A Bit of Bank Holiday Thrifting and A Couple of Freebies

I haven't done much thrifting lately, due to Charity shops being closed until a few weeks ago. Being back at work in a Charity Shop, I kept seeing a few bits and pieces that I wanted to buy, so when I got paid last week it was as good a time as any to pay for them and bring them home on Saturday.

The items I bought were mostly quite practical things and all but one related to the garden. Firstly, I bought this shallow trug to use for weeding, potting, harvesting from the allotment. It looks to be quite good quality and I'm sure we can make good use of it. I like the fact that it is shallow, as I've not seen any like this before.

Also for the garden, I bought this new unused hand trowel. Most of our hand tools have gradually corroded or the handles have broken off and I needed a decent one. I could probably still do with a new hand fork too, but I'll just have to wait until I see one. This looks good quality though and should come in very useful once planting out weather arrives.

The last item I bought for the garden was this pretty verdigris effect candle sconce, to attach to the wall outside the back door. I thought it might be nice to put some candles in it and light them if we ever sit out at night. I decided it was probably better not to attach it to a wooden fence, as it might pose a fire risk, so the wall it will have to be.

Finally, from the shop where I work, I also bought this very heavy and sturdy lock for my bike.  I won't be using it when I cycle to work, as it is too much weight to carry on the long ride and I don't actually need a lock, as I store my bike in a cupboard at work, but when I need to cycle locally, it will be useful to ensure my bike doesn't get stolen, like my last one did in my local area.

On Sunday, whilst I was out walking the dog, I stopped for a look in my local Little Free Library and found these two books that appealed to me. They both looked like a good read, so they came home with me for free.

Then on the way home on the dog walk, I took a peek in the window of my favourite local Charity Shop. This was fatal, of course, as I saw a lovely fabric there that I just couldn't resist. I didn't have any money on me, so I had to walk the dog home and then come back, but luckily it was still there. 

It was this waxed cotton fabric and there was about 6 yards of it for £10, which probably works out at about £2 per metre.  I haven't bought any fabric for ages and I don't really need any more, but I couldn't resist this as I love a monochrome print, so this one just had to come home with me. I'll find something to use it for, maybe a skirt, another apron and bag for work, some more quilting or other projects about the house.

Whilst there, I also bought these Topshop patent ankle boots with a pointy toe. I really like them because they have a low heel and the pointed toe is quite flattering. They will dress up any outfit for a special occasion.  They are brand new and I paid £5 for them, reduced from £10.

The only other things I bought were these two fiction books for £1.25 for the two and this lovely little vintage style bird brooch for £2.50, which I think is really sweet.

Quite a spendy Bank Holiday for me, which is unusual of late, but I just felt like a little splurge after a few low spend months. Hopefully, this has now scratched the itch and I can get back to my low spend habit.

Have you been to any Charity Shops lately?