Hello! It's time I answered a few more reader queries. The first is How do you manage your time? A question recently posed by Tess.
I always set the alarm for 6.30am but I'm usually awake and out of bed before then. After a wash, I'll pull on the workout gear I've left on the bathroom chair the previous evening, go downstairs and open the curtains, switch on the electrics, put away the previous evening's washing-up from the drainer (we don't have a dishwasher), lay out the breakfast things, check eBay for questions and print off a pick list of sales that need wrapping. I'll also check that any laundry hanging in the utility room is dry, taking our stuff upstairs and folding the stock into a basket to transport to the Kinky Shed later.
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| My wonderful Wii Fit |
I'm always on the Wii Fit by 7am. On non-swimming days, after my workout, I catch-up with Blogland and emails until Jon gets up at around 8.15am when we'll have breakfast. After we've eaten I'll wash-up, collect the stock from the shed, hanging up the freshly washed stuff and wrap the parcels then go upstairs, get dressed & clean my teeth. I've usually laid out my clothes the previous evening - although that doesn't necessarily mean that'll be the outfit I choose to wear.
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| The Kinky Shed! |
On swimming days (twice a week) I'll wake Jon with a cup of tea at 7.15am and we'll leave the house at 7.50am to walk into town. The baths are a mile away and we're changed and in the pool by 8.15am. We have breakfast in 'Spoons, pop into the town centre centre charity shops and, if the cupboard is bare, call into Lidl for a veg box on the way home. After a cooked breakfast we'll skip lunch and have our tea earlier.
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| This week's veg box - the asparagus alone must cost more than £1.50! |
Once or twice a week we visit a nearby town to hunt for stock. Back at home - after lunch - I'll photograph (weather permitting!) and write descriptions for the new acquisitions before I sling the washable garments in the washing machine. I peg the laundry outside if the weather's dry and if not, it's hung on the airer in the utility room.
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| In action, Jan 2023 |
When my eBay work is done I spend my time either crocheting, sewing, mending, reading, blogging, gardening or cleaning - I don't have a routine, I just do whatever I feel like. This week it's learning about the Pre-Raphaelites and having a bash at no-rules embroidery (pimping up some charity shop shorts and stitching along the lines of the 1940s embroidery linen I made into a Frida Kahlo-inspired huipil a fortnight ago).
After we've showered, we'll eat between 5pm - 6pm with Jon usually doing the cooking. After 7pm the PC is switched off and we watch TV in the lounge. Stand-out favourite watches recently have been the three part documentary Becoming Frida Kahlo on BBC4 (so good I've already watched it twice), BBC's The Gold, Paris Police 1905 and More 4's Home Greek Home because one day that will be us (and b*llocks to Brex**it).
I'm usually in bed for 10.30 and read till I fall asleep (around 11.15pm) although my John Luther novel, The Calling, is - like the TV series - so compelling that I'm struggling to tear myself away from it.
Tess also asked how I look after my clothes to make them last so long. The simple answer is - other than knickers, socks, exercise gear and thermals - I hardly ever wash them! When I do, I use the 15°C cycle on the washing machine, using soda crystals instead of washing powder and NEVER ever using fabric conditioner (it rots your clothes - fact!) My clothes are always hung up to dry, our 40 year old tumble drier, inherited from Jon's mum, is for emergencies only. When I've worn something I air it by hanging it up on the wardrobe door for 24 hours - if I notice a mark I'll spot clean it with a sponge and some soap. As a result I'm still wearing vintage clothes I bought in the nineties and nobody's ever told me that I smell bad!
Dora asked how I organise my clothes. At the moment I'm experimenting with a capsule wardrobe (see HERE) so everything that needs hanging (dresses, skirts, blouses, waistcoats, jackets and coats) now fit inside the same wardrobe. Everything else is folded and lives in my dressing table drawers. The clothes I'm not currently wearing are stored in my other wardrobe and the proper summery gear - shorts, bikinis, flimsy frocks & strappy tops and my far out festival stuff, is stuffed in the suitcases on top.
On my last post Louise asked, I notice you change your bag each day, do you have a special trick/method for doing that quickly?
Easy! When I get home I plug my mobile phone into the PC and then tip the contents of my bag into a basket, which I keep on the floor next to the wardrobe. Makeup bag, purse, glasses case, keys, umbrella, gloves, tissues, bag for life, all together and ready to transfer into whatever bag I decide to carry the following day. These seagrass baskets from Wilko are perfect - but other types are available!
And talking of capsule wardrobes - mine's still going strong. On Sunday I wore my vintage wool housecoat which masquerades as a dress and was a gift from friends G'n'T eight years ago, along with a Dilli Grey reversible Indian block print jacket and Monsoon wool fedora. The Hand of Fatima pendant was 50p from a house clearance stall at a car boot sale about 15 years ago, I've seen an identical one at an antiques fair for £90!
On Monday I wore a Naked Generation block printed cotton midi dress with some skinny jeans and my Clarks suede boots.
I snaffled the choker for £2 from a charity shop last week.
And today (Tuesday) I wore a vintage Phool block printed skirt suit (I've also got the matching jacket) with a 1970s Ayesha Davar shirred cheesecloth blouse, Clarks boots and a charity shopped fringed silk scarf.
During lockdown I used to share my nail colour of the week - its the turn of Barry M's
Matcha, a matt khaki.
And still on the subject of capsules, this Lee Jeans black denim western shirt came home with me today....
I've already donated two of my original sixty-six garments to the Kinky Shed so there is a gap, I shall ponder and maybe swap it with the cotton chambray blouse....decisions, decisions.... I've decided, it's a keeper!
My time management skills aren't always great - I'm way behind on commenting on blogs this week, sorry.
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I too am loving Paris 1905. Sarah Moore's programme is good, so envious. The finished house will look grand. I am saving the Frida Kahlo programme for a quiet time TV wise. I watched a great film on Netflix last night Shall we go to the Movies tomorrow?is the title, set in Poland 1938 and a graduating class of boys. Warsaw looks wonderful and it is well worth a watch.
ReplyDeleteHello Carole! Paris Police is wonderful, isn't it? The storyline is brilliant and the costumes and hair are beautiful. That Frida Kahlo documentary might be the best documentary I've ever watched, it's incredible. I shall make a note of Shall We Go To The Movies Tomorrow? Thanks for the recommendation! xxx
Deletewent to Lidl today and picked up one of the boxes, was really impressed with the contents, thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteThree cheers for Lidl and their veg boxes, I'm so glad you managed to get a good one! xxx
DeleteThat’s a fair old breakdown of your days Vix.
ReplyDeleteI can’t understand why folk don’t layer up their clothes more to get more wear out of them in the winter months. I love to wear frocks all year round. Sometimes two at a time heehee
Lovely insight into your daily doings xxx
Thanks, Lynn! I think it helps that I'm an early riser so can get a fair bit done before the rest of the world wakes up.
DeleteI love thinking of ways to make the most of my dresses - I've worn skirts on top of them but haven't tried the double dress, it's a great idea! xxx
You have found a great balance I think Vix
ReplyDeleteMy days tend to be either too busy ( usually medical appointments for my husband Tony ) or, like today , full of sadness and both of us struggling with the pain of parting , so we napped ( Tony on his incredibly comfy but huge and ugly recliner , me on the sofa), whilst Morse episodes played in the background
We haven’t watched the final Endeavour yet - a favourite here - as I can’t stand saying goodbye to all the characters who feel like old friends
Have a good week
Siobhan x
Hello Siobhan (and Tony) your description of your day brought a tear to my eye. I hope a day spent watching Morse and snuggling up gave you both a little comfort.
DeleteWe loved the first series of Endeavour but never watched the other series so I think a big catch-up might be in order. Its so sad to say goodbye to favourite characters,. I missed Nicola Walker in the new series of Unforgotten (but grew to like her replacement).
Much love to you both. xxx
I am not having much luck convincing my husband to launder less, so I at least make sure to air dry. I wash as few of my clothes as possible, using a spritz of water, vodka, and lavender essential oil. Hanging clothes outside has not been viable with the demon dog still too young to trust.
ReplyDeleteWhat a routine you've got going!
You'd need an extra tall line prop to keep your line-dried washing away from that little scamp, wouldn't you?
DeleteVodka's always a great smell remover, if you can't get rid of the odour at least you can neck the vodka and not care what you smell like!
Jon's inclined to be like your husband and chucks things in the washing basket he's only worn for a few hours - I get them out, fold them up and put them back in his wardrobe and he's never noticed (although when he reads this I might be in trouble!) xxx
I always enjoy reading about others' structures and schedules - you have strong routines which keep you in line, I see! I'm glad you're enjoying your capsule wardrobe - I have done several of them in my blogging life, and they always help me see what's working and what's not.
ReplyDeleteI like that you turn off your devices/computer early! Good for your sanity! Have an awesome week, Vix!
I do love a bit of structure, Sheila - I could waste hours trawling the internet and watching cat videos if I wasn't strict on myself!
DeleteIts so easy to hold on to stuff so this capsule wardrobe is helping me realise what I actually wear and what I'm just keeping for keeping's sake.
I always step away from the world wide web at night time - especially if I'm planning to have a drink! xxx
Aw, thanks for answering my (nosey) question Vix. That's such a good idea, alas I still think I probably carry too much. I'm trying a different approach now of not changing my bag, and just using the same one maybe for a few months before I change it. I'm not sure how I'll get on with that, because I'm fickle. I thought I was getting a compliment when my friend watched the Jane Birkin what's in my bag video on YouTube and commented that I reminded her of Jane Birkin... adding that I carry as much and hang as many 'baubles' off my handbag. I'll still take it as a compliment though :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could hang my clothes out. What you don't appreciate until you live by the British seaside is how damp the air always is. I could hang things out for days, they would only come in dry on the hottest day of the summer and otherwise, they always remain damp. xx
I can't imagine how much you'd have to carry when you're a mother! My friend Liz is often commissioned to made bespoke bags with multiple compartments to accommodate all the "stuff" mum's have to carry, they're a work of art!
DeleteI shall have to seek out that Jane Birkin YouTube video - I can think of a lot worse people to be compared to and you are very stylish!
I'd never thought of sea air making your washing damp but you're right, I've noticed this in Greece if I'm staying near a beach! xxx
I could well imagine you living in Greece and enjoying all that sunshine. It would be too hot for me, but I'd love the history. I'm more drawn to the Northern climes. Arilx
ReplyDeleteSome of the northern countries look lovely (Iceland and Finland especially) but that cold weather isn't for me! xxx
DeleteYou are very organised, enviably so!
ReplyDeleteDo I take it you are planning to move to Greece at some stage? Just see a subtle reference slipped in there.
We are looking to buy a bit of land on Crete and put a small house on it. Will only be able to live there 6 months of the year if we want to collect our pensions - Mike is 65 next Jan which is the age one gets the pension here in NZ. We will just go from summer to summer which sounds divine (NZ summers are usually pretty nice...nor this summer though).
Whereabouts in Greece do you have in your sights?
Hello Angela! Well spotted! We've been considering it for years, in fact we nearly bought an ancient house in a mountain village in Corfu but then Brex**it happened and left us reeling.
DeleteYour plan sounds absolutely brilliant, moving between places and forever living in Summer. Yes, your NZ summer wasn't a good one this year (unlike the UK's 2022 heatwave!) Roll on Mike's birthday!
We love Crete and we've considered that as an option and there's something wonderful about Corfu as well - even though the weather on the Ionian Islands isn't always as reliable. xxx
I enjoyed reading that!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get away with not washing my clothes that much. With tops, to put it frankly, I just sweat a lot and clothes end up smelling!
You did well on the Lidl haul! Yum! Still none in my school store.
Sad times.
I am SO not a morning person- I wish I could get up!
x
Thanks, Kezzie! I'm a bit like a machine in the morning, I rarely think about what I'm doing I just do it! Jon's not a morning person either, it's amazing that I can get him up and out for swimming twice a week!
DeleteI rarely get hot or sweaty - it must be my dosha!
Have you seen that Sainsbury's are doing something similar to the Waste Not Box for £2? It's the other side of town so it's a shop we don't use but I'd be interested to see how their's compare to Lidl. xxx
Thank you so much, Vix, for sharing all this information about your daily routines and your clothing care. I appreciate it! Reading between the lines, I assume Jon has the "bliss" of handling most of the financial administrative work and, if that is so, you are very fortunate. More time for you to do what needs to be done as well as what you want to do!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Tess - thanks for reading and commenting! Yep, Jon keeps a track of incomings and outgoings and is in charge of the end of year accounting and, being the only driver, does the post office run as well as the cooking. He's a keeper! xxx
DeleteI thought a “bag for life” was a small bag where one kept things for possible emergencies (like aspirin, sanitary items, tissue, safety pins, etc.) It seems like it’s a term for a reusable bag! I learned something new.
ReplyDeleteBag for life is a term for a reusable bag here in the UK - always necessary if you're forever popping in charity shops.. A bag containing all those emergency items sound like something a girl guide (or a pessimist!) would carry around. xxx
DeleteYou are so generous in what you share, I loved seeing how similar parts of our days are, and how different too. Huge well done for the embroidery on the 1940's linen panel!
ReplyDeleteJayne (Google will just not let me sign in today 😠 )
Morning Jayne! thanks for inspiring me to have a go at embroidery. I thought I'd throw myself in before watching the link you sent me - next stop, learning properly! Have a lovely day, stay warm! xxx
DeleteYou are Wonder Woman Vix. I rarely wash clothes, I have smart clothes for going out and wearing
ReplyDeleteYou are kind, thank you! It's good to know there are still women with smart clothes for going out, I despair of how casually everyone dresses these days, I've even seen jogging bottoms worn for a night at the theatre! xxx
DeleteA very well planned and organised day, and it seems as though you get through a lot in each day as well as having plenty of relaxation time, which is a really good work, life balance.
ReplyDeleteI like having a treat like a good book or a creative project to look forward to after a morning's work, it keeps me motivated! xxx
DeleteThat's a nice lifestyle balance, I am interested to learn more of your plans to retire to Greece though! Capsule wardrobe is lovely :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! I'm not sure we'll ever retire but we'd love to spend more time in Greece, we just need to work our way around us not being in Europe and all the restrictions in our way. xxx
DeleteAh, I see now why you were telling me to embrace my Greek ancestry!
DeleteI'm exhausted reading your daily schedule! I go through phases of being a morning person (not quite as early as you though) and then being quite the opposite. At the moment, I'm not sleeping well which doesn't help at all. I'm good for nothing and spent by 11.00 pm, but then wake as if I've had a shot of adrenalin a couple of hours later and spend a few hours willing myself to go to sleep.
ReplyDeleteI love the basket idea for emptying your bag at the end of each day. Might have to adopt that!
As much as I admire your plans to retire to Greece, selfishly, I'm hoping you stick around. :-) xxx
P.S. It's a good sign that I saw the photo of you in your new glasses and didn't think "Oh, new glasses!" I think you've made the perfect choice. x
Those bouts of insomnia are so frustrating, I had a period like that back in January where i'd lie awake for two hours with my mind racing and mithering about stuff that when i finally got up wasn't in the least bit important.
DeleteI seem to have a bit of a basket fetish so it seemed a good idea to use one for a useful purpose.
I'm so used to those glasses now, I'm really happy with them.
If and when we ever find a way around the restrictions placed on us post-Brexit Brits who want to escape you'll have to get over your flight phobia to come and stay - it's a long drive! xxx
Another busy person! I find I am busier since I retired than when I worked; I haven't quite figured out why!
ReplyDeleteLovely outfits as always; I adore the housecoat pretending to be a dress. I'd never have realised if you hadn't said so! I'd love to have a peek in your Kinky shed...
I have recorded the Frida Kahlo programme and look forward to watching when I can. Haven't started on Paris Police yet; The Blood Pact is keeping us busy at the moment. As you said in your comment on my post so many things to watch and so little time. Aren't we very spoiled?
The hand bag hack is a great idea. I don't change my handbags often enough and I have them in every colour. I love baskets for storage too and today I found a wicker cutlery tray that I'm going to use to store my make up and make up bag on and things I use when I get ready.
The 1940s linen embroidery is looking fab as are the shorts. I find it difficult to thread a needle these days; it can take up to ten minutes sometimes so I'm never going to do embroidery but I did pick up a tapestry kit in Ireland which uses only 2 simple stitches. One day I'll get round to doing it...
xxx
I know I'd be the same as you if I ever retired, Vronni - I'd volunteer for everything going!
DeleteI hate seeing people walking around town in pyjamas, slippers and towelling dressing gowns but I think I can get away with that housecoat!
The Frida Kahlo documentary is incredible, one of the best I've ever watched. i think I might have to watch it for a third time. There is so much good TV, I never know what to watch next. I don't understand anyone who claims there's nothing on, we've just started Tokyo Vice on the I-Player - not sure how me missed it but we loved the first episode.
Great idea with the wicker cutlery tray, I used to use a wooden one for my makeup until I inherited an apprentice's chest of drawers from my Mum.
I was struggling to thread a needle before I got my new glasses, I used to drive Jon mad asking him to drop everything and thread them for me. xxx
I'm afraid my time managing skills go straight out of the window on my office-free days, when I'm just bumbling along and never seem to achieve much. Although Jos keeps saying I'm always busy doing something or other. I'm *almost* missing the days of lockdown when I only worked 2-day weeks, when I did seem to have some sort of routine in place and did so much more with my days. I'm always in awe of the amount of stuff you (and Vronni) are doing every day.
ReplyDeleteAs for doing laundry, I only wash my frocks after several wears, airing them in between, like you do. Skirts I'm washing even less, and same goes for my cardigans. Apparently, our new washing machine has a steaming option, to freshen things up. Not sure how it works, I'll have to look into it.
I'm pleased to hear your maximalist capsule wardrobe is still going strong. The black denim western shirt will fit in perfectly, but I am glad the cotton chambray blouse is a keeper as well!
Fabulous outfits as always, the vintage housecoat/dress being my favourite this time! xxx
You've got a job, that's enough structure for anyone! In the bad old days of 17 hour days I'd never have the energy to do anything but go to the pub or on holiday in my spare time! Several of my friends took early retirement or reduced their hours after having an epiphany during lockdown.
DeleteI'm fascinated by the steaming option on your new washing machine.That definitely requires so investigation - could be fantastic for velvet or freshening up coats and jackets.
On further reflection the black denim shirt is a keeper and the chambray blouse has left the building as I've replaced it with a blue denim shirt - it appears that I'm having a denim moment! xxx
I don't know how people manage without a routine-it would drive me mad. I like your basket idea. I just dump directly into the next bag.
ReplyDeleteIt would drive me mad, too - I always have a plan for the day ahead even when I'm on holiday! x
DeleteI'm an early riser, much like yourself. I would never get anything done otherwise. X
ReplyDeleteI love early mornings - even more so in the Summer! xxx
DeleteWhat a fab post!, I always enjoy to read about Real Life and how other people organise their time or their wardrobes. Your 'capsule wardrobe' is really brilliant and you look fab in that housecoat-dress (so fab colours) and the delightful indian jackets and block printed items. Love yur accessorizing and great style.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip on putting the contents of your bag into a basket, I have a tray-box to do it too, but use it only on weekends. It's also a great idea to switch off any electronic device and relax after a long day.
besos
Thanks so much, Monica! I'm enjoying a smaller wardrobe although I've no plans to become one of those freaky minimalists! xxx
DeleteHey Vix, we get up & go to bed at the same time! I must check out the Frida documentary. Monsieur & I are loving the post apocalyptic 'The Last of Us' at the moment. Fab tip on the basket bag empty. Having a strong, sturdy routine is great for warding off the dreaded procrastination :) xXx
ReplyDeleteYay! Getting up early is the new rock and roll! I'm off to search for The Last of Us, post apocalyptic is so me even if I can't say it! xxx
DeleteHi Vix, great outfits as ever. It is lovely to see someone who has a true sense of personal style these days. I too have the same Pre- Raphaelite Women book ( and many others too). I first got interested in the Pre- Raphaelites as a young teenager. I understand that Andrew Lloyd- Webber has a staggering collection of original paintings by them. Lucky man! I can't say his music does a lot for me but I would dearly love to see his art collection. Curiously I used to have my Spanish lessons in Bowerswell House which was the home of Effie Gray ( wife of John Everett Millais) .
ReplyDeleteHello Alysia! Thanks you for your kind words. Always lovely to hear from you. How wonderful that your Spanish lessons were held at Bowerswell House. There's some fantastic Pre-Raphaelite books, I can lose myself for hours looking at the artwork. Have you read The Kissed Mouth blog on my sidebar? If you haven't I think you'd love it. xxx
DeleteHi Vix, many thanks for the heads up about The Kissed Mouth blog- loads of great book recommendations there for me, Julia Margaret Cameron too!
DeleteMy pleasure, Alysia! Julia Margaret Cameron's photography is wonderful. xxx
DeleteI have enjoyed reading this! I'm aware that I wash my clothes way too often but I haven't managed to break the circle!
ReplyDeleteThanks you! Jon used to be terrible for overwashing his clothes, we still battle over it but I think I'm winning! xxx
DeleteLike Jon, I'm not a morning person, so I barely get out of bed in time to get ready for work and get to the office on time (or 10 minutes after). I envy your skill at creating and maintaining a routine that includes a workout every day and time for some series watching in the evening.
ReplyDeleteJon's terrible at getting up although he's surprised me lately being dressed and waiting for me by the front door on swimming days (although he claims he only does it to stop me nagging!) xxx
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