Monday 30 December 2013

Picture This




These photos are proof that we are never invisible and no matter how mundane the mission, it always pays to dress up.
Updated to link to Judith's Hat Attack.


Little did I know that the smiley guy with the camera I wave at every week was taking surreptitious snaps of me and many other Walsall shoppers.


From the height of last Summer's heat wave to the coldest April in years,


and a blogger day out with Clare and Tania (waiting for Curtise's train to arrive). 





This is the real me - a chronic giggler and serial bargain hunter,


oblivious to the world at large when confronted by a 25p stall.





I can't say I'm that keen on today's photos but after battling with a gale to brave a girly lunchtime session in Wetherspoons I shouldn't expect much and the official blog photographer refused to take more than 5 photos this side of Goa. He says he's conserving his energy for the beach (and even a vintage silk scarf from a charity shop didn't win him round).


I adore my birthday tights from Krista but am loving the thought of bare legs for a month a lot more.

1960s St Michael blouse (the lovely Jo), 1960s suede mini (the elusive Liz), 1960s go-go boots (Kerrang K Boot 2011)

The bags are locked, the travel outfits are laid out on the bed (along with a liberal sprinkling of cat hair) and tomorrow's a day reserved for buffing, primping and pampering - this pasty, bedraggled chick has less than 36 hours to transform herself into a beach babe.

Have a fabulous start to 2014 and see you next year!

104 comments:

  1. happy new year my dear!!!
    great me india!

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  2. See you! Enjoy your trip! :)

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  3. Happy New Year! Enjoy that beach EXTRA for me, will ya?

    Personally, I think the photos are really cool - softer, somehow...they show a side of you that the official photographer doesn't always capture.

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  4. Yay for the smiley bloke...these are fabulous candid shots of you Vix. I love how he has captured you deep in thought. Krista's magic mushroom tights are insane! Have the most marvellous time and enjoy the sun on your bones...bliss. lots of lovexxx

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  5. Happy New Year both of you, have a fabulous time in Goa Vix, looking forward to the snaps to cheer up my February lol
    Val
    xxx

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  6. PS Ooops nearly forgot!
    HAPPY NEW YEAR. xx

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  7. Happy New Year to you Vix, have a fantastic trip and look forward to more fabulous outfits in 2014.
    xx

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  8. Have a most wonderful time and a bloomin' good rest too!
    If you get a chance can you email me your address and phone number. (Think the phone shop girl did a really bad job of transferring my numbers to a new SIM!)
    Here's to a fabulous 2014!
    Z xx

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  9. Love these candid shots - you can't help being gorgeous, even secretly! Have a fab trip and thanks for sharing with Visible Monday. xox

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  10. Wow Vix, those shots are wonderful, what a lovely, naturally sunny and smiley disposition you have! Sadly I think I'm afflicted with resting bitch face :( Have a fab holiday my dear, happy new year! xx

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  11. Happy new year and have a great trip !
    Xxx

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  12. Ha ... perhaps you should give your official blog photographer the sack and employ the smiley man with the camera ... those are some fantastic shots of you and your friends.
    I'm happy to see that my favourite boots got a day out before you escape to the warner weather.
    Have a great holiday and a fabulously Happy New Year.
    xx

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  13. Whar fabulous photos the secret snapper took of you. Count down to India is ON!!

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  14. That's great that this photographer has captured you in your native habitat for all to see.
    I adore that skirt and those boots and am loving those new tights. So glad to see the St. Michael's blouse again.
    The sooner you and Jon are away from this ghastly weather, the better. Bon voyage!

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  15. Oh you must be so excited! I'm excited for you!

    You look gorgeous even when you're windswept and oh my gosh! Those tights! I love them.

    Happy primpink and preening.
    Have a wonderful time away from this weather and a safe journey xx

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  16. I should most deifnitely remember to check my spelling BEFORE publishing comments. But I never do, and Primpink sounds like a much better word that primping anyway :) x

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  17. Have a great trip :-) and a fab new year

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  18. Can I just start this comment by saying that you will be missed while you're off-line, although of course your trip trumps all! I am so excited for you.

    And how neat is that, that you had all those shots snapped of you throughout the year. I love it!

    xoxo Safe and happy travels, my friend.

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  19. Happy New Year Vix! I hope you have a wonderful trip x

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  20. Get all that primping done and go forth and enjoy yourself! Happy New Year and have a fabulous trip. (BTW - love those candid pics of you!) XXX

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  21. What great surprise shots, Vix. Have a wonderful start of the New Year on the other side of the world! I'll just sit here freezing, awaiting your return...

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  22. Have a lovely time dear Vix x

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  23. You are the perfect poster child for dressing to express! Love this candid shots- you are gorgeous, but best yet you are YOU.
    Have a blast in Goa. Stay warm, wonderful. xo.

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  24. Happy New Year to you Vix! You are a paparazzi's dream!!!
    Have a wonderful time in India and I look forward to seeing splendid photos of your travels.
    All the best for 2014 xoxoxox

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  25. When I saw your tights I immediately thought of Krista. But the rest of it is PURE VIX! Have an awesome time. Happy Happy Happy Happy! We're staying in, too. Too many years out (actually a crazy one in Bombay!) I've seen enough. I like my big comfy couch.

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  26. We'll miss you lots! Have a fantastic time and best wishes for love, health and happiness in 2014 for you and Jon xx

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  27. That first photo of you in the pink coat is one of my all-time favorites. I met Judith/Style Crone yesterday & we were talking about our favourite bloggers - you're on both our lists! Hopefully we will finally get to meet in person in 2014. Happy New Year!

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  28. The candid shots are awesome! I love seeing the angles that we don't usually get in an outfit shot. Sneaky, wonderful man. Great Visible Monday gear too, but it's pretty clear how you long to tear it all off. Can't blame you. I hope you have a magical start (excellent middle and big finish) to your new year!

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  29. Great pictures - how did you manage to get hold of them?

    Does he askl permission or just take them hehe ....

    Have a wonderful holiday my dear and wishing you a great 2014 filled with lots of love and laughter!

    Sal xXx

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  30. I LOVE that black and white image of you - absolutely stunning!

    Have a fab time in sunnier climes and can't wait to have you back in Blighty (selfish but true!)xxx

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  31. Pasty? Bedraggled? I don't think so, madam! You are an all year round beach babe, utterly gorgeous whether rummaging on the 25p stall or lounging in your bikini, and yes, I can vouch for the fact that you are one of the smiliest people anyone cculd wish to meet!
    So many fab candid shots, love them. You're right, we are never invisible, so why try and hide? Be something worth seeing! As you are, in that gorgeous mini skirt and blouse combo, with Krista's fab tights and the Best Boots Ever (official).
    I'm chuckling at the fact that Jon has put his manly foot down and said no more photos, and that you will be taking some cat hair all the way to Goa with you, as a little reminder of home... I know you can't wait, and you'll have a brilliant time, but I'll miss you, love. I'll do a mega round-up for you when you're home!
    Take care, love you! xxxxx

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  32. I love the candid photos of you - you look so happy, and very much your visible self. Did the smiley photo guy finally come clean and tell you what he's been up to? I think there may be a job opportunity for him if Jon is going to get huffy about taking photos;)

    You are a beach babe all year round so I can't imagine how much buffing you would need. Can't believe it's Goa time again, GOD, time is going so frickin fast!!

    Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your fun in the sun and sand. I will be with you in spirit and tanning vicariously. Safe travels! XO

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  33. I'm missing you all ready pretty lady! So glad we talked before you left. I love these candid shots of you and I can think of no one brighter, happier or more beautiful to catch his gaze. I adore the shroom tights on you and can only imagine you in 4 days time barely wearing anything chilling like a villan. You and Jon have a nice quiet New Years cause you have too and we will for sure toast to you both! Love you more than ever!
    Xxxxooo

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  34. how fab are you! I love candid photos, sometimes they look better than the posed shots we take over and over in front of the timed camera. And i love your out fit - a favourite combo of mine. boots, mini and a frou-frou blouse! Have a happy new year Vix!

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  35. Oh I miss bare legs and running around in skimpy shorts oh so much! I envy your trip to a warmer climate. If I didn't work for a bank these days, I'd be sporting a mini skirt and funky tights for sure.

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  36. Happy New Year Vix! Enjoy your trip and enjoy the beach!

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  37. Oh, how cool! Love the candid pix!

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  38. I love these candid pics of you Vix....especially the one of you in the green tunic. You look absolutely gorgeous going about your business! And the print on that maxi dress with the denim waistcoat is fab. I hope you & Jon have a wonderful trip. Soak up the sun & relax big time. Much love & see you on the other side! Xx

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  39. awesome outfits and you look so pretty and elegant!!!

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

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  40. wish you happy new year!!!

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

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  41. Have a fabulous holiday and Happy New Year.

    Jane X

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  42. 25p, you have a place near you where there is a rummage for 25p, lummy, that's amazing.

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  43. A sign that you always look amazing Vix!

    Wishing you a fabulous 2014 hun.

    X x

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  44. Have a wonderful trip - thanks for all your comments in 2013. See you in 2014 xx

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  45. You really look lovely! Now I am checking his other works on flickr.

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  46. He has captured you beautifully. Have a wonderful time in Goa and a very happy new year ... M x

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  47. Happy New Year and happy holidays in Goa!

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  48. I love the surreptitious photos - you ought to get Jon to take photos of you like that!

    Happy New Year and have a great holiday!

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  49. Happy New Year, my glorious QUEEN
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  50. Have a wonderful time in Goa, I'm not at all jealous as I sit here with rain pounding against the window dreading going back to work on Thursday! ;-P

    Send my love to the elephants. x

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  51. Those stockings are so excellent!

    I LOVE that first pic of you. You are such a 70s glam puss.

    You will have no probs transforming yourself into a beach babe - all you need is the tan as the rest is already done. Happy trails, and looking forward to seeing and reading of your journeys when you're home! Happy New Year to you both! Xoxo

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  52. OH. MY. GOD. THOSE. TIGHTS.

    Have a lovely holiday!

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  53. Happy 2014 to you and Jon. Hope you have the most wonderful holiday in India.

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  54. Happy New Year, Vix! Have a wonderful time. Look forward to hearing all about your adventures. Love, Annie xxx

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  55. I wish you all the best for your adventures in Goa and for the new year!! Thank you for this wonderful year spent with your creativity,style and friendship!!
    Love xxxxx

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  56. Best wishes to you and yours for the coming year. Have a wonderful time on holiday.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  57. Those boots and tights, love them! I use the same philosophy, go out looking and feeling your best wherever you go, you never know who you'll run into or when you'll be snapped ;)

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  58. Amazing tights, Vix! Happy New Year, and have a fantastic holiday xx

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  59. I've always thought candid shots are often better than posed ones.
    Purple suede - love it! Happy New Year! x

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  60. I've always thought candid shots are often better than posed ones.
    Purple suede - love it! Happy New Year! x

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  61. Belated Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to you Vix! Have a wonderful time in Goa! xx

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  62. Enjoy your holiday. The photos are a hoot.

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  63. I love all your pics, gorgeous you always - love them! your tights are amazing and I'm chuffed to see you in your purple boots and purple suede skirt! I'm so excited for you and your almost here adventure (obs, I will miss you!) Have a Happy New Year dear Vix x x x

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  64. Oh wow how odd it must have been to see those photos of yourself, they are all so natural and fab though! Hope you have the best time in Goa and recharge your batteries xx

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  65. I'm sure you're looking even more fabulous than ever! Lovely pictures and I adore the tights. Have a fab new year and see you in a month x

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  66. I love those photos of you! Happy new year and think of me when you're in India!!

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  67. You're a natural babe for sure!

    X

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  68. Your photos always make me smile, you are a sight for sore eyes.
    Have a fantastic holiday and Happy New Year to you both.
    Twiggy x

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  69. Candid pics of you laughing are my favorites! Just as I'd imagine you spend your days, brightening the world around you.

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  70. Happy new year! I adore those shroom tights. I was also salivating at the foods you mentioned in the previous post when you were in India!

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  71. dear lady, wish you a fabulous year!, and wish you a fabulous beach time and lots of sun!
    and so lovely to see you caught in your Real Life, so genuine and funny!
    besos & bon voyage

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  72. Happy new year, darling! These photos are so wonderful! I am in love with the hat in the first photo and I am dying to know where she got those tights for you. I am in love with those tights!

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  73. I adore these candid shots of you!! Have a fantastic time in Goa!!

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  74. I'm so excited for you! Travel! Romance! Adventure! Hope you have such a fabulous time ... the very place I'd picture you, swanning through a marketplace ... the glamorous and mysterious woman from far away ...
    Go safe, come home deliriously happy and sated.
    That top picture, all in pink! My favorite ever of you, I think.
    Happy 2014 and can't wait to see your travel photos!

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  75. You are just so fabulously cute as a giggler !
    Love those shroomie tights.
    Wishing all the best for you and your handsome man in the New Year Vix.

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  76. Ooo, those tights are incredible!!!!
    Hasppy New Year, my darling Vix!!!
    You are indeed so very, wonderfully visible!!! Yes, we must treat everyday like we are being followed about by the paps!!! Such splendid pix, a very real, natural, and delicious you!!!
    I expect you've ensconsed yourself on an Indian beach with a Kingfisher in one hand and a book in the other...o, how you have earnt this holiday!!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!! Gagging to hear all about it when you get back!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  77. Happy New Year!!! Those are brilliant Black Country Candid Camera action shots are fab! I love the one of you in the fur hat entranced by the 25p stall - classic. Good to see those gorgeous Kerrang! boots getting an airing too! xxx

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  78. Every photo of you is divine, Vix. I love how these shots capture your radiant personality. Thinking of you as you are off to India and another beach adventure. Happy 2014!

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  79. Those candid shots are wonderful!
    Can do that around here, you need permission to take a pic of someone, or you could have a lawsuit on your hands - Anyway! I wish you a Happy New Year and a great trip to India!

    Rest and have fun beach babe

    Arianexo

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  80. I see you survived Christmas with the skimpiest of outfits and are not planning to tone it down in 2014. Go Vix!! Wishing you and Jon a very Happy New Year and wonderful travels. xoxo

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  81. Love the photos of you at the market - especially the one of you giggling. Have a fantastic trip to India and looking forward to reading all about your adventures when you get back. love xx

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  82. Love all of your brightly coloured outfits. Definitely inspiration for me to get dressed up more often. Happy New Year Vix, looking forward to hearing about your trip on your return.

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  83. Yes, it always pays to dress up! I love the birthday tights and wonderful pink coat! Happy New Year! :) xx

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  84. I love those candid shots!!! and the tights!
    Oh dear Vix I miss you already! Have a wonderful vacation and take many photos to show us!

    Much love,
    Masha

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  85. I'm pretty in love with that 2nd photo - where your top and the tree is green but everything else is black and white. Also THOSE TIGHTS! WOW!! Have an awesome time in India Vix - all of us in blogland shall miss you!

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  86. > we are never invisible and no matter how mundane the mission, it always pays to dress up.

    Truth! There's always someone looking and quietly noticing. And the simplest errand could be your date with destiny -- or a photographer.

    Some days I just *don't* want to take the time for makeup or a decent outfit before I run to the grocery store, but I make myself do it anyway, and I almost always see mom acquaintances, my past boss, or current colleagues of my husband. And I'm glad I took a few minutes to look like I'm keeping on top of my life! (Even if it's not exactly true.)

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  87. That suede mini is everything!! So adorable!

    New follower *hearts*
    The Working Girl's Shoe Closet
    blog: www.workinggirlsshoecloset.com
    fb: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Working-Girls-Shoe-Closet/157318177643118
    twitter: www.twitter.com/WGsShoeCloset

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  88. Love these pics of you. really very natural and full of love and life!

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  89. Hope you're having a fabulous trip and I love all of these photos especially all those candid shots of you while shopping.

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  90. Gorgeous photo's. Happy new year lovely have loads of fun and hope to you again soon, dee xxx

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  91. Happy New Year Miss Vix! Hope you're enjoying your holiday!
    xx/Madison

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  92. Dear Vix,
    I am so happy to find you right where I left you, making the blogging world a better place by your presence. And you're off to Goa; how exciting! I'm looking forward to reading all about it when you return. Happy vacation!

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  93. Have a good blog and do a great job.
    If you want we could follow, please let me know on my blog.
    Thank you very much, greetings,
    http://prettytendency.blogspot.com.es

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  94. You couldn't do bedraggled if it picked you up by the hair and dragged you backwards through a hedge! You always look so stunning and I'll bet you are looking gorgeous on a gorgeous Goan beach right now... look forward to reading about your travels soon!
    Belated Happy New Year to you and Jon :-)

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  95. Non posed photos are the best aren't they? I love them!

    the mushroom tights are obviously a favourite!

    I hope you are having a great time in India. Is this the year we finally meet in person?

    Hugs xx

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  96. In the rain, and the rain, and the grey, and the rain, I'm thinking of you both lying on a beautiful beach... Hope you are having a glorious time.

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  97. Happy New Year Vix! Hope you are having an amazing time. My brother Todd has just come back from India, I've told him about all your travels. He said that Goa was one of his favourite places out of all the ones he visited.

    Missing your posts but looking forward to your holiday snaps! Love the pics of you as well-what a beautiful creature you are, the radiance shines through your smile xxxxx

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  98. As always, I adore all your outfits!

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  99. That ruffle-hemmed floral dress you're wearing in the third photo is beautiful. I also love your very colourful mushroom print tights and your enthusiastic shopping smile. I hope your time on the beach in Goa is as fabulous as it sounds!

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

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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