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 ~

Week of wild weather...

Beeswax candles glowing...

adding ambiance on a frigid cold day.

Very snowy here these past few days...

not a lot of accumulation in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Other areas of Victoria have a LOT more!

Schools were closed, traffic was snarled, buses got stuck.

Mr HB and I stayed home.

I read books, played word games on the computer, 

knit a few rows on The Sophie Scarf,

decluttered and cooked.

Chester seems unfazed by the snow.

He is an indoor cat so he isn't really affected by the weather.

He has been taking advantage of having Mr. HB home...he's snoozing on his lap!

Chester asleep on the cat blanket.

I make soup for many of our lunches.

This spice was in a French Country Home subscription box.

It is made by Compagnie Francaise...

peppers, turmeric, oregano, thyme, curcumin, paprika, sage, basil, tamarind, onion, cinnamon.

The Christmas Cactus is still in bloom!

I bought this orange cactus recently...I love the bright shade of orange.

Here I am just before my Aqua Fit class....

no make up, just lipstick.

My decades old Burberry scarf, Columbia Puffer coat and a hand knit gift hat.

The Sally Hansen Insta Dri nail polish matches one of the stripes!!

Post swim relaxation.

Reading an interesting book by Lesley Crewe called Amazing Grace.

I have not read her books before but I am really enjoying this one.

What are you reading?

The weekly sourdough boule baking is still very much part of my routine.

I keep the sourdough starter active stored in the fridge.

The recipe I use I found online at Alexandra Bakes.

Cooking, baking, cleaning all these things happen here in The Humble Bungalow.

I accomplish a lot everyday but I intersperse the jobs with rest and tea.

I've been wearing these pink gloves to wash the dishes.

They are help my manicure last longer!

What is the weather like where you live?

We aren't used to snow so any amount can mess with the commutes of workers.

It makes getting around much more difficult...especially when the buses are stuck!

Tomorrow the forecast is for warmer temperatures and rain.

I think the snow will melt quite quickly and we will all resume our normal activities.

I plan to get out for some groceries and perhaps peruse a thrift shop or two.

Have you found any treasures recently in the shops?

I go into shops with an open mind and look at all the stock...

if I go in with a certain item in mind I find that I feel stress.

You never know what is waiting in the thrift and charity shops!

~ Happy Thrifting ~ 

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

January ~ Thrifting and some healthy changes...

 

Found a camisole at the Thrift Shop and I was SO pleased...

A lacy camisole had been on my "wish list" for quite a few months.

The cost of the ones that I loved were much more than I wanted to spend.

Trying to be mindful of expenditures now that Hubby is fully retired. 

Slowly coming to the reality that we are now "pensioners."

The cost was under $5 so easily justified :-))

Paired it with my faded denim shirt....added some pearls.

I am really enjoying wearing denim these days.

The denim jeans (no spandex) from MNG purchased last year.

Have a few old distressed items that I am happy to say didn't get culled.

The denim jacket from Old Navy, the Old Navy darker denim shirt, lighter one (here) and the denim jumper by Tribal and a chambray denim long tunic from Lands End.

I have on order a new denim dress...from Lands End.

I love how soft the garments feel when they have been washed many times.

~ COZY ~

Adding more fibre daily...

Bran Buds and protein rich Greek Yogurt

1/3 cup of each mixed together in the morning after my cup of coffee.

Also reducing portions for a while to see if this helps me shed a few pounds.

I have tried intermittent fasting for the past year and was not seeing much difference.

We have had a mixed bag with weather...

sunshine and clear blue skies mixed with gale force winds and rain.

Despite the inclement weather 

I need to push myself to get out in the fresh air...

Mother Nature's Pearls...

Snowberries.

There is snow in the forecast!!!

Lovely hand cream, William Morris At Home.

A gift from our son and the grandchildren.

Did a quick manicure today...Sally Hansen "Expresso" one coat dries in a minute. 

Soft faded denim and pearls with a wee bit of lace peeking out.

This image shows off the lace...

I didn't have my black velour jacket open this much at coffee!!!

I just wanted to show you the pretty lacy details that are hidden.

Lingerie is really a private item in our wardrobes...

wearing it makes us feel feminine and comfortable.

I love the Prima Donna line of bras and panties...

Lily Pad Lingerie here in Victoria carry their line.

I am due to visit them soon and purchase my annual supply.

Well I suppose that is all to share for now...

Hope your year is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

~ In The Pink ~ trying new things

 

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow!

I've made a conscious decision to try new things...

get out of my "comfort zone"

take a wee risk

do something different...

Walk a different route

try a new cafe

read a book in a genre that I usually dismiss as "not my style"

wear a new shade of nail polish

shop in a new food store

try a new tea

explore an area of town that is "new to me"

visit a beach off the beaten track

try a new lipstick

a flavour of ice cream

OR

chocolate?

~ so many options to consider when trying new things ~

~ Refreshing ~

Drinking lots of water (fluids) help to keep your skin supple.

Aim for 6-8 glasses a day.

(Partake in a Pear flavour.)

If you aren't a fan of plain water 

try slicing fruits or lemons in a big jug of water and letting the flavours steep.

Add lots of ice and enjoy.

Have you ever heard the saying...

Pink Skies at Night

Sailors Delight

Pink Skies in the Morning

 Sailors Take Warning

We used to heed this advice when we were cruising on our boat.

Trying to keep my hands in better shape...

starting with a manicure

using

hand lotion and nail polish.

Cruelty Free Polish

~ Pink Cloud ~

My current favourite shade for a home manicure.

Extended Summer weather...

holding its own with warm sunshine and sunny skies.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat to minimize the risk of sun damage...

skin cancer and macular degeneration are risks from too much sun.

I enjoyed a much needed pedicure 

and chose a bold shade Snow White.

I usually opt for a rich jewel tone but I am trying new things

just because...

 

The facial that I had in August at The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was amazing...my skin looked dewy and smooth for weeks after the service.

Babor European products are new to me.

So in the spirit of trying new things

 I popped by the Spa to buy a couple of their products cleansing line.

Enzyme Cleanser and Rose Toner.

Hopefully they will live up to the numerous positive ratings by clients.

Pinky red Skies over Salt Spring Island as seen from our cottage on Pender.

There is a feeling of Fall in the air... 

a cool fresh crispness that is hard to describe

you need to feel it!

Lovely Fall beach walk on Bricky Bay

My gentle walks along the seashore soothe and calm.

Searching for sea glass is a very meditative habit.

Trying to mix up my walks to get me more motivated.

When the weather cools I tend to want to cocoon inside and stay cozy...

I recently purchased a pre-worn soft velour jacket by the company 32 Degrees.

It is so warm and because it is black, it is dressier and more versatile.

Trying to buy fewer garments to be more mindful of waste 

when I need something in my wardrobe 

I will try to seek out second hand and vintage options.

My Sea Glass collection now fills about 7 large sealer jars.

I'll need to find some more vintage jars to take to the cottage

 as I brought home yet another jarful.

What do YOU collect?

~ Pink Grapefruit Cleaner ~

works like a charm in the kitchen and has a delicious fruity fragrance.

Used as a pre wash stain remover it rarely fails...

saving garments by laundering clothing one stain at a time.

Before I discovered the powerful stain removing properties of this Method cleaner

I threw out stained clothes.

I also wear protective linen aprons when cooking 

to protect my clothes from food splatters.

These are beautifully made and are available from Trica's shop Rough Linen.

I have bought 3 aprons and use them every day.

~ David Austin Roses ~

Almost finished blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The Andalou CC cream that I swear by...

Must be on my 6th tube by now, is not expensive and it lasts a long time.

Evens out my complexion and is hydrating.

(I give it 5 stars out of 5)

Will not be trying a new CC cream as this one is a winner!

These pretty Colchiums are harbingers of Fall...

these are bent over trying to seek more light.

Perhaps we need to relocate this clump

 buy 

more bulbs as they bloom a long time?

Are you open to trying New Things?

I look forward to hearing from you.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Self care...rituals and comfort during the Pandemic.

 

Taking time for self care is not "selfish."

It is important for our mental well being.

My hands work hard

and

with all the hand washing and hand sanitizing my hands take a beating!

I recently discovered Derma E Rosehip and Almond Hand and Cuticle Cream.

The cream absorbs well into the skin and is not overly greasy.

It really helps my cuticles which have become quite dry.

Nothing ruins the look of a manicure like ragged or torn cuticles.

Pacifica

Crimson Kimono

Cruelty Free Formula

Long lasing polish.

Brew a pot of tea...

Enjoy

a relaxing soak in warm water mixed with a few spoonfuls of bath salts.

File nails with an emery board, push back cuticles and they are ready for polish.

Manicure done...

Pop on my red ballet flats and I feel a lightness of spirit.

Energized and hopeful...

I don't know about you but I find I NEED (crave) more TLC these days.

The pandemic has changed the way I look at my days.

My attitude often needs a gentle nudge...

Routines and Rituals are key players for me.

Each morning after my shower I put on my make up.

Dab on Perfume

Dressing in jeans and a Tee

 simple comfy basics

I add an accessory like my pearls, or a colourful scarf

to elevate my spirit.

I seem to have more time to "fill."

Do you feel that way too?

Frustrated that 

I am unable to resume the activities that I enjoyed before Covid.

Bridge games and weekly lessons, Mah Jong, French class, and Yoga.

Many of my friends are playing bridge online.

While others are doing Yoga and language lessons with ZOOM.

I've been keeping pretty busy here at home and in the garden.

Cooking most meals in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen since mid March.

Seeing our grandchildren always makes me feel happy.

We took them out for lunch at Fisherman"s Wharf.

We were able to eat at a picnic table outside which felt very "safe"

A totally wonderful tonic and a fun filled "outing."

Reading with a pot of tea in the afternoon has become a daily ritual.

Beware!

This book is quite provacative and deals with many sensitive subjects.

It doesn't take much effort to arrange afternoon tea on a tray.

It tastes so much better in a china cup.

I would like to open up a dialogue about self care and hear from you.

Are you finding time to elevate your daily routines?

How are you beautifying your day?

Do you practise self care?

I'm going to pop the kettle on now and brew a pot of hot tea...

I'll come back soon and read any comments that you have shared.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~