Our Frugal Lifestyle

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Passionate about eco-frugality. I used to party hard, clubbing my way from pay-packet to pay-packet. Never getting ahead, just getting by. Then came our much wanted baby with no savings in the bank - only an old car. Changes were made to our lifestyle and we didn't turn back. In the past 6yrs we purchased a flat, found employment, lived below our means, built an emergency fund, purchased a reliable car and saw the financial benefits of our frugal lifestyle. Our only debt is our mortgage. Our aim is to manage our cash flow wisely, pay off our home quickly and eventually work for pleasure, not necessity. Join us on our journey, share insights, tips and tricks to help us and others to get ahead while having a good time.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Op Shop Finds

I needed a shopping fix during my lunch break - because... like many people it's a kind of addiction and pure entertainment. A Want - Not a Need. Frivolous fun. Once upon a time I used to say to myself; I worked hard for my money so I deserve all my treats. Except all my treats meant lots of treats and I spent all my money. I had no debt but I had no savings. The fridge was always getting bare by the time the next pay came in and white rice with a dab of butter was common for dinner for a few nights before payday.

Now I'm careful with my cash, but still have a craving for shopping fixes. It's a treat, but also a waste of money. So I always have that promise to myself, I will not spend more then $5, but I can never resist the goodies. So with my intense need to itch my addiction, I headed to a city op shop and spent $7.

Another Stash
  • Prettiest dress; to reuse the floral linen fabric $2
  • Book of Aboriginal Portraits (photography) - For The Rambling Expat $2
  • The softest chenille knitting wool for a X-mas gift project $1
  • New, Ben10 Packet of Tattoos for either gifting or Dolly's next Birthday Party Goodies Bags $2
Tomorrow night I will need to find some items of the same size or bigger to leave our house in our decluttering attempt.

Do you shop for pleasure, addiction or entertainment too?
Posted by Frugal Down Under
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8 comments:

  1. UnknownOctober 20, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    We are the same, I only shop for pleasure in charity (op) shops.

    And like you, I've found some great pressies there!

    Tomorrow Mum and I are off on our local bus to our nearby town. It has at least 7 op shops for us to explore. I have a generous budget of £20 for the day, although I doubt I'll spend all that.

    LOVE SEEING YOUR BUYS!

    AND THANKS FOR THE GREAT POSTS!

    You are an inspiration.

    Sft x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Practical ParsimonyOctober 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    I shop for needs and it is always a pleasure to get something I need. You might say I am addicted to getting the best bargain possible. It is a lot more entertaining than doing without of window shopping and not being able to afford what I need or want.

    Today, with a high of 50 degrees F and a strong wind, I stopped at a yard sale and bought the softest, pretty red scarf with fringe. I don't have a red scarf. Now, I do for only a quarter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Practical ParsimonyOctober 20, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    50 F = 10 C

    ReplyDelete
  4. Saving Pounds in the UK!October 20, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Yes, I love charity shopping here in the UK. Actually, I went today! Only this time the whole family went. Guess what, my Husband spent the most money this time! He fancied a dark brown suede leather jacket with a zip at the front. He is quite a small man and finds it hard to get clothes that actually fit him as they are usually too big. The jacket was marked at £15 which my Husband said he wouldn't have paid but the shop had a sign up to say that all ladies and Gents clothing were half price today! So, he got it for £7.50 which was a real bargain for a quality jacket like that. Ah, it's so satisfying isn't it ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. MumOctober 23, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    I shop for good bargains and items that will come in handy. This, of course, is an addiction and also an entertainment so the answer to your question is yes!
    Love from Mum
    xx
    PS - See you at the Virtual Tea Party. I'll add your link. Whoo, whoo, whoo!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. MumOctober 23, 2011 at 4:42 AM

    And what's this about not doing pretties - 'prettiest dress', 'softest chenille knitting wool'? See you on the 1st.
    Love from Mum
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ella BOctober 31, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Good idea to get rid of clutter by removing something every time you buy something.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ella BOctober 31, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    That sentence got away from me.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting - I love getting feedback, sharing experiences and learning from you.

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