So it’s already mid-December
Although I haven’t been to thrift shops the past weeks I still have lots of goodies to share. So I’m not exactly experiencing a so-called “dry-spell”; I’m just being lazy again.
Anyways, the other week my husband and I went to the Japan Toto Recycle shop to get those small ceramic bowls for the candles, I was happily looking at the tablewares section keeping an eye on vintage china when I found this Tweety bird mugs. My younger sister loves Tweety bird and I knew right there and then I had to get this pair for her:
A closer look at the Tweety Bird mugs.
Tweety Bird is delightfully cute, isn’t it? I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with this feathered creature? You would, too, wouldn’t you? So anyway, for only $2.40 for the pair, they went to directly my cart without batting an eyelash.
Last Saturday, I was wrapping presents to be sent to the Philippines through my younger brother who’s leaving that day. Kramas (multi-purpose scarf) are really great as presents because they are something that’s totally Cambodian (people back home are crazy over anything Khmer) and they have many uses. Apart from that, they’re cheap! I was enjoying wrapping all the stuff using just a small piece of wax paper and tied with a yarn. Easy-peasy and very nice to look at. But then when I came to the mugs — ngyehhhhhh! It was very challenging!
These are some of the stuff I bought to be sent as Christmas pressies.
What I did is wrap it in crumpled newspaper and tie it with ribbon. Hahaha. I think it looked cute. Sorry I forgot to take photos though but you can take my word for it.
Hopefully next year there’ll be lots of awesome thrift store finds to share here.
Share-a-Thrift-hunt 015: Fox Motocross Hoodie
It’s been awhile since I last posted an entry for the Share-a-Thrift-Hunt meme by my friend, Girl-on-a-Thrift-Hunt. I still have loads of awesome thrifted items but, you know, when the lazy-bug bites you, there’s no escaping its after-effect – laziness.
So I just twiddled-and-twaddled till the laziness subsided. Meanwhile thrifted stuff keeps on piling. Now that I’m ready to blog again, I’m sharing you this nifty hoodie that I scored at the Japanese Sakura Recycle Shop in Russei Keo. This is an original Fox racing patrol jacket
Front and left views of the jacket.
It is made of 100% polyester, long-sleeved with a hood and front zipper, and in black and (silver) grey combo of colours. As you can see, the embroidered Fox logo is in front. It is creased alright but upon closer inspection it is very much unused and unworn as the tag is still intact. I turned it inside out and there were no signs of wear, tear, and stains. This jacket is pretty much lightweight and water resistant and, for only $30, it is absolutely a steal! I checked Amazon for similar types of clothing just for comparison:
Left: Fox Racing Dawn Patrol Jacket – Men’s
My husband is currently training for a long-distance cycling route. With the monsoon season upon us while he’s in the middle of his training, I think this rain jacket is just perfect!
Nifty thrifting
Did I ever tell you that I so love everything vintage, especially vintage clothes?
The vintage look is very stylish these days; fashionistas everywhere seem to be sporting delicate lace-lined dresses, fur shawls and amber brooches. And what better place to shop than in thrift stores where you’re guaranteed to find an authentic garment with a bit of history and character. Plus, in this economic climate, thrift shops are the best way to stretch your dollars.
This photo was taken at the Japanese Toto Recylcle and Thrift Shop along French Street.
Some people have never really got into thrift shopping and much prefer to order clothes online while they’re playing Cheekybingo and listening to music. But believe it or not, sifting your way through racks of old clothes is actually quite interesting and exciting; you never know what you’ll stumble across and it might even be a designer name. If you are thinking about going thrift shopping for the first time, then below are a few hints and tips to help you out.
Know what you’re shopping for
Thrift shops are not famed for their organised layout and neat rails, which means everything tends to be in a bit of a mess. It will take you ages to rummage through items if you don’t really know what you’re looking for, so have a garment in mind to keep you more focused.
Look for designer brands
If you’re lucky you might even stumble across old garments from designer names. You’ll pay a fraction of its original RRP in a thrift shop.
Try items on
Just because you have found a cheap garment which seems like excellent value for money, make sure you try it on because otherwise it will be a waste of money. Never buy anything for the sake of it just because it is cheap because you’ll probably only end up throwing it away later on.
Know when the sale days are
Some stores have certain sale days so you could save yourself even more money, or buy yourself a few more clothes!
Baking up a storm
Two weeks flew past me by in a snap, like a seagull diving for its food. During this period, I got busy with a short consultancy project.
My favourite brand. Never fails me.
I have also been baking a lot these days… breads and pies, mostly. One time while shopping at the new Thai Huot grocery in Tuol Kork, I came across a shelf with marked down baking items, mostly French brands. I’m just an ordinary housewife who’s always on the lookout for good bargains. The row of marked down items, especially the flour, caught my attention right away. When I saw my favourite brand of flour on sale, I naturally quickened my step to have a look. I picked up two packs of flour to examine them but there was nothing discernibly wrong with them. No broken seals, no bugs, no funny smells. The expiration date was not until two months after. At $1.80 per pack per (1kg), originally at $3.60, I snatched two packs of Francine Farine de Blé. I am a frequent baker, anyway, I said to myself. Besides I keep them in an air-tight container in the fridge as it slows down the spoilage.
I wasn’t disappointed with my purchase! I have always liked this brand. My French ami told me that it is just an ordinary wheat flour, nothing special. But I am telling you, the flour is more refined and whiter than other brands I used in the past, and the dough, very, very soft. They were great in making pie shells and bread. Needless to say, the flour was gone waaaay before the expiration date.
Whenever I’m at Thai Huot I always keep an eye on their marked down French-brand flours. Anyway, here are two photos of the goodies that I made from this flour:
Homemade French bread. I try to make some at least once a week.
Homemade raspberry {jam} tart. The shell is buttery and crumbly just like the way I like it!
Sew-tastic!
Okay, okay…
So I was out of commission lately but I have very good reasons for my long absence. I do not wish to bore you with the details anymore so let me just say that real life took over, lol. Still vague, eh? Never you mind.
I’m just itching to show you what my husband got us, well, for me actually. Tadaaaaaaa!
Well, my dream of learning sewing is no longer a dream… my very first Singer machine.
We brought this at one of the blocks of shops near O’Russei Market. It is literally a block of shops selling vintage sewing machines and other sewing materials! I just love anything vintage. The machine itself is not expensive but the wooden sewing table costs a lot. I got mine for a bargain, mind you. It took a bit of haggling on both sides and we were able to agree on a price that we (seller and buyer) were happy about. It just pays to be patient, assertive but not aggressive and remain respectful, and lots of smiles, for in the end, the seller will eventually just give in 
I’ve been practicing a lot these days and, so far, I think I’m doing good. I downloaded tutorials from the Internet and watched video tuts for added tips on using the machine. I have to admit, though, that even I am exciting about sewing, I still have this fear of machines. The one I have is pedal-powered, so how much more if I have an electric one? Erlack.
I’m also keeping stock of fabrics, cheap fabrics and I source them at the shops along Street 113. For less than a dollar per metre, acckk, I feel like panic buying every time I visit there.
Aren’t the prints cute? Now you know I go loca over them!
As of this writing, I was able to finish a small sling pouch for his marker pens, a passport sleeve and several hemming jobs. I love the feeling of being able to make something productive. It’s a fantastic feeling, really. I’m learning more as I take on more projects that are beyond the easy level. I’ve lined up more projects but you will have to read it on my crafts blog.
Cute hair accessories for girls from Gmarket
I was reading through my friend Girl on a Thrift Hunt’s blog and admiring her gorgeous hauls from Gmarket and got reminded that I, too, made some purchases there last year but didn’t get around to posting pictures here. The purchases were actually done last year, around September, and were intended as Christmas presents for my two nieces back in the Philippines.
These were some of the items I bought at Gmarket:
The Korean brand of cuteness! Headbands, hair clips and barettes, and hair (rubber bands) in colours that my nieces love.
I love shopping at Gmarket because they have so many cute things and so affordable, too. Despite it’s price, the quality is better than the ones that are available at the O’Russei market. They don’t look cheap, too, as you can see in the pictures above. They all come well-packed in small boxes and were all received in top condition. Except for the red skinny headband and the pearl headband, I sent everything as presents to my nieces. I use the red headband during regular days. It fits my head fine even if it’s kid-sized and it doesn’t give me any pain at the back of my ears after prolonged use. The pearl headband looks dainty so I’m saving it for formal occasions like weddings and parties.
I am very happy and satisfied with Gmarket! If anyone is interested in the sellers, just let me know and I’ll post or send you the links. This reminds me I should go check Gmarket again. I signed up last year but didn’t get around to ordering anything. I’m forever staring at the clothes, accessories, home and kitchen stuff as well as bags in Gmarket. So I just piggy-backed on the order of my friend, Girl on a Thrift Hunt, for two times already. I should be doing shopping on my own soon.
