I struggle often with do I spend too much or too little? Am I deserving of nice things, or should I do without?
I grew up with parents who were frugal. They had to be. They grew up during the depression and although both worked hard, they never really made a lot of money. More often than not, most of my thinks were used. Don't get me wrong, I did get some new things, but unlike many of my peers, most of my things were what we call recycled nowdays.
I went through a stage in my life where I only wanted new things. I would wait and save and scrimp until I could afford them.
But, as a I age, whether it is new or used doesn't seem to have the significance anymore. In fact, I kind of like buying something really nice that has been used thinking I got a good deal.
Last night we had an early Christmas dinner with my brother and his wife. Most of the things on my table had been purchased preowned. The plates and glasses were bought at flea markets. The table cloth was bought at an antique shop. The centerpiece was picked up at a flea market. The napkins were purchased at a garage sale. All but one of the trivets were bought at resale places. I thought it made a pretty table setting with the blue and white dishes. I thought about putting out Christmas linens, but figured since my dishes are blue and white, why not go with the theme?
I enjoyed using my things. After all, if they had been purchased brand new, I might have worried if we spilled something on them. They just seemed like old friends we could relax with. If something is spilled or stained, well, so be it. We could enjoy the company and the food.
I still sort of struggle with things...but I will say I enjoyed using many of them last night. I think many people save their tablecloths for good or their cloth napkins for company. We use them all the time. I don't have fine china...we have the same dishes we use day to day. Some have become chipped, but I'm not a fancy person, so unless it means hurting someone, I keep using them. I think I have saved quit a bit of money buying used things and I have enjoyed using these items.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Purchasing inner struggles
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It's such fun to find treasures and who gives a tot whether it came from a thrift store, department store, high end shop or garage sale! I'm sometimes uncomfortable in homes decorated by professional decorators because it makes me wonder how shallow or insecure the owner feels. It's all too often cold and inhospitable with uncomfortable seating and worries about setting down a tea cup in a saucer. I see it as a photo shoot, not a loving home.
You might want to keep our eyes open for dishes to replace those chipped as they have potential to retain bacteria.
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