Friday, March 19, 2021

Spring weather and Spring cleaning


Nothing like a pop of yellow to brighten our days.
Spring is definitely helping to cheer us on as we move ahead into the warm weather.

More birds have returned and they are singing happy chirpy songs.
I wake to their serenade early in the morning.
It energizes me listening to their melodies.


We spent a few days at the cottage last weekend
 While we were there I picked up 3 used books and one new release at the bookstore.
All the books had been highly recommended by friends who are avid readers....
I do love a good book.
One of the joys of retirement is reading a chapter or two every day.


I have read several of Tana French's books and enjoyed them all.
Only 5 chapters into this book and it is so engaging...
I love how she captures the everyday elements with such an artistic eye.


The phalaenopsis orchids that live above our farmhouse sink 
in The Humble Bungalow Kitchen are back in bloom.

These beauties bloom every March and keep flowering well into summer time.

I water them once a week.
 They seem happy with the humidity of the steamy water that rises washing dishes.

I've started my Spring cleaning...
and am planning to make my own cleaners.

I'll post more on this soon.

In other news, we may be getting our vaccinations in April!
The US sent us a big shipment of Astra Zenica which will help fast track our program.

With all the new variants it is important that everyone get a shot asap.

Hope that you are staying well.

~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Lost and Found..new jeans


Blue Skies and Sunshine
help keep me motivated to 
walk 5-6 km each day
averaging 
10,000 steps

Mindful eating using the former 360 WW regime.
Logging my points.
Weighing in every few days...
weight loss is happening!

My clothes are looser
I could use a couple of new things but it really is too soon to revamp my wardrobe...

Although my tops don't feel that baggy 
my jeans definitely did, they were really sad and saggy.


I masked up and went to Marshalls.
The aisles are wide and it was quite quiet.
SO
It didn't take long to find a few pairs to try on.


Have you heard of this brand of jeans?
Royalty?
Made in the USA.

They were very reasonably priced 
so IF I go down another size 
I won't be out of pocket too much money.


The raw edges at the bottoms made me waver a wee bit.
I love the fit and the buttons are fun!

I can see these with some Converse sneakers and a Tee
or 
a crisp white shirt my red ballet flats and pearls.

I feel SO MUCH BETTER just having a pair of jeans that FIT!

I was pulling my other jeans up constantly and I could pull them down over my hips without undoing the zipper!

Little things can be encouraging as we navigate a weight loss journey.

I've been eating lots of veggies and fruit.
Cutting back on carbs and reducing the amount of meat.

Eggs, No fat Greek Yogurt, Beans, Lentils, Salads
Fish and lean chicken
make up the bulk of my meals.

Soups with a tomato base and added veggies are great for my lunches.

I am enjoying a decaf skinny latte most days too which is a treat.
a wee reward for all the walking.

We got some exciting news in BC this week!

Gatherings outdoors with a group of 10 or less are now allowed.
Which means, coffee, picnics, dinner on the deck 
with a few friends and our small family.

I feel like jumping for JOY!
I'll get to see our grandchildren really soon!

How are things progressing with the pandemic where you live?
Stay Safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Linen Lust...

 


Luscious Linen
Wrapped in gross grain ribbon.


Linen is from the Orkneys
Original design apron made by Rough Linen in California.

I ordered the Bella apron in graphite grey at the beginning of Covid and I love it.


New linen towels from a charming shop in Sidney-by-the-Sea.

Hansell and Halkett
 sells 
vintage wares, locally made candles, jewelry,
soaps, linens, flowers and plants.


I decided that I needed a black iron hook to hang the aprons on...
why hide these lovely pieces in a cupboard?
They get worn every day for cleaning and cooking.
So beautiful and useful.
 


Ready for me when I enter the kitchen.
They protect my clothing from spills and splatters.
The aprons wash up really well and they get softer with each wash.


OOTD
White shirt and pearls with the Bella Apron.

Do you wear aprons?

Do you love linen?

I use a linen bath sheet and hand towel in our bathroom.

I love linen clothing too!

Think I have an obsession...maybe I need to attend a Linen's Anonymous meeting :-)

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.


Seen at Oak Bay Marina on my walk...
a whimsical mermaid made with wire and plastic bags.
Nice to see public art in our daily round.
Artists create so many beautiful things that enrich our days.

Take Care and Stay Safe.
XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Thursday, March 4, 2021

Flower power, a birthday and a thrift shop find...


Cheerful Primulas on the front porch...
they were on sale at the garden centre and I could not pass them up!


I culled my out of season clothes and took them to the thrift shop.
While there, I quickly perused the kitchen area...
I spied this vintage chopping board and grabbed it.


It has a new home here in The Humble Bungalow.


A friend gave me these branches and they forced into flower.
Pretty pink blossoms which are the harbingers of Spring.
This time of year, when the gardens come alive, feels so hopeful.
There is a sense of renewal and energy...
spirit soars.


Crocus are blooming.
Pops of colour are bursting forth in The Humble Bungalow Garden.


A new Hellebore from the garden centre...
a frilly chartreuse green.

I plan on planting this in a bed with Black Mondo grass.
Think that the green and black colours will be a pretty combo.


Mother Nature's Paintbrush must have had a hand in these flowers.

Slowly
 wake up 
smell the coffee
listen to the birdsong
feel the warmth of the sun
cocooning in my robe
after slumber
a new day
awaits

Hope
Promise
Gratitude


Feeling renewal and embracing a fresh year 

Cheers to 66!


Polenta coated mozza balls on a bed of spicy tomato sauce.


Salmon beets and baby potatoes.
Birthday dinner at Zambri's restaurant with my husband.

I had a martini 
did not count my WW points 
earlier I walked over 15,000 steps over 9.3km

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

A quiet week in February ~ Walks, snow, books, and home decor finds.

 


Creamy white Ribes 
with a smattering of chartreuse
Blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

It has been pretty quiet this past week here in The Humble Bungalow.
Lots of walks, reading, mindful eating ~ counting my WW points.


I read this gripping crime drama book by Jane Harper.
She is an accomplished author and wow can she weave a murder mystery!


The snow has melted in our neighbourhood...


Blue skies, crisp cold temperatures and a lonely snowman on the beach.

We walked at Butchart Gardens on Sunday.


I cannot remember ever visiting the gardens in the snow.
I know that there was an icy Christmas when we visited to see the Festive lights.



Yes those ponds are frozen!
BRRRR


A wee snowman in The Japanese Garden.


I posted a picture of this vintage bureau on Instagram.
I purchased it from Karin at Kay's Korner in The Cook Street Village.

It fits well in our laundry area and is so much neater than the open shelf unit.

I have stored my knitting "stash"
needles and patterns 
in the two lower drawers
 my garden apron, secateurs and gloves in the top drawer.

A wonderful purchase that has given me a lift!


Speaking of changes
while tidying and de-cluttering in The Humble Bungalow...

I have repurposed two silver champagne buckets.
Feeling restless, and as a result, the need to refresh and fluff our surroundings.
Spending so much time at home has definitely made me look closely at what we have and what is lacking.

New bedding linen, a hall runner and the bureau are examples of change.





Laura Ashley coverlet and pillow shams.
Pepper our older cat approves!

I had a strange dream last night...
(my dreams are frequently weird)

I was in the make up department and was trying on dozens and dozens of lipsticks.
The clerk running to all the cosmetic counters in search of the perfect shade.

When it came time to choose I told the clerk to wrap them all up!

Think I know what might have fueled the dream...
Yesterday when I removed the mask that I wore at the grocery store 
I discovered that it was smeared with red lipstick.

Thank goodness that they are washable.

What is new with you?



Just finished...
Lisa Jewell has done it again...
a thrilling page turner.

Now I need to find a new book.
What do you recommend?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~