Goodbye October, Hello November

Hello November!

Our October passed in a heartbeat...

how is it possible that it can rush by so fast?

Time feels like it slows down when we are at the cottage.

Perhaps we are too busy at home?

A simple floral bouquet elevates our modest and humble IKEA tray.

It is a wee but blurry but the vintage enamel dish 

is where I put my rings 

when I wash dishes...

the silver star holding down the napkins was a birthday gift from a dear friend.

I found this interesting paperweight at the thrift shop.

I have no idea if it is new or from the mid century moderne era.

All the sides are different... 

Reminds me of the style of jewelry created by Robert Larin or Guy Vidal.

Anyone recognize the artist or the era?

Ferries ply the water out front of Quarter Deck Cottage on The Salish Sea.

The views have a hypnotic effect...

the waves lull one

the sun warms

the fresh salty air refreshes.

Two deer lie in the sunshine below the deck.

Its absolutely still

so quiet

that we can hear ourselves breathing!

The Lilias Spalding Heritage Park on South Pender Island

 we explored this area after walking up a rather steep hill.

The views to the valley below were quite spectacular.

I regret not taking a picture now.

Crockery and old bottles

Mossy rocks

Comfort Food for dinner.

Best of Bridge Family Meat Loaf 

mashed potatoes and a bean salad.

Those sleepy deer woke up and munched a bunch of foliage

 then the one with antlers starting pushing the other one around...

they sauntered off along the cliff.

I am wondering if one of them is responsible for eating all my lovely chrysanthemums that were on the front porch!

Have you got plans for the weekend?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Autumnal Splendor....

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons...
rich in colour and texture,
this weekend we have been treated to clear blue skies and sunny warm days.

Perfect weather for walking...
and a bonus while we are at Quarter Deck Cottage on Pender Island.

Golden hues tinged with green.

We walked slowly so that I could stop and take pictures 

besides the fact that I have been recently diagnosed with shin splints...

my doctor suggested that I slow my walking pace and perhaps the distance that I travel

to make sure that I have supportive shoes 

 to replace my walking shoes at least every year if not every 6 months.

This is a painful condition and so I am heeding his advice.

The distance we covered was just a tad under 3 km

the road was perfect for our walk 

very little car traffic

quiet

homes and acreages dotted every so often along the byway

the leaves were stunning in their beauty

so picturesque.

This old home was situated at the end of the road overlooking the ocean.

I'd love to peek inside but this is as close as we could get to it.

The road curved ahead and we spied this boat...

We discovered a lovely sandy beach at the end of the road with a public beach access.

Mr. HB saw a mink run into the brush just ahead.

Kelp and maple leaves mingling together on the beach.

Walking with the leaves crunching neath our feet...

a glorious day 

with dappled sunshine peeking through the canopy of trees.

Feeling such gratitude to be able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

How was your weekend ?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Hard workers...

There's a real hard working cleaning spray in The Humble Bungalow.

I use this dandy spray for everything 

from the kitchen sink to getting stains out of clothes.

Did you notice that we have a new faucet?

Our previous Franke faucet from 1988 was replaced when we had a leaky pipe.

The plumber who came to the house was punctual, prompt and polite 

AND he cleaned up all the mess too!

Janet's recent post on How to Wash Slip Covers reminded me of how much I use and love this cleaner.

We have white slip covered love seats in our family room 

they require regular laundering...

if there is a stain or a spot I pre-treat ours with this Method cleaner.

Another product that I use a lot is Bon Ami...

I have written about it before and it works really well without harming the environment.

Do you have any favourite cleaning products?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Pops of colour...

Autumn is a lovely time of year for enjoying the colours.

I wear mostly blacks and greys 

so I can see here with this example of contrast 

that a spot of colour

may be in order!

The pumpkin patch was full of families this Sunday.

Many local farmers grow pumpkins and they also offer hayrides, hot chocolate and some even have corn mazes.

I just love the field of orange pumpkins!

A sea of orange...

It is lovely when one discovers a magazine that has well written and informative articles.

one that has a balance of 

fashion

style

travel 

people 

homes

gardens

Today I am cozying up in my newest linen scarf...

no pop of orange today 

instead

I am wearing a red lipstick 

which is helping to liven up my OOTD.

L'Oreal on the far left # 315 True Red

followed by

a spritz of Le Labo Rose 31 and I am ready.

Hope you have a great week!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

"The Cool Factor" a serendipitous find.

I was perusing the shelves of our small local library
trying to find a book before my doctor's appointment...

Don't you love it when a great book pops up on the radar?

Written by Andrea Linett

well known for her Lucky publications 

The Lucky Shopping Manual and The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style.

She also wrote a book I Want to Be Her which is a style memoir and hosts a website by the same name.

It is always busy at my doctor's office and I have to wait longer than my scheduled appointment time 

so I am prepared to wait happily with a book 

today's choice was perfect.

OOTD

Grey cashmere waterfall sweater

(it was my mom's)

black knit Aritzia Tee top

black Calvin Klein leggings

Clarks Chelsea Boots

Grey and Black linen scarf

The information in the book is well written and organized...

It is beautifully illustrated using photographs of several dozen "real women" 

(not professional models) 

all from various walks of life

wearing chic and stylish outfits that they love

 with added comments on why they wear what they do 

answering some basic questions posed by the author 

which helps the reader understand their authentic style.

As I read through the chapters

I knew that this was a style book that I needed to read.

When I got home I posted a picture of my OOTD and the book on Instagram.

The author, Andrea Linett, left a comment on the post 

she kindly has offered to send me a copy of her book I Want To Be Her!

I look forward to reading her style memoir.

Who of us does not want to look stylishly effortless in our clothes?

I love the "secrets" that the women share in the book.

At the end of the book are two features that sum it all up for me...

 20 "COOL" pieces that one should have in their closet...

then the 10 "Rules to Live By."

I would urge you to read The Cool Factor if you are at all interested in style

and adding some oomph to your outfits!

My wardrobe revolves around black, greys and the shades of denim...

 I love the glorious colours that Mother Nature offers us at this time of year.

Hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~