Showing posts with label quotes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quotes. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Drugstore ~ Skincare and Make Up

 


When I was in Paris I made a pilgrimage to the "Pharmacie."
(easily identifiable by the large neon Green Cross)
Many seasoned travellers suggested the local Paris Pharmacies as a must see.
I was surprised by the popularity of these local shops.
Some actually had a line up out front !
I visited several Pharmacies in different arrondissements.
Some were larger and had more skincare products.
Citypharma at 26 rue du Four in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres has the reputation of being the BEST.

I stayed in the 6th arrondissement so this was closest.
(It did not disappoint)

The pharmacy is often crowded as it is very popular with locals and tourists.
Shelves are loaded with jars and bottles of serious skincare products.
Staff are happy to consult with patrons and are readily available to give advice.


The Pharmasave on Oak Bay Avenue 
has a wide variety of reasonably priced products with trained staff on hand to help.

One needn't spend a fortune to get good quality skincare products...

For example
Andalou Natural Products...
the company make product lines to suit most skin care needs.
I have enjoyed using the Andalou Rose products in the past.

Recently I have switched up to the Age Defying series.


I like the rich formulas...my skin soaks up the moisture.


I like to keep my skincare regime very simple.

Wash, tone and moisturize.
An intensive moisturizing enzyme facial mask is used once a week.

I have added a serum which helps particularly in the winter.


Derma-E Vitamin enriched serum is my favourite.
Rosehips and Grape Seed Oils 
Vitamin A and E

(4 drops morning and night ~ this bottle lasts a few months)

I wait 10 minutes before doing my make up 
to allow the oil to sink in and be absorbed.


My make-up routine is minimal 
5 minutes tops.
Minimal coverage and a light touch work best for my older skin.


Drugstore Make up products...

Andalou Age Defying BB cream
Burts Bees Aglow blush
Physicians Formula eyebrow tint
Annabelle eye shadow
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair
Miss Pupa Lip Gloss

While writing this post I have been sipping tea and nibbling some dark chocolate.


Afternoon Tea and dark chocolate
my afternoon ritual.

One of life's little luxuries!


Found a pretty vintage silver cake server this afternoon.
I met up with a friend who came over from the mainland for a visit.
We walked along The Avenue popped into the shops and had a lovely long lunch.

Joanne surprised me with a blue tote bag and a book AND she treated me to lunch.
We always have a lovely time chatting.
Thank you Joanne!

“Joy is the best makeup. 
But a little lipstick is a close runner-up.” 

~ Anne Lamott ~


Well I must close for now and get dinner started.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, August 7, 2022

August ~ Hydrangea Season and a wee chat...


Candles with a woody fragrance add ambiance to our arts and crafts bungalow.
I love to sit and read or knit 
 a candle glowing and the scent wafting about in the air.


Our Annabelle Hydrangeas are putting on a spectacular show!
 The Humble Bungalow Garden is looking quite lovely this summer.

Some years are better than others for certain plants...
 I think it is a very much a stellar hydrangea season.

They do love water so we need to keep the soil moist...


Look at the size of this bloom...
a HUGE mophead almost threatening to break the branch
with its weight.


The Sea Glass haul that nearly wasn't...


I fell on the uneven rocky shore not too far from the Humble Bungalow.
My instinct was to put out my hand to save my face from hitting the ground
when I fell...

My poor wrist took the brunt of the tumble and I sprained it.

It swoll up pretty quickly so I zipped off to the local pharmacy
a tube of Voltaren
 (which is an analgesic and an anti inflammatory)
a right hand wrist brace
a week later
yellow bruising remains but fortunately the wrist is feeling MUCH better!


The sweet peas are still blooming so we have bouquets in the bathroom.
Such a delightful fragrance!

Did you know that sweet peas must be picked regularly 
to keep them from going to seed?


I am looking forward to getting back to my knitting project...
I haven't snapped a picture of the progress that I made until my mishap.

Am working on the yoke of the Miriam sweater.

It will be lovely to wear this in the fall and winter.
I have so few sweaters...
the cooler fall weather will be here before we know it and I will want to be cozy.

I've been staying pretty close to home as my husband is up on ladders sanding and painting the pergola above the sundeck.

He's not accustomed to this kind of work, but since he retired, he has taken on various projects that I would usually hire people to fix.


I posted this quote on my Instagram...
so worthy of reposting here on the blog.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It is really unfortunate that your comments are not forthcoming...
I have tried to fix this on my end but alas it is beyond my scope.

I do hope that you will continue to stop by and read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Skin care products that I rely on to help keep my rosacea under control.

Are you on 
De-cluttering your spaces?
Feathering the Nest?
Editing your closet?

Working my way through The Humble Bungalow 
culling stuff from cupboards and drawers
Ridding ourselves of things that are no longer wanted
are out of date
&
 dusty and dull.

The bag of donations grows each day!

I tackled the skincare products and only kept the top performers.
You may not know that I have rosacea or that my skin is VERY sensitive.

I must be careful to use only the gentlest products.
No HOT water
no excessive rubbing
GENTLE but EFFECTIVE medical grade serums are worth the expense.


Here are my reliable trusted stalwarts in skincare.


Gentle cleanser and Micellar Lotion
by Avene

Rose Mask and Exfoliator
by Andalou



Pro Health Advance and Hydra Cool Serums
from IS Clinical

I use 3 drops of Pro Health Serum in the morning dabbing gently on cleansed skin
followed by Sukin Enriching Night Cream 
(it is super hydrating as my skin tends to be dry)

After cleansing at night I use 3 drops of the Hydra Cool Serum 
followed by the Sukin Enriching Night Cream


I use the Andalou CC cream every morning 
followed by La Bella Donna Mineral powder with additional sunscreen.

I use the Moroccan oil once a week as an intensive treatment.

It would be lovely to go to the spa for a facial 
but with Covid still active I am not planning a visit anytime soon.

Any skin care pampering will have to be done by me!

“Beauty is not in the face; 
beauty is a light in the heart.” 

~ Khalil Gibran ~



A January Rose bud that was blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
The rosebuds have all faded after the recent snowfall!

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
I hope that you are staying safe.
and
Taking good care of yourself.

We are living in a precarious time... self care is important
being proactive and soothing one's spirit is not being selfish.

XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Welcoming the New Year...thoughts


A bright and shiny New Year is on the horizon.

Feeling very encouraged that we will see some significant improvements...
 the vaccines are here and are being doled out to the health care workers and the residents of long term care first and then they make their way down the ladder to those of us who wish to get the vaccine. 

Our Covid cases in BC are moving slowly downward.

I cannot help but feel optimistic...


Every year, for decades, I write in a day timer.
The Moleskine day timer for 2021 has been updated with birthdays.


I chose a new gel pen with a pretty peacock blue shade of ink.

The little things that can be mood shifters and change they way we see life
are so worth embracing...

Ideas for small Joys:

a new shade of lipstick
wearing a vintage piece of jewelry
mixing up your outfits, pairing different items
wearing a bright coloured pair of socks or tights
fresh flowers and foliage in a jug
a new blend of tea
experimenting with a new hairstyle
sampling a new fragrance
painting your nails
rearranging an area of your home
hanging your clothes in a different order, by colour or grouped by item
polish your leather shoes, boots and purses
buy a vintage accessory or piece of clothing that makes you smile
get rid of any clothes that are "ho-hum" ~ keep only what makes you feel great
invest in a new teacup and saucer or mug
read a new magazine, perhaps one from another country
sample an exotic variety of fruit
make a vinaigrette with a different type of oil and vinegar than you usually use
walk in a different area and explore
take a thermos of coffee or tea and sip it in a park or on a beach

The list of ideas could go on and on...


Maybe it is time to start a new collection?

I know people who collect smooth rocks from the beach...
some only collect pure white and others opt for dark black.
Put them in a bowl or a jar and enjoy looking at them.

“Always keep your eyes open. 
Keep watching. 
Because whatever you see can inspire you.”

~ Grace Coddington ~
 

How are you approaching 2021?
Are you feeling positive or negative?
Have you got goals or are you making New Year resolutions?

I'd love to hear your ideas of things that you do to lift your spirits.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Wishing you peace and joy in the New Year.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, October 29, 2020

OOTD...a focus on the classics

 

 ~ OOTD ~

Shirts with Jeans

My current uniform 
on rotation here in The Humble Bungalow.


New white shirt from Old Navy
worn here with classic pearls.

When I was working 
White shirts were worn a lot and I owned several in different styles.
Worn tucked into black pants and simple skirts.

On Fridays we wore jeans.
I paired my white shirt with a soft wool blazer, jeans and loafers.
Accessorized with faux pearls...

One Christmas several decades ago, my parents gave me a lovely pair of genuine pearl studs.
( I still have them and wear them often)
One Valentine's Day, a few years later, my husband gave me a strand of Akoya pearls.

I love pearls
My Mom loved pearls too.

When I wear my pearls I always think of Mom.

Mom wore her baroque long opera length pearls almost everyday.
The necklace was a gift to her one Christmas from my father.

Do you wear pearls?

Have you a classic white shirt in your wardrobe?

I also love denim and chambray shirts.
I have two...

I am wearing one right now with my pearls.


This shirt has all the details that make it a classic and yet it is budget friendly.

Keeping a white shirt white is tricky.

If I get a mark on it
 I spray it with my pink grapefruit Method brand cleaner 
gently scrub with a soft brush before popping it into the wash.

I hang my shirts to dry and smoothe out the edges when they are damp.
Ironing carefully after they are dry.


I wear an apron when I am cooking and cleaning.
It saves my clothes from stains.

I love this linen one from Rough Linen.

It was an early Covid purchase.


Pope John Paull II white rose
blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

White is such an elegant shade...

(White shirt quotes)

"You can wear them with anything. 
It's the person and the way that they wear it 
that makes it different. 
I have been designing white shirts forever, 
but I don't get tired of it." 

~ Carolina Herrera ~



"The white blouse can be light and floating, impeccable and austere, sumptuous and all-enveloping, tight and close-fitting. 

It rises up to frame the face. 

It sculpts the body by transforming itself into a second skin. 

Imputed with glamour and poetry, freedom and impetuousness, the prim white shirt turns out to have a thousand identities." 

                                 ~ Gianfranco Ferre ~


How will you style your shirt?
The important thing is having fun with your creative accessories.

A scarf
necklace
brooch
collar up? or buttoned up?
maybe opened up?
 as a layering piece over a camisole or top.

The White Shirt is a versatile classic
a worthy workhorse in every wardrobe.


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Everything's coming up Roses...


I am spending much more time in our garden during the pandemic...
focusing on the flowers and plants.
Listening to the birdsong 
chatting with fellow gardeners on the street.

Many of us are dealing with the urban deer and their voracious appetites.
One doe visits the front yard every day and has decimated most of the Hostas.


You can see in the first picture that its looking quite big!
This is what is left of Sum and Substance a large variety of Hosta.
I watched her eat two "salads."

She's nibbled the hydrangeas and some of the rose blooms despite the thorns!

We are going to build a fence...

Constance Spry and Paul's Lemon Pillar Roses
on the pergola at the entrance to The Humble Bungalow Garden.
High enough that the deer cannot reach all of the blooms.


Constance has a very deep rich fragrance and Paul's Lemon Pillar is a more sublte citrus scent.


The Heart Flag hangs in honour of all the frontline and essential workers.

Jude The Obscure 
(my favourite David Austin Rose!)
a stunning repeat blooming apricot rose with an amazing 
and
intoxicating perfume.

The pink rose in the background is the McCartney Rose
a hybrid tea rose 
rich scent
repeat bloomer.


Sir Paul!


William Shakespeare
our only red rose in the garden.
"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends."

~ Okakura Kakuzo ~


Roses growing at the Cottage on Pender.

"Flowers grow out of dark moments."

~ Corita Kent ~


No scent to speak of but very attractive.

"It’s ok to feel delicate sometimes. 
Real beauty is in the fragility of your petals. 
A rose that never wilts isn’t a rose at all."

~ Crystal Woods ~


Are you a gardener?
Do you have urban deer or other wildlife dining in your garden?


My current book borrowed from a friend.
What are you reading?

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

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Sunday, May 3, 2020

Ups and downs during the Pandemic...


Parrot tulips with chartreuse streaks...

Mother Nature could have painted these sweet flowers herself.


I love the modernist icy Tapio Wirkkala Finnish vases.

They cleverly camouflage the flower stems.


I cannot imagine my life without flowers.
Can You?

I suppose that is why I toil for hours in our garden.

Hopeful that seeds, tubers and bulbs will grow and flourish.

Gardening is a quiet hobby
one that offers many rewards.

Tending and creating a garden has so many benefits

fresh air
 exercise
nature
birdsong
bees 
butterflies

"My extravagance is my garden - 
it's the first thing I look at every morning when I wake up. 
It gives me so much pleasure."

~ Ina Garten ~


Flowers have the power to elevate even the humblest of vessels...
from a jam jar to a crystal vase.


We are flying a new flag here in The Humble Bungalow.
It is flown in support and gratitude for the front line workers
who are helping us all stay safe during the pandemic.

We purchased this flag at The Victoria Flag Shop on Fort Street.

Each night at 7pm we are out banging pots and pans with our neighbours
to let the workers know that we are grateful for their work.


Current read Mary Coin by Marisa Silver
an interesting book so far and I am almost halfway through the story.

Am seriously looking for some book suggestions 
as I am running out of books fast!


Hope that you are managing to stay safe and are feeling cozy in the comfort of your own home.

We are living through such unusual times...
some days are better than others.

I read that we might be modifying our way of life for the next couple of years.
Perhaps we will never go back to those carefree days?

Who knows?

We just have to take it one day at a time and do our best.

I miss so many things

family
friends
entertaining at home and being entertained at other peoples homes
our bridge games
knitting group meetings
sitting sipping coffee at the cafe
the freedom to go shopping and browse in a store
the local library and bookshops
the pool and yoga studio
lunching out with my gal friends
the spa and hair salon
dinners out with friends
going to the cottage
travel

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."
~  Nelson Mandela ~


"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."

~  Desmond Tutu ~


Take care.
XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~