Showing posts with label pearls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pearls. Show all posts

Monday, January 29, 2024

Art, Entertaining and my recent successful thrifting adventures...

 


We attended the art exhibit "Building Bridges" at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.


Victoria Artist Tanya Bub


Paper Mache Rooster


~ Grace ~


Tanya Bub created this "chair" using a variety of reclaimed and recycled pieces.
Walmart carry bags, cardboard, and papers among them.

Can you see the boots hanging underneath the chair?

A documentary "Sitting With Grace" has been screened locally.


Tanya has such a great eye for detail...
the face is exquisite.

Tanya is well known locally for her amazing driftwood sculptures.

~ OOTD ~


Thrifted Black Kirkland Tee
Artisan necklace


Thrifted ankle length pants black with small white dots.
(label missing but I think they are by INC)
Coach Loafers that I bought new last Spring.


We shared dinner with friends...
on the menu:

Appies ~ Olives, Dried Apricots, Dates, Smoked cheese and Blue Cheese

Salad ~ Arugula, sweet red pepper mini pearls, chopped pecans, thinly sliced white radishes and a French Vinaigrette.

Main course ~ Chicken Breasts stuffed with feta and topped with red pepper pesto
Spinach Gnocchi with cheese sauce, garnished with snipped fresh basil

Dessert ~ Olive Oil Citrus Cake with fresh blackberries and whipped cream


Our guests brought a lovely Maidenhair Fern.
(Thank you!)


I popped it into our Vintage Arts and Crafts Weller Jardiniere.

Chester, our smaller cat, was quite taken with the fern!
It is a pet friendly plant so if he nibbles a wee bit no harm done.


I absolutely LOVE Vintage Sherman Rhinestones.
I have a small collection of brooches.
If you have been reading my Blog awhile you know I wear these pieces often...

If you are REALLY lucky you might find some in a thrift shop.
Most of the ones that I see are now sold in The Antique Malls.


Denim shirtdress...was purchased on sale, not thrifted.
(Lands' End)


The Baroque strand of Pearls add some interest.


Dress by H&M

Second Hand Hope Thrift Store.

I went thrift shopping with Annie, a woman I have connected with on Instagram.
She is starting up a business where she plans to take people to the thrift shops and consignment stores here in Victoria.
Her instagram page is Victoria Thrifting Tours.
If you pop over to check out her site, please say I sent you :-))


Ralph Lauren reversible leather belt from WIN Thrift Shop.


Small Patterns work better for me as I am a curvy gal...
I like the small metal button details at the neck and on the cuffs.
The fabric is a jersey knit so this will be a great Spring and Summer Dress.


Found one of my favourite author's books in a wee Book Nook.
It just so happens that the Book Nook is in the front yard of my childhood home.

I keep finding the BEST books there...
if I ever see the owners I am going to introduce myself.
Tell them that I grew up in the house.

Well that about wraps up my news...
until next time.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

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 ~ 

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Men's Italian Shirt...Bellissimo


Daffodils are putting on a great showing here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We need the cheerful flowers as the skies are a gloomy grey and the weather is cold.
I've been feeling the chill and wearing layers on my walks.


It feels colder with the gusty winds...
I wore my wool hat and gloves then pulled up my hood on my fleece lined coat.
 Should have worn my "Michelin Man" puffer down coat.

Not many people were out and about so I had the beach almost to myself.
A few gulls and crows soaring overhead and were tossed about in the wind.

As soon as I finished my walk 
I got in the car and turned the seat heater and hot air on.
Zipped off home and put the kettle on for a hot cup of tea.
Gosh what would we do without a hot cuppa?
Good for so many things.


In other news I found an Italian mens shirt at the thrift shop.
~ Bellissimo ~
The brand is Bugatchi with details that indicate quality...


Just look...
see what I mean?
I'll wear this at home with my black Yoga pants and perhaps out my white jeans.
The pearls kick it up a notch.

~ Bellissimo ~

Mom would have approved :-))


Picked and Popped a wee posy...
Into this vintage elephant vase was a thrift shop find.

Did you know that elephants' trunks on should always be in the upward position 
or your good luck runs out?
I've heard this from several "collectors" who love elephants.

(Not unlike horse shoes that should be hung with the ends facing upward.)

Do you believe in luck?

Luck might help us when we are thrift shopping.
There are so many items that one needs to weed through...
you need to keep your eyes fully open.

Often there are surprises that you weren't even looking for...
they just pop up.
Like this Italian shirt for example...

I always take a peek in the menswear section 
especially in sweaters 
as cashmere is not just found in the women's section.

I once found an argyle pattern Burberry cashmere sweater that I gave to a friend.
Not sure if he still wears it 
(I have seen him wearing it at his shop.)

Do you peruse the charity and thrift shops?
What are your best finds?

We had a Good Friday dinner here with our son and the three lovely grands.

The menu:
Salmon
Pot Roast 
Wild Rice Broccoli casserole
Cauliflower au Gratin
Brussels Sprouts

Brownies and Strawberries

Easter Eggs for the kids...the adults munched a few too!

Hope you are enjoying a pleasant weekend.
Happy Easter Sunday!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, March 12, 2023

March ~ ing onward into Spring.

 


This Andalou cream has been my "go to" night cream for the past few months...
a little goes a long way. You may be able to see that the jar is still half full.


Can you see the grey pearl stud beside the diamond stud that I wear most days?
My husband gave me a pair for my birthday the year Mom passed away. 

I haven't worn these pearls as often since Covid hit
(need to wear masks)
I almost lost an earring taking my mask off.
I already had a pearl fiasco losing that strand at the beach...
must take more care not to lose things!!


My new FUN skirt from a thrift shop.
Knife pleats in a black grey print.

I will dress this up with a black rayon sweater and a camisole.
Dress it down very casual with a tee and my denim jacket.

I am already thinking of fun things to pair it with...
it is made by Zara, the only thing I own from the company.


Finally got a copy from the library...it had been on the Holds for a LONG time.
I read it in two days...another stunning mystery from Louise Penny.


Birthday flowers and vase from a friend.

I have such lovely friends...
so thoughtful 
the range of unexpected gifts was amazing.

Soaps, tea, a beautiful hand knit dishcloth, books, an apron, 
flowers, and some sourdough starter!


Thank you for ALL those kind email messages and birthday greetings 
from the Blog and Instagram... feeling very grateful.


My first attempt at a sourdough boule.


Was delicious with the homemade chicken soup!


Dinner out at Zambri's


Dessert

Brunch and dinner out with the family rounded out the weeklong celebrations.
They spoiled me too :-))
Thank you ALL 

Murchies teas and a gift card at a favourite restaurant.
Vintage silk hand rolled scarf and a Wedgewood clam shaped white porcelain plate.


We zipped off to the garden centre to buy two flats of these cheerful tete a tete's.
On sale half price.

We planted them out in front of the deer fence 
to fill in the gaps from the ones we planted last year.
Such a pretty pop of colour and they bloom earlier than our daffodils.

The Oscars are on TV tonight...are you going to watch them?
I like to see the fashions...and the jewels.

Making a pot roast, potatoes, carrots and a lemon torte for dessert.
Comfort Food for a cold rainy Sunday.

Hope that you are keeping healthy and staying sane with all the crazy stuff that is happening in our world.


Vintage Bread tray
might come in handy?


Crocuses blooming out front in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Blues ~ Tea, clothes, books and knitting




~ Tea ~
The Elixir of the Gods

I partake in afternoon tea each day.
It might be served with a silver service or poured over a bag in a humble mug.

Tea is good accompanied with a small snack...
a cookie, an apple, or a few bites of chocolate.


Decaf tea is my go to brew after 4pm and later in the evening, after dinner.


Tea goes well with my knitting :-))

The Miriam pattern sweater (available on Ravelry)
Rowan Felted Tweed yarn.

Italian wool and alpaca blend, so soft.

You may remember that I knit one of these casual cardigans in soft grey and love it!
I chose this turquoise shade as I think it will pair well 
with my classic denim and black wardrobe.


My chunky pearls and the new shirt...


Caught my eye while shopping... versatile soft Tencel shirt
 inexpensive and will fit in well with my minimalist wardrobe.

I don't buy a lot of clothes,
 but when I see something that meets all the criteria that I have for garments I pounce!

Life continues to be busy...
lots of social opportunities and meet ups are on the calendar.
Being a social being I quite like the flurry of activity.

I do enjoy quiet time and spend part of each day here in The Humble Bungalow 
tidying, cooking, doing laundry, knitting and reading.


Am immersed in this story set in Tuscany...
loving the characters and the setting.
It spans several decades and follows the lives of a group of friends
and acquaintances on their adventures.

Apparently it was named number one of the "best books" for 2023. 

I've got quite a few books on my TBR list...
have some Holds at the library and a few on my bookshelf.

Reading continues to be one of the luxuries that I really enjoy since retiring.
I used to be too busy when I worked full time to really get into a novel.
Holidays were the only time that I could devote a chunk of my days to books.

I was such an avid reader as a young girl growing up...
I always had my nose in a book!

I was a regular at the local Carnegie library downtown.

It all started with Nancy Drew mystery books, 
then L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series.
I graduated to more serious fiction in High School 
reading various authors among them: 
Aldous Huxley, 
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leon Uris, Ayn Rand, Leo Tolstoy
Walt Whitman

I have read and continue to enjoy many genres.
Reading is definitely a passion of mine and I always have a book on the go.

Are you an avid reader?
Who are your favourite writers?
What are you reading now?

It is time for me to close this post and get busy with dinner.

Hope that you are well and enjoying the start to the New Year.

~Be Well and Be Kind ~