Weekly Meal Planning

R and I do a weekly shop on Sunday mornings, and try to get the majority of the week’s food then – partly because planning meals for the week in advance is cheaper, partly because I like getting home from work and knowing what I have to cook and that all the ingredients are there. It’s just so much easier than going to the supermarket on the way home, having to decide what we’re going to eat, not knowing what we have at home, dealing with the after work crowds etc. Plus, it means we can plan to try new things, and we can manage the cooking fairly.

Op Shopping!

As promised, I went shopping in second hand stores on Saturday. I didn’t quite get what I wanted to, and I did cave in a fabric store, but I did get some useful items.

I only had a budget of £20 today, and after my £2.50 bacon and egg chapati that was down to £17.50. I have to say, the majority of that was spent at the fabric store, but on the upside I have fabric and lining for my next ‘Perfect Work Skirt‘, which I’ll make a tutorial for (now that I know what I’m doing and aren’t just winging it). I bought two items of clothing, work skirt fabric and lining, and lace for when I get to underwear making. I’m on the look out this week for a light blue or white cotton – the lace is light blue – although I might do some more research first into exactly what kind of fabric is best for underwear. I also still need elastic for that project, but if I just go for one puzzle piece at a time it shouldn’t take too long, and it wont hit my weekly budget too bad!

Of the two items of clothing I bought, one was something I’ve been keeping an eye out for – a new cardigan. Well, new to me in this case! I was going to buy a blue M&S cardi like this one here (which I already have and love in emerald green); but when I saw the cardi below on the far right in Oxfam Tooting I couldn’t resist. Wine red will throw a nice splash of colour into my very black wardrobe, it will look good with the green side panels of my first work skirt, and goes with my cowboy boots! This last one is the ultimate test for buying new clothes, as I’ve not worn any other pair of shoes to work in at least two months, if not three. Plus, it’s nicely thick without being dowdy or jumper-ish, my size and only £3! Score! As you can see, I now have cardigans in Pink, Grey, Green, and Red, – not a black cardi in sight! Progress. EDIT: I have since looked at the cardigan and realised that it is a M&S cardi, abet a fairly old one (the tag has a very old fashioned logo, although it’s been looked after well, there’s no piling and it looks almost new)

Aren’t they awesome?

The second item of clothing was not on my list – although I had been thinking about pyjama trousers, if only for when we’re in Copenhagen next week – but was completely necessary. See, they’re Peter Alexander PJ trousers covered in musical notes. How could I resist? I didn’t even know if they would fit me when I bought them, but if they were too small I could think of several people who would appreciate the beauty of these lounge pants (as I’ve decided they are too fabulous to be relegated to the bedroom). I am happy to report they fit perfectly (nothing fit me last time I had a look at Peter Alexander, so that make me feel quite good about myself). They are extremely comfortable, soft and warm.

In related shopping news I bought a beautiful dress last weekend from CollectIf in the January sales (which are still on – up to 75% off!). CollectIf is vintage style clothing, and can be a bit hit and miss for me – I’ve never bought anything there before, although I’ve seen one or two dresses I’ve liked. This floral summer dress was only £20, when really it should have been £80 looking at the fabric and quality of finish. Score for me! Not sure when I’ll wear it – it’s definitely not a winter dress – but it’s skirt has a very similar pattern to my work skirt, including pockets! I might see if I can pick up a slightly more work-like fabric and replicate the pattern – I can easily see myself ending up with a work wardrobe that’s three or four of this dress in different colours and weights, and the same with the skirts! Now I just need to find a good blouse pattern and do the same and everything will match…

I was hoping to pick up a men’s shirt or two to amend into a blouse, but I couldn’t find one that was nice and big enough to play around with. Maybe another time – there are plenty more charity shops around London just waiting for Ange and I to hit them!