We are back in our little Welsh caravan. It really feels like a home from home, but without work, noise and traffic!
We are on a smallholding a few miles from Machynlleth. There are trees and hills all around us and the sound of a stream just a few feet away. Everything is green and lush and all is quiet, apart from the sounds of birds, ducks and sheep. It is bliss! We love it so much we have been each summer for the past five years.
Yesterday we got up to beautiful sunshine. As it was clearly a beach day, and you can’t guarantee many of those in Wales, we packed up our picnic and drove the few miles to Aberdovey. What a glorious little place, a long sandy beach with a backdrop of hills and a huge sky. Aberdovey is really just a row of colourful shops and houses on the front with a few gorgeous cottages on the hills behind. It is small but perfectly formed and in a delightful location.
Bargain hunters on the rampage
Today we woke to heavy rain. A bit of a change but we expect this in Wales. We took ourselves off to Aberystwyth for the day, with Mr S showing great patience as I dragged him around the charity shops. Well, it would be rude not to. I can’t resist a bargain even when I’m on holiday!
The Barnado’s shop was the best. Almost everything was £1.99, and I picked up a Karen Millen dress and a Coast silk basque top. In the Salvation Army shop I discovered a really beautiful Monsoon 100% silk dress for £4. These will be cleaned and sold on eBay.
I found a nice quality black skirt for work for £3 and a smart office top for £2.50. Frustratingly, I have been looking for ages for a decent pair of leather sandals but I had no luck. I even looked in the Clarks’ sale. Wide feet witch narrow heels are not a great shape when you are searching for strappy sandals! Oh well, I will keep looking.
Simple living
We haven’t had wifi much so far, hence the lack of blog posts. One of the disadvantages of staying in the wilds – but also one of the great advantages! It means we talk and read rather than sitting in our phones or laptops. Yesterday I even managed a lovely outdoor yoga session behind the caravan. I will be so relaxed by the time we leave.
Life is so simple when you can spend your days doing yoga and scouring the charity shops. Are you a family of bargain hunters, even on holiday?
Margaret Powling says
What a lovely time you are having! I’m a bit too stiff and arthritic-y for yoga now, I know it’s recommended for arthritis, but I think that’s mainly by people who don’t have arthritis, ha ha!
As for bargain hunting, no, we don’t go bargain hunting unless there is something we specifically require (or you intend selling it to turn a profit.) Even a bargain is an expense if the bargain item is something you don’t actually need. But fun to look in charity shops and antiques’ centres (I know they’re not the same thing, but both are fun!)
Have a wonderful holiday!
Margaret P
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
If you have arthritis gentle yoga really helps, Margaret! Yes, I love antiques places too
Margaret Powling says
The way I am now, dear girl, I’d not be able to get down on a yoga mat let alone get up again, ha ha!
Margaret P
Tania says
Sounds and looks lovely. Hoping to do north Wales later this year. I wish it would rain properly here the humidity is sickening.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
It is currently raining fantastically well here in Wales
Jean Scholefield says
About 10 years ago on a coach holiday in Scotland with friends, we had a coffee stop and saw a charity shop so of course we had to go in. I bought an expensive looking body warmer for £1 and still wear it. I also was taken thrifting by my friend on holiday in America.
Debbie says
I sell on eBay, too. So, like you, I’m always on the lookout for a bargain that I can flip for a profit. Especially in different towns. You never know what you’ll find. I look for more vintage odds and ends rather than clothes.
I also do yoga. I have several spine issues and yoga really helps. I have arthritis in my hands so I can’t comment on that. But, I couldn’t function well without yoga for my back! On my worst days is when it helps the most.
What a beautiful part of the world you live in! I would love to see it sometime.
Francesca - From Pennies to Pounds says
Sounds like a lovely time 🙂 I realllllyyyyy need to go on holiday!
Eloise at thisissixty.blog says
I’ve tried Yoga relaxation classes in the past and liked them a lot. I also tried tai-chi and enjoyed that too. I go to the gym now (for older ladies) but wish I had time to do more.
Have a fab holiday
Gillian says
Looks like a lovely chill-out holiday!