So far, it must seem to you, that I'm extremely frugal. I suppose that's easy to conclude, considering what my topics for posts have been, up to date. I share all the frugal things I do, so that if someone is looking for particular information or inspiration, they may indeed find it. But not all in my life is frugal. I do not eat, drink, sleep and dream frugality.
It may shock you to hear that I've been to the mall twice in the last week. *gasp* (Quick get the smelling salts, Bertha's suffering from the vapors!) The first time, it was such a beautiful and sunny day, I wanted to be out in the sunshine. And believe it or not, our local mall is great for that. You see a good portion of the mall is an outdoor plaza, with fountains and lovely landscaping. And there is a sidewalk that goes all around the perimeter of the entire mall, which makes for a very nice walk. And while I was there, (hold onto to your hat) I bought a Jamba Juice. And I didn't even have a coupon! The second time I was at the mall, I was looking for a gift for a friend. That day, I spent a couple of mind-numbing hours in the mall. (But I found two pennies!)
I have a particular brand of shirt that I especially like, Lands End no-iron shirts. They fit just right, look great and wash well, time after time. They're not cheap. But to me they are worth the money. And I buy the mens' version for my husband and son. Quite nice, and they simplify my chores as they don't require ironing.
Socks. I have very fussy feet. I can't wear all-cotton socks. I can only wear acrylic, and my feet prefer a very specific brand that I get through mail-order. Again, not cheap, so I'll do everything I can to make those socks last as long as possible.
As a family, we go out to eat every so often. It's a nice family time, as the whole family is stuck together for the duration of the meal. I try to plan something that will feel special, like an afternoon at Pike Place Market, followed by a dinner out, or getting fish and chips down at the beach, or a Sunday afternoon poking around the shops in a nearby town, followed by dinner at a nearby Chinese restaurant. I try to make sure that our dinners out are memorable.
I have patronized Starbucks a handful of times in the past year. I use these treats as pick-me-ups when I need it. For instance, after my frightening morning at the dentist a couple of weeks ago, my daughters and I went to Starbucks. Going there seemed to take the gloom out of my difficult day. But I will say, Starbucks has not become routine for me. Each visit is not just another cup of coffee. I space them out and save those cups for a treat.
I buy the occasional bar of good chocolate. I could just buy a bag of cheap chocolate chips. But the good chocolate tastes so much better, and I'm more inclined to make it last.
I spend a fair amount of money on nutritional supplements. A lot of people think this is just money down the drain, but I'm easily convinced that just a smidge more of this or a liquid version of that, and my aches and pains would subside. And actually, there are some supplements that when I take then regularly, I do feel better and have more energy.
Those are some of the areas I'm just not so frugal. And I don't intend to change my ways with those indulgences. I work them into the budget by cutting back on things that don't matter as much or give me as great a reward.
So, when are you not so frugal? Are there some things that you just won't compromise on?
