Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Seeking Snowdrops ~ Shopping ~ and other things happening in The Humble Bungalow this week.


Snowdrops are poking up through the soil here in The Humble Bungalow Garden!

I am in search of some new varieties...
Those that I particularly seek are the Double Snowdrops and Everest.

My husband and I are planning a trip soon to Salt Spring Island 
where we will visit a nursery that sells rare and unusual plants.

I have heard that they may have some snowdrops in pots.


Tencel has been the softest way to add a denim look to my wardrobe.
I love the feel of it next to my skin and the way it drapes is so effortless.


This top has a "BoHo" vibe
the pintucks and woven accents remind me of tops that I wore in the 1970's
we called them peasant tops...


Love the elastic detail at the wrists...
very easy to push up the sleeves when cooking!
Really like the frayed hem on the bottom...
many of you wear ripped jeans but I cannot bring myself to buy or wear them.
(Mom's fashion advice and voice is still loud and clear in my head!)
this ragged edging is a vibe that I can abide.

I found this top at Marshalls for $40

I also bought a pair of black capri Yoga pants as my older ones were faded.
My exercise regime includes Yoga and now some Pilates and weights.


The weights were at the thrift shop on Pender.
I will be working up to heavier ones as I get stronger.
I am going to keep my eyes open for heavier ones at the local thrift shops.

One of the reasons that I decided to add weights is that Mom had osteoporosis...
when she passed away at almost 90, she had 4 fractured vertebrae in her back.
They were very very painful and she suffered quite a bit.

I have osteopenia, which usually progresses to osteoporosis.
Weights can build bone mass as well as toning arms.
I have been working out watching weight training pilates videos on You Tube.
There are so many free sites which makes it easy to add them to my routine.

Do you use weights?


These dark mornings will be replaced by lighter ones very soon.
Spring is not that far off...
snowdrops, hellebores, crocus are blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Daffodils are not far off!

Well I must close for now and get some dinner started...
am making a new recipe that I saw on Instagram
 ~ Mezzeta ~

One Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs

I have never tried to make a one pan dish like this so I am hoping it works out!

until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

14 comments:

Sheila said...

One pan spaghetti? Sign me up! We have spotted snowdrops too, but no crocuses in our condo's garden just yet. My mom's been bragging about her hellebores, ha ha!

I do use weights! I bought a 5-lb set (at Winners, but London Drugs also carries them), and I use them almost daily. I do quick workouts while I wait for my kettle to boil or when I'm making popcorn on the stove. I do:
- Day 1, 3, 5 - 3 sets of 15 pushups off a low bookcase, alternating with 3 sets of 15 standing rows (I use the weights for these) balanced on one foot (I switch feet). These two exercises are good for my upper body and shoulders.
- Day 2, 4, 6 - 3 sets of 15 sets bridges (lying on back, thrusting hips up); alternating with 3 sets of 20 "dead bugs" (look it up). These are for my core and stomach muscles. My belly may be a little squishy these days but I have rock-hard abs under there, lol!

Love your new top, L - also not really a fan of ripped jeans.

Jeannine said...

I am so inconsistent with using weights - and every time I read about them (like your post) I think I must get better! I have 2 lb, 3.3 lb, and 5 lb weights. I think I need to find a set that is heavier as well - maybe 10 lbs? Good idea checking thrift shops for them. I really like Tencel as well - as you said, it drapes so well and feels so soft.

Lorrie said...

A new top can be such a great pick me up when winter wardrobes are feeling in need of refreshment. Soft denim is so easy to wear with so many things.

Snowdrops are blooming here, and I saw a couple of crocuses in my garden this morning. Such a lovely sign that warmer days are on the way!

gwenrob said...

I was thinking about Fraser Thimble farms on Salt spring isl for bulbs and other treasures. I've never been but I have been perusing their catalogue for years!
good luck

Doré Way said...

Such beautiful snowdrops! And love the peasant blouse. Do you take PIlates at a class or use Youtube/online videos at home? If in-class, can you recommend any places in Victoria?

christy said...

I rarely comment but always enjoy your blogs. Lovely blouse. A real pick-me-up on these grey days. On the subject of weights: I have a good book, Strong Women Stay Young by Miriam E Nelson, Ph.D. It's quite old. Dr Nelson has done a lot of research on keeping strong even when someone has limited mobility. I use the simple weight exercises twice a week.

Kelly L McKenzie said...

So delighted to meet up over here as well as Instagram. Howdy! I thank you for the nudge to get back into weights. I used to work out with them in the gym 20 years ago but have let it slip. I must get back to it. I will. I mostly do cardio these days. There's a mini Grouse Grind type hike called the Coquitlam Crunch. Comprised of six sections, it is a good workout. I did it three times a week during Covid and now am averaging about two. My bloodwork reflects the efforts which is great. However, I really need to work on my upper body. As for snowdrops, ours aren't out yet. Funny how we're a bit behind here on the Lower Mainland. I'll report back when they're out!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I googled that dead bug move...WOW! I cannot go that your core must be very strong. The Hellebores are in their glory right now...Enjoy your weekend Sheila.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think that you might consider using the lighter weights to restart your routine and work up to the heavier ones. Ten pounds sounds way too daunting to me!! How is your retirement ?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I wore the top out to lunch this week. We went to Salt Spring Island to go to Thimble Nursery to get some more exotic snowdrops...3 acres of plants is definitely a fun spot to shop! Now we have several new varieties...I am keen to see them all in bloom.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Fraser Thimble Farm Nursery on SSI is a gem! We traipsed about the 3 acres yesterday and found 3 new varieties of snowdrops. It was a fun day trip and we had lunch at the Treehouse...I wanted to go to Barb's Buns but they are currently closed for holidays. Hope you get an opportunity to go sometime.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am only doing pilates online, using You Tube. Sorry but I have no recommendations for the practise in a local studio or gym.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It sounds like a great reference book for weight training...i must check out the local library to see if they have a copy. Thank you! Good to hear from you Christy :-))

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

That "mini Grouse Grind" sounds rather daunting to me...I am impressed by your fitness regime. We have lots of snowdrops here in bloom...maybe it is the sea air ? We had a great day yesterday at Salt Spring Island and went to Thimble Farms Nursery for exotic snowdrops...success, we now have 3 new hybrids!
Enjoy your weekend Kelly !