Op Shop Heaven

Last weekend my hubby and I ventured to Melbourne in the wee hours of the morning. He headed off to do some training while I caught up with my sisters. On Saturday we hit the shops of Bridge Road, Richmond. I managed to secure some lovely black boots - have been searching for months...or maybe years, and I managed to get a good deal on some Tony Bianco's, so was super pleased with myself. But what knocked the boots off the pedestal was rather surprising to me.
Now I'm a frequent flyer of Op Shops (my colleagues and I tend to wander down most lunch times to fossick for a bargain), and yesterday I did my monthly volunteer at my local one. But I have to say, I have never in all my wanderings, ever stumbled across a more stunning op shop. it looked like some up-market designer store! I couldn't resist, and the sales assistance was gracious enough to allow me to take some photos. So watch out local Op shop, I feel like making you over!

The Red Bike - an amazing eye catcher out on the street. It sparks intrigue and makes you want to go in and have a look inside...what else could be inside there?

The shop front has the same red accents found in the bike - I love the boldness of the red found also in the signage, clothing and three tables.

 

Simple, bold and goes "pop".

The shop layout - love the chadeliers. Clothing is grouped by style and coulour.

There's that bold red again, this time in a beautiful pressed metal curved shop counter.

Funky old radio to display shoes and hand bag, and old Red Cross posters - classics.

Beautiful displays and groupings.

Funky old furniture used as wonderful displays.

Aqua Blue accents and crystal. 

Handbags, handbags, handbags!

Love the antlers and mirrors!

Opulent dressing room...stunning! I just had to try on a few things!

A lovely space...simply stunning!

Precious objects to explore.

Well, it certainly was a wonderful experience wandering through this op shop.

Loved it! Highly recommended.

MEOW...PURRR...CHEEP...CHEEP

At Christmas we extended our family with a sweet little girl we named Gracie.

Our little fluff ball!

She has been an absolute delight and brought much joy to our family.

You put your right foot in...so we think we can both dance!!

Gracie was given a "scratchy box" for Christmas, but hasn't quite learnt the art of scratching it.

 

Instead, Gracie is carrying on the tradition of killing the cane chair! Hours of scratching have gone into that chair...so dedicated to the cause!



Only thing is, she thinks I'm a tree and has a fascination with perching herself on my butt! I really need to work on decreasing that branch between my back and legs! She actually has a great fascination with climbing trees (or anything vertical). 



Have you seen the latest Christmas decorations in the shops, so life like!! Gracie feeling festive!

Too cute!

 Gracie loves making play friends too.

Looking a little high here. Gracie was given a toy frog with cat nip in it. She looked a little delirious as she snuggled it!

We had some little Kris Kringle friend's come to visit.

The little dark one made a very loud chirping noise, which sent Gracie to sleep.

After a little kip, Gracie realised she could see her new friends from above...dangerous!! Hence they only visited!

Stay tuned for more Gracie adventures. 

SPRING SPLENDOUR - a reflection

Spring is possibly my most favourite season. I love it how life burst forth in nature. My garden transforms into a delight of colours, forms and scents that sometimes leave me heady.

It's also a time that I love to get into the garden and create. It's an amazing phenomenon: sowing and reaping. I love it that in planting a small seed, it can lead to one being nourished. My amazingly talented husband transformed a pitiful eye-sore corner, into a fertile haven yearning to bring forth life. And thus began this family's vegetable garden. I planted an assortment of yummies and pretties: strawberries, snow peas, carrots, lettuce, tomato (cherry & regular), capsicum, sweet peas and marigolds. The strawberries were delightful, the snow peas crisp & fresh, and the lettuce has made some good salads. I await the tomatoes to ripen - looking forward to these!

I also love trees. I have a beautiful magnolia in my front yard which I absolutely adore. It looks so beautiful when it flowers, but I found myself captivated by it one beautiful Spring day when my husband and I sat out under it.

While I was being mesmerised, my husband prepared a yummo lunch which we gobbled down under the shade of the magnolia...I like to think of that day fondly as "Spring Delights"!

They obviously went down a treat!