Sunday, April 9, 2017

Getting My Happy On

Oh my the overcast rainy days are getting tiresome...
almost everyone I encounter seems to be focusing on our wet Spring.
We are craving some sunshine and warmer weather
but until that happens, I believe in being proactive by making my own sunshine...


A pretty new brolly...
from France


a tasty latte sipped in a local cafe


Warm thoughts sunshine and yellow sunflowers...

a dear reader from Vancouver
sent me a card and a packet of seeds for sunflowers 
which we plan to plant 
in The Humble Bungalow Garden
that put a smile on my face!

Thank you R
you are a kind and thoughtful friend.
XO


With a passion for  French interiors and homes... 
 no plane ticket or holiday accommodations arranged
I'll be transported as I peruse these beautiful magazines.


The hunt for the illusive pink lipstick is over...
it is a bit darker pink than I thought would suit me but with help from the savvy gals at the pharmacy I bagged a winner!


L'Oreal Colour Riche #580 Peony Pink




It's frequently the little things that can help keep up our spirits.


a cheerful mug
(Emma Bridgewater)
a warm hug
a smile

perhaps an afternoon to relax and read
indulge in a pot of tea
nibble a square of good chocolate
maybe even have a nap


If things are not going your way
I do hope that they will get better...


This blend is divine...
what are your favourite teas?


Raindrops like wee diamonds sparkle on the stems of the snowdrops.

Your turn now to chime in and share with us 
what do you do to keep your spirits up?


The sun is out as I put the finishing touches on this post.

Wishing you a lovely week.

36 comments:

Janet Eiffel said...

Working hard in my garden makes me happy.
Then sitting still in my garden drinking tea.
Also.........reading your blog is a spirit lifter.

Becky said...

I like the L'Oréal in "Blush".

Rosie said...

Such a lovely post Leslie ....great shade of lipstick ...it really suits you and the pictures are the best I've seen of you! As to what do I do to keep my spirits up ?? I think of my children :) go for a walk, have a coffee, think about my "happy place" ...Switzerland!! also I have a list on my phone of things that make me happy ...so I'll look at that!! :)
Also reading your blog and Maters and Sues always leaves me feeling happy ... Like coffee and a chat with a good friend!
I hope you're having a happy weekend!
Rosie

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

It has been suddenly very warm here for the last two days. Maybe it is Sprint at last. Those sunflower seeds should make for a really bright spot in your yard. Some sunflowers grow very tall. Maybe they would disguise the excavation work going on next door to you. Love that lipstick color and the fact that it looks very moisturizing. It's very pretty on you. I think I'm going to buy some next time I am at the store. I've had good luck with L'Oreal lipsticks before.

Anonymous said...

You are a wise woman,Leslie-one has to find happiness in little things and indulgences: coffee with cream in the morning,cup of tea in the afternoon-we have The House of Green Tea shop here,so I love some of their blends,beside that I drink Lady Grey lately-,comforting books (last ones were a new Donna Leon-Earthly Remains,and Helen Simonsen's Major Pettigrew Last Stand),beautiful sunny days I see ,looking from the hospital window of my father's room.....
I don't have any wish even to plant flowers on my balcony at the moment
Your new lipstick suits you very well,it is lovely,even better than pinkish pink
Dottoressa

Susan D said...

The lipstick looks really lovely on you and your hair looks so pretty. Your pictures have cheered me up.
Susan D

Unknown said...

Oh you!! You've inspired me to work on a "happy" post!! And you post makes me incredibly happy because in 7weeks we leave for our annual visit to Theoule-sur-mer! I will be searching for that umbrella!! Thank you!!!

Patricia said...

Nature always does it for me - a walk by the creek, time in the garden or buying some plants. Your brolly is so chic, I like it very much, and also the lippy, a really nice shade. Definite pick-me-ups there :) The French magazines look so inviting, and I wish they were available over here!

Madame Là-bas said...

I have stopped buying as many magazines as I used to when I worked but I still enjoy dreaming with Victoria magazine. The rain stopped at home Sunday and Monsieur sent me a photo of my parrot tulips and grape hyacinths that are in bloom in the parking lot garden.
I wandered to the Zocalo (main square) today and took pictures of the palm creations. So colourful and creative! London Drugs ( I get the flyer online) has Lavazza on sale this week.
I read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. It's a light read but I was drawn in.

Margie from Toronto said...

Love your umbrella! And I am going to check out that pink lipstick - we have similar colouring so it may just be what I am looking for - thank you for the tip.

It is going up to 22C today in Toronto so I am going to get out for a long walk and enjoy it after a couple of bitterly cold and windy days!

La Contessa said...

Did you cut your hair?I have missed a few POSTS!
Lovely shade of PINK.................
YOU are doing all the right things!
XX

Marilyn said...

Lovely brolly. Saint James have really nice things, I have a couple of there striced tops and a chunky navy sweater. Luckily I have a friend who stocks the make in her dress shop and I get a little discount on the price. Your lipstick is just your colour. I may have a little splurge on one myself!

Jeannine said...

To keep my spirits up: a good walk, working in the garden, working in my sewing room on my latest quilting project, baking bread, working on a long neglected cleaning or clearing out project, reading a good book, taking a nap. Love that new lipstick color on you - fits you perfectly!

Unknown said...

This weather is certainly different this year. As I'm typing hail is falling outside and I can see blue sky in the distance....the daffodils look stunned. Yes dreaming of France...our tickets are booked.
Ali

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I agree hard work in the garden works wonders...tea as well, both are great!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'll have to look for that shade...I bet it looks great on you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Rosie...I never knew that you loved Switzerland...it would be lovely to know more about your connection to it...if you have the time to share.
Friends. family, coffee and blogs like Sue's and Mater's are among my faves too!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think we have another spot in mind for the sunflowers...but I understand where you are coming from with that suggestion!
The lipstick is creamy and moist...also very affordable.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It really is the little things that make all the difference...I have read both those books....am currently reading The Grape Village by Laura Bradbury. It is written by a woman who lives part time here in Victoria and part time in France....she has just had a liver transplant and is recovering....here in Canada.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Susan..
Thank you for stopping by...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I popped over to see if you have written a post...alas nothing yet....will stay tuned and hope that your trip will inspire one soon!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Nature is my go to as well....
although the grandchildren are an instant "happy maker."
Perhaps you can find those French publications online?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I must go and check London Drugs!
I have been watching the series Big Little Lies on Netflix....
Currently I am reading The Grape Village by a local writer, Laura Bradbury...she lives part time in France and part time here in Victoria. She just received a liver transplant...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I was looking for a pinker shade but they did not look good on me...
they were 20% off so I saved a few dollars and I have confidence that I am not making a colour faux pas!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

My hairdresser cut my hair quite a few months ago...
I go every 6 weeks for a trim...coincidentally her mom passed away within 2 days of my Mom so we cried a lot last time I had my hair cut...She is a lovely woman and I trust her with my life! That is how I feel about my doctor, dentist and hairdresser!

Rosie said...

I'm always happy to share my love of Switzerland Leslie :) We're travelling at the moment but I'll send you an email once I'm home.
Rosie

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have had a few Saint James pieces and the quality is impeccable....love the striped tops and the sweaters. Good for you to save money and still source a quality line that you love to wear!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh you are my kind of gal....I love all of these things!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It was a warmer sunny afternoon today and the grandchildren were here and they got to sit on the digger next door!
It will be lovely to come to your island paradise!
Good for you to have those travel plans...
XO

Margie from Toronto said...

I bought myself a tube yesterday, and yes, it was on sale! I thought that it would go on a lot pinker but I think that has been my problem - I buy a colour I like in the tube but then find it to be "too pink" on. I think this one will work out quite well - so thank you for the tip.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh good news about the lipstick!
I like the shade and it has perked me up just wearing it...my grandmother was right about lipstick...she had to scrimp and save to buy her red lippy during the depression but it was important to her and it made her feel beautiful.

Becky said...

I loved "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand." I think you would enjoy it, Leslie. I will look for The Grape Village"

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I read Major Pettigrew a few years ago and thought it a very sweet story.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You can borrow my copy if you want when I am finished reading it.

Anonymous said...

Dear Hostess, Thank you for doing all the hard work sourcing my new lipstick! It looked so good on you I went out and bought it. Cheers, Marguerite

Anonymous said...

I too looked up that lipstick. It is absolutely perfect. Thanks for the recommendation. ~Mary