February ~ Cocooning in The Humble Bungalow

 

Thank you for all your comments and emails from my last post.

I took time off to be quiet, stay at home and just relax.

In preparation for Surgery. 

I've been feeling calm and cocooning...

One of the projects I tackled was a messy cupboard...

it's been a disaster for years and I just "lived" with it.

One day I opened the cupboard stuff fell out...

that was the signal to me to get serious and act.

I removed all the items and placed them on top of the dining room table.

I discarded things that were no longer needed

things that were out of date and expired.

Organized the rest of the items and popped them into baskets.

Think that I will be able to maintain order 

after I took the time to tidy up.

Looking at the before and after images makes me wonder why it took so long :-))

Do you have cupboards, drawers or entire rooms that are in disarray?

Perhaps catch all areas where you close a door and look away?

Candles, books and lots of tea kept me company during these quiet days.

Tried some new teas...

my current favourite is an Irish imported tea by Barry's

very strong and rich and is decaf.

I found it at The Irish Linen Shop here in Victoria.

While I was there I bought a couple of new linen tea towels and looked at their gorgeous Irish Wool Sweaters.

Spring feels like it is going to be early...

so many flowers are blooming.

We've had rain, and gusty winds but no snow.

I've got a dozen books in my to be read pile...

am currently reading A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly.

So good...she wrote The Last Garden in England.

New to us...

Vintage Arts and Crafts Weller vase

Imagining our David Austin Roses in this pretty little vessel.

Wrote in my journal...

not daily as I had originally expected, but when I felt like it.

So many random thoughts are swirling around in my mind.

Health seems to be at the forefront.

Surgery is getting a lot of air time.

Reading up on the preparations, sorting out the medical equipment required.

Researching post op hip replacement weeks that other people have experienced...

want to have some realistic expectations.

Enjoying the Thrifted Shetland Wool Hand Knit Sweater.

It's the warmest sweater that I own...

When winter started I owned 3 maybe 4 sweaters 

but since recent thrifting finds

I now have 3 more.

The blog may be quiet for another few weeks...

~ Post Op ~

when I stay home and recover and get my new hip ready for action.

Hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying life.

 Are you noticing Pops Of Colour?

Savouring moments of Joy

Living Simply?

Take care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Embracing those Silver Linings ~

 

~ Silver Linings ~

 ~ a consoling or hopeful prospect ~

 ~ a sign of hope, comfort, or a positive advantageous outcome 

that emerges from a difficult, sad or challenging situation ~

Popularized by John Milton in 1634

the phrase refers to the bright silver edge of a dark cloud.

~ Baggu ~

Silver is shiny enough that a crow might want it, bold enough so it is not boring.

I'm embracing the days as I wait for my new hip.

The days seem long and I crave distractions...

the kettle is boiling 24/7 as tea is my tasty elixir.

I have lost 20 pounds...

The new jeans are feeling roomy and I am not wanting to buy more.

There has been a resurgence of chocolate...

slow moments of bliss as the chocolate melts on my tongue.

~ Dressing Room Selfie ~

at Alexa's lovely shop in the Oak Bay Village

a la mode consignment

Can one have too many denim shirts?

(I now have 3)

The 5 year old thrifted Old Navy shirt, the pale Gap shirt new from last year

and now this Eileen denim shirt from Frank & Eileen.

The neckline is lower...the shirt is distressed...

it can be worn as a layer overtop of a camisole for a feminine flair.

Plus it is "pearl friendly!"

Accessories continue to add interest in my wardrobe.

The bird of paradise brooch thrifted from Salt Spring Island.

~ Two  new to me leather belts ~

Ralph Lauren and a British Columbia Big Buckle Belt

Chloe fragrance an relatively new accessory that I am embracing.

Look at those dirty windows!

All the street work and winter wind storms have made a mess of our windows.

Now look at that hyacinth...it's a beauty.

oh and the fragrance...

Speaking of fragrance...

I've bought incense...the same incense that I burned when I was a teenager!

Surprised they still make it after all these years.

Tapio Wirkkala Pollo Bud vase 

(gift from darling daughter)

is in use as my holder until I can find a better option.

Reading The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

it's good so far and I am reading it slowly

my mind is not as focused as it usually is so I am re-reading sections.

I think I am starting to come to terms with the fact that I am going to be having major surgery and undergoing anesthetic...

there is the unknown pain factor post op which I am a little unsettled about too.

The strong prescription drugs are foreign to me so that is another issue altogether.

Basically 

trying to avoid these niggling thoughts and using as many distractions as possible 

to pass my days without obsessing about things which are unknown

things that i have no control over.

I need to have faith.

That's all for now...

not sure when I will post again?

I might not have lots to say as I plan to cocoon in February.

Thank you for stopping by...

Hope that you are staying sane

 not stressing too much about stuff that is beyond your control.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

New Year ~ Self care and Comfort

 

~ Comfort and Joy ~

We need and crave comfort in these troubled times...

Joy may seem impossible.

Despair might creep in if we give it a wide berth.

I'm not suggesting that you bury your head in the sand...

just seek a balance.

~ It is not selfish to practise self care ~

Creating and embracing JOY in our daily round is important for our well being.

Soothing slow and mindful habits can and need to be cultivated.

With that in mind I am

starting off the New Year with some comforting rituals...

little things that make a difference in my days.

lighting candles

taking tea 

reading inspirational books

wearing soft fabrics that feel like a warm hug

trying out a new shade of lipstick

browsing in a used bookshop 

exploring the neighbourhood ~ slowly walking around

discovering a different park or new garden

visiting an art gallery

shopping for groceries in a different store

tidying up a messy cupboard or drawer

making a new recipe

baking some yummy cookies

(the opportunities are vast!)

I created a cozy corner in my "hobby" room.

Re-reading Simple Abundance and Romancing The Ordinary

by

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Mornings are started with a few pages of each of these lovely books...

they definitely help set a thoughtful and positive tone to my day.

There have been some "new" things too...

besides purging stuff and donating to the charity shops I've browsed a few...

I discovered these Geoc leather boots at a local WIN thrift shop...

What a great pair of boots!

Happy to have found them as they were on my list for at least 2 years.

New palette of matte powder eye shadows...

Marcelle, a Canadian company, make some lovely products.

My former Marcelle palette was a mess...

several of the powders had been all used up

so there was not much point trying to eke out any product.

It was time to buy a replacement :-))

KUR nail veil...

Using these nail enhancers for over 2 years have improved my nails.

My cuticles are in much better shape and my nails are much stronger.

Have you tried the KUR line of nail illuminators?

It's raining cats and dogs here this morning...

will be a day to be indoors

perfect for making a big batch of soup or baking something yummy.

Carbs call to me on these rainy days...

I've been very good at avoiding them as they tend to be my dieting downfall.

The scale is hovering in and around the 15 pounds lost mark...

I'll need to up my activity level or lower my intake.

Slow progress, but it's reduced my hip pain substantially, so I feel very grateful.

How are you starting 2026?

Making any resolutions?

Travel Plans?

Hope you are feeling ready to embrace positive change.

 Perhaps making self care one of your comforting rituals.

~ Take Care ~

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Yoga and Knitting Retreat ~ Stowell Lake Farm

 

I attended a 5 day Yoga and Knitting Retreat at

Stowell Lake Farm located on Salt Spring Island.

The Farmstand is full of fresh farm grown produce, plants, herbs, fresh soups,

and teas.

I bought some tea and a canvas tote bag.

We had the option to practice 90 minute Yoga sessions twice a day.

There was a 30 minute morning meditation before breakfast.

During the day there were opportunities to walk the property.

  Afternoons had knitting workshops and a knitting circle.

The meals were served buffet style 

with vegetarian dishes using veggies grown on the farm.

It was a wonderful venue and there were comfy cozy rooms.

There were yurts with rooms and a communal bath house.

I stayed in The Village Building just across from the modernized Barn.

Fountain and fire pit with chairs...

reminded me a bit of Provence...

the periwinkle blue chairs and the sound of the water.

The barn is spacious and warmed by a wood burning fireplace.

These tables were where we ate our meals and had our workshops.

There were many cozy couches and chairs...

foot stools and side tables.

Perfect for making connections while knitting

Tea, chats and knitting...all go so well together.

Books, projects, an emotional support chicken...

I had never heard of these emotional support chickens.

Apparently they started during Covid and people are knitting them to give away to people who could use a little bit of comfort.

One of the participants has made over 80 of these chicken and has randomly given them to people she meets.

There were 30 women in attendance as guests.

Several knitting instructors and our Yoga teacher and her assistant.

Two women made the trek from Whitehorse.

Several came from Alberta and the rest of us were from Victoria, Vancouver and the lower mainland.

Lighting was excellent in the evenings.

 Most of us wore our knitting 

neck lights.

I finished Alexandra's Airplane Scarf on the last evening.

I now need a new project :-))

There was a local pop up shop from Salt String Wool Shop

a guest from the Weavers Guild

and 

a felting workshop.

The cloth is laid atop a foam block and you use fuzzy wool

and a straight needle ~ poke up and down to secure the yarn to the cloth.

It was a new thing for me...my little scene is rather loose

but I got the idea behind the craft.

~ Bowls on display ~ 

Nature focused 

 shells, rocks, dried flowers, antlers.

~ The Farm Stand ~

~ Rock Walls ~

Sunshine was welcomed as most of the weather was rainy.

I took the opportunity to go and explore the farm.

Several families live on the vast acreage...

 The Seven Seasons of Stowell Lake Farm,

a book

which has the history and the story of how the families came to the farm.

It goes into detail of how the farm functions... the animals and the crops they grow.

Recipes from the various seasons are published.

It was published in 2018 and many of the younger children are now adults.

The retreats are offered from March to November

Yoga is a popular retreat as there is a large Yoga studio on site.

This was my first retreat and I plan to attend next year.

The Farm is incredibly peaceful, the food is yummy and the beds are cozy.

Meeting 30 women who share the love of knitting and practise Yoga 

makes for an easy introduction and the formulation of friendship flows.

I am slowly getting back to my routine...

been reading a LOT 

Broken Country is one of the best books I have read in the last few months...

I read a wide variety of books and am always impressed by a page turner.

This story had and held my attention from the first page.

I think it's a winner!!

Works that are resonating with me...

As I breathe deeply

embracing

Gratitude, Peace, Contentment.

A few days away practising Yoga in a warm sun filled studio

has worked it's magic.

I'm ready to start some festive decorating, 

do some baking 

get together with friends and family 

to celebrate The Joys of the Season.

Hope that you are doing well.

Thank you for stopping by to read my Humble Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~