Friday, February 10, 2017

NYDJ

Since many of you have shown interest in my thoughts on a smallish wardrobe
I am continuing on the theme with jeans today...

Many office workers will wear jeans on Casual Fridays 
so I thought today would be a good day to share this post..

Retirement 
changed my focus on dressing 
to a much more relaxed and casual style.

This lifestyle revolves around activities and pursuits that I enjoy
time is spent with family and friends...

nothing too fussy or fancy
for
live theatre
bridge
french lessons
walks
the gym
home keeping
lunches
fundraisers
grocery shopping
cooking



(image from the archives)

Clothes that are well made, fit and flatter are worth their weight in gold...

Jeans are a basic in my wardrobe and I have tried many different brands over the years. In the past I have worn Levis, GAP, French Connection, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, g21 from Walmart.
The cost of all of these jeans has been modest, well under $80...some sourced at the thrift shop for under $10.

I really like the brand NYDJ they are made in the USA which makes them "guilt free" fashion.
The jeans wear well and last a long time so I use the CPW (cost per wearing) factor to justify the expense. NYDJ rarely go on sale here in town, and the prices are around $150 - $200 which definitely puts them in the category that I consider  "investment clothes." I save up for these jeans and because my wardrobe is small they play a big role in my casual retirement dressing.

Writing down and tracking every clothing purchase with the brand details has become a habit since I lost 30 pounds and had to rebuild my wardrobe.
The notes in my book have shown me which clothes wear better than others and I am able to avoid costly mistakes in the future.

I wash the jeans on the gentle cycle, turned inside out and then hang them to dry.
The styles are flattering, look smart and are slimming.

NYDJ are also available in Petite lengths which I love, because I feel jeans that have been hemmed never look quite the same as those fresh from the factory.


NYDJ
Boyfriend, straight leg and skinny
The skinny and the straight legged jeans are over 2 years old and the boyfriends were purchased last year on a trip to Vancouver.




Stay tuned for another post on clothing items 
in my basic wardrobe.

Do you wear jeans?
How many pairs do you have in your closet?
At one time I think darling daughter had over 20 pairs...
the most that I have ever had at one time would be  4 or 5 pair.

What brand(s) of jeans do you like and how do you feel about the cost?

Hope you have a lovely weekend 
thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

White Wednesday ~ a fluffy blanket of Snow.

Welcome to our White Winter Wonderland!


The Christmas lights are illuminating the snow laden climbing rose.
I am so happy that those white lights are still strung on the climbing rose...
they add such a pretty touch to the back porch.


These rustic seats and table are part of the local area known as the common.
The common is a spare lot that will never be developed 
apparently a brick culvert runs beneath the surface...
(too close to the surface and vulnerable)
there was a creek that ran through the property 
the First Nations used to portage along the creek
on their way to the Inner Harbour.


A former resident, who was a gifted woodworker, scavenged the local beach for the materials and built the seats and table.

Neighbours gather here in nicer weather to chat and have picnics or coffee.
Children climb the trees, run around the site and play on the swings.
Our "wee lending library" is situated out front for anyone wanting to borrow a book.
The policy is based on the honour system.
It is suggested that you "take on and leave one."
The turnaround of books is quite amazing...

I took one for Mother yesterday...
The Lake House by Kate Morton.
I plan to read it when she is finished as it has been on my list for quite sometime.




Looking out the back door of The Humble Bungalow at dark.
Thats a lot of snow!
The fluffy white carpet of snow softens sounds
the neighbourhood feels quiet and very hushed.


The trees are laden with snow...
according to the forecast more is on the way.


Chester has found a cozy blanket of his own!
In between their usual cat naps they have been sitting at the windows
watching the snowflakes fall.


Last but not least...
this lovely white heart shaped rock.

This rock has come all the way from Hyeres France,
 a thoughtful gift from a local BC reader.

She spends each Fall season with her husband living on the Cote d'azur
they love Provence
 and 
spend many days exploring the quaint and beautiful villages...

we have met up several times and most recently we had lunch at which time 
 she shared her favourite spots to visit.

Thank you A for your kind and special gift.
XO

Hope you are cozy and warm.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, February 6, 2017

Budget friendly basics...starting with Tops.

Most women I know like to get a bargain,
especially on clothing and
many will only buy at the sales when items are sold at a reduced price.

Thrift and consignment shops are great places to look for items when one is trying to stretch the clothing budget.

Finding decent tops in great condition can be a challenge, particularly in the thrift shops. Tops seem to show wear faster than most pants or sweaters.

I have been on the hunt for some new white Tees,
which I never seem to find second hand,
readers gave me numerous suggestions of their favourite brands
many of which are sold exclusively online.

I am tactile and visual so I prefer to try things on before I buy them.
Returns can be expensive and I am frugal
so I do not like to "pay to try things on."

Last year I had a rather tedious experience when ordering Tees.
The fabric on the Tees was too thin and sheer and the styles were quite shaped which meant that they clung to reveal and focused on my untoned  midsection...

Currently I am working to improve this area at the gym,
but in the meantime, I do not want to advertise my wobbly bits!

Tees and crisp white shirts are two items that I love to have in my wardrobe.
I obviously have high expectations
when currently planning to replace those that are tired and worn out.


Two new white Tees 
by Joe Fresh
which I will be test driving for the next while.

Mr. HB and I drove out to the Western Community on the weekend and we stopped in at Superstore where a line of clothing by the name of Joe Fresh is sold.
It is a low cost line of clothing that Club Monaco founder Joe Mimran sells.
The cotton Tee on the left is lightweight and has some texture to the fabric 
but is not too sheer and was on sale for $7.64
The "performance tee" is made in a heavier weight blend 
 spandex is mixed with the cotton
has body, does not cling 
 sells for $16.00

I really like to try things on as sizing is not standard like men's wear.
Here is an example of the size variations...


Two basic black tank tops which make great layering pieces.
Gap in an XL
Haggar in a Small.


Impressions top in a Large.


Two other tops in blue...
Style and Co. 
Calvin Klein

These 7 basics are my casual every day tops.

I have 2 other active wear tops for working out in at the gym and on my walks.

Keeping a small inventory of clothing is necessary as our closet is really small.
It does make it easier to stay within a budget and it means getting dressed is mush faster as there are not too many choices.

I will share some more aspects of my minimal wardrobe in a future post.

Thank you for your suggestions and comments about the Tees
and I hope you have a lovely week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, February 3, 2017

Snow Day, Flowers, Candles, the Gym and I could use your help...


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
The past post on women generated numerous comments, emails and there was a wee bit of controversy.

The blog posts here in The Humble Bungalow are varied and focus on 
beauty, joy, cooking, home keeping
are polite 
rest assured
the mood here is peaceful and calm.


This week has been a busy one and I have done a little "fluffing" in our home.
Scented candles and fresh flowers are two of my favourite affordable luxuries.
 Its the little things that make life at home more enjoyable.
Flowers and fragrance
light and warmth.


TEA!
Time for a cup of Tea 
decaf Yorkshire blend is my daily brew.
I enjoy sipping from a pretty mug like this one from Emma Bridgewater.

Snowdrops are dainty, sweet and we have planted then in our garden.


Yes that IS snow...
it was falling most of the day.


The black mondo grass is peeking through the blanket of snow.

You may be surprised to hear
I've taken the plunge and joined a gym.

Dominique, a reader of my blog, 
emailed me and suggested this particular gym
  I am very grateful.
Thank you!

The gym is for the over 55 group and located not too far from The Humble Bungalow.
 A personal trainer is teaching me how to use the equipment and is assessing my levels and recommending how long and at what levels I need to be working.
I have worked out 3 times this week and my muscles are slightly tender.

It feels good to be actively working out to change my shape.
I have come to the gym somewhat reluctantly...
I was hoping not to pay for fitness but I have not had much success recently with my walking.
The weather has kept me indoors more often and I have gained weight.

The weight training should speed up my metabolism and I am hopeful that the scale will reflect all my efforts in due course.

The trainer told me to stay off my scale for the first month...
muscle weighs more than fat and she does not want me to get discouraged.

My goal is to go to the gym 2-3 times a week.
The people are friendly and the staff are knowledgable.
The space is clean and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed.


After my work out I went to the mall and bought a new bra, two magazines and a new mascara.
My mascara had passed its use by date and I thought I would try a less expensive brand but I still want to use one that is free of nasty ingredients.
Physician's Formula makes this one so I will test it out and see if it delivers on the promise of fuller lashes.


My workout has left me feeling weary tonight and I am happy to relax on the sofa and watch some TV with my husband.


I have a question for you...
It is my hope that you can help me find a perfect 
or close to perfect 
basic white Tee shirt.

I want one that is simple and very plain
no logos or writing or pattern on the front
in a cotton that has some weight to it 
so it does not cling.

I have spent so much time trying to find one in the local shops
 so far I have come up empty handed...
it should be easy to find
 I am not sure why I am having such trouble.

So I figured you might have the answer and be able to steer me in the right direction...

Thank you for dropping by and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Thoughts on women...


Living in a 1913 heritage home has taught me a lot about acceptance.
The Humble Bungalow is over 100 years old
full of flaws and imperfections 
which 
we could amend and improve 
we have not.

One thing I regret in our efforts to improve the kitchen
 is that the floor re finishers sanded
the dipped worn area in front of the kitchen sink 
this is where several generations of women stood doing dishes...
I specifically asked them to leave it and work around it 
but that afternoon many years ago 
I came home from work only to discover a level freshly sanded floor
and felt sad...
I remember brewing a pot of tea and staring at that spot.
I may have even wept...I cannot say for sure, as it was so long ago.

I had to accept that change but I have never forgotten that worn out spot.
where bone weary women would have stood
looking out the same window
at the mighty oaks 
growing and stately standing 
on the rocks 
above The Humble Bungalow.


Our home has a history of women who were widowed 
were the major bread earners and were responsible 
to tend to the children and keep the home fires burning.

Wearing many hats must have been a challenge back in the 1930's and 40's...
perhaps even in the 1950's 
when many women "stayed at home" 
 life and times were simpler.

Staying at home was not a "free ride"...
the days were filled with hard work.

Women
mothers, grandmothers, daughters

whose job it was to keep the homes running

the family needed to be fed 
the soiled clothes washed
the house cleaned
 the garden planted and tilled.


Today 
I am thinking about, and honouring,
 these women 
who worked diligently and toiled even when fatigued
the same women who raised and  nurtured the children 
in this home 
over a hundred years before us...

 Women have influenced society 
while tending their homes and nurturing their children
taken a stand against and fought injustices
spoken out 
marched when there were issues that they felt strongly about
wrote letters 
fund raised
baked
got dressed up
put lipstick on
smiled in the face of adversity
and
made our world
a better place.



Any time women come together with a collective intention, it's a powerful thing. Whether it's sitting down making a quilt, in a kitchen preparing a meal, in a club reading the same book, or around the table playing cards, or planning a birthday party, when women come together with a collective intention, magic happens.  

~ Phylicia Rashad ~

In the light of recent political changes
women are rising up again...

we have a voice
let us unite and not be silent
nor complacent

harness the collective power
speak up and if need be, rally
if only for
the future of our children and grandchildren
 consider the possibilities
the risks
assess
and
act.

I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, 
but so that those without a voice can be heard...
we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.
~ Malala Yousafzai ~


I am not sure what will happen next...


We will do whatever needs to be done.


In the year of the rooster...
expect change

Rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. In Chinese culture, another symbolic meaning of chicken carries is exorcising evil spirits.


As you know my blog is not political...
these are just a few personal thoughts and observations
that have been percolating 
and 
I felt the need to write them down...


Please be kind and respect others...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~