Break-Time!

Yep, it's that time of the year again!  Christmas has come around and it's time to leave the charity stores alone due to the Christmas crowds.  I am going to pick up this blog just after NYE and let you guys in on what I've been doing, what I've found, what I bought and where and how much I spent on each saved item in 2013!

So, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.  Be safe, go safe and enjoy your time with your family.  And remember, happy bargain hunting!

Found What I Wasn't Looking For

I was in Life Line today when I got talking to another customer there.  She was lovely and we began chatting about overseas travel.  Our conversation changed and moved over various subject as we walked around and I spotted a few things where there were only single glasses from entire sets on the shelves.  I told her that my Mum had set of the single glass that was sitting on the shelves; and she smiled saying her Mum does too and it's such a pity they don't make glass with gold around the rim or pretty patterns or pictures on them anymore; and it's all found in charity stores like this one.

Well, I got into looking at the books and the lady found she had no money and had to go to the bank. So we said our farewells and I continued to browse the store where I found two books.  The first one was 'At Home With The Templetons' by Monica McInerney and which looked brand new only read a few times.  This book was published only two years ago.  Then I came across this gorgeous little book called 'The Naughty Book for Girls' by Candice Hill

and I thought it would be an interesting read about what kind of girl - naughty or not - I am.  These two books came to around $9.00.  As I was about to pay for them, I turned around the looked up at the bags hanging from the ceiling and found a bag that looked amazing!  It's a backpack

that I thought would do well down the coast or as a carry-all into the city.  So, I asked to look at it; and found it was perfect for what I wanted; at just the right price too!  So, what have you found over the last week or so that's well worth the hunt?  Let us all know and leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting! 

 

Retro Feel

I love the retro handbags of all kinds.  And so, when I walked into Life Line Logan Central, and I found the handbag area full of bags from the 1980's I was totally into it; looking and feeling them to my heart's content!  
Then I found this one!  Isn't it lovely?  I just love the stitching and the handles - which I will get fixed as they've aged badly.  And to give an old handbag a new life, that's often all it needs... new handles.  However, not everyone wants to get those fixed up and would much rather throw out an old favourite than go to the expense of getting it fixed.  For me, wonderful retro handbags are just as good - if not better - as modern handbags.  They have their own stories to tell and - even though they're rough around the edges and a little worn - I'd rather use them again for a few more years then toss them out.  And this wonderful one is no exception.  And just look at the way the handles are attached... I just love it!

Along with the handbag, I found this cute little coin purse.  There were others, but it seemed to just jump out at me as I walked past and it was only about $1.00 or so.  And so, with the handbag setting me back $10.00, I got two great deals for the day.


I did get to use the retro handbag on Saturday afternoon.  It's got a ton of room in it.  I was able to find a little pouch for my mobile phone (so it's a little more modern than I gave it credit for) and there's and external pocket on the other side of the design.  Then, on the inside, there's a zipper pocket and an open pocket next to the phone pouch... plenty of room for all the essentials.  But the bag itself is so roomy!  I could fit in my iPod, glasses, 2 small books and purse and still has room for something small.  And even with it unzipped, nobody would have been able to get into it with it over my shoulder... so it has withstood the test.  Now, just to get those straps fixed up and it'll be able to stand more wear and tear while I'm out and about.   

Three Great Things

I haven't been buying anything of luxury lately from a charity store.  But I have been looking; that was until today.  I went out today to do my shopping and found myself a lovely skirt for Summer and thought to try that on; thinking it wouldn't fit.  But it did!  And it looked great too!  Then, I found a great bag too.  It's a style I've been looking for and at a good price too.  And then, I saw a coin purse with my Aunty Helen's name on it.  It's made of leather and with her name on one side, I thought it looked lovely.  Then, when I turned it over, it had pretty flowers on the other side.  It was very rustic and I thought to buy that too and give her the purse for Christmas.  All up, I spend a little over $20; but the items I bought were just lovely.  What have you bought lately from a charity store that's been worth your while?  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Bought at Logan Central Today

Great Finds

It's my first shopping day back in Logan and I went to the Logan Central Life Line and found myself a lovely little GlowMesh clutch bag.  It's just gorgeous.  And the best thing about this one is that it's made here in Australia - in New South Wales.  I'm thrilled I found it.

I also found a little red purse as well.  It doesn't look like it's been used and is very new-looking and yet it was only $1.00.  Anyway, the clutch bag was $10.00 and so, I walked out of there with a great bargain today.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting!

Brighton Bargains

I've been staying at my brother's house since last Saturday; and so I've been sussing out the local St Vincent De Paul's charity store over the last few days.  
A few days ago, I took Jay - the family dog - for a good long walk to the place and when we got there, I tied her up outside it and went inside.  I found a nice teapot and cups set.  But I didn't want to be juggling the dog and the set and end up dropping it.  So, when I was there on that day, with Jay, I only bought a pair of knitting needles for .50c.
Today, I was there again - this time - without Jay and I found the teapot set was still there!  So, I snaffled it for myself for $8.00.  It's a nice set; made in Korea, and I've had to soak it in hot water and detergent to get the sticky tape and price tags off.  That's how long it's been sitting in this particular Vinnies store.  This place has it's ups and downs... but I do like how clean it is.  The people are very organised too.  Well, until next time, happy bargain hunting!

Rummage

Have you ever had a good rummage around your collections?  And I mean a really good rummage... not just a poke and thought, yeah, that'll do.  Well, yesterday, I did to have a bit of clean out of any ring boxes I wasn't using.  And you know, I found I had a lot of lovely jewellery that I was given by my Mum.  So, I polished it up and have begun wearing a bit of it.

Then, I opened on of the drawers and found my Glo-Mesh purses.  I forget they're there all sitting in the dark waiting to be used in lovely condition.  So, I pulled them out today and looked at them; loving the feel of them as my fingers ran over them.  And I'm wondering if it would be okay to use one of them as my regular purse.  This thought kind of scared me as I haven't found any Glo-Mesh around lately and it would be good to have just one to replace my old purse - as it's wearing out - and these ones of my collection are my best.
As I took photos of them for my records, I realised it wasn't possible to use them.  Not yet.  They are just too lovely and I don't want to wreck one or lose it because somebody else got greedy and stole it off me (now that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?).  

Besides, they are just lovely little things to have and enjoy, aren't they?  So, have you got anything like my little purses that you can't bare to use or part with?  Leave a comment and let us know about it.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Cute'n'Dainty

On Wednesday, I went to Life Line at Logan Central to look for a long, denim skirt.  They had some, but not in my size, oh well, can't win 'em all!  But I did find a cute little bag I just couldn't put down once I looked at it.

I found it was something I didn't think I'd like, but I do.  It's flowers are just lovely; and it's also another little bag to add to my growing collection of small bags.  It doesn't have any feet on it, however the handle is nice and sturdy, and that's the main thing.  And I do love it that the zip works well too; as well as the inside being modern enough to have a mobile phone holder and a little zip in the inside for other things.  I've yet to test out this little bag, but I will let you guys know when I do.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting!

Raw Denim & Other Things

Today was the first day I found some decent coin purses at Life Line; and I didn't hesitate in purchasing them either.  I saw a nice little collection in the cabinet and asked to look at them immediately.

The first was a Glo-Mesh purse, but it had a stain in it so I put it back.  I'm becoming picky about which of these I buy now I have a nice little collection to call my own.  Then, I spotted a lovely little purse and the lady pulled it out and when I opened it, it turned out to be notebook made from Raw Denim.  It was so cute, I thought to keep that one and look at another one and kept that one too.

I asked her to old those two things for me behind the counter until I was finished with looking around.  Well!  I found another three or four purses which came home with me.  They were all lovely little purses and I'm so pleased I picked them up.  One of them is a glasses case and it had a matching coin purse; and a larger purse, but I didn't like it so put it back.  It's great when you score great finds at a charity shop.  And I'm glad to have found the raw denim notebook; as it's something I've never picked up before.  And from what I've read about Raw Denim, you gotta be careful with it as it hasn't been washed after the final dye and it will rub off on lighter materials.  So, the little notebook will have to be put into one of my book bags for a while until it settles.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting!

I've had problems with my computer and it won't let me upload photos onto my blogs.  So, I'll be uploading them as link for the time being until everything's fixed up.  

Raw Denim Notebook 

Your Favourite Collectables!

Okay, now, you in on my side about my little collections.  I love to collect all kinds of things - from handbags to vinyls to coin purses - and it's your turn now.  I'd like to know what you love to collect.

It's been a few years since I started this blog about what I collect; and there's not that many blogs about coin purses - let alone what wickedly beautiful things you can find in charity stores - so what do you collect?  Be it sea shells?  Things that are a certain colour, beer cans, remote controls, sewing machines, picture frames, calendars... I don't how big or small, come and leave a comment on what you collect.  

We'd all like to know. 

And if you have a blog about it, give us the link so we can see your collection too.  I'd love to network with you. 

I'm asking you all this because I'm taking part in an exhibition on 21st July with 9 other collectors around Brisbane at the Home Festival about collections.  My exhibition is going to be about my book collection and how I got into reading, collecting my books and why I love to collect and how it lead to me being a writer.  So, please do come and comment on your collection here.  I'd love to know all about your collections.  And until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Three Little Coin Purses

Today, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't buy anything too big at Life Line; and you know?  I didn't.  I found three coin purses and bought them... and that was it.  Well, okay, a coin purse and two wallets, but then, who's being specific?  It turned out to be a good day just to look around anyway and not buy anything in the place and I would have been happy with nothing.

Anyway, I did spot this Paul Frank coin purse in the window of the cabinet and absolutely had to have it.  It's the cutest colour and is just lovely.  However, the monkey really isn't the most attractive thing on it, is it?  But being a designer piece makes it the most collectable thing around and that's why I bought it for $2.

Then,I spotted the 'Wonka' wallet!  And what a find!  I'm all for Willy Wonka things and chocolate (it's lovely to eat Wonka chocolate when I do get to buy it once in a while), but this wallet is just the best!  It reminds me of the movie that Gene Wilder was in - you know, the first one? - I love that one.  It was so much fun.

Then, there was this wallet.  I found it interesting, but I don't know much about it.  So, I bought it.  The design on the front isn't DC Comics, but it looks very animated; and thus the reason for my purchase of it.  But it's a solid little wallet.  So, there you go, the three little things I found at Life Line.  What have you found for a bargain lately?  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Great Finds

This week, I wasn't feeling great.  I had the worst headache in the world dogging me all day while I went out to do the shopping; and so I had to popped some painkillers to skim the edge off it in a big way... and that was only the edge of it.

However, I did find a great find at Life Line of a Trent Nathan handbag; which was at a huge price of $25!  But when one of the ladies took a closer look at the handles, she said they were ready to give way; and brought the price down to $10... with great relief I bought it with the intent to get the handles fixed up, because it's a great bag.  It's two-tone, had red interior and hardly any wear, but the vinyl handles are its downfall.  The last owner had put too much weight into the bag and destroyed them; and so gave it away.  Personally, what a waste!  So, yesterday, I took it into the boot repair man at Arndale at Springwood and asked if he repaired handbags as well; and to my relief he did.  He took one look at those handles and recommended for me to have them replaced with leather and not vinyl again.  It would cost me $50 and it'd be ready next week.  So, I left it with him.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of the bag as yet.  So, I'll upload one when I pick it up.  

Another great thing I found was a little manicure/pedicure set.  It's unused and has everything with it.  It's also in great condition with a little zip to keep it all together.  I'll be taking this one with me when I travel to the coast or overnight somewhere... it will come in use; and it's quite pretty as well.  I actually thought it was a purse to start with, but was pleasantly surprised of its real function.

What have you picked up lately?  A great bargain?  Or something you haven't seen since you were young in almost new condition?  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Big Spend-Up!

Today, I found a lot of money in my account from the government.  So, I thought it would be a good day to get exactly what I've been eying off in the stores over the last few months.  I shifted over $100 more than usual and out the door I went with a few more shopping bags than usual as well.

My first stop was Life Line; a great charity store a Logan Central.  I get a great deal of my handbags, coin purses and clothing there.  Over the last two years, I've been looking for a great pair of jeans; and I found one pair (which I'm wearing now and they're comfortable, but wearing thin around the outer leg seams).  So, I went in search for another pair.  But!  I didn't just find one pair, I found two! How's that for luck!  They both fit like gloves and are so, so, so comfy!  One pair still have their tags attached to them from the store they originally came from!  Wow!

While I was walking around Life Line, I found myself a nice bag hanging off a high hook.  It was the very first thing I spotted when I walked into the place; it just seemed to scream out to me from its high position up there.  I got a hold of it and knew it would be perfect to take with me to volunteer work to hold my knitting; instead of Grandma's yarn bag (I don't want to get that damaged or dirty).  The best thing is that this bag I found is from the Sydney Art Gallery and is made from twill cotton!  Oh My God!  I couldn't believe it was an art gallery souvenir!  Another bit of luck!  I found a cute little coin purse in the store as well.  It was the first one I've found in around 6 months.

So, there you go, I spent $21.00 at Life Line and bought some lovely things!  What have you scored lately that's worth letting people know about?  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Huge Rockaway Sale!

Over the last two weeks, there's a been a sale going on at Rockaway at Springwood where they had 30% off everything!  I kid you not!  So, last Thursday was the day I thought to get myself into gear and shuffle my butt over to the place and see what was left for me to pick over.  Okay, so I left it until the second-last day to go, but I found some great bargains!  There were still some bags on sale lining the walls, t-shirts, plenty of vinyls, key-chains and other things - all things - were all on sale for me nab!

I search for - and found - a Joni Mitchell album 'The World of Joni Mitchell' which was $25.00 and had been brought down to $15.00.  Then, there was a New Zealand pressing of The Beatles 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band' that was $45.00 (but I put it back) and went looking for some Queen instead and didn't find anything that I could afford.  So, I grabbed a bag off the wall of The Beatles 'Abbey Road' for $39.99 and took it and the Joni Mitchell vinyl to the counter.  Scott - the owner of the store surprised me with the total - and I went and nabbed The Beatles album after all!  What should have been $99.99 came down to $69.99!  How cool was that???  I walked away a happy customer and vowing to never leave one of their sales to the last minute ever again!  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting!

Tested:  The afternoon I bought the bag, I tested it out and found it worked a lot better when the strap was pulled up short as the bag itself rested comfortably against my hip, no matter what was inside it.  And seeing it has a zip-up section and two front open sections, it's nice and easy to put your purse or wallet into a deeper pocket and your ipod into the shallower pocket and still know it's safe; as the whole front section flaps over it all and seals down with velcroe.  All in all, a nice bag to carry.  I'll use it again soon.

Retro Beauty

I love it when I find a handbag that oozes a personality of its own with an attitude to match... and this one was one I just had to have the moment I clapped my eyes on it.  The lime green is very much the Asian influence along with the bright pinks and lots of metal that clash; and yet, it all mixes in well!  I loved it and yet hated it too, and that's what makes me buy a complete original handbag just like this one here.

Then the next day - Thursday - I had my big chance to test it out!  I took Mum out to lunch.  We spent most of the day out and about around Brisbane.  First at the doctors, then at Garden City where it was was the best little handbag to carry all my cards and purse and everything I needed; and it clipped up well with its versatile little - yet strong - clip.  My mobile was safely stored in its own little pouch, there was plenty of room for everything.  However, I did find it rather squishy if I was in a hurry to find something; and that was its downfall.  

This gorgeous little number is a great little bag to take out, but not for whole days out as it really did become frustrating to dig around in its dark recesses every time I needed something.  So, a great, artsy bag for an art opening perhaps or a dinner out somewhere interestingly chick, but not for a day out somewhere; as it's just not built for rummaging around in.

Thrift Store Bargains

I love going into thrift stores.  You know the ones that are run by the churches and smaller charities; yeah, they sell just about anything and everything.  Well, there's one down the road from me that sells everything from books to televisions, small, portable organs, to clothes, old handbag and shoes upon shoes to kitchenware to beer bongs (yeah, I saw that walk out the door today - a glass one!).  

Today, I thought to take a walk from the post office down to the thrift store to see if it was open; and it was, so I walked inside and took a look around.  The first place I normally go to is the bookcases.  I noticed they had added on another two bookcases - more people are getting rid of their books and opting for Kindles; well, that's okay, more real books for me to read! I knew I was wrong in looking at the cases, but I just had to find out what people were throwing out so I knew what I had to read.  And I found myself three books:  'Liza of Lambeth' and 'On A Chinese Screen' which were two books in one by W. Somerset Maughem; and author I've never heard of.  Then there was 'Hugh Lunn's Head Over Heels' and 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes.  

On the way out the door - and before I found anymore books I thought looked nice - I almost past a great little bag that was very originally-made.  It was something I thought about toying with but never made a move on because I didn't know how to go about it: a bag made from a pair of shorts or old jeans.  I loved it and found it looked pretty good!  So, once I found the zip worked well and the pockets were deep enough, I knew it was something I wanted to have and added that to my things of purchase.  All up, I spent $3.50... a good bargain!  

On the way home, I stopped outside a place and chatted to a couple of ladies who were sitting outside an old shopfront.  And soon the doors of it opened and it ended up being a food co-op!  What a find!  I went in and asked how it worked - as I've never been to one before - and they explained the whole thing to me.  I ended up buying some Grainwave Chips for $1.50 and coming home.  So, do tell us what bargains you've come across lately?  Did you know the stores or markets were there, or did you stumble upon them like I did with the food co-op?  Leave a comment and let us know about your finds.  Until my next post, happy shopping!

Two Great Bargains

Today was the first time I found something worthwhile to buy at the Life Line store in a while.  And it wasn't just one thing, it was two lovely bags!  

The first is a purple bag which is originally for kids, but I loved the colours and the feel of it.  It also is big enough to pack some of my stuff in and very much the type of thing I'd carry with me around the place.  And it's brand new as well; seeing its tag is still attached!  For $8.00, it was an absolute steal!  

Then, there was the National Geographic Briefcase.  It's small, versatile and very well-made.  I love it as I'll be able to take it around the city with me and still be able to store what I need in it without it feeling bulky.  It's got a nice long, adjustable strap, the body of it has a zip where I can open it out or make it smaller and it's got room for a mobile phone.  However, this bag is an older-style National Geographic Briefcase as the phone holder is much larger than the ones you'd normally find on them.  This means all the clips and zips are metal on this bag; not plastic!  What a great find for $6.00!  

So, these were my two great finds today at Life Line.  I did see a make-up mirror, but something about it didn't feel right, so I left it.  I'm so happy with my purchases.  Until next time, happy shopping!

Today's Bargain Buys

Today, I was out and about on my own after being off my feet with a broken toe for the last month.  Now, that's not the best way to kick back; not in my opinion anyway.  Last shopping day, it was dreary and wet and I did want to go to Life Line, but decided that my folks getting me around in one of those shops in a wheelchair wasn't the best of ideas.

So, that brings us to today.  I had a great time being out on my own again - even if my left toe did begin to hurt a little halfway through my shopping day.  I just took my time and didn't push myself; not until it's completely healed anyway.

I found two great items at Life Life that I bought and do love very much.  The first one was a pair of jeans.  They were a size 10, but very stretchy; stripy and purple and I fitted into them beautifully!  And for $12.00, I thought they were great!  There was another pair of jeans - bright red ones - made by Thomas Cook - that were a size 12 (a small make though) and I decided against getting them as they just didn't feel all that comfortable.

Just when I thought I had done all my shopping, I spotted a bag that looked very cool.  On picking it up, I found it was made from New Zealand Lamb's Wool!  How beautiful!  It's a decent-sized bag too!  So, I bought that for $20!  It still had the cleaning instructions attached to it as well.  What a lovely thing it is... so cuddly and warm too.

Well, that's all I bought at the Life Line today.  What bargains have you come across - do share!  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting! 

Tested:  Lambs-Wool bag.
I went out to Garden City with my bag today.  I packed it with the bare essentials; however, when it came to finding them, I found it difficult to just find them as this bag has no interior pockets.  So, I often found myself digging around when I needed to find my purse or iTouch or anything else; and this became annoying within the first hour.
Also, the little tie that was around it broke.   I was trying to undo the knot when I pulled on it and it snapped... fortunately, I could tie it back up again with a similar knot on the other side (which is what I was trying to do in the first place).  Otherwise, this bag is lovely.  I have to remember to try not to get it wet, sit it in any dirt or anything sticky and make sure that if I want to have it cleaned that it's a dry clean only bag; which makes it a very expensive bag to own.  I think I'll use this bag on special occasions only... and not every day.

Boag's Draught

I looked around Life Line today - before I got in and did my normal day of shopping - and found a Boag's Draught bag.  It's amazing what you find in these stores as when I got somebody to pull it down off the high hook, I found this bag was a lovely canvas bag with a long, wide strap and an area for all your bits and a section for you mobile.  Yes, this bag is modern and up-to-date.  It is something that has been made in the last decade.  

However, I've never seen one around the place before.  I unzipped it and found it was a proper, real, Boag's Draught bag from Tasmania.  It's fully lined so you can carry cold drinks!  How's that for great?  And I bought it for only $6.00!  What a great deal... and I couldn't pass it up!  So, what great deal have you found lately and didn't pass up because it was so good?  I'll be testing this one out tomorrow when I go into the city to see the Matisse Exhibition.  Ought to be a great day. 

Tested:  1st, March, 2012

I took this great bag into the city for the ultimate test... around the GoMA at the Matisse exhibition!  It's passed with flying colours.  The best thing is that the zips can open from either side; but the down side is that these zips are also faulty.  They need to be replaced by a better zip.  The great thing is that because of the insulation it kept my water cool and everything else from getting hot - like my iTouch and mobile too.  So, I give this bag a 5 Star rating. 

Two Great Purchases

Last Wednesday, I was out and about at Life Line when I found two wonderful purchases.  One was was this brilliant Tutti Hat.  Isn't it beautiful?  It's nice and warm and is made of wool; so it'll be great for Winter when those cooler months come by, and it only cost me $10.  What a great deal!

The other deal I got was this overnight bag.  It may be a tiny thing, but I used it on Friday for an overnight stay at a friend's place.  

This little sweetheart of a bag cost me only $8.00 and it carries all my things from a little shower pack, make-up, a change of clothes, shoes, my medication and a few other essentials.  However, I found the main zip a little on the light side for my needs, so I'll be getting it replaced.  Otherwise, this bag was great and not too bulky.

The Big Clothes Clean-Out!

There comes a time in every collector's life that you must clean out your house.  This weekend I began on the next phase of my Big Tidy-Up.  For those who have been following me in 'My Book-Crazy Life' you'll know what I'm talking about; however for you people who don't, I'll explain.  I began cleaning out my two-bedroom townhouse last year and it's turned out to be a great success.  Just this weekend, I began on the upstairs bedrooms and I've been very honest with myself.  So far, one full rubbish bag of junk has been thrown in the bin; and it's not coming back inside the house!

However, the next thing on the agenda was my wardrobe.  Since I moved into this townhouse, I've cleaned out my wardrobe once; unsuccessfully.  This time, it's been very good.  I've been brutally honest with myself and pulled out clothes I haven't worn in over 2 years, looked at them and put them straight into the bag.  I even found a nice dress and a couple of vests my niece might like and put them off to one side for her.

But, it's not over yet.  I've still got a little way to go in the organisational parts of this before I'm happy with how my wardrobe looks.  So far, I have from left to right:  cloaks/shawls, dresses, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, knitted long-sleeved shirts, dressing gowns & brunch coats and all my jackets and coats.  However, it's still a bit muddled up.  So, I've happily just left it for a little while until I fix it up.  But seeing I've got 2 garbage bags of clothes ready to go, I'm rather pleased with myself that I have come this far in just two days.  

So, have done this kind of clean out recently?  Was it successful? Love to hear about your success stories of either your scores at charity stores.

Lone Wolf Dreaming

While out and about yesterday, I also picked up another piece I'm rather proud of.  However, it has traveled across most of Australia to be with me; and I'm not sure if it's a Dreamcatcher or a Hanger, but I do love it very much and have put it into my bedroom straight away.

How lovely is this piece?  I'm contacting the company immediately to ask them what it is, as it's brand new and still has the tag on it and the original price tag as well.

Beatles-Mania

As some of you know, I'm a fan of John Lennon and The Beatles.  However, there has been a fair bit of things from the Beatles-mania time hitting the charity stores; and I've been jumping in buying it up.  

Today, at Life Line, I found a black long-strapped bag which looked very cool and I bought it, however one of the ladies pointed out a Beatles bag out to me and when I saw it, I immediately wanted to swap it over.  They allowed it as the two bags were the same price.  And it's such a lovely bag too! I love it; even if it's made in Thailand and made of vinyl.... who cares, I love it.  I've yet to test it out.


3rd, February, 2012 - I went out today and tested out this bag.  I loved how nice and big is it and the strap is very comfortable over my shoulder; and doesn't twist either.  The front pocket is nice and large and holds my purse, phone, house keys and iTouch easily - and I'm happy to say - I can run with it and I didn't lose anything from it being jostled around.  Yes, this bag is a good one.  A very good purchase, being good-looking and a durable one as well.

Sexy Undies at Bargain Prices!

I've been in the great need for new underwear lately; and it's normally when I'm hanging out my delicates on to dry on my clothes line that I notice how much they've worn.  So, the last time I did my laundry, I counted up the pairs of nickers I had hanging out there that were my favourites - but they were worn out - and I was surprised to find that most of them were in great need of replacement.

So, when I talked to Mum about where to purchase new ones, I told her that I'd normally buy my new undies and delicates at Target.  However, she advised me that Best & Less were the place she normally bought hers.  Today, I woke early and took off to Garden City to run a few errands and check out Best & Less.  They've got a huge underwear section right in the middle the store; and so you've got your pick of what you'd like from g-string to boxer shorts to sports wear... it's all there at great prices.  Seeing I normally wear cool, funny knickers, I was pleased to find some cute and funny ones for $3.00 and $5.00 as well as a camisole for $5.00 to sleep in too.  Not a bad price if you ask me.

All that needs doing now is to have them go through the washing machine and then they'll be ready for use.  Then, I'll have to sort out which ones of my old knickers to toss out... I'm sure that won't take long.

Charity Store Bargain Buys

On Friday, I thought to get out of the house and go clothes shopping.  Now, I was initially looking for a nice blouse to go with the skirt below.  However, it didn't end up being that way.  I spent my time in the change rooms trying on some great clothes and scoring myself a brilliant mug too before coming home.  

My first set of clothes I tried on was a dress.  It was a full-length even dress of a quality I've not seen in a long time; and I've been looking for in - well - forever!  It's just gorgeous, got shoe-string straps, no zips and a scalloped front and an uneven hem with a bright red under-dress.  Just gorgeous if you ask me.  And I have a short coat that would go well with it as well as a black shawl that would compliment it too.

The next things I tried on were two skirts.  One was long and black with a short split up and back with a floral print all over it.  It was lovely.  I know what would go with it too.  And I have another white coat that would go with it and a few other things that would compliment it.  Then there was a skirt from the MissShop at Myers range that was in about 2 years ago that has an uneven back and front hems with a tie.  This is a skirt I could wear out to evenings or to a party.  I do have a variety of blouses that would set it off - and two pairs of shoes that would look good with it too.  

My last purchase was a strange one; but when I saw it, I knew it was something I couldn't pass up.  It was a retro 'John & George' mug that was made in England.  So, what do you think?  I thought it was an absolute bargain at .50c; very much underpriced if you ask me and of course I would have been a fool to not pounce on it when I did.  
Well, that's my bargain purchases this week.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

New Fashions and Matching Bag

Today was the first fine day since it started raining over the weekend.  So, I was up early and doing a load of laundry - towels - and they were out before I ate breakfast and went out to do my grocery shop.

I walked into Life Line at Logan Central and found plenty of Summer stock on the shelves.  Skirts and dresses all in lovely colours were up on the racks waiting to be bought.  And there were handbags that were also out there and pretty too.  I saw a gorgeous skirt that caught my eye; which was similar to a black one I had spotted a few months back but this one was brown for $8.50.  So, I picked it up and tried it on.  It fitted well, and I loved the style and so I decided to take it.  

As I walked out of the fitting room, I looked up along the walls - where there were other bags hanging up - saw one that had caught my eye the moment I walked in.  It was green and very pretty.  After I decided to purchase the skirt, I asked for the green bag.  It looked better up close than it did up on the wall!  And for $8.00 is was a great buy!  So, I bought both of these items and knew I had a great bargain!  The best thing is:  they match!  Now who woulda thought they'd go so well together?  I may wear them to the Gallery during my next shift this week.  Now... what top to put with the skirt!

Welcome Back To A New Year of Charity Shopping!

Happy New Year to you all!  I went out to do my usual shopping today and dropped into Life Line at Logan Central for the first time in about a month or so; and was greeted with a few lovely things that I thought would be lovely to own.  

First, though, I found I was in great need of a new handbag; a handbag that would be taken everywhere and would fit everything in it.  So, I picked up the first on off the top shelf and found a 'Tosca' bag... a leather one!  It was in a great condition and at a great price of $20.  So, I tucked that under my arm.  

I rummaged through some of the boxes and found a pink Lipstick Purse and it was in good condition.  I always love finding these as I can find uses for them over the time I have them.  It was the most gorgeous colour with green and blue flowers all over it.

I looked through the glass cases and found a keyring/locket with a very familiar face on it:  The Elegant Lady - the very same one I have as a coin purse - came as a keyring/locket as well!  So, I nabbed that out of the case.  So, with my three collectables in hand, I handed over my keycard and purchased them all.  It was great to have them in my bag.

Once outside, I went to a nearby seat, swapped over all my stuff from the old Pinelands bag to the new Tosca bag and then took the old handbag inside to be resold.  I would rather somebody else have my preloved bag; as I have taken care of it as well as I can and it will have looked just as good when I hand it back.  Well, I hope you have found some goodies over the holiday period... if you have, leave a comment and let us know about it.  Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and NYE time with your family.