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 ~

Christmas happened...despite Covid and we survived!

Christmas Gifts

Kosta Boda Rose pattern crystal votives.

Gift from darling daughter and her husband.

I love the design and the icy light from the candles.

The festive season was a bit different this year due to catching Covid.

My husband and I both had it earlier in December.

I have scarred lungs from repeated bouts of pneumonia 

so when I get a cold (or Covid) I tend to get a chesty cough.

We went to our son's home for Christmas morning where we exchanged gifts and had brunch.

I made Jacques Pepin's French Toast Bake, a fruit salad and sausages with croissants.

The kids were so excited!!!

Lovely to see their enthusiasm and joy.

Here is the island that Mr. HB made for our son's home.

It was a summer project and I have serious Island Envy!!!

I didn't have a ton of energy and so I had to give up on most of the baking.

Fortunately I had prepared the candied nuts ahead of time 

the chocolate bark is a quick recipe to make.

(posted the recipe in a previous blogpost)

Food is a BIG part of our traditional celebrations...

turkey and lots of side dishes.

Simple table setting...

using

red and greens.

The cute little tree was found in our Cook Street Village Garden Centre.

I used it as our centrepiece on the Christmas table...

The turkey was about 10 pounds...

I made stuffing, maple glazed carrots, whipped potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussells sprouts with pancetta, gravy and cranberry sauce.

Dessert was Panna Cotta with Italian sour cherries in syrup.

Served in an iittala Ultima Thule Glass

We have quite a few pieces of Tapio Wirkkala's Icy Modernist Crystal.

It was popular when we got married in 1974 and is still in business today.

After Boxing Day...

made a small batch of Yorkshire puddings to add to the leftovers.

Turkey Soup

Candles in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen above the Farmhouse Sink.

This morning I woke early...

have been going to bed before 10:00 most nights.

Coffee in the dark and thoughts swirling...

felt a surge of energy to get some decluttering done.

The car was loaded up and I dropped off the donations around noon.

Starting downstairs in the guest and hobby rooms.

Still a few more things to deal with but it feels way better!!

Funny thing that has happened since I had to cancel my haircut...

I have been using the flat iron and straightening it...

I think it is "growing on me"

Not perfect 

getting to the stage where I can wear it up in a French Roll 

or put it in a scrunchie for a loose ponytail.

So I suppose that's enough rambling for one post...

Hope that you had a wonderful Festive Season.

Hope that you are staying healthy and are avoiding Covid.

Let me know how things are going...do you declutter after the holidays?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday ~ Sunshine and Snow

 

This candle is not what I expected...

it is melting in a rather unusual fashion.

The shopkeeper where I purchased this candle

assured me that they were quality imports from Europe.

I think I will go back to buying beeswax candles.

They burn cleanly and look lovely and are fragrant while they burn.

Reading Mick Herron's book Slow Horses the first in the series.

Mr. HB is on book 5 London Rules...

he has the next one and will purchase the new one when it is published this April.

We do not usually read the same books but this series is an exception.

My reading corner at the cottage.

The weather is freezing cold and we had some snow overnight.

Just a dusting.

It is a beautiful sunny Sunday here at the cottage!

Another vintage sealer jar...almost full.

We managed to get out for two beach walks and gather sea glass.

Fashionable OOTD at the cottage are rather non existent!

I pack a Lands' End tote with cozy casual sportswear during the fall and winter.

What I pack for the week:

Nightgown and Ralph Lauren terry robe

thick alpaca socks (instead of slippers)

Lingerie:

bras, panties, camisoles

Two long sleeved Lands" End cotton tops 

Yoga pants and a pair of black lined leggings

32 Below black velour zip jacket

Black quilted Eileen Fisher vest

distressed and much worn Gap denim shirt

Jeans 

Long sleeve Eileen Fisher boiled wool sweater 

Boots:

Warm lined Reiker boots in a tobacco shade

Black waterproof Josef Seibel Chelsea Boots

Columbia blue puffer coat

Burberry plaid scarf

You might be curious, I do wear my Akoya pearls...

my vintage burgundy leather Due Fratelli bag

I also bring a small black leather Roots bag for hikes and walks.

Our cottage time is laid back and casual.

Hope that you are keeping warm and cozy if it is snowing where you live.

We'll be spending most of the week with our noses in our books and going for walks.

Meals will be simple and the weather sounds like it will warm up.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Many of you are frustrated that the email service Blogger offered is no longer working...

You can try Feedly or check in most Sundays for the post.

~ 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 

Starting 2023 slowly, thoughtfully and with intention...

 

 ~ New Year ~

Thoughts of change and the steps required to take the necessary actions

easing slowly...

mulling over the multitude of possibilities.

What to do?

Stay the same or move ahead in a fresh new direction?

Take a risk or keep it safe?

Current read...

I heard so many lovely things about this book that I bought a copy.

Numerous friends told me that it was the BEST book that they had read last year.

That says a LOT!

I am not yet finished it...

reading slowly to absorb and digest the thoughts 

and 

significance of the words.

It is very beautifully written, full of emotion and poignant life experiences.

Very Sad...

the attention to detail is divine, the author writes like an artist paints.

In the spirit of not rushing...

I've signed up for a 30 day online Yoga challenge.

On day 4, I realized how much I have missed my Yoga practice.

Watching the instructor,

  (who looks effortless) 

while she moves through the poses

was quite discouraging for me.

 I was struggling on my mat!

I signed up at my former Yoga Studio 

for in person classes with the instructor whose teaching style I love.

Her calming voice, slow movements and gentle spirit are absolute BLISS!

Classes start in 2 weeks and I am very excited.

Our naughty cats were guilty of shredding my old Yoga mat...

it was time to replace it.

I bought a new one today which is 6mm thick to cushion my 67 year old achy joints.

While I was shopping I found a small bolster and a lavender scented cleaning spray.

Do you practice Yoga?

Sunday morning post on Instagram today...

Sand and Fog Candle

in a lovely soothing fragrance

~ Roses and Sandalwood ~

This scent would make a great perfume.

The painted rock above was designed and painted by my former neighbour.

It reminds me of a mandala...

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

 We are immersed in a Netflix series called The Stranger...

oh my goodness it is so complicated!

We've watched a few good ones lately...

Treason and another one called The Bodyguard

coincidentally

 they are all British.

The Stranger is British too with an all star cast.

You might enjoy them too...

let me know.

What are you watching?

Thank you for stopping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

DIY ~ Festive Wreath and a couple of Hostess Gifts

 

I purchased a basic simple wreath from the floral department at the grocers.

The price was good but I felt like it needed something more.

The DIY spirit in me spurred me on to add something...

but what?

I mulled it over for a few days

 every time I went out and closed the door I knew I had to act.

I had made a bowl full of dried oranges...

to add to Christmas gifts.

I followed the directions that Annie Diamond

at Most Lovely Things had shared in the December issue of BHG.

Basic directions are to cut oranges into 1/4 inch slices 

place on a rack atop a cookie sheet.

Bake at 225 degrees for 3- 4 hours until dried.

I thought they might look good on the wreath.

I used florists wire and tied them onto the fir boughs 

tucking them carefully into the fronds.

I think it looks natural and dresses up and adds interest to the simple wreath.

The theme for this year's wrap is simple and natural.

The local Michaels store had a wide variety of choices for wrap.

I opted for plain and printed kraft paper with a simple twine and tags.

My current favourite scented candle...

Black Fig 

by

~ Sand and Fog ~

The Sand and Fog brand of candles use soy wax and essential oils.

I prefer a "woodsy"scent over "sweet."

The vintage wood box is my "new" recipe box.

I found it at a local consignment shop.

The new box prompted me to go through all my recipes...

what a job!

Mom's recipes as well as mine were organized into categories

some were rewritten, most of mom's recipes are for the holidays.

She was a plain cook but loved baking.

I've been baking quite a bit lately...

cakes mostly, to serve as dessert or an afternoon treat with tea.

Bath salts are a simple hostess gift.

This recipe is inexpensive, quick and easy to make.

(you can double or triple this recipe)

If you look at thrift shops you can find some pretty glass jars.

I like to add a pretty ribbon and a simple tag.

If you are gifting a spa "pampering" basket

think of including:

a soft towel

soap

body lotion

candle

bath salts

chocolate bar

hand lotion

Do you remember those expensive flavoured instant coffee beverages sold in the grocery stores?

I am not sure if they still sell them?

Years ago a friend gave me this recipe and she shared it with many friends.

We all made batch after batch of this drink...

It has stood the test of time and is still a tasty beverage.

Looks pretty in a simple clear glass jar.

Think of a canning jar or a decorative canister.

Make some for yourself while you are wrapping the gifts this season!

I'll be making some of mom's cookies and fruit loaves in a few weeks.

Hope to share some of the recipes here on the blog.

Have you started to get ready for the festive season?

Are you feeling creative?

Will you make some or all of the gifts that you give?

If you are in The US you might be getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Hope that you are able to join with friends and family this year.

Thank you for popping by the blog...

Commenting continues to be a challenge, 

I have reached out to Blogger

but it seems that there is little tech support available.

So far it hasn't stopped me from posting...

it is a fun hobby.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~