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.

Go here to order the August box.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Skincare, roses and books...

Pavement Series Rose

very fragrant with treacherous thorn studded stems.

While in isolation during Covid 19 

I have changed my daily make up routine.

Andalou 1000 Roses CC cream for sensitive skin. 

I like the soft dewy finish and the glow that I get while wearing this cream.

The added sunscreen protects me while I am out walking or playing in the garden.

Also new is the 1000 Roses body lotion by Andalou 

after my morning shower and love the light rose scent.

Flowers from our son's garden.

Focusing on Skin care from the inside out...

Roasting colourful vegetable for my lunches.

Upping my intake of healthy food 

by eating more vegetables and drinking lots of water.

Our heart in the window in honour of the frontline workers.

Reading during Covid has been a big part of my daily routine.

I have discovered so many new authors...

I love this book so much!

Am going to try and find Gill Paul's other books.

With our local library closed I will need to buy them. 

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose

a winning rose

stunning apricot orange shade 

a deep rich fragrance

lots of blooms

 repeat blooming throughout the summer season.

How are you doing?

With the restrictions easing are you out shopping in stores?

Dining out?

Going to the hairdresser?

Do you feel safe as we step out into the "new normal?"

I have a mask which I plan to wear on occasion especially when social distancing is not possible.

I am looking forward to meeting with my stylist for a trim 

when the salon reopens next month.

Stay safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

OOTD basic black for evening.

Recent purchase a Lace top by Dex

(on sale and heavily discounted!)

Black Eileen Fisher pants

Lace top by Dex

Sweater a vintage Susan Bristol that I have had for several decades!

Vintage Ferragamo shoes

Socks by French Company Berthe

(mismatched hose which are rather fun to wear!)

Putting my best foot forward...

I love the detail at the bottom of the top.

We put up the tree and I unpacked some festive accent pieces.

We like to keep our decorations simple as the cats think they are play toys!

Chester still climbs the tree :-((

Finally had my hair trimmed...

its been ages growing the short style out.

Planning to grow it a wee bit longer still and with any luck it should be where I want it to be by next Spring.

The stylist used a flat iron to smooth out the waves.

We enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at my husband's staff party last evening.

Julie, my friend and recent travel companion, made a 7 course dinner for us all.

It was amazing and there were wine pairings with each course!!!

Hope you are enjoying the festive season so far...

Have you been shopping your closet or buying new clothes?

What are your favourite things to wear for the holidays?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Style statements...

Do experiment with bright colours and bold shapes when it comes to your clothes or accessories?

Or do you play it safe and steer clear of anything "off the beaten path?"

I see women in my city wearing "edgy" clothes...
in brilliant colours that really make a statement.

Some sport neon hair colours in bold stripes.

Often it's jewelry...large ethnic pieces that are museum worthy.

Vintage items are a fabulous way of adding interest...
I love searching for those pieces in the thrift shops and local antique mall.

Personal style choices can show off a creative and artistic nature.
I admire women confidently putting together unique looks and having fun with their clothes and accessories.

Maybe I am playing it too safe adhering to mostly conservative fashions...
but if I am to be honest, that style choice is what reflects my personality.

I want to stay on the fringes of fashion
blending in
rather than standing out or
pushing the style envelope.

Garments in sturdy fabrics that skim the body and flatter my curves work best.

I did buy something this week...
an accessory,
what do you think?

NO they are NOT bracelets!

They are velvet scrunchies.

Black, grey and purple.

I've been letting my hair grow...

and it's getting longer.

I plan to grow it even longer.

Keeping the stray strands out of my face has become an issue.

SO

I wear a scrunchie when walking, doing housework and gardening.

I've heard

Scrunchies divide the masses.

What would the Fashion Police say?

What do YOU say?

How do you approach style?

Do you go for bright bold and artsy clothes?

Or do you dress conservatively?

Please leave a comment below.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have a fabulous weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

I am 64...

Wearing all black...

a bamboo tunic top

with black capri leggings.

Longer hair which is straighter than before

the silver is now more than just tinsel...

It surprises me when I walk past a mirror

I see my mother, 

the resemblance is uncanny.

A few pounds have crept on this past year and am trying to come to terms with it.

Do I accept it and move on or return to the disciplined point counting regime of WW?

The battle of the bulge is a real challenge.

The desire or the energy to go to the gym is not there.

Sweating reminds me of those uncomfortable hot flashes and is so annoying...

Walking is enjoyable and the Fit Bit is a great motivator.

But enough about me already...

How are you doing?

What is new?

This ceramic Buddha head was in a garden basket 

we won at the grand children's year end school fundraiser.

I don't think its meant for the garden.

Too fragile and thin...

I'm considering putting it out on the boulevard for free.

I can't quite find the right spot for it here in The Humble Bungalow.

Perhaps someone else will love it and give it a special place in their home.

The book I am currently reading is quite interesting.

It was in the wee little free library across the street.

I'll be passing it on to a friend after I finish it.

How is your summer going?

What are you reading?

~ Be Kind and Be Well ~

Rebelling in white...OOTD

Do you follow rules?

How about the rule about wearing white after Labour Day?

I am NOT obeying that rule!
The fashion police might ticket me...but really I don't mind.

White NYDJ 

Saint James striped Top

 Growing out a pixie cut is not for the faint of heart!

Some days I can coax it into a curly state and others it just will not cooperate!

I love the Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It and also the Aveda Brilliant gel...

they both help immensely.

After washing my hair I use the Bumble and Bumble

 then next day 

(when my hair does not get washed) 

I use the Aveda gel.

The children are back to school today and summer feels like its about to come to a close.

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose

A fresh flush of flowers are blooming.

  I so love this rose for its heady fragrance...

impossible not to pick a few blooms 

to bring inside The Humble Bungalow.

September is a hopeful month

one that brings with it possibilities...

I am pondering many options...

 taking a class

Yoga

aqua fit

rejoining WW

trying something new

looking for a volunteer placement

going back to the club for bridge after the summer holidays

Lots of things to pursue and many new books out to read

a knitting project that has been put on the back burner will be revived.

Are you looking for new possibilities this month?

What things are you considering?

Take care

 thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Hydrangeas and hair...the view from here.

Hooray the limelights are blooming!

The hydrangeas are taller this year 

which is good news 

as the deer love to munch on the tasty leaves.

Sadly the deer have eaten most of the hosta leaves 

out front in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Frothy creamy blooms act as a backdrop to the side patio

providing privacy

 a place to sit and sip a cup of tea while reading a book.

I loved this book and read it in two sittings!

They are making it into a movie.

Suzanne Rindell is a screenwriter...

she has two other books and I plan to read them.

In other news

the "growing pains" continue...

My hair is growing...

slowly 

the wavy curls are coming back.

I have been on Pinterest looking at hair styles...

there are so many lovely women with salt and pepper and grey hair.

just wondering how long I should let it grow

what style will work with my hair type and face shape.

A conundrum 

 I have weeks or possibly a few more months to wait.

Patience has never been my strength...

I'd like to be able to grow hair as fast as that Tressy doll!

She was the doll that had a long pony tail with emerged from a hole in her head...

a screw attached to her back controlled the length of her hair!

Do you remember the doll?

The TV ad...

"Short or long or in between

Tressy's hair makes her a Queen!"

Happy Weekend!

Do you have any special plans?

We will be celebrating the 3rd birthday of our darling granddaughter Mira.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~