Cold weather, a Thrifty Chicken Veggie Soup Recipe, and knitting at the cottage.

 

We are at the cottage and awoke to snow dusting the stairs...

It coated the ground which reminded me of icing sugar...

then I thought of cookies :-))

We purchased a wee tree for the cottage and chose small fairy lights in white.

It looks best when the lights are dimmed or turned off but we felt the need to add some festive cheer, it is December after all.

With this cold I decided to make a chicken veggie soup.

It was full of flavour and was a warm and cozy choice for the cold day.

Thrifty Chicken Soup

I used a roast chicken carcass.

Pick off the bigger chunks of meat and set them aside in the fridge.

In a soup pot I added the carcass and just covered the bones with water.

Boil then simmer for about an hour.

Take out bones and set them aside to cool.

Put the rich stock into a large container.

Pick off any more meat from the bones and add to the stock, discard the bones.

Saute one large diced onion, 2 stalks diced celery in oil until soft.

Add the meat from the fridge and the stock to the pot

2 diced carrots, some sliced greens 

(I used bok choy)

Cook about 45 minutes until carrots are soft

salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

It is very tasty and is so warming on a cold snowy day.

The sun was shining and we bundled up for a cold weather walk.

The air was crisp and so refreshing.

Little birds skitting about pecking for morsels of food...

Gulls soaring in the sky.

Soon the birds will be nibbling these red berries and rose hips...

December is a truly beautiful time to visit the cottage.

It is quite peaceful so we sleep deeply and feel relaxed when we wake up.

We are so fortunate to be able to come and do not take our time here for granted.

It is a precious gift.

We have been reading our books and I've been knitting on my vest 

which is getting very close to being finished.

I needed to buy some new locking stitch markers

 so I went to The Beehive before we left town.

 

Wouldn't you know it! I spied a lovely blue variegated yarn by Berocco.

Wool shops are rather lethal for me...chocolate, tea and book shops are trouble!

I rarely leave with empty hands.

This pattern is my next project.

Are you a knitter?

What do you love to make?

Hope that you are warm and cozy and enjoying the beginning of December.

I think it is going to get busy with baking and shopping and wrapping!

(with time set aside for knitting and reading)

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 ~

Monday musings...

Last week we were at the cottage on Pender.

We enjoyed a sunny weekend then early in the week we awoke to ice and snow.

The snow didn't stick around very long and had melted by midday.

The chilly weather with the wind chill factor was too cold for us to walk.

(it registered as minus 15)

We made it home after a 4 hour wait at the ferry terminal.

The ferry broke down and was out of service!

The ferry was replaced with a smaller one that was also slower...

only 20 cars were able to board the 11:50 sailing...

fortunately we were one of those cars!

OOTD

Watching the kids swimming lessons at the Recreation Centre.

Pearls

Denim shirt

black pants

Chelsea Boots

I recently purchased a soft Tencel blue denim dress.

V Neck with button details down the front

short flirty capped sleeves

an asymmetrical scooped hem, 

shorter in front and longer in the back.

Will plan to wear it with some capri length tights and my pearls.

Made an easy and delicious French Onion Soup for lunch.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Slice 4 large onions thinly.

Melt 3 tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven add onions

cook and stir for about 30 minutes until soft.

Add 8 cups of beef broth, boil, then simmer on low for 40 minutes.

Place 1/2 inch slices of French bread

topped with grated white cheese (I used white cheddar and parmesan reggiano)

in 425 degree oven for 5-8 minutes

until cheese melts.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the bread.

Let sit for a minute or two to allow the bread to absorb the broth.

Enjoy!

I went to Marshalls searching for  decorative salad dressing bottle with a spout...

I use a Bonne Maman jam jar for my vinaigrette but thought it might be nicer to have an interesting bottle that looks pretty.

No luck on the bottle 

BUT!

I found these charming tins with black polka dots for the laundry room!

Our decor downstairs is black and white and these just ticked all the boxes for storage.

Stain sticks, scrub brushes, wool dryer balls and specialty soaps are now discreetly hidden.

Am still on the decluttering band wagon!

Have tackled the linen closet, the kitchen drawers, dining room buffet and cupboards.

I have the hobby room cupboards

 and guest room closet with the out of season clothing to cull and sort.

There is rain forecast for most of the week so I will probably finish soon.

In the meantime 

while the laundry spins

I am using up leftovers and veggies and making soup.

How are things going with you?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snippets from Quarterdeck Cottage

 

Beautiful view from Medicine Beach

the walks along this rocky beach are breathtaking...

~ A soothing scene helps to unkink the knots of anxiety ~

The seas were so quiet and calm that I could feel my body relaxing.

The views toward Vancouver Island remind me of a Tony Only painting.

The weather here has been a mix of sun and fog.

No wild winds or rain.

Feeling grateful for these gifts...

The glorious sunny afternoon was an invitation to enjoy happy hour on the deck.

Evenings are dark and lighting candles adds ambiance and warmth.

These "Ethel Wood" scented soy candles are lovely.

They are sold at a farmstand on South Otter Bay Road here on Pender.

I purchased some for our home and cottage and they have quickly become my favourite.

These wee fungi remind me of that quote from Mary Engelbreit...

"Bloom Where You are Planted"

I finished The Doocot Sweater that I started knitting before the pandemic!

The project was a steep learning curve for me...

It was quite easy knitting baby blankets, dishcloths, shawls and scarves.

Sweaters are much more complicated... 

as I found out!

I have learned many new techniques and have gained confidence.

You Tube Videos and The Vogue Knitting book 

helped me 

as in person tutorials were few and far between.

Now I am excited to get going with my next project...

a simple sweater, very much like a shrug.

It is knit mostly using garter stitch.

 When we get back I plan to go shopping for the yarn...

I am just not sure what colour to use?

Basic black always calls to me...

I discovered that knitting in a cheerful colour has been such fun! 

especially using the Brooklyn Felted Tweed yarn 

and 

their yarn colours are brights and brilliant.

Seen on my beach walk at Port Browning...

a chain of rusted iron juxtaposed against a weathered log.

Seeking out and finding something on my daily walks

helps keep me motivated to continue taking steps.

Hope that you are staying healthy and finding inspiration in your daily round.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

October musings...

Fall is in full flourish...

we are enjoying

 the beautiful palette of Autumnal Shades.

Berries 

Leaves 

a pop of colour

red juxtaposed against grey stones.

Mother Nature's Paintbrush is showing her talent and liberal use of colours this Fall.

Rain and a fierce wild windstorm 

knocked out our power for 17 hours

at Quarterdeck Cottage.

We had to tough it out 

we kept the gas fireplace on and hunkered down with our books.

Unfortunately we had to throw out most of the food that was in the fridge.

I read this book in a couple of days...

set in Cornwall

I enjoyed the story.

The local Pender Island ferries were able to run even during the wind.

Several of our neighbours went home early due to the power outage.

I am back working on The Doocot Sweater pattern.

It has been sitting in my knitting bag for the better part of a year.

Not sure why I left it so long before picking up my knitting needles again?

Do you put aside projects?

The yarn is Rowan Tweed and is soft and easy to work with...

I am absolutely smitten with the colour!

There are a few more inches of ribbing before I can start on the sleeves.

I have learned many new techniques while working on this pattern.

My husband gave me The Vogue Knitting Book and that has been invaluable.

Trying something new without help "in real life" can be daunting 

so books and "You Tube" Knitting Videos have been great!

We will be packing up and back home tomorrow.

Halloween is only a few days away!

We've got the candy treats ready for the Trick or Treaters on Sunday.

Our friends from France will be staying with us for a few days.

How are things going with you?

Thank you for dropping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Quarterdeck Cottage ~ an oasis of peace.

We are at Quarterdeck Cottage this week...

we arrived with a bucket of fresh cut flowers from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I couldn't resist bringing some of our roses.

Jude the Obscure, Julia Child and The McCartney rose fill the vase. 

Sunshine and the expansive views of the Salish Sea are such a tonic.

We went for a drive and walked along two different beaches 

beachcombing...collecting feathers and pieces of sea glass.

An artist has been busy creating some interesting carvings...

Building 

Driftwood structures are popular with many at the beach.

Our cottage time is so peaceful.

We sat out on the deck last night and gazed up at the stars... 

watched the brightly lit ferries as they passed by the cottage.

Feeling immense contentment here at the cottage.

Nature continues to amaze...

it renews our energies

inspires us

refreshes and invigorates.

The sound of the waves as they hit the rocky shore

the various bird songs

my favourite of which is the song of the purple martins

the breeze as it swishes the branches of the trees

all things that I have come to love and appreciate.

I've got a post to share with you soon...

we were fortunate to be able to host a dinner on the deck here with a fashion blogger and her husband and her lovely daughter.

We didn't take pictures of us all but I can share the menu.

If you want to get a sneak peak check out my Instagram post.

In closing, here's a picture of the other flowers that we brought to the cottage.

Sweet Peas

this summer we have enjoyed a bumper crop of these fragrant beauties.

The more we picked the blooms the faster they grew.

I cannot remember a summer when we had so many sweet peas.

They are cheap and cheerful and so worth the effort of growing them.

Hope that you are doing well and staying safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~