Healthy habits and something new...

 

~ Lily of The Valley ~

Muguet des Bois is the name in France...

its scent is intoxicating and heady.

We have masses of these plants in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

They seem to love the clay soil and multiply very fast.

I am enjoying picking small bouquets for the bathroom...

when I walk into the room the scent envelopes me.

Pure Bliss 

I've been dealing with some health challenges 

Not surprised to discover that I am not the most "patient" of patients!

My ankle injury is still an issue...

slowing me down when I want to be free to do as I please.

This morning I went for an x-ray...my doctor thinks I might have a fracture.

In other health news I got the results of my bone density test.

I had one in 2008 which showed osteopenia...

my latest one shows osteoporosis and I have one fractured vertebrae.

My doctor wants to put me on twice a year shots.

He told me they are generally well tolerated and seem to offer good results.

Will be having a chat with him next week...

~ OOTD ~

Pale Denim vintage shirt worn over top of a white linen Tank top

black Michael Kors pants.

I posted this on Instagram and Joanne suggested it was Coastal Grandmother Style!

We live in a coastal location and I am a Grammy to 3 lovely kiddos!

Happy to be wearing casual clothing when it suits me.

In the wake of this new information....I have been doing my own research.

Only choosing reputable websites.

I need to get way more calcium into my meals.

Also the health experts research indicates that older women need more protein.

Suggesting 30g of protein at each meal.

I've already started buying Siggi plain yogurt which has 19g of protein per serving.

I bought this one by mistake...

it is Vanilla and has more sugar and only 18g of protein than the plain.

I add 5 dried prunes 20 g calcium and that is my new go to breakfast.

I am going to be very mindful and add more protein and calcium with each meal.

Will also be adding a calcium supplement.

(need to check with my doctor on type of calcium and dose)

I already take a higher dose of vitamin D 

(doctor suggested this last year)

a daily multiple vitamin and a tablet of Magnesium.

Enough of that health stuff... 

Let's move onto something NEW.

I've discovered a new tool...

Rose Quartz facial roller.

Use on a freshly washed face ~ add some serum 

gently roll from the inner to outer areas of the face.

Smaller roller is good for the eye area...

(roll from nose upwards and outwards)

Helps to reduce puffiness and encourage lymphatic drainage.

~ Very relaxing ~

My face feels like I have been to the Spa for a facial and it only takes a few minutes.

These rollers have been around for ages 

I never tried one until I read how good they were for the face.

Besides a little pampering is always a good thing :-))

My local Oak Bay Pharmasave have them in stock.

I surprised myself with this meal...

I needed something fast and when my husband was outside in the garden 

he discovered that there were some asparagus stalks ready to harvest and some radishes ready to be picked.

I had no lettuce! 

Made a salad of celery leaves, cucumber slices and thinly sliced radishes.

~ Creamy Pasta ~

Boiled up some dried pasta noodles.

Sauteed sliced asparagus

(I would have used some grated lemon rind and juice if I had a lemon)

in a couple of tablespoons of butter

added 1/2 tsp freshly grated pepper

 added 1 cup grated parmigiana reggiano

1/2 cup of pasta water

stir well to melt cheese and combine.

Then add the noodles and serve!

~ Bon Appetit ~

Auricula Primulas are blooming!

These wee plants are perhaps a CULT plant in the UK.

I discovered them a few years ago and have been growing different varieties.

They are such a sweet and cheerful flower.

Do you have any health challenges?

Osteoporosis?

Life feels very much like a balancing act as I age.

(I am only 69)

Positivity, Optimism and Gratitude are attitudes I embrace.

 They continue to prevail as I navigate 

aging as gracefully as possible.

Seeking JOY everyday is something I intentionally do.

It makes such a difference especially if one is in pain.

Hope that you are well and enjoying life as much as possible.

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 ~

Wednesday late night post...

~ Antique Porcelain Bowl ~

I have had this antique bowl for many years.

I purchased it from a thrift shop.

I was drawn to its' "staples"

obviously an early repair.

I often wonder where this bowl came from?

Who owned it?

Why was it repaired and not just thrown away when it cracked?

If this bowl could tell its' history...

what might it be?

Looking at this bowl got me thinking...

so

I wrote this post on Instagram...

I've been busy this week...

dinner for the family, aqua fit classes, writing lists of things to do before Christmas.

Writing Christmas gift lists, buying cards and stamps.

I started polishing all the silverware.

Trays, candle sticks, the tea service, pedestals, bowls.

I still have a few pieces to do...

the champagne ice buckets, a baby rattle, some trophies.

I use Hagerty silver polish and Twinkle polish.

They both work well.

It is a time consuming job but is immediately rewarding.

The shine is like a smile.

I've been knitting and reading too...

I started this book Run by Anne Patchett.

I really enjoy her books, and after just one chapter I am already hooked!

I'll be sending Christmas cards out soon...

baking some shortbread cookies 

making my favourite spiced nuts which make nice hostess gifts, 

and of course the pork tourtieres.

~ Spiced Nuts ~

2 cups almonds

2 cups walnuts

2 cups pecans

1 1/3 cups sugar

2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp allspice

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp coriander

2 tsp ginger

2 egg  whites

3 tbsp water

Sprinkle nuts with sugar and spices.

Beat egg whites and water.

Mix into nuts and spice mixture and spread on a buttered baking sheet.

Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour stir occasionally.

Cool

Place into glass containers for gifts.

Add a ribbon and some greenery and a dried orange slice.

Hope that you enjoy these nuts!

Well I'll close for now as it is past my bedtime...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

One of the BEST BOOKS, baking, shopping and wabi sabi.

 

Good morning from The Humble Bungalow...

it is Sunday and I am baking a loaf of sourdough bread.

The bread has become part of my weekly routine...

my husband seems to be enjoying the bread.

I loved it toasted with Bonne Maman raspberry confiture.

Life here has been quite quiet...

Having hurt my back, so for the past few weeks, I have been in a lot of pain.

Am dealing with it by attending therapeutic Yoga classes for the back.

Going for slower, shorter walks and taking Aleve to help me sleep.

I have a huge amount of empathy for people who live with chronic pain.

I am new to pain.

Shorter Walks mean fewer steps...

averaging about 5500

so have gained a few pounds in these past few weeks.

Salads to the rescue...

simple to make and very satisfying.

Lots of chewing and low in WW points.

Here are the tete a tetes planted out front in The Humble Bungalow garden.

Thank goodness that the deer don't eat them.

We filled in some gaps recently when the plants were on sale at the garden centre.

They are so sweet...cheap and cheerful!

Lucy By The Sea by Elizabeth Strout is a powerful book...

set in Maine during Covid Lucy Barton shares her everyday experiences.

The emotions and insights are very real...

Perhaps one of Strout's best books.

The story has stayed with me.

I highly recommend it.

Very casual Papillon denim jumper...

found at the shop Suzanne's in the mall.

Seen here in the change room with my jeans on underneath!

Not the way I will wear it when I get home :-))

~ Summer wardrobe staple ~

 White tee and white capri leggings

blue suede sandals

wicker bag.

Great for running errands or a beach walk.

With warmer weather in the forecast 

we should all have a basket or bag to carry market staples and finds.
Which is the perfect segue...

speaking of finds

Or speaking of Papillons...

can you see one here on this antique transferware plate?

The crazing and cracks add to the "charm" of this plate.

It has History...

Am I the only one who is attracted to the imperfections?

Do you embrace the "wabi sabi" in old things?...

Suppose that could stretched to include people too :-))

None of us are perfect...

(now there's a profound thought to contemplate)

Call it homework..

Go forth and look for the imperfect in your week and report back.

On that note I shall close this post...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

The beauty is in the crazing...

can we extend that idea a wee bit and include wrinkles on faces?

Thank you for stopping by...

I appreciate you taking the time to read my wee blog.

March 3rd ~ 68 years and thoughts on being OLD, clothes and such.

 

Well I guess this is what 68 looks like...

I still remember how excited I was when I turned 13.

I don't FEEL 68, 

but that sounds strange 

as how WOULD a 68 year old feel?

My idea of 68 (when I was younger) was that at the age of 68 one was OLD.

OLD 

crotchety...

wrinkly and worn out.

Well I can attest to having grey hair, wrinkles and feeling weary on occasion.

But my idea of an OLD woman has changed :-))

Perhaps because I am here and at the age of 68 years OLD young.

I do have aches and pains and cannot do all the things that I used to do in a day.

My flexibility is not what it once was...

 but I am working to regain some of what has been lost.

My eyesight has weakened and I wear glasses to see properly.

I've given up wearing high heels, and only own two pairs of "kitten heels."

I opt to dress for comfort most days...

(apologies to MOM)

I am very much like her in looks and demeanor 

but I don't have that "dress up everyday" gene.

I am wearing a warm and cozy "new-to-me" wool vest with cap sleeves.

I found it at the thrift shop on Pender on my birthday.

What you cannot see are the Hudson knit tweed pants and black Chelsea boots.

You'll have to use your imagination :-))

~ OOTD ~

Snow day at the cottage.

This very old Gap denim shirt gets worn a LOT.

It is soft and comfy, a desert island garment.

Layered over a black lace camisole, black lined leggings.

Akoya Pearls just because...

I am enjoying watching fashion reels from style savvy gals on Instagram.

The Street Style snippets are fun and the tips are great.

Some days I want to rush out and buy a bunch of new clothes!

But seriously, I have to consider my retired lifestyle...

where would I wear a sequin skirt?

I did buy a rhinestone bracelet before Christmas that I must start wearing for fun.

On days perhaps when I meet friends for coffee...

A mystery...

love the description of the book.

Three retired primary school teachers who meet every Thursday for coffee

solve the mystery of a friend...

Yes this is something I need to wear more often...

it has a bit of bling to elevate these cold and blustery days.

My new book is calling my name and I am going to pop the kettle on for a cuppa..

hope you are feeling good and making time for fun.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ Fashion Police "look away" and some thoughts on hair...

 

It's Sunday again...

I am trying to continue with my weekly posts and it seems like Sunday is THE day.

You might be surprised if you saw me today :-))

Honestly...

The Fashion Police would definitely be citing me with an infraction.

most certainly it would be an enormous fine.

After showering I put on my body lotion, washed and moisturized my face...

added some mascara and tinted lip balm.

I am not going out.

OOTD

A pair of indigo sweatpants

black camisole

 dove grey hand knit Miriam wool sweater

 slippers

&

Akoya pearls

This morning I am baking bread, doing laundry and tonight I am making a roast beef.

There will be some reading and knitting...

I am giving myself permission to stay home and cocoon.

In other news...

I found a cute top at the Win Thrift Shop

I used to see a lot of garments made by Joseph Ribkoff.

I think this will come in handy for the summertime.

I can pair it with pants and that blue linen skirt that I purchased last year.

The neckline is perfect for the pearls :-))

The sun was shining a few days ago...

today there are moody clouds blanketing the sky.

Must be craving summer with my shopping habits...

purchased a new straw tote.

a great size for our Pender trips.

It can be loaded up with my laptop, books, and a few other bits.

It will come in handy at The Farmer's Market as well.

Hubby and I went to the Tapas on Oak for dinner.

Our son and the grands gave us a gift card so we wanted to try it out.

The food was good and the tapas portions were perfect for two.

It was busy and the wait staff were super friendly and efficient.

I wore a casual outfit...

tweed Hudson pants

this black crinkle top and my Chelsea boots.

I have no idea who made this top?

it has been in  my wardrobe for ages, it must have been a thrift shop find.

I took it travelling to France and Italy as when washed it dries overnight.

Great for layering !

I post on Instagram daily and several readers mentioned my hair style...

"straight and flat ironed"

the texture of the salt and pepper grey has changed and my hair is much thinner.

This would appear to be an aging issue...

many women complain of thinning hair 

my 69th birthday is a few weeks away
so I guess it is my turn...

but no complaints :-))

Do you colour your grey hair or have you gone au natural?

Was it a gradual process going grey or did you just stop dying it?

Has the texture changed like mine?

Have you changed your hairstyle?

I know many women keep their signature style over decades...

rather like a signature fragrance, many never ever stray.

I am not unhappy with my hair,  but I regularly change things up.

Covid happened and I grew my hair long.

Two years later I had it cropped in a short layered bob.

Now it appears that I am growing out the layers and wearing it straight.

I haven't been to my hairdresser for a few months.

Shall we chat about our hair?

Leave a comment to chime in...

Well I guess I better get on with my day...

lunch will not make itself

plus I want some tea...

then there is bread to bake and laundry to fold!

Hope that you are all well...there seems to be a lot of illness about.

Be Well and Be Kind