Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts

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 ~

Sunday, April 3, 2022

April Showers ~ flowers and an OOTD

 


Star Magnolia Blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Sprinkled with raindrops


The daffodils are nodding their heads weighed down by the raindrops.


We ventured out to Butchart Gardens on a sunny morning...
the flowers were exquisite...
Masses of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.
The grandchildren rode the carousel which was a highlight!


Summer Snowflake Snowdrops
these are much taller than the usual varieties and they bloom later.
I want to buy a bunch more of these as they are so precious.
I am definitely a greedy gardener.



Yesterday I walked to the Cook Street Village on a mission 
to buy some veggies at the Root Cellar.

These daffs caught my eye and I just had to stop and take a picture.
When I walk, I look around...and the gardens always offer up something beautiful.

I make it a priority to stop and smell the flowers!


My current book...
just started this one yesterday and already I am eager to read more.
Love it when a book hooks you and holds your interest right from the start!

Readers have emailed me to say that my book suggestions are inspiring you to read.
It is a pleasure to share the love of reading, when I worked in the school libraries I tried very hard to get students matched up with great books.

What are you reading?

Today
My OOTD is a very casual one today...


~ OOTD ~ 

Rough Linen black linen apron 
Old Navy Denim shirt 
(an oldie but a goodie ~ it is a workhorse in my minimal wardrobe)
pearls
what you cannot see are my black Yoga pants.
I told you it was casual :-))

I am cooking a big roast beef Sunday dinner...



Yorkshire Puddings
Roast Beef
Mashed turnips
Roasted parsnips and sweet potatoes with cherry tomatoes
a potato casserole 
from "The Best of The Best of Bridge" cookbook
(page 176)
~ Schwarties Hash Browns ~
carrots
peas

Dessert 
strawberries and ice cream



I've had two IPL laser treatments in the past few months to help with my rosacea.
Another is scheduled for the end of the month.

The broken capillaries were quite noticeable and my cheeks red.
 I had not been for a treatment since early 2019
Covid kept me away from the clinic.

The only red I like on my face is this Italian lipstick!

Do you wear red lipstick?

Since I keep my make-up very subtle I like the pop of colour it provides.


Windowsill Orchids are in bloom.
Phalaenopsis

We have several orchids on the sill above the farmhouse sink...
they love the humidity and the north exposure.
These gems bloom several times a year and their flowers last for months.
Great value for the price...
this one was purchased at Home Depot.

Well I must get back to my cooking...
take care and thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, January 24, 2019

A POP of colour and my favourite IPhone APP.


New in The Humble Bungalow.



Le Creuset Dutch Oven


A friend shared her secret to keeping her Le Creuset pots and pans
looking like new.

(it's Bar Keepers friend!)

I made a paste of this cleanser 
soaked our stained white enamel pot for a few minutes
then rubbed it with a scratch free scrubber and voila
clean as new! 


My current read...


Hooray the hellebores are blooming!


One bloom can make a big statement in a small vase.


Rain or shine 
I'm out every day for a walk.

My goal is to walk 7,000 steps.
The IHealth App on my IPhone makes it easy to keep track.


This Saint James raincoat helps keep me dry.


(a picture from the archives)

Purchased several years ago and still going strong.
I can wear a vest or sweater underneath if the temperatures are dipping.




Another walk would be needed to reach my daily goal...
  it is already 4:00 and I have to start preparing dinner after I publish this post.

Some days are easier to fit in more activities...

Are you motivated by a fitness app?
Do you go to the gym?
Have you worked with a personal trainer?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, April 6, 2018

Shopping with a nod to Mom...

The damp cold rainy weather has kept me indoors more than usual...

I have gone for shorter walks and took a page out of Mother's book!
Going shopping when inclement weather prevails...
Mom was a super shopper...she could have taught lessons on how to shop!
Mother absolutely loved fashion and clothing , she found such joy wearing and accessorizing her beautiful clothes. She was well turned out until the last couple of weeks before she passed away...and then she only wore her PJ's and bathrobe.

Mom had 4 full closets when she died... many classics and some quite trendy pieces...unfortunately we were not the same size...
I have kept her grey cashmere waterfall sweater and a black wool wrap...
they are so cozy and remind me of her when I wear them.


I've brewed up numerous pots of tea
layered on the extra warm cashmere and wool sweaters and shawls.
(thanks to mom I have two of her coziest)

My hands feel the chill so its nice to warm them with a cup of something hot.
Something soothing and tasty with zero calories!
I am mindful of my WW points and the slimming is slower than last time.


My Chelsea boots are away at the cobbler getting some new heels
so I have been wearing my favourite red shoes...
the pop of red makes me feel happy.


A few red things in the Humble Bungalow kitchen...


"Walking in the shops" has been productive...
(of course mom knew this!)
AND
I found a new coat.


I'd gone into Aritzia to look at their Wilfred Free tops 
as they make a nice basic which fits and has a great shape...
with a silhouette that skims and in a knit fabric that can be casual or dressy
a U hem detail which looks good un-tucked.
I already have one in black.
They were out of my size so I ordered one in a neutral soft light grey shade that I will layer with my white jeans and pants.

While I was in the shop I noticed the Babaton line of lightweight coats...
in a light soft fabric, with almost a Tencel feel.
They were far too long on me and I did not want to pay extra to take one to the seamstress to have it drastically shortened.

I found a similar coat at The Bay by Vero Moda
a deconstructed trench coat in a very light and soft fabric.
It was marked down and I got it for a great price.

Have you noticed how many straw and wicker bags are showing up in the magazines this Spring?
I've got a straw tote bag but it is too large for everyday use...
it's more of a market tote 
one that I use when going to the farmers market or to the beach.

Never fear...
Etsy has oodles of vintage straw and wicker bags...
I spent about an hour looking online and then this one popped up 
I could not resist!

The bag is by Ann Taylor
look at that pop of red!

It will work with my denim skirt and jeans
my red ballet flats
 it has just that little extra oomph which I think will perk up my basics quite nicely.


I am eager to see this and hope that the delivery is speedy.


I found this distressed looking Tee at The Bay this week too...
it looks like nothing (well maybe like a dish rag) on the hanger
 it is much better on!

I will wear this with my white jeans
 layered with my denim shirt
underneath a long white and grey linen top
Maybe even pair it with my black ponte knit pants.

Its going to get a LOT of wear.

Last evening we met up with darling daughter and her husband 
to see their new place.
I found a vintage mint orange Catherine Holm kettle and an icy modernist piece of art glass as their housewarming gifts which were well received!

We took them out to dinner after at our favourite local eatery...Zambri's.


I ordered this succulent fish feature and I had a "Julia Child moment!"
Do you remember the movie Julie and Julia?

It is the scene where Julia is in Paris 
dining in a small cafe 
and tastes 
for the first time 
fish cooked in beurre blanc...

Oh my this dish was a little slice of heaven on earth.
I must try to make it at home.


I have kept this vintage avocado green Catherine Holm bowl in our kitchen cupboard for quite some time and I casually mentioned it to darling daughter and it seems that she would use it so it is off to a good home soon...

Before I close 
I want to share some of our very tall snowdrops...


Drenched with precipitation...
things are definitely greening up in the Humble Bungalow Garden!

Hope you are having a fabulous week...
and hey its already Friday!

I've got to get in some groceries and stock up on some cleaning supplies.
Maybe I will do some research on the beurre blanc recipe too.

Whats on your agenda for the weekend?
Have you been shopping for some Spring things?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Cottage life...weathering the storm.


Quarter Deck Cottage
a relaxed and casual getaway
that we enjoy for a week every month 
and two consecutive weeks in the summer.


This little piece of paradise has been a much needed tonic...
a place to dream and live simply 
among the beauty of Nature
 The Salish Sea at our doorstep.


The rains have been torrential this past weekend.
We were soaked right through our raincoats after an hour walk.

On the mainland there have been floods and roads were washed out...


When we arrive on the island
the first stop 
(after we unpack and set up the cottage with our personal bits and bobs)
is the local flower shop.

I choose some flowers for our week at the cottage.
The owner and I are on a first name basis now and she tells me what we have missed while we were off island...
Power outages, wind storms, ferry cancellations, trees blown down blocking the roads...

We shop for our food at the local market and usually do this each day.
It gives us an opportunity to mingle with the locals and deciding on the spur of the moment what we will have for our dinner based on what is fresh feels right.

Living in "holiday mode" encourages a spontaneity...
where we relax over our morning coffee
stare out at the views beyond
taking in the various sights
 ferry and boats
marine life and birds.


We awoke to sunshine this morning and what a glorious sight after 4 days of rain.
The cottage is bathed in warm sunlight and there is a shift in my mood.
I feel a surge of energy...

I have vacuumed, done the laundry, run the dishwasher and am now sipping a mug of tea as I sit here at the dining table typing on my laptop.
Taking time to look out upon the rippled sea and beyond...


A beautiful day awaits...
slowly
there is no need to rush

a gentle walk
a nourishing meal
knitting
reading
gazing out to the Salish Sea

content with the simple routines
of cottage life

it is in the quiet moments 
that we are able to restore, restock, and renew.

"Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift. "

~ Albert Einstein ~


"There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature. "

 ~ Henry David Thoreau ~

Slow down this week and observe the beauty that surrounds you.

When I walk in Nature I always find something beautiful that surprises me...
even on the darkest of days
I may have to look a little bit farther or a wee bit longer 
 if I persevere 
I am not disappointed and for those gifts I am grateful.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~