The writing on the wall...perhaps?

Something rather disconcerting is happening here on the blog...
while several thousand readers pop by daily to read The Humble Bungalow posts,
the number of followers on Google Friend have recently decreased...
not by too many but enough that I noticed...and am curious.
So the question in my mind is WHY?

Here are a few of my thoughts...
~ The Hostess has been here for too long and has overstayed her welcome ~
~ the writing is dull ~
~ there is nothing of value for readers ~
~ your lives are busy ~
~ Paris dreams and travel was an exciting time and now a distant memory ~
~ since retiring my life has become fairly routine, it is quiet, simple and I am content ~
~ I have very little to share that you find of interest ~

So I am going to take a break...
I will be posting on Instagram if you care to pop over there...click on the pretty hydrangeas on the side bar and the link will take you to my page.

Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity
packed a lot into a weekday morning and afternoon.
Full to the brim with new things and above all ~ it was FUN!

I did something that I have never done before...

I had a professional make up application.

This is the "after" picture

at the Spa where I had a "makeover."

I am wearing more make up than I usually do.

The gal at the Spa used various Jane Iredale products...

primer was new to me and she used just a little and it covered my entire face.

Apparently it creates a base for all the other products.

Powder, eye shadow, blush, mascara, lipstick followed...

The results were quite startling, 

it was me under all those products...

my complexion looked even

my eyes stood out more

my brows looked fuller

it does feel like a lot of fuss and bother.

I like to keep things quick and easy 

~ Simple ~

I purchased two products that I was ready to replace...

powdered foundation and eye shadow.

The powder is in Satin and the eye shadow is called Supernova.

Lovely containers and all Jane's products are mineral based and safe.

Earlier in the day I went to the Tillicum Winners Store.

You can see my skin naked "before make up" here while I was shopping.

I do look a bit anemic without make up!

I bought a coral knit layering piece

not quite a jacket or a cardigan

something in between.

(very reasonably priced)

and this top

I have been craving colour.

(another bargain)

A light cross body bag was suggested by my doctor 

who recently diagnosed me with "supraspinatus tendonitis" 

a very painful condition that has reduced the mobility of my arm and shoulder.

I need to go to physiotherapy, do specific exercises, generally try to rest the arm and shoulder

 and if that fails to bring relief he will order a cortisone shot.

 He has advised me to stop carrying heavy things...

like purses and grocery bags.

I needed new boots and these were on sale.

Clarks, comfy and somewhat stylish...

will wear them with jeans, pants, skirts and tights. 

I wear boots almost every day and the Clarks that I bought last year are showing signs of wear on the soles, so before they fall apart I pounced on a new pair.

I did not overspend

everything I purchased was reasonably priced 

and having been very frugal lately I felt no guilt whatsoever.

This pretty pink rose bloom caught my eye on my walk...

this bud will open in the warm sunshine someday soon.

Heralding that Spring must be just around the corner.

Bring on the sunshine and roses!

As always I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Hostess

Wednesday ~ Pictures and a few Words

5am ~ the mournful droning of a freighter's fog horn in the nearby Strait wakes me.
I toss and turn
the cat stirs
licks my face...

I am wide awake!

5:30 ~ Sleep eludes me so I tip toe out of our bedroom
close the door
go into the kitchen and make an espresso.

the jolt of caffeine is welcome

Am I too groggy to compose a post this early?

Oh but then I remember it is Wordless Wednesday 

maybe all I need to do is find a few images

post them pronto.

the sparkly Christmas bauble 

left lying in a tangle of twiggy branches

forgotten

the pretty fuchsia blooms

clinging on for dear life 

in the winter chills of January on The Avenue

the novel that has threatened to shut down the domestic team of one

in The Humble Bungalow

L'Occitane Shea Butter

Hostess endorsed "star" performer

keeping my skin supple

(here's the silver star ~ my good housekeeping icon of approval)

Aveda helps keep my curls clean and soft...

I had my hair cut last Saturday.

It was driving me crazy.

Too long and limp and the weight pulled the hair down

so a few layers were added to allow the curls to spring back to life!

My hairdresser gave me some samples of Bumble and Bumble 

their newest products for curly hair.

I am excited about the new Primer...

it helps define the curl and refreshes curls without having to shampoo the next day.

(My hairdresser recommends shampooing every other day.)

On the same topic 

~ Advice from the experts ~

I booked an appointment for a Jane Iredale natural make up session at the Spa.

I am keen to see what products and colours they recommend for my skin tone.

Since I opt for the no make up look, it will be interesting to see the results.

Coffee consumed

cats fed

still dark outside

post finished

ready to publish

~ 7:00am ~

Good Morning from The Hostess of The Humble Bungalow!

Walks, weather and the weekend.

The sun came out on Friday and it is amazing how it lifted my spirits.
I decided to walk to town...

Cyclamen blooming in a rustic vessel on the front porch of The Humble Bungalow.

The sun illuminating the trunk of the Arbutus tree beside the front porch.

Lime green and sienna bark mingle...

a few puddles remain

I look taller in the shadows...

I daresay that this is not the original concrete ball atop the wall!

Looks suspiciously like a bowling ball to me.

The building that houses the Bike Shop looks crisp set against the blue sky.

Street tiles from many years ago still remain on a few streets in Fairfield.

I took a zig zag route to town and enjoyed looking at the heritage houses that line the streets.

I pottered about in the shops and looked at the sales.

In the end I opted for a new pair of NYDJ in a dark wash in their skinny style.

Not on sale but I had a $50 credit so they were a better price, one that I can live with!

All that walking and shopping made me thirsty so I stopped for a cup of tea and enjoyed the view of the Inner Harbour.

Victoria Harbour views looking west...
a seaplane taxiing out for take off

masts just visible above the rooftops

the Victoria Clipper high speed ferry at the far left middle of the picture.

The weekend is going to be full to the brim...

on the agenda

lunch out and shopping with lovely daughter

brunch with our son, DIL, and grand children

dessert here with our neighbours and their month of holiday snapshots from Australia

routine domestics

tea

coffee

baking 

 a few walks.

What are you doing this weekend?

Be Well and Be Kind.

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.

Just Matcha

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

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