Why I love bric a brac.

Today I want to talk about why I really love second hand goods. 

These, for me, are normally found at car booties, table top or charity shops. 

Ive always had a place in my heart for bric a brac and little odd knick knacks, I think it's because I've always grown up in places that have them lying around. Those odd little gems that should look out of place seem to work so well wherever I've lived. 

At my Grandparents house most of these things were locked away in display cabinets, I was always so curious about them that when they were finally opened it was like discovering buried treasure. Beswick figures, medals and funny little toys from the 1950s. It was like delving into the past and I was always desperate to find out more about them. 

My Grandparents on my Mother's side was similar, my Grandpa always has little bits around, musical instruments and sheet music, they collected beautiful things, including gorgeous hand made dolls houses, that I still covet to this day.

I feel much more at home with clutter, I think of it as comforting and homey. when I visit places where every thing is cleared away it seems sterile. For me possessions show your personality. I'm often left thinking- where are you? where's all your stuff?

My parents home has always been a hive of activity. we did so many things as children, dancing, swimming, dressing up and going to fun workshops. There are still things around from those times. It makes the house feel like there is a history. That the people there are interesting and that they have stories to tell.

I cant wait to have my own home. I'll be filling it up with so many bits I've collected over the years. I'll be able to tell my children where I was when I bought it or what it reminded me of. I want to embarrass them with my tacky pottery cheetah, Eduardo. I want them to think of me as a  person who lived well who did many interesting things and lots of stories to tell. 

Eduardo

When I visit a some where that sells second hand goods, I  always think of the life the object may have had and how I can incorporate that into my story. to the person selling the item, it may just be an old alarm clock. To me it's the person switching it off every morning to go to work. It looks fun and many things I buy turn out to be fantastic ice breakers at parties. In turn allowing me to create many more special memories of my own with friends. 

My Latest find.

These places allow you to re purpose old and unwanted things. It give the objects a new life, if it can give many more generations joy then why wouldn't you want it in your home. 

FYI, The flowers in the picture are also from the car boot. Some times you can get amazing bargains from them. These flowers were 4 bunches for £1, there was enough to make a small bouquet for Chris's mum, the flowers for me and a vase of flowers for my mum. At our local car boot there are amazing fruit and veg stalls, bakers and farm shops. 

roses, carnations, babies breath

It's obvious that for me going to these places evokes nostalgia and memories but it can just be a great day out.
 here's my 5 top tips for doing it right.

1. always go for a wee before you set off- this might seem dumb but you will thank me when there are no on site loos.

2. Haggle- you can! this isn't someones lively hood like an antique or furniture shop. chances are they'd rather not take it home if they can help it. think of it as practice for if you ever need to haggle seriously.

3. Don't buy it unless you love it. you cant return it once you've bought it.

4. If you love it buy it! it might not be there when you go back- then some other lucky person gets to enjoy it and you'll have serious regrets.

5. be prepared! stay hydrated if its hot, take had sanitiser, a back pack and lots of change.

I also recommend taking full advantage of ice cream and burger vans. 

That's it for now, if you like car booting let me know why? 

I hope you enjoyed reading this, If you liked it then please follow this blog or find me on bloglovin' 

 Lucy x