Canadian Tuxedo, Makeup, and a "Perfect" white tee

 

~ Snow ~

We don't get a lot of snow here in Victoria but when we do...

many things come to a halt.

The Yoga Studio closed, 

the rec centre annex Yoga classes were cancelled, 

schools were closed.

I have been busy here in The Humble Bungalow keeping the home fires burning.

Vacuuming, dusting, reading, knitting, making soup.

Baking ~ Banana bread and a Sourdough Boule.

Watching the birds outside, sipping tea, thinking deep thoughts.

Silently praying for Peace.

The amaryllis bloomed!

I planted it on Boxing Day.

It is sitting on the shelf above the farmhouse sink where I do the dishes.

The kitchen is my favourite place to work.

I spend many hours at the counters 

sharp knives in hand chopping, 

slicing, and dicing...

creating meals to feed us.

Last week I went to the mall in search of the "perfect" white Tee shirt.

I don't know why it is so difficult to find one that fits well

looks good, is not see through, and has some style.

I want a decent quality, a smooth washable fabric that doesn't cling.

I've spent ages looking for a white tee in the thrift shops, no Joy.

After trying many tees in shops 

most were thin, see through tops, much too clingy.

This is one that I found at The Gap...

it ticked all the boxes I bought 2 of them.

($54.95 each yikes!)

Will be a layering workhorse...

when they go on sale I am going to buy a couple more!

DENIM got me again...

pale blue softness.

Thank you GAP

I know this has become a problem...

Hanging in my closet now are 3 denim style shirts.

The newer fleecy one...

(see previous post)

a thrifted Gap one from 5 or 6 years ago

now a pale one for spring and summer.

(Charter and founding member of Denim Shirts Anonymous)

Actually, come to think of it...

the pale one will go well with those pale denim Mango jeans I bought.

Think Canadian Tuxedo :-))

Very good book!

I read Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano a while back and really enjoyed her writing.

Several friends have recommended this book so I borrowed it.

Glad that I did.

Replaced my former CC cream with this one from Marcelle.

Canadian Company in Quebec that has been in business since 1949.

The gals at The Oak Bay Pharmasave suggested the opthamologist recommended mascara and eye shadow...

 I was asking their advice after two eye infections

 which I attributed to my sensitivity to mascara.

Been using this for about 6 months and have had no problems whatsoever!

The lipstick is a sheer red perfect for everyday.

(Loving Red)

My "go to products" for a simple minimal 5 minute make-up routine.

For a woman who is on the cusp of 70 

I find that less is more when it comes to make-up.

That about wraps up this snow day...

need to make dinner.

~ Spaghetti Bolognese ~

I don't usually post as often so I guess this a "bonus" post.

Many of you have popped by The Humble Bungalow Blog

 through the years...many friendships have been forged.

A few of us get together from other areas of the globe.

There are wonderful spin offs to blogging.

Kind of surprising that after all these years

I still feel like writing.

I might be

Am I repeating myself!

Well I'll sign off for now...

What's new with you these days?

Leave me a comment and tell me how you are doing.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

November ~ New Haircut...lipstick, thrift shop finds, shoes, and a new bag.

 

New backpack bag...

Woven leather bag made by Vilenca Holland.

I love a hands free bag for shopping and my beach walks.

This one is such a beautiful shade of brown...

it has really sturdy adjustable straps.

Think it will hold up much better that my Margot Backpack.

The Margot backpack bag from last year 

is made of fine glove leather and the straps are thinner

so

with the constant wear 

some of the seams are looking stressed.

I've been out and about looking at clothes these past few weeks...

on the hunt for a dressy rayon velvet top.

I love velvet for the festive season.

I spied a gorgeous Cut Loose shirt available in several different colours 

at a rather high price point (higher than my usual budget allows) so I didn't buy it.

After chatting with our darling daughter at brunch

she convinced me to go to the thrift shops and have a browse.

Well thankfully I took her advice...

I found a lovely rayon velvet top in a bright jewel tone

and I think it might be an Eileen Fisher piece :-))

It is in perfect condition and was VERY affordable.

I need to shorten the sleeves but that will be a quick fix.

While shopping at WIN...

I found a vintage Ann Klein leather make-up bag and coin purse.

Will come in handy in the backpack bag 

as it doesn't have commodious pockets inside the bag.

After much waffling...I decided to change my hair style.

I went to an Aveda salon and had the stylist cut it into a short bob with a fringe.

It is super simple too...

Just a bit of Aveda gel and a wee bit of scrunching and then I let it air dry.

~ Saint Germain Red ~

I like a pop of colour and lipstick is a quick and easy way to add that brightness.

New Shoes...

Vessi 

Slip ons that are waterproof for the Win :-))

Walking on wet sidewalks is what I do Fall through to the end of Winter.

These will be a game changer!

Bought the black because they will go with everything in my closet!!

I am a sensible gal and keep the colour palette pretty classic.

Black and white bowl in the downstairs loo...

Soaps are at the ready for dirty hands and the walk in shower!

I buy the Goats Milk soap with shea butter added as it is so moisturizing.

You might think all I have been doing is shopping but that's not true.

I've been attending aqua fit classes at the Rec centre, reading loads of books, 

baking a weekly sourdough boule, drinking lots of green tea, making a batch of soup every week for our lunches and continuing on the drawer by drawer, closet by closet cull of unwanted, unused and old stuff!

Maybe being busier is why I have stopped my weekly blogging habit?

I am very focused and "present" when I am writing the blog.

It seems to take me longer to get to the computer too...

so many other distractions :-))

My husband and I are always watching a british crime drama or mystery on Acorn.

We like the ease of entertainment without leaving the house.

 

What's new with you?

Have you read any good books? Seen any great films?

Well I must close for now as I have a book to finish and dinner to prepare...

Am using Pappardelle instead of the Fusilli...

meatless sauce using anchovies, capers, garlic, black olives, spices and San Marzano tomatoes with Grana Padano cheese.

Are you watching The Pasta Queen on TV?
She's amazing and makes me want to cook pasta 24/7

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Mid May Musings...from Gardening to My "minimalist" approach to Style...

 

May is a very busy month here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We have all kinds of plants blooming and various plans for new beds and borders.

Mr. HB is digging up the wee front lawn which has been struggling to grow 

ever since the neighbour's Arbutus Tree grew tall and shaded our front garden.

We will build a small patio using old bricks.

I hope to relocate the black birdbath to the centre of the new patio

buy a black pot and plant a large Boxwood Globe.

I am so looking forward to sharing the new area and will do so in a future post! 

With my broken ankle I have been sitting more...

Tea, a good book on the porch in the sunshine listening to the birdsong

 is not a hardship!

In the wee library across the street I discovered a book by author Susie Steiner.

I really enjoyed her first book Missing, Presumed.

Quickly put the next 2 books in the series on Hold at my local library.

DSI Manon is an interesting and complex character, as are the rest of her team.

One feels that they are REAL people.

UK Crime Dramas fascinate me...

Was surprised to learn that Susie Steiner passed away at the age of 51 

 a glioblastoma brain tumour.

Unfortunately

I know of a few people who have passed away recently from a glioblastoma

~ Pavement Series Rose ~

This reliable, vigorous, hardy, drought tolerant rose is VERY thorny.

It can be grown as a hedge.

The blooms are frilly, frothy and fragrant.

Mr. HB managed to grow a new one for our neighbour from a shoot.

Soon all of our roses will be in bloom...we have over 30 roses in our small garden.

It might sound excessive...but I am a passionate rose grower.

When our Olive Tree died in the cold snap this past winter I was sad.

Was so hopeful that we might have a wee bit of Italy in our backyard.

Alas it is not to be...

Mr. HB suggested I buy a new rose to fill the space :-))

It took me NO Time at all to find a new candidate...

Bathsheba, a David Austin Rose, is now growing in that space!

Made a Cheese Sourdough loaf of bread and it was surprisingly easy.

Recipe found online at Pantry Mama.

The sourdough exploratory journey continues!

Who knew that baking bread would ever be such a big part of my week?

Some thoughts and musings about clothes, style and fashion...

shoes are not shown

 Comprising of several pairs of loafers, sandals as well as white sneakers.

I have various pieces of outer wear which I have not included in this closet.

Eileen Fisher blue swing coat, Eileen Fisher Khaki jacket, 

distressed Old Navy denim jacket, 

black moto,

Ralph Lauren black quilted barn coat.

The Minimalist Wardrobe continues to be working...

I am constantly editing.

(Summer Wardrobe)

Black, white, grey neutrals and shades of denim blues

with a few POPS of Colour.

I much prefer a smaller wardrobe as it makes getting dressed so easy.

No more standing in front of the closet humming and hawing about what to wear!

In order for a small wardrobe to work, and be versatile,

I have found that I need to pay extra attention to texture and accessories.

This blouse is a great example...

Tiers of cool textured fabric ~ flow.

I have worn this with black pants and jeans.

 

Accessories are Key components in any outfit.

Big Baroque Pearls make an appearance frequently.

I consider these a "Statement Piece."

My smaller Akoya Pearls are much more subtle.

Both get equal wear.

Basic Players for Summer are :

Two Old Navy denim shirts, 

one a medium blue the other very soft and faded.

Gap sleeveless denim top with pin tucks.

A couple of white shirts, a few white Tees, a sleeveless linen tank.

Several pairs of black pants...2 are dressy.

A black pair of ankle length cuffed pants which have white flecks.

Tan and white striped pair of wider profile ankle pants (NEW) from Talbots

2 pairs of denim blue Jeans

one light the other dark

pair of white jeans

Black tunic top crinkled by Cut Loose wear with black capri tights.

Black sleeveless crinkled dress, black with white polka dots shift dress.

Denim dress, 

white and blue striped maxi length linen dress

bold yellow Italian linen maxi dress.

White and Black skirt with asymmetrical flounce.

White shift dress with pockets in cotton.

I no longer wear shorts...

Lacy socks add a bit of fun worn with my white sneakers and loafers.

The juxtaposition of the lace and the nacre of the pearls works.

Clothes are more than just coverings...

they are an expression of one's personal style.

Creativity definitely comes into PLAY :-))

This thrifted sequin top is a Wild Card in my wardrobe...

whimsical and totally surprising.

Think of wearing it with my white denim jeans...or polished black ponte knit pants.

Maybe even the San Tropez silk skirt I found at The House Of Savoy?

I have kitten heels with some sparkle on them that will be fun to wear...

these sandals are about 15 years old and they need to get some time out of their box!

~ Behind the Scenes ~

Not everything needs to be classic and conservative...

Prima Donna make such beautiful lingerie that I cannot resist

 A Pop of Colour

What really started me on the minimalist wardrobe edit 

was flying off to France in 2015 for 3 weeks with ALL my clothes in a carry on...

I am having FUN with fashion and am really enjoying a fresh new focus.

Clothes that work well with my retired lifestyle

and 

are often found in consignment and thrift shops.

~ WIN WIN ~

Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?

Do you have a wee closet like me 

or a walk in closet with built in drawers and shoe racks?

Well I must get off the computer and start some lunch for my husband who is toiling outside in the Humble Bungalow Garden!

Cheerio for Now...

Look forward to your comments on the subject.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

 

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

March ~ Birthday and some other tidbits....

 

Tulip Mania has begun with a bold red and yellow bunch!

Such great mood lifters on a grey winter's day.

I love to buy these cheerful blooms...

deciding which colours to choose is always a challenge!

I had my birthday yesterday March 3rd.

I turned 69 and don't feel OLD.

My new glasses are Face a Face from Paris.

I had my former pair for 6 years and when my prescription changed I decided it was time for a new pair of glasses and sunglasses.

Vintage rhinestone brooch pinned on my wool beret.

My beret is made by The Canadian Hat Company.

Decades old Burberry scarf

Eileen Fisher Coat

Still having FUN and playing around with clothes and my personal take on style.

Been very lucky at the Thrift Shops lately...

Gold bracelet

I don't have anything like this in my jewel box and thought it might be fun.

Heavy crystal etched vase, possibly Swedish.

Perfect for wee flowers.

Snowdrops are what come to mind.

I love to hunt for sea glass on my beach walks.

On my birthday beach walk 

I found a lovely piece of aqua glass just as I stepped on the beach!

Aquamarine is the March birthstone 

so I thought it an appropriate find.

The sunset was quite remarkable the other evening...

looks like The Danish Flag hanging over Salt Spring Island.

Perhaps my ancestors waving hello?

Our family tree goes way back...

to a former Queen and King of Denmark.

So many interesting names along with that incredible detailed history.

Sabine Be sunglasses...

Mom had macular degeneration so my eye doctor advised me to wear sunglasses.

I need to remember to wear them regularly.

Treated myself to a new candle and some dark chocolate bars.

I recently read that dark chocolate is full of good polyphenols

which help with inflammation, digestion, cognitive function, and protect cardiovascular health.

Adding a couple of squares with my afternoon tea seems pretty easy!

Been eating more avocados on sourdough toast...

they are nutrient rich and high in fibre.

After my colonoscopy the doctor told me that he removed 3 polyps.

(I watched the entire procedure on the screen) 

He also mentioned to keep my diet rich in fibre as it has many benefits.

Staying on top of one's health is a priority.

Healthy habits and being mindful of stress and toxins in the environment are so important.

What is new with you?

How are you managing the aging process?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Abundance of roses, and clothes that Spark Joy!

 

We have a full garden with an abundance of roses.

I consider myself an avid rosarian....

desiring more roses in an already full garden is rather greedy.

My husband mentioned that our olive tree might have died during the icy cold snap.

He mentioned I could always buy a rose to fill the space where the tree was planted!

What a great idea!!!

I have always been smitten by shoes with bows.

I own a pair of Ferragamo black patent shoes with bows.

Years ago I had purple suede flats with velvet bows...I wore them out!

They were my "Happy Shoes" I felt so joyful when I wore them.

A few years after the demise of the purple shoes 

I found a pair of black patent flats with black velvet bows.

Mom had a similar pair...

they were such a great mood lifter.

We smiled at each other knowingly when we were together 

wearing our patent bow toed shoes.

So when I was in Twice As Nice consignment looking for a wool winter coat

(which I didn't find)

I spied these shoes by Browns...

tried them on and HAD to have them.

My current "daytime" winter wardrobe.

Athletic wear is stored in the bureau

evening and dressy clothes are in the Hobby Room closet.

I have been adding a few thrifted finds lately...

Gap casual sweater.

Thrifted

Will be worn with my denim and white denim jeans.

A sequin top!!!!

Thrifted

$2.00

The volunteers at the thrift shop were literally doing a "Happy Dance" 

when I approached the cash desk...

asking how much it was?

They said $2.00 and I was so stunned that I gave them $5 and told them to put the extra money toward their new building fund!

I am definitely going to wear this top and perhaps it will be daytime.

It is a JOYFUL top.

Do you think it will SPARK JOY?

I love how we can shift our moods with clothing...

wearing brighter colours on a dark dreary day.

Adding accessories that elevate a plain outfit or dress.

Finding inexpensive and vintage pieces in the thrift shops that are cheap and cheerful.

One needn't go into debt to have fun with fashion.

Happy Hunting in the Thrifts!

An abundance of Sea Glass...

one day's haul after my beach walk.

Saw two fat seals lying on a floating log...

a familiar face and a shaggy dog

a wee chat with a neighbour.

Gulls, Ravens and a majestic Eagle calling...

Fresh Air, a gentle breeze, and I feel rejuvenated.

Jar of sea glass...

probably my 10th jar.

(I must go downstairs to count them, they are in the window sill of the Hobby Room)

~ Sunshine and Blue Skies ~

BLISS

Farm Fresh Free Range Eggs

a lovely gift from Becky.

They look like jewels such pretty colours.

Taste great too!

Finished this fabulous book by Anthony Horowitz.

Need to read some more of his books...have read a couple and they are so well written and are wonderful murder mysteries.

What are you reading?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~