Shopping ~ a mix of items....some surprisingly good quality and much more economical than expected.

 

Crisp George brand Cotton Shirt 

White Athletic Works Tee

(Walmart)

Baroque Pearls from Hong Kong

(a mix of high and low)

Athletic Works Black Shorts

(Walmart)

First pair of shorts in at least a decade.

Will be worn on hot days at the cottage...

Comfy Vessi Sneakers

waterproof

(Nicholas Randall)

~ Casual Chic ~

Shirt is longer so will be a good pairing with the shorts and the Tee.

Canadian Marcelle Mascara

My favourite kind of mascara wand...

basic black and the formula is free of clumps.

~ Little Black Dress ~

I spied this dress on the sale rack at our local Marshall's Shop.

It looked loose fitting, easy to wear and cool for this heat wave that we are having...

I wore it twice this past week and it was a winner!

The Debra K handmade necklace has been in my jewellry collection for about 17 or 18 years...it is a black plastic "FIMO" type base with vintage clear crystals.

Very versatile and a fun piece that makes a statement.

It was an "investment" piece at the time of purchase but if you factor in the CPW

(Cost per wearing) 

it has been a real bargain.

Cupid's Dart 

happily blooming on the patio

growing and thriving in a big terra cotta pot.

I love the colour.

More lavender sachets...

these ones are smaller as the Dollar Store had sold all the larger gauzy bags.

Great for gifts and perfect to pop into a lingerie or sweater drawer.

Our lavender is having a fabulous year!

The bees are abuzz and so busy collecting pollen.

At any given time there are about 3 different types of bees hard at work.

I tried to get pictures of all the different bees but they were too fast!!

New backpack bag...

great for picnics, beach combing, walks, shopping and holiday time at the cottage.

Lots of compartments, zippered sections.

 Ample room for all my basics, a book, water, snack, and some treasures...

hands free shopping!

As I was leaving to go to my Yoga Class....

I spied some hungry visitors.

Twins that were busy munching the Alstromeria and some Hostas!

Too cute to scare away...

as soon as they get bigger they won't fit through the openings in the front gate.

Went to my hairdresser today for a CHOP!

I haven't seen her for several months and my hair was a MESS!

She cut the back up shorter in a wedge (as per my request)

then left the sides a bit shorter 

but long enough for the hair to fall in waves and curls.

I look so much like MOM.

( I miss her so much)

Would love to walk along the Esplanade, then go to the Willows Tea Room with her.

We used to do that so often on a sunny afternoon.

XO

Hope that your summer is ticking along nicely...

what are you up to?

Travel, picnics, garden parties, teas, lunches out with friends and family?

Cottage time, boating, camping, day trips, adventures, staycations?

Take care and thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ BE WELL AND BE KIND ~

~ Sweet Peas ~

Matucana Heritage Sweet Peas 

(1680's UK variety)

from Westcoast Seeds.

Mr. HB is so clever...he keeps me supplied with these fragrant flowers.

Thank you darling..

XO

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 ~