BEST (recent) thrift shop find!!...(roses, sunscreen, walking post op hip surgery)

 

~ Lady Angela ~

Fragrant and Frothy 

Growing up the lattice next to the front porch.

I picked a large bloom for the bathroom.

I'm enjoying the thrifted antique platter that I found at Ross Bay Villa's Sale.

My skin is very sensitive to the sun and I have rosacea so I need to use sunscreen.

Eminence have great sunscreen options...

My current favourite is their radiant mineral lotion with Bakuchiol and Niacinamide.

This straw hat is a keeper...

Eddie Bauer and it must be 30 or more years old!

Funny thing happened when I was sitting on the deck at the cottage...

a swallow landed on my hat which was on my head

I was so surprised and the bird flew off pretty quick after I moved.

So every so often I find a great item at the thrift store...

In the winter

I found some great Burberry and Barbour plaid wool and cashmere scarves.

Once I found an Hermes silk scarf which I sold at a local consignment shop.

There are oodles of items that I've picked up for the house.

Mid century Moderne pieces as gifts for our adult kids.

The most exciting and recent find was a pair of leather loafers...

Loafers have been on my wish list for about 18 months.

Well was I ever surprised to find these...

Bling wasn't on my radar...

BUT

they are my size, very comfy and they are leather.

Have you ever heard of Sandro?

When I was in Paris in 2019 I discovered Sandro.

It's definitely a LUXE brand.

They are in immaculate condition.

At a bargain price and under $20.

It was a lucky find.

I am so excited about these shoes...

will be wearing them on repeat.

(doing a happy dance too)

Perhaps I need to "Moon Walk" like Michael Jackson?

~ Mount Baker seen from the shore ~

~ Old Truck on a Pender Island Farm ~

Walking continues to improve post op hip replacement.

My recent fall in the garden has set me back a few weeks.

The cane slipped on the gravel path when I was picking lily of the valley.

Hubby had to help me up and I must say it scared me.

And wouldn't you know...the side I fell on was the operative hip side.

I was in pain for a full week and am only now slowly getting back to my walks.

We've been watching Silent Witness on BBC

and Storied Spaces on Magnolia Network.

Am reading a book about the British Upper Class 

called Hunting Unicorns by Bella Pollen.

It's very entertaining.

So that's about it for today...

the sun is shining and I've been outside.

Hubby planted a new yellow rose where an old red rose was struggling.

We've had a few roses fail lately.

Not sure why but there's no need to be upset...

just zip out to the garden centre and grab a new one...

so many great varieties.

June is almost here and more roses will soon be blooming.

Bouquet from Mother's Day...

purchased from our local Pepper's Grocery Store.

Took the bouquet to our cottage on Pender and enjoyed a quiet week.

The Purple Martins are back and have babies in the nesting boxes at the Marina.

Saw two grey whales swim by the cottage, no orcas this time.

Met up with friends...had a pub meal out.

Found an arts and crafts pewter British candlestick at the thrift shop.

I've never had any pewter before this find.

I've got to put the kettle on and make a cup of tea and sit on the front porch with my book for a bit until it's time for me to make dinner.

Thank you for stopping by...

hope that you enjoyed this wee post.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

April Showers ~ Bring May Flowers

 

There is a smattering of rain outside today.

The gardens need the moisture.

The weather is mild and there is a symphony of birdsong.

Hummingbirds are flitting about...

I've been following the advice of the physiotherapist and kinesiologist.

Exercising and walking daily.

My new hip is getting a workout...

actually I think it is the muscles

that are getting the exercise and feel much more stronger.

I'm feeling less dependant on my cane and am now able to sleep better.

Thank goodness I can sleep on my side now.

The surgeon suggested that I buy some silicone cream, 

apply and gently massage the scar.

He told me that plastic surgeons tell their patients to do this...

This is my routine now after my morning shower and before I go to bed at night.

I went to the mall to buy some white pants...

Bagatelle wide legged pants in my size came home with me.

I took a picture but it is such a bad photo...

the outfit looks terrible but you get the idea of the pants.

Pants that fit are scarce (rare as hen's teeth) in my closet 

since losing almost 25 pounds.

I've had a couple of emails about my weight loss and how I achieved it...

 it started last October after meeting the surgeon.

It was gently suggested that if I lost some weight that I would not be in as much pain.

WOW!

That's what I needed to hear.

The pain was BAD.

So I cut out all alcohol.

(my daily wine was just a habit)

I started eating more protein and removing most breads and starchy carbs.

My lunches are Greek high protein plain yogurt, fresh fruit, and some chopped walnuts.

 ~ OR ~

Simple green salad with 2 hard boiled eggs and a homemade vinaigrette.

(I add a few nuts and sliced French pickles)

Dinners are lean chicken or fish, a couple servings of seasonal steamed veggies.

Every so often I add a baked potato or small portion 3/4 cup of rice.

For the first 6 months NO SWEETS.

Now I have a few pieces of chocolate or a couple of digestive biscuits with my afternoon tea.

I've had a few muffins when I have gone out for coffee, some biscotti and cookies.

These treats mean I compensate by walking more or cutting back on my main meals.

I'm wearing KUR Veil #8 by Londontown.

I need to paint several coats to get this darker coverage.

The shade is pretty and I like how easy the Kur polishes are to apply.

I found the cutest top by Cut Loose at Adventure Clothing on Oak Bay Avenue.

It has a crinkly texture and I adore the stripes.

The pockets are a cute detail too...

 

This will work with my black pants, jeans and the new white pants.

~ Anemone ~

Ground cover in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Love the "almost periwinkle" blue shade.

We have a white one out front and this one is on the side near the slate patio.

We hung this vintage mirror last year before the Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.

The Hospice fundraiser had us perking up the garden for several weeks and we saw this idea in another garden and a friend gave us this mirror so we painted it black.

I quite like the effect...

All our garden furniture is black...

several iron tables and chairs 

the 2 new

Adirondack chairs are black.

Lots of our pots are black too...black seems to be a good background for colours.

New black cushions for the front porch.

My usual red geraniums...

after planting, sweeping and fluffing the cushions

I brewed a pot of tea and sat on the front porch and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

~ Flowers are wonderful ~

So many varieties, colours and forms.

I love seeing flowers on my walks and when I wander around our garden.

I think I have "aged" since my surgery...

my skin feels drier and I am now using a facial moisturizing oil from Merit.

Drinking more water as I think I need to add moisture from the inside out :-))

My body has been working overtime to heal too so it might be tired.

Losing weight has shown on my face...

more wrinkles have appeared.

Well I am 71 so that's what should I expect.

I do feel like I am getting stronger and my sleep has improved.

Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine does give me a boost.

My energy seems to be improving too...

(will work on getting stronger and report back soon with an update)

Well that's enough about me...How are YOU?

Hope that you are doing well.

Leave a comment and let me know what's new.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Post Op ~ Pearls, Books and Blooms

 

~ Star Magnolia ~

This beauty is out front of The Humble Bungalow and is currently in BLOOM.

The sheer elegance...of pure white flowers.

I love a crisp white flower.

I am doing well post op into week 6 now...

walking more steps but still at a slowish pace.

The hip muscles are getting a workout!

I can tell because I need to pop a Tylenol

after a day of walks....

even these frequent short ones that the physiotherapist has recommended.

I am a rule follower and I am pushing ahead trying to be mindful of my capability.

Oh but the urge to go farther is so tempting...

that being said if I overdo I am not doing myself any favours.

I drove the car to meet a friend for coffee today and it felt so amazing!

~ FREEDOM ~

I've been reading a LOT...

I've read many books in the past 5 weeks.

I've just finished Mrs. Van Gogh...very interesting and well written.

Tartufo was a fun romp set in Italy, comical, it could be made into a film.

Lady Tremaine is up next...a Reese's Book Club Pick.

A Cinderella story told by the wicked stepmother's perspective.

I've been paying attention to my hands...

they've been quite dry so I've been slathering on the hand cream.

Wearing my Akoya Pearls...

always want to add a bit of polish to my plain white Tee and grey cashmere sweater.

They positively GLOW.

Mr. HB took me for a drive to the Beacon Drive In...

I had a soft ice cream cone.

The first one in about 5 YEARS!!!!

So Yummy.

Why did I wait SO LONG to have a cone?

I guarantee I'll be going more often to enjoy this wee treat.

I pulled out my paints...

made some Mud Pie Paintings.

Easter Colours Perhaps?

I feel like a kid in kindergarten when I paint...

no judgement just let the brush flow.

Healing over these past few weeks has made me realize what a lot I have to be thankful for...and feeling so much gratitude as I wake up every day.

The return to more normal activities is wonderful.

I am not taking anything for granted.

 Tea Time is a TREAT!

So many choices...

What blend to brew?

My friend Michelle gave me a tin of Harney and Sons Earl Grey which is so GOOD!

The tea is full bodied and in wee silk gossamer bags.

I feel very posh when I sip it.

I've been using mugs because I have a cane in one hand and I daren't juggle 

a cup and saucer just yet, but can imagine how lovely it will be to sip this POSH tea out of one of my fine china cups and saucers.

(lah dee dah)

Sun is shining and I've got to go for my afternoon walk...

(doctor's orders)

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

HIP HIP HOORAY ~ 2 weeks Post OP and some Merit Beauty

 

Well here I am today 2 weeks post op

total hip replacement surgery.

The past 2 weeks have been a bit blurry...

Strong pain medications which are totally foreign to me

sleeping on my back

swelling in my operative leg and ankle

resting mostly in bed

walking with a walker and a cane

doing exercise that strengthen the muscles which have been comprimised

OH MY! I am a rookie and this feels like a LOT.

Thank you for the kind wishes and emails.

They are most appreciated.

XO

So besides following the surgeons orders I have been:

Reading lots of books and perusing magazines

posting on Instagram

playing Word With Friends

and

Kind of a surprise to me "online" shopping...

It's a surprise because I am an Old School Shopper who likes to go to a store.

I've been a wee bit obsessed with Merit Beauty for a few years...

and I've watched a lot of You Tubers who share their make up routines.

So I took the plunge and ordered an eye shadow in Iris and a blush balm in Cheeky.

They arrived with a darling corduroy bag and a free sample of the Glow Serum.

I tried them out and immediately ordered 

Instant Glow serum

The illuminator in Bone which is a concealer/foundation

and

The #1brush

I LOVE the Instant Glow Serum and have been wearing it daily

with no makeup while convalescing.

Here's how it looks.

My Thoughts...

The illuminator feels moisturizing on my dry skin but not oily...

the brush makes it super easy to blend

Added a bit extra on my cheek area which tends to be red due to my rosacea.

I used the Cheeky Blush Balm higher up on the cheek and on my lips.

I have to say that I am VERY impressed.

I've got appointments with the doctor next week and the physiotherapist.

I think they will remove the staples (eek)

assess my mobility and give me some new exercises.

I've got a few months before the statistics claim that I will be 90% healed.

I can hardly wait...

I've dodged a bullet because

The Fashion Police have dropped me off their Radar.

Wearing only baggy soft cozy outfits purchased specifically for this rehab time.

As a side note they are all in shades of grey white and black :-))

I cannot imagine trying to put on my beloved Danish Mos Mosh jeans.

No deep bending and dressing with a surgical bandage would make it a challenge.

I'm already dreaming of wearing my denim shirts and white tees.

Pearls have definitely helped me keep my spirits up!

I've worn them to remind myself that I am still ME.

So I suppose that's enough chatter for my first post "post op."

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Waiting to be Worn....

February ~ Cocooning in The Humble Bungalow

 

Thank you for all your comments and emails from my last post.

I took time off to be quiet, stay at home and just relax.

In preparation for Surgery. 

I've been feeling calm and cocooning...

One of the projects I tackled was a messy cupboard...

it's been a disaster for years and I just "lived" with it.

One day I opened the cupboard stuff fell out...

that was the signal to me to get serious and act.

I removed all the items and placed them on top of the dining room table.

I discarded things that were no longer needed

things that were out of date and expired.

Organized the rest of the items and popped them into baskets.

Think that I will be able to maintain order 

after I took the time to tidy up.

Looking at the before and after images makes me wonder why it took so long :-))

Do you have cupboards, drawers or entire rooms that are in disarray?

Perhaps catch all areas where you close a door and look away?

Candles, books and lots of tea kept me company during these quiet days.

Tried some new teas...

my current favourite is an Irish imported tea by Barry's

very strong and rich and is decaf.

I found it at The Irish Linen Shop here in Victoria.

While I was there I bought a couple of new linen tea towels and looked at their gorgeous Irish Wool Sweaters.

Spring feels like it is going to be early...

so many flowers are blooming.

We've had rain, and gusty winds but no snow.

I've got a dozen books in my to be read pile...

am currently reading A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly.

So good...she wrote The Last Garden in England.

New to us...

Vintage Arts and Crafts Weller vase

Imagining our David Austin Roses in this pretty little vessel.

Wrote in my journal...

not daily as I had originally expected, but when I felt like it.

So many random thoughts are swirling around in my mind.

Health seems to be at the forefront.

Surgery is getting a lot of air time.

Reading up on the preparations, sorting out the medical equipment required.

Researching post op hip replacement weeks that other people have experienced...

want to have some realistic expectations.

Enjoying the Thrifted Shetland Wool Hand Knit Sweater.

It's the warmest sweater that I own...

When winter started I owned 3 maybe 4 sweaters 

but since recent thrifting finds

I now have 3 more.

The blog may be quiet for another few weeks...

~ Post Op ~

when I stay home and recover and get my new hip ready for action.

Hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying life.

 Are you noticing Pops Of Colour?

Savouring moments of Joy

Living Simply?

Take care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~