Jumble Sale Table ~ Brooches, Yoga and some easy (Super Bowl) Recipes...

All is calm...

Sparkly Pink Puffer Fish...

Small enough to wear on a hat or beret.

Found at the local Market in a jumble sale table.

Marcasite Brooch

the sparkly "beads" are made from polished hematite

also from the jumble sale table.

Jumble sales are rather like a car boot or garage sale.

They are rather exciting...treasures can be found in these sales.

The items are not curated but heaped together in a jumble!

You may find a treasure.

Yoga is happening...

(albeit a solo practice)

I could benefit from a Zoom session from my instructors.

Our WiFi here is dodgy at best 

with many of the transmissions being pixelated.

So we can never depend on the reliability of the WiFi.

We sit near the window looking out across the Salish Sea 

while we read and where I knit...

many boats pass during the day and are all lit up at night.

The BC Ferries look like birthday cakes!

Local Fiadh Academy Aura Rose Quartz scent...

I use this on my wrists and neck.

It offers a calming fragrance which is lovely for my Yoga practice.

There are very few fragrances in my collection...

I've given up using heavy scents as so many people are allergic to them.

I read and enjoyed Geraldine Brooks recent book Horse...

so when I spied her Pulitzer Prize winning novel March I grabbed it.

Started it early this morning and I am already hooked...

I had to put it down for Yoga and then I met up with a friend for coffee.

I did a bit of shopping at Island Girl...

white Bamboo Yoga Top from Blue Sky.

Lovely chat with the new shop assistant...

saw some really cute Bueno white sneaker high tops...

Oh Dear could be trouble!!

If I dream of them tonight I will go back tomorrow...

What are you reading?

Do you enjoy a wee bit of chocolate?

I find these Ritter Sport bars from Germany quite delicious!

I do TRY to keep my habit under control...

BUT

Milk Chocolate and Hazelnuts are my favourite.

What are your favourite chocolates?

Did you watch the Super Bowl?

If you want a quick and easy Spread for crackers...

try this recipe.

Chutney Spread

2 ~ 8 ounce packages of Philly cream Cheese (room temp)

1/2 cup of mango chutney

1/2 cup of toasted chopped almonds

1 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

Mix together in a bowl

 Chill for several hours

Perfect added to a charcuterie board.

Nice with a whole wheat cracker.

We had Spicy Szechuan chicken wings (2 dozen) and an orzo pasta salad for dinner.

Easy Peasy Wings

Put the wings in a bag with about 1/2 cup of all purpose flour and shake.

Place wings on a parchment paper lined sheet pan for an hour at 350 degrees.

Then add a jar of Spicy Szechuan sauce and liberally cover the wings.

Bake at 350 for another 30 minutes until sticky.

Orzo Salad 

Cook about 2 cups of orzo until al dente, drain.

Add a jar of Naam miso sauce, 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, 1 cup frozen green  peas

Mix and chill in fridge.

Bateaux Mouches Scarf/Shawl...

using

Bamboo Rayon 

soft with oodles of drape.

Will be an ongoing project for a few more weeks...

depending on how much time I plan to sit and knit.

The work is meditative, as it is a simple repeating pattern.

Add a pot of tea, a cozy warm seat by the fire and it's my idea of idyllic.

Simple Joys 

There is a lot of stress and crazy things happening in our world.

Fasten your seat belt and find some quiet tasks to keep your hands and mind busy.

Try to breathe, stay calm, eat healthy food, and don't forget to hydrate.

Let me know how you are doing...

 

Actions that you can control help with negative feelings...

Use your energy to do something positive...

pick up litter, do a good deed, pay it forward

Go for a walk, run, meditate, read a good book, call a friend,

eat some chocolate.

Take Care of You :-))

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Canadian Tuxedo, Makeup, and a "Perfect" white tee

 

~ Snow ~

We don't get a lot of snow here in Victoria but when we do...

many things come to a halt.

The Yoga Studio closed, 

the rec centre annex Yoga classes were cancelled, 

schools were closed.

I have been busy here in The Humble Bungalow keeping the home fires burning.

Vacuuming, dusting, reading, knitting, making soup.

Baking ~ Banana bread and a Sourdough Boule.

Watching the birds outside, sipping tea, thinking deep thoughts.

Silently praying for Peace.

The amaryllis bloomed!

I planted it on Boxing Day.

It is sitting on the shelf above the farmhouse sink where I do the dishes.

The kitchen is my favourite place to work.

I spend many hours at the counters 

sharp knives in hand chopping, 

slicing, and dicing...

creating meals to feed us.

Last week I went to the mall in search of the "perfect" white Tee shirt.

I don't know why it is so difficult to find one that fits well

looks good, is not see through, and has some style.

I want a decent quality, a smooth washable fabric that doesn't cling.

I've spent ages looking for a white tee in the thrift shops, no Joy.

After trying many tees in shops 

most were thin, see through tops, much too clingy.

This is one that I found at The Gap...

it ticked all the boxes I bought 2 of them.

($54.95 each yikes!)

Will be a layering workhorse...

when they go on sale I am going to buy a couple more!

DENIM got me again...

pale blue softness.

Thank you GAP

I know this has become a problem...

Hanging in my closet now are 3 denim style shirts.

The newer fleecy one...

(see previous post)

a thrifted Gap one from 5 or 6 years ago

now a pale one for spring and summer.

(Charter and founding member of Denim Shirts Anonymous)

Actually, come to think of it...

the pale one will go well with those pale denim Mango jeans I bought.

Think Canadian Tuxedo :-))

Very good book!

I read Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano a while back and really enjoyed her writing.

Several friends have recommended this book so I borrowed it.

Glad that I did.

Replaced my former CC cream with this one from Marcelle.

Canadian Company in Quebec that has been in business since 1949.

The gals at The Oak Bay Pharmasave suggested the opthamologist recommended mascara and eye shadow...

 I was asking their advice after two eye infections

 which I attributed to my sensitivity to mascara.

Been using this for about 6 months and have had no problems whatsoever!

The lipstick is a sheer red perfect for everyday.

(Loving Red)

My "go to products" for a simple minimal 5 minute make-up routine.

For a woman who is on the cusp of 70 

I find that less is more when it comes to make-up.

That about wraps up this snow day...

need to make dinner.

~ Spaghetti Bolognese ~

I don't usually post as often so I guess this a "bonus" post.

Many of you have popped by The Humble Bungalow Blog

 through the years...many friendships have been forged.

A few of us get together from other areas of the globe.

There are wonderful spin offs to blogging.

Kind of surprising that after all these years

I still feel like writing.

I might be

Am I repeating myself!

Well I'll sign off for now...

What's new with you these days?

Leave me a comment and tell me how you are doing.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Hostess Hasty Notes...

 

Bateaux Mouches Scarf knit in a grey yarn by Drops.

Alpaca and Silk

It is super soft with a nice drape...

very cozy and warm for these colder days.

Mornings this week have been very icy...

A delightful week of Yoga

Yoga for Osteoporosis

Yoga for Balance

Yoga For Hips

Scraping the ice off the car before heading off to Yoga Class. 

I am focused on the new classes 

which are improving my hip alignment and strengthening the muscles that support the hip.

Training me to be in balance 

with a goal of stability and the ability to avoid future falls.

All of this is taking up time and energy and are an investment in my health.

My flexibility is not what it was prior to COVID.

My goal is to

get back as much flexibility as possible.

My instructor says it takes time.

Do you practice Yoga?

\

Marshalls dressing room selfie...

I LOVE denim!

 So when I spied this soft cozy fleecy knit denim blue shirt...

I pounced and have been wearing it on rotation these past few weeks.

I am loving this new Sonsie skincare.

The redness from my rosacea has completely calmed down.

If you want to try it please use the 15% discount code...

https://www.sonsieskin.com/LESLIE65651

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to shoot me an email.

Joanne from Steveston came to Victoria for a few days.

We got together for an afternoon of fun.

Shopped thrift and consignment shops 

visited the Vic West Market on Catherine Street

before we had lunch at The Snug in The Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

The Market has a very European Vibe...

lots of interesting food items and the displays are works of art!

Am knitting another Bateaux Mouches Scarf/Shawl

Using Bamboo Yarn in white for Summer.

Feels lovely in the hand...soft and light.

Soup for lunch at Pure Vanilla...

red lentil with a spicy tang.

New LG Washer and Dryer Set

Our former set were 

15 years old and the washer ground to a halt on Saturday.

I had to rinse the entire load in the bathtub 

before wringing the clothes by hand to dry!

Our laundry room is bright and cheerful...

I can look out onto the Humble Bungalow Garden while working downstairs.

There are some rustic touches in the minimalist decor.

Simple

but so important!

There are Joys in clean clothes and freshly ironed cottons.

I spend a LOT of time doing laundry!

Another sourdough Boule has baked...

"Alexandra Cooks" basic sourdough recipe is my favourite.

After making bread for several years now I can do it with my eyes closed :-))

The flavour is amazing and the bread is easy to make.

Do you bake your own bread?

White Orchid

Do you shop local?

Think we need to help these shops stay open and keep their business thriving.

So many small businesses are struggling to survive and many are already shut down.

Buying Power is in our hands

(and wallets)

we have choices

 through our decisions of 

who we buy from...

where we spend our money

If we

consciously

 support companies run and owned by women.

We are empowering them to continue...

Just like the

Cordova Candle Company who are local and make lovely scented soy candles.

I light mine every morning while I sip my coffee and read my socials.

What are your favourite local shops?

Are you a repeat customer?

Do you know the women behind the business?

Speaking of Socials...

several friends have quit Facebook

others are taking a 3 week break from all online platforms.

Are you considering leaving any of your social memberships?

We have the power to make changes...

it is up to each of us to decide what is right.

What is new with you?

Are you worried about the state of the world?

Have you, like me, had to limit your exposure to the news?

I do not go down rabbit holes...

I act locally...making changes where I can see the results of those efforts.

I bake, I knit, I drink tea, I read, I walk, I go to Yoga, I live an honest and simple life.

~ STAY SAFE ~

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

Hostess

XO

Mid Month...a MISH MASH of Musings

 

~ Green Moss Growing on a Rock ~

I stumbled upon this pretty lush green sight and thought how beautiful it is...

How many people would stop and take notice?

Would they have TIME to stop?

Would they even care?

I think simple things of beauty in our world are worth noting.

When I was young

I would lie on the grass in our backyard and imagine fairies living in the grass.

Buttercups would be their yellow bonnets and clover would be their parasols.

Bees would be buzzing 

making the music that the fairies would dance to...

These wee worlds would whirl around in my imagination...

obviously I have not forgotten 

the power of their magic.

I still look for the MAGIC on my walks.

If only to regain those innocent and naive ideas and thoughts from my youth.

~ Baking Sourdough Bread ~

The simple process of mixing, folding, and baking bread has many rewards.

There is a sense of purpose and a genuine feel of true comfort.

The finished fresh Boule is so much more than just a loaf of bread...

it is a vehicle that transports us back to a simpler time.

The day of bread mixing is a Joyful experience.

The basic routine offers up a schedule that one wholly participates in...

mind and body.

(It might sound a wee bit "airy fairy" but that is how I feel)

I look for opportunities to relax the mind and body...

bread baking is an escape from reality.

So much in our world is in chaos and I seek solace.

I deliberately choose solace...

Yoga, knitting, walking, reading, and baking bread.

Things that are soothing and force to take me "out of my head."

~ Healthy Lunch with My Besties ~

Lunching with long time Friends as we celebrate and honour our birthdays.

We meet up for an annual Christmas lunch too...

we are good friends from primary school.

In a few months ALL of us will be in our 70's

so many stories intertwine and connect us.

In order to entertain more efficiently we purchased an antique table.

Our tiny living room has no coffee table so we used an oak card table

or 

set up the food in the dining room where people had to wander in and help themselves.

Now we can move the table into the living room and put the food on the table!

SO much better! 

It must be time to invite some people over to gather together. 

~ I snapped a selfie while waiting for the ferry ~

Yes the pearls came out to play!

OOTD is very casual.

Jeans ~ Mango Mom Jeans

White Tee ~ Mododoc

Knit vest ~ Churchmouse Library Vest pattern

Puffer coat ~ Lands' End

~ Here's the ferry ~

We are off to the Cottage

Grabbed two books that were on HOLD from the library.

Started with Elizabeth Strout's newest...

in LARGE PRINT !

I almost don't need to wear my glasses :-))

~ Ran a few errands this morning ~

Got a few groceries and bought some body balm at the pharmacy.

I forgot that I had run out when we left last month...

Alas

there was hardly any beach for walking...

 so I went to the Thrift Shop and the shops and galleries at Hope Bay.

With only a scant amount of scent left in my perfume bottle 

I found myself sniffing the samples.

Well this certainly sounds inviting...

Choosing the Rose Quartz option AURA

made locally on Pender Island by Fiadh Alchemy.

Sunshine and Blue skies are keeping us company today and feeling grateful.

Going to make French Onion Soup for our dinner...

chopping and slicing are such a tonic.

Hope that your New Year is off to a good start...

Take and Make time to nurture yourself, employ self care when necessary.

You will need to use that stored positive energy.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

New Years ~ Three resolutions for 2025

 

~ Mount Baker ~ 

My view this week on my walk.

A crisp fresh topping of snow atop this grand mountain.

~ The new walking poles are so helpful ~ 

I can take longer strides, 

walk faster, 

feel so much more stable

~ Confident ~

If you have ever fallen, or felt a wee bit wobbly on your feet.

 these poles are a wonderful tool, I think they are a real Game Changer.

(they work the arms too)

With the last few quiet days

I've been culling stuff here in The Humble Bungalow...

tidying drawers, cupboards and closets.

Taking donations to the charity shops and having a wee peek at what is for sale!

I spied these new (with tags) waterproof gloves at the local WIN Thrift Shop.

They are lined and are SO much warmer than my old thin leather gloves.

I also scored a soft charcoal grey long cardigan.

It has two pockets and is really cozy.

It also feels brand new...

Do you shop at thrift stores?

Buying second hand is so easy on the budget.

As a retiree with a pension,

 I really appreciate the price points on the merchandise.

Prices have gone up a bit

 most shops charge at least 1/4 off regular retail prices.

Some smaller shops are at giveaway prices!

I decided to buy a second pair of jeans...

I donated the low rise Eileen Fisher jeans as they emphasized my muffin top.

The brand I prefer and fit well are MNG or MANGO.

Mom jeans with an ankle length.

The local BAY store did not have any in stock so I ordered some from Nordstroms.

Rarely do I shop online but it was absolutely necessary this time.

Good News...

they were on sale...I got the last pair in my size :-))

Faded wash...

my current jeans are a dark wash.

Am going to love wearing these...I love denim.

They will pair well with the soft pale blue flannel Frank and Eileen shirt.

White Old Navy shirt, new-to-me grey sweater, white T shirt, black long sleeve T

almost ALL my tops will work with these jeans.

(silver sequin top)

Summer time they will be great with flip flops too!

Fortunately the jeans arrived on time and more importantly they fit!

Are you making any New Year's Resolutions?

#1

Focusing on getting as much information as I can 

on the management of osteoarthritis

and reducing the pain in 

 my arthritic hip.

#2

Getting back to Yoga

After my recent fall and concussion,

 I decided that I needed to work on balance.

Have been following a You Tube balance routine and need MORE.

My local Yoga Studio "Ajna" in Oak Bay offers fabulous classes.

I have registered for a workshop on Hips.

Which will identify moves and exercises that strengthen

the muscles that support the hip.

Signed up for 8 sessions of Yoga for Osteoporosis 

at a local Rec Centre taught by one of the Yoga instructors from my studio.

#3

Continue to attend Aqua Fit Classes at the Oak Bay Pool.

My doctor highly recommends these classes and prefers them to my long walks

with my "bad" hip.

He's going to refer me to a surgeon...

(our wait list for new hips is several years long)

I mentioned to him that I did 8,000 steps last week and for the next 2 days I was in terrible pain...

he thinks that is way too many steps considering my hip issue.

Do you have arthritis?

Are you able to modify your activities so you do not feel as much pain?

Well enough about my health related resolutions...

In exciting news...

We went out for New Year's Eve!

First time in many years...

A Dinner Date :-))

~ OOTD ~

My LBD (5 years old) Eileen Fisher

Baroque Pearls from Hong Kong

Coach Loafers

(2 or 3 years old)

Aritzia Wool and Cashmere Coat

(new bought on sale)

Vintage Coach black leather bag

Vintage rhinestone bracelet

BLING...

(After All it is New Year's Eve!)

Dinner at Zambri's

The Mocktail was delicious...

(tasted like an Aperol Spritz)

I've been off alcohol for awhile

(trying to lose some weight)

slowly 

Only a few pounds down but in December I have been nibbling shortbread cookies

and eating this fabulous dinner!!!

Caesar Salad

Halibut and shoestring fries...so yummy!

Panna Cotta with lemon...

Oh my goodness!

Our dinner was so lovely...great food wonderful service.

A very nice way to start the new Year.

Thank you Honey :-))

Before I forget...

 I found a real Antique at Value Village last week...

French Porcelain

by

Clain and Perrier

Look at those pretty pink roses and gold gilt!

So sweet and feminine...

just darling.

The Company was located at 238 Boulevard St. Germain in Paris.

It was in business from 1879 - 1914

I am quite smitten with this wee treasure...

a compote for the top of my bureau.

For the record, I didn't NEED this, but I couldn't resist...

besides

 it feels like a French Souvenir.

It is an item that makes me smile every time I see it...

and I keep looking at it.

Hope that you are enjoying the start to the New Year...

There are many new adventures waiting to unfold

so many possibilities

dreams to be dreamt

people to meet

books to read

teas to sip

music to hear

meals to be made

new recipes to try

interesting courses to enroll in

new skills to learn

SO MANY

opportunities for discovery.

What new things will you try this year?

Will you travel?

Will you stay at home and feather your nest?

Will you keep a journal?

Write a Book?

Paint a picture?

Sew or Knit?

Or will you sit still in the moment 

breathe in the energy that will keep you grounded and sane?

Namaste

~ 2025 ~

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thank you for popping by to read my little blog...

Grateful for you choosing to be here.