Showing posts with label Weight Watchers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weight Watchers. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Sublime weather and an OOTD


Rhubarb Spritzer

The weather has been sublime...
sunny and warm and a gentle breeze.
I've been wearing straw hats and sunglasses on my walks.

Last Saturday Mr. HB and I went out to lunch and sat on a waterfront patio.
I had a pink gin with elderflower, citrus and rhubarb syrup.
It was so delicious and refreshing.
I ordered a Weight Watcher friendly salad with arugula, grapefruit and beets.



OOTD

I wore a black cool Cut Loose top with capri tights and my red ballet flats.
I popped on this fun artisan designed necklace that I purchased several years ago...
I just wish that I could remember the name of the artist.


After lunch
we relaxed on our deck.


Chester kept us company.
He and Pepper are "indoor" cats but we allow them to come out on the deck when we are able to supervise them so that they do not escape!


This book is so atmospheric...

it is set in 1580 and Maggie O'Farrell captures the scenes with a deft insight.
I am savouring the chapters, reading slower, so that I can immerse myself in the era.
Although I am not finished the book...
I can highly recommend it to you.


Auriculas in a small pot on the porch...
I love these pretty little plants.

BTW
Counting Weight Watcher Points 
has helped me lose 13.5 pounds since mid January.
Walking 5 km a day and frequently getting 10,000 steps
makes me feel so much better about my health.

I am stronger and can see the results of the weight loss.
I am by no means slim, but I do feel like I am moving in the right direction.

Hope that you are feeling good.
Perhaps you've been one of the lucky ones and have had your vaccination.

What's new with you?
Please leave a comment if you have the time or the inclination.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

 

Monday, March 29, 2021

New things in The Humble Bungalow ...


It is a lovely morning here in The Humble Bungalow.

Sunshine, blue skies and very little breeze.

I just got back from a walk along the seafront.
The first walk of the day 3.3 km and 5,210 steps.

My daily goal is 10,000 steps which adds up to about 6.2 km


Yesterday I changed the bedding and Pepper was very impatient...
she "assumes the position" on our bed during the daytime.

We updated our coverlet this year with this Laura Ashley printed coverlet and shams.


We also purchased a new wool runner for the hallway.

Staying at home so much has made me aware of lots of things that need attention.


I reorganized the spices using Bonne Maman jam jars.
These jars are a great size and fit well inside the drawer.

3 more jars are waiting to be filled...
I haven't decided which spices I need yet.


Sweet, juicy Tangerines in a vintage ironstone bowl.
We have a larger one of these bowls and it is filled with apples.

Weight Watcher 360 plan assigns ZERO POINTS for fresh fruit
so fresh fruits are my "go to" snacks.

All the walking is helping me feel better.
My muscles are tighter and my legs feel stronger.
I have noticed a change in my shape...
fewer wobbly bits!



Am reading The Which Elm by Tana French.
It is an interesting story and Tana writes such vivid scenes.
I feel like I am inside the rooms and gardens 
beside the characters that are playing their roles.

I must close for now as I have a bunch of laundry that needs my attention.

What are you reading?

Any home projects underway that are keeping you busy?

Please feel free to leave a comment, I love hearing from readers.

~ 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 ~

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 ~

Friday, January 29, 2021

OOTD ~ It's all about pearls...


Cashmere V neck sweater by Black Goat overtop a simple denim shirt and jeans.
My "go to" OOTD for cooler winter days.

It has been given a wee bit more "oomph" 
with the acquisition of a vintage baroque pearl pin.

Darling daughter @thingfinder on Instagram 
had this pin ready to list in her ETSY shop 
when I spied it and saw just how exquisite it is
I knew that I wanted it!


The pearl looks like a juicy pear...

The jeweller must have seen it too 
an opportunity to create leaves and accentuate the pear shape.
A work of art.


Lovely nachre...
just a tip to those of you who may not be familiar with genuine pearls
do not spray them with perfume or scent as it destroys the natural lustre.


OOTD
black camisole fringed with lacy edges
Lands' End new cashmere cardigan

Gisel B pearl necklace from a previous My Stylish French Box delivery from France.



Layers in my hair thanks to my recent visit to my hairdresser...
my last visit was in September.
It felt wonderful seeing her and I enjoyed the "pampering."


Camellias are in bloom!


January bud on our Gertrude Jekyll rose 
out in the front garden of The Humble Bungalow.

Have you purchased any new clothes to wear during Covid?
Are you wearing athletic wear and casual cozy clothes?

I mix it up.

Some days I will wear my Yoga pants and go for longer walks.
The problem for me is that they are so forgiving...
so I think they have given me a sense of comfort despite gaining a few pounds...
my jeans tell me to stop eating so much, move more and get in shape!

So jeans are my guide to wellness.

Current Goals:

Walking more, counting my WW points and drinking less alcohol.

Have you embraced new healthy habits?
Wishing you good luck on your fitness journey.

As a small "non food reward" for my efforts...
I've ordered a vintage classic handbag and when it arrives I will share it with you all.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Have some fun in your weekend whatever you do.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Smitten by a scarf...and a spring cleanse.

Have you ever seen something beautiful in a shop that caught your fancy?

Something that was a tad expensive so you left it behind...

Yet something so pretty that you started dreaming about it?

I had this exact thing happen to me.

My friend H and I walk at Butchart Gardens as we have annual memberships. We plan a walk once a month and have tea or lunch when we are there.

One benefit of having an annual membership are the discounts available in the gift, coffee shop and restaurants.

The item that I had been lusting after was a scarf
this beauty might possibly be going home with me...

I just had to make sure that I still felt the same passion
upon seeing it a second time.


Whisper soft bamboo
watercolour effects
wearable art


Beautiful colours


Design 
 "The Sunken Gardens"
exclusive to Butchart Gardens



I plan to wear this a lot this Spring and it will come to Europe with me.
I have a khaki Eileen Fisher jacket that it will pair well with and because it is so soft it will be cozy on the plane.

Our weather has been amazing this past weekend 
it continues to be warm and sunny.

Perfect weather for walking and beach combing.

Plans are in the works for eating more mindfully after the winter.

A Spring cleanse...
more fresh veggies and fruits.

Weight watching has been a battle that I have not won this past year.

Interrupted sleep patterns,
Emotional eating and stress have all been factors.

My goal is to start back slowly
by setting attainable goals of 5 pounds at a time.

With the sunshine and light,
warmer weather 

walking longer will be easier.

Cutting out "comfort foods" 
(those dishes that I crave during the winter!)

Fresh veggies are starting to become available at the local Farmer's Markets.

It's salad season again!

Opting for meals with fish and lean protein and drinking lots of water...
will write down my point count as that really helps me be more mindful 
of what and how much I am eating.

Must close for now and get outside for my walk!
Until next time...


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

The French omelet...


When I ate lunch in Paris 
in 2015
I chose either omelets or salads.

Before that visit I had never made a decent omelet...
I made scrambled eggs and added things like cheese or herbs
the reason being
I was quite intimidated by the flipping of the egg mixture.


I am using David's recipe which is a basic one...
adding a few bacon bits, mushrooms, cheese and sliced fresh basil.



The "secret" to making an omelet is to use the freshest eggs
and 
an omelet or a crepe pan!

I purchased this one when I returned from France several years ago and have been able to make omelets ever since!


My friend H turned me onto this tasty curried ketchup
which we found in a deli in Duncan on a recent "road trip."


Omelets are healthy, tasty and low in WW points.
Protein at every meal helps to keep me feeling satisfied.

In between meals I will snack on fresh fruit if I do feel a wee bit peckish.
I am still working at getting back to my WW goal weight.

Eating healthy, 
watching portion sizes, 
walking daily
 are all
lifelong habits.

I've started swimming once a week at the recreation centre
which is helping increase the range of motion 
with my "almost frozen" left shoulder.
The right one froze 2 years ago and it lasted a year.

Massage therapy is helping manage the pain for the most part,
anti inflammatory pills and topical Voltaren round out the rest of the treatment for now...

I really cannot complain too much as I have friends who are currently going through much more serious health issues.

How is your week going?
Do you have a favourite healthy meal or snack?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Vegetable Extravaganza....


Good morning!

It is really really early...I am wide awake.

Thank goodness the coffee is hot 
as I stand by the window watching the sky.
The morning light is just peeking over the horizon.

All is quiet.
I am conscious of my breathing.

  I will sit here in peace 
looking out and looking inward.
Preparing as I do for the day to unfold.

I cherish the slow morning time 
pondering life and counting my many blessings
since retiring...

There is a sense of calm and order when one has time to gather their thoughts...
knitting them together 
making them strong
determined.


A blurry snapshot of one of the many bald eagles that perch nearby...
this week I stood among several other cottagers as we watched as a bald eagle spread its vast wings and preened itself.

Such magnificent creatures and they are far bigger up close than one might imagine!



A bountiful haul of beach glass after combing the beach for treasure.


The views are stunning!
Just look at those puffy white clouds punctuating the blue sky


I could sit here for hours 
watching 
as the clouds meander across the expansive sky.

This beach would be a fun place to bring the grandchildren...
they could play on the beach before we sit and nibble a picnic lunch.

Perhaps even have a dip in the salt chuck?


Veggies... 
Prepare for the peeling and chopping.
You are going to be roasted!


Just a smattering of olive oil and a grinding of peppercorns 
then you'll be tossed in a super hot oven to caramelize.


You will be left to cool on the counter 
before being sprinkled with balsamic vinegar 
then topped with crumbled feta cheese
tossed together and devoured by a hungry Hostess!

Roasted veggie salad is a tasty treat and low in WW points!


Vegetable Extravaganza

Roast a variety of root vegetables...
I added mushrooms and zucchini to the pan.
Toss a wee bit of olive oil and mix to coat.
Grind a bit of fresh pepper over top.
Roast at 425 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Turn the veggies halfway.

Cool then sprinkle with some balsamic vinegar, 
add a few crumbles of feta cheese.

IF 
there are leftovers 
simply pop them on top of some lettuce for a healthy and colourful salad.


The charming book that I just read...
Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale
it's definitely worth reading.

Hope that you are having a lovely week...and its almost the weekend!
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~