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| Trading in Bristol last Saturday. Marabou-trimmed cape & maxi (Babouskha Vintage) |
I booked a pitch for a fair in Cardiff this coming weekend thinking that as we were trading in nearby Bristol the day before, we'd pack up, drive over the border & have a leisurely Saturday night in a cheap hotel, leaving us refreshed and ready for Sunday, our last fair of 2015. Did I check the calendar? No! I'd got my dates mixed up and Bristol was last week, we're actually in Prestwich on Saturday, a four and a half hour drive away from Cardiff. Saturday's fair doesn't finish until 6pm so by the time we've packed down and reached Cardiff it'll be well after midnight. What a dimwit.
So I've decided that this week shall mostly be spent taking it easy so that we can rebuild our waning strength ready for the final full-on fling. Sunday will be our 36th vintage fair of the year and, combined with ten festivals this Summer and a handful of car boot sales, we're well and truly knackered.
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| All but the frying pan are vintage saucepans, naturally! |
Plenty of good, home-cooked food is on the menu. The week kicked off with veggie sausage, poached eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and baked beans (above is what remained - absolutely nothing!) I made Punjabi-style aubergine (find it HERE) and a lentil & butternut squash curry (find it HERE) in the slow cooker last week, eating half and freezing the rest to enjoy this week.
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| So-ugly-its-cool vintage lamp from a car boot sale, Lloyd Loom bedside table rescued from a skip, Loren glasses by London Retro @ Glasses Direct, book part of a charity shop 3 for £1 deal, Cole & Son hand-blocked wallpaper from eBay. |
For a woman known to average a book a day my reading been woefully slow of late and it's taken me weeks to finish a book as I fall asleep within minutes of getting into bed. This week I'm making an effort to go to bed earlier and finish my current read, a gritty Police thriller set in Liverpool, and hopefully make a start on Phantom by Jo Nesbo.
Evenings shall mostly be spent snuggled up in front of the fire catching up on some quality TV. I'm gripped by London Spy, it's wonderfully dark and stupendously good. Now Arne Dahl's finished we'll be getting our Scandi fix with series 3 of The Bridge, the beautiful and incredibly complex Saga is my hero. I'm not sure what's going to replace River, it finished last week and I'm bereft. The plot might be far-fetched and Damian Lewis a dim and distant memory but I'm still addicted to Homeland.
The cold snap is a nightmare for those of us with crap joints so I'm being kind to myself and substituting the killer platforms for more sensible footwear. Luckily practical doesn't have to mean ugly. My Mum's original 1960s boots are fleece lined with a prosthetic hip friendly block heel.
On Saturday I spotted something metallic sparkling in another trader's bargain box and hauled out this embroidered kaftan with a Greek label.
A couple of the other traders hail from Greece so I asked them about it, wondering if it was the Athenian version of George at Asda (Walmart). Apparently not. Minerva turns out to be quite a desirable vintage label which commands high prices back in Greece.
I'm off to spend the rest of the day in Wetherspoons and I'll be wearing my maxi length sheepskin over the dress as its absolutely freezing. (Bloody linen, I did iron it before I wore it, honest!)
Linking to Patti's Visible Monday.
See you soon.
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Minerva 1970s kaftan worn with original Biba boots, Native American Chieftain pendant (car boot sale) |
A couple of the other traders hail from Greece so I asked them about it, wondering if it was the Athenian version of George at Asda (Walmart). Apparently not. Minerva turns out to be quite a desirable vintage label which commands high prices back in Greece.
I'm off to spend the rest of the day in Wetherspoons and I'll be wearing my maxi length sheepskin over the dress as its absolutely freezing. (Bloody linen, I did iron it before I wore it, honest!)
Linking to Patti's Visible Monday.
See you soon.
London Spy is so flippin good. I love Ben Whishaw!
ReplyDeleteYes the weather is freezing in London too, so I can only imagine how nippy it is up north.
Enjoy Wetherspoons in that lovely Greek dress - have one for me!
Helen
I bet you are both knackered at that full on trading on year im knackered just thinking of it all. Cosy light fires, yummy, reading and treating yourselves to a more gentle few weeks sounds perfect. Enjoy both of you, dee xxx
ReplyDeleteYou deserve a rest after all those fairs and festivals and that cosy fire looks just the place.
ReplyDeleteLloyd Loom in a skip? It should be illegal! x
ReplyDeletewow! first of all the greek caftan, is simply beautiful, you had a real eagle eye! Brava! It is perfectly you and your mom these boots are perfect and hot! I love winter shoes, I have cold feet even in summer, it is known that I'm not normal! ;) - How many good things you cooked, baked beans! mmmh! and I love everything that contains pumpkin, today will prepare the baked pasta with pumpkin! I'm reading too little, my latest book in September, what a shame! But it's hard for me to find something interesting in this period, we will see ..! See you soon and now a little 'relaxation for you!
serena
Oh no, bet Jon wasn't best pleased about the mix up. Not to worry have a nice week snuggled up in front of that lovely fire.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the train back from London and my back is paying for all that clomping around. We got some great stuff though. I ended up with two grey coats. I like the curly fur one better than the Hobbs one which I'll sell on.
Will sort some pics out when I've got the energy haha xx
Your food always looks yummy, enjoy the rest and hope you catch up on your reading
ReplyDeleteOh, those tv shows sound good! I'll have to put them on my library list. Those boots are the best, and fleece lined too! :)
ReplyDeleteYour schedule would have me exhausted! and ready for some fabulous vegetarian cooking. Love your mom's boots and your cozy fireplace. xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Dear Vix,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time as a commentator on your lovely page. I've been a fan of your blog since 2011! I was very taken after reading that you love too The Bridge/Saga and Jo Nesbo. Me too. And I like the way how you present your life. Every time when I'm on the computer, I'll be always expecting to read your new blog.
Fab kaftan, and super boots. Sounds very tiring indeed all that driving, enjoy a bit of rest. Good excuse to cosy indoors when the weather is this chilly x
ReplyDeleteI'll put London Spy on my list. That kaftan is beautiful, all that embroidery (omg, I spelled it right) is so pretty. And those boots. You guy sure do work hard!
ReplyDeleteBooks (Nesbo - drool!) and Greek vintage! And the first season of River is on Netflix. Whoot! You brighten my morning, dear Vix. xox
ReplyDeletethe Athenian version of George at Asda....hilarious! Of course it wasn't, your eyes are trained to fall only on quality clobber.
ReplyDeleteBlimey it's freezing isn't it, hope you've got something warming at Wetherspoons. I'd be tempted to stay right by that fire (and get corned beef legs!)
We were talking about The Bridge and River over Sunday lunch yesterday, not that I watch either but Dad does. I'm so addicted to The Returned, I've now got an app so I can watch it on my phone!
Good luck this weekend...not much longer.
xx
I was beginning to wonder if your batteries ever needed recharging. You are both human dynamos for continuing on with your non-stop selling schedule.
ReplyDeleteI've had mix ups like that before. They are usually after a long run of other shows with constant work jammed in between. A sign that you need a break.
I'm in awe over those boots. I think it is just fantastic that you get to wear your Mom's boots that still look so freaking amazing.
Enjoy some time off. You deserve it.
bisous
Suzanne
Great shoes and kaftan ! Looking great . Freezing here too ... hate winter .
ReplyDeleteXxx
weather is freezing here too (with some snow visible from our windows!) so I'm glad your boots are warm (and funky vintage)! and you look gorgeous in your kaftan!, such a cute label!, Minerva!, that's a good name!
ReplyDeleteI will put my eye on those series you've mentioned, as we're huge fans of classic detectives plots (with a twist). Nice to see your fireplace is working and you have something good to read!!
Enjoy the week, dear lady!
besos
Love the blue Greek number, as always blue looks great on you. Yikes, not much sleep this weekend. Almost time to book your India tickets?
ReplyDeleteI thought i was reading a post again when you mentioned Bristol , glad you realised , your fire looks so cosy , I know what you mean about the cold , You have to try and keep warm too , I can really agree with the bloody linen for a different reason and lots of home cooking going on here too xxx
ReplyDeletethe greek dress is beautiful - and sooo chic with your moms boots and your fab legs!!!
ReplyDeletetake your rest this week for the final fairs - you both did the work of titans this year! india is around the corner!!!
xxxxxx
I love your Mum's Biba boots, she definitely passed her style genes onto you. You and Jon (and Bertie too) have been putting in some serious miles this year, do you reckon you'll beat this year's mileage in 2016? xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's icy here too! It's very difficult to get things done in this weather, and especially with bad joints. My sympathy goes out to you! The only thing for it is lots of good home cooked food (I'm making that aubergine curry tonight - it looks fab!) and rubbish telly! That fire looks so inviting. Our wood just ran out (sob) so I'm facing an evening of central heating! Stay warm. XXXX
ReplyDeleteYou deserve a rest, Vix dear! That Minerva caftan.is Amazing! Such beautiful colours and of course you recognized quality!!
ReplyDeleteI laughed at your 'My nan had one of those' comment!!!x
Blimey love! Full on or wot? Bet you are knackered but not long now and you can put upir feet up.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the City Hall, it's lovely there.
Your kaftan is fab and how gorgeous are mum's boots?
I now what yo mean about reading-I'm still on The Night Circus weeks later.
I'm so happy now thst The Bridge is back. It never disappoints. I'd be happy just to watch Scandi dramas and nowt much else. As for Saga, I adore her. At work I quite often find mysekf asking 'What would Saga, do/say?' and I'm sorted! She's perfct, I wish I'd invented her.
Stay warm and have fun.
Loves ya.
xxxxxxxx
So-ugly-it's-cool is often my mantra. These pieces inspire awe.
ReplyDeleteGood home-cooked food is a great way to recharge, along with a good book and great TV shows. We're expecting an Arctic front to roll in here too.
I'm glad you have such groovy footwear, from your mum no less, to ease that hip. So rest, rest. What a maniacal work year you've had so far. Maybe it wasn't bad to miss one fair to give you a chance to rest up!!
A book a day!!! impressive, I am trying to read more but can't sit still for five minutes and nod off like you at bedtime! I like your Greek dress, it's fun and very hippy - would look great with flares too. you have done an astounding number of venues this year - I hope you can wind down after this weekend and really take it easy for the rest of 2015. Betty x
ReplyDeleteYou and Jon have worked so hard this year; I know you love it, but it's definitely time to wind down a little, enjoy some good food and TV, and keep awake long enough to finish a book! Mind you, I'm the same, I feel my eyes closing some evenings after a couple of pages, even with a good thriller on the go... The Phantom is great, of course - have you read The Son? It's not a Harry Hole story but I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThat Greek kaftan is a real beauty, good to know it's not a supermarket special! And I adore your mum's boots, and the fact they are still going strong. Hope you had a fab time in 'Spoons - keep warm, love you! xxx
You look,gorge, I will really miss River xx
ReplyDeleteFreow!! 35 fairs this year, and festivals on top of that....my goodness, you two win for most productive couple/business-partners of the year! You make me feel positively slothful.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS Greek key caftan!
Get lots of rest before your last push!
...and happy thrifting ;)
Your fire looks so inviting, good to here you are chillin out in the evening and keeping warm. My god you have done so many markets and festivals this year, you and Jon deserve a BREAK!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful fireplace! Lucky you. That room must be delightful to be in when you have a fire burning.
ReplyDeleteI love all the little details in this post. Your menu all sounds delicious.
I also love your new kaftan. Such a great colour.
xo
What a beautiful fireplace! Lucky you. That room must be delightful to be in when you have a fire burning.
ReplyDeleteI love all the little details in this post. Your menu all sounds delicious.
I also love your new kaftan. Such a great colour.
xo
I too am addicted to Homeland!
ReplyDeleteThe Greek kaftan is such a beautiful thing! Lovely colour and that golden embroidery...and the pendant you wear with it is just amazing!
What a striking mix of blues! The kaftan with its gloss of gold (the Greek key bracelet picking up its trim), the sleek blue tights, and the massive lapis ring! But best of all, there are your mum's handsome boots, keeping your feet toasty and the hip joint comfy! Only you could look so good in an attempt to be warm and pain free!
ReplyDeleteTake good care after your busy season of festivals and vintage fairs! I love it when you give us a window into your delicious and interesting lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI adore your Mum's boots and the Minerva kaftan. Fabulous find!
The date mixup was a sign that you needed a rest - glad you're taking it easy this week. Of course your ability to spot good vintage never rests; what a beautiful caftan! It's been cold here this week too, and I've had to get out one of my winter coats.
ReplyDeleteYour Mom had very groovy taste in footwear, and obviously took care of them too.
Minerda indeed, my dear queen.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to read your post it feels like you are telling me all of these happenings over a cup of tea ( or whatever) by the log fire, ahhhh
Besossssssssssssssss
you two have got to be the most stylish couple ever...I love that first photo of you two....absolutely fabulous.
ReplyDeleteSpending time by the fire...that is why I love to do now when it gets cold and it has gotten cold all of the sudden...we don't have a fireplace in our house but we have a stove and it serves the same function.
That second outfit is wow! what an amazing blue dress...and I do like the details.
Crikey, you've had a busy year! Enjoy your rest for the next few days and hope it sees you through the weekend. Love the colour of that kaftan, just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe dreaded date mix up - has been known in this house!
ReplyDeleteKnow what you mean about cold and dodgy joints!
I guess that you during your time off will start to fantasize about the next travel to India? Agree about the shoes - certainly not boring, even though they are practical. A unique combination.My experience is that the more vegan I eat, the better for my joints. But it's difficult to resist cheese. No problem with other milkproducts because there are so many nice oats alternatives.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of your plans for the week, especially the home cooking and the snuggling in front of a fire. I do miss real flames living in a centrally heated flat. You look positively regal in blue and gold - or maybe you just look regal all the time!
ReplyDeleteLondon Spy is great isn't it and I'm so glad the Bridge is back - I love Saga too. I hope you get to rest up this week, I bet you can't wait for some well earned time off.
ReplyDeleteLove the colour of the kaftan - it really suits you! x
Thank you for the wodka tip ... I use it regularly since a friend told me a year ago, but pure not mixed with water! I spray it ... Side effect: you get drunk from breathing the wodka in ;)
ReplyDeleteIf a piece is really smelly, even pure Wodka doesn't help ... It is easier to get rid of musty smell as of sweaty smell, I had to learn over the years!
I also miss Tuesday night dates with Stellan Skarsgård. I didn't like how it ended. I was a snivelling wreck. I'll have to try the spy thing but it doesn't hold the same appeal for me.
ReplyDeleteYour mums boots are fab and the Greek kaftan looks great on you. Your fire looks very inviting! Stay warm! xxx
Wow 36 fairs this year that is incredible. You and Jon must have an incredible system in place for setting up and packing down. I don't think I've seen your mums boots before, they are amazin. I hope you Jon will soon be relaxing and recharging after such a busy year trading. X
ReplyDeletethe minerva kaftan looks awesome! Love the mix of bright blue and gold!
ReplyDeleteLove the Greek tunic!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the Jon - the doll does look frighteningly like Mrs T cast in china....
Totally agree with your TV choices but I haven't watched Homeland ever. Love the Scandi stuff, loved River, loving London Spy (and learning a lot too!). Have you watched Capital? I've got the book on Kindle and am raring to read it but have to finish a library book first. Have you read any of Denise Mina's books? They are gripping
Hope your weekend isn't too exhausting - I'm off to watch Saga do her thing now....
Best wishes
Veronica
vronni60s.blogspot.com
Nice caftan! We've been eating a lot of curries at the moment; I've got another Anjum Anand book mainly because it was a fiver in the cheapie bookshop and had a recipe for 'Burmese Coconut Chicken Curry' - I was quite surprised to learn that ohn-no khao swe is a popular dinner party dish in India, and was interested to see how an Indian take on it compares to the authentic dish. (Answer: about as authentic as an old-school British curry with raisins in was to an Indian one; you can see the resemblance but it's deffo not the same. Pete has dubbed it 'no-no khao swe'.)
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying both London Spy and The Bridge. Ben Whishaw is just marvellous, isn't he? He can convey so much without ever uttering a word. The man's a genuine star.
Ooh good find, don't you love it when you see something intriguing and it ends up as good as the promise. You look fab in that kaftan. Mind you, you always look good in blue. I like the shape, I'm always attracted to anything which is kind around the belly area, not that you need that. There's a whole pile of Jo Nesbo's waiting for me here, Q's been snaffling the, from the chazzas when I force him through the doors. Oh, River, that ending with the dancing! Had me in tears, so sweetly done. London Spy is very good, I'm right sucked in and I enjoyed Arne Dahl, but you're right, it's Saga I've been waiting for. She's just mesmerising. Although I'm missing Martin and their relationship. I feel protective of her having to work with new partners who don't get her. I loved it when her boss gave her a hug. Yes, you take care of yourselves you two, you've worked your batties off this year! Xxxx
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been working so hard - this is so well deserved down time! Also I love that tunic, beautiful colours xo
ReplyDelete