Shopping and a surprise!

 

Lilies are blooming in the parks.

Like many women I've been wearing black Yoga pants for most of the past year.

They work well for cleaning house and my daily walks...

They are not as dressy as I would like for running errands or patio dining.

So, I went shopping at Tulipe Noire, a small boutique on Oak Bay Avenue.

Canadian made Lisette capris

After buying the capris I decided shoes would be a good idea.

(Aren't they always a good idea?)

I popped up to Walk in Comfort where I always can find a great pair of shoes.

Black leather loafers made in Spain by Bueno...

 Oh so comfy!

Imagine my surprise yesterday 

when a parcel arrived in the post!

The brown envelope was from a wonderful woman who lives in Vancouver 

She sends me gifts from time to time...

cute polka dot sox

sunflower seeds 

(in memory of my mother)

tea

earrings

Inside the package was a sumptuous silk scarf

by Ralph Lauren!!!

This scarf goes perfectly with my new capris

and

most of my core wardrobe which is black.

I use scarves as my go to accessory.

Thank you Rosemarie!

You are such a kind and thoughtful woman.

Lunaria 

also known as "money plant"

blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Our garden is bursting forth with flowers.

May is such a lovely month in our garden...

bright pops of colour in the perennial borders.

Hope that you are staying well and enjoying the first days of May.

We are feeling so encouraged since getting our first vaccinations.

The Covid cases here on Vancouver Island are slowly moving down.

Many people are in hospital with many in ICU.

We hope that all who want the vaccination will be able to get it.

Community Immunity is imperative for our future safety.

Good Luck.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Red Lipstick ~ a bright pop of colour

I have been meaning to post this new lipstick for awhile 

I just haven't gotten around to it until today.

I went in search of a new lipstick and asked the helpful clerk in the cosmetics department at the local Pharmasave.

The gals are so good with colour...

they save me oodles of time and I don't waste money on lipsticks that don't work with my complexion.

Italian Lipstick by Miss Pupa

made in Milano.

A lovely shade of red that is very emollient.

Definitely a pop of colour.

The red shade makes me feel happy.

(it goes with my red ballet flats!)

which is a WIN WIN

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Sublime weather and an OOTD

Rhubarb Spritzer

The weather has been sublime...

sunny and warm and a gentle breeze.

I've been wearing straw hats and sunglasses on my walks.

Last Saturday Mr. HB and I went out to lunch and sat on a waterfront patio.

I had a pink gin with elderflower, citrus and rhubarb syrup.

It was so delicious and refreshing.

I ordered a Weight Watcher friendly salad with arugula, grapefruit and beets.

OOTD

I wore a black cool Cut Loose top with capri tights and my red ballet flats.

I popped on this fun artisan designed necklace that I purchased several years ago...

I just wish that I could remember the name of the artist.

After lunch

we relaxed on our deck.

Chester kept us company.

He and Pepper are "indoor" cats but we allow them to come out on the deck when we are able to supervise them so that they do not escape!

This book is so atmospheric...

it is set in 1580 and Maggie O'Farrell captures the scenes with a deft insight.

I am savouring the chapters, reading slower, so that I can immerse myself in the era.

Although I am not finished the book...

I can highly recommend it to you.

Auriculas in a small pot on the porch...

I love these pretty little plants.

BTW

Counting Weight Watcher Points 

has helped me lose 13.5 pounds since mid January.

Walking 5 km a day and frequently getting 10,000 steps

makes me feel so much better about my health.

I am stronger and can see the results of the weight loss.

I am by no means slim, but I do feel like I am moving in the right direction.

Hope that you are feeling good.

Perhaps you've been one of the lucky ones and have had your vaccination.

What's new with you?

Please leave a comment if you have the time or the inclination.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

 

Escape to the Cottage

 

We escaped to the cottage for a few idyllic days.

The weather was mostly warm and sunny albeit a bit breezy.

The first night it rained late in the day 

we had a perfectly lovely stroll around the complex after dinner.

I spied this beautiful fuchsia magnolia bloom with luminous raindrops.

We love seeing this boat go out to sail.

The owner must love sailing 

 we see him set sail almost every time we are at the cottage.

We spend a lot of time reading and walking.

I read The Bookshop of Yesterdays

Some Women 

The Keeper of Lost Things

I absolutely LOVED The Keeper of Lost Things.

Ruth Hogan also has written another book called

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes

which I immediately ordered from my favourite bookshop Ivy's.

Found Son of a  Trickster by Eden Robinson 

in a little free library box on South Pender.

It's my next book...

We enjoy beachcombing here on Pender.

I spied a lovely red spotted scrap which I thought was a scarf or a rag...

turns out it is kelp and it is so beautiful!

I received a note today that Feedburner is being discontinued 

so the Follow Me Widget that sends an email of every post to you directly 

will no longer work.

You can follow my blog on Bloglovin if you so desire.

Hope that you are well and staying safe.

We are experiencing a third wave of Covid cases here.

My husband and I will have our first shots before the end of the month.

In the meantime we are wearing our masks, washing our hands a lot and only seeing people outdoors.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce and a few tidbits from the weekend...

Sayward Beach 

We packed a wicker picnic basket with some sandwiches and fruit

popped in our water bottles 

got in our car and drove out to Sayward Beach.

The sand was warm and soft

there was a gentle breeze blowing, blue skies and sunshine.

There were only a handful of people there...

  it didn't take us long to find a quiet spot to eat.

So soothing....

listening to the waves as they crashed along the shore

 the cries of the gulls

the warmth of the sun

the ripples on the sea

a lovely lunch and a perfect spot to bring the grandchildren

which we will do when we are allowed to gather safely again.

I bought two new David Austin roses on Easter weekend.

Imogen and Boscobel

We planted them in large black pots

placed them inside the new deer fence

on the gravel.

Our Star Magnolia is in bloom.

Roasted tomatoes and garlic are ready for a pasta dish.

Tomato Sauce

Saute: 1 diced onion, 2 ribs of celery sliced thinly, 1 red pepper diced

 in olive oil until softened.

Add:  the roasted tomatoes and garlic

1 can of San Marzano tomatoes

1 tsp. red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy)

2 tsp. dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Simmer for about an hour.

Cook dried or fresh pasta, drain and add sauce

 Top with a fresh grating of reggiano parmigiano 

Enjoy!

My "to be read" Book Stack.

What are you reading?

I've been reading less as I am walking more.

Walking is a healthy habit that many people have recently embraced especially because it is a safe activity during Covid.

Many wear masks now when walking as some of the parks are busy and crowded...

I try to walk in quieter areas.

We are experiencing an uptick in the number of covid cases...

the 3rd wave has hit Canada.

Vaccinations are ongoing and we should be eligible for our shots in a few weeks.

It has been a tough year for all of us.

I am so looking forward to moving on and seeing friends and family safely.

How are things going where you live?

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~