Charity Shop Crawl

Me and Aunty Bird went on a charity shop crawl last week in my town. We started at one end of the precinct and went in each and every charity shop along the way. I was just casually shopping for anything that caught my eye and Aunty Bird was looking for items for her new trendy barn conversion.

I found this spotty chap. No, not for Little Bird!  He's for a shelf in our family room as he's so handsome. I love chunky wooden toys. Just a £1.

Then I spied this absolute treasure for £4.95. A gorgeous picnic basket lined with blue gingham, minty green cups, plates and cutlery, plus a pack of serviettes. As soon as I spotted it, I imagined teddy bear picnics on the lawn with Little Bird or stopping off in the car for a quick bite.

Along the way I picked up a few toys and books for the little man but then lurking on a bottom shelf was a gorgeous tatty old tambourine for £1. It's ribbons remind me of Morris Dancers and it looks great alongside my Fairy Tambourine that I bought from Made in Hastings a few years back.

I didn't realise this fairy only had one arm until I got home. She's very jolly in her petal hat so I don't mind her being a bit broken. She's now enjoying hanging out with the nature books.

I'm a jar obsessive. Aunty Bird thinks it's old biddyish, I say old lady chic! I love pressed glass jars and think they are brilliant for displaying colourful items such as ribbons, cotton reels and sweeties. Just £2.50

I also bought a couple of items for some home projects which I'll divulge at a later date and Aunty Bird chanced upon some lovely glasses which I suggested would look lovely as tealight holders. Unfortunately I broke one! (when we got home) Clumsy, clumsy...hangs head in shame.

The Early Learning Centre had a great sale on so Aunty Bird treated little'un to a Happyland set, half price as the box was a bit torn. I think I enjoy playing with these just as much, especially when they are as cute as this one. It even plays hurdy gurdy music.



After all our traipsing about, struggling with the pushchair in some tight squeezes and lugging bags until the plastic handles were stretching to snapping point, it was time for a rest. Little Bird was a joy to take out, in the past he's been very cranky whilst shopping and in cafes. I think we may have turned a corner as he was most content looking through his books and playing with cars on the table.

Take a look at other treasures found over here at Magpie Monday

Bunting, bargains and a brass band

We chanced upon a couple of local school summer fêtes this weekend which is the type of thing that really cheers me up with visions of  bunting strung up and homemade cakes on offer. The weather was cheery yellow sunbeams and we spent a while mooching around tombola and white elephant stalls, laughing at several dads attempt the coconut shy and 'splat-the-rat'. All very English with the local vicar walking around nodding hellos and eating a slice of fruit cake.

Ambling around we were treated to the oom-pah-pah of a brass band at one school, followed by cream teas whilst watching chaotic children dancing around the May Pole at the other. The great thing about school fairs is that they always sell loads of books and toys, especially cheap. I came out with armfuls for literally a couple of pounds. Great for our book nook.

 Doggies for learning about animals and imaginary play.

 A jigsaw

Pink spangly skipping rope - yes I know I have a boy but so what! I thought it would be good for garden games like throwing bean bags over the line etc.. He actually loves the glitteriness of it!

From the white elephant, more glasses for my collection. I adore the birdy ones, of course.

Vintage bowls with cute pictures for Little Bird's dinners.

It was also an opportunity to view some of our possible future primary school options for Little Bird. Colourful displays, fun gardens, poems, singing and dancing, climbing frame and swings, future teachers and the other parents! Seems like a long time away but it's good information to have in our minds.

 I'm joining in with Magpie Monday over at Me and My Shadow where you can see lots of other lovely thrifted treasures.