I really do like opp shopping

thrift shoes

So many blog posts just get posted in my mind you know, I mean to, I write them down in my head, the photos are there to be shown, and then I just don't quite make it to the computer, and then it seems like too long ago, and new things are happening, I never catch up with myself.
So today, we're just going to forget about the ones that are lined up waiting for their turn to be shown and we're actually going to post something from today, and actually this is only because Aaron is still not home because his plane has been delayed and so I'm not sitting on the couch chatting to him and catching up on the day's events and non-events. But instead it's quiet in the house and the folding of the washing can wait till tomorrow. Though I will get up soon and put the jug on to boil for a cup of tea on my own because I've just remembered I made chocolate brownie right before dinner and it's sitting on the bench still.

thrift skirt

I haven't been opp shopping for quite a while really, but today, I dragged the kids around the opp shops, probably far too many opp shops really, as I paid for it later with two kind of grumpy tired children.

thrift clothes

I haven't been opp shopping so much lately because, frankly, I don't really need anything more in my house, it is a very tiny house, and I'm trying to cut down on things. I have an idea that less things means less tidying that needs to be done, not sure if this theory really works, but anyway. And if I see something really good at the opp shop, then I do find it hard to just leave it behind, well actually I can't just leave it behind, you know, if you're an opp shopper yourself you'll understand that, so anyway I figure it's just best not to look.

thrift top

But it really is such a good way to shop, for so very many reasons. A big thing for me is the cost, I'm rather frugal really, not a big spender at all, I think I should have been born in my great grandmother's generation where everything was saved, and mended, and made into new things. And I do like to have and use good quality things, and my frugality often doesn't feel comfortable with the money that generally needs to be handed over in order to have and use those sorts of things.

thrift books

And then there's the treasures. Treasures to be found that make your heart a little fluttery for just a bit, and make you smile. Like that book on top of the pile just there. "John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat". A book from my childhood. It was my sister Frith's favourite book when she was little, my baby sister, literally. She loved that book so much that she knew all the words off by heart. I was only small myself and yet I remember it so vividly. I read it to the kids tonight when I put them to bed, it felt so nice, it kind of made me feel goosebumpy, silly aye.

11 comments

Em said...

Wow - you had some good finds! John Brown is one of my favourites. I remember my mum reading it to my sister and I when we were kids. It's such a lovely story and I read it to my kids now too :)

Diane said...

A lovely collection of treaures you got there! There aren't any opp shops here in Japan and I do miss the charity shops of home...

And I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a backlog of blog posts in their head - sometimes the moment just passes doesn't it??

Allana said...

Agreed on all points! I seem to blog in my head constantly, I'm glad others do it too! I too am trying to cut back on the purchases and "things" and can't walk away from treasures in the Oppies, the cottage we are in is tiny but I always promise hubby its for when we move into our forever house next year! lol.
Great book finds, I love revisiting childhood books with The Munchkin and so many of our books have come from either my childhood or oppies. :)

Tamara said...

that lacey top is so lovely! much agreed on the sweet treasures -- the inexpensive yet priceless combination is fantastic.

Anonymous said...

John Bown Wose (as Saxon calls it) it is his fav book now too!

Holly C. said...

I really do like opp shopping too!

melissa said...

wow- this is a gorgeous post! you have a great eye.

Mee said...

Gave me 'goose gumples' (as someone once called them) when I saw the book JBR&TMC too. Attached to memories of days long ago. I reckon my friends and I(back in the 70's) were the 'original op-shoppers'. Finding a pastel silk nightie with lace trim (and only a few holes) was 'to die for' and was worn over a long skirt (prefereably muslin) with roman sandals. And if you were really 'hip', a home dyed (maroon was the fav colour) bed jacket.Also with inevitable holes due to age and wear. With one earing.And leather anklet. Ahh-those were the days!

hanna said...

mum - what a hippie :)

John Brown Rose said...

Ohhh I love that book so much! I named my blog after it! Am a bit nostalgic and sentimental! LOL My copy is falling apart - what a FIND!!!!!! That is definitely thrifting gold!! Lov eyour blog!

Jacinda said...

Since living out of town a bit and living in a teeny weeny house I too have not been doing my usual op shopping. I miss it but the latest flush of school fairs have been a bit of a treasure trove.