There is a distinct advantage to being employed, and that is the spare (I say 'spare' loosely, it's the term given to my 'luxuries' money, that no one can touch!) money one has to play with each month. On my payday I go out into my local town and I shop. With only one thing in mind - usually, me. I can buy anything I like, it can be as whimsical (rarely) or as practical (usually) as I like and it's always something I find in a charity shop.



These past couple of weeks have come up trumps. Sometimes I can go for months without seeing a single thing I like, then lo and behold, I find a whole stash of excellent things. All for little more than £1. Bargain!



What better way is there to have morning tea, than on pink and gold bone china? Or serving an esteemed houseguest nibbles in a 30's/40's Crown Ducal bowl?



I am drawn to things not only for the aesthetic, but also for the practical. I saw these plates and fell in love with the low-tone wildflower design. Made better by the fact that I can recognise the flowers on the plate.



I was having problems describing this to a friend, but I would rather have a plate from a charity shop, with some history and aesthetic value, than the same thing new from Ikea. Not only does it tick my recycle box but I'm supporting local companies/charities, helping the local economy, saving petrol (and therefore the planet) and avoiding air-miles taken to ship the stuff over from China or wherever it was made. See, you can save the planet and shop at the same time!



One of my favourite finds were these plates, of which there were two, hiding at the bottom of a stack of much uglier plates. It pays to rummage. I love the garden path design, the wisteria and sunflowers, the colours and the shape.