Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Abundance of roses, and clothes that Spark Joy!

 


We have a full garden with an abundance of roses.
I consider myself an avid rosarian....
desiring more roses in an already full garden is rather greedy.

My husband mentioned that our olive tree might have died during the icy cold snap.
He mentioned I could always buy a rose to fill the space where the tree was planted!

What a great idea!!!


I have always been smitten by shoes with bows.

I own a pair of Ferragamo black patent shoes with bows.
Years ago I had purple suede flats with velvet bows...I wore them out!
They were my "Happy Shoes" I felt so joyful when I wore them.

A few years after the demise of the purple shoes 
I found a pair of black patent flats with black velvet bows.

Mom had a similar pair...
they were such a great mood lifter.
We smiled at each other knowingly when we were together 
wearing our patent bow toed shoes.

So when I was in Twice As Nice consignment looking for a wool winter coat
(which I didn't find)
I spied these shoes by Browns...
tried them on and HAD to have them.


My current "daytime" winter wardrobe.
Athletic wear is stored in the bureau
evening and dressy clothes are in the Hobby Room closet.

I have been adding a few thrifted finds lately...


Gap casual sweater.
Thrifted
Will be worn with my denim and white denim jeans.


A sequin top!!!!
Thrifted
$2.00


The volunteers at the thrift shop were literally doing a "Happy Dance" 
when I approached the cash desk...
asking how much it was?
They said $2.00 and I was so stunned that I gave them $5 and told them to put the extra money toward their new building fund!

I am definitely going to wear this top and perhaps it will be daytime.
It is a JOYFUL top.
Do you think it will SPARK JOY?

I love how we can shift our moods with clothing...
wearing brighter colours on a dark dreary day.
Adding accessories that elevate a plain outfit or dress.
Finding inexpensive and vintage pieces in the thrift shops that are cheap and cheerful.
One needn't go into debt to have fun with fashion.

Happy Hunting in the Thrifts!


An abundance of Sea Glass...
one day's haul after my beach walk.
Saw two fat seals lying on a floating log...
a familiar face and a shaggy dog
a wee chat with a neighbour.
Gulls, Ravens and a majestic Eagle calling...
Fresh Air, a gentle breeze, and I feel rejuvenated.


Jar of sea glass...
probably my 10th jar.
(I must go downstairs to count them, they are in the window sill of the Hobby Room)


~ Sunshine and Blue Skies ~
BLISS


Farm Fresh Free Range Eggs
a lovely gift from Becky.
They look like jewels such pretty colours.
Taste great too!


Finished this fabulous book by Anthony Horowitz.
Need to read some more of his books...have read a couple and they are so well written and are wonderful murder mysteries.

What are you reading?

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

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

January ~ Thrifting and some healthy changes...

 


Found a camisole at the Thrift Shop and I was SO pleased...
A lacy camisole had been on my "wish list" for quite a few months.

The cost of the ones that I loved were much more than I wanted to spend.
Trying to be mindful of expenditures now that Hubby is fully retired. 
Slowly coming to the reality that we are now "pensioners."
The cost was under $5 so easily justified :-))


Paired it with my faded denim shirt....added some pearls.

I am really enjoying wearing denim these days.
The denim jeans (no spandex) from MNG purchased last year.

Have a few old distressed items that I am happy to say didn't get culled.
The denim jacket from Old Navy, the Old Navy darker denim shirt, lighter one (here) and the denim jumper by Tribal and a chambray denim long tunic from Lands End.

I have on order a new denim dress...from Lands End.
I love how soft the garments feel when they have been washed many times.
~ COZY ~



Adding more fibre daily...
Bran Buds and protein rich Greek Yogurt
1/3 cup of each mixed together in the morning after my cup of coffee.

Also reducing portions for a while to see if this helps me shed a few pounds.
I have tried intermittent fasting for the past year and was not seeing much difference.


We have had a mixed bag with weather...
sunshine and clear blue skies mixed with gale force winds and rain.


Despite the inclement weather 
I need to push myself to get out in the fresh air...


Mother Nature's Pearls...
Snowberries.

There is snow in the forecast!!!


Lovely hand cream, William Morris At Home.
A gift from our son and the grandchildren.

Did a quick manicure today...Sally Hansen "Expresso" one coat dries in a minute. 


Soft faded denim and pearls with a wee bit of lace peeking out.


This image shows off the lace...

I didn't have my black velour jacket open this much at coffee!!!

I just wanted to show you the pretty lacy details that are hidden.

Lingerie is really a private item in our wardrobes...
wearing it makes us feel feminine and comfortable.

I love the Prima Donna line of bras and panties...
Lily Pad Lingerie here in Victoria carry their line.

I am due to visit them soon and purchase my annual supply.

Well I suppose that is all to share for now...
Hope your year is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

October ~ Feel the Fullness of Fall


Last weekend we went to The BC Aviation Museum out by the Victoria Airport.
It was a lot bigger and way more interesting than I initially thought 
it would be...

Indoor activities are very much a Fall Favourite.
Keeping warm and dry while visiting museums and galleries.


We went with friends and had a guided tour by a volunteer which was almost 2 hours.

They have a designated area for children with games, flight simulators and small airplanes to ride inside...
there were lots of kids enjoying the space.


Afterwards we went to The Spitfire Grill near the plane refuelling station for lunch.
We were able to watch many planes land.

I ordered a bowl of the hearty mushroom soup as I wanted to warm up.

Soup making is back on the agenda here in The Humble Bungalow.
A big pot is made early in the week 
so we can enjoy soup on the days that I attend Aqua Fit classes.
It warms me up after the drive home.


BOO!
My sister and I had a walk last week in Oak Bay.
We spied many yards decorated in the Halloween theme.

I had NO IDEA how expensive these skeletons cost!!
My guess was about $100 and my sister looked on Amazon only to tell me that I needed to multiply my guess by 10 times!!
WOW

There is a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed here in Victoria.
We thought we might see them at work on the Esplanade near the Tea Room.
They must have wrapped up that segment of the film as they have now moved on into the heart of Fernwood.


We have minimal seasonal Fall decorations...
for Halloween night, a small string of orange pumpkin lights.

~ Fall Porch Decor ~
I added these 2 wee white pumpkins and a white cyclamen.
The big cones are foraged from the nearby trees at the cemetery.
The dried alliums are from the garden and that grape vine wreath is decades old.


I just finished this book by Phaedra Patrick.
I enjoyed the quirky story and the characters felt very real.
About a year ago I read her other book and really like it too.


~ Pink Fall colour on the Limelight Hydrangeas ~
I am drying more hydrangeas to bring inside our Humble Bungalow.
This week I gave some away to a friend and realized that I needed some for us.
Hope they dry fast before the winds get crazy as they tend to fly around the garden.


A scarf knit on the bias is taking shape...
using a sumptuous yarn.
Japanese Noro which is a blend of silk, mohair and lambswool.
I found the wool at our local shop The Beehive.

Yesterday I went to Murchies and stocked up on their Princess Blend rose tea.
My tea caddy was almost empty...
I like to brew a pot and sip this tea while I am reading or knitting 
perfect for a cool Fall afternoon.


My current book stack...
all were found in the local little free library kiosks.

We are cocooning in front of the TV more this Fall...
Really enjoying the British crime dramas found on Acorn TV.
The Chelsea Detective, Cuffs, Whitstable Pearl, Cannes Confidential
and many more.


This arrangement was hand delivered by the neighbours...
a few minutes ago.
In appreciation for our gifts of harvested fresh grown veggies and apples!
Such a thoughtful gift...

Fall
~ Dinner tonight ~

I am making a "stringy" shredded beef roast in the oven...
4 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt and pepper 
baked in a covered casserole for 4 hours.
You take it out and using two forks you then shred the meat.

I am roasting potatoes, carrots, zucchini and beets in a drizzle of olive oil
sprinkled with salt and pepper to accompany the roast.

I hope it is a tasty meal because this is a super easy dinner!

Hope you are enjoying October.
It is almost Halloween :-))
and
I have a BIG bag full of treats.

Well I am about to put the kettle on and will brew a pot of tea...
now do I knit or start a new book?

Is it Fall where you live?
What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, September 11, 2023

Quarterdeck Cottage ~ September Snippets

 


Here at Quarterdeck Cottage we keep things simple.

I am in my casual cottage cooking gear...
Apron
White Tee
Black Yoga pants
Bare feet (with red polish)



It is a cloudy Monday morning so 
I baked the sourdough boule
and
made a Frittata


Today's Frittata Recipe

 7 large eggs beaten
1/3 cup milk (or cream)
1/3 cup chopped pitted black olives 
1 small green pepper diced 
10 cherry tomatoes cut in half 
cup of grated white cheddar cheese
salt and pepper

Place in shallow ovenproof quiche pan
Bake at 350 for approximately 35 minutes.


We brought some green tomatoes with us...
I fried them up for breakfast and served them with worchestershire sauce.

Yesterday
we invited some of the neighbours from the nearby cottages over for a Happy Hour.


It was so lovely that we sat on the deck...
chatting away and laughing
nibbling on the charcuterie offerings
sipping our beverages
time passed and before long it was getting chilly.
We packed up just after 7pm


I finally finished knitting the Miriam sweater...
it is at home and I need to block it before I can wear it.
But I never like to be without my knitting so I went shopping last week!


I started knitting a shawl "River's Wrap"
 in this gorgeous Japanese Noro Akari Yarn
from The Beehive in Victoria.

The yarn is wonderfully soft and so soothing to work with...
silk, cotton, viscose, mohair and wool.

In other shopping news...
Found a wee crystal vessel at the thrift shop in Sidney on Friday 
before we caught the ferry....

There's a bit of magic in the way the light reflects
 in the crisp cut design of a crystal piece.


I foraged some wild dried flowers...
they look so pretty in the vase.


Am smitten with the light!!
The glow is so warm, and it does feel like magic.


On my walk to day I went to Bricky Bay.
In the early 1900's a brick making crew used this area and the beach.
They shipped the bricks off island from the bay, there are remnants of the dock.

Bits of bricks cover the beach and many have worn down and are soft shapes.
Some are small round shapes like marbles...

I managed to find a couple of pieces of sea glass but not much.

I sat on a log and listened to the call of the ravens and the swish of the waves.
Watched a few boats cruise past before pulling myself away from this idyllic spot.


I spied this sunny painted rock.
People paint rocks and leave them on the beaches here...
I usually don't take the rocks, just snap a picture to share on Instagram.

Before I close 
I must share with you a totally unexpected gift from a dear reader Rosemarie, 
who resides in Vancouver.
Rosemarie and I correspond regularly via email
we've met several times for lunch and tea when she visited Victoria
Last time I was in Vancouver we met for a glass of wine and some nibbles at The Cactus Club.


Look at this beautiful kimono style wrap!
She knows me so well...
It will be a welcome addition to my wardrobe.

THANK YOU ROSEMARIE :-))
You are such a generous person.

(I am going to find something to send Rosemarie)


Well I must close for now and go outside with my knitting.
The views are stunning!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, June 15, 2023

June Roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden, swimsuit shopping and a recipe for an at home Spa Day.


June in The Humble Bungalow Garden 
is all about the roses.

Constance Spry is putting on a fabulous show here on the pergola.


The side garden patio is nestled between a lush border of Lady's Mantle
 a bed with two apple trees, various roses and foxgloves.

It's a lovely spot to sit and take tea.


I snapped this photo while sitting with my tea...
you can see the tool shed through the "jungle!"

My husband and I went on the Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.
We really enjoyed our day perusing the various gardens on the tour.

I got a few ideas to add to our garden...
for example we could use a water feature, and some more planters with annuals.

I'd also like to find some bamboo wind chimes and a tall wind ornament.

We have volunteered our garden for the fundraising tour next year...
it will be up to the coordinator in charge to decide if ours is worthy.


Climbing Royal Sunset Rose
fragrant and a vigorous growing variety.


Jude the Obscure is blooming!
It is my favourite rose.
I actually Love So Many Roses...
it is rather difficult choosing just one favourite.


The Miraclesuit shown here is 3 or 4 years old and is losing it's shape.

The Aqua Fit classes are fabulous fun!
I didn't know how much I would enjoy them.
The class is an hour and we are moving continuously.
The movements do not aggravate my arthritis or hurt my joints.

I dislike swimsuit shopping but I NEED a NEW one.
There is a limit on the number of suits that you can take into the change room
so you can try on maybe 6 then have to get dressed and take back the 6 to the clerk at the desk.
So it makes swimsuit shopping a really frustrating challenge.
It was a surprise finding this black suit.

I had already been to the Marshall's store 4 times in search of a decent style and fit.
Well this just proves that old saying...if at first you don't succeed Try Try Again.


Simon Chang


The wrap style is flattering.
I chose the size up for added comfort.


I am short so the adjustable straps are a nice feature.
The suit was $35 and I couldn't believe what good value it was.

My physio appointments are weekly and I am getting IMS treatments.
I have had two sessions so far.
I am hopeful that these will help loosen up the taut and tight muscles 
that are causing the pain in my lower back.
My doctor recommended them so I am hoping that they will make a difference.
It will be nice not to need any pain medication and be able to walk 5km as well as attend the Aqua Fit classes.


Sleep is much better with a thick pillow propped underneath my knees.
I lie on my back which is the most comfortable position.
I am learning to relax my back and get a better sleep.

Back to the garden...


Lady Angela a fragrant David Austin Rose is blooming.
She is a pretty variety and is trained as a climber.
Lots of flowers repeat throughout the summer.


I like to have some fresh flowers above the kitchen sink.
I spend a lot of time washing dishes and gazing out the window.

Eagles often soar high above in the sky floating in the air.

We live in an area quite close to the downtown and yet we have lots of urban wildlife.
Deer, raccoons, European Wall Lizards, eagles, owls, crows and various songbirds.

There are always some animal antics or birds entertaining us in the garden.


~ Hey Jude ~ 

Buds 
Blooms Present and Past

I've been busy this week and am planning some quiet time.
My energy and enthusiasm for social events are not always in sync.
Do you schedule days where you stay at home and relax?

I find I like to be out and about so much more than recharging at home.
You would think that I might not want to miss out on something!

(Life can be so full of fun that it is a challenge to wean myself off of the excitement)

After chatting with, and reading blog posts from women my age
I have found that many are "under the weather" because 
they have been "burning the candle at both ends."

So as an observer 
I have made note and am going to enact a day of quiet.
Perhaps a Spa Day?


Spa Day Bath Salt Recipe


What do you like to do when you feel the need for some self care?

Do you book yourself into a hotel?
Reserve a pampering package of treatments at a local spa?
Stay in your pajamas all day read a good book, sip tea and munch on chocolate?

I do love a great chocolate bar...
Lindt creamy milk chocolate with hazelnuts is my current favourite.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Take Care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~