Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Monday, November 6, 2023

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 ~

Saturday, September 23, 2023

OOTD + Fall Harvest from The Humble Bungalow Garden

 

It's the first day of Fall Today 
So I am getting ready for cooler weather...

Ready to
Welcome Back
My
Black and White Fall and Winter Basics


I have tried wearing bold bright colours in the cooler months
 but I keep going back to black.


Here I am dressed in a super casual OOTD for lunch with my sister and cousins.

I wore things that I have had in my closet for years
Black Yoga pants
Old Navy White Shirt
Eileen Fisher black quilted vest
with
(new this summer)
Tommy Hilfiger Shoes

Black and white is so easy to accessorize...
jewelry, colourful scarves, sweaters.

Think the accessories give this casual OOTD a bit of a lift. 

BIG pearls from Hong Kong and Bold Red Miss Pupa Lipgloss #305

I added my Black Eileen Fisher vest as we were sitting outdoors for our lunch.

We had a yummy lunch at pure Vanilla in Oak Bay.
Food choices are always fresh and there are many healthy options.

There was SO MUCH catching up and chattering 
that it was really HARD to get a word in edgewise!
I hate talking over people so I was rather quiet
I prefer to listen anyways...

My simple style is not fancy, it could not be easier or more basic.
It is honest and works for me.

I own and am attracted to blue denim, chambray and Tencel shirts, dresses and jeans.
Denim played a major role in my teenage wardrobe.
Did it factor into your younger wardrobe too?

If you had told me at 13 that I would still be wearing jeans at 68 
I probably would have laughed, but it is true.
Do you still wear jeans and denim?

I have 3 pairs of jeans, a denim jumper, shirts, a top and a distressed denim jacket.

Keeping a small and simple basic wardrobe makes getting dressed easy.
Too many choices make me dizzy and indecisive.

There are also several LBD's in my closet...
a black and grey tweed skirt 
some black and white tops
sweaters
black dress pants.

Retirement dressing is very casual...
I wear things for comfort and those that are purpose driven.

When I go to the pool for aquafit classes I wear these same Yoga pants.
A cozy warm top and a jacket or sweater depending on the weather.


Marshalls change room!
I seem to gravitate to this store...
SO MANY CHOICES.
Such good value, I like that, as I am on a pension.

I keep track of ALL my wardrobe purchases...new and thrifted.

This quilted barn coat is something that I have wanted for several years.
When I spied it hanging on the rack I grabbed it!
Ralph Lauren is known for their detail on their garments.


I like the snaps and the ability to open the hem.
Might come in handy if I plan to leap any tall buildings :-))


The collar is done in a classic corduroy...
the coat is roomy which I wanted especially for layering in the cold weather.

In case you are wondering...
underneath the coat I am wearing a soft faded light blue Tencel dress and capri tights.

I have just swapped out my summer clothes and put them in the guest room closet.
It is raining here today and boy do we ever need the rain!
This past summer has been riddled with drought conditions and forest fires.

Welcome Fall Weather!


Humble Bungalow Front Porch Fall Decor
dried hydrangeas and mini pumpkins.


The swimsuit that I wear to aqua fit class is starting to stretch out and the seams are looking dodgy.
I have ordered this one from Lands" End and hope that it will fit.

The newer one by Alfred Sung that I purchased early in the season 
is a wrap style with a lower neckline 
so not really suitable for the "bouncing" cardio portion of the class!

It is harvest time here...


Liberty Apples 
first harvest shared with the grandchildren.
Sweet, tasty and small enough for school lunches.


Chehalis green apples
I prefer to cook with these.
(I have an apple pie baking in the oven right now!)


I roasted some of these heirloom Italian Mikado tomatoes for sauces in the Winter.

Roasted Tomatoes

Line a baking tray with parchment paper
Cut Tomatoes into smaller chunks
add pepper and garlic
drizzle with olive oil
bake at 375 for about 40 minutes
Cool

Spoon into Ziploc bags or plastic containers for the freezer.


Hermes scarf and Saint James striped top
worn here under a casual zip jacket.

What clothes are on your radar for Fall? 
(Or Spring depending where you live)

Do you plan to purchase anything new?


I am in the process of cutting and drying some of the hydrangea blooms.
I've been soaking the flower heads in a bucket of cold water for several hours before tying them into bunches for drying.

I hope this works as I tried a bunch without the soaking 
and they shrivelled right up
(see the porch picture)
far too crispy.

Hope you are keeping well and staying safe.
Covid is making a comeback here.

Think I will start wearing my mask again when I go to the grocery store.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

~ In The Pink ~ trying new things

 


Greetings from The Humble Bungalow!

I've made a conscious decision to try new things...
get out of my "comfort zone"
take a wee risk
do something different...

Walk a different route
try a new cafe
read a book in a genre that I usually dismiss as "not my style"
wear a new shade of nail polish
shop in a new food store
try a new tea
explore an area of town that is "new to me"
visit a beach off the beaten track
try a new lipstick
a flavour of ice cream
OR
chocolate?

~ so many options to consider when trying new things ~


~ Refreshing ~

Drinking lots of water (fluids) help to keep your skin supple.
Aim for 6-8 glasses a day.
(Partake in a Pear flavour.)

If you aren't a fan of plain water 
try slicing fruits or lemons in a big jug of water and letting the flavours steep.
Add lots of ice and enjoy.


Have you ever heard the saying...

Pink Skies at Night
Sailors Delight
Pink Skies in the Morning
 Sailors Take Warning

We used to heed this advice when we were cruising on our boat.


Trying to keep my hands in better shape...
starting with a manicure
using
hand lotion and nail polish.

Cruelty Free Polish
~ Pink Cloud ~
My current favourite shade for a home manicure.


Extended Summer weather...
holding its own with warm sunshine and sunny skies.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat to minimize the risk of sun damage...
skin cancer and macular degeneration are risks from too much sun.


I enjoyed a much needed pedicure 
and chose a bold shade Snow White.

I usually opt for a rich jewel tone but I am trying new things
just because...
 

The facial that I had in August at The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was amazing...my skin looked dewy and smooth for weeks after the service.

Babor European products are new to me.
So in the spirit of trying new things
 I popped by the Spa to buy a couple of their products cleansing line.
Enzyme Cleanser and Rose Toner.

Hopefully they will live up to the numerous positive ratings by clients.


Pinky red Skies over Salt Spring Island as seen from our cottage on Pender.
There is a feeling of Fall in the air... 
a cool fresh crispness that is hard to describe
you need to feel it!


Lovely Fall beach walk on Bricky Bay

My gentle walks along the seashore soothe and calm.
Searching for sea glass is a very meditative habit.

Trying to mix up my walks to get me more motivated.
When the weather cools I tend to want to cocoon inside and stay cozy...
I recently purchased a pre-worn soft velour jacket by the company 32 Degrees.
It is so warm and because it is black, it is dressier and more versatile.
Trying to buy fewer garments to be more mindful of waste 
when I need something in my wardrobe 
I will try to seek out second hand and vintage options.


My Sea Glass collection now fills about 7 large sealer jars.
I'll need to find some more vintage jars to take to the cottage
 as I brought home yet another jarful.

What do YOU collect?


~ Pink Grapefruit Cleaner ~
works like a charm in the kitchen and has a delicious fruity fragrance.
Used as a pre wash stain remover it rarely fails...
saving garments by laundering clothing one stain at a time.
Before I discovered the powerful stain removing properties of this Method cleaner
I threw out stained clothes.

I also wear protective linen aprons when cooking 
to protect my clothes from food splatters.
These are beautifully made and are available from Trica's shop Rough Linen.

I have bought 3 aprons and use them every day.


~ David Austin Roses ~

Almost finished blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.


The Andalou CC cream that I swear by...
Must be on my 6th tube by now, is not expensive and it lasts a long time.
Evens out my complexion and is hydrating.
(I give it 5 stars out of 5)
Will not be trying a new CC cream as this one is a winner!


These pretty Colchiums are harbingers of Fall...
these are bent over trying to seek more light.

Perhaps we need to relocate this clump
 buy 
more bulbs as they bloom a long time?


Are you open to trying New Things?

I look forward to hearing from you.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, October 28, 2021

October musings...


Fall is in full flourish...
we are enjoying
 the beautiful palette of Autumnal Shades.


Berries 


Leaves 
a pop of colour
red juxtaposed against grey stones.

Mother Nature's Paintbrush is showing her talent and liberal use of colours this Fall.


Rain and a fierce wild windstorm 
knocked out our power for 17 hours
at Quarterdeck Cottage.

We had to tough it out 
we kept the gas fireplace on and hunkered down with our books.

Unfortunately we had to throw out most of the food that was in the fridge.


I read this book in a couple of days...
set in Cornwall
I enjoyed the story.


The local Pender Island ferries were able to run even during the wind.
Several of our neighbours went home early due to the power outage.


I am back working on The Doocot Sweater pattern.
It has been sitting in my knitting bag for the better part of a year.

Not sure why I left it so long before picking up my knitting needles again?

Do you put aside projects?

The yarn is Rowan Tweed and is soft and easy to work with...
I am absolutely smitten with the colour!

There are a few more inches of ribbing before I can start on the sleeves.

I have learned many new techniques while working on this pattern.
My husband gave me The Vogue Knitting Book and that has been invaluable.
Trying something new without help "in real life" can be daunting 
so books and "You Tube" Knitting Videos have been great!

We will be packing up and back home tomorrow.

Halloween is only a few days away!


We've got the candy treats ready for the Trick or Treaters on Sunday.

Our friends from France will be staying with us for a few days.

How are things going with you?

Thank you for dropping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, October 15, 2021

Fall Focus ~ Wool sweater, eye make-up, flowers and comfort food.


~ Autumnal shades ~

Glorious dahlias are boldly blooming here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

I've cleaned and culled my make up bag and disposed of old mascara.
The last mascara I purchased was a real disappointment...
it was far too dark and really gloopy.

So I ventured to a local pharmacy 
where a long time clerk in the make-up section steered me in the right direction.


Benefit and Lancome


Brows and lashes


"Precisely My Brow" in "warm light brown" shade.
A soft smooth pencil to fill in the gaps and a wee brow brush for blending.
Waterproof, smudge proof for 12 hours.


Idole

360 micro bristle wand
feather light gel formula that provides:

Lash lifting mascara
140% eye opening effect
95% instant lift
94% intense volume
90% clump free lashes


Rachel Zoe wool sweater
comfy and cozy
sure to be a chill chaser
can be layered under my puffy vest.

Will wear this with my Eileen Fisher black pants or jeans.
If I had a great skirt I would pair it with that too...
HMMM...perhaps a skirt is next on my shopping list?

Will also match my grey cashmere socks.


Easy beans
a comforting meal on a chilly fall evening.

Slow Cooker Beans

6 slices of pork belly cubed
1 cup diced onion
1 cloves minced garlic
1 can pinto beans
1 can great Northern beans, drained
1 can baked beans
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
3/4 c ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worchestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1/2 Tsp. ground pepper

Put all the ingredients into a slow cooker.
Sir to mix and cook for 4 hours.

(Omit the pork belly if you want a vegetarian bean dish)

Serve with soft buns or toast.

Very tasty and so quick to assemble and the slow cooker does the work!

Enjoy.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~