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In these trying times, we all feel the pinch and are cutting back. But, it can be depressing, and at times demoralizing.
Try to think of this not as a time to "cut back" but as a time to "do things differently". For example, I've cut way back on the food budget. But instead of saying "we're having this casserole made from cheap ingredients because the budget is tight' I say " found this great new recipie online, lets try it! And, make it "nice". I use my nicer dishes, pretty tablecloths, etc. Its all in the presentation.
For Halloween, instead of buying overpriced costumes, I say lets get creative and see what we can put together shopping at thrift stores, etc.
Instead of saying we have to make do with clothing, blankets, etc that are ripped and torn, I tell the kids now is a great time to learn hand sewing, and how to use the sewing maching. BTW, DS is more interested in sewing that DD.
In these trying times, we all feel the pinch and are cutting back. But, it can be depressing, and at times demoralizing.
Try to think of this not as a time to "cut back" but as a time to "do things differently". For example, I've cut way back on the food budget. But instead of saying "we're having this casserole made from cheap ingredients because the budget is tight' I say " found this great new recipie online, lets try it! And, make it "nice". I use my nicer dishes, pretty tablecloths, etc. Its all in the presentation.
For Halloween, instead of buying overpriced costumes, I say lets get creative and see what we can put together shopping at thrift stores, etc.
Instead of saying we have to make do with clothing, blankets, etc that are ripped and torn, I tell the kids now is a great time to learn hand sewing, and how to use the sewing maching. BTW, DS is more interested in sewing that DD.
Its all in the presentation.
Sounds like you've been reading the Tightwad Gazette.... I just reread it.
And it's more fun to do that stuff than go to the store and buy a crappy costume and mask.... and masks aren't safe anyway.
Sounds like you've been reading the Tightwad Gazette.... I just reread it.
And it's more fun to do that stuff than go to the store and buy a crappy costume and mask.... and masks aren't safe anyway.
No, actually, I haven't read Tightwad Gazette, although I'm familiar with it, I've read excerpts from it.
Its just the attitude you take that makes all the difference. if you go around saying oh, poor us, can't afford rib eye steaks, so tonight we're having meatball stew, well then that affects everyone's attitude.
Instead, I set the table pretty, use my old but nice table cloths, use a variety of dishes, try to make it appealing. I remember my Dad was laid off often when I was a kid. I'm sure my parents felt a lot of anxiety, but it never filtered down to me. It was always Great- now Daddy can spend time with me, take me to the park, go fishing, and Mom makes the best stews, corned beef hash, we eat with Grandma a lot, it was all transparent to me. To me, those were the best times!
In these trying times, we all feel the pinch and are cutting back. But, it can be depressing, and at times demoralizing.
Try to think of this not as a time to "cut back" but as a time to "do things differently". For example, I've cut way back on the food budget. But instead of saying "we're having this casserole made from cheap ingredients because the budget is tight' I say " found this great new recipie online, lets try it! And, make it "nice". I use my nicer dishes, pretty tablecloths, etc. Its all in the presentation.
For Halloween, instead of buying overpriced costumes, I say lets get creative and see what we can put together shopping at thrift stores, etc.
Instead of saying we have to make do with clothing, blankets, etc that are ripped and torn, I tell the kids now is a great time to learn hand sewing, and how to use the sewing maching. BTW, DS is more interested in sewing that DD.
Its all in the presentation.
Hey, economics is the science of applying limited means to unlimited wants. If you can spend less on food and still eat well, that leaves more money for other needs/wants. You are dead right that a good presentation can improve the reception of whatever you serve. Anyway some of the best foods - for example fresh produce - are cheaper than the processed junk, and better both for taste and health as well.
And there is nothing wrong with a guy learning how to sew. Daniel Boone would have been naked after the first 6 months of any of his adventures if he didn't know how to sew. Many of the best tailors I have known were men.
The way I look at it, buying new for full retail price is for chumps, or at least needs to be reserved for surprise needs (that I really should not have let surprise me)
I have severe arthritis in both hands and sewing is difficult. I can do light sewing on thin fabrics, but can't handle a large needle through thick fabrics, like demin, blankets, etc. I showed ds how to do basic stitches on thin fabric, then he took right to it. He repaired his jeans, sewed up a mattress pad cover, repaired the hem in some curtains, his hands are much stronger than mine.
BTW, my grandfather was a machinist, one of his hobbies was needlework. he hearned from his sisters, I still have (and cherish) some of his needlework!
I thought sewing was a lost art as clothing became cheaper.
True, but still good to know how to do minor repairs, like sew on a button, etc. Also, I'm extending the life of many items, like a mattress pad. The corner tore, I can see the time I would have tossed it and bought a new one. But, I sewed it up, good as new, who sees it anyways? a savings of $50-$80+ for a new one!
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