Tag Archives: charity shop

A weekend away

We treated ourselves to a weekend away visiting my sister on the Isle of Wight. We didn’t need beach towels but the cold weather didn’t stop us enjoying the trip and the children had an amazing time with their cousins. There was a boat trip, long pub lunches, face painting for the toddler, and some rare child-free hours for me to go charity shopping which was really lovely and much appreciated.

face painting

Staying in a hotel is never easy with two young children. Our routine goes out of the window and mealtimes and bedtimes slip. The children did go to bed eventually but only after lots of bouncing on the bed and excitable bedtime chatter. We travelled lightly so were pleased to be sent a travel pack of miamoo goodies which was the perfect size to pack in our weekend bag and brilliant for the little people.

Both children have sensitive skin so I have to be really careful what I use on them. The miamoo travel pack contained 6 handy little products and a washcloth, perfect for keeping little skin clean and moisturised. We used them during bath and bedtime and their skin felt lovely and fresh and smelt pretty good too. They are 98% naturally derived skincare and don’t contain any nasties such as parabens, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, SLS, synthetic colour or PEGS.

miamoo

The products came in a handy travel bag and the spritz and cheeky cream have already made it into my handbag for use whilst we’re out and about back in London. I have to admit to using them too and the good news is they also have products for adults!

You can find out more on the miamoo website and sign up to their newsletter for the latest news and discounts. You can also treat yourself to a 10% discount using the code Blog13 which is applicable on all full price products.

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My (charity shopping) wish list

We all have them. Those items that make our heart beat just a little bit faster when we see them on a shelf in a charity shop.

We’re currently in Devon which for me is charity shop heaven. Although we’re only here for a weekend, over the summer we went glamping for a week (which made me long for electricity and hot running water!). We visit my father in law so I have a few old favourites where I know I’m likely to pick up some special items. I like to refer to it as the charity shop triangle – Exeter, Newton Abbott and Totnes. On our last visit I was ‘allowed’ to visit all three towns and their lovely charity shops:

Exeter has a good spread of charity shops towards the unglamorous 1960s-end of the High Street. I’m not always lucky but on this visit I found a vintage Fisher-Price record player in the British Heart Foundation which had been on my wish list for years. It was a rather pricey £24.99 but it was in great condition and complete with all its records so I grabbed it as soon as I walked in!

toy record player with records

I just adore Totnes as it has a great mix of independent and vintage shops. I was a tiny bit disappointed that my favourite Oxfam shop at the top of the High Street had been given a makeover. It’s always full of treasures but this time round it was difficult to differentiate between what was for sale and what was shop dressing. I’m glad I checked one item which caught my eye, a 1967 Robert Carrier Cook Box complete with recipe cards. I initially picked it up because I love vintage tins and hardly ever see anything from the 1960s. I love the fact it contains recipe cards for Appetisers, Seafood, Meat, Poultry and Game as well as Cakes, Sweets and Puddings. I can’t wait to try some vintage recipes on my poor family!

I’ve written previously about Newton Abbott which is bursting with charity shops. As usual I worked my way around my favourites and picked up some vintage Thomas the Tank Engine games which I’m itching to steal from the toddler and re-use to make vintage cards! I managed to accumulate a great little collection, including vintage hand embroidered handkerchiefs at 10p each. I can’t decide between using them for bunting or sewing the embroidered flowers on to onesies for Little Sis. I can’t forget the packs of vintage Kan U Go cards either, another purchase which will be used to make note cards. Charity shop heaven for me!

vintage playing cards

 

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Vintage Fisher-Price toys

Ok, I’ll admit I’m addicted to vintage Fisher-Price. The products are just so nostalgic and such great quality that my children enjoy playing with them as much as I did. I always see vintage Fisher-Price in charity shops and they are not too expensive to collect. In fact I spotted an original Fisher-Price telephone in a shop in Pinner yesterday but thought I might get told off if I brought another one home!

Anyway, I wanted to showcase some of the toys I’ve bought recently so please join me on a little nostalgic trip back to my childhood.

The Fisher-Price television was first introduced in 1966 but my version dates from 1981. It plays two tunes – Frere Jacques and On the bridge of Avignon – whilst pictures jerk round and round. I love this little set, especially as it has a wooden base! Obviously built to last!

Fisher Price toys

Fisher-Price pocket radio music box from 1970-1972 and plays the tune The Mulberry Bush whilst the picture revolves around the dial. Little Sis loves this tune so she’s already adopted this little toy.

Fisher Price music box

Fisher-Price school desk spelling cards. The school desk toy is one of my earliest memories so I’m on the look out for one. In the mean time I was happy to purchase a random collection of spelling cards which take up much less room!

I thought the toddler might have fun with these when we start to learn letters. I’m sure they could be incorporated into some crafty activity too!

Fisher Price stencil

My little Fisher-Price collection is growing as I already have the Fisher-Price record player and very trendy pocket camera. I have my eye on the Fisher-Price hob which I know the toddler would love for Christmas to hone his cooking skills and I also like the motor home. Shame I’ve already submitted my Christmas wish list…

Linking up with Magpie Monday

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