Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Abundance of roses, and clothes that Spark Joy!

 


We have a full garden with an abundance of roses.
I consider myself an avid rosarian....
desiring more roses in an already full garden is rather greedy.

My husband mentioned that our olive tree might have died during the icy cold snap.
He mentioned I could always buy a rose to fill the space where the tree was planted!

What a great idea!!!


I have always been smitten by shoes with bows.

I own a pair of Ferragamo black patent shoes with bows.
Years ago I had purple suede flats with velvet bows...I wore them out!
They were my "Happy Shoes" I felt so joyful when I wore them.

A few years after the demise of the purple shoes 
I found a pair of black patent flats with black velvet bows.

Mom had a similar pair...
they were such a great mood lifter.
We smiled at each other knowingly when we were together 
wearing our patent bow toed shoes.

So when I was in Twice As Nice consignment looking for a wool winter coat
(which I didn't find)
I spied these shoes by Browns...
tried them on and HAD to have them.


My current "daytime" winter wardrobe.
Athletic wear is stored in the bureau
evening and dressy clothes are in the Hobby Room closet.

I have been adding a few thrifted finds lately...


Gap casual sweater.
Thrifted
Will be worn with my denim and white denim jeans.


A sequin top!!!!
Thrifted
$2.00


The volunteers at the thrift shop were literally doing a "Happy Dance" 
when I approached the cash desk...
asking how much it was?
They said $2.00 and I was so stunned that I gave them $5 and told them to put the extra money toward their new building fund!

I am definitely going to wear this top and perhaps it will be daytime.
It is a JOYFUL top.
Do you think it will SPARK JOY?

I love how we can shift our moods with clothing...
wearing brighter colours on a dark dreary day.
Adding accessories that elevate a plain outfit or dress.
Finding inexpensive and vintage pieces in the thrift shops that are cheap and cheerful.
One needn't go into debt to have fun with fashion.

Happy Hunting in the Thrifts!


An abundance of Sea Glass...
one day's haul after my beach walk.
Saw two fat seals lying on a floating log...
a familiar face and a shaggy dog
a wee chat with a neighbour.
Gulls, Ravens and a majestic Eagle calling...
Fresh Air, a gentle breeze, and I feel rejuvenated.


Jar of sea glass...
probably my 10th jar.
(I must go downstairs to count them, they are in the window sill of the Hobby Room)


~ Sunshine and Blue Skies ~
BLISS


Farm Fresh Free Range Eggs
a lovely gift from Becky.
They look like jewels such pretty colours.
Taste great too!


Finished this fabulous book by Anthony Horowitz.
Need to read some more of his books...have read a couple and they are so well written and are wonderful murder mysteries.

What are you reading?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Week of wild weather...


Beeswax candles glowing...
adding ambiance on a frigid cold day.


Very snowy here these past few days...
not a lot of accumulation in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Other areas of Victoria have a LOT more!
Schools were closed, traffic was snarled, buses got stuck.

Mr HB and I stayed home.
I read books, played word games on the computer, 
knit a few rows on The Sophie Scarf,
decluttered and cooked.


Chester seems unfazed by the snow.
He is an indoor cat so he isn't really affected by the weather.
He has been taking advantage of having Mr. HB home...he's snoozing on his lap!


Chester asleep on the cat blanket.


I make soup for many of our lunches.

This spice was in a French Country Home subscription box.
It is made by Compagnie Francaise...
peppers, turmeric, oregano, thyme, curcumin, paprika, sage, basil, tamarind, onion, cinnamon.


The Christmas Cactus is still in bloom!
I bought this orange cactus recently...I love the bright shade of orange.


Here I am just before my Aqua Fit class....
no make up, just lipstick.

My decades old Burberry scarf, Columbia Puffer coat and a hand knit gift hat.
The Sally Hansen Insta Dri nail polish matches one of the stripes!!


Post swim relaxation.

Reading an interesting book by Lesley Crewe called Amazing Grace.
I have not read her books before but I am really enjoying this one.

What are you reading?


The weekly sourdough boule baking is still very much part of my routine.
I keep the sourdough starter active stored in the fridge.
The recipe I use I found online at Alexandra Bakes.

Cooking, baking, cleaning all these things happen here in The Humble Bungalow.
I accomplish a lot everyday but I intersperse the jobs with rest and tea.


I've been wearing these pink gloves to wash the dishes.
They are help my manicure last longer!

What is the weather like where you live?
We aren't used to snow so any amount can mess with the commutes of workers.
It makes getting around much more difficult...especially when the buses are stuck!

Tomorrow the forecast is for warmer temperatures and rain.
I think the snow will melt quite quickly and we will all resume our normal activities.

I plan to get out for some groceries and perhaps peruse a thrift shop or two.

Have you found any treasures recently in the shops?
I go into shops with an open mind and look at all the stock...
if I go in with a certain item in mind I find that I feel stress.

You never know what is waiting in the thrift and charity shops!

~ Happy Thrifting ~ 


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Wednesday late night post...


~ Antique Porcelain Bowl ~

I have had this antique bowl for many years.
I purchased it from a thrift shop.
I was drawn to its' "staples"
obviously an early repair.

I often wonder where this bowl came from?
Who owned it?
Why was it repaired and not just thrown away when it cracked?
If this bowl could tell its' history...
what might it be?


Looking at this bowl got me thinking...
so
I wrote this post on Instagram...



I've been busy this week...
dinner for the family, aqua fit classes, writing lists of things to do before Christmas.
Writing Christmas gift lists, buying cards and stamps.


I started polishing all the silverware.
Trays, candle sticks, the tea service, pedestals, bowls.
I still have a few pieces to do...
the champagne ice buckets, a baby rattle, some trophies.

I use Hagerty silver polish and Twinkle polish.
They both work well.
It is a time consuming job but is immediately rewarding.
The shine is like a smile.

I've been knitting and reading too...


I started this book Run by Anne Patchett.
I really enjoy her books, and after just one chapter I am already hooked!

I'll be sending Christmas cards out soon...
baking some shortbread cookies 
making my favourite spiced nuts which make nice hostess gifts, 
and of course the pork tourtieres.

~ Spiced Nuts ~
2 cups almonds
2 cups walnuts
2 cups pecans
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp allspice
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp ginger
2 egg  whites
3 tbsp water

Sprinkle nuts with sugar and spices.
Beat egg whites and water.
Mix into nuts and spice mixture and spread on a buttered baking sheet.
Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour stir occasionally.
Cool
Place into glass containers for gifts.
Add a ribbon and some greenery and a dried orange slice.

Hope that you enjoy these nuts!
Well I'll close for now as it is past my bedtime...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, November 6, 2023

November update...Autumnal colour, halloween, books and more...

 


~ Fall Colour ~

The limelight hydrangeas are turning pink.
I picked a big armful to dry on the porch and placed them in a jardinere on the buffet.


~ Trick or Treat ~

We had a VERY BUSY Halloween night answering the door and giving out treats!


Fortunately I purchased 250 treats...
we started the evening out by handing out 3 each,
then quickly realized the street was abuzz with children!

We had well over 100 children pop by and we ran out by 7:30
so we turned out the lights
coincidentally, our neighbours did the same at that exact time!


Fall colours are putting on a lovely show here at the cottage.
As we walk and drive the rural roads we are very aware of the different foliage on display.


I found this book in a free library on my walk.
I had not heard of Bobbi French or the title but was interested after reading the cover.

I read the book in a couple of days and am giving it to a friend.
It dealt with a difficult subject but was done so with such sensitivity and grace.
I recommend it.


BC Ferries sail by the cottage many times each day...
this one looked like a Cruise Ship all it up.
Our neighbours here refer to them as "birthday cakes!"
We also play a Yachtzee game...
if you see 5 ferries all at once on the sea you call Yachtzee.


I am so thrilled with the vintage ironstone transferware platter.
I found it at Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village.

We don't have a Blue themed decor in The Humble Bungalow but the cottage does!
I think this tray elevates the casual beachy vibe.


Found another great book in the wee free library.
I have read several of Gill Paul's other books and really enjoyed them...
this one has hooked me already and I am enjoying the story.


I found this distressed and tarnished jug at the thrift shop.
I think it was 35 cents...
it has come in handy for casual flower displays.


I bought a silver tea strainer at the thrift shop for $1
I plan to polish it up but need to buy some silver cleaner...
it will be lovely not having to use those gauzy paper slips 
 for my loose teas here at the cottage.

I am drinking a lot of loose teas these days and most of it comes from Murchies.
The Princess blend is a lovely floral rose tea which I drink most afternoons when i sit and read my book or knit.



A scarf knit on the bias.
This will go with lots of my blue denim and my blue down puffer coat.
The yarn is Japanese Noro blend of alpaca, wool and silk.

I found the pattern and yarn at my favourite local wool shop The Beehive.

The "feel of a yarn" while knitting is very important to me...
I spend a long time making a project so I like to enjoy the process.


This lovely wash cloth was knit by my friend Michelle.
It is whisper soft and such an interesting pattern.
I purchased two new soaps when I was at Marshall's the other week.

Love the packaging...
Orange and Cinnamon
Asquith and Somerset
English 
(a generous bath size bar)
Will be savouring this for awhile!

I better close for now and put the kettle on and do some knitting.
It is a grey rainy day here at the cottage and I have soup simmering on the stove.
Feeling Very cozy and the views are wonderful.

Hope that you are enjoying the start of your week.
Have you got anything exciting planned?
Are you reading a good book that you care to share?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, October 22, 2023

October ~ Feel the Fullness of Fall


Last weekend we went to The BC Aviation Museum out by the Victoria Airport.
It was a lot bigger and way more interesting than I initially thought 
it would be...

Indoor activities are very much a Fall Favourite.
Keeping warm and dry while visiting museums and galleries.


We went with friends and had a guided tour by a volunteer which was almost 2 hours.

They have a designated area for children with games, flight simulators and small airplanes to ride inside...
there were lots of kids enjoying the space.


Afterwards we went to The Spitfire Grill near the plane refuelling station for lunch.
We were able to watch many planes land.

I ordered a bowl of the hearty mushroom soup as I wanted to warm up.

Soup making is back on the agenda here in The Humble Bungalow.
A big pot is made early in the week 
so we can enjoy soup on the days that I attend Aqua Fit classes.
It warms me up after the drive home.


BOO!
My sister and I had a walk last week in Oak Bay.
We spied many yards decorated in the Halloween theme.

I had NO IDEA how expensive these skeletons cost!!
My guess was about $100 and my sister looked on Amazon only to tell me that I needed to multiply my guess by 10 times!!
WOW

There is a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed here in Victoria.
We thought we might see them at work on the Esplanade near the Tea Room.
They must have wrapped up that segment of the film as they have now moved on into the heart of Fernwood.


We have minimal seasonal Fall decorations...
for Halloween night, a small string of orange pumpkin lights.

~ Fall Porch Decor ~
I added these 2 wee white pumpkins and a white cyclamen.
The big cones are foraged from the nearby trees at the cemetery.
The dried alliums are from the garden and that grape vine wreath is decades old.


I just finished this book by Phaedra Patrick.
I enjoyed the quirky story and the characters felt very real.
About a year ago I read her other book and really like it too.


~ Pink Fall colour on the Limelight Hydrangeas ~
I am drying more hydrangeas to bring inside our Humble Bungalow.
This week I gave some away to a friend and realized that I needed some for us.
Hope they dry fast before the winds get crazy as they tend to fly around the garden.


A scarf knit on the bias is taking shape...
using a sumptuous yarn.
Japanese Noro which is a blend of silk, mohair and lambswool.
I found the wool at our local shop The Beehive.

Yesterday I went to Murchies and stocked up on their Princess Blend rose tea.
My tea caddy was almost empty...
I like to brew a pot and sip this tea while I am reading or knitting 
perfect for a cool Fall afternoon.


My current book stack...
all were found in the local little free library kiosks.

We are cocooning in front of the TV more this Fall...
Really enjoying the British crime dramas found on Acorn TV.
The Chelsea Detective, Cuffs, Whitstable Pearl, Cannes Confidential
and many more.


This arrangement was hand delivered by the neighbours...
a few minutes ago.
In appreciation for our gifts of harvested fresh grown veggies and apples!
Such a thoughtful gift...

Fall
~ Dinner tonight ~

I am making a "stringy" shredded beef roast in the oven...
4 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt and pepper 
baked in a covered casserole for 4 hours.
You take it out and using two forks you then shred the meat.

I am roasting potatoes, carrots, zucchini and beets in a drizzle of olive oil
sprinkled with salt and pepper to accompany the roast.

I hope it is a tasty meal because this is a super easy dinner!

Hope you are enjoying October.
It is almost Halloween :-))
and
I have a BIG bag full of treats.

Well I am about to put the kettle on and will brew a pot of tea...
now do I knit or start a new book?

Is it Fall where you live?
What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~