A quiet week in February ~ Walks, snow, books, and home decor finds.

 

Creamy white Ribes 

with a smattering of chartreuse

Blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

It has been pretty quiet this past week here in The Humble Bungalow.

Lots of walks, reading, mindful eating ~ counting my WW points.

I read this gripping crime drama book by Jane Harper.

She is an accomplished author and wow can she weave a murder mystery!

The snow has melted in our neighbourhood...

Blue skies, crisp cold temperatures and a lonely snowman on the beach.

We walked at Butchart Gardens on Sunday.

I cannot remember ever visiting the gardens in the snow.

I know that there was an icy Christmas when we visited to see the Festive lights.

Yes those ponds are frozen!

BRRRR

A wee snowman in The Japanese Garden.

I posted a picture of this vintage bureau on Instagram.

I purchased it from Karin at Kay's Korner in The Cook Street Village.

It fits well in our laundry area and is so much neater than the open shelf unit.

I have stored my knitting "stash"

needles and patterns 

in the two lower drawers

 my garden apron, secateurs and gloves in the top drawer.

A wonderful purchase that has given me a lift!

Speaking of changes

while tidying and de-cluttering in The Humble Bungalow...

I have repurposed two silver champagne buckets.

Feeling restless, and as a result, the need to refresh and fluff our surroundings.

Spending so much time at home has definitely made me look closely at what we have and what is lacking.

New bedding linen, a hall runner and the bureau are examples of change.

Laura Ashley coverlet and pillow shams.

Pepper our older cat approves!

I had a strange dream last night...

(my dreams are frequently weird)

I was in the make up department and was trying on dozens and dozens of lipsticks.

The clerk running to all the cosmetic counters in search of the perfect shade.

When it came time to choose I told the clerk to wrap them all up!

Think I know what might have fueled the dream...

Yesterday when I removed the mask that I wore at the grocery store 

I discovered that it was smeared with red lipstick.

Thank goodness that they are washable.

What is new with you?

Just finished...

Lisa Jewell has done it again...

a thrilling page turner.

Now I need to find a new book.

What do you recommend?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

My Stylish French Box reveal...

I just hopped on to the blog to quickly share the November contents of My Stylish French Box! The luxurious items were themed "holiday chic" and they did not disappoint. Sharon Santoni and her team know their clientele very well.

My favoutite item is a bespoke cashmere and wool wrap.

It is so cozy!

Our weather is colder now so it is perfect for the chilly afternoons and evenings.

I am draping this over my shoulders and don't feel any of the usual drafts in our 100+ year old bungalow.

This lipstick is super moisturizing and luscious.

The box is pretty too and opens up like a flower petal.

The lipsticks are refillable and come in a red velvet pouch.

Emollient balm

Writing paper and a beautiful pen.

Antique crystal drop strung onto a purple velvet ribbon

It can be worn as a necklace or hung in a window to refract the light.

A lovely pouchette to use as a bag or for makeup or whatever you fancy!

I've got to run now as I have a bunch of things that I need to get done.

It surprises me how busy my days are during the pandemic.

The homekeeping chores haven't gone away and despite the fact that we are not entertaining I cannot let the dust bunnies take over.

I've been cooking a ton of new recipes, reading oodles of books, walking, and more recently I have ventured out to the shops to buy gifts for friends and family.

Take care, stay safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Calm and Soothing...

Serenity ~ peace ~ calm

Soothing thoughts 

 I cultivate on a regular basis.

Self care is not selfish it is vital to our well being.

First thing each morning I savour a cup of coffee.

Then I have a shower.

After drying off using a Belgian linen towel 

I apply an emollient lotion which soothes and softens my skin.

These may seem like simple rituals...

 and they are!

They are essential for my mental well being and health.

(especially during this pandemic when we are all living with stress)

Most days are spent in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

There is a lot of weeding, dead heading of the roses and general tidying up.

Sweeping inside the downstairs of the Humble Bungalow is a daily habit.

I used to despise this job but now I embrace it as an opportunity to meditate.

The repetative motion of the broom as it sweeps away dust is very soothing...

Home keeping is necessary and I have learned to enjoy most of the tasks.

It feels so satisfying looking at what has been accomplished after tidying up.

My reward is a cup of tea and a couple of chapters in the book that I am currently reading...

White flowers are so elegant..

they feel calm and peaceful

Serene.

Sharing these thoughts with you this morning has reinforced 

my daily habits of cultivating what I seek.

Hope that you enjoy your week.

Thank you for stopping by...

The Humble Bungalow Blog.

 ~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Flowers. thoughts and ramblings from The Humble Bungalow...

Deep indigo grape hyacinths are a welcome pop of colour.

We have quite a few of these in our front garden.

Thankfully the deer do not nibble these sweet flowers.

How are you managing during the "shelter at home" order?

Are you busy or bored?

Do you get "dressed up" or have a PJ Days?

Keeping quite busy with home and gardening tasks.

Baking bread every few days...

to accompany homemade soups and stews.

We were down to a few cups of flour and we hit the jackpot yesterday 

by finding 10kg package of flour

it felt like a lottery win!

(We are not taking anything for granted.)

I'll be able to keep baking bread for the next few months with this supply.

I purchased an antibacterial spray from Nezza Naturals.

I've been wiping the counters, light switches and door handles.

We have a few lilies blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Planted these a few years ago and they pop up early each Spring.

Such a delightful dainty little flower 

which reminds me of The Flying Nun's hat

do you remember Sally Field in this television show?

Love the variegated foliage of the Trillium

When the flower is in bloom it is a dark magenta shade.

I sat on the front porch this past weekend and enjoyed the sunshine and birdsong.

Tapio Wirkkala Ultima modernist mug made in Finland.

Darling daughter has a large collection of Ultima

which I covet!

Timo Sarpeneva Finnish Festivo icy candlesticks.

Baked banana bread and pasta were delivered to our son and the grandchildren.

We waved at each other through the windows and they came out on the front porch while we stood at the bottom of the stairs.

Later we Face-Timed with them

the kids were in fine spirits when they

demonstrated a dance routine that they were working on!

Thank goodness for the internet to help us stay connected.

Loving this Lemongrass Tea Tree soap

the scent is divine and the sudsy soap makes it easy to keep up with the necessary hand washing.

With all this hand washing I need to moisturize my hands.

This cream absorbs quickly and protects my hands in between washes.

I apply and small amount at tea time when I sit to read my book.

Hooray!

Hellebore blooms are not deer food.

 ~ Vintage Enamel ~

Bread tin and colander just part of the small collection in our laundry room.

All is calm...

the ironing has been done

(such a soothing task.)

Clothes are washed and hung to dry.

Counters washed ~ floor swept.

Feeling in control of my own home 

is just one part of how I am keeping my focus positive.

It's time for lunch and I'm making a simple sandwich.

Will pop the kettle on and brew a pot of tea.

Hope you are finding ways to amuse yourself while you cocoon at home.

~ Stay Home and Stay Safe ~

Many hands....

(my parade float with horses)

We had the great pleasure of entertaining the 3 darling grands 

on Saturday this past weekend.

As the rain would not abate we spent the day indoors.

We dumped the bin full of Lego on the dining room table and began to use our imagination and get busy creating...

Mira and I collaborated on a castle with a small but very tall flower "garden"

Isla made a mansion with a rooftop garden.

Henry made a police car with a very secure looking jail.

After we cleaned up 

Grammy made dinner and set the table.

While dinner was cooking in the oven the grands played with play doh at the kitchen table.

Today I am spending time cleaning up the kitchen and bathroom.

I can easily procrastinate but the earlier I commit to getting a job done 

the better chance that I will be successful...

Playtime for Grammy will come after I finish!

My kitchen "work station"

Playtex gloves and a lavender scented cleaner by Method.

Great for grime and dirty jobs.

I use this in the bathroom on the sink, toilet and claw foot tub.

It is great on counter tops and walls...

a great laundry stain remover 

I spray it on the spot and gentle use a small brush to remove the stain.

Method doesn't know that I am a fan of their products or that I am writing about their cleaner on the blog.

Simply sharing a very helpful product with you in case you are interested...

it makes my job here a lot easier and it may help you too!

With all that is happening right now in our world 

I cling to routines and rituals for comfort.

Do you?

How are you coping in light of the recent events?

“When tea becomes ritual, 

it takes its place at the heart 

of our ability to see greatness 

in small things. 

Where is beauty to be found? 

In great things that, 

like everything else, 

are doomed to die, 

or in small things 

that aspire to nothing, 

yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment?”

~ Muriel Barbery ~

 The Elegance of the Hedgehog

I read recently

 "Knitting is the new Yoga."

That's how I feel when I am knitting...

peace, comfort and serenity 

in the simple act of moving my hands

making something out of yarn.

Let's light a candle, pop the kettle on for tea and pick up our knitting.

Take care

until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Love the "little things" ~ a recipe for contentment.

Reading home decor books, Instagram and magazines inspire me.

I often get frustrated and wonder how I can make our little bungalow look better.

  I actioned a quick and inexpensive DIY fix.

I purchased 3 black metal hooks 

(Mr. HB installed them for me)

I hung up my French Market basket

 gardening hat 

and

  watering can. 

As conscientious stewards 

of a Heritage home

we are required to honour the historic significance 

we do not stray too far from their original architectural design.

With one exception...

The laundry area is painted white 

the basement is dark with very little light 

with only a few small windows.

The bright white walls 

make it much more enjoyable to work in and it feels far less oppressive!

I like to do my ironing while gazing out to the garden.

Looking out and beyond at the foliage and flowers 

while ironing 

feels like a form of meditation.

A handy rolling cart in the space is used for towels.

I fold the laundry on the top of the counter

and

I have a small ironing board that I use for small jobs 

like our linen tea towels and napkins.

Domestic jobs are a necessity.

To make them a wee bit more enjoyable

I have "fluffed" my downstairs "workplace" adding a few accent pieces.

Vintage enamel tins, ceramics, bird sculptures, and trophies...

Work and chores need not be looked upon as "drudgery."

Attitude is key to making these everyday tasks pleasant.

Taking joy in the results of one's labour and effort is so important.

The feeling of accomplishment is felt...

as I stand back

admiring a stack of freshly laundered 

(scented with lavender soap)

neat and tidy crisply ironed tea towels.

It's the "little things" that make our days richer.

How do you add Joy in your daily duties?

Do you have a secret to share that you use to make your daily round feel richer?

On that note, 

I will close this post...

Thank you for taking the time to stop and visit The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~