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Never Underestimate a Trash & Treasure Stall!

It’s been a while since I wrote about my op-shop or thrifting finds. With limited storage space and more than enough retro crockery and classic (some may think kitsch) barware, I have been more judicious in my purchasing. Well, trying to.

I recently dropped into the Camp Hill State School Fete and made a b-line for the Trash & Treasure stall and was glad to see it didn’t disappoint. The tables on the stall were definitely an insight into a consumerist society. Many items appeared to be unwanted purchases or gifts that remained unopened. There were also clothes with the label still attached.

I took a quick flick through the cookbooks but it was half hearted. I have too many of my own cookbooks that I rarely dip into, without adding to the pile. I resisted the Tupperware that whilst incredibly good value, could really add nothing to my already extensive collection. I did take the opportunity to buy a couple of heavy duty Willow pans and a very good (I would suggest barely used) 12 cup muffin tin to join the one I already have.

My real find though was this wonderful juicer. When I first saw it on the table, I thought it was the top part of an old milkshake maker. With its retro Atomic design, I thought it may have been made in the 50’s or 60’s but given it was made in Taiwan, it’s more likely to be a clever knock off. It’s a heavy, solid piece of equipment that’s designed to squeeze out the juice in one quick movement. Though I have an electric juicer that I use for high volume juicing exercises, it’s not something I want to drag out for half a dozen oranges or limes. This machine is stylish enough to sit on the bench full time. A quick run under the tap and it’s clean.

Juice Squeezer 1

The juicer reminds me of our trip to Turkey a few years back when spring was in the air. Everyone seemed to be enjoying brilliantly coloured pomegranate juice, freshly squeezed over ice. The day we were crossing the plaza from Aya Sofia to the Blue Mosque, we passed a juice stall. It was like a scene from a movie with a huge crowd all pushing forward with money in their fists, determined to get a glass of this refreshing treat. The guy squeezing the pomegranates had a real rhythm going and was able to fill a glass in less than a minute.

Pomegranate trio

As you can see, he had a smile on his face the whole time.

If only pomegranates dripped from the trees in Brisbane as they do in some other parts of Australia!

Juice Squeezer 2
9 comments… add one
  • Liz (Good Things) May 16, 2015, 2:03 pm

    If you lived closer, we’d have a ball op-shopping. It’s one of my favourite activities!

    • Fiona Ryan May 16, 2015, 3:33 pm

      Maybe I’ll visit for more than work one day Liz ; )

  • Joanne T Ferguson May 16, 2015, 2:12 pm

    I love the treasure “seek and find” Fiona and you literally never know what you will find! The old adage, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Look forward to exploring more when we meet! 🙂

    • Fiona Ryan May 16, 2015, 3:31 pm

      I have to be a bit more selective these days Joanne but it would seem that there’s still plenty of good hunting out there!

  • Tandy | Lavender and Lime May 16, 2015, 3:32 pm

    That’s a great find. I’ve got a hand held one which I agree is easier to use for small quantities 🙂

    • Fiona Ryan May 18, 2015, 10:06 pm

      Thanks. Very solid so I’m hoping it will keep me in good stead.

  • Sherry from sherryspickings May 17, 2015, 8:25 pm

    Love that juicer! Yes i have too many cookbooks too but I keep buying:)

  • Sherry from sherryspickings May 17, 2015, 8:28 pm

    Our friend in greenslopes had a pomegranate tree in her front yard. The only one I have seen in brissie.

    • Fiona Ryan May 18, 2015, 7:04 pm

      I was in Clare Valley a few years back and saw a house where they were litearlly falling from the trees. Split fruit and dropped fruit. It was a travesty. I had to take a photo as I’d never seen so many (going to waste) on a tree.

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