Showing posts with label thrifting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrifting. Show all posts

Friday, September 12, 2025

September ~ Mid month musings...

 


Sunny Yellow Dahlias are putting on a bright and bold showing.
We've planted these in a vintage garden wheelbarrow and parked it out front.
The flowers are continuously blooming...
 I suspect they will be around for another month.

I've picked a few on occasion, 
I like to leave most of them on the plant for maximum effect!

There are so many beautiful and different varieties of Dahlias.
 I think I need to find a few more varieties for the Humble Bungalow Garden.

Mom used to grow Dahlias.
Some she called "dinner plate dahlias"
they were the size of a dinner plate...
with spiky petals.

Mom had a bed dedicated just for growing Dahlias...about 6 foot X 20 feet.
A rainbow of colours and a variety of forms...
She would pick bunches and bring them inside our home, 
scattering them in most every room...including the bathroom.
I think she used ALL her vases for these displays.


Recently I had a very lucky day at the thrift shops...
I drove out to Brentwood Bay and Sidney and had a good look.

Circe is a book that I have been meaning to read for many years.
Vintage Linen napkins X 4
Glass Flower Frog
Silver Sugar Bowl that matches my Harrods Teapot and Creamer!
The sugar bowl has been on my radar for several years...
this one has a monogram, unfortunately not our initials.
(I figure it just adds to the charm.)


Do you like to go thrifting?
What is your favourite thrift shop find?



The simple silver tea set...
2 thrifted tea strainers...one is sterling, the other is silver plate.


~ Vintage Royal Albert Canterbury China ~

This pattern is for afternoon Teas...
I have some side plates and a couple of cake plates.
Fortunately I found most of these pieces locally in thrift and consignment shops.


This is one of the Birks gold earrings that my husband gave me 45 years ago...
they were a grand gesture gift for Christmas when I was a stay at home mom.
Two babies and we were scraping by 
with not a lot of cash leftover from our expenses...
when to my surprise and delight my husband gave them to me.

A few days ago one fell into the toilet 
as it was flushing and I couldn't grab it in time.
The sadness that followed was profound...there were tears.
I have worn these throughout the years and I felt they were priceless.
Sentimentally I felt like I had lost something really BIG.

After a couple of days, and encouragement from our daughter and my husband...
I went to a local shop Old N Gold and found another pair.


Slightly bigger and the gold on these is twisted...
(Italian earrings)
I traded in the solo earring and walked out of the shop wearing this new pair.
As someone on Instagram said...it's a new chapter.

Have you ever lost a piece of jewellry that meant a lot?
Did you replace the item?


After Yoga I popped into Adventure Clothing on Oak Bay Avenue...
I saw a cute pair of jeans that are wider and cropped.
They were on display with a shirt from the Cornish brand Seasalt.


I tried them on and really liked the fit...
they are by the company French Dressing.

The printed Seasalt Shirt was really pretty but I don't usually wear prints.
Stripes yes, but prints...not so much.


Do they look like Sailor pants?
Pedal Pushers?

Well I LOVE them whatever they are called...


I've been having fun styling them with items that I already have in my wardrobe...
for example:
white linen top and jacket
white Tee and blue and white striped Ralph Lauren oversized shirt
Long sleeve white top with a hand knit Miriam sweater in a teal blue shade.

I am thinking I need some red cowboy boots to wear with these this Fall!


Our dwarf apple trees are full this year and we have a grand harvest...
Chehalis apples (above) are green and slightly tart.


Liberty are a bit sweeter...
Both are great eating apples.
 I also use them for pies and crisps.

Do you have fruit trees?


I picked some hydrangeas in hopes to dry them...
these are different from the Limelight and Annabelle hydrangeas.
We have two plants and one is rose coloured, the other is blue.
They grow side by side and I wonder if the soils PH is different?

My mom used to say that hydrangeas can change their colour
 simply by adding copper pennies...
I am not sure if this is true or an "old wives tale?"

Do you know if it works? 
Have you tried to change the colour of your hydrangeas?

Well that's about all the chit chat news I can think of sharing right now...
hope that your September is off to a great start.
Autumn will be here before we know it in our part of the world.

(Some of you are just heading into Spring!)

Take care and thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog..



~ Boscobel Roses ~

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Mother's Day Post and a wee bit of shopping...


Happy Mother's Day!

Hope that you are having a good one...

Whether you are celebrating with your family
perhaps remembering and honouring your precious memories of your Mom
or sharing this special day with other women...

Cheers to all of the great women in our lives who helped us.
Who mentored us in our careers...
inspired and cheered us on
and 
continue to be beacons of light.


We were at the cottage last week...
the weather was great!

It was a mixed bag of activities and meals were quite simple.
Knitting, reading, beach combing, thrifting, visiting with friends.
I am surprised that we didn't even get in one game of crib!!


Found more sea glass and a vintage boat "block" at the thrift shop.
I like the distressed look of the block with its peeling paint...and a wee bit of rust.


Summer feels like it is on the way.
My trusty vintage Eddie Bauer sunhat...going into its 3rd decade 
(Thank you Patricia !) 
Found feathers add to the age and charm...


Hosted a Happy Hour on the Deck...
We sat outside until the winds picked up and practically blew us indoors!!


I bought a new sweater by the French Company Saint James...
it was on sale locally at W&J Wilson's.

I have a Breton striped top and a Black sweater by the same company.
The quality of their clothing is absolutely top notch.


Periwinkle Blue Cashmere Cardigan...
reminds me of the shutters in Provence.


Will be a workhorse in my wardrobe....


Paired well with my Akoya Pearls and a simple white Tee.
Wore it with my wide legged black rayon pants.
Black Vessi slip on shoes.


In other news :
Won the Mother's Day draw at a la mode Consignment in Oak Bay!!!
Will be picking up my gift when they open on Tuesday.
Thank you Alexa :-))

If you live in Victoria and shop in Oak Bay don't miss this gem of a shop...

We are so fortunate here in Victoria to have a variety of great second hand and consignment shops...so many great ones. I LOVE shopping in this shop!


My other faves are :
Twice is Nice
House of Savoy


Well I have my first cold since Covid hit the planet...
So I am feeling a wee bit foggy in the brain.

Will close for now as
I need to pop the kettle on and make some honey and lemon.

Hope that you are feeling good and keeping your spirits up.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

New Years ~ Three resolutions for 2025

 


~ Mount Baker ~ 

My view this week on my walk.
A crisp fresh topping of snow atop this grand mountain.

~ The new walking poles are so helpful ~ 
I can take longer strides, 
walk faster, 
feel so much more stable
~ Confident ~

If you have ever fallen, or felt a wee bit wobbly on your feet.
 these poles are a wonderful tool, I think they are a real Game Changer.
(they work the arms too)

With the last few quiet days
I've been culling stuff here in The Humble Bungalow...
tidying drawers, cupboards and closets.

Taking donations to the charity shops and having a wee peek at what is for sale!


I spied these new (with tags) waterproof gloves at the local WIN Thrift Shop.
They are lined and are SO much warmer than my old thin leather gloves.


I also scored a soft charcoal grey long cardigan.
It has two pockets and is really cozy.
It also feels brand new...

Do you shop at thrift stores?
Buying second hand is so easy on the budget.

As a retiree with a pension,
 I really appreciate the price points on the merchandise.

Prices have gone up a bit
 most shops charge at least 1/4 off regular retail prices.
Some smaller shops are at giveaway prices!

I decided to buy a second pair of jeans...
I donated the low rise Eileen Fisher jeans as they emphasized my muffin top.

The brand I prefer and fit well are MNG or MANGO.
Mom jeans with an ankle length.

The local BAY store did not have any in stock so I ordered some from Nordstroms.
Rarely do I shop online but it was absolutely necessary this time.
Good News...
they were on sale...I got the last pair in my size :-))


Faded wash...
my current jeans are a dark wash.


Am going to love wearing these...I love denim.
They will pair well with the soft pale blue flannel Frank and Eileen shirt.
White Old Navy shirt, new-to-me grey sweater, white T shirt, black long sleeve T
almost ALL my tops will work with these jeans.
(silver sequin top)

Summer time they will be great with flip flops too!

Fortunately the jeans arrived on time and more importantly they fit!


Are you making any New Year's Resolutions?

#1
Focusing on getting as much information as I can 
on the management of osteoarthritis
and reducing the pain in 
 my arthritic hip.

#2
Getting back to Yoga
After my recent fall and concussion,
 I decided that I needed to work on balance.
Have been following a You Tube balance routine and need MORE.
My local Yoga Studio "Ajna" in Oak Bay offers fabulous classes.

I have registered for a workshop on Hips.
Which will identify moves and exercises that strengthen
the muscles that support the hip.

Signed up for 8 sessions of Yoga for Osteoporosis 
at a local Rec Centre taught by one of the Yoga instructors from my studio.

#3
Continue to attend Aqua Fit Classes at the Oak Bay Pool.
My doctor highly recommends these classes and prefers them to my long walks
with my "bad" hip.
He's going to refer me to a surgeon...
(our wait list for new hips is several years long)

I mentioned to him that I did 8,000 steps last week and for the next 2 days I was in terrible pain...
he thinks that is way too many steps considering my hip issue.

Do you have arthritis?
Are you able to modify your activities so you do not feel as much pain?

Well enough about my health related resolutions...

In exciting news...
We went out for New Year's Eve!
First time in many years...

A Dinner Date :-))

~ OOTD ~


My LBD (5 years old) Eileen Fisher
Baroque Pearls from Hong Kong


Coach Loafers
(2 or 3 years old)


Aritzia Wool and Cashmere Coat
(new bought on sale)
Vintage Coach black leather bag


Vintage rhinestone bracelet
BLING...
(After All it is New Year's Eve!)


Dinner at Zambri's
The Mocktail was delicious...
(tasted like an Aperol Spritz)

I've been off alcohol for awhile
(trying to lose some weight)
slowly 

Only a few pounds down but in December I have been nibbling shortbread cookies
and eating this fabulous dinner!!!


Caesar Salad


Halibut and shoestring fries...so yummy!


Panna Cotta with lemon...


Oh my goodness!
Our dinner was so lovely...great food wonderful service.
A very nice way to start the new Year.
Thank you Honey :-))

Before I forget...
 I found a real Antique at Value Village last week...


French Porcelain
by
Clain and Perrier


Look at those pretty pink roses and gold gilt!
So sweet and feminine...
just darling.

The Company was located at 238 Boulevard St. Germain in Paris.
It was in business from 1879 - 1914


I am quite smitten with this wee treasure...
a compote for the top of my bureau.

For the record, I didn't NEED this, but I couldn't resist...
besides
 it feels like a French Souvenir.

It is an item that makes me smile every time I see it...
and I keep looking at it.

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

There are many new adventures waiting to unfold
so many possibilities
dreams to be dreamt
people to meet
books to read
teas to sip
music to hear
meals to be made
new recipes to try
interesting courses to enroll in
new skills to learn
SO MANY
opportunities for discovery.

What new things will you try this year?
Will you travel?
Will you stay at home and feather your nest?
Will you keep a journal?
Write a Book?
Paint a picture?
Sew or Knit?

Or will you sit still in the moment 
breathe in the energy that will keep you grounded and sane?
Namaste


~ 2025 ~

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thank you for popping by to read my little blog...
Grateful for you choosing to be here.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Hostess Gift Recipe and some random snippets...

 


 ~ HOSTESS GIFT ~

I've been making these tasty spiced nuts for several years now...
they are quick and delicious and get rave reviews!

I am not sure if I have shared the recipe before?
I buy the big bags of nuts from Costco.

Did I mention how delicious these nuts taste?


These are from a cookbook that our local school put together many years ago.
SO YUMMY 
I hope you enjoy them :-))


Am really surprised by the quality of Sonsie Skincare!
My rosacea has calmed and the redness has diminished.
The skin drinks up the serum and moisturizing cream.
Not greasy at all as it is absorbed right into the skin.
 
Sonsie reached out and sent me an email with a link that offers a discount with the code.


I don't usually do these things but I am over the moon with the products,
 so thought it might be fun to share the 15% discount 
to those readers who might be interested.

Please let me know if you try the products.


Wore the thrifted Butler bird brooch on my handknit sweater...
it makes quite a bold statement...it is bigger than most of my brooches.

I also wore in on a black boiled wool tunic top with black pants.
Such fun to add a wee bit of vintage BLING :-))


Some of the last garden roses...
the blooms are lovely but the usual fragrance is missing.
They will be sweet smelling again come Spring.


Went to the Church Hall for the Friday Sale...
found a VERY tarnished tea strainer.

(I thought it might even be pewter)


After some silver polish and a few minutes later...
Shiny silver 


Surprise!!!

It is
Sterling Silver 

The sale was well attended and it was a challenge to move about!

I found some nice ribbon for wrapping gifts.
My ribbon supply has almost been used up.

I love to use gross grain and satin ribbons...
but I don't always want to pay high prices for ribbon.
I do love a Bargain :-))


Revlon's Iced Amethyst 625 lipstick
bought to wear with my thrifted Eileen Fisher Velvet top.

I wore it to a dinner party last weekend.

I am still in shock that I found it in a thrift shop!!


~ SALE SHOPPING ~
40% off

Black quilted long vest


Our Humble Bungalow is quite drafty...
single paned windows and limited insulation from 1912
make for cool indoors during the Fall and Winter season.

This vest is warm and will allow for movement...
cooking, cleaning, bread making etc.

In other news ~ the concussion is still with me.
I have some woozy moments and have a mild headache.

Am doing online balancing exercises to see if I can improve my stability.
Walking with the Urban Poling Poles.

Attending Webinars put on by Vancouver Coastal Health
on osteoarthritis and learning a lot about what I can do to reduce pain 
strengthen the muscles that support the hip.

~ Education is Power ~


Beautiful Mount Baker in Washington State seen from our coast.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you have a lovely Festive Holiday Season.

Best wishes
Hostess
XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~