The juice of the carrot, the smile of the parrot, a little drop of claret...

Sometimes, you have to find joy in the small things, and though I feel a little beset by worries at the moment - Other Half's job being under threat (public sector, uh oh), Youngest Child's ongoing health problems, money worries, blah blah bloody blah - I am determined not to be a misery.

There are many reasons to be cheerful.

I found this 1960s Salton hot plate, still in its original packaging and in working order, at a recent jumble sale for 50p.

Might be a bit late to send back the guarantee card though...

Then, in a small but satisfying instance of serendipity, I saw this advert in a 1964 Woman's Journal magazine I picked up at Chesterfield flea market. Wonder if I could finish the crossword? Don't need to win the prize though - I've already got one, thanks!

At the same jumble sale, I bought this groovy 1970s chopping board for 20p. It's scrubbed up a treat.

Of course I love finding vintage clothing for myself, but I am also happy to find beautiful bargains which may not fit me but which I can sell on Ebay or give to a smaller friend!

Look at this amazing bright green and gold silk 1960s Acquer cocktail maxi dress. It was £6 in a charity shop.

I confess I do wish it fitted (it's probably a size 10, I most certainly am not) but it makes me smile just looking at it. It's in superb condition.

While we are looking at stripes, what do you reckon to this 80s-tastic suede bag?

You might remember that my girlfriends and I do our local pub quiz from time to time, and since we never win, we amuse ourselves by taking along our own prizes for whichever team member gets the most correct answers.
I won the pot last week, and this beauty was part of the prize! Can you believe they all laughed when I said I loved it? I donated the cleavage enhancers (if you've seen my Hallowe'en costume, you'll know I don't need 'em!) and was happy to give them to an A-cupped pal!

(We actually came second and won some drinks tokens for next time - a good showing for us!)


This 1960s sparkly crimplene number does fit. Doesn't it remind you of the fabulous Helga? A measley £2 spend for pussy bow heaven!

Some while ago now, I commented on the gorgeous Sarah Misfit's blog that I loved this dress, which she was unsure about.

What happened?
The sweetheart sent it to me! Blog buddies are a HUGE reason to be cheerful!

She sent numerous other goodies in her parcel of delight.

Gorgeous 1970s things to make!

And lovely earrings too!
Thank you, Sarah.


Blogging has brought me the joys of wonderful and generous new friendships, as well as involving old buddies from way back. Debberoo is a very dear old friend of mine from school days, who was blogging way back before I even knew what blogging was! And the fact that she pops in and comments on my musings after all these years does my cynical old heart good!
Thanks Debs!


 And back to that 1964 Woman's Journal, which has amused me greatly for the princely spend of 50p.

School run, 1964 style.


And this fabulous advert has given me an idea.

How about we UK girls book on a Lloyd Triestino luxury liner, stop off at Vix's favourite holiday destination, India, then head on to Australia to meet up with all the gorgeous Antipodean bloggers?
It's air conditioned, we can book direct, and it would really make us cheerful!