On Wednesday evening, after muttering This is my worst nightmare under his breath, Jon wasn't as intimidated by the gym as he thought he would be, helped in part by bumping into a couple of friends who, unknown to him, were regulars. I even met a lovely - and very fit - girl who reads my blog. The instructor couldn't have been more welcoming, walking us around and explaining how every piece of equipment worked and what it did and, after a chat, created a personal workout plan for us both, which we did and thoroughly enjoyed (okay, maybe I enjoyed it more!)
We spent the evening watching The Great British Sewing Bee and Interior Design Masters and on Thursday morning, after my Wii Fit workout and breakfast, we headed off to our favourite Black Country town for some charity shopping. Jon was a bit achy, I didn't feel any different so I shall increase the reps with the weight training next time.
For the stockroom we found a 1960s St Michael dressing gown, a 1980s Yves Saint Laurent velvet pencil skirt (with the tags still attached!), a 1980s cotton circle skirt, a 1980s leisure shirt, a 1970s track top by Rodeo, a pair of vintage deadstock rugby shirts (made in England), some English-made 1990s suede sandals and some leather trimmed jeans by quirky Italian designer label, Save The Queen
Here are the keepers:
- Faith snakeskin bikini with a rose gold whipstitch trim
- Free People "Hot Tropics" culotte jumpsuit
- Paige American-made Jane jeans.
- A 1970s straw bag
- Vintage leather gloves
- Fat Face organic cotton and recycled rubber plimsols (now back in the stockroom as Lord Jon can't fit his orthotics inside them)
- Boden Breton-style tee shirt
- A chambray blouse
- A large framed print of the iconic 1960s Nymph by JH Lynch. This was £7.95 - there's one currently on Etsy for £490! I've been after this for years!
After an afternoon of washing, steaming and rubble shifting, we had a buffet-style tea of out of date cheese, biscuits and pickles before spending the evening watching Secrets of the Museum and more Borgen. In bed I started my twentieth book of 2022, a deliciously graphic murder mystery set during the San Francisco smallpox epidemic of 1876 and based on a true story. Emma Donaghue's books never disappoint. You might be familiar with the film based on her book, Room - highly recommended if you've not seen it.
Friday started, as it usually does, with a session on the Wii Fit and some parcel wrapping. After breakfast Jon did a post office and supermarket run while I listed a few things on eBay before getting changed and walking down to the baths for our twice-weekly swim. We managed forty lengths, clocking up a total of 1.05miles this week.
I know - no jewellery (bar the earrings), plimsols and jeans! The only vintage I'm wearing is the waistcoat and the 1970s sunglasses and, you know what? I still feel like me.
On Saturday morning I was up first making tea and ironing one of the dresses I'd washed the previous day. After an hour of reading in bed, I stripped and changed the bed whilst Jon made sausage sandwiches. I pegged the washing on the line and continued with my ironing wondering why I had to love such voluminious dresses.
Ollie called round for breakfast. He'd not graced us with his presence since Thursday.
Back at home I stripped off to my bikini and lay on the lawn with my book. Jacob stomped around his enclosure, delighted with the dandelions we'd snaffled on our walk and Kitty, the pretty tabby from next door, played the stick game with Jon before collapsing in a heap beside the wood pile.
Sunday is the start of No Mow May, where British gardeners are encouraged to lock away their mowers for the month and let the wildflowers in their lawns bloom, feeding our native pollinators. Join us and sign up HERE
Jon got the lawnmower out to mow several pathways, leading to the compost heap, the greenhouse and the pond.
Here's what we'll be eating later - veg seekh kabab, Punjabi pakoras and Mirchi pakoda (battered chillies) with naga chilli sauce. This platter, including the sauce, was £4.50 - a reward for our workout this morning and is the first time we've bought food from a takeaway since October 2019.
See you soon!
I'm joining you for No Mow May. I think that bikini was find of the year, its fabulous and you look lovely in it - your holiday dresses look beautiful. How lovely that you have all these little cats coming to see you :) Great that you joined the gym - it is such a treat, I think of it as beauty therapy, you might need to eat more though as you will burn a lot with the weights :)
ReplyDeleteI loved doing the wildflower count when I signed up for No Mow May last year, I leant so much. We are lucky with our cat visitors, aren't we? I think there must be an invisible sign on the gate that only felines can read.
DeleteWe thought we'd visit the gym mid-afternoon, when most people are working, and make sure we've eaten a good lunch. xxx
The jeans and chambray top are totally you. I love wearing different styles of clothes, it's fun!
ReplyDeleteI've been envying your cat visitors, but we have one now. She climbed on to our garage roof a few days ago and couldn't get down. Mark had to get the ladders out to rescue her. He was royally scratched for his pains, but we still love her 🙂
Looking forward to hearing about your travels xxx
Thanks, Annie! I'm excited about your cat visitor. How lovely (apart from Mark's good samaritan scratching!) xxx
DeleteLove all the kitty visitors coming to say hi. You look great in the double denim, a look that you made your own. Have a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Julie & Poppy! xxx
DeleteThe cat visitors make me smile. I think you deserved the take away after your finds, and follow up work, and your work outs. The outdoor gym looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteWe're constantly looking out of the window wondering who'll arrive next!
DeleteThe outdoor gym is so much fun. The instructions are really clear on all the equipment, too. No excuse for anyone not to do a bit of exercise! xxx
Great bikini!
ReplyDeleteI think the cats are staying-they know they'll get treated well.
Thank you! I love the bikini. xxx
DeleteWell all the local cats seem to know the best place to hang out Vix! Corr blimey, who's that Bond-villaniness-esq lady in snake print bikini!?! No seriously, no wonder you can pull such outfits off with all that swimming, outdoor and indoor gym action. Hello Ebbie car, aren't you a beaute! I am behind on blog reading so I will have to go back in time to see the story on this new addition. I keep on hearing Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon' on the radio whilst driving about and I tell my girls that Kar-ma (Caldmore) is a place he lived (that's right isn't it? - thanks for that knowledge) :) xXx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lulu! Our catmint brings all the boys (and girls) to the yard, Jon's growing more.
DeleteWe've owned Ebbie for around 12 years, I think. She was a regular ride but she's been neglected of late. there's only four left on the UK roads.
Well remembered about Boy George and Karma/Caldmore! xxx
Your weather is wonderful! We've had snow, sleet, and rain. My tulips are just starting to poke through. With any luck we'll see them mid-May.
ReplyDeleteOut of date cheese? If it isn't mouldy, eat it is my moto. This morning I got the bargain of the month. Baby Bel cheese for roughly 10 cents each. 30 for $2.82. Dated May 3rd. I like them for work lunches. I'll be sending some home with our son when he visits this weekend.
Enjoy your trip to wherever.
Mid-May for tulips?! I hope your sleet and snow doesn't go on for much longer. Today and yesterday have been miserable & wet so the thought of a Mediterranean sunshine break is keeping me going.
DeleteYes, we cut off the mouldy bits where cheese is concerned, it hasn't killed us yet! Ryvita and Babybel with a couple of raw carrots was my favourite packed lunch when I left my catering career. Great score! xxx
I wish our public T.V would have Great British Sewing Bee. The few I've seen I got all into it. I was hooked pretty easy
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
What a shame you don't get the Sewing Bee, it's such a lovely watch. Are there any episodes on YouTube? xxx
DeleteI had almost forgotten about No Mow May. I'm sure I inadvertently joined in last year.
ReplyDeleteI admire you both in signing up to a gym. I really should consider something similar myself, as I need to start taking better care of myself.
As always, it is lovely to see your friendly visitors. X
My mum and dad are doing no mow may but knowing mum it won’t last long! As she loves everything neat and tidy. My sister loves Paige jeans and finds them all the time in Leeds chazzas.
ReplyDeleteI did catch the sun only to get a sodding headache. But in Japan we tend to be well covered up as skin and ageing is a precious thing over there. Tell Jon to keep his eye on eBay for cheap filas I got a brand new pair ultra cheap whilst I have been here and I kept walking into shops and the alarm has been going off! When we went to the local Tesco it went off , we checked everywhere. Paul looked at my feet and told me to take my shoes off. I was horrified as in couldn’t reach. So he took them off and there was an rifd tag there.
Paul seems to think they were nicked from somewhere and put on eBay as a quick sale. I am mortified. But what can you do.
My current craving is spring rolls and the local Chinese loves me as they know my order. They even know what time I call! They will be sad when I go home! Love and hugs Allie
Years ago, my oldest son set off the security alerts in every shop. Couldn't figure out why. The security tag was under the insole. Once we pulled it off, the problem was solved.
DeleteIt was hilarious really as we could not work out what was going on, they know us in that Tesco , but every other shop we went into didn’t. And I am heavily pregnant and you know what some people think is it a real bump, it is when your spine is killing you.
DeleteIt just reminds me of that janes addiction video called “been caught stealing “ and it had a fake pregnant woman in it. But no . I check everything.
Hi Allie! Jon's into the vintage Fila sportswear (old skool track tops) rather than the trainers. When we were in town the other day there was a poster on the window of Deichmann shoes advertising Fila trainers for £19.99 (second pair half price) We had a look out of curiousity but they were plastic!
DeleteThe Tesco alarm story made me laugh - my hip occasionally sets the alarms off in shops. I carry a hip identity card so I don't get rugby tackled to the floor by an over-zealous security guard! xxx
Those cats know where they will be well fed. You have all the fun and company of cats without vet bills.
ReplyDeleteThere's always biscuits for visitors! xxx
DeleteDead ringer for 'The Nymph' in your bikini, lucky duck! Loved 'Borgen' first time round. Think the best person won on 'Interior Design Masters' but blimey, Amy had her work cut out with the demolition of that bar. Scotland's Home of the Year is back on too. Have a good week.xxx
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind! Borgen is fab and I'm really excited now you've told me about Scotland's Home of the Year, I've been checking the i-player sporadically for weeks trying to see if it's back on. I'm so glad Banjo won but you're right, what a gargantuan task for poor Amy! xxx
DeleteWhat a lot of lovely cats ... oh and you look fantastic too in all your 'fashion photos'. You got some bloody good 'keepers' there, that jumpsuit was just made for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! xxx
DeleteOnly you could do that snakeskin bikini justice!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca! xxx
DeleteIf we had a lawn, we would be joining you for No Mow May, which I do believe has a Belgian equivalent. I think I'll do No Weed May instead :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear Jon wasn't as intimidated by the gym as he'd expected to be. I do hope the personal workout program actually works for him. Wild horses still couldn't drag met there, I'm afraid.
Fabulous outfits as always, in particularly Thursday's Dollyrockers maxi worn with the suede coat and hat. Great finds too: you are rocking both the snakeskin print bikini and that jumpsuit, which I too would have kept if it were my size. And how amazing that framed JH Lynch Nymph print for next to nothing!
Lovely to see not only Ollie and the delightful Mr. Trousers, but Jacob and Kitty as well.
Love your selection of dresses for your getaway. How exciting! We've now booked our Eurotunnel crossing for June. Still can't believe it will really be happening! xxx
I bet you and Jos would enjoy the wildflower count towards the end of May, I learnt so much when I did it last year. No weed May sounds a great idea!
DeleteThe gym instructor thinks that Jon could build up the muscles that support his knee to reduce the wear and tear on them. He's loving the swimming but the jury's still out on the gym (although he did get himself a crazy pair of jogging bottoms in the charity shop yesterday!)
That jumpsuit reminded me of a Mango one you've got. It feels lovely on, so much so that its going away with me!
You've got me very excited knowing your Eurotunnel crossing is booked! xxx
It would appear that there is an itty-bitty-kitty-committee at work in your immediate neighborhood, debating who is take possession of this valuable residence, with all mod cons and staff included...
ReplyDeleteNo Mow May is an idea whose time has come! We have a dearth of bees here in the Midwest which is threatening orchards and other agricultural enterprises. (Hive rustling has replaced beef rustling as a specialized crime for bad guys with trucks.) Shall share this tip with my insurance agent, who is an avid apiarist.
It's very strange, Beth! Another two have been entertaining us with their antics today, words out that there's a home without a feline resident, I think!
DeleteI wonder if No Mow May will become international? People often complain about never seeing bees or butterflies in their gardens in the UK and, in the next breath, extol the virtues of Round-Up which, I believe, is banned in the US. xxx
Minnie is a lovely girl - I have a soft heart for black cats! My eye was caught by that bright Free People jumpsuit (their clothes are expensive new!) so I was happy to see that you tried it on and liked it. You have an awesome bikini body Vix, and your time at the gym will keep it that way. It sounds like there is pretty good customer service at your gym, unlike the one I used to go to, and am debating about going back to. I don't really want to, but soon I won't be able to fit into any of my clothes so it's becoming a desperate situation. I've read Frog Music and the characters are very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that I have lost my blog (which should freak me out - 10 years of posting) - my domain expired, unbeknownst to me, and now I'm having a devil of a time getting it back, and blogger doesn't seem to recognize me at all, so I will be Shelley from now on, instead of Forestcityfashionista.
My dear old cat, Albert was all black, too. Minnie is a beauty. We also get visits from a particularly handsome black tom whom I've named Idris.
DeleteFree People clothing is so expensive - it seems a very mixed bag, too - I've found a few pieces in the same charity shop of late, the jumpsuit is the best quality garment so far!
What a shame that your gym isn't as welcoming as the one we visited. It makes such a difference. I'm sure Jon really would have hated his session if the instructor wasn't so passionate and helpful.
That's terrible about your blog - has it been hijacked by some porn site? That happened to a girl I used to follow. I do hope that you manage to get it back. xxx
love the sight of your colourful dresses drying in the sunshine!
ReplyDeleteand you found yourself some pretty summer gear. the pink jumpsuit is gorgeous and the bikini a stunner on you.....
good move joining the *no mow may*! my lawns are full of daisies this year - so no way i mow them. and in the frontyard i have the wildflower meadow since years now - which gets wilder and wilder every year. wish more people would take part in natural gardening.
cats know where they are welcome! xxxxx
Thanks, Beate! There's something so cheery about washing drying on the line. I rarely wash my dresses but when the sun shines I feel the need to! I'm so pleased with the jumpsuit. They must be well and truly out of fashion with the numbers that keep turning up in charity shops - all the better for us non-trend followers!
DeleteI love seeing daisies & clover in the lawn. Jon will just mow the pathways until the end of Autumn so we can get as much wildlife (and cats) visiting us! xxx
Well done on your charity shop finds - particularly that jumpsuit and the picture you've been after for years! We're also doing no mow May. It's a great idea isn't it? Ebbie is looking very smart and Minnie is gorgeous. It seems like word is getting out as to the friendly welcome on offer at yours! xxx
ReplyDeleteI love No Mow May - although it mortifies our neighbours who are always out mowing, jet-washing and taming things! The wildflower count is really fun to do, as well.
DeleteI was very pleased with that jumpsuit, I love looking things like that up online - it was £95 four years ago and I found it on an American blog where they said it was perfect for bike riding - better get my helmet on! xxx
Your house is cat heaven! What a lot of feline visitors... and such lovely visitors, too.
ReplyDeleteLovely finds at the chazzas. We used to have that picture on our wall in the sitting room when I was a child - wished I still had it if it sells at that price! You look fab in jeans and the chambray top is very pretty. Your newly washed dresses looked lovely hanging on the washing line - almost painterly like...
Glad you and Jon had a good experience at the gym!
Hope the good weather continues and you have a great week.
xxx
Aren't we lucky to keep being visited by all these cats?
DeleteThose DH Lynch and Trechikoff prints were so common back in the day but when they fell out of fashion everyone threw them away so they're really scarce these days. The go for crazy money! xxx
I'm happy to hear you had a nice experience at the gym.
ReplyDeleteThe black she cat is gorgeous. You have been getting a lot of cat visitors. Nice to see Ollie and Mr Trousers again. I see that Mr Trousers likes to sleep on your doormats.
LOVELY purchases, that framed print is gorgeous.
I heard good things about Room movie and I would like to read the book it was based on.
Thanks, Ivana! Isn't that framed print lovely? DH Lynch certainly had an eye for a beautiful lady! xxx
DeleteYour first takeaway!!?!?!?! I am not sure we could have survived teaching throughout the lockdowns and the pandemic restrictions of 2020-22 without takeaways!
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely in the new items! I really regret not buying a very similar waistcoat to that in the vintage emporium in Hexham- it was a bargain but I decided not to- vintage or no vintage, the whole outfit it featured in is definitely idiosyncratic Vix!
People in Warsaw seem to discard a lot of expensive clothes! I wouldn't know expensive jeans if they hit me! I never seem to peruse the jeans racks- I always get depressed with how badly they fit me! I sent off my passport on the 8th April, the moment we decided not to go to Greece at Easter, I did the paper one from the post office but still nothing back- I'm so sad! I know CBC will be really cross if it's not back for half term but there's not much I can do! I had to send off my marriage certificate as my previous passport was only 1 year old when we got married so I never bothered to change it so it's a pity I had to change mine with such egregious delays! Thanks for your advice on it though!
Oooh, and the book Rummage arrived! Thank you so much for sending it to me! So kind of you!!!xxx
There was no excuse for us to have takeaways, we didn't have to go out and work during lockdown, you were more than entitled to a treat!
DeleteIf you spot another of those waistcoats at a reasonable price, you should grab it. They are so beautifully woven you can wear them inside-out and nobody can tell - two garments in one!
I never used to look at the jeans rails but I'm still so excited about charity shops being open I look at almost everything now. It's amazing how many high-end labels turn up and I do think that the posher labels have been well designed so they actually fit a female shape a lot better than the cheapo ones.
I was wondering about Greece, what a shame! The passport office seems to be in a right mess at the moment. It took six weeks for mine to get back but Ryanair allowed me to change the date of the Rhodes trip twice - at no extra cost - so were were still able to go. It'll be something to look forward to next year for you.
I'm so glad the book arrived! It's a weighty tome but it's fascinating! xxx
I love the light blue dress and the purple floral skirt with the black lace trim! Will have to add them to my inspo for future sewing projects!
ReplyDeleteI loved the black lace trim on the skirt, an unexpected but very cool touch! xxx
DeleteIs Jacob a pet tortoise? Love him!
ReplyDeleteYes! I've owned him sicne 1974! xxx
DeleteObviously, you look fab in jeans too!, love the way you styled them!. It's amazing how many quality denim we can find at second hand stalls and charities!
ReplyDeleteLove those photos of you with Minnie!
besos
I'm really surprised at how many pairs of top quality jeans end up in the chazzas. Like you, I've not worn them for jeans and feel rather rebellious embracing something so different! xxx
Delete