battle for a bargain

So, I'm back. Rome was amazing - and very hot. Even though we were only there for a few days, it has taken me ages to get back into routine.

We have had a quiet weekend, just pottering about the house and garden, which has been very nice. I didn't go to the car boot sale this morning as I was saving my energy for a special event later on in the day.

The local paper had been advertising a sale of Joules clothing. It was a sale of catalogue returns, in aid of charity. I have had my eye on a dress for a while now, so thought I would see if I could get a bargain.

I knew it would be busy, but oh my goodness. It was held in a garage (I think in the salesroom/reception area), with clothes piled on tables and a few hanging racks. It was absolutely jam packed with women. Let's just say that you don't come between posh women and reduced Joules clothing. There was pushing and snatching going on everywhere. There were a few little kids there, who were almost getting trampled. And it was so hot. Not a good combination.

I tried on the dress I wanted, but it didn't look very good. Instead, I got this:



As it was a catalgue return, one of the seams had come apart, but nothing that couldn't be sewn up (which I have just done, very messily!). It wasn't a huge bargain, but I have been wanting a new summer dress for a while, and do like it a lot.

After that I had to come home and have a sit down!

a day out in... norwich

What a fantastic bank holiday weekend. I really needed that extra day, and made the most of the weekend. As always, I am so sad it is over, and really didn't want to go back to work. Does anyone?!

We hit three car boot sales and quite a few charity shops this weekend. And they were some of the best ever! I got some amazing stuff - things I have been looking for for a while, and some others that are a bit strange (but I love them)! I haven't got round to taking pictures yet, as there are so many to take! But I will do soon, promise.

On Saturday we went to Norwich. It's about two hours away from where we live, so was a bit of a trek. But it was worth it. What a fantastic place! There are beautiful buildings, lots of museums, fantastic shops and lovely walks. And it was a gorgeous drive across Norfolk to get there. We only scratched the surface, and will have to arrange another trip back soon.

We started off with a walk along by the river, and round the back of the cathedral.

Past this enormous building, covered in ivy and wisteria. It houses the Print Museum. It is only open one afternoon a week, so we weren't able to go in, but I had a peek through the window at the lovely printers trays and blocks.

Then we hit the shops. There is a great mixture of high street stores and independent shops, and some lots of lovely cafes and restaurants.

But my favourite shop was this one: The Treasure Chest Centre.



It was essentially my dream shop. Full of everything you could possibly think of.

Can you see the rocking horse outside? Just behind it in the window is a rocking reindeer!

I only took one picture inside, which doesn't do it justice. There were tables of jewelry, piles of old ice skates, telephones, buttons, clothes, crockery, books, and so on, and so on. And there was a warehouse out the back full of furniture. It was beautifully displayed too. It wasn't themed at all, not by colour or subject, but it was cohesive, rather than just piles of stuff everywhere. Um, not that it appears so in this picture!



It was all a bit too much for me! Everything I had been keeping an eye of for in the charity shops was there, unfortunately at ten times the price (although it wasn't overly-expensive, just that I like a bargain). Rather than my dream place to shop in, it is my dream shop to own. Can you imagine it being your job to find all this?

What else did I do? I made some cookies, which are fast becoming one of my favourite recipies. We also did some jobs that have been hanging round for ages. S fitted his old CD player in my car, so I can now listen to my own choice of music. I am sure there will still be plenty of Radio 2, but its good to know the CDs are there when they are needed. One of the best things I did was tidy the airing cupboard! Very dull for everyone else, but I feel so much better now!

Back soon with pictures of the treasures!

the red shoes

New shoes!

spoilt rotten

Friday was my birthday, so I am basking in the glow of lovely gifts.
S got me these beautiful kitchen scales, which will look lovely in my future dream kitchen (white with splashes of colour, and the all important red Kitchen Aid mixer - one day!).



Saturday was spent shopping in London with my lovely friends from my university days. Much fun was had, although we walked way too far and my legs almost gave way when I got out of bed this morning!

My parents gave me money for the trip, so I treated myself to this lovely CK bad. S hates it, but I don't care!

storm troopers and general knowledge

We braved the snowy countryside on Sunday for a bit of shopping. A disaster on the adult clothing front. I wish shops would make trousers in a 31" leg. I either have to show off my socks in a shorter length, or wear crazily high heels with a longer length. So nothing was purchased.



It wasn't a total wash out though. I bought this t-shirt (from Next, of all places) for my friend's son's birthday. He is going to be two, and the smallest the t-shirt came in was age three, but I couldn't resist it. It's never too early to be introduced to Star Wars. (apologies for the dodgy picture)

In the evening we went to our favourite pub for the pub quiz, along with some of S's work friends. It was the first time we have been, and only the second ever quiz I've been to (we won the first one we went to!).
We came a very respectable joint 4th out of 13 teams. I think our score was 33 out of 40. There were some very serious competitors, so I am feeling quite smug about how we did. Bring on the next quiz!

over excited

Two of my favourite things - Heals and Orla Kiely - have come together! I'm way too excited about this, especially as I don't live near a branch of Heals any more.

I love all of this, although my budget means I will have to stick to the coasters and face cloths.

I've already put in an order for my Christmas present with my Mum.