Tuesday 23 February 2021

The Distancing Diaries - 22nd & 23rd February, 2021

Monday morning kicked off with my first Wii Fit session of the week. Afterwards I braved the rain to dash out to the Kinky Shed, collect the overnight ebay sales and wrap them up then caught up with Blogland and joined Jon for breakfast. 

It was a day of new beginnings, my Wii Fit needed fresh batteries, the final bar of the Himalaya Facial Soap I'd bought in India had run out and the bristles in the bathroom nail brush were so flat they were no longer fit for purpose. In the days BC (before Covid) I'd had dashed into town to buy replacements, in this new world I now make sure that when I open something I buy a replacement immediately so I was able to change the batteries and replace the soap and nail brush from my supply.

While Jon was out doing the post office and supermarket run, I scrubbed and swept the hearth in the middle room, topped up the wood pile and swept the rugs. 


Richard the postman delivered my latest eBay find, a 1970s embroidered mirrorwork Anokhi skirt, bought from one of the many charity shops currently selling online. We chatted about what we thought BoJo might have lined up for us in his Roadmap out of Covid announcement later, something that Jon's had scribbled on the kitchen calendar in capital letters since we went into lockdown.


Jon got back and santised the shopping and, as it had stopped raining, I dashed outside for an oufit photo.

Wear:Sleep:Repeat saw the return of Sunday's vintage Papillion Indian block printed midi skirt, this time worn with my trusty thermal poloneck jumper, possibly the most hardworking garment in my wardrobe.

The details: Vintage copper and turquoise set (brought for my Mum by her ex-boyfriend Bob when he travelled through Canada in 1966), Lotta from Stockholm clog boots (eBay), Fairtrade brass earrings (at least 20 years old), Mum's brass bangles.

Lunch was the rest of the olive and beer bread, spead with Roquefort and served with a sprinkling of chilli-infused olives.


With the scutters who dumped their McD***alds trash in the avenue on Saturday night still on my mind my theme for today's eBay listings was macs, which I photographed outside whilst Jon cleaned the works van. 

Liz called for me and we went on a socially distanced walk so I could introduce her to the delights of Johal's, where she stocked up on spices, dried pulses and baby aubergines. To fit into the purple theme of my birthday presents she'd ordered me some seeds, they'd only just become available and I can't wait to get them planted up.

With BoJo's announcment set for 7pm we'd avoided the news all day, bored with the constant media speculation. We ate halloumi and roasted veg for tea accompanied by a large glass of wine and watched House of Games for the first time, which we loved. We squeezed in half a Deutschland (we're on 86 now), sat through the announcement, Jon rushed into the kitchen and scribbled Wetherspoons? on 21st June (the day that social distancing measures may finally be over) and then continued with our cold war viewing, breaking off to watch The Great Pottery Throwdown before bed.


The fabulous Leonora, I don't remember the 1980s being that stylish!


On Tuesday the sky was so amazing that I sat outside for five minutes in my vest, leggings and bare feet watching it. 

Before breakfast I did my Wii Fit workout and scrubbed the stove top with baking soda.


We were running low on mailing envelopes and soda crystals so Jon & I walked into town and stocked up in Wilkos. I'd been trying to order my Barry M mascara online from Superdrug but it had been out of stock for weeks so popped into Boots and managed to snap up the last one on the shelf. We then called into Asda to buy a bottle of rum. That's three shops I'd been in, add to that the trip to Johal's on Monday and another visit to Wilko back in January, that makes a grand total of 5 shops I've visited this year. If everything goes to plan all non-essential retail will reopen on 12th April so maybe the next time I enter a retail establishment it'll be a charity shop.


Lunch was a Moroccan vegan pasty, which after walking up the Hill of Doom in gale force winds, we felt we'd earned.


I told you that my thermal poloneck was the hardest working garment in my wardrobe, here it is again as part of my Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge, this time combined with my India Imports of Rhode Island cotton pinafore dress, the block printed Anokhi bolero I snaffled from eBay last week and the pompom hat I crocheted at the weekend. The fishtail plait was a precautionary measure from being blinded by windswept hair.


The details: East block printed cotton mask (two came free with the embroidered poloneck I bought from them last year), fake snakeskin Chelsea boots (Urban Outfitters sale buy), Radley bag and mixed metal necklace (both charity shopped).



The afternoon was spent photographing my stash of vintage gloves in the kitchen and uploading them to eBay - no outside stock photos today, I was in danger of being blown away!


Tea was aloo mattar with rice as we had a surfeit of shrivelled looking potatoes that needed using up (I'll probably plant the rest).



Tonight, after I've nipped upstairs and sorted out tomorrow's outfit (it's supposed to reach the heady heights of 15°C!), we'll be squeezing in another Deutschland 86 before Interior Design Masters and Forensics: The Real CSI


Stay safe and see you soon!

54 comments:

  1. Odd how some items become a wardrobe staple, Vix. I, too, have a thermal polo top that served first as a part of my equestrian costume in my college days and now, decades later, is the foundation layer when I'm braving a winter expedition. There are also a few bits from the family jewelry boxes that still see seasonal service. Copper, turquoise and denim is a timeless combination. Gloves are another category. Mum's 1930s gauntlets were too small even for me; her opera length frivolities went to a kiddie dance troupe performance of Cinderella.

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    1. Hi Beth! Isn't it strange that it's the most unexciting items that seem to add a certain something to an outfit? The additional of a poloneck gives a low cut dress a completely different look.
      I'd add some well worth tan suede to the timeless denim, turquoise and copper!
      I'm glad those tiny gloves of your mum's went to good use. There's a few of thoe vintage gloves I'd have loved to have claimed for my own but despite my small stature my hands are huge! xxx

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  2. Argh! Managed to lose my comment! Needless to say love you lots, fab jewellry and clog boots that are amazing!
    Zxx

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    1. Lovely to hear from you, Z. Much love to you! xxx

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  3. hi Vix, just had to say, that Anokhi skirt makes me think of twinkling stars over city rooftops, just lovely! Karen

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    1. Hi Karen, that's a very poetic description. Now you come to mention it that's all I can see, too! xxx

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  4. I Love the new Anokhi skirt, bright colors with black is my favorite combo. Gorgeous outfits as always and all the food looks scrumptious too. The sky shot is beautiful!

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  5. I noticed a similar sky here today at around 7am.In the sitting room I have a woodburner with a squirrel on the sides but don't light it until the evening as we have been getting through a load of logs this winter-a farmer delivers them and tips them onto the drive x

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    1. Hello, Flis! Wasn't it a wonderful start to the day? It's a shame the weather didn't turn out quite as lovely!
      You're so lucky having a local farmer delivering your logs. We went through loads during that cold snap a couple of weeks ago, I'll be back to raking the garden and hunting for twigs to burn soon! xxx

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  6. That skirt is so pretty! I'm impressed that you get dressed up every day during lockdown. I've been working at home since March and have spent more time in sweat pants and leggings than ever before.

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    1. Thanks, Danielle! I wear thermal leggings under my dresses but don't own any sweat pants, even if nobody but Jon sees me all day, I'm far more productive when I dress up. xxx

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  7. Digging the last outfit you just wore - for some reason, I really love the look. I always like your combos anyways, but I love that bolero and then your hat goes with it so good and my goodness that thermal top is getting a workout this year!

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    1. Thanks, Dawn! The blue and gold of that bolero just seems the perfect thing with the pinafore dress. I don't think I've ever worn thermals so often - in normal times I'd be out and about, being at home and spending so long on the PC means I get cold quickly! xxx

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  8. The joy of beautiful skys! A good warm layering piece is essential. I have a black turtle neck that comes out regularly.

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    1. There's little to beat sitting outside alone and watching the skies, it really does make one glad to be alive.
      You're right, a good layering piece is an essential. xxx

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  9. a hand embroidered anokhi skirt! swoon! so beautiful!!
    love the going to town look - such great contrasts between materials and styles but very harmonious colour wise.
    cant remember when i was in a shop last time - but sure last year.... we now have to wear surgery masks (no self sewn stuff anymore) but i can´t stand the smell of them and my skin gets rebellious. yesterday i had to wear one for hours as i had an appointment at the orthopedist incl. x-ray and a lot of waiting. still have a raw troat and running nose from the chemicals in this mask. meh.
    much love to you! xxxx

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    1. I couldn't believe I was the only bidder for that skirt, it's such a thing of beauty!
      I love blue and brown together, they are such a lovely combination.
      I'm so glad Jon does all the food shopping as I find all that particularly dull. I will look forward to the charity shops reopening but I'm not desperate although I might be if the vintage fairs suddenly announce that they're starting up in later summer!
      Jon bought a few of those medical grade masks just in case we were told to wear them but so far they've been considgned to the cupboard. You poor thing having to wear one for hours. I hope the visit went okay and that nasty reaction has gone away. xxx

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    2. thank you - my knees are just "old" - nothing serious...... and after a long walk in the park skin and all are okay now :-D
      xxx

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    3. Jon's are really bad at the moment, too - he says the more he uses them the better they feel (or he's just too tired to think about them!) xxx

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  10. Loved Deutscheland 83 but can't get 86 for some reason as we dont have the right subscription! devasted - will have to find some devious way to resolve this :) It's my birthday and the weather is going to be fabulous today so I am going to copy you and get my black thermal top and indian wrap skirt out for a walk into town :) Your fireplace is beautiful but I bet it takes some elbow grease to keep it looking like that!

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    1. Happy Birthday to you, dear Betty!!! Thermals and block print, a winning combination! You might need a kilt pin on that skirt, it's ever so blowy out there this morning.
      Oh no! We watch it through Freeview (Channel 4's Walter Presents channel). I've just found this on Youtube, Martin's explaining (in English) the first two series ready for Deutschland 89 which starts this Friday on More 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4EtVQSCRXo
      You're right, it's a horrible job getting that fireplace shipshape!
      Have a fabulous day! xxx

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    2. thanks Vix, that's really kind of you - I have made a note and will try and sort my viewing issues out :)

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  11. Good morning vix! well that skirt is going to be a joy for you to style all those colours - so pretty. I am now calling you Queen of ebay (as well as everything else lol) Your montage of outfits is fantastic. I also loved the close ups of food - trying to be good so won't look too closely lol Seriously you have it all sussed and I can't wait to see what you get up to in the garden . I feel a little apprehensive about all the school children going back at once and I hope most of the teachers and staff have been vaccinated by then but realize it must be so hard to map this easing out. I have a mate who is chomping at the bit to get to a beer garden.( another saying she will be happy to come to my garden instead - when allowed) so I think everyone is feeling different. On another note we ordered some bits and bobs from Wilkos online and the service was shocking as opposed to Superdrug which was excellent. Must admit lockdown has made me more organisedeg what we really need. Have a great day lovely lady Shazxx

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    1. Good afternoon to you, Shaz! Queen of eBay, I'm liking that! The shop I bought the skirt from accidently left me feedback saying"god" buyer" instead of "good" and messaged me to ask if I was enjoying my godlike status!
      I'm with you, I'm a bit nervous about the opening up especially the schools, it's almost like they're guinea pigs. I'm quite anxious about the prospect of festivals this year as well, I keep checking my email like a woman posessed to see if any of our regular ones are happening.
      Superdrug are brilliant with their deliveries, aren't they? We were tempted to order from Wilkos instead of walking to the town centre branch but after reading about your experience I'm glad we visited in person. xxx

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  12. Read this and thought of you, Vix!
    Buying this book once I'm off the naughty step lol
    https://tinyurl.com/46rxsn5y

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    1. A woman after my own heart! I love the sound of that book, I might have to treat myself - you are naughty! xxx

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  13. The Anokhi mirrorwork skirt is beautiful Vix, what a find.
    I'm looking forward to Deutschland 89, so far I liked the first best. I always thought the 80's were quite glam at the other end from ra-ra skirts! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sally! I was so excited to win it for £12.50, I thought it would go for £££!
      Leonora's style is just wonderful, killer tailoring and gorgeous hair - none of that OTT 1980s excess I remember. I'd forgotten how traumatic 86 was - that defection attempt by the doctor and her family was truly awful.xxx

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  14. The Anokhi skirt is absolutely gorgeous - what a brilliant find! I tried several on line charity shops but couldn't find anything I liked at a sensible price so I tried Vinted and Re-Fashion. I'm enjoying Vinted particularly but will be so happy when 12th April gets here...

    The Hill of Doom is aptly named!

    OH hasn't seemed keen on Deutschland at all - I am trying to persuade him but may have to resort to watching it on my own. We've almost finished watching 'Farang - Dead Man Running' which has been a somewhat sleazy experience!

    Love how your pom pom hat and the bolero match so well.
    xxx

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    1. That skirt was from Shelter and I managed to get it for £12.50!
      We've found some really good bargains with the chazzas that sell on ebay, Jon loves the British Heart Foundation, they sell all manner of quirky bits and pieces.
      I can't access Vinted and Depop as I don't have a smart phone, probably just as well really!
      What a shame that OH isn't keen on Deutschland - you will have to watch it without him. Yes, Farang was a bit sleazy, put me right off Thailand! xxx

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  15. Isn't it great June 21st!
    It's also World Yoga Day!!
    And my grandaughter is due June 22d so it looks like I will enjoy a legal cuddle.
    I love that new Anokhi skirt what a fabulous buy.
    Stay safe Vix. XX

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    1. What brilliant timing that will be! xxx

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    2. Actually I have just been told the date is now June 21st. Either way its brilliant timing. X

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  16. That skirt is a thing of beauty, what a find!

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  17. It seems we are not sharing weather this time, as we've had a string of gorgeously sunny Springlike days. In fact, it hasn't rained for over a week, although I've probably jinxed it now :-)
    We try to buy replacements immediately as well, and we've always got a stock of batteries, soaps and toothpaste. I admit I binge bought some toiletries just before we went into our second lockdown, as we had no idea that particular shop would remain open.
    Your embroidered mirrorwork Anokhi skirt is absolutely stunning! What a great find.
    Unlike me, you do suit a polo neck jumper, and your wardrobe workhorse looks equally fab with your block printed midi as it does with your pinafore dress and bolero.
    I've read all about BoJo's announcement, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed everything works out as planned. Here it's still the same old dithering game, especially where vaccination is concerned, which is making me quite mad.
    Deutschland sounds intriguing, I'll have to see if there's any sign of it around here. xxx

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    1. We've got one of those gorgeous warm, springlike days here today - thanks for sharing.
      I feel very grown-up having a replacemnet to everything on hand, I was feeling quite panic-y having started my mascara and not having a back-up ready!
      I never expected to win that skirt but it turned out I was the only bidder - hooray for auctions that finish at lunchtime.
      I'm sure I've seen you in a poloneck before (under a halterneck dress) and thought you looked good!
      The Belgian vaccine debacle was on BBC news earlier, what a mess.
      I think you might enjoy Deutchland 83! xxx

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  18. The new skirt is lovely.
    I hope you get restrictions lifted before June.

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    1. Thanks you! I'm no fan of BoJo but I think the cautious approach is sensible. I'm okay waiting! xxx

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  19. Love the skirt, thank you so much for the birthday wishes, I got so many gifts I felt overwhelmed by it all. Still missed not going home though!! I didn’t realise how bad the hill of doom was, it reminds of Whitby another place I love.
    It angers me how much work you do and then senseless twits undo it all. They would not dare do it around here.
    The fish have stated to come up and the Sakura are starting to get ready to bloom.
    Time to go Kyoto and look at them. Apparently holiday bookings in the UK are 1000 percent, I hope they have to stay in a covid hotel afterwords. We are still not allowed to visit the UK as yet. But we can wait.

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    1. Thanks, Allie! I'm delighted to hear that you were spoilt, that's how birthdays should be, lockdown or not.
      The Hill of Doom is daunting when you're loaded up with shopping. I'm litter picking it on Sunday- that should keep me fit!
      I'm so close to booking a flight for the Autumn - when we've had both doses of the vaccination and hopefully will have a vaccination passport. xxx

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  20. You scooped up a beauty with that Anokhi skirt. It’s lovely.
    I’m going to have a look for a bar of the facial soap you mentioned. I’m sure I’ve seen it in the wholefood shop In Todmorden. We haven’t been there since January. We really miss our Saturday trips over there, but as the cafes and pubs are closed it’s not worth us going really as we get most things in Bacup on Wednesday’s.
    Within hours of Bojo’s announcement my sister Jill sent a message booking a long weekend stay with us. Then she will take Mum back to Oxford with her.
    It’s give us a date to aim for now to swap the bedroom and office round. We’ve been talking about it for months and got thwarted each time we started by the closure of the charity stops. We’ve loads of stuff to get rid of first.
    Philip has the gift voucher ready to spend in our local when it reopens. Hope he shares it with me and not all on beer haha xxx

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    1. I'm very excited about that skirt - I'm wearing it today!
      I got the soap from &Keep but I bet they do it in the wholefoods shop.
      It'll be lovely for Jill to come up and stay and for your mum to get a break down there, too. I'm so tempted to book a flight for the Autumn, shops, pubs, festivals I can live without, travel is my oxygen!
      It's great to have a deadline to work to although more days like tghis and you won't be wanting to spend your time cooped up indoors! xxx

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  21. I'm in love with the embroidered mirrorwork skirt, so fabulous colours and details!, such a great find!. And You look fabulous in your midi skirt and polo neck with brilliant accessorizing. The copper and turquoise jewellery is so gorgeous!.
    Some cheese and olives accompanied by a glass of wine sound particularly Delicious!. I'm a huge fan of all of them!
    I'd also write down the Very Important Date, as Jon did!.
    One of the reasons to hate Brexit is that I can't shop in most Uk business or eBayUk, everything has become difficult (and/or expensive!). So no BarryM, nor Boots!. I miss the Good old times.
    I admire the versatility of your pinafore dress, it looks fab with those blue shades!, and love the way your hat and jacket match!. You make it Rock, dear Vix! and lovely to see you!
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! I was so pleased to win that skirt, I'd expected to get into a bidding war over it but I turned out to be the only bidder!
      I hope it won't be too long before we're able to sit together and share some wine and olives.
      Bloody Brexit, our post office won't even accept parcels to Europe at the moment so I couldn't even send you some Barry M. xxx

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  22. Your new skirt is stunning! I am on the fence about planting seeds, thinking I will just buy plants this year as we have so many wonderful greenhouses here. This year cherry tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers

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    1. Thanks, darling! Good plan, you'd be helping the nurseries as well as making life a little easier. xxx

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  23. That outfit with the maxi dress and a cropped blue jacket is fantastic. I only noticed the thermal poloneck on the second glance. You are so slender that I sometimes miss on your layering. The blue beanie is adorable and the snakeprint boots peeking out under the maxi dress are fabulous as well.
    I love your new skirt!

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana. There's something magical about brown and blue together.
      With my trademark diaphanous blouses, maxi skirts and voluminous dresses when I do wear anything fitted I'm often asked if I've lost weight. xxx

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  24. 15 degrees! That's crazy, says the woman over here in Canada still buried under a foot of snow. Oooo, the Anokhi skirt is gorgeous. I used to have a black skirt with mirrors and embroidery, and it didn't get worn enough so I gave it away, sigh.

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  25. Now that the temperatures are rising I'm going to miss being able to keep my hair under control beneath a hat. Your new skirt is gorgeous. X

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  26. Oooh how I hope we're able to get out of lockdown! Like you I'm longing to get back in the pubs and charity shops.

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  27. I hate the media speculation before any PM announcement, why not just wait and report on what he actually says. No wonder people are confused about the rules when there’s so much conjecture beforehand.
    Love the final outfit a lot! Your new bolero is lovely - you’re right is does look better when ironed :O) and goes beautifully with your new crocheted hat.
    xx

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Lots of love, Vix