Showing posts with label silver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label silver. Show all posts

Friday, May 26, 2023

Cottage week...Retail and water therapy


I have been thinking about a lot of things this week.
Spending quiet time here at Quarterdeck Cottage is conducive to reflection.


The beautiful scenery fills me with immense gratitude.
Gratitude to be alive and be a witness to this natural majestic beauty.


Beach walks and Sea Glass Collecting go hand~in~hand.
My first marble found in a gorgeous turquoise blue!
I felt quite excited by this discovery...
 a small snippet of Joy.


It's the little things in my daily round that make the most difference.

I wonder if I appreciate these so much more now that I am older?
Years ago I never would have dreamed about the feeling of Joy 
that finding a marble would bring to me.


The pool has been a godsend this week.
I've been "taking to the waters."
My achy and painful joints are responding positively to water therapy.
Moving without stress on my joints while getting exercise is wonderful!

I know now that I need to find a pool at home.
I will probably return to the Athletic Club in the hotel
where I swam when I worked in James Bay.

They have a lovely pool and a hot tub...
offer daytime Aqua Fit Classes
which I can easily add to my schedule.


My 68 year old body is far from a svelte youthful form!
The bathing suit is called a Miracle Suit...
it is comfy and keeps the jiggly bits from flapping too much!

Did you see Martha Stewart on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition?
She's 81 and looks so amazing!

I bet she had lots of fun on the photo shoot.
She's looking better and better these days.
Her skin is radiant and she looks very vibrant and healthy.


Sunshine in the morning makes me feel so happy.
Mornings would not be the same for me without a couple of tasty cups of coffee.
I do love my coffee.
Funny thing is, years ago, I drank tea in the morning...

I make time to savour the mornings.
Starting slowly
Check my socials online, play a few words games, 
perhaps read a chapter or two in my current book.
Think a bit as I gaze around the room...

When I feel ready I
do a quick tidy up in the kitchen
maybe pop a load of laundry in the wash
then I shower and get dressed for the day.

Maybe that's boring for you to read but it was an interesting exercise for me to think about what it is that I do in the morning that takes so long!!


I've been wearing my bangles more...
I took them out and gave them a good old polish.
Most of these are gifts...
from
mom, my husband, and my darling daughter.
A couple I found at thrift shops.

I popped into the local boutique here on the island.
I usually check out their new stock when they are open.
Well dear reader, it proved fruitful when I was there this week!


Not only did I have a pedicure but I found some comfy sandals.
I do love bows...


I have another pair of shoes by Bueno
they are unbelievably comfortable to wear.
These new "slides" are soft and cozy on my feet.
I haven't had a pair of white shoes in any form for many many years!
I always think white shoes are for car salesmen...
why I think that I haven't the foggiest?


So this casual top caught my eye 
and it wasn't until I tried it on that I knew it had to come home with me!
I have a soft linen skirt in a blue shade that I can pair this with as well as my jeans.
The white jeans have not made their debut yet this season...
they hang waiting in the closet...
now that there are white sandals and this cute top I think it's time.

What are you wearing this season?
Have you found anything new and exciting?

Fashion is fun and I am enjoying shopping more these days.
I think that Covid curtailed a lot of my creativity
especially with views of expanding my basic wardrobe.
As a minimalist, I don't tend to go crazy at the shops
if money and space were no issue who knows what I might be like in a shop?

Would I be rather keen and amass a huge pile at the checkout?
( Have you ever done that?)

I watched movies as a young teen where women need a helper to carry all the boxes and bags after shopping.
Those stores would be situated on an elegant avenue in Paris or New York.
I cannot recall the names of those films but they were rather fun to watch!

Well I have rambled on a bit long
more tidbits and thoughts than I had originally planned...

Oh and just before I close 
Have you been watching the coverage of  The Chelsea Garden Show?
I am totally smitten with the plants and show gardens.
It would be fun to attend in person and wander in The Grand Hall.
Have you ever attended the show?


Thank for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Monday, December 3, 2018

My Stylish French Box...unveiling the elegance

My favourite luxurious splurge is my annual subscription to
My Stylish French Box

The November box arrived a couple of weeks ago and I was so thrilled by the contents...
Sharon Santoni and her team do such a fabulous job of finding special items
all are sure to please.


Vintage silver sugar tongs


attention to detail
 the shipping box is beautiful


Chester enjoyed the box too!



I keep the inner boxes and use them for storage.


The booklet that accompanies all the boxes gives us the information and details of the products and the companies and artists that are behind the luxury wares.


Beaded votive sconces...
the beads will reflect all the light from the candles
by Merci Louis


Candle by Secret D'Apothecaire 
ornaments from Merci Louis


a whisper soft wool scarf by Petrusse
( I have been wearing mine everyday!)
Love the soft feel of the wool and its so cozy
in the perfect colours for my basic wardrobe too!


Festive linens...
tea cloths by Serie Limitee Louise


Lovely necklace from Belle Mais Pas Que
set with a stone of Labradorite



If you want to treat yourself or give one as a gift 
here is the link to order.

The next box will be sent out in February 2019...

I read that Sharon is currently adding a few extra boxes from the November 
issue if you are quick you might be able to snap one up!

I would have posted this last week but our Internet was not working and my IPhone was getting used so much that I went over my data and incurred substantial fees so I had to curb my usage!

Hope you have a wonderful week.

 ~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, January 26, 2018

Friday Flowers...

Friday Flowers...



I spied these pretty pink blooms on one of my walks this week.
They are just so cheerful
set against the grey cedar fence they seem to glow...


These colourful primulas are perfect for the front porch.
They are a welcome sight with just the right amount of "happy."


There are many different varieties of these plants available.
Did you know that the only ones with a scent are the deep amber yellow variety?
I always purchase some of the yellow ones as their scent is quite lovely.


I've been searching for a vintage silver champagne bucket for quite some time and this week the stars aligned and I found one in a second hand shop for a reasonable price.
I wasted no time and popped into the local flower shop and bought a new orchid where it now sits on our dining room table.

Flowers are such a tonic for the grey gloomy weather...
we have had a few patches of sunshine which raises ones spirits.
At my weekly bridge afternoon many of the women were lamenting about the weather...it seems to be a common complaint.
Some were eager to share their travel plans as they are booked on flights 
off to warmer sunnier climates.

Travel to a sunnier spot is not on my radar...
so I add colour in my daily round and seek out "pops of colour" on my walks.


a lovely blue green mix in this sumptuous yarn...


I have been learning a lot about knitting with my new sock project.
The heel flap, turning the heel and the gusset have been a wee bit challenging but thanks to You Tube knitting tutorials I have been able to work through the pattern.

 Do you challenge yourself by learning new things?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Thursday, July 6, 2017

Decorating ~ free, thrift shop finds and some luxurious habits.

I love using "found" or foraged things from Nature in our home and cottage decor.

Thrift shop finds also factor in when it comes to things I have added to our bungalow...often they are unusual or somewhat quirky.

I have also been known to pull the car over when I see a free pile on the boulevard.

I am not particularly talented when it comes to interior decorating.
 But I do know what styles I do like and what I feel comfortable adding to our surroundings here in The Humble Bungalow.


Sea shells in a vintage canning jar.


Big barnacle


Chunk of coral


Glass Fish floats


Large Shell


Coral and shells mixed together.


a vintage flag


vintage enamel ware


I love using basic whites...
so versatile 
vases, trays and dishes.



White vintage Ironstone


Potted orchids


Emma Bridgewater tray...I also use her bowls for my morning cafe creme


White beach glass in a Ball sealer jar.


Emma Bridgewater Black Toast Pattern


Fresh flowers in an icy modernist vase.


Simple beach stones inside a bowl to keep the soap dry.


Vintage ironstone soap dish with built in ribbing for drainage.
Lovely soap...a weakness of mine is to buy quality french scented soaps.


Silver accents are peppered throughout the house.


My all time favourite candles...a splurge I know but so worth it.


First Nations baskets.


I love this book
by Tricia Foley 

Her simple style inspires me and I like to pick this book up from time to time and get re-energized about culling and curating what we have in our home.

 Tricia's ideas help inspire me when I am out perusing the thrift shops.
I tend to look closer at the "qualities" or the "bones" of a piece and am able to evaluate whether it is something that could add interest in our home.

Do you have a certain style when it comes to your home decor?
Have you ever hired a professional interior decorator?
What style do you admire?

Hope you have a lovely weekend...
the sun is shining here this morning and the day is going to be hot!
I plan to mix up a batch of lemonade and keep hydrated.