A Bit of a Splurge or A Break From Frugal

While I definitely try to watch what I spend, shopping with coupons and looking for sales, there are some things that I fall in love with and on which I am willing to spend a bit more money.

One of the most recent examples is furniture related. For several months I have been wanting to replace the office chair that we brought with us when we moved into this house a couple of years ago. Since our desk with the computer is in the main living area, I wanted to get a nicer style of chair; not to mention, the chair had a torn seat. I had a specific amount of money designated for this purchase and kept it in an envelope in my purse whenever I went out shopping.

There was one I liked at Pier One, but even when it went on clearance it wasn't in my price range. I checked Craigslist off and on but never found anything in which I was really interested. A couple of weeks ago, I was in Marshalls and, lo and behold, there it was. A dark brown leather chair that I thought would look perfect in the space AND it was comfortable to sit in (not rock-hard like some similar chairs I had tested). The purchase price??? One cent less than what was in my envelope! Could I have waited longer and maybe gotten a better deal down the road? Perhaps, but this was in the budget and perfectly met the need.

Secondly, as I mentioned some time ago, one of my favorite places to buy clothes for our daughters is from Boden USA online. They have such cute styles that are different yet age-appropriate and their clothes are of great quality, but they definitely cost more than I am usually willing to pay.

However, on Tuesday I happened to check my secondary e-mail account and saw that they were having a huge sale. I looked through the girls' items and saw two dresses that I had admired for awhile in their catalog. Both were nearly 50% off and I had a $20 credit on my account from their "refer a friend" program. All told, including shipping, I spent $38 for two dresses - a splurge, for sure, but something the girls will enjoy wearing. Another benefit - the resale value on Mini Boden items is terrific! The first dress arrived today, fit my six-year-old perfectly and is so pretty and soft. Can't wait to get the other one!!

Are there certain items that you're willing to pay a bit more for because you love them? Let us know what makes you go outside the "frugal box" a little!

If you're on the hunt for tips on being more cost-conscious than I've detailed here :), visit Frugal Friday at Life as Mom. You can also read about items others love at Hooked on Fridays.