On Wednesday morning, after my Wii Fit workout, I wrapped my latest ebay sales & put away the laundry I'd left hanging in the utility room the previous day before joining Jon for breakfast. While he popped out to the Post Office and to pick up a few essentials from Morrison's (rum, oranges and yogurt) I took advantage of a rare dry day and set to work sweeping up the leaves.
As soon as Jon was home he joined me and a couple of hours later it was looking a lot better. It didn't last, as the strong winds brought down another motherload, but it felt good to be leaf-free for a little while. I found a few more geraniums I'd forgotten to transfer to the greenhouse which I pruned and repotted & cut back the nasturtiums, gathering a few more seed pods to make into Poor Man's Capers (HERE'S the recipe).
All this rain is doing my winter window boxes the power of good.
After I rinsed my nasturtium pods and left them to soak for 48 hours in salted water, we had a noodle break then Jon did some work on Gilbert while I took a few more stock photos, wrote ebay descriptions and caught up with blog comments.
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| WEDNESDAY: Vintage 1970s Rumak cheesecloth dress & tooled leather belt (both charity shop finds), Clarks' Orinoco Club boots, thermal polo neck & leggings (eBay), vintage brass bangles (inherited from Mum) |
It might have been dry but it was bitterly cold but thanks to my Heatgen thermal polo neck & leggings I was toasty warm even without a coat. I decided to invest in more, finding a new & detagged Marks & Sparks bodysuit and another pair of leggings on Ebay for a fraction of the retail price.
Tea was roasted halloumi with vegetables. Check out my homegrown aubergine - small but perfectly formed! Jon hates them (he's a freak) so I had it all to myself.
Wednesday night means rum, which we enjoyed accompanied by Spooks (on the i-Player) and Ambulance on BBC One.
After a brief respite yesterday from the rain, it was back to torrential downpours on Thursday. I did my Wii Fit Workout, wheeled out the recycling & household waste bins ready for their fortnightly collection and Jon joined me for breakfast shortly afterwards. Between showers I managed to pose in the dresses I'd photographed yesterday to add to the eBay listings. The eagle-eyed amongst you will recognise several of these maxis, they've been in my personal collection for years. I still love them but it's time to move them on.
As I'd reached my maximum listings limit on eBay I found a way around it by amending some of my existing listings and saving the older ones to draft. By the time I'd uploaded my photos and messed around with my shop it was time for lunch, a Roquefort and salad sandwich on Jon's spelt bread with some of the green tomato chutney I'd made last week. It was delicious even if I do say so myself. I used this recipe HERE.
The postman came bearing gifts...or should I say, online purchases. I was wearing one of the dresses I'd posed in for the eBay photos but just had to try on my new-to-me gear. The Indian cotton gauze block printed midi dress was bought from our friends, Old's Cool Traders, who'd picked it up on their travels and being the ace people they are, messaged me to see if I'd like first dibs on it....I'm sure you know my answer!
Funnily enough Amanda was kind enough to leave a comment on my last post, pointing me in the direction of Dilli Grey, an amazing ethical lifestyle store with block printed dresses to die for. My indigo dress looks remarkably similar to the Ginnie Midi Dress (although I wouldn't mind one in each colour).
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I said purchases, didn't I? After my fabulous clog boot find last week I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted these Maguba of Sweden beauties which I'd lusted over on the Lotta of Stockholm site a couple of years ago. They were unworn and came in their original box and, of course, I had to have them. Apparently they come up on the narrow side, perfect for my thin feet and skinny ankles!
The rest of the afternoon was spent creating music (Jon) and researching garden planting schemes (me) before a tea of spinach and ricotta pasta, a couple of vegan meatballs, Jon's homemade tomato sauce and a sprinkling of vegetarian cheddar cheese.
We ate whilst watching the news. Apparently Walsall and our neighbours in Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Solihull & Birmingham are likely to move into tier 3, the highest level, from next weekend. Walsall's Covid cases are now the highest in the West Midlands. Jon's already booked a supermarket delivery slot in readiness, although the shops should remain open there's no sense in exposing yourself if there's an alternative.
Stay safe & see you soon!
Your winter window boxes look lovely. Great finds on your new dress and boots. I guess that is the great thing about reselling, when you tire of a dress or find a new to you one you'd like you have a way to shift the old stuff! I've never eaten an aubergine but it's beautiful and probably tasted even better as you'd grown it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You're right, reselling is brilliant, I can enjoy my vintage clothes and am always able to rehome home them years later. I do miss meeting the people who buy my clothes and the shared joy when they try something on and it fits perfectly. Ah well...one day things will return to normal!
DeleteI love aubergines. they're used a lot in Indian and Greek dishes but Jon loathes them. xxx
Your clog boots are glorious, Vix, as is the vintage 1970s Rumak cheesecloth dress & tooled leather belt. In fact, I think that's my very favorite outfit so far. Absolutely lovely. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Andrea! xxx
DeleteBlogging is full-time work, as is selling! Like you, I have to schedule it into my day/week. I've thought about doing an online reselling - maybe when I retire (about 8 years). Your dress collection is amazing, and it's a good thing you and I are not the same size, Vix! Love those Lotta boots - drool! They are fab.
ReplyDeleteBlogging does require plenty of time and lots of discipline but it's so worth it for the wonderful connections we make with like-minded people around the world (like you!)
DeleteI must stop looking at clog boots, it's becoming an obsession.
I can see you rocking the hell out of some of those dresses. xxx
cool new boots!
ReplyDeleteand another beautiful block print dress..... but my heart is on the black cheesecloth midi <3
i bet your teeny tiny aubergine was the most tasty one on earth!
well done to model the dresses - they look so much more tempting when worn. checked dilli gray - beautiful garments indeed.
here we are in semi lockdown from monday on - sadly the supermarkets here do no delivery so poor BW has to go out for food...... frightening in his case. but even if i would do the food run, it would´t change anything unless I would camp on the lawn.
xxxxx
Thanks, Beate! Those boots are wonderful to wear. I might treat myself to a walk around the block later to give them a proper outing!
DeleteI wasn't sure if that black cheesecloth dress was exciting enough to keep when I first found it but it really seems to adapt itself to every season.
What a pity you can't get online deliveries. Jon says the mask situation seems to be getting worse and he's starting to feel very uncomfortable in some shops. xxx
I am fortunate to be in Level 2 in Scotland but my family is level 3. Scottish Government is recommending (at the moment, but this may become mandatory) that there should be no travel between different level areas. I understand completely why these measures are in place but, jeepers, isn't it hard to go back to severe restrictions??? (Will check later how this affects extended households). Felt quite blue today. I know you hate Halloween, Vix, but I am a Scot and it always has been an important festival here. I put up a few wee bits of decor to lighten the day. Btw no trick or treaters are EVER allowed through my door though guisers are welcome. Not this year, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm in complete agreement, Catmac. We had no problem during the first lockdown but it is rather depressing a second time, when will it ever end? Our area won't get a definite answer till next Wednesday but looking at the dreadful figures it looks pretty inevitable. Stay positive and you're very welcome to email me if you ever want a chat.
DeleteI didn't realise Halloween was more important in Scotland, every day is a school day. I'm glad you've mad an effort with the decor, I hope it cheered you up.
I've just watched BBC Breakfast and marvelled at some of the houses in Bristol with Halloween decorations, the haunted pirate house was amazing. Stay safe. xxx
How kind of you, Vix. Thank you! xxx
DeleteAn odd benefit of opting for the subscription delivery service has been the discipline it requires of me to plan menus a week in advance. The savings gained by avoiding impulse purchases offsets the fees. However, I do treat myself to at least one new item selected from the online store inventory, usually from the "foreign/deli" department, frequently from the "dairy/cheeses/hummus" section. Must say I miss grazing in the produce section, and my experience ordering a half-case of wine has been a sad disappointment. Our lockdown level is iffy at the moment: numbers are rapidly headed in the wrong direction as covidiots refuse to wear masks, practice social distancing or otherwise behave like sane adults. It looks like a long, hard winter inside ahead.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there, Beth! Jon's a real impulse shopper and by us going through the cupboards and making a note of what we need rather than what we want has really helped keep the grocery bill down. The supermarket we use has a good international food section as well, a treat from there and an interesting sounding cheese always make their way on to the order.
DeleteI despair of the covidiots, no masks, no concept of social distancing and ignoring the sanitiser on offer at shop entrances. It will be a long winter. xxx
That's a magnifcent coat of leaves leading up to your door. Looks rather special too. Except for one very confusing outbreak of community covid which spread rather quickly, and no-one knows where it came from - the rest have all been from people coming into the country with mandatory isolation and testing. So this is in New Zealand. But we're not stupid - we do know that we are very fortunate: we have an amazing and fearless leader, and we are so isolated from the rest of the world. But Great Britain is a major hub of the world and has more than 20 million people than we do, so there's no comparison, it's so much harder for your country. Good you are both being pre-prepared and got in your amazing holiday xxxx
ReplyDeleteThe leaves are very attractive to look at, the colours are amazing this year. We feel so powerless at the moment, getting those leaves dealt with makes us feel like we've gained a bit of control in our lives, if only for an hour or two.
DeleteWe are in awe of Jacinda and envy you such a decisive and sensible leader. xxx
I love that Indigo dress you have treated yourself to - it's just beautiful, would also look good layered - boots look like quality leather, what a find. Your window boxes look professional - inspiring me to at least fill a tub with something colourful. It's pumpkin carving today - family tradition that we keep living on... local lockdowns do seem to be the way to go - we expect similar here soon - Brighton is probably next and we aren't that far (son's girlfriend lives there so that will put a spanner in the works).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! The website that kind blog reader had pointed me in the direction of had some inspiration for wearing Indian cotton dresses all year round. With good quality thermals and added layers like waistcoats there's really no need for a specific winter wardrobe with the UK's relatively mild winters, is there?
DeleteHave a lovely day pumpkin carving. It's such a miserable day here weather-wise, a creative activity you can do inside sounds like a wonderful way to spend today. xxx
I love those purple gems!! Paul is like Jon, expect, Paul will only eat, carrots, peas, swede and potatoes!! Ohh and parsnips. He is such a fussy eater, the Lancashire hotpots did a song called fussy eater and when he starts I play it to annoy him!!
ReplyDeleteHe had a fit yesterday because we were eating caramelised maple leaves a delacy to Kyoto he looked like he wanted to be sick!!!! Still mommy though. I saw this kimono yesterday and I thought of you it was unique and boho I have never seen one like it and I thought of you.
Looking fab as always. Need to do another wardrobe sort out as I kinda went crazy yesterday opps!! But they do have the best vintage shops!!
Hi Allie! Paul and Jon sound very alike. When I met him the only veg he'd eat were chips, pickled cabbage & onions and garden peas, it's taken me 28 years but I'm getting there. He's fine with trying exotic dishes when we travel - as long as it doesn't involve weird veg. I'm liking the sound of those maple leaves, I'd definitely try them!
DeleteI'd have loved to see the kimono and i'm glad you've found some good shopping in Kyoto! Take care & have fun! xxx
Those heatgen thermals are so snug aren't they. I think I need a new set too. We are heading for a level three in Nunthorpe so I am glad to have a good food store.
ReplyDeleteThey're great, Cherie! Much better than a great big bulky jacket when you're working outside.
DeleteI'm glad you're sorted for food. We're good for dry & tinned stuff but being veggie much of what we eat is fresh and requires a weekly shop although we've got some stuff in the freezer to tide us over.
It sounds like we're a week behind you, stay safe and socially distanced! xxx
Vix - it's worth seeing if any of your local greengrocers/market traders are doing veg boxes. A lot of our market traders are doing veg/meat or fish boxes to keep them going. Bonus - no mixing with Covidiots - no 'artisan' prices.
DeleteThanks, Elaine! I did have a bit of a hunt the other day but to no avail. I was sad to see that even our fruit & veg stall on Walsall market was no longer trading when I went to the hairdresser the other day. I shall have to dig a bit deeper! x
DeleteSome of ours have dropped off too, Vix - perhaps wary about delivery and exposure. It's such a shame x
DeleteHappy Friday Vix! Well as I said on Sheila's and it goes for you too I love how you accessorize and layer your outfits. I bet sales of thermals will go up now lol I love that you still rock your dresses in winter!! I have a confession and you aren't going to like it lo but I get into the "comfort zone" in winter but seeing your out fit is giving me some ideas yea! I knew the window boxes would look pretty and they do. Just been talking to the old aunt next door and our chats always end up on gardening told her I would get some pansies for her to cheer her pots up. Your good raking the leaves up! but then you get stuck into everything you put your mind to. Glad the ebay is going well for you. hugs Shazxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shaz, very kind of you to say so! I was fearful of slipping into the comfort zone after my hip replacement and made a point of only owning dressy-up things. Thermals are definitely the answer to extending your more summery stuff. The bodysuit I ordered from ebay turned up earlier and I can't believe how pretty it is, who knew thermals could be sexy?
DeleteYou are such a lovely person offering to get the elderly auntie some pansies, that'll put a smile on her face all winter! Stay safe! xxx
Loving your winter window boxes!, and loving your garden.
ReplyDeleteAnd love that you're keeping yourself comfy by wearing thermal clothes under your fab dresses. I think it's a brilliant tip, and a lovely dress!
I'm amazed that somebody can hate aubergines!, they can be cooked in so many different ways! and so tasty!
Love your indigo block print dress, so stunning piece and you Rock it!.
And those boots are so cool!, glad that you find another pair of a favourite clog!. I tend to buy multiple pairs of shoes when I manage to find something that fits my fussy feet!.
besos
Thanks, Monica! It's a full time job trying to keep the garden tidy at this time of year.
DeleteI'm so impressed with the modern new thermals, much better than those saggy Pointelle things we used to have to wear, they're nice enough to be seen!
I'm like you, if I find something comfy I have to stock up, My feet can be temperamental beasts! Stay safe! xxx
'Tis the season of eternal leaf raking :-) I really need to do the same, but I hate it when everything's so soggy! Your window boxes are gorgeous, though. And what a wonderful bevy of maxi dresses. I do indeed recognize quite a few of them. I'm hopeless at getting rid of things, but still managed to fill some bags for charity, which I'm really chuffed about. I'm loving the black cheesecloth dress, and layering it with thermal leggings and polo neck is a brilliant idea. Not quite cold enough for those here, though. The block print dress from Old's Cool Traders is gorgeous too, you were really lucky to get first dibs from them. And how amazing are the Maguba of Sweden clog boots!
ReplyDeleteYour tiny but perfectly formed aubergine made me smile, and I'm sure you didn't mind having to share with Jon :-)
I keep anxiously checking the news here, as we are expecting a government announcement this afternoon. A new lockdown seems imminent! There have already been rumours of a supermarket rush (why? haven't people learned from last time?) but Jos went for this morning and reported that it was virtually deserted. Keep safe Vix, Jon and the lads xxx
"Not" having to share with Jon, obviously. My mind is all over the place ... xxx
DeleteIt's quite an enjoyable job when the leaves are crisp and dry but a real chore when they're soggy! Jon's found that a stiff yardbrush is a much better alternative to a rake on the gravel and seems to power through it.
DeleteI'm keeping my fingers crossed that your restrictions won't be too limiting and that the numbers are starting to go down. I'm glad Jos's grocery shop wasn't too crazy.
Stay safe! xxx
Ooh Dilly dresses are so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteTier 3 is no different to any other Tier if you are house hermits like us. We do Lidl and locals (shops not pubs) as local traders are hurting. We try to shop local as much as possible anyway - but are well aware that if you want to keep your local market/bakery/pharmacy - you'd better use them. Also they have a two customers at once policy that is reassuring (much better than the free for all at bigger stores). If we need to go supermarket shopping then we are part of the wide-awake club that goes there early doors.
I might have a look at thermals - but then again, I think riding a motorbike for years has altered my thermostat permanently lol! As long as my feet are warm and dry I'm OK - and we're in totally-lyering season (which I love). I can imagine the faff of getting too hot and then having to undress to get rid of the thermal layer - rather like wearing a jumpsuit and needing the loo lol.
Stay strong xx
Hello Elaine!
DeleteI thought you'd like those Dilli dresses!
Yes, it doesn't look like moving to tier 3 will make much of a difference to Jon and I either. I've no interest in pubs at the moment although we'll miss having mates pop round for an al fresco coffee.
Well done for supporting local businesses, sadly Walsall's 1000 year old market has all but vanished since COVID so it's Asda delivery and Johal's. We avoided Morrisons throughout the first lockdown, nothing wrong with them, just their clientele!
I do love my thermals. Jon worries about overheating when he's out which makes me giggle as he's worse for feeling the cold than anyone else I know!
Stay safe! xxxx
During the 1970s I worked nextdoor to a little Boutique that sold similar dresses.I loved it in there and the lady and her daughter who ran it always looked so stylish and jingled when they walked with all their bangles-I think it may have been Very Bazzar x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fabulous place, Flis! I remember Mum taking me in little hippy boutiques like that in the 1970s as she was mad for those kind of dresses. There's a hippy shop in Leicester called Very Bazaar! xxx
DeleteI cleared the leaves from the garden today as well-what an unpleasant chore, but it looks so much better. I didn't have nearly as nice a dinner to refresh me afterward. That has to be the world's cutest eggplant.
ReplyDeleteYou do have the best stock of dresses. Congratulations on the clog boots! So great to get what you want at the price you wish to pay.
Leaf sweeping is such a bore, I hate it when they're soggy.
DeleteIt was a delicious eggplant/aubergine! I wish I'd been able to grow more but it was the only one that grew. xxx
You are having stellar luck with the clog boots! There are a couple of the maxi dresses you are posting I would love, but alas, as they fit you, there is no way they will fit me. I added two more things to my Etsy shop today but it takes me so long to photograph, measure, and write descriptions that it takes forever to get new listing up.
ReplyDeleteOur leaves are dropping like crazy here - you rake them up and a few hours later the lawn is covered again.
I know, I can't believe I've got two pairs of clog boots, I must stop looking or at this rate I'll be overrun with them!
DeleteIt takes an absolute age to do listings. A few of my photos weren't quite right when i uploaded then so had to do them all over again, between rain showers! xxx
Love those dresses and shoes.... Your home and garden are so beautiful too. Have a great Halloween weekend! Or Samhain. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Have a wonderful Halloween/Samhain too! xxx
DeleteHello Vix, happy Samhain. Your window boxes look wonderful. You are rocking those outfits and plaits (my fella’s plaits are almost that long now…says he’s not going to cut his hair until he gets his back tattoo finished). Yet another great clog boot find! Lulu xXx
ReplyDeleteHello Lulu and a happy Samhain to you as well! I love the sound of your fella, he must look like a Viking! xxx
DeleteYou've inspired me to get going with the winter planting. Bought some Cyclamen at Aldi yesterday, just got to repot them now.Have you heard of a reselling site called 'Vinted'. Not sure whether it's better or worse than Ebay or what the fees are but worth a look? New Danish drama on Beeb Four tonight 'DNA', after Michael Palin. It's the third in the series but you could catch up on I-Player. Last Gardener's World last night. Felt sad saying goodbye to Monty. Roll on Spring (and much happier times).Have a great weekend you two.xxx
ReplyDeleteI've never had cyclamen before, they've really shot up since last week. I must be doing something right.
DeleteThanks for telling us about DNA, for some reason we'd missed it so we shall have a catch-up after Michael Palin.
I've heard of Vinted although haven't researched it, I've got a feeling it's an app and I don't have a mobile phone. xxx
What a day in the West Mids, I only wanted to go to the post box at the end of our road but I don’t have a rowing boat, so am having an in-house day. I just love your clog boots, my Mother sin Law, yes, M sin L! had worked in the Lancs cotton mills and had a few pairs of real clogs, just like your boots they were black and beautifully polished with brass studs round the edge.Thought that Monty and Gardener’s World was top drawers, but sad that it was the last one as so many interesting features and people to see. Here we are waiting to see if and when we will move into level three? won’t make too much difference to us as N.M Husband is on the shielding list Have you ever been to Totnes on your travels Vix? one of my favourite Hippie towns. So batten down the hatches and both enjoy the rest of your weekend. Brummie Sue Xx.
ReplyDeleteEvening, Sue! Bit rough wasn't it? I don't think there's a leaf left on our trees after that wind!
DeleteM sin L, love it! I've seen those mill workers boots on the Antique Road Trip, they really were things of beauty, weren't they?
I was sad about Monty finishing, too. I saved watching it until this afternoon to spin it out a bit longer. I can see myself being very busy now he's told me I need to wash all my terracotta plant pots, that'll keep me occupied if we do go into lockdown!
I have been to Totnes, it's one of my favourite places in the UK although I haven't been for years. When life returns to normal I think we're due a return visit! Have a fab rest of the weekend. xxx
I love that rum is first on your list of essentials :)
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous online purchases. You have all the luck!
We're still tier 1 but I rarely go out, if it's not essential I don't bother. I visit my parents but that's about it. At least you know you'll be able to handle tier 3 restrictions, you've both handled lockdown with aplomb, adjusting so well to this new normal of ours.
xx
One has to get one's priorities right!
DeleteI don't think tier 2 or 3 will make much difference to our lives either (except not being able to have friends round to sit in the garden). xxx
That blue maxi dress looks amazing on you and the boots are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! x
DeleteLeggings are really the way to winterise Summer frocks- I barely wear tights now as a good pair of leggings can be worn with boots under a dress and much more cosy! Glad you managed to get some. Love your new dress- it is a beauty and how fortunate to get those boots.
ReplyDeleteI ended up spending more money than I've ever spent on a pair of boots in Corbridge. It was pouring with rain and my boots seemed to have sprung a leek and I went in and tried some lovely Goretex boots with sheepskin lining- I decided to just buy them and wear them and think about the fact that the shops might have to close at any time so I was supporting a small business, rather than worrying about how much I'd just spent!
I've culled a lot of clothes recently that I still love, but still have bursting cupboards, drawers and wardrobes! I mustnt look at yours!
You're right, leggings are the future! I'm really impressed with the M&S ones.
DeleteThose boots sound like a good investment, they'll last you for years and as you do loads of walking they are worth every penny. It's lovely that you've supported a small business, too.
We've been thinking along the same lines, if we get an opportunity to buy something we do it there and then, no dithering or procrastinating. We're racking our brains thinking about what we might need for the next month or so. xxx