Saturday, January 17, 2026

January ~ Chit Chat Catch Up & Thrifted Wardrobe Basics

 


~ Rose ~
Pope John Paul ll

Blooming in the Humble Bungalow mid January!
There are about a dozen buds ~ the weather is incredibly wet, but temps are mild.
If we get a freeze many many plants will be hit hard and not all will survive...
Fingers crossed that we don't lose many like we did a few years ago.


In my ongoing attempt to avoid carbs...
 I made meatballs in sauce and served them with a green salad.
They were delicious and I didn't miss the pasta.


I've been watching a variety of videos on You Tube about French Fashion...
Turns out that Blazers are a "Thing" and I haven't owned one for decades!

Well, I must confess that the power of persuasion is VERY real
 So I started my search...
In second hand and thrift stores...tried on many different types.
Plaids, tweeds, denim, boiled wool, canvas, knits...
None worked until I went to the Turnabout Luxury Resale store...


I had just finished a Yoga class across the street
spent time chatting and catching up with a former colleague 
and thought I would Pop In.


The blazer is black, was marked down, I tried it on, and that was it...


Reading a lovely book set in Cornwall...
Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase.
Eve wrote The Wilding Sisters which I also have in my TBR pile.

I'm enjoying the story and loving the large manor house and gardens...
can totally visualize the scenery and the dilapidation of the old house.

The author has a way with words, 
so vivid that it makes the reader feel they are right there!


One of the recent rainy afternoons I felt like baking...
I perused some old cookbooks and came across the recipe for Lazy Daisy Cake.

Have you ever made it?

All the ingredients were available in my pantry cupboard and fridge so away we go...
back to the 1970's


It was yummy
(cake = carbs)

I gained 9 ounces over a few days and a couple of pieces...
well in all honesty
it could have been the fact that I haven't walked much due to the rain.

I am trying to walk at the mall out of the weather and the floors are even...
so not many hazards except shopping!!!


Wooly Cozy Green sweater...
thrifted in Sidney


Accessorized with my thrifted vintage brooch.
Found it on Salt Spring Island last year.


Sparkles in the sunshine.
Butler Brand aka Fifth Avenue Collection

~ Bird of Paradise ~
(1988-1992)


The wool sweater is great with my black puffer vest...
wore the wool beret that I found in a James Bay thrift shop.
Surprising how cozy and warm a turtleneck is...have not had one in many years.


Treated myself to Murchie's Mint Tea!
So flavourful...this is how mint tea should taste.


Closing in on the 20 pound mark though which is very encouraging...
but it seems that I may have hit a plateau.

Hubby is working in the lower level of the bungalow...
he's building shelves and cleaning up and finishing his workspace.
There will be a new pantry/storage area for my extra household supplies.

The big bulky packages of toilet paper, paper towels, big sacks of flour
cases of tinned goods which I try to purchase 
when there is a good price at the supermarket.

All will be painted white and there will be some new wood flooring to finish it off.
I'll try to post a picture when it is all finished.

The surgery date is in late February which is not far off!

Any birthday celebrations ( March 3rd) will have to be put on the back burner
as they will only be a couple of days after my procedure.

I've been buying a few things for my post surgery recovery...
2 piece soft and roomy cozy grey top and pants outfit from the Gap
2 sports bras with front zips as it might be awkward to do up my regular bras.
(twisting is to be avoided)

Dressing will be uber casual especially the first week or so...
might just wear my nightie for a few days.
No one will see me except Mr. HB and he's not The Fashion Police!
(I suppose I could wear my pearls as they elevate any outfit)

How is your New Year shaping up?
What's new?

Have you any travel plans?
Started a new course, fitness class, read any great books?


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. And please wear the pearls!!! Congratulations on the weight loss!

Ann said...

Oh, that rose is gorgeous! Snow and frigid temps here in PA, so I needed to see that today. Blazers - I had several before I retired and wore to school as I liked the professional look and the extra layer in a chilly library. But I had not used them for years, so I donated them to a charity shop and now, like you, I am looking for blazers again. You found a great one, and the sweater looks so cozy. No travel plans - just home from a 17 day cruise to the Panama Canal and Central America. Fascinating, fun, and NOT good for losing any pounds...but am home and trying to lose some now. Way to cold and slippery to walk outside - which I prefer - so it's the treadmill and walking the halls ( and steps ) in our building! Sounds like you are getting all set for your surgery - sending prayers for a speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

Yes -- all the best for the surgery and recovery. The prep is so important! I haven't worn a blazer for years; the one you've thrifted is a fantastic find. I need to shop my closet and see what might be hiding. My new year's reorganization is on a smaller scale than your basement effort; I am focusing on clearing out utility drawers and spaces under sinks. It always feels good to open a drawer and actually see what is in it! Love to open your blog and find a new post with the good cheer that your writing and photos bring.

Miss Merry said...

You look sensational in your new blazer! I had surgery at the beginning of covid and wore pjs for weeks. It was great timing.

Anonymous said...

yes to lazy daisy cake! I used to make it frequently, when the sons were children. It’s a good cake to whip up to take to a potluck or gathering. I have yet to go into Turnabout . . . I love the consignment shop in Estevan! Have you been there?

Kristien62 said...

Your book about Cornwall sounds interesting. I was surprised to learn that part of my family came from Cornwall. We always thought it was Wales, but apparently they began in Cornwall and moved to Wales. I’m determined to visit someday. I fell in love with Cornish scenery when I discovered the show, Doc Martin. Your blazer was quite a find. We have one good resale shop in Oneida, but I’ve had very little luck finding a treasure in any of the other thrift shops. Maybe I’m being too fussy. Enjoy your balmy weather. We are freezing here in Upstate NY. I’m not sick of winter yet, but if it stays this cold for much longer, I might catch cabin fever.

Mary said...

The rose is beautiful! Mine are buried in 2+ ft of snow, lol. I too am having hip replacement surgery, this Thursday is the day. Are you having traditional or anterior? The anterior is what I am having. I am anxious to have relief from hip pain

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I love the thrifted sweater and the beautiful [pin! Good luck with your carb challenge.

Anonymous said...

As always, thanks for sharing the TBR titles and great recipes! Seeing your Murchie's tea reminded me that I want to refill my own stock. I give myself several 2-4 oz. bags of Murchie's teas for my birthday each year. I was in the tearoom in 2004 and loved it. Now with the (CRAZY) tariffs, I will have to decide what to buy/how much to spend...sigh. I want to support our trade with Canada if I can.
Reading "The Black Wolf" by Louise Penney-she must surely be thought of as a national treasure in Canada. Her books are tremendous!

Anonymous said...

Lovely opening to your post with that beautiful white rose, as the only thing white outside is the snow here in Ontario. I am sure you will be happy to have your surgery behind you once the end of February comes. The lazy daisy cake looks delicious. Cheers Vicki

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'll do my best :-))

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ann, I am sure that you will address those few pounds on the treadmill... perhaps I need one...I gave my exercise bike away as it actually was too big for me...I am only 5 ft. tall now as my fractured disc shrunk my height by 1 inch!!
We have a cruise booked for late August...I hope there is an exercise room onboard!! I know food is so delicious onboard the cruise ships and holidays are definitely not diet friendly.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh your basement tidy up sounds like a great plan...I always feel better when things are organized. Good to explore what's in your closet too!!! Perhaps there will be some fun surprises?
Good luck :-))

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sounds good and I bet you are happy to have that new hip...hopefully you are pain free and walking better...perhaps even dancing.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Funny how these old recipes bring back memories...I love that Estevan consignment shop too...have found a couple of great pieces there...Like a la mode and House of Savoy. I used to go to My Sister's Closet when they were in the Fairfield Plaza...lots of ne ones on Fort Street too...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Og goshe we are both keen on Cornwall...Ever since I watched Doc Martin I have been fascinated by the Cornwall area and that coast...I am fussy too...perhaps why my wardrobe is small? We had some sunshine here this week and it has been glorious...stay cozy and warm...hopefully cabin fever does not take hold.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hope that your surgery went well...I actually don't know which procedure my surgeon is planning...but have heard that anterior is faster to heal. I will be meeting with him in the next couple of weeks. Apparently the pain relief is immediate...some discomfort of course post op but most people say it's a game changer.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you...making better choices...complex carbs over simple ones...

Lorrie said...

You look lovely in your header photo, Leslie. The black blazer is sure to be a staple in your wardrobe. A few roses are blooming here, too, and it's so unusual. I remember that Lazy Daisy Cake from the 70s. My mother-in-law used it make it regularly.
Your surgery date is coming up quickly. I like how you are preparing for it.

Anonymous said...

How pretty you are looking!! You do Winter so well, always warm and chic with just the right amount of vintage style. Your finds are always so enviable; what great resale/thrift shops you have. Thanks for sharing with us and heartfelt wishes for the success of your upcoming surgery.
Erina

Anonymous said...

I think Anterior is most common now. It does heal well and there are less restrictions after you heal on movements. I was in my gown except when at physical therapy!😉 Didn't think of my pearls...🤔 Wishing you well!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Love Louise Penny's books...I just finished a cup of Murchies peppermint tea...I find the tea has a sweet flavour and is a treat with no calories.
I yearn for free trade and the end to tariffs...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Vicki,
I have heard about the cold weather and the icy conditions...we are having a very mild winter so far...hope the garden won't get hit hard from a cold snap as we lose so many plants when this happens.
Am counting the days now until my surgery...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Lorrie....The Pope John Paul rose has MORE buds on it...am so hoping that we don't get a cold snap. Too many plants die when they've been lulled into thinking it is an early Spring and then POW it's winter!!
Am counting the days now until I have my surgery....

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hello Erina,
Vintage Style is such fun!
We are VERY fortunate with all our second hand and consignment shops here in Victoria...I saw a You Tube Video from a woman who comes up here on the Coho ferry from Washington State to shop and the resells the items in her store!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've heard that both styles of surgery are effective...I am feeling very positive about the whole thing as so many people rave about it post op!! I amy adopt your nightgown style except when I go out...

Anonymous said...

Yes to the Lazy Daisy cake. I make it once or twice a year. Maybe tomorrow should be the first for this year.
You’re so successful in your hunts in the consignment stores.
It’s actually therapeutic reading your blog. Thank you.