Tuesday 12 June 2018

Gonna Get Myself (Dis)Connected

WEARING: Secondhand denim waistcoat, vintage native American choker, me-made skirt made from a 1960s jumble sale curtain, synthetic hair feather extension part of a 20 piece kit (50p from the car boot sale)

I love the internet, I really do. After nearly ten years of writing my blog I've met some wonderful people - bloggers whose posts I devour avidly and non-bloggers who I chat to on social media or with whom we exchange emails. Many of these women have become real life friends. There's people I "talk" to daily on Facebook about doll's houses, festival trading and charity shop finds and others on Instagram who continually inspire me with their fabulous vintage outfits or the incredible things they've made but sometimes it all becomes a little overwhelming. Hours can be lost catching up with comments & liking photos and, much as I bang on about how a day without dressing up is a day wasted, hours sat on your arse following other people's antics, no matter how enjoyable, can also be a bit of a waste of time - by absorbing ourselves too deeply in lives that aren't ours we're in danger of losing our identities, to start craving the shoes they're wearing, to copy their lifestyle or to dress in a similar way -  there's nothing like disconnecting from the world wide web for a couple of days every so often and spending some quality time in your own little world to remind yourself of who really you are, even if it is a misfit.


And that's exactly what I did.  I switched off the PC in the dining room on Saturday afternoon (smart phone free, it's my only way of accessing the internet) and got stuff done. We'd cancelled Vintage Village as we didn't think a three hour round trip to Stockport would do his recovering back any favours so I spent Saturday morning sorting out the stockroom in anticipation for trading in London (HERE) this coming Saturday instead. Stock sorted I decided it was finally safe to get the rest of my summer stuff down from the suitcase on top of the wardrobe and have a general wardrobe sort out - which I did. 


By the afternoon the promised sunshine had finally broken through the clouds and I chucked on a bikini, grabbed a Scandi thriller and my crochet and spent the rest of the day working on our camping blanket (and my tan). The evening was spent watching a Croatian thriller series (Rest In Peace) and new BBC Welsh noir, Hidden and - with the exception of the white wine and soda I had in 'Spoons with Lyndsey last week - we had our first alcoholic drink in a fortnight.

WEARING: Topshop bikini (which I fell in love with on their website but it was £45 and I couldn't justify the expense) only to find one in my size with the tags still attached from the car boot sale six months later for £1.

Sunday was glorious and it was bikinis at dawn (well, 9am) for an entire day of crochet, reading and yet more crochet. 

WEARING: Vintage gingham maxi by Uninhibited (charity shop), vintage sunglasses from a car boot sale and a stack of second-hand plastic jewellery

Yesterday we thought we'd ease Jon back into work gently. We drove a couple of miles to one of our regular haunts and sauntered around the charity shops in the gorgeous sunshine with me carrying the bulk of our buys.


Although the charity shops were a bit thin on the ground for vintage (a couple of 1960s gents' three button blazers, a full length alpaca coat, a handmade West African waxed cotton parka, a child's Mexican embroidered dress, a Tootal scarf & a handful of fringed granny lampshades) we did well with finding other things - lots of brand new Ecover products donated by a shop that had recently gone into liquidation, some brand new thermal leggings for £1 (festival essentials which will replace my raggedy other pair), an unworn navy blue cotton fine knit by Reiss for Jon (currently on their website for £90), an unopened box of the eyelash dye that usually costs substantially more than the 75p the charity shop wanted and this Boden bikini for £3 (a saving of £67!)



My favourite find of the day had to be this gorgeous velvet jacket that must have been donated by a pixie. The quality of the cotton velvet is an absolute dream and, fortunately, so is the fit. I'd have hated to have had to have parted with this curiosity! 

After lunch on Monday afternoon the computer went back on. We'd made a list of what we needed for the festival season (which kicks off very soon) and things had to be ordered. I also discovered that something we needed was a lot cheaper in IKEA  - despite the store being 3.5 miles from our front door, I haven't set foot in the place for 13 years. God help me.

WEARING: 1960s suede mini dress by Suede & Leathercraft of England (Second to None, 2014)

Today Jon's gone to visit a friend and play with engines work on the other campervan (he's assured me that he'll be sitting at a desk all day and he's taken his lumbar belt just in case he does anything more physical than screwing a few bolts in place) and I'm having to stay in as the bits we ordered are scheduled for delivery today (no sign yet!)



It's been a fairly productive day so far - I've laid a wooden floor in the doll's house and rewired a couple of Lundby lamps. Once the glue's dried I shall varnish it then crack on with finishing the blanket, making some more festival jewellery and catching up with my blog reading.

See you soon!

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.

78 comments:

  1. I do agree. Disconnecting from Internet is so important. In the end, real life is real life and there is no substitute for it. I do love your little sunshine covered corner by the windows, seems like a perfect place for reading and crocheting. That sixties suede dress looks amazing on you. I love the vintage bikini as well.

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  2. You look gorgeous in your curtain skirt. Heavenly colours .Velvet jacket super. So pleased Jon feeling better but hope he doesn’t overdo it. Adore your white, blue and yellow bikini. Best wishes for your London show xxx.

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    1. Thanks, sally! He was very sensible at the weekend - no silly loads! xxx

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  3. Like you Vix the internet has led me to making some fabulous friends and learning an awful lot. BUT I do feel we need to have more control over the time spent on it. I’m pretty much done with Facebook and sadly my blog has suffered since discovering Instagram. If I didn’t have to check emails for the business I would be able to keep off it better but I wouldn’t give up what it’s given me in friendships for anything.
    Tell Jon I’m still being treated for my back so we will be able to exchange notes next week.
    You are looking extremely fabulous, summer really suits you. And I could dive right into your wardrobes with all those beautiful colours.
    See you Monday xxx

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    1. It can be both brilliant and a bloody nuisance, can't it? The friendships we've made have been life enhancing but the time I can lose mindlessly looking at stuff is scary! xxx

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  4. I entirely agree about having a break it does wonders for your well being so does sorting out stuff , You have a fantastic bikini body , I'm hoping the yoga keeps me toning up so i can have a body like yours lol ( I don't think so ) but it is getting in better shape xxx

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    1. You've done so well with your yoga. I love how a few minutes of exercise a day increases our confidence and makes us ready to tackle the world. xxx

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  5. That was a productive several days! Your new bikini looks great and that grey velvet cape - amazing!

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  6. How stunning are you in a bikini? Very. Love that you unplugged for a while - the electronic devices want to suck our every moment, let's not allow them. Hugs to Jon to feel better, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  7. My sentiments entirely. I stopped writing on my blog at the weekends last year....too busy out having fun, new experiences and meeting up with face to face with friends.. I've long since taken FB and my email off my phone as I was getting so obsessed with checking it all the time. Arilx

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    1. Yes, you're so right. Fun comes first. xxx

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  8. Love the bikinis - I love Boden but always wait for their sale or a lucky EBay find. Dolls house floor looks good. Hope you do well at the Vintage Fair on Saturday. You're right about internet breaks - blogging/facebook can sap time and become addictive, I sometimes switch off for a day or two :)

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    1. It's the first Boden thing I've owned - they did an amazing trouser suit which I've stalked eBay for a number of years to no avail. One day it will be mine! xxx

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  9. internet is a gorgoeous thing if you - like me - lives behind the 7 mountains by the 7 dwarfs.... but you´r right - better do not forget who you are :-D
    love all your pics - you get better with your selfies by the day! the white/gingham dress is a dream - and you in a bikini too. i too wore this garments the whole last week around house&garden - but no way showing this - ehem. the forest fairy jacket is a stunner - looks like high end theater costume. oh - and the suede mini is a stunner!
    i´m glad to hear that jon left the house to shop and to play!!
    the wood flooring in the dollshouse looks great and sweet wallpaper....
    much love! xxxxx

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    1. Like Bibi, for you the internet is an absolute life changer! My favourite part of it is being able to chat to women I'd never have met but I do hate how it takes hours from our lives if we let it. xxx

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  10. Hmmm...since I live beyond the arse end of nowhere & then some- the internet is my link to the world. That being said there's only so much sitting on one's butt in front of a screen one can take.
    That velvet jacket is gorgeous & very Peter Pan! Your crochet work is lovely. I can't even look at that suede dress when it's 32C & 85% humidity though ;)
    xox

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    1. The internet must be a lifeline for you living where you do! xxx

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  11. You are looking so ab-fab in your bikinis!! (see what I did there!) I am so glad to hear Jon's back is better. Enjoy the sun while it lasts, and I look forward to seeing your crochet efforts.

    Xx

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  12. Hottie tottie! Love that you're rocking those bikinis just as well as any 20 year old if not better. GO VIX!!!

    As you know I took a bit of a bloggy and internet break to visit with blog friends in real life. What a joy that was. Leaving the computer behind is a great way to feel much better and as you mentioned, get stuff done.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. I loved reading about (and watching!) your exploits! Taking time away from the internet's a bit like taking time away from your partner, you've got so much more to talk about after a break! xxx

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  13. That velvet jacket has seen a few Jethro Tull concerts, I'm willing to bet.
    If I didn't switch off the internet I'd never get anything done, so understand completely. Glad Jon is doing better, and best of luck for your festival season.

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    1. Ha! I've got a vintage Jethro Tull tee shirt lurking in the stockroom somewhere! xxx

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  14. Who whoo! Looking fab in your bikini, Vix. I know what you mean about the internet. I have been forceably removed due to work bar the few late night likes on Facebook and IG. It really can completely take over your life. Actually so can work but we won't go there. :) I love your fabulous crocheted blanket. The colours are just gorgeous and very sunny. I love that little green jacket. What an unusual shape. Glad to hear that Jon is well enough to get out and about. Can't believe that it is festival season again. How fast the time goes. Xx

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    1. The internet is either a lifeline or a life-drain depending on my mood. I'm glad you've got your garden to help take a little of the stress away from your working life.
      I'm almost disappointed it's too warm to wear that jacket! xxx

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  15. damn, girl! You in those bikinis! That first one is tiny. (I never could get away with a two piece, always a tank for me) Totally agree about not being plugged in 24/7. When we vacation, I go weeks without checking anything.

    Good to hear Jon's on the mend.

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    1. Same here, when we're in India the only time we go near the internet is if we need to book a flight. Too busy living in the moment! xxx

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  16. I agree totally. In fact I have gone so far as to put the blog on hold for a while which is why people can't access it. I can't bring myself to leave blogger permanently-it's been so good to me, but I don't have the time for it I once did. I do still love to read what everyone else is up to though. Love the pixie jacket and wot a Boden bargain that was - you look ab in it. Hidden is great isn't it? Still mad for The Bridge though...what about that last episode, mate?!!That was painful to watch.
    Loves ya!
    xxxx

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    1. I wondered where your blog had gone to. Glad you're not retiring it altogether, it's been part of my life for the best part of 10 years!!
      I haven't watched Friday's episode of The Bridge yet - that's tonight's viewing. I've heard it's even more staggering than the last one! xxx

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  17. It's good to disconnect from time to time. I'll be mostly disconnected in Shropshire, but our cottage has got wifi which might be tempting. Love the little peek into your wardrobe and how brave to finally get out all your Summer stuff. Are you quite sure? You're looking amazing in bikini, and how fab is that Boden one! I also love the suede mini dress, and the pixie jacket. Wouldn't you love to know where it came from? Very excited about Monday! xxx

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    1. Aren't I brave, cracking open the summer clothes? I reckon that's why we've had the best May in years!
      So good to see you both yesterday - can't wait till the next time. xxx

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  18. Love the bikinis and dresses :) Def take a break when you need it.

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  19. I had a day off from the internet too on Saturday, mainly due to Himself being glued to it editing a video. I got so much done! Some of which was sorting out some stuff to sell so I've been connected listing like mad ever since.

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    1. It's quite staggering how much we get done without the internet, isn't it? When the computer's switched on I can't walk past without having a quick look! xxx

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  20. Great bod! Your navel ring decorates the space between nicely.
    I adore that pixie jacket...all those curves!
    It really is a balancing act, this internet thing.
    So glad Jon is improving. Hope he enjoyed his tightening two bolts!
    How do you crochet and read? I can only knit and read because I put my hook in the wrong holes ;-D
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Thanks so much, JJ!
      I alternate between reading and crochet, I wish I could do both although I do watch subtitled TV and crochet at the same time. xxx

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  21. I'd say you deserved a few days away -- although you were missed!

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  22. I agree SO much with your opening paragraph. Whilst I appreciate and rely on the internet for so much as I live the sticks and it's often my only point of contact, it also concerns me how many hours slip away. And I dislike the feeling of having to be up to date and get back to people immediately all of the time, it's toxic, I hate how instant everything is now and you blink and it's at the bottom of a pile of new posts. I like to take breaks now and then too, it really refreshes my mindset. I admire you for not using a smart phone, I've often thought how nice it would be to go back to my old flip phone, but I'm a bit too reliant on it.
    That velvet pixie jacket is super, I look forward to seeing how you style it. And I'm glad Jon is on the mend!

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    1. The keeping up after a day or so away makes me a bit panic-y. It's really silly, isn't it? I doubt if there's anyone who even notices my absence! xxx

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  23. I disconnect all the time, especially on weekends and vacation days. It really helps that I do not have a phone (neither does L).

    DANG, woman, you are smokin' hot in those bikinis! Woo! Happy that Jon is getting better - those health things can be scary as we get older. That jacket is all kinds of awesome - it's like some Midsummer Night's Dream thing.

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    1. Yay! I'm glad I'm not the only non-phone carrying person.
      That jacket is very Shakespearean! The Royal Shakespeare Company - had a massive costume clearance sale last year, i did wonder if it had come from there! xxx

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  24. I agree, Vix. Disconnecting is important. Afterall, it'll all be there for us to catch up on when we get back. I've only just started my vintage style blog a few months ago and already I'm noticing how time-consuming it can all be. Still, I'm glad about the connections and inspirations that can come out of blogging or instagram. Xxx

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    1. You're right, Jess. There's so much more involved in writing a blog, it's not just the photos and content but it's being part of the blogging community, supporting other bloggers by regularly commenting and replying to anyone kind enough to comment either on the blog, via email or other media. A bit of me time is utter magic! xxx

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  25. Also, please share pics of the alpaca coat (if you get a chance) 😊

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  26. I really identified with some of the things you said here. I follow only a few blogs and comment on even fewer, I didn't tell any of my non blogging friends that I was writing a blog, so very few even know I do. I love reading about people who inspire me, I find it genuinely uplifting but there's a fine line between that and aspiring to anyone else's life and being anchored in my own is really important to me too. So I thoroughly enjoyed this!
    Astrid looks on top of the world with her new decor :)
    I haven't seen anyone wearing suede for ages, it's a fab dress and your pixie jacket is wonderful, I bet it really suits you, I love the colour too. xxx

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    1. I'm glad I'm not alone in my thinking - it is all a bit overwhelming a times, isn't it? xxx

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  27. Wise words about disconnecting, Vix. Like Bibi, my physical circumstances separate me from the people and places that interest me -- the internet is literally my line of communication to the outside world. That said, I do relish a weekly "sabbath day" devoted to my own very small portion of the planet, just me with the cats and whatever at-home project has priority.

    As for envying others and their possessions? Ahem. I could wear your prize bargain bikinis -- as headbands. And one wonders if there are any plus size pixies? That cape is gorgeous!

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    1. That sabbath day sounds perfect, Beth. Under normal circumstances I'd have had a few days away from the PC what with the festival and fair we'd missed. The internet's been a bit of a lifeline for me over those few weeks of Jon's back injury and my nursing duties.
      That jacket is the first pixie bit of clothing I've ever seen in any size - pixies of all sizes must hold on to their stuff! xxx

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  28. So true, as soon as my computer gets turned off I achieve so much more!
    Looking absolutely stunning in your bikinis Vix
    xx

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  29. I know exactly what you mean by disconnecting from the internet and it's amazing what you can get done if you stay away from it. I have to ration it otherwise I can lose a whole evening and it's why I reduced blogging to once a fortnight and I spend on day catching up on blogs and commenting.

    You have definitely been bitten by the crochet bug. It's so addictive. Your blanket is looking lovely and very summery. Wonderful outfits and the bikinis are gorgeous. I love the green velvet pixie jacket; how sweet.

    I'm glad to hear Jon is on the mend....
    xxxxxx

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    1. It is amazing what you can get done when you turn that big black box off!
      I love putting an afternoon aside to leisurely read blogs and really enjoy them, when you're busy it can feel like a right old chore, can't it? xxx

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  30. woww, love those days when one get stuff done and feel like connecting with Real Life. Don't worry about the overwhelming internet world! it's perfect to take a time to yourself!
    Love your crochet and your bikinis and the stunning velvet jacket!
    besos

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    1. Those days feel so good, don't they? i love that I've made a blanket in a week - it's taken me 50 years to learn crochet! xxx

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  31. Disconnecting is good. I should do it more often.
    Today I am wish I had the figure to wear that velvet jacket. I absolutely love it.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. Thanks, Sheila. that jacket is a thing of wonder! xxx

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  32. Vix, I can just imagine how much you could get done when shutting off the computer. From what I see from reading your blog you already accomplish so much more than I ever could, even when you're connected! I too have been online less and less lately. I was feeling so much pressure to be doing something online constantly that it started to take some of the fun out of it. So had to scale it back. Love your bikinis and suede minidress. Btw, am in awe of your flat tummy. No matter how much exercise and dieting I do I'll never see that on me again!

    Theresa

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    1. Theresa, I scares me how easy it is to fall behind on commenting and liking - sometimes it feels more like a job than a bit of fun. It does feel good to take a break, scale down the amount of blogs and people I follow and just comment on the women I really like (you included!) xxx

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  33. That green velvet pixie jacket is awesome! It was meant to be found by you, and only you! Zxx

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    1. Thanks, Z! I'd love to know who donated it! xxx

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  34. The internet is a huge time-sucker and when I'm on my computer all day at work, the last thing I want to do when I come home is spend more time staring at a screen (although it doesn't stop me from looking at Instagram - maybe because it's on my phone and not my computer?). Of course this means I get so far behind in my blog commenting I feel I'll never catch up.

    Lordy woman, you are a hot tamale in those bikinis!

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    1. I'm not surprised that you ant a break from your PC after spending all day on it. It's so easy to get behind on commenting - it's almost a full time job on its own! xxx

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  35. You're so right about it being a massive drain on time that could be better spent, so a break now and again is a good thing.
    I'd so wear that suede mini - and the green jacket. xx

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    1. I almost want it to cool down a bit so I can wear that jacket! xxx

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  36. You're definitely right about the switch off! Super important. I do tend to waste HOURS online!!! How lucky to find that bikini you wanted AND the pixie jacket! I bought a little travel-sized bottle of Ecover washing up liquid in the charity shop for £1 which I bought for camping-it was a Cancer Research shop!

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    1. That's funny, our Ecover stash was from Cancer Uk, it must be a national thing! They are perfect camping size.
      It does you good to have a break form the net but goodness me, it's scary trying to catch up afterwards! xxx

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  37. Vix, I adore the gingham maxi, so feminine, you look stunning in it.
    The crochet's coming along a treat!

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    1. Thanks, Fiona! Last time I wore that dress was in Greece, I think it needs a return trip! xxx

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  38. I had a jacket in a similar shape to the pixie one in the early 90s, though mine was far inferior quality.

    I've been trying to switch off more, but I've got a friend having severe mental health problems so I've had to stay connected to Twitter fulltime in case she needs me. Hence I've dropped off my blog/IG lately. I always make time for reading the blogs that matter, though!

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    1. I'm finding it hard to keep up when the weather's so gorgeous, I just want to be outside all the time. xxx

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  39. Good for you! I love Internet, but I also disconnect from time to time. I think like anything in our world, it can be whatever we make of it - a useful tool, a pleasant (or unpleasant??) destruction, work or a source for something we love/need/crave... For me, it's the main way to stay connected with friends and family (most of them are far, far away) - and of course to have a creative outlet, and meet such cool folks as yourself!

    You look awesome in all your outfits, from dresses to bikinis!!! <3

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    1. Same here, that only thing I miss (other than a regular wage and holiday pay!) is chatting to other women on a daily basis - the internet is brilliant for that! I've connected with so many fabulous women (you included) from all over the world. I'd naver have met them without my PC! xxx

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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