A last minute mini break by the sea, and a final visit to my Nanny's house.

We have just been away for a a few days with the family to beautiful Anglesea on the great ocean road in Victoria. Of course we had to visit an op shop or two. 

We found these 2 retro chairs that my brother had been looking for for his outdoor deck. Comfy too. :-)

And I picked out an old crochet and knitting magazine. Knee caps gave me a laugh, and I'm loving the 'Man's tie'.

And while we're on the subject, I was pretty pleased with myself when I finally managed my first line of my next crochet stitch, called double stitch here but I think it's called single in the States.

This time my fur babies came too, and running on that beach, my 11 and 12 year old dogs were like puppies once again. I can't tell you how much joy that gave me, as one of them has been looking very old lately, and has gone almost completely deaf.

On the way back we just happened to drive by the Geelong Vintage Market, and a u turn was necessary to drop in and check out the stock. Many things I loved but I resisted the urge to spend and just enjoy a look around with Ms Juliet, who wanted to buy half the shop.

I adored these old sifters.

 

I'd love to hear the stories this suitcase could tell.

This orange is awesome!

Then we went to my Nanny's house for the last time, to pick up her kitchen table, which has now found a new home at our house. There are many wonderful love filled memories to be found in that table. 

I don't know why, but I salvaged this vinyl from the inside of her kitchen cupboards. It was an impulse. 

Tight squeeze! We almost didn't get it out.

We finally arrived home, and had cheese toasties for dinner, with a memory wrapped up in a whole lot of love. A new home for this table and chairs after 60 odd years.

And this morning, I used an old tile that had been hanging around for years, to make this gorgeous table centre tile (we do lots of big plates in the centre and share our meals) using the salvaged kitchen cupboard vinyl. I'm crazy I know, but it makes me happy.

This afternoon some friends came around and shared scones and jam and cups of tea and coffee at this table, and a new and wonderful memory was created. Back to work and school tomorrow.

Smith St, Fitzroy

On Saturday I caught the train to Melbourne (after watching my son Liam play his first ever game of footy in under 9s) for the birthday of a beautiful friend. I had a few luxurious hours to myself, and spent my time browsing second hand shops. There was much to temp me, but I didn't spend a cent. I merely enjoyed time to myself, and not having to say 'looking not touching' every five minutes.

Here is a little of what I saw.

My parents had the same one as this. We loved watching our own home movies whilst sitting on our bean bags. We knew them so well we'd start laughing before the funny bits came up.

I've developed a vintage suitcase love lately.

I so would have bought this dress, which must have been hiding in someones cupboard for 50 years, had it been my size.

I loved these orange shoes too.

And this whole rack was just amazing. Look at all that colour!

I got the late train home, and tumbled into bed at 1 am with a smile on my face and feet that had walked many happy miles.

So from this I came home empty handed, but the boys and I happened to be walking past an op shop this morning while we were out doing errands and we found these.

Tea cup and saucer (50c)

8 side plates (50c each)

And super cute coffee mug (50c)

Look how well these match the ones I got from my Nanny. I just had to get them. Happiness, for today at least, is pink crockery. Smiles all round. 50's style.