Showing posts with label fragrance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fragrance. Show all posts

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Starting 2023 slowly, thoughtfully and with intention...

 


 ~ New Year ~

Thoughts of change and the steps required to take the necessary actions
easing slowly...
mulling over the multitude of possibilities.
What to do?
Stay the same or move ahead in a fresh new direction?
Take a risk or keep it safe?


Current read...

I heard so many lovely things about this book that I bought a copy.

Numerous friends told me that it was the BEST book that they had read last year.
That says a LOT!

I am not yet finished it...
reading slowly to absorb and digest the thoughts 
and 
significance of the words.

It is very beautifully written, full of emotion and poignant life experiences.
Very Sad...
the attention to detail is divine, the author writes like an artist paints.

In the spirit of not rushing...


I've signed up for a 30 day online Yoga challenge.
On day 4, I realized how much I have missed my Yoga practice.

Watching the instructor,
  (who looks effortless) 
while she moves through the poses
was quite discouraging for me.

 I was struggling on my mat!

I signed up at my former Yoga Studio 
for in person classes with the instructor whose teaching style I love.
Her calming voice, slow movements and gentle spirit are absolute BLISS!
Classes start in 2 weeks and I am very excited.

Our naughty cats were guilty of shredding my old Yoga mat...
it was time to replace it.
I bought a new one today which is 6mm thick to cushion my 67 year old achy joints.
While I was shopping I found a small bolster and a lavender scented cleaning spray.

Do you practice Yoga?

Sunday morning post on Instagram today...




Sand and Fog Candle
in a lovely soothing fragrance
~ Roses and Sandalwood ~

This scent would make a great perfume.

The painted rock above was designed and painted by my former neighbour.
It reminds me of a mandala...

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

 We are immersed in a Netflix series called The Stranger...
oh my goodness it is so complicated!

We've watched a few good ones lately...

Treason and another one called The Bodyguard
coincidentally
 they are all British.

The Stranger is British too with an all star cast.
You might enjoy them too...
let me know.

What are you watching?

Thank you for stopping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

DIY ~ Festive Wreath and a couple of Hostess Gifts

 


I purchased a basic simple wreath from the floral department at the grocers.
The price was good but I felt like it needed something more.
The DIY spirit in me spurred me on to add something...
but what?

I mulled it over for a few days
 every time I went out and closed the door I knew I had to act.


I had made a bowl full of dried oranges...
to add to Christmas gifts.

I followed the directions that Annie Diamond
at Most Lovely Things had shared in the December issue of BHG.

Basic directions are to cut oranges into 1/4 inch slices 
place on a rack atop a cookie sheet.
Bake at 225 degrees for 3- 4 hours until dried.

I thought they might look good on the wreath.

I used florists wire and tied them onto the fir boughs 
tucking them carefully into the fronds.

I think it looks natural and dresses up and adds interest to the simple wreath.


The theme for this year's wrap is simple and natural.
The local Michaels store had a wide variety of choices for wrap.
I opted for plain and printed kraft paper with a simple twine and tags.


My current favourite scented candle...
Black Fig 
by
~ Sand and Fog ~

The Sand and Fog brand of candles use soy wax and essential oils.
I prefer a "woodsy"scent over "sweet."

The vintage wood box is my "new" recipe box.
I found it at a local consignment shop.

The new box prompted me to go through all my recipes...
what a job!
Mom's recipes as well as mine were organized into categories
some were rewritten, most of mom's recipes are for the holidays.
She was a plain cook but loved baking.

I've been baking quite a bit lately...
cakes mostly, to serve as dessert or an afternoon treat with tea.


Bath salts are a simple hostess gift.
This recipe is inexpensive, quick and easy to make.
(you can double or triple this recipe)
If you look at thrift shops you can find some pretty glass jars.
I like to add a pretty ribbon and a simple tag.

If you are gifting a spa "pampering" basket
think of including:
a soft towel
soap
body lotion
candle
bath salts
chocolate bar
hand lotion


Do you remember those expensive flavoured instant coffee beverages sold in the grocery stores?

I am not sure if they still sell them?

Years ago a friend gave me this recipe and she shared it with many friends.
We all made batch after batch of this drink...

It has stood the test of time and is still a tasty beverage.

Looks pretty in a simple clear glass jar.
Think of a canning jar or a decorative canister.

Make some for yourself while you are wrapping the gifts this season!

I'll be making some of mom's cookies and fruit loaves in a few weeks.
Hope to share some of the recipes here on the blog.


Have you started to get ready for the festive season?
Are you feeling creative?
Will you make some or all of the gifts that you give?

If you are in The US you might be getting ready for Thanksgiving.
Hope that you are able to join with friends and family this year.

Thank you for popping by the blog...

Commenting continues to be a challenge, 
I have reached out to Blogger
but it seems that there is little tech support available.

So far it hasn't stopped me from posting...
it is a fun hobby.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, August 7, 2022

August ~ Hydrangea Season and a wee chat...


Candles with a woody fragrance add ambiance to our arts and crafts bungalow.
I love to sit and read or knit 
 a candle glowing and the scent wafting about in the air.


Our Annabelle Hydrangeas are putting on a spectacular show!
 The Humble Bungalow Garden is looking quite lovely this summer.

Some years are better than others for certain plants...
 I think it is a very much a stellar hydrangea season.

They do love water so we need to keep the soil moist...


Look at the size of this bloom...
a HUGE mophead almost threatening to break the branch
with its weight.


The Sea Glass haul that nearly wasn't...


I fell on the uneven rocky shore not too far from the Humble Bungalow.
My instinct was to put out my hand to save my face from hitting the ground
when I fell...

My poor wrist took the brunt of the tumble and I sprained it.

It swoll up pretty quickly so I zipped off to the local pharmacy
a tube of Voltaren
 (which is an analgesic and an anti inflammatory)
a right hand wrist brace
a week later
yellow bruising remains but fortunately the wrist is feeling MUCH better!


The sweet peas are still blooming so we have bouquets in the bathroom.
Such a delightful fragrance!

Did you know that sweet peas must be picked regularly 
to keep them from going to seed?


I am looking forward to getting back to my knitting project...
I haven't snapped a picture of the progress that I made until my mishap.

Am working on the yoke of the Miriam sweater.

It will be lovely to wear this in the fall and winter.
I have so few sweaters...
the cooler fall weather will be here before we know it and I will want to be cozy.

I've been staying pretty close to home as my husband is up on ladders sanding and painting the pergola above the sundeck.

He's not accustomed to this kind of work, but since he retired, he has taken on various projects that I would usually hire people to fix.


I posted this quote on my Instagram...
so worthy of reposting here on the blog.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It is really unfortunate that your comments are not forthcoming...
I have tried to fix this on my end but alas it is beyond my scope.

I do hope that you will continue to stop by and read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, May 23, 2022

May daze...


Sunshine has made an appearance after many days of precipitation...
The sun streaming in through the windows elevate my spirits.


Tall ships sailing on The Salish Sea
out front of Quarterdeck Cottage.


Seas are calm and it is so soothing to watch the ferry boats as they glide past.


Oh my goodness!
Kate Quinn writes the MOST amazing historical fiction.
Her strong female characters are so interesting.

I just finished reading the book and it was a real page turner.
I highly recommend it.


Toadstool seen on our walk.
Walks in nature provide an interesting array of flora and fauna.

The woodpeckers have been working hard on the tree trunks...
~ rat tat tat ~
Purple Martins have returned and their sweet songs serenade us.
The gulls, eagles and ravens calls add to the symphonic sounds.


I found this book at the used bookshop and it sounds like a gentle story.
I know you should not judge a book by the cover but that is what tempted me...
written in 1931 and it just might be a delightful beach read.

I will start it soon.

Yesterday I made a loaf of bread
we don't eat a lot of bread 
every now and then 
I crave a piece of toast with Bonne Maman apricot jam.


Muguet des Bois are in their full flush with numerous glorious blooms.
Their fragrance is totally intoxicating.
I picked a large handful...
popped them in a vase 
placed them in the Humble Bungalow bathroom
their unique scent is wafting in the air...
which reminds me.

Yardley of London had a lily of the valley soap and cologne.
They also made scented products in lavender, rose and other floral scents.

I haven't been wearing fragrance lately and I am not sure why?
I have a lovely parfum by Hermes and it sits on my dresser gathering dust!
I must spritz some on and remind myself how it smells!

We are enjoying a sunny long weekend here in Victoria.
Mr HB has been out in the garden pulling weeds and planting veggies and plants.
The garden is far behind what it usually is at this time of year...
we usually have many many roses in bloom
they are just budding out now so it might be a few weeks yet.

What is your May looking like?
Have you read any good books lately?
Leave a comment and we'll chat!

I will close for now as I need to get some work done here in The Humble Bungalow.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Roses on repeat...

I am finding it a challenge to write my blog during Covid.
There's not a lot of excitement here in The Humble Bungalow.

We are maintaining our small bubble of people to stay safe and not entertaining much...we have our closest couple over for social distancing happy hours in the garden but that is about it. We have not been "out" for a meal but have done take out about 4 times since early March.

I managed to get an appointment with my hairdresser...
the first one since mid December!


It feels so much better!



Voyage d' Hermes Arlesienne by L'Occitane and Figue Amour by Bastide.

I've been wearing perfume every day and pearls most days 
even if I am wearing jeans and a simple Tee shirt.

These "little things" help to keep me focused on the "positive."

Dressing up occasionally 
but mostly wearing casual walking and gardening attire.

I've tried harder to keep my FitBit steps up.

My weight is up 7 pounds.
 My doctor reduced my daily Thyroid medication last Fall.
He said that I would really have to amp up my activity 
and/or 
drastically cut calories...to avoid gaining weight!

I am not happy about the number on the scale
but I will not perserverate on it right now...

I need comfort and less stress during the pandemic.
As we are constantly bombarded with grim news I turn off the TV and radio...
self preservation is a must.

I turn to the garden...
so inspired by the beauty of our glorious roses.


Graham Thomas


Claire Austin


Constance Spry


Jude the Obscure


Paul's Lemon Pillar


Taking Tea 
a daily ritual ~ so soothing.

Have you read this wonderful publication by Sharon Santoni and her team?

My French Country Home magazine is filled with beautiful homes, gardens, recipes from France. You can use this link to the website.

I also enjoy the subscription boxes
they are such a luxury.


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~



Monday, April 20, 2020

What I am wearing these days...and a recipe for Pandemic Pasta


The view from our back deck
the climbing Royal Sunset rose will be blooming soon
The rose is incredibly fragrant and blooms in a deep rich apricot shade.



Sunlight and shadows
life is moving rather slow these days.

Have you found that too?

I am pacing myself with domestic jobs, 
in between gardening, reading and knitting.

Today I pulled the vacuum out.

Do I hear applause?

I am hoovering a room 
then stopping for a different task 
before resuming the vacuuming in another area.

I cleaned out the storage area
did two loads of laundry.

Feeling like I have accomplished a lot and deserve a rest now!
Patting myself on the back.

Time to blog!


Chester enjoying a nap in the sunshine.

Our two rescue cats are indoor cats.
We let them go out on the back deck when we are there to supervise.
Making sure they don't jump off the edge and escape into the wild.


Lunaria aka "money plant" is in bloom.

The garden is starting to come alive!

We are planting veggies and are going to build some more raised beds.

Garlic, asparagus, yellow beans and butternut squash are planted out back.

My husband grows cucumbers, radishes and tomatoes in the greenhouse.

We have two dwarf apple trees in the side garden.

For the future raised beds 
we are thinking we may grow 
beets, carrots, swiss chard, broccoli or broccolini
brussel sprouts, cilantro 
and ?


Pandemic Pasta

I roasted a cubed butternut squash 
in the oven at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Cooked the penne noodles according to the package directions.
Drained the pasta topped it with the squash
added some salt, pepper and freshly grated parmigiana reggiano cheese.
Quick and easy dinner
Delicious!


Comfort food and comfy clothes are helping me through the isolation.

I have 2 pairs of yoga pants, both black on rotation...

Most days I am wearing a tunic style black cashmere sweater 
with one of the Yoga pants.

I have another comfy look...
 Eileen Fisher sleeveless linen tanks, one white, one black
with Yoga pants
then I layer my soft denim Gap shirt over top.

Diamond princess cut pendant and diamond stud earrings are worn every day.

I have added pearls on days when I feel like "dressing up!"

I wear scent each morning...
Fig Amore by Bastide from Provence
or
Arlessianne by L'Occitane
also from Provence.

My hair is getting long...
Am wearing it up in a French Roll or a "chignon"
or in a "pony tail" with a velvet scrunchie.


There is a sense of ease in the days here...
no pressure to do anything much.

If I feel lack lustre I will treat myself to a spa at home day.

Sip sparkling mineral water from a pretty etched vintage goblet.

Soak in the clawfoot tub with bath salts.

Light the scented candle.

Moisturize after the bath with some rose scented Andalou lotion.

Self care is so important.

I hope that you are finding ways to treat yourself and others 
gently and with kindness.

Stay safe.


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, May 17, 2019

Pops of Colour


Clematis Jackmanii


In a deep blue and purple when the blooms are new.
They fade a wee bit in the sunshine.


Lucky Brand silk scarf
in shades of mauve orange and red.
I wear this with my denim jacket and dress.


A lovely fresh rose fragrance from L'Occitane of Provence.
Arlesienne


Fig scented Lip exfoliating cream and a new lipstick.
Vibrant red summer colour.


Red Russell Lupines



The bees love this flower!

May is a very colourful month in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I've been hand watering almost everyday due to the light rainfall that we have had this month.

Its so relaxing standing outside in the sunshine with the hose and nozzle spraying much needed moisture to the thirsty plants.

The hummingbirds and butterflies like to fly into the fine mists of water.
It's almost like they are saying thank you to me for providing them with water!



The geraniums on the front porch continue to put on a beautiful display.
I like geraniums as they are stalwarts in the potted plant arena!
Quite inexpensive and repeat bloom all summer long.

I opt for plants in a bold shade of red and some pure white ones.

The red ones in the planter on the railing
with some white ones in pots on the tables by the front door.

The white lavender is a new plant.
The bees are drawn to this one in droves.

I finished reading Educated, a memoir, by Tara Westover.
It was a difficult book to get through...
some parts were very graphic and utterly terrifying
her story is truly amazing.

I think I will read something much lighter next!

We've got a long weekend coming up as it is Victoria Day on Monday.
 I hope to get out weeding in the garden, do some cooking and entertaining.

What plans do you have for the weekend?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~