Friday, May 12, 2017

Tulip mania...and some "happy" habits.

The local markets are overflowing with buckets and buckets of colourful Tulips.
Priced so low, that they practically hop into my shopping basket...


Even after Tulips have fully blown open they are quite lovely.

One can buys masses of these or settle for a bunch as I have done here.
It depends on your budget, how big your vases may be and how many bouquets you want to display in your home.


Flowers in the home have always been a prominent accent in our home decor.

Personally I feel it essential that one has something of natural beauty in the home
 it helps keep ones spirits up...

it can be a single stem
some woody branches
a fern frond
plants or orchids
a bowl of lemons
pine cones
seashells
stones

These natural adornments are particularly helpful for our long rainy winter season.
The season here where sunshine is rationed and the gloom can be oppressing...
for some it is debilitating and depressing.


I look for "guaranteed mood lifters"
 like flowers that add elegance and ambiance.
Scented Candles are another one of my essentials for the home.
They do not need to be the posh Diptyque or Cire Trudon brands
many scented candles are affordable and readily available.

I find that it is the "little things" make our everyday life richer.

Tea
flowers
linen tea towels
triple milled soaps
quality chocolate
perfume
soft cashmere sweaters and wraps
cozy socks
plush robes
a hot cup of coffee
a great fitting pair of jeans
lingerie
framed family photos
pretty china cups and saucers
emollient hand lotion
bath salts
fluffy white towels
pearls

Those are a few of my favourite things...

I also like to keep our home tidy
free of clutter
pleasing to the eye.

I am also a big fan of lists. 
Which help to motivate me and keep me up to date on things that need to get done.

I love using "rolling ball" ink pens 
better still, but more expensive, a beautiful fountain pen.
Writing feels effortless using these inky writing implements.
Great for cards, grocery lists and letters.

I keep stocked in our writing desk a variety of pretty cards and stamps.
I buy them in bulk when they are on sale.
I look for the most attractive stamps from the post office.
Lately they have had floral stamps which are simply lovely.
Why opt for boring when one can have beautiful for the same price?


Friends gave us an arts and crafts copper letter opener one year for Christmas. 
I use it for every bill and letter that we receive...
it slices envelopes open swiftly and evenly
a bit of affordable luxury that I enjoy.

Surrounding oneself with little affordable luxuries
things that make one feel good
are well worth the time and effort it takes.

Getting in tune to what "small things" that you can cultivate...
things that may add to your daily round. 
Those that augment and beautify your environment 
it is an exercise worth the time...
listen to your heart
make notes.

You'll soon discover which things make your heart soar 
household habits that make you smile...
perhaps they will change the way you feel about a chore...
like ironing.

Buying some lavender linen spray
use a pretty floral ironing board pad.

It is so much more satisfying
drinking sparkling water out of a vintage etched goblet.

Imagine how pretty it would be
storing your cosmetics or perfumes on a silver tray.

What do you like?
Do you have any tips for cultivating beauty in your home?



Wishing you a wonderful, rich and bountiful weekend.

Hostess
XO

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The last "Mother's Day" with Mom.


May morning vista from a walk in Oak Bay.

My sister and I got up early
and soon found ourselves dressed and ready to head out the door.

Yesterday was a very important day for my sister and I
 as we said our final goodbyes to to our Mom.

We spread Mom's ashes
enjoyed massages
dined in The Snug
drank a few flutes of bubbly 
swam in the outdoor mineral pool several times.


The Buddha Bowl was amazing!
Mango, tofu, veggies atop quinoa
drizzled with a soy sauce balsamic reduction...
this is so tasty that I am planning to find an excuse to go back very soon!

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is opulent and elegant 
very well appointed which provides the ultimate in comfort...
beautifully located
on the edge of the shoreline looking east to the San Juan Islands.


The mineral pool was so inviting and warm...
we swam twice on Monday and once today. 


This is the view that overlooks McNeil Bay
a few short blocks from the house where I grew up.

The snow capped mountains of the Olympic Range in Washington State.
Freighters use the international shipping lanes located in Juan de Fuca Strait.

Trial Island and the lighthouse are a short boat ride from shore.
The currents in this narrow passage can be fierce...
they are often referred to as rip tides.

My uncle Owen used to be the lighthouse keeper.
My aunt, uncle and cousins spent quite a few years on the island.
My cousins were home schooled and there was a supply ship that delivered their groceries.

There were some amazing stories of sea rescues. 

The Ham radio was the essential lifeline...
which linked my family to the boats, the Coast Guard and others in Victoria.


If you look closely you will see the Native flowering camas
which is happily growing in the Garry Oak Meadow and rocky outcroppings.

Memories and thoughts are often jogged by scenery...
the power of suggestion is so powerful
that it can transport us back to the past.

The neighbourhood where I grew up has changed quite a lot.
Houses, new and modern, are mixed with the traditional and the heritage styles.

The workers next door are building the forms 
for the foundations of the new homes under construction.
The sounds of saws and nail guns repeating are louder than the drone of the bees or the hummingbirds staccato chatter.

It has not been as invasive as I first expected...
or perhaps
I am getting accustomed to the noise.

Muguet des bois in The Humble Bungalow Garden 
is thick with fragrant blooms.


A handful of flowers popped into an icy vase
make a room fresher
and more beautiful.


These wee white bonnets are so delicate and dainty...
perhaps the loveliest of May flowers in our garden.

My sister and I may make an annual pilgrimage to the OBBH and Spa
sometime close to Mother's Day 
to celebrate our Mom
share memories and relax.


I had never heard of this book.
 I saw it on the shelf at the book sellers on Pender Island...
and was immediately intrigued by the description on the inside cover.

It is a delightful story...
easy to read and very entertaining.
It's "light enough" to be considered a Beach Book
and very hard to put down.

Fingers crossed it is a quiet week...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
XO

Friday, May 5, 2017

Beach walks...scenery snippets


The vibrant blue native camas is in full bloom.
This plant grows in and around the Gary Oak Meadows here in Victoria.


The First Nations Peoples used the root for food.


My walking partner and I went out for lunch at Lure
then we sauntered along the ocean front near Victoria's Inner Harbour.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and there were lots of people out and about enjoying the fine weather.

The scenery is aways changing on the waterfront...
boats, sea planes, kayaks, the Coho Ferry,
seals, otters, gulls, blue herons

Along the wide walks
we jostle for position
 baby carriages, joggers, walkers, and runners all share the space.
People sit on park benches and admire the view.
Picnic blankets are spread with snacks.
Tourists take photos.

The snow covered peaks of the Olympic Mountain range look so close
their stunning beauty frames the vista.

We chatter as we walk and gather speed...

I made the mistake of wearing my new periwinkle blue shoes without socks and today I have blisters on my heels.

(I should have worn my Merrell walking shoes with socks.)



I wore the same shoes to the beach on the previous day outing with the grandchildren.
They were fine on the sand and easy to transition back to the gravel lined playground where we played on the swings.
Mount Baker, which usually is in full view, was shrouded by low lying clouds.
The afternoon was chilly and the sky was grey.


The Willows Tea Room reopened for the season on April 29th.
This was where I would take mom.
Often we would sit with a pot of tea 
watch the passers by and sail and power boats on the sea...

Mom would smile
she was happy here.

Mom always loved an outing to Willows Beach.
 The Esplanade was a picturesque and gentle walk...

on a windy day she'd laugh at us braving the walk

in the rain with our brollies
she'd say how silly of us to try and walk 
in this beastly weather

Yet we would finish the walk and somehow feel energized.

When I revisit places that Mom and I regularly frequented
I feel a sadness creep in...
it is
not anything too overwhelming 
but my throat gets tight
and then I breathe as I picture her there beside me.


Our summertime picnics at Willows were always an adventure.
My basket with silverware and fine bone china
made passers by stop and comment.


My sister and I will be spreading Mom's ashes this coming week.
We have finished most of what we need to do for her estate and are ready to toast to Mom and dine in her favourite spot.


First we will swim in the pool
followed by a massage
and relax...


perhaps we'll even hop in the hot tub after dinner.


Mom and Dad in the early 1950's.

Dad died in 2007 and Mom in 2017
I'd like to think that they have been reunited and are watching over us as we remember, honour and celebrate their lives.

~ Love and Family ~
 the greatest gifts that I will cherish forever.


Hope that you have a lovely weekend.
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
XO

Monday, May 1, 2017

OOTD, flowers, "serviettes vs. napkins"...


Surprise delivery of flowers from a friend...
a lovely and thoughtful gesture of kindness.



beautiful blooming buds 
such beauty 


soft delicate blush pink roses


sunlight on the floor
reflections
of the blinds


OOTD:
Northern Reflections crisp white shirt
NYDJ skinny jeans
Ferragamo flats

 Mr. HB took the photo...
it's a silly one

Delete?

Publish?

I am not a professional model and do not take myself too seriously...
so the pictures stay.



What is so funny you may ask?

Mr. HB was snapping photos so fast I could not keep up with him.
Stop now, please...


Crisp Fresh linen from Belgium
an extra large tea towel
that may be used as a tablecloth 
on our small arts and crafts 
kitchen table.


I noticed the pretty native lilies are blooming in the park.


Today I've been busy washing the bedding and catching up on the ironing. 
It is pouring rain outside and there is a chill in the air.


In the previous post 
several comments were made about the inappropriate use of the words 
"serviettes" and "napkins."

I use both...

We use paper "serviettes" as well as linen "napkins."
What about you?

ser·vi·ette
ˌsərvēˈet/Submit
nounBRITISHCANADIAN
plural noun: serviettes
a table napkin


nap·kin
ˈnapkən/
noun
1.
a square piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the fingers or lips and to protect garments, or to serve food on.
synonyms: table napkin, dinner napkin, cocktail napkin, serviette; More
2.
NORTH AMERICAN
another term for sanitary napkin.



What are your thoughts?


Tea is served in a variety of vessels here in The Humble Bungalow...


Emma Bridgewater mugs...


Fine bone china cups and saucers...

this one is my favourite as it is a wide deep bowl with a bright bold pattern. 

Speaking of favourite things...
My "go to casual fave" outfit.


Jeans, a white shirt or Tee
sterling bangles and pearls.


Chester found the one sunny spot for his nap.

Must close for now as I am making a new recipe for a comforting soup.
It is a curried sweet potato carrot and red lentil soup.
Vegetarian and perfect for a cold day like today.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
XO

Friday, April 28, 2017

Friday ~ Food, fragrance, and fiction....



Wednesday afternoon...
2 squares of Belgium chocolate 
Lapsang Souchong tea
a delightful magazine Victoria with a favourite French focus.

Mother's Paragon cup and saucer, now mine, and her sweet wee sterling basket.

A bittersweet day
 as we handed the keys to mom's former condo over to the new owners...
the end of an era.

I took the afternoon "off" and cocooned at home.
It was wise to stay home as there were a few moments when I teared up.
Mom was a strong believer in stoicism and she bore all her trials with grace and dignity.

She never "aired her dirty laundry" in public and advised us to do the same.
I am doing quite well under the circumstances...
am taking one day at a time
taking life slow
going to Yoga 
appreciating beauty where it pops up
giving thanks...


Home grown asparagus 
harvested from The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Steamed lightly and served with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Sweet and tasty.

It is two years since I was in Paris
nibbling fresh white asparagus dipped in mayonnaise.
Its hard to believe that it has been so long since that dream trip.


Chartreuse green Euphorbia putting on a stellar show in the garden.
I like to think of these as flowers but I believe they are considered bracts.


A pretty little mix of perennials stand out against a weathered tree trunk.


The Demitasse Garden Centre has a wide assortment of plants.
They are located not too far from the home where I grew up and I love to pop by and wander along the aisles 
perusing their stock for something new and different.
Many of our Humble Bungalow plants were purchased from this special nursery.


Soup for lunch after plant shopping...
this is a popular spot for local landscapers and trades people to grab a bite of lunch.


Cleaned out my closet and pared down my wardrobe even more...
who knew it was possible that I could find more things to consign?

I am making room for a few new things that I have on my wish list.

Bought a pink ball for the grandchildren to play with in the garden 
and on the boat.
Have you heard of the Big Love Balls?
They have quite a following on Instagram.


New fragrance from France.
I ordered the reasonably priced sample pack of testers from Sylvaine Delacourte awhile back 
and after wearing them for a few weeks I finally decided which one I like best.


Dovana
a beautiful atomizer
with a spray bottle inside and a spare one to use after the original is empty.


Current read...
picked up from the wee library 
outside author Laura Bradbury's home in Oak Bay.


"Beach Combers Library"
when I am finished the book I will return it and drop of another one to share with the readers in that neighbourhood.


Public art on Oak Bay Avenue...

Time for me to close for now and get our dinner.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
XO