Faffing in The Humble Bungalow...

 

Foraged Teasel in a vintage vase...

set atop a distressed shabby chic farmhouse cabinet.

The sepia tones have inspired the redecoration of the room.

The mirror was a freebie on the boulevard several years ago.

I love finding useful things for free :-))

~ Sea Glass Collection ~

Collected over the years...stored in Vintage Sealer Jars.

Simple lines and soft neutral shades of paint...

the oak card table is destined to be a "tea station."

I am on the hunt for an interesting tea tray...

maybe antique mahogany with inlay

or 

a marquetry wood tray.

I've even seen toile painted metal trays that look like they would be suitable.

I think I might need a pretty glass jar for some cookies...

why not?

A cozy chair and a soft cuddly blanket.

The table has a few books and a lamp for reading.

Still enjoy re-reading The Simple Abundance Books by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

They continue to inspire after all these years...

I may bring my journal down here and sit with a cuppa and write at this table.

I've purchased a new~ to ~ me mug and a plate for my tea time.

The mug is white with a shiny gold handle.

 the plate is shiny gold with white accents.

The cat litter is to the right of this cabinet...

(Needs Must)

The main reason that I am "faffing" as this will be "my space" for a few weeks.

I plan to recuperate after my hip surgery downstairs 

(to avoid stairs)

plus there is a comfy bed and a walk in shower.

I just finished reading this great mystery book by Jess Kidd.

She's working on the follow up book and it will be available in February.

Cyclamens to perk up the front porch...

Can you see my black backpack and bag of groceries on the front mat by the door?

Priorities...plant the flowers first!!!

Can you see the reflection of the candles in the photo?

I like to light candles in the Fall and Winter...they add coziness.

Beeswax are my go to for tapers...

I like the Sand and Fog scented candles that I find at Marshalls.

Recently found a Vanilla Sandalwood candle that is lovely!

Bought 3 of their scented candles as the selection is huge right now...

they have all their Christmas stuff for sale.

Was a bit surprised to see it all so soon after Halloween 

but I know people like to shop early.

(Myself included)

I hadn't intended to write a post tonight.

It is a short one ~ hope you'll enjoy reading it.

I feel like I want to stay in touch...

Hope all is well with you...

are you enjoying the Autumn Colours?

Or perhaps it is Spring in your area?

Wherever you live I hope that you are savouring the Small Joys everyday.

 I must close for now as I have a few things to do before we sit down and watch The Bay on Britbox.

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 ~

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