December greetings from The Humble Bungalow...

 

~ Festive Greetings from The Humble Bungalow ~

We've put up the faux tree with twinkling white fairy lights.

One of our cats still climbs the tree

so we do not add our vintage glass baubles.

One year the cat knocked the tree to the floor 

resulting in a mess of shattered baubles...

sadly several vintage treasures were lost.

 

We keep our decorating simple and have added some silver baubles and stars.

Do you follow Pamela Anderson on Instagram?

She has moved back to the island, renovated her family home,

 planted rose and vegetable gardens and more recently has published a cookbook.

She has totally reinvented herself...written a memoir, appeared in a documentary

starred in a play on Broadway, and is appearing in films.

Pamela is a co-founder of Sonsie skincare products.

My skincare products were getting low and when I heard that she had a rose scented cleanser I thought I might try some.

I purchased the "bundle" cleanser, serum and moisturizing balm.

I would have bought the lip balm but it was sold out.

I have been using the Sonsie products for about a week and already can see an improvement in my skin tone.

Having rosacea and seeing a reduction of redness is VERY exciting!

Hydrangeas are almost done for the season but I managed to salvage a few blooms.

These have dried nicely in a vintage Crown Ducal Vase. 

After 3 years of lusting after this Cocoon wool and cashmere coat from Aritzia

I finally bought it and I am SO GLAD!!!

 ~ SO COZY ~

Cold weather means warmer accessories...

the walks by the sea are very cold.

I had a fall a week ago...

Hurt my hip and knee which are badly bruised.

Sustained a cut above my eye.

My eye lid and area below were really red but now are a limey green shade.

Managed to get to see the doctor who sent me for X Rays.

Fortunately nothing is broken.

However I do have a concussion and have had a CT scan...

results should be forthcoming.

Research on walking assists inspired me to buy walking Poles.

Our local Wellwise store carry the poles.

Hubby bought a pair for his walks too.

I have used them a few times and they make a HUGE difference.

 My confidence, stability and balance are much improved.

Do you use walking poles?

Have you ever had a nasty fall requiring x-rays?

How about a concussion?

Tis the season for candles!

Beeswax and a scented candle on the vintage silver tray add ambiance.

I like to sip my coffee, read my book, or knit with these candles glowing.

Silver baubles...

Harrods George V fluted silverplate Teapot and Creamer

Still on the hunt for the sugar bowl...

It has been a quite a week with my bruises and fuzzy head.

Hubby "cooked" which meant that we ordered Thai food and had White Spot.

Thank you honey it was a nice treat :-))

He was my gallant chauffeur for a few appointments and for that I am thankful.

Feeling much better

I am driving again and have been shopping and running errands.

Lots of Christmas baking to do to fill my cookie tins...

are you getting ready for the holidays?

What are your "go to" traditional festive treats?

This might be my only post for December...

SO

I am wishing you a lovely festive season!

Thank You for reading my Humble Bungalow Blog and for all your comments!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

October ~ Feel the Fullness of Fall

Last weekend we went to The BC Aviation Museum out by the Victoria Airport.

It was a lot bigger and way more interesting than I initially thought 

it would be...

Indoor activities are very much a Fall Favourite.

Keeping warm and dry while visiting museums and galleries.

We went with friends and had a guided tour by a volunteer which was almost 2 hours.

They have a designated area for children with games, flight simulators and small airplanes to ride inside...

there were lots of kids enjoying the space.

Afterwards we went to The Spitfire Grill near the plane refuelling station for lunch.

We were able to watch many planes land.

I ordered a bowl of the hearty mushroom soup as I wanted to warm up.

Soup making is back on the agenda here in The Humble Bungalow.

A big pot is made early in the week 

so we can enjoy soup on the days that I attend Aqua Fit classes.

It warms me up after the drive home.

BOO!

My sister and I had a walk last week in Oak Bay.

We spied many yards decorated in the Halloween theme.

I had NO IDEA how expensive these skeletons cost!!

My guess was about $100 and my sister looked on Amazon only to tell me that I needed to multiply my guess by 10 times!!

WOW

There is a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed here in Victoria.

We thought we might see them at work on the Esplanade near the Tea Room.

They must have wrapped up that segment of the film as they have now moved on into the heart of Fernwood.

We have minimal seasonal Fall decorations...

for Halloween night, a small string of orange pumpkin lights.

~ Fall Porch Decor ~

I added these 2 wee white pumpkins and a white cyclamen.

The big cones are foraged from the nearby trees at the cemetery.

The dried alliums are from the garden and that grape vine wreath is decades old.

I just finished this book by Phaedra Patrick.

I enjoyed the quirky story and the characters felt very real.

About a year ago I read her other book and really like it too.

~ Pink Fall colour on the Limelight Hydrangeas ~

I am drying more hydrangeas to bring inside our Humble Bungalow.

This week I gave some away to a friend and realized that I needed some for us.

Hope they dry fast before the winds get crazy as they tend to fly around the garden.

A scarf knit on the bias is taking shape...

using a sumptuous yarn.

Japanese Noro which is a blend of silk, mohair and lambswool.

I found the wool at our local shop The Beehive.

Yesterday I went to Murchies and stocked up on their Princess Blend rose tea.

My tea caddy was almost empty...

I like to brew a pot and sip this tea while I am reading or knitting 

perfect for a cool Fall afternoon.

My current book stack...

all were found in the local little free library kiosks.

We are cocooning in front of the TV more this Fall...

Really enjoying the British crime dramas found on Acorn TV.

The Chelsea Detective, Cuffs, Whitstable Pearl, Cannes Confidential

and many more.

This arrangement was hand delivered by the neighbours...

a few minutes ago.

In appreciation for our gifts of harvested fresh grown veggies and apples!

Such a thoughtful gift...

Fall

~ Dinner tonight ~

I am making a "stringy" shredded beef roast in the oven...

4 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt and pepper 

baked in a covered casserole for 4 hours.

You take it out and using two forks you then shred the meat.

I am roasting potatoes, carrots, zucchini and beets in a drizzle of olive oil

sprinkled with salt and pepper to accompany the roast.

I hope it is a tasty meal because this is a super easy dinner!

Hope you are enjoying October.

It is almost Halloween :-))

and

I have a BIG bag full of treats.

Well I am about to put the kettle on and will brew a pot of tea...

now do I knit or start a new book?

Is it Fall where you live?

What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Smokin' Sunday ~ I bagged a couple of bargains....

 

I planned to go for a long scenic walk on the waterfront...

but when I walked out the front door I was overcome with the smoke.

Forest fires are burning in the province and in Washington State south of Victoria.

I decided to go to the local Value Village store instead of my outdoor walk.

I perused the aisles for treasure...

many others were looking too!

I focused on housewares, clothing, boots and bags.

There were some used rain boots but seriously overpriced :-((

Some so worn out they were laughable...

I think I need to buy some decent new ones.

My last pair of rain boots lasted at least 10 years 

so even if I spend $100+

with any luck

the Cost Per Wearing will be amortized over many years.

I didn't spy any vintage pieces in the houseware section, it was pretty picked over.

I found a "funky denim" printed shirt which I just pulled out of the washer.

The tag inside says Reba Denim ??

I am going to wear it for my home keeping chore days

with my pearls!

The hydrangeas have been hanging to dry and are now ready for display.

I've been looking for a backpack for my walks.

Marshalls had several lovely Italian leather backpacks for $275 and $350 

but I didn't want to spend quite that much.

~ $11.49 ~

Leather backpack style purse.

Broken inside zipper, ripped leather toggle and lining, scuffed exterior.

~ DIY ~

Repairs are completed

I'm all set for hands free walking 

Not bad for the price...

the leather is very soft and the size is perfect for my needs.

(room for my wallet, extra glasses, IPhone, kleenex and stuff)

Am making progress on the Vest project...

After a busy day of laundry, baking bread and standing in line to cast my ballot for the local municipal election I popped the kettle on for a cuppa and knit for a bit.

Love the Rowan Felted Tweed Yarn 

part merino and part alpaca...

made in Italy.

Pope John Paul II

fragrant 

and

blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

What's new with you?

Have you scored any bargains?

Please share your thoughts in the comments

I do appreciate them and it opens up dialogue which enriches our experiences.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Weekend getaway...and flowers in The Humble Bungalow Garden

Last weekend we were invited to visit long time friends who retired to Thetis Island.

They built their dream home on the water's edge in Telegraph Harbour.

Other long time friends made the trek across the big pond from the Lower Mainland and we had a reunion of sorts...

we were celebrating Mr. HB's birthday.

I found a wee bit of time to work on the Miriam sweater...

the view was a bit distracting as

there were so many gorgeous yachts cruising past 

that I had to keep looking up from the knitting!

Just knitting the garter stitch front border, it will be finished soon!

Enjoying the newly purchased Tonka and Oud candle 

from a wee shop in Chemainus near the ferry dock.

The scent is woodsy and rich.

A lovely fragrant rose at the Telegraph Harbour Marina...

an old rose scent with soft apricot petals.

When I posted the picture on Instagram of the unknown rose...

several readers identified it as Just Joey.

Thank you :-))

Pulled out the stack of my TBR books

had a wee gander...

there are far more than I remembered.

Now my dilemma is to decide which one to read next?

What are you reading?

Our hydrangeas are the current stars in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

This hydrangea was a gift from my husband's architectural firm 

when my dad passed away years ago...

it has grown and never disappoints with its variety of blooms.

These limelight hydrangeas are just one of the dozen or so that we have planted over the years.

Their shade of chartreuse green glows

it lights up and illuminates the perennial borders.

Lots to keep us busy in the garden at this time of year.

I plan to go out and pick some of the various hydrangea blooms 

with hopes of drying them to bring indoors for the Fall and Winter months.

The weather is still very hot but i know that it will change as the summer wanes.

I'll be wearing boots and carrying my brolly before too long!

(I need to buy new rubber boots too!)

Well I must close and make lunch for us...

How are things going with you?

If you have a moment or two

please leave a comment and share your thoughts...

I always appreciate hearing from readers.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

August ~ Hydrangea Season and a wee chat...

Candles with a woody fragrance add ambiance to our arts and crafts bungalow.

I love to sit and read or knit 

 a candle glowing and the scent wafting about in the air.

Our Annabelle Hydrangeas are putting on a spectacular show!

 The Humble Bungalow Garden is looking quite lovely this summer.

Some years are better than others for certain plants...

 I think it is a very much a stellar hydrangea season.

They do love water so we need to keep the soil moist...

Look at the size of this bloom...

a HUGE mophead almost threatening to break the branch

with its weight.

The Sea Glass haul that nearly wasn't...

I fell on the uneven rocky shore not too far from the Humble Bungalow.

My instinct was to put out my hand to save my face from hitting the ground

when I fell...

My poor wrist took the brunt of the tumble and I sprained it.

It swoll up pretty quickly so I zipped off to the local pharmacy

a tube of Voltaren

 (which is an analgesic and an anti inflammatory)

a right hand wrist brace

a week later

yellow bruising remains but fortunately the wrist is feeling MUCH better!

The sweet peas are still blooming so we have bouquets in the bathroom.

Such a delightful fragrance!

Did you know that sweet peas must be picked regularly 

to keep them from going to seed?

I am looking forward to getting back to my knitting project...

I haven't snapped a picture of the progress that I made until my mishap.

Am working on the yoke of the Miriam sweater.

It will be lovely to wear this in the fall and winter.

I have so few sweaters...

the cooler fall weather will be here before we know it and I will want to be cozy.

I've been staying pretty close to home as my husband is up on ladders sanding and painting the pergola above the sundeck.

He's not accustomed to this kind of work, but since he retired, he has taken on various projects that I would usually hire people to fix.

I posted this quote on my Instagram...

so worthy of reposting here on the blog.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It is really unfortunate that your comments are not forthcoming...

I have tried to fix this on my end but alas it is beyond my scope.

I do hope that you will continue to stop by and read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~