Friday Flowers...

Friday Flowers...

I spied these pretty pink blooms on one of my walks this week.

They are just so cheerful

set against the grey cedar fence they seem to glow...

These colourful primulas are perfect for the front porch.

They are a welcome sight with just the right amount of "happy."

There are many different varieties of these plants available.

Did you know that the only ones with a scent are the deep amber yellow variety?

I always purchase some of the yellow ones as their scent is quite lovely.

I've been searching for a vintage silver champagne bucket for quite some time and this week the stars aligned and I found one in a second hand shop for a reasonable price.

I wasted no time and popped into the local flower shop and bought a new orchid where it now sits on our dining room table.

Flowers are such a tonic for the grey gloomy weather...

we have had a few patches of sunshine which raises ones spirits.

At my weekly bridge afternoon many of the women were lamenting about the weather...it seems to be a common complaint.

Some were eager to share their travel plans as they are booked on flights 

off to warmer sunnier climates.

Travel to a sunnier spot is not on my radar...

so I add colour in my daily round and seek out "pops of colour" on my walks.

a lovely blue green mix in this sumptuous yarn...

I have been learning a lot about knitting with my new sock project.

The heel flap, turning the heel and the gusset have been a wee bit challenging but thanks to You Tube knitting tutorials I have been able to work through the pattern.

 Do you challenge yourself by learning new things?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ 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 ~

Watching my Weight...the UPS and downs.

Maintaining the Weight Watchers goal weight has proved to be a challenge...
my weight is on an upswing and I am not happy about it at all.

My weight fluctuates a bit each time I step on the scale...it might be the time of day or what I'm wearing or if I have just eaten a big meal or skipped a walk.
I weigh myself regularly and I try to be mindful about what I drink and eat.
I need to be accountable to ensure that my weight does not get out of control.
Weight Watchers helps to keep me motivated...and it's discipline that helps me stay on track.

Since returning from Paris I have neglected to go to a meeting or to weigh in....

Life is full of tasty temptations!
I don't like to be too obsessive and avoid everything that is offered to me.

I need to remind myself of the rules.

There are many strategies that come in handy when dining out.
~ choosing low point foods during the day so a splurge at dinner time is within the WW range
~ eating a small snack to ward off hunger pangs when you know that dinner out will be late
 it's difficult avoiding the bread baskets when you are ravenous!
~ you may even amp up your exercise in anticipation of a colossal caloric encounter
~ order dessert and share it...take a few bites and savour the flavour
~ my husband often orders fries which I LOVE so I'll sample a few of his instead of ordering my own
~ develop a love for colourful salads and add some lean protein on the side
~ ask to have the dressing served on the side
~ if you know where you are going to be dining go online and check to see if their menu has          nutritional information on their website so that you can determine which options would be best
~ opt for baked, broiled or grilled over battered and deep fried foods
~ put your knife and fork down often and chat over dinner
~ avoid over eating...take home leftovers for lunch the next day
~ if you really want to indulge, do so and then get right back on track the next day!

I try to eat simple and healthy meals.

Island grown strawberries and plain yogurt.

To start my day I often opt for fresh fruit and yogurt.
Danone make a low point count one with Stevia as the sweetener...
Weight Watchers logo and point count is stamped on the tub.

Silver Hills Little Big Bread makes a great WW friendly base for a sandwich.

I have loaded this bread with grainy Dijon mustard, a slice of cheese, lettuce and pickle slices.

Some days I opt for tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts and slices of lean chicken or turkey.

I find these sandwiches satisfy and I rarely feel hungry before dinner time.

On days when I do experience hunger pangs I will snack on an apple with two wedges of Laughing Cow low fat cheese or a few carrots and celery sticks with a couple of tablespoons of hummus.

Dinner usually consists of lean meat, vegetables and a salad.

I rarely eat potato chips or other salty snacks.

Cookies and cakes are a rare treat.

Chocolate, however, is eaten in moderation and enjoyed immensely!

One thing that keeps me on track are my walks.

Walking = exercise.

We live so close to the ocean and the scenery is beautiful 

so it makes my job of getting out the door and "just doing it" much easier.

Walking with a friend or my spouse is enjoyable as we chat while we walk.

When I am on my own I seek out the beautiful details along the way.

Losing weight and keeping it off is not easy.

The rewards ARE worth the effort.

Less hip and joint pain have been an unexpected bonus.

I feel more confident in my appearance and my doctor and I are both happy that I no longer require high blood pressure medication.

I could not have lost the 30 + pounds if I had not taken a leap and joined Weight Watchers.

I went alone because no one I knew was interested in going...

most of my friends are slim and trim and keep active and are fit.

I met a wonderful and supportive group of women leaders and "losers" and we all attended the meetings with the same goals in mind.

If you are struggling while trying to lose weight on your own and need some help

 I'd suggest you attend one of the WW meetings...

you'll find out how easy the program is and the only thing you need to do is follow the rules...

and in time you'll succeed.

It took me the better part of a year to get to my weight goal.

It's time for me to get on track again and go back!

"Anything worth doing is worth doing well."

~ Hunter S Thompson ~

Hope you have a great weekend!

Weight Loss Secrets...what I learned on my personal WW journey.

Several readers have emailed me and asked for specifics about my weight loss journey, asked for tips and any "weight loss secrets" that I could share with you.

Weight Loss Secrets are a hot topic!
 Ads promoting these "secrets" and food advice and diet regimes are popping up all over the web.

In the past and out of desperation I clicked on many of these links and read with anticipation eager to find that miracle diet as I knew it HAD to be out there somewhere...if only I kept looking.

Let me state first off that I was a staggering 160 pounds...and at 5 foot 1 inch that put me in the obese category.
I felt immense shame and my body image was very low...I wore tent shaped clothes basically, stylish tents but voluminous pieces that were meant to hide my bulk...which they didn't.
I was trying to pretend that they did...
It's sad but true how we choose denial in these situations.

My blood pressure was through the roof and I was put on high blood pressure meds and my doctor insisted that I lose at least 10 pounds.
Ten pounds should not be an insurmountable task but I could not shed these on my own even after trying several diets and reading numerous books on the subject.

Fruits in their natural state are free of WW points so they make a great choice for a snack between meals.

But I still clung to the hope of that miracle food or diet that I thought I could quickly and easily shed the weight, after all 10 pounds is not much.
I actually believed in my heart that if I followed some of the quirky advice out there that I would be able to slim down without putting much effort into it.
I admit it now, I was just plain lazy.
I'd rather sit around and read than hit the pavement and walk or go to the gym.

Hah what a joke...and the joke was on me.
I was under the wrong impression and found out very quickly that what I needed was a simple basic regime and some healthier life style changes if I was to be successful.

There are No Weight Loss "Secrets"... 
it's mere science and common sense.

I needed help and some educational tools and support so I went to WW online.
They had so many published "success stories"  that I figured if these average women could do it I could too.

I knew that I needed to be accountable and online would not be the best route for me so I joined the local chapter and have never looked back.

Low point breakfast Little Big Bread toasted with a boiled egg for protein.

I find protein stays with me and helps me feel satisfied longer.

I had to start some physical exercise and walking was the logical choice for me.

It is free and I can do it when it fits into my schedule.

As we live so close to the beautiful seafront and an area filled with lovely homes and gardens to gaze upon I felt distracted by the actual walking and felt more like I was enjoying the scenery.

Time passed quickly and soon I was able to increase the length of my walks.

I started out small...20 minutes everyday.

Now I aim for at least 45-50 each day with one or two 10K walks a week with a friend.

It has become a healthy habit and one that I look forward to each day.

It is a gift to me.

As if I am saying I am worth it...

I no longer need the high blood pressure medication and feel so much stronger.

If I can lose 30 pounds so can you.

It took me almost a year but in that year I learned what I should eat and how movement could change my shape and improve my muscle tone and bone health.

It was hard to stick with it when I saw friends eating battered fish and chips and munching on chocolates but I told myself that when I got to my goal weight I would be able to enjoy these foods sparingly...which I do now.

After my walks I often sit down to a small snack with my cup of tea.

I have been savouring the Food Should Taste Good multi grain cracker chips with a tablespoon of Hummus.

Wearing figure flattering clothes that are not "tent like" and meant to camouflage has been an unexpected bonus.

My first pair of white jeans in years has filled me with a new found confidence and I actually think my self esteem has improved.

The basic minimal wardrobe that I have put together almost exclusively through charity and thrift shops after consigning all my "fat clothes" has been quite a lot of fun too...

less expensive than buying all new and fun to find.

~ ~ ~

I wrote this post in response to several readers who are struggling with their weight loss journey.

I hope that I have answered all your questions and if I have not please leave me a comment and I will answer.

Weight Watchers worked for me and if you need a sensible way to lose weight I encourage you to enroll in the program.

If I am able to influence one of you to make a change and turn your life around it will be worth it.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Blah blah blah....blog.

Are there any new thoughts that I can type that would inject some excitement to The Humble Bungalow Blog?
Yawn...maybe I should make something up?
I am in a writer's funk and wonder what I can do to spice things up...
Do you ever get yourself in one of those moods?

It's like school when struggling and emergent writers are ready, pencil and paper poised to start and then realize that they are stuck...it's time for a story starter!
Those random few sentences that inspire and fuel the imagination...
"Leslie was sitting in her car when a police car sped by at top speed side swiping her Volvo estate with such force that her Starbucks coffee spilled all over her beautiful Hermes scarf!"

It's kind of weird for me...not having anything that I feel excited to write about...

Maybe I am ebbing low...like Springsteen sang "man I'm tired and bored with myself"

So here goes people...
I am attempting to cobble together a post with a cup of tea and a lemon shortbread cookie in my mouth.
Don't judge me too harshly if it is a crummy post!

I treated myself to some flowers...actually it's a limey shade of white hydrangea.

I'll keep it in the house for a bit and then plant it in the garden.

The morning light filtering through the blinds...

Love the size of these blooms.

Distressed and funky jardinere...

a freebie from the boulevard.

Someone has polished the silver so much that the base metal is showing through but I thought the pattern was nice.

I think it might be a Tudor Rose.

Our new DKNY coverlet on the master bedroom bed...

chrysanthemum like blooms stitched to form a pattern.

The cats seem to like it and one of them threw up on it within the first 30 minutes...

I was able to wash the spot and thankfully it did not stain.

I haven't seen Mother for over 3 weeks now and she tells me that she is feeling tired...

I have asked her to make an appointment with our GP and see if her B12 is low.

Perhaps it is her heart?

It's such a worry.

She says that she misses seeing me and I reassure her that I will see her as soon as the last of my cough has gone.

I do not want her getting ill with this nasty business.

I think it will be this week that we can arrange an outing...it is long overdue.

Lovely daughter and I had a delightful thrift shopping adventure this weekend.

She found some great vintage leather boots, some modernist Finnish glasses and we were able to buy her a retro sapphire ring which I might add is stunning.

See for yourself...

She has a great eye for design and manages to find quite a few bargains.

This was a wee extra gift as she just had her birthday and we have yet to celebrate due to illness.

I am looking forward to our dinner out and getting dressed up and enjoying a glass or two of bubbly.

In the meantime I am off to the nursery to buy some plants and perk up the deck and porch.

There is nothing like digging in the dirt and getting my hands dirty to perk things up.

What do you do to shake things up when you are in a funk?

OOTD ~ Walking ~ Weight Watchers...

The Weight Watcher's meeting was informative and fun.
The Wednesday evening group are all women and quite funny and at times it bordered on hysterical.
Having a sense of humour is so imortant. Wouldn't you agree?
particularly when facing a new challenge...

There was a lot of information to assimilate and there is still a lot I need to learn about the program.
Day One found me tracking everything that have eaten and am wearing a pedometer to count my steps.

This is all so new (foreign) to me but a gal can change...
and it feel like the right time to embark on something new.

Some of you suggested that I wait for retirement to start this regime but I feel keen so why wait?

Vera Wang boyfriend jeans

Born shoes

Royal Robbins fleece jacket

My route is along the seafront

the views are never dull.

It's a brisk walk which takes me about 50 minutes.

Falling into bed after a brisk walk and sleeping soundly is a bonus 

and one that I approve and appreciate.

 While on WW 

exercise is encouraged if not expected

to maximize one's success.

So it's great that I love to walk.

I am eating mostly fruits and vegetables with portions of lean protein.

Modest snacks between meals and lots of water.

My tummy has been rumbling today but I have not felt like I am starving or that I am being deprived.

Not a lot of fats are encouraged but there are no real restrictions 

except one is to meant to keep within a set number of points each day.

Points that are established by your age, height and current weight 

with an eye to losing 10% of your current weight to start.

Each week we meet and weigh in...

there is a lecture and dialogue is encouraged

support comes from the participants as well as the leader.

So enough about WW...

our vintage wicker chair just got more comfortable

it's a chair that gives me pins and needles in my legs if I sit in it for more than a few minutes

IKEA chair cushion

a perfect pairing

comfort at last!

Have you had a good week?

What is on the calendar for your upcomng weekend?

Are you celebrating Mother's Day or are you being celebrated?

Best wishes to all you Moms out there!

Have a fabulous weekend.

A New Year and a fresh start...

I am not given to make New Years resolutions
but do try to visualize the beginning of the year with fresh eyes and optimism.
Anything is possible!

Life will unfold as it will, as it usually does.
One can never predict what might be, where one may go, what challenges we might face.
We can only control how we react...

Embracing and holding close ~ family and friends.
Good friends are gifts and ones worth tending...
family members need unconditional love and support
(must keep in check my tendency to smother!)

Remember to keep my spirits up and to keep moving, however slow or fast.
Feeding my soul as well as my body.

Finding a time for quiet reflection
an outlet for stress
something of beauty to behold
something meaningful to do
and someone to love.

waterfront walks

go a long way to keeping me focused and fit

living in a neighbourhood

belonging to a group

doing something for others

home keeping

gardening

cocooning in a cozy space

finding joy in the everyday routines

~ it's the little things ~

flowers

accents from nature

whimsy

a juxtaposition 

the unexpected that catch my eye

and hold me close like a whisper

~ ~ ~

pushing the envelope

stretching

taking life less seriously

not conforming

reinventing

taking risks

dressing up for the day 

when staying at home doing domestics

and no one sees me but the cats!

indulging in a little luxury

a scented soap

a hot bath

emollient creams

cashmere sweaters and socks

a soft scarf

designer fragrance

exploring a new shop

tickling ones taste buds

(salad dressing never tasted so good!)

~Adopting an attitude of gratitude~

"it's not the grandeur

it's the simple

that keep me grounded"

Hostess

I'm looking ahead to the New Year

with a spring in my step and hope in my heart.

Your thoughts are most welcome

I hope you'll share some of them with me.

~ ~ ~

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. 

I do not judge the universe."

Dalai Lama 

Domestic Bliss!

Hope that you have been enjoying an idyllic festive season.
It's been very busy busy busy here in The Humble Bungalow and I needed a "slow-mo day" today.

That meant staying in my robe until just before noon...
the second load of Christmas china in the dishwasher, washing and ironing the table cloth and napkins.
I know it's all the glamour around here 24/7...
seriously, our lives are so very ordinary it's absurd.

I am having such fun with the new Steam Turbo series LG workhorses...
they work very well unsupervised.

Look away if you are expecting a fashion post,
I am wearing my cooking uniform, a black apron
with my holiday bling Club Monaco earrings!

I am on the IPAD learning curve

an IPAD mini was in the bottom of my stocking

and my IMAC needs to get with the program

Mountain Lion or Snow Leopard...

HELP!

I am able to play games, search the internet but not able to sync my new device...

soon

"ALL IN GOOD TIME HOSTESS!"

(don't fret)

Did I ever mention that I am tech challenged?

(impatient)

I want it and I want it now!

Clever son,

darling daughter, 

and 

Mr. HB 

are my tech supports.

Thanks guys, 

I love you lots :-)

~ ~ ~

Mr. HB and I went for an invigorating and refreshing post turkey trot

on the waterfront for an hour today,

it was loverly.

More of those brisk promenades in my future as I am going to be getting fitter

retirement plans are scheduled for this June...

I desperately need to get back into shape as I have let my team down.

I know

 I had the best intentions but I have been remiss.

~ ~ ~

Chester had an appetite for the tulips.

He was banished to my hobby room for the better part of Christmas Day.

Tulips might be poisonous for kittens.

Will be back when my technical challenges can be rectified.

Happy Days my lovelies.

Be Kind

and

SMILE!

See you as soon as we can get the technical stuff sorted,

XO