The Benefits of Getting Up Early on Sundays

I broke my usual rule today. Instead of languishing in my bed until a reasonable hour (ie close to lunchtime), I was at a car boot sale at 7am. Revoltingly early but totally worth it! I am always bemoaning the fact that I never find any vintage stuff at car boot sales but clearly I've been going to the wrong ones because I definitely found some today. Huzzah! And the prices! I don't think I spent more than £10 in total and I got loads:

A fluffy book and one that I just couldn't resist. Here's hoping it lives up to the advertised thousand thrills!

Wedgwood Baltimore meat plate. A quick Google has revealed a similar one dating to 1878 on sale for $114! I don't think this is anywhere near as old as that but it's rather nice anyway.

Cute Primark jumper and Oasis jeans as a small present for Mum.

Pretty Primark teal dress (silly camera does not photograph blues and purples well) and a George slouchy jumper.

The cord skirt is Gap and the other one has no label but I liked the pattern.

The print dress is probably way too big but for 25p I couldn't leave it behind. I can always take it in a bit or belt it. The other one is ASOS and looks lovely and drapey, plus it has pockets. We all know I love dresses with pockets!

And onto the vintage:

St Michael blouse, hand knitted cream jumper and a black leather bag (grand total 85p)

Two chunky cardis and an old lady dress. Again, I was too taken by the print to leave it behind. Must get cracking with the sewing machine!

And the piece de resistance...

How cute is this suitcase please?! Mine for £1.50. And from the next door stall, some amazing vintage shoes, a fab shift dress (also needs altering) and this lovely handbag which is complete with gloves, hanky, co-proxamol (won't be taking those!) and a note saying "Phyllis, be pleased to see you tonight if you would like to come". I do love the little insights into someone else's life that you get from buying things second hand.

I do have a mini tale of woe though. I have been after a nice hat stand for my room for ages now. What did I see as soon as I walked into the car boot sale? You guessed it, a very nice hat stand. Did I buy it? No. I am a fool. I thought I'd get it on the way out and surprise, surprise, it wasn't there when I was on the way out. When will I ever learn that if I see something I like, I should just buy it?!

But I won't linger on my disappointment too much as I'll only get cross. I was home by 9am and have been full of beans ever since. I've done tons of housework (most unlike me!) and tried out a recipe that I saw on Helen's fantastic blog. As is usual with me and recipes, there were some substitutions. We never seem to have useful things like cornflour and lemons in the house so I made it up a bit and used a different sized tin to the one recommended because guess what, we don't have a 9x13 baking tin either. But it tastes yum and that's the main thing!