Monday 21 April 2014

Bank Holiday Business


When you're a vegetarian, self-employed atheist without a single sweet tooth in your head then the  Easter bank holiday weekend is little more than a minor inconvenience. I'm not interested in roast dinners & chocolate eggs, B&Q (the DIY chain) is shut and there's sod all on the telly.


As a seller, weekends mean vintage fairs regardless of the date. I gave my Ossie Clark an outing to Bridgnorth on Saturday and bumped into the stylish original owner. She told me that she'd only ever worn my maxi once, for a dinner whilst on holiday in Sorrento.


Despite there being over 800 customers through the door I had just enough time to swoop on this groovy cape sleeve 1970s blouse from my friend Beccy's stall.


The rest of the weekend has been spent doing housework, rearranging stuff and clearing out cupboards - uncharacteristic but for good reason.


I got chatting to a freelance interiors journalist in Stockport last weekend. She's interested in featuring our house in a magazine. At the moment the public have an insatiable interest in quirky, colourful homes created on a rock-bottom budget.

That'll be us, then!


A foray into the cloakroom of doom led to the rediscovery of this - a 1969 portable Sony TV which was in Jon's grandparents' caravan when he was little. Its still in perfect working order, maybe it'll make the crap on the TV a little more interesting.


Who needs the hassle of bank holiday car boot madness - all screaming kids, greasy beefburgers and traffic chaos - when you can find stuff in your house for free?

1970s blouse (Twist & Pout Vintage) worn with satin paisley maxi (courtesy of Helga), silver velvet platform boots and loads of bastard jewellery.

I'm an unabashed bank holiday hater and proud of it.

Linking to Patti & the gang over at Visible Monday.


83 comments:

  1. YESSS ! I'm the first one this time !!!
    Very nice skirt you're wearing , as always !
    Fantastic to be approached for a magazine article , your unique interior deserves it , Vix ...

    Magical greetings

    ~La Dryada~

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  2. By the way , love the pictures with all that green , the tree and the ivy ...

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  3. Gorgeous outfit and house m'dear! Unfortunately I love all the chocolate rocking around (dont judge me!) Xx

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  4. A magazine feature! Now that's exciting. Can't wait to see it :) xx

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  5. First time of visiting your blog and just know you'll love this ladies home. http://advancedstyle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/sue-kreitzman-in-living-color.html
    I love this ladies coats.
    Briony
    x

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  6. I'm so excited for you about the magazine shoot! I'm sure you'll be featured before me as I still have so much work to do. Your place is photo shoot ready.
    I'm glad the fair was well attended. HOw amazing to meet the original owner of your dress! We went to the most dreadful car boot yesterday. No one was there! Should've had a lie in. xxx

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  7. Ha! Gotta say I used to feel the same about Bank Holidays until I started working full time. Now I love my four days off whatever the weather and reason to celebrate, or not in our case..tragic eh?!
    That blouse in as absolute stunner. Just perfect and I love the Ossie frock on you. How exciting that you and your home will be featured. Funnily enough, the other day my hubby was wondering when the style mags would come calling at yours. Excellent stuff.
    See ya soon, gorgeous.xxxxxxxx

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  9. As you know I braved the boot fairs, thanks to chocolate at home there were very few kids about, a result!! Not sure I'll brave the may or august BH's tho

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  10. The first photo is lovely, such a happy smile! Agree about bank hols but Easter is better than Christmas, it is Spring and the bluebell woods are beautiful this year.

    I remember those small tellys, oh how I wanted one and in 1970 I got one. I remember the programme I loved best - Owen MD - with the adorable Megs Jenkins. Theme music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2R2AobSNQk

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  11. Forgot, oh no! Please let us know which fortunate magazine is going to 'do' your house, must get the copy it's in.

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  12. I can't get enough of you and your rad thrifty style. Don't blame others for wanting to quench their quirky thirst either! I hope you share the pics of your homes sweet feature.

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  13. Know how you feel. I am a vegetarian, agnostic and non-chocolate lover but I have enjoyed my carnivorous, hedging their bets, chocolate loving family around me.
    Love the yellow dress and hope to see your home in the magazine soon. Xx

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  14. You look like the cat that got the cream in that first photo; or in your case, the fabulous groovy 70s blouse and the magazine photo shoot!
    Of course your house should be featured, it's colourful, full of personality, inviting and beautiful. Just like you, in fact. And not just arranged that way for a magazine feature either - even if the dust-free state is!
    It's a treat to see that Ossie Clark frock again and hear a bit more about its heritage - from Sorrento to Bridgnorth!
    Love Jon's cool little TV - what other treasures lurk in the Cupboard of Doom? Better get that sorted out, what if the interiors folk want to look in it?!
    Love you! xxxx

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  15. The best things in life really are free. I am Free to adore you!! Your house, your wardrobe, your philosophy. However, you are so amazing you should get PAID for your awesomeness. Love you maxis always.

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  16. Aaaa thats why you keep yourself in such good shape - no chocolat !
    Sadly i got a BIG sweet toth ....
    gorgeous as always you rock my world ..
    xxx

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  17. ohh - that blouse is gorgeous! very interesting cut!
    and fun print!
    as said - we don´t do the the consumerist side of the holidays. just our own animistic festivities.
    and in a tourist region like ours it´s very clever to stay at home, because of the "subterranean" masses.....
    but hubby talked me into a trip on sunday, it almost ended with me killing some bier drunken honks.....
    instead we fled to a silent landscape away from the folks. puh.
    xxxx

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  18. You're fabulous in the yellow Ossie, Vix! Congrats on your home being singled out - it's no surprise, what with all your treasures and creativity. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.

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  19. I entirely agree about bank holidays and the religious bit , wish i could say the same about chocolate and roast dinners though, we always stay at home and save our traveling for less busier times , you look beautiful in your yellow dress xxx

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  20. Yeah, when you are self-employed, bank holidays do feel a bit redundant. It's a small price to pay i guess for the satisfaction of doing what you love. How wonderful to hear the story of the Ossie Clark. Had you met the owner before, I seem to think you had a few of her pieces? Or did she recognise the dress? Exciting re the magazine shoot. Your house is perfect for a lovely article. Wonder which mag it will end up in? They did my old house and honestly, it was the cleanest it ever was. I remember cleaning down the side of the cooker! That telly is fabulous, and you still have the MANUAL! Amazing. Xxxxx

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  21. I also agree about the first two, but I'm afraid I'm a chocoholic!
    We did bypass the ham though and had a cook out instead! Then watched "Frozen" my daughters Easter basket gift! Love that outfit by the way! :)

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  22. Hi there! Wow you look smokin hot in the Ossie it was made for you! Fabulous news on your house being featured!! xx

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  23. That cape blouse is gorgeous :D
    I'm glad you still managed to have fun. As for me, not being self employed, I enjoyed the time off and went travelling to Scotland. It's good to have a holiday without having to use my holiday entitlement. Good times!

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  24. Loving all the knick-knacks on top of that cabinet! Your home certainly is magazine-feature-worthy! :)

    P.S: Can I raid your jewelry box? <3

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  25. Your home so should be in a magazine! I would want them to do my housework as part of the deal!! I enjoyed the four day break because my lot were all around, but I stayed home when the shops were open because it is total madness. And op shops were closed!

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  26. I think you should have your own tv show, honestly, it would be such a hit, the magazine will put you out there, who knows maybe tv is next!!!I know, I know, I'm Canadian but we do get the BBC channel and I would watch for sure, and after a bit the big American channels would pick you up, the lack of a sweet tooth would be the answer to your beautiful figure, that and no greasy burgers, lol, keep doing what you do, please,

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  27. a magazine spread - how cool - totally deserved though - it would be awesome. Love the dress - enjoy everything being back to normal tomorrow!

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  28. You are a very funny lady, I love the peeks at your quirky house and your ability to make just about anything desirable and trendy... your picture wall is fab and your wardrobe - well, it has influenced me enough to be wearing maxi dresses again. I would love to see your house featured on tv. Betty

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  29. This could be my favourite post so far, but I know there are many, many more favourites to be coming down the pipe!

    For one sweet, short second, I thought you curled and coloured your hair, LOL. Um, nope...just a frothy boa around your neck! Honestly, my artist eyes just see things so weirdly sometimes!

    So excited to read about your upcoming feature! What a blast that will be!

    Love your new cape sleeve blouse, love knowing your yellow dress had an outing in Sorrento, love you!

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  30. I agree with Maureen and Curtise, you do look especially gorgeous in that first pic and very pleased with yourself (and so would I if I looked as good as you, I hasten to add) Loving the paisley maxi together with the new 70's blouse...v unusual! How exciting to have the gaff featured in a mag, I hope it's like Through The Keyhole.....who lives in a house like this ?? xxxxxx

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  31. The new blouse is fab...and you certainly did justice to the Ossie!!
    That is a o cool about being in a magazine!!!

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  32. Fabulous blouse Vix. So much nice stuff at the fair, just wish it had been after pay day!

    X x

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  33. Absolutely love the Seventies' cape(you look beautiful :), paired with that gem of a paisley # you look dynamite!

    X

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  34. Yay! I knew it would happen! Your home in a magazine is a must! :)

    You are such a beauty in both of these outfits! Very, very, very hot and smart lookin' gal! Love the colors of the blouse/skirt combo. Gorgeous in every way!

    How cute is Jon's little Sony! They will have to produce some new shows to translate on such cuteness.

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  35. 800 people...?? Bank Holiday madness then?! My holiday's consisted of wine, relaxing and ignoring the clock. Not quite as busy as yours! x

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  36. That yellow frock/feather boa combo is superb. Great new cape too.
    Good incentive to do some dusting if your house is to be featured in a magazine - very exciting . . .

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  37. How frigging awesome that your fabularse home will be in a magazine!! Very fecking awesome indeed! And timely.
    That Ossie Clark gives me the horn, most especially because of your hot cleavage!!! The boa is a divoon touch of madness!
    I do love that skirt, such a pretty print! Paisley forever!
    I've successfully managed to avoid Easter and the accompanying bollocks. It's just a few days off for me.
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  38. I went to the Emerging Artist Showcase at school and heard 4 of our lovely and talented soon to be grads singing and dance and prancing around the stage. All very talented young ladies, wonderful way to spend Easter (I do love chocolate)

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  39. Oh, I loved the bank holiday, because it meant one day less at school this week! The great thing about May is the bank holidays (although I wish they were on Tuesdays as I'd love to miss a Year 2 lesson rather than Year 6!)
    The cape is groovy man!
    And yes, the Smartie lid- I was trying to spell my name for years!x

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  40. I can't believe you have no sweet tooth. I'm a sugar addict.

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  41. LOL I loved your personal/blunt description of yourself.

    I love dark chocolate so any holiday that celebrates that sexy delight makes me happy.

    How brilliant is that when you were able to speak to the woman that owned that amazing yellow maxi? I would have loved to have seen a photo of the two of you together.

    Your house deserves to be in a magazine. I've been telling you that it truly is a little gallery/museum. Also you of course will be the centrefold of that issue. That goes without saying.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  42. Great blouse! Such an interesting style and print. And neat that you spoke to the woman who previously owned your cool dress. What are the chances of that, I wonder?

    That is pretty exciting that your home is going to be featured in a magazine!

    And I'm with those who like Easter for the chocolate, but for me it has been an acquired taste as it certainly wasn't something I particularly loved as a kid.

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  43. I love your smile in that first photo , it's so incredibly cute ~ has a kid in a candy store look to it !
    Happy :))

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  44. I love your new blouse ... the fabric is gorgeous. Keep us updated on the magazine feature ... sounds exciting :0)
    xx

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  45. Love that 1970's top,Vix! You look fantastic and hot in the yellow dress too! Congrats on your house being featured in a magazine.

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  46. The blouse is so unusual and perfect for your stylish self! And I LOVE the photo of you in the yellow dress! Divine perfection!!!

    Lots of love as always,
    Masha

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  47. I love how your house is an extension of your and Jon's personal style - so many people don't live like that, so sad. That's awesome that you'll be in an interiors magazine and you can show the world some madly successful alternatives to the prevailing do's and don'ts of interior design, a prescription for a joyful life. You look stunning in your Ossie and your new top and paisley maxi.

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  48. Lovely maxi! I can't wait to see the feature on your house, with the few bits and pieces I can see here on blog I am sure I am going to be in love x

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  49. The cape was a fabulous find! YOur home does look amazing Vix, so 'you' x

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  50. Not much of a sweet tooth over here either, but how lovely are those special pieces? that paisley maxi is gorgeous! Congratulations on the magazine feature! xx/Madison

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  51. you are a rainbow of joy on a very ....very ....dull day, thank you!!x

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  52. Sounds like Kinky Melon is doing fabulously - well done! I can't wait to read about your house xx

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  53. You Are A Gorgeous Woman! the cape blouse is fecking wonderful and your Ossie Clarke dress is divine, how fab the original owner told you of it's first adventure! so cool your house will be featured in a magazine, I'm excited! I was working Easter Sunday and had a curry Pot Noodle for lunch, I know, I'm classy!! x x x

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  54. LOVE you in your Ossie dress!
    I'm afraid I love bank holidays, roast dinners and chocolate!! Oh dear ... !
    Will be great to see your home (and you) in print.
    M x

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  55. LOVE that blouse! Looks amazing on you and love how you've styled it!

    mollymunslow.blogspot.co.uk xo

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  56. Here is ever worse, it is also Holly, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    We just staid home away from tourist and children, lol
    Looking fabulousssssssssssssss

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  57. Oh boo, I love bank holidays because it is an extra day off work!

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  58. Love your outfit Vix and your lipstick is a fab colour.
    Px

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  59. That blouse was a great find and it looks great paired with the maxi skirt. I adore your Ossie Clark maxi too, I'd love to find one in my size one day! I hate that everywhere is so busy on bank holidays so I never venture to the shops. I spent my bank holiday Sunday at a great 1960s all nighter and spent Monday sleeping! x

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  60. oooh i love that skirt miss Vix! We don't have bank holiday here, we have good Friday, which if you are a god lover, means EVEN MORE church then normal, which i hated when i was a kid - Church on friday could you imagine! Oh and apparently only eating either hot cross buns (yay) or fish (eeughkkk!) all day cause Jebus said we have to or something. One Good Friday i went to my boyfriends aunts house and they being catholic were only eating fish and i politely tried some but i couldn't bear it and could only eat rice with tomato sauce for the rest of the day. i would much rather a fair with vintage loot over fishy church days!

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  61. Now you'll be famous for sure all over the UK! I can say I slept in that bed:). You have me curious what are you working on?,!? I adore your shelf of doll love and I think your house is the only one besides mine I'd happily die in:). This blouse is so beautiful on you and I love all the green behind you.
    Thanks for the chat yesterday, I've missed you darling!
    All my love and then some!
    Xxxxxxxxxcxxx

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  62. So happy to have just received my "Vix Fix." The 70's blouse is magnificent and I'm hoping to see you home splashed across the pages of a magazine soon.

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  63. Ooh, how exciting to be featured in a magazine - it's being rewarded for your unique style!
    I have to admit, I often find things I'd forgotten about owning, but it's only ever clothes and shoes.

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  64. That 70's top is awesome. It's so you.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  65. Saw the most wonderful 70s maxi today and I thought of you - sadly it was too small for me, maybe once upon a time but now…….

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  66. I would even purchase an interior design magazine if your place was in it - that's so cool! I love what I've seen of your place in your blog, so I'm sure it will find a whole new bunch of admirers.

    You do look pleased as punch in that first photo, as would I, if I had snagged that cape-sleeved blouse. You look amazing in clothing with dramatic shapes like big sleeves and capes.

    I do love dark chocolate, and an extra day away from the office, so I had rather nice long weekend with no "Easter" stuff to worry about.

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  67. Mmm yes, another bank holiday hater here too. Your new blouse is fabulous, I love the print, very daring sleeves though! Love your Talk ups, I had one too. Dare I say it, yet again you have something in common with my mum, she has a glass top swan coffee table, just like your swan print in the white frame!

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  68. dear lady, this is another thing we share! I hate bank holidays, it's not a rest for me, it's like been send to the corner as a punishment!, bored!
    I hate all that compulsory stuff indeed!
    Love your cape sleeve shirt and your maxi, you look gorgeous and particularly glamourous!
    besos & fiesta

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  69. You're so blimmin' breathtaking in that Ossie Clark dress I think you should wear it every day, can't believe the previous owner only wore it once!

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  70. I apologise for not not remembering, but are you vegan? I only ask because I associate Easter with bunny rabbits laying coloured Easter eggs.
    Believe it or not I have a small portable Sony TV that looks very similar to that one, only I have no TV connections to watch the telly drivel over.
    Your yellow dress and gold satin paisley maxi both look lovely, and I love all the jewelry.
    Congratulations in advance on having the fab interior of your house featured in a magazine.
    Have a fab week and weekend.

    http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/

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  71. First ... There's my favorite Vix smile. I like it when you grin big!
    You look lovely in all your pieces (cool about the Ossie Clark provenance!) The cape sleeve blouse is an EXCELLENT piece. Beautiful on you.

    Then ... Bank Holidays! If they are the same there as here, I Hate 'um. We're always working weekends, and most of our income is held up an extra day, sometimes two because banks don't get to the credit cards until "whenever." I think banks ought to work on Sundays. I'm such a cow about that. What about the rest of us! Nobody respects MY religious holidays! Harumph.

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  72. I'm drooling over that paisley skirt and it looks so pretty with that blouse. Sorry, I'll wipe the drool off your skirt now.
    I am certainly an atheist, was vegan for several years, hate television, love chocolate but only the good quality kind. Can we be friends? ;-)
    I can cook some fantastic vegan dishes.

    I hope we will get to see the pictures of your home that are taken for the magazine. That would be awesome. After it is published of course.

    Happy non-religious Tuesday. Here in Canada it's Earth Day. I don't know if that is international or not.
    xo

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  73. Ooooh I wish it would have been a bank holiday here! I wouldn't have been paid, but I'd take a day off if it was offered. This was the first weekend in a long time where there was no thrifting. Now that's a sin!

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  74. Wow, a portable Sony TV? It is amazing that such things can still be found. Your house is ten times worthy to be featured in any magazine, it is so unique. Love your cape blouse, such a beauty.

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  75. Admitting to peering into every corner of your fascinating home that appears on this blog -- I'll further confess I'd pay for a tour of The Cloakroom of Doom.

    Whatever you do, don't hide the cats. One does like to see how others cope with cats...

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  76. Haha, you made me laugh so much. A vegetarian, atheist, self employed woman without a sweet tooth in her head, would indeed find Easter a huge bore lol. Unlike your home which is fantabulous. Have a wonderful week. V xxx

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  77. Great outfits , I hope your house appears in a magazine I will be the first to buy the mag, I love your house, best wishes xxx

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  78. I freaking love public holidays! But I work "normal" business hours - plus Easter is my favourite holiday. But I can see why it wouldn't mean much if you were self employed. I love your wee cape blouse thingee and that first photo of you is a stunner. Tell us more about your interior design type fame! I'm always envious of your house.

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  79. I hate bank holidays too, I always have to work! Having a good catch up of your blog today, would love to see your house featured in a magazine, it's beautiful and I feel like I've seen a lot of it already from what you have posted on your blog, but I'd love to see more! xxxx

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  80. You have style, darling, plain and simple. People want to know how you do it-hence the magazine article!! Congrats! :-) I happen to adore this particular outfit too. I love those little wings for sleeves!! XXXOOO

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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