Wednesday 5 January 2011

That's why


How I discovered that I really, really needed a French handbag in soft black leather....


I didn't know this when I set out for a well-known DIY store this afternoon. I still have a stack of bags no longer needed for work, but somehow they don't really suit my current  - well, lifestyle isn't quite the right word here, implying as it does both a life and a style to go with it - method of carting essential belongings about with me when my pockets are full.

I've been making do with a small bag, grossly overstuffed with phone, specs, purse, card wallet, pens, tissues, receipts, gloves, and, naturally, the occasional dog-poo bag (unused). There would have been a zillion other things, ancient and tattered, in there too,  but there just wasn't the room. Sometimes I think about unearthing my stash of bags to find one that isn't quite so undersized and overfilled, but so far I haven't quite got round to it. That slack approach has just led to some major expenditure.


Today I went out to buy a nail punch and a small tin of white gloss paint, virtuous thoughts of working in the new shower room foremost in my mind, and a bank balance seriously in need of a rest. I resisted buying plants, a new driver/drill, a bunch of paint tester pots, and forgot that I really needed a yard broom, one with a handle.


Standing patiently in the queue with my two purchases, fumbling ineptly in the tightly-packed handbag for the card wallet, in order to locate the in-store discount card that I can use now that I'm over 60 and if it happens to be a Wednesday, I dropped one thing after another: a glove, the wallet, a tissue, the glove again, and when someone behind me pointed out that I had also dropped an old receipt, I stooped to retrieve it and dropped the tin of paint.

Fast-forward, slightly pink, flustered, apologetic and hot, to the point where the spilled paint had been mopped up (uncomplainingly too), a new tin brought to the till, goods paid for - without the card or discount - and I had got into the car thoroughly harassed with myself. And there, a few hundred yards away was TK Maxx, the bargain-hunter's dream palace.....

So, all thoughts of post-Christmas frugality easily defeated, I bought myself a sensible-sized bag; a black leather grandma's shopper of a bag, a holder of all my essentials and more besides, with handles just the right length.


What else fitted into it very nicely (after I had paid for them, of course: what do you take me for?) were two smart towels and a grey boiled wool jacket. What had to be carried separately was the pretty duvet cover and pillowcase set; after all, I don't want my sensible new bag to look battered before I've even got it home, do I?


Next time I go DIY shopping on a Wednesday, I shall have my discount card safely tucked in the section of the new bag designed expressly for that purpose. It's bound to work out cheaper that way.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Phew! I thought you were going to say that the paint spilled INSIDE you handbag!! I have been very restrained in the sales - a small set of dishes, two cardigans and two Christmas decorations ..... all half price!

Susan frances said...

Nice bag, and love the duvet set too. Happy New Year to all of you in Jesmond. X

the veg artist said...

That is gorgeous. I'll bet it smells wonderful, too.
I know what you mean about "work" things. When I had to give up work, there was an oddly cheerful day in the midst of pain, when I realised that I would never have to wear a skirt and tights again if I didn't realy want to - which I haven't!

Val said...

If I get complaints from the neighbours for laughing so loud I disturbed them I'll have you know I'm holding you responsible...all I can say is it's a good job my tea wasn't poured out.

A shopper after my own heart :0)

Lesley said...

So funny - we've all been there. I can just imagine the sound of the paint hitting the floor and then the slight glug as it spilt...

Your purchases look great and I'm sure they're all bonafide bargains...

Lesley xx

Pam said...

I feel you've slightly redefined the word "bargain", but it all looks very nice.

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

You're right about fumbling , flustered , through cards , cash , tickets and vouchers . It costs money .
I went to an exhibition the other day , where , to my surprise , they've introduced a strict No Bags policy . After I'd admired it all , I bought the book , discovering that my carefully saved €4.50 voucher for same was still in the cloakroom . I paid full price grudgingly because I was holding the queue up . But it made me cross . I might have a rant about it ..... but not here , you'll be relieved to hear !

Lyn said...

Oh dear, what colour pink did you go? could you find it on a paint colour chip card!?
love
Lyn
xxx

Susan said...

And "I thought" ... my goodness DIY she painted an older bag (other coloured and not nearly so chic handbag) black with a tin of quick drying gloss ?? and then I thought hmmmmm look at her go, she's buying nail punches to add her own (tres beautiful) handbag hardware.

You cannot go wrong with an expensive looking classic black handbag - LOVE it !

Fooled me - lilac giclees for tea & sweets ????
N'est pas ? Oliver wishes that you let Millie know that he continues to love her, deeply

over & out les Gang

annie hoff said...

Lovely bag - ideal for carrying tins of paint. A five piece nail punch set too. I've used mine for loads of things including hacking grouting out from in and around floor tiles. You'll have hours of fun with them!

judy in ky said...

That is a beautiful bag. I hope it fixes the fumbling problem. Speaking of fumbling, I have noticed that when I am standing in line with my hands full is when my cell phone usually rings, then I have to fumble for that!

"Sunshine" said...

I MUST get myself a 5 piece nail punch set....I MUST have what Rachel has!!
I have a small backback from mapleleather.com and it is amazing how much I can stuff into it. It is the smallest size they make, but not so small that I have to leave my essentials in my pockets....

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Since I retired, I've been carrying a tiny shoulder bag that holds my keys, phone, and credit cards. I know exactly what you were going through. Love your new bag - I should get one before I drop a tin of paint.

mountainear said...

I think the paint pot's tumble was serenditpitous. You might have really, really struggled for years with your old bag. Well done that suicidal paint.

June said...

Like Susan, I thought you'd applied gloss to an old purse and made it look like a brand spandy new one. All assumed from the first picture. It's a gorgeous bag and I would love to have one like it, except . . . do you have to carry it in the crook of your elbow, thereby rendering that arm useless? Or are your arms sticklike enough (she asked jealously) that it can be a shoulder bag?

Rattling On said...

Longchamp? Lovely. I have some nice bags, They're my accessory of choice any day, but have to be roomy. I don't like stingy bags and distrust anyone who manages to leave the house with only a tiny bag or (heaven forbid) NO bag at all. I bet it made the whole day feel better... or does that only apply to me!!

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