I had never given much thought to 'thrifting' until I began blogging and read how other bloggers had discovered the most wonderful bargains in their local thrift or charity shop.
I had, of course, popped in local charity shops from time to time, dropping off bags of outgrown and unwanted clothes, old books and bric-a-brac.
But I never really thought about looking on the shelves for undiscovered treasures.
While I had enjoyed wandering through flea markets while on holidays (Ryanair's strict baggage policy meant I was never tempted to purchase), and although I had heard stories of fabulous antiques being found in second hand stores, I simply never thought of looking around myself.
Of late, I've taken to popping into one or two local charity shops and while mostly there's nothing to catch my eye, I have picked up a couple of nice finds.
I bought this hard-backed copy of 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' a few months ago.
It was a fortuitous discovery, as I had read a copy from the library many years ago, and also have bed linen, curtains, and wall paper in the Dorma range inspired by Edith Holden's beautiful nature drawings.
And yesterday, I found four Wedgewood cups and saucers in the 'Sarah's Garden' pattern which I had started collecting from an outlet store which has since closed down.