Monday 31 December 2018

Welcome 2019!

Happy New Year to you all and thank you for reading and commenting on my blog in 2018 . I appreciate your comments so much and get such a lot of pleasure from hearing from you. Looking forward to hearing from you in 2019.

Meanwhile, going back to 2018...
This is the 2.00 jacket I bought from the Willen Hospice shop in Newport Pagnell. It's  so warm that I can wear it without the need for a coat. All jewellery and scarf charity shopped.

A week or so before Christmas I dropped the Dutch pot lid (made of cast iron) on my phone and the screen was smashed. The display was affected as a big black blob obliterated most of it.  I had to send it off to be repaired or replaced and in the interim OH used his phone to take these photos. They're a little fuzzy and for that I apologise.


Spots, stripes and floral  -  all co-ordinating in black and white. I love pattern mixing. Everything charity shopped but can't remember where.


Boots from Oxfam.

For warmth I added the 2.00 green cardigan bought from the Independent charity shop.

I wore this outfit to the foodbank the week before Christmas. I wanted to be warm because the rear warehouse is freezing. I also wore pink gloves but not in this photo.  Everything charity shopped except the leggings and the boots - retail.

I have a confession to make. I wore this knitted dress all day - back to front! That's why it isn't sitting level at the front and the neck is a bit high. I only noticed when I was undressing for bed...


I also went for a little rummage in Kempston at the weekend and bought a rather nice orange boiled wool/felted jacket by Fenn, Wright and Manson for 8.00. Surprisingly, they had a second, green boiled wool/felted jacket from an unknown label for 6.00, but it didn't fit as nicely as the orange one.  I used to have a lovely blue wool jacket and OH washed it at too high a temperature, so it was ruined. I have a black one that I bought from a 1.00 rail somewhere but haven't worn it yet. The FWM orange jacket was my Christmas present to myself and I planned to wear it see my son the following Saturday before Christmas.


The fuzzy photos and pattern mixing continue... grey dress bought in Barnardo's 2.99; Kimono bought years ago; cost 5.00 but can't remember where I bought it. Checked leggings 79p, Barnardo's bargain rail. Boots Oxfam.


All jewellery and scarf charity shopped.


Nomads tunic/dress; can't remember, cardigan 1.00 rail, leggings online retail, boots present from daughter.


Photos didn't start out fuzzy but the final two did - why? Cameras are a puzzle to me!


All jewellery charity shopped.


Our Christmas tree, which we have had for as long as we have lived together; 18 years, decided to stop working on Christmas Eve just around quarter to five. It's one of those ones with built in lights that change colour - quite trendy back in the day. But OH nipped into town - we're only a five minute walk away and bought a new set. I wouldn't have bothered but he loves Christmas... I couldn't take photos as I still hadn't got my phone back or even knew at that stage whether it was repairable or not. It has been strangely pleasant not having a phone but a bit frustrating when I want to take a photo or check things online quickly.

Only middle grandson missing here - he'd beat a sharp exit when the camera came out...

We had a lovely Christmas. There were 9 of us for Christmas dinner; I did the turkey and all trimmings and was super organised; I prepped all the vegetables on Christmas Eve and just had potatoes, sweet potatoes and parsnips to do on the day. Daughter made a delicious Beef Wellington and a Salmon En Croute as well. Daughter's partner came later in the day with his three children and his brother and there was a riotous and very competitive game of Charades played by 14 of us!  I did a small buffet for the evening.

Those are middle grandson's legs to the left so we got a bit of him in a photo!
This is what I wore - yellow velvet dress charity shopped in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal; patterened tights charity shopped; navy blue boots; online retail. All jewellery charity shopped.

Eldest Grandson and girlfriend stayed over Christmas Day and went to the sales in Milton Keynes on Boxing Day. No public transport in our area so I drove them there and they were able to get a coach back to London from Milton Keynes that evening, as both were back at work on Thursday. It was lovely to see them. There just enough turkey left to have a very small roll for breakfast and then I used the carcass to make soup on Boxing Day.

Another skirt and tunic outfit!


Everything charity shopped except the boots which are from Sainsbury's. East skirt; tunic from Primarni 1.00 rail.




All jewellery charity shopped except Amber earrings from e bay.

Going for the Gudrun Sjoden look again; short sleeved cardigan worn for warmth. The brooch was one of the 4 I bought a few weeks back from the Keech Hospice shop for 2.00.

I was thoroughly spoilt as usual in the present's department. OH bought me a printer and National Trust membership, some perfume and lovely soaps. I got three of the books on my wishlist; a new OS map of Bedford; (my old one was so creased and crumpled it had started to fall apart); a new purse; more smellies and soaps; new leggings from M&S and bras - these were much needed - another phone charging cable - also much needed and a zipped container of multi sized, coloured crochet hooks. My brothers gave me money. So, on the Thursday after Christmas I went into town to spend my Christmas money. I bought some blue velvet leggings and a dressy skirt in the M & S sale and spent 5.00 on some jewellery from the charity shops including the necklace below which I bought from Keech Hospice for 2.00. I still had a little left over so OH and I planned a trip to Northampton for a good post Christmas rummage!




Tunic and top charity shopped both 1.00 rail.  Boots 1.99 - Red Cross Shop. Leggings retail.


Had my hair cut on Friday.


All jewellery and scarf charity shopped except the silver and moonstone earrings - present from OH many years ago.

We hadn't been to Northampton in over a year and there quite a few changes. Out of the twelve town centre charity shops only one was was closed. Age UK, one of my favourites, but there were two new huge charity superstores; Scope and the Salvation Army. They sold everything; furniture, books, Dvds and CDs, jewellery, bric a brac, clothes, shoes etc. One of these superstores had taken over the old Primark store. There was also a huge Development Aid charity shop called DAP which sold only clothes. We were a bit time limited by the time we got to these three so only had a quick look round.   I wonder if this is the future of charity shops here in the UK? Certainly the experience in Northampton was that they are getting bigger and taking over bigger premises. The two most recent charity shops in Bedford both have very large premises too. We have thirteen town centre charity shops in Bedford by the way. And within walking distance of the town another three and within a 3 mile radius another 5! And that doesn't include a large charity furniture shop in the bus station...

This is what I wore to go rummaging on Saturday...

Very fuzzy photo - sorry! Note the difference to the photos below which middle grandson took with his phone...
Outerwear -  Fenn, Wright and Manson orange jacket, 8.00; Day Hospice shop in Kempston; scarf, beret and gloves all charity shopped. That's another one of the 2.00  brooches I bought in the Keech Hospice shop a couple of weeks ago.


All jewellery charity shopped.


Black lace effect leggings M&S; Christmas present from daughter. OTK boots; online retail last year.


White shirt  by F&F; 1.00 rail and jumper/tunic also F&F; 1.95 Hospice shop.

Did I buy anything? Yes, of course I did! I bought a necklace for 87p in Sue Ryder; another necklace for 1.00 in the RSPCA, another 1.00 necklace and bangle in Cancer Research, a bangle in the Salvation Army 50p; and finally a M&S kimono; 3.00 in Save the Children. Total spend 7.37. That's my last charity shop spend of 2018. I wonder what 2019 will bring?

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!


31 comments:

  1. I love that photo of you and your OH surrounded by grandchildren, tinsel hanging from paintings and the two of you a sea of calm and smiles in the Christmas chaos! You look so happy!

    The black and white outfit is my favourite this time around though really, everything you wore is wonderful. Big necklaces, checked leggings, boots-all the good stuff.

    Our thrifts are very large-almost like department stores where you need a cart/trolley to shop. There's positives and negatives I suppose but it makes it a quick job to skip the things you don't need like furniture.

    All best for a happy, healthy and wonderful new year to you and your lovely family!

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    1. Thank you, Goody. I have to say I don't like the idea of huge charity shops the size of department stores!

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  2. Looks like a lovely family Christmas. Thank you for your great posts in 2018. I love seeing all your gorgeous outfits. They are so inspirational and you always look so smart. I love the orange jacket. What a bargain!! Sorry to hear about your phone.

    Here's wishing you and your lovely family all the very best for 2019 when it comes. Xx

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    1. Thank you, Kelly! Hope to see you blogging soon...
      xxx

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  3. Happy New Year!

    I've noticed a couple of my local charity shops opening bigger branches and closing smaller ones. I don't like the trend for them selling new items, though; I go to charity shops for secondhand things.

    You had a full house for Christmas. I hope someone else did the dishes!

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    1. Yes I hate oit when they sell new stuff, too!

      Don't worry,Mim, someone else did the did the washing up..
      xxx

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  4. It's always a joy to read your blog and see you outfits, Veronica. I especially love the black and white pattern mixing, the purple and blue outfit featuring the Nomads dress, and your cheerful, yellow based Christmas outfit. Love the new orange jacket too! Your Christmas looks lovely, a proper, slightly chaotic, family Christmas. And it looks like you've been properly spoiled too! Wishing you and your family all sorts of fabulousness in 2019! xxx

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    1. Thank you, Ann and thank you for your always lovely comments!
      xxx

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  5. That is quite a few charity shops! Here we have both very small and very large thrift stores. I usually spend most of my time in the larger ones although I do visit a couple of small Salvation Army stores that often yield good vintage for my shop.

    I'm happy that more people are shopping thrift because that means less is going to landfills but I still feel that the main problem of consumers buying too much fast fashion is the issue that needs to be dealt with. This type of unsustainable overproduction of goods is destroying the earth.

    Your family Christmas gathering looked wonderful and cozy. I'm glad you managed to get through all of that preparation. I took the easy way out this year and decided to buy a pre prepared vegan meal for two from Whole Foods. It was excellent and I'd do it again next year. I didn't spend any time in the kitchen which is a real rarity for me.

    A good game of charades is always fun and helps burn off all those extra calories.

    Wishing you much happiness and joy in the New Year!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. Yes, I suppose that's one way to look at it; bigger charity shops because more people are charity shopping - I do hope so!

      Your Christmas dinner sounds the way to go! I'm definitely not doing it next year and have warned everybody it's either eat out or someone else cooks.
      xx

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  6. Such fun family photos - what a handsome group you are! I love all your outfits, but the standouts are that gloriously huge gold necklace and that supersized leopard patterned tunic. A very Happy New Year to you and yours, Vronni! Thank you for all the fun posts!

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    1. Thank you, Sheila for your comments throughout the year!
      xx

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  7. Happy New Year to you and yours, Vronni!
    Love the family photos especially the one of you and your dapper chap.
    Glad you survived the festive season and managed to sort out your Xmas lights.
    A fabulous round-up of outfits despite the slight blurriness. I'm off in a bit to sort out a new camera - the flash packed up on mine last year and it's cheaper to buy a replacement than the get the sodding thing repaired which I find utterly shocking.
    A Cancer Uk clearance shop opened in town in November, it's next to TK Maxx and huge - all the clothes and accessories are £3 and under and the furniture and bric-a-brac is very reasonably priced. There was a Habitat sofa in there recently for a tenner. I hope it encourages people to shop in there rather than the dreaded Primark! xxx

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    1. I hope so too, Vix! Thank you for your lovely comments throughout the year.

      xxxx

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  8. Your pattern mixing is an art form. I am also a Gudrun Sjoden fan for unlimited inspiration in pattern and color mixing. Also, your black and white graphic outfits are perfect. How do you do it? Happy New Year with 12th Night just around the corner. Cheers, Judy @fancified.ca

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    1. Thank you, Judy. If only we could afford to buy Gudren Sjoden! The leggings alone retail at £50+!
      xxx

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  9. Hi Vronnie, I've been lurking on your blog for at least 18 months now and have never commented. But when I read how much you enjoy the comments I thought I should finally say hello. You wear such fabulous clothes. You have a great individual style that really suits you. I love it. I am a keen op-shopper myself (here in Australia) but have never found the range of clothes you seemed to have put-together. I am intrigued to know where you buy all of your leggings. You say retail but can you tell us where? I don't think Australia has the range you see to find. I may have to go online. All the best for 2019 Stella

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  10. Hi Stella!

    Very glad you commented and very pleased you read the blog. Thank you for your comments.

    Regarding the leggings; because I'm a cheapskate if I buy online it's usually Amazon or E bay. The quality has been ok so far. My ideal leggings would be the Gudrun Sjoden one's which retail at 50 plus GBP!

    As for the range of charity shops; I'm sure we have far more than you do being more densley populated, but I also travel around and always visit charity shops away from where I live; including Ireland!

    All the best for 2019 to you.
    xx

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  11. Clever Vronni, you look like you have lost weight and dont look bulky round ths middle at all.Happy New Year to you!

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    1. Hello Jennifer!

      Happy New Year to you.

      Thank you for your comments. I haven't lost any weight at all!

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  12. Happy New Year to you and what a wonderful blog post. I particularly love the pictures from Christmas Day.

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  13. A real master class in pattern mixing (that black and white outfit is to die for!) and colour combinations. You find such sensational things. I am on a budget freeze because I spent too much last year and didn't even wear half of the stuff. Your Christmas sounds lovely. I get a bit wistful when I see big family gatherings! Just the two of us on Christmas Day, and had six on Boxing Day. All the best for 2019!

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    1. Absolutely no excuse now to not shop retail! I challenge you to shop exclusively at charity shops from now until the end of March...

      I know, I know it's easy for me as I don't work...

      Happy New Year to you and yours, Gail.

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  14. Happy New Year to you, my dear and thanks for sharing festive pics with your lovely family.
    And you have come rockin' into 2019 with some great outfits. I have no dithers about my personal faves, namely the blue cardi and dress (so pretty), the taupe Leoprint with raspberry and all that lovely Leoprint with orange and tan ... Wowzers, girl !!!!
    You're looking lovely.
    Now, how about trying out some of those cashmere jumpers you have, I'm excited to see what you do with them!
    Wishing you a huggly weekend with your lovely OH, x.

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    1. Thank you, Mary! We're both a bit partial to leo print...

      Not sure about the cashmere jumpers; I don't really like jumpers (on me) that much and one of them is a size too big so I'll only wear it round the house when it's cold.

      xxxx

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  16. I'm a little late on my commenting, but can't resist to tell you that your outfits are fab and that I love your haircut!
    Love particularly the grey dress outfit and all the pattern mixing you've created! subtle harmony!. And you look gorgeous in your velvet dress! lots of glam!
    lovely to see your family having fun!
    besos & feliz año

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