Life at the cottage ~ easing into 2019

After a busy festive season I felt the need to relax and cocoon.

Taking life a wee bit slower 

as we ease gently into the New Year.

We were fortunate to be able to go over to the cottage for a week of relaxation.

Its such a peaceful place...

there are many opportunities to "just live in the moment"

to  listen to the birdsong

watch the raindrops 

while listening to the howling winds

taking note of the tides

the ebb and flow of the waves 

as they lap upon the Salish Sea

savouring

a bouquet of fresh flowers 

preparing

nibbles for dinner 

sharing them with the neighbours from across the road

They joined us for the Juniors Hockey Gold Medal Game

USA vs. Finland

one of our neighbours is Finnish 

so it was much more exciting watching the game!

Finland won the gold!

Heritage barn

seen on our walk.

My BFF came over for a few days.

We played crib, chatted, walked, drank tea and enjoyed each others company.

My BFF has a Fit Bit so we knew how many steps we took...

7,000 on our walk and by the time time we had picked up a few groceries

then returned to the cottage

it read out 10,000 and fireworks exploded on her screen!

Self care is so important...

it can mean different things for each of us:

Walking

eating mindfully

dabbling in a creative hobby

learning something new

taking time to dress in clothes that make us feel good

indulging in a spa day

putting on a pretty and flattering shade of lipstick

savouring a piece of good quality chocolate

going out for lunch

saying yes to things we love and no to things that rob us of joy

we can choose those

opportunities that fill our days with meaningful "feel good" moments

listening to our heart and paying attention to what we need

reading a good book

Thirty More Chic Days by Fiona Ferris

an inspiring one that is starting my year off on a positive note.

Thank you to Fiona who sent this to me...

I am embracing many of her ideas from the book.

Wishing you a peaceful 

Happy New Year!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

The Humble Bungalow ~ keeping cool in a heat wave...

We have just returned from our holidays to our beloved home and garden...
the greenhouse is full of fresh home grown tomatoes
ready to be harvested and eaten.

a bounty of tasty tomatoes

I will be making tomato salads, perhaps indulge in some tomato sandwiches,

will also plan to roast some for a pasta dish and may freeze some.

BC is immersed in a heat wave...
the temperatures are rising
and with that, my plans to work outside in the garden are shelved for a cooler day.

The blinds are closed and the windows have been opened a crack
(otherwise the cats escape!)
The overhanging eaves, a typical feature of an arts and crafts bungalow,
help to keep the sunshine out.

So I am staying inside attacking my long "to do list"...
it's only 10:30 and I have done 3 loads of laundry,
the last load of slip covers are spinning in the LG as I type.

The farmhouse sink has been bleached,
the mail opened, bills paid ready to be posted.

I plan a quick manicure
a beach walk
need to return something to the store
stop by a friends' home
start a new book.

My summertime favourites...

Eau Thermale mist by Avene to help refresh the skin

I also keep a cool bottle of water on the counter by the sink 

 take one outside with me when I garden...hydrating from the inside out!

Sunscreen

SPF 50 for my face and exposed arms and legs.

I try to wear a light Tencel long sleeved shirt for extra sun coverage.

Spritz of Roger and Gallet light rose scent to refresh throughout the day.

The new favourite Sally Hansen diamond tough polish which lasted an entire week before showing signs of wear...

the shade is called Love Bug.

I'd better get back to work...

my break is over! 

Thank you for stopping by the Humble Bungalow Blog.

What are you reading and how is your summer going?

Is it hot where you are right now?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~