Oh, how I wish that was true. Although, no, to be honest I think I’d soon become very bored going out spending every day, but I certainly do enjoy a little retail therapy.
As the sun continues to shine, aren’t we fortunate to live in such a beautiful country, and here we are nearly in winter with temperatures still above 20c every day. In the UK they would think they were having a heat wave, out in full force sunbathing!
Good prices
As the price of lettuce continues to soar, who thought we’d ever pay R20, I bought a packet of Freshline baby butter and rocket salad at Spar, 90g for only R10.99. Absolutely top notch.
Eggs are also going up in price, well I suppose everything is. I purchased a box of six, free range mixed eggs from Woolworths, grade 1, 33g for only R11.99. They were delicious and the size similar to large eggs. I have to admit I’m beginning to get fussy and prefer to buy free range or organic food.
One can definitely tell the difference where chicken is concerned and I’ll only ever buy free range. It is a little more expensive, but worth the extra for the good taste.
Good buys
I’m always looking for something new or a good buy and I see Woolworths also sell cushion covers without the inner cushion. Great if you just want to change your décor a little. They sell from R120 per cover.
Another good buy is the fold-up laundry bin. Perfect for a student at university or college or a teenager at home. They can keep it in their bedroom and then are not tempted to leave their dirty washing all over the floor or forget to put it in the “household” laundry basket. It’s lightweight, easy to carry and measures 31cm x 32cm x 58cm and comes in duck egg blue, charcoal grey and white and costs only R69.95. When not in use it folds away very easily.
Focus on Local
As I stopped at Meyersdal Square last week I looked up and spotted, You Inspire Me, an Arts and Crafts Boutique, on the first floor, above Barry’s Pharmacy.
What a delightful shop, owned by Brenda van der Molen and Janette O’Reilly since last September. It was previously called Time-Out Scapperz and it was then owned by Christelle Bester, who is still involved with You Inspire Me and teaches there every week.
The shop sells everything and anything to do with scrap booking, mosaicking, and card making as well as vinyl wall art décor.
Not really being the creative type I was bowled over with all the lovely things and equally amazed such gorgeous things can be created from these crafts.
“We have weekly lessons and also Saturday lessons for scrappers and mosaic fundis,” said Brenda. She showed me scrap books she’s put together for her children from when they were born up to the present time and I suddenly realised what I can do with all the boxes of loose photographs I have of my children. My two are past their 21st birthdays but what a beautiful gift it would make to give to your children when they turn 21. Mine will probably get theirs when they turn 30, maybe even 40!
“We also have lessons every so often for gift wrapping, perfect for when you want to make a gift look especially beautiful,” added Brenda. “We have tried to create a friendly and comfortable place where our clients will enjoy spending time and often our classes last longer than they should,” laughed Brenda.
You Inspire Me sells made up packs of scrap booking materials for those who don’t have the time to shop for everything. “These packs are very popular and all you need extra is the glue and a mat to work on.” They also sell packs of cut out embellishments, perfect for extra special and unusual birthday invites for children, a selection of ribbons and plain card for only R6 a piece I every colour imaginable.
The shop stocks some unusual gifts too from all over SA and sterling silver rings – Ring Ding – you can make up yourself.
The shop so fascinated me, an hour had passed before I even knew it. Oh, and I purchased a gorgeous gift while I was browsing. Pay a visit or phone 011 869 1856 for more information or visit: www.YouInspireMe.co.za
I think that’s it for this week. E-mail me: juliem@caxton.co.za or phone 011 724 7000. Shop till you drop.
Julie
