Wednesday 7 March 2012

The Not-So-Secret Garden



Look, a new posing patch! I had no idea those stepping stones were hiding beneath the undergrowth. Last summer's geraniums are looking surprisingly perky.


It's definitely looking a bit better, isn't it? Still wild and exciting but a lot less neglected.


It's getting easier to keep track of the cats now.


I've been in ratty old gardening gear since Monday so it was a novelty to get frocked up and head for the market despite the torrential rain and freezing temperatures.


Who notices the scratches and broken nails when there's Barry M polish and tribal jewellery to look at?


I'm wearing my Great-Grandfather's silver Vesta case today. It's inscribed with his initials, FAC (for Francis Arthur Crosby) and dated 1895.

1970s maxi dress (courtesy of Helga the great) worn with 1970s suede coat (£2, Salvation Army), fringed suede duffel (courtesy of the fabulous Mrs That's Not My Age), original Dolcis platforms (£4.99, PDSA) and a huge hair bow with cameo (the lovely Louise)


This is what we'll be eating later, my home-made vegetable Jalfrezi with wholemeal chapati and steamed brown rice,


followed by a large Havana Club Rum and cola (or two).

See you soon.

70 comments:

  1. Yum! Food looks tasty! So does your great grandfather! And what an awesome tache. I hope you didn't get too frozen - it snowed here today! Quite out of nowhere...xxx

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  2. Ah you'll make Andy jealous, chapati is his fave! We always have brown rice so yummy.
    I love the vesta case, lovely keepsake with family history behind it.
    Even after battling your garden you still look polished to perfection. :)
    xx

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  3. Your cats must be in heaven in that garden! So many fun places to hide - my cats are house cats but I hope that one day we'll be able to let them roam free in a garden. Just have to buy a house first! :)

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  4. Great look, love the heirloom! And your dinner looks yummy....

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  5. vix i love your turquoise collection and your family jewelry. that suede bag is killer too. i have a secret garden too. the real secret is that it is a MESS! rum and coke is very californian.

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  6. I love the vesta case,makes something more special when its sentimental too.
    lovely blog x

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  7. I love that vesta......so much more special since it is a family piece. Your garden is looking fantastic! Glad you plan to leave it a bit wild and jumbled. So.....
    did I mention I LOVE the vesta??? :)

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  8. The vesta is gorgeous - he'd probably be so pleased it's still be worn today!

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  9. How lovely that you wear such a beautiful heirloom, it looks amazing as a necklace x

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  10. love all your bling! Especially the vesta case! Such a cool little treasure! Your dinner looks so yummy! I tried my hand at making naan for the first time and it was delicious and not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. I thought of you as soon as I had the little notion of venturing into the realm of Indian cooking. You are the curry queen after all :)

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  11. A new posing stone place. love that lovely suede coat amor.
    you look sweet wearing a bow.
    your kitty looks like his belongs in Black Cat horror movie,loves the green-ass eyes.
    Your food always has me craving Indian food. mmm craving handmade samosas.
    besios

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  12. Fab look! I love the bow and vesta case xxx

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  13. I am just hungry looking at that curry right now!! :/

    Oh and I do love your great-grandfather's necklace thing! :)

    Great work on the garden!

    xo

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  14. Food looks fab, I've never attempted my own Jalfrezi, mmm might have to give it a go.

    Wasn't it chilly today, hope you got some good finds to make up for the wind and rain

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  15. I love the vesta case, whatever that is! The food is making me hungry! Enjoy the market in the cold!

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  16. Dearest Vix,
    I adore your wonderful garden, it creates the perfect backdrop for your fabulous outfits. My folks have a summer house out in the country and when Mark & I finally up sticks and move to Sweden that is where I'm hoping to spend most weekends, DIYing & growing veg. Like the old Chinese proverb goes...
    "If you want to be happy for one hour get drunk
    If you want to be happy for three days get married
    If you want to be happy for a week slaughter a pig
    If you want to be happy for a lifetime create a garden"
    I don't really agree with the first three statements, slaughtering a pig certainly would not make me happy but I do believe that a garden can generate lifelong happiness.
    That dress from Helga is dreamy and you've styled it perfectly.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  17. I noticed the silver Vesta case immediately; it's lovely! And your grandfather is so handsome and distinguished looking. :-)

    Beautiful garden area, I really love seeing what you are uncovering out there!

    You look beautiful as always, and I love your outfit, as always!

    xo, Anita

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  18. One of the things that i love about you is your connection with your own family history it warms my heart to see so many of your gorgeous jewellery belonged to relatives from the past. Its makes them even more special to me. You always look gorgeous. My mum would love your garden she would spend hours out there digging and caressing everything ;-) Enjoy your dinner it looks lovely. dee xx

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  19. Hi Vix Dearest!

    Love everything in this post!
    Love the outfit, adore the suede coat and blue dress - your great grand father silver vesta is so great, i love old jewelery, i have a few pieces from my late grand father-

    Spring is finally our way! 11 forecasted today and this weekend we change the time! we go forward that means the days will be longer, Ye!

    Love

    Ariane xxxx

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  20. Your garden is looking great, but now where will the cats hide? Nice to see a photo of who your vesta belonged to. Every time you mention that rum I keep meaning to try it, still haven't! Maybe one day. Your outfit looks lovely btw ( as ever)

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  21. Wood nymph, oh thee of the green thumb, literally. Love that combo, especially your grandfather's silver case. You've made me hungry - and I've just finished breakfast.

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  22. Oh you have been busy - I am most impressed!
    Lovely to see you frocked up and looking dreamy, what a pretty dress from Helga, and that bag is delightful. And a F-O bow too!
    How delicious does your jalfrezi look? Can you start doing a recipe section please? Mmmmmmm.... xxxxxxx

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  23. That Kitty's going 'know she knows my hidey-holes' I'm sure!! Bet they're really enjoying surveying all the newly exposed garden bits. I know I am!!
    Great outfit-love the blue & brown mix. And of course the Vesta. (The heirloom not the meal! Ha ha!)
    As for your meal, Mr B is up in Sunderland this week, so I'm jumping on a train to come and join you! It looks lovely and yummy. I must expand my cookery skills and learn how to cook curry!
    Z xx

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  24. love your great grandad's moustache! dashing! x

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  25. I struggle to look fabulous when I'm cold,but YOU do it beautifully!!! I'd quite forgotten about that frock,you look rather splendid in it!That bag is groovy,and who indeed would notice that you're all scratched with that glorious jewellery and Barry M paintjob?!
    I love that vesta case,it's soo gorgeous,and so special!!! Hmmmm,jjts like you,my darling!
    Thank goodness for wqorming Indian deliciousness,that'll go down nicely with rum & cola......
    Love YOU!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  26. Your garden is looking good. It'll be great to see it in all its Spring glory. I love the silver case, so much character x

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  27. Love the bow in your hair and your dress!

    CC xXx

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  28. I'm so glad your garden is beginning to show some real sign of progress. It must be lovely discovering new areas. The pink bow really suits you xxx

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  29. The hard work has really paid off, and there must have been some heavy manual labour involved.
    I'd love a garden suitable for entertaining. Fantastic find from Helga there, a real statement dress.
    LOVE the bow, it looks just right - think I'll brave a giant bow as I'm full of admiration for all the floral creations I've seen on you, Krista, Helga, Desiree and Sarah, but don't feel confident enough to wear one myself.
    Curry and rice here too tonight - I managed to get some great spices from the corner shop owners, who are from Kerala. So fresh and tasty. Enjoy the rum - wish I had some alcohol in, been a long day (accompanied Liam to the baby's funeral).

    Well done on staying stylish despite the gardening and shit weather!

    Lucy x

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  30. I love your great grandfathers vesta case and that curry looks gorgeous!xx

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  31. I would love to raid your ring treasure chest!!!

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  32. I would love to raid your ring treasure chest!!!

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  33. I love all your inherited things best! The Vesta case is a treasure! The yard is looking so well groomed, you are brave to be in that cold. I love this blue on you and the suede coat is super fly!
    Dinner makes my mouth water! Yum!!
    Loveyou~
    Krista

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  34. Gorgeous dress! Love the huge bow, too.

    Catherine, XO.

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  35. Beautiful Vix, really beautiful. I don't think I've seen these colours together on you before. Am I imagining a family resemblance between you and your G-grandfather? You both seem to have the same calm poise.

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  36. I love wearing family jewelry - it feels like such a special connection with previous generations. Glorious coat too: just what was needed when the chill wind swept back today.

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  37. your garden looks so dreamy... love it.

    oh, your suede coat is so awesome. i just through mine in the flea market bag. when i won't sell it on sunday, it will go back to my closet... ;)

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  38. The garden's coming along luvverly isn't it? I adore your coat!

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  39. You look so wonderful - love the combination of blue and light brown. And your jewellery is so beautiful! The garden does look nice - with that cute kitty! Love cats)

    >'.'<

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  40. your kitty looks positively wild! I love the outfit, especially the coat! And that nail colour is great! Love your great grandad's tash, what a handsome gent! xxx

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  41. How special to own Great Grandad's Vesta case, you ARE lucky.
    Your veggie ruby looks delish and that's what I'll be taking to work tomorrow. (shame it caught on the bottom of the pan but I managed to scoop out the burnt bits!)
    If Gilbert ever brings you to Sussex you're welcome to join me for wine and crisps.
    x

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  42. A posing patch - Even the cat looks astounded at the posing potential that lurks there!

    Would it be rude to ask for a recipe for your fab veggie curry, Vix?!

    I love your grandfather - You have his eyes, very striking and beautiful - How lovely to have their things - I do admit that I envy you for having them with you - The jacket, the photos, the gorgeous bone beads, the vesta cases - More for what they touched, which you have with you now... Amazing.

    Sadly the only thing I remember of my Nanna's is her rabbit's foot brooch, and I hated it even when I was a child! ;)

    Much love x

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  43. Ooh that suede coat is magnificent! Your garden is looking really lovely - you must have been working like a fiend, darling. That dinner looks divine - it's only 10am here and I want what you're having. Love you! Sarah xxx

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  44. That bag looks fabulous with your outfit, suits you! x

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  45. I jumped to the end of the comments, so if you already answered this, I apologize, but what is a vesta? I thought perhaps a lighter, but this seems too old. I have a silver pen on a chain that belonged to my grandmother with similar etching.

    Your outfit is lovely as well, and I love the blue with golden-brown combination.

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  46. Ee by gum, i could have done with some o'that rum tonight!
    The gardens' coming on nicely, bet the cats are not too keen you've wrecked their hidey holes!

    Like you bag too!

    Sandie xx

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  47. Your great-grandfather was certainly a handsome gent. That's wonderful that you have his vesta case. Do you keep anything in it?
    It's dinner time here and that jalfrezi looks pretty scrumptious (googling jalfrezi recipes now...).

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  48. You look so pretty ~and I love the polish that Barry M stuff is great ~The jewelry is beautiful ...you have some mail on the way I sent it out just the other day :) The Vesta case is so cool wow what a treasure ~The Garden is coming along nicely ~and the food looks delish....I think I am going to go back onto a vegetarian diet I came off per request of my hubby a few years ago but I am ready to go back on. ~Enjoy your day ~Love Heather

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  49. Yum, that food pic makes me hungry & I only just ate lunch! You're looking lovely as usual - it must be very nice to be frocked up after a week of gardening gear! It's wonderful that you have your great-grandfathers vesta case.

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  50. Oh your garden is just looking prettier and prettier! I love the blue frock and your bag. As always I am green with envy over your jewelry!
    That food looks so yummy!

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  51. Mmmmmyum! That meal looks delicious! Lovely to see your garden coming along :) i wish my family had heirlooms to pass on. It's my excuse for hoarding because no-one else does it! Gorgeous frock xxx

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  52. you have beautiful nails for a gardener! Love the vesta case.....pardon my french but is that a lighter?

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  53. You look so Cute in these pics! I am Loving the bow in your hair!

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  54. What you have scratches and broken nails?? I hadn't a clue... you look as fresh as a spring flower in your garden. =D

    Your food pics always make me hungry. *lol*

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  55. I don't even know what a Vesta case is, but it is bloody fantastic! Extra ace because it is your grandfathers.

    Beautiful cat. :)

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  56. Your Grandfathers Vesta case is amazing, I wish I had family heirlooms!

    Also that food looks amazing - if I come and visit you one day you will cook for me right? ;)

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  57. Morning Vix, love your coat! I've tagged you for a Books By My Bedside post... not your usual I know but I'm intrigued to see what you read, ha ha!

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  58. You have worked hard Vix! I am very impressed hun. Bet it was lovely to be able to dress your normal stunning self mind?

    Its such an incredible thing to have items with such personal history to them.

    X x

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  59. You look lovely! Your rings are great, and that food looks so delicious! xx

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  60. Your garden looks great and you look fabulous. I wish I could look so cool when I am cold, but I tend to just look cold! Hope you are keeping warm - I imagine the Jalfrezi will warm you from the inside, as will the rum and cola!

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  61. It's such a gorgeous spot to take pics! I haven't seen your kitty before he (or she) has a wicked look about him! I love your oceantastic frock and the lovely coat! xxx

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  62. So much work deserves a good dress-up! Your garden looks like an amazing jungle... perfect for kitties and other animals to roam. xoxo

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  63. LOVE the coat and the Vesta case~I swear I wish I could find a place around here that sold "real" vintage clothing! You rock out everything you wear!!
    Your garden is going to look like a secret garden for sure!

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  64. I love your garden, I really do. It's like Alice in Wonderland or something. You look divine as always, I think I need to don a bit of Barry M given my nails are a MESS at the moment. xx

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  65. Thank goodness you and Jon live in that house, instead of it belonging to someone who might have homogenised all that delightful quirky garden splendour... you know how excited I get when you post pics of the gems you uncover; I've just seen the railings on your next post!

    Love your suede coat and all your jewellery - specially the green bracelet with your green nails. And fab hair'n'bow too! xx

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  66. interesting photographs... x

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  67. Your supper looks delicious. And that top bracelet on your left wrist is wonderful.

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  68. Thanks for the birthday wishes and congrats on the mention in this month's Instyle magazine :)

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  69. Your great grandfather was a handsome chap wasn't he! That tache is itching to be pulled though.

    I've developed quite a taste for rum and coke recently, just another naughty thing on the list!

    xx

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Lots of love, Vix