Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. 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 ~

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 ~ 

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Hoping for a Sun day...while waiting, I shop.


Greetings...
our weather has been really rather beastly.

This weather is for the birds!!!


Rain with high winds and all manner of things blowing away.
We are hanging onto our hats in hope
as we read the forecast for the start to the week 
which is promising (teasing) us warmer temperatures and some sunshine.


If you are reading this post you know that I have decided to continue to blog
using the free Blogger platform.
My research revealed that it would cost me about $2,000 to transfer all my posts
and migrate to a new host. The host would then be charging me an annual fee for the posts and GB that I would be using to keep my blog live.
I am retired and this is a hobby so that was not going to be reasonable.

Thank you again for following.
It is great to read all your comments, I really appreciate them.

I have been forced indoors during the inclement weather
so I have had a few shopping trips to 
 the local shops and malls.

I found a comfy and fun pair of Converse sneakers.


I chose the blue ones but they were also available in red 
which was SO tempting...I really didn't NEED two pairs.


I think they will look great with all my denim pieces and my white jeans.
I have a faded blue linen skirt that I purchased last year which might be fun to
wear white ankle socks and these together.

Oh and I also found a new backpack...
to replace the thrifted one that I repaired .


Hands free for hiking, walking, shopping and beach combing.


Soft leather, attractive details and wonderfully made.


Big enough to pop in a book and my usual wallet, keys, sunglasses and lipstick.
It looks smart too...
I am pleasantly surprised by the quality for the price.


I've been having an espresso on these cold windy afternoons.
I made coffee this way when I was in Roccatederighi, Italy

The Lavazza brand Crema coffee is smooth and needs no cream.

The new to me espresso /demitasse cups are vintage by Susie Cooper.
Made in England.
I found them at Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village.
I love Karin's shop...
I regularly walk in our Fairfield neighbourhood and will pop in on my route.
If you haven't been to Kay's Korner yet...you have a treat in store.

 Spook Street is a book in the popular British spy series by Mick Herron...
my husband has read the entire series and purchased all the books so I am reading them now.
Interestingly, he has picked up the Louise Penny series which I love and is reading the first one now!

I have a few more things to share with you but will leave those for the next post.

For those of you who were enquiring about my back...

I had some X Rays of my back and hands, 
both have been very surprisingly stiff, uncomfortable and very painful.
 The doctor also ordered blood work.
I haven't seen my doctor since before Covid.
He is very busy and it takes a long time to get an appointment to see him.

He's thinking it may be arthritis 
 I won't know more until my follow up appointment in early May.

In the meantime I am taking Tylenol at night which is helping me sleep a bit better.
We'll see...

Hope that your week has some sunshine and fun packed into it.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, April 9, 2023

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 ~

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, January 31, 2023

The Year of the Rabbit...and other Stuff

 


Last week I took flowers to a board member who had undergone surgery.
I usually opt for white and green bouquets but it was a rather dreary grey day
so
I chose a colourful assortment of blooms.

My favourite florist was not answering their phone so I ventured out and found a lovely assortment at a local grocery store.
After assessing their stock I grabbed a few bunches and found a clear glass vase
then had the clerk put together this pretty arrangement.

I drove out to my friends home and planned to drop the flowers on her doorstep but she greeted me and invited me inside for a visit.

I didn't stay long...
just long enough to hear about the procedure and how she was doing.
She looked remarkably well and was in very good spirits.
Not at all what I was expecting considering the nature of her situation.

The next morning I was busy packing up for the cottage week.


The forecast was for colder than usual temperatures 
so I packed sweaters, wooly socks, hats, scarf and my down puffer coat.

The weather was windy and then a storm rolled in...
bringing down trees on the power lines 
resulting in a power outage that lasted about 20 hours!

It was VERY cold...
we kept the small gas fireplace going but the minus temperatures were powerful.


Once the power was restored we fortified ourselves with hot soup and went out for a brisk walk on the beach.


There was quite a lot of seaglass to be found...
one piece of aqua glass was too big to fit in the vintage sealer jar 
so I plan to bring it home and see if the new empty jar has a bigger mouth on it.


Our current jar is almost full!

We've been reading our books of course!
 Back to the Cazalet Chronicles for me after a year hiatus.
Confusion is book 3 in the 5 book series.
It is a charming account of family life in England that spans the wars...
I enjoy the "voice" that the author, Elizabeth Jane Howard, uses to narrate the story.
The books have been reprinted due to popular demand...
Many people LOVE this series...you might enjoy it too.


Went to the community centre here for a Yoga class which was fun.
Am doing online Yoga to augment my practice when I am not at the studio.

It is with a modicum of optimism that I mention 
my "aches and pains" are easing 
somewhat 
since I returned to the practice...
my goal is to be more flexible and move with ease.


Have you taken on any new hobbies or made changes this month?
January can be a great time to embrace some new habits
it feels like a month that invites fresh eyes to analyse the routines.

Waking up and seeing the possibilities feels quite empowering.
A fresh new awareness...

February awaits...
what changes will it bring?


Chinese New Year 

~ The Year of the Rabbit ~

The rabbit has a quiet personality that hides their confidence and strength
they may often be seen as soft and weak.

In fact, they steadily move towards their goals 
despite the negativity that they receive from others.

With good reasoning skills and attention to detail they make great scholars.
They enjoy being social and often turn to escapism...
Plain routines are not to their liking
despite being conservative and careful they need and crave surprise
to spice up their life!


Happy New Year

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~