Escape to the Cottage...

Dr. Bonnie Henry our official medical officer for Covid has informed us that we are in "Phase 3" which permits us to travel within our province of BC.

Mr. HB and I are enjoying a much needed week of respite at Quarter Deck Cottage on Pender Isalnd. The change of scenery is such a tonic and the fresh air walks are invigorating. We are feeling immense gratitude for this getaway.

Cottage life is relaxing and we get into the rhythm almost as soon as we drive off the ferry!

We brought some Graham Thomas roses from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We eat quite simple meals here at the cottage.

Fresh French Radishes from our greenhouse for our salads.

Fresh from the Farm 

Strawberries, sweet tasting and delicious!

As a dessert or with my morning fruit and yogurt breakfast.

Fresh eggs from the Saturday morning Farmer's Market here on Pender.

The yolks are a dark orange colour and the flavour is outstanding.

My current book...

a page turner and a very interesting topic.

I have not read any of Jodi Picoult's books before and I am enjoying her writing.

Spaghetti and a glass of red wine from the local vineyard.

I make pasta once a week as it is my husband's favourite meal.

I make a batch of sauce that will last for two meals.

It's a very simple recipe.

Spaghetti Sauce

Pour a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large dutch oven.

add

1 medium diced onion saute until soft

then add:

 a cup of sliced mushrooms

 2 or 3 cloves of minced garlic

1 pound of lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage

sprinkle with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes

(or to taste)

salt, pepper, dried oregano, a splash of worchestershire sauce

add a jar of good quality tomato sauce

small can of tomato paste

Simmer for about an hour.

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.

Top with the sauce and grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy!

The roses are wilting in the summer sunshine...

Staycations and local travel are the New Normal for residents of BC.

We must be vigilant and stay safe to avoid an upswing in Covid cases.

We have to make our own fun 

at home, at the cottage, at a resort, a marina, a hotel or campsite.

How are you doing?

What are your holiday plans?

Please share any tips you have for coping during the pandemic.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Wishing you a lovely week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Roses on repeat...

I am finding it a challenge to write my blog during Covid.
There's not a lot of excitement here in The Humble Bungalow.

We are maintaining our small bubble of people to stay safe and not entertaining much...we have our closest couple over for social distancing happy hours in the garden but that is about it. We have not been "out" for a meal but have done take out about 4 times since early March.

I managed to get an appointment with my hairdresser...
the first one since mid December!

It feels so much better!

Voyage d' Hermes Arlesienne by L'Occitane and Figue Amour by Bastide.

I've been wearing perfume every day and pearls most days 

even if I am wearing jeans and a simple Tee shirt.

These "little things" help to keep me focused on the "positive."

Dressing up occasionally 

but mostly wearing casual walking and gardening attire.

I've tried harder to keep my FitBit steps up.

My weight is up 7 pounds.

 My doctor reduced my daily Thyroid medication last Fall.

He said that I would really have to amp up my activity 

and/or 

drastically cut calories...to avoid gaining weight!

I am not happy about the number on the scale

but I will not perserverate on it right now...

I need comfort and less stress during the pandemic.

As we are constantly bombarded with grim news I turn off the TV and radio...

self preservation is a must.

I turn to the garden...

so inspired by the beauty of our glorious roses.

Graham Thomas

Claire Austin

Constance Spry

Jude the Obscure

Paul's Lemon Pillar

Taking Tea 

a daily ritual ~ so soothing.

Have you read this wonderful publication by Sharon Santoni and her team?

My French Country Home magazine is filled with beautiful homes, gardens, recipes from France. You can use this link to the website.

I also enjoy the subscription boxes

they are such a luxury.

Go here to order the August box.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Life's little luxuries...

Diamonds, pearls and cashmere are definitely luxuries.

Luxuries worth saving up for but they are not the only luxuries that I love.

Luxuries...

what do you think of when you hear the word luxury?

Online dictionary meanings as found...

noun

"the state of great comfort and extravagant living"

adjective

"luxurious or of the nature of a luxury"

Luxury List

Having time to persue the things in life that bring us Joy

time to savour the richness of everyday living.

Spending quality time with family and friends.

good books

scented soaps and candles

fresh air

flowers

treating yourself to a manicure and pedicure

enjoying a coffee at a cafe

lunch out with friends

a long soak in the bathtub

a picnic in the park or at the beach

watching a classic film

trying a new perfume

finding the perfect little black dress

a fresh bouquet of flowers

There are so many things that we can embrace which elevate our days.

My latest luxury item will be delivered today and I am quite excited!

An apron made from Orkney Linen from Rough Linen

Watch the video of Tricia's story here.

I wear aprons in the garden and when I am cooking.

I am a messy cook!

I ordered the petite apron in charcoal.

Here is the corner of The Humble Bungalow Garden where I sit and take tea.

It is a calm space...

where I listen to the sounds of the birds and bees as they flitter about the flowers.

How are you faring these days?

Are you embracing this quiet time or are you missing the busyness?

Time to fill?

What are you doing to fill up your days?

Homekeeping tasks

garden beds to weed

roses to deadhead

there are a variety of jobs around our home and garden that need attention.

 I never really get caught up

the list is long

I make time in between jobs to rest

take tea

arrange a bouquet of garden roses

read a book.

I am grateful for the many activities that present themselves each day.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Everything's coming up Roses...

I am spending much more time in our garden during the pandemic...

focusing on the flowers and plants.

Listening to the birdsong 

chatting with fellow gardeners on the street.

Many of us are dealing with the urban deer and their voracious appetites.

One doe visits the front yard every day and has decimated most of the Hostas.

You can see in the first picture that its looking quite big!

This is what is left of Sum and Substance a large variety of Hosta.

I watched her eat two "salads."

She's nibbled the hydrangeas and some of the rose blooms despite the thorns!

We are going to build a fence...

Constance Spry and Paul's Lemon Pillar Roses

on the pergola at the entrance to The Humble Bungalow Garden.

High enough that the deer cannot reach all of the blooms.

Constance has a very deep rich fragrance and Paul's Lemon Pillar is a more sublte citrus scent.

The Heart Flag hangs in honour of all the frontline and essential workers.

Jude The Obscure 

(my favourite David Austin Rose!)

a stunning repeat blooming apricot rose with an amazing 

and

intoxicating perfume.

The pink rose in the background is the McCartney Rose

a hybrid tea rose 

rich scent

repeat bloomer.

Sir Paul!

William Shakespeare

our only red rose in the garden.

"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends."

~ Okakura Kakuzo ~

Roses growing at the Cottage on Pender.

"Flowers grow out of dark moments."

~ Corita Kent ~

No scent to speak of but very attractive.

"It’s ok to feel delicate sometimes. 

Real beauty is in the fragility of your petals. 

A rose that never wilts isn’t a rose at all."

~ Crystal Woods ~

Are you a gardener?

Do you have urban deer or other wildlife dining in your garden?

My current book borrowed from a friend.

What are you reading?

Take care and thank you for dropping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

My Stylish French Country box reveal!

What a treat to receive this beautiful My Stylish French Box.

Sharon Santoni and her team have outdone themselves yet again!
I don't know how they do it but I am very grateful that they put in the time and effort with this venture.

I want to share some of the beautiful items that were carefully wrapped up in whisper thin tissue and satin ribbons...

The theme for the May box was flowers.

I love those subtle soft shades of pink and grey.

Wee Espresso cups hand made by Sophie Masson 

 and the pretty Francoise Paviot napkins.

Rosa Damascena rose palettes by Carriere Freres

 add scent to a closet or lingerie drawer.

A recycled wine bottle by Q' de Bouteilles 

etched with "MFCH"

Will use this sweet vase for our wee garden bouquets.

I think it will be great in the green bathroom here in The Humble Bungalow.

Apica Exfoliant made with bee pollen...

I look forward to trying this gentle product to keep my skin glowing and healthy.

Look at this beautiful large floral silk scarf by Pertrusse!

It is so sumptuous!

I will wear this with my summer linen dresses...

and with my denim jacket and jeans.

I am a pearl girl and WOW check out these beautiful Gisel B earrings.

Love LOVE love the pearls...

 my two favourite items in the box can be worn together!

I also have the pearl pendant from Gisel B 

sent in a previous MSFB which will be lovely worn with these.

Such a luxurious assortment of treats to enjoy.

The timing of the delivery during this pandemic was most anticipated...

I would encourage you to try a box, they are now taking orders for August.

A little bit of French luxury delivered righ to your home.

You can visit their site to see more and read the comments left by box recipients.

Hope you are all doing well, staying healthy and sane.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~