Friday, May 12, 2023

Current Topics ~ What is on my radar and mindful walking.



Greetings from The Humble Bungalow Garden.
The Muguet des Bois are blooming...
SO FRAGRANT!!!!

I invited a couple of friends over to dig up some lily of the valley plants.
We have so many :-))
Gardeners like to share their plants with other like minded enthusiasts.


The Auriculas are blooming and they are so charming...
I have several plants and could repot some of them as they have multiplied over these past couple of years.

I see many new varieties in the UK which are so tempting...
not that many are here in the garden centres 
unless they are already in private gardens!

Haven't actually seen many of these auriculars locally at all this year.

I am not moaning here on the blog about my health but I am being proactive...
I've been online researching arthritis...
there is a lot of information to sift through.
Basically I know now that I need to keep moving...
take pain medication and get some physiotherapy.

I've got my appointment lined up and will see the specialist in June.
My walks are around 3 km and am getting 5,000-6,000 steps in during the day.
That number may not be totally accurate because the step total is from my IPhone
I don't have it on me the entire day.
I suppose I could buy a watch that counts the steps...
but does it really matter?

Two 3km walks might be the way to walk now...
a rest in between seems sensible and will help with the pain.
I'm taking Advil and it helps.

In other news I have switched up my skincare routine a wee bit...
I don't tend to spend a LOT on products.

Skin care basics need not break the budget.


Andalou make a sensitive line which works well for my everyday skin regime.
These lotions and potions are very affordable and free of nasty ingredients.


I love using the CC cream as it goes on easily and has SPF
it evens out skin tone and adds a dewy healthy glow.

The Great Lash is an iconic mascara and is often on sale...
The Burts Bees glow stick is a creamy blusher that I use on my cheeks and lips.

It takes me about 5 minutes to do my daytime make-up.


I tried an organic glow stick
 which developed a rough grainy texture
which I did not like at ALL :-((
(I returned it)

Burt's Bees All Aglow is lovely...
it is creamy and very easy to apply.
The shade gives me a soft natural looking blush.


~ Simple make up ~

My favourite red lippy from Miss Pupa of Milan.

Fresh haircut...
(in a bob style)

My thinning hair needed a makeover so my hairdresser gave it a blunt cut.
I can wear it wavy or flat iron it...I like the versatility of the style.
It will be easy to maintain.


Saw this gorgeous iris at Government House on one of my walks this week.

I love to wander about in the local gardens here...
so many great flowers and plantings that inspire.

The weather forecast is for hotter temperatures...
unseasonably hot, or so we are told.
I have swapped out my winter clothes for the spring and summer cottons and linens.

I found a few things that were no longer useful.
Dropped a bag off to the local charity shop, 
had a good browse and came home empty handed.

I replaced a white linen top that I donated with a fresh new one from Marshalls.
It is a simple basic...


Under $30...
will wear it a LOT.
I DO love a bargain.

Well I must close for now and get some stuff done here...
hope that you are enjoying your weekend so far.


Happy Mother's Day!
I will think of my dear MOM...she was one of a kind.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

17 comments:

Judith said...

As ever, a pleasure to see your great photos and find out what you are up to. Superb haircut!

LPC said...

I do love this new hair very much!

Sheila said...

Happy Mother's Day, Lesley! Your new haircut is lovely and light. I love looking at your flowers - isn't this hot weather both a treat and a shock to the system?? Weren't we wearing coats a week ago??

Stay cool!

christy said...

What a lovely post. Despite suffering you are glowing with the new hair style and makeup. Whatever you are doing it’s working well. With time and management you should see an improvement with the pain. I exercise every day so that I rarely take painkillers.

Kathryn in Canada said...



Lovely haircut, really suits you, kind of looks peppy! Love reading your blog and your take on everyday interests and experiences. I live on Vancouver Island too, so I can relate to the weather, the gardens etc.

Sandy said...

Your hair and makeup look wonderful. Love the new linen top. I love wearing linen, but I live in Florida, USA which means I could wear it more than just summer, but I do like to create season with my clothing choices.
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my late 30's. I really suffered for such a long time, but I do control it mostly with diet. I rarely do this, but if you want to read about my health journey you can find it on my blog. I have it on there, but never suggest it to anyone, but thought it might be worth looking into.

Carolyn said...

Such beautiful flower pictures 💖. I always enjoy reading your blog Leslie - thank you. Loving the new hair cut and your make up makes you glow. I have recently been diagnosed with arthritis in my hands, hips, knees, and feet , so I would be very interested in what you have found helps. Arthritis in my feet has made it difficult to walk any distance without them cramping up afterwards. Any suggestions are welcome.

materfamilias said...

Your response to your recent diagnosis of arthritis sounds wise and proactive -- and best of all, it paves the way for you to continue a favourite activity, walking. I think that breaking up the distance into two walks is a great idea. Best of luck with it all!

La Contessa said...

I recently saw an Instagram post, but the gal said Americans make money on all the basics. Basically, why do we need to keep track of our steps cause someone makes money out of that. Just keep moving whether it’s steps or moving the hips at the stove. The trick is just keep body moving.!
I have some of those lily-of-the-valley you make me want to go pluck a few and put in the silver vase!
Let’s hope this publishes that means I’m back as long as you keep advertising!!
Xx

Susan said...

Cute hair Leslie! I enjoy wearing a fit bit. I think they may be a bit old fashioned now--but I like keeping up with my steps. I sometimes get 10,000 steps in a day without trying. I don't think my steps are as effective as they would be if I was walking fast and with purpose though.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Judith ~ The haircut is the work of my gifted hairdresser...she is so talented.

Lisa ~ Thank you! It's getting quite silver now...not as lovely as my mom's was when she was 90 but I am getting there!

Sheila ~ Oh my it is HOT!! We have our heat pump om the cooling setting.

Christy ~ I am not sure if the Advil will be needed for a long time or not? It is too early to tell...some information indicates that arthritis pain can flare up and then ease...fingers crossed that's true!!

Kathryn in Canada ~ Hello! I am not sure what part of Vancouver Island you live on but welcome :-)) We went on the Conservatory Garden Tour on Saturday and saw many beautiful gardens.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sandy ~ I am envious of your climate...I know people who go to Florida each winter and LOVE IT! I will check out your blog...I hope the link is in your profile...will go and check Thank you.

Carolyn ~ I am a newbie to the arthritis so I am not really sure if I can share much...I am using Advil at night and walking slower on shorter walks...trying to get in two walks a day instead of one long one. I haven't had the physio appointment yet but the exercises should get me started on managing the pain.
Have you been to the physiotherapist yet?

Materfamilias ~ I am eager to see the physiotherapist...she has her masters and specializes in arthritis...and osteoporosis (I have osteopenia and am on the list for a new bone density test)
I know how important it is to keep active so I am going to do whatever it takes!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

La Contessa ~ Hooray your comment is live now! I just had to approve it as I have moderation turned on...
Movement when cooking and cleaning is an easy way to get in those steps, I will sway my hips at the stove.
Hope you are enjoying your lovely garden...we went on a garden tour this past Saturday and the gardens were amazing! I got quite a few ideas...

Susan ~ I used to have a Fit Bit...the battery died and I never bought a new watch. 10,000 steps was my daily goal before I started having pain and now that I know why I have pain I am getting about 6,000 Hope the physiotherapist will give me some exercises so I can adapt to this new regime.

Latane Barton said...

I love the new hairdo! Don't you look spiffy!! I am going to have to try out the BB All Aglow. It might be what I've been looking for. Thanks for thetip.

Noelle said...

I was so glad when you decided to continue blogging, and selfishly more so now. I too have developed arthritis and find walking long distances results in pain. I did get new orthotics from my physical therapists, and those help. And Advil too. I look forward to hearing about your therapies.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Latane Barton ~ I hope you like the Burts Bees All Aglow..I use it as a blush on my upper cheeks and then a quick lip gloss...thank you for that lovely comment on my new blunt cut bob!

Noelle ~ I did try to find an alternative blog platform but the costs were rather staggering...I am sharing a few ideas on my health journey in the new post. I hope to share more as this new challenge evolves. Take care and I am interested in how you are managing your arthritis...please share!

t said...

Looking fabulous! And I love your new linen top! I have to check out my local Marshall’s.