Sleep Patterns...

I've been wearing several loose tunic tops with black capri length leggings

to keep cool these past few weeks.

The leggings provide a wee bit of coverage for my legs.

My legs are muscular and strong from walking.

I feel self conscious about the various scars

veins 

and

blotchy marks

that I have accumulated over 64 years of being on this Earth.

Living in an aging body

 is

something that I have not accepted...

I think of myself as a much younger person

with ample energy to perform many tasks each day.

So when I do feel tired...

I am kind of surprised and taken aback.

Limiting my "To do list" might be of some help.

Lowering my expectations of what I am reasonably capable of accomplishing on any given day might be something to work on.

Perhaps my level of energy has waned 

because my sleep has not been that restful since we moved into the guest room double bed?

I've started going to bed before 10 usually around 9:30

and I wake around 6 something in the morning.

I wear my FITBIT to bed so I can check on my sleep patterns.

 I wake several times each night.

My sleep is mostly "light" with limited REM and Deep sleep.

We will soon be back in our Queen bed as the renovations are almost finished...

This is something I am so looking forward to!

It's taken quite a while to get this project completed...

due to our holidays and a long delay getting started.

The trades here in Victoria are so busy!

There is a building boom on and there are not enough people to do all the jobs.

We are so fortunate to have a reliable contractor and skilled trades people.

I will be posting a few photos as soon as the furniture is back in place.

What are your sleep patterns like?

Do you feel that your sleep could be improved?

Have you any sleep tricks up your sleeve that you care to share?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

I am 64...

Wearing all black...

a bamboo tunic top

with black capri leggings.

Longer hair which is straighter than before

the silver is now more than just tinsel...

It surprises me when I walk past a mirror

I see my mother, 

the resemblance is uncanny.

A few pounds have crept on this past year and am trying to come to terms with it.

Do I accept it and move on or return to the disciplined point counting regime of WW?

The battle of the bulge is a real challenge.

The desire or the energy to go to the gym is not there.

Sweating reminds me of those uncomfortable hot flashes and is so annoying...

Walking is enjoyable and the Fit Bit is a great motivator.

But enough about me already...

How are you doing?

What is new?

This ceramic Buddha head was in a garden basket 

we won at the grand children's year end school fundraiser.

I don't think its meant for the garden.

Too fragile and thin...

I'm considering putting it out on the boulevard for free.

I can't quite find the right spot for it here in The Humble Bungalow.

Perhaps someone else will love it and give it a special place in their home.

The book I am currently reading is quite interesting.

It was in the wee little free library across the street.

I'll be passing it on to a friend after I finish it.

How is your summer going?

What are you reading?

~ Be Kind and Be Well ~

Swimsuit shopping...

My need for a new swimsuit came as a wee bit of a shock to me...

I was in the change room at the local pool and was putting on my old swimsuit and working up a sweat trying to pull it up! I had to wriggle and ease the spandex up inch by inch and when I was finished I realized that I could hardly breathe!

What happened?

It must have shrunk!
(Wrong)

So I HAD to go swimsuit shopping...
not my favourite thing to do, but we are off to the cottage,
and they have two lovely pools and I like to swim laps,
so needs must!

Do you believe in miracles?

This is what a size 14 swimsuit looks like on the hanger...

I am not proud of the fact that I have gone up a size.

The weight gain is all in my midsection where I once had a waist!

Simon Chang swimsuit.

This one is also a size 14 but it looks smaller because it is black.

I like the mesh detail at the top and at the leg holes.

I purchased two swimsuits because I don't like putting a wet bathing suit on and I may be swimming a couple of times each day.

I walk everyday and some days I walk farther than others...

I do watch what I eat but I could always cut down on the carbs.

My husband loves pasta so I make it once a week and I adore potatoes.

My thyroid is sluggish 

(but that's no excuse)

 I have taken medication for hypothyroidism since I gave birth 

to our daughter 40 years ago.

Loving life and feeling gratitude is part of my daily routine.

Every day is a gift and it never fails to offer up something of beauty. 

So in the whole scheme of things 

is a size larger worth getting all bent out of shape over?

I am doing what I can to stay active and healthy.

Thank you for popping by and reading The Humble Bungalow Blog today.

It's sunny here at the cottage and we plan to go swimming today.

With two suits to choose from I have to make a decision which one to wear...

I hope you are having a great weekend.

Until next time

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Changing things up while stretching the budget...

I have been a wee bit naughty...spending money!

But I need to explain that I deliberated long and hard about this most recent splurge...it was not an impulse buy.

Autumn blooms in The Humble Bungalow Garden

White hydrangeas wearing their fall colours.

I have been a fan of L'Occitane for many years.

Soaps, lotions, scents...

Their Immortelle Divine Anti-Aging Collection is wonderful.

I've used many jars over the years...

The sales clerk gave me a few samples of the newer line 

"Cream Harmony Divine"

 to try and I was amazed at the difference in just a few weeks.

I started with the Immortelle overnight reset oil in serum...

my skin looks more evenly toned

and it has a healthy glow.

So I have just "invested" in the Divine Harmony Serum and the Cream.

(both products are refillable)

There are patents pending on both these products.

15 years of research has gone into the development of these products.

The two key ingredients are 

the Immortelle Millesimee flower and Jania Rubens, a red sea algae. 

Both are harvested from the island and seas around Corsica.

I share this information 

as I feel that a glowing healthy complexion is important.

In my opinion

it is worth working diligently 

to help keep us feeling good about ourselves as we age.

Heavy make up is not the way to achieve a "youthful look"

especially when we are over 60...

less make up 

applied with a lighter hand is much more flattering.

With a focus on what works and what doesn't work

ways that we can improve the look of our skin.

Starts with 

finding a skincare regime that delivers results 

drinking lots of water to keep us hydrated

maintaining healthy eating habits

and 

getting some fresh air and exercise daily.

I am not an expert nor have I received any remuneration for my post...

the opinions stated here are all mine!

They are simply "Hostess Approved!"

Hope that you are enjoying your week.

Have you been busy?

I took myself out for a quiet bite of lunch and a pot of Earl Grey tea

then I met a friend for a chat 

before we met up for our monthly knitting group.

My days have been particularly busy and seem to be for the forseeable future.

Life does seem to get busier the closer we get to Christmas!

Not too sure if I will be able to post regularly with my calendar so full

but I will try!

Thank you for stopping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Fading beauty...and my personal thoughts on aging

This beautiful rose was once a stunning bloom

but she is fading in her beauty

but still worth a look...

This rose got me thinking about aging...

aging gracefully

naturally 

perhaps with some elegance.

How does one age well?

And I do not mean Botox or plastic surgery...

its not for me.

How do I

ease into my advancing senior years

with the face that I was born with 

embracing the lines and wrinkles 

that are the result of years of laughter?

There are certain things that we can all do to help us look more "radiant."

Ali McGraw looks the picture of health and she glows.

I was impressed by this article.

She is such a radiant beauty both inside and out...

a fabulous role model.

Thoughts that may help navigate the road ahead are basics like...

Exercise 

eating healthy 

getting a decent night's rest

alleviating as much stress as possible

experiencing joy and happiness whenever the opportunity arises

listening to our "hearts" 

expanding our horizons which may be travel or going to local cultural events

learning something new to keep us fresh

helping others

staying in touch with friends and family

finding and making time for creativity

"First impressions"

  tell those who meet us about ourselves 

(whether we like it or not) 

how we dress and what we say conveys a lot...

good manners and kindness

go a long way.

At 62 and not the freshest rose in the bouquet...

I try to focus on

wearing neat, comfortable and (hopefully) flattering outfits

paying attention to style

dressing in clothing that is honest and genuine 

a reflection of my personality...

some days it may be a classic LBD

or 

jeans and a Tee with a cashmere sweater and Chelsea boots

which just happens to be my "uniform."

I try always to look put together...

some days it is more difficult than others!

The word "Frumpy" scares me.

My Mother managed to look well dressed well into her 80's and I never thought that she looked frumpy or dowdy.

Skincare...

 has always been important to me.

People look at our faces when we meet and greet each other.

From the time that I went to The Hudson Bay's Saturday charm school 

where among other things

we were instructed on how to wash and care for our skin.

(in that era it was Yardley's oatmeal soap and Noxema or Nivea)

I have been preoccupied with taking care of my complexion.

Today

we have thousands of options...

and how does one choose?

I have been testing a new moisturizer.

It is super emollient, which my dry skin needs, but is not greasy.

The results are a dewy rosy glow which I quite like.

I think that my skin looks healthier...

but maybe I am just hopeful

seeking a fresher rose

one that is petal soft and blush pink!

Two rose scented hard working products from a previous delivery of

  My Stylish French Box

they are almost gone

 are truly quite amazing...

 I have been using them on my hands and feet with really great results.

I'll have to see if I can buy them online.

In the whole scheme of things our inner beauty traits 

are far more important 

than how we look on the outside...

Kindness

compassion

a giving nature...

They are the real super stars when we really think about it.

While I like to buy new things 

I plan to cultivate and focus on some inner improvements this month...

What are your thoughts on aging gracefully?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

What's happening here in the Humble Bungalow...saying thank you to Jamie Cat Callan

Cold weather has been hanging around here in Victoria for the past few weeks with no signs of warming up. Our zero and minus 4 degree days make for a chilly outing if one is not adequately dressed. This morning, for example, Victorians living on the west shore awoke to a burst water main that closed the Trans Canada Highway into town! The traffic was snarled for hours and now only one lane is open.

Hat, gloves, scarf, warm down coat over top of layers of tops and socks have been necessary when venturing out of the house...
imagine the "Michelin Man" puffy coat
worn with a woolly hat that covers my ears,
a scarf
with just my eyes peeking out
and you get the picture...
BRRR
the usual 60 minute walks are just not happening.
(I may need to resort to mall walking!)

I finally broke down and purchased a heavier pair of tights so that I could wear my skirts and dresses with my Chelsea boots.
I have not worn heavy tights since I retired from the school district and I was surprised when I looked for some...the prices are much higher than I remember.
As part of my job I was required to do outdoor supervision at recess and lunch and because I feel the cold I dressed like I was going to the North Pole...
Comfort wins.

OOTD...

Grey Boiled wool skirt

wool, rayon and spandex tights

Chelsea boots

grey top

(not visible)

It is a wee bit of a risk posting a picture

 I am such rubbish at taking selfies.

 BTW

still patiently waiting for my hair to turn completely grey...

in the meantime I have embraced grey clothing with a pop of colour.

This is what I think of now as

 "Grammy Style"

plus

I love knitting, cooking and taking care of the wee ones...

officially and unabashedly grandmotherly!

Sitting in The Humble Bungalow Living Room

gazing into the twinkle lights

sipping a cafe creme

is where I start my day.

Currently reading The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman 

I loved her other novels.

Patricia is a very gifted writer..

 she has a new one coming out in January

"Runaway Midwife"

already reserved at the library.

I have read oodles and oodles of books over the years

and I have so much respect for writers 

and 

their discipline to their craft.

I regularly consider, and wonder, if I could ever write a book.

Recently on Facebook

Jamie Cat Callan 

hosted a writing contest 

the winner would receive

a copy of her

 "Writer's Tool Box" 

check this out!

Thank you Jamie

(I was fortunate in winning one of her Tool Kits)

After reading all of Jamie's books

I met her on her Ooh La La tour in Paris...

Jamie is energetic

enthusiastic

loves life

is fun to be around

she is

  a totally delightful woman

her 

"joie de vivre" is positively contagious.

Jamie is currently working on a new book...

which I am so looking forward to reading it when it comes out next year.

Chester demands my attention when I sit...

often he pushes my book away before settling into my lap for a cuddle.

OOTD

party version

Sitting in the peace and quiet

dreams are formed

hopes

wishes

destinations farther than my front garden

a leap of faith

who knows what the future will bring?

Thank you Jamie

You continue to inspire me everyday.

I will always remember my trip to Paris.

If it were not for Jamie

 I am not sure that I would have ever realized my dream.

So many thoughts bubble up 

so many of those feelings that lay dormant 

before I embarked on that amazing trans formative journey.

In gratitude...

Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

The "battle of the bulge"...a group effort.

"Women of a certain age" frequently find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to their changing figures.

Many of my over 60 friends have been commiserating about their thicker mid sections and those persnickety "wobbly bits." Several of my friends who work out regularly at the gym have complained about their "muffin tops" and "back fat."

It would appear that these areas become problematic as we advance in age...

Our bodies change...
we must graciously accept these changes and press on.

Making the best of what we have
accepting our limitations
working at maintaining our health
mindful of the foods that we eat to fuel our bodies
enjoying meals that are attractive, colourful and full of nutritious elements.
I guess what I am trying to say is that we need to opt for a happy balance.

While we are focusing on slimming down...
we might need to reassess our clothing choices.

Dressing in flattering clothes definitely makes us feel better about ourselves.

Consider looking at "camouflage dressing" to disguise our figure flaws.
We may wear a bright scarf at the neck to draw the eye upward...
or wear the same colour separates on both the top and bottom for a longer line.

It is important to choose clothing that is not too sheer, too tight and does not cling. Opting for heavier fabrics with more "body."

I prefer denim, bamboo and crisp cottons and linens in styles that follow the curves of my figure but are not too tight or too baggy.

Light cottons, sheer knits and some silks are not that forgiving as they tend to be on the clingy side
Make sure to buy the size that fits and flatters...
ignore the tag...
if you get all hung up on whether you think that you should be wearing a certain size you might be choosing a garment that is going to reveal more of those wobbly bits than you would like.
Check in the mirror...and do not forget to look at the front and the back views.

We cannot expect that our bodies will stay the same as they were when we were in our youth and we need to gracefully embrace the changes that come with age...

Keeping active is important for many reasons...
maintaining flexibility
bone density and heart health,
lower blood pressure and warding off adult onset diabetes.

Weight gain is inevitable when our metabolism slows if we keep eating as we did prior to menopause we will naturally put on weight.

I read somewhere that estrogen is stored in fat cells
and that is why nature adds the fat to protect our hearts...
I cannot remember what publication this was or even if it is backed by scientific evidence...perhaps one of your readers knows more about this and can comment.

We must be proactive if we want to keep those extra pounds from piling up.
Mother who is 89, eats smaller portions and avoids cakes and pastries and walks for 20 minutes each afternoon.

My hypothyroid condition that results in a sluggish metabolism is an issue that affects my weight and a constant reminder that I need to take charge of my eating and exercise habits.

Weight has crept up on me while I was turning a blind eye...

I was much more successful when I was actively attending Weight Watcher meetings and counting my points.

So I am back to tracking my daily WW point allowance and amping up the walking. Many of you are joining me on this journey and I hope that you are starting this process with a positive realistic and optimistic attitude.
We can succeed if we put the effort into the project.
My goal is to lose about 1 pound each week...the first week we may see more weight loss but it usually slows a bit after the initial phase.

My morning indulgence is a cafe creme.

Espresso coffee and foamed skimmed milk.

Breakfast 

1/2 cup 1% cottage cheese and a cup of berries

Lunch is a salad with about 3 ounces of protein and a light dressing.

Dinner

3 ounces of lean protein and lots and lots of vegetables.

Daily brisk walks of about 45 minutes to an hour along the seafront

provide me with plenty of fresh air and movement.

The scenery is quite lovely 

so while I walk I soak in all the beauty and as a result I feel joyful.

If you are following along on this journey to improved health please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

How is your week going?

Have you had cravings?

Are you walking or working out?

Do you have any tips for the group?

My journey may be very different from yours...

happiness and contentment within each of us is very personal 

what works for one may not work for another.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

On going Maintenance...

How do you handle maintenance of home and self?
Do you write lists, schedule appointments, keep a journal?
Or wait until it is almost too late?

The on going maintenance of home and garden can be expensive...
and our modest arts and crafts bungalow is in dire need of some TLC.
Our bungalow is looking really shabby...I am embarrassed
as the paint is peeling and it is looking rather pathetic.

Exterior house painting is our current project...
the scraping and prepping required would take many many hours up on a ladder and neither myself nor Mr. HB have the inclination or stamina to do this job so we are hiring a company that we know will do a good job.

One cannot let things go too far or things would start to deteriorate...
it is after all, a slippery slope
besides she is looking her age...a ripe old 104!

As we age, new challenges arise...

aches, pains, stiffness in the joints
sleep issues crop up
our skin changes
waistlines disappear and our youthful figures blur
our hair turns grey
necks get saggy
skin wrinkles: laugh lines are pronounced
the skin on our hands becomes crepe-y

All these challenges are a normal part of aging...
we can attempt to ignore them or become obsessive.

This wee poppies freshness and beauty are fading...

the wrinkled petals are turning brown in the sun

past their prime

but still lovely.

These lilacs did not last long in the vase...

in 2 days they wilted and turned brown.

There must be a trick to keep them looking fresh...

I cut up into the stems and plunged them into cold water all the way up to the flowers

but that did not seem to keep them from fading...

This toiletry tray holds a few of my favourite things...

scents, and a few of the "tools" that I regularly use.

I love a quality brush when I apply powder, shadow and blush.

Aveda and Jane Iredale make great brushes and with care and maintenance they last for years.

I wash mine frequently in Aveda Shampure shampoo and let them air dry.

I use these two products once a week and give myself a facial 

which takes about 5 minutes.

Then I moisturize with the Eminence coconut lotion 

 my skin feels fresh and looks and feels softer.

I slather this oil on my legs after shaving.

Before I go for my walks I use it on my feet and I think it helps my heels from cracking.

It also smells lovely!

Each morning and evening I wash my face with Eminence Coconut scented Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating cleanser

apply a few drops of the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum 

and apply Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer.

I don't think it really matters too much what brand of products that we use.

They could be drugstore or heath food store lines.

Many people are fans of regular olive or coconut oil.

Whatever you use I think the main thing is to remove your make up and to keep you skin moisturized.

Always use Sunscreen!

It has been added to many formula's and is easy to use.

I like the Eminence sunscreen with the built in brush.

I brush and floss my teeth at least twice a day.

This Sonic Care toothbrush has improved my gum health in 4 short months.

The dental hygienist was amazed!

She said if I kept this up for the next 20 years my gums would not deteriorate!

I love the idea of having healthy gums

as I read somewhere that gum disease is linked to heart problems.

Keep active

find something that you love to do and immerse yourself in it.

There are many things that we can do to maintain our appearance and stay healthy...

I have just touched on a few...

this post just scratched the surface of a very large topic.

Please feel free to chime in with your own hints and thoughts...

we are all in this journey together.

Embrace beauty in all it's forms...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Beauty and the Brow

It is International Woman's Day!

Today I am focusing on Beauty...
which truly is in the eye of the beholder.

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."
                               ~ Khalil Gibran ~

The focus of today's post is the brow...

Personally I feel that make up should be used with a light touch to look like you, only better!
My routine is simple and quick and I prefer the "no make up look."

You may ask why do I bother?
In a nutshell, it makes me feel better about myself.

Powder foundation, a quick sweep of eye shadow, followed by mascara all by Jane Iredale.
Followed by light dusting with Bobbi Brown Bronzer to highlight my cheekbones.
This can all be done in about 5 minutes or less.

BTW ~ I no longer use a lash curler as I noticed too many of the lashes were falling out.

My eyebrows are thinner due to a thyroid condition and I have quite a few white hairs now
which makes them almost disappear.

Professional tinting at the Spa lasts about 6 weeks which covers the white and grey hairs.
Unfortunately no amount of dye will give the illusion of fullness and for that
I went to Sephora.

Bobbi Brown makes a brow pencil which is easy to use.

The soft formula allows for precise filling in of the areas that need a little fullness and definition.

It comes with a sharpener which is convenient to keep the tip sharp making it much easier to apply.

I also picked up my birthday bonus gift.

Marc Jacobs eye liner and a small lipstick.

I use an old mascara wand to brush my brows before applying Maybelline Brow Drama.

The brow drama is tinted and has a gel which keeps brows in place

then I use the Bobbi Brown brow pencil to fill in any gaps.

I do not tweeze my brows.

I use a small pair of scissors to clip any hairs that grow too long and to maintain their shape.

You can have this done at the Spa if you so desire.

The results of just these 3 products are quite dramatic...

brows "frame" the face.

If you have ever seen anyone who has shaved off their brows you will understand what I mean.

Have you noticed women that are wearing "too much" make up?

I wonder if they are trying to hide their age, ashamed perhaps that they are not youthful.

Too much make up can them look even older...

lighter formulas used sparingly are far more flattering.

Be comfortable in your own skin

rejoice 

you are a woman of a certain age

there is no shame in that

hold your head high

walk with confidence

embrace your years

you have earned respect

and you have wisdom.

Focus on healthy eating, drink lots of water, maintain a good skincare regime.

If your budget allows for it have a professional facial every month or so...

and please remember to SMILE!

A smile perks up the corners of the mouth and lightens up the face.

Celebrate being a woman today!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~