Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts

Monday, January 29, 2024

Art, Entertaining and my recent successful thrifting adventures...

 


We attended the art exhibit "Building Bridges" at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.


Victoria Artist Tanya Bub


Paper Mache Rooster


~ Grace ~


Tanya Bub created this "chair" using a variety of reclaimed and recycled pieces.
Walmart carry bags, cardboard, and papers among them.

Can you see the boots hanging underneath the chair?

A documentary "Sitting With Grace" has been screened locally.


Tanya has such a great eye for detail...
the face is exquisite.

Tanya is well known locally for her amazing driftwood sculptures.

~ OOTD ~


Thrifted Black Kirkland Tee
Artisan necklace


Thrifted ankle length pants black with small white dots.
(label missing but I think they are by INC)
Coach Loafers that I bought new last Spring.


We shared dinner with friends...
on the menu:

Appies ~ Olives, Dried Apricots, Dates, Smoked cheese and Blue Cheese

Salad ~ Arugula, sweet red pepper mini pearls, chopped pecans, thinly sliced white radishes and a French Vinaigrette.

Main course ~ Chicken Breasts stuffed with feta and topped with red pepper pesto
Spinach Gnocchi with cheese sauce, garnished with snipped fresh basil

Dessert ~ Olive Oil Citrus Cake with fresh blackberries and whipped cream


Our guests brought a lovely Maidenhair Fern.
(Thank you!)


I popped it into our Vintage Arts and Crafts Weller Jardiniere.

Chester, our smaller cat, was quite taken with the fern!
It is a pet friendly plant so if he nibbles a wee bit no harm done.


I absolutely LOVE Vintage Sherman Rhinestones.
I have a small collection of brooches.
If you have been reading my Blog awhile you know I wear these pieces often...

If you are REALLY lucky you might find some in a thrift shop.
Most of the ones that I see are now sold in The Antique Malls.


Denim shirtdress...was purchased on sale, not thrifted.
(Lands' End)


The Baroque strand of Pearls add some interest.


Dress by H&M

Second Hand Hope Thrift Store.

I went thrift shopping with Annie, a woman I have connected with on Instagram.
She is starting up a business where she plans to take people to the thrift shops and consignment stores here in Victoria.
Her instagram page is Victoria Thrifting Tours.
If you pop over to check out her site, please say I sent you :-))


Ralph Lauren reversible leather belt from WIN Thrift Shop.


Small Patterns work better for me as I am a curvy gal...
I like the small metal button details at the neck and on the cuffs.
The fabric is a jersey knit so this will be a great Spring and Summer Dress.


Found one of my favourite author's books in a wee Book Nook.
It just so happens that the Book Nook is in the front yard of my childhood home.

I keep finding the BEST books there...
if I ever see the owners I am going to introduce myself.
Tell them that I grew up in the house.

Well that about wraps up my news...
until next time.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Thoughts on gardening....and a tasty pork tenderloin


Our neighbour gave us a pretty bouquet,
the cut flowers are from her new garden.
 A thank you for the fresh garden produce we shared with her.

Gardeners share...
We share seeds, plants, flowers, fruit and produce.

Gardeners collect ideas when visiting other gardens.

Cultivating a garden is an incredibly rewarding hobby.
There is a shared kinship in the gardening community...

If you've ever attended a garden club meeting 
or a garden show you will hear an abundance of chatter.
Gardeners are not at a loss for words where plants are concerned.


I've visited the local garden centres twice in one week looking for more Hostas.
We are going to be involved in a garden tour and I have some plans.
We are not sure if it will be June 2024 or June 2025.


In the meantime,
 I am looking for a water feature, some more black planters and pots.

We'll be putting the garden to bed as soon as the weather changes.
So these ideas will percolate and be revised and refined over the winter.


Romneya Coulteri Poppy


This plant likes to be grown in a rocky gravelly soil.
It doesn't transplant well.
I've tried digging it up and sharing it but the cuttings have never survived.


Our plant is not very large...
I've seen huge Romneya Coulteri plants thriving on my drive around town.

We are pleased that the Hollyhock from Ross Bay Villa has thrived.
I have tried growing Hollyhocks for many years 
but had always planted them in the soil which is heavy with clay.

The clay soil is great for roses but not all plants like to have "wet feet!"


The BIG Hosta to the left is Sum and Substance.
In the low bowl ~
Variegated grass, Hosta, Agapanthus and the silvery Centauria Chrome Fountain.
To the left of that planter is a pot of Black Mondo Grass.

I have a crush on the Mondo Grass and have it growing all over the Humble Bungalow Garden!


David Austin Rose Jude the Obscure.
It has been flowering for months...
it is a repeat bloomer.

The roses have not been as prolific as usual and I am thinking it is the drought.
We've had lots of sunshine which they love and we have watered 
carefully by hand but I suppose it has just not been enough.

There is a bumper crop of tomatoes, both beefsteak and cherry types.
Lots of zucchini, lettuce and cucumbers.

The apple trees are loaded with fruit...
in a few weeks they will be ready for picking.

The garden keeps my husband VERY BUSY!
He's taken over a lot of the jobs and seems to be enjoying his time outdoors.

Do you have a garden?
Or do you garden with a deck or patio of Pots and planters?

We are very fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of gardens.
People are quite passionate about gardening here in Victoria.
It used to be known as The City Of Gardens.

I want to share a recipe that I got from a friend...
it is an easy and very tasty marinated pork tenderloin.


~ PORK TENDERLOIN ~

Marinate a pork tenderloin in the following:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soya (I use Braggs)
1 clove minced garlic
3 tbsp. honey dijon mustard
salt and pepper

I mix the marinade in a ziploc bag then add the tenderloin.
Put in the fridge for about 4 hours.

Heat the BBQ and grill the tenderloin
 (baste with marinade) 
cook until it is no longer pink inside.
This cooks quite quickly so keep an eye on it!
Let it rest for a few minutes then slice on the diagonal.
I have served it with boiled baby new potatoes and a fresh green salad.

~ Bon Appetit ~


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I'm planning a visit to Butchart Gardens soon to see what they are growing.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Sunday August 27...where did the week go?

 


~ Jude The Obscure Rose ~

I don't know where the week went?
Lots going on here, 
among them...


I've been busy in the kitchen roasting the tomato harvest.
I pop the chopped tomatoes in a roasting pan 
(whole cherry tomatoes in a glass dish)
sprinkle with salt, pepper and drizzle with olive oil
liberally top with crushed garlic.

400 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Cool them then pop into freezer bags.

I add them to tomato sauce in the fall and winter for an extra pop of flavour.


We purchased a Nespresso machine!

I loved the Nespresso coffee in Paris at The Hotel Belloy.
That was in 2015 on my first trip.

I loved their sweet treats and coffee in the lobby after a long day exploring Paris.
Many other guests gathered and we'd chat about what we had seen and done.
There was such an air of excitement in that lobby 
as ideas and insights were exchanged.

I recently enjoyed the coffee in the Ocean Promenade Hotel in White Rock.
My husband wasn't sure it was to his taste but we visited the store in our local mall.
The clerk made us a coffee and he liked it so much that we purchased a machine.
We've got 3 different varieties of coffee and both of us like the Stormio.
It is smooth and strong, just the way I like it!


I have been reading this fabulous book.
I borrowed it from a friend and WOW it is wonderful!

I have read most of Jennifer Robson's books and loved them and this one is a treat.
Her latest book The Coronation Year will be on my radar next.


Dinner party dessert offering...
(dessert plate a gift from darling daughter!)


One piece left... a few crumbs


I added skinny slices of fresh lemon
 made a batch of whipped cream to top the pieces.

Not sure where I found this recipe?
I have made it before and love the moist texture of the cake.
It is simple to make and easy to transport.

We took it to our friends home as we were invited for dinner.
We had appies on their private back patio
they
 served us a delicious middle eastern themed main course.
I didn't take pictures and probably should have as it was so beautifully presented...
served in rustic earthenware pots and serving dishes.

Yesterday I went to the garden centre to check out the stock.
I was looking for some more hostas for our shady front bed.
Alas there were not many hostas left...
I did buy one.


I decided on a black planter 
for the front walk just by the stairs.

Added a few perennials and voila!


I recently posted this picture on my Instagram and since then I have several enquiries on the shade of the Miss Pupa from Milan lipgloss.
It is number 305

My local Pharmasave used to carry the Miss Pupa line but have discontinued it.
Miss Pupa have a website and you can order all their items easily.

I am going to go and finish reading The Gown so I will close for now.

Thank you for taking the time to pop by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

June 7th ~ Lots to chat about so I have written an early blogpost


This soft Merona Tencel dress was hanging in the Thrift Shop
just waiting for me!
I couldn't buy it fast enough...
I felt like the woman in that IKEA advert that says Start The Car!!!

Target carried the brand when they had a store here in Victoria 
a few years ago, which BTW I loved.
Frankly I was VERY disappointed when they closed the store.

It reminded me of The Monoprix in France...
a little bit of everything and food too!

So I have worn this dress 6 times since purchasing it...
I pair it with white capri leggings and my blue suede sandals
or Blue Converse Sneakers.

The fabric is dreamy...SO SOFT!
It reminds me of a well worn favourite but without the wear and tear or holes.

I wore it in the garden while deadheading the roses 
(with pearls and my chartreuse green linen apron)
 my husband said "That is the perfect dress for the garden!"

It is rare that he comments on my attire, so I was both pleased AND surprised.

I LOVE getting a bargain at a thrift shop.
Of course I had to purge a few items this past week...
I don't like to have the closet too crowded.

Our Bungalow is so very short on storage 
so I am mindful of accumulating too much STUFF.
I really dislike CLUTTER but I do love to collect...
it is a fine line that I walk.

This week I picked up a plant pot and a lone floral china teacup 
left for free at the side of the road...
I have a wee bit of a problem passing up FREE stuff!


Himalayan Blue Poppies blooming at Government House.
These are very difficult to grow, you can buy seeds at Butchart Gardens.

This grouping of poppies look very happy and healthy.

Walking at Government House is even nicer now that their tearoom is open.
The exotic plants make for an educational saunter and there are plant sales as well.

I recently met up with a long time reader Sue K Blaney, 
I brought her back to The Humble Bungalow Garden for a quick peek
then up to Government House for a walkabout.

She and her husband were on a tour visiting Victoria and Vancouver.

We had a few hours to walk, admire the gardens, and enjoy the spectacular views across to the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Afterwards
 We went to the Demitasse Garden Center and Cafe for a coffee 
because the tearoom was closed.


Peonies are in their heyday right now at the Gardens.
The bees just love these flowers.


We had some former clients of my husband's here for a garden tour and a happy hour.
I picked a few of our fragrant David Austin Roses 
placed them on the table in the sunshine then brought them inside where they promptly wilted but they still look gorgeous.


Fragrant Climbing Royal Sunset Roses
popped into my wee vintage Elephant and Urn Vase.
I've had this small vessel for about 20 years...I paid 35 cents for it.

I've shared it here before and we talked about how it is good luck for the elephant trunk to be raised upwards.


Sourdough Starter is coming in handy for other baking projects these days.
I regularly bake the boule, but now I am baking scones and biscuits.

I found two great recipes online and they have been well received 
so now I can add them to my regular repertoire!


Ignore this tidbit of news if you want but I've got a UTI...
am on antibiotics and it's the second one in weeks.
Perhaps the first one didn't get completely cleared up?

I am trying to increase my daily quotient of water.
I have friends who are plagued with these infections and suffer a LOT!
Truly, I haven't had anything like this, in many many years.
My sympathies to those of you who struggle with them...
I hope this is not the start of a new health issue.

The Aquafit classes continue to be a source of pure JOY.
I do miss my long walks but I am getting used to getting wet in the pool!
This week a woman complimented me on my bathing suit...
another one of my bargain finds at the local Marshalls Store.
Miraclesuit.

We are constantly in motion in the pool and the lively music helps me keep the beat.
My arms are getting a great workout too using the foam dumbbells in the pool.

I must look very serious as I have to focus so much on the instructor.
Other women in the class know what to expect and I am sure 
that in time I will as well.



Current Book Stack...

I started reading Richard Osman's The Man Who Died Twice...
told my husband about the book and he's keen to read the series too...
He zipped out to the bookshop and bought the two other books.
He's reading the first one now, The Thursday Murder Club.
The third is The Bullet That Missed and there is another one due out very soon!

When I was on Pender at Talisman Books 
the owner asked if she could help me find anything...
we got chatting and exchanged our tastes in books.

She recommended The Outlander and Ridgerunner by Gil Adamson
her book club read them and she (they) loved them so much.
I chose The Mayfair Bookshop on a whim.

What are you reading?


Golden Celebration Rose

Well I have rambled on about enough stuff for now...
don't want to bore you.

Please let me know how things are going with you.
I am enjoying the refreshing dialogue that we are having on the blog.
It keeps things interesting.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Snowdrops and a Vintage Bag...

 


The Humble Bungalow Garden is coming alive 
bursting forth with beautiful blooms for Spring!

This Hellebore was purchased from Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver.
At the time it was quite a rare plant...now Hellebores are available in many varieties.


I am absolutely smitten with Snowdrops...
it's becoming a wee bit of an addiction.


Gardeners can be fickle when it comes to plants.
We love so many things in our gardens...

Roses, Hostas, Daffodils, Tulips, Hellebores, Lady's Mantle and Black Mondo Grass.


We grow a wide range of plants...
our garden is so full it's really bursting at the edges.
However that doesn't seem to persuade me to stop acquiring more plants!

These new snowdrops are very pretty in their form, we bought several new varieties.
In The UK, where many of these snowdrops originate 
there are gardeners who are busy hybridizing unique new species of these plants.

I see many exciting snowdrops in the UK publications 
but unfortunately they are not yet available here.


The comments are working!

Thank you for testing them out...I am keen to welcome more dialogue from you.
Please know that I am unable to respond to each "individual" comment 
which would normally generate an alert 
so now will respond when I am able.
You'll have to check back.

I apologize for these glitches...
will continue to investigate.

Now that I have shared the "Blogger housekeeping issues"
let's move on to something more interesting shall we?


That BAG could be me :-))


Vintage Ann Taylor wicker bag with red leather details.


Vintage Coach Court Bag


Paired with my Josef Seibel ballet flats...
I want to buy another pair of flats.
Perhaps in that classic Chanel two tone style!


Vintage Coach Regina bag


Quilted leather vintage Canadian Due Fratelli bag.
(BTW~ The Mick Herron series of spy novels are fabulous!)

Do you ever get a "Bee In Your Bonnet?"
a shopping Bee?
An idea...
It hums along in the back of your mind percolating 
until it urges you to seriously look for that particular item.
So powerful that you start searching online and at thrift shops.

That urge to buy that imagined something that you cannot resist.

It happens to me quite a lot and I don't always act on the idea.

BUT
I have been quietly on the lookout for another vintage bag.

~ Not a NEED but a WANT ~

I see gorgeous iconic bags online...
most are designer bags with big ticket price tags
Chanel and Hermes.

Not exactly in sync with my budget or my lifestyle.

My handbag collection is rather small by comparison to some.
I love vintage leather bags...

2 Coach bags ~ Black Regina mini, Brown Court bag.
A wicker bag with red leather trim ~ Ann Taylor
Black leather Croc embossed "doctor" style ~ Banana Republic 
Wine quilted leather bag ~ Due Fratelli 


I saw this listing on Ebay.
Vintage Brown Croc bag by Canadian maker Due Fratelli
The price was higher than I really wanted to pay so I made an offer
which to my surprise, was accepted...
it arrived quickly but it smelled of smoke.
So disappointing...

I considered sending it back, even contacted the seller.
I really like the bag so instead did some research, 
for the past two weeks have been airing it out 
with a bag of baking soda in an open "Zip Loc" bag inside the bag.

The smell is definitely gone...
I will use a leather cleaner on the exterior this weekend.

Have you ever bought or inherited a vintage bag that has had a musty or smokey smell?
What did you do to "fix" it?

Many of the designer bag makers offer a service to restore their classic iconic bags.
No idea on the cost but thats peace of mind if you inherit a Chanel or Hermes bag.

Let's enjoy some more blooms shall we?


The Star Magnolia is in bloom out front in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
We have three magnolia trees all different varieties
they all bloom at different times of the year.

How is the weather where you live?

Our weather is slowly warming up 
I am keen to swap out my heavy coats for lighter jackets.
I will wash and store them away for next season.

Let's get serious bring on the warmth.
I would LOVE to start wearing my summer linen skirt and dresses!

Will have to pop into the shops, maybe this week, take a peek
see what they are showing for Spring and Summer.
Not that I will buy anything new but it is fun to browse...
besides it gives me ideas of what to do with my basic minimalist wardrobe.
Mix up the possibilities...add a scarf.

Well that's about all the news I have to share right now...
stay tuned for more blog posts.
I usually post on Sundays and often mention my blog posts on Instagram.

Thank you for stopping by...
I appreciate you taking the time to join me.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~