Second Hand, Second Life

Heading out of the house the other day I spotted an old stroller on the side of the road, brown and white canvas and vinyl with tassels on the umbrella and the original rubber wheels. Of course, I had to have it!! In perfect working condition, Lil'A even got a ride around in it once we got to Aunty S' house. Its now sat in the garage pending a sponge down with some bleach.

Finding these amazing trinkets that people take for granted makes me wonder, why don't more people have a passion for restoration and revival? Sure this isn't the newest and flashiest of strollers, it doesn't steer around corners like modern strollers do, but how funky do you look when you have a perfect condition antique rolling down the street?!?! Aunty S has a house full of trinkets found tossed by other people that just needed a little TLC; a touch of paint, a quick sand down, even something as simple as this stroller required like a gentle sponge bath.

The next day my Dad arrived with a present from my sister. I knew I was expecting a toy chest for Lil'A to have in his room. What arrived through my front door was far from what I had expected...

An original metal chest off a barge, with barge number and the original lock still attached. Sure it is a tad rusty in places and needs the hinges replaced, but the original paintwork remains intact in places and it is as sturdy as anything! I shudder to think the price you would pay for an item like this today, especially since most of the originals have most likely been sold for scrap or recycled for a similar reason. The chest is now stored safely away until its' date with the wire brush to remove some more of the rust and until its' hinges can be fixed/replaced without compromising authenticity.

Both of these items just required that little bit more loving to return to a usable state, and no I did not pay hundreds of dollars for replicas or newer items that would fulfil the same purpose. If you are heading out shopping this weekend, whether it be for furniture, clothing or otherwise; give the people at Savemart, Hospice or Salvation Army a visit. Not only are you saving a pretty penny, your money is contributing towards a good cause also.

http://www.hospice.org.nz/
http://www.savemart.co.nz/
http://salvationarmy.org.nz/giving-back/family-stores/