we "give thanks" every day.


Life has it's bumps
some are big and some are small
some can threaten to de-rail you and others are a minor slip.
There is no perfect life
we play the cards that we are dealt
life flows...
it changes
there is no control...

we can only control how we react to any situation.

I try to react with grace and poise...
wisdom and age help guide me
but I still can learn...

I need to remember to breathe...
to pause
to think...


I am still learning about life...


With unrest and turmoil in the world,
the threat of war,
the ebola virus,
thinking of the people who are locked down in their homes in Slocan City, BC
while a shooter is on the loose,
one never knows what might be around the next corner.


So with that in mind...
we must savour the beauty in life
everyday.


Seize the day


I captured a few images.


I wonder as I sip my first cup of tea,
what I might see in my daily round that moves me.

My life is not perfect, but whose is?
I try to make the best of each moment.
Look for beauty
savour the sweet,
hug those I love and be grateful.

Do you embrace joy everyday?



Maybe by complicating our lives we set ourselves up for failure.

For me it's all about the simple things...
at least that's the way I see it, today at this moment in time, and I feel content.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

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"


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!



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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

Friday, October 3, 2014

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.

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