Showing posts with label scent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scent. Show all posts

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Starting 2023 slowly, thoughtfully and with intention...

 


 ~ New Year ~

Thoughts of change and the steps required to take the necessary actions
easing slowly...
mulling over the multitude of possibilities.
What to do?
Stay the same or move ahead in a fresh new direction?
Take a risk or keep it safe?


Current read...

I heard so many lovely things about this book that I bought a copy.

Numerous friends told me that it was the BEST book that they had read last year.
That says a LOT!

I am not yet finished it...
reading slowly to absorb and digest the thoughts 
and 
significance of the words.

It is very beautifully written, full of emotion and poignant life experiences.
Very Sad...
the attention to detail is divine, the author writes like an artist paints.

In the spirit of not rushing...


I've signed up for a 30 day online Yoga challenge.
On day 4, I realized how much I have missed my Yoga practice.

Watching the instructor,
  (who looks effortless) 
while she moves through the poses
was quite discouraging for me.

 I was struggling on my mat!

I signed up at my former Yoga Studio 
for in person classes with the instructor whose teaching style I love.
Her calming voice, slow movements and gentle spirit are absolute BLISS!
Classes start in 2 weeks and I am very excited.

Our naughty cats were guilty of shredding my old Yoga mat...
it was time to replace it.
I bought a new one today which is 6mm thick to cushion my 67 year old achy joints.
While I was shopping I found a small bolster and a lavender scented cleaning spray.

Do you practice Yoga?

Sunday morning post on Instagram today...




Sand and Fog Candle
in a lovely soothing fragrance
~ Roses and Sandalwood ~

This scent would make a great perfume.

The painted rock above was designed and painted by my former neighbour.
It reminds me of a mandala...

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

 We are immersed in a Netflix series called The Stranger...
oh my goodness it is so complicated!

We've watched a few good ones lately...

Treason and another one called The Bodyguard
coincidentally
 they are all British.

The Stranger is British too with an all star cast.
You might enjoy them too...
let me know.

What are you watching?

Thank you for stopping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Thursday, January 20, 2022

Embracing small Joys...

 


Cheap and Cheerful Primulas are planted in the front porch planter.


I usually buy an assortment of colours...
this time I decided to go for the full impact with sunny yellow blooms.

Very pleased with these healthy stalwart plants...
they'll be planted in the garden beds early in the summer.


My spices are stored in these Bon Maman Jam Jars.

I also use them to make a "simple vinaigrette."

Oil ~ 1/3 cup
vinegar ~ 1 Tbsp
salt and pepper (to taste)
a couple of tablespoons of honey
Shake well and pour over salad.


We went to a "hidden gem" here in Victoria.
The Market Garden is located on Catherine Street and it is a wonderful shop!

We bought this tin of Italian tomatoes to use in our spaghetti.
I saved the tin because it is so pretty.

Candles have been lit most evenings here to add scent, warm light and ambiance.


Ethel Wood fragrant candle made on Pender Island.
The scent is fabulous!


I 've been consciously using up "stuff" in an effort not to be wasteful.

We tend to stockpile staples that we use regularly here in The Humble Bungalow.
Buying when things are on special...
to save money.

Soap, toothpaste, tinned goods.
Storage is limited so we need to be creative...


Here's a snapshot of our quarter sawn oak arts and crafts shelving
in The Humble Bungalow bathroom.


Walking attire...

OOTD
Cashmere Burberry scarf...at least 10 years old
Wool hat
Black Eileen Fisher wool tunic top
(recent investment piece)
Eddie Bauer Down Puffer coat

Needs Must!
Warmth comes first on my winter walks.


Hope you are staying safe.


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, January 10, 2019

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 ~

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

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 ~

Monday, October 23, 2017

Pops of colour...



Autumn is a lovely time of year for enjoying the colours.

I wear mostly blacks and greys 
so I can see here with this example of contrast 
that a spot of colour
may be in order!


The pumpkin patch was full of families this Sunday.
Many local farmers grow pumpkins and they also offer hayrides, hot chocolate and some even have corn mazes.
I just love the field of orange pumpkins!
A sea of orange...


It is lovely when one discovers a magazine that has well written and informative articles.
one that has a balance of 
fashion
style
travel 
people 
homes
gardens


Today I am cozying up in my newest linen scarf...
no pop of orange today 
instead
I am wearing a red lipstick 
which is helping to liven up my OOTD.


L'Oreal on the far left # 315 True Red
followed by
a spritz of Le Labo Rose 31 and I am ready.

Hope you have a great week!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~