Hello June !

 

Welcome June...

We spent the past week at the cottage.

Beautiful scenery...a surprising mix of weather...Sun, Rain and HAIL !

Our favourite sailboat went out for a brisk sail...

quite a few sailboats took advantage of the gusty winds.

There was a sailpast ceremony for a recently passed member of the Pipe Band.

A bag piper was on the point and all sailors dipped their flags as they passed...

I love the sound of bagpipes.

We went to the Legion for the Saturday night meat draw...

met some nice people and won some snapper!

(not meat but FISH! and a $100 gift card at the local grocery store)

We sat on the deck when the weather was nice...

watched the ferries as they cruised past the cottage.

Observed the cloud formations...

Swam in the refurbished pool. 

It is now a "salt water" pool but it isn't "sea water."

Much more eco friendly and we felt much more boyant!

I am embracing the colours of blue and white at the cottage.

Vintage blue and white ironstone and yellow flowers are a great pairing.

I found this crinkle shirt at the thrift shop...

$3.00

I seriously cannot believe the prices!

I found 2 pound weights!!

$2.00

So excited as my recent diagnosis with osteoporosis recommends weight training...

Found a seated chair routine with Lauren ~ Senior Fitness on YouTube.

The session is 10 minutes so I do it twice.

Hopefully I will have more toned arms for summer sleeveless tops and dresses.

But most important I will be building BONE.

Greek style yogurt...high protein and rich in calcium no added sugar.

Read Mireille's book French Women Don't Get Fat again...

I have gained weight since I broke my ankle.

Inactivity is the culprit and maybe some naughty mood lifting eating :-))

There was a French Theme in my book choices this week...

Read this book written by David Lebovitz...

I have read several of his books.

He documents his Paris apartment purchase and the extensive renovations...

definitely not an easy thing for an Anglophile!

Found this one in a wee library kiosk...

read one of Janine Marsh's books before and enjoyed it...

am not quite finished but her stories of village life are very vivid and funny!

One of our feasts...

Marinated Pork tenderloin on the BBQ

roasted zucchini, peppers and carrots

half a baked potato with sour cream and bacon bits.

Marinate a pork tenderloin in a glass bowl

~ Marinade ~

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup soya sauce (I use Braggs)

1 clove chopped garlic

3 tbsp. honey Dijon mustard

salt and pepper

Marinate for at least 2 hours.

Heat grill on BBQ

cook until no longer pink

slice on the diagonal

Enjoy!

When we got home...

We were surprised to see my husband's latest project in full bloom!

He dug up all the grass on the boulevard...

planted a lawn alternative and VOILA!

The pollinators LOVE IT!!

OUR 

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose is in bloom.

This rose is so fragrant and repeat blooms all through the summer.

I love the orange shade...

We had a really rainy day today...

we stayed pretty close to home as our elder cat Pepper is unwell.

She has been diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis.

She is on pain medication and staying pretty quiet.

Her appetite is great so that is very encouraging.

Poor Girl...

Quite stressful for us adults...

if you are a pet owner you will know this feeling.

Baked my sourdough boule today...

such a rewarding and healthy habit.

Easy too...it sounds daunting 

once you have made one boule you will be a PRO!

Do you bake sourdough?

Do you know that it is lower in gluten, 

is easier to digest and has amazing probiotics?

Well that about wraps up our news...

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

I will close for now...

we are going to watch some Acorn TV Mystery shows.

Stress can make us want to seek solace and escape...

English Murder Mysteries are just what we need tonight!!!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Daytripping, a New Frock...and Snippets from the Humble Bungalow Garden

 

Still here...

maintaining positivity

while the ankle slowly mends.

I have gained weight with the lack of exercise...

mid March to Mid May with no aqua fit classes or long walks.

Once my mobility improves I am going to have to get serious about losing pounds.

I had my second xray today...

hopefully showing the fusing of the bones.

(fingers crossed)

Walking is much better, not too painful unless I walk too long.

The Pharmasave had these Pokoloko hooded beach cover ups for sale.

I don't own a proper cover up for the beach or the pool at the cottage 

so I grabbed this one in grey.

I justified the purchase quickly as I imagined wearing it on the cottage deck.

Or perhaps with cute sandals and my straw hat to the Farmer's Market?

I could use it as a robe, or to sleep in!

Waffle cotton...

(two trees are planted with every purchase)

Sooke River

Friends accompanied us on a day trip through Metchosin on the way to Sooke.

The scenery was green lush and gorgeous.

We stopped for a peek at Weirs Beach where my husband's family once owned a cottage.

Walked along the sandy beach and gazed across to the city and the majestic Olympic Mountain Range in Washington State.

Then we tootled along to Lester B. Pearson College, 

an international world college, 

one of 18 in the world.

We drove through the campus to see the beautiful architecturally designed buildings 

in the West Coast style...

My husband has done lots of architectural work for the college over the years.

Our friends had never been there.

Sooke River is a pristine spot, popular with locals for the pot holes and swimming.

The weather was wonderful!

We ventured into a thrift shop

I found and Italian scarf with hand rolled edges 

pink with burgundy designs.

($3.00)

Here is the scarf...

The Alliums are blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The bees LOVE these blooms.

These are planted in between the white Claire Austin roses 

which are growing on black obelisks just in front of the deck.

Primula Auriculas are putting on a show on the front porch.

We have them on a bamboo shelf unit that my husband painted black.

There are quite a few different varieties and colours.

Their blooms are like little happy faces...they make me smile.

Last week we had a really gloomy cool rain day...

I made my sourdough boule which warmed up the kitchen and made the house smell wonderful.

I decided that comfort food was called for so I made Hamburger Soup.

The recipe is from The Best of The Best of Bridge cookbook.

These cookbooks were very popular in the 1980's and 90's.

I only have the one book but it has some great recipes in it...

some feel nostalgic, others are totally retro!

I've drastically whittled down my cookbook collection...

I only have 3 Barefoot Contessa Books!

Various other books are among the group.

The small shelf the books sit on is only half full.

Do you have oodles of cookbooks?

Do you find recipes online?

What are your favourite cookbooks?

~ Cut Loose Linen Dress ~

Hooray I finally found a black linen dress!!!!

I have been looking for almost a year to find THE ONE.

Will be wearing it a LOT...

to the market, at the cottage, shopping, at a garden gathering.

Out for lunch or dinner...

the possibilities for wearing are endless.

I have black flip flops with rhinestones 

and white bow fronted shoes.

My straw black and white visor will work too...or my old straw hat.

Will carry my French Market straw tote...

have a white crinkle shawl from Paris which will be a good accessory.

Pearls too! 

Big ones or small ones...

I have set aside 6 garments to take to the consignment shop.

These will help to top up my clothing fund.

I am now thinking I could use a BIG Sterling Silver Bracelet...

I wonder if I can find one at the thrift shop???

What have you found at the Thrift Shops lately?

Have you been shopping?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Mid May Musings...from Gardening to My "minimalist" approach to Style...

 

May is a very busy month here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We have all kinds of plants blooming and various plans for new beds and borders.

Mr. HB is digging up the wee front lawn which has been struggling to grow 

ever since the neighbour's Arbutus Tree grew tall and shaded our front garden.

We will build a small patio using old bricks.

I hope to relocate the black birdbath to the centre of the new patio

buy a black pot and plant a large Boxwood Globe.

I am so looking forward to sharing the new area and will do so in a future post! 

With my broken ankle I have been sitting more...

Tea, a good book on the porch in the sunshine listening to the birdsong

 is not a hardship!

In the wee library across the street I discovered a book by author Susie Steiner.

I really enjoyed her first book Missing, Presumed.

Quickly put the next 2 books in the series on Hold at my local library.

DSI Manon is an interesting and complex character, as are the rest of her team.

One feels that they are REAL people.

UK Crime Dramas fascinate me...

Was surprised to learn that Susie Steiner passed away at the age of 51 

 a glioblastoma brain tumour.

Unfortunately

I know of a few people who have passed away recently from a glioblastoma

~ Pavement Series Rose ~

This reliable, vigorous, hardy, drought tolerant rose is VERY thorny.

It can be grown as a hedge.

The blooms are frilly, frothy and fragrant.

Mr. HB managed to grow a new one for our neighbour from a shoot.

Soon all of our roses will be in bloom...we have over 30 roses in our small garden.

It might sound excessive...but I am a passionate rose grower.

When our Olive Tree died in the cold snap this past winter I was sad.

Was so hopeful that we might have a wee bit of Italy in our backyard.

Alas it is not to be...

Mr. HB suggested I buy a new rose to fill the space :-))

It took me NO Time at all to find a new candidate...

Bathsheba, a David Austin Rose, is now growing in that space!

Made a Cheese Sourdough loaf of bread and it was surprisingly easy.

Recipe found online at Pantry Mama.

The sourdough exploratory journey continues!

Who knew that baking bread would ever be such a big part of my week?

Some thoughts and musings about clothes, style and fashion...

shoes are not shown

 Comprising of several pairs of loafers, sandals as well as white sneakers.

I have various pieces of outer wear which I have not included in this closet.

Eileen Fisher blue swing coat, Eileen Fisher Khaki jacket, 

distressed Old Navy denim jacket, 

black moto,

Ralph Lauren black quilted barn coat.

The Minimalist Wardrobe continues to be working...

I am constantly editing.

(Summer Wardrobe)

Black, white, grey neutrals and shades of denim blues

with a few POPS of Colour.

I much prefer a smaller wardrobe as it makes getting dressed so easy.

No more standing in front of the closet humming and hawing about what to wear!

In order for a small wardrobe to work, and be versatile,

I have found that I need to pay extra attention to texture and accessories.

This blouse is a great example...

Tiers of cool textured fabric ~ flow.

I have worn this with black pants and jeans.

 

Accessories are Key components in any outfit.

Big Baroque Pearls make an appearance frequently.

I consider these a "Statement Piece."

My smaller Akoya Pearls are much more subtle.

Both get equal wear.

Basic Players for Summer are :

Two Old Navy denim shirts, 

one a medium blue the other very soft and faded.

Gap sleeveless denim top with pin tucks.

A couple of white shirts, a few white Tees, a sleeveless linen tank.

Several pairs of black pants...2 are dressy.

A black pair of ankle length cuffed pants which have white flecks.

Tan and white striped pair of wider profile ankle pants (NEW) from Talbots

2 pairs of denim blue Jeans

one light the other dark

pair of white jeans

Black tunic top crinkled by Cut Loose wear with black capri tights.

Black sleeveless crinkled dress, black with white polka dots shift dress.

Denim dress, 

white and blue striped maxi length linen dress

bold yellow Italian linen maxi dress.

White and Black skirt with asymmetrical flounce.

White shift dress with pockets in cotton.

I no longer wear shorts...

Lacy socks add a bit of fun worn with my white sneakers and loafers.

The juxtaposition of the lace and the nacre of the pearls works.

Clothes are more than just coverings...

they are an expression of one's personal style.

Creativity definitely comes into PLAY :-))

This thrifted sequin top is a Wild Card in my wardrobe...

whimsical and totally surprising.

Think of wearing it with my white denim jeans...or polished black ponte knit pants.

Maybe even the San Tropez silk skirt I found at The House Of Savoy?

I have kitten heels with some sparkle on them that will be fun to wear...

these sandals are about 15 years old and they need to get some time out of their box!

~ Behind the Scenes ~

Not everything needs to be classic and conservative...

Prima Donna make such beautiful lingerie that I cannot resist

 A Pop of Colour

What really started me on the minimalist wardrobe edit 

was flying off to France in 2015 for 3 weeks with ALL my clothes in a carry on...

I am having FUN with fashion and am really enjoying a fresh new focus.

Clothes that work well with my retired lifestyle

and 

are often found in consignment and thrift shops.

~ WIN WIN ~

Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?

Do you have a wee closet like me 

or a walk in closet with built in drawers and shoe racks?

Well I must get off the computer and start some lunch for my husband who is toiling outside in the Humble Bungalow Garden!

Cheerio for Now...

Look forward to your comments on the subject.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

 

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Healthy habits and something new...

 

~ Lily of The Valley ~

Muguet des Bois is the name in France...

its scent is intoxicating and heady.

We have masses of these plants in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

They seem to love the clay soil and multiply very fast.

I am enjoying picking small bouquets for the bathroom...

when I walk into the room the scent envelopes me.

Pure Bliss 

I've been dealing with some health challenges 

Not surprised to discover that I am not the most "patient" of patients!

My ankle injury is still an issue...

slowing me down when I want to be free to do as I please.

This morning I went for an x-ray...my doctor thinks I might have a fracture.

In other health news I got the results of my bone density test.

I had one in 2008 which showed osteopenia...

my latest one shows osteoporosis and I have one fractured vertebrae.

My doctor wants to put me on twice a year shots.

He told me they are generally well tolerated and seem to offer good results.

Will be having a chat with him next week...

~ OOTD ~

Pale Denim vintage shirt worn over top of a white linen Tank top

black Michael Kors pants.

I posted this on Instagram and Joanne suggested it was Coastal Grandmother Style!

We live in a coastal location and I am a Grammy to 3 lovely kiddos!

Happy to be wearing casual clothing when it suits me.

In the wake of this new information....I have been doing my own research.

Only choosing reputable websites.

I need to get way more calcium into my meals.

Also the health experts research indicates that older women need more protein.

Suggesting 30g of protein at each meal.

I've already started buying Siggi plain yogurt which has 19g of protein per serving.

I bought this one by mistake...

it is Vanilla and has more sugar and only 18g of protein than the plain.

I add 5 dried prunes 20 g calcium and that is my new go to breakfast.

I am going to be very mindful and add more protein and calcium with each meal.

Will also be adding a calcium supplement.

(need to check with my doctor on type of calcium and dose)

I already take a higher dose of vitamin D 

(doctor suggested this last year)

a daily multiple vitamin and a tablet of Magnesium.

Enough of that health stuff... 

Let's move onto something NEW.

I've discovered a new tool...

Rose Quartz facial roller.

Use on a freshly washed face ~ add some serum 

gently roll from the inner to outer areas of the face.

Smaller roller is good for the eye area...

(roll from nose upwards and outwards)

Helps to reduce puffiness and encourage lymphatic drainage.

~ Very relaxing ~

My face feels like I have been to the Spa for a facial and it only takes a few minutes.

These rollers have been around for ages 

I never tried one until I read how good they were for the face.

Besides a little pampering is always a good thing :-))

My local Oak Bay Pharmasave have them in stock.

I surprised myself with this meal...

I needed something fast and when my husband was outside in the garden 

he discovered that there were some asparagus stalks ready to harvest and some radishes ready to be picked.

I had no lettuce! 

Made a salad of celery leaves, cucumber slices and thinly sliced radishes.

~ Creamy Pasta ~

Boiled up some dried pasta noodles.

Sauteed sliced asparagus

(I would have used some grated lemon rind and juice if I had a lemon)

in a couple of tablespoons of butter

added 1/2 tsp freshly grated pepper

 added 1 cup grated parmigiana reggiano

1/2 cup of pasta water

stir well to melt cheese and combine.

Then add the noodles and serve!

~ Bon Appetit ~

Auricula Primulas are blooming!

These wee plants are perhaps a CULT plant in the UK.

I discovered them a few years ago and have been growing different varieties.

They are such a sweet and cheerful flower.

Do you have any health challenges?

Osteoporosis?

Life feels very much like a balancing act as I age.

(I am only 69)

Positivity, Optimism and Gratitude are attitudes I embrace.

 They continue to prevail as I navigate 

aging as gracefully as possible.

Seeking JOY everyday is something I intentionally do.

It makes such a difference especially if one is in pain.

Hope that you are well and enjoying life as much as possible.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~