Pretty in Pink ~ rosacea and skincare.

The Pink McCartney Rose

Long time readers will know that I suffer from a skin condition called rosacea...
there is no "cure" one needs to be proactive to manage the condition and deal with the occasional flare ups.

Some of the triggers for Rosacea are stress, sunshine, hot and cold temperatures, wind, red wine, spicy foods, and certain chemicals in skincare products.

One never knows when a bout of rosacea may occur.
I try my best to manage the condition.

I use the Avene line of products for sensitive skin.

My routine:

I wash my skin in the morning 

using Anti redness lotion

warm water

with a very a light touch 

then I gently pat my skin dry.

I apply 3 drops of IS Clinical serum 

followed by Avene Hydrance Intense.

I wait a few minutes to allow the products to be absorbed

before applying Bella Donna mineral powder.

It has an SPF of 50 which I use everyday all year long.

The powder covers most of the redness.

In the evening 

I remove all the powder with a cotton pad soaked in Micellar Water.

Then I wash my face with the Avene lotion, add the 3 drops of serum and apply  Fresh Rose Deep Hydration moisturizer.

( It smells wonderful!)

I occasionally go to a medical based Spa in Oak Bay Derma Spa 

 for laser treatments which target the broken capillaries and redness.

They are super knowledgable and provide many services 

to patients like myself who have skin conditions.

They also sell IS Clinical serums and Bella Donna mineral make up.

I have read a lot about Rocasea and there are many great sites online where you can find out more about the condition.

I hope that you have found this information helpful.

To those of you who have this condition I hope that you have found some ways to cope with the redness and the inevitable flare ups.

I welcome your thoughts and ideas on what works for you...

Jude the Obscure and McCartney roses.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

An amazing product that I never knew about!!

Am I the last person to hear about the award winning product by Weleda called Skin Food?

There has been a lot written about the formula in this green tube.

Here's what the Weleda site says about Skin Food.

No animal testing

Paraben and phthalate free

No synthetic preservatives or fragrances

Apparently it's a "cult favourite!"

Perhaps not being in a cult might explain why I haven't heard of it before!

I've just 

slathered my hands with this lotion and WOW!

I had to share this with you 

just in case I was not the only person who had not tried this cream.

(you'll thank me)

The clerk in the Pharmacy sold me her last tube...

she says they can hardly keep it in stock!

You can use this all over your skin, even in your hair!

It is good for ragged cuticles and if it helps with this issue,

 I'll be ever so grateful!

Gardening and homekeeping chores are hard on my hands.

So next time you need a hard working product you might consider trying this one.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

Let me know what you think about the Skin Food if you try some...

or you may already be using it!!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Linen frock...rosacea update and flowers...

I bought a new frock this week...
it is linen, made in Italy.

Stripes of navy and white

The back detail

cool, loose and floaty.

The perfect kind of dress for the hot days we are currently experiencing.

Add flip flops and a sun hat and I am good to go.

Heat and cold are rosacea triggers so I am trying very hard to keep my temperature variations to a minimum.

Further update on the rosacea flare up...

It has been a month since I had the laser treatment.

The skin on my face is not quite so red 

but there are visible broken capillaries.

 I went back for a follow up visit yesterday and had another session with the YAG laser.

I was advised to start using a medical grade serum.

The serum targets inflammation, weak blood vessels and redness.

It is expensive but so are the laser treatments.

If the results are as good as the technician claims I will be satisfied.

Today my face is puffy and pink where the nurse/technician targeted the laser.

Nothing so severe that I would need to stay cocooned indoors.

I put on mineral sunscreen and headed out for a walk with my hat and sunglasses.

Enjoyed a long lunch with some girlfriends.

Later this afternoon

 I hand watered the garden and took some pictures to share with you.

Purple Honesty 

creamy smillacena racemosa

one of our rain barrels

Clematis Montana reubens and hostas

Hostas, variegated iris, black mondo grass, Spanish bluebells.

Flowers for a friend...

lily of the valley.

Hope you have a lovely weekend and to all the Moms

Happy Mothers Day!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Pretty Pinks...

May is such a beautiful month here in Victoria.

Our garden is putting on a lovely show...
The roses are not yet in flower but we have lily of the valley, clematis, hellebores, geraniums, white anemones, irises, tulips, and many more.

I captured this rhododendron on my walk.

A fly photo bombed my shot!

Its iridescent wings look quite like a jewel.

A pale pink soft rhododendron...

we don't have enough room for rhodos

roses take priority.

We worked in the garden on Saturday and some of Sunday.

Mr. HB planted tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouse.

Radish seeds will be sown soon.

Russell Nursery

was hosting a

a pop up Vintage Fair.

I did not find any "rusty vintage items" for the garden 

but I did find a new apron!

Made locally 

I can use it both in the garden and kitchen.

The pockets are handy too!

Love the fuchsia fish !

My hands take such a beating working in the home and garden

despite rich creams and cuticle balms

mine rarely look cared for...

GRRRRR!

I've been experiencing a breakout of rosacea.

this condition surfaced in my early 30's.

The dermatologist started me on a round of antibiotics and a topical cream.

 We got it under control but since then over several decades 

more outbreaks crop up.

There is no "cure" for rosacea.

Redness control skincare products 

(Avene)

using a gentle

 touch 

avoiding the sun 

and 

temperature extremes are also essential.

A cycle of IPL laser treatments 

help to manage the condition.

I have had one IPL treatment and will need a few more...

the flushing, redness and bumps are difficult to camouflage.

It is frustrating and I do try to keep calm.

It's sunny outside this morning and the birds are chirping.

My to do list today:

 ~ wash the slipcovers ~

~ hand water pots and plants in the garden ~

~ write and publish a blog post ~

~ deep clean the sink ~

~ wash the sheets ~

~ walk ~

Love this soft almond scented milk concentrate...

I use this after my shower every morning.

Well I must stop procrastinating and get busy with my to do list...

(you may have noticed that I started the "do list" with my favourite activity)

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope your week is off to a fabulous start...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Springtime ~ Flowers and a fresh natural facial exfoliator...

Spring is almost upon us

  the weather has been blissfully sunny and mild.

Bright yellow tulips are adding some radiant colour 

in The Humble Bungalow Bathroom.

The Frilly and Frothy petals are so pretty.

Two bunches for under $10

a cheerful purchase from the market.

Looking deeply inside for a close up shot.

I'm test driving a new facial product... 

it is getting rave reviews from the ladies who have tried it.

Wyld

Konjac facial cleansing sponge.

100% natural

Infused with French Pink clay.

PH Balanced

Fragrance and chemical Free.

Cleans and exfoliates 

buffing away flaky skin 

leaving a freshly cleaned dewy complexion.

Just add water to the sponge to soften and use gentle circular movements 

with or without cleanser

taking care in the T zone area and any flaky patches.

Rinse sponge in warm water and hang to dry.

Can be used on normal, dry or sensitive skin.

(do not use on sunburned skin)

Purchased at Thorn and Thistle Flower Merchants.

I am not receiving any monitary benefit or bonus from this post.

The sponge is hard until you immerse it in warm water.

It comes with a string to hang it to dry in between each use.

Exfoliating the winter and freshening up for Spring!

Have you found any fabulous new skin care products?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Checking in...

My time on the computer has dwindled of late...
there are more things keeping me busy that require my attention.

In advance of our trip to Italy 

I enrolled in a class at the local community centre.

Italian for travellers.

The language is beautiful...

it has a very melodic sound

and

spoken with such passion.

Learning a new language at my age is proving to be a challenge!

The teacher, 

who is from Rome,

gives us lots of homework and much of it requires memorization.

I am really enjoying the sessions

 have met many wonderful people 

who are also planning a trip to Italy.

The snow kept me indoors more than I would have liked...

I love to walk every day.

The fresh air clears out any cobwebs and energizes.

I discovered that noticing and savouring the beauty of nature has a positive effect on my mental well being.

So I suffered a bit with cabin fever...

which prompted me to clean out cupboards and drawers.

Many bags are heading off to the charity shop,

The snow is melting!

The roads are clear and only a few patches of snow linger in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Walking has resumed!

I'm reading a great book...

have you read it?

What are you reading?

Do you have any favourite books to share?

My hair is greyer these days...

its longer and some days is curlier than others.

I've stopped washing it every day as grey hair tends to be dry.

My skin has been extra dry...

think it must be the cold weather.

I have been slathering on serums, moisturizers, body lotion and hand cream.

Are you on Instagram?

Have you seen Linda V Wright's account?

She lives in Paris and has an amazing shop called Crimson.

She is a style icon.

I plan to visit her shop when I go to Paris.

Many mature women are reinventing themselves...

the confidence, joy and passion that they share 

is positively invigorating...

Times up! 

Must close the laptop 

 I am meeting friend for a walk.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Changing things up while stretching the budget...

I have been a wee bit naughty...spending money!

But I need to explain that I deliberated long and hard about this most recent splurge...it was not an impulse buy.

Autumn blooms in The Humble Bungalow Garden

White hydrangeas wearing their fall colours.

I have been a fan of L'Occitane for many years.

Soaps, lotions, scents...

Their Immortelle Divine Anti-Aging Collection is wonderful.

I've used many jars over the years...

The sales clerk gave me a few samples of the newer line 

"Cream Harmony Divine"

 to try and I was amazed at the difference in just a few weeks.

I started with the Immortelle overnight reset oil in serum...

my skin looks more evenly toned

and it has a healthy glow.

So I have just "invested" in the Divine Harmony Serum and the Cream.

(both products are refillable)

There are patents pending on both these products.

15 years of research has gone into the development of these products.

The two key ingredients are 

the Immortelle Millesimee flower and Jania Rubens, a red sea algae. 

Both are harvested from the island and seas around Corsica.

I share this information 

as I feel that a glowing healthy complexion is important.

In my opinion

it is worth working diligently 

to help keep us feeling good about ourselves as we age.

Heavy make up is not the way to achieve a "youthful look"

especially when we are over 60...

less make up 

applied with a lighter hand is much more flattering.

With a focus on what works and what doesn't work

ways that we can improve the look of our skin.

Starts with 

finding a skincare regime that delivers results 

drinking lots of water to keep us hydrated

maintaining healthy eating habits

and 

getting some fresh air and exercise daily.

I am not an expert nor have I received any remuneration for my post...

the opinions stated here are all mine!

They are simply "Hostess Approved!"

Hope that you are enjoying your week.

Have you been busy?

I took myself out for a quiet bite of lunch and a pot of Earl Grey tea

then I met a friend for a chat 

before we met up for our monthly knitting group.

My days have been particularly busy and seem to be for the forseeable future.

Life does seem to get busier the closer we get to Christmas!

Not too sure if I will be able to post regularly with my calendar so full

but I will try!

Thank you for stopping by...

~ 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 ~

Tuesday snippets.. from my wicker chair on the front porch.

Come and sit for a bit on The Humble Bungalow front porch and relax...

I washed the front porch yesterday and took some things away.

There is a tendency to put too many things on the porch creating chaos

making relaxation next to impossible!

The magnolia is in bloom

out of these fuzzy pods 

pure white flowers emerge

They are so elegant...

Coco Chanel loved her camellias

well I love Magnolias!

We have several magnolias growing in the back garden 

 they are a different varieties.

One of the items that I moved was this old tool box

and when I spied these cheery daffodils at the garden centre later in the day I knew exactly where I would place them!

A pop of yellow...

I'd forgotten how much my skin loves this pot of Divine cream by L'Occitane.

So much moisture is delivered by using a small amount.

I've ordered the full size jar and have a bonus Divine Youth oil coming with it...

 a 2 day Easter special 

 as they say "timing is everything"

 so with a click of the button it was done.

 I know that "Youth Oil" is not going to turn back time 

but if it helps my skin glow and look hydrated I am content.

Dinner last night was a one pan classic...

prime rib roast with veggies roasted right beside it.

No gravy but big flavours.

I am reading this book right now which is really very entertaining...

these Mitford Sisters are truly iconic women.

Looking back in history when England was at war

 it describes how these six sisters played various roles in society

each unique with their contributions

one more famous than the others.

The fascinating Deborah, 

The Duchess of Devonshire,

whose book I read a few years ago.

Thank you for stopping by...

I must sign off for now and get cracking on my walk.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~