Showing posts with label luxury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luxury. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Shiny Things....OOTD

 


Today I am wearing an all black OOTD.

Eileen Fisher Boiled Wool Tunic Sweater
(an investment piece that I wear a lot)
Black leggings 
Black leather Clark Chelsea Boots

I added a Canadian vintage Sherman sparkly rhinestone brooch.
(Outfits that are plain look so much more interesting with  accessories.)

I digress...
Mom had several parure Sherman sets which were gifts from my father.
He bought them from Birks a Canadian shop that rivalled Tiffany's.
My sister has a beautiful Aurora Borealis set of Mom's.
 She wears the long drop earrings and wide cuff bracelet on special occasions...
I don't need a special occasion to wear a sparkly brooch.

I worked at Birks one Christmas and had so much fun selling jewelry!
The store offered free wrapping and I loved adding bows and tags 
making the gifts look special.

That year I gave Mom a Sherman red bracelet and earring set.
(I got a store discount)
Our darling daughter has the set.


Continuing on with the black theme I photoshopped this image of Poppies.
The details look like they really "pop."


Vintage silver champagne buckets are used in the kitchen as utensil holders.
We don't use the buckets for bubbly as we haven't had a fancy party for ages.

Silver requires polishing and not everyone likes the upkeep...
in fact you can find silver in thrift shops for next to nothing prices.
I have quite a few silver trays, silver tea service, and other silverware
in The Humble Bungalow.

Several trays, candlesticks and dishes were wedding gifts.
Silver was a classic wedding gift when we were married in 1974.


Close up on the vintage silver trophy...
local North Saanich Garden Club 
Flower and Garden Show
aggregate trophy
awarded to 
A.J.Nunn in 1929

(I found this trophy in a local consignment shop.)
I am definitely drawn to silver and shiny sparkly things!

Do you like to wear shiny or sparkly jewelry?
Do you collect silverware?

It's a sunny day here and the birds are singing.

Looking forward to a quiet afternoon...
I plan to brew a pot of loose tea this afternoon and read my book.
Perhaps knit a few rows on the vest I currently have on the needles
before 
I prepare our dinner.

I honestly love quiet afternoons
they feel like a gift!
I try to get all my chores and laundry done early in the morning.
Since retiring, the luxury of time and slowing down is priceless.

Take care and thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Roses on repeat...

I am finding it a challenge to write my blog during Covid.
There's not a lot of excitement here in The Humble Bungalow.

We are maintaining our small bubble of people to stay safe and not entertaining much...we have our closest couple over for social distancing happy hours in the garden but that is about it. We have not been "out" for a meal but have done take out about 4 times since early March.

I managed to get an appointment with my hairdresser...
the first one since mid December!


It feels so much better!



Voyage d' Hermes Arlesienne by L'Occitane and Figue Amour by Bastide.

I've been wearing perfume every day and pearls most days 
even if I am wearing jeans and a simple Tee shirt.

These "little things" help to keep me focused on the "positive."

Dressing up occasionally 
but mostly wearing casual walking and gardening attire.

I've tried harder to keep my FitBit steps up.

My weight is up 7 pounds.
 My doctor reduced my daily Thyroid medication last Fall.
He said that I would really have to amp up my activity 
and/or 
drastically cut calories...to avoid gaining weight!

I am not happy about the number on the scale
but I will not perserverate on it right now...

I need comfort and less stress during the pandemic.
As we are constantly bombarded with grim news I turn off the TV and radio...
self preservation is a must.

I turn to the garden...
so inspired by the beauty of our glorious roses.


Graham Thomas


Claire Austin


Constance Spry


Jude the Obscure


Paul's Lemon Pillar


Taking Tea 
a daily ritual ~ so soothing.

Have you read this wonderful publication by Sharon Santoni and her team?

My French Country Home magazine is filled with beautiful homes, gardens, recipes from France. You can use this link to the website.

I also enjoy the subscription boxes
they are such a luxury.


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~



Friday, June 19, 2020

Life's little luxuries...


Diamonds, pearls and cashmere are definitely luxuries.
Luxuries worth saving up for but they are not the only luxuries that I love.

Luxuries...
what do you think of when you hear the word luxury?

Online dictionary meanings as found...

noun
"the state of great comfort and extravagant living"

adjective
"luxurious or of the nature of a luxury"

Luxury List

Having time to persue the things in life that bring us Joy
time to savour the richness of everyday living.
Spending quality time with family and friends.

good books

scented soaps and candles
fresh air
flowers

treating yourself to a manicure and pedicure

enjoying a coffee at a cafe

lunch out with friends

a long soak in the bathtub

a picnic in the park or at the beach

watching a classic film

trying a new perfume

finding the perfect little black dress

a fresh bouquet of flowers

There are so many things that we can embrace which elevate our days.


My latest luxury item will be delivered today and I am quite excited!

An apron made from Orkney Linen from Rough Linen

Watch the video of Tricia's story here.

I wear aprons in the garden and when I am cooking.

I am a messy cook!

I ordered the petite apron in charcoal.


Here is the corner of The Humble Bungalow Garden where I sit and take tea.

It is a calm space...
where I listen to the sounds of the birds and bees as they flitter about the flowers.

How are you faring these days?
Are you embracing this quiet time or are you missing the busyness?

Time to fill?
What are you doing to fill up your days?


Homekeeping tasks
garden beds to weed
roses to deadhead
there are a variety of jobs around our home and garden that need attention.

 I never really get caught up
the list is long
I make time in between jobs to rest
take tea
arrange a bouquet of garden roses
read a book.

I am grateful for the many activities that present themselves each day.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, December 3, 2018

My Stylish French Box...unveiling the elegance

My favourite luxurious splurge is my annual subscription to
My Stylish French Box

The November box arrived a couple of weeks ago and I was so thrilled by the contents...
Sharon Santoni and her team do such a fabulous job of finding special items
all are sure to please.


Vintage silver sugar tongs


attention to detail
 the shipping box is beautiful


Chester enjoyed the box too!



I keep the inner boxes and use them for storage.


The booklet that accompanies all the boxes gives us the information and details of the products and the companies and artists that are behind the luxury wares.


Beaded votive sconces...
the beads will reflect all the light from the candles
by Merci Louis


Candle by Secret D'Apothecaire 
ornaments from Merci Louis


a whisper soft wool scarf by Petrusse
( I have been wearing mine everyday!)
Love the soft feel of the wool and its so cozy
in the perfect colours for my basic wardrobe too!


Festive linens...
tea cloths by Serie Limitee Louise


Lovely necklace from Belle Mais Pas Que
set with a stone of Labradorite



If you want to treat yourself or give one as a gift 
here is the link to order.

The next box will be sent out in February 2019...

I read that Sharon is currently adding a few extra boxes from the November 
issue if you are quick you might be able to snap one up!

I would have posted this last week but our Internet was not working and my IPhone was getting used so much that I went over my data and incurred substantial fees so I had to curb my usage!

Hope you have a wonderful week.

 ~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Fabulous Finds

Darling daughter has an incredible gift for finding things...
she recently found me a couple of fabulous finds.

On Instagram she is known as thingfinder and she has an Etsy shop thethingfinders.

She works hard at finding things...
regularly frequenting the shops and antique dealers in town.
Her knowledge of jewelry, antiques and collectibles is vast...
I am in awe of her skills.

She knows a bargain and here are two of her latest finds
which she sold to me for a song.


Vintage leather Fossil bag in mint condition.

Cross Body bags are the only bags for me now
as I am not supposed to carry heavy handbags anymore.
"Doctor's orders"


A leather wallet, also in mint condition,
please look closer...


Kate Spade


gold lettering
immaculate even stitching
soft supple leather


polka dots


luxurious 
a quality piece in every way


lots of compartments 
plenty of room for money and cards


looks great with pearls


 a classic watch


or a silk scarf...

These two leather pieces will be so useful.

There is ample room in my closet now as I recently consigned all my big bags.
I took a bag of clothes that "I fell out of love with" to the charity shop.
There's a piece of vintage Navajo turquoise en route to my house from a dealer in the States.
I plan to wear it with my thrifted crisp white shirt and faded blue jean jacket 
for Spring and Summer.
Can hardly wait for it to arrive!


Garance has a list of her favourite things in this gem of a book.
I hope you plan to read it if you have not yet done so...
she is a breath of fresh air.

Have you happened upon any Fabulous Finds?

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Simple Joys...

Thank goodness for a quiet weekend to relax and enjoy the simple things...


Hot ancient grains and oats by Rogers and a fresh kiwi for breakfast.
Warming from the inside out on a cold morning.
Pure goodness and a healthy choice...
a simple joy to start the day.


Sipping some tasty tea and listening to the birdsong outside...
Silk Road makes some of my favourite blends
 they are located downtown in Victoria's Heritage Chinatown.
They have a lovely little spa and make wonderful skin care and bath products.
They also have an online shop for those of you who live further away...


The freedom to stay in my PJ's until 11:00 in the morning.
it felt truly decadent and luxurious...
JOY!

speaking of a little luxury I pulled out all my Hermes scarves 
and opened all the orange boxes and had a peek.
It has been awhile since I have worn them as our weather calls for wool and cashmere scarves and mufflers.


that wee pink scarf is the one that I bought in Paris
really my only significant souvenir other than my memories


this black and white Hermes scarf is the one I wear most often

I wore a Symplii black dress and black tights with my booties to the celebration of life on Friday
skipped perfume but layered on some classic pearls
lots of familiar faces were at the service
nearly a full house
it was a fine tribute
the food was perfect and I got some experience as a server carrying trays
it is not as easy as it looks!
There were a dozen or so friends and family members serving and we all were rookies together so it was fine.
"Security in numbers!"


There are so many interesting and eye catching things popping up on my waking and driving routes these days...


This tree is on my drive home from bridge and Mah Jong.
It is really quite unusual and reminds me of a dancing woman...
( my imagination runs away with me sometimes!)


snowdrops are up


sweet scented buds


emerging 


spreading pink scented wafts into the air

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend and are avoiding all those nasty colds and flu's that are about...
my throat is feeling a bit scratchy so I am pacing myself.

"I think it's important to find the little things in everyday life that make you happy."
Paula Cole

Monday, June 1, 2015

Paris purchases...

Paris was full of wonderful galleries, churches, museums, cafes, bistros, gardens and parks.
It goes without saying that Paris has wonderful shops and boutiques and I ventured into many of them...
One of the gals on the tour and I took a leisurely stroll through the Chanel boutique and had a browse at the clothing...which was lovely but exceeded my budget and the garments do not suit my retired lifestyle.


We popped into the fabulous boutique ~ Didier Ludot.


They sell vintage and gently used designer goods.
If you want to purchase a Hermes Kelly bag this is a great place to look!


Didier Ludot stock luxury goods and there are lots of tempting treasures inside the store!


The white cocktail dress would be fun for a summer party.
 And how about lunch with the ladies in the red Chanel suit?


There were so many shops with gorgeous clothes...
I just did not devote time for much shopping.

I wasn't on a mission for clothes...
I wanted to experience the art, history and culture of Paris.


I bought this vintage Jeanne Lanvin silk scarf at a pop up vintage shop in BHV.


I bought this striped top in COS in the Marais.

The Hermes scarf which I showed in a previous post was my big purchase.
(a wearable souvenir!)


I bought this fun grey mesh sweater and silver necklace
in the Marais at a shop whose name I have forgotten.

Since I have been home I have been lusting after a black leather jacket like those I saw women wearing in Paris...


and my lovely daughter saw this one on sale and the rest is history.


I bought this rustic vintage jug in the south of France.
I wanted to have something to remind me of the countryside and this will be perfect for my roses.


Shepherd hut
seen on the drive from the Pech Merle Caves to the enchanting Village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie.


Signage adjacent to the hut.


Very basic shelter...and at this altitude it would make for a very cold night.


The stone buildings are so quaint and picturesque.

For gifts 
I bought French soaps, chocolates, magnets with the Eiffel Tower depicted on them...
 hand made semi precious beaded bracelets, a pottery necklace, a book for the grandchildren, scents from Hermes for my sister and husband.

(This post was in response to Jill's question ~ and thank for posing the question Jill!)