Shiny Things....OOTD

 

Today I am wearing an all black OOTD.

Eileen Fisher Boiled Wool Tunic Sweater

(an investment piece that I wear a lot)

Black leggings 

Black leather Clark Chelsea Boots

I added a Canadian vintage Sherman sparkly rhinestone brooch.

(Outfits that are plain look so much more interesting with  accessories.)

I digress...

Mom had several parure Sherman sets which were gifts from my father.

He bought them from Birks a Canadian shop that rivalled Tiffany's.

My sister has a beautiful Aurora Borealis set of Mom's.

 She wears the long drop earrings and wide cuff bracelet on special occasions...

I don't need a special occasion to wear a sparkly brooch.

I worked at Birks one Christmas and had so much fun selling jewelry!

The store offered free wrapping and I loved adding bows and tags 

making the gifts look special.

That year I gave Mom a Sherman red bracelet and earring set.

(I got a store discount)

Our darling daughter has the set.

Continuing on with the black theme I photoshopped this image of Poppies.

The details look like they really "pop."

Vintage silver champagne buckets are used in the kitchen as utensil holders.

We don't use the buckets for bubbly as we haven't had a fancy party for ages.

Silver requires polishing and not everyone likes the upkeep...

in fact you can find silver in thrift shops for next to nothing prices.

I have quite a few silver trays, silver tea service, and other silverware

in The Humble Bungalow.

Several trays, candlesticks and dishes were wedding gifts.

Silver was a classic wedding gift when we were married in 1974.

Close up on the vintage silver trophy...

local North Saanich Garden Club 

Flower and Garden Show

aggregate trophy

awarded to 

A.J.Nunn in 1929

(I found this trophy in a local consignment shop.)

I am definitely drawn to silver and shiny sparkly things!

Do you like to wear shiny or sparkly jewelry?

Do you collect silverware?

It's a sunny day here and the birds are singing.

Looking forward to a quiet afternoon...

I plan to brew a pot of loose tea this afternoon and read my book.

Perhaps knit a few rows on the vest I currently have on the needles

before 

I prepare our dinner.

I honestly love quiet afternoons

they feel like a gift!

I try to get all my chores and laundry done early in the morning.

Since retiring, the luxury of time and slowing down is priceless.

Take care and thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

 

Mr. HB has retired from his role as a senior partner in Continuum Architects...

His career spanned 43 years at the longest running Victoria architectural firm.

He is looking forward to new hobbies, longer walks and more book time.

We spent the first week at Quarterdeck Cottage on Pender Island.

Friends joined us for the weekend and we rented another cottage...

we enjoyed their company immensely.

So great to be able to see long time friends, 

one couple we had not seen in over 2 years due to Covid.

The weather was lovely so we were able to sit out on the deck.

We went for walks, played crib, read our books and reminisced...

lots of laughter filled the cottage as we went down memory lane.

It was quiet after they left.

We went for walks and read our books.

Rain fell and the fog rolled in...

Fall is here !

We indulged in a "naughty Coffee" and it was delicious!

The Marina store is getting ready to close for the season.

They told us they plan to open earlier next year and serve more food options

and introduce music performances.

We're home now and busy putting the garden to bed for the season.

We gave away plants to friends who are establishing a new shady bed in their garden.

We have a few more plants to give away and other friends are happy to take them.

Mr. HB is outside right now tidying up the beds by the patio.

I have laundry in the wash and am going to make us lunch when I finish this post.

Fall feels like a transition in so many ways...

I took some summer clothes downstairs to the guest room closet.

Then I brought up some winter garments.

My basic wardrobe continues to serve me well and despite being small it works.

There are a few pieces that I am considering buying but not that many.

A new cashmere sweater is on the radar as well as some pretty new lingerie.

Cashmere socks are so cozy...

BTW this author, William Trevor, writes very intense stories!

I wasn't sure what would happen in this thriller and was on the edge of my seat as I read on...

I picked a beautiful bouquet of roses.

These are frilly frothy and fragrant...

Graham Thomas a stalwart David Austin Rose.

It grows out back in The Humble Bungalow Garden near my potting table.

The hydrangeas are drying, 

hostas are fading

but thankfully 

the roses continue to bloom.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I appreciate your comments and readership.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Funtime Friday

Since retiring I have not allowed myself the luxury of spending an entire day playing hooky.
Doing silly and fun things...an entire day out and about in the downtown core.

I wore my pearls...love a dangly drop earring as it makes me feel so feminine.

I hitched an early morning ride with Mr. HB on his way to work and took myself off to Starbucks for coffee and breakfast. I do love a good decaf Americano.
I sat myself down at a table beside the window and gazed out onto the streets of Chinatown and noticed some weary looking street people gathered with their over flowing shopping carts which they use for all their personal belongings. Our city has quite a few street people who live in the downtown core. Some sleep in shelters at night and others create makeshift beds on cardboard scraps and hunker down in doorways and alleys.
It is a sad state of affairs...
I wonder how they have come to be down on their luck, displaced and homeless.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to be living on the street, cold and hungry without a roof overhead.

When they noticed I was staring, I turned my eyes away so as not to invade their privacy.
Then I watched the people in line come in and order their morning coffee and wondered if they were regulars and by the greetings that they were exchanging I felt they must be, at least on Friday mornings.

After a leisurely breakfast I caught up on my blog reading on my IPhone and then walked down through Chinatown to Value Village. It was quiet at 9 am and I felt like I had the store to myself when an older gentlemen came up to me and started telling me that many of these items could be re purposed for things that they were not originally intended to be used for ...he was going off on a tangent and said "Young people need to know this but you don't!" I couldn't help but laugh! I said laughing "Yes I am old, have a great day!

I found a vintage jar with a lid that I am going to use in my pantry cupboard. I am always on the look out for these to store oats, flour, sugar and such in them as they look so much nicer and keep things fresh and neat.
I also found a pair of cowboy booties...my breakfast cost more than these boots!

Giddy Up!

I cruised through Gap looking at their sale racks and found two new tops.

I am loving these striped tops.

I had a further discount card so they were a steal.

I browsed Roots and checked out their new handbags as I love the quality and that they are made in Canada.

A bright colour would be fun for a change.

I own a few bags and they are all black!

I walked out without buying a thing.

I visited Chapters and looked at the books and was surprised to see how many other things that they have for sale.

Scarves, candles, home decor items...

I rarely shop in Chapters because I use the public library and buy books from a small shop on Oak Bay Avenue owned and run by the sister of a long time friend.

Ivy's Book Store is so convenient and the ladies that work there are super fun and friendly.

I checked out the Bay and some of the racks of women's wear but nothing really stood out and besides my stomach was growling. I checked my watch and it was 1:30 so no wonder I was hungry.

I took the escalator up to the top floor and dined in the cafeteria and sat beside this seagull.

I had planned to walk home but after 5 hours of walking my feet were tired so I hopped on the bus.

Came home and polished my booties, washed the jar and put the kettle on.

I finished the book that I was reading.

I leafed through the cookbook given to me by a friend.

Soup Sisters is an organization that makes soup for the needy.

We have a local chapter here in Victoria.

They meet at The London Chef on Fort Street.

Sounds like fun!

By the time Mr. HB arrived home after his day, I was in the kitchen with my apron on making dinner.

It was a great day and I was weary so we had an early night.

I plan to schedule in another full day of play next month. 

Have a great weekend!

(Re) Building my wardrobe....slowly ~ one piece at a time.

I am in the process of re-building my wardrobe as I have lost almost 25 pounds and have gone from wearing XL and size 14 + to wearing M size 10/12. My weight loss journey is ongoing and I hope to lose another 5 pounds.

 Before Weight Watchers

I am dressed for a summer wedding weighing in at a hefty 160 pounds.

Most of my larger sized garments have been donated or consigned as I do not plan to wear them again.
I have kept a few things and some fortunately were in a smaller size.
I had kept hoping I would slim down and be able to wear at some point...and now I can!

Before hitting the shops I needed to take everything out of the closet and decide what to keep, what to consign and what to donate.

I had forgotten about these cute leather booties!

The things that I kept:
(about 30 pieces)

Outerwear:
Burberry quilted jacket
Lands' End down coat
Eddie Bauer down jacket
Jones of NY metallic grey raincoat
Aunt Tirzah's fur jacket (for the snow!)
Royal Robbins black squall jacket

Sweaters:
Lands' End cashmere sweaters...pink pullover, grey cardigan, black cardigan
Johnston of Elgin black cashmere pullover
grey tweedy knit sweater in a "jacket style"
St. James grey sweater coat
Betty Barclay grey sweater ~ longer style

Tops:
Talbots white shirt ~ which is oversize now but gets worn over a white tank
2 white tank tops
white lace top
Banana Republic Breton striped tee
Carilyn Vaile black SS top
Splendid black sheer top
Black sequined Tee
black white patterned 3/4 sleeve top
Cut Loose quilted vest in chartreuse green
Mondetta white grey patterned workout jacket

Bottoms:

Gelco tweed trousers
(Pants are the most difficult to have tailored and still look decent.)

Dressy wear:
3 LBD's
Precis Petite patterned dress which I bought for a wedding a couple of years ago...see above image.
(I have not tried it on recently but it was expensive so I have kept it and it can be altered.)
Symplii knits in black ~ palazzo pants, tank top, top 3/4 sleeves, jacket
Spanner metallic pewter skirt
Jones of NY multicoloured silk skirt

I have kept all my accessories:
bags, boots, shoes and scarves ~ they always fit!

Everything else is gone!

I started rebuilding by first having a professional bra fitting and purchased some new undergarments.
My next priority was decent looking outfits for walking and fitness ~
(wearing smart workout clothing helps keep me motivated)
2 pairs of  Lands' End performance pants ~ black, grey.
3 Champion white tops and a black pair of capri length workout pants
3 workout/Yoga style hoodies

I am focusing on fall and winter right now and will tackle the out of season clothing in the closet downstairs next Spring and see what I can salvage and what needs to go.

Purchases since September amount to approximately $350.
I am applying my new rules of frugality, minimalism and function before any purchase.

Levi's distressed jeans (thrifted) $15 (they replaced my beloved Vear Wang boyfriend jeans)
Black Ponte knit Bellissimo trousers (thrifted) $12
g 21 skinny jeans, one in black, the other dark wash denim $10 each
Chillox black coat $130
Barbour vest black $125
Merino Tees ~ grey and black $17 each
Eileen Fisher silk tank top ~ a muted mocha shade which is a very versatile shade (thrifted) $15

I have read many books which offer basic wardrobe guidelines.
Two of my favourites are Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer Scott and Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange.
Tish Jett has a new book...Forever Chic: Frenchwomen's Timeless Secrets to Beauty, Style and Substance.
I am eager to read this as she writes one of my favourite blogs.

I am adjusting to my new "retired lifestyle" and am wearing casual workout clothing most days at home.
I really do not "need" too many outfits as most of my activities are quite relaxed.
Weekly lunches out, grocery shopping, errands, dinner out, the occasional house party and theatre.

Weight Watcher Month 5

(almost at my goal weight)

Feeling better, I have more energy and my hips don't ache when I walk now.

WW = Win Win 

Thank you Kristien for posing the question and Congratulations on your weight loss!

If the thrift shops in your area are not to your liking try some consignment shops.
There are lots of great online shops with great return policies and some offer free shipping.
Depending on where you live you might want to take a drive to another city to find some great clothes.
If you have a friend whose opinion you can trust, you could take a weekend away and have a fashion adventure!

I hope this post helps to better answer your question.

I know there are a few readers out there who buy online...I'd love to know where you shop.
Please share your favourite sites in the comments section.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you are having a fabulous weekend!

OOTD ~ The Barbour Vest ~ a wardrobe staple.

With minimalism and frugality in mind and a new lifestyle wardobe to hone I have found another great contender.
The Barbour vest...
it is a great layering piece as it is not too bulky and has great lines.
The price point is not too dear and the quality is superior.
The fit divine.
It will be one of the new "workhorses" in my casual retirement wardrobe.

The only give away that this is a Barbour vest is the logo shown here on the pocket.

One could certainly buy a less expensive brand.

Lands' End for example.

They have a few vests online this season which I had considered.

 I did not find one that I liked as much as this one.

It's lines are quite shapely and very feminine.

Great to pop over a long sleeved Tee shirt or a merino sweater.

I purchased a wonderful basic grey Merino Tee at Costco.

It's a thinner layering weight and so very cozy.

It will be another staple for Fall and Winter and it was under $20!

So far I have purchased 3 things...

the walking coat by Chillox, 

the Barbour vest and the Merino Tee.

I'm keeping track of my clothing purchases for the first time in many years.

Today I am wearing my cheap skinny dark wash dg21 denim jeans - Walmart

Grey merino wool Tee - Costco

Black vest ~ Barbour

Loafers ~ Franco Sarto

The hunt is over for the black pants! 

Mother and I were out trolling the consignment shops when I found a fabulous pair 

which are in near new condition by Bellissima.

They are a heavy weight pointe knit and in a 10 petite so no hemming is involved!

I think you'll be as surprised as I was when I found out what they cost...

($6.00)

Talk about a frugal and fortuitous find!

~ ~ ~

Accessories are going to be my best friends from now on.

The scarves that I have been collecting are going to get a lot of wear.

What have you bought for Fall and Winter?

Are you keeping your wardrobe to a minimum or do you like to stuff your closet chock full?

I share a teeny tiny closet with Mr. HB,

 so I do not have the luxury nor the inclination to buy scads of clothes.

Now I have more time to shop ~ I am embracing thrift.

I saw a cute tote bag on my travels...

"Keep Calm and Shop On"

so opposite from

 "Make Do and Mend"

Hope that you are having a Joy filled week.

Hostess

Weekend round up...

It was a busy weekend here in The Humble Bungalow.
We had a great evening with our friends on Friday, sharing a cocktail and a simple dinner.

Now that I am retired I want to focus more on entertaining at home.
I have more time to plan ahead.
Hosting friends and family in our Humble Bungalow is one of my favourite things.

Aren't sunflowers at their most spectacular this time of year?

They make me smile.

Appies and one martini before dinner...

this gin is far and beyond my favourite for a martini.

I set an understated table...

I focus much more on the food preparation.

These pretty vintage napkins were a gift from a friend.

She made them from fabric that she found in her travels...

I love to use them as they are so cheerful.

I finished knitting a hat for Henry...

I hope it fits!

Our family popped over for afternoon tea on Sunday so I made Nigella Lawson's chocolate cake.

Mr. HB harvested the last of the tomatoes and cucumbers.

I am impressed by the rich colours that are produced from such a simple beginning...

The sun came out and surprised us after we heard the dreary weekend forecast.

Pillows galore!

This is my blogging bench...

I sit at this rustic arts and crafts dinette and type my thoughts.

I picked up my copy of Country Living UK...

I will find a quiet moment this week to brew a pot of tea and read it cover to cover.

Hope you are well and enjoying the simple things that life has to offer...

Hostess

Rainy day post...

Yikes we are having a storm!
Thunder and lightning are not that common in these parts...
the cats were freaked out by the noise and the forked white lighting quite unhinged me.

Now the skies have opened up and we are getting buckets of rain.

It's a great day to stay inside our Humble Bungalow
hunker down and cocoon,
just keep warm and dry.

The LG machines are swishing through their cycles as I conquer the laundry.
Not that I am a domestic warrior but I do feel powerful when it comes to getting the job done...
especially with these sturdy and reliable workhorses.

My new morning routine seems to be falling into place...
I tidy up as I move from room to room.

Last night I washed the Le Creuset frying pan and left it to dry with a few other utensils on the mat beside the sink, this is a new habit for me leaving dishes to air dry overnight. It used to really annoy me when I was working to wake up and see things that I needed to do before I left for work...
as a retiree spending more time in our Humble Bungalow as this is my domain.
I work here!

Making lists of things that I need to do helps to keep me organized. My lists are short as I try to get them done in a timely fashion.
Do you use lists to keep you on top of things?

Achieving a rhytmn and balance on my daily round is a work in process.
One that I am figuring out as I go along.

Yesterday I spent the morning playing with our lovely grand-daughter Isla and I held wee Henry while his mom did some laundry. He is a very calm and content baby. I loved looking at his small fingers as they curled around mine.
He is such a gift...and I cannot tell you how beautiful and sweet he is! I can try but words seem to fail me.
I promised not to show pictures of my grandchildren here on the blog so you'll have to trust me!

It is so heartwarming holding a newborn child,
it is rather overwhelming gazing down at the wee man in my arms knowing that he is our grandson.

Do you remember this felted bag?

I made it several years ago when I was on a knitting/felting binge!

I'm knitting a baby hat.

I love this yarn as it is so bright and cheerful.

KNITCOL ART.KN

Adriafil superwash Italian virgin wool

(~ virgin wool ~ ?)

You can find great patterns at Churchmouse Yarns.

This one is easy peasy

a perfect little project to have on hand for a rainy day.

Thanks to my friend Claire at Boutique de Laine in the Estevan Village,

she is super friendly and very knowledgeable when it comes to knitting.

Do you knit?

Where do you like to shop for yarns and patterns?

Online or in person?

Must close for now and put the kettle on for some tea...

and pick up my knitting.

Cheerio,

Hostess

A long weekend boating adventure...

We have been out on our new boat this weekend!

Meeting up with friends and family on beautiful Pender Island over the long weekend is a tradition.

We have pot luck dinners, share appetizers, have cocktails and play disc golf. There is a trophy for the winning team...this year two teams tied. Lovely daughter and her fellow participated and were on the winning teams.

We took the cats with us which was quite an undertaking...

they didn't like it when the boat was underway but seemed to enjoy exploring all the nooks and crannies when we were at the dock.

They liked being able to be out on the back deck under the canvas as they could see other boaters, sea gulls and dogs which intrigued Chester but not Pepper!

It's a very cozy salon.

the compact interior requires creative storage solutions and minimal galley gear!

the ledges come in handy

our first dinner aboard 

Pepper is snug and dry even when it rained

both cats liked the dashboard

Pepper snoozed on the cushions

Chester hung out on the dinette

(which I had to clean every time I used it!)

the boat handled very well

it helped that the seas and wind were favourable

we had a great cruise and lots of fun this weekend

and have a list of things that we want to improve and a few staples that we want to purchase.

I'm hoping to get over to visit Henry Brian and Isla this week.

I thought about our new grandson while away and I was fortunate to get several photos on my IPhone 

from our lovely DIL!

Cannot wait to have another snuggle...

 I have gifts to deliver

and I think I'll cook them a meal so that they can enjoy an easy dinner.

Tomorrow is the first day of school.

It will feel odd not going back to work as I have done for the past 25 years!

What was your weekend like?