It was business as usual on Tuesday, a Wii Fit session, some eBay parcel wrapping, a load of washing hung up to dry in the utility room and a leisurely breakfast. It was an unseasonably warm (and dry!) day. Jon did the post office run and picked up a few groceries and I did some tidying in the garden, making sure the garden waste bin was filled within an inch of its life ready for the penultimate collection of the year on Wednesday.
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| TUESDAY: Vintage Anokhi dress (eBay), 1970s Janet Wood for Monsoon Afghan waistcoat (online vintage shop) |
The new fairy lights arrived and when Jon got back we strung them up and tested them out.
I love these Eid lights, I've spotted green plastic ones in a few windows in the neighbourhood but I'd never seen them in gold metal before, they compliment our used-to-be-a-Rajasthani-coffee-table shelving rather nicely. (If you're wondering what Jon's up to he's harvesting our homegrown Winter Marvel lettuce for tea.)
I love how well these mains powered warm white fairy lights illuminate my vintage glass. They throw off enough light not to need my reading lamp unless I'm crocheting.
I'm not sponsored by the company I bought my chilli, Eid and fairy lights from but HERE'S the link anyway, we're thrilled with our purchases and British indie businesses need all the help they can get at the moment.
After our noodles Jon fitted the window film (aka poor man's double glazing) in the lounge. It's the only time my hairdryer ever gets used!
That should keep the draughts away until the Spring unless a cat decides to launch itself at something and then he'll have to do it all over again!
After a walk around the block I got the window in the middle room/dining room/dumping ground ready for applying window film in the morning then cracked on with a bit more crochet.
Tea was frittata with salad, plaka gigantes and olives. My friend Betty asked what plaka gigantes are, they're a Greek dish of white beans in tomato sauce (I can recommend THIS recipe). Later we watched a couple more episodes of Spooks.
Wednesday morning started, as usual, with a Wii Fit workout and yogurt and fruit for breakfast with some fresh cranberries I'd stewed with some unrefined sugar and a little water the previous day. They were delicious. I caught up with blog reading until Jon shooed me out of the way so he could apply film to the bay window in the middle room.
On her latest blog post Monica had written We've had some cloudy, foggy and wet days, really unpleasant even if it was not really cold. It's the kind of weather to stay at home and crochet something while watching detective murder mysteries (or whatever that tickles your fancy!) and with torrential rain forecast, I followed suit, watching The Jeremy Vine Show whilst making a waistcoat from the granny squares I'd crocheted while the joiners were here last week.
I had a rough idea of what I wanted in my head and made it up as I went along. You know me!
After our noodles a plumber called round as Jon had discovered, whilst sorting out the window, that the radiator in the middle room was leaking. We were amazed when he turned up, Jon had tried calling four other companies before finding Simon who'd been on a job but had offered to pop round once he'd finished. The radiator is 15 years old and needs replacing, it's now switched off and a replacement will be fitted in the next fortnight. Luckily it's in the same rom as the wood burner so I won't freeze to death when I'm on the PC (the weather's supposed to be turning very cold tomorrow!)
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| WEDNESDAY: Vintage Ayesha Davar block printed midi skirt & cheesecloth blouse (eBay), 1960s-does-Edwardian boots (car boot sale), Crochet lace-up waistcoat (made by me!) |
Check out my Victorian coal scuttle, I rescued it from the parental home when we sold it as I've loved it since childhood. I know brass isn't fashionable but there again, neither am I. Art Nouveau rocks!
Despite the weather warnings for torrential rain and high winds in the end there were just a couple of heavy showers and a few light gusts and by mid-afternoon the sky was blue so we went for a walk around the block before Jon cracked on with tea (remembering to take some bread out of the freezer for our National Trust packed lunch tomorrow).
I'm currently enjoying a bottle of Tiger, looking forward to our roasted veggies with halloumi and a night of Spooks and rum. Cheers, take care and see you soon!
Your Eid lights are beautiful, what a great idea!! I've always been a fan of art nouveau, so much nature intertwined with fine craftstmanship. Brass is the new silver! (or maybe you need to start a trend although you hate those). Your new waistcoat is perfect for staying in this winter with an extra touch of warmth for those bloody hell cold days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tammy! I didn't expect those Eid lights to be quite as lovely, they'll be staying up all year round. I love the fluid Art Nouveau motifs, the are quite mesmerising, aren't they? xxx
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ReplyDeleteLoving the Eid lights - thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteBrass might not be fashionable but I 'rescued' a beautiful brass kettle from a local charity shop last month. Only it wasn't beautiful - it was so black and dusty you could barely tell what it was made of. Amazing what an hour with Brasso will do, and now it reflects light from the woodburner beautifully 🔥
Well done on rescuing the brass kettle and seeing past the grime. It's so rewarding to see these poor cast offs spring back into life, isn't it? I love how brass reflects the glow for the woodburner, too.
DeleteYou won't be disappointed if you treat yourself to those lights, £4.99 well spent! xxx
I'd be more than happy to have that coal skuttle on my hearth.
ReplyDeleteIt's a thing of beauty! x
DeleteYour waistcoat is fabulous. It looks really good.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! x
DeleteWell done on the crocheted waistcoat, Vix! I'm also an 'on the fly' creator when it comes to crochet. I need to see if I can find some wool at the thrift store and make something fun while I watch football on Sundays.
ReplyDeleteGlad your window film is mostly up against your cold weather, but too bad about your radiator. We just discovered our hot water tank is in its final "safe" year, so we have to get that replaced soon. I adore your pretty coal scuttle - and who gives a flying fark about what's in or out? Bah!
I put up some fairy lights yesterday (they'll be part of tonight's post) and I'm enchanted by them. They add so much warmth! Stay warm and enjoy your Tiger (I used to like those back in my drinking days).
Thanks, Sheila! It's rather empowering to see a rough plan come together.
DeleteGood luck with the wool hunting, I love to have a craft on the go in front of the TV (unless I'm watching something with subtitles!)
That's rubbish about the hot water tank, Jon's decided he might have a bash at fixing the radiator himself first. He hates anything to defeat him.
Your abode looks absolutely gorgeous with the fairy lights, don't they add a touch of winter magic? xxx
That was lucky getting someone in that quickly to see to the radiator. Hope it is an easy replacement.
ReplyDeleteI like your improvised crochet very much. Excellent colours.
Hope it stays warm for you.
I know, I was expecting to waist months! Jon's going to have a go at fixing it himself now, it'll be a learning curve if nothing else.
DeleteI might have to order some more wool now, I've rediscovered my love for crochet! xxx
Seeing the photos of Jon putting up the window film reminds me of our first house, where we did that on every window in the fall. It was like a fan was on, inside the house, when the winter winds would blow if we didn't. This house we've been in for 25+ years has some drafty windows but not like that first house all those years ago. I think it's good for a house to "breathe" just a little bit. I like the idea of the exchange of air from outside to in and vice versa.... but not to the point of shivering, that's for sure! *haha* Your fairy lights are divine... I love them!!! ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's a pain to do but so worthwhile! I think most Europeans like houses to breathe, we have our windows open all year round, Winter or Summer (air conditioning isn't common in Northern European homes). xxx
Deleteyour crochet vest turned out really nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh! xxx
Deletetotally love the picture of you brushing your hair - beautiful!!
ReplyDeletenever heard of window film before..... very old houses here have "winter windows": a wooden frame with a single glazed, functional window in it, that sleeps over summer in the attic and gets hooked in on the inside of the actual window for wintertime...... although very old houses here have not such huge windows like stonecroft - i guess its because climate was always much harsher on the middle of the continent.
pretty fairy lights! and a good way to deal with the early dark - we do with candles - thankfully lisbeth ignores them (heard otherwise from several cat owners).
the granny squares waistcoat looks fantastic - its a perfect addition to your wardrobe! and warm and cosy i bet!
the coal scuttle is divine - we love the warm shine of brass for interior and art nouveau anyway - but our tiled oven has to heat 3 rooms so we need 2 big stable zinc buckets full of briquettes daily.
enjoy your yummy food and exotic beer! cheers! xxxxx
Thanks so much, Beate!
DeleteJon and I were fascinated by your description of the winter windows, they sound like an ingenious idea although you're right, not so practical for windows our size. The window film is a quick and easy fix, it's really good for preventing condensation, too.
Candles and cats are a tricky combination, lucky that Lisbeth is a sensible lady cat, not like our crazy boys! xxx
Love the crochet vest, very 70’s!!! poor jon I would not like to apply that window film! I can imagine it being a total nightmare to apply. I watch Paul apply that film to cars in his spare time, you have to have the patience of a saint to do it!!
ReplyDeleteOld Japanese homes like ours are can be very cold in the winter as they are only single brick and are meant to collapse easily in an earthquake situation, but lucky for us our winters our so mild, and last a matter of weeks. It’s still 20 degrees here. And our air con can soon turn into a heater if we need to. I think the mats also help retain heat as well. Love the new lights so pretty. Take care and keep safe love to you both
Thanks, Allie! that window film isn't as bad as that car film, goodness me, the air was blue when we applied that to the old VW van!
DeleteOur house is single brick too, we feel your pain. Ours costs an absolute fortune to hear, hence the reason we're always scrounging wood!
Stay safe! xxx
Thanks for the info on those beans, will check them out! I just knew those granny squares were going to end up being something totally un-granny, the waistcoat is so pretty and clever. That window film looks hard work, one crease and its ruined I would guess! Have fun on your National Trust trip today. I love fairy lights too and yours fit in so perfectly with your style. We put loads up in the conservatory in the winter and i never get bored with them.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't be bothered with dried butter beans you can get away with tinned ones, just as delicious!
DeleteI was really pleased with how that waistcoat turned out, I wonder what I should do next? xxx
Firstly, I love your Anokhi dress and waistcoat ensemble, another fabulous outfit and you look gorgeous in these photos!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm totally enthusiastic that you mentioned me in a post! and so lovely to see that you crocheted this fab waistcoat. Mwhaha, this is particularly lovely as I'm also crocheting a waistcoat myself, inspired by your fabulous ensembles!.
The brass coal scutter is a stunning piece!. And love these photos of you rocking your new waistcoat!.
besos & love
Thanks so much, Monica! I really struggle with blog photos at this time of year, Winter is not the blogger's friend!
DeleteYou inspired me to get crocheting. One day I hope I'll master a massive cardi as amazing as yours! xxx
Hi there Vix! back after getting over a horrid migraine (bloody thing) anyway firstly, glad the windows are done, secondly although I love the shots of you in the garden it is so nie to see you pose indoors. The fairy lights look fabulous and lend a warm glow to everything. I have discovered the wii fit board the boys had up on top of their wardrobe from years ago and am using that it's great. I also fnally rakd the leaves (not as virtuous as yu my friend) anyway just catching up and as usual everything looks wonderful in Vix land! going to try the bean recipe thanks Shazxx
ReplyDeleteHello Shaz! You poor thing, migraines are atrocious & knock you around for days. I hope you're feeling much better now.
DeleteIt's a real challenge to take photos at this time of year, I thought indoors was a better option!
Well done on getting those leaves up and rediscovering the Wii Fit board. When I got on mine this morning it told me that it was our 4000th session - I've know marriages not last as long!
Stay sage. xxx
I love that crochet waistcoat I am definitely going to steal that idea but I will give you full credit when it's finished.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that it might be next winter as it took me two years to finish my Chakra blanket.
Thanks, Jane! It was really easy to make, I think you'll whip one up in no time. xxx
DeleteWow, a real last from the past for me seeing Jon fixing the 'double glazing' to the window frame. It's amazing how well it works isn't it.
ReplyDeleteI love Art Nouveau, much more so than Art Deco, I always used to struggle to sell on Art Nouveau pieces when I had my shops, but putting higher prices on them so I could enjoy them for longer worked well in that I could enjoy them in the shop for a while at least.
That window film makes such a difference, it's worth spending a few hours applying it, there's nothing worse that a cold house, you can't get anything done as you're scared to move.
DeleteIf I was a billionaire I'd buy a 1920s Art Deco apartment on Marine Drive in Mumbai and fill it with Art Deco but it doesn't sit well in "normal" houses, does it? Art Nouveau looks gorgeous in any setting. xxx
The fairy lights certainly brighten dark corners and shelves! This is a much safer alternative to candles when one lives with cats, particularly one with a floofy tail. * And I confess I like the soft gleam of an "old brass" finish in candlelight or lamplight during dark winter evenings; so, too, the sparkle of crystal or colored glass "enhancements" to chandeliers (These need not be 'real'. Mardi Gras beads would do nicely.)
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing of the "granny" about your crocheted waistcoat, Vix, either in design or color scheme. I do admire how neatly you've finished it; I fear my efforts would resemble a tea cosy.
They make such a difference on these dark winter days and yes, much safer than candles for us cat slaves! The bead idea is just brilliant, I might have to reclaim my disco ball from the garden!
DeleteThanks so much, Beth. I was amazed that I'd managed to create something wearable! xxx
Your fairy lights do look rather wonderful. I usually only get my lights out at Christmas but I'm starting to rethink this...
ReplyDeleteI love your crochet waistcoat, it looks fabulous!
Your coal scuttle is divine, I love Art Nouveau too - Mucha is one of my all time favourite artists.
xx
Get those lights out now, it'll make everything better!
DeleteI love Mucha, too. I remember admiring your artwork when Kezzie hosted her blogger art gallery! xxx
So much lovely! Thanks for the fairy lights link - I'm wanting the dinosaur lights so bad lol Your coal box is lovely and those who think brass isn't 'fashionable' just don't want the faff of cleaning it I'll bet.
ReplyDeleteI can recommend battery-powered candles and tea lights - we have lots - and no risk of the house burning down because you forgot to snuff them out! Some are more realistic than others of course - but they do look lovely if they have a flicker effect. We need some new fairy lights - I have a horror of electrocuting myself once they start getting a bit ancient.
Well done on the crochet waistcoat - it looks FAB!
Sneaky, leaky radiators are a pain - how lucky you are to find a tradesman so quickly! I hate the fact that a lot of people are all - no job too small - and then you find out that they don't want to fix a section of your roof - they want to do the lot. Having said that - we've found an electrician who is top notch and we can have a go at most other things ourselves (obvs not the roof lol).
We had a double-glazed window that was stuck in the locked position and were quoted £90 and two call-outs worth, to fix it. My clever fella worked out just what was needed (by taking a working mechanism from another window, to bits) and we got replacement parts off ebay for considerably less. A good job our time is for free!!
Hope you have a lovely NT visit - take care xx
Elaine - you lovely lady, I'm thrilled with my surprise parcel and Jon adores the postcard! Thank you so much.
DeleteI think I;m reverting back to my second childhood, I loved the dinosaur lights and the Llama Del Ray ones! I wondered about the battery operated candles, they look lovely on the photos and unless you can afford top notch real ones they're a far better alternative than burning all manner of noxious chemicals.
I'm amazed the crochet waistcoat ended up looking like it should have done, it's a lockdown miracle.
We were so lucky to find that plumber although after watching a couple of online tutorials Jon's now wondering if he should have a go at fixing it himself. I love a chap who'll have a go first (like your fella!) xxx
You are so welcome, Vix - I'm trying hard to find things a home and to recycle with purpose - I know you like that kind of fabric and I'm dying to know if the lady on the top is a 'famous face' from India lol. I'm going through the contents of the airing cupboard next - so who knows what will turn up ... probably tons of doilies and embroidered tea cloths!
DeleteWith DIY we take the approach that at worst - we can cock it up for free, rather than paying someone else to do it. When we bought our first house we got ripped off quite badly by a local builder - never again! And it is fab when you finish something yourself and think - I did that!
As soon as I find out her identity I'll let you know, the image does seem really familiar!
DeleteThat's always been our ethos, too - have a go first and then if all else fails pay someone to put it right. To save money when we first moved into Stonecroft, Jon offered to work as our builder's labourer, he saved loads of money and learnt loads! xxx
Oooh just bobbing in to share
Deletehttp://www.artandthecountryhouse.com/
you'll love it Vix!
Hello Vix, your house look winter ready with windows sorted, log burner and warm fairy lights. (Oooh, it has got cold here this afternoon, I’ve had to put the heating on, bar humbug… but we have our eye on a rusting radiator). Your vintage glass does look gorgeous glowing in the sparkly lights. Love the art deco brass. Great job on the crochet waistcoat! Lulu xXx
ReplyDeleteI'm more ready for winter than I've ever been, Lulu! I'm usually in complete denial, buying suncream and making travel plans for India. This year it's all about thermals, logs and twinkly lights, I'm hibernating! xxx
DeleteI love your crochet waistcoat, it's such a good fit.
ReplyDeleteThis time of year makes us need fairy lights doesn't it, it's so dark. I like the chilli ones especially. I recently got some myself, we all need cheering up I reckon!
Hope the radiator is soon sorted out, good job it's in a room with extra heating, its decidedly chilly isn't it. xxx
Thanks, Sally!
DeleteWe're all spending so much more time at home it makes sense to prettify it as much as possible, doesn't it? xxx
Your new Eid lights are gorgeous and the perfect addition to your already swoon-worthy room. We do not have double glazing at the front of our house (yet) and although I've heard of the "poor man's double glazing", I had no idea of its effectiveness. I wonder if I could persuade Jos to give it a go? Your crochet waistcoat is fabulous, and I'm swooning over that Victorian coal shuttle. Who cares about brass being fashionable or not?
ReplyDeleteWhat a stroke of bad luck with the radiator, these things always happen at the worst possible time, don't they? So glad you won't be freezing to death courtesy of the room's alternative heating! xxx
Thanks, Ann! Those Eid lights were even prettier than I expected, they give out such a nice glow.
DeleteThat window film is really good, it really does filter out the draughts and stops any of that horrible condensation forming, just keep Phoebe away, it looks terrible when it' patched together with sticky tape! xxx
Your new lights look gorgeous above the window. They add a lovely glow which is much needed at this time of year. The days have been so dark lately.
ReplyDeleteLove the waistcoat. X
Those lights give out just the right amount of cheery warmth, don't they? It's been so gloomy lately. xxx
DeleteHow gorgeous are those big orange flowers on that first Anokhi vintage dress. I love the red waistcoat you wore with it as well. Your new Eid lights are lovely and fit the style of your house perfectly. Those curtains are so fabulous as well...the reading sport looks super cozy...I love the waistcoat you made from your granny squares. I went back to my comment of the day when you first started to crochet those granny square ( it was on 11th, I believe)and my comment says: "I'm sure you'll figure out what to do with those granny squares. I already see them connected in a nice waistcoat...." I also suggested skirt or a top but a waistcoat really seems like an ideal solution. I think it is possible someone else mentioned waistcoat in the comments, maybe you did too but waistcoat is the imagine that first came to my mind and it looks exactly like that.
ReplyDeleteThe white beans Greek dish looks lovely.
Thanks, Ivana! The more I wear that Anokhi dress the more I like it, I keep spotting different features in the pattern I hadn't noticed previously!
DeleteYou're right, I read your comment and responded to it. Your suggestion must have subliminally lodged in my mind when I had another look at my squares and thought "waistcoat!" xxx
Your waistcoat is beautiful, Vix. I absolutely love waistcoats. It was a lovely day here but it was pretty chilly. Definitely new, draught-free windows weather! Life is a bit turbulent at the moment as my dear old Mum is not too well. She has had a whole body psoriasis flare-up and the itching is driving her demented. Any suggestions to ease itching apart from calamine lotion? Her poor old skin is raw.
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest vaseline petroleum jelly, generously applied? Your chemist might also be able to obtain vaseline petrolatum gauze, which can be applied like a bandage. If you mum is comfortable using a bath tub, here in the States we use oatmeal bath products for itching associated with poison ivy or insect bites. When her skin is less inflamed, she might try dabbing at small areas with a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar and water, followed by a water rinse after a few minutes. Poor lady, I hope she can get some relief and rest!
DeleteHello Catmac! Thanks so much. That waistcaot is a welcome layer of warmth, it's been really cold here, too. The windows couldn't have been done at a better time.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your poor mum. I suffered with the most atrocious eczema until my mid-40s and know that dreadful itching all too well. Beth's recommendations are excellent (thanks, Beth!) My saviour was Aloe Pura Aloe Vera gel from Holland and Barrett, I could apply it to lesions and it soothed them instantly and stopped the itching. It's not cheap (£6.49) but worth every penny. I find coconut oil really helpful, too - I buy an organic food grade one from B&M - unlike a lot of body lotions it sinks into the skin rather than sitting on top of it and leaving a greasy film.
Send her my best wishes and I hope she finds some relief soon. xxxx
speaking of aloe - if you have an actual plant or can get one, its the best and cheapest way to sooth the skin - cut off a leaf and scrape out the soft inner part, apply generous and let dry. repeat if needed...
Deletexxx
Thanks, Beate! I'd forgotten about the real plant, we used to have one in my professional kitchen days for when my chefs burned themselves! x
DeleteThank you very much for your suggestions Beth, Vix and bahnwarterin. I gave Mum petroleum jelly, Beth, and she thought it helped. I have never heard of the gauze so I will try and track that down. I will also source the cream you suggested, Vix, and the coconut oil. My sister has had a stress-related itchy rash on her scalp (psoriasis again) and I suggested coconut oil to her after reading how you use it, Vix. She thinks it has helped but you can't lose, really, it will help her hair too. I really appreciate the advice, ladies.
DeleteVix, the picture of you brushing your hair is straight from the Pre-Raphaelite collection in Birmingham museum and art gallery, it does you proud. And your waistcoat turned out so well it looks really nice, I like hand crafted things because no one else ever has one the same. So nice to be cosy and warm at home, I can cope with the dark and damp as nothing we can do about them. But so nice to come home to brightness and warmth, your strings of light really do the trick and have given me an idea too. No more Christmas cards for us yet, thank the skies!
ReplyDeleteKeep Well that’s the second week of lockdown over. Brummie Sue Xx.
Morning, Sue! I'm amazed at how quickly Lockdown 2.0 is flying. I was going to try and master macrame this time but haven't done a thing about it yet!
DeleteHand crafted is the best, I never understand why anyone would buy anything because everyone else is wearing it, it puts me off completely.
That's a huge compliment about the Pre-Raphaelite comparison.
Hooray for no Xmas cards, you'll probably get a shedload tomorrow now!
Keep safe! xxx
You can well imagine how I loved your crochet vest! It is a fantastic and practical solution. The little lights create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ...
ReplyDeleteHugs, Carmela
Thank you so much, Carmela! It's lovely and warm! xxx
DeleteOh well done with the crochet waistcoat! Next up - a crochet ,maxi skirt... ther waistcoat looked fab with the skirt and I loved the Anokhi dress with the Afghan waistcoat over it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise you meant that sort of window film - my friend Hilary used to do the same thing in her old house. For my windows I meant the opaque stuff you put on windows to stop people looking in. We live on a busy street so having window film on the bottom of the windows gives us privacy but still allows the light in!
The fairy lights are so pretty; I love mine on the mantel and I have some draped over my headboard. And I just adore the coal scuttle - who could have thought a coal scuttle could look elegant?
Take care and stay safe
xxx
Thanks, Vronni! I've ordered more wool, we'll have to see what happens! I think I'm going to try and master hats, next. Jon and I always need them when we're working outside and after watching a tutorial this morning I'm sure I can do it... famous last words!
DeleteThat privacy screen is a nightmare to apply, we fitted it to the old van and the air turned blue! This window film is a lot simpler once you get the knack!
It almost seems like a crime to keep coal in that scuttle!
Stay safe! xxx
The Eid lights are SO pretty!!! What a gorgeous idea and they look marvellous on that mantle shelf! I love that new waistcoat! You ARE clever! What a marvellous idea!
ReplyDeleteYour hair is really looking marvellous! What is your secret? It's so shiny and luscious! I love the coloured ends too!
The coal scuttle is great!
My hairdryer lives in the spare room bedside cabinet for visitors!
Love your fairy lights, Vix! I've got some in my room that I use from time to time and they bring endless joy.
ReplyDeleteAnd look at your crocheted vest- it looks fantastic! X
Your waistcoat looks fab - the fit's great.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your coal scuttle. (I like brass anyway; I don't care if it's fashionable.)