I do splurge on books (the books I want to read are never at our local library) and household decor/furniture, although most of my recent purchases have been from Craigslist.

I splurge on white cotton nightgowns
and good 100% cotton sheets and the
good tp too!

Shampoo and soaps from Lush Cosmetics.

My 6 month old granddaughter. I couldn't splurge on the 4 older grandkids when they were babies because I simply couldn't afford it. But I can with this grandchild, so I do!

Yarn..I'm a bit of a yarn snob and love hand dyed yarn.

Vickey-MN

I don't really call things like the ones listed splurging. If you can afford to buy the things you like better than making do with the cheaper brands it is not splurging. Now if it outside your means and causing financial grief it would be.
As for where I am frugal and where I am not it varies. I have to have good toilet paper. I buy mid priced paper towels on sale. I don't care if a food product is generic or a name brand, I have to like it. I like some store brands better than the name brands.

I buy very expensive shampoo and conditioner but I have actually saved money over time doing this. I use less, buy when it's v being promoted and buy giant bottles. I did the math. i save money over drugstore brands.

If I am going to have a burger I will drive out of my way for the one I want. That applies to a lot of food. It's not the price of the meal/fast food burger/ice cream cone or the gas used. It's about satisfaction.

Splurging to me is doing something out of the ordinary. Paying for a nicer room, attending an event I normally wouldn't. Things like that.

But I'm cheap so even my splurges are sort of budgeted in.

Water in glass bottles...not plastic.
Appreciate good quality bed sheets.
I'm into names brands probably more than I need to be...guess you could say...I'm too picky...but
that's just me!

This is a fun thread...thanks Michelle.

Have to buy Bounty and Viva paper towel, each serve different purposes. Have to buy Charmin toilet paper or the Member's Mark equivalent. Caress bar soap for hubs and Dr. Bronners liquid baby soap for me(allergic to others). Hellmans Mayo and Miracle Whip. Guggisberg baby swiss cheese. Scenty wax and warmers! I've tried hand made ones that are supposed to be better but the Scenty ones last forever! Paul Mitchell conditioner. Fabreze air freshener, other just don't work as well. You don't want to skimp on house paint, Ben Moore or Sherwin Williams only! Choose a name brand flour for baking like King Arthur but for just basic cooking like breading meats the generic is OK. I can't think of much else...we do like to eat out...that's probably our biggest splurge. But usually we eat at an inexpensive buffet like Golden Corral at lunch prices only.

Ooops I meant SCENTSY...HA!

I forgot about one thing I really splurged on and I LOVE it and use it all the time is my Thermapen instant read food thermometer! It's wonderful. I don't think it registers in 3 seconds as it claims but it is fast. I use it all the time to see if dishes are hot enough and for even reheating left overs to see if it's hot in the inside instead of having to stick my finger in the food...HA! IMHO it's worth the big price after wasting money on cheap ones!

I spend a lot on food. I buy almost all organic produce and I frequently go out to eat, where it's usually some sort of vegan or healthy restaurant which tend to run about 50% more expensive than the equivalent unhealthy types.

I figure it's a long term investment in my health though rather than a splurge but it still ends up being a lot every month. :)

I DO splurge on kitchen things. I like to bake and decorate cakes so I am addicted to buying new gadgets and tools and specialty ingredients.

I don't buy many clothes though and I have maybe 4 pairs of shoes but my kitchen supply is super impressive so I figure it evens out, lol.

I find the older I get the cheaper I get. I like quality clothing and shoes but refuse to pay retail. I use shopgoodwill.com allot for those pricey items especially the new with tags items. Just snagged a Ralph Lauren shirt for hubby for Christmas. It has the original $95.00 tag on it and I got it with shipping for $30.00. I'd like a pair of Uggs, but again refuse to pay retail. I will spend on undergarments especially bras, that is something I won't pinch pennies on. Some food items as well. When we do burgers I will pay extra for a good skirt steak and have the butcher grind it up for me. On ciabatta bread with red onions, the best burgers. Vickey_MN do a search for yarn at shopgoodwill.com, they always have allot of it there.

Hats. I love a good hat, and I won't even tell, what I paid for the one I posted a picture of in September. :)

Love a good looking hat.

Moni

Anything I want. I'm too old not to. lol

Daffodils, adding to my obsession through> collection. This year I added about 200 new cultivars. Where will it end? There are about 25,000 different cultivars worldwide.

Sue

Like georgysmom, I'm too old to skimp on things that I really want. I worked hard, watched pennies, and was a wonderful financial manager, so now I can afford to pamper myself. I still watch for sales, but I don't hesitate to spend my grandsons' inheritance! I especially enjoy buying great computers, televisions, sewing machines...and lots and lots of fabric.

Funny, I've been thinking about this topic since you posted the Tide thread. I splurge on grocery stuff, too. Have to have Tide, Charmin, Puffs, Reynold's wrap and good cheese. That's just off the top of my head. Know there's more. That may not seem like a splurge to some people, but when you total them up over cheaper brands, it can amount to quite a bit. I'm happy with Publix brand for lots of things, especially whole cranberry sauce, which we eat year round. I also prefer Publix spaghetti sauce (the vodka sauce it to die for) over name brands.

With clothing, I'll buy brand names, but only if I do a lot of searching until I find it at least 50% off the store price.

Times are tough and you really have to shop around.

The grand kids! But, I am a quilter and I have that obsession with fabric and in the spring, keep me away from garden shops, another obsession.....Other than that, I'm cheap!

My splurges range from everyday purchases like good quality dark chocolates instead of Snickers, etc. to hand knotted wool oriental rugs instead of carpeting. (Not that I'm buying *antique* quality rugs, just nice newer ones.)

I've bought Baker casegoods instead of some lower priced furniture. I'll splurge on spring down cushions for upholstered pieces.

Aside from the chocolates, most of my 'splurges' are on something permanent...so maybe they aren't true splurges? OK, how about spending miles to fly first class instead of coach when we go a long distance? Nah. I'd have to PAY for first class for that to be a splurge. Maybe I don't splurge! (Never learned to cha-cha either.)

Oh, here's something: I sometimes send my sheets to the laundry. Too lazy to iron sheets!

It's funny, I can't think of anything that I really splurge on. The only thing is at Goodwill, I will pick up clothes and stuff for the kids, even if they have to grow into it. I have found an off brand of toilet paper that we live, Pima I think. Have been using off brand Diapers since oldest was a baby. I also splurge on food, I buy generic if it is cheaper, but if there is a snack or special thing that DH or kids want I will pick it up ( usually on sale). Plus I am a big one on stocking up on things. In the winter I hate getting out and the closest grocery store is half an hour away, so usually only go every two weeks or so.

Stacie

I always buy Tide with Bleach powder, Viva paper towels, Kraft Catalina salad dressing, Hellman's Real Mayo,Floridas Natural orange juice (the only made from strictly US oranges) and, last but not least, my cat demands Fancy Feast Food. Other than that, I'll buy store brands, whatever is cheap.

Hair salon - good haircuts and professional color - regularly without exception.

Oh yeah, I splurge on my cat's food. I have three and they mostly get Wellness, so I spent usually over $200 a month just on their cat food. I look at it as a good investment but it gets pricy!

Bird seed! Well, not me, it's hubby that does the buying, but I condone it. Last week he came home with 100 lb of sunflower seed, 50 lb of safflower, 50 lb of thistle and 50 lb of a special mix for the groundfeeding birds. Plus a case of suet cakes and 2 new feeders. On that same trip to the feed store, he ordered for pick up when needed a total of 250 lbs more of the various seeds. He loves taking care of the birds and when we were talking about retirement 15 years ago, he was serious when he told me that he was concerned about being able to feed the birds on retirement income. So far, we haven't had to tighten our belts.

YES to the Florida's Natural OJ ('with pulp' for us) and YES to the salon cut and color (and big tip).

DH and I only like a POT of tea made with tea leaves, not bags. (Only Beefeater or Jack too.) Only aged white cheddar, even if I do buy it at Costco.

Lamb chops! Jumbo eggs! (Now I AM feeling self-indulgent!)

Our Westie has a prescription diet for his sour stomach.

Furniture. We have a lot of antiques that we bought along the way, but when it came time to buy a new couch, dining room set, coffee and end tables and bedroom suite I splurged. Bought a Baker couch, and all of the other pieces were Henredon.

Last year when we went to the Rose Bowl we splurged and stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Santa Monica. It was nice, but I don't think I'd do it again. The crowd was older and stodgy. A Marriott or Hampton Inn are fin for me. But now I know.

On the other hand, I will shop at Goodwill or Savers, and never grocery shop without coupons.

chisue,

What is your favorite quality dark chocolate? I can't eat chocolate because it's a trigger for migraines. But I've been tempted to try the best of the best in dark chocolate.
It would be nice to indulge once in awhile. So if you could recommend one...that would be great!

Christmas -- I tend to go overboard, but I do love splurging on DD, SIL, Mom and the rest of the family. DH is difficult to shop for, but I do love it when I find something perfect.

Food -- If I want it I'll just put it in my basket. I also tend to shop at specialty food stores when I can for the selection and the convenience. Lamb for me too! Salmon for DH and good filets for us both.

Anything that saves time -- I work pretty long hours with a 45 minute each way commute and I also spend most of at least one day each weekend going to see my Mom. In my spare time I want to be dong something I enjoy (I do cook because I do enjoy it. I also enjoy seeing my Mom, just not the drive back and forth.) The biggest timesaving splurge is our housekeeper two days a week. Ironically, timesaving is sometimes also cost-savings for me. For example, I don't get my hair done at a salon anymore, but instead will just pop in at the mall for a 15 minute inexpensive cut on my own timetable. I also don't do much impulse shopping because I don't spend the time going to places where the impulse will hit. I don't get manis or pedis because of the time involved. Its quicker (not to mention, cheaper) to do it myself.

Pets -- we have two rescues, but they live a great life with us. We spend a lot on their healthcare and safety, but we also splurge lots with treats and extras.

If I am buying canned fruit, then I try to find Del Monte. I like to experiment with trying nice teas, and I have splurged for sure on many of them.

Funny, Scott's toilet paper doesn't bother me, but DH wants
something softer, like Charmin or Northern, so I buy both
kinds. My (master) bath has the Scotts, he uses the other bathroom.
I buy a lot of generic items but like Campbells soups better
than others. A&W Cream Soda, Cherry Coke some other things.
Caesar (the peke) gets Wellness small breed dog food.
I buy a lot of brand name cleaners, body washes, shampoos,
etc. with coupons.
We buy good cuts of meat, and splurge on seafood. We go out
to eat quite a bit too.
I don't feel deprived because I don't want a lot of expensive items and can usually get what I want.

Paper napkins. I get the good Vanity Fair dinner-sized ones at Costco instead of cheaper ones.

Pekemom, Scott's TP was exactly what I had in mind when I started this thread. We buy from Costco and decided to try it, we ended up donating it with an apology attached t the package! The Charmin Ultra-Soft is the only way I will go unless at work, and if you read my other thread I bring in my own Kleenex now.

To both Chis - I have very long, straight hair that is very healthy. I don't spend much on a cut, $14 at WalMart the other day ($20 with tip) but I don't skimp on shampoos bor conditioners. I love Matrix Biologe and Biolage Silk for a leave-in conditioner, and once or twice a year I use a cheap Suave or something like that as a deep cleanser, it strips all product from my hair and bringsit back to its norma shiny, silky texture.

Another product I have found is from my neighbor. He invited me over and did his sales pitch for his new Melaleuca sales position (think Amway, Mary Kay, any pyramid scheme) and I listened to the pitch and told him I would love to join to try the products but would, under no circumstances become a sale associate. Every product I used I actually loved, the Sei Bella Age-defying serum has absolutely made every crowsfeet and other wrinkles totally disappear from my face. I have been pleased with other products, cleaning and shampoo and bath items. The problem is you have to purchase around $80 of items a month, and with just two of us we go through one bottle of laundry detergent per year, and just don't need so much product. I cancelled with him but he was nice and still lets me buy a few items straight from him from time to time.

So those are a few other splurges I like to spend on!

I splurge on my card making/scrapbooking hobby. Love buying different stamps and tools, but I do share them with my scrapbooking buddies. Love my books as well, but do get most free or almost free as I buy them for the Kindle and check the free sites daily. These books are usually free for just a few hours only.

My pets also get the good food and are completely spoiled.

My big indulgences are Bath & Body Works anything, and wax tarts from LOL and Nene's Kitchen. I love the fragrance of a melted tart wafting through the house.

Heather on, which free book sites do you check daily?

Great quality sheets (1500 thread count)
Good quality shoes.... dont want tired sore feet, and they are worth it in the long run.
Real florida O.J. with lots of pulp
Quality hair products..usually Paul Mitchell
My hair and nails, hair is done every 6 weeks/nails every 3 weeks
Love my philosophy shower and lotion products.

I agree with Wildchild on the term "splurge." I'm naturally frugal (and thank heavens for that at this point), but there are a few areas in which I'm willing to spend money. I will never, however, knowingly spend more than I can afford. "Debt" is truly a 4-letter word in my book.

I love buying used (clothing, furniture, books, etc.) and enjoy the hunt for bargains. My cameras and lenses were bought new, but I waited until fluctuating prices fell to a desirable level. My computer work station is just what I wanted: a 96" desk (bought used after bargaining with the seller) and two 22" monitors (on sale at Newegg.com). If I could afford it, I'd have more cars. I'm definitely a car person.

I guess the closest thing to a splurge in recent memory is the handmade $200 rug frame I bought for myself last winter. It's such a pleasure to use, and was money well spent.

I splurge on purses, I just can't pass up a ya ya purse. Not to the point of going crazy, they don't have to be name brand, I just have to love them. I have about 35 right now, and that is after getting rid of 17 a few months ago. Also Eastland shoes--the only kind of casual shoe I will buy. Love them, they are comfy right out of the box.

I pretty much buy whatever I want and don't apologize for it. We have lived beneath our means our whole like to be able to live comfortably at the time and for our future. I am also a fairly frugal person and believe that I would never spend a ridiculous amount on a frivolous item but, if it was something we wanted or had a yen for, yes we would buy it..that's what money is for and we are in enjoying what we have and honestly if we have money to leave for the kids, wonderful...and if we don't.....sorry......We just decided we wanted a motor home and hadn't even considered it ever in our lives. Within two weeks we paid cash for one and never looked back....We didn't buy the biggest or the best out there but a very nice one ...that's what enjoying life is all about.

Usually Christmas decorations but mostly Christmas Annalee Dolls. I have been collecting them for about 40 years and I always buy them after Christmas when they are half price. The last 2 or 3 years Ross has them on sale before Christmas and they are cheaper than half price. I keep saying I'm too old to keep buying these funny little dolls but I just love their funny smiling little faces. I have mostly Santa and Mrs. Santa and mice a few reindeer and 2 or 3 cats. They bring out new ones every year and they are collectables.

Here are just a few of them

Half and half - I like cream in my coffee (also on cooked cereal), but often get it on sale, and buy some extra, even occasionally (when it's on sale) some for the two chuches that I attend.

Choklit.

Wider elastic for my well-stretched unmentionables (but was helped out there recently by a gift from Iva Mae - sure is nice to have an in-town KTer).

o j

I buy expensive pet food too, but I don't think of it as a splurge. I want him to stay healthy to a ripe old age, so I want him to have good nutrition.

I don't really splurge on products, I usually splurge on events. Weekend trips, concerts, fun events going on in the city. I prefer experiences to "stuff".

I have never bought one piece of electronic equip or technology...my phones, laptop, tv are all hand-me-downs. I just don't really care about that stuff.

I mostly shop at thrift stores or Ross for clothing, although I'll splurge on a good bra every now and again.

I'll also splurge on good seafood once in awhile. Usually I'll cook it, but a couple times a year I'll go out with my boyfriend or friends to a really nice seafood dinner and dish out way too much money.

I splurge on a very nice 10-day vacation with my Grandsons every year. We try to go some place that we can all have fun - this year it was Las Vegas and Disneyland.

Next June, we will head to Washington, D.C., where we will have my military Son (who lives there) show us the sights. My newest Grandson (who lives there with Son and Mama) will be 9 months old and we will spend lots of time with him, too!

I try to keep splurges and impulse buyng to a minimum, but there are a few things I do spluge on:

1. Dark chocalate. (Not limited by cost, but by weight gain.)

2. Good printer, achival quality printer ink, and acid free printer paper.

I splurge on food related items as well...Imported tomatoes, olive oil and the best imported cheeses I can find.Le Creuset cookware is a must have for me, love the way everything cooks in those pans.
My newest splurge is on WEN products for my hair. Pricey yes, but the difference it has made is remarkable.
When I want a winter coat or soemthing that will be around for a few years I really don't care what the price is..if I love it...I will buy it.

I have splurged on cars. Our first Jaguar sedan was second-hand, then we bought new or nearly new sedans and an untitled XJS second-hand. DH replaced my Austin Healey 3000 that we sold as newlyweds.

I'm agree with Minnie about living *below* one's means. I woke up one day and wondered why we were still living in our 'starter' house thirty years later! We'd saved TOO long! DH retired, and we built a new house in a nicer community -- more than an hour from the city, since he no longer had to commute. Our 'starter' and the neighborhood were fine, but...not AS fine. We're only sorry we didn't move sooner. I still delight in driving along the pretty road to our house, ten years on.

I'm not sure what 'splurge' means to me. I'll never be the person who charges a vacation because she can't pay for it up front, but I am an advocate of living AT your means, not far below it 'just because'.

I hate to admit it but I am a book lover. I am a avid reader and I hate going to the library. I want a book when I want it and do not want to have to wait to read it. I have a library in my house. Both my husband and I love to read and spend alot of time reading in our library. We have four walls of built in shelves and beautiful chairs and loungers and special lighting that we splurged on. We rarely look at t.v. but we splurge on several newspapers and magazines...plus our books.

Adding to my list:

Good icecream and nonrechargeable batteries. I spent a good two hour in the wee hours changing out batteries in my headphones, the others were given the green light saying they were charged, but after 15 seconds in the headphones the sound faded fast. I scrounged the junk drawer, the garage, everywhere I could think and found two Kirkland brand regular batteries. I stopped at CVS pharmacy this afternoon and they were on sale so I bought 2 packs of 10 batteries. Yay me!

Haagen Daz ice cream @ $7.99 (eek) Canadian per 500 mL container (ie. 2 cups U.S.).

Roots Canada leather handbags and clothing, lately.

lovemymimi -- There are two local shops that make chocolate on site -- not much use to you, eh? I think you can mail order from Vosges in Chicago. (We also like the readily available Ghiardelli dark chocolates.) I want something with real chocolate ingredients, not merely sweet. Same with ice cream. I want CREAM, not sugar and air.