November ~ New Haircut...lipstick, thrift shop finds, shoes, and a new bag.

 

New backpack bag...

Woven leather bag made by Vilenca Holland.

I love a hands free bag for shopping and my beach walks.

This one is such a beautiful shade of brown...

it has really sturdy adjustable straps.

Think it will hold up much better that my Margot Backpack.

The Margot backpack bag from last year 

is made of fine glove leather and the straps are thinner

so

with the constant wear 

some of the seams are looking stressed.

I've been out and about looking at clothes these past few weeks...

on the hunt for a dressy rayon velvet top.

I love velvet for the festive season.

I spied a gorgeous Cut Loose shirt available in several different colours 

at a rather high price point (higher than my usual budget allows) so I didn't buy it.

After chatting with our darling daughter at brunch

she convinced me to go to the thrift shops and have a browse.

Well thankfully I took her advice...

I found a lovely rayon velvet top in a bright jewel tone

and I think it might be an Eileen Fisher piece :-))

It is in perfect condition and was VERY affordable.

I need to shorten the sleeves but that will be a quick fix.

While shopping at WIN...

I found a vintage Ann Klein leather make-up bag and coin purse.

Will come in handy in the backpack bag 

as it doesn't have commodious pockets inside the bag.

After much waffling...I decided to change my hair style.

I went to an Aveda salon and had the stylist cut it into a short bob with a fringe.

It is super simple too...

Just a bit of Aveda gel and a wee bit of scrunching and then I let it air dry.

~ Saint Germain Red ~

I like a pop of colour and lipstick is a quick and easy way to add that brightness.

New Shoes...

Vessi 

Slip ons that are waterproof for the Win :-))

Walking on wet sidewalks is what I do Fall through to the end of Winter.

These will be a game changer!

Bought the black because they will go with everything in my closet!!

I am a sensible gal and keep the colour palette pretty classic.

Black and white bowl in the downstairs loo...

Soaps are at the ready for dirty hands and the walk in shower!

I buy the Goats Milk soap with shea butter added as it is so moisturizing.

You might think all I have been doing is shopping but that's not true.

I've been attending aqua fit classes at the Rec centre, reading loads of books, 

baking a weekly sourdough boule, drinking lots of green tea, making a batch of soup every week for our lunches and continuing on the drawer by drawer, closet by closet cull of unwanted, unused and old stuff!

Maybe being busier is why I have stopped my weekly blogging habit?

I am very focused and "present" when I am writing the blog.

It seems to take me longer to get to the computer too...

so many other distractions :-))

My husband and I are always watching a british crime drama or mystery on Acorn.

We like the ease of entertainment without leaving the house.

 

What's new with you?

Have you read any good books? Seen any great films?

Well I must close for now as I have a book to finish and dinner to prepare...

Am using Pappardelle instead of the Fusilli...

meatless sauce using anchovies, capers, garlic, black olives, spices and San Marzano tomatoes with Grana Padano cheese.

Are you watching The Pasta Queen on TV?
She's amazing and makes me want to cook pasta 24/7

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Week of Fun!

My husband and I hopped on a small BC Ferry and went to Salt Spring Island.

Weekdays Monday through Thursday seniors travel for free.

We only had to pay for the car...so an inexpensive day to travel.

There are numerous galleries, gift, clothing and thrift shops.

In the summer on Saturday, they have a huge open air Market.

I found this soft Gap top at the thrift shop behind the Ganges Pharmasave.

They carry a wide variety of clothing and accessories.

Their vintage and boutique rack was amazing!

Most of the items were in small sizes.

After I went to Pod Contemporary, a favourite of mine...

I love their clothing and some of it is quite expensive.

Very carefully curated and the displays are wonderful.

It was very busy when I visited.

Lots of women having fun shopping.

A basic white tee top.

Nubby texture and a great looser style that flatters amd skims my midsection.

We had lunch at Moby's pub with a view of Ganges Harbour.

My salad was enormous! 

I managed to eat the chicken, avocado and maybe half of the greens.

Hubby had a rich short rib ramen dish...

I had a wee nibble and WOW!

So good.

We really enjoy avocados...

they have been on sale lately at the Root Cellar in the Cook Street Village shop.

For a quick lunch 

I will make avocado toast using the homemade sourdough bread that I make weekly.

I drizzle the avocado with some Worcestershire sauce 

top it off with a fresh grind of Pink Himalayan salt.

Nutritious, delicious with high fibre and healthy heart fats.

Do you like avocados?

I made a "bowl" of food for lunch.

It could have been healthier if I had served brown rice or quinoa...

I love these "bowls" of food that local restaurants are serving.

My grandmother used to put out a variety of things for lunches at her home.

Cut up fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, pickles, sliced meats

served with her freshly baked homemade bread.

I loved the smell of her kitchen...

bread baking, soups or stews simmering on the stove.

Such fond memories...

Went for a walk at Butchart Gardens with my BFF.

She brings her dog and we have a look at all the new flowers and enjoy a coffee or tea on the patio after our walk.

Love these double daffodils (Narcissus)

must try to get bulbs in the fall when the shops still have some in stock!

In other news..

Feeling encouraged that my hair is growing longer 

I want to put it up for aqua fit class so it doesn't keep falling into my eyes!

Most of the participants wear updos or have short haircuts.

With a minimalist wardrobe I rely on accessories.

Here I am wearing a whisper thin huge scarf (sarong size)

Folded it into a triangle wrapped it around my neck front to back

brought the ends in front

tied them underneath the front of the scarf.

Simple and it adds colour and interest to my old vintage faded denim shirt.

Pearls help to elevate the look...

wearing Michael Kors black pants.

New from Marshalls...tag said retail was $165 and I paid $49.99

They have a texture and gold button details at an angle near the waist and hips.

They are so comfy and way nicer than my old Yoga pants!

Am reading The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis.

He writes with a lot of humour.

I have read two of his books and can recommend them.

My week hit a snag on Sunday when we went to the beach at Cordova Bay.

 We parked and tried a new beach access...

it went sideways in a heartbeat.

The bottom of the concrete steps said BIG DROP.

I looked and thought I would step down slowly and carefully...

well I twisted my ankle and fell on the rocks!

I heard a snap.

People nearby came to help.

(I was so embarrassed)

I have twisted my ankle and am hobbling.

I thought it may have been broken but it appears to be a snapped ligament.

I am taking it easy and avoiding stairs.

Have been able to cook and bake as it only involves standing for short periods of time.

Knit a cotton dishcloth and am reading my book.

Feeling like a prize idiot...

thinking I was a younger agile girl instead of an aging senior lady.

Well I have learned a valuable lesson.

Thankful that my injuries were not worse.

So tell me, have you had any mishaps lately?

How have you handled them?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Christmas happened...despite Covid and we survived!

Christmas Gifts

Kosta Boda Rose pattern crystal votives.

Gift from darling daughter and her husband.

I love the design and the icy light from the candles.

The festive season was a bit different this year due to catching Covid.

My husband and I both had it earlier in December.

I have scarred lungs from repeated bouts of pneumonia 

so when I get a cold (or Covid) I tend to get a chesty cough.

We went to our son's home for Christmas morning where we exchanged gifts and had brunch.

I made Jacques Pepin's French Toast Bake, a fruit salad and sausages with croissants.

The kids were so excited!!!

Lovely to see their enthusiasm and joy.

Here is the island that Mr. HB made for our son's home.

It was a summer project and I have serious Island Envy!!!

I didn't have a ton of energy and so I had to give up on most of the baking.

Fortunately I had prepared the candied nuts ahead of time 

the chocolate bark is a quick recipe to make.

(posted the recipe in a previous blogpost)

Food is a BIG part of our traditional celebrations...

turkey and lots of side dishes.

Simple table setting...

using

red and greens.

The cute little tree was found in our Cook Street Village Garden Centre.

I used it as our centrepiece on the Christmas table...

The turkey was about 10 pounds...

I made stuffing, maple glazed carrots, whipped potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussells sprouts with pancetta, gravy and cranberry sauce.

Dessert was Panna Cotta with Italian sour cherries in syrup.

Served in an iittala Ultima Thule Glass

We have quite a few pieces of Tapio Wirkkala's Icy Modernist Crystal.

It was popular when we got married in 1974 and is still in business today.

After Boxing Day...

made a small batch of Yorkshire puddings to add to the leftovers.

Turkey Soup

Candles in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen above the Farmhouse Sink.

This morning I woke early...

have been going to bed before 10:00 most nights.

Coffee in the dark and thoughts swirling...

felt a surge of energy to get some decluttering done.

The car was loaded up and I dropped off the donations around noon.

Starting downstairs in the guest and hobby rooms.

Still a few more things to deal with but it feels way better!!

Funny thing that has happened since I had to cancel my haircut...

I have been using the flat iron and straightening it...

I think it is "growing on me"

Not perfect 

getting to the stage where I can wear it up in a French Roll 

or put it in a scrunchie for a loose ponytail.

So I suppose that's enough rambling for one post...

Hope that you had a wonderful Festive Season.

Hope that you are staying healthy and are avoiding Covid.

Let me know how things are going...do you declutter after the holidays?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Current Topics ~ What is on my radar and mindful walking.

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The Muguet des Bois are blooming...

SO FRAGRANT!!!!

I invited a couple of friends over to dig up some lily of the valley plants.

We have so many :-))

Gardeners like to share their plants with other like minded enthusiasts.

The Auriculas are blooming and they are so charming...

I have several plants and could repot some of them as they have multiplied over these past couple of years.

I see many new varieties in the UK which are so tempting...

not that many are here in the garden centres 

unless they are already in private gardens!

Haven't actually seen many of these auriculars locally at all this year.

I am not moaning here on the blog about my health but I am being proactive...

I've been online researching arthritis...

there is a lot of information to sift through.

Basically I know now that I need to keep moving...

take pain medication and get some physiotherapy.

I've got my appointment lined up and will see the specialist in June.

My walks are around 3 km and am getting 5,000-6,000 steps in during the day.

That number may not be totally accurate because the step total is from my IPhone

I don't have it on me the entire day.

I suppose I could buy a watch that counts the steps...

but does it really matter?

Two 3km walks might be the way to walk now...

a rest in between seems sensible and will help with the pain.

I'm taking Advil and it helps.

In other news I have switched up my skincare routine a wee bit...

I don't tend to spend a LOT on products.

Skin care basics need not break the budget.

Andalou make a sensitive line which works well for my everyday skin regime.

These lotions and potions are very affordable and free of nasty ingredients.

I love using the CC cream as it goes on easily and has SPF

it evens out skin tone and adds a dewy healthy glow.

The Great Lash is an iconic mascara and is often on sale...

The Burts Bees glow stick is a creamy blusher that I use on my cheeks and lips.

It takes me about 5 minutes to do my daytime make-up.

I tried an organic glow stick

 which developed a rough grainy texture

which I did not like at ALL :-((

(I returned it)

Burt's Bees All Aglow is lovely...

it is creamy and very easy to apply.

The shade gives me a soft natural looking blush.

~ Simple make up ~

My favourite red lippy from Miss Pupa of Milan.

Fresh haircut...

(in a bob style)

My thinning hair needed a makeover so my hairdresser gave it a blunt cut.

I can wear it wavy or flat iron it...I like the versatility of the style.

It will be easy to maintain.

Saw this gorgeous iris at Government House on one of my walks this week.

I love to wander about in the local gardens here...

so many great flowers and plantings that inspire.

The weather forecast is for hotter temperatures...

unseasonably hot, or so we are told.

I have swapped out my winter clothes for the spring and summer cottons and linens.

I found a few things that were no longer useful.

Dropped a bag off to the local charity shop, 

had a good browse and came home empty handed.

I replaced a white linen top that I donated with a fresh new one from Marshalls.

It is a simple basic...

Under $30...

will wear it a LOT.

I DO love a bargain.

Well I must close for now and get some stuff done here...

hope that you are enjoying your weekend so far.

Happy Mother's Day!

I will think of my dear MOM...she was one of a kind.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD and I may have solved the problem with comments...

 

 ~ Walking ~

I love walking along the waterfront.

Fortunately we live close to the seafront but I frequently walk in Oak Bay.

The Esplanade near Willows Beach is a scenic spot for a stroll.

I spied this beaded bracelet on the arm of the blue Adirondack chair...

I stopped to take a closer look and noticed the card inside.

Oak Bay Trinket Fairy

I now follow this Instagram account and have learned 

that this bead artist makes and leaves them for people to find!

What a lovely idea...

similar to those painted rocks that were once popping up in our neighbourhood.

Friday ~ post published today 

as I am going to busy this Sunday...

I have been trying to keep the posts regular but a wee bit of a BLIP is fine.

On the heels of my denim jumper purchase I found a coat!

New Eileen Fisher blue coat...

a simple and classic choice for Spring and Summer.

Turns out that I really like Eileen Fisher coats as I now have 3 of them.

~ OOTD ~

Wore my big pearls from Hong Kong to tea at a friends home.

We sip tea ~ chat and knit together.

I paired it with a crisp white Old Navy shirt and a wool Lord and Taylor skirt.

Layered over Hue capri tights and my Josef Seibel Chelsea Boots.

Rather an "edgy" look but very comfortable :-))

Do you wear "edgy" fashion choices?

It is a wee bit of a stretch for me but after wearing this combo several times 

it feels honest and natural.

Let's have a quick chat about hair...

it is supposed to be our crowning glory.

Sadly

my hair has been thinning this past year...

which has been a worry but I do have a thyroid condition and that is one of the issues.

I take medication for my thyroid but hair loss is a concern.

My hair used to be SO THICK!

Has your hair thinned?

On my last visit to my stylist I mentioned this to her she cut in more layers 

now it looks fuller and has more body

so I am happy with the results.

In other news...

I have been researching the blogger problem with comments.

Your emails have not gone unnoticed...

May have found an answer...

fingers crossed 

so please try now and see if it works.

Leave a comment and we'll see if it works.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~