Bumps on the road...

Do you feel at peace?

Are you getting enough rest and do you make it a priority to feed your soul and body?

I neglected to listen to my inner voice for many years and it finally took it's toll.

It was years ago but this is how it went.

 I suffered from what I have now come to understand as "burn out."

It masked itself as depression and I was given a prescription for it by my physician.

I felt lost and my bearings were skewed so I took the drug for a few months

I hated it's numbing effect and weight gain was a side effect.

I could no longer feel Joy or sadness.

I felt so empty.

It was a terrible state to be in...living day to day going through the motions but not really living.

I'd rather feel sad than be in no man's land so I quit cold turkey and began my exploration of self.

For years prior to this I was one of those women who never said "NO."

I was on numerous committees over extending myself and working with two teenagers in the house.

Unbeknownst to me I was in peri-menopause.

I'd be exhausted by the time I got to bed and plagued with a "DO LIST" a mile long.

But could I fall asleep?

No way!

My mind would race and I'd think about all the tasks that I needed to perform the next day.

It was a spiralling swirl of thoughts and worry.

I was consumed.

My life was out of balance and I was stress eating.

(this is where I started to really pack on the pounds)

I rarely gave myself a second thought.

Self care was a foreign subject.

As Helen Reddy sang I was woman hear me roar!

I could do it ALL.

Mother, wife, daughter, parent volunteer, friend, employee...

who was I kidding?

I'd binge on potato chips and chocolate...

(you might be familiar with those large Lindt bars with hazelnuts)

and I would eat one EVERY night before bed while flipping through a magazine.

(my mind was so restless that I could never concentrate long enough to read a book)

Until I discovered books on Yoga and Buddhism and one book that helped me rise from the depths of despair...

Sarah Ban Breathnach's "Simple Abundance."

The daily readings helped me rediscover the joys in everyday life and I learned how to take better care of myself.

 The simple act of observing and practising gratitude was remarkable tool on my road to wellness.

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat if you feel the need to reconnect with your inner self.

Yoga helped me to calm my inner voice...

the focused breathing, poses and being mindful allowed me to cope with many stressful situations and calm myself after a busy or hectic day.

Now many years later, 

I hope that I have the necessary coping skills under my belt.

 I have discovered a few hobbies that I engage in when I feel I need to express myself.

I have dabbled in painting which allow feelings to flow through me to the brush and onto the canvas.

"Purses and paintings"

Having a place that is set up and ready is such a bonus.

When I first started I'd set up my paints and the easel in the kitchen.

It meant putting everything away after I was finished yet I loved how I felt after playing with the acrylics that it was worth it to me.

"Roses for Yolande"

My BFF's mother Yolande is 96 and her health is failing.

I've known this gracious woman since I was about 8 years old.

 She has been such a wonderful mother and grandmother and a great friend to many.

Yolande is one of those rare women that make things look easy.

Her positive outlook and strong faith have certainly been her allies over the years.

  The inevitable bumps and numerous pitfalls we all experience and how we cope with them show the world just what kind of stuff we are made of and I'd like to think that I'd be able to look life in the eye and make the best of the worst case scenario.

My heart goes out to my BFF and her family at this difficult time.

Thinking of you all in love.

"Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart."

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~

Weight Watchers ~ Eating habits...and walking

A friend and I are walking 8-10K twice a week now... I walk 5K when I am walking alone.
Before walking a great distance one needs to eat a decent meal.

Since joining Weight Watchers I have learned that protein is key.
It helps keep me feeling sated far longer than carbohydrates or fruit alone.

Weight Watchers has taught me so much.
(surprising because I had read almost every diet book on the market before joining.)
The healthy way of eating, tricks to staying full, not going hungry and I am still losing weight.
If you need a little help in this area I can attest to their regime.
If you stick to it, it works.

Eggs are my quick and easy way to get protein into my diet.
Fresh free range farm eggs are readily available and they have the darkest yolks and the best flavour.

My breakfast consisted of two soft boiled eggs and two pieces of Silver Hills Little Big Bread.

WW points = 5

This will keep me fueled through my two hour 10K walk and when I get back I will brew a pot of tea.

If I am feeling peckish I'll opt for an apple and two small wedges of Laughing Cow Lite Cheese

or 

a bunch of sliced carrots, celery and peppers with a tablespoon of Lite Dilly dip or yogurt.

Lunches are usually salads with some kind of protein.

A small amount of feta cheese, lean chicken or maybe a bit of fish.

If I don't have eggs for breakfast I'll have fresh fruit and yogurt.

Then for lunch I might make a quick and easy omelet.

I love adding salsa as it gives it a kick and there are no points to count!

Dinners are more challenging because I cook for Mr. HB and he is not on WW.

I will modify regular recipes to make them more WW friendly.

I regularly saute in water or broth to save a few points.

It goes without saying that I use "portion control" when dining on high point foods.

If I make Mr. HB chicken wings, which are his favourite, I will cook up a chicken breast for myself.

We eat lots of vegetables and salads so my plate is chock full of filling and healthy food.

I buy Paul Newman's low fat Thai dressing and use a scant tablespoon.

I rarely eat dessert so this is not an issue for me.

If I am hungry after dinner which is a rare occasion, I will pop some popcorn and have it without butter.

It's super filling and it goes well with our movie viewing.

I'd love to hear your tips for eating healthy.

Adrienne of The Rich Life on a Budget posted on this today too...

so pop over and see what she has written and say hello!

Be well.

OOTD ~ Inside the change room of the thrift shop.

It is a rainy afternoon in Victoria and I need to go out for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Still slightly achy from my 10K walk so I am taking a day off walking.
Setting aside several hours on a wet afternoon to leisurely browse at the shelves of the local Value Village is a luxury and one that I enjoy.
I trolled the aisles with an open mind. If I shop with intention in a thrift shop I never find anything much.

The shop was quite quiet and so I have easy access to all the racks. It does take time to look through the assortment of clothing and the size ranges. The tip that Sheila gave me to look at ALL the sizes has proved to be a valuable one. I have discovered many gems that I would have overlooked if I stuck to the racks offering those garments in  Medium.

"Tomboy Style"

I read the book and now I am warming up to the idea of wearing menswear.

Thinking that an over sized wool sweater might be a safe place to start I browsed through the men's section.

A cozy sweater on a cold and rainy day does have a certain appeal.

Burberry really use the softest yarn.

This sweater is like a warm hug.

 $24 is a price that I can afford and the colours go with the basic blacks hanging in my closet at home.

I also found a men's wool scarf

and a book.

Looks like there is a black and grey theme here.

Donna Tartt's first novel.

I've started reading this and her writing style is superb.

I feel as is I have fallen under her spell.

I plan to read her second novel The Little Friend before reading her latest title Goldfinch.

I've opted for pearls today.

All's well here in The Humble Bungalow.

I've got a mug of hot tea and a good book to read.

Perhaps you borrow shirts or sweaters from your boyfriend or husband.

Would you ever buy men's wear?

Hope that your week is going well.

Hostess

White Wednesday

White Wednesday is often wordless and filled with dreamy whites...
today I have a few images from the archives to pair with the blooming paper whites.
The paper whites are scenting the Humble Bungalow with their intoxicating fragrance.

I feel that there is a purity in white blooms.

Tiny wee blooms that pack a punch of fragrance.

Glowing white against a grey day outside the window pane.

I love to grow soft dreamy roses with a blush of cream.

The Classic white shirt

(every woman should have one in her wardrobe)

~ Say yes to Pearls ~ 

 (of course!)

Soak away stress in a tub of white.

Bath salts or Epsom salts ease tension.

I highly recommend this practise.

(especially after the 10K walk with a friend...my muscles are really sore)

Hydrangeas in a vintage vase.

Basic white crockery lends itself to mixing and matching patterns.

You can add to any other colour if you so desire.

I like to mix vintage with new.

Almond delight...

the most emollient milk for an all over body experience.

Thick Egyptian 100% cotton towels are standard issue here in The Humble Bungalow.

They add a sense of luxury that I am willing to save to buy.

A simple white cotton sateen chemise is cool and feels like silk.

Great for women of a certain age!

This Hostess is planning to spend some time with her grand children and gorgeous DIL.

What's on your agenda for Wednesday?

Thoughts on building a basic wardrobe ~ OOTD ~ another installment on the wardrobe series.

I've read dozens of books on French Chic and French Dressing and as a result I have learned a lot.
Getting dressed for an occasion used to be such a chore for me...I would be stressed to the max.
I always struggled in this area and wondered how other women managed to look so pulled together and I couldn't help but feel inferior by comparison which honestly is not a great feeling at all.

I remember all too well how I would stand in front of the closet on the afternoon of an event or date and after looking through the garments I'd find myself muttering "I have nothing to wear!"
Then I'd race out in the car to the nearest shop in hopes that I'd find "the perfect solution."
Sadly I'd lay down my cash on a whim and a dream for a garment that promised to be the ticket to being suitably attired.
(I wonder now...could the sales clerks feel my desperation?)

After years of blunders (not to mention the hundreds of dollars) I can now identify some of my mistakes...

I bought garments on a whim, many were sale items and odd in more ways than one.
They were Orphans looking for a new home and I was their new mom!

I'd choose cheery patterns with no thought of what I would wear them with.
I purchased far too many things in a wide array of colours, many of which did not work with any other pieces in my wardrobe. (Quelle suprise!)
I never shopped with a list or bought any of the basics that I "needed"
I let myself fall into the big vortex of the power of persuasion...
the trendy, the now, or what the retailer was trying to get rid of by offering it to a witless shopper such as myself.

In the past few years I've completely reformed.
Thanks to blogs and books and an honest re-evaluation of myself.
It was fun, but it was also hard work.
To cut through the emotional part of shopping and get real.
To really look hard and pay attention.
To come to terms with my budget and lifestyle.

The French Chic approach to having fewer items that revolve around a neutral colour really works.

I chose basic black as the colour which I wear....initially I chose it because it helped camouflage the extra 35 pounds that I was carrying and now I choose it because it simplifies getting dressed and it is the most versatile colour that I can own and accessorize.

Accessories are where I dare to add some fun and personalize my look.
Like candy delights there are many options ~
from pearls to chunky beads, bangles and brooches,
thank goodness for scarves! my beloved scarves  ~ Hermes, vintage and new.
Wearing the same thing many times with different accessories makes it look fresh, never stale.

So picture this scene...

you stand in front of your closet and know that you have to be ready and out the door in half an hour.

You got a text saying "Check this restaurant out (a link attached) we'll be by to pick you up in 30 minutes!"

Are you in a state of panic?

I used to be frantic trying things on and when they didn't work I'd be throwing them on the bed or the floor.

Today I look at my basic blacks and decide what to choose.

Will it be a skirt, a dress, leggings and a tunic top, dark denim jeans or dress pants?

These all hang in my closet and they fit and yes they are all black.

There are black tops, a couple of black sweaters, a black and white print top which all can be mixed and matched.

Most of the shoes I own are black.

The new kids on the block are the Amalfi's and they are sooo comfy.

I LOVE the gross grain bows.

My handbags are all black too...

it might be fun to add a bright colour but in the past when I have done this I grow weary of them.

This may sound very boring but it works for me.

I wore this combo on New Years Eve.

The skirt is a thrift shop find and the lace top was purchased at Winners.

Black and white work well for me.

White shirts, white tank tops pearls and black bottoms are made for each other.

I am remembering my teen years when I was a waitress at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel!

We wore black uniforms and white aprons!

I think we were paid $3.75 hour plus tips.

My tips weighed down the pockets of my uniform and when Mr. HB came to pick me up after work we'd head straight to the Oak Bay Avenue A&W where we'd be served by wait staff at the drive in wearing roller skates!

(Burgers, fries and root beer but I digress!)

For dinner out celebrating my BFF's birthday...

 I opted for a black tunic top by Jones of NY

Legging by C'est Moi

Boots by Hush Puppies

Scarf by Echo

pearls an anniversary gift from Mr. HB 

(3 years ago)

I got dressed lickety split.

Having basics in black really help.

I can be ready in no time.

I had extra time to read my book before the car arrived.

I threw on my Chillax coat, grabbed my Roots cross body bag and I was out the door.

I felt good.

Not overdressed or under dressed.

The Chanel lipstick made it's debut.

(Orchidee)

I am loving the new perfume Mitsouko by Guerlain.

The grey hair is really making a statement.

I feel like I have grown into myself these past few years of exploration.

I had to listen to my head and pay heed to my heart.

Growing older is not as intimidating as I thought it might be...

acceptance and knowing and

understanding one's limitations

coupled with realistic expectations are helping me to realize my next chapter.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty."

  ~ Henry Ford ~

I have a book where I write down every single wardrobe purchase.

I keep track of what I need and it really helps me from getting distracted or over spending.

I save money every month with a look to the future...

and ponder the possibility of a Chanel hand bag...and yes it would be BLACK!