December greetings from The Humble Bungalow...

 

~ Festive Greetings from The Humble Bungalow ~

We've put up the faux tree with twinkling white fairy lights.

One of our cats still climbs the tree

so we do not add our vintage glass baubles.

One year the cat knocked the tree to the floor 

resulting in a mess of shattered baubles...

sadly several vintage treasures were lost.

 

We keep our decorating simple and have added some silver baubles and stars.

Do you follow Pamela Anderson on Instagram?

She has moved back to the island, renovated her family home,

 planted rose and vegetable gardens and more recently has published a cookbook.

She has totally reinvented herself...written a memoir, appeared in a documentary

starred in a play on Broadway, and is appearing in films.

Pamela is a co-founder of Sonsie skincare products.

My skincare products were getting low and when I heard that she had a rose scented cleanser I thought I might try some.

I purchased the "bundle" cleanser, serum and moisturizing balm.

I would have bought the lip balm but it was sold out.

I have been using the Sonsie products for about a week and already can see an improvement in my skin tone.

Having rosacea and seeing a reduction of redness is VERY exciting!

Hydrangeas are almost done for the season but I managed to salvage a few blooms.

These have dried nicely in a vintage Crown Ducal Vase. 

After 3 years of lusting after this Cocoon wool and cashmere coat from Aritzia

I finally bought it and I am SO GLAD!!!

 ~ SO COZY ~

Cold weather means warmer accessories...

the walks by the sea are very cold.

I had a fall a week ago...

Hurt my hip and knee which are badly bruised.

Sustained a cut above my eye.

My eye lid and area below were really red but now are a limey green shade.

Managed to get to see the doctor who sent me for X Rays.

Fortunately nothing is broken.

However I do have a concussion and have had a CT scan...

results should be forthcoming.

Research on walking assists inspired me to buy walking Poles.

Our local Wellwise store carry the poles.

Hubby bought a pair for his walks too.

I have used them a few times and they make a HUGE difference.

 My confidence, stability and balance are much improved.

Do you use walking poles?

Have you ever had a nasty fall requiring x-rays?

How about a concussion?

Tis the season for candles!

Beeswax and a scented candle on the vintage silver tray add ambiance.

I like to sip my coffee, read my book, or knit with these candles glowing.

Silver baubles...

Harrods George V fluted silverplate Teapot and Creamer

Still on the hunt for the sugar bowl...

It has been a quite a week with my bruises and fuzzy head.

Hubby "cooked" which meant that we ordered Thai food and had White Spot.

Thank you honey it was a nice treat :-))

He was my gallant chauffeur for a few appointments and for that I am thankful.

Feeling much better

I am driving again and have been shopping and running errands.

Lots of Christmas baking to do to fill my cookie tins...

are you getting ready for the holidays?

What are your "go to" traditional festive treats?

This might be my only post for December...

SO

I am wishing you a lovely festive season!

Thank You for reading my Humble Bungalow Blog and for all your comments!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Solo getaway to Salt Spring Island ~ books, scent, skirt, tee and a sparkly vintage brooch.

 

I took myself away for 4 days to Salt Spring Island before our week at Pender.

I opted to stay close in town and park the car and walk to the shops and galleries.

My room overlooked the harbour.

The Salt Spring Island Inn was a very pleasant surprise.

It was built in 1937 and has been updated over the years...it has 7 rooms.

Three of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms and are advertised as deluxe rooms.

The 4 others share 2 separate bathrooms with showers.

It is very cozy.

The room was quiet and clean and had a TV which I never turned on once!

I purchased the deVol Kitchen Book from a fabulous shop called Rhubarb.

They have the MOST beautiful things in the shop...

they also have a website with some of their items.

I could have spent a fortune in there.

I finished knitting my neck warmer while I was at the Inn.

There is a wonderful cafe on the main floor.

It is popular with the locals and with tourists.

The food was really delicious and even though it was busy, 

the service was wonderful. The staff were friendly and animated.

I ate at the cafe every evening and opted for healthy meals.

(No fries or burgers)

Rain did not stop me from getting out and about...

I was out for an early morning walk before the shops opened up

when I spied this bottle on the sidewalk.

There must be a story here...

Pod has some amazing things inside!

European brands, cashmere sweaters scarves and hats.

Beautiful coats, clothes and shawls.

Met up with my friend Ali and she and I perused the shops.

She loves the Rhubarb Shop too so I went back with her again...

I went to 2 of the 3 thrift shops on SSI.

Found a sparkly brooch stamped Butler.

Love the size of the brooch...it makes a statement.

Found a basic tee top by Mododoc at Mouats.

 They have a vast selection of clothing and were having a sale.

I found the Golden Amber scent at Mondo...

it is woodsy and I love the fragrance.

Denim skirt also from Mouats.

I haven't had a denim skirt in many many years.

This will be a serious work horse in my wardrobe.

I am already planning what I am going to wear with it...

My crisp white shirt and pearls, tights and Black Chelsea Boots for a start...

Tee tops with my hand knit sweaters and vests.

Met up with Terry, my husband's cousin, who has lived on SSI for many decades.

We had a fun day together!

Terry is an avid walker and has made many trips to walk the Camino and various walks in the UK and Scotland.

She took me on a 5km walk in the Channel Ridge area.

I held my breath when she showed me a road that was so steep it went straight up!

I was VERY intimidated...

Terry was patient with me and said I'll talk and when you need to stop I'll wait.

Well I stopped 3 times to catch my breath but I did make it to the top.

After our walk she showed me wonderful areas of the Island that I had never visited.

For example, I had never been to the Mercantile...

The Woodshed

Glorious colours and a wide variety of veggies.

Beeswax Candles...

Fruits and Funghi

Salt Spring Island Kitchen Co.

They make wonderful and unusual jams, sauces, and vinegars.

Also sell the Salt Spring Island Cheeses and have yummy crackers too.

Tempting tasty samples too :-))

I bought two jars of jam...

Hot Mango and Onion and Thyme

The uber popular Francis Bread Bakery...

Totally loved these lights! They remind me of jellyfish.

Lots of tempting treats...

We had a delicious bowl of chowder at The Oystercatcher in Ganges.

Thank you Terry :-))

Went into Louise Campbell's Gallery...

colourful paintings and silk scarves.

I purchased 3 packages of art cards.

On November 11th there was a parade and a ceremony in the town square.

Many people turned out to watch the horses and Canadian Navy Bands.

After the event was over I grabbed a coffee 

then

 I checked out of the Inn and went to the bookstore to buy another book to take with me to Pender.

I read this book in a couple of days and have the sequel waiting at home.

I had never been to Pender from SSI before. It was fun to see the different scenery.

Well that about wraps up my holiday away...

Pender Sunset on our last evening...

I must apologize for being so slow at responding to emails!

I don't use my computer much when I am away.

I have laundry to tackle, bread to make, food to buy, and 

YES many emails to answer...

Only then will I read some more of Ina's new book!

What a lovely story!

Thank you for staying in touch and reading my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

50 Year Anniversary Getaway...

 

We celebrated our 50th Wedding  Anniversary on July 20th.

We thought about going on another cruise to Alaska but decided on Point No Point.

Point No Point Resort is a quiet place for a getaway.

They have numerous small log cabins and a couple of houses to rent.

The resort was started in 1952 and is almost completely offline...

No cell coverage and there is now wifi in the area by the office.

A former "pay phone" outside the office is FREE for local calls to Sooke.

We holidayed here every year until we purchased the quarter share in the cottage.

Many memories of relaxing getaways and amazing meals were brought back!

The restaurant serves fabulous food and is currently open Thursday through Monday.

We arrived prior to the 4:30 check in so we took advantage of the Happy Hour

 

A bowl full of baby clams in a delicious broth and a glass of wine.

Expansive and scenic ocean views from our table next to the window.

Cozy one room cabin, rustic style furnishings and a hot tub on the deck.

Wood burning fireplace, a small kitchen area, and a full bathroom.

Views to Washington State

Tide went way out in the early mornings...sandy beach waiting for beach combing!

The Beach House has a covered area with a fire pit 

perfect for roasting marshmallows or Smores.

Lovely secluded cove 

My walking stick and the Red Chairs :-))

Some of the Sea Glass that I found on the beaches.

Stellar's Jay landing on the railing of the deck...a foggy morning.

The fog was cool and so I decided to make soup for lunch.

I did not expect to be making soup and had to improvise!

~ Smoked Salmon Chowder ~

Saute: 1 large peeled and cubed carrot, 

2 diced peeled potatoes in butter

( I had no oil)

Add 2 cups of water

1 cup small pieces of candied smoked salmon

simmer until veggies are soft

then add 1 cup creamo

Salt and Pepper to taste.

It was surprisingly good!

Holiday and Beach themed books are on my radar....

Limelight Hydrangeas are in full Bloom!

A Welcome Home Surprise

Patio views in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Our daughter gave us a gift package to take with us to Point No Point.

Inside were some tasty treats and a lovely linen tea towel,

a vintage heart shaped candle holder

and

this vintage paper weight.

I had mentioned that I really liked it when she posted it on her Instagram.

She set it aside and gave it to us!

A good friend gave us wine.

another couple gave us a gift card for the local garden centre.

Our long time friends

hosted an al fresco dinner 

and 

gave us a lavender wand

and 

a small blue and white dish decorated with fish.

 

Today...

We are busy in the garden...

as we have lots to catch up on since we were away.

~ Gertrude Jekyll Rose ~

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I'll be back here on the blog in a week or so...

Hope that you are enjoying your week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~