Health, Hips, and new things on my radar and in my closet!

 

~ Glorious Fall Colour ~

I went for a walk in the cemetery with my sister and we visited the family plot.

This "avenue" of plain trees is quite magnificent and changes throughout the seasons.

The dappled sun and birdsong lifted my spirits.

We walked by these gentle creatures slowly 

as they gazed up from their meal 

Only stopped for a brief minute to observe us as we passed by...

The cemetery is located a few short blocks from The Humble Bungalow.

 It is a lovely spot for a saunter or a quiet place to sit and savour nature.

I devoured this book in a few days...

it was an entertaining book of short mysteries in the style of Miss Marple.

It left me craving a meatier mystery book.

Mr. HB and I are watching Wire in The Blood on Britbox.

Very intense and so well done.

Val McDermid's writing is well crafted.

I had several weeks of "tummy trouble" and I figured out what was amiss.

It turns out I have developed an intolerance for lactose!

My father had an issue with lactose too so I come by it honestly.

I asked my BFF who also has a lactose intolerance,

 she suggested that I try lactose free Greek yogurt.

Well I am very happy to report that it is delicious and doesn't cause any distress.

I've switched to Natrel, a milk that is lactose free, and am carefully reading labels.

It has surprised me to learn that so many people have this issue!

My surgeon has suggested that I lose a few pounds to reduce the stress on my hips.

So I have been riding my new (to me) stationary bike and modifying my diet.

I have lost 5 pounds so far...

I can't tell by looking so it must be mostly water:-))

Anyhow the battle continues...

Let's move on and away from these pesky health issues, shall we?

Eileen Fisher 

basic top with long sleeves.

Perfect for fall and winter and a great layering piece.

Purchased at a local consignment shop on Estevan.

~ Twice Is Nice ~

It fits in with my minimalist wardrobe...

You can see the colour palette...

denims, black, white and grey.

~ Striped shirts ~

Worn over tee tops, usually with the collars and cuffs up.

(AND MY PEARL NECKLACE)

Why save it only for BEST?

For some reason I have gone a bit MAD for denim!

It has happened gradually but I am totally smitten..

I love the softness of worn denim...found easily in the thrift shops.

The shirt dress is several seasons old from Lands' End, it gets a lot of wear.

Do you love denim too?

A classic white shirt from Old Navy 10 years old and still going strong.

Lipstick is always a great accessory...

a pop of colour on a grey day.

I took a risk with this colour ~ there were no testers available...

It works and the lippy was on sale so a "win win."

This soft scarf will go well with that shade of lipstick!

So cozy for my beach walks here at the cottage...

SeaSalt is a Cornish Brand.

I love their colourful prints and clothing.

Columbia Rain jacket needed for the rainy days..

soft scarf for a warm and cozy neck.

My newest accessory is a necessity to reduce the pressure on my hip.

Things are ramping up in the hip replacement department...

appointments are scheduled and tests have been completed.

Will keep you posted...

Reading this book now...

rather a different subject matter but the writing is excellent.

Dawn French is one of my favourites...

especially her role in The Vicar Of Dibley!

Have you read any of her books?

For now that's pretty much all my news.

Lot's going on and I have to keep my eyes focused on the positives.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~