Presents from Charity Shops

Is it socially acceptable to buy christmas presents from charity shops?

I am in a quandry as I have seen and bought something for someone but don't know whether to givew them it knowing full well it was in a charity shop. Don't get me wrong it looks unused and is spotless but I worry that the intended recipient won't see it that way. What are your thoughts on this?


Views and thoughts please.


xx

Christmas Time

I have taken inspiration from another blogger.

This year everyone will be getting one hand made present.  I have already started on the wrapping paper.

Newspaper with pretty ribbon and printed with reindeers and stars (potatoes with designs cut into them)

It has taken weeks of planning and on my rare day off I have added some more and left them to dry over night in the garage, even the two boys next door are in on it. They love making the wrapping paper for me for no real reason other than to throw paint around.

Pictures will follow. I am wanting to start doing a daily blog butr I am so busy that I am finding it hard to even eat at the moment.

Laters

Bloggers xx

Catch Up

Not been on much lately. SORRY!!

Have to prepare for a weekend away in Manchester in two weeks with work and I cannot wait.

Off to see the fabulous Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair where we will be meeting makers and shakers in the craft world and to choose some new work for the gallery. What kind of things can you see being in a Collector based Gallery?

We are currently lusting over a Flying Santa. http://www.studio91.com/

I am also preparing for the  Christmas Show at the National Glass Centre. I get to meet people I have admired for a long time. http://www.lauracartwright.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4.jpg Laura Cartwright being one of the main people I want to see and invest in a huge selection of her tea based series ( anyone who knows me knows my obsession with Tea)

I promise I wont leave it so long next time.

Liverpool

 Hello Peeps, 

I am off to the lovely land of Liverpool to see my grandparents. 

No doubt I will be spoilt rotten. 

I am leaving the lovely ladies to look after work and eat all my chocolate biscuits.  (will post the recipe on my return)

The first stop will no doubt be Lakeland in Liverpool One. Me and Granddad will be allowed to run amok spending money on frivolous things such as a Strawberry De-Header, come one everyone needs one in their lives. I agree it looks like an implement of mass destruction but gosh I cannot wait to use it.

 

We are also going to the Tate to have a look at the new exhibition and make my Gran feel included as she isn't a big shopper. Rene Magritte has a show that appeals to me or is it the offerings in the shop? (Rene Magritte) 

Here is the link to the beautiful jewellery that I may invest in Inca Starzinksky for only £35 I think it is gorgeous.

Worth also mentioning that when I am at work I have the loveliest colleague ever called Margaret - she is a published author you know. I am still yet to wangle a book off her to read and if she is reading this I won't judge you honestly you big prude ;).  

I am so excited to finally be able to take a few days off to chill out and have a breather from work. This is a luxury in my profession. 

Well over and out. I need to go and pack my case for Liverpool & invest in lots of magazines :) 

Here is an image of me as a child to keep you amused - please note the 80's baby grow. 

Have a lovely week - till next time....

Ciao for Now!! 

XOXO

Who is Ethel?

Ethel was my dear great grandmother whom sadly died before I was born.

My parents were going to call me Ethel Maude which is very sweet ,but sadly they didn't.

What were you going to be called if you were not given your current name?

Charity Shops

I feel terribly useless at this :/ 

Do you think that clothes in shops are not merely as nice as the things you see in charity shops?

I recently purchased 2 cake stands for the pprice of £3.50 which is not bad at all considering they sell the same Cake Stands in Fenwicks (posh store in Newcastle) for three times the price fore just one.

They are currently being used to show off the beautiful work by a ceramic artist that is sold at my work called Clare Gage. All the grannies comment on how well they are presented. I will make sure to take a photo of them for all you lovely people to see.

Ethel Maude 

xXx

Shopping Trollies

I just have to blog about the lady who comes past where I work twice a week. She is so chic. Always well presented and carries the most superb trollie with leopard print and glitter all over. Reminds me of a friend of mine who insisted on wearing one piece of leopard print with every outfit. here is the link to her shopping trollie http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B003P4WJ8O/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=11052671&s=outdoors

I seem to see alot of younger MEN & women choosing to use these now rather than the older generation. If only I felt comfortable with the thought of pulling one of those around and not worrying that I would look like a nutcase, you do see the homeless pushing supermarket trollies around so why can't 21 year olds pull a shopping trollie along the street without getting funny looks?

My friend "S" thinks that there is somethiung terribly wrong with me. I tell him that it is better for me than the 5 tonne satchel i'm currently carrying around doing my back no good. I have to say come payday I may buy one of those bad boys. maybe in a more demure colour or a SHOCKING pink? What do you think?