Tuesday 10 July 2012

Picture This - Me, A Self-Timer & A New Frock



Jon's off on a road trip down London way picking up car parts (owning one of only 350 registered VW Type 4 Variants in the UK means that spares are rarer than hen's teeth) so I thought that it was high time I mastered the self-timer setting on my camera having owned it since 1999.


In the absence of a tripod I made do with a dressmaking dummy and a coat hanger, hence there's more wall than me but do feel free to admire my patchwork curtains (hand made by me!)


It's rather empowering to shoot myself rather than distract Jon with my posing.


Remember this original 1960s Avon lipstick Alice sent me? I'm wearing it today and it's a fabulous alternative to my current love, Barry M's shade 52.


Clare sent me a link to an ace hair tutorial last week, this is my first attempt. HERE it is if you fancy a go.


Escaping to another world reading on the day bed, trying to ignore the rain lashing down outside.


Fascinating stuff, thanks Jo


Barry M Mint Green nail paint worn with a turquoise ring from Sarah and one of Mum's 1960s perspex Biba beauties I inherited.


The mega perspex stripey Biba ring was something she used to wear when she was expecting me in 1966, she always said that she needed cheering up after getting knocked up in the Swinging Sixties, at 23 she should have been out there having a ball. Hmmmm, wonder who I inherited my non-existent maternal streak from? 



The kitchen was the only place I could balance the camera and get the whole of my latest frock in the frame.


I swooped on it last week in Banardos, bargain or what?


I'm linking to Lakota's Ta-dah Tuesday as I'm feeling rather pleased with my new found skill.
Now I'm off to do some blog reading as I'm way behind.

See you soon!

83 comments:

  1. Beautiful dress, and I love the hair do. If anyone is going to cheer me up on a miserable old day like this, it's definitely Vix! ;) xx

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  2. Love the dress xx And the patchwork curtains are divine!

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  3. Oh my, I am so in love with this dress! It's beautiful, so beautiful and you look gorgeous in it. It puts me in mind of a dress my nan had, though it's entirely the length and the sleeves that are similar. It might have had ribbon trim too, I'll have to investigate further.

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  4. That is an EPIC dress! Great colour, cut and looks fab on you (as always).

    Love the fact you did your own photos - mum went through a phase of making us have family shots using the self-timer. Inevitably it went off late so they would be terrible - some of the best ones are of us laughing hysterically at the absurdity of it all! x

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  5. I really can't believe that you got that beauty only for 1,99!! I love your self portraits and I'm glad to see other bits of your wonderful house! The curtains you've made are so beautiful and I really like all the pictures on your wall! Another masterpiece is the photo of you while reading a book, it totally reminds me of a painting, the lights and the colors are breathtaking!
    Lots of love!!
    xxxx

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  6. Cannot believe that bargain of a dress £1.99 - unbelievable! Looks fabulous btw and love the pic of you sitting by the window looking very demure. Your book looks a much better read than 50 Shades

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  7. PS
    Forgot to say 'well done' on self-timer pics, not easy as Curtise and I can attest. xx

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  8. You look radiant amor!
    This frock is beyond gorgeous, love the sleeves and the color matches your make up.
    In love with your Mama's rings!
    I always threaten Buddy that I will use the self timer ,but chicken out in the end. I love snooping into your house.The picture of you reading is a work of art.
    Besotes

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  9. You're looking very Pre-Raphaelite in the window, Vix! I'm glad you're enjoying the Lady Lawrence book. I loved her descriptions of the flora and fauna in the areas she lived and visited.

    I have the same self-timer problems -- not being able to find a place where there is enough light and the camera actually captures more than half of me.

    The dress is amazing and for that price! Love the curtains, too. The formidable rings are a perfect compliment to that dress.

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  10. Love the rings, how fab that you have some of your Mums from the 60`s. I love your makeup and the lippy is so cheerful.
    Dx

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  11. Looks like you are having fun learning new camera tricks! I love it when I discover something new on mine.

    Loving you rings. That turquoise one is gorgeous!

    Great bargin on the dress and love your hair too really pretty.

    Hope you have a lovely few relaxing days whilst Jon is on his roadtrip!

    P x

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  12. Great dress and nice job mastering the self timer.
    I am sooooooo jealous of your high ceilings.

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  13. woah. I'm loving the skills! I love the nail varnish lots! :)

    And that head band is amazing. I want! <3

    I hope Jon makes it back in one piece! :)

    xo
    p.s. just about to send you an email! :)

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  14. Super dress, next skill to master is photoshop, then you could have a pointy medieval princess hat too:)

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  15. Dress is gorgeous, particularly in love with the sleeves.
    Hair looks lovely.
    xx

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  16. awesome dress. Love the wizard sleeves, and such a price!

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  17. Love the dress--I think I wore it to a fall formal at school when I was 16!!
    Best camera thingy I've done was snatch up a $10 professional camera tripod at the Goodwill!!

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  18. What a groovy frock! No doubt bringing some colour to an otherwise grey day! I love your tales of using a self timer, I simply don't get it so I've given up using it!

    Glad you're enjoying my Peru pics - the blue sky was divine, but sadly not too warm! x

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  19. That dress is a stunner, Vix - and £1.99? What a bargain! Stunning colour and print, and sleeves to DIE for!
    Oh I have such a laugh with the self-timer - better now I've got the tripod and don't have to balance the camera precariously on some inappropriate surface, but finding the right place/light etc is always a problem, especially when it's so bloody gloomy. You've done great, I always love a sneaky peek around your home! xxxxxxx

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  20. Oh how fun to peek inside your home like this! That photo of you on the day bed is wonderful. It should really be framed.
    I've asked the hubby a couple of times to snap some photos for me but I usually don't like them as well. I guess I prefer the privacy of taking them myself. You did a great job!

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  21. Great first attempt! it is not easy! i usually fix the framing of my pics after the shoot-
    Stunning new frock Vix!
    Love the color!

    Take care lovely

    Ariane xxx

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  22. Great work with the self-timing! The dress is FABULOUS! Love the sleeves. And the lip-stick is the perfect shade! x

    missmilliemae.blogspot.co.uk

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  23. You continue to be Queen of the best frocks, for the best price! I love your look - you look like a funked out Maid Marian, yet almost Victorian as you pose on the couch. You're lucky to have a mannie who snaps such great pics of you but it's always nice to master a new technical skill - I didn't learn how to use the same function until I moved to the UK, after three years of blogging, LOL!

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  24. I really love the fullness of those bell sleeves, and what a gorgeous peach colour! A job well done I'll say with the self-timer! -xxoo

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  25. Those sleeves! Gorgeous. Look how the self timer lead you to to so many rooms of your home. We got a great tour. Take care beautiful woman.

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  26. Ooh, that dress is a-maze-ing! The sleeves, the sleeves! What a bargain. I love that you're so unpretentious about the equipment you use to take pics. It just shows how you don't need to be a semi-professional photographer to run an awesome blog. I usually use a bit of blutack on a coaster for my timed pics.

    I've said it before but I'll say it again, I love your house! Do you ever get asked to rent it out for photoshoots etc? The pic of you daydreaming on the daybed makes me so jealous!

    Lucy xx

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  28. ONLY TWO QUID!? How do you do it? Always love seeing your creepy children paintings wall in blog posts too :D I sometimes see them at carboots and have to resist buying them seeing as I have no room on my walls in my bedroom, too covered in dresses and art postcards!
    xxxx

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  29. Oh wow, I love the dress, it's perfect to flounce around in front of a self timer with! I often dabble with my self timer, it's not an exact art, but yours have turned out just dandy! Xx

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  30. Well done on getting the self timer to work on the camera, some great shots, esp without a tripod. Loving your dress and those lovely coffee pots and pans. My daughter lent me "An Education" DVD yeasterday and I got all excited when the girl visits her teacher flat and she has the same pans as me in the background LOL. Been to a second hand shop tonight getting a unit to sell the eggs in and he was giving away free videos so I bagged Hideous Kinky and about to go watch that, so enjoy Ta~dahs, crack open the rum and hopefully Mr.Postie will be visiting you again in about 3 days time xx

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  31. it's a pretty colorful dress, love its sleeves!, and also love all your accessories and headpiece, so cheering up color combo!
    And it's funny to experiment with self timer, and look for any object to use as a tripod!. I'm used to put my camera on benches, litter bins or whatever!
    besos

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  32. Wow! I am so glad you loved the lippy, and that it found its way to you. You know it’s no easy skill balancing a camera and working the self-timer so well done on that. I’m sorry for being so distant lately. I’ve missed your energy and kind spirit, you always manage to inspire me and make me value the good things xxx

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  33. Superb job with the self photos, Vix. I'm still trying to work up to it. You're floating in this heavenly coral maxi and the photo on the day bed should be framed! I always love to see the artistry displayed in your home.

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  34. Well done on mastering the self-timer. I always seem do make do with 1 shot when I'm taking up someone else's time but can do 60 on the self-timer and not be happy with any of them! Fab frock and I wish I was you reading on a day bed rather than working in the bank on a rainy day! xx

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  35. That dress is dreamy! Good job with the self timer. I tried mine today and after a total melt down, my son appeared to push the button. I can't get the focus thing down. But then you're working with a more photogenic subject! Love the look, as always.

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  36. Well, it gives you that extra freedom.
    I should try, but Victor complains, but them is proud, so...
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Looking gorgeous

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  37. Just-get-away-from-the-cooker-now!!! With those sleeves???????

    Seriously, what a gorgeous, bargain, floaty, swishy frock - and great results with your self-timer! Don't make Jon feel too redundant though;)

    Love your mum's stripy ring - and as we've seen in your photos, having babies didn't detract from her style one bit.... xx

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  38. Great job with the self timer! I take most of my photos with it and I still feel awkward most of the time...

    That orange dress is amazing and I don't think anyone else would be able to pulle it off but you!

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  39. I thought your ta-dah was that you'd learned to levitate! It definitely looks like it in the kitchen picture ;-)

    Good skills with the camera, does Jon know he's now surplus to requirements? (or is it him who's the dab hand at curry making?)
    Great frock too

    x

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  40. teehee hee, you did well orange/peach lady! I love seeing orange clothing- not very many people wear it do they? =) The lipstick looks wonderful too. Making the most of those gorgeous sleeves- so cool.
    The rain was beautiful in London today- maybe John thought so? It's funny though, different parts of London get different weather at different times. It was all widely spaced, so you could enjoy it and not get wet at all. pretty warm too.

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  41. I do not believe it, I have the exact same green coffee pot as you!!!! How cool is that?? Loving your make shift tripod, and the gorgeous flowing frock. I have always wanted a balinese day bed.

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  42. oh no >.< I didn't mean to give Jon an h! silly me!

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  43. Oh my! What a beautiful dress! It is utterly glorious! What is it made out of!? I am utterly envious! Well done on the timer! I was so happy when I learnt to use mine! My tripod is a stepladder! I've had a few camera accidents when it swayed (on uneven patio) in the and camera plummeted onto concrete! Ahrgh!

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  44. I love this dress!! and so cheap! I love your house, it looks so interesting. I love the romantic photo of you by the window and you seem to be floating in the one by the cooker! That hair braid really suits you too! so much to love in this post! xxxxxx

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  45. That is such a Gorgeous dress! Possibly my Favorite! I am also Loving your home decor. Just Gorgeous!

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  46. WOMAN, GIVE ME THAT DRESS! Gahhhh I am in love with those fabulous bell-shaped sleeves. You look freakin' awesome as ever! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  47. Look at this gorgeous frock! And I can't get over that clock in your kitchen-- amazing!!

    xoxo
    Remy
    mydailythreads.blogspot.com

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  48. the dress is stunning on you! love the color and the sleeves.

    good work on the self timer too.
    i don't have one but i really should get one.

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  49. Excellent job with the self-timer and make-shift tripod! The shape of that dress is rather witchy, but then the peachy colour balances it out. The photo of you in the window sitting on the day bed is beautiful - nicely done! It's fun to see you in bright coloured plastic rings instead of your trademark silver.

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  50. Well done with the photos - you look smashing and your house is as amazing as ever! And the frock is simply gorgeous and i again can`t believe the price!
    Things are so busy with rescuing animals right now, so sorry for my absence - but i do check your posts every day (especially loved your video antics!) just not always have the time to comment - can barely keep up with updating my own blog!
    My full admiration as always)

    >'.'<

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  51. Great eyeshadow, dress, poses, views of your kitchen...where do I stop? Congrats on the self timer!! The photos have a different feel and are a fun change.

    You look lovely and I'd never know it was raining unless you told me!!

    Have a great week!!

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  52. This dress is a magnificent find! You wear as it should be worn. I love the photo of you with a book at the window, another era. And in one photo you seem to mirror the woman in the painting behind you, who is also wearing a shade of sherbet tangerine. Good job on the self-timer!

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  53. LLLLOOOLLLL re the 1960s lippy. I had a red one that I wore for 20 years (a really thick matt red, you didn't need much). And even though it developed an odd smell, I kept wearing it - and didn't die. But your 50-year-old lippy takes the cake. I. LOVE. IT.

    Your house is gorgeous.

    xxx

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  54. I get so jealous! Lovely dress! ... console myself that the dress would be too short for me.

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  55. Oh my gosh you look gorgeous that dress was a steal! And I swear that is the same lipstick my nonna wore I used to sneak in her bathroom and put it on. This darn allergic rash I have I can't wear makeup or nail polish I have to be all au natural! Play dress up for me please! Love your pics and ugh I am still drooling over that dress xx Heather

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  56. I love those pictures - like a "Through The Keyhole".
    I wished I was there - reclining on that sofa reading a book with the rain lashing down and looking as fabulous as you.
    Great work witht he timer.
    Sadly, working out how to use my timer was one of my greatest moments.

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  57. It's a gorgeous dress and I love the sleeves. I'm impressed with your photos, especially the one by the window.

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  58. Oh wow! Vix, you look like one of thos pre-Raphaelite muses, or Guinevere or the Lady of Shallot only much more cheerful! Beautiful dress!

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  59. You look fabulous. I love your mum's perspex rings. That dress is to die for. You almost look like you're floating above the ground in the kitchen pic.

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  60. Ooh you look so pretty! that dress looks great on you! Your home looks very cozy too, I Love it :)

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  61. Wow awesome bargain on the dress, its gorgeous! :)

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  62. That was a bargain and it looks great!

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  63. Vix that dress is amazing! I love how you've styled it with the headband and rings.

    Sarah
    {amongthedancers}

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  64. I always stare at your house open-mouthed! It's amazing! Thanks so much for the bulgaria tips and i might have to track the lipstick down ;)
    Sophie
    x

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  65. Fantastic dress! I need to tackle the self timer too - the novelty of taking mummy's photos has worn off my kids.

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  66. Fab dress, sleeves like that are always a winner! Not as easy to pose by oneself, don't you think?

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  67. Your house looks fab! Although not as fab as your dress =)
    xx

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  68. Ha ha, your mum sounded like me. I'm not amazingly maternal despite having the two boys.

    Caroline
    xxx

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  69. Vix I miss you more that Helga is here!!!! It seems weird your not! Congrats on taking your own pictures I swear these are some of the best. This dress is angelic, you scored AGAIN!!!!! I love the sleeves the colors and it fits like a dream! I also think I will frame the picture of you reading it feels like its from another time and it makes me feel peaceful looking at it. Have you ever heard of a gorilla camera stand? You should look at getting one.
    GUESS WHAT I GOT YESTERDAY!!!!! Your package while the girls were here!! The dress is a beauty and I will model it soon and the polish and lipstick, I LOVE Thanks!!!!!!!! I miss you Vix!!!!! I'm away this weekend but we will talk next week for sure!!!
    Loveyoumorethanbloggermeetups~ ok maybe as much :)
    Krista

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  70. Another gorgeous dress!! You're a definite magnet for finding such gems. Lovely shots of your house too, I love having a snoop around.

    P.S. Hope Jon's parts buying trip turns up the goodies. xxx

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  71. Wow, medieaval babe! Gorgeous dress, one of my faves! Thanks for the card x

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  72. TaDah indeed! Brill pics, lovely hair and nails and a great dress - you are a ray of much needed sunshine! xxx

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  73. this dress ... aaaaah, ohhhhh, aaaah (sound people make when they wathc fireworks) ... woderfull, fabulous, stunning ...

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de

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  74. I don't think you could look bad if you tried. Love the dress and how you styled it. And your nail polish and lipstick choices are like a good read- riveting and novel! (get it, NOVEL- as in, I like to make ban puns!)

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  75. oh you look so fabulous, this is probably my new favourite dress of yours! the colour looks great with your dark hair i love this medieval sleeves, just breathtaking gorgous!
    kiss,mary

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  76. Oh that is peachy heaven!!! The sleeve are amazing.
    Yay to self timers and gorgeous photographs of the beautiful Vix.
    Rats I wish my hair was long to do this. Yours looks great.
    Love v

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  77. What a glorious bargain that dress is, and just perfect for some Summery floating about!

    I also love that you have mastered the use of the self timer and look so serene! Whenever I try the timer function, I end up looking angry, scared or just completely out of focus, though it does mean I can be a little more silly with the poses without the other half laughing his head off which makes up for the mostly shocking photos:) xx

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  78. Such a stunning frock and I love the photo of you sitting down reading, so charming.

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  79. Love the treasure you found. Great art at your place too.

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  80. You look so relaxed and happy posing in your beautiful floaty frock, pottering about the house while the rain lashes outside. I can see you having a lovely lark with the timer and your fabulous outfits in future! xxxxx

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  81. You look so relaxed and happy posing in your beautiful floaty frock, pottering about the house while the rain lashes outside. I can see you having a lovely lark with the timer and your fabulous outfits in future! xxxxx

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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