Pick'n'Mix - the joy of the chaz in '26!

sheilavw

I bought a lovely new hand knit baby cardigan in pink for my new Grandaughter arriving in June. It was just £3.

I had gone to look for wool/needles to have a go at a baby blanket for her. I couldn't find what I wanted, they didn't have much wool, and although they had some needles they weren't the correct size. I purchased the wool at the Range, and I've had to order the needles on Amazon

goldfinches

@Wednesday2000 - congratulations on stepping smartly away from temptation! I'm sure if you do as @Rosa_Damascena suggests and look in Southend you'll find something even nicer so good hunting.

@DigForVictory - I'm very envious of your Mary Stewarts and hope you have a great time reading them.

@sheilavw - that cardigan sounds lovely and how nice to hear of another woman about to be born.

I just popped my nose round the door of my favourite bhf shop this afternoon because the sun was shining again and saw these earrings which looked like they might go with a necklace I have. They only cost £3 so I took a chance and I think they go quite nicely even if they aren't a perfect match. The left hand necklace came from a roadside jewellery stall in Castel Gandolfo about 20 or so years ago when my ex went to visit Rome. I don't know how I acquired the one on the right, it's a complete blank which is weird. Anyway the Italian one and the earrings make a fairly believable set which is nice, and if Ernie ever picks my numbers I'll buy a tiara to match!

DigForVictory

It'll be a courageous individual who says those aren't a match, although the tiara may be a challenge - what a glorious plan! Aunt was expected to wear a tiara as diplomat's wife, went to jewellers, walked out & got a taxi to take her to a theatrical prop supplier - subsequent rumours murmured that it "had been in the family for three generations…" just remind us what a win for the Diplomatic Corps she was.

DigForVictory

I need help. (You will not be unduly surprised.) The time has come for the cataloguing of the Denby & some of it needs washing. Dust, dead spiders & one tub seems to have been within radius of me repotting something so earth.

What is the most economic use of resource to clean and dry china (we have not got a dishwasher)?

Miró

A couple of buys over the weekend. A pair of b/n black M&S wide legged trousers, purchased on the ‘cup of coffee principle’ and a burgundy New Look frock priced at £4.99. Wouldn’t normally buy this brand but it seemed reasonably well made, (the side seams of pleated skirts are always a giveaway - are they puckered, do thay hang straight?), and I did think I might chop it off at the waist and make it into a skirt but now I think I might just wear a jumper over the top of it. Also bought a beautiful pair of Jaeger jeans, (£15), but when trying them on at home realised that they were button fronted rather than zipped, (no good for quick trips to the loo!), they were also too short and the one button fastening was broken so back they went! Also, (sigh), another update on ‘perfumegate’! Went into the Cancer Research shop in Northallerton only to find that the YSL Opium perfume that I returned due to it being old/stale/gone off was back on sale. I recognised the box cos of it’s bashed corner - this time it was priced at £20 instead of £30. Very disappointing! Had a word with the bored, disinterested SA who never raises her eyes from her book….just got “ I’ll mention it to the manager”. ☹️

Potternerd

A grey metal Cartwright and Butler hamper tin for £8. In a, probably vain, attempt to keep the hats and gloves under control in what we rather grandly call the vestibule.

Past Times Mackintosh style lidded box £4 for an equally optimistic attempt to keep bedside table in some kind of order.

Turquoise big gin glass 50p

M and S colourful trainers £4. I love white trainers but I’m having a bit of a craze on having stuff with a bit of orange to go with a v useful Tu orange crossbody bag that I picked up from the CS a couple of years ago.

Silver faux suede biker jacket £10. I’m in the middle of a very tricky operation to shorten the sleeves which I may come to regret.

River Island black and white top £4. I’m going to get rid of the buttons.

Small Emma Bridgewater Toast tin tray £5.

Topshop cropped denim jacket £4.

Fatface cropped jeans £4

BNWT M & S 4 pack of trainer socks £4. I live in white trainers from March to October so very handy. I also like the fact they do size 3-5 for those of us with teeny trotters.

Silicone stretchy lids BNWT but 2 missing £2.

12 items donated yesterday and lots to go on Vinted when I can be bothered to upload.

such joy to be back in the CS after stingy January!

DigForVictory

Went into the Cancer Research shop in Northallerton only to find that the YSL Opium perfume that I returned due to it being old/stale/gone off was back on sale. I recognised the box cos of it’s bashed corner - this time it was priced at £20 instead of £30. Very disappointing! Had a word with the bored, disinterested SA who never raises her eyes from her book….just got “ I’ll mention it to the manager”. 

That is So frustrating - and does the manager know it has happened? (Blimey, not being able to credit quotes has startled me! Ah well, shall re-read MSE_Stephen)

Also, @Miró I see the PoW is wearing cigarette trousers, which (given you had to explain what these were to me a few years ago) means I think you are quietly curating (or better, anticipating) her wardrobe.

Floss

@goldfinches my son & daughter-in-law became engaged at Castel Gandolfo!

Floss

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81887887#Comment_81887887

DfV, clear worktops & lay with double layer clean tea towels. Run a w/u bowl of hot water & stand on drainer. Fill sink with warm water & add a little bit of w/u liquid. Fill a bucket with cooler water & stand on worktop ahead of sink.

Take each item, dunk in bucket to remove dust, wash gently in soap water, dunk into bowl of hot water to rinse and stand on teatowels to drain & dry.

Then when dry, photograph each item & note its variety, allocating each item a number, AND name its photos with the same number.

DigForVictory

Three lots of water & letting stuff dry - my family will not be happy. Ah well.

I have a table set up with boxes & tissue paper, it's getting the Denby from storage to wash dry & back for packaging. As it's a crowded room and I have to step over a mower (what could Possibly go wrong?)…