OOTD ~ It's all about pearls...

Cashmere V neck sweater by Black Goat overtop a simple denim shirt and jeans.

My "go to" OOTD for cooler winter days.

It has been given a wee bit more "oomph" 

with the acquisition of a vintage baroque pearl pin.

Darling daughter @thingfinder on Instagram 

had this pin ready to list in her ETSY shop 

when I spied it and saw just how exquisite it is

I knew that I wanted it!

The pearl looks like a juicy pear...

The jeweller must have seen it too 

an opportunity to create leaves and accentuate the pear shape.

A work of art.

Lovely nachre...

just a tip to those of you who may not be familiar with genuine pearls

do not spray them with perfume or scent as it destroys the natural lustre.

OOTD

black camisole fringed with lacy edges

Lands' End new cashmere cardigan

Gisel B pearl necklace from a previous My Stylish French Box delivery from France.

Layers in my hair thanks to my recent visit to my hairdresser...

my last visit was in September.

It felt wonderful seeing her and I enjoyed the "pampering."

Camellias are in bloom!

January bud on our Gertrude Jekyll rose 

out in the front garden of The Humble Bungalow.

Have you purchased any new clothes to wear during Covid?

Are you wearing athletic wear and casual cozy clothes?

I mix it up.

Some days I will wear my Yoga pants and go for longer walks.

The problem for me is that they are so forgiving...

so I think they have given me a sense of comfort despite gaining a few pounds...

my jeans tell me to stop eating so much, move more and get in shape!

So jeans are my guide to wellness.

Current Goals:

Walking more, counting my WW points and drinking less alcohol.

Have you embraced new healthy habits?

Wishing you good luck on your fitness journey.

As a small "non food reward" for my efforts...

I've ordered a vintage classic handbag and when it arrives I will share it with you all.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have some fun in your weekend whatever you do.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD...a focus on the classics

 

 ~ OOTD ~

Shirts with Jeans

My current uniform 

on rotation here in The Humble Bungalow.

New white shirt from Old Navy

worn here with classic pearls.

When I was working 

White shirts were worn a lot and I owned several in different styles.

Worn tucked into black pants and simple skirts.

On Fridays we wore jeans.

I paired my white shirt with a soft wool blazer, jeans and loafers.

Accessorized with faux pearls...

One Christmas several decades ago, my parents gave me a lovely pair of genuine pearl studs.

( I still have them and wear them often)

One Valentine's Day, a few years later, my husband gave me a strand of Akoya pearls.

I love pearls

My Mom loved pearls too.

When I wear my pearls I always think of Mom.

Mom wore her baroque long opera length pearls almost everyday.

The necklace was a gift to her one Christmas from my father.

Do you wear pearls?

Have you a classic white shirt in your wardrobe?

I also love denim and chambray shirts.

I have two...

I am wearing one right now with my pearls.

This shirt has all the details that make it a classic and yet it is budget friendly.

Keeping a white shirt white is tricky.

If I get a mark on it

 I spray it with my pink grapefruit Method brand cleaner 

gently scrub with a soft brush before popping it into the wash.

I hang my shirts to dry and smoothe out the edges when they are damp.

Ironing carefully after they are dry.

I wear an apron when I am cooking and cleaning.

It saves my clothes from stains.

I love this linen one from Rough Linen.

It was an early Covid purchase.

Pope John Paull II white rose

blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

White is such an elegant shade...

(White shirt quotes)

"You can wear them with anything. 

It's the person and the way that they wear it 

that makes it different. 

I have been designing white shirts forever, 

but I don't get tired of it." 

~ Carolina Herrera ~

"The white blouse can be light and floating, impeccable and austere, sumptuous and all-enveloping, tight and close-fitting. 

It rises up to frame the face. 

It sculpts the body by transforming itself into a second skin. 

Imputed with glamour and poetry, freedom and impetuousness, the prim white shirt turns out to have a thousand identities." 

                                 ~ Gianfranco Ferre ~

How will you style your shirt?

The important thing is having fun with your creative accessories.

A scarf

necklace

brooch

collar up? or buttoned up?

maybe opened up?

 as a layering piece over a camisole or top.

The White Shirt is a versatile classic

a worthy workhorse in every wardrobe.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Roses on repeat...

I am finding it a challenge to write my blog during Covid.
There's not a lot of excitement here in The Humble Bungalow.

We are maintaining our small bubble of people to stay safe and not entertaining much...we have our closest couple over for social distancing happy hours in the garden but that is about it. We have not been "out" for a meal but have done take out about 4 times since early March.

I managed to get an appointment with my hairdresser...
the first one since mid December!

It feels so much better!

Voyage d' Hermes Arlesienne by L'Occitane and Figue Amour by Bastide.

I've been wearing perfume every day and pearls most days 

even if I am wearing jeans and a simple Tee shirt.

These "little things" help to keep me focused on the "positive."

Dressing up occasionally 

but mostly wearing casual walking and gardening attire.

I've tried harder to keep my FitBit steps up.

My weight is up 7 pounds.

 My doctor reduced my daily Thyroid medication last Fall.

He said that I would really have to amp up my activity 

and/or 

drastically cut calories...to avoid gaining weight!

I am not happy about the number on the scale

but I will not perserverate on it right now...

I need comfort and less stress during the pandemic.

As we are constantly bombarded with grim news I turn off the TV and radio...

self preservation is a must.

I turn to the garden...

so inspired by the beauty of our glorious roses.

Graham Thomas

Claire Austin

Constance Spry

Jude the Obscure

Paul's Lemon Pillar

Taking Tea 

a daily ritual ~ so soothing.

Have you read this wonderful publication by Sharon Santoni and her team?

My French Country Home magazine is filled with beautiful homes, gardens, recipes from France. You can use this link to the website.

I also enjoy the subscription boxes

they are such a luxury.

Go here to order the August box.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Life's little luxuries...

Diamonds, pearls and cashmere are definitely luxuries.

Luxuries worth saving up for but they are not the only luxuries that I love.

Luxuries...

what do you think of when you hear the word luxury?

Online dictionary meanings as found...

noun

"the state of great comfort and extravagant living"

adjective

"luxurious or of the nature of a luxury"

Luxury List

Having time to persue the things in life that bring us Joy

time to savour the richness of everyday living.

Spending quality time with family and friends.

good books

scented soaps and candles

fresh air

flowers

treating yourself to a manicure and pedicure

enjoying a coffee at a cafe

lunch out with friends

a long soak in the bathtub

a picnic in the park or at the beach

watching a classic film

trying a new perfume

finding the perfect little black dress

a fresh bouquet of flowers

There are so many things that we can embrace which elevate our days.

My latest luxury item will be delivered today and I am quite excited!

An apron made from Orkney Linen from Rough Linen

Watch the video of Tricia's story here.

I wear aprons in the garden and when I am cooking.

I am a messy cook!

I ordered the petite apron in charcoal.

Here is the corner of The Humble Bungalow Garden where I sit and take tea.

It is a calm space...

where I listen to the sounds of the birds and bees as they flitter about the flowers.

How are you faring these days?

Are you embracing this quiet time or are you missing the busyness?

Time to fill?

What are you doing to fill up your days?

Homekeeping tasks

garden beds to weed

roses to deadhead

there are a variety of jobs around our home and garden that need attention.

 I never really get caught up

the list is long

I make time in between jobs to rest

take tea

arrange a bouquet of garden roses

read a book.

I am grateful for the many activities that present themselves each day.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tulip Mania...and a surprise!

The Spring tulips are magnificent in colour and form...
tulip mania is very real here in The Humble Bungalow!

Intricate patterns and vibrant details.

I've been gardening in these pretty grey pearls...

a gift from our darling daughter.

Love this soft worn in chambray shirt from the Gap.

Its years old and a favourite of mine.

It is so very cozy and in these troubling times I am wearing only comfy clothes.

Cashmere, chambray and yes! Yoga pants.

Keeping it real here.

My days are slow paced and provide a variety of activities...

gardening, dusting, cooking, reading, knitting and walking.

I never know exactly how my days will shape up.

Coffee and checking in with social media and the news are the first things...

Sitting still and looking out the window

while quietly reflecting

on things that I am grateful for and that practise sets the tone for the day.

I don't usually gravitate toward suspense thrillers...

 this one by Shari Lapena caught my eye and WOW!

I read it in two days and was riveted to my seat!

The ending has a real twist!

Reading is such a fabulous distraction.

I am "escaping" every day through books during this pandemic.

How are you doing?

What are you reading?

Chester napping...he makes it look effortless to fall asleep!

I envy him...

Rosemarie who resides in Vancouver sent me these sweet socks.

Cheerful and soft, perfect for these cozy comfort clothing days...

Thank you Rosemarie.

XO

I am going to start reading this book later today.

In the meantime I am going to water the garden and do some laundry.

Routines help fill the time while we are staying home so much.

Are you keeping busy?

Stay safe

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ Valentine's Day

What to wear for Valentines Day?
I opted for a pop of red...

Jeans ~ Vintage America

Shirt ~ Tommy Hilfiger

Shoes ~ Joesph Seibel

I love these jeans

they fit well and are super soft

the length is perfect for my short frame.

I have another pair of these, in a different style

they are getting really faded and worn in

I've worn them SO MUCH!

I felt like upping my game a bit and purchased a new pair.

The pearls that my husband gave me many years ago on Valentine's Day.

We walked to our local pub in the village for a date night dinner.

A lot of people had the same idea and it was incredibly LOUD.

Hard to hear above the laughter 

and

with what we considered shouting at the nearby tables...

(some had obviously imbibed a bit too much)

We watched as they made their way to the exit and hoped that they were not driving home impaired.

The food was delicious and we both enjoyed our meal.

It was a lovely treat not to cook dinner.

Ballet flats are comfy to walk in and look great with ankle length jeans.

I am going on Jamie Cat Callan's Paris Tour this coming September and I am so excited to see her again and meet all the other women on the tour.

We all had such fun last time in 2015.

She has a couple of spaces left if you are interested.

Rose Hip with a raindrop...

a pop of colour on a grey day.

I love good chocolate and Pender Island has a wonderful shop.

One can sit and have tea or coffee and a sweet treat.

I'm looking forward to Summer 

when I can use this vintage bag that I bought a few years ago on Ebay.

I must get some things accomplished today so I will close for now...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Remember to use a Google Search Engine when leaving comments as Safari is not working.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wearing red lipstick in my current favourite shade.

Luscious rose hips...

XO

Five things Friday

Five things Friday

Gorgeous wee daffodils that were a gift

they are especially cheerful on these rainy grey days.

Colour and flowers can make a big impact in elevating our flagging spirits.

I know I seek out bright pops of colour at this time of year.

Shopping the trends...

I went to the mall to check out the newest straight cut jeans.

I tried on several pairs but don't think they flatter my short frame.

Too heavy and make my legs look like tree trunks!

I much prefer the skinny silhouette which I find makes me look taller and slimmer. I hope that they will continue to be available as mine are all several years old and will need to be replaced at some point.

I don't usually follow the trends as I prefer a classic look 

with a touch of vintage

like this Coach bag 

which has many miles on it and some signs of wear

but it ticks all the boxes for me.

Quality, versatility, classic style and streamlined shape.

Did I mention that Vintage is a big fashion focus in Paris?

OOTD 

Eileen Fisher dark denim jeans

Timberland Tobacco coloured short boots

Large square silk hand rolled scarf

in a leopard pattern

Found at a local thrift shop for under $10

Love a bargain and it is in mint condition.

Citrine earrings made by my darling daughter they pair well with the scarf.

Eileen Fisher black vest.

This weekend we have several casual events planned...

I will make every effort to add a pop of colour and a touch of vintage to my basic outfit.

Do you LOVE vintage?

What is your best thrift shop find?

My best "score" 

 a pair of arts and crafts bookends 

copper with sterling silver inlay birds

($7.99)

I sold them so I could buy a strand of baroque pearls. 

 I literally ran across the street to a dealer who specialized in arts and crafts items 

(He purchased the bookends for $500.00)

then I skipped happily back across the street to snap up the pearls.

Hope that you have a fabulous weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Shopping agenda ~ a cozy top

It's cold and drafty here in this old heritage home.
The Humble Bungalow has single paned windows which let the cool air inside
so I wear several layers to keep warm. It's been snowing for a few days and we have had the furnace going full blast!

My go to outfit for home days is a tee shirt worn under a cashmere sweater, pants or jeans and warm wool socks.

For my walks I wear a puffy down coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.
I look like the Michelin man...but at least I am warm.

Inside the change room at Marshall's.

On my shopping agenda:

Black Yoga pants and a cozy top.

Great long sleeves with a thumb hole to keep the hands warm.

A wrap style on fleece with an asymmetrical hem detail.

You can see my Eddie Bauer Michelin man coat on the left 

and a small peek at my Petrusse scarf from My Stylish French Box on the right.

Fabulous fitting Yoga pants were found as well as the top

both made by the company 90 Degree.

I wore them today on my walk.

Doubling up on pearls...maybe a fashion faux pas...like The Canadian Tuxedo

aka double denim!

Speaking of My Stylish French Box

I use and love all the things that I have received over the years...

if you follow me on Instagram you will notice that I occassionally

 post pictures of what I use from the boxes.

The Petrusse scarf is one I wear throughout the cool weather...

it is made of soft wool which is warm and cozy on the neck.

The boxes are a real splurge and there is an element of surprise.

Speaking of surprises...

Sharon Santoni and her team are hiding a Golden Key in one of the boxes and if you find that key in your box you will receive a generous and luxurious gift 

from one of the partners that supply goods for the boxes.

If you want to learn more click the link here and see for yourself.

Hope you are having a wonderful week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~