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 ~

Calm and Soothing...

Serenity ~ peace ~ calm

Soothing thoughts 

 I cultivate on a regular basis.

Self care is not selfish it is vital to our well being.

First thing each morning I savour a cup of coffee.

Then I have a shower.

After drying off using a Belgian linen towel 

I apply an emollient lotion which soothes and softens my skin.

These may seem like simple rituals...

 and they are!

They are essential for my mental well being and health.

(especially during this pandemic when we are all living with stress)

Most days are spent in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

There is a lot of weeding, dead heading of the roses and general tidying up.

Sweeping inside the downstairs of the Humble Bungalow is a daily habit.

I used to despise this job but now I embrace it as an opportunity to meditate.

The repetative motion of the broom as it sweeps away dust is very soothing...

Home keeping is necessary and I have learned to enjoy most of the tasks.

It feels so satisfying looking at what has been accomplished after tidying up.

My reward is a cup of tea and a couple of chapters in the book that I am currently reading...

White flowers are so elegant..

they feel calm and peaceful

Serene.

Sharing these thoughts with you this morning has reinforced 

my daily habits of cultivating what I seek.

Hope that you enjoy your week.

Thank you for stopping by...

The Humble Bungalow Blog.

 ~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday Monday...

One of my cheap and cheerful French souvenirs 

a wee jar that held the most delicious yogurt.

I have popped a beeswax votive inside the jar

and 

 loving the subtle scent that emanates from the wax as it slowly melts.

I finished the book on Bunny Mellon...

her life certainly had its ups and downs 

Throughout Bunny maintained her poise and composure.

She found solace puttering in her garden and decorating many homes.

Her life was enriched by the many friendships that she cultivated...

Jackie Kennedy, Balenciaga, Givenchy to name a few.

 There were many delightful surprises as I flipped the pages.

I recommend this book...

Bunny had a strength of character

lots of energy

a zest for life

impeccable style

a lifelong passion for gardening

tasteful flair for homes and decorating

a collector of fine art and antiques

loyal to her staff 

Bunny loved being out in nature.

This story will resonate with me forever.

I don't usually keep books but this one is going to stay on my shelf.

It's a "keeper!"

New silky black camisole...

I love wearing this under my cashmere sweaters.

These two products are fabulous for dry skin...

the body wash is emollient and the scent is subtle.

The moisturizer is pure, light and silky.

Self care is so important.

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

Perhaps you can afford a full day at the Spa...

 (which would be fabulous!)

Or you may just take an extra 5 minutes here and there to treat yourself.

Speaking of treats...

Isla and I made some bath salts together last week.

The recipe is on my blog in a December post a "Hostess Gift."

I'm a bundled up in the Michelin Man puffer coat!

The weather this past weekend was marvelous...

we had some sunshine and it was such a welcome tonic after weeks of rain.

Following up on my post about the intermittent fasting...

I am enjoying the results.

I have lost a few pounds and feel way more energy!

It was difficult at first not eating breakfast and then 

only eating during the 8 hour "window"  

There are books and You Tube videos that discuss the health benefits of fasting

if you are interested.

I would love to hear your thoughts...

Please note: to comment on my blog you'll need to use a Google search engine as Safari will not work for some reason.

Hope your week is off to a good start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

Focusing on Calm

Are you aware and take note of the beauty that crosses your path every day?

Focusing on a bright spot of colour or something beautiful from Nature...
can elevate a flagging spirit and change the way we see our world.

Each morning I sit quietly sipping my cafe creme and consciously count my blessings.
I embrace the "attitude of gratitude" and it helps me set the tone for my day...

A bouquet that I gave to a special someone!

This wee yellow flower was blooming on the side of the Esplanade

at Willows Beach where I have been taking my daily walks.

The day was grey, cold and gloomy but this wee pop of yellow 

acted like a lightbulb

 radiating cheer and warmth.

The sun has been trying to come out...

three cheers for trying!

I've noticed that people who walk this route smile a lot when they pass...

generally 

much more friendly than the serious joggers and runners on my local route.

Sending you some sunny yellow cheer...

Chicken piccata

a comforting dinner on a cold blustery night.

Here is a link to a similar recipe on Epicurious.

A hot cup of tea...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Take care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~