Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Monday, March 4, 2024

March ~ Birthday and some other tidbits....

 


Tulip Mania has begun with a bold red and yellow bunch!

Such great mood lifters on a grey winter's day.
I love to buy these cheerful blooms...
deciding which colours to choose is always a challenge!

I had my birthday yesterday March 3rd.
I turned 69 and don't feel OLD.


My new glasses are Face a Face from Paris.
I had my former pair for 6 years and when my prescription changed I decided it was time for a new pair of glasses and sunglasses.


Vintage rhinestone brooch pinned on my wool beret.


My beret is made by The Canadian Hat Company.
Decades old Burberry scarf
Eileen Fisher Coat

Still having FUN and playing around with clothes and my personal take on style.

Been very lucky at the Thrift Shops lately...


Gold bracelet


I don't have anything like this in my jewel box and thought it might be fun.


Heavy crystal etched vase, possibly Swedish.

Perfect for wee flowers.
Snowdrops are what come to mind.


I love to hunt for sea glass on my beach walks.
On my birthday beach walk 
I found a lovely piece of aqua glass just as I stepped on the beach!

Aquamarine is the March birthstone 
so I thought it an appropriate find.


The sunset was quite remarkable the other evening...
looks like The Danish Flag hanging over Salt Spring Island.

Perhaps my ancestors waving hello?

Our family tree goes way back...
to a former Queen and King of Denmark.
So many interesting names along with that incredible detailed history.


Sabine Be sunglasses...
Mom had macular degeneration so my eye doctor advised me to wear sunglasses.
I need to remember to wear them regularly.


Treated myself to a new candle and some dark chocolate bars.

I recently read that dark chocolate is full of good polyphenols
which help with inflammation, digestion, cognitive function, and protect cardiovascular health.

Adding a couple of squares with my afternoon tea seems pretty easy!
Been eating more avocados on sourdough toast...
they are nutrient rich and high in fibre.

After my colonoscopy the doctor told me that he removed 3 polyps.
(I watched the entire procedure on the screen) 
He also mentioned to keep my diet rich in fibre as it has many benefits.

Staying on top of one's health is a priority.
Healthy habits and being mindful of stress and toxins in the environment are so important.


What is new with you?
How are you managing the aging process?


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

January ~ Thrifting and some healthy changes...

 


Found a camisole at the Thrift Shop and I was SO pleased...
A lacy camisole had been on my "wish list" for quite a few months.

The cost of the ones that I loved were much more than I wanted to spend.
Trying to be mindful of expenditures now that Hubby is fully retired. 
Slowly coming to the reality that we are now "pensioners."
The cost was under $5 so easily justified :-))


Paired it with my faded denim shirt....added some pearls.

I am really enjoying wearing denim these days.
The denim jeans (no spandex) from MNG purchased last year.

Have a few old distressed items that I am happy to say didn't get culled.
The denim jacket from Old Navy, the Old Navy darker denim shirt, lighter one (here) and the denim jumper by Tribal and a chambray denim long tunic from Lands End.

I have on order a new denim dress...from Lands End.
I love how soft the garments feel when they have been washed many times.
~ COZY ~



Adding more fibre daily...
Bran Buds and protein rich Greek Yogurt
1/3 cup of each mixed together in the morning after my cup of coffee.

Also reducing portions for a while to see if this helps me shed a few pounds.
I have tried intermittent fasting for the past year and was not seeing much difference.


We have had a mixed bag with weather...
sunshine and clear blue skies mixed with gale force winds and rain.


Despite the inclement weather 
I need to push myself to get out in the fresh air...


Mother Nature's Pearls...
Snowberries.

There is snow in the forecast!!!


Lovely hand cream, William Morris At Home.
A gift from our son and the grandchildren.

Did a quick manicure today...Sally Hansen "Expresso" one coat dries in a minute. 


Soft faded denim and pearls with a wee bit of lace peeking out.


This image shows off the lace...

I didn't have my black velour jacket open this much at coffee!!!

I just wanted to show you the pretty lacy details that are hidden.

Lingerie is really a private item in our wardrobes...
wearing it makes us feel feminine and comfortable.

I love the Prima Donna line of bras and panties...
Lily Pad Lingerie here in Victoria carry their line.

I am due to visit them soon and purchase my annual supply.

Well I suppose that is all to share for now...
Hope your year is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Friday, December 22, 2023

Seasons Greetings

 


Our Humble Bungalow is lit up with the fairy lights and the "cat proof" tree.
Chester still climbs the tree.

We were sidelined for a few weeks with a nasty bout of Covid.
Our first experience with it and we were really surprised, as we are so careful.
Mr. HB had it first and I did try to stay away from him as much as possible 
but after all it is a small house...

I ended up with a nasty cough which is lingering even now.
So I am pacing myself, staying hydrated and getting to bed early.

Many tea breaks in between cooking, baking and delivering gifts.

Hope that you are in good health.
Ready to embrace the JOYS of the Festive Season.


My "go to" Hostess Gift
 Chocolate Bark...

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
Add a couple of packages of Bakers Chocolate (semi sweet)
Melt slowly in the oven at about 170 degrees for 5 or 10 minutes.
Check regularly as it doesn't take long to melt.

Remove and top with the nuts of your choosing.
Chill in the fridge for a few hours.
Break up and add to cellophane bags and tie with twine.

Very tasty and so easy to make
it is easy to see why this is my favourite
~ Hostess Gift ~

I make several batches as they are well received and quite yummy!


While out shopping for gifts I came across these new towels...
I haven't upgraded my towels in AGES!!!

Donated the former set to the Sally Ann and these ones really dress up the space.

I asked myself WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?
They were not expensive and they make a huge difference.

(Perhaps frugality is not always sensible.)


Made a batch of butter tarts last night...
Mr. HB tested them and said they are good.
It is important to have someone on board as the Quality Control Expert!

I have lots of things still to make
for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Brunch
as well as the Boxing Day Turkey Feast.

I will be living (and maybe sleeping) in my linen apron!

Hope you have a wonderful and Festive Holiday.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.


Pearls, a simple white shirt and jeans...
an easy "uniform" for daytime here in The Humble Bungalow.

Be careful out there with all the Covid Germs circulating...
I am wearing a mask to the shops now.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Friday, October 27, 2023

A WEE post ~ in between...stay tuned for the regular post on Sunday!

 


I am so thrilled with the lavender soap that I ordered from French Larkspur.
I love a scented soap and treat myself regularly to a fresh new bar...
I find it difficult not buying fragrant soaps :-))

If I go into a shop that sells gifts I head to the soap section first.
Rarely do I leave without buying a bar or two.

Mom loved her Yardley's English Lavender Soap
she actually kept it in her bedroom so that the rest of the family  didn't use it all up!
I wonder if it was an expensive luxury item back in the day?
She would unwrap bars and scent her lingerie drawer with the bars of soap.


This soap has found a "home" beside the farmhouse kitchen sink.


The wee posy is still looking lovely!
Twas a gift from our lovely neighbours 
In appreciation for all the veggies and apples that we gave them over the summer.


Look at the most recent harvest of the peppers!
My husband has outdone himself growing all the veggies this year.

I am using the peppers in all kinds of dishes...
salads
soups
spaghetti sauce
chili


I love baking sourdough bread, tending to the starter is like feeding a pet.

I make a boule each week 
we enjoy the bread sliced and served with butter or toasted with jam.

The texture is dense, requires a lot of chewing and the crust is crunchy.
Not only is it fun to make it is very economical.
With food prices rising it is nice to know that homemade bread is still affordable.


Chili for dinner tonight!

Saute 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 
3 stalks of celery and 2 green peppers diced and cooked until soft.
Add 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey or beef)
cook until no longer pink.
Drain and rinse 2 cans of red kidney beans add to pot.
Then add a large can of diced tomatoes (stewed tomatoes work well too)
2 Tbsp. Chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt
Simmer for at least an hour, stirring often.

I serve the chili topped with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Bon Appetit


Currently reading this book...
it is rather like a travelogue.
I am enjoying the whimsy and honesty of the author as he retells the story of his trip.


We keep our "heart" lit up 
on behalf of the local hospital workers who work hard.

Covid is making a comeback here in town...
people are back wearing masks in the shops.

We both have just had our 6th vaccination and we took advantage at the pharmacy and had the annual flu shot as well.
I had a reaction to the shot(s) was awake at 2:30 with aches 
stayed awake the rest of the night...
but I managed to go to aquafit and had a great workout.
Feel totally normal now!

I've been so busy in the kitchen that I haven't really had a PLAY DAY.
I promise I will take off my apron.

I plan on taking myself to Marshall's for a WALKABOUT.
STAY TUNED :-))
It is always fun looking at their stock and I rarely leave empty handed.

What's new with you all?
Don't be SHY...leave a comment.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Holidaze in July...

 


Sunshine and Sweet Peas

Popped this posy into a thrifted English Ironstone Meakin sugar jar.
I LOVE finding interesting vessels that I can use for flowers.
If memory serves me I think this one was 35 cents!


We celebrated our 49th anniversary on July 20th...
no fanfare or big gathering just a quiet evening for two.


We ate some champagne truffles...
a surprise gift from friends.

Our closest friends had us over for a dinner on their lovely porch a few days before our actual anniversary and we felt very spoiled...


Those same friends will be celebrating their 50th next year so
maybe we'll have to do something exciting for our 50th?


We are enjoying some time at the cottage.


Have some special guests here to share the time with us.


I made a fresh loaf of sourdough bread...
this fun adventure in bread making is so satisfying!


We had a couple of days with rain 
which should help with the drought and the forest fires here in BC.


The deer obviously do not like to nibble these plants...
I think this might be Queen Anne's Lace?
Feel free to chime in if you know the name of this flower.


I believe this is Yarrow...
the bees love this flower and are usually busy buzzing atop these blooms.

I took the photo after dinner so they may have all gone back to their hive.


~ Hosta Flowers ~
In The Humble Bungalow Garden

This huge Hosta is called Sum and Substance.

We built a deer fence 
so that we can keep this safe from being nibbled to the ground!

Here at the Cottage...


I am taking a break to relax, restore and mend...

The last round of antibiotics are almost finished.

I've been going to bed earlier than usual and sleeping soundly.

Staying hydrated with cans of flavoured Bubly Brand Water.
~ Zero calories ~

While I am having LOTS of fun with the family and the three grandchildren...
I am also "pacing myself."

Reading Three by Valerie Perrin, knitting the Miriam sweater,
gazing out at The Salish Sea
taking time to reflect on all the good things in life and counting my many blessings.

Making time to be focused and calm is good for the soul.

Walking along the beach...
breathing in the fresh salty air
listening to the calls of the gulls and the songs of the eagles.


Picking up a few pieces of sea glass...

~ LIFE IS PRECIOUS ~
it is a gift
not to be wasted.

I feel Grateful everyday.

Hope that you are well and feeling positive.
Life can be a challenge as we know
it is a journey.

When we navigate the rough patches life teaches us more...
we can be resilient or we can be weak.

It is a personal choice that we make...
we can rely on others or find strength within ourselves.
Or a little bit of both...

How do you handle adversity?


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Sunday ~ Pops of Colour


~ OOTD ~
Dressing in some colour this morning...
I'm needing some positivity and energy and colour usually does the trick.

I've popped on this thrifted Banana Republic top with some basic black pants.
Added a wee bit of Burts Bees Cheek Blush and a slick of Miss Pupa lip gloss.

The colour on my face is subtle but does give me a lift.

Do you like dressing in bright colours?
Do you find the addition of a pop of colour perks you up?
I think colour gives me more energy.

Last week was a tough one going to the hospital daily for treatments.
It was a tiring process but I received very good care.
I am home now 
still under the care of the infectious disease doctor 
so I am not straying too far from home.

I am doing what I am told...
Staying hydrated and resting.


Chester wants to be on my lap a lot when I am sitting down :-))

If I try to knit when he is awake I don't get much knitting done.
My Miriam sweater project is getting closer to being finished.
The two sleeves are done and attached to the body of the sweater.
I am working on the raglan decreases...
It is very simple soothing work.

Reading is not to difficult with a cat on one's lap...


I read Fresh Water For Flowers by Valerie Perrin and really enjoyed it.
Three is another book by Valerie which has been translated into English.

I am not too far into the story but it has all the signs that I will be loving the book.
Her writing is great and the characters are very interesting.
She's a very insightful author...


I'm going to close this post and keep it short.

Hopefully I will have more news to share with you soon.

In the meantime take care of yourselves and have FUN!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~