Sod's law?

Why is it that you can have had something on your internal 'wish list' for ages, and never see it, and then once you've bought said item....well, obviously it immediately appears elsewhere? I've had a vague hankering for an enamel candlestick for ages - the 'wee willie winkie' kind - and having won a white and navy one on ebay for about a fiver including postage, I then find something similar in my favourite local charity shop for £1.50! This one is powder blue, and equally appealing, if not more so.

In addition to the blue candle holder, I also got a very pretty bone china teacup and saucer (destined to be a poured wax teacup candle - I made loads of these at Christmas), and a couple of hardback cookery books. I got Jamie at Home for £1.99, and Delia Smith's How to Cook for £1.00. I like to think that I'm not completely clueless in that regard, but there are some basics which still elude me - omelettes and meringues being cases in point, so hopefully it will prove to be money well spent. All in all it was a successful visit, and I can probably sell the ebay candlestick on again at some point, but I am now wondering if if I'm too impatient, and should just wait and see what turns up...

For example, also on the lust list is one of those old wooden sewing boxes; the cantilevered type that open right out. Now the thought is there, I want one right now. Of course, sod's law will dictate that if I pay £30 on ebay, I will see suddenly stumble across one that I could just carry home for half the price. Then again, if I don't bid - I could be waiting years. What would you do?

Edit: This post is shared via the wonderful Apron Thrift Girl and her regular Thrift Share Monday post and also at Her Library Adventures - Flea Market Finds

An interesting mix...

We had fruit salad for pudding this evening. I know, I know, hold the front page. But it gave me the opportunity to use some of my recent buys, and although they're all from different eras, I think they sit together perfectly.

The really heavy glass bowl was a charity shop find for £2.00, sitting unloved and dusty with various lonely pint glasses and cloudy pyrex on a bottom shelf. I'm not sure when it was made (similar things on Ebay are helpfully described as 'vintage') but would guess at the 1950s. I love the starburst in the base.

I have six of the little sundae dishes, which are helpfully so art deco that there's no doubt they're from the 30s. They probably deserve something more glamorous than some chopped satsumas. Finally, there's the fun and frivolous silver plated 'shell' spoons. At least, that's how I see them. My late Gran had a set, which I remember clearly from my childhood. For some reason, ice-cream or a banana split was a far more of a treat eaten with one of these. Anyway, I don't know what happened to hers, but when I found a set of six with a serving spoon at a boot fair, I was really pleased to pay £3.00. They might not be worth much, but I always think of her when I use them.

A new vintage buy

Wow. I guess I don't need to point out that the collar on this sundress is at maximum 70s. I love it on though.

The problem with clothing from the 1970s is that you can look like you're on your way to a fancy dress party. On the hanger I agree that this dress by Kati looks a little OTT, but it has a lot going for it. The cotton fabric (not polyester - whoohoo!) is cool and swishy, and the colours are fairly muted. I think my orange leather wedges from Faith will be the perfect partner and keep the 70s vibe going. Best of all, there is a teeny-tiny hole in the skirt. Yes, a blim burn. (as I believe they call it. ahem). This dress has seen some happy hippy afternoons in the park.

The dress cost £15 in the sale at Vien Vintage on Church Rd, Crystal Palace. The owner Vivienne has some great stock, and if you don't see the era you're after, ask. She may well have the perfect thing out the back.