Rosemarie arrives...fun ensues...and then a few tidbits.

 

Meet Rosemarie!

She lives in Vancouver and we are friends.

On any given week we will email several times and catch up with what we are doing.

Rosemarie is active, has a vibrant personality, is gregarious,

an adventurous traveller, kind and giving.

We have met up in Victoria several times for lunch and teas.

 Both of us love gardens, gardening and enjoy visiting gardens.

I invited Rosemarie to tour our Humble Bungalow Garden.

Then I asked if she wanted to peek inside our home.

We drove around the waterfront and stopped in at The Oak Bay Native Plant Garden.

The garden is tended by volunteers and is an oasis of calm and beauty.

Trilliums blooming...

Several different trilliums were dotted about in the lush space.

Checker Lily a Frittilaria 

The sound of water had us looking for the source

a  brook or a creek was nearby

such a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the natural beauty.

We met up with a couple who were visiting from Oakville Ontario.

Alix Scott and her husband...

Alix knows Ellen...

a woman who went to Oak Bay High School with me...

who I recently met up with at our 50th reunion.

(Hi Alix ~ Hi Ellen)

Apparently they both follow and read my blog!

Rosemarie and I continued on our scenic waterfront drive...

we stopped again at The Esplanade at Willows Beach.

Rosemarie collects cans and bottles and takes them to the depot

 exchanges

 them for cash 

which she sends to her cousin who has an animal shelter up island.

The shelter is called Misfit Meadow Sanctuary in Ladysmith.

You can read all about them on Facebook.

If you want to donate to them I am sure that Rosemarie would be THRILLED!

Tell them you read about it on my blog!!!

Let's see if we can help all those animals like Rosemarie does :-))

She tells me she usually sends about $100 a month.

The shelter needs the money for food to feed the rescued animals.

I bought a chicken on sale and wanted to find a new recipe...

I searched on line and found this one.

The site is Simply Delicious by Alida Ryder

Mr. HB and I love East Indian cuisine so this one caught my eye.

I had all the spices on hand and I got busy mixing up the rub and I marinated the roaster a few hours before cooking.

The results were delicious!

Jeanne on Instagram mentioned this book to me a few months ago.

It has been on my radar ever since,

so when I spied it at the thrift shop I knew I would buy it!

I read it in 2 days...loved it!

Thank you Jeanne 2707

Vintage Mustard Yellow Beret matches the yellow chrysanthemums.

I was washing dishes and gazing out at the gorgeous sea views...

when this combo caught my eye 

~ Cheap and cheerful ~

Weather Report

yesterday was super windy with rain.

This morning we awoke to glorious sunshine!

What a Gift!

Speaking of gifts...

I received this new book for my birthday from my BFF.

I am going to pop the kettle on and brew a pot of tea and start the book.

Thank you Suzanne.

XO

Hope your week is off to a great start...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday ~ Pops of Colour

~ OOTD ~

Dressing in some colour this morning...

I'm needing some positivity and energy and colour usually does the trick.

I've popped on this thrifted Banana Republic top with some basic black pants.

Added a wee bit of Burts Bees Cheek Blush and a slick of Miss Pupa lip gloss.

The colour on my face is subtle but does give me a lift.

Do you like dressing in bright colours?

Do you find the addition of a pop of colour perks you up?

I think colour gives me more energy.

Last week was a tough one going to the hospital daily for treatments.

It was a tiring process but I received very good care.

I am home now 

still under the care of the infectious disease doctor 

so I am not straying too far from home.

I am doing what I am told...

Staying hydrated and resting.

Chester wants to be on my lap a lot when I am sitting down :-))

If I try to knit when he is awake I don't get much knitting done.

My Miriam sweater project is getting closer to being finished.

The two sleeves are done and attached to the body of the sweater.

I am working on the raglan decreases...

It is very simple soothing work.

Reading is not to difficult with a cat on one's lap...

I read Fresh Water For Flowers by Valerie Perrin and really enjoyed it.

Three is another book by Valerie which has been translated into English.

I am not too far into the story but it has all the signs that I will be loving the book.

Her writing is great and the characters are very interesting.

She's a very insightful author...

I'm going to close this post and keep it short.

Hopefully I will have more news to share with you soon.

In the meantime take care of yourselves and have FUN!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ Butterfly World

 

Pop of colour 

while wearing a cool grey sweater.

I use a gentle touch when it comes to cosmetics...

tinted CC cream, mascara and lipstick or lip gloss for daytime.

The lipstick is by Miss Pupa from Milan

Rossetto #503

New tweed knit pants in ankle length...

Hudson North

available at The Bay.

Versatile with my basic wardrobe in a grey black check.

The reason I went shopping for pants is because I recently culled my clothes.

Leaving only 3 pairs of pants...

Two pairs of jeans 

(Eileen Fisher and Nicole Miller)

and a dressy pair of black pants.

(Eileen Fisher)

Just happened upon a dreamy soft wool and cashmere blend Italian made sweater.

It fits like a Tee top 

perfect for layering under my black Eileen Fisher vest

or my Old Navy distressed denim jacket.

I added a felted woven grey and black scarf...

found at a thrift shop for an unbelievable price :-))

Warm and cozy and adds an interesting textural detail.

Adding interest with accessories when wearing basic neutral coloured garments 

is a good habit to get into.

I like adding accessories so I don't look "mumsy"

being mindful that I exercise a modicum of restraint.

I daren't invite a citation from those sneaky Fashion Police.

Dressing over 65 can be full of pitfalls!!!

Friday Field Trip with the granddaughters...

~ Beautiful Butterfly ~

We took our granddaughters to the attraction 

Butterfly World near Butchart Gardens.

There are some really interesting insect displays in cases...

ants, stick insects, spiders.

Through the double doors there is lush tropical open area 

with

exotic birds, colourful butterflies, carp, flamingoes, frogs, and tortoises. 

There was an open feeding tray with sliced citrus and banana skins.

We saw a few of these butterflies nibbling on the fruits when we entered

 when we were leaving 

each piece of fruits had one of these gorgeous butterflies feeding.

After our visit we drove to The White Spot for lunch...

it was quite busy and by the time our food arrived we were famished!

It doesn't feel like our usual October weather here in Victoria.

The weather has been dry and warmer than usual.

On the News tonight they mentioned that

this warm dry spell is about to change...

Cooler wetter weather is definitely on the horizon

the roses are still blooming but the rest of the garden is fading.

We need some serious rainfall and only a smattering of moisture has fallen so far.

I've been busy knitting the Rowan Toasty Slipover Vest...

a group of us met at a friends' home for a cuppa, chat and to knit.

Our hostess served a delicious Victoria Sponge Cake...

with a pot of incredibly tasty Mariage Freres Rose Royal Tea.

I am craving Rose Tea for my afternoon cuppa here in The Humble Bungalow!

All I need to do now is fly off to Paris and buy some...

A gal can dream...

Laundry needs to be done.

Dust bunnies need to be mopped.

Dinner needs to be prepped...

Until next time...

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 ~

Colour Me Happy!

Bright Colours that POP make me feel HAPPY.

When I go for walks I seek out colourful things along my route.

It surprises me when on a rainy grey day that I can still find something bright to 

capture in a photo. 

I might have to look a wee bit harder but I definitely find something.

I love to accessorize with a pop of colour.

This wine coloured vintage leather bag adds just the right amount of OOMPH

to the simple neutral outfit here.

Black pants ~ Eileen Fisher

White top ~ Eileen Fisher

Khaki Jacket ~ Eileen Fisher

Look at how beautiful these tomatoes look resting on a bed of basil leaves!

I added some sea salt and ground pepper with a light drizzle of olive oil.

~ FRESH ~ 

Summertime salads are a healthy addition to our meals.

I love to add other ingredients to our daily salads.

diced red onions

avocado wedges

black olives

radishes

garbanzo beans

sprouted pea shoots

fresh shelled English Peas

beets

cucumber slices

capers

blanched green beans

There are SO many options when making a salad.

I regularly have on hand a homemade vinaigrette in a Bonne Maman Jam Jar.

Easy Peasy Vinaigrette

6 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp vinegar

2-3  Tbsp runny honey

salt and pepper (to taste)

Bold yellow Italian Linen Dress

this loose fitting dress is perfect for the heat and sun of SUMMER.

Add sandals or flip flops and a straw hat and sunglasses...

and a

French Market basket. 

I absolutely LOVE linen!

There is a great shop here in the Cook Street Village called Mercedes Lane Too...

I have purchased several tops and dresses from them 

 they are easy to wear and cool in the heat.

I wash them in lavender scented linen soap on the gentle cycle and hang them to dry.

In case you missed my post on the Doocot Sweater I knit I am sharing the photos.

I chose a bright Chartreuse Green Yarn

Rowan's Brooklyn Tweed

The sweater sits slightly above the natural waistline.

It took me 3 years to knit this sweater!

For some weird reason I didn't work on it in the first 2 years of Covid 

 really it should have been a delightful diversion but I couldn't seem to concentrate!

Now I am contemplating knitting the Miriam Sweater 

(on Ravelry)

I think it will be a fun project.

 Knitting in the cooler weather this Fall and Winter will be relaxing.

I am thinking of a charcoal or dove grey yarn.

I originally thought of black yarn but an experienced knitter friend said that black yarn is quite hard to see.

Must get myself off to the Beehive and see what they have in stock.

I need to buy needles too...

There are so many needles in my stash but none are the right size.

The Brooklyn Tweed yarn is lovely to work with, it is super soft.

Knitting and Tea go so well together!

We are kept very busy here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The roses are riddled with black spot this year which means that most days we are picking off the spotted leaves...

then we must keep up with the regular deadheading.

The rewards from all our efforts are numerous lovely bouquets 

for the house and to take to homes of friends.

Well I think it is time to close this post and head outside.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you are enjoying the gifts of the season.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~