Tuesday 23 December 2014

It's That Time Of Year Again!



As a rampant atheist I'm no fan of Xmas, but with my angel-sleeved dress, mirrored disco ball and sparkly lights (which stay up all year round) I reckon I could pass as a cut price Christmas fairy.


I thought I'd finished shopping but I missed a parcel yesterday & I had to pop to the Post Office to claim it. Luckily the town wasn't as manic as I'd feared and, parcel collected, I did a final jaunt round the chazzas & managed to find Jon an extra something , which not only stays within our allocated present budget (£20 this year) but it's an item he's been after for months. I can't show you, he reads my blog!

Presents wrapped in brown parcel wrap, stamped with fabric paint and a printing block (bought in India) and tied with garden raffia. 
Throughout the year we chuck our spare change in a tin and just before Xmas we'll weigh it in at the supermarket. With the proceeds we buy fancy cheeses,olives, booze and cat treats, replenish our herbs, spices and canned beans, stock up on household essentials and any last minute holiday toiletries. We also purchased enough fresh veg to make curries and soups (I'll blanch and freeze any I don't use) which should see us through to Goa - three weeks away and counting!


I've already made my Keralan-style basic curry sauce in readiness for Xmas day. The recipe is HERE. My previous career involved providing roast dinners for over 2000 people and, over a decade later, I still can't imagine anything less appealing.


This year we'll start with veg pakoras with a cucumber raita dip, so I've used my super groovy vintage Pifco gadget to make the yoghurt. We won't bother with a pudding. We don't eat any more on the 25th December than we usually do. Besides I've a string bikini to get into!


We've got a download of the original 1970s TV series of Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy to watch after lunch (thus avoiding any naff Xmas day telly).


Once I've visited Dad's nursing home tomorrow, I'll pop a few decorations up so that our home looks a bit festive for our visitors (my brother and Jon's oldest friend, Tony) who always pop round on Xmas night for drinks, nibbles and a pop quiz. 


I'll cut holly and ivy from the garden to festoon the Trechikoffs and chop down a branch from one of our fir trees, decorating it with my hand-made crimplene decorations (salvaged scraps from an old project) and top it with the Vintage Vix fairy Emma-Kate sent me several years ago.


So that's our Xmas, free food, free fun, second-hand pressies and a room decorated with stuff foraged from the garden. That means we can afford to treat ourselves to dinner & wine in Wetherspoons on Boxing Day.

Me-made lace mini (made from a 20p vintage tablecloth), leopard print tights (darling Helga), 1960s Dolcis leather knee high boots (PDSA charity shop, 2010), Lamani coin necklace (India) - just in time to Share In Style with Sacramento & the gang!
Whatever your plans have a cool Yule and see you on the other side!

67 comments:

  1. Happy Christmas, darling! That's the way to do it - Christmas doesn't have to be a nightmare, or ridiculously expensive, does it?
    You do look very angelic - but I know you, so I'm not fooled! LOVE the angel-sleeve lace frock with leopard print, I'm impressed with the food haul, and jealous that you're having a pop quiz without me - do text me some of the questions!
    Hope you and Jon have a fab time - speak soon, love you! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello fairy! You look very nice in your table cloth! I like your decorations too. They look great fun and very nice. The food sounds great also! I remember my Christmas dinner in 2002 was a very spicy portion of rice and vegetables- I enjoyed it!x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gorgeous in that lace dress! Angel wing sleeves are a nightmare for me---I get them dirty and can't do anything in them. You must be some kind of goddess to manage to cook in them! We are major atheists here, too. Trust me, it is NOT the norm in the US.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your dress is ace, I love it. I think Christmas is for us to make of it what we will. Ian and I eat the same things we eat all year round but with a few treats, fuck off massive bottle of sherry for him and various bits of cheese for me!
    Your lion tray is the best thing ever, we all need something to make us smile when we are slaving over the hot stove.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd leave a longer comment but I have to finish making presents :D Have a good one!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You look completely angelic in that mini dress! I'm really impressed with the bounty that spare change can bring. We are SO doing that! Have a splendid Christmas, just the way you like it. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love it! Simple yet beautiful and bloody perfect! xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. You gorgeous Chrimbo angel, you! I do love a simple Christmas and you do it perfectly.
    Have a fabulous time.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. you do Christmas time up a treat, you and a disco ball were made for each other, have a wonderful Yule!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It all sounds perfectly you and wonderful! That Vix fairy is adorable, and your Indian home made food makes me hungry - I would eat Indian any day too. I am not from a religious background, and the main holiday in my home country is New Year for most people. But Justin and Anya are American born kids, and even though again, no religion here, we do honor the tradition of a quiet relaxed family holiday with tasty food and gifts. I will have a getaway as my gift - my favorite kind of gifts. :)

    This dress is dreamy, and I really like it with leo print tights. You look both angelic and hot/naughty at the same time which is how I imagine you are. Have a great fun! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are a thrifty version of Martha Stewart mixed with the glamour of Cher and the balls of a wilder beast.

    Happy festivities vintage Queen!

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  12. You look very angelic Vix. You do low ley like me and I love it. We are thinking of going fishing on xmas day off the wharf at Raglan, our closest and one of favourite beaches. Not a xmas cracker or paper hat in sight!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy holidays, Vix-Angel-Fairy! I just adore that outfit - that lace dress is one of my favorites that you have made.

    Thanks for the recipe - I'll show it to the husband as he is the cook in the house. Yummmmm! One of these days I will make my own yogurt - your yogurt maker is too cool.

    And your tree is perfect.

    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your angel-sleeved dress is gorgeous! You may well be the only person I know of who has their own disco ball - a lovely light=throwing ornament.
    Your home-made present-wrapping is impressive and artistic.
    All those healthy looking eats must taste yummy after you've applied your culinary prowess in their preparation. Vegetable pakoras and raita are delicious. Kudos on your cuisine selection and cooking. I hope you and Jon have a delightful holiday season, a wonderful vacation in Goa, and a healthy and happy year 2015!

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the lace mini! Merry ho ho and all that jazz.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 1. Cut price? I suppose the dress did cost 20p + effort!

    2. Second hand presents - my parcels are full of those and I suspect those with my name on are as well.

    2. food, this year we are pushing the boat out a bit as both children (in their late and mid 30s ha) will be with us without partners.

    3. We have a budget similar. Lots of fun finding presses to fit.

    4. We used brown paper and Lidl raffia and Works ribbon bows - they look super cute.

    5. You will love TTSP, I have this, previous Christmas pressie, watched it lots and love it.

    5. Our Christmas tree is a bunch of twigs with decorations - now puppy and tree wouldn't mix!

    Happy Christmas to you and Jon and to your family.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sounds like a wonderful time! We'll be in the new house, painting. We also got other supplies---like a giant bottle of champagne and a classy box-o-wine. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Is that glory shining all around or just the reflection of fairy lights on your disco ball? Fab rework of a tablecloth, you are so clever. Your Indian xmas lunch sounds wonderful but then again I do like a blowout trad dinner too and a quiz is de rigueur. I've done brown paper parcels this year...good old Poundland. Happy Christmas and Merry Wetherspoons. xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. You do look like an angel, my dear friend.
    Not much decoration this year; although we are very hopeful cos the mass the found in Victor´s pancreas is small, might be benigne and above all can be operated.
    I do wish you the best of Christmas. Tons of love
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful dress Vix, the sleeves are amazing! I hope you have a lovely Christmas, I bet you can't wait for Goa!

    x

    p.s. in trying to approve comments from my phone I accidentally deleted your one!

    ReplyDelete
  21. The only thing i have missed from our old house is the holly and ivy in the garden i will look out for some cheap plants next year, hope you enjoy your festivities your style xxx

    ReplyDelete
  22. Totally in love with your fab dress !
    For us christmas is about family , some good food - gifts ? Not so much . One or two maybe .
    hugs !

    ReplyDelete
  23. You're a vintage Christmas angel indeed. That dress is gorgeous! The Christmas curry also sounds delicious, well curry at anytime is fine with me! We liked Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Enjoy! xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Vix.
    Thank you for all your wonderful posts over the year, I have enjoyed every one.
    Love from Pam in TX.xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm going to type this as quick as possible, dodgy internet *again* - Love your Angel dress, utterly divine! love 'Angel fairy Vix' she's fabulous! Everything sounds just perfect at yours, and Goa is so near! I'm excited! will miss you tho' - Have a Good 'un over Christmas (of course you will!)x x x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Of course you would have a disco ball in your kitchen. All the better to do a little Bollywood dancing while you stir. You are a vision in your bell sleeved dress. I DO believe in fairies.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Even though I'm an atheist now, I grew up christian, so I have lots of Christmas memories. We still enjoy it as a time to decorate and add a little magic to winter. I think that dress is perfect for Xmas and your festivities sound so fun! Have a great day! xoxo :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Happy Christmas to you and Jon, Vix! And you must be so excited for your trip to Goa!

    ReplyDelete
  29. whoa, i love that dress! also love how you do christmas. keep bucking the trends and remain the awesome person you are! xo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your homemade giftwrap is a suitably intriguing cover for Jon's mytery gift -- please don't forget to let us know what it is.

    Thanks for the recipe, Vix. Pakoras and raita dip would make a nice change from our traditional Chinese Christmas luncheon (see American film classic "Christmas Story). I, too, make that annual stock-up shopping trip a priority, not forgetting treats for my cats and my friends' pets. We're a mixed lot, young and old and very old, Christian and Jewish and Pagan, but we share a love of good company,and good food and drink. I'll think of you and Jon -- and many others I've met through your blog -- when we drink to friends abroad.



    ReplyDelete
  31. it's fun to have a spare change jar. One New Years for fun I started tossing loose change into an old olive jar, at the end of the year I had over $300! I still toss change into it. I used to grab a hand full for the vending machine at work, now it will become "mad money"!!!! Bwahhahaha!!!!!!

    I love to decorate for Christmas, don't give a fig about the churchy parts.

    ReplyDelete
  32. My mouth literally dropped open when I read the bit about you making that heavenly dress from a tablecloth. You are an amazing seamstress.

    The way you celebrate the Xmas holidays sounds like heaven. Please do a few more posts prior to leaving for Goa!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a pretty dress you talented woman! I enjoy seeing how others decorate. It looks quite festive and love the tree with your hand made decorations. You are full of great ideas. Have a great Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Happy Christmas, Vix! You are the blogosphere's coolest angel.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sounds like a damn fine way to endure the Christmas season. Have wonderful time together xxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Gorgeous dress and Christmas certainly doesn't have to be expensive does it. We always stick to a gift budget, never buy more food than usual (unless you count a few treats) and have artificial trees and decorations we've had for years. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas xxx

    ReplyDelete
  37. You look like your tree-topper fairy/angel in that divine dress. I'm with you on the charity shop gifts, homemade gift wrap and simple meals. I didn't get to celebrate Christmas when I was growing up, so like to do a little something now. I've been wanting to may soy yogurt at home for ages and you've inspired me to keep my eyes open for a yogurt maker when I get back to the U.S.
    I hope you and Jon have a festive and warm holiday. xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Fabulous look! Hope you have a great time together. xx

    ReplyDelete
  39. Then Happy HumanLight (Humans of New York group humanist holiday) or Merry Newtonmass (atheists proclaim this; Newton's birth day on Dec. 25th! He, at least, is actually entitled to the day!)
    Regardless ... just enjoy every sip, bite, cuddle, sniff, yawn, giggle and sigh the season has too offer!
    Off to Big City to find Chinese takeout for tomorrow, dine at our Mexican food hangout, and take cupcakes to bribe my hair style lady for another year of patience with me.
    Sending all the cyber hugs you can tolerate!

    ReplyDelete
  40. that dress is great-love it! i could MAYBE make a scarf out of a table cloth….or would it then still be a table cloth? probably...
    happy curry to you,
    s

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Merry Christmas Vix ! best wishes and thank you for all your lovely comments xxx

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your lace angel wing mini, wow, it gets me every time. I wish this blog thing was scratch and sniff because wouldn't I love to smell that cooking in your kitchen. Cheers!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sounds good to me! Merry Christmas xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love your laid-back holiday style! I'm going to have to try that curry...

    TTSS (the 70's version) is one of my favorite series ever! I'm a LeCarre fan and no one brought George Smiley to life like Sir Alec.

    ReplyDelete
  46. fabulousness!!!! I'm not involved in any christmas activities ages ago and I feel happy about it!!
    And you look particularly gorgeous wearing that lace mini dress, so cute!!!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
  47. That sound like the definition of a fun Christmas. Beautiful decorations and dress and hair too. Thanks for a year of lovely inspiring posts. xx

    ReplyDelete
  48. Don´t forget to VOTE for your favourite look on Share-in-Style TODAY ( Rosy and I excluded)
    Merry Christmassssssssss!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  49. Festive greetings to the finest lace (tablecloth) fairy of them all. Those beautiful sleeves offer serious wafting possibilities. Wishing you good cheer this Boxing day.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Perfection!! Just finished up a wonderful low-key holiday with grownup children, their friends, and one grandson. I delegated all the cooking when I got sick and everything was perfect. Might have to do it again next year, just minus the illness.

    You look gorgeous. Much love sweetie.

    ReplyDelete
  51. That dress is so awesome I can taste it!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Cut price fairy?! Fuck that, you're the FULL GLORY GODDESS!!! Not only would I like you on my tree, if I were to have one, I'd rather like you on my lap. I'd give you SUCH a groping!!!
    Only you could make me feel remotely interested in the farce that is crimbo...
    love you!
    Love Helga XXX

    ReplyDelete
  53. I love the look of your atheist Christmas and your lacy dress/fairy outfit! Oh how I wish I could eat pakoras but when grain products are off the menu so many yummy things are out. You kitchen looks so inviting and I just know that spending Christmas eve at your place would be awesome.
    Love and hugs!
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  54. My thoughts precisely, there's nothing bargain basement about you, you are a high end fairy if ever I saw one. You look delightful in your angel frock. Cor, Christmas eh? Thank goodness that's over for another year. Hope you had a good one, bet you're getting excited about india now! I'm astounded at how much you managed to save in loose change through the year, we only get about a tenner. Must try harder! Xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  55. That version of Tinker, Tailor is superb - I've got it on DVD and every so often the husband and I binge-watch the lot. The subtle styling is a world away from the recent film's desperate, 'Look, 1970s! REALLY 1970s!' style.

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sounds like you were well prepared for some serous fun Vix. Hope your day went great. Happy New Year. xo

    ReplyDelete
  57. sounds wonderful! especially the food!!!
    and you´r such a sexy x-mas angel :-)
    xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wishing you a Happy New Year Vix!
    With all that you do I think you could have a holiday named after you!! I love your xmas fairy dress...beautiful.
    DeniseAngela

    ReplyDelete
  59. Just catching up on this post and your most recent one Vix! I love the idea of saving spare change up for a bit of a spending spree at the grocery store. And veg pakoras sound delish! I've never made my own! (Your stove looks fantastic by the way!)(Oh, and your wall phone!!!) Gosh, I'm suddenly feeling a bit nosy, LOL. But I do love seeing the bits about life chez Vintage Vix!

    ReplyDelete
  60. still the best dress you've ever made in my opinion! Lots love love this Christmas (belated I know) and new years!! xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  61. Your outfit just brought a huge smile to my face! Hope your Yule was as cool as you!

    ReplyDelete
  62. You are a perfect Christmas fairy and your Christmas day sounds awesome!! I love this frock on you and your Vix Christmas tree fairy is awesome :D

    ReplyDelete
  63. It seems that you can start taking orders for Angel dresses ... Contact me when the sale starts. I also want to buy your hair.

    ReplyDelete

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