Monday 18 March 2013

She Works Hard For The Money



 Another weekend, another fair. I wish I could have had time to snap more than our stall but we were inundated from start to finish. 


This was the women's rail shortly before being decimated by bargain-hungry buyers. I spent most of the day crawling around on the floor picking everything back up. Anyone who thinks vintage fairs are full of tea sipping, cake-eating ladies in reproduction dresses have never been to one of our events, it makes some jumble sales seem civilised.


Handily located next to the tea stand our menswear rail had one of the best days ever.

Merino wool jumper (Salvation Army, £1.20), 1950s wool trousers (Cancer UK, £1), Oxblood brogues (jumble sale in 2011, 40p), Tootal scarf (one of many from a 30-odd year collection), Flat cap (had since before we met)

 Saturday was the first time in a week I'd woken and actually felt human so after a much-needed workout I headed off to a jumble sale (we don't want those rumours restarting) and was back in time for the postman to hand me a parcel of joy from goddess, Desiree, sending me some much needed Aussie sunshine.

Pretty 1970s Spring midi dress, Beautiful Sassy Vamps headpiece ready for Glastonbury, the most delicious smelling hand-made soap ever, a sexy minx vintage postcard and some fabulous feathery earrings - I LOVE it all!

Most of our jumble finds are still drying - blasted Arctic weather - but Stephen Squirrel took an instant fancy to this 1970s mustard wool shawl by Jaeger and claimed it for himself before I had time to chuck it in the wash. 


Just in case I get accused of favouritism here's Polly Piglet on the blanket my Mum crocheted in 1966. 


and Jacob - almost out of hibernation - eating from an Edwardian baby bowl.


I'm not the only one living and breathing vintage in this house! 

1960s chiffon jumpsuit (Etsy, under £10, back in 2011), Barry M Spring green nails, heaps of bastard jewellery and a massive bindi.
Watch this space, I'll be back with my jumble finds and vintage finds shortly. 
In the meantime I'm linking with Patti and the gang over at Visible Monday.
See you soon!

76 comments:

  1. Oh that white and pink/purple dress is FABULOUS!

    Vintage fairs can get a bit robust can't they? A bit like the sales. Everyone jostling to get to the best rail!

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  2. Have been to enough vintage fairs to know about the scrum - think rugby in 50's florals ;)

    Good to see Jacob awake and hungry - here's hoping the weather warms up properly soon.

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  3. Hi gorgeous!
    Working hard i see!
    Looking lovely, nice frock from fab Desiree, she chose right for you! Perfect!
    The kitties are so cute, i was so happy to see my babies !
    I missed them so!
    Getting back in the swing of things

    Ariane xxxx

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  4. Your cats are too cute. What a sweet dress from Desiree. I'm off to the 1/2 price sale and it turned out I don't have to work today!!!!!!!!! Wish me luck on the treasure hunt.

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  5. Fantastic outfit Vix! So glad Kinky Melon's doing so well. I adore the colours of the jumpsuit and the 70's dress is perfection! xx

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  6. Holy Cow that jumpsuit is fantastic!! Love it!

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  7. I hope Jacob can predict the weather and it's going to get warmer. He's such a sweetie. So are the cats, I can picture Polly being carried round the garden.I love the Spring like dress Desiree sent you... It's look amazing with your green leather jacket.The acid peach pink jumpsuit is rather amazing too. I'm sure you and Jon looking so cool is what attracted everyone, that and you don't try to rip them off. xxxxx

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  8. Your stall is fan-freaking-tastic! I love all your furry and shell-y babies...Your bindi collection makes me want to go berserk buying forehead bling...Aah Vix your post just before bed ensures I am going to have the best dreams x

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  9. LOVE that even the pet bowl is vintage!

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  10. Hi there! Sounds like you had a lovely weekend and lots of customers at the vintage fair too-I love both your dresses here, the first print is so fresh and dainty!! xxx

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  11. Glad to read that Kinky Melon is doing well and providing you with enough readies to splurge on those vintage and jumble finds - looking forward to reading about those. P.S. You look like a lovely in that jumpsuit - bringing on those spring vibes xxx

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  12. So glad to see the whole family do vintage too! I'm looking for a vintage dolls cot to turn into a cat bed and my daughter has her first sixties psychadelic maxi skirt at the age of 6! ;)
    xxx

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  13. Sorry, I just realised your other outfit is a jumpsuit not a dress but it's still just as gorgeous!!

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  14. Stephen Squirrel and Polly Piglet are spending the weekend as you should. Lounging. They are cuties. :)
    Sounds a very busy, but successful day. And you look fab in the frock, if I saw your stand I'd definitely be rummaging and picking up some bargains.
    xx

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  15. Your stall always look so enticing. I want to poke through it! Vintage fairs are hard work and you and Jon are earning every penny you make. When people are looking for bargains, they're not thinking of all the clothing preparation, set up and take down and other efforts you put in.
    Love, love that sweet dress from Desiree! Nice to see the whole family wearing, cuddling with or eating off of vintage!

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  16. Wow you have a lovely thick rail of clothes there :-) Glad you had a brilliant day both of you. Love your parcel dress its gorgeous just like you, dee xxx

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  17. Love the Spring print midi dress, so pretty!
    And yay for Jacob photos - I'll have to show Bertie!

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  18. What a fabulous parcel of joy from Desiree--the dress is AMAZING!! Stephen Squirrel looks stunning lounging on the mustard scarf!! And of course--Miss Polly is utterly adorable on crochet!!

    Can't wait to see your jumble sales finds!!

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  19. I'm glad to see Jacob again!!
    I wish spring will come soon for him, the pets and all of us!
    Meanwhile your floral outfits bring sunshine in my day, the playsuit is fabulous and I can't believe that it was so cheap on etsy (great seller!)and the white Desiree's dress is divine as our Sassy Vamp herself!
    Jon looks great too, I'm not surprised that all the hysterical vintage buyer attacked your stall!
    Have a wonderful week!!
    Love xxxx

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  20. Love the spring mini dress! I wish we humans could relax like the Cats . .

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  21. Ooh I want to come and rifle through the rails too, so much good stuff! :)

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  22. You and Jon really are the best fashion models!

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  23. Sounds like you guys busted your asses again but did really well! I'm so happy to see you guys out at these vintage fairs!!!! I do find it funny that we both said we never get sick and well you know what's happened since then :) I really love the dress you wore to the fair, I would have been trying to buy it right off ya:) Jon looks handsome and I can't believe the hat is pre VIX!

    The kitties look cozy and much loved and it's great to Jacob and even better that he is eating out of an Edwardian bowl! I miss you buckets and we must speak this week!
    LOVEYOULOTS!!!!!
    XXOXOXOXOOXOXOX

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  24. I fell in love with the stand full of vintage prints *_*

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  25. I feel I should stop commenting because I say the same things over and over- you look amazing- your stuffs look amazing- how i'd love to drink and eat and shop with you, and how fun your rails look. Oh, and that cooter and your kitties- adorbs.

    I may not say it this time but rest assured I am thinking it.

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  26. Ah, I live with the dream of making it to your shop one day! You look glorious as per always, glad your death has been exaggerated and all. Thanks for sharing the love with Vis Monday!

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  27. The full-on vintage family, pets included! My cats are all very partial to a crochet blanket too.
    Your stall always looks amazing, so tempting and interesting, and you and Jon must be the friendliest sellers at any event you go to. Jon looks most dapper, and your jumpsuit is stunning. So pleased you did well, and that selling at fairs has taken off brilliantly for you.
    I love the frock Desiree sent you, such a pretty shape and print, and the headband will be perfect for Glastonbury.
    Can't wait to see your jumble sale and vintage fair treasures! xxxxx

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  28. Your clothes rails look so inviting, glad you had another great weekend event. You looked lovely in your dress, and Jon looked very dapper too.

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  29. You should have had me there, I am terrible about tidying up after people in shops, it was something I used to do when little, it drove my mum mad! "They pay people to do that!" she always used to say!
    And you're both looking rather fab, Jon's cutting rather a dash there!

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  30. So pleased that your fair was a success Vix, I'm sure all the work feels worthwhile when you pocket lots of lolly. Another fab parcel this week, what a pretty frock and it looks great with the pink tights. Stephen Squirrel is obviously a discerning moggie and knows quality when he sees it.

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  31. Really glad that you're doing so well at the Vintage fairs, wish we had some down this way :(

    Lx

    www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk

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  32. Glad the fair was a success. I must say your rack of women's clothes looks very tempting.
    I love the animal photos and your tortoise is so cute.

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  33. What a lovely parcel to receive, if you could get some sunshine sent our way *sigh* sick of the snow here. Glad the fair is going well for you, even if it is manic lol
    V
    xxx

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  34. Glad it went so well, looking lovely as always,
    Love the description of vintage fairs as rugby in fifties florals that vv made in her comments - hut the nail on the head perfectly!!

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  35. I wish I could go to one of your fairs!

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  36. So stylish ! great blog !
    I'm followin you now.

    xx



    http://www.thetrendysurfer.com/


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  37. How I would love to join you in the jumble, ahhhhhhhhhh
    Well, anywhere.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  38. Well done you on another successful day of selling your wares. Your cats are gorgeous but your Turtle is oh so cute.

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  39. We don't even have vintage fairs here-- such a small percentage of people actually wear vintage :(
    I wish we had more vintage jumbles and all that.
    Glad it was a great day and I can't wait to see your finds,
    Becky :)

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  40. Your stall looked wonderful - as did you (naturellement.) Love the photos of your pets - especially super cute Polly Piglet.

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  41. Wow, that gorgeous dress Desiree sent you, how bloody beautiful. Stephen squirrel has great taste, I would have plumped for that Jaeger shawl too. Xx

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  42. It's wonderful to hear that you had such a successful fair, but with your fine eye in collecting curating pieces I don't think there is ever and doubt of your success. You both look particularly amazing and dressed the part for the fair.

    I love seeing peaks of our fur babies. But I'm particularly fond of Jacob, although I didn't have tortoises as a child I did have pet turtles and I'm rather fond of them and their relatives.

    It's always nice to be spoilt from our blogging buddies, he midi dress looks wonderful on you.

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  43. You look fab Hun, so glad it was a successful day! Will have to come to one of your fairs one day! Xxxxx

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  44. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO such magnificence you are in that divoon chiffony jumpsuit! POsitively dreamy!
    YAY for being swamped!!! Godo for business, that, and hardly surprising, given that you're a pair of sexy bints with the best wares to grace the Midlands!!!
    The pookies are all snuggly and adorable, and I can't believe Jacob is up already?! Crikey, he's after some action!
    Your Parcel of Joy is rather covetable; the frock being sooooo gorgeous! Beautiful fit, I love the style of it.
    Love the style of YOU!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  45. Oh, that chiffon jumpsuit was just made for you. Gor-juss. ::sigh:: :D Oh, how I wish we had a vintage fair. Big yay that menswear was a hit! Such beautiful goodies..and such beautiful babes!

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  46. wouuu, love that fabulous orange floral piece you've worn to attend the fair, you look so gorgeous! and all that clothes you were selling look really delightful and appealing!
    And love that floral dress from your pretty parcel of joy, you're a spring dream!!
    besos & jumbles

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  47. Glad to see that Jacob is nearly out of hibernation - though I have to say that I feel quite the reverse, as though the bitter mornings are increasing the impulse to creep under a duvet.
    I'm going to keep repeating that I wish I'd been there, riffling through the rack of goodies on your stall until I actually DO manage to get to one of the events you're selling at. I will, I will, I WILL!

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  48. Oh, I would love to have been there to visit your stall. Loads of marvellous goodies I see. xx

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  49. Well done! Loved having the Jon fashion rundown- NIiiiiiiiiiice trousers!!!! You look stunning and I am glad you had a successful day!!! When's and where's your next one- am determined to get to one sometime!x

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  50. I am positively DROOLING over the sight of your clothes racks! I can see at least 5 dresses I'd like to buy there! And how lovely to see more of your adorable kitties - both little heartbreakers. Jacob is less my cup of tea, but what a sweet old gent he is too.

    That midi length really suits you Vix, another dress I want to snatch off your back! You and dapper Jon must be the most stylish couple in the Midlands by far!

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  51. You look gorgeous Vix, I am glad that you had a good day, good spot next to the tea room. Jon looked so handsome too, I love his clothes.
    Wish I was close enough to stop by and look at all your goodies. Love your kitties too, I have four, all very senior in age now.
    Love and take care, Pam in TX xx

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  52. You bowled The Stylist over with your gorgeous, massive bindi, I tell you that girl's gonna making a beeline for India at the first chance she gets - you've inspired her! Your jumpsuit is fecking amazing baby and I am SO, SO happy your stall was raided by the hoards of buyers. You and Jon work so damn hard at this game and people don't know the half of what it takes to run a stall! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!! The dress fits perfectly darling, I love it - I fell in love with the covered buttons and snatched that baby up, knowing full well you needed a parcel of sunshine:) xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  53. Oh oh I am trying so hard to look at all the dresses on the rack, I wish I could jump in the computer and have a good rummage through. Of course I would neatly pop them back, what is with people. I was the same on Sunday at the fair.
    The dress for Desiree is so pretty I just love it.
    Oh pussy-cats, they always know when something new comes into the house. It must be claimed and sat on, I am sure its in there DNA.
    Jon was looking very dapper.
    Happiness to you both Love V

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  54. I loved seeing your pets :) I

    Really love the dress your wearing at the fair and all your goodies look great wish I could smell the soap though! Xx

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  55. So glad you did well at the Vintage Fair - more travel funds!! You both look super stylin' so no wonder everyone was over at your booth.

    I love seeing photos of Jacob - I think it's wonderful you have a turtle...and of course, the kitties are cute as buttons.

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  56. So so nice to see the whole family of pets!

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  57. I wish I could have been there to look through that wonderful rack of frocks - looks like some great stuff! I like the dress Desiree sent you - so pretty and bright. And I love seeing pictures of everyone's cats! I'm sure the cat-lover bloggers must outnumber the dog-lover bloggers by about 10 to 1!!

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  58. The colorful chiffon jumpsuit is truly magnificent on you, and that is quite the parcel of joy from Desiree. The love of vintage makes the world go round!

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  59. I don't know what else to say: I LOVE YOU VIX!!! I always get a breath of fresh air from you and I love all your glorious pics. I can only imagine the havoc that your customers make. I used to work retail and I was always amazed at how they would leave the dressing room a complete mess for me to pick up. I do my best to be respectful, as a result.

    Have a wonderful week!!!

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  60. I can see why people go gaga over your clothing stall....you have the best taste, so I'll bet every item is covet-able! I dream of rummaging through your stock. You look just gorgeous in that jumpsuit, & hooray to a parcel of joy from Desiree! Xx

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  61. You are truly a vintage girl by virtue of having that ubiquitous 70's pet - the tortoise xxx

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  62. Your outfit has cheered me up on this rather grey day. I love all of the pets, Jacob looks awesome. I don't think we'd be allowed another pet as our cat thinks the world revolves around her! Xx

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  63. So glad you are feeling better hun, these bugs are really knocking us all about at the mo!

    Sounds like you had a great days sales, just whats needed to make you feel better... money that can be added to your india fund?

    Loving the dress you were sent in your lovely parcel. I am sure that made you smile.

    X x

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  64. Alexandra thinks its so cool you have a turtle named Jacob!

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  65. Glad you had such a successful sale, Vix. I love that spring-like midi dress - so pretty and feminine! Your pets are a joy to see - so lovely. That Polly Piglet is a beaut and looks like a real personality. xoxo

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  66. My you're a busy little Vixen! I'm so glad you're vintage selling is doing so well! You certainly have a great eye, and more and more people will realise this, so you'll get more and more clients making happy purchases! The kitties look so comfy! And Jacob reminds me that my grandmother had a tortoise growing up in NYC that used to wander the flat! (Until they moved to the "country" which was Brooklyn!) May the biz keep growing and growing! XXX

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  67. I'm so pleased for you, that all that hard work you put in was worth it. It sounds like an amazing success. It does feel quite exhilarating when it is busy, doesn't it? Your rail of clothes is making me drool.

    I love your outfit, and you look the picture of health and vitality.

    That is such a lovely picture of Jacob! Little cutie (goes without saying that I love the P Cats. How chilled do they look?) xxxx

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  68. aww Stephen and Jacob are so cute...gorgeous little kitties.
    Stephen has pretty eyes and I love Jacob's markings.

    I love your 70's spring midi dress its gorgeous x

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  69. Sorry I meant Polly Piglets markings not Jacobs lol.

    Jacob is cute too I love tortoises x

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  70. i know those markets are hard work ... but i really miss my little market my friends and i used to organize. i'd love to crawl on the floor to pick up clothes ... to have it back :)
    everytime i enjoy looking at you market pictures so much.

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  71. Ahhh, it's so nice to see Jacob eating his fruit and veggies. In fact it was great to see the whole family. Everyone looking quite smashing. Perhaps you could take a before and after shot of your sales so we can see how people leave it? Congrats on having good sales though. Desiree's gifts look to be a real treat.

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  72. With such a gorgeous spring dress the summer must be here really soon. (I hope). You look so pretty in it.
    Love your cats! Our Dodge also love to crumble on my new bought stuff and fall asleep on it. Then I have a fury dress when she wakes up. :)
    And Jacob is so cute. Hope for him that the sun will come out soon.
    xxxx

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  73. Stephen Squirrel and Polly Piglet are just the cutest. And as for Jacob - what an absolute chap. You have the most endearing animal friends Vix xxx

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  74. Amor,
    Wish you the best in you new adventure! looks likeyou and Jon are having lots of fun with your fur babies. Look at all the gorgeous dresses.

    Besotes

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  75. What a pretty spring dress! Also, yay for kitties! They look so cozy :) I am trying to type this with Watson on my lap right now.

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix