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Purchasing inner struggles

December 24th, 2012 at 04:25 pm

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!

13 Responses to “Purchasing inner struggles”

  1. NJDebbie Says:
    1356367836

    Lovely!

  2. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1356368181

    Beautiful table!

  3. PNW Mom Says:
    1356370092

    I think your table looks beautiful. Merry Christmas!

  4. Petunia 100 Says:
    1356370377

    Your table looks lovely, and so does the rest of your home. Smile

  5. littlegopher Says:
    1356370632

    Very pretty table! Use what you love, and love what you use - my motto too. Merry Christmas!!

  6. Looking Forward Says:
    1356377727

    Beautiful! Merry Christmas!
    Smilie Weihn Winki

  7. snafu Says:
    1356378044

    There are no Christmas 'police' who demand red & green holiday themes. It's so important to buy what you love and use it! Lovely table setting and even the tree supports it. It's so satisfying to have a home that reflects who were are and offers visitors/guests visuals to help them know us on a deeper level.

    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.

  8. rob62521 Says:
    1356380094

    Thanks so much, everyone! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  9. North Georgia Gal Says:
    1356395923

    Your table looks great! Never would have known the items were second hand!

  10. MonkeyMama Says:
    1356401319

    Pretty!

  11. LuckyRobin Says:
    1356402993

    My grandmother had dishes like that. Seeing your table brings back memories.

  12. Ima saver Says:
    1356453174

    Merry christmas, your table looks great!

  13. CB in the City Says:
    1356538465

    OMG. It's like you sneaked into my house and took a pic! Only improved! Smile

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