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.