OOTD and some new bits and bobs.

Selfie of my OOTD

Cut Loose top

 Zella skinny pants

Jessica Simpson flats

I've been wearing comfy clothes more frequently since Mother passed away.

I crave comfort in all the areas where I have control.

Clothing is one area where I abhor discomfort...

I could not resist this classic Saint James raincoat.

It is lightweight and a very comfortable and sensible choice for our April showers.

I am smitten with this line of garments designed in France.

Their Breton striped tops are wonderful and they make some fabulous sweaters and coats...

You may remember that I bought their navy and white striped brolly 

a few weeks ago.

I spy a new gadget in the Humble Bungalow...

this wee machine makes quick work of pills 

found on cashmere and wool sweaters

it is fast and easy to use.

I give it two thumbs up!

a soft scented candle recently found its way into my shopping basket

I love roses and our garden roses are still at least a month away from blooming

so I found a way to imbue the home with the scent of roses...

cheating a bit, I know,  but that's fine by me!

The spiky ball that we use at Yoga is now working overtime to help me at home.

It is amazing how this wee thing can loosen up hips and rid shoulders of tension.

It works really well on the balls of the feet too...

just go easy until you get used to the sensations!

In other news...

the view from here is dramatic.

The driveway has shrunk and our fence has too. 

We consider ourselves kind and decent neighbours...

so we have allowed a portion of our fence to be removed 

some of the driveway has been "loaned" 

to the developers 

to allow them to excavate with ease at the property line.

Deep holes have been fenced off so that no one falls into the pit!

Looking out the window you can see the site which is ready for construction to commence.

Which we have been told will be any day now...

On the past post I asked for books suggestions 

I was most surprised as you went above and beyond my expectations.

Thank you!

Hope that your week is ticking along nicely.

Cheerio from The Humble Bungalow.

XO

Books and comfort food...

On a grey day last week I took my book to a local cafe and sat at a table near the window.

I ordered a pot of tea and a hearty bowl of soup.

There were scads of people lunching and chatting yet I felt quite sheltered by the noise in my little corner by the window.

Kate Morton's book "The Lake House" has so many twists and turns that I cannot figure out the mystery that she has so cleverly crafted.

I have been lunching on soup quite a bit as I find it such a comforting meal.

Simple, hot, tasty and nutritious.

I've noticed a lot of dandelions on the boulevards that line the streets nearby...

many lawns are dotted with the yellow flowers that are considered by many as noxious weeds.

We have a gadget for pulling these long rooted weeds out of the lawn.

The taproots can be 8-10 inches and if you don't get the root in its entirety it will grow back with a vengeance!

I received a lovely gift from a local author.

Thank you for the book Lise-Lotte!

Lise-Lotte Loomer

has written a book about 

her GreenHouse

the gift her Mother gave to her while she was in Hospice.

Her Mother was an avid gardener and was happy pottering about in her "glasshouse" in her garden by the sea.

The greenhouse was a gift from her husband many years ago...

Lise -Lotte, friends and family dismantled the glasshouse and moved it carefully 

before reassembling it in her back yard...and by all accounts it was a challenge!

(Lise-Lotte's Mother, like my own Mother, wore Chanel No. 5)

Greenhouse Hygge

The House of My Growing Dreams

Lise-Lotte popped in a packet of Earl Grey Tea 

 several of her beautiful art cards

and so I put the kettle on and brewed some tea while I read her book.

Lise- Lotte has used many beautiful snapshots of her garden and greenhouse

in the book...

Lise-Lotte has written a lovely tribute to her Mother

shared with us her vision for the greenhouse 

how it will play a new role in her garden.

Lise-Lotte uses it for entertaining 

as well as growing and propagating flowers 

and vegetables.

The author is able to pop out and sit in her greenhouse 

all year long

sipping a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

It is a quiet refuge, a place for reflection and contemplation.

Having recently lost my own Mother 

I can understand why Lise-Lotte likes to spend so much time in her Mother's greenhouse.

I feel that she, like me, is looking for moments 

when we can be close to,  remember and honour our Mothers.

If you are in the Victoria area you can find Lise-Lotte's book at:

 Ivy's on Oak Bay Avenue, 

Tanners in Sidney on Beacon Avenue, 

Thorn and Thistle Flower Merchants on Bowker Avenue

Russell Nursery on Wain Road

Southlands Nursery In Vancouver also carry the book.

I received this book as a gift and in no way am I being reimbursed by the author

all opinions are mine.

More lunchtime comfort soup...

this one, a creamy tomato basil bisque

with a side of salad and a baguette slice.

I am looking for some new book titles and know many of you are avid readers.

What are you currently reading or which books are on your wish list?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

Yoga and Grief...

I am not at all surprised, at my age,
that there are still many things that I can learn...
or perhaps relearn
what I had thought I already knew.

In the quiet moments of reflection
sitting still

open
to absorb

adopt
new and healthy habits.

I do not hesitate or tarry
the desire to act is strong.
The rewards great...

Yoga has re-entered my life...
it has been a wonderful tool to help work through the grief.

Several women from the over 50 Yoga class have recently lost their Mothers.
I over heard them mention that have been also dealing with estate duties and grieving...it is easy to strike up conversation and compare notes and share tips.

Physical flexibility is slowly returning
stamina
stalled by recent events
is coming back.

Sleep has been deeper and more restorative.

Yoga practice
"with intention"
spills over and permeates the daily round.

The benefits are well worth the time spent at the studio.

Feeling more energy with fewer aches and pains has been a welcome change.
One that has pleasantly surprised me.

Looking at life with positivity and Joy...

fewer tears
renewed faith
comfort...

Letting go...

Maintaining peace and perspective in times of turmoil...
staying calm when all around you
life is noisy and speeding by at a rapid frenzy.

Breathing deeply and being totally aware 

living in the moment.

Being mindful of how stress can rob the body of its resilience.

You are at risk of getting sick in body, mind and spirit.

The regular practice of Yoga  

has re-energized and restored a sense of balance

in life

refreshed my lagging spirit.

Yoga

is helping me through this journey of grieving.

While grief is not predictable

when it does show up 

I am better equipped to ride the emotional waves

and 

allowing myself to feel the moments 

deeply

then move on...

The Humble Bungalow Blog

has been taking a back seat to real life.

Writing and publishing posts has been sporadic...

not much excitement to report

while life here has been routine...

some may even say dull

but that is exactly what I crave and need right now.

I hope you'll stay tuned...

 Spring is unfolding its beautiful wings

our humble bungalow garden is awakening

flowers are blooming

scents are wafting in the yard

birds are singing and building nests

the sun is shining

we sit and wait

for something to capture our attention 

something worthy of sharing.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

In the Pink...

These pretty pink Gerbera Daisies were under $5 at the market 

at that price it took very little convincing

 so I brought them home.

They last about a week in our bungalow and they add so much cheer.

Flowers really do elevate my spirits and are a wonderful way to add an element of beauty to our home.

Speaking of cheer we celebrated Easter with a wee gathering.

Brunch with the 3 littles and their parents.

Easter bags filled with stickers, chocolate bunnies, eggs and a small toy.

On the menu:

Strawberry and spinach salad

fruit salad

bacon

scrambled eggs

yogurt

cottage cheese

smoked salmon cream cheese spread

cheese scones

orange juice 

coffee

Then it was off to the park and the spare lot for some running around

 time to ride on the merry go round  

(we all got dizzy)

slide and swings.

I had to empty my shoes of all the sand when I got home!

I purchased some new walking shoes recently...

Jungla and Merrell Vibram

Two different styles...

one casual and one slightly dressier.

Both were half price and my old walking shoes were in a sad and sorry state.

The Magnolias are blooming in our neighbourhood.

We have a white one but many of the neighbours have Magnolias in pink.

Ours is young and only a few feet tall but is putting on a lovely display.

I do so love a pure white flower...

Pink is the colour that has been standing out for me this Easter weekend.

Pink Lewisia plant new from the garden centre.

Mr. HB purchased tomato plants and cucumbers and they were planted.

We enjoyed our first harvest of asparagus from the Humble Bungalow Garden and it was tasty and oh so tender.

Love these pretty sweet blooms.

Started this fabulous book on the weekend...

almost 600 pages and I have read about 200 pages so far.

It is calling my name and the tea has steeped so I will close for now.

Thank you for stopping by the Humble Bungalow.

Hope your week is off to a great start...

XO

OOTD ~ What I wore and will soon will be wearing.

I tied one of Mother's scarves on to perk up this plain V neck top.

The scarf is a large lightweight square by Fraas.

The top is Wilfred from Aritzia.

Boyfriend jeans by NYDJ

Sad I know but no great lighting downstairs where the full length mirror is located.

I do plan to buy a free standing mirror if I ever find one that is not too expensive.

You can see my sterling bangles collection on display atop of the cabinet.

Darling daughter and I went shopping for her birthday gift and we were successful in finding her some super cute Citizen's of Humanity jeans at Aritzia.

After she shopped we cruised through the Bay looking at various items...

shoes, tops and tees and she found me something that has been on my "bucket list" for quite some time...

The classic tweed jacket that I can dress up or dress down.

Perfect colour too to go with my small curated wardrobe!

Ferragamo flats that darling daughter gave me for my birthday this year!

I am so happy with these shoes and they are so comfortable to wear!

Bangles

The jacket was on sale and deeply discounted...

it felt so wonderful to find something long wished for at a bargain price.

I had money left to go out for lunch the next day.

Hearty mushroom soup and a small slice of a baguette served with a simple salad.

I found this quote on Pinterest and feel it so very inspiring and appropriate for those who are dealing with dark days.

I received a lovely email from a reader recently 

she is feeling low

so I would like to dedicate these words to her.

Life is full to the brim right now in The Humble Bungalow and this Easter Weekend we have oodles of plans...

I am carving out some "me time" with my favourite magazine

before the arrival of the house guests and the family brunch.

Hope your weekend has some fun packed into it...

thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

XO