Getting My Happy On...

If you follow me on Instagram you are probably already familiar with my frequent use of the "hashtag"....  #gettingmyhappyon

In a nutshell, they are the small things in life that make or keep me in a happy frame of mind.

So with that thought I wondered if you would participate in a wee exercise?

Are there any particular things that you do to keep yourself feeling upbeat and positive?

I could make a list, as I have done many times on The Humble Bungalow Blog but why not throw it open to you and see what ideas you have? Let's brainstorm and see what fun we might have sharing our individual hints.

Are your favourite "getting your happy on" habits free ?

Are they luxurious and expensive?

Or vintage, minimal, classic and timeless ?

Are they creative pursuits?

Do you prefer to be alone or in the company of others?

Does the beauty of nature play a big role in "getting your happy on?"

"Love is energy of life. "

~ Robert Browning ~

I look forward to reading your comments 

and I hope that we can inspire each other by sharing our thoughts and ideas.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog today.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Paris books...garden delights.

Memories of my trip last Spring to Paris have been flittering about in my mind...
by cultivating a few French habits this helps keep the feelings fresh and alive.

French Market Basket from Madison and Muse in the Cadboro Bay Village

Some things that help me recall my trip and french focus:

my morning ritual of a cafe creme served in a wide bowl...
the application of perfume
wearing pretty lingerie
nibbling a decadent croissant from time to time
walking in my neighbourhood and beyond
taking myself out for coffee and sitting outside watching the people walk by
reading about Paris in books and on blogs
perusing the produce and eating local fresh food that is "in season"
popping into a french charcuterie for lunch basics
harvesting our fresh home grown vegetables...our asparagus crop is amazing!
making a simple French vinaigrette
browsing in my French cookbooks

shopping in a French inspired store
I treated myself to a new French Market basket
a new linen apron
and a scarf!

a wee french inspired lunch

savoured at the table

with a large glass of sparkling Perrier

(if I was in France it probably would have been a glass of vin rose)

Heavy linen apron with large pockets...

great for cooking, cleaning and wearing in the garden.

(also from Madison and Muse)

I was on a roll and so why not buy a new linen scarf too?

Soft grey from Madison and Muse.

If you live in Victoria or come for a visit do yourself a favour and pop into the shop.

Margo, the owner, is very knowledgeable, has lived in France and her stock is sumptuous.

If I have a windfall I am heading straight to her shop to buy linen sheets...

happy shopping!

My Paris reading list has been getting larger 

especially after going to the library and Ivy's books on The Avenue

I have a few more on my book shelf waiting...

Our garden has a dedicated asparagus bed which is providing us with fresh picked asparagus.

We usually have this as an appetizer before our main course.

I pop it in a shallow pan with boiling water 

 let it sit in there bubbling for 5 minutes

drain and serve 

with a dollop of mayonnaise and a bit of salt and pepper.

Voila!

Strange things are happening to the rhubarb plants.

flowers are emerging

We have harvested several pickings 

 stewed the stalks to enjoy with a dollop of fresh yogurt.

oh and there is another strange thing growing in the garden...

looks like The Jack in The Pulpit plant.

I do not remember planting this!

Could it have come into the garden as a hitch hiker with another plant?

My goodness I am keeping my eye on this one.

Life is never dull when one has a garden to potter about in...nature is full of surprises!

Hope your weekend is full to the brim with lovely things.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~