Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Friday, December 22, 2023

Seasons Greetings

 


Our Humble Bungalow is lit up with the fairy lights and the "cat proof" tree.
Chester still climbs the tree.

We were sidelined for a few weeks with a nasty bout of Covid.
Our first experience with it and we were really surprised, as we are so careful.
Mr. HB had it first and I did try to stay away from him as much as possible 
but after all it is a small house...

I ended up with a nasty cough which is lingering even now.
So I am pacing myself, staying hydrated and getting to bed early.

Many tea breaks in between cooking, baking and delivering gifts.

Hope that you are in good health.
Ready to embrace the JOYS of the Festive Season.


My "go to" Hostess Gift
 Chocolate Bark...

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
Add a couple of packages of Bakers Chocolate (semi sweet)
Melt slowly in the oven at about 170 degrees for 5 or 10 minutes.
Check regularly as it doesn't take long to melt.

Remove and top with the nuts of your choosing.
Chill in the fridge for a few hours.
Break up and add to cellophane bags and tie with twine.

Very tasty and so easy to make
it is easy to see why this is my favourite
~ Hostess Gift ~

I make several batches as they are well received and quite yummy!


While out shopping for gifts I came across these new towels...
I haven't upgraded my towels in AGES!!!

Donated the former set to the Sally Ann and these ones really dress up the space.

I asked myself WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?
They were not expensive and they make a huge difference.

(Perhaps frugality is not always sensible.)


Made a batch of butter tarts last night...
Mr. HB tested them and said they are good.
It is important to have someone on board as the Quality Control Expert!

I have lots of things still to make
for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Brunch
as well as the Boxing Day Turkey Feast.

I will be living (and maybe sleeping) in my linen apron!

Hope you have a wonderful and Festive Holiday.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.


Pearls, a simple white shirt and jeans...
an easy "uniform" for daytime here in The Humble Bungalow.

Be careful out there with all the Covid Germs circulating...
I am wearing a mask to the shops now.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Sunday, October 29, 2023

A quick post ~ Sunday

 

~ Shopping ~

My Play day involved a purchase...


Marshall's dressing rooms are quite small...
there are many of them so one never really needs to wait to get inside.

I had a good look around the store and found 
only 2 items that I was interested enough to try on.


~ Casual OOTD ~

I am wearing my Lands End denim shirt and some black Yoga pants.
The barn coat is Ralph Lauren and was recently found here at Marshall's.


Warm Hoodie to wear to and from my aqua fit classes at the pool.
I feel cold after I have been exercising for the hour in the water.
I have a shower and slather on body lotion then get dressed.


It is a herringbone pattern in my favourite color combo!
So soft, very cozy feels so warm.


Rachel Zoe


Pocket detail


Nice hood and there are snap details on the cuffs as well.

I've got the family coming for dinner tonight so I am going to be busy in the kitchen getting ready...hence the short post.

On the menu...

"Stringy Beef" Roast
Scalloped potatoes
Carrots
Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
Peas

Blueberry Pie and ice cream for dessert


Must get cooking!
Bye for now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Trip to the Mall...an unexpected find

 


The casual outfit I wore to "quickly" run an errand at the mall
would possibly have shocked the Fashion Police!

I went to buy some Nespresso coffee pods.
No, I didn't see George Clooney, (darn) but his picture was hanging in the store.

OOTD
I was wearing:
Eddie Bauer leggings
Lord and Taylor white tunic top 
my thrifted Banana Republic Trench Coat.
(no pearls)

As I was leaving
I passed by the Reitmans store and out of the corner of my eye I spied 
SALE 40% OFF


The store was BUSY!
Obviously others were lured in by that SALE sign.

Took a quick look around and saw this black tweed dress.

I grabbed two sizes and headed to the change room
Tried them on...
I like to try things on to see how they fit, especially "knit" fabric garments.
(probably why I am not a regular online shopper.)

I didn't even take off the leggings!

I wasn't even looking for a new dress but that 40% off persuaded me.

It will be cozy for fall and winter and go with my black tights and Chelsea Boots.


I could belt this dress for a bit more waist definition.
I also have an Eileen Fisher black vest which could work with it too.


I looked at the "rear" view mirror to see how it fit on the derriere.
The larger size was better as it skimmed the curves.


The artisan necklace works well paired with this dress.
This might just be my favourite dress for Fall.


Funny how the unexpected can pop up on my radar...

Suppose the message here is
Always keep your eyes open for opportunities.
You never know unless you try.

I've been to 3 aqua fit classes this week.
My suit has been washed and dried overnight in time for the next class.

As I was leaving the pool this week I saw two adorable teenage girls...
They were dressed in a style that I would call Goth.
Black mesh stockings (ripped) black short skirts, short tops layered over tank tops.
Pink streaks in their dark dyed black hair.
Funky jewelry, big earrings, pendants, bangles.

They were laughing as they ran down the stairs...
such vibrant style and oodles of energy.
(Oh to be Young again!)
I thought to myself that they were having fun with fashion.
They were dressed very similarly so I assumed they might be best friends.
Not exactly fashion twins but they shared the same clothing vibe.

Having fun with fashion is why we take the time to choose clothes that we love.
Wearing items that make us feel good as well as dressing for the season.

We need clothes, so why not wear what makes us feel good?

My blue Tencel tunic top is looking rather sad, 
our cat Chester has pulled quite a few threads in the fabric...
I look at these imperfections and I cringe.
So I am going to drop it in the donation bin.
It doesn't make me feel good.
So why wear it?

Have you visited the shops to see what is on offer?
Are you a minimalist or do you have a closet that doubles as a dressing room?

Have you gone to the thrift shops or the local consignment stores?
So many clothes are available and you can feel good about buying them 
"saving the planet" by buying used pre-worn garments.

There are real bargains to be had in the consignment shops.
We have quite a few great ones here in Victoria and there are fabulous finds just waiting...
Designer garments are often hidden between the many pieces of pedestrian wear.

I look in the mens wear section too...
for crisp striped shirts and cashmere V neck sweaters.

In our local Value Village there are loads and loads of handbags...
many are worn out "pleather" bags but there are real leather gems too.

I've seen stylish shoes too...

A friend found a strand of real cultured pearls for $3.99
I don't know how they passed by the staff pricing the stock
but one never knows what treasures await...

Have you had fun finding any treasures in the thrift shops?
What is your best bargain?
I'd love to hear from you.


The bounty of our tomato harvest continues...
Tomatoes are still being roasted to add to soups and pasta sauces.
(recipe is on the previous post)

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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, August 20, 2023

A quick post ~ I missed last week as I was away...


Roses for a friend...


I am writing and publishing a quick post.
I've been a wee bit busy so I missed last week's post.
I was in White Rock with the grandchildren and our son.
We stayed at the Ocean Promenade Hotel 
across from the beach with the train tracks in between.

Trains pass by frequently and the kids loved watching all the cars pass by...
We went to IKEA at Port Coquitlam, had my first Swedish Meatball lunch.
I bought napkins, candles, and some inexpensive knives.

We also shopped at Zara at Metrotown for the girls outfits for back to school.
I was surprised how FAST they shop!

We also had a day at Big Splash Water Park...lots of water and slides.
Tsawwassen Mills Mall for the Adidas shop for Henry.

Our suite was great...it had a kitchenette
I was able to make breakfasts. coffee and snacks.


My husband turned 70 on Saturday.
We were out Friday for a happy hour, Saturday we attended the annual summer gathering hosted by my husband's former architectural firm.


The dinner was held at Mary's Farm and Sanctuary out by Goldstream.
Farm animals, a disc golf course, games, a tire swing and scenic walks and trails 
on the 30 acres.
The families just loved the amenities and the food was made by my friend Julie.
Everything was delicious and had a "country theme."


There was smoke in the sky...
forest fires burning up in the interior of BC and south of us in Washington State.


I am making Mr HB a pasta dinner tonight...
Vongole

(His favourite)


I have the ingredients all chopped and prepped and ready to go...
to the left you can see my new All Clad Pasta Pot.

(I've invested in a few new pots by All Clad)

Well I must get busy cooking as it is almost 5:30...
Will be back soon!

Hope that you have a fabulous week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Cottage Holiday ~ A few Snippets and Tidbits...


Cottage Time is so relaxing.
We find that we cocoon and relax and by the time we leave we are completely rejuvenated.

I suppose that is what holidays are all about.

We see the most beautiful boats sail by Quarterdeck Cottage.
This sailboat moors in the bay.
We watch the boat as the owner manoeuvers it out to sea and hoists the sails.

On this day there was a full crew aboard...
they were out for several hours enjoying the breezes.

We watch as the ferries pass by the cottage.
We play a game...
Ferry Yahtzee.

If there are 5 ferries all in view we call out Yathzee!

Our two weeks at the cottage seemed to fly by...

Our son and grandchildren were at the cottage for the first week.
Lots of fun activities and games.
The pool is still very much a favourite with all of us.

Meals were kept simple
desserts were served
we nibbled on snacks ~ chips and popcorn
ice cream cones were almost a daily thing!

Once they all departed it was almost TOO quiet...



My husband walked his 6 km island route in the mornings.
I puttered in the kitchen, planned our meals and shopped at the market.
Read my books, knitted on the Miriam Sweater, perused some magazines.

My walks are focused on the beaches nearby
I went to the end of the road and wandered down to the beach...
the tide was way way out!
Two fellows were fishing off the rocks but I had the beach to myself.

I took a leisurely saunter back and forth looking for sea glass.
Not much was found but I had a pleasant time walking.


The current jar is almost full...
I have quite a few jars full here in The Humble Bungalow.


Found an antique Lenox dish at the thrift shop.
The details are so pretty ands the porcelain is so luminescent.
Smooth and delicate, too dainty to leave at the cottage.


Blue label indicates that the dish is pre 1930.


We invited friends over to spend the day.
I don't think that they had ever been to Pender before. 

They arrived early on a direct ferry around 9:30
so I made The Barefoot Contessa's Apple Tart to serve with our morning coffee.

If you don't catch a direct ferry you will be on board for several hours while the ferry visits many of the Gulf Islands!

For lunch I made what we call a "Picky Plate" 
in case you are curious 
a picky plate is an assortment of foods mostly finger foods.

Cheeses, olives, breadsticks, crackers, salami, hummus, pickles, spreads...

Dinner was a strawberry spinach salad and lasagne.
Dessert was a blackberry pie with ice cream.
(my husband picked the berries)

We had a lovely day.
Drove around a wee bit, went to Hope Bay, Browning, The Driftwood Centre
 then we stopped in at Renaissance Antiques to look at the art.
Our friends Keith and Michelle,
 purchased an antique table with a marble top!


There were large full moons at night.
I love the way they sparkled on the sea...
I read that they were referring to these moons as Full Sturgeon Moons.


Can you see the moon at the top left?
This book is so good that I read late into the evening...
I highly recommend Friendship Point by Alice Elliot Dark.


I need to stay hydrated...
drinking low calorie or no calorie beverages is my goal.
Bubly water comes in many flavours and it is thirst quenching.
NO CALORIES!
I've been buying it by the case.


Found a lovely trench coat at the island Thrift Shop.
Banana Republic

I am excited to have found this classic coat 
which BTW I have been looking to add to my wardrobe for several years.
It is in perfect condition and was at a giveaway price!!



I am wearing Black!
I know it is odd to wear black in the heat of summer 
but this Cut Loose cotton dress is cool and airy.

I feel a bit like an Italian Nonna...
black capri tights, sandals and the dress.
Popped the hat atop and away I go...
met a friend for coffee at the cafe.


California Poppies are glowing up on the Ridge.
They capture the sun and reflect their beauty.

Simple Joys 
are found in everyday life.

I seek out these marvelous surprises that are just waiting to be discovered...


When I first started collecting Sea Glass I found mostly white.
I put the pieces in a vintage sealer jar and that my friends was the beginning of 
this very addictive habit that continues to this day :-))


I love a blue sky with puffy white clouds...


This is the biggest piece of amethyst glass that I have in my collection.
My husband found it for me on Pender Island.
Amethyst, cobalt blue, deep shades of green and aqua are the most difficult to find.

We are back home now and settled into our Humble Bungalow routines.
I've been busy getting in some groceries and my husband has been tidying up the garden.

Hope that your summer is ticking along nicely.



Abraham Darby


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~