Embracing Bold Colour....

 

~ Painted Lady Butterfly ~

This beautiful butterfly spent quite a long time exploring the Verbena Bonariensis

that we have growing in the garden. 

I grabbed my phone and followed it quietly as it flew from flower to flower.

I've since learned that butterflies are attracted to the colour purple.

Purple Buddleia bushes are also known as the Butterfly Bush.

We don't grow many purple plants but I plan on buying more purple varieties of flowers next Spring to grow in the Humble Bungalow Garden.

I love the idea of having more butterflies visiting our garden.

Treated myself to Jenny Rose-Innes new book.

I brewed a big pot of tea and sat in the sunny corner of our kitchen

 read the book from cover to cover one recent afternoon.

Oh my goodness!

The photographs are fabulous, 

the interviews of the homeowners are rich in detail

there is so much of nature to bring inside the home.

I continue to be inspired by Nature...

I've been known to add natural features to our bungalow too.

Large foraged twigs, pine cones, sea shells, flowers, and stones.

They are free which make hunting for these items much more adventurous and fun.

 Why go to a store and buy a plastic or manufactured piece when you can get outdoors in the fresh air, explore and find something that you want to bring inside?

Our Boscobel Rose is putting on a spectacular show.

So many big blooms for a rose that is planted in a pot!

Speaking of colour...

I have been wearing the "hippy-dippy" vintage thrifted necklace.

Those juicy looking garnet red beads just add an extra something to basic black.

I dug out this vintage quilted bag that i have had for ages.

It seemed like a good idea to wear it with the beaded necklace.

I don't often switch up my bags mid season...but am trying to change some habits.

Like wearing more pieces of my small jewelry collection on rotation.

It definitely takes more time and effort

 but it keeps my eye fresh seeing these small changes.

Professional pedicure

 (a luxury) 

 one thing that I cannot do well myself anymore.

The pampering is so lovely too...

I used to do in home spa days and they were equally satisfying.

The physical act of bending over 

painting my toes 

which are far away from my vision 

and as a wearer of glasses it makes the job very difficult!

Do you indulge in Spa pedicures?

Seen on my walk.

Beautiful peacock

There are so many peacocks living in Beacon Hill Park 

that they have spread out and are living closer to The Humble Bungalow.

Saw a Mom and her baby foraging close by on another street.

Went to The Beehive Wool Shop and bought some new yarn...

Fall is on the way and I do love a project.

Easy Goes It pattern is on Ravelry...

have made this at least 6 times...

I chose purple as I love the pop of colour.

Do you knit?

What have you been up to these past few weeks?

Anything exciting?

Mauve Cosmos that my husband grew from seed.

We have a few in the yard and this one seems happy growing in a big pot.

One of the newest wee free libraries in our city.

Located across the street from the cruise ship terminal.

I found a hardcover copy of Frayne by Ann-Marie MacDonald.

That book has been on my want-to-read list since it was published...

I am honored to share that I have met Ann-Marie as she is the sister of a dear friend.

Well it's time for me to make some lunch for us.

I've got some errands to run

and once they are done I might go for a walk.

Hope you are taking time to notice all the beauty that surrounds you.

Take Care 

XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

April Showers ~ Bring May Flowers

 

There is a smattering of rain outside today.

The gardens need the moisture.

The weather is mild and there is a symphony of birdsong.

Hummingbirds are flitting about...

I've been following the advice of the physiotherapist and kinesiologist.

Exercising and walking daily.

My new hip is getting a workout...

actually I think it is the muscles

that are getting the exercise and feel much more stronger.

I'm feeling less dependant on my cane and am now able to sleep better.

Thank goodness I can sleep on my side now.

The surgeon suggested that I buy some silicone cream, 

apply and gently massage the scar.

He told me that plastic surgeons tell their patients to do this...

This is my routine now after my morning shower and before I go to bed at night.

I went to the mall to buy some white pants...

Bagatelle wide legged pants in my size came home with me.

I took a picture but it is such a bad photo...

the outfit looks terrible but you get the idea of the pants.

Pants that fit are scarce (rare as hen's teeth) in my closet 

since losing almost 25 pounds.

I've had a couple of emails about my weight loss and how I achieved it...

 it started last October after meeting the surgeon.

It was gently suggested that if I lost some weight that I would not be in as much pain.

WOW!

That's what I needed to hear.

The pain was BAD.

So I cut out all alcohol.

(my daily wine was just a habit)

I started eating more protein and removing most breads and starchy carbs.

My lunches are Greek high protein plain yogurt, fresh fruit, and some chopped walnuts.

 ~ OR ~

Simple green salad with 2 hard boiled eggs and a homemade vinaigrette.

(I add a few nuts and sliced French pickles)

Dinners are lean chicken or fish, a couple servings of seasonal steamed veggies.

Every so often I add a baked potato or small portion 3/4 cup of rice.

For the first 6 months NO SWEETS.

Now I have a few pieces of chocolate or a couple of digestive biscuits with my afternoon tea.

I've had a few muffins when I have gone out for coffee, some biscotti and cookies.

These treats mean I compensate by walking more or cutting back on my main meals.

I'm wearing KUR Veil #8 by Londontown.

I need to paint several coats to get this darker coverage.

The shade is pretty and I like how easy the Kur polishes are to apply.

I found the cutest top by Cut Loose at Adventure Clothing on Oak Bay Avenue.

It has a crinkly texture and I adore the stripes.

The pockets are a cute detail too...

 

This will work with my black pants, jeans and the new white pants.

~ Anemone ~

Ground cover in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Love the "almost periwinkle" blue shade.

We have a white one out front and this one is on the side near the slate patio.

We hung this vintage mirror last year before the Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.

The Hospice fundraiser had us perking up the garden for several weeks and we saw this idea in another garden and a friend gave us this mirror so we painted it black.

I quite like the effect...

All our garden furniture is black...

several iron tables and chairs 

the 2 new

Adirondack chairs are black.

Lots of our pots are black too...black seems to be a good background for colours.

New black cushions for the front porch.

My usual red geraniums...

after planting, sweeping and fluffing the cushions

I brewed a pot of tea and sat on the front porch and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

~ Flowers are wonderful ~

So many varieties, colours and forms.

I love seeing flowers on my walks and when I wander around our garden.

I think I have "aged" since my surgery...

my skin feels drier and I am now using a facial moisturizing oil from Merit.

Drinking more water as I think I need to add moisture from the inside out :-))

My body has been working overtime to heal too so it might be tired.

Losing weight has shown on my face...

more wrinkles have appeared.

Well I am 71 so that's what should I expect.

I do feel like I am getting stronger and my sleep has improved.

Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine does give me a boost.

My energy seems to be improving too...

(will work on getting stronger and report back soon with an update)

Well that's enough about me...How are YOU?

Hope that you are doing well.

Leave a comment and let me know what's new.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~