Monday 4 December 2017

Ain't Nothing But A Number



It's my birthday in a couple of days, where the f*ck did the time go? Unlike many of the bloggers I follow I don't include my age group in my blog title nor do I use hash tags like #over50 when I post photos on Instagram. It's not that I'm bothered by my age, it's just that I refuse to be defined by a number on my birth certificate. One of the biggest back-handed compliments anyone can pay is, You look fantastic....for your age, surely it's better for people to say you look fantastic and leave it at that? Pointing out your age at every opportunity is as bad as me constantly mentioning I've got a prosthetic hip, yes it's an important part of me but it ain't the be all and end all. People like how you look because you've invested time and effort into the finished project, pointing out your age seems almost like an apology for the end result, this is me, be easy on me, I'm not that young anymore. I've got wrinkles and it's pretty damned obvious to anyone, without the need for me to emphasise it, that I'm not in my first flush of youth and you know, so what? If you like what you see that's great and if you don't that's also perfectly fine, mentioning that I'm almost 51 won't make a blind bit of difference to your opinion of how I look.


Suzanne wrote an excellent post HERE about the things that have changed since she grew older. I feel like a total fraud as the ageing problems so many women seem to suffer have so far passed me by. My life has barely changed since I was a teenager, same drinks, same mates, same venues. Last night was spent rubbing shoulders with old school rockers, necking ice cold lagers from plastic pint glasses at Wolverhampton Civic Hall. 


What has changed is that back in the old days I'd have made an effort to fit in, to dress down rather than sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the double denim and over sized band tees. Last night's outfit consisted of a 1960s gold crochet wedding dress worn with the velvet soutache jacket bought off Walsall market last week (now Vixified with metallic black frog fasteners). When I've been out in the dress previously (bought from a car boot sale over ten years ago) I've always worn the nude coloured slip it came with underneath. Last night, with the increased body confidence that comes with dropping a stone in weight since I turned fifty, I left the slip on the bedroom floor and went for a pair of black leggings and a teeny-weeny charity-shopped Topshop crop top with cut out side panels instead. Despite not looking like any other gig goer in the entire venue I was complimented by so many people I was almost lost for words.


No longer being the shy retiring girl of my youth, I insisted Paul Manzi, lead singer of Cats In Space, last night's support, posed with me for a photo - with his incredible gold brocade frock coat we looked like we were the band.


Young Vix wouldn't have been seen dead at a poodle rock gig. She was far too serious about her music, if John Peel didn't play it or the NME didn't endorse it then she wasn't interested. These days I don't give a toss as to whether something's cool or hip, if I want to go then I'll go (especially when I've blagged free tickets!)


The main attraction for last night's event was Status Quo. The first (and only time) I bought a Quo record was 1978 but they've been around forever with a loyal following so I reckoned they must have something. My old receptionist was so obsessed with Francis Rossi, she booked a day off work for his birthday every year.


Something else that's changed since I got older is that if I don't like something nothing's going to change my mind. Life's too short to persevere with badly-written books, terrible TV series, feeble films and boring bands so, sorry Quo, we left before the end of the set.

Quickly linking to Patti & The Gang for Visible Monday before heading off to 'Spoons for the day. Well, it is (nearly) my birthday!

86 comments:

  1. I love your clothes, and your attitude. You go, girl!

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  2. I'm 54, and at times that seems horrifying but mainly it's okay. After all, not breathing is the only alternative and that ain't looking so much fun.
    For the second time last night I went to the cinema and got charged a seniors rate!! I would feel insulted, but hey, it's two quid off a regular adult price so I won't point it out. I do need to get my roots done though ...

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    1. Not breathing definitely doesn't sound like an alternative!
      How cheeky, being charged senior's rate - I don't think I'd have complained either! xxx

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  3. I so agree about the books, films and TV series! I know people who will finish a book they have started no matter how awful! Not me. We went to see a Billy Connelly show back in the 90s, it was dreadful, truly grim. Many people walked out but we sat there and suffered to the end. I wouldn't do that now!

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    1. I've never been a fan of Billy Connelly, kudos for sitting it out! xxx

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  4. Love your outfit its gorgeous , Never been a fan of quo the songs all sound the same xxx

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    1. Thank you! Yes, they did all sound the same, I know they did already but I just thought I'd give it a go - still weren't as boring as Coldplay! We lasted for two songs when we saw them! x

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  5. I've worked with loads of pensioners over the years, some well into their 90's and every single one of them has said they wouldn't wish to be young again. Some of them have lived as long as windows as they did married women and they said there's lots of sadness, but always the opportunity to reinvent yourself whenever you choose. Plus OAP discounts when the time comes, obviously!

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    1. I meet some fantastic retired people in Goa, they spend the winter out there, live on a few quid a day and have a much better social life than they do at home as they're not scared of going out at night alone. They're often healthier too, they hire bicycles, swim in the sea and eat mainly vegetarian food. I can't wait to join them! xx

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  6. I like your end point of not persevering with something if it's not enjoyable - it's taken me ages to let myself give up on books that I find to be hard work without feeling guilty which seems ridiculous when it's typed out! Sorry to hear the Quo weren't that good. We went to see Cigarettes After Sex a few weeks ago and left before the end - we just found it a bit boring and had we been sitting down, I think I could've nodded off. Still, I think it's better to go to something and see for yourself than stay at home - it's an experience, isn't it, or blog material at the very least. Happy birthday for Wednesday xx

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    1. that's what we thought, even if the show wasn't up to much it was better sitting at home with the heating on watching drivel on the telly.
      Shame about Cigarettes After Sex, they sound great on the radio!

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  7. I love that crocheted dress so much - I wonder if a pattern is out there somewhere.
    I've stopped watching so many crappy TV shows that started off interesting and then fell flat. I did finish a book series that went in a weird and unpleasant direction only because it was five books and they were short. From what I've seen, I'm the only one unhappy with the ending.
    Not too much live music for us any more, just our annual Get The Led Out show in the spring. one of us (not me) thinks he's too old.
    Happy early birthday!

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    1. Hi Bobbi, one of my friends thinks she might have the original pattern. i think it came from Golden Hands magazine in the late 1960s. If she finds it I can scan it and send you a copy!
      We love our live music. we're lucky to have a venue like Wolverhampton Civic on the doorstep, it's small so you can actually see the band's faces, unlike those huge arenas where you might as well stay at home and watch the show on a DVD!

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  8. Darling Viv you look fantastic. Love you.

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  9. Love your outlook. You make me smile and that's the best thing someone can do for me.

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    1. Thanks, Lynn - that's such a nice thing to say! x

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  10. Happy Birthday on Wednesday. Have a fantastic day.
    I'm so completely with you in your attitude, that's exactly how I feel about age too. I don't hide it, don't want to look plastic fantastic, embrace where I am but don't need to state it. I also think we should be able to dress and act in a way that makes us happy.
    You look fantastic. Not for your age. Just as you.
    I must say Status Quo were never one of my favourites either. Like you I have moved on from music snobbery to whatever I like and will give anything a go.
    Wisdom with age I reckon! xxx

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    1. Plastic fantastic, I love that!! Every time I log into Facebook lately I keep seeing pop-up ads for surgery and Botox- charming, I don't think.
      Status Quo! I felt compelled to see them 'cos it was free but they certainly didn't win me over! xxx

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  11. I love how you've styled the crochet dress without its slip, it looks fabulous. Enjoy your birthday week!! Xx

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm most excited about going charity shopping tomorrow, I haven't been to my favourite place for a fortnight. Simple things and all that! xxx

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  12. Happy Birthday! I'm glad to say my life has changed since being a teen- for the better!
    xox

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    1. Thank you!! My life wasn't too bad as a teenager but I definitely prefer it now! xxx

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  13. Celebrate every day! Your approach to life is brilliant and inspiring. And how gorgeous are you in your crochet dress? Very. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  14. Happy Birthday. The best part about ageing is not giving a rat's ass about what people think.

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    1. Thank you! It's true, the older I get, the less I care! xxx

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  15. Chuckling about you coming out of the concert early. I’d have done just the same.
    I’ve seen the frog fasteners in your Mum’s, what a funny name. You’ve put them to good use on your jacket and the whole ensemble is gorgeously you.
    The thing I like about getting older is being more outspoken. Over the years I’ve morphed into Philip and become the one who speaks out first he has quietened down. Now I need to pick up on his matter of factness haha. Have a good day in Spoons xxx

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    1. I wonder if they're called frogs because they look a bit like them? It is an odd name for such a glam fastening, isn't it?
      Being outspoken is brilliant. I used to worry about people not liking me if I didn't agree with everything they said, now if I hear something racist, sexist of generally horrible I feel compelled to speak up. xxx

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  16. how fab that you joined a band. Yep, you fit right in......she's with the band. I always wonder when I go shopping at the mall (yes, I mall shop) where all the pretty new clothes go. I sure don't see it on the other shoppers. Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, cargo shorts? Over and over again.

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    1. It's been years since i went in one of those places. If the windows displays are anything like the few shops left in our high street it's nothing but ripped jeans and grey baggy jumpers and terrible tee shirts with #selfie. Awful!

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  17. That gold crochet dress looks fantastic with the black leggings underneath! I love how you have vixified (that word should be in the dictionary, surely) the jacket from the market too. You do match with that lead singer's outfit! I did a double take when I read Status Quo, breathing a sigh of relief when you said you walked out early ;-) Enjoy your sessions at 'Spoons and have the most fabulous of birthdays! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann!
      I know, Status Quo. All I can say is that I'm glad I didn't pay for those tickets - they were £55 each! Imagine the fun I could have in a charity shop with £110! xxx

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  18. Mr Manzi looks like a cool dude but I can't play his music cos this sodding computer is playing up again. The thing that comes with age is that you don't care so much what others think about you. I'm fifty six next birthday and will think I'm lucky if I get there, lost too many friends so young. The leggings look ace under the crocheted frock. Enjoy 'Spoons and your birthday. xxx

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    1. I wasn't sure if Cats In Space were for real, they're like a combination of Spinal Tap and The Darkness but they gave it their all and were absolutely lovely to chat to. xxx

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  19. Happy Birthday my friend! I find the best part of this age for me is not giving a rats ass what anyone thinks! There's so much power in that

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    1. Thanks, CC! I do love the I don't give a damn attitude that grows with each year of getting older! xxx

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  20. Hi Vix you look fab again i bet your schoolfriends were seriously impressed. You are right age is only an issue for the little people, therefore you need have no truck with it. Style on the other hand is timeless and also very rare which is why you stand out frim the crowd. Your clothes are amazing but it's your style that sets you apart. That is why people comment you attract people your outfits are only an expression of yourself. 51 Pah! What does that mean😜 By the way none of your responses to comments are showing on the blog at the moment any ideas as to why?

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    1. As always dear Shelagh, you say the nicest things!
      I was a bit tardy in responding to the comments earlier this week as Jon was shouting at me to turn the computer off and start walking to the pub!! xxx

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  21. Oh yeah, I left a big ole long ass comment on Suzanne's post - I had a lot to say. My life has change drastically from my mid-40s to today. You are one lucky gal!
    I agree with you - why define ourselves by color, age or persuasion? What difference does it make?

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    1. I saw your comment over on Suzanne's excellent post, I'm sorry you're enduring so many problems with growing older. You're certainly looking good, as that photo of you in your Xmas jumper on your blog earlier this week proved! x

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  22. Vix, you look fabulous. End of. And much more exciting and glamorous than the identikit Instagrammer. You have great style for any age. I love your outfit, very rockstar. You definitely make a good pair with the Cats in Space singer. Fabulous name for a band. It reminded me of an 80's film, "Dogs in Space" about a load of junkie Australian punks. It had Michael Hutchence in it. I digress. :)Glad to hear that you don't put up with terrible anythings. I would have left before the start of the Quo gig myself. They are possibly my least favourite band after The Corrs. Have the most fabulous birthday on Weds. Rock the 'Spoons! Xx

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    1. Thanks, you gorgeous girl!
      Dogs In Space! I loved that film, I went to see it when it came out because I had a huge thing about Michael Hutchence. i might see if we can download it. the closer we get to Xmas the more films I have to watch, to avoid any mention of the hated event!
      Leaving before the Quo started would probably have been the sensible option although I've seen worse - Coldplay!!!! xxx

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  23. That is one awesome outfit Vix....I love it.
    Hugs-x-

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  24. Have a good birthday...lots of rum and coke I hopex I'm 51 too....sang in front of a mike to an audience for the very first time last weekend wearing my red hat.
    Arilx

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    1. Yay! A twin! That's very brave, singing in front of an audience. I did karaoke once and had to be carried off the stage by the bouncer, I was so bad! x

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  25. Your outfit is brilliant! Black and gold is on my mind a lot lately, and I'd love to decorate some of my plain pieces with golden trim or embroidery or something like that. Vixification it is! Love the photo of you with the rock band musician, you do look like a band together!

    And even though many things never change with Vix, the most important thing did change - you came to accept yourself for just who you are! And that's what many of us have been doing, when we reflect on our life, including accepting our age. I like saying that I am 44. My Mom's mother died when she was my age (45), and only now I can truly feel how young she really was, and I remember seeing her photos - it was an ancient looking woman... I feel like a kid, and every year getting younger - lighter, happier, more open and more accepting!

    Lots of love on your birthday, gorgeous friend!!!

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    1. Thank you so much. You'll be even more obsessed with braiding when you've spent a few hours with the Exotic Styling book!!
      I don't mind telling anyone my age, I just don't feel the need to use it to describe my blog any more than I would classify myself as less-abled because I've got a fake hip.
      45 is extraordinarily young to die, isn't it? I'm always surprised by how much older my relatives looked in those old family photos. I wonder if it was the style of the day or just the harshness of the lifestyle. xxxx

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  26. Ooooh, it's that fabulous jacket - I love the frogging! I also love the dress and the leggings underneath were a brilliant and warm alternative to a nude slip.

    What a shame the Quo weren't worth staying for but you are so right; life's too short. It's certainly true that time speeds up the older you get. Some days, it seems like I've only been up a few hours and it's bedtime again; I've no idea where the days or evenings go...

    Happy birthday, Vix!

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! I do love frog fastener , it's a bit of exotic glamour!
      I'm often amazed at how quickly the weeks go by, I can't believe it's almost Friday. I'm sure it was only yesterday when I was in the pub! xxx

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  27. Happy Birthday Vix, I know you will celebrate in style.Age is just a number and something to enjoy not hide behind a rock and whinge about the passing years. I am not at all surprised you received compliments , you look sensational , the outfit shows your fabulous figure to perfection. The benefit of getting older is not feeling a need to blend in and being yourself . Everyday is a celebration and dressing for you is a great way to celebrate. xxx Jill

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    1. Thank you so much, Jill!
      No whingeing here, the older I get the more I want to go out, have a ball and take no prisoners along the way! xxx

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  28. Happy Birthday, Vix! I heartily agree with not adding "for your age" to those compliments. You look absolutely, positively smashing, sexy and dontgiveafuck! I love that crocheted dress with the jacket - fab! How awesome that you stood out - and of course, I would have been salivating all over your outfit (erm, not literally, ha!). Enjoy your day and hoist one for me!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sheila! I complimented a lady on her outfit the other day and she told me she was 72 - I told her I'd have still liked it if she was 17. It really doesn't matter, does it? xxx

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  29. Happy birthday, Vix! True, true- to all you've written. The saying is, you live and learn, right? And I really value knowing and accepting myself. Xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jess! What wise words, I really value knowing and accepting myself, too - you put it beautifully! xxx

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  30. You look killer!!!! That dress and velvet jacket are incredible <3

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  31. Happy and Wonderful Birthday, Vix.
    We know, already that you will have a great celebration! Jan and John

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  32. you are so damn´ coo!!
    you look awesome in that ensemble and its definitely your confident attitude!! for which i love your text especially. me hitting next year the 50s and i´m too just stumped where the time went ("zipperlein" aside). but i would never claim that number as excuse for bad styles ;-D
    gorgeous fan pic!!
    wish you a fab b-day - dear vix!!
    xxxxx

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    1. Thank you!
      I really don't think anything has changed since I turned 50 except that when I have to select a date of birth from a scroll down menu when i'm filling in a form online it just gets further and further away!! xxx

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  33. I love your attitude, and I'm with you on not wasting time on stuff you don't like. I also agree with you on not boxing your blog in with your age, I think it gives people certain expectations of what you're about when you define yourself like that. I'm 29 and most bloggers my age range are 'mummy bloggers' which ain't ever gonna be me! I don't see age as even relevant, if you enjoy someone's blog and personality, then who cares how old they are??
    Happy birthday for this week!

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    1. You're so right. People classifying their blog by their age makes me assume that age is a big deal to them, that anyone who isn't of a similar age won't be welcome.
      If I like the way someone dresses or the way they write I'll comment regardless of whether they're 17 or 75! x

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  34. I too won't waste time on a bad book/film/tv show etc. I agree about telling people your age, many do make judgements about how you should be/look/act - I'll do and wear want I want to thankyou very much.

    I do try to remember the saying "Don't complain about growing older, it is a privilege denied to many" though.

    Have a spectacular Birthday Vix! xxx

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    1. I'm not implying that you're complaining - I meant when I moan to myself! xx

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    2. That quote is so right, ageing might be a pain sometimes but the alternative is far worse!
      I bet if I'd been asked to imagine a 51 year old unmarried woman as a twenty something I'd never have pictured me! xxx

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  35. how awesome that you coordinated with the support band! I love that outfit.
    I agree age is just a number, and that last paragraph about badly-written books, feeble films etc - so true! At least age brings clarity for likes and dislikes, and you can just please yourself.
    Hope you have a fab birthday.
    xx

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    1. Yes, I think that's the one thing that does change, our tolerance levels. xxx

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  36. Happy birthday Vix! That crochet dress worn over the leggings is brilliant. And love the "Vixified" jacket. Hope you're doing something really fun today. Not matter how you decide to celebrate, I'm sure you'll do it in style!

    xo
    Theresa

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    1. Thanks, Theresa! We had a lovely day and the fun continues at the weekend, hooray! xxx

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  37. HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIX. Hope u have a great day! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

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  38. mwhaha, your attitude is one of the most fabulous things ever!. Love Your Genuine Self!.
    Obviously, I also love your outfit, this crochet dress is Awesome!, and so brilliant to wear it over black leggings, it looks even better. Your jacket is also a beauty! You Rock Totally. I understand that so many people complimented your fabulousness!!
    And I agree with you: as I'm getting older, I don't waste time on things that I don't like. Last time we watched a theatre play, we went out after half an hour, it was really uninteresting and it didn't look like it was going to improve. Life is short!
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica. Maybe you'll be making a dress soon now you've mastered the art of crochet?
      Life IS far too short to waste time on something you're not enjoying. Good for you for leaving the theatre early. xxx

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  39. Happy belated birthday.
    And to be honest I love your positivity and good vibes.
    You really made me be excited to grow up and enjoy every year.
    Btw you look amazing in that dress.

    take a look at my BLOG and also INSTAGRAM

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    1. Thank you for your kind comment and your visit. I'll pop over and visit you soon! x

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  40. I love your attitude Vix! Hope you had a lovely birthday, your outfit is fabulous xx

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  41. You have a great attitude!

    I think the 'not changing lifestyle' thing comes with not having children - mine's never really changed either.

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    1. Maybe that's the secret. No chance of that ever happening now! x

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  42. Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday darling! You have a great attitude about ageing and most of the time I feel like I'm pretty good with it too. I am having trouble accepting the weight I've gained in my 50's, so I'm rather envious to hear you've dropped some in your first year of yours. However, you eat healthier than I do, which I'm sure has something to do with it ;).

    I agree with you about life being too short to finish books, films, etc. you don't enjoy. I was one of those people who had to finish a book if I started it and now, it just gets passed on.

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    1. Thanks, Shelley!! I am a healthy eater although it's difficult with crisp, salted peanut and biscuit loving Jon around! xxx

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  43. Your outfit is do fun! Life is too short to wear boring clothes and doing things that don't make you happy 😉

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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