Dinners In and out ~ OOTD...

I bought this simple black Eileen Fisher dress a few years ago...

it has become a real workhorse in my wardrobe.

I have worn it with a white long sleeved top underneath

tights and black Chelsea Boots.

Last night I wore it as it is and added a soft wool Petrusse scarf as a shawl.

This is a surprisingly warm scarf despite it being rather sheer.

I received this in one of the My French Country Boxes from France.

It has had a few years of use and still looks new.

I thought about wearing my Ferragamo shoes 

but in the end I decided I should test drive the new Coach loafers.

I wore sheer black hose for the first time in ages...

fortunately I have a few new packages in my drawer.

I added the vintage rhinestone bracelet and wore my simple princess cut diamond necklace and studs.

It felt strange not wearing my pearls 

I thought that I should keep it simple when adding the BLING.

We had a delicious dinner at Zambri's our favourite Italian restaurant.

I forgot to capture our appetizers, main course but here is dessert!

Passionfruit Panna Cotta

so delicious!

We had a lovely evening out and it was such a treat.

On Friday evening we hosted a small dinner party here in The Humble Bungalow.

The table is set and ready for the guests.

Appetizers ~ cheese plate with Olives, pickles, antipasto and candied salmon with assorted crackers in the living room in front of the fireplace.

The main course ~ Beef Daube, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Dessert ~ large brownies topped with fresh raspberries.

I wanted to host a casual dinner before everyone got busy with the seasonal events.

Have you noticed that people are out in droves buying Christmas presents?

I too am trying to get my shopping done early.

I need time to bake some cookies and the annual Christmas Tourtieres.

Hope that you are all staying healthy...

I have heard that the viruses are making the rounds.

One of my friends has been hospitalized and she's been in for a week and only now starting to feel better.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday late night post...

~ Antique Porcelain Bowl ~

I have had this antique bowl for many years.

I purchased it from a thrift shop.

I was drawn to its' "staples"

obviously an early repair.

I often wonder where this bowl came from?

Who owned it?

Why was it repaired and not just thrown away when it cracked?

If this bowl could tell its' history...

what might it be?

Looking at this bowl got me thinking...

so

I wrote this post on Instagram...

I've been busy this week...

dinner for the family, aqua fit classes, writing lists of things to do before Christmas.

Writing Christmas gift lists, buying cards and stamps.

I started polishing all the silverware.

Trays, candle sticks, the tea service, pedestals, bowls.

I still have a few pieces to do...

the champagne ice buckets, a baby rattle, some trophies.

I use Hagerty silver polish and Twinkle polish.

They both work well.

It is a time consuming job but is immediately rewarding.

The shine is like a smile.

I've been knitting and reading too...

I started this book Run by Anne Patchett.

I really enjoy her books, and after just one chapter I am already hooked!

I'll be sending Christmas cards out soon...

baking some shortbread cookies 

making my favourite spiced nuts which make nice hostess gifts, 

and of course the pork tourtieres.

~ Spiced Nuts ~

2 cups almonds

2 cups walnuts

2 cups pecans

1 1/3 cups sugar

2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp allspice

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp coriander

2 tsp ginger

2 egg  whites

3 tbsp water

Sprinkle nuts with sugar and spices.

Beat egg whites and water.

Mix into nuts and spice mixture and spread on a buttered baking sheet.

Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour stir occasionally.

Cool

Place into glass containers for gifts.

Add a ribbon and some greenery and a dried orange slice.

Hope that you enjoy these nuts!

Well I'll close for now as it is past my bedtime...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

November update...Autumnal colour, halloween, books and more...

 

~ Fall Colour ~

The limelight hydrangeas are turning pink.

I picked a big armful to dry on the porch and placed them in a jardinere on the buffet.

~ Trick or Treat ~

We had a VERY BUSY Halloween night answering the door and giving out treats!

Fortunately I purchased 250 treats...

we started the evening out by handing out 3 each,

then quickly realized the street was abuzz with children!

We had well over 100 children pop by and we ran out by 7:30

so we turned out the lights

coincidentally, our neighbours did the same at that exact time!

Fall colours are putting on a lovely show here at the cottage.

As we walk and drive the rural roads we are very aware of the different foliage on display.

I found this book in a free library on my walk.

I had not heard of Bobbi French or the title but was interested after reading the cover.

I read the book in a couple of days and am giving it to a friend.

It dealt with a difficult subject but was done so with such sensitivity and grace.

I recommend it.

BC Ferries sail by the cottage many times each day...

this one looked like a Cruise Ship all it up.

Our neighbours here refer to them as "birthday cakes!"

We also play a Yachtzee game...

if you see 5 ferries all at once on the sea you call Yachtzee.

I am so thrilled with the vintage ironstone transferware platter.

I found it at Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village.

We don't have a Blue themed decor in The Humble Bungalow but the cottage does!

I think this tray elevates the casual beachy vibe.

Found another great book in the wee free library.

I have read several of Gill Paul's other books and really enjoyed them...

this one has hooked me already and I am enjoying the story.

I found this distressed and tarnished jug at the thrift shop.

I think it was 35 cents...

it has come in handy for casual flower displays.

I bought a silver tea strainer at the thrift shop for $1

I plan to polish it up but need to buy some silver cleaner...

it will be lovely not having to use those gauzy paper slips 

 for my loose teas here at the cottage.

I am drinking a lot of loose teas these days and most of it comes from Murchies.

The Princess blend is a lovely floral rose tea which I drink most afternoons when i sit and read my book or knit.

A scarf knit on the bias.

This will go with lots of my blue denim and my blue down puffer coat.

The yarn is Japanese Noro blend of alpaca, wool and silk.

I found the pattern and yarn at my favourite local wool shop The Beehive.

The "feel of a yarn" while knitting is very important to me...

I spend a long time making a project so I like to enjoy the process.

This lovely wash cloth was knit by my friend Michelle.

It is whisper soft and such an interesting pattern.

I purchased two new soaps when I was at Marshall's the other week.

Love the packaging...

Orange and Cinnamon

Asquith and Somerset

English 

(a generous bath size bar)

Will be savouring this for awhile!

I better close for now and put the kettle on and do some knitting.

It is a grey rainy day here at the cottage and I have soup simmering on the stove.

Feeling Very cozy and the views are wonderful.

Hope that you are enjoying the start of your week.

Have you got anything exciting planned?

Are you reading a good book that you care to share?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

A quick post ~ Sunday

 

~ Shopping ~

My Play day involved a purchase...

Marshall's dressing rooms are quite small...

there are many of them so one never really needs to wait to get inside.

I had a good look around the store and found 

only 2 items that I was interested enough to try on.

~ Casual OOTD ~

I am wearing my Lands End denim shirt and some black Yoga pants.

The barn coat is Ralph Lauren and was recently found here at Marshall's.

Warm Hoodie to wear to and from my aqua fit classes at the pool.

I feel cold after I have been exercising for the hour in the water.

I have a shower and slather on body lotion then get dressed.

It is a herringbone pattern in my favourite color combo!

So soft, very cozy feels so warm.

Rachel Zoe

Pocket detail

Nice hood and there are snap details on the cuffs as well.

I've got the family coming for dinner tonight so I am going to be busy in the kitchen getting ready...hence the short post.

On the menu...

"Stringy Beef" Roast

Scalloped potatoes

Carrots

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole

Peas

Blueberry Pie and ice cream for dessert

Must get cooking!

Bye for now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

A WEE post ~ in between...stay tuned for the regular post on Sunday!

 

I am so thrilled with the lavender soap that I ordered from French Larkspur.

I love a scented soap and treat myself regularly to a fresh new bar...

I find it difficult not buying fragrant soaps :-))

If I go into a shop that sells gifts I head to the soap section first.

Rarely do I leave without buying a bar or two.

Mom loved her Yardley's English Lavender Soap

she actually kept it in her bedroom so that the rest of the family  didn't use it all up!

I wonder if it was an expensive luxury item back in the day?

She would unwrap bars and scent her lingerie drawer with the bars of soap.

This soap has found a "home" beside the farmhouse kitchen sink.

The wee posy is still looking lovely!

Twas a gift from our lovely neighbours 

In appreciation for all the veggies and apples that we gave them over the summer.

Look at the most recent harvest of the peppers!

My husband has outdone himself growing all the veggies this year.

I am using the peppers in all kinds of dishes...

salads

soups

spaghetti sauce

chili

I love baking sourdough bread, tending to the starter is like feeding a pet.

I make a boule each week 

we enjoy the bread sliced and served with butter or toasted with jam.

The texture is dense, requires a lot of chewing and the crust is crunchy.

Not only is it fun to make it is very economical.

With food prices rising it is nice to know that homemade bread is still affordable.

Chili for dinner tonight!

Saute 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 

3 stalks of celery and 2 green peppers diced and cooked until soft.

Add 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey or beef)

cook until no longer pink.

Drain and rinse 2 cans of red kidney beans add to pot.

Then add a large can of diced tomatoes (stewed tomatoes work well too)

2 Tbsp. Chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt

Simmer for at least an hour, stirring often.

I serve the chili topped with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Bon Appetit

Currently reading this book...

it is rather like a travelogue.

I am enjoying the whimsy and honesty of the author as he retells the story of his trip.

We keep our "heart" lit up 

on behalf of the local hospital workers who work hard.

Covid is making a comeback here in town...

people are back wearing masks in the shops.

We both have just had our 6th vaccination and we took advantage at the pharmacy and had the annual flu shot as well.

I had a reaction to the shot(s) was awake at 2:30 with aches 

stayed awake the rest of the night...

but I managed to go to aquafit and had a great workout.

Feel totally normal now!

I've been so busy in the kitchen that I haven't really had a PLAY DAY.

I promise I will take off my apron.

I plan on taking myself to Marshall's for a WALKABOUT.

STAY TUNED :-))

It is always fun looking at their stock and I rarely leave empty handed.

What's new with you all?

Don't be SHY...leave a comment.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~