Wee luxuries...and remembering MOM

Willows Beach in Oak Bay

(a favourite spot of my late mom's and mine)

I took my coffee in a thermos and sat in the stillness

watched the sea, the sun and the clouds

listened to the waves as they met the shore

embraced

the sound of the gulls as they soared overhead.

A few precious moments of peace outdoors in nature to start the day

sets the tone for the hours ahead.

Unwrapped a lovely soap from Fragonard in Paris.

The porcelain soap dish accompanied the soap which was in a recent 

My French Country Home Box.

The scent is soft, subtle and sweet.

Hand washing happens many many times a day here in The Humble Bungalow.

I can still hear my mom's voice

her mantra was

"Soap and Water are Cheap."

Mom always kept a few bars of triple milled soap unwrapped in her lingerie drawer.

I think her favourite was Yardley's English Lavender Soap.

Mom was an avid gardener and worked for many hours outside 

before coming in and soaking in the tub...

a cup of restorative tea on the edge of the bath.

Lavender scents wafted throughout the house.

She'd dress up for my father's arrival home from work.

A dainty apron worn atop of her dress...

mom was a much tidier cook than I.

I remember so many lovely snippets of mom and learned so much from her.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of her.

Mom sipped her tea in a pretty cup and saucer.

She had a fondness for those decorated with flowers.

While I don't ALWAYS choose one of mine for tea.

(several inherited from mom)

I do more often than not.

My face is getting some serious TLC

the recent and ongoing IPL treatments are reducing the rosacea redness 

the broken capillaries are slowly disappearing...

My skin however is dry 

so I purchased a hardworking moisturizer to use in tandem 

with the IS Clinical Pro Health Serum.

Fingers crossed it will perform as was suggested at the clinic.

Healthy lunch at Brown's Social House

Tuna Poke Bowl

loaded with fresh veggies

delicious!

Eating mindfully 

adding lots of veggies with lean protein

 high on my radar.

Choosing healthier alternatives is becoming much easier...

although

the lure of french fries is still very strong.

If my husband orders them I ask to sample a few :-))

The interesting thing about eating tons of veggies and a small amount of protein is that I don't feel "stuffed" after I eat.

It is such a different feeling than when I order a burger and fries.

I actually prefer it and I am not hungry afterwards.

Sale item from Joe Fresh.

A simple basic which will get worn on my walks

and

paired with jeans perhaps layered overtop of a denim shirt.

Love the warm cozy feel..

great texture.

So many thoughts are swimming around in my head today 

as I sit here in The Humble Bungalow kitchen and type.

I am not sure how to wrap up this post...

writing about and remembering mom 

often skews my thought process

with

emotions tugging at my heartstrings...

Auriculas are starting to put on a show!

Perhaps it is time to find or build a theatre to display them?

They are all the rage in the UK.

How are things with you?

Hope that you are enjoying the start to the week.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snippets on a sunny afternoon...

The sunshine has spurred me on to write a wee post and check in here on the blog.

Today we are fortunate to have the sun shine down on us.

Mount Baker

viewed from The Esplanade in Oak Bay.

A glorious day outside, with a gentle breeze.

We managed a lovely walk along the seafront.

My 5 km walks are really helping me get stronger and feel more flexible.

I've cut back on carbohydrates, added oodles of veggies and am rationing wine.

The good news is that the scale tells me I have lost 5 pounds...

now the next goal will be 5 more pounds.

The scale is not the only gauge when it comes to fitness...

my clothes don't feel so snug

my tummy is ever-so-slightly smaller

my legs are more muscular

more energy

and

I feel very encouraged and more in control.

Chester is slowly gaining weight.

He's refused the prescribed canned food and is happy with the "early renal" type kibble.

We are feeding him Fancy Feast, offering him extra tablespoon several times a day.

He is acting more like his usual self.

This is great news!

Thank you so much to those of you who have emailed asking about his health.

On a recent walk I stopped in at Super Chance

a local consignment shop in James Bay.

I spied this pretty transferware covered dish...

not sure where I would put it at the time,

but I felt confident that I would find a suitable spot.

Inside I have all my make-up brushes.

De-cluttering has been an ongoing activity here in The Humble Bungalow.

There is a cardboard box out on the boulevard 

where I place unwanted items most days.

They disappear quite quickly!

Crocus out front in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Flowers are blooming and the snowdrops are showing their white faces.

Spring is in the air.

We're off to the garden centre tomorrow...

we lost a few plants during the last snowfall and have some empty pots that need filling, one of my favourite places to go at this time of year.

Perusing the new and different varieties of flowers and plants is so inspiring.

We've been watching Carol Klein Great British Gardens on You Tube.

It is filmed throughout the 4 seasons.

Are you finding inspiration in the garden?

On PBS we are watching All Creatures Great and Small 

and 

The Seaside Hotel.

The Seaside Hotel is Danish and has subtitles.

It was recommended by Rosemarie in Vancouver.

(thank you Rosemarie, I am enjoying it)

She and I have met up for tea at Abkhazi Gardens, lunch at a pub in The Cook Street Village and appetizers at Cactus Club on Robson.

We try to get together as often as she is here in Victoria or when I go to Vancouver.

Hope that you are staying safe and keeping amused.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Lost and Found..new jeans

Blue Skies and Sunshine

help keep me motivated to 

walk 5-6 km each day

averaging 

10,000 steps

Mindful eating using the former 360 WW regime.

Logging my points.

Weighing in every few days...

weight loss is happening!

My clothes are looser

I could use a couple of new things but it really is too soon to revamp my wardrobe...

Although my tops don't feel that baggy 

my jeans definitely did, they were really sad and saggy.

I masked up and went to Marshalls.

The aisles are wide and it was quite quiet.

SO

It didn't take long to find a few pairs to try on.

Have you heard of this brand of jeans?

Royalty?

Made in the USA.

They were very reasonably priced 

so IF I go down another size 

I won't be out of pocket too much money.

The raw edges at the bottoms made me waver a wee bit.

I love the fit and the buttons are fun!

I can see these with some Converse sneakers and a Tee

or 

a crisp white shirt my red ballet flats and pearls.

I feel SO MUCH BETTER just having a pair of jeans that FIT!

I was pulling my other jeans up constantly and I could pull them down over my hips without undoing the zipper!

Little things can be encouraging as we navigate a weight loss journey.

I've been eating lots of veggies and fruit.

Cutting back on carbs and reducing the amount of meat.

Eggs, No fat Greek Yogurt, Beans, Lentils, Salads

Fish and lean chicken

make up the bulk of my meals.

Soups with a tomato base and added veggies are great for my lunches.

I am enjoying a decaf skinny latte most days too which is a treat.

a wee reward for all the walking.

We got some exciting news in BC this week!

Gatherings outdoors with a group of 10 or less are now allowed.

Which means, coffee, picnics, dinner on the deck 

with a few friends and our small family.

I feel like jumping for JOY!

I'll get to see our grandchildren really soon!

How are things progressing with the pandemic where you live?

Stay Safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ It's all about pearls...

Cashmere V neck sweater by Black Goat overtop a simple denim shirt and jeans.

My "go to" OOTD for cooler winter days.

It has been given a wee bit more "oomph" 

with the acquisition of a vintage baroque pearl pin.

Darling daughter @thingfinder on Instagram 

had this pin ready to list in her ETSY shop 

when I spied it and saw just how exquisite it is

I knew that I wanted it!

The pearl looks like a juicy pear...

The jeweller must have seen it too 

an opportunity to create leaves and accentuate the pear shape.

A work of art.

Lovely nachre...

just a tip to those of you who may not be familiar with genuine pearls

do not spray them with perfume or scent as it destroys the natural lustre.

OOTD

black camisole fringed with lacy edges

Lands' End new cashmere cardigan

Gisel B pearl necklace from a previous My Stylish French Box delivery from France.

Layers in my hair thanks to my recent visit to my hairdresser...

my last visit was in September.

It felt wonderful seeing her and I enjoyed the "pampering."

Camellias are in bloom!

January bud on our Gertrude Jekyll rose 

out in the front garden of The Humble Bungalow.

Have you purchased any new clothes to wear during Covid?

Are you wearing athletic wear and casual cozy clothes?

I mix it up.

Some days I will wear my Yoga pants and go for longer walks.

The problem for me is that they are so forgiving...

so I think they have given me a sense of comfort despite gaining a few pounds...

my jeans tell me to stop eating so much, move more and get in shape!

So jeans are my guide to wellness.

Current Goals:

Walking more, counting my WW points and drinking less alcohol.

Have you embraced new healthy habits?

Wishing you good luck on your fitness journey.

As a small "non food reward" for my efforts...

I've ordered a vintage classic handbag and when it arrives I will share it with you all.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have some fun in your weekend whatever you do.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday Monday...

One of my cheap and cheerful French souvenirs 

a wee jar that held the most delicious yogurt.

I have popped a beeswax votive inside the jar

and 

 loving the subtle scent that emanates from the wax as it slowly melts.

I finished the book on Bunny Mellon...

her life certainly had its ups and downs 

Throughout Bunny maintained her poise and composure.

She found solace puttering in her garden and decorating many homes.

Her life was enriched by the many friendships that she cultivated...

Jackie Kennedy, Balenciaga, Givenchy to name a few.

 There were many delightful surprises as I flipped the pages.

I recommend this book...

Bunny had a strength of character

lots of energy

a zest for life

impeccable style

a lifelong passion for gardening

tasteful flair for homes and decorating

a collector of fine art and antiques

loyal to her staff 

Bunny loved being out in nature.

This story will resonate with me forever.

I don't usually keep books but this one is going to stay on my shelf.

It's a "keeper!"

New silky black camisole...

I love wearing this under my cashmere sweaters.

These two products are fabulous for dry skin...

the body wash is emollient and the scent is subtle.

The moisturizer is pure, light and silky.

Self care is so important.

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

Perhaps you can afford a full day at the Spa...

 (which would be fabulous!)

Or you may just take an extra 5 minutes here and there to treat yourself.

Speaking of treats...

Isla and I made some bath salts together last week.

The recipe is on my blog in a December post a "Hostess Gift."

I'm a bundled up in the Michelin Man puffer coat!

The weather this past weekend was marvelous...

we had some sunshine and it was such a welcome tonic after weeks of rain.

Following up on my post about the intermittent fasting...

I am enjoying the results.

I have lost a few pounds and feel way more energy!

It was difficult at first not eating breakfast and then 

only eating during the 8 hour "window"  

There are books and You Tube videos that discuss the health benefits of fasting

if you are interested.

I would love to hear your thoughts...

Please note: to comment on my blog you'll need to use a Google search engine as Safari will not work for some reason.

Hope your week is off to a good start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

New eating regime that the science community says is proven to work ~ it may surprise you!

It feels like January was a loooong month...
Snow followed by winds and torrential rains
we broke rainfall records!

A lot of time was spent indoors keeping dry...
maybe just a wee bit too much.

February is finally here and I am not unhappy putting January behind me!

My doctor recently reduced the dosage of my thyroid medication.
He advised me to increase my activity and reduce my food intake to avoid putting on weight, he went one step further and suggested that I lose 10 pounds.

In order to achieve this goal I am trying a new eating regime that has been proven by science to work...

CBC has a podcast on their website about it and the reporter who covered the story lost 30 pounds by simply changing the hours when she ate and the rest of the day she was "fasting."

So my day starts with coffee and I do not start eating until around noon and stop eating by 8pm. I've added larger portions of vegetables and small leaner amounts of protein. Carbs have been left off many of the meals that I have prepared although I will have a few of them over the course of the week.

Chicken thigh and salad

I did eat a second chicken thigh as they were small.

Broccoli and a thin breaded pork cutlet with mushrooms and gravy.

Chicken breast sauteed 

topped with lemon juice and capers 

roasted vegetables

beets.

Love making a pan of veggies to roast.

The flavours are so much more intense.

The recipe that follows is a winner!

"Gail's recipe"

She was an Australian exchange teacher 

 at James Bay Community School.

I make this dish regularly and think of her.

My doctor asked me not to weigh myself every day.

He said once a week is plenty

suggesting instead that I use my clothes as a guideline.

There is some extra space in my jeans 

which is promising

and 

the scale reflects that I have lost a few pounds!

It is encouraging 

despite the fact that I have not been out walking

 as much as I should...

I blame the weather.

The clouds parted for a brief time when we were on our walk.

That glimmer of sunshine put a bounce in my step!

The Hellebores are blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden!

I purchased this plant for Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver a few years ago...

love the rich deep dark shade of the bloom with the lime green stamens.

A local shop 

"The Root Cellar"

is a farm style market

with a wide variety of vegetables and food.

They also have a garden centre

 a floral department 

 I enjoy going there for some inspiration.

So that's next on my agenda...

Hope you enjoy your weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

I am 64...

Wearing all black...

a bamboo tunic top

with black capri leggings.

Longer hair which is straighter than before

the silver is now more than just tinsel...

It surprises me when I walk past a mirror

I see my mother, 

the resemblance is uncanny.

A few pounds have crept on this past year and am trying to come to terms with it.

Do I accept it and move on or return to the disciplined point counting regime of WW?

The battle of the bulge is a real challenge.

The desire or the energy to go to the gym is not there.

Sweating reminds me of those uncomfortable hot flashes and is so annoying...

Walking is enjoyable and the Fit Bit is a great motivator.

But enough about me already...

How are you doing?

What is new?

This ceramic Buddha head was in a garden basket 

we won at the grand children's year end school fundraiser.

I don't think its meant for the garden.

Too fragile and thin...

I'm considering putting it out on the boulevard for free.

I can't quite find the right spot for it here in The Humble Bungalow.

Perhaps someone else will love it and give it a special place in their home.

The book I am currently reading is quite interesting.

It was in the wee little free library across the street.

I'll be passing it on to a friend after I finish it.

How is your summer going?

What are you reading?

~ Be Kind and Be Well ~

Swimsuit shopping...

My need for a new swimsuit came as a wee bit of a shock to me...

I was in the change room at the local pool and was putting on my old swimsuit and working up a sweat trying to pull it up! I had to wriggle and ease the spandex up inch by inch and when I was finished I realized that I could hardly breathe!

What happened?

It must have shrunk!
(Wrong)

So I HAD to go swimsuit shopping...
not my favourite thing to do, but we are off to the cottage,
and they have two lovely pools and I like to swim laps,
so needs must!

Do you believe in miracles?

This is what a size 14 swimsuit looks like on the hanger...

I am not proud of the fact that I have gone up a size.

The weight gain is all in my midsection where I once had a waist!

Simon Chang swimsuit.

This one is also a size 14 but it looks smaller because it is black.

I like the mesh detail at the top and at the leg holes.

I purchased two swimsuits because I don't like putting a wet bathing suit on and I may be swimming a couple of times each day.

I walk everyday and some days I walk farther than others...

I do watch what I eat but I could always cut down on the carbs.

My husband loves pasta so I make it once a week and I adore potatoes.

My thyroid is sluggish 

(but that's no excuse)

 I have taken medication for hypothyroidism since I gave birth 

to our daughter 40 years ago.

Loving life and feeling gratitude is part of my daily routine.

Every day is a gift and it never fails to offer up something of beauty. 

So in the whole scheme of things 

is a size larger worth getting all bent out of shape over?

I am doing what I can to stay active and healthy.

Thank you for popping by and reading The Humble Bungalow Blog today.

It's sunny here at the cottage and we plan to go swimming today.

With two suits to choose from I have to make a decision which one to wear...

I hope you are having a great weekend.

Until next time

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~