Forced relaxation....Simplified Easter Weekend

Sunny bold yellow chrysanthemums...

cheap and cheerful.

Just what I needed to perk up my spirits.

My ankle injury is slowly on the mend...the swelling has gone down.

Bruises remain and I am now able to move it in a more "normal" way.

I've taken smaller slower beach walks.

My Inner Hippie Vibe was activated when I spied a bamboo cane on the beach...

The bottom of the cane was split so I used duct tape to reinforce it.

I purchased a roll of sisal at the Hardware store.

This DIY project was easy and fun.

My walking Aid is ready for the beach walks.

It really helped my stability as the sand and rocks along the seafront are unpredictable.

I used it for every walk and have it in my car for local beach walks.

We are home now...

came home early as I have a medical appointment for a bone density test.

I have been on the wait list for almost a year!

Our medical system is overloaded...fewer family doctors. 

Many people are waiting to be assigned a doctor.

A nursing shortage, an aging population, long waits for treatments and surgeries.

It is a national crisis.

My Eddie Bauer sun hat must be over 30 years old...

you can see my walking pole.

We collect feathers...not sure why?

 But it is definitely a thing.

Our cottage partners participate too.

I got my husband more involved in meals this week...

we had quite a few BBQ dinners.

Easter Sunday dinner was this big fat burger!!

Boy was it tasty...I had made quick pickled red onions.

 I mixed up some beef patties using ground beef, egg, salt, pepper and Panko crumbs.

We added some cheese, lettuce, tomato slices and condiments.

Dinner was quick and easy.

Just the two of us.

It is OK to keep it simple.

We like to keep things relaxed at the cottage.

Thanks honey :-))

My husband likes to take sunset pictures at the cottage and post them on his Instagram Page.

We had some lovely sunny warmer 

weather at the cottage.

What a gift to be able to sit outdoors.

It felt like a luxury.

I am knitting a shawl...

"Easy Goes It" 

Using Rowan's Felted Tweed in Pink Bliss.

The pattern is not difficult but it changes a lot.

I keep track by using a book and make note of where I am in the pattern!

My lipstick matches the colour of the yarn!!!

I was able to keep my mind off of my ankle by knitting and gazing out across the Salish Sea watching the ferries and boats as they floated past the cottage.

We went to the Market...

the new soap company Island Soul Soaps had a variety of interesting soap.

It was a tough choice to choose!

Perhaps I will need to sample many more to discover my favourite!

They have interesting combinations and I love the names that the owner has chosen.

Last night, Wednesday, I snapped this image.

Hubby was taking his photos and copycat me decided I can do that too!!

I didn't notice the birds until after I looked at the photo.

Lots going on this coming week...

things often get super busy and before I know it my daytimer is FULL.

Hope you all had a lovely week.

Do you celebrate Easter?

Did you have a big Easter dinner?

What did you serve?

Thank you to those who have sent me emails 

or commented on my Instagram 

sending positive and encouraging words that help during my time of healing.

I will be back in action very soon.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Abundance of roses, and clothes that Spark Joy!

 

We have a full garden with an abundance of roses.

I consider myself an avid rosarian....

desiring more roses in an already full garden is rather greedy.

My husband mentioned that our olive tree might have died during the icy cold snap.

He mentioned I could always buy a rose to fill the space where the tree was planted!

What a great idea!!!

I have always been smitten by shoes with bows.

I own a pair of Ferragamo black patent shoes with bows.

Years ago I had purple suede flats with velvet bows...I wore them out!

They were my "Happy Shoes" I felt so joyful when I wore them.

A few years after the demise of the purple shoes 

I found a pair of black patent flats with black velvet bows.

Mom had a similar pair...

they were such a great mood lifter.

We smiled at each other knowingly when we were together 

wearing our patent bow toed shoes.

So when I was in Twice As Nice consignment looking for a wool winter coat

(which I didn't find)

I spied these shoes by Browns...

tried them on and HAD to have them.

My current "daytime" winter wardrobe.

Athletic wear is stored in the bureau

evening and dressy clothes are in the Hobby Room closet.

I have been adding a few thrifted finds lately...

Gap casual sweater.

Thrifted

Will be worn with my denim and white denim jeans.

A sequin top!!!!

Thrifted

$2.00

The volunteers at the thrift shop were literally doing a "Happy Dance" 

when I approached the cash desk...

asking how much it was?

They said $2.00 and I was so stunned that I gave them $5 and told them to put the extra money toward their new building fund!

I am definitely going to wear this top and perhaps it will be daytime.

It is a JOYFUL top.

Do you think it will SPARK JOY?

I love how we can shift our moods with clothing...

wearing brighter colours on a dark dreary day.

Adding accessories that elevate a plain outfit or dress.

Finding inexpensive and vintage pieces in the thrift shops that are cheap and cheerful.

One needn't go into debt to have fun with fashion.

Happy Hunting in the Thrifts!

An abundance of Sea Glass...

one day's haul after my beach walk.

Saw two fat seals lying on a floating log...

a familiar face and a shaggy dog

a wee chat with a neighbour.

Gulls, Ravens and a majestic Eagle calling...

Fresh Air, a gentle breeze, and I feel rejuvenated.

Jar of sea glass...

probably my 10th jar.

(I must go downstairs to count them, they are in the window sill of the Hobby Room)

~ Sunshine and Blue Skies ~

BLISS

Farm Fresh Free Range Eggs

a lovely gift from Becky.

They look like jewels such pretty colours.

Taste great too!

Finished this fabulous book by Anthony Horowitz.

Need to read some more of his books...have read a couple and they are so well written and are wonderful murder mysteries.

What are you reading?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Cottage Holiday ~ A few Snippets and Tidbits...

Cottage Time is so relaxing.

We find that we cocoon and relax and by the time we leave we are completely rejuvenated.

I suppose that is what holidays are all about.

We see the most beautiful boats sail by Quarterdeck Cottage.

This sailboat moors in the bay.

We watch the boat as the owner manoeuvers it out to sea and hoists the sails.

On this day there was a full crew aboard...

they were out for several hours enjoying the breezes.

We watch as the ferries pass by the cottage.

We play a game...

Ferry Yahtzee.

If there are 5 ferries all in view we call out Yathzee!

Our two weeks at the cottage seemed to fly by...

Our son and grandchildren were at the cottage for the first week.

Lots of fun activities and games.

The pool is still very much a favourite with all of us.

Meals were kept simple

desserts were served

we nibbled on snacks ~ chips and popcorn

ice cream cones were almost a daily thing!

Once they all departed it was almost TOO quiet...

My husband walked his 6 km island route in the mornings.

I puttered in the kitchen, planned our meals and shopped at the market.

Read my books, knitted on the Miriam Sweater, perused some magazines.

My walks are focused on the beaches nearby

I went to the end of the road and wandered down to the beach...

the tide was way way out!

Two fellows were fishing off the rocks but I had the beach to myself.

I took a leisurely saunter back and forth looking for sea glass.

Not much was found but I had a pleasant time walking.

The current jar is almost full...

I have quite a few jars full here in The Humble Bungalow.

Found an antique Lenox dish at the thrift shop.

The details are so pretty ands the porcelain is so luminescent.

Smooth and delicate, too dainty to leave at the cottage.

Blue label indicates that the dish is pre 1930.

We invited friends over to spend the day.

I don't think that they had ever been to Pender before. 

They arrived early on a direct ferry around 9:30

so I made The Barefoot Contessa's Apple Tart to serve with our morning coffee.

If you don't catch a direct ferry you will be on board for several hours while the ferry visits many of the Gulf Islands!

For lunch I made what we call a "Picky Plate" 

in case you are curious 

a picky plate is an assortment of foods mostly finger foods.

Cheeses, olives, breadsticks, crackers, salami, hummus, pickles, spreads...

Dinner was a strawberry spinach salad and lasagne.

Dessert was a blackberry pie with ice cream.

(my husband picked the berries)

We had a lovely day.

Drove around a wee bit, went to Hope Bay, Browning, The Driftwood Centre

 then we stopped in at Renaissance Antiques to look at the art.

Our friends Keith and Michelle,

 purchased an antique table with a marble top!

There were large full moons at night.

I love the way they sparkled on the sea...

I read that they were referring to these moons as Full Sturgeon Moons.

Can you see the moon at the top left?

This book is so good that I read late into the evening...

I highly recommend Friendship Point by Alice Elliot Dark.

I need to stay hydrated...

drinking low calorie or no calorie beverages is my goal.

Bubly water comes in many flavours and it is thirst quenching.

NO CALORIES!

I've been buying it by the case.

Found a lovely trench coat at the island Thrift Shop.

Banana Republic

I am excited to have found this classic coat 

which BTW I have been looking to add to my wardrobe for several years.

It is in perfect condition and was at a giveaway price!!

I am wearing Black!

I know it is odd to wear black in the heat of summer 

but this Cut Loose cotton dress is cool and airy.

I feel a bit like an Italian Nonna...

black capri tights, sandals and the dress.

Popped the hat atop and away I go...

met a friend for coffee at the cafe.

California Poppies are glowing up on the Ridge.

They capture the sun and reflect their beauty.

Simple Joys 

are found in everyday life.

I seek out these marvelous surprises that are just waiting to be discovered...

When I first started collecting Sea Glass I found mostly white.

I put the pieces in a vintage sealer jar and that my friends was the beginning of 

this very addictive habit that continues to this day :-))

I love a blue sky with puffy white clouds...

This is the biggest piece of amethyst glass that I have in my collection.

My husband found it for me on Pender Island.

Amethyst, cobalt blue, deep shades of green and aqua are the most difficult to find.

We are back home now and settled into our Humble Bungalow routines.

I've been busy getting in some groceries and my husband has been tidying up the garden.

Hope that your summer is ticking along nicely.

Abraham Darby

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

~ In The Pink ~ trying new things

 

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow!

I've made a conscious decision to try new things...

get out of my "comfort zone"

take a wee risk

do something different...

Walk a different route

try a new cafe

read a book in a genre that I usually dismiss as "not my style"

wear a new shade of nail polish

shop in a new food store

try a new tea

explore an area of town that is "new to me"

visit a beach off the beaten track

try a new lipstick

a flavour of ice cream

OR

chocolate?

~ so many options to consider when trying new things ~

~ Refreshing ~

Drinking lots of water (fluids) help to keep your skin supple.

Aim for 6-8 glasses a day.

(Partake in a Pear flavour.)

If you aren't a fan of plain water 

try slicing fruits or lemons in a big jug of water and letting the flavours steep.

Add lots of ice and enjoy.

Have you ever heard the saying...

Pink Skies at Night

Sailors Delight

Pink Skies in the Morning

 Sailors Take Warning

We used to heed this advice when we were cruising on our boat.

Trying to keep my hands in better shape...

starting with a manicure

using

hand lotion and nail polish.

Cruelty Free Polish

~ Pink Cloud ~

My current favourite shade for a home manicure.

Extended Summer weather...

holding its own with warm sunshine and sunny skies.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat to minimize the risk of sun damage...

skin cancer and macular degeneration are risks from too much sun.

I enjoyed a much needed pedicure 

and chose a bold shade Snow White.

I usually opt for a rich jewel tone but I am trying new things

just because...

 

The facial that I had in August at The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was amazing...my skin looked dewy and smooth for weeks after the service.

Babor European products are new to me.

So in the spirit of trying new things

 I popped by the Spa to buy a couple of their products cleansing line.

Enzyme Cleanser and Rose Toner.

Hopefully they will live up to the numerous positive ratings by clients.

Pinky red Skies over Salt Spring Island as seen from our cottage on Pender.

There is a feeling of Fall in the air... 

a cool fresh crispness that is hard to describe

you need to feel it!

Lovely Fall beach walk on Bricky Bay

My gentle walks along the seashore soothe and calm.

Searching for sea glass is a very meditative habit.

Trying to mix up my walks to get me more motivated.

When the weather cools I tend to want to cocoon inside and stay cozy...

I recently purchased a pre-worn soft velour jacket by the company 32 Degrees.

It is so warm and because it is black, it is dressier and more versatile.

Trying to buy fewer garments to be more mindful of waste 

when I need something in my wardrobe 

I will try to seek out second hand and vintage options.

My Sea Glass collection now fills about 7 large sealer jars.

I'll need to find some more vintage jars to take to the cottage

 as I brought home yet another jarful.

What do YOU collect?

~ Pink Grapefruit Cleaner ~

works like a charm in the kitchen and has a delicious fruity fragrance.

Used as a pre wash stain remover it rarely fails...

saving garments by laundering clothing one stain at a time.

Before I discovered the powerful stain removing properties of this Method cleaner

I threw out stained clothes.

I also wear protective linen aprons when cooking 

to protect my clothes from food splatters.

These are beautifully made and are available from Trica's shop Rough Linen.

I have bought 3 aprons and use them every day.

~ David Austin Roses ~

Almost finished blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The Andalou CC cream that I swear by...

Must be on my 6th tube by now, is not expensive and it lasts a long time.

Evens out my complexion and is hydrating.

(I give it 5 stars out of 5)

Will not be trying a new CC cream as this one is a winner!

These pretty Colchiums are harbingers of Fall...

these are bent over trying to seek more light.

Perhaps we need to relocate this clump

 buy 

more bulbs as they bloom a long time?

Are you open to trying New Things?

I look forward to hearing from you.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~