#marketfriday - Clearance Sale Bargains

Every six weeks I go into town for an appointment and, while I'm there, I visit the big shops. I struck lucky last time I was there because some shops were having clearance sales. I avoided all the big ticket items (well, except one, but I'll write about that another time) and picked some items that really make an everyday difference.

Here is my little collection of life-enhancing items. From the left: aluminium water flask (keeps cold things cool and hot things warm); compact toasted sandwich maker; knife sharpener; compact cool bag with sensible strap; duck billed tongs.

Aluminium Flask

I'd wanted one if these for ages. In desperation, I had bought a plastic water bottle, but I wasn't really comfortable about it and it was forever falling over in my bag and leaking over everything. I don't like very cold water, but it is refreshing to have some cool water on these very hot airless days we're getting sometimes.

Compact Sandwich Toaster

So many of these are so big - almost an item of furniture in themselves. I was pleased to find this compact model, and at a tidy price. I fancy a toasted sandwich now and then for lunch or supper, something quick and easy that doesn't create a lot of mess.

Knife Sharpener

I have three really good quality knives, one of them for about thirty years but ... they were always blunt. I had been dithering about buying a knife sharpener for ages (do they really work)? This one was in the clearance sale, so I thought I would take a chance ... yes, they do work! The little soft-touch kitchen knife is my favourite cutting tool in the kitchen (I have a much bigger chef's knife for serious chopping) and now it works! I use the knife sharpener every day before I start cooking. It makes such a difference.

Cool Bag with Sensible Strap

I had a little cool bag made from recycled plastic from a charity shop. It was great for a while but wasn't quite big enough for when I was spending the day in London and wanted to pack three meals and two snacks. I'd lost my routine of making my own meals from scratch and taken to buying expensive, not specially good (or tasty) food when I was working away from home. I put on half a stone in not very much time at all! This new bag is just the right size and can be carried separately from my work bag.

Duck Billed Tongs

Last but not least, my favourite cooking implement. My first pair revolutionised my cooking, they made so many jobs so easy. Something happened to them while I was away (no one could explan how they had got broken), and I missed them terribly. These new ones have a soft touch handle and silicon bills to avoid scratching non-stick surfaces. I'm pleased to have tongs again, but these are not as nimble or as light to handle as the ordinary aluminium ones, so I shall be picking up another pair when I see one.

Other Temptations

I ran into Asda by mistake the other day and noticed they have stocked a lot of camping gear including one of those little gas burners in its own little carrying case. My mum used to have one on her boat for making a cup of tea. So sensible. Ideal for a boat or an allotment. If I had either.

Thanks to @dswigle for hosting #marketfriday.