Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Week of wild weather...


Beeswax candles glowing...
adding ambiance on a frigid cold day.


Very snowy here these past few days...
not a lot of accumulation in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Other areas of Victoria have a LOT more!
Schools were closed, traffic was snarled, buses got stuck.

Mr HB and I stayed home.
I read books, played word games on the computer, 
knit a few rows on The Sophie Scarf,
decluttered and cooked.


Chester seems unfazed by the snow.
He is an indoor cat so he isn't really affected by the weather.
He has been taking advantage of having Mr. HB home...he's snoozing on his lap!


Chester asleep on the cat blanket.


I make soup for many of our lunches.

This spice was in a French Country Home subscription box.
It is made by Compagnie Francaise...
peppers, turmeric, oregano, thyme, curcumin, paprika, sage, basil, tamarind, onion, cinnamon.


The Christmas Cactus is still in bloom!
I bought this orange cactus recently...I love the bright shade of orange.


Here I am just before my Aqua Fit class....
no make up, just lipstick.

My decades old Burberry scarf, Columbia Puffer coat and a hand knit gift hat.
The Sally Hansen Insta Dri nail polish matches one of the stripes!!


Post swim relaxation.

Reading an interesting book by Lesley Crewe called Amazing Grace.
I have not read her books before but I am really enjoying this one.

What are you reading?


The weekly sourdough boule baking is still very much part of my routine.
I keep the sourdough starter active stored in the fridge.
The recipe I use I found online at Alexandra Bakes.

Cooking, baking, cleaning all these things happen here in The Humble Bungalow.
I accomplish a lot everyday but I intersperse the jobs with rest and tea.


I've been wearing these pink gloves to wash the dishes.
They are help my manicure last longer!

What is the weather like where you live?
We aren't used to snow so any amount can mess with the commutes of workers.
It makes getting around much more difficult...especially when the buses are stuck!

Tomorrow the forecast is for warmer temperatures and rain.
I think the snow will melt quite quickly and we will all resume our normal activities.

I plan to get out for some groceries and perhaps peruse a thrift shop or two.

Have you found any treasures recently in the shops?
I go into shops with an open mind and look at all the stock...
if I go in with a certain item in mind I find that I feel stress.

You never know what is waiting in the thrift and charity shops!

~ Happy Thrifting ~ 


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Sunday ~ Sunshine and Snow

 


This candle is not what I expected...
it is melting in a rather unusual fashion.

The shopkeeper where I purchased this candle
assured me that they were quality imports from Europe.

I think I will go back to buying beeswax candles.
They burn cleanly and look lovely and are fragrant while they burn.


Reading Mick Herron's book Slow Horses the first in the series.
Mr. HB is on book 5 London Rules...
he has the next one and will purchase the new one when it is published this April.
We do not usually read the same books but this series is an exception.


My reading corner at the cottage.


The weather is freezing cold and we had some snow overnight.
Just a dusting.


It is a beautiful sunny Sunday here at the cottage!


Another vintage sealer jar...almost full.


We managed to get out for two beach walks and gather sea glass.

Fashionable OOTD at the cottage are rather non existent!

I pack a Lands' End tote with cozy casual sportswear during the fall and winter.

What I pack for the week:

Nightgown and Ralph Lauren terry robe
thick alpaca socks (instead of slippers)

Lingerie:
bras, panties, camisoles

Two long sleeved Lands" End cotton tops 
Yoga pants and a pair of black lined leggings
32 Below black velour zip jacket
Black quilted Eileen Fisher vest
distressed and much worn Gap denim shirt
Jeans 
Long sleeve Eileen Fisher boiled wool sweater 

Boots:
Warm lined Reiker boots in a tobacco shade
Black waterproof Josef Seibel Chelsea Boots

Columbia blue puffer coat
Burberry plaid scarf

You might be curious, I do wear my Akoya pearls...
my vintage burgundy leather Due Fratelli bag
I also bring a small black leather Roots bag for hikes and walks.

Our cottage time is laid back and casual.

Hope that you are keeping warm and cozy if it is snowing where you live.

We'll be spending most of the week with our noses in our books and going for walks.
Meals will be simple and the weather sounds like it will warm up.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Many of you are frustrated that the email service Blogger offered is no longer working...
You can try Feedly or check in most Sundays for the post.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Let it snow....


It was almost a white Christmas!
The snow fell fast and furious and closed down the roads.
Ferries, buses and some businesses were out of service for several days.


Tea for Two?
Iced Tea perhaps...


Dinner on the Deck?
Looks like a puffy Pavlova dessert.


Even the Christmas baubles were clad in snow....


The Humble Bungalow Garden
looked quite pretty dressed up in all white.

We've been busy!

The snow has melted and there is a gusty wind and rain taking its place.
Power outages are predicted and the lights here are flickering
so I am hoping that we don't lose our power.


We have a lot of candles and a fireplace with some logs 
in which to build a fire if need be...

Hubby got one of those cool toques with a light in the front
so he can turn it on and read his book.
I don't think there would be enough light for me to knit on my current project.


I finished the vest and am knitting another Miriam sweater.
I knit one in a soft dove grey and the one that I am knitting now is a turquoise shade.

We were busy over the holidays with family, friends and there was lots of good food.

Did you try the nut recipe that I posted last time?

I gave away all the jars I made except one...
it is currently on the counter and I sneak a bite every so often.
Dang those nuts are tasty!!!

My husband and I no longer exchange gifts at Christmas.
We really have enough...
If we really NEED something we go out and buy it.

For example...
Our infloor heating thermostat broke just before the holidays
so we hired an electrician to come and swap it out.

Besides it is much more fun to give...
to our family
and
to friends.

I've been able to add a donation to the local food bank every week 
when I buy our groceries...
there are many people in need.

I will close for now and get our dinner started.


I hope that you had a good Christmas.


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Until next time...

 ~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Cold weather, a Thrifty Chicken Veggie Soup Recipe, and knitting at the cottage.

 


We are at the cottage and awoke to snow dusting the stairs...


It coated the ground which reminded me of icing sugar...
then I thought of cookies :-))


We purchased a wee tree for the cottage and chose small fairy lights in white.
It looks best when the lights are dimmed or turned off but we felt the need to add some festive cheer, it is December after all.


With this cold I decided to make a chicken veggie soup.
It was full of flavour and was a warm and cozy choice for the cold day.

Thrifty Chicken Soup

I used a roast chicken carcass.
Pick off the bigger chunks of meat and set them aside in the fridge.

In a soup pot I added the carcass and just covered the bones with water.
Boil then simmer for about an hour.
Take out bones and set them aside to cool.
Put the rich stock into a large container.
Pick off any more meat from the bones and add to the stock, discard the bones.

Saute one large diced onion, 2 stalks diced celery in oil until soft.
Add the meat from the fridge and the stock to the pot
2 diced carrots, some sliced greens 
(I used bok choy)
Cook about 45 minutes until carrots are soft
salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

It is very tasty and is so warming on a cold snowy day.


The sun was shining and we bundled up for a cold weather walk.
The air was crisp and so refreshing.
Little birds skitting about pecking for morsels of food...
Gulls soaring in the sky.


Soon the birds will be nibbling these red berries and rose hips...

December is a truly beautiful time to visit the cottage.
It is quite peaceful so we sleep deeply and feel relaxed when we wake up.
We are so fortunate to be able to come and do not take our time here for granted.
It is a precious gift.

We have been reading our books and I've been knitting on my vest 
which is getting very close to being finished.
I needed to buy some new locking stitch markers
 so I went to The Beehive before we left town.
 
Wouldn't you know it! I spied a lovely blue variegated yarn by Berocco.
Wool shops are rather lethal for me...chocolate, tea and book shops are trouble!
I rarely leave with empty hands.



This pattern is my next project.
Are you a knitter?
What do you love to make?

Hope that you are warm and cozy and enjoying the beginning of December.
I think it is going to get busy with baking and shopping and wrapping!
(with time set aside for knitting and reading)

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

OOTD ~ SNOW DAY and Baby it's cold outside!


~ Snow Day Selfie ~

I am getting ready to head out in the snow...
Snow does not usually make an appearance until after Christmas
so I was caught scrambling for my woolen accessories.
I popped on my boiled wool Eileen Fisher sweater overtop of a black camisole.
Layering is the warmest way to dress in this chilly weather.


~ OOTD ~
The cashmere Burberry scarf is ages old...maybe 10 years or more.
My hat is one I wore in Paris in 2015...Andre Diffusion with a feather pin.
The bag is vintage Due Fratelli.
My down Puffer coat is by Columbia and has a thermal foil-like lining in the body.
Super warm but bulky!
My dear departed Mom used to say...
"Darling Why don't you just wrap yourself in a Down Duvet?"

(I wear them simply because they are warm.)


Early morning routines...
candles, coffee, and my book.

I enjoyed this book...
set in Ontario Canada, in an Italian community.
I read Anne Giardini's The Sad Truth About Happiness and enjoyed it.
 When I spied this novel at the bookstore on Pender Island I grabbed it.


Chester and Pepper are snuggling...
a rare sight!
Perhaps it is the cold weather that encouraged them to sleep side by side?


Staying indoors has inspired me to bake.
I found this recipe online.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake
a heavy cake but oh so delicious!
Blackberries and whipped cream elevated it to a divine dessert.


You can see that the snow is melting on the porch.
The sun is warming us up...


I added a vintage Sherman Pin.
The rhinestones sparkle brightly set on a black background.
I love adding Vintage accessories...
they are unique, 
often found at thrift shops and can add a personal touch.

Do you wear Vintage pieces?
I'd love to know more about your vintage pieces.

I must close for now as I am heading out to the knitting group
we meet in a friends home, knit, chat and sip tea.
It's a fabulous way to be social and share our projects.
CHEERIO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
 

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Baby it's Cold Outside!


Slow mornings...
candlelight and silver

fairy lights
twinkling 
reflecting on the modernist crystal
sipping coffee in the quiet of the bungalow.

embracing gratitude.

Wondering what will the day bring?

New Year has entered softly...
gently
a white snow fell from the sky 
blanketing us with cold Arctic winter weather.


We were able to go for a short walk along the seafront.


Only a few stalwart and dedicated people were out...
Mostly dog owners!


There were lots of children outside building snowmen.

We heard the shouts of glee from the children as they tobogganed 
down the hill at Beacon Hill Park.

I've been cocooning here in The Humble Bungalow.
Staying warm and cozy
(cashmere is currently my best friend)

Drinking lots of hot tea and making soups.



Watching the new series "And Just Like That" on Crave.

The Sex and The City cast has made a return, albeit with an "older" theme.
I am not sure if it's going to hold my attention...
but I do like to be entertained :-))


Reading this gem...
a crime thriller which is a page turner.

Am halfway through and wonder how this is going to end.


I've picked up the needles again and am making progress on The Doocot Sweater.
One sleeve finished and the other one started...
I've made a few mistakes but will attempt a repair...

Who knew?
But
apparently quilters and knitters embrace
"wabi sabi"
a wee mistake is intentionally included in the finished product.

Did you know that?

Once this cold snap has left us I am going to restart my walking regime.
I am feeling fuller through my mid section from all this time spent indoors.

How are you starting the New Year?
Have you exciting new dreams and goals for the next 12 months?
Would love to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime 
we still need to mask up despite having two vaccinations and the booster.

It will be so lovely to put this pandemic well and truly behind us...

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Stay Safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

December Snowfall...and some snippets from the past few weeks.


We have snow!
It's pretty to look at but it is very cold.

I've been wearing my cozy cashmere sweaters and thick wool socks.
Bundling up in my puffy down coat 
(think Michelin man style)
hat
scarf
gloves


Fancy popping by to sit on the front porch with a hot cuppa?
The hummingbird feeders are freezing so we are rotating the two feeders 
in the cold snap of winter
the wee local Anna's hummingbirds rely on us to keep them fed.


Snowy scenes here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.


Abraham Darby a David Austin Rose
blooming 
while wearing a snow hat!


A fabulous book...
by author Alka Joshi.
The good news is she has published a sequel
 and is working on a third!


Lady Gaga was amazing in the film!
We saw it in the theatre...a matinee 
safely viewed with only two other people in attendance!

Lady Gaga is wearing the same pearls that I bought from a local shop.
Mary from Skanda sourced them from Hong Kong!



We discovered a new cocktail...

"Jingle Buck"

1 ounce Vodka
3/4 ounce pure cranberry juice
3/4 ounce lime juice
2 ounces ginger ale
ice
garnish with fresh cranberries

CHEERS!


I've felt at a loss for words on the blog lately...
perhaps it is writer's block?

Covid has worn so many of us down.
I want to rise up in positivity and rejoice 
but the new Omicron variant has us all in a tizzy.

Our numbers are surging and the hospitals are slammed.

We get our booster shots next week and for that I am very grateful.

I have been working on
The Doocot Sweater
I knit the body of the sweater and now I am working on the sleeves.
You'd think I would have this finished by now...
I started it before the pandemic hit!

When I attended the knitting club meeting I discovered that I am not alone in procrastinating with my knitting project.
Some of the women have taken up painting and several others bought bikes and have been meeting up to explore the scenic roads and trails.

I have made a conscious decision to focus on and embrace Simple Joys.

I feel happiest in my kitchen 
whether I am cutting veggies for a soup or baking cookies
or planning a menu to serve to my family
the contentment is hugely rewarding and comforting.

Two items that I purchased during Covid that have been most useful 
are linen aprons.

We have not purchased many things in the past two years...
we don't "need" much other than food.

Clothes shopping has been put on the back burner for the time being...
except for that "wee foray" at Eileen Fisher on South Granville in Vancouver!

I found a cute grey top and a sumptuous boiled wool sweater in a tunic length.
I bought the black one (of course!)

The sweater was, what I consider, an "investment piece."
It has been worn multiple times since I bought it!

I wore it Christmas Day with skinny Eileen Fisher pants.
I added a sparkly Sherman rhinestone pin.

Vintage rhinestone Brooches are such a fun way to add sparkle.

Hope that 2022 has some bright spots and highlights...
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~