December 10th...a catch up post.

 

Time is ticking along at a very fast pace here in The Humble Bungalow.

Between the domestic jobs, baking and cooking I have been absent from my blog.

I continue to post daily on Instagram...

it is so much faster!

I use the tourtiere recipe found online though our local Yam Magazine.

In case you are not familiar with Tourtieres, 

they are a French Canadian tradition to serve during the holidays.

Basically they are a pork pie.

I like to serve ours with a good chutney or a grainy mustard.

They can be part of a dinner buffet or serve them with a simple tossed green salad.

Chester, the smaller of our two cats, finds the coziest spots to nap.

He actually folded the extra pillow downward to make a plump bed.

It looks a bit like a throne...

We have our "cat proof" tree up.

Chester can climb it but there are no fragile antique ornaments to break.

We learned the hard way...one year the tree toppled over and many delicate glass baubles were smashed.

We keep the "fairy lights" on the upper beams up all year.

Have you decorated your home for the festive season?

We are minimalists when it comes to seasonal decor... do you like to go all out?

I started knitting The Sophie Scarf.

Using wool from my Stash...two skeins of Rowan's Felted Tweed Yarn.

This is the yarn that I used in my latest Miriam sweater.

I had to go to You Tube to watch the I-cord pattern set up.
It seems that with each new project I discover and learn new skills!

The sweater turned out lovely and the wool is so soft and cozy.

Our weather has been rainy, foggy, and we had high gusty winds.

Sweater weather has definitely arrived!

Reading Mrs. England right now...

a friend gave this to me.

I picked it up early this morning and am already on page 80

I really like a book that gets and holds my attention within the first few pages.

I've decided that my Christmas baking will be greatly reduced this year.

Last year we ate far too many sweets...

I plan to make shortbread and butter tarts that's about it.

I put together a gift hamper for my cousins every year.

I vary the contents from year to year keeping a very British theme.

They receive a tourtiere, sweets, treats, pickles, tea, and a few other baked goods.

I cannot remember when I started this habit but it has become a fun tradition.

What traditions do you have at Christmas?

Our traditional wreath...

made for my Mother in Law by a friend 

consisting of baubles, pine cones and rhinestone brooches.

Mini lights and the Ojibwa tamarack ducks.

Wrapping is a very simple affair...

I use Kraft paper, twine, dried oranges and tags.

All are recyclable.

Are you feeling festive?

Will you be hosting a large or small dinner this year?

Perhaps you'll be a guest!

There are a lot of opportunities for giving at this time of year...

giving time and giving donations.

We need to think of others...

there are so many people in need out there.

Every little bit helps.

Drop off a bag of food at the local Food Bank or drop a donation in the Salvation Army Kettle.

Well I must close for now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Hostess Gift ~ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in The Humble Bungalow

 

Festive Season is upon us and I am keeping things very simple.

Am wearing some sparkly vintage pins.

(Sherman pin ~ close up)

 Sherman brooches are a favourite of mine.

The newest one seen here is from our darling daughter. 

I popped it on a black boiled wool Eileen Fisher tunic sweater.

Some women avoid black but I gravitate to it for several reasons...

it is easy to wear,

it can be casual, or dressy.

It transitions well to evening...

My basic minimalist wardrobe relies heavily on black basics.

Accessories are the stars in a basic black ensemble.

I prefer pieces with a history...

Vintage jewellery is found in thrift shops, antique malls and online.

The thrill of the hunt excites me.

I found a new Finnish modernist votive holder at the thrift shop...

now I have a pair!

The silver baubles are from my childhood home.

Mom used to put them in a tall vase, I popped them in this silver trophy.

We don't have a lot of decorations...

a simple tree with white fairy lights

I found a pair of Josef Seibel boots 

to replace my tired "almost 8 year old" Chelsea Boots.

I will wear these with tights and skirts as well as my jeans.

A classic vintage handmade wreath made by a friend of my MIL.

Made with baubles, pine cones, rhinestone brooches.

I consider us custodians of this wreath...

it is a family "heirloom!"

Mixed Nuts are one of my go to Hostess Gifts.

Here's the recipe...

Mixed Nuts 

2 egg whites (at room temperature)

4 cups mixed unsalted nuts:

cashews, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cayenne pepper or hot paprika

1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Place egg whites in a large bowl and whisk until frothy.

Stir in nuts ~ mix to coat.

Combine in a small bowl: sugar, and spices

Pour over nut mixture.

Mix well.

Place on a parchment lined sheet pan spread out so they are in a single layer.

Bake 20-25 minutes 

stir halfway during the cooking time.

Cool then store in sealed jars.

Wrap in tissue paper add ribbon and a tag.

Ready for gift giving

BTW

They are delicious!!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It's a busy time of year, so remember to take some time to stop and breathe, 

sip a cuppa and rest.

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD a fabulous dinner and something new...

 

OOTD

I had my hair flat ironed for a festive holiday dinner.

I don't own a flat iron and I am not great at straightening my hair with the blow dryer.

It's fun to play around with hair styles...

wavy, curly, messy up do's and simple pony tails.

Red ballet flats for a pop of colour.

A black dress with capri tights.

Sparkly Sherman rhinestone brooch for a wee bit of festive fun.

With a minimal wardrobe that is mostly black

it's easy to get dressed 

I always add a few accessories to lighten the overall look.

My friend Julie hosted a lovely gathering last evening.

Her home radiates warmth and was bright with very festive accents.

Here is the French Themed menu...

so delicious!

Cozy, charming and elegant.

Julie is multi talented...

she is so incredibly creative!

Julie sews, decorates, gardens, cooks,...

I don't think there is anything that Julie cannot do!

Thank you for the lovely evening.

I might be rushing the season a bit...

when I saw that Charlotte of Vivi et Margot had a sale...

I pounced!

New French Market basket from Vivi et Margot.

Love the long leather straps that make this a hands free option!

Will be a workhorse throughout the year...

toting around an assortment of things and market ready.

I made a double batch of whipped shortbread cookies.

The recipe is "an oldie but a goodie."

It is in The Best of the Best of Bridge Cookbook.

They are quick and easy to make and they melt in your mouth!

I found this wee festive tray at the Pharmasave in Oak Bay.

Thought it would be versatile and I can use it for veggies and dip, nuts and dried fruit or cookies.

Seasons Greetings

from

The Humble Bungalow.

Best wishes for a safe and Happy Holiday.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

December Vibes

 

The Christmas tree and fairy lights

we've added a few festive touches.

Our decorating has happened much sooner than usual.

Spending most of our time in The Humble Bungalow during the pandemic 

has made us much more aware of our surroundings and we need more Cheer!

Snow capped Mount Baker in the background at Willows Beach.

Walking along the sandy beach listening to the sound of the waves 

gulls calling as they fly overhead.

Walking under sunny skies is preferable to the rain...

unfortunately 

there is rain in the forecast for most of the week

so I will don my new red raincoat and grab a brolly...

Needs Must!

Cooking through Covid is helping me stay focused on comfort food.

Why not make a soothing meal each night for dinner?

Ina has hit the ball right out of the park with this timely cookbook.

The Ultimate Beef Stew recipe is full of flavour and makes a big batch.

Leftovers can easily be frozen for a future meal.

While this stew was simmering in the oven our Bungalow 

sumptuous scents wafted out from the dutch oven.

We were extra hungry by the time it was ready to sit down to dinner!

This wonderfully written book is transporting me back to Tuscany.

Its a delight to read...thank goodness for armchair travel!

Mr HB is busy building our deer fence. 

He installed the 3 panels this past weekend.

The tall cedar posts will be cut down and capped.

Hopefully 

Our roses out front should be safer next Spring and Summer.

We listened to Dr. Bonnie Henry's announcement yesterday and learned that the Covid cases here in BC are showing no bend in the curve...

We are not allowed to gather with friends or family inbdoors or outside.

Fines will be issued if we do not obey the rules.

Christmas will be only allowed for the family that live under one roof...

so we will need to be creative 

meet up remotely via Zoom or FaceTime.

In good news the vaccines are on their way!

How are you holding up during the pandemic?

 What are you reading?

Have you decorated earlier than usual for the festive season?

Stay Safe

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Seasons greetings!

As I am whittling down my to do list 

getting ready for the holidays 

 finding myself extra busy

fatigue will surface.

If I am not careful I can feel the stress of trying to do it ALL.

Inner pressure to be the "perfect hostess"

 serve elaborate and tasty meals

keep up appearances

wanting

 a "picture perfect" home.

I need to remind myself not to set the bar too high.

Readjust my thought patterns...

Keep it simple

slow down

breathe

relax.

Candles are one of the things that help set a relaxed mood...

I light these festive reindeer votives in the morning when I sit and sip my coffee and 

again later in the afternoon with my tea.

Music is also a powerful mood shifter...

if I need energy I play some lively tunes from my teen years

if I am looking for calm I usually play a classical piece.

One of my favourites is Barber's Adagio for Strings

you can hear it performed by the Detroit Symphony

here.

I feel like I could just float away when I listen to the music.

The gifts are purchased and wrapped.

The tree is up...

Soon

festive tins will be filled 

with shortbread, dried fruit dipped in chocolate, and cookies.

Our dinner menu is in the planning stage.

Leisurely mulling over cookbooks

slowly turning the pages

 looking at the pictures 

 what to cook?

The Humble Bungalow is dressed up very simply...

Grapevine wreath wound with fairy lights in our family room.

Hope that you are savouring the wee moments

that make up your days.

We can start by

inviting

Peace and Quiet 

into our hearts and our homes.

I like this quote it sums up  what I am thinking.

“No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, 

for 'we' are the only thinkers in our mind. 

When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, 

we will find it in our lives.”

~ Louise L. Hay ~

Wishing you a calm and meaningful holiday.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Joy...

What is JOY?

In a google search the first definition that popped up was 
"a feeling of great pleasure and happiness."

Joy is finding a heart shaped rock on the beach.

Personally, I find Joy in many things...

maybe its easier because I am content with life's little pleasures.

Things that are mostly free...

"Attitude of gratitude" 

is my mantra.

Joy is sunshine and scenery.

Maybe it's a smile from a stranger that was unexpected.

A random kind gesture 

a surprise letter or card in the mail

when your grandchildren tell you they love you

if you are stuck in traffic and another driver lets you merge

finding a handful of sea glass on the beach

a beautiful moonlit evening

fresh salty sea air

a rose blooming in winter

there are so many places to look for JOY

it might be a pop of colour on a gloomy day

a phone call from a friend you haven't heard from in ages

a rainbow after the storm

It might even be a whimsical indulgence that makes you smile...

this festive wee tree lights up in many colours

while it might border on "tacky" I knew I had to have it.

It brings me Joy.

Sometimes you just need to take a chance...

Joy in the sunset

Joy is found in giving...

like these Lions international volunteers

who bring Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the Gulf Islands.

There was Joy on the faces of the children and parents in the crowd.

There were elves...

a choir

and pirates wielding balloon swords 

with a few local pirates ready for a battle.

These dedicated volunteers give 800 gifts to children on the various islands.

Each child leaves with a bag of treats and gifts.

Bringing JOY to these children and their families

 Hope Bay on Pender Island...

a generous gift 

that will be remembered for years to come.

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” 

~ Khalil Gibran ~

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” 

~ Ben Carson ~

Wishing you Peace, Joy and Contentment.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~