Instagram is quick and easy and I am falling under it's spell.
Time is ticking along quickly...my days are full.
It could be the dental work, Mah Jongg, Bridge lessons and games, the walking, domestics, gardening and lunches out with friends. I am really enjoying meeting new people and exercising my brain cells!
I've joined Goward House, a seniors centre ( 50 years +) that is housed in a heritage home with several acres of woodland walking trails. A wide variety of classes and courses are offered and special interest clubs meet on site.
There is a small tea room set in a lovely room with vast windows overlooking the gardens...
soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee and sweets are reasonably priced, and the tea room is open to the public.
There are wide expansive decks that have tables and chairs which are used in the warmer weather...
weddings are frequently held here in the summer. It's a quiet and peaceful location for a celebration.
I think it is just lovely, such a relaxed atmosphere, antique and comfy furniture, beautiful artwork hangs on the walls, fresh flowers in vases, it feels like you are in the home of a good friend.
We purchased a beauty berry bush last weekend and planted several dozen purple allium bulbs around it's base...we plan to add a bunch of black mondo grass in the same bed.
Purple and Black sound like a interesting pairing.
I spied this super hero on my walk in our neighbourhood.
I wondered if it was making a statement and if so what was the message?
It's probably some one's idea of "garden art."
Moss covered rocks seen on Moss Street!
Creepy spiders are lurking in the trees....
Ghosts
Yikes!
Halloween decorations are more popular than they have been in the past.
We live in an area with good schools that offer French Immersion and so there are a lot of families with young children.
I'm reading this book right now and it's an easy and entertaining story.
If you liked The 100 year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared,
I think you'll enjoy this one too.
I've used up all my old lotions and potions and have switched up my skincare regime.
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses for Sensitive skin.
An organic and cruelty free line.
I love the rose scent of all the products.
It's scent lingers long after you put it on...
(some people would not like to smell like a rose)
I'm new to eye gel and find this product has helped plump up and fills in the fine lines.
The exfoliator is gentle and does it's job without causing irritation or redness.
The oil is great for cuticles, hair and after shaving.
The Heavenly Night Time Moisturizer is so rich and soothing...I use it for daytime as my skin is super dry.
I'm going to invest in their serum for winter as my skin usually gets drier and needs more moisture.
I draped this Hermes scarf around my neck...
for the afternoon of Bridge.
Blue top ~ Style My Way
Black denim jeans ~ g21
Black loafers ~ Coach
Sitting playing Mah Jongg or Bridge there are lulls in the game where you notice what the other players are wearing...
rings, necklaces, bracelets and scarves.
"Any opportunity to adorn oneself is human, and accessories are an easy way to do it."
~ Marc Jacobs ~
45 comments:
Here I go again - and I hope it is without the assistance of auto correct!
I know several people who are enjoying Goward House. It sounds lovely.
Isn't autumn beautiful this year?
My stepfather insists I should take up bridge, he loves it!
I just have to say how much I enjoy your blog...your writing and observations are so enjoyable to read. I love your photo's of your home, garden, and the area around you (especially on your walks). Your blog is very 'relateable' (is that a word ??) In other words - I really relate to it !
I really do enjoy every word you write !!
I rather like smelling like a rose! The new bush is beutiful.
The beauty berry bush grows wild in the woods at our farm. Our berries look just like those you photographed. I think it is a lovely plant.
Love those beauty berry bushes -- such a beautiful color! And was just reading about those rose products on Jennifer's (A Well-Styled Life) blog. Will have to check into them.
Your days sound so nice. It's hard sometimes to keep up with blogging, but I'm afraid to venture into Instagram. Another tech black hole . . .
I use a couple of Andalou products...I like their cleaning wash and the Tumeric and vitamen C serum. I haven't tried any of the rose products but they sound lovely.
It's particularly lovely...the colours are spectacular!
I believe that you mentioned that you play bridge...perhaps you would like to come as my guest?
I agree with your father Lisa....its a wonderful game.
Patricia, I'm pleased that you can "relate to my blog!" and thank you for your kind words.
Oh then you'd love this line...
Oh my...I had no idea that they grew wild! They must look stunning when massed together.
Instagram is very easy to use...Jennifer mentioned an organic rose line of skincare but I think it is different from Andalou Naturals...I know she is very impressed with Jane Iredale products too. The Andalou Naturals packages a "starter kit" so you can try them and see if you like them before investing in the full sizes.
The rose scent and the moisture that the products deliver are what convinced me to switch from my usual regime. If you have an opportunity to try a tester or buy a starter kit, please let me know what you think of them.
You're right, she mentioned another product as well, Evan Healy. Now I have 2 products to check out :)
Goward House sounds excellent .... if I lived near you I would certainly join! I'm interested to see you're trying a different brand of skincare. Do you still use LOccitane and Bobbi Brown as well as Dior Rose Lip Balm? The colours of your Hermes Scarf are beautiful ... I'm sure you looked very stylish and Parisian in it!
Rosie
Thank you for a lovely post. It calmed me this early morning Friday when life seems very very rushed.
Did you get the Andalou products locally? I know I prefer being able to shop locally for products rather than online (which are usually not Canadian). And I've had my Beauty Berry bush for a few years in our front yard and especially love it at this time of year. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours. Lyn
Goward House sounds really interesting, something I think I would like to join. Beauty Berry is a new plant to me, and the colour is stunning. Perhaps it likes a cooler climate. The Andalou products look really good - after a lifetime of oily skin, I am drying out at lot! I am testing various things, so will look out for this line.
I can still remember feeling cozy and relaxed when I walked into Goward House for my Retirement party. However, I didn't realize they offered classes, courses and afternoon tea there. I would love to check them out now!! What age is considered a senior?
Love that bush. What colour. I've never seen it over here. Does it need sun or shade? If shade I have the perfect spot for one!
Your garden and outfit ideas always give me inspiration and I aspire to your energy and enthusiasm. Please keep blogging.
Love the Marc Jacobs quote at the end. Did you know that he is a Francophile, too?
If blogging is feeling like a chore, take a break! It should be fun first and foremost. I think all creative types, as most any blogger is, wax and wane between inward and outward pursuits. Maybe you're on an outward trend right now and that's okay! I feel like I never shut up about how I couldn't handle Instagram so I won't go into all that, but if you're feeling more inspired there--you should feel free to go with that. I've noticed with myself and other bloggers that when we give ourselves permission to take a break, rather than stall posting because we feel like we should, the inspiration comes back much faster.
What a lovely sounding senior centre you have near where you live. I've not heard of a Beauty Berry Bush, but have made a note of it. I planted 3 haksap berry bushes this past spring and they aren't doing well. I think I will need to replace them with something else next spring.
I know what you're saying about blogging. As various bloggers have written about how blogging is dying out I've sort of been in denial. But this past month since I've come home from Ireland I have noticed how many people on my blog list didn't write anything the whole time I was away. Several of my favourite bloggers haven't written a post since the summer. And I have to confess that I have fallen under the spell of Instagram as well. Sigh...
I like what Stephen Andrew said about inward and outward pursuits. You are a model of a busy, engaging retirement!
I'm a huge Andalou fan as well. I haven't tried the face products but I will! IG is addictive. I fell under its spell a while ago.
The colour of those berries is beautiful. Your Senior Centre sounds lovely. I joined ours this year but our local building is going to be replaced as part of a recreation complex. I have been contemplating joining the University Women's Club. Our local chapter has bridge, book clubs, walking groups, and current event groups. I am using up all my skin care products or throwing them away but Andalou sounds lovely. The balance of inward and outward pursuits is definitely essential to a happy retirement.
Hi Rosie...I have the L'Occitane almond shower wash and there is a wee bit of their almond oil left but I will be using the 1000 roses oil from now on...I love the Dior lip balm! It is does such a great job of keeping my lips chap free!
I am addicted to the L'Occitane Shea Butter hand cream...I have not tried the Andalou one yet, and it would need to be a "star performer" before I'd swap it.
I have the Bobbi Brown bronzer...I am back using Bella Donna Crema Mineral powder foundation. I have used it on and off for many years. It offers great coverage and is buildable...without looking cakey.
Hope that you have some time to rest and relax this weekend...
I found some of the Andalou products at Thrifty Foods and some at The Pharmasave drug store...our local health food shops carry them as well. I'd suggest that if you cannot find a store where you live that you opt for their starter kit.
Let me now what you think of the product of you try them. The beauty berry bush blooms here in Victoria in the Fall. I've not done much research on it so I am not sure what it likes!
50+ is the age range that they cater to...you and your husband might like the facility.
They offer fitness classes, Tai Chi, painting, games, book club, Mh Jongg, bridge, and so much more.
I have planted ours in full sun. The beauty berry bushes that I have seen in gardens near our bungalow are also planted in sunny locations.
Luanna I didn't know that...
you are a fountain of knowledge!
I like his designs, especially his handbags and accessories.
Sounds like sage advice Stephen. I loved your last post about the wedding and the water leaking from the ceiling! You are a gifted story teller!
I've been noticing the same thing about the blogs that I have been following for years...there is silence. It reminds me of that song "Where Have All the Flowers Gone...Long Time Passing" maybe they are feeling "talked out or tired?
I am busy and loving it!
Mother is the complete opposite...I have tried encouraging her to come with me to the centre but she resists. She does not need to be socially engaged like I am and really she never was that outgoing...but living life alone for the past few years it makes me wonder if she would be happier if she got out more.
Oh let me know what you think if you try the 1000 Roses skincare line. I read your post and see that you are using a different rose line for your face...using natural organic ingredients and focusing on natural less toxic products feels right.
The University Women's Club sounds like fun! You might know some of the ladies and if not, you'll make some new friends. I play bridge with a 94 year old woman who is as bright as a spark and she is an excellent player. She is well dressed and has a great sense of fashion. I love seeing what she wears...mostly tweedy suits and chunky real gold jewelry. Another woman that I play Mah Jongg with must be 80 is she's a day and she wears large wild artsy silver jewelry with her all black uniform of clothing...she's a spunky gal too. It's great to see these classy women out and about and keeping themselves well and they are decidedly vibrant.
Thank you. Bback to the drawing board!
We too are in the 'thick' of retirement and enjoying the freedoms that come with it. Gardening, having many coffee's out with each other and also friends.
Our neighbor said to my husband the other day so much for retirement you two are always doing something, so good.
Thanks for reminding me about the Eye Gel, need to be more diligent.
Keep enjoying all of what you are doing, that is what life is all about.
Lyn
It is great that you are involved in so many fun and interesting activities!!
Loved the neighborhood tour, I always look to see what others are doing in their gardens, and yes their accessories and adornments as well!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
PS Love, love Instagram!
Life is full for you, even in retirement. You're creating wonderful connections through your Bridge and Mah Jong games. Those mossy circles are so bright and evenly shaped - wonderful photo. Have a great weekend.
Hostess, You look so chic with your loafers and pretty scarves. Love that kind of classic fall look. Canada seems so pretty right now!! I am getting that book for my 98 year old grandma!
Have a good week! Kim
Post a Comment