Last weekend, I discovered that there was an Oxfam bookshop right around the corner from the market we buy our veg from every Saturday – how I’ve never been in there until now, I’ll never know. Talk about a thrifty fail.
The inside was ah-ma-zing. Packed full of books that covered every subject, from modern fiction to vintage annuals and everything in between, there was something for everyone. Seriously, I challenge you not to fall in love with an Oxfam bookshop; rows and rows of old books jostling happily against new ones, leather covers, hardback covers, tatty paper covers – they were all there, and ripe for the picking. I ended up with a pile of about six different books, and then remembered that we’re supposed to be practising frugality. Cue much sighing, and huffing and puffing while I decided on my favourite two. And a tote bag. Ahem.
You’ll have noticed that a lot of my posts lately have been garden-related, and I’ve been reading and re-reading Alys Fowler’s books lately – so well written, even a simpleton like me can understand what she’s talking about – but I really wanted something a little bit chunkier for extra reference. So when I found the mahoosive RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening for a mere £3.99, there was no question that it was coming home with me. It has everything from instructions to problem solvers and handy hints, and a whole load of lovely photographs.
My second find was a book I’ve been waiting years to buy, and I’m so pleased that I managed to find a bargain copy in a charity shop, rather than giving in and paying a small fortune on Amazon. The beautiful Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady was bargain £2.49, and worth every penny. There are sooooo many beautiful illustrations by the author, from birds to flowers, flora to fauna, all handpainted with watercolour (I think) – I’ve already got grand plans to scan them into the computer and print them off to use in arty and crafty projects. Seriously, check this lot out!
After a long break from thrifting, I’m hooking up with all the other wonderful magpies over on Magpie Monday with the aceballs Missie Lizzie. Show us yer thrifts, you lovely lot!
Oh I saw that Edith Holden book the other day wish I had bought it!
Those illustrations are just beautiful! I need to get cracking in our garden – there's so much to do if I'm going to get anything planted this year! Our local Oxfam bookshop is fab – I haven't been in for a few months…so maybe I'll head there tomorrow when I pass it!P.S hope your foot has recovered after the paving slab fall – saw your tweets!
Great books. I have the Edwardian Lady too, gorgeous book x
I was so close the buying the Edwardian Lady book the other day – really wish I had! xxx
Those floral illustrations are just incredible! Just gorgeous. I am SO with you on the Oxfam Bookshop, could browse all day. Imagine one that served tea and cake as well… oohh!
I have both these books and they are fab. I am also gearing up for a lot of garden renovation and raised bed building this year (recently moved home). You have e minded me of the encyclopaedia to dig out!
I think I have this book somewhere I must dig it out, pretty pictures! Heather x
Apologies for my tardiness this week!The Diary of an Edwardian Lady is an absolute classic isn't it? I remember spending hours pouring over my mum's copy. The spare room had duvet covers with it's design on too!
I love your blog – I am interested in gardening on a budget too – made my very good compost bins out of palettes, and a great wood store out of a wooden bed base, bed posts and heavy duty trellis I found on the pavement – made a roof and tiled it with tiles that someone was throwing out – it's fun recycling / upcycling in the garden!I love the Edwardian Country Lady book too – my mother had it and I remember gazing at it's beautiful pictures for hours as a child – then I was given it by a house guest last year ;-)Emma.
Oh my, I love the Edwardian lady book, I read it when I was little. I am myself from Solihull (see the February picture) and it was great reading a book which mentioned places that I had grown up in. Amazing!