Friday, January 22, 2016

Feeling low? Do you need a boost?

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow...

How has your week been?
Busy like mine?

If you have been busy burning the candle at both ends
you are probably looking forward to a restful and restorative weekend.


Are you feeling tired and sluggish?


Have you been neglecting your diet and eating processed and fast food?


Are you craving carbohydrates?

That is always a sure sign that I need to recommit to a healthier eating regime.

A friend and former co-worker recently met me at a local spot in Oak Bay for tea.
Not an ordinary tea, but one that is packed full of antioxidants.
Perhaps you already drink this power packed wonder drink.



Matcha Tea
I was a Matcha "Virgin" until this week!
The tea energizes and the caffeine is released slowly throughout the day.
There is a lot of information online to support it's nutritional claim to fame.


Green goodness









The ambiance and decor are very soothing...much like the Matcha tea.



Tiff is on hand to advise you on what type of Matcha Tea she would recommend.
 She expertly brews up a bowl freshly made to order.


I am keen to return and sit quietly 
savouring and sipping a bowl full of healthy and nutritious goodness.

If you have tried Matcha Tea,
 or if you are new to it, 
I would be interested in hearing what you have to say on the subject.


Our green eyed little "trouble maker" the mischievous  Chester...
willing me to try and take his green mouse!

Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Until next time...
Be Well and Be Kind.
XO

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

January daze...

This blog is a personal one and it is not one where I discuss politics or world events.
It has come to my attention that many of my readers come here for a "rest"...
a quiet respite from the hectic life that they lead.

It was never my intention to be a radical or significant voice on current affairs.
Dissecting serious issues are not my forte...
this humble blog revolves around family, home and garden...
Things that I know well.
Simple uncomplicated living experienced at it's fullest.
Looking for the finer things in life...
happiness
beauty
Joy

Blogging is a venue for self expression.
Emails and comments from readers are an added bonus...icing on the cake.
Through these communications I feel much more connected to my audience.
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you all.


Flowers found their way into the Humble Bungalow as a tonic for the grey January daze.


A few days ago Mr. HB and I stopped for brunch at Bridgeman's Bistro at Mill Bay.
The view of the Marina was pretty despite the grey skies overhead.
The bistro was packed!
We sat at the window and sipped our beverages while waiting for our brunch to arrive.

Boats bobbing 
gulls soaring 
kingfishers diving
swans swimming


the scenery was calming and serene.


After lunch we perused many antique shops.
 We are on the hunt for an arts and crafts mission style small side table
 for The Humble Bungalow living room.
Our current table is wobbly and the wood is curved in the middle so it is not very practical.

We have seen one that we like online in Pasadena but it is $450 US and with the added shipping and our low Canadian dollar makes it far too expensive.

We are planning a trip south to Seattle and will look around when we are there...
arts and crafts furniture was only made for a very short period so pieces are often a challenge to find when you do find them they are usually quite pricey.
(supply and demand)

January is the month I dedicate to re-evaluating my health 
to focus on my day to day regime.
The annual visit to the doctor revealed that my thyroid medication needed changing...
other than that everything seemed in order, except my weight was up 5 pounds.

After Christmas it did not come as a surprise.
 I was eating more sweets and having more cocktails and wine.
With that in mind I am eating much more mindfully and drinking more water.


This article in The Guardian was of interest to me.
 I hope that abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks will give my skin a boost and help me shed a few pounds.


Witch hazel blooming a cheery yellow
peeking through a fence on my walk.


Orange witch hazel further along on the same street.
Flowers and blooms are few and far between at this time of year.
Eyeing a pop of colour in my periphery quickly turns my head!


OPI 
"Did you ear about Van Gogh?"
a putty shade that is a bit edgy and is a neutral shade.
Painting my nails is my newest accessory.


Pavlova on the menu for dessert when our darling daughter and her "kiwi" fiancee came to dinner.


Meringue


It looks a bit messy but it tasted delicious!


We started with a tomato, bocconcini, and basil salad drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Roast free range organic chicken, scalloped potatoes, vegetables and flaky dinner rolls rounded out the meal.

~ Healthy Focused Eating ~

Breakfasts ~ oats and fruit or yogurt and fruit.
Lunches ~ soup or salad.
Dinners ~ a small amount of protein served with lots of fresh veggies and a salad.

~ Daily Walks ~


This sign hangs on a gate in our neighbourhood
recently seen on my walk...

With so many wonderful bloggers and blogs online
 it is with gratitude that I thank you
 for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog and spending a few minutes here.

Be Well and Be Kind.
Hope that your New Year is off to a healthy Start!

Hostess

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Simple Joys...

Thank goodness for a quiet weekend to relax and enjoy the simple things...


Hot ancient grains and oats by Rogers and a fresh kiwi for breakfast.
Warming from the inside out on a cold morning.
Pure goodness and a healthy choice...
a simple joy to start the day.


Sipping some tasty tea and listening to the birdsong outside...
Silk Road makes some of my favourite blends
 they are located downtown in Victoria's Heritage Chinatown.
They have a lovely little spa and make wonderful skin care and bath products.
They also have an online shop for those of you who live further away...


The freedom to stay in my PJ's until 11:00 in the morning.
it felt truly decadent and luxurious...
JOY!

speaking of a little luxury I pulled out all my Hermes scarves 
and opened all the orange boxes and had a peek.
It has been awhile since I have worn them as our weather calls for wool and cashmere scarves and mufflers.


that wee pink scarf is the one that I bought in Paris
really my only significant souvenir other than my memories


this black and white Hermes scarf is the one I wear most often

I wore a Symplii black dress and black tights with my booties to the celebration of life on Friday
skipped perfume but layered on some classic pearls
lots of familiar faces were at the service
nearly a full house
it was a fine tribute
the food was perfect and I got some experience as a server carrying trays
it is not as easy as it looks!
There were a dozen or so friends and family members serving and we all were rookies together so it was fine.
"Security in numbers!"


There are so many interesting and eye catching things popping up on my waking and driving routes these days...


This tree is on my drive home from bridge and Mah Jong.
It is really quite unusual and reminds me of a dancing woman...
( my imagination runs away with me sometimes!)


snowdrops are up


sweet scented buds


emerging 


spreading pink scented wafts into the air

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend and are avoiding all those nasty colds and flu's that are about...
my throat is feeling a bit scratchy so I am pacing myself.

"I think it's important to find the little things in everyday life that make you happy."
Paula Cole

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Inviting colour in small doses...

The dark days of January here in the Pacific Northwest are making me crave colour...


My minimal wardrobe could use a dose of energy... as could I!

The basic clothes that hang in my closet are functional and everything works together.
Planning and shopping with the basic shades makes it simple but with the dark days of January here in the Pacific Northwest I find that I crave an injection of colour.

Eileen Fisher would be the designer whose clothes I could exclusively wear and own...
and she works mostly in shades of grey, black and navy in winter.

I saw a sweater from her new spring and summer line made out of a loose linen weave in a soft grey and I absolutely loved it...but the price tag was almost $400. Yikes!

Oh but it would look fabulous with my white jeans...
perhaps...time will tell...I have a birthday coming up in March.


After shopping I came home I brewed a cup of hot tea and painted my nails...in living colour!
I am getting better at this.
The health and look of my cuticles are improving with the use of gloves and hand cream.

Here is that punch of colour that I am craving and at a price that I can afford!


I met darling daughter for a healthy lunch earlier in the week and tried on her newest cocktail ring.
If you are on Instagram please check out her site.
@thingfinder
She has the most stunning collection of jewels and she has an etsy shop where she sells some of her gems.
(etsy shop link on her IG page)


I am going to a celebration of life which is coming up soon 
and I have been trying to decide what to wear.
I will be volunteering at this function.
I went to school with the woman who passed away at 61.
She was a successful lawyer, a court judge, wife and mother.
The volunteers are planning on wearing mostly black.


Vintage Leather vest Pamela McCoy which can be layered over any number of tops
paired with the versatile Lisa Campione skirt.




Lord and Taylor waffle knit sweater.
Pair this with tights and short boots.


Jeanne Beker poly sleeveless top adds some sheen.


Susan Bristol (ages old) knit sweater jacket.
(Ladylike)


Tweedy jacket
(Mother approved)


Assorted Pearl necklaces...to layer or wear alone.


Vintage bakelite clamper bracelet.

I may wear a LBD as I have several contenders in the closet.
What do you wear to funerals or celebrations of life?


New brighter lipstick by L'Oreal number 590 Blushing Berry.


The colour is actually darker and richer than it looks in this light.


I bought a new address book to replace the one that I had that was falling apart.
It took me over an hour this past weekend but I managed to update and  transfer all the addresses.




New fitness/workout wear from Costco.
Inexpensive and the fabrics are super cozy.

I just heard that Alan Rickman died...I loved his acting and enjoyed his films.
His passing came right on the heels of David Bowie's death, 
both 69 and both died of cancer.
So sad.


I must get out of my colourful Ralph Lauren PJ's...
I've been at the computer far too long but oh my
the coffee tastes good this morning...

Time to seize the day!
Hostess

Monday, January 11, 2016

a letter to myself...

After years of dreaming about Paris I took the plunge last spring and travelled to Paris.
It was a bit of a risk...travelling alone.

Having never flown to Europe or been on a flight longer than 4 hours I wondered if the flight would be daunting or if I would experience anxiety.
There were so many unknowns...
I was optimistic and did not let any doubts cloud my determination.

A carry on with 3 weeks worth of clothes and cosmetics was packed with the help of seasoned carry on advocates whose posts on blogs and Pinterest that I avidly followed before departing.

I stayed awake the entire flight from Vancouver to Paris...9 hours and a time change were involved.

The service on the direct Air France flight was amazing...champagne and crisps were served shortly after take off...the dinner menu circulated and there were 3 options for dinner which included wine and dessert...all included in the original airfare fee...no added expenses.
The bar cart came by regularly, but I did not imbibe as I had heard that too much alcohol at 30,000 feet might not be a good idea...and I wanted to arrive in France fresh, with a clear head.

At Charles De Gaulle airport I was met by a limo driver and whisked off to my hotel...
after I checked in I unpacked and stored my extra credit cards and euros in the safe.
I ventured out and explored the area around my hotel.
The Sorbonne and The Luxembourg Gardens were nearby...the streets were crowded with people and the shops and cafes were bustling...
Fresh air, the Parisians strolling along the boulevards.


I was in Paris and felt so alive and energetic!
I walked for hours...and while I walked I kept thinking...this is really happening!

The Monoprix was located a short 3 minute walk from my hotel so I popped in and purchased cheese, a small baguette, fresh strawberries and a bottle of wine. Dinner was easy fresh and tasty...
I opened the windows wide so I could hear the sounds from the street below.


I took a refreshing shower and put on my nightgown ~ inviting sleep...
as difficult as it was to close my eyes on Paris ~ I did.

Awakened after about 6 hours of slumber around 6am by the street sweeper...
and just in case you were curious, it was a man with a broom!


The days become a bit of a blur...I packed so many things into each day.
(I kept a travel journal)
I met up with friends before the official start of the Ooh La La Tour.
Friends were renting an apartment about 5 minutes from my hotel in the 6th.
(they are seasoned travellers and visit every year in springtime for 2 months)

They took me "under their wing" and showed me the sights...we walked for many hours every day.
I took in all the sights and sounds...the city is truly enchanting...but that is a serious understatement.
You have to find out for yourself.


With so many museums, galleries, shops, cafes, and parks one has an opportunity to see and experience new things every day...and I never felt overwhelmed and absorbed as much culture and ambiance as one could in 2 weeks.


Jamie Cat Callan, author and our tour leader asked us to write a letter to ourselves about how Paris has affected us and she collected them and she sent them to us this Christmas.
I recently received my letter in the mail...


I wept when I read my letter.
It was written with such passion about what I was seeing, living and how I was feeling.
WOW!

I felt incredibly fortunate to be able to take this trip.
It was a "big deal."
I had never been apart from my husband for more than 4 days.
Here I was taking off to France for 3 weeks and it was expensive.

After Paris I took the TGV and travelled to the south of France where I spent an idyllic week in the one of the most beautiful villages where friends were living.
They showed me the sights and drove me to other quaint villages.
I wandered about the village daily exploring and taking pictures.
I will remember...
The busy weekly market day, the cafes, the shops, the food, and the friendly people.
It was wonderful to experience the daily routines of life in the country.
The pace is slower and the scenery is exquisite.
It was difficult saying goodbye when it was time to leave...


Travelling to France was a gift to myself.
On the occasion of my 60th birthday...
a trip that I had dreamt about for as long as I can remember had become a reality.
It was selfish in many ways but looking back it has satisfied me and quieted a yearning.
I am content.
If I never travel far again it matters little...
having had this time in Paris.

Following my dream was worth it...
I have great memories
wonderful pictures and I met lovely women on the tour.
We are connected by our mutual experiences and I think of them often.


Roses in Paris on Rue Racine

Thank you for stopping by...
Hope your week is off to a great start.
Hostess