Victoria ~ September Tidbits and Snippets

I walked past the church today and observed a crowd of people 

talking animatedly poised with clipboards.

There will be a commemorative service held here in Victoria 

at Christ Church Cathedral to honour Queen Elizabeth.

Many of us are saddened by her passing...

I have known no other Queen in my lifetime.

She visited Victoria BC many times.

She stayed at Government House in Rockland a few blocks from our bungalow.

I remember once that we were able to go down to the Inner Harbour 

to watch her disembark from her royal yacht The Britannia

She stepped gracefully into a launch to come ashore 

making her way to the excited throng of onlookers.

Girl Guides gave her fresh bouquets of flowers.

She had a lovely smile and wore a colourful outfit and matching hat.

She was a hard working monarch with a strong sense of duty...

steadfast in her determination to do a good job

she was kind and compassionate.

She will be missed by many.

Her funeral will take place in Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19th 

The Federal Government has just announced that the day will be a holiday.

The Queen loved Sweet Peas...

Our local Pharmasave in Oak Bay offers many wonderful skin care products.

They carry some exclusive make up items like Pupa from Milan.

I enjoy shopping there as the clerks are so knowledgeable and helpful,

plus they have a wonderful exchange policy.

The Andalou CC cream is easy to apply,

rich and creamy which offers nice coverage without being cakey.

I am test driving a new serum from Derma E.

Ther Andalou Brightening Renewal Cream is a new product.

I recently had a facial at the Boathouse Spa at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

After the 60 minute treatment my skin felt wonderful...

I want to continue to take care of my skin and keep it supple.

Hydration and sunscreen are my two top priorities...

I also try to buy "natural" products.

I look a lot like my mom...

the older I get, the more that the resemblance is evident!

Mom loved her pearls and I love wearing mine too...

I snapped this selfie while waiting in a long line up at the car wash today.

was getting a wee bit bored as I forgot my book.

I picked up this book by Maggie O'Farrell

The Hand That First Held Mine won the Costa Award in 2010

Want to read all her books as I so enjoy her writing...

I loved her novel Hamnet and Judith.

The Marriage Portrait that was published in 2020 is on my list.

What are you reading?

Are you planning to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth on the telly?

It will be broadcast here at 3am...

Well I must close for now...

Mr HB has been harvesting the Jalapeno and Anaheim Peppers

SO

 I am making a big batch of Salsa.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wee luxuries...and remembering MOM

Willows Beach in Oak Bay

(a favourite spot of my late mom's and mine)

I took my coffee in a thermos and sat in the stillness

watched the sea, the sun and the clouds

listened to the waves as they met the shore

embraced

the sound of the gulls as they soared overhead.

A few precious moments of peace outdoors in nature to start the day

sets the tone for the hours ahead.

Unwrapped a lovely soap from Fragonard in Paris.

The porcelain soap dish accompanied the soap which was in a recent 

My French Country Home Box.

The scent is soft, subtle and sweet.

Hand washing happens many many times a day here in The Humble Bungalow.

I can still hear my mom's voice

her mantra was

"Soap and Water are Cheap."

Mom always kept a few bars of triple milled soap unwrapped in her lingerie drawer.

I think her favourite was Yardley's English Lavender Soap.

Mom was an avid gardener and worked for many hours outside 

before coming in and soaking in the tub...

a cup of restorative tea on the edge of the bath.

Lavender scents wafted throughout the house.

She'd dress up for my father's arrival home from work.

A dainty apron worn atop of her dress...

mom was a much tidier cook than I.

I remember so many lovely snippets of mom and learned so much from her.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of her.

Mom sipped her tea in a pretty cup and saucer.

She had a fondness for those decorated with flowers.

While I don't ALWAYS choose one of mine for tea.

(several inherited from mom)

I do more often than not.

My face is getting some serious TLC

the recent and ongoing IPL treatments are reducing the rosacea redness 

the broken capillaries are slowly disappearing...

My skin however is dry 

so I purchased a hardworking moisturizer to use in tandem 

with the IS Clinical Pro Health Serum.

Fingers crossed it will perform as was suggested at the clinic.

Healthy lunch at Brown's Social House

Tuna Poke Bowl

loaded with fresh veggies

delicious!

Eating mindfully 

adding lots of veggies with lean protein

 high on my radar.

Choosing healthier alternatives is becoming much easier...

although

the lure of french fries is still very strong.

If my husband orders them I ask to sample a few :-))

The interesting thing about eating tons of veggies and a small amount of protein is that I don't feel "stuffed" after I eat.

It is such a different feeling than when I order a burger and fries.

I actually prefer it and I am not hungry afterwards.

Sale item from Joe Fresh.

A simple basic which will get worn on my walks

and

paired with jeans perhaps layered overtop of a denim shirt.

Love the warm cozy feel..

great texture.

So many thoughts are swimming around in my head today 

as I sit here in The Humble Bungalow kitchen and type.

I am not sure how to wrap up this post...

writing about and remembering mom 

often skews my thought process

with

emotions tugging at my heartstrings...

Auriculas are starting to put on a show!

Perhaps it is time to find or build a theatre to display them?

They are all the rage in the UK.

How are things with you?

Hope that you are enjoying the start to the week.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Skin care products that I rely on to help keep my rosacea under control.

Are you on 

De-cluttering your spaces?

Feathering the Nest?

Editing your closet?

Working my way through The Humble Bungalow 

culling stuff from cupboards and drawers

Ridding ourselves of things that are no longer wanted

are out of date

&

 dusty and dull.

The bag of donations grows each day!

I tackled the skincare products and only kept the top performers.

You may not know that I have rosacea or that my skin is VERY sensitive.

I must be careful to use only the gentlest products.

No HOT water

no excessive rubbing

GENTLE but EFFECTIVE medical grade serums are worth the expense.

Here are my reliable trusted stalwarts in skincare.

Gentle cleanser and Micellar Lotion

by Avene

Rose Mask and Exfoliator

by Andalou

Pro Health Advance and Hydra Cool Serums

from IS Clinical

I use 3 drops of Pro Health Serum in the morning dabbing gently on cleansed skin

followed by Sukin Enriching Night Cream 

(it is super hydrating as my skin tends to be dry)

After cleansing at night I use 3 drops of the Hydra Cool Serum 

followed by the Sukin Enriching Night Cream

I use the Andalou CC cream every morning 

followed by La Bella Donna Mineral powder with additional sunscreen.

I use the Moroccan oil once a week as an intensive treatment.

It would be lovely to go to the spa for a facial 

but with Covid still active I am not planning a visit anytime soon.

Any skin care pampering will have to be done by me!

“Beauty is not in the face; 

beauty is a light in the heart.” 

~ Khalil Gibran ~

A January Rose bud that was blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The rosebuds have all faded after the recent snowfall!

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I hope that you are staying safe.

and

Taking good care of yourself.

We are living in a precarious time... self care is important

being proactive and soothing one's spirit is not being selfish.

XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Pop of colour ~ Rouje Lip Compact from Paris

 

Rouje

Lip Compact from Paris

01- Signature

New lipsticks for 2021

Beautiful Rouje gold case and a gold lip brush by Jane Iredale.

Some women might like to use their fingers to apply the lipstick. 

I prefer a lip brush.

We are all wearing masks these days for safety

but when I am at home or out for my walks I want to add a pop of colour.

This compact feels luxurious and with the variety of lip colours I can vary the shade depending on what I am wearing that day.

The lipsticks run true to colour.

 Are very emollient and last a long time.

This is the bold red lip.

The plum shade.

I wear very little make up so I focus on my lips.

A couple of readers emailed me asking about my skincare regime...

I use Avene 3 in 1 cleanser

Mad Hippie daily facial oil and at night Mad Hippie Vitamin A serum

I wait 10 minutes then follow up with rosehip night cream by Sukin.

I avoid the sun and use Avene BB cream with an SPF.

I hope that answers some of your questions.

If you have any more queries please leave me a comment.

Winter bloom on Jude the Obscure a David Austin Rose.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Take time to nurture yourself...we are living in a strange time and it is easy to forget to make time for those rituals which are soothing and relaxing.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Skincare, roses and books...

Pavement Series Rose

very fragrant with treacherous thorn studded stems.

While in isolation during Covid 19 

I have changed my daily make up routine.

Andalou 1000 Roses CC cream for sensitive skin. 

I like the soft dewy finish and the glow that I get while wearing this cream.

The added sunscreen protects me while I am out walking or playing in the garden.

Also new is the 1000 Roses body lotion by Andalou 

after my morning shower and love the light rose scent.

Flowers from our son's garden.

Focusing on Skin care from the inside out...

Roasting colourful vegetable for my lunches.

Upping my intake of healthy food 

by eating more vegetables and drinking lots of water.

Our heart in the window in honour of the frontline workers.

Reading during Covid has been a big part of my daily routine.

I have discovered so many new authors...

I love this book so much!

Am going to try and find Gill Paul's other books.

With our local library closed I will need to buy them. 

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose

a winning rose

stunning apricot orange shade 

a deep rich fragrance

lots of blooms

 repeat blooming throughout the summer season.

How are you doing?

With the restrictions easing are you out shopping in stores?

Dining out?

Going to the hairdresser?

Do you feel safe as we step out into the "new normal?"

I have a mask which I plan to wear on occasion especially when social distancing is not possible.

I am looking forward to meeting with my stylist for a trim 

when the salon reopens next month.

Stay safe.

~ 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 ~

Surprises! Flowers and an unexpected Frock...

An unexpected bloom from one of our Calla Lilies...

they were in flower during the summer and most have become dormant.

Not this one!

This beautiful blue hydrangea bloom is outshining the rest on the plant.

Most of the other flowers have faded and are dry and crispy.

If you read my Instagram you'll know that this hydrangea was a gift from my husband's firm when my father passed away in 2007.

It was a small potted plant when it arrived.

Now, years later, it stands about 6 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter!

Am immersed in Where The Crawdads Sing and loving the story so much!

Replenished my supply of serum from IS Clinical.

This serum works hard and delivers on its promise for better skin.

A luggage strap for my carry on.

The book I plan to take on the plane.

I ran errands on Oak Bay Avenue on a sunny breezy Fall day...

to get in more steps and walking I popped into a few of the shops and browsed.

This black Nyan dress caught my eye in the Maresa Boutique

It looked interesting and has some fabulous textural details.

I had not planned to purchase anything 

BUT it spoke to me!!!

It will replace the black textured skirt I planned to take in my carry on.

It will be an easy dress to wear...with hose or capri leggings.

Perfect for the trip to Italy and France.

The garden is still quite colourful...

My desire to get out there and work and weed has completely vanished...

Busy elsewhere in The Humble Bungalow this week.

Packing lists, errands and painting.

We had to rip up the carpets and underlay as we had some rainwater seep in during the last torrential rainstorm.

My husband discovered that the rain barrel

which usually stores then distributes the precipitation to the garden

 via a soaker hose 

(which unfortunately was plugged) 

 so 

it saturated the soil right beside the floor and seeped inside.

He's installed and overflow gauge with a wider solid hose. 

(in case the soaker hose malfunctions again)

Spent several days painting the concrete floor in the guest room.

We have purchased a couple of runners for now and will monitor the situation.

I pass by a garden on my way to the wee lending library and often stop to admire the unusual plants that grow in it.

This pretty pink plant is in the garden across the street.

I have no idea what kind of plant it is but will make sure that I ask 

next time I see our neighbours out in their garden.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~