OOTD ~ Butterfly World

 

Pop of colour 

while wearing a cool grey sweater.

I use a gentle touch when it comes to cosmetics...

tinted CC cream, mascara and lipstick or lip gloss for daytime.

The lipstick is by Miss Pupa from Milan

Rossetto #503

New tweed knit pants in ankle length...

Hudson North

available at The Bay.

Versatile with my basic wardrobe in a grey black check.

The reason I went shopping for pants is because I recently culled my clothes.

Leaving only 3 pairs of pants...

Two pairs of jeans 

(Eileen Fisher and Nicole Miller)

and a dressy pair of black pants.

(Eileen Fisher)

Just happened upon a dreamy soft wool and cashmere blend Italian made sweater.

It fits like a Tee top 

perfect for layering under my black Eileen Fisher vest

or my Old Navy distressed denim jacket.

I added a felted woven grey and black scarf...

found at a thrift shop for an unbelievable price :-))

Warm and cozy and adds an interesting textural detail.

Adding interest with accessories when wearing basic neutral coloured garments 

is a good habit to get into.

I like adding accessories so I don't look "mumsy"

being mindful that I exercise a modicum of restraint.

I daren't invite a citation from those sneaky Fashion Police.

Dressing over 65 can be full of pitfalls!!!

Friday Field Trip with the granddaughters...

~ Beautiful Butterfly ~

We took our granddaughters to the attraction 

Butterfly World near Butchart Gardens.

There are some really interesting insect displays in cases...

ants, stick insects, spiders.

Through the double doors there is lush tropical open area 

with

exotic birds, colourful butterflies, carp, flamingoes, frogs, and tortoises. 

There was an open feeding tray with sliced citrus and banana skins.

We saw a few of these butterflies nibbling on the fruits when we entered

 when we were leaving 

each piece of fruits had one of these gorgeous butterflies feeding.

After our visit we drove to The White Spot for lunch...

it was quite busy and by the time our food arrived we were famished!

It doesn't feel like our usual October weather here in Victoria.

The weather has been dry and warmer than usual.

On the News tonight they mentioned that

this warm dry spell is about to change...

Cooler wetter weather is definitely on the horizon

the roses are still blooming but the rest of the garden is fading.

We need some serious rainfall and only a smattering of moisture has fallen so far.

I've been busy knitting the Rowan Toasty Slipover Vest...

a group of us met at a friends' home for a cuppa, chat and to knit.

Our hostess served a delicious Victoria Sponge Cake...

with a pot of incredibly tasty Mariage Freres Rose Royal Tea.

I am craving Rose Tea for my afternoon cuppa here in The Humble Bungalow!

All I need to do now is fly off to Paris and buy some...

A gal can dream...

Laundry needs to be done.

Dust bunnies need to be mopped.

Dinner needs to be prepped...

Until next time...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Colour Me Happy!

Bright Colours that POP make me feel HAPPY.

When I go for walks I seek out colourful things along my route.

It surprises me when on a rainy grey day that I can still find something bright to 

capture in a photo. 

I might have to look a wee bit harder but I definitely find something.

I love to accessorize with a pop of colour.

This wine coloured vintage leather bag adds just the right amount of OOMPH

to the simple neutral outfit here.

Black pants ~ Eileen Fisher

White top ~ Eileen Fisher

Khaki Jacket ~ Eileen Fisher

Look at how beautiful these tomatoes look resting on a bed of basil leaves!

I added some sea salt and ground pepper with a light drizzle of olive oil.

~ FRESH ~ 

Summertime salads are a healthy addition to our meals.

I love to add other ingredients to our daily salads.

diced red onions

avocado wedges

black olives

radishes

garbanzo beans

sprouted pea shoots

fresh shelled English Peas

beets

cucumber slices

capers

blanched green beans

There are SO many options when making a salad.

I regularly have on hand a homemade vinaigrette in a Bonne Maman Jam Jar.

Easy Peasy Vinaigrette

6 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp vinegar

2-3  Tbsp runny honey

salt and pepper (to taste)

Bold yellow Italian Linen Dress

this loose fitting dress is perfect for the heat and sun of SUMMER.

Add sandals or flip flops and a straw hat and sunglasses...

and a

French Market basket. 

I absolutely LOVE linen!

There is a great shop here in the Cook Street Village called Mercedes Lane Too...

I have purchased several tops and dresses from them 

 they are easy to wear and cool in the heat.

I wash them in lavender scented linen soap on the gentle cycle and hang them to dry.

In case you missed my post on the Doocot Sweater I knit I am sharing the photos.

I chose a bright Chartreuse Green Yarn

Rowan's Brooklyn Tweed

The sweater sits slightly above the natural waistline.

It took me 3 years to knit this sweater!

For some weird reason I didn't work on it in the first 2 years of Covid 

 really it should have been a delightful diversion but I couldn't seem to concentrate!

Now I am contemplating knitting the Miriam Sweater 

(on Ravelry)

I think it will be a fun project.

 Knitting in the cooler weather this Fall and Winter will be relaxing.

I am thinking of a charcoal or dove grey yarn.

I originally thought of black yarn but an experienced knitter friend said that black yarn is quite hard to see.

Must get myself off to the Beehive and see what they have in stock.

I need to buy needles too...

There are so many needles in my stash but none are the right size.

The Brooklyn Tweed yarn is lovely to work with, it is super soft.

Knitting and Tea go so well together!

We are kept very busy here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The roses are riddled with black spot this year which means that most days we are picking off the spotted leaves...

then we must keep up with the regular deadheading.

The rewards from all our efforts are numerous lovely bouquets 

for the house and to take to homes of friends.

Well I think it is time to close this post and head outside.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you are enjoying the gifts of the season.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

October musings...

Fall is in full flourish...

we are enjoying

 the beautiful palette of Autumnal Shades.

Berries 

Leaves 

a pop of colour

red juxtaposed against grey stones.

Mother Nature's Paintbrush is showing her talent and liberal use of colours this Fall.

Rain and a fierce wild windstorm 

knocked out our power for 17 hours

at Quarterdeck Cottage.

We had to tough it out 

we kept the gas fireplace on and hunkered down with our books.

Unfortunately we had to throw out most of the food that was in the fridge.

I read this book in a couple of days...

set in Cornwall

I enjoyed the story.

The local Pender Island ferries were able to run even during the wind.

Several of our neighbours went home early due to the power outage.

I am back working on The Doocot Sweater pattern.

It has been sitting in my knitting bag for the better part of a year.

Not sure why I left it so long before picking up my knitting needles again?

Do you put aside projects?

The yarn is Rowan Tweed and is soft and easy to work with...

I am absolutely smitten with the colour!

There are a few more inches of ribbing before I can start on the sleeves.

I have learned many new techniques while working on this pattern.

My husband gave me The Vogue Knitting Book and that has been invaluable.

Trying something new without help "in real life" can be daunting 

so books and "You Tube" Knitting Videos have been great!

We will be packing up and back home tomorrow.

Halloween is only a few days away!

We've got the candy treats ready for the Trick or Treaters on Sunday.

Our friends from France will be staying with us for a few days.

How are things going with you?

Thank you for dropping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Red Lipstick ~ a bright pop of colour

I have been meaning to post this new lipstick for awhile 

I just haven't gotten around to it until today.

I went in search of a new lipstick and asked the helpful clerk in the cosmetics department at the local Pharmasave.

The gals are so good with colour...

they save me oodles of time and I don't waste money on lipsticks that don't work with my complexion.

Italian Lipstick by Miss Pupa

made in Milano.

A lovely shade of red that is very emollient.

Definitely a pop of colour.

The red shade makes me feel happy.

(it goes with my red ballet flats!)

which is a WIN WIN

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Flower power, a birthday and a thrift shop find...

Cheerful Primulas on the front porch...

they were on sale at the garden centre and I could not pass them up!

I culled my out of season clothes and took them to the thrift shop.

While there, I quickly perused the kitchen area...

I spied this vintage chopping board and grabbed it.

It has a new home here in The Humble Bungalow.

A friend gave me these branches and they forced into flower.

Pretty pink blossoms which are the harbingers of Spring.

This time of year, when the gardens come alive, feels so hopeful.

There is a sense of renewal and energy...

spirit soars.

Crocus are blooming.

Pops of colour are bursting forth in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

A new Hellebore from the garden centre...

a frilly chartreuse green.

I plan on planting this in a bed with Black Mondo grass.

Think that the green and black colours will be a pretty combo.

Mother Nature's Paintbrush must have had a hand in these flowers.

Slowly

 wake up 

smell the coffee

listen to the birdsong

feel the warmth of the sun

cocooning in my robe

after slumber

a new day

awaits

Hope

Promise

Gratitude

Feeling renewal and embracing a fresh year 

Cheers to 66!

Polenta coated mozza balls on a bed of spicy tomato sauce.

Salmon beets and baby potatoes.

Birthday dinner at Zambri's restaurant with my husband.

I had a martini 

did not count my WW points 

earlier I walked over 15,000 steps over 9.3km

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ 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 ~