Monday 16 December 2013

Groovy Gifts, Cats, Hedgehogs & Charity Shop Finds



I must have nagged poor Jon to take my photo at least three times today & loathed the result each time. In the end I waited for him to go to Lidl, grabbed the tripod and took my own. I'm having an arthritic flare-up at the moment and I can see the pain in round my eyes, making me look (and feel) about a million years old.

Izzybird crochet maxi worn with vintage Bukta leotard (20p, jumble sale, 2012), customised 1960s leather jacket (£5, Exodus, Rastafarian charity), orange suede platforms (Helga-licious), purple opaques (birthday present a couple of years ago), religious icon necklace (handmade by me) and beaded earrings (La Dama)
Anyway, who cares about that with a skirt this fabulous? Liz made it for my birthday and I bloody love it.  It got lots of adoration from the public when I popped into town this morning to sign off my end of year accounts, get the last of my travel bits and have a mooch round the chazzas.


My present from Vintage Life magazine (I'm in the January edition of the mag) came in very handy for carrying my shopping home. 


My bull's head cuff was another birthday present. Nail paint by Barry M(who else?)


Chazza-wise its been a bit dull lately but we managed to create a bit of good karma by donating most of our DVD collection and loads of paperbacks. In return I managed to snaffle a still-boxed, 1980s wah-wah pedal for a fiver, which pleased Jon no end.


I picked up these four Spanish dancers last week for a ridiculous 50p each. We bought my brother's Xmas present from the same charity shop - a pair of the finest cherrywood Kef speakers, which retail for hundreds of pounds, for considerably less.


But the best things in life are free though, aren't they? Like this little chap, who's moved into our woodpile and has been eating the cats' leftovers at dusk each night. Emma suggested we weigh him and he's okay, big enough to survive winter with any luck. We'll just have to use wood from the store further down the garden, we'd never live with ourselves if we squashed him!


 Our India visa applications have been approved and are ready for collection, the cat sitter has been introduced to Catarella and the holiday packing is almost complete. Expect a mega packing post shortly.



Linking to Patti's Visible Monday.

See you soon. 

67 comments:

  1. Squeeing over the hedgehog and LOVING your skirt xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh yes indeed, the skirt form Liz definitely deserved its own post, what a beauty! She's a clever girl, that Liz. And I know you are feeling and seeing the pain, but I don't think anyone else would, you look as gorgeous as ever, darling. I took some photos today and deleted pretty much all of them, I looked that shite, but I dare say anyone else would say that's how I always look, ha!
    So you're all set for your trip then, that's good. Catarella is so stunning, hope she isn't spooked by you two not being around. Ahhh, Master Hedgepig, what a cutie! I don't think we ever get any in our garden. Nice score for your brother's pressie, and ole to the Spanish dancers!
    I bet some Indian heat will help your hip, hang on in there, love. xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. A big "SQUEE" for the Flamenco dolls - I have three and always snag any that I find in thrift stores!! The costumes on the two on the left are the best I've seen.

    Sorry to hear you are in pain - as Curtise noted, no one else would know by looking at you. That is a fantastic skirt from Liz.

    My heart melts at the sight of the hedgehog - I do love those little spiny creatures. I hope he makes it through the winter.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LOVE the skirt and looking forward to seeing you grace the pages of Vintage Life Magazine next month!

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't tell you how many times I take and delete photos of myself, I have so little self-condfidence.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your skirt and the little hedgehog is so cute, and the cat is gorgeous !
    I hate the artritihis ... mine is a bad to right now
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Spiffy post. As a fellow arthritis sufferer (but not so severe) hoping it calms soon.

    ReplyDelete
  8. cute hedgehog :-)
    and funny colorful skirt - and those jacket!
    wish that it will go better with your poor bones!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh poppet! You might feel crappy but to the rest of us, you still look a million dollars!! Goa is not far off so the warmth will soon radiant through your bones & hopefully you'll feel a heck of a lot better!! You're a real trooper!!
    Ooo, no wonder the skirt got a positive reaction, it's fantastic!! Glad you've got things sorted and the cats are being looked after! Oh Mr Hedgehog is delightful, will he get the cat scraps while you're away? Hope so, he really should have hibernated by now! Bless him...you'll need to pack him with you to Goa ha, ha! Can't wait for the Packing Post! Bet you can't either ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. love the hedgehog...such a cutie...and love the skirt as well :) feel better soon

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love everything about this post Vix! Your amazing skirt, your spanish dancers, the wee hedgehog and gorgeous Catarella, looking forward to seeing your travel wardrobe xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ouh! That skirt is wonderful - i should try and make one, i crochet a bit and as i can see there all granny squares and square fabrics?

    Happy that you will be leaving soon for your beloved vacation to India!

    Here we got dumped with 30cm of snow and artic air, life is hell in right now in Montreal temperature wise

    Take care of yourself

    Hugs

    Arianexo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your new cat looks perfectly happy and settled in well, beautiful puss! Hope you are feeling beter.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a fab skirt, I'm sorry you have been in pain it's so damn damp at the moment at least India is in sight!

    Our hedgehogs are still scoffing cat food like there is no tomorrow so I'm hoping they will be fat enough to hibernate too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My husband was like a kid in a sweet shop when he got his wah wah pedal. Love the hedgehog :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Aw, how cute is Mr Hedgehog! I think you look fine in the photos but I know its about how you feel. I think the light has been so bad in the last week that its been nearly impossible to take decent blog pics. I'll have to look out for you in Vintage Life. It's not a magazine I usually buy cos I can never find it in the newsagents xxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've never seen a "real live" hedgehog before! Adorable!

    That skirt is so you. I think you're still looking hot.

    I am very sorry to hear you are in the middle of a flare. Hopefully your vacation will help put you right again.

    Congrats on being featured in the magazine.

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hedgehog!!! So stinkin' cute!! Will your catsitter look after Hedgie as well? :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. It takes me longer and longer to get a 'good' photo.
    Your skirt is amazing.
    Hope you feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh boy, that's the cutest hedgehog ever. How kind of you to care for him (her?). Your crochet skirt is indeed fabulous, as is the glam on your hands and wrists. What a babe! Hope your pain's gone soon, and thanks so much for linking up. xox

    ReplyDelete
  21. A hedgehog! We don't have hedgehogs around here and I think they are just the CUTEST things! Speaking of cute...your Skirt! And You. I think you look beautiful. I know all about the pain-in-the-eyes look. I think you notice it more than anyone else. I get the pain look several times a week and I just blow through concealer on those days. Sending you major anti-inflammatory vibes!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I knew i would love this post from the title alone! I love your skirt - reminds me i must get onto sewing the patchwork skirt i want to make. Your hedgehog friend is very cute and yah! India!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm so getting the January Vintage Life, WH Smiths is the only place I can find it, you can buy Angling for Cod Weekly (or something like that) any where but not VL - your crochet skirt is amazing and you look gorgeous, I hope the flare up buggers off - the Spanish dolls are fab, I had so many when I was little and your hedgehog guest looks very healthy x x x x

    ReplyDelete
  24. A HEDGIE!!! How adorable!!
    The new skirt looks fabulous!! I love the flamenco dancers!!

    Won't be long until you're resting that arthritic hip on the warm sands of Goa!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sorry to hear about the arthiritis. A bit of Indian sun will help that. Great news on Mr Hedgehog! Like Tilda, I hope the cat sitter will cater for him too!
    The skirt is amazing! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  26. You look gorgeous--no sign of pain to me!! The skirt is awesome, but that bull cuff tho!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a fab outfit, and no I wouldn't guess you were in such pain. Right now I'm in the same state with my knees -- its all this damn snow and ice we keep getting, always makes the arthritis flare up badly. I do hope you feel better soon. And YAY for the visas! I'm so happy for you both getting to go on a nice holiday after working so hard this year! XXX

    ReplyDelete
  28. Well I think you look gorgeous ... even when you're in pain ... which I hope nicks off quick smart.
    That hedgehog is just the cutest thing ever ... I do hope the cat doesn't catch him in the act of thieving and decide to exact some revenge.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  29. You look Gorgeous Vix!
    Not happy to hear your in pain... *BOO* GO AWAY PAIN!!!
    Oh my gosh that Hedgehog is ever so sweet. I had a pet Albino one and I loved him dearly.

    ReplyDelete
  30. That skirt Vix! It's blooming gorgeous! I hope the wonderfully warm climate of your upcoming adventure will disperse the pain you have.

    The hedgehogs are adorable. We had four babies visiting us last winter, when they should have been hibernating. We fed them and gave them plenty of warm bedding and they eventually wandered off to another garden xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. You're right with a skirt that fabulous it's bound to lift one's spirits. That mag bag is wonderful, I used to have a similar one when I was a teen but it got lost in many a moves. Wishing you good rest! Happy Holidays. x

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh dear Vix, you do look beautiful and I don't think anyone would notice the pain. I do hope the warm ocean waters and the bright sun of India will wash away and melt away all the pain!
    The skirt is really gorgeous!!
    And I love the little hedgehog -- he is a cutie. I love their black little noses. And I see the kitty has moved in too. You have a large family now!
    Much, much love to you,
    Masha

    ReplyDelete
  33. Muy bonita esta cazadora!!
    Saludos
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sorry to hear of your pain, what you need is Goan heat on your bones. You look your usual hot self to me, thought it was only me who took gazilions of snaps (64!)and deleted them in disgust. Fab finds in the chazza's, I got my bro's gift there too - gold cufflinks £3! Yep.
    Love the granny square skirt, perfect for the winter. Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  35. That skirt is truly amazing on you!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Poor you, I know you are not the type to complain so it must be bad for you to mention it. Ironically when I saw that first picture I thought, wow, Vix is looking particularly beautiful today. You look amazing in that birthday skirt, really bring it to life.

    As you know, I love all that Spanish stuff. So colourful and full of life and so filled with the culture. Oh, I've just noticed the plate is on the shelf too as well as the little burro. Cool!

    Bambinos! Little hedgehog and Catarello! Adorable. xxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Awwwwwwwwww, I love hodgehegs!! We used to have two in our garden called Ernie and Herbie! Liz's skirt is super!x

    ReplyDelete
  38. ...and sorry to hear you are in pain. You need some Keralan heat to soothe it x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh my goodness, you have a little hedgehog as a house guest! Lucky you. So darn cute.

    What a fabulous skirt Liz made you. I love it.

    Fingers crossed your arthritis flare-up doesn't last long. :(

    ReplyDelete
  40. I do adore hogsnedges, and have been known to dash out into roads to save them! We have at least one resident in our garden that scurries up and down the fenceline.
    I am totally digging that amazing skirt! Liz is such a clever tart!!!
    The Spanish dancers are a great score, and I can't believe you scored a fabularse wah wah pedal! Crikey! G would wet himself if I found such a thing! I'm pretty pleased with a brand new still in the box food processor/blender combo I found for myself in the local Sallies last week. Must be memorable score month!
    Ooo, getting close to winging it away to India! I always enjoy your packing posts.
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

    ReplyDelete
  41. Yup, the skirt got me right away! Just love the colors. And crotchet? How cool is that. And I love the artwork on the jacket and your nail color. did I miss anything? xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  42. That skirt is made of unicorn parts I'm sure of it! OMG! Liz! Vix! It's the best dam thing ever to be on anyone! You most deserving! Please tell her how much I adore it! You are looking extra beautiful, it must be the skirt! And more hedgehog I am smitten with that guy. I'm so happy he picked your wood stack to nest in.
    Countdown to India baby. Love you more than rainbows!
    Xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sorry you're not feeling 100%, but I think you look great in the photos. I'm sure the India sun will help take the edge off your pains, but you should be careful with those bangles - they look lethal!

    A real hedgehog! How cute. Must be a good omen or something.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I relate to the cruddy pics....that's why I usually resort to wearing sunglasses, to hide my M.E. eyes! Nothing quite gives it away like the eyes do. You look fantastic...that skirt is a work of art, & I adore all the details. That little hedgehog is the sweetest thing! I've never seen one in the flesh. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. But what wonderful gifts you got, Vix! That marvelous skirt and unique bangle - they are just so you. And how lucky you were to find those Spanish performers dolls, they are adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I could say that your expression is a perfect simulation of a high-falutin' biatch model in a couture magazine, but I won't, because I don't think you could look stuck-up biatch even if you tried. Sorry you're having pain. Hopefully it's nothing a little Indian sunshine can't cure damned quick.
    I love the little hedgehog. I've only seen them in chocolate boxes before and eaten them up.
    Your skirt is incredibly beautiful. I saw a caftan at the local thrift shop and the woman next to me beat me to it! I clearly need to be quicker at the draw.

    ReplyDelete
  47. What not to love with this outfit? That dress is amazing and the jacket is such a novel find.

    Hope you feel a little brighter soon hun, just think you will be in the sun before you know it.

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  48. That skirt is fantastic! Feel better soon - lying on the beach in India will help, when do you go?

    ReplyDelete
  49. the little hedge hog is so cute. but isn't he smacking as loud as a giant cow?
    i was quite surprised when i found my first hedge hog eating an apple. smack smack smack!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh My! That skirt is stupendous. I love it. Love the Spanish dancers too. My mum used to have a little collection of those. Hang on in there, you'll soon be in Goa. The heat will sort out that annoying arthritis. xx

    ReplyDelete
  51. Ooh, lovely skirt, and cool bracelet too.

    Sorry to hear of your arthritis. Hopefully the warm temperatures in Goa will be good for it.

    That little guy is so cute and wee. Sure hope he makes it through the winter.

    Congrats on your feature. I am going to check that rag out!

    Xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  52. Fabo skirt, finds & friends!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sorry to hear you're having a flare up. :( You look great, but constant pain just makes you feel run down like nothing else does if you're anything like me.

    That jacket with the skirt are what 'make' this outfit for me: co-ordinates and clashes at the same time. A delight.

    ReplyDelete
  54. You look proper lovely, the hedgehog is too cute
    Twiggy

    ReplyDelete
  55. Really sorry to hear about the hip pain flare up i am having with my back and need to get back to the docter as i am being nagged by John. I think you always look gorgeous get some of that sun on your joints and your soon start to feel great again :-) Bless Mr hedgehog he is lovely you dont seem to see many these days so its great he has found a home with you. Your cat is gorgeous reminds me of Fluff our big ginger cat when were growing up. Enjoy your packing and sorting. dee xxx

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sorry your having a flare up Vix , know that feeling.
    I have to say (and do mean it ) you still look quite ravishing !!
    Glad it's all squared away for your vacation.
    Clapping wildly to see the hedgie ...super adorable , I wish we had them here .
    Catterella is a truly magical looking feline ~ love her ears.
    Be well lovely one,
    Willow

    ReplyDelete
  57. What a great skirt! I'm sorry to hear you've not been feeling great, I hope things improve for you soon x

    ReplyDelete
  58. You always look stunning, sorry to read you are not feeling well! I hope that a skirt like that will makes your day brighter, the colours are beautiful! I adore the Spanish dancers and bull fighters, I really wish to find them too, I love their style! Your cat and the hedgehog are both super cute!!
    LOVE xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh Vix I hope you feel a little more comfortable soon......you look gorgeous as ever.....but I do understand that you can see the suppressed pain.
    The skirt is fantastic what a wonderful gift.
    Little woodpile hedgehog is so so cute.
    So excited for you another trip on the horizon.......yay.
    Love v

    ReplyDelete
  60. ooooh I had a Spanish doll.......beautiful midnight blue dress.....I loved ler. You wear the pain well...feel better!!x

    ReplyDelete
  61. Wonderful!!! Every item ... skirt completely charming and seasonally cute ... beautiful cobalt top and astonishing necklace, including all your rings ( I LOVE rings ... you might like some in my collection) but that JACKET is swoonable. Love the provenance!
    Sorry your arthritis is acting up. You don't look it though, so only you can see it. Pretty and fresh.
    Hope is goes away fast.

    Your own hedgehog! I've just got garage cats, and had a run in with a couple of very large, hissing possums the other evening, but nothing so cool as a hedgehog! Adorable.

    So happy for you getting to go on your trip!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Crochet skirt - brilliant idea, looks fab! Get well soon x

    ReplyDelete
  63. That skirt is amazing! Love the bag too, I'll have to look out for you in the magazine.

    Catherine, xo.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I hope you feel better soon - after all, you'll be travelling soon! So happy for you!
    The skirt is indeed fantastic. I should pick up an issue of Vintage life if I see it on sale (I don't think they have it in Grantham anymore, they used to sell it at WH smith but I haven't seen it in a while).
    The hedgehog is the cutest thing ever... they're such sweet creatures!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Those Spanish dancers are fab but I am going ga-ga over your new little hedgehog friend. Sooooooo adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  66. The skirt, the jewelry, the tote bag AND a hedgehog???? TOO MUCH awesome over here. Oh, have you looked into castor oil packs for your arthritis?? Do a little internet search if you're not familiar with them.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix