Showing posts with label humble bungalow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humble bungalow. Show all posts

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Dinners In and out ~ OOTD...


I bought this simple black Eileen Fisher dress a few years ago...
it has become a real workhorse in my wardrobe.

I have worn it with a white long sleeved top underneath
tights and black Chelsea Boots.

Last night I wore it as it is and added a soft wool Petrusse scarf as a shawl.



This is a surprisingly warm scarf despite it being rather sheer.

I received this in one of the My French Country Boxes from France.
It has had a few years of use and still looks new.


I thought about wearing my Ferragamo shoes 
but in the end I decided I should test drive the new Coach loafers.

I wore sheer black hose for the first time in ages...
fortunately I have a few new packages in my drawer.

I added the vintage rhinestone bracelet and wore my simple princess cut diamond necklace and studs.

It felt strange not wearing my pearls 
I thought that I should keep it simple when adding the BLING.


We had a delicious dinner at Zambri's our favourite Italian restaurant.


I forgot to capture our appetizers, main course but here is dessert!
Passionfruit Panna Cotta
so delicious!

We had a lovely evening out and it was such a treat.

On Friday evening we hosted a small dinner party here in The Humble Bungalow.


The table is set and ready for the guests.


Appetizers ~ cheese plate with Olives, pickles, antipasto and candied salmon with assorted crackers in the living room in front of the fireplace.

The main course ~ Beef Daube, mashed potatoes and green beans.
Dessert ~ large brownies topped with fresh raspberries.

I wanted to host a casual dinner before everyone got busy with the seasonal events.

Have you noticed that people are out in droves buying Christmas presents?
I too am trying to get my shopping done early.
I need time to bake some cookies and the annual Christmas Tourtieres.


Hope that you are all staying healthy...
I have heard that the viruses are making the rounds.
One of my friends has been hospitalized and she's been in for a week and only now starting to feel better.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, September 26, 2022

Garden snapshots, thrift shop finds and scenic views on my walks...

 


Large green bottle in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I saw many of these when I was in Tuscany 
so when I spied one at Kay's Korner in Cook Street Village I snapped it up!
(Thanks Karin for saving it for me when I was out of town.)


Floating...


Dappled light
shadows
sunny day


 ~ Abraham Darby ~

A stunning fragrant
David Austin Rose


Fatsia Japonica 
growing
above a bed of ferns.


Dahlia season is upon us...
so many blooms and various varieties.
Which ones to choose?


Annual Tagetes Marigolds
we plan to save the seeds for next year.


Thrift shop teacups...
very cheerful and so pretty.


I don't NEED them but I HAD to buy them!

The de-cluttering binge is still underway...


I took the orchids in their big pots off the shelf above the sink.
The pots were washed and stored away
the orchids were put out on the boulevard for free
they were snapped up quickly!


My goal was to invite more light into the kitchen.
Cleaning off the shelf worked and I am very pleased that I can enjoy the view.


Candle light in The Humble Bungalow Living Room.

My morning routine...
coffee
reading.


Love the soft light and scents...

Most days I find myself 
Walking in Oak Bay...
where I spent my childhood.

Memories flood in...

Salty Air
The call of the Gulls
SeaViews
The sound of the waves
as they crash upon the Shore. 

~ Sunshine ~


Kitty Islet in Oak Bay


I collect sea glass along the rocky shoreline.


The chairs on the point are very popular...
with expansive scenic views towards Trial Island and beyond
it is not surprising that locals and tourists alike stop and gaze across the sea.

Many bring coffee and some bring picnics...
there is also a picnic table which you might spy on the right side of the rocks.

So many things to be grateful for...
had our 4th vaccination.

We hope to stay healthy and enjoy the Fall weather.

I'll be starting a new knitting project soon and am reading a fun book right now.

Rise and Shine Benedict Stone
by 
Phaedra Patrick
soon to be a Hallmark Movie.

That's all for now...
hope you are well.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Embracing small Joys...

 


Cheap and Cheerful Primulas are planted in the front porch planter.


I usually buy an assortment of colours...
this time I decided to go for the full impact with sunny yellow blooms.

Very pleased with these healthy stalwart plants...
they'll be planted in the garden beds early in the summer.


My spices are stored in these Bon Maman Jam Jars.

I also use them to make a "simple vinaigrette."

Oil ~ 1/3 cup
vinegar ~ 1 Tbsp
salt and pepper (to taste)
a couple of tablespoons of honey
Shake well and pour over salad.


We went to a "hidden gem" here in Victoria.
The Market Garden is located on Catherine Street and it is a wonderful shop!

We bought this tin of Italian tomatoes to use in our spaghetti.
I saved the tin because it is so pretty.

Candles have been lit most evenings here to add scent, warm light and ambiance.


Ethel Wood fragrant candle made on Pender Island.
The scent is fabulous!


I 've been consciously using up "stuff" in an effort not to be wasteful.

We tend to stockpile staples that we use regularly here in The Humble Bungalow.
Buying when things are on special...
to save money.

Soap, toothpaste, tinned goods.
Storage is limited so we need to be creative...


Here's a snapshot of our quarter sawn oak arts and crafts shelving
in The Humble Bungalow bathroom.


Walking attire...

OOTD
Cashmere Burberry scarf...at least 10 years old
Wool hat
Black Eileen Fisher wool tunic top
(recent investment piece)
Eddie Bauer Down Puffer coat

Needs Must!
Warmth comes first on my winter walks.


Hope you are staying safe.


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, March 29, 2021

New things in The Humble Bungalow ...


It is a lovely morning here in The Humble Bungalow.

Sunshine, blue skies and very little breeze.

I just got back from a walk along the seafront.
The first walk of the day 3.3 km and 5,210 steps.

My daily goal is 10,000 steps which adds up to about 6.2 km


Yesterday I changed the bedding and Pepper was very impatient...
she "assumes the position" on our bed during the daytime.

We updated our coverlet this year with this Laura Ashley printed coverlet and shams.


We also purchased a new wool runner for the hallway.

Staying at home so much has made me aware of lots of things that need attention.


I reorganized the spices using Bonne Maman jam jars.
These jars are a great size and fit well inside the drawer.

3 more jars are waiting to be filled...
I haven't decided which spices I need yet.


Sweet, juicy Tangerines in a vintage ironstone bowl.
We have a larger one of these bowls and it is filled with apples.

Weight Watcher 360 plan assigns ZERO POINTS for fresh fruit
so fresh fruits are my "go to" snacks.

All the walking is helping me feel better.
My muscles are tighter and my legs feel stronger.
I have noticed a change in my shape...
fewer wobbly bits!



Am reading The Which Elm by Tana French.
It is an interesting story and Tana writes such vivid scenes.
I feel like I am inside the rooms and gardens 
beside the characters that are playing their roles.

I must close for now as I have a bunch of laundry that needs my attention.

What are you reading?

Any home projects underway that are keeping you busy?

Please feel free to leave a comment, I love hearing from readers.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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 ~