What We Bought: What We Learned

Here is my little collection of goodies (sans clothing). I now own two of my favourite design egg beaters (one in the dishwasher and one out); my picnic set is enhanced by a good sharp knife; I have a sugar bowl that matches my favourite casserole; Mum has another teaspoon in her room; my one-handed camping whisk has been upgraded; the camping cutlery set has grown; I have some new jewellery and I can listen to K T Tunstall in the car.  I bought 23 items of clothing and 15 of bric-a-brac for a grand total of $103.10.

Jan hasn't sent me a photo of her loot but here is Jo's.  My particular favourite is the little glass two-handed sugar bowl centre back.  Jo bought 12 (I think) items of clothing, 17 or bric-a-brac and 9 books. Not sure of her grand total expenditure. Jan's total was 26 items of clothing and 17 of bric-a-brac for an outlay of $97.95.


What we learned: 

• Not all op shops are listed on the website opshops.org  If you know a good shop, please go onto the website, see if it is there, and if not, add it.  Others may thank you for it.
• Local knowledge is a wonderful thing. Ask the locals. About anything.
• Check the opening and closing times of the shops you plan to visit; if necessary via a phone call.  Sometimes when it is quiet they may close a little early.
• When you 'do' several shop in a row, looking at clothing, you develop a condition we dubbed 'op shop shoulder' from holding your arms up high to work your way through all those hangers. Be warned.
• If you like it, buy it. You can alter it when you get home (because I am a short-ass, I had to take up six tops!).  There is no going back on a road trip. If it doesn't work out, recycle it via your local shop.
• Never judge a book by it cover, or an op shop by its external appearance!

To end, here is a photo of me at work, completely dressed by The Great Op Shop Road Trip, including accessories (except my crummy watch). Not bad, eh?