Dear Martha,

This Sunday, during a 34°C plus, I helped my mother at a yard sale.

She’s moved a couple of weeks ago, so there were plenty to pick from (what is it with our parent’s generation, saving like hamsters? Vanilla Dream says she never has to go out shopping if she’s missing an unusual kitchen tool or a table cloth for Easter – it’s just to call her Mum).

Since I was on duty I didn’t have a chance to shop much for myself (which I guess was kind of good). Instead I got a look at what other were buying. Interesting. One mans trash, the other’s treasure. I like it.

In resent years, there’s been a thrifts shop/yard sale boom in Sweden. Everyone wants to make a bargain.

This is what’s most popular:
• Cute porcelain reindeers
• 1940’s and 1950’s porcelain, like vases, tableware, cream jugs etc
• Anyything from the Swedish designer Stig Lindberg (or thing that looks like his style)
• Table cloth – Grannies style (for your hallway table or under a bowl of candy)
• Handbags – Grannies style, again
• Cheap is always trendy

What’s popular in the US, Martha?

Love, Josefin