Buying things you've always wanted

[Tybee]

The Birkenstock thread made me think about buying Birkenstocks--I had a knockoff pair once and liked them, and bought my kids the real thing that they wore for like 5 years until they disintegrated. I guess if I wanted to buy a pair now, I could. I am almost 70, and find myself thinking, well, if I want to buy it, I could afford it. Or maybe I couldn't, I'm not sure.

So this week here's what I bought with that mentality:

A Sarah Bernhardt peony root
A Peony Maximus
25 dollars worth of flower seeds
A set of David Gill Bennington pottery plates from the late 60's, from Ebay.

Each time, I found myself thinking, I'm getting old, now's the time. Not really "I deserve this" but "I am going to take off the brakes and let myself buy this."

What would you buy if you let yourself? (It doesn't have to be expensive, but I guess I think of these things as kind of luxuries, wants rather than needs?)

[Tradd]

I got my diving rebreather two years ago. $9500 and I had to save up for a year for it. It's been a game changer for my diving.

[catherine]

Interesting thread.

I bought four out of five grandkids Patagonia spring jackets that I got during their 60% off winter sale. I love Patagonia, so I have splurged in the past during their sales. I'm hoping I'll have the discipline to save the jackets for their birthdays! I can see myself jumping the gun and giving them out now and then still having to buy a birthday present!

I usually have an Amazon kindle trigger-finger but I've been going to the library more.

Maybe my "what I've always wanted" purchase would be an entrance arbor for my garden. Oh, and an electric lawn mower.

[iris lilies]

I have a new collecting hobby that fits into the “something I’ve always wanted “area.I’ve dropped $1000 on it already. Fortunately, in my gut, I feel the intense collecting urge winding down after only three months. I think it will be my collecting interest for a while, but I can take a breather from spending spending spending.

Meanwhile, I’ve been getting shipments of cheap crap made in China for our house: bedroom nightstands. Outdoor rugs. Outdoor pillows. These uninteresting things give me a vague sense of “completeness “ in decor, but I’m trying to stay away from a lot of this cheap crap. I check out Facebook Marketplace for used furniture and things with a little bit of interest and panache.

[happystuff]

Interesting thread.

I'm curious, Iris. What is your new collecting hobby?

I will confess that smallish backpack/purses are my gazingus pins. I found close to my perfect one about a year ago and hadn't bought any since. Well, I went on ebay looking for a birthday gift for myself and found a medium/small brown one. (Under $25!! Yay for that! Lol) I bought it and it just arrived yesterday. Caveat to this type of spending... I do some little online money stuff that gets me Paypal gift cards. Since I rarely do buy anything out of the ordinary, it is a nice little stash for these kinds of purchases. :)

[Tradd]

Interesting thread.

I'm curious, Iris. What is your new collecting hobby?

I will confess that smallish backpack/purses are my gazingus pins. I found close to my perfect one about a year ago and hadn't bought any since. Well, I went on ebay looking for a birthday gift for myself and found a medium/small brown one. (Under $25!! Yay for that! Lol) I bought it and it just arrived yesterday. Caveat to this type of spending... I do some little online money stuff that gets me Paypal gift cards. Since I rarely do buy anything out of the ordinary, it is a nice little stash for these kinds of purchases. :)

I finally spent the money for a Baggalini small crossbody bag last year. It was maybe $70. It's about perfect and even has a slip pocket for phone.

[happystuff]

I finally spent the money for a Baggalini small crossbody bag last year. It was maybe $70. It's about perfect and even has a slip pocket for phone.

Oh, I wish you had posted something!!! I have a couple Baggalini's that I'm getting rid of! Love them, but they just aren't efficient for the way I use a bag. (But I keep trying!!! ROFLOL)

[Tradd]

Oh, I wish you had posted something!!! I have a couple Baggalini's that I'm getting rid of! Love them, but they just aren't efficient for the way I use a bag. (But I keep trying!!! ROFLOL)

None of them would happen to be tote bags, would they?

[happystuff]

Cross body/shoulder bags... on the smallish side.

[happystuff]

Here is a sample. The one is Baggallini, the other two are Travelon - which I consider almost the same/equal to Baggallini's. The bottom right is a fanny pack. I also have one or two more upstairs in the bedroom, but dh is napping right now. LOL.

5784

[Tybee]

I had that washing machine, happystuff, because my Mom had one forever. It was such a great machine!!!

[happystuff]

I had that washing machine, happystuff, because my Mom had one forever. It was such a great machine!!!

Actually that's our dryer. We've had it for so long, I can't remember if we got it new or used. Good brand!

[Tybee]

Interesting thread.

I bought four out of five grandkids Patagonia spring jackets that I got during their 60% off winter sale. I love Patagonia, so I have splurged in the past during their sales. I'm hoping I'll have the discipline to save the jackets for their birthdays! I can see myself jumping the gun and giving them out now and then still having to buy a birthday present!

I usually have an Amazon kindle trigger-finger but I've been going to the library more.

Maybe my "what I've always wanted" purchase would be an entrance arbor for my garden. Oh, and an electric lawn mower.

I do the same thing with my kids and grandkids. I am restraining myself from buying a second birthday present for my daughter in law since I am giving her a wonderful present already, a family heirloom. But it would be so hard to wait on the jackets.
I think you should pick one of those last two things and buy it for yourself this spring!! They aren't that expensive and really would make your summer nicer.

[Tybee]

Actually that's our dryer. We've had it for so long, I can't remember if we got it new or used. Good brand!

Oops! We bought a set of them at Home Depot when we bought our first foreclosure in SC, and got them both for 499, and they delivered them on Thanksgiving Day. (Which was really weird.)
We brought the washer and left it when we moved from Michigan. We couldn't bring the dryer because it was gas.

[happystuff]

Oops! We bought a set of them at Home Depot when we bought our first foreclosure in SC, and got them both for 499, and they delivered them on Thanksgiving Day. (Which was really weird.)
We brought the washer and left it when we moved from Michigan. We couldn't bring the dryer because it was gas.

That was a great price!!! Our dryer is electric - no gas line on our street.

[Tradd]

Here is a sample. The one is Baggallini, the other two are Travelon - which I consider almost the same/equal to Baggallini's. The bottom right is a fanny pack. I also have one or two more upstairs in the bedroom, but dh is napping right now. LOL.

5784

Haha. I used to handle Travelom’s imports before covid.

[iris lilies]

Interesting thread.

I'm curious, Iris. What is your new collecting hobby?…. :)

I hate to confess it, but I will. I become one of those old ladies who collects dolls.

My focus is Blythe dolls, customized Blythe dolls, and their expensive clothes. The factory Blythes are cheap, but the customized ones are not.

I’m blaming it all on my cat. If only she would let me dress her up, my hobby would cost about $5 a month. I would go to the thrift store and buy cute little outfits for her. But she is adamant that she will NOT wear anything of any kind and this includes a collar around her neck. She won’t let me put a bow on her little head. Otherwise, she’s a perfect cat.

[happystuff]

I hate to confess it, but I will. I become one of those old ladies who collects dolls.

My focus is Blythe dolls, customized Blythe dolls, and their expensive clothes. The factory Blythes are cheap, but the customized ones are not.

I’m blaming it all on my cat. If only she would let me dress her up, my hobby would cost about $5 a month. I would go to the thrift store and buy cute little outfits for her. But she is adamant that she will NOT wear anything of any kind and this includes a collar around her neck. She won’t let me put a bow on her little head. Otherwise, she’s a perfect cat.

Ahhh... okay, I remember you posting about that elsewhere. LOL on the cat.

[pinkytoe]

I have always wanted beautiful home and garden things (to me anyway) but scratch the itch by buying used. That does get old though. We have a tiny pantry in this house so I have been looking for a cabinet to store all the extra food and pet food. I would love to just buy something new but can't justify the price and no doubt something old is better quality anyway.

[iris lilies]

I have always wanted beautiful home and garden things (to me anyway) but scratch the itch by buying used. That does get old though. We have a tiny pantry in this house so I have been looking for a cabinet to store all the extra food and pet food. I would love to just buy something new but can't justify the price and no doubt something old is better quality anyway.

I have been looking for a cabinet for potatoes/onions/rice now for a year. It needs to be around 12” deep, 27” wide, no more.

I am happy to pay the prices for new low end stuff but the quality is so unpleasant. I looked at old pieces for a long time. I found a new piece with the right dimensions and color, but…I may continue to look for old pieces.

[jp1]

I hate to confess it, but I will. I become one of those old ladies who collects dolls.

My focus is Blythe dolls, customized Blythe dolls, and their expensive clothes. The factory Blythes are cheap, but the customized ones are not.

I’m blaming it all on my cat. If only she would let me dress her up, my hobby would cost about $5 a month. I would go to the thrift store and buy cute little outfits for her. But she is adamant that she will NOT wear anything of any kind and this includes a collar around her neck. She won’t let me put a bow on her little head. Otherwise, she’s a perfect cat.

Cats are so funny. Our current girls, as shy as they are, of course don’t allow any clothes or collars. Our previous boys were totally social, running to the front door at the doorbell to see who might be coming to visit instead of running and hiding like our current girls do. But they were nudists like your cat seems to be. They wouldn’t tolerate any sort of outfit or even a collar. The closest either of them came to being tolerant of that was when Chris let SO put a $10 price sticker from something on his head. He wandered into the other room where I was and I laughed and said ‘oh Chris, we paid more than $10 for you. And it was worth it. Don’t let other daddy sell you short!’

[iris lilies]

Cats are so funny. Our current girls, as shy as they are, of course don’t allow any clothes or collars. Our previous boys were totally social, running to the front door at the doorbell to see who might be coming to visit instead of running and hiding like our current girls do. But they were nudists like your cat seems to be. They wouldn’t tolerate any sort of outfit or even a collar. The closest either of them came to being tolerant of that was when Chris let SO put a $10 price sticker from something on his head. He wandered into the other room where I was and I laughed and said ‘oh Chris, we paid more than $10 for you. And it was worth it. Don’t let other daddy sell you short!’

haha Chris with his $10:price sticker is a funny image.

[rosarugosa]

I'm honestly not one to deprive myself needlessly. If there is something I really want, I will usually buy it, although sometimes it might require saving up my allowance for a bit, or borrowing from our shared finances and then paying it back. I've certainly done a bit of spending recently related to the kitchen, so I'm not having any feelings of deprivation, lol.
That being said, there is a wall or two in the kitchen that could handle some artwork, and there is a local art festival coming up in April, so if I see something I love, I will very likely indulge.

[Rogar]

For most of my adult life I've had hand-me-down furniture from friends and family. Much of it was the bulky "dark" furniture that I might have refinished and might have gone well in a larger older home. A couple of years ago I had a furniture maker custom make a desk and table. They specialize in simple mission/shaker like furniture and I was able to pick my hardwoods, which were supposedly sustainably harvested, and had the pieces made to fit my house spaces. Prices compared to maybe Room and Board. I've upgraded a couple other pieces more in style with my MCM home, but the custom furniture was an enjoyable spurge.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I've always wanted an amoire and I found one recently at the Junior League Sale at the State Fairgrounds. $70. I'm happy with it but I question how bright it was to buy a piece of heavy furniture given how unstable the US and the entire world are? This was a hard purchase as I don't see much good in the future of the US - at least not right away - and I'd hate to lose the $70 by the need to flee for survival - and yes, I can see that coming. Both sides are getting too extreme and the future of employment in the US, a country with rapidly increasing prices and wages that will likely not match without a traumatic reset of some kind - I don't see sunshine and roses coming down the pike.

Maybe any future spending should be in one ounce silver coins, things of value that are easy to carry? Rob

[happystuff]

I've always wanted an amoire and I found one recently at the Junior League Sale at the State Fairgrounds. $70. I'm happy with it but I question how bright it was to buy a piece of heavy furniture given how unstable the US and the entire world are? This was a hard purchase as I don't see much good in the future of the US - at least not right away - and I'd hate to lose the $70 by the need to flee for survival - and yes, I can see that coming. Both sides are getting too extreme and the future of employment in the US, a country with rapidly increasing prices and wages that will likely not match without a traumatic reset of some kind - I don't see sunshine and roses coming down the pike.

Maybe any future spending should be in one ounce silver coins, things of value that are easy to carry? Rob

I will state right from the beginning that I do not buy gold or silver as investments or anything else, so my knowledge in this area is very limited.

My concern in stocking up on silver and gold in case of future "instability" is this... if the world/economy/country is so unstable as to initiate "flee for survival", what good will gold and silver do you? In order to get the true value, wouldn't you have to find someplace to exchange it for the current currency? I would think a collapse of the economy would eliminate just walking into the nearest bank. And I can't see going into a grocery store and being able to buy a loaf of bread with a gold coin. I'm thinking most "normal" stores, etc. wouldn't be able to give you the appropriate change. And if you are in a "flight" situation, I can't see how hunting around for a place to exchange would be conducive to a quick get-a-way.

Just my thoughts based on my VERY limited knowledge and NO experience.

[iris lilies]

I've always wanted an amoire and I found one recently at the Junior League Sale at the State Fairgrounds. $70. I'm happy with it but I question how bright it was to buy a piece of heavy furniture given how unstable the US and the entire world are? This was a hard purchase as I don't see much good in the future of the US - at least not right away - and I'd hate to lose the $70 by the need to flee for survival - and yes, I can see that coming. Both sides are getting too extreme and the future of employment in the US, a country with rapidly increasing prices and wages that will likely not match without a traumatic reset of some kind - I don't see sunshine and roses coming down the pike.

Maybe any future spending should be in one ounce silver coins, things of value that are easy to carry? Rob

Ooooooookkkkkaaayyyy……well then.

your post reminds me that I had always wanted and waited for the right time and financial situation to buy a large Victorian era burl walnut cabinet with rounded top. I bought one the year my mom died and left me some cash.

It is very heavy and I do not anticipate trying to grab it when I flee the country due to… Whatever.

but congratulations on working your favorite hobbyhorse into this conversation. It is comical, really.

[Tybee]

Rob, your post made me think about my original post--my point was kind of about getting to what is stopping us from getting what we really want. Your post reminds me that one real drive for many of us is security, so buying the coins would add to a feeling of security. I think that's one reason I buy little pieces of jewelry--gemstones are something I can take with me, even if I go to a nursing home. I can also hand them off to my granddaughters, which feels very good to me.

I think that's why my mom bought Krugerands. Or why I just bought a little charcoal stove, so I could heat water if we lose power.

For me, security is a need, but something portable like jewelry I guess is a want.

For a lot of us, beauty is a need, so having a desk made might be seen by some as indulgent, but it meets a very real need.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Ooooooookkkkkaaayyyy……well then.

your post reminds me that I had always wanted and waited for the right time and financial situation to buy a large Victorian era burl walnut cabinet with rounded top. I bought one the year my mom died and left me some cash.

It is very heavy and I do not anticipate trying to grab it when I flee the country due to… Whatever.

but congratulations on working your favorite hobbyhorse into this conversation. It is comical, really.I take it then that the events of January 6th, 2021 didn't mark a turning point for you, that you didn't seriously question the long term viability of the United States in January 6th's aftermath?

You do you, IL. Rob

[catherine]

I will state right from the beginning that I do not buy gold or silver as investments or anything else, so my knowledge in this area is very limited.

My concern in stocking up on silver and gold in case of future "instability" is this... if the world/economy/country is so unstable as to initiate "flee for survival", what good will gold and silver do you? In order to get the true value, wouldn't you have to find someplace to exchange it for the current currency? I would think a collapse of the economy would eliminate just walking into the nearest bank. And I can't see going into a grocery store and being able to buy a loaf of bread with a gold coin. I'm thinking most "normal" stores, etc. wouldn't be able to give you the appropriate change. And if you are in a "flight" situation, I can't see how hunting around for a place to exchange would be conducive to a quick get-a-way.

Just my thoughts based on my VERY limited knowledge and NO experience.

I feel the same way.. that's why I've never been one to buy fine jewelry. While I have my very idealistic side, I have a pragmatic side that only sees the value of things on the basis of whether or not they can DIRECTLY support your basic needs. You can't eat a gold necklace for instance. A bunch of silver coins won't keep you warm and dry in a rainstorm. The value of things like gold and silver are way too dependent upon the value OTHER people put on them.

I don't see myself making a quick getaway any time soon, but I was thinking about how satisfied I am with our 2019 Purge. I'm considering selling some things in our storage unit, like my antique Asian map chest, and the beautiful country plate rack I loved in NJ but can't use here. And I do have a cup of silver coins that I was thinking of cashing in to put toward my debt.

If I were to flee the country, I wouldn't give big pieces of furniture a second thought--but the thought of maybe someday having to flee wouldn't keep me from buying things I love today.

[Rogar]

I wouldn't invest my life savings in precious metals, but have always though it wouldn't hurt to have a little gold or silver.

[bae]

I take it then that the events of January 6th, 2021 didn't mark a turning point for you, that you didn't seriously question the long term viability of the United States in January 6th's aftermath?

You do you, IL. Rob

In a world of climate change, topsoil depletion, aquifer depletion, growing wealth inequality, social unrest, warfare, and pandemic - well, I question the long term viability of our current civilization. I'm not sure there's anywhere "safe" to go really. I've looked. And I've procured a few "backup sites". But, what can you do?

I'm not refraining from spending $70 on an item because of any concern over these matters.

Heck, I've got millions tied up in paid-off real estate, that is decidedly immobile, that could vanish in a flash from a simple wildfire/earthquake/tsunami/volcano/major storm here. If I worried too much about being able to grab my "stuff" and flee, I'd never sleep.

If some of the scenarios people worry about come to pass, well, what use will my dollars, brokerage accounts, and deeds to properties do me?

I concentrate my worrying more on building mutually-supportive social networks. (And stockpiling salt of course, to turn all the tourists into beef jerky when the ball drops...)

[littlebittybobby]

I wouldn't invest my life savings in precious metals, but have always though it wouldn't hurt to have a little gold or silver.
okay----i believe that precious metals are a VERY sound investment. but yeah---i just acquired two VERY sound gmc sonoma doors(discounted, too), from the wreckin' yard. yup.

[happystuff]

In a world of climate change, topsoil depletion, aquifer depletion, growing wealth inequality, social unrest, warfare, and pandemic - well, I question the long term viability of our current civilization. I'm not sure there's anywhere "safe" to go really. I've looked. And I've procured a few "backup sites". But, what can you do?

I'm not refraining from spending $70 on an item because of any concern over these matters.

Heck, I've got millions tied up in paid-off real estate, that is decidedly immobile, that could vanish in a flash from a simple wildfire/earthquake/tsunami/volcano/major storm here. If I worried too much about being able to grab my "stuff" and flee, I'd never sleep.

If some of the scenarios people worry about come to pass, well, what use will my dollars, brokerage accounts, and deeds to properties do me?

I concentrate my worrying more on building mutually-supportive social networks. (And stockpiling salt of course, to turn all the tourists into beef jerky when the ball drops...)

I agree with what you are saying, bae. If I had to flee, I'm thinking about 1% of what I actually own would fit in a backpack or even the car.

[bae]

I agree with what you are saying, bae. If I had to flee, I'm thinking about 1% of what I actually own would fit in a backpack or even the car.

Living in the middle of a forest as I do, one that is highly susceptible to wildfires, I'm prepared to throw the dog in the car and be out of here without looking back in < 10 mins. Some of my neighbors have rather optimistic plans of "sheltering in place" and "fighting the fire", but I know better.

That said, I purchased last week for a mere $200 an incredible old-timey view camera, which came with several lenses and tons of accessories, so I can pretend to be a real photographer up on the mountain this summer and terrify the tourists. I've been having a lot of fun fiddling with this vintage stuff, and have learned a lot from it in just a week, I am *not* throwing this 50+ pounds of gear into the car when fire comes though.

[happystuff]

Living in the middle of a forest as I do, one that is highly susceptible to wildfires, I'm prepared to throw the dog in the car and be out of here without looking back in < 10 mins. Some of my neighbors have rather optimistic plans of "sheltering in place" and "fighting the fire", but I know better.

That said, I purchased last week for a mere $200 an incredible old-timey view camera, which came with several lenses and tons of accessories, so I can pretend to be a real photographer up on the mountain this summer and terrify the tourists. I've been having a lot of fun fiddling with this vintage stuff, and have learned a lot from it in just a week, I am *not* throwing this 50+ pounds of gear into the car when fire comes though.

Everything else aside - you do take some amazing photos!!!!

[Tradd]

I have very few things that would be irreplaceable in event of a fire or tornado. The hand painted icon (religious picture) of a favorite saint I had commissioned years ago. A few favorite clothing items and books. Diving drysuit.

I’ve decluttering so much. My books are almost all digital now. Same with my music. My stuff is largely backed up in the cloud these days. If disaster happen, and I had enough time time grab my iPhone, iPad, and important documents binder, I’d be OK.

[littlebittybobby]

okay------in case you kids didn't already know, i've been collecting used file cabinets. the prices have varied, greatly. sometimes you have to drive a ways, sometimes just downtown. but my latest catch was worth every penny. yup. it's a 36" wide, 4 drawer lateral, with an enclosed bottom. the top drawer has metal compartment separators. the key lock is missing, but is readily replaceable. i found a new set of casters i bought awhile back, in another file cabinet, so they will go on the new one. so, yeah----file cabinets are the greatest thing since sliced bread--even tho they are becoming obsolete. oh---this cabinet was made waaay up dere in iwah, too. you're prolly wondering: did i need one a them HUUUUGE monster pickups "they" have to have ro haul things? the answer is---nope. i just used my littlebitty cheep car i got at the wreckin' yard 7 years ago, to haul it. see? hope that helps you some.