Friday, February 3, 2017

Snow Day, Flowers, Candles, the Gym and I could use your help...


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
The past post on women generated numerous comments, emails and there was a wee bit of controversy.

The blog posts here in The Humble Bungalow are varied and focus on 
beauty, joy, cooking, home keeping
are polite 
rest assured
the mood here is peaceful and calm.


This week has been a busy one and I have done a little "fluffing" in our home.
Scented candles and fresh flowers are two of my favourite affordable luxuries.
 Its the little things that make life at home more enjoyable.
Flowers and fragrance
light and warmth.


TEA!
Time for a cup of Tea 
decaf Yorkshire blend is my daily brew.
I enjoy sipping from a pretty mug like this one from Emma Bridgewater.

Snowdrops are dainty, sweet and we have planted then in our garden.


Yes that IS snow...
it was falling most of the day.


The black mondo grass is peeking through the blanket of snow.

You may be surprised to hear
I've taken the plunge and joined a gym.

Dominique, a reader of my blog, 
emailed me and suggested this particular gym
  I am very grateful.
Thank you!

The gym is for the over 55 group and located not too far from The Humble Bungalow.
 A personal trainer is teaching me how to use the equipment and is assessing my levels and recommending how long and at what levels I need to be working.
I have worked out 3 times this week and my muscles are slightly tender.

It feels good to be actively working out to change my shape.
I have come to the gym somewhat reluctantly...
I was hoping not to pay for fitness but I have not had much success recently with my walking.
The weather has kept me indoors more often and I have gained weight.

The weight training should speed up my metabolism and I am hopeful that the scale will reflect all my efforts in due course.

The trainer told me to stay off my scale for the first month...
muscle weighs more than fat and she does not want me to get discouraged.

My goal is to go to the gym 2-3 times a week.
The people are friendly and the staff are knowledgable.
The space is clean and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed.


After my work out I went to the mall and bought a new bra, two magazines and a new mascara.
My mascara had passed its use by date and I thought I would try a less expensive brand but I still want to use one that is free of nasty ingredients.
Physician's Formula makes this one so I will test it out and see if it delivers on the promise of fuller lashes.


My workout has left me feeling weary tonight and I am happy to relax on the sofa and watch some TV with my husband.


I have a question for you...
It is my hope that you can help me find a perfect 
or close to perfect 
basic white Tee shirt.

I want one that is simple and very plain
no logos or writing or pattern on the front
in a cotton that has some weight to it 
so it does not cling.

I have spent so much time trying to find one in the local shops
 so far I have come up empty handed...
it should be easy to find
 I am not sure why I am having such trouble.

So I figured you might have the answer and be able to steer me in the right direction...

Thank you for dropping by and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kudos for you-well done with the gym. I liked gym very much and repetitive of exercises find not boring but calming.
I wear plain white tee shirts a lot,under v neck sweaters,shirts for layering and alone in the summer.
We don't have a lot of choice as you. Despite my attitude against fast fashion,I've bought three white tee shirts for myself and one for my mother at Uniqlo-supima cotton,plain white-, a year ago in London. I wear them since then and am still content with the quality
Your home and garden looks lovely in early spring
Have a nice weekend
Dottoressa

Anonymous said...

Petite Bateau - in the large children's size or Armani AX are my go-to brands. If you time it right, you can often get the Armani's at half price.

Anonymous said...

Very enjoyable Blog.
Good luck with the gym.
Love the flowers both those bought and those growing in your garden
Hilary

Anonymous said...

The gym is a great idea. Go slow stay hydrated and stretch pre and post work out. White t shirts I like company at Costco or online at Gap. I buy 2 navy and 2 white twice a year, short sleeve for summer and long sleeve for winter as wardrobe staples. Enjoy your blog.
Regards from Ontario, Pat

Madame Là-bas said...

Good for you! Joining a gym is a big step! My weight is going up and I really need more exercise. I have vowed to be truly vigilant about what I eat for the next three weeks. I chose a journal but so far, I have only recorded books in it. I have found that Tribal makes non-clingy white t-shirts. There is not a lot available in Richmond but perhaps you would have better luck in Victoria. I have also bought Lord and Taylor at HBC. They have a good range of styles and I have bought the v-necked and the pin-tuck necked versions. The cotton is heavy enough that it does not cling.

Martha K said...

I have had luck with Fresh Produce tees.

Sherry said...

i'm on the same white t-shirt quest so will be watching with interest as to any suggestions! .. a gym for 55+..?! i dare say i'm living in the wrong place on earth. sigh...

Anonymous said...

Have you tried looking at the Covered Perfectly line?
www.coveredperfectly.com
Good luck in your search. I'm a frequent lurker, but enjoy reading your blog so very, very much. I always come away feeling uplifted, thank you!
Lisa S

KSL said...

https://www.everlane.com/products/boxcut-tee-white?collection=womens-tees
A very good tee, from a great company and a very reasonable price. Good for you about the gym!

donnyb said...

I've been very happy with tees I've bought at Costco (the short-sleeve versions seem to come in spring) -- they are the 'Company by Ellen Tracy' brand, made in Canada, and cotton fabric which is not too thin (and the price is great!). Colours can be a limited, but there is usually white at least.

I'm curious the name of the gym you are going to -- wonder if there is one over here in South Surrey as well. As you say, walking in the snow and ice is problematic (although the dog still needs his exercise -- just not as much as usual the past while unfortunately for both of us). Lyn

Anonymous said...

Hello
I am not sure if I can be helpful but I have had success in the past with Talbots for tee shirts. Lands End/ LLBean also seems to carry those through out the year. I have not bought one from either of them recently.....And I have bumped into odd clothing items at Costco of all places (mainly exercise wear)!

Also, I missed a few days of blog reading and I just wanted to thank you for Wed's post.
Suz from Vancouver

Jennifer said...

Good for you!! I've not been to my gym for weeks. I'll be watching to see what T-shirts are recommended. A perfect white Tee is always welcome in my wardrobe.

Sharon said...

Hi Leslie, Try Old Navy. I have seen cotton/linen blends there plus they are inexpensive. I stopped wearing logos, pictures, brand names on my t shirts years ago. I refuse to be someone's company billboard!

Sharon

Marilyn said...

I get my T-shirts from Marks and Spencer. Good luck with the gym.

Anonymous said...

Hello Hostess,

Love the idea of fresh flowers and scented candles. And what a lovely way to reuse the glass holders!

Good for you for joining a gym! It kickstarts our habits.

I, too, joined the Gentle Fitness (for the over 60 crowd) at my neighbourhood community centre this week. The gym floor is cushioned to be easy on the joints. Our young instructor takes us through our paces for an hour, highlighting each set of muscle groups. We do aerobics, stretch, strength, core, balance. No mat work. He is available Fridays to teach us to use equipment, but I'm not ready for that yet.

I also started line dancing Wednesdays with seniors, at the same community centre. Very gentle movement. Wonderful company.

My thoughts are: 1. Just show up. 2. Just keep moving more.

I enjoy your blog so much. I am always enriched by the topics and the discussion they generate. Sarah Kauffman's delightful new book, The Art of Grace, seems to me to be what your blog is all about.

Thanks so much.
Honey Bee

I do what I can and am thrilled with that.

Cathy said...

I favor J. Jill for tees but not sure whether you have that store in Canada. The fabric is the right weight and the neck is nicely finished.

Mollie said...

I so enjoy your blog and appreciate the non political messages! Here is a link to a wonderful and reasonable basic white T-shirt. https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/womens-supima-cotton-crew-neck-t-shirt-163142.html?dwvar_163142_color=COL00&cgid=women-t-shirts-and-tops#start=21&cgid=women-t-shirts-and-tops Wash/dry and ready to go.

christy said...

I admire you for joining a gym. Not easy if you are like me and don't enjoy those places. Sounds as if you have found a good one though. I enjoy yoga but am finding it hard at the moment as have been away from it for a while due to recuperating from a minor op and she has changed the class. Like you I am always on the search for the illusive good white T and will read with interest what you come up with.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I had a Uniqlo tee several years ago...
I like the simplicity of a white top for layering.
Enjoy your weekend too D!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I tried that line when I was in Paris but unfortunately the tops are too small at the bust...they make lovely clothes for children!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Armani may be available in Vancouver...I will make note of that line Thank you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Gap sells petites online so I will check their selection...I take my water bottle with me to the gym and we have been instructed to warm up and to stretch.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will check out Tribal...I have had a few of their tops in the past...The Bay shpuld have some new stock for spring in soon so I will check.
Merci beaucoup Madame.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

They are made in the US aren't they? I saw some at Roche and Friday Harbour when we were there on our boat.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I think this gym might be unusual as it focuses only on seniors but then there are oodles of the grey haired set here in town! Many people come here from across Canada to retire!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

No I have not seen any here in town. I think they are in the US and I will look at that line...thank you.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Am off to look at their site...thank you!
Oh its hard working out at the gym but I have to get on with it...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

This gym is independent and private. It is operated by a woman who specializes in senior care...she thought that there was a need for a place where older people would be able to access a facility that did not play loud music or have high intensity aerobic classes...I may very well be one of the youngest members!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It is new for me and I am keen to go...the staff make it fun and they are very encouraging and supportive. It is always more fun with a friend and my walking partner may be interested in joining when she returns from her holidays.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We have Old Navy here in town...I rarely get out to the mall where they are located but it sounds like I may now need to make that trek!

Anonymous said...

Most of my tee shirts are from Uniqlo, as some of the commenters have mentioned. They are of a good weight and aren't transparent at all, but also aren't too thick.

The gym you joined sounds perfect!

D.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

M&S is no longer in Victoria...I do miss their clothing and the food floor!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you fro the book title I will see if the local library has a copy that I may borrow...good luck with your new classes. It is wise to keep active and its quite social working out in a class or a gym which makes it much more enjoyable.
Have a great weekend Honey Bee.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

JJill is a popular shop for women of a certain age...my walking partner loves their things. Will go online and see what they have for Spring...
Thank you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for sharing this, we can all go a look at the Tee now!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I stopped going to Yoga when my favourite instructor left to go to take care of elephants in India...she was the best instructor and her classes were so popular...I really miss her classes but the new gym offers some so I will try them out.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh and I hope you are on the mend Christy...

Anonymous said...

Here in australia we have bonds. But I also like uniqlo and thier air brand for exercise. I have the same problem as you for a few months, but too hot and humid to walk. Smart idea about the older gym, I know a lot of us baby boomers would like that.
Janey

Linda from Philadlphia said...

I like the llbean Pima cotton tees. I have a few and they have held up well over the years.

I so enjoy your easy going and non judgmental blog. I can count on you to leave me happy and comfortable.

Anonymous said...

I am constantly looking for decent white tees! Try thewhiteshirt.com I think I am going to try the ballet neck 3/4 sleeve one.

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I have had good luck with Talbots.

Lorrie said...

It does take persistence to keep ourselves trim and fit as we get older, doesn't it? I hope you find your perfect white tee. I like Lord and Taylor at HBC for my long-sleeved tees, although I find their crew necks a little too high. I hope to find some short-sleeved tees there for summer.

Jeannine said...

Good for you on the gym. I'm not a gym person, myself, but it sounds like you found a great fit. Wish I had a suggestion on the white tee-shirt - something I'm always on the lookout for myself. Because I typically wear them under something else, I'm not as hung up on them being on the thin side. I do know what you mean, though. I prefer tee-shirts that are not all cotton, that have some lycra in them as otherwise, I feel, they end up shrinking up from the bottom and looking like a "box". I don't like tee-shirts which are too short. I'm terribly picky and look forward to seeing what you come up with and recommend. Thanks
for all you do.

Anonymous said...

I actually discovered Uniqlo (a Japanese company) when I was staying in the Marais in Paris a couple years ago. I think they started the fitted puffer jacket craze that you see people wearing everywhere now, especially Paris.

D.

Anonymous said...

Love your decor - flowers, candles and a lovely cup for tea. Perfection. Your gym sounds great. An instructor that can guide your exercise and help with some weight loss goals and tone sounds wonderful. Can you update us on her recommendations and your progress? This will be a testimonial to how one can work with a good instructor. Some gyms show women and men working "frantically" on gym equipment and this does not appeal to me. As for a good white T-shirt, today while at Whole Foods grocery store, they are displaying white, organic cotton T-shirts. The cotton is of good thickness and very soft.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

You bouquet is so pretty. I love the way you use the empty candle containers on your vanity - very cleaver.

I think you will really enjoy and benefit from going to the gym. Weight training is a very important part of fitness. I think she was very smart to tell you to stay off the scale for a while, and she is right...muscle weighs more than fat. The way your clothes fit is a better estimate.

I am taking a class that is new to me, Yogalates, a combination of yoga and pilates. So far it is fun and I like it.

Linda from Philadlphia said...

I like the llbean Pima cotton tees. I have a few and they have held up well over the years.

I so enjoy your easy going and non judgmental blog. I can count on you to leave me happy and comfortable.

cj said...

I love Land's End's tee shirts in pima cotton. Everything I've bought from them is really well made and last forever. I love your house and how you are in your house. Good luck with the gym.

Patricia said...

So gorgeous, snowdrops, snow, and a snowdrop mug! I love a white tee too, but have never found the perfect brand. After reading through the comments I will have a look at Uniqlo which has recently arrived in our city. Well done for joining the gym. 2-3 times a week is a lot, but you seem incredibly organised. I go to a personal trainer weekly, and find it very helpful, as well as therapeutic in so many ways :)

Jan C. said...

I like Jones New York (reasonably priced but getting harder to find in dept. stores, have found some in TJ Maxx) and JCrew (pricey but hold up well).

I go to a gym/work with a trainer 2-3 days a week-at my age I am afraid the weight loss is non-existent but I want to avoid getting frail and weak.

Kim said...

Dear Hostess-I so enjoy your blog and hope you never stop writing it! You have inspired me on numerous occasions and now I am answering your call for help. I believe you will find the t-shirt of your dreams at Comfort Colors. They have an online store and do have a Canada choice on their homepage. Their shirts are a thicker weight, so they are not see through. The shirts are 100 percent cotton and already feel broken in.It is the most comfy shirt I have ever worn and me and my friends are crazy about them! They wash very well and I believe you would be pleased in their all around goodness! I hope you will let us know what brand you end up choosing.

Peace-love & light--
Kim

Margie from Toronto said...

LL Bean online for T-shirts - the Pima Cotton ones are a good weight, keep their shape, feel wonderfully soft and wash up well. They also come in many different styles and are very reasonably priced. Talbots often have decent ones but it varies from year to year as to style and weight of cotton - I don't like the material to be too thin and they can be a wee bit pricey. Also The Bay stocks Lord & Taylor T-shirts at very reasonable prices and I've found them to be a good buy although I do find them a wee bit long - and since you are petite you may also find this a problem.
Good luck at the gum - I've just started some "Chair Yoga" classes (for those of us with mobility issues) and I'm surprised at how much of a workout it is! Not quite what you are doing but I figure every little bit helps.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I agree about the Lord and Taylor tee top necks being too high...that style does not suit my figure.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am not really a gym person either! But "needs must" as our bungalow has no room for exercise equipment. Oh I don't want anything too boxy or short and I am obviously very picky when it comes to Tee shirts!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will in due course...I am on the learning curve at the moment so it might be a few weeks before I get the hang of all the machines!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We have Whole Foods here but I have not seen clothing in the store...perhaps we have a smaller shop as it is the first one that they have opened in our city.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Gosh thats a tongue twister isn't it?
Yogalates...sounds like the best of both practises.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

LL Bean is my walking partner's favourite for tops and tees.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I ordered some tees last year and they were too thin and very shaped and I sent them back and that cost me money...I must have a look at their spring line and see what I can find.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

White shirts and white tees are not easy to find...perhaps it is because I have such high expectations all in the one garment!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Jones do make some great garments...I have seen a few at Marshalls but no petites so the sleeves and body are far too long for me and I don't really want to take them to be altered...

Julie said...

Earlier you posted about how well your freesia from a local shop had lasted. The ambiance in your home is inspiring so I bought some freesia too, though mine came from a big box store. A week plus and they're still looking pretty. Makes me feel good.

I go to a gym three times a week and sure can tell when I'm away from it while travelling. Don't fear the weight not decreasing like when we were young. I've learned to appreciate feeling well. My gym doesn't respect older women enough. The co-ordinator is young and listens to the comments of gals her age. I've told her that they've lost customers because of this. Crazy thing is that all the long term members are well over 50.

Good luck with your search for a white tee.

Janet Eiffel said...

Target.......yep........Target

Unknown said...

LL Bean, I bought the short sleeve boat neck and I love the weight!! (it also has a "longer" short sleeve not quite 3/4 but better).

Anonymous said...

I like LLBean's white tee because you get more coverage. I'll be curious how you style it. ~Mary