Sunday, November 16, 2025

Resetting After a Messy Week — Balcony Cleanup, Simple Routines & My Homemade Focaccia

Resetting After a Messy Week — Balcony Cleanup, Simple Routines & My Homemade Focaccia

Chaos in the Living room
Had to live with this mess for a week

A new Video Blog on YouTube https://youtu.be/WSS6pa4-9IE?si=dcetxXQIj8nQPB9A

Very messy Power washing
Messy and Wet power washing


Some weeks are calm and gentle… and others feel like a whirlwind. This past week definitely fell into the second category. After the building power-washed the balconies, mine was left in complete chaos — everything covered in debris, furniture pushed aside, and pots scattered everywhere.

It wasn’t the slow, quiet week I hope for, but it was a reminder that slow living often begins with simply creating order again.

A Messy Balcony & A Much-Needed Reset

Messy balcony Before
Cleared balcony ready for Power wash


Once the balcony dried, I spent a couple of days bringing everything back inside, shaking off dust, and deciding what needed a refresh.

It felt good to take my time — no rushing, no pressure — just gentle, steady progress until my space felt like mine again.

Little Pleasures in the Middle of Chores

To balance all the tidying, I treated myself to something comforting and creative: baking a batch of homemade focaccia. The warm smell of olive oil, rosemary, and dough rising in the oven made the whole home feel peaceful again.

Here I’m sharing the recipe of homemade Focaccia.


Making Homemade Focaccia Bread
Homemade Focaccia Bread ready for baking


Homemade focaccia in the oven
Love the aroma of homemade focaccia


My Easy Homemade Focaccia Recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 400 ml warm water
  • 1.5 tsp dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Extra olive oil for the pan and drizzling
  • Optional: rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast:
    Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough:
    Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together. Rest 20 minutes.
  3. Stretch & fold (3 sets):
    Do one set every 20 minutes. After the third set, let the dough rise until doubled.
  4. Pan & second rise:
    Oil your baking pan, transfer the dough, stretch gently, and let it rise 30–40 minutes.
  5. Dimple & top:
    Drizzle with olive oil and add rosemary or sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. Bake:
    Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 22–28 minutes until golden and crisp.

Let it cool slightly, slice, and enjoy — preferably warm.

Simple Living, One Step at a Time

Some resets are small, and some take a little more energy than we expect. But this week reminded me that slow living isn’t about perfection — it’s about taking care of your space, your mind, and yourself in gentle, realistic ways.

A tidy balcony, a warm loaf of focaccia, a few new Amazon finds, and a clearer home… it was enough to bring me back to calm.

Balcony cleared of clutter during home reset
Balcony Reset for a Calm Home



Cozy home corner after reset
Creating Calm in My Home


Golden homemade focaccia bread with rosemary
Homemade Focaccia Ready to Eat


My 5 am Morning routine with a cup of coffee
Morning coffee in my favourite corner



This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!

Resetting After a Messy Week — Balcony Cleanup, Simple Routines & My Homemade Focaccia

Chaos in the Living room
Had to live with this mess for a week

A new Video Blog on YouTube https://youtu.be/WSS6pa4-9IE?si=dcetxXQIj8nQPB9A

Very messy Power washing
Messy and Wet power washing


Some weeks are calm and gentle… and others feel like a whirlwind. This past week definitely fell into the second category. After the building power-washed the balconies, mine was left in complete chaos — everything covered in debris, furniture pushed aside, and pots scattered everywhere.

It wasn’t the slow, quiet week I hope for, but it was a reminder that slow living often begins with simply creating order again.

A Messy Balcony & A Much-Needed Reset

Messy balcony Before
Cleared balcony ready for Power wash


Once the balcony dried, I spent a couple of days bringing everything back inside, shaking off dust, and deciding what needed a refresh.

It felt good to take my time — no rushing, no pressure — just gentle, steady progress until my space felt like mine again.

Little Pleasures in the Middle of Chores

To balance all the tidying, I treated myself to something comforting and creative: baking a batch of homemade focaccia. The warm smell of olive oil, rosemary, and dough rising in the oven made the whole home feel peaceful again.

Here I’m sharing the recipe of homemade Focaccia.


Making Homemade Focaccia Bread
Homemade Focaccia Bread ready for baking


Homemade focaccia in the oven
Love the aroma of homemade focaccia


My Easy Homemade Focaccia Recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 400 ml warm water
  • 1.5 tsp dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Extra olive oil for the pan and drizzling
  • Optional: rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast:
    Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough:
    Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together. Rest 20 minutes.
  3. Stretch & fold (3 sets):
    Do one set every 20 minutes. After the third set, let the dough rise until doubled.
  4. Pan & second rise:
    Oil your baking pan, transfer the dough, stretch gently, and let it rise 30–40 minutes.
  5. Dimple & top:
    Drizzle with olive oil and add rosemary or sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. Bake:
    Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 22–28 minutes until golden and crisp.

Let it cool slightly, slice, and enjoy — preferably warm.

Simple Living, One Step at a Time

Some resets are small, and some take a little more energy than we expect. But this week reminded me that slow living isn’t about perfection — it’s about taking care of your space, your mind, and yourself in gentle, realistic ways.

A tidy balcony, a warm loaf of focaccia, a few new Amazon finds, and a clearer home… it was enough to bring me back to calm.

Balcony cleared of clutter during home reset
Balcony Reset for a Calm Home



Cozy home corner after reset
Creating Calm in My Home


Golden homemade focaccia bread with rosemary
Homemade Focaccia Ready to Eat


My 5 am Morning routine with a cup of coffee
Morning coffee in my favourite corner



This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!

Friday, October 24, 2025

Thrifting for Joy: Affordable Fall Clothing Finds and a Peaceful Day at Jericho Park

Thrifting for Joy: Affordable Fall Clothing Finds and a Peaceful Day at Jericho Park

Thrifted a New maxi dress with a tag for $4.00
Thrifted a New maxi dress with a tag for $4.00


A Cozy and Productive Fall Day | Thrift Haul & Slow Living Moments

Welcome back to Vera’s Slow Living Diaries!

Today’s post is all about finding joy in the simple things — a cozy, productive autumn day filled with little accomplishments, mindful moments, and a touch of frugal fun.

🌻 Affordable Fall Clothing Finds


On my latest outing, I stopped by a local thrift store that was offering 50% off everything. Naturally, I couldn’t resist! I came home with a few beautiful clothing pieces — all for just $36.50.

I love the feeling of giving pre-loved clothes a new home, especially when they fit seamlessly into my simple, comfortable wardrobe. Each piece feels like a small treasure found through patience and intention.



Thrift and Fund Shop
Thrift and Fund Shop In Coquitlam


Giving pre-loved clothes a new home
Giving pre-loved clothes a new home.

🛒 Little Errands, Simple Pleasures

After my thrifting adventure, I picked up my payslip from a recent work day and did my weekly grocery run. I stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables, always mindful to buy just what I need for the week ahead.

I stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables
Week stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables

And since it had been quite a while, I treated myself to a $20 haircut — a small luxury that made me feel refreshed and content.

🍂 A Peaceful Afternoon at Jericho Park

To end the day, I visited Jericho Park, one of my favorite spots in Vancouver. The fall colors were absolutely breathtaking — golden leaves, gentle breezes, and quiet reflections by the water.

Train ride to the Thrift Shop In Coquitlam
Train ride to the Thrift Shop In Coquitlam

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this slower, simpler way of life. Nature has a way of grounding us and bringing perspective to even the busiest days.


Serene Autumn Pathway leading to a wooden bridge
Serene Autumn Pathway


Fallen maple Leaves on an Autumn Walk
Fallen Leaves on an Autumn Walk


serene park with a wooden bench surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn foliage.
Serene park with a wooden bench surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn foliage.


Serene Autumn Pathway to a wooden bridge
Serene Autumn Pathway leading to a wooden  bridge


A park bench sits quietly under vibrant autumn leaves. A variety of trees display their colorful foliage, creating a serene setting.
A park bench sits quietly under vibrant autumn leaves. 


black rabbits are scattered across a grassy area in front of dense foliage
Cute rabbits are scattered across a grassy area in front of dense foliage


A vibrant red tree stands amidst a park, surrounded by yellow and green foliage
Colorful Autumn Park Landscape


🎥 Watch the Full Video

If you’d like to join me for the full day — from the thrift haul to my peaceful time at the park — you can watch the vlog here:➡️➡️https://youtu.be/0PINEydVRAI?si=htGrVFMPl6zQqQ_v




This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!

Thrifting for Joy: Affordable Fall Clothing Finds and a Peaceful Day at Jericho Park

Thrifted a New maxi dress with a tag for $4.00
Thrifted a New maxi dress with a tag for $4.00


A Cozy and Productive Fall Day | Thrift Haul & Slow Living Moments

Welcome back to Vera’s Slow Living Diaries!

Today’s post is all about finding joy in the simple things — a cozy, productive autumn day filled with little accomplishments, mindful moments, and a touch of frugal fun.

🌻 Affordable Fall Clothing Finds


On my latest outing, I stopped by a local thrift store that was offering 50% off everything. Naturally, I couldn’t resist! I came home with a few beautiful clothing pieces — all for just $36.50.

I love the feeling of giving pre-loved clothes a new home, especially when they fit seamlessly into my simple, comfortable wardrobe. Each piece feels like a small treasure found through patience and intention.



Thrift and Fund Shop
Thrift and Fund Shop In Coquitlam


Giving pre-loved clothes a new home
Giving pre-loved clothes a new home.

🛒 Little Errands, Simple Pleasures

After my thrifting adventure, I picked up my payslip from a recent work day and did my weekly grocery run. I stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables, always mindful to buy just what I need for the week ahead.

I stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables
Week stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables

And since it had been quite a while, I treated myself to a $20 haircut — a small luxury that made me feel refreshed and content.

🍂 A Peaceful Afternoon at Jericho Park

To end the day, I visited Jericho Park, one of my favorite spots in Vancouver. The fall colors were absolutely breathtaking — golden leaves, gentle breezes, and quiet reflections by the water.

Train ride to the Thrift Shop In Coquitlam
Train ride to the Thrift Shop In Coquitlam

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this slower, simpler way of life. Nature has a way of grounding us and bringing perspective to even the busiest days.


Serene Autumn Pathway leading to a wooden bridge
Serene Autumn Pathway


Fallen maple Leaves on an Autumn Walk
Fallen Leaves on an Autumn Walk


serene park with a wooden bench surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn foliage.
Serene park with a wooden bench surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn foliage.


Serene Autumn Pathway to a wooden bridge
Serene Autumn Pathway leading to a wooden  bridge


A park bench sits quietly under vibrant autumn leaves. A variety of trees display their colorful foliage, creating a serene setting.
A park bench sits quietly under vibrant autumn leaves. 


black rabbits are scattered across a grassy area in front of dense foliage
Cute rabbits are scattered across a grassy area in front of dense foliage


A vibrant red tree stands amidst a park, surrounded by yellow and green foliage
Colorful Autumn Park Landscape


🎥 Watch the Full Video

If you’d like to join me for the full day — from the thrift haul to my peaceful time at the park — you can watch the vlog here:➡️➡️https://youtu.be/0PINEydVRAI?si=htGrVFMPl6zQqQ_v




This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Staying Curious and Connected in Retirement

Staying Curious and Connected in Retirement

Tranquil Trout Lake with Autumn Trees
Tranquil Trout Lake with Autumn Trees

Yesterday, a lovely lady around my age came to collect a few handmade pumpkins I listed on Facebook. We instantly connected and ended up having a wonderful conversation. Like me, she’s retired and enjoys her time at home—but she admitted there are weeks when she doesn’t leave the house at all.

My handmade fabric pumpkins
My handmade fabric pumpkins


My handmade lace fabric pumpkin has been sold
My handmade lace and fabric pumpkin has been sold


She loves her hobbies but wishes to be more active, and I completely understood that feeling. We both agreed that at our age, with so much time on our hands, it’s important to stay curious, keep learning, remain physically active, and find ways to cope with challenges such as loneliness.


Sadly, we both know people who are struggling with isolation, often abandoned or forgotten by friends and family. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder that staying in touch—sending a message, making a call, or simply showing up—matters so much.


Over the years, I’ve also experienced disappointment and distance from some people I cared about. But I’ve learned not to torture myself with why. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If genuine kindness or love is missing, there’s not much I can do but continue to live my life with peace and gratitude.


Finding Joy in Everyday Living

Of course, I have my low days too. We all do. But when that feeling creeps in, I remind myself to get out of the house—even for a short walk or a few hours in nature. It always helps me reset my mood and perspective.

Here are some of the things that keep me active, happy, and fulfilled in my retirement:

Cooking at home – preparing rice balls
Cooking at home – preparing rice balls

Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money
Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded
  • Daily routines – keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm.
  • Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded.
  • Creative hobbies – I love painting, crafting, and making DIY projects that bring both joy and a bit of extra income.
  • Getting out twice a week – beyond errands and daily walks, I explore new places or meet someone for a chat.
  • Lifelong learning – YouTube is my classroom! I love keeping up with new skills and technology.
  • Art and photography – I’m currently uploading my many photos to Fine Art America to sell as prints.
  • Content creation – I enjoy filming and sharing my slow-living journey on my YouTube channel and blog.
  • Personal care – I’m not a fashionista, but I take pride in my appearance. Even at home, I wear a little makeup, modest jewelry, and comfortable yet nice clothes. After all, what’s the point of keeping beautiful things hidden in the closet or china cabinet?
  • Decluttering gently – I’m not a minimalist, but I’m slowly letting go of things I no longer use, embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.”  
Letting things Go and embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.
Embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury”

Each step is a step forward
Each step is a step forward

Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them
Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them

Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm
Keeping my home organized and cozy


keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm
Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm


Embracing This Season of Life

Retirement is not the end of purpose—it’s the beginning of living more intentionally. By staying curious, nurturing our passions, and reaching out to others, we can fill our days with meaning and joy.


Spending time in Nature
Spending time in Nature


If you’re retired or living alone, I encourage you to do something small each day that lifts your spirit—step outside, create something beautiful, or reconnect with someone you miss.

I thrifted this candleholders for $2.00 and gave them a makeover
Thrifted candleholders needed some love.

Thrifted candleholders needed some love with green and gold painting
Thrifted candleholders got some love


Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love
Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love


Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray
Farmhouse cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray 


Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy
Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy

Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy


Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy

Teapot Cozy done!
Teapot Cozy done!

Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies
Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies


I live creating surreal art, collages
“The line is busy” I love creating surreal art, collages 

Piano, a Birthday present
Piano, a Birthday present! My Surreal artwork,


Every season of life offers new chances to grow, learn, and shine.

Let’s Shine  and thrive together!
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!


Let’s Shine  and thrive together!
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!



This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!

Staying Curious and Connected in Retirement

Tranquil Trout Lake with Autumn Trees
Tranquil Trout Lake with Autumn Trees

Yesterday, a lovely lady around my age came to collect a few handmade pumpkins I listed on Facebook. We instantly connected and ended up having a wonderful conversation. Like me, she’s retired and enjoys her time at home—but she admitted there are weeks when she doesn’t leave the house at all.

My handmade fabric pumpkins
My handmade fabric pumpkins


My handmade lace fabric pumpkin has been sold
My handmade lace and fabric pumpkin has been sold


She loves her hobbies but wishes to be more active, and I completely understood that feeling. We both agreed that at our age, with so much time on our hands, it’s important to stay curious, keep learning, remain physically active, and find ways to cope with challenges such as loneliness.


Sadly, we both know people who are struggling with isolation, often abandoned or forgotten by friends and family. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder that staying in touch—sending a message, making a call, or simply showing up—matters so much.


Over the years, I’ve also experienced disappointment and distance from some people I cared about. But I’ve learned not to torture myself with why. As the saying goes, “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If genuine kindness or love is missing, there’s not much I can do but continue to live my life with peace and gratitude.


Finding Joy in Everyday Living

Of course, I have my low days too. We all do. But when that feeling creeps in, I remind myself to get out of the house—even for a short walk or a few hours in nature. It always helps me reset my mood and perspective.

Here are some of the things that keep me active, happy, and fulfilled in my retirement:

Cooking at home – preparing rice balls
Cooking at home – preparing rice balls

Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money
Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded
  • Daily routines – keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm.
  • Cooking at home – preparing my own meals saves money and makes me feel grounded.
  • Creative hobbies – I love painting, crafting, and making DIY projects that bring both joy and a bit of extra income.
  • Getting out twice a week – beyond errands and daily walks, I explore new places or meet someone for a chat.
  • Lifelong learning – YouTube is my classroom! I love keeping up with new skills and technology.
  • Art and photography – I’m currently uploading my many photos to Fine Art America to sell as prints.
  • Content creation – I enjoy filming and sharing my slow-living journey on my YouTube channel and blog.
  • Personal care – I’m not a fashionista, but I take pride in my appearance. Even at home, I wear a little makeup, modest jewelry, and comfortable yet nice clothes. After all, what’s the point of keeping beautiful things hidden in the closet or china cabinet?
  • Decluttering gently – I’m not a minimalist, but I’m slowly letting go of things I no longer use, embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.”  
Letting things Go and embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury.
Embracing the calm simplicity of “quiet luxury”

Each step is a step forward
Each step is a step forward

Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them
Each step is a step forward, just keep taking them

Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm
Keeping my home organized and cozy


keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm
Keeping my home organized and cozy brings a sense of calm


Embracing This Season of Life

Retirement is not the end of purpose—it’s the beginning of living more intentionally. By staying curious, nurturing our passions, and reaching out to others, we can fill our days with meaning and joy.


Spending time in Nature
Spending time in Nature


If you’re retired or living alone, I encourage you to do something small each day that lifts your spirit—step outside, create something beautiful, or reconnect with someone you miss.

I thrifted this candleholders for $2.00 and gave them a makeover
Thrifted candleholders needed some love.

Thrifted candleholders needed some love with green and gold painting
Thrifted candleholders got some love


Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love
Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape needed some love


Thrifted cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray
Farmhouse cutting board in a teapot shape turned into serving tray 


Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy
Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy

Using my fabric scraps by making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy


Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy
Work in progress, making a Teapot Cozy

Teapot Cozy done!
Teapot Cozy done!

Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies
Beautiful tea serving tray with tea and Madeline cookies


I live creating surreal art, collages
“The line is busy” I love creating surreal art, collages 

Piano, a Birthday present
Piano, a Birthday present! My Surreal artwork,


Every season of life offers new chances to grow, learn, and shine.

Let’s Shine  and thrive together!
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!


Let’s Shine  and thrive together!
Let’s Shine, grow learn and thrive together!



This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!

Resetting After a Messy Week — Balcony Cleanup, Simple Routines & My Homemade Focaccia

Resetting After a Messy Week — Balcony Cleanup, Simple Routines & My Homemade Focaccia Had to live with this mess for a week A new Video...