Some gains, some losses.

No trip away is complete without a few new purchases.

Before arriving at my Dad's we stopped for coffee, while enjoying a very good cappuccino, I spotted an op shop I'd never seen before. As the whole family were with me, I had to restrain myself to a few pretty hankies, and some pastel Tupperware. I was super happy at the little containers, as I had intended to buy some new ones for school lunches. I love it when things just fall into place.

Then there was a country market.

We were told by the locals that it wasn't a very good market this time of year. The last market, held in December, had been almost double in size. But that didn't stop us having a very productive morning out. The kids spent some Christmas money and I got all of the above for under twenty dollars. Three tablecloths, the white embroidered one is my favourite. I think it is one of my most favorite buys in a while. I LOVE it. The supper cloth with the yellow flowers and matching napkins was still in it's original packaging. So pretty. The trim is destined for a nightie (one day) and the small "goodnight" lace doily is now a bright white after a good soak.

I spotted the two embroidered tops for $2:00 each, as we were heading back to the car. They were all the lady had left, hence the bargain price. She told me that she had a box of embroidered dresses and one woman bought the whole lot! I might have been tempted to do the same, had I spotted her stall on the way in.



I also was lucky enough to take a peek in at least four other antique shops while my husband and kids waited in the car. This is a rare occurrence and while nothing was bought, it was still very fun.

It would have been lovely to wander around this antique shop and grounds a little longer. I did consider going back alone, for some more looking (me) time and perhaps a coffee out the back in the wisteria covered courtyard.


And on the day we arrived home, Miss Moo Moo lost her very first tooth. She was very excited to finally received a gift from the tooth fairy.

How about you, have you any interesting 'gains' at your house lately.

The "Op Shop Express"

This is the name we gave to our car on our recent travels..... as in....

"All aboard the op shop express"


Surely one of the very best things about travelling about, is all of the new op shops discovered along the way.

Go here, to see who else will be blogging daily for Blogtoberfest.

Dottie Angel Challenge

I discovered this challenge through Ellie's blog and through her post about her very own Slow Project. A project that I just can't stop thinking about, but more about that later. For me, right now, any slow project needs to take baby steps. I am starting with this challenge, that Tif at Dottie Angel started one year ago.

So, as Tif concludes her challenge, or maybe, hopefully, she continues her challenge, I will be starting my own. September 2010 - September 2011.

It is not a challenge for me to go op shopping or buy secondhand, but I believe that patience and skill will be required for sewing my own clothes. Here lies the challenge. I think I will be calling on my mum for some much needed guidance over the next few months. I can't even read a pattern! Thank-goodness there is a handmade option.

I'm very excited. I can't wait to see what discoveries I will make in the handcrafted world or what creations I will discover within myself.

Wagging school

After a very big weekend of partying, Spunky Monkey was a little overtired and crazy. By Tuesday he had hit rock bottom (disruptive, not listening, etc) His teacher asked me to keep him home for a day of rest.

What a lovely day it was, just us. We pottered about some op shops, getting some great bargains, 10 books for $9.00, you’ve got to happy with that. Back at home, we hung out, eating chocolate chunk cookies, reading, drawing, chatting. It was just so delightful to just be with him, with nothing else going on, no disruptions, no agenda. It seemed as if I heard him for the first time in a while. Clear your schedule and spend a couple of hours (at least) with your child, one on one. I highly recommend it.

A Medical Note: this will definitely cause your heart to swell.



This was my favourite find at the op shop



This was Spunky Monkey's choice, one for him and one for Miss Moo Moo



And here the others.

I was looking for some books that we didn't have on our shelf at home. They were: Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. I found them all today (and then some) Yay!