Drugstore ~ Skincare and Make Up

 

When I was in Paris I made a pilgrimage to the "Pharmacie."

(easily identifiable by the large neon Green Cross)

Many seasoned travellers suggested the local Paris Pharmacies as a must see.

I was surprised by the popularity of these local shops.

Some actually had a line up out front !

I visited several Pharmacies in different arrondissements.

Some were larger and had more skincare products.

Citypharma at 26 rue du Four in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres has the reputation of being the BEST.

I stayed in the 6th arrondissement so this was closest.

(It did not disappoint)

The pharmacy is often crowded as it is very popular with locals and tourists.

Shelves are loaded with jars and bottles of serious skincare products.

Staff are happy to consult with patrons and are readily available to give advice.

The Pharmasave on Oak Bay Avenue 

has a wide variety of reasonably priced products with trained staff on hand to help.

One needn't spend a fortune to get good quality skincare products...

For example

Andalou Natural Products...

the company make product lines to suit most skin care needs.

I have enjoyed using the Andalou Rose products in the past.

Recently I have switched up to the Age Defying series.

I like the rich formulas...my skin soaks up the moisture.

I like to keep my skincare regime very simple.

Wash, tone and moisturize.

An intensive moisturizing enzyme facial mask is used once a week.

I have added a serum which helps particularly in the winter.

Derma-E Vitamin enriched serum is my favourite.

Rosehips and Grape Seed Oils 

Vitamin A and E

(4 drops morning and night ~ this bottle lasts a few months)

I wait 10 minutes before doing my make up 

to allow the oil to sink in and be absorbed.

My make-up routine is minimal 

5 minutes tops.

Minimal coverage and a light touch work best for my older skin.

Drugstore Make up products...

Andalou Age Defying BB cream

Burts Bees Aglow blush

Physicians Formula eyebrow tint

Annabelle eye shadow

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair

Miss Pupa Lip Gloss

While writing this post I have been sipping tea and nibbling some dark chocolate.

Afternoon Tea and dark chocolate

my afternoon ritual.

One of life's little luxuries!

Found a pretty vintage silver cake server this afternoon.

I met up with a friend who came over from the mainland for a visit.

We walked along The Avenue popped into the shops and had a lovely long lunch.

Joanne surprised me with a blue tote bag and a book AND she treated me to lunch.

We always have a lovely time chatting.

Thank you Joanne!

“Joy is the best makeup. 

But a little lipstick is a close runner-up.” 

~ Anne Lamott ~

Well I must close for now and get dinner started.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

LOTS of new things here in The Humble Bungalow...

Meet the gorgeous bold yellow fragrant climber Graham Thomas.

A stalwart David Austin Rose.

This repeat bloomer grows in the "work area" of The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Every garden needs a work area...

it is a space dedicated to storage of things we use.

Bamboo stakes, empty pots, the wheelbarrow, extra soil, tools and such.

We have it cordoned off by a half lattice fence with a smallish entryway.

It is rather like a linen closet...that holds extra sheets, towels and TP.

So necessary, but not really an inviting space

well except 

that this rose beckons me in...

I regularly deadhead it to encourage more blooms 

pick a few blooms to bring inside

who could resist?

Things are moving along fast here in The Humble Bungalow.

We had an unexpected "oopsie" with the oven...

it died completely last Wednesday.

No warning...

I did some research and the life expectancy of the former stove was 13-15 years.

Ours was 15 years and 1 month...

So we scrambled off to the shop.

A locally owned one 

where we purchased a freezer during Covid.

We were pleased with their staff, service and delivery options.

Thursday morning bright and early we stepped into the showroom

5 minutes later I was paying for the stove.

With a next day delivery and they hauled away the old one.

How fabulous is that?

~ LG STOVE ~

I LOVE the blue interior.

Ceramic stovetop with expandable elements.

Convection and regular baking settings.

It has a built in air fryer, and a proofing setting for bread.

So let the baking begin...

the first order of business will be The Victoria Sponge Cake

followed by the weekly sourdough boule.

I have been trying to get out for some short walks in this glorious weather.

Need to build up some strength...

lots of idle time spent inside resting up and trying to get better.

Stopped for a cuppa at The Willows Tea Room.

Mom and I used to come here when we walked the Esplanade.

Thought of her while I gazed out to the sea.

Good news is that I am not in such terrible pain,

feeling better and sleeping soundly.

I finished the antibiotics and go for some more tests this week.

Another diagnostic CT scan, this time with dye.

Fingers crossed the specialists can figure out what is going on and how to fix it.

Sweet peas are putting on a lovely show in the garden...

picking them insures that more flowers will follow.

If you don't pick the flowers the seed pods set and no more flowers.

The new mug is a thrift shop find...

I had 30 minutes before my dentist appointment and I was close to the Sally Ann.

So I went in and made the rounds...

I got lucky!

A cute Banana Republic top that I plan to wear with my white jeans.

(and Pearls)

Silver trivet for the teapot

all it needed was a quick polish.

Some days all the stars align and the thrift GODS smile down from above...

feeling grateful.

I've been reading a LOT!

I just finished Bloomsbury Girls this morning...

I really enjoyed it.

The first book was The Jane Austen Society.

I can recommend both these novels by Natalie Jenner.

I will start The Lipstick Bureau later this afternoon...

I have read and enjoyed all of Michelle Gable's books so I am pretty confident that this one will not disappoint.

Been on a spending Spree...

Bought this vase at a yard sale...

not sure that it has any age to speak of but it spoke to me!

I also upgraded our toaster as the old one was not working very well.

Bought a Zwilling long slice toaster in matte black.

It will accommodate the longer sourdough slices.

Also I bought a new All Clad pot and ordered a new All Clad Pasta pot.

Put all the old pots on the boulevard and they went to new homes lickety split!!!

With the stove on the fritz

Hubby took me out to lunch last week...

we went to Faro in The Oak Bay Beach Hotel for pizza.

The oven fired Italian thin crust pizza was delicious.

We ordered an arugula pear salad to go with it and couldn't eat it all!

On our way back to the car we stopped by the Hen House...

I had to stop and say hello to the darling girls.

There were quite a few in the yard and they are very friendly.

I love free range eggs...those amber coloured yolks have so much flavour.

We had to order in a few meals with no cooking facilities available

but that was fun because we seldom order in, it is so easy to make a meal.

Now that I have a new oven there will be no excuse not to cook!!

Since my UTI and kidney infection I have been mindful of drinking more fluids.

A LOT of water with MANY MANY cups of tea have passed through my system.

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen this post in my stories.

Fortnum and Mason Tea 

a gift from Christine who asked her son to pop into the shop in London and buy some tea for her friends...

fortunately I was one of the lucky friends who were given a tin of tea.

This blend is so amazing! I may need to order some more...

or else I could pop over to London and shop in person?

(HAHA)

That's about all the news I have to share for now.

Will pop in again soon for an update.

Take Care.

XO

In the meantime...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Men's Italian Shirt...Bellissimo

Daffodils are putting on a great showing here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We need the cheerful flowers as the skies are a gloomy grey and the weather is cold.

I've been feeling the chill and wearing layers on my walks.

It feels colder with the gusty winds...

I wore my wool hat and gloves then pulled up my hood on my fleece lined coat.

 Should have worn my "Michelin Man" puffer down coat.

Not many people were out and about so I had the beach almost to myself.

A few gulls and crows soaring overhead and were tossed about in the wind.

As soon as I finished my walk 

I got in the car and turned the seat heater and hot air on.

Zipped off home and put the kettle on for a hot cup of tea.

Gosh what would we do without a hot cuppa?

Good for so many things.

In other news I found an Italian mens shirt at the thrift shop.

~ Bellissimo ~

The brand is Bugatchi with details that indicate quality...

Just look...

see what I mean?

I'll wear this at home with my black Yoga pants and perhaps out my white jeans.

The pearls kick it up a notch.

~ Bellissimo ~

Mom would have approved :-))

Picked and Popped a wee posy...

Into this vintage elephant vase was a thrift shop find.

Did you know that elephants' trunks on should always be in the upward position 

or your good luck runs out?

I've heard this from several "collectors" who love elephants.

(Not unlike horse shoes that should be hung with the ends facing upward.)

Do you believe in luck?

Luck might help us when we are thrift shopping.

There are so many items that one needs to weed through...

you need to keep your eyes fully open.

Often there are surprises that you weren't even looking for...

they just pop up.

Like this Italian shirt for example...

I always take a peek in the menswear section 

especially in sweaters 

as cashmere is not just found in the women's section.

I once found an argyle pattern Burberry cashmere sweater that I gave to a friend.

Not sure if he still wears it 

(I have seen him wearing it at his shop.)

Do you peruse the charity and thrift shops?

What are your best finds?

We had a Good Friday dinner here with our son and the three lovely grands.

The menu:

Salmon

Pot Roast 

Wild Rice Broccoli casserole

Cauliflower au Gratin

Brussels Sprouts

Brownies and Strawberries

Easter Eggs for the kids...the adults munched a few too!

Hope you are enjoying a pleasant weekend.

Happy Easter Sunday!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Blues ~ Tea, clothes, books and knitting

~ Tea ~

The Elixir of the Gods

I partake in afternoon tea each day.

It might be served with a silver service or poured over a bag in a humble mug.

Tea is good accompanied with a small snack...

a cookie, an apple, or a few bites of chocolate.

Decaf tea is my go to brew after 4pm and later in the evening, after dinner.

Tea goes well with my knitting :-))

The Miriam pattern sweater (available on Ravelry)

Rowan Felted Tweed yarn.

Italian wool and alpaca blend, so soft.

You may remember that I knit one of these casual cardigans in soft grey and love it!

I chose this turquoise shade as I think it will pair well 

with my classic denim and black wardrobe.

My chunky pearls and the new shirt...

Caught my eye while shopping... versatile soft Tencel shirt

 inexpensive and will fit in well with my minimalist wardrobe.

I don't buy a lot of clothes,

 but when I see something that meets all the criteria that I have for garments I pounce!

Life continues to be busy...

lots of social opportunities and meet ups are on the calendar.

Being a social being I quite like the flurry of activity.

I do enjoy quiet time and spend part of each day here in The Humble Bungalow 

tidying, cooking, doing laundry, knitting and reading.

Am immersed in this story set in Tuscany...

loving the characters and the setting.

It spans several decades and follows the lives of a group of friends

and acquaintances on their adventures.

Apparently it was named number one of the "best books" for 2023. 

I've got quite a few books on my TBR list...

have some Holds at the library and a few on my bookshelf.

Reading continues to be one of the luxuries that I really enjoy since retiring.

I used to be too busy when I worked full time to really get into a novel.

Holidays were the only time that I could devote a chunk of my days to books.

I was such an avid reader as a young girl growing up...

I always had my nose in a book!

I was a regular at the local Carnegie library downtown.

It all started with Nancy Drew mystery books, 

then L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series.

I graduated to more serious fiction in High School 

reading various authors among them: 

Aldous Huxley, 

Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leon Uris, Ayn Rand, Leo Tolstoy

Walt Whitman

I have read and continue to enjoy many genres.

Reading is definitely a passion of mine and I always have a book on the go.

Are you an avid reader?

Who are your favourite writers?

What are you reading now?

It is time for me to close this post and get busy with dinner.

Hope that you are well and enjoying the start to the New Year.

~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Shiny Things....OOTD

 

Today I am wearing an all black OOTD.

Eileen Fisher Boiled Wool Tunic Sweater

(an investment piece that I wear a lot)

Black leggings 

Black leather Clark Chelsea Boots

I added a Canadian vintage Sherman sparkly rhinestone brooch.

(Outfits that are plain look so much more interesting with  accessories.)

I digress...

Mom had several parure Sherman sets which were gifts from my father.

He bought them from Birks a Canadian shop that rivalled Tiffany's.

My sister has a beautiful Aurora Borealis set of Mom's.

 She wears the long drop earrings and wide cuff bracelet on special occasions...

I don't need a special occasion to wear a sparkly brooch.

I worked at Birks one Christmas and had so much fun selling jewelry!

The store offered free wrapping and I loved adding bows and tags 

making the gifts look special.

That year I gave Mom a Sherman red bracelet and earring set.

(I got a store discount)

Our darling daughter has the set.

Continuing on with the black theme I photoshopped this image of Poppies.

The details look like they really "pop."

Vintage silver champagne buckets are used in the kitchen as utensil holders.

We don't use the buckets for bubbly as we haven't had a fancy party for ages.

Silver requires polishing and not everyone likes the upkeep...

in fact you can find silver in thrift shops for next to nothing prices.

I have quite a few silver trays, silver tea service, and other silverware

in The Humble Bungalow.

Several trays, candlesticks and dishes were wedding gifts.

Silver was a classic wedding gift when we were married in 1974.

Close up on the vintage silver trophy...

local North Saanich Garden Club 

Flower and Garden Show

aggregate trophy

awarded to 

A.J.Nunn in 1929

(I found this trophy in a local consignment shop.)

I am definitely drawn to silver and shiny sparkly things!

Do you like to wear shiny or sparkly jewelry?

Do you collect silverware?

It's a sunny day here and the birds are singing.

Looking forward to a quiet afternoon...

I plan to brew a pot of loose tea this afternoon and read my book.

Perhaps knit a few rows on the vest I currently have on the needles

before 

I prepare our dinner.

I honestly love quiet afternoons

they feel like a gift!

I try to get all my chores and laundry done early in the morning.

Since retiring, the luxury of time and slowing down is priceless.

Take care and thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ Butterfly World

 

Pop of colour 

while wearing a cool grey sweater.

I use a gentle touch when it comes to cosmetics...

tinted CC cream, mascara and lipstick or lip gloss for daytime.

The lipstick is by Miss Pupa from Milan

Rossetto #503

New tweed knit pants in ankle length...

Hudson North

available at The Bay.

Versatile with my basic wardrobe in a grey black check.

The reason I went shopping for pants is because I recently culled my clothes.

Leaving only 3 pairs of pants...

Two pairs of jeans 

(Eileen Fisher and Nicole Miller)

and a dressy pair of black pants.

(Eileen Fisher)

Just happened upon a dreamy soft wool and cashmere blend Italian made sweater.

It fits like a Tee top 

perfect for layering under my black Eileen Fisher vest

or my Old Navy distressed denim jacket.

I added a felted woven grey and black scarf...

found at a thrift shop for an unbelievable price :-))

Warm and cozy and adds an interesting textural detail.

Adding interest with accessories when wearing basic neutral coloured garments 

is a good habit to get into.

I like adding accessories so I don't look "mumsy"

being mindful that I exercise a modicum of restraint.

I daren't invite a citation from those sneaky Fashion Police.

Dressing over 65 can be full of pitfalls!!!

Friday Field Trip with the granddaughters...

~ Beautiful Butterfly ~

We took our granddaughters to the attraction 

Butterfly World near Butchart Gardens.

There are some really interesting insect displays in cases...

ants, stick insects, spiders.

Through the double doors there is lush tropical open area 

with

exotic birds, colourful butterflies, carp, flamingoes, frogs, and tortoises. 

There was an open feeding tray with sliced citrus and banana skins.

We saw a few of these butterflies nibbling on the fruits when we entered

 when we were leaving 

each piece of fruits had one of these gorgeous butterflies feeding.

After our visit we drove to The White Spot for lunch...

it was quite busy and by the time our food arrived we were famished!

It doesn't feel like our usual October weather here in Victoria.

The weather has been dry and warmer than usual.

On the News tonight they mentioned that

this warm dry spell is about to change...

Cooler wetter weather is definitely on the horizon

the roses are still blooming but the rest of the garden is fading.

We need some serious rainfall and only a smattering of moisture has fallen so far.

I've been busy knitting the Rowan Toasty Slipover Vest...

a group of us met at a friends' home for a cuppa, chat and to knit.

Our hostess served a delicious Victoria Sponge Cake...

with a pot of incredibly tasty Mariage Freres Rose Royal Tea.

I am craving Rose Tea for my afternoon cuppa here in The Humble Bungalow!

All I need to do now is fly off to Paris and buy some...

A gal can dream...

Laundry needs to be done.

Dust bunnies need to be mopped.

Dinner needs to be prepped...

Until next time...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~