In general I tend to be a frugal (not cheap) person. This means I don’t carry any credit card debt, I pay cash for my cars and am vigorously trying to pay off our mortgage early. I believe in being a good steward with what I have been blessed with.  I believe in donating to worthy organizations. That being said, I am always looking for a bargain. There are some things, however, that I am willing to spend big bucks on because I think they are worth it. Here are some of my bigger ticket items and my reasoning behind them.

1. A good haircut. Face it, even when you are naked you are still wearing your hair! As I wear my hair either curly or straight I must have a good cut that works both ways.

2. A well-fitting swim suit. It’s important that you can actually swim in your swimsuit without showing off places the sun doesn’t shine. Land’s End have suits that let you pick the size and style of the tops and bottoms separately. This allows you to highlight your good features and hide those the rest of us don’t want to see!

3. A personal trainer. And before I lose you right here, let me justify this expense. First of all, I only meet with my trainer once every three weeks. Second of all she gives me routines that are geared to MY exercise goals (a flat stomach and buns of steel, yah). There is no such thing as a good one-size-fits-all exercise program just as there is not such thing as a good one-size-fits-all spandex outfit! And lastly, she encourages me and gives me extra incentive to work hard and stay fit. Without Alex I would probably only go to the gym once every three weeks and that would just be to use the Jacuzzi!!!

4. Good quality and appropriate workout shoes. You wouldn’t think of wearing ice skates to go skiing, so why would you wear walking shoes to go running? And while you’re at it, get some decent dry-fit socks. You don’t want to get calluses (or fungus)!

5. Fresh and organic food. The cells in your body are constantly regenerating and need proper nutrition to do so. Don’t feed your body (the only one you have, by the way) with cheap, prepackaged, convenience foods and junky snacks. You’ll save in the long run by avoiding the costs of medications, doctor’s visits, hospital stays and LARGER clothes!

 

But you can be frugal and plant some of your own fruits and veggies like we do.

6. A vacuum that really sucks, in a good way!

 

These two kitties make this kind of mess every day.

 

After doing some research we decided to invest in a Dyson vacuum cleaner and it really does the job.

 

7. Hobby supplies. This is actually more of a splurge for me. Being a mixed media artist I thrive on using cast-offs and re-purposed materials. Every once in a while though, I like to buy myself something special. Here is the evidence of my latest splurge, sheets of designer papers.

So there you have it. Some of the things I’m willing to pry open my wallet for. But please know this, except for my haircuts and sessions with my personal trainer, everything else was bought on sale, on clearance, with a coupon or all three!!!