i'm so glad you asked. : )
here's a rudimentary education on what it is and how to make it:
kefir water - what is it?
here's a rudimentary education on what it is and how to make it:
kefir water - what is it?
Splurges and Penny Pinches
- Thread starter Grace-Like-Rain
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Splurge: Anything I can feel the results or see physically... Like I will give a hobo 20 bucks... Or buy myself $200 worth of video games I will only play once...
Pinch: Anything I can not see or feel, or does not affect my personal being at that moment... Like if I don't give to the hobo I will feel bad, so I do... But since I can't see a starving Ethiopian or a persecution of someone in Iraq, I tend to not help... With the one thing I have been more than blessed with...
Pinch: Anything I can not see or feel, or does not affect my personal being at that moment... Like if I don't give to the hobo I will feel bad, so I do... But since I can't see a starving Ethiopian or a persecution of someone in Iraq, I tend to not help... With the one thing I have been more than blessed with...
A
Pour the vinegar first, then sprinkle with baking soda and let set. It will bubble up and eventually form a paste. Then you just wipe and rinse with water if wanted/needed. Can repeat if needed. Works great in cleaning tub surrounds, sinks, countertops, stove, oven, etc. Also works great in sink drains. Pour in baking soda. Then pour in heated vinegar. Let set for a while and then run warm water. When I moved from my old apartment Jan 2013 that's all I used when I cleaned it before turning in the keys. Got all my security deposit back. 
Plus it is cheap. Some cleaning solutions "out there" are so costly and the toxic fumes about blow you over. They may smell good but I want my home clean. I live with a kitty (which is my last kitty, no more after her) and am so conscious of smell and kitty hair/fur.
Speaking of kitty fur, I've told Gracie on more than one occasion, "Gracie, egads, your shedding is enough to make me a cashmere sweater. Wonder what you would look like bald? LOL"
Plus it is cheap. Some cleaning solutions "out there" are so costly and the toxic fumes about blow you over. They may smell good but I want my home clean. I live with a kitty (which is my last kitty, no more after her) and am so conscious of smell and kitty hair/fur. Speaking of kitty fur, I've told Gracie on more than one occasion, "Gracie, egads, your shedding is enough to make me a cashmere sweater. Wonder what you would look like bald? LOL"
funny you mention that.
a woman knitted her husband clothing from her own hair
i'd probably think that it's a really cool idea, except that it's her hair. it creeps me out, actually. did she have giant balls of hair laying around while she was working on her (11 year!!!) project?
i give her points for creativity. probably better than stuffing her own pillows.
also, note that she doesn't reveal her husband's response. i found that interesting. : )
a woman knitted her husband clothing from her own hair
i'd probably think that it's a really cool idea, except that it's her hair. it creeps me out, actually. did she have giant balls of hair laying around while she was working on her (11 year!!!) project?
i give her points for creativity. probably better than stuffing her own pillows.
also, note that she doesn't reveal her husband's response. i found that interesting. : )
Monica you know Mac is a Canadian brand? It's what I also use. Let me know if I can send it to you from here if it's cheaper. Last year I was in Franc and I found Mac it was $10 more than here for lipsticks.
It's what I also use. Let me know if I can send it to you from here if it's cheaper. Last year I was in Franc and I found Mac it was $10 more than here for lipsticks.
i have major MAC love. : )
S
I heard once that there are two things you shouldn't skimp on: a bed and shoes. Generally speaking, if you're not in one, you're in the other. Whenever someone tells me that they're going to be a teacher, my first piece of advice is always, always (through experience), ALWAYS to buy comfortable shoes.
SPLURGES:
Awesome bed - 'nuff said.
No-iron dress shirts, tailored - I actually don't MIND the act of ironing, but I don't have the time usually. And 90% of the dress shirts off the rack fit terribly (anything that fits my shoulders is always huge around the midsection), so the addition $12 to get them tailored is worth it to me.
Cufflinks - because I'm quirkly like that
Eyewear - broke and lost so many clip-on sunglasses that I spent the big bucks on Transitions...well worth it. Also spent extra to have a bendable, flexible frame, because I do stupid things like putting a shirt on or flopping onto the bed while wearing my specs. I don't spend extra on my contacts, though, because frivolous contacts like Accuvue can't handle my astigmatism.
Gym Membership - I pay more to workout at a more exclusive gym. Throngs of high school kids talking more than lifting? Waiting 40 minutes for a squat rack? Music about sex and also sex and sometimes sex being blasted at OSHA-violating levels? NOT ANYMORE. (Eventually, I will dump about $1,000 into my own squat rack and olympic weight set, and while that might seem like a splurge, it'll actually be a penny pinch, since that's about 3 years of gym fees, and I've been at this for almost 15 years.)
Motor oil - Mobil 1 full synthetic only. I've put almost 110k miles on my car since buying it. The engine has NEVER required anything other than routine maintenance, and still runs like a clock.
There's one more splurge that I do every now and then, but Romans 14 compels me to not divulge it. I have all liberty in Christ, but I need not make my brothers stumble. Those of you who know me well can probably guess what it is.
PENNY PINCHES:
Groceries - I buy almost all generic brands. Considering that I eat 3000-4000 kcals a day, as well as thrice the recommended daily intake of protein, name brand is money down the drain. (Literally.)
Protein powder - Generic, store brand is fine, as long as it's low in cholesterol. Vitamin Shoppe's whey is almost as cheap as buying in bulk online.
"Dress pants" for work - only the cheapest Walmart dockers will do. Why spend real money on quality slacks if I'm just going to get valve oil, cork grease, slide cream, brass water, and various other contaminants all over them? Less than $10 a pair? Yes, please.
Tuxedo shirt - I'm on my sixth tux shirt. When you perform (and therefore sweat) in white shirts with snug collars as often as I do, eventually the collars stop being white around performance number 20 or 25. I do still get them tailored. I'm only on my second tux, though. I can get a couple more years out of this one, I'm sure.
Athletic gear - I'm going to sweat in it, and it's going to get nasty. I could pay $50 do it in a shirt with the Under Armor/Nike/Adidas logo, or I could pay $12 to do it in a logo-less store brand (yay Academy!).
Hmm. I would wager that some of you have learned more about me in this one post than you learned about me in the last 10 months.
SPLURGES:
Awesome bed - 'nuff said.
No-iron dress shirts, tailored - I actually don't MIND the act of ironing, but I don't have the time usually. And 90% of the dress shirts off the rack fit terribly (anything that fits my shoulders is always huge around the midsection), so the addition $12 to get them tailored is worth it to me.
Cufflinks - because I'm quirkly like that
Eyewear - broke and lost so many clip-on sunglasses that I spent the big bucks on Transitions...well worth it. Also spent extra to have a bendable, flexible frame, because I do stupid things like putting a shirt on or flopping onto the bed while wearing my specs. I don't spend extra on my contacts, though, because frivolous contacts like Accuvue can't handle my astigmatism.
Gym Membership - I pay more to workout at a more exclusive gym. Throngs of high school kids talking more than lifting? Waiting 40 minutes for a squat rack? Music about sex and also sex and sometimes sex being blasted at OSHA-violating levels? NOT ANYMORE. (Eventually, I will dump about $1,000 into my own squat rack and olympic weight set, and while that might seem like a splurge, it'll actually be a penny pinch, since that's about 3 years of gym fees, and I've been at this for almost 15 years.)
Motor oil - Mobil 1 full synthetic only. I've put almost 110k miles on my car since buying it. The engine has NEVER required anything other than routine maintenance, and still runs like a clock.
There's one more splurge that I do every now and then, but Romans 14 compels me to not divulge it. I have all liberty in Christ, but I need not make my brothers stumble. Those of you who know me well can probably guess what it is.
PENNY PINCHES:
Groceries - I buy almost all generic brands. Considering that I eat 3000-4000 kcals a day, as well as thrice the recommended daily intake of protein, name brand is money down the drain. (Literally.)
Protein powder - Generic, store brand is fine, as long as it's low in cholesterol. Vitamin Shoppe's whey is almost as cheap as buying in bulk online.
"Dress pants" for work - only the cheapest Walmart dockers will do. Why spend real money on quality slacks if I'm just going to get valve oil, cork grease, slide cream, brass water, and various other contaminants all over them? Less than $10 a pair? Yes, please.
Tuxedo shirt - I'm on my sixth tux shirt. When you perform (and therefore sweat) in white shirts with snug collars as often as I do, eventually the collars stop being white around performance number 20 or 25. I do still get them tailored. I'm only on my second tux, though. I can get a couple more years out of this one, I'm sure.
Athletic gear - I'm going to sweat in it, and it's going to get nasty. I could pay $50 do it in a shirt with the Under Armor/Nike/Adidas logo, or I could pay $12 to do it in a logo-less store brand (yay Academy!).
Hmm. I would wager that some of you have learned more about me in this one post than you learned about me in the last 10 months.
I try to find the lowest price for everything without sacrificing quality (whenever quality is important). If it means I have to spend a little more to get something that is going to perform well and last then I'll usually bite the bullet and pay extra, but I hardly ever buy stuff to begin with and when I do I will usually research it to death online before I even step foot in a store.
For example I just bought some new running shoes like literally a couple hours ago. I had done all my research years ago and knew there were only 2 brands I would consider (because I am literally on my feet all day long at work), so a few days ago I started researching the current available models in my price range online and then went to 4 different stores trying to find my size. I ended up getting a great deal because JCPenney is having a sale on the brand and shoes that I wanted and they were in my size. Thank you, God!!
For example I just bought some new running shoes like literally a couple hours ago. I had done all my research years ago and knew there were only 2 brands I would consider (because I am literally on my feet all day long at work), so a few days ago I started researching the current available models in my price range online and then went to 4 different stores trying to find my size.
I ended up getting a great deal because JCPenney is having a sale on the brand and shoes that I wanted and they were in my size. Thank you, God!!
As far as penny pinching, I was without a job for a very long time and learned to love those $1 fast-food menu items and the $1.50 hot dog & soda combo at Costco. I found that one can actually have 3 meals a day for only $4 or $5 total. Its not the healthiest way to eat of course but its surprising how much food can be had for that little money. Now that I have a job I still try not to spend more than that on food everyday, but of course now I end up splurging on $6+ fast food combos at least twice a week. :/
I also penny pinch when it comes to snack foods. I actually compare how much I am paying per ounce and buy the one that is cheaper per ounce (unless it tastes like cardboard, and that HAS happened).
I also penny pinch when it comes to snack foods. I actually compare how much I am paying per ounce and buy the one that is cheaper per ounce (unless it tastes like cardboard, and that HAS happened).
Splurges:
Winter gear: quality jackets and snowboots are a worthy investment up here. Of course, I take excellent care of them so that I don't need to repurchase very often.
Musical instruments: quality instruments are worth it.
Automobile care: I am blessed with a car that's tough enough to handle Alaska. I would like to keep it that way.
Certain tools/technology: if it's something that I know I will use ALOT, I am willing to pay more since I know I'll get my money's worth. For example, my kitchen aid mixer was pricey, but it gets used practically every day. ^_^
Shoes: for me, this is both a pinch and a splurge. I splurge on the quality, but I pinch on the quantity. I own 6 pairs, but that includes 2 pairs of snowboots, summer sandals, athletic shoes, one casual "everyday" pair, and one dressy pair that goes with practical every dress I own. I have something against crowded, cluttered shoe closets. I think it's because my mom hoards cheap shoes that she never wears and they just end up wasting space.
penny pinches:
movies: if it's one of those films that I "have" to see on the big screen, I just wait for it to hit the discount theaters where I can watch it at 25% of the normal price.
Most clothing: I'm a thrift store shopper. I have found brand new (with tags) items from high-end stores under $10 before. Unless its a special occasion and I can't find what I need at any nearby thrift stores, I refuse to pay full price.
Food: I only eat out for special occasions or social gatherings. I enjoy cooking and I enjoy homemade food.
Upgrades: if it's broken, I will try my best to fix it instead of buying a new one.
Winter gear: quality jackets and snowboots are a worthy investment up here. Of course, I take excellent care of them so that I don't need to repurchase very often.
Musical instruments: quality instruments are worth it.
Automobile care: I am blessed with a car that's tough enough to handle Alaska. I would like to keep it that way.
Certain tools/technology: if it's something that I know I will use ALOT, I am willing to pay more since I know I'll get my money's worth. For example, my kitchen aid mixer was pricey, but it gets used practically every day. ^_^
Shoes: for me, this is both a pinch and a splurge. I splurge on the quality, but I pinch on the quantity. I own 6 pairs, but that includes 2 pairs of snowboots, summer sandals, athletic shoes, one casual "everyday" pair, and one dressy pair that goes with practical every dress I own. I have something against crowded, cluttered shoe closets. I think it's because my mom hoards cheap shoes that she never wears and they just end up wasting space.
penny pinches:
movies: if it's one of those films that I "have" to see on the big screen, I just wait for it to hit the discount theaters where I can watch it at 25% of the normal price.
Most clothing: I'm a thrift store shopper. I have found brand new (with tags) items from high-end stores under $10 before. Unless its a special occasion and I can't find what I need at any nearby thrift stores, I refuse to pay full price.
Food: I only eat out for special occasions or social gatherings. I enjoy cooking and I enjoy homemade food.
Upgrades: if it's broken, I will try my best to fix it instead of buying a new one.
I
Splurges:
Well,I'm pretty much a minimalist & not too much into collecting anything anymore. But I guess splurges for me would be buying new music or a really really good bottle of Tequila,maybe order Chinese food one night. It's a bit different when your dating or married,then you tend (at least I do) to splurge more but lavish that stuff on your partner,not so much yourself.
The cologne I wear. I won't wear anything else. I haven't found another scent I like as much as this,and it's discontinued and was a limited run. I can find it on ebay now & then from anywhere from $65- $250. I've never spent more than $70 on it...but yeah..it's an indulgence,hands down. Btw the cologne is called Yohji by Yohji Yamamoto.
Penny Pinches:
I refuse to pay for cable TV any longer...matter of fact I sold my last year and the only reason I have any association with the cable company now is because they are the only one's who provide reliable internet service here.
I'd rather see a film @ home than in the theater...unless it's like something epic like a Star Wars film. But the movie theater is overpriced & most movie goers are loud & annoying.
If I buy cereal I will more than likely wait till it's greatly reduced if it's a name brand,but I usually just buy the generic. Most of them taste just as good...some even better & they're almost half the price. Plus I'm not a big cereal eater,so I might as well save here & there.
I am pretty picky when it comes to buying any kind of meat or poultry. I'll be honest,if I knew someone that raised their own meat or I knew how to hunt & do all the prep for the meat,etc...I would. I find most store bought meat & poultry,not only waaaaaaaaay over priced but kinda gross. I love meat & poultry too..but I honestly don't buy very much of it. I enjoy chicken,but again...much of it is too expensive,so if I'm gonna buy it I wait for sales. Organic or free range anything is so expensive,I just simply can't afford it most times. Society makes it very hard to eat right. I admire people who grow & kill their own food. It's the way it should be done ,imo.
Well,I'm pretty much a minimalist & not too much into collecting anything anymore. But I guess splurges for me would be buying new music or a really really good bottle of Tequila,maybe order Chinese food one night. It's a bit different when your dating or married,then you tend (at least I do) to splurge more but lavish that stuff on your partner,not so much yourself.
The cologne I wear. I won't wear anything else. I haven't found another scent I like as much as this,and it's discontinued and was a limited run. I can find it on ebay now & then from anywhere from $65- $250. I've never spent more than $70 on it...but yeah..it's an indulgence,hands down. Btw the cologne is called Yohji by Yohji Yamamoto.
Penny Pinches:
I refuse to pay for cable TV any longer...matter of fact I sold my last year and the only reason I have any association with the cable company now is because they are the only one's who provide reliable internet service here.
I'd rather see a film @ home than in the theater...unless it's like something epic like a Star Wars film. But the movie theater is overpriced & most movie goers are loud & annoying.
If I buy cereal I will more than likely wait till it's greatly reduced if it's a name brand,but I usually just buy the generic. Most of them taste just as good...some even better & they're almost half the price. Plus I'm not a big cereal eater,so I might as well save here & there.
I am pretty picky when it comes to buying any kind of meat or poultry. I'll be honest,if I knew someone that raised their own meat or I knew how to hunt & do all the prep for the meat,etc...I would. I find most store bought meat & poultry,not only waaaaaaaaay over priced but kinda gross. I love meat & poultry too..but I honestly don't buy very much of it. I enjoy chicken,but again...much of it is too expensive,so if I'm gonna buy it I wait for sales. Organic or free range anything is so expensive,I just simply can't afford it most times. Society makes it very hard to eat right. I admire people who grow & kill their own food. It's the way it should be done ,imo.
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I
Seriously, just send me your address n' I'll send you whatever you want from here. And check them online too because again, when I was in Franc I noticed they didn't have as much as we do here in Canada, maybe because it's made here. So if you find something online that you like and you can't find it in the States, let me know and I'll send it to you from here.
P.S. Major MAC is a name of a very well known big street here
P.S. Major MAC is a name of a very well known big street here
I'll splurge on any actual machine that has actual moving parts. That is not the place to look at price instead of quality. I read reviews online and download the user manuals for the ones I'm considering, and then make a decision from there.
I splurge on internet access, but it's more of a necessity since I do some web design.
I guess I splurge on food, but only in the sense that if I really, REALLY want a specific food, it's a really good idea to eat that food. So I buy it.
I'll skimp on... almost everything else I can think of (yes, even the bed. I sleep on a twin inflatable mattress I got for $18 in the camping section at Wal-Mart).
I never buy clothes retail, I'll go to a thrift store because I wear jeans & t-shirts all the time. If I want something specific, I'll sew it myself. I have only bought one pair of shoes brand new in my life (boots, and they were worth it.) I don't mind wearing secondhand stuff. But I do also have a very laid-back job that lets me dress down.
Surprisingly, as much as I sew, I still don't spend much on it at all. I do buy thread, but a lot of people give me fabric.
I don't have cable or satellite TV.
I splurge on internet access, but it's more of a necessity since I do some web design.
I guess I splurge on food, but only in the sense that if I really, REALLY want a specific food, it's a really good idea to eat that food. So I buy it.
I'll skimp on... almost everything else I can think of (yes, even the bed. I sleep on a twin inflatable mattress I got for $18 in the camping section at Wal-Mart).
I never buy clothes retail, I'll go to a thrift store because I wear jeans & t-shirts all the time. If I want something specific, I'll sew it myself. I have only bought one pair of shoes brand new in my life (boots, and they were worth it.) I don't mind wearing secondhand stuff. But I do also have a very laid-back job that lets me dress down.
Surprisingly, as much as I sew, I still don't spend much on it at all. I do buy thread, but a lot of people give me fabric.
I don't have cable or satellite TV.
