Retro shopping

Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been a while but things have been pretty awful here lately :(

I have been busy as usual though with the little ones and still on a mission to declutter our home. It will never be minimalist with a baby and a three year old but it needs to be easier to clean. I've done really well but I still have more to do. 

I have been buying as well as decluttering, but I am either replacing things and throwing out the old or its things that are needed and practical. 

My reward to myself for keeping up the good work even though it's so hard, is vintage retro shopping. I have found a wonderful online shop and I'm now a regular customer. I'm gradually adding to my kitchen ware and everything I buy is being used, not just to look pretty! I've already shared one photo of my treasures in a previous post, but I thought you may like to see all that I've bought so far. The shop is called Yay Retro! 

www.yayretro.co.uk

The lady that runs the business is lovely and so helpful. She always gives me a postage refund after sending my parcels if I've been overcharged. She uses recycled packaging and I'm confident that my purchases will arrive safe and sound. I'm a very happy customer! 

I'll show you all the goodies I've bought so far...

You've already seen these finds but have included it for those that may have missed it.

I had the chance of the sugar pot too, but we really wouldn't use it as nobody takes sugar in their tea etc. 

A coffee pot just right for Sunday teatime...I actually can't stand tea!

This makes me happy! I love my orange scales :)

I collect the woods ware beryl and was so pleased to get the bowls.

My latest order! 

Please note: this is not an advert! I just love that website and wanted to share my photos with you. I'm always looking for new ideas to develop my style and hope you enjoy seeing what I've bought.

Thanks for reading,

Mandy x

Going back in time!

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd share my thoughts with you of how I love going back in time.

I have shown a keen interest in history since primary school when we studied the Victorians and World War Two. All of the books I read whether fiction or non-fiction are set in the past. I absolutely love living history programmes and record so many just in case I have time to sit and watch them! As I've got older, I have developed a huge interest in all things 1970s. I was born in 1971 so do remember a lot of that decade, although I was a teenager in the 1980s so there are loads of memories there too. My taste in home decor and household items is definitely 70s now...I'm actually embracing the brown and orange floral prints which I used to hate! Here's a few little purchases I've made over the past few months at the boot sale...

I suppose it's a bit of a hobby searching for bits and pieces and I never spend very much! I would love a vintage/retro house and will start with the kitchen. 

We actually eat very much like I did in my childhood. The 1970s are known for the processed food available, but I think a lot of families didn't eat the typical freezer to oven meals. A lot of women were still at home looking after the children (or only part time) and had time to cook from scratch. We had the odd thing like Angel Delight, but generally my diet was home cooked and full of fresh vegetables etc. this got me thinking and although I have lost weight by following a diet, I'm not happy with the amount of processed food. My tummy has not been happy either :(

My snack cupboard is full, so are the tins and packets cupboard...this is not how I want to eat or spend my husbands hard earned cash!! Don't even get me started on processed cheese! Low fat or not. 

So I am trying something different. I will go back traditional, with the added awareness of where I am clearly greedy. I will share photos of my meals to keep me on track too. 

So my blog writing is refreshed after my break and I'm inspired again. I will be taking a new direction but it is definitely thrifty.

I hope you will join me :)

Mandy xx