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.

Taking A Break

For the next month or so, I'll be taking a well-earned break from charity shopping.  I am trying to save a little money so I can travel around Brisbane and have a bit of a holiday and be a tourist in my hometown.

However, if I do stumble upon something, I will drop in here and note it down for you guys; so please do drop in here and see if I've found something by chance.  But in case I haven't, I'll see you all on at the beginning of February... have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.