LIFESTYLE Archives - Keeping With The Times

A Few of My Favourite Things

November 29, 2016 by Barb Leave a Comment

Everyone seems to be compiling lists of “holiday must haves” and “favourite things”… ’tis the season after all isn’t it?

I’m always very interested to see what other people love. Word of mouth is a very powerful force … if someone I trust recommends something, I sit up and listen.

So, with an open heart and honest opinion, here are a few of my favourite things!

1. Bare Minerals Makeup

I have extremely sensitive skin, and there are very few products I’m able to use (especially on my face and near my eyes.) But I have no problem applying Bare Minerals makeup first thing in the morning, and not removing it until evening. As a result I’m more apt to wear makeup when I go out, and that just makes me feel good. Oh, and did I mention I have to remove it in the evening? It’s one makeup that doesn’t wear off before noon—amazing!

2. Teavana Tea

I discovered Teavana Tea last Christmas when the store was handing out samples. Now I don’t think I could get through December without it! My absolute favourite is Spiced Apple Cider … oh my gosh, it’s a rich, soothing rooibos tea with a sweetness that’s almost sinful.

3. Pentatonix Christmas

OK, like everyone else on the planet I’m in love with Pentatonix and I finally purchased two of their Christmas albums. If you haven’t seen the video, take a peek here (goosebumps!)

4. Vitamix Professional Series 200

Last summer our youngest daughter and her family gave us a Vitamix. Oh.my.gosh. Vitamix where have you been all my life?! No fruit or vegetable is safe in this house.

Store bought spaghetti sauce is a thing of the past. I now roast fresh (or frozen) tomatoes, garlic, and onions, with a bit of olive oil and with a quick whir in the Vitamix you end up with one incredibly flavourful sauce. I once made an entire (cooked) Costco-size Italian sausage disappear into it … no one had any idea it was there, but what flavour it added! :)

5. The Rayna Puffer Coat by Andrew Marc

This puffy coat is “da bomb”. It’s a packable down coat … perfect for tucking into a suitcase before heading to Arizona in January (because, well you know, we eventually have to return home and it’s usually late at night, into a snowstorm, with frigid temperatures and icy winds.) I’m usually tempted to wear it to bed that first night like a sleeping bag … brrrr … .

6. Rough Linen Adult Pinafore

These pinafores were a huge hit at both “Finding Stillness 2015 and 2016” retreats with Kim Klassen.

Anyone and everyone who lays eyes on one just can’t seem to get it out of their mind. These aprons are comfy, easy to clean, soft, natural and have huge pockets. I’m currently living in mine.

7. Bella Grace Magazine

Ah, Bella Grace Magazine. How do I love thee?

I became aware of this publication when Issue 2 hit the stands … I was in Barnes and Noble, and as I flipped through the pages, I slowly moved toward the nearest bench and sat down. My heart was pounding a bit … and when that happens to me, I pay attention.

The photos were so real … perfectly imperfect, and beautiful, and intriguing. The magazine itself felt like a coffee table book with beautiful, thick paper (I believe I thumbed along the edges and smelled it, and maybe even said “oh wow” out loud.)

As I skimmed a few articles, I realized I was reading pull-quotes and storylines that were highlighted or printed in different fonts and sizes … it was pure magic. I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving this treasure behind, and as I tucked it under my arm and made my way to the cashier, I know I was smiling.

8. Sweet Paul Magazine

Sweet Paul Magazine also has my heart. I love the messy food images and imperfect crafts. Just love. I usually watch for it to go on sale at the end of a season (at Anthropologie.) It doesn’t matter to me what season it is, I love it all.

9. Flow Magazine

And Flow magazine, artsy, trendy, unusual. I can’t remember how I first discovered it but I think it was on Instagram. I’d seen people using it in their images and was so intrigued. I buy every issue I can get my hands on.

I recently tried to purchase the latest issue at Barnes and Noble when I was in the US, but the lady who I asked said “no … we’re sold out … that magazine is freakishly popular” … not sure what she meant by that. But anyway, I think I’m going to subscribe to it.

So there you have a few of my favourite things. Hope you’ve enjoyed it and found it helpful (and oh yes, this is not a sponsored post :) wish it was ;)

You might want to check out my daughter’s list A Women’s Holiday Gift Guide. Jo’s one to watch as she’s always on top of things!

#NaBloPoMo

5 Wardrobe Ideas (for Women of a Certain Age)

October 7, 2015 by Barb 53 Comments

I’m going out on a limb today and sharing a post about wardrobe ideas for women of a certain age … so.out.of.my.comfort.zone. But hey! I’m combining it with a “Start to Finish” prompt from The Studio | Online to let autumn inspire us, then shoot a scene with some of our favourite things, so here goes … .

I chose my new grey sweater that came with a cowl/scarf, and a keychain necklace which I found at the Carvel General Store. This store is the quaintest, bestest little country gem you are ever going to find. It’s owned and operated by a mother/daughter team with whom I’ve become well-aquainted. I may not be the best customer, but I’m a good one (insert laugh) and it’s less than 10 minutes from my home! (insert double evil laugh.)

For my still life, I used the yellow leaves I’d picked from a tree in Rivers, Manitoba while attending Finding Stillness 2015. The leaves were actually what inspired me, with their lovely mustard colour and their grey specks.

Wardrobe Ideas, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

LR Preset: kk_MatterFact

I have to tell you, it’s not easy getting a shot from behind and over your own head, so after many attempts, I’m calling it a day, and I’m going to go drink that tea …

LR Preset: kk_MatterFact

But first, the somewhat embarrassing wardrobe story—yes, I’m aging, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to feel good when I go out, so I paired my sweater with some leggings because they fit into my black boots quite well. However, after examining the photo, I thought the leggings may be a bit tight …
So I changed into some “skinny” pants I bought at Costco for $16.00. They felt and looked a bit better except they bunched at the knees, hence the following sit-down poses. I think in real life it wouldn’t matter much.
Oh my gosh, such geeky poses … but the thing is, I was laughing. This was quite the hilarious shoot … and it’s quite hard to hold yourself upright, suck in your tummy, and smile realistically …
So what are my wardrobe suggestions?

Buy clothes that fit. You just look better. I know, I know. I don’t like back rolls, or sticky out tummies either, but a tight upper body-shaper helped whip mine into submission, plus it will keep me extra warm as temperatures drop. And gosh darn it! I’m over 60 so I’ve earned the right to have lumps and bumps.
Spoil yourself with a new sweater for autumn. And some new skinny pants. And all the new underwear you need.
A scarf and/or jewelry will add a touch of flare and pizzazz. I love this “key” chain. I don’t like a lot of jewelry, and I don’t wear earrings, so it’s the perfect piece for me.
Consider some chic boots—you will be impressed at how amazing they make you feel as you charge through an airport. But be sure to take them off at security … anything to try to avoid that alarm and then the old pat-down.
A small leather clutch purse with an over-the-shoulder strap is perfect for someone with a small frame. I also have a mega bag in which I put the small purse when I’m on a trip, so technically I am over the limit on carry-ons, however no one is the wiser.

Also, get a good haircut at least every four weeks, and a manicure (or polish your nails) every two weeks. A wee bit of effort goes a long way, and will leave you feeling so much better about yourself (at any age.)

Now the hardest part … I just have to hit “publish” … eek!

Thank you for dropping by today!

Spa Day!

March 5, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

I’ve been dreaming about a spa day … ever since my oldest daughter and her family gave me a gift certificate for my birthday …

I can hardly wait to use it, but until then, I can pretend …

I started by mixing up a batch of my own body scrub. There are so many variations of home-made body scrubs, but the one I prefer uses Epsom Salts (rather than salt or sugar). I added 1 – 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to each 1/4 cup salts. This makes quite a rough scrub (great for feet) but you can add more oil – even a 1 to 1 ratio if you want it smoother. Then I added some chopped fresh rosemary.

I like to use the scrub and then jump right into the bath, and since I always throw in Epsom Salts anyway, this works perfectly.

Because of the fresh rosemary, I would suggest making this scrub in small batches and using it up within a week. Alternatively, you could add some rosemary essential oil which could be stored for a longer time.

These are my images for “stacked” at The Studio Online. I was having a lot of fun with this prompt. As I added elements I was tickled to see how many things were stacked: the stones (and the reflection), the towels, the candle, the leaves of the succulent, and even the plant pot!