Flea

I'm not really a gal who subscribes to retail therapy, but the three exceptions to that are: yarn shops, fabric shops and flea markets or junk shops. Heaven. Really. Even if I don't buy a thing, I can spend hours walking slowly around these places, remembering the people in my life who might have something similar, or what I can do with another doily. If I'm lucky I might find something we need at a reasonable price (to be honest we're all maxed out space-wise now, so I rarely buy anything any more), or something I don't need but DO want and can afford once I've figured out where I can put it (I think I actually need amber glassware). I dream of having more space so I can fit more things in, and yes, a flock of sheep to justify me buying that antique pair of sheers (really, these fancies come over me and I'm on the brink of several insane purchases before I'm talked down off the ledge).

This time I walk away with nothing, but still very content with all the day dreaming that comes along with walking around these aisles. And you never know, one day I may go back for those sheers. And a few dozen other things.

Thrifty Finds

The last time I talked about thrifting I was moaning about how silly prices and not much treasure were ruining the experience of thrifting for me. Well, someone must have been listening because a few treasures for mere pennies were procured on the latest reccie. And all is well again. And a Dansk candleholder. Finally.

Thrift!

It doesn't take much to please me. I'm not a demanding woman. Some may see this as aiming low, whilst others may see this as the path to contentment. But really now, a vintage pattern (or three), some pretty pots, a jar of buttons and an hour or two to browse treasures? It's the type of retail therapy I like and makes this mama's heart glad.





I'm sad to say though that thrifting isn't what it once was. All those old haunts in which treasures could be found for pennies, making the heart pitter-patter, well, they've all wisened up and commercialised. Prices are silly and there's not much to be found really. Sad, considering I virtually furnished my home with thrifted finds.

There are one or two hit-and-miss places left which I haven't been to in a while. Maybe now it's time to make the effort. But it makes the things I do bring home a little sweeter none-the-less.

Have you thrifted anything recently?

Thrift !

A few little treasures were scored last week whilst on a much needed thrifting adventure. I don't often go anymore, as I don't have room for things really, but last week I needed to go. And it was just the little high that made all the difference. Some pretty little things for me, and my body-weight in books for the boys. It put the wind back in my sails...

Time for Tea

I put together this little caddy for the boys. I'm always guzzling tea, sometimes the boys join me, but quite often they are left out of this goodness altogether. I know. Not fair, right?

After thrifting just the right vintage, two-cup teapot (and already having a thousand vintage tea cups) the rest of the caddy came together quickly :: we have three variations of tea - chamomile, fennel and a mix called 'bad weather brew' which smells reviving and warming (we're waiting for a gloomy day to try that one); a little wooden scoop; two silver teaspoons to make stirring in your honey a little bit special; and a strainer.

Now whenever they feel like a brew of their own they goto the cupboard, get their tea making accessories, ask mama to boil the kettle and they choose the tea, fill the pot, and there they sit with pot, cups, spoons and honey and tuck in. And like with anything which comforts it's mostly the ceremony of it all that is most satisfying.

Knick Knacks

What do you call 'knick knacks'? Brikabrac? Ornaments? Crap that should be in landfill? Whatever it is called I sometimes look around and wonder where my minimalist aesthetic has gone to. I have knick knacks. Everywhere. Or, as they are sometimes called, dust magnets. Everywhere. And I'm getting to a point now where it is pointless to go thrifting, as I simply have no more room for any more forsaken souls. It is indeed a tragic state of affairs...





















And the sideboard, the shelves, the tops of radiators for crying out loud.... all are full to over-flowing with knick knacks. And don't even mention the Pyrex, oy vey. I did toy with the idea (after the shelf collapsed under their weight... oops) of doing a show and tell of my Pyrex obsession. But thought against it. Firstly, people may have assumed I was showing off (instead of crying for help), but secondly, I didn't want hard evidence of my pathological collection. It ain't just a river in Egypt. If I don't admit it, it's not real. We can still pretend it's a few pieces or a small collection, instead of the insane all-consuming, shelf-destroying compulsion it really is.

Yes. Let's just do that. And these dust-collecting knick knacks? That's a normal part of everyday life too, right?


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Thrifty Tuesday

A few thrifty finds in recent treasure-hunting days.



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