worth the extra dough

Samantha - posted on 09/22/2012

Food. I will not buy crap with HFCS or trans fats or whatever junk they put in it. But I go to Costco 1-2 times a month and can buy lots of "organic" stuff in bulk.

Sally - posted on 09/15/2012

Most things are not worth spending the extra money on, but new shoes and underwear are a matter of health and a new mattress (especially for babies) can be a matter of safety.

Name brands mean very little to me except for a few food items where certain brands have vastly different ingredients than others.

Patricia - posted on 09/14/2012

For us we spend the extra money on shoes. I have a bad back and need special shoes and my Daughter has funny little feet that require her to be fitted. Also beds. You figure you spend the majority of your time in it and lack of good sleep means a miserable life. We will buy secondhand for clothing with the exception of bras and undies. These have to be new.

Adena - posted on 09/10/2012

Not sure if you guys are aware of the "sister size" concept, but with my 38H boobies, I can easily wear a 44DD from wherever, I just gotta shorten the band. When you wanna go down a cup size, go up a band size. 44DD(E)=42DDD(F)=40G=38H=36I=34J and so on and so forth. You can also go up a cup size and down a band size if there's a style you're in love with that doesn't come in your size, just sew on some of those lovely extenders.

Adena - posted on 09/10/2012

Veronica!! HOTmilk and Cake are fantastic nursing bra companies. I want to buy some of their products even though I never plan on making babies. Am I allowed to be on here if I don't have kids?

Johnny - posted on 01/07/2011

That would be it Nicole.

Sherri - posted on 01/07/2011

Thank you for finding and posting it Nicole. You basically attacked every person here by assuming you know what happens when you assume right???

Nicole - posted on 01/07/2011

Amber, I think people might have been responding to this sentence, "i dont know why so many people aren't willing to spend less on a bra because their boobies might be uncomfortable, but then they lower their standards completely when it comes to the food they put into their bodies."

LaCi - posted on 01/07/2011

I'm a cheapskate, but I'm also really picky.



So, to balance the two, I stock up on expensive things when there is a killer sale. Bras for instance, I buy bra's on clearance, last time I think I got them for $8-10, originally priced $40-50. Food, I do organics, locals, and naturals, but not always name brand. My grocery bill is pretty low. The only place I can really get generics is meijer, since they have their own organics and naturals available at a significantly lower cost- often lower than the name brand non-organic/natural. All their local produce is labelled, I heart meijer.



Clothes, I really don't shop much, I buy clothes like twice per year (for all of us) but I don't really buy a ton of stuff, and I wait until a mega sale hits. Shoes are the same way, although I don't buy shoes often. Usually, when I do, boyfriend needs shoes to and we just hit one of the b1g1 half off sales. I don't go for expensive brands really, I'm pretty much always in tennis shoes and I stick to vans, what can I say, I never grew up. Workout shoes I will spend extra money on, because it's very important that I actually make it through the workout.



Furniture is something I will not skimp on, I bought our current living room set 3 years ago and it wasn't even cheap, but it started falling apart almost immediately, and when delivered it wasn't even the right freakin' color, and the store refused to resolve any problems I had with it. Whatever, not shopping there anymore, and not skimping on the price of the upcoming furniture.



Electronics. I'm brand loyal. not that we buy a lot of electronics or anything. I will buy used video games though, that should count for something. And I take full advantage of trade ins.



Most things though, I buy good brands, but I buy them in larger quantities when they're on sale for next to nothing. Make up, all body products, so on. Mainly because I pay attention to brand, based on certain corporate ethics, so the brands I'm left with don't fit into my penny pinching lifestyle, so I have to wait for an amazing sale and stock up on the essentials. A few days ago I got $60 in makeup for about $10. Yay for being cheap.

Amber - posted on 01/07/2011

didn't say you didn't, just said i was suprised nobody mentioned it yet? geeze jump down my throat dontcha. lol. got your backs up a little much, i think.

Johnny - posted on 01/06/2011

It is possible to prioritize healthy food without spending a fortune on it. I'm not sure how that assumption got made. I'm almost freakishly anal about the sources and the ingredients of the food I serve my family, but if I can avoid paying more for it, I certainly will.

If I didn't have a good bra, I'd have a constant headache. I spent years suffering severe headaches before my breast reduction allowed me to purchase reasonably supportive bras. I don't even bother with fancy, but if it costs $25 I can be sure that my tatas will be swinging free in a matter of days and my neck will be killing me. I know I am a pleasant, organized and thoughtful individual when my head is constantly aching. Frankly, if I was still suffering from the headaches I had in college, my family would probably be eating manwiches ;-P

Sal - posted on 01/06/2011

and kids school shoes and bags, there is no point skimping there, worth the extra as it saves in the long run..

Sal - posted on 01/06/2011

a quality good fitting bra isn't a wacked out priority......i only have a few proper and quiet expensive bras on rotation ( and a few pretty but useless ones for special) but they are definatly a no skimping item, but i do try to shop during the myer sales for them...i don;t skimp on most things but i am willing to shop around, buy a better item second hand or wait for a sale to get exactly what i want at the best possibly price ( as an at home mum i have time rather than dollars on my side) but our real luxury is good food, as sad a reflection as that is on our society, good food, loads of fruit and vegies and quatily meat and the time to spent to cook every night is a real luxury..

Corena - posted on 01/06/2011

Toilet paper...must be Charmin
Pots and pans...I have Lagostina and LOVE them.
Knives...Henkel
Car seat..I have Britax, but would have spent more if there was something safer that cost more.

Nicole - posted on 01/06/2011

Groceries are expensive and I am not able to access farmers markets right now. I would love to, but I barely have time to get groceries from the nearby grocery store. I order my groceries from Thrifties and have them delivered. There is no way I am going to finish my busy day by dragging my toddler and preschooler into a grocery store, then drag them out with the groceries and then take a bus home. It would be doable, but a huge pain in my butt.

When a farmers market shows up at my university or at my daughters daycare, I will shop from it.

Veronica - posted on 01/06/2011

I prefer Angel Soft - I buy it bulk for about $20 - and it lasted us over six months -- and that included a shit ton of it getting wasted by my 2 and 3 year old who dunked countless rolls into the toilet.
Anyone into online shopping - lots of stores do offer bulk! I love it!

Amanda - posted on 01/06/2011

Toilet paper, my ass will not allow me to cheap out on Toilet paper!! Also shoes, and cars.

Caitlin - posted on 01/06/2011

Amber - I figured food was pretty much a given. I don't know why you assume that because we didn't list it means we eat ramen noodles every day...

Where I live, there are no farmers markets.. Winter starts in september (too cold to grow) and goes until late may (when we can start planting). I'd love to buy fresh local produce all year round but am NOT moving somewhere warmer. I buy a lot of stuff organic(usually just because I find more of it that is allergen safe). Other than that, I make a lot of our stuff from scratch because of the allergies. I CAN'T buy no name for our home (unless I plan on making 2 separate meals all the time) so to me it's just a given I spend a lot more on food (about 300-500$/month for a family of 4.. hard to judge exactly because I freeze our meat and buy lots of cuts specialty in bulk when it's available - because horse meat isn't overly common.)

Veronica - posted on 01/06/2011

vacuums... so far Bissell has never done me wrong; electronics dont matter to me -- they ALL break down, or end up with problems at one time or another -- I personally own an HP laptop, and HP notebook, along with an HP printer/copier/scanner in one -- just haven't found anything else that i liked. televisions and vcr/dvds are all second hand -- it really just doesnt matter there. I did spend almost $200 on my digital camera, and its a Kodak. But it works just right for me. Purses - i just get what is cute - i have some smaller purses, clutches, bigger purses (doubled as diaper bags, lol). I will pay the extra for contacts - and get cheaper glasses - just cause i wear contacts more than my glasses. We've always bought used vehicles, and wore them down to the ground. We had a blue taurus wagon for our first car (after my husbands truck was wrecked - he had an 80s Ford F150); then upgraded to a Plymouth Mini-van; on baby number 5 we upgraded to a 99 Expedition, which I still have -- its an 8 seater - so it fits all six kids, plus my hubby and i -- Next purchase? oh, maybe a greyhound, or small school bus or something! hahahahah Actually, a Suburban - mainly for space - Expeditions are really nice - but the trunk space is very little, and packing stuff on the floor under the kids' feet really sucks - esp. in the winter/rainy times, it all gets wet from the kids' shoes. Suburbans have big, ass space.
Im even picky about certain cigarette brands too - some just have nasty flavors - i dont care how cheap it is on the pocketbook. Id rather roll my own cigs, than buy the crudier tasting ones. (BUT their just cigs - so its not a huge ass deal either).
Im sure i will have more...

Hailey - posted on 01/06/2011

My only fussy thing that jumps out at me is Butter....has to be Lurpack. :-/

Charlie - posted on 01/06/2011

I found a great H cup nursing bra very supportive by Triumph I believe , I will check for you but I love it !

Veronica - posted on 01/06/2011

Here is another great site for great bras - and a shit load of dif. sizes!! http://www.biggerbras.com/?utm_source=Go...

Anyways -- bras are very important for us big titty women ;) I cant stand cheap shitty bras - they fall apart, my tits "hang low, they wobble to and fro, i might be able to tie them in a knot or bow" hehehehehe Anyways, they need good support - I have YET to find a good damn nursing bra though! they f*cking suck!! no support at all, i might as well go braless if it wasnt for my gallon a day leaking tits ;) (thank goodness im done nursing - but still)

Im ok with secondhand, off-brand stuff - but there are things I do pay the $$ for. Some food you just have to have name-brand, the taste of it is what i like, and the off-brands dont always match or compare enough to switch. Everyone already knows that i own my own bus. - so im bias to all of the products i have, and will never switch to anything again - the products are "pricier" - but they have way to many benefits that i will never go back.
Makeup and skincare especially -- I too want healthy skin, and the better the quality, the better the product. And YES there is a difference -- the "cheap" makeup, lotions, creams, etc. have toxins and lower grade ingredients in them.
As for clothes, i buy secondhand - and once in a while i will get some new stuff for something fresh, or for occassions too. Shoes - new, and thats final. I will go for slightly pricier shoes, as they last longer - I bought my kids the cheap walmart shoes, they were worn out within 1 to 2 months - as if they'd had them for years - it was horrible - sure i didnt spend that much for them - but they need shoes to last!
As for beds, we bought all of our beds at a warehouse - spent less than 300 for our queen size - but its sooooo comfortable! We bought 5 twin mattresses for less than 500 for the kids. Their beds are sooo comfy also.

Im a two-sider, period. when it comes to buying stuff. Most of it depends on quality, health and safety, and sometimes quantity too. I'll prob. post more later.
Oh, as for panties - whatever looks cute - i dont care the price -- and i do buy granny panties for the red rose once a month - and def. dont spend much money for those ugly things ;)

Charlie - posted on 01/06/2011

hmmm Amber that is a big assumption .
I buy organic and from farmers markets and I buy expensive bras because cheap bra's do not come in my size and those that rarely do have little support causing a miriad of medical problems that Jocelyn has already pointed out .

Stifler's - posted on 01/06/2011

i'm sure people don't skimp on food. not buying organic doesn't mean you're skimping on food.

Sherri - posted on 01/06/2011

Amber I am with Jocelyn on this one also sticking her tongue out. LOL!!

Jocelyn - posted on 01/06/2011

AND a proper fitting bra is all that stands between us "blessed" women and headaches, migraines, shoulder strain, back aches, poor posture (and with poor posture comes hip aches, knee strains, things like that).

Jocelyn - posted on 01/06/2011

Amber, who says we don't spend money on good food? No where does anyone say that. My boobs need to be supported, but I still buy my veggies from the farmers markets. So there *sticks tongue out* lol

Ooo - posted on 01/06/2011

"i dont know why so many people aren't willing to spend less on a bra because their boobies might be uncomfortable, but then they lower their standards completely when it comes to the food they put into their bodies. it's strange. whacked priorities."

I don't need to spend much money on food because I'm a vegetarian who knows how to grow my own veggies. I also find that fresh and local produce from the store costs less than all that stuff in packages. Making everything from scratch also saves money. My food bill is low and we're still healthy. I'm as crunchy as they come, but I like my boobs to be secure.

Amber - posted on 01/06/2011

uh...food? i don't cut corners when it comes to paying for the quality of my food. i buy from a farm close to my home, and even though it's a bit above the stuff that is bought from walmart, you definately get what you pay for. not to mention that it doesn't have fecal matter in it and there's no chance my son is going to die from e.coli poisoning, or start growing facial hair at the age of 10 from the horomones. or develop an allergy to antibiotics. i dont know why so many people aren't willing to spend less on a bra because their boobies might be uncomfortable, but then they lower their standards completely when it comes to the food they put into their bodies. it's strange. whacked priorities.

Ooo - posted on 01/06/2011

Bras.

Airlines (you get what you pay for and the cheap flights don't always work out much cheaper when you factor in all the other costs).

Dishwasher tabs. The expensive ones always clean better.

I would love to spend more money on a good vacume. I hate the one I've got right now.

Desiree - posted on 01/06/2011

I was taught that the one place you never cut corners are shoes because your feet are your best friends they take you every where in life and need the extra special care. the same goes for a good mattress you can't get through the day without a good nights sleep. But I will also spend money on good books anyday.

Jocelyn - posted on 01/04/2011

*sings* Love is in the air ^_^

Krista - posted on 01/04/2011

@Jocelyn: you and Stephanie would love each other. Seriously. I'm talking major girl-crush potential here.

Charlie - posted on 01/04/2011

In Australia a lot of things in second hand stores are old season ( brand new ) clothes donated by stores or factory seconds all with tags as well as pre loved clothing .

Jocelyn - posted on 01/04/2011

I say goodbye to my friend Lorna by grabbing her boobs ;)

Krista - posted on 01/04/2011

Wheee! Bewbs!!!

Sorry, I just think boobs are really fun, regardless of their size. My friend Stephanie and I always rub our boobies together and laugh hysterically when we hug goodbye, much to the amusement of our husbands (and any random passers-by.)

I have a central vacuum system and I luuuuurve it! It's so much easier to do the stairwells, and I never lose suction. It's brilliant.

I'm a bit of a cheapo on bras, and really shouldn't be. You ladies have inspired me to do a bit better in that regard.

Marci - posted on 01/04/2011

i dont see anything wrong with buying anything second hand, look at the product and check it out, now i wouldnt buy used bottle nipples or used butt cream or something silly like that . LoL

Jocelyn - posted on 01/04/2011

Kelly also try www.brastop.com or www.bravissimo.com
I've also occasionally found bras on ebay.

Charlie - posted on 01/04/2011

I miss my 16 DD I am now an 18 G !

I like storm in a D cup online !

Stifler's - posted on 01/04/2011

I am an extremely common size (14D) and I like expensive bras! My favourite past time is going to QSM Myer and getting fitted. It's so much fun. I love torsolettes not that I have much use for them but I HAD to have one for under my wedding dress just to wear one once. I didn't end up getting a suspender belt though :(

My husband and I have a thing for brand new cars with no km on the clock too. We're both like "If it has heaps of KM some hoon has flogged it and probably broken something". My parents have had crap second hand cars all my life and are always getting them fixed and working on them, so I'm glad my husband shares my views and we just went the 6 year warranty instead of planning to get another car in 3 years like we did with the first one.

Kelly - posted on 01/04/2011

Thanks, Lisa! Yes, I feel like I pull the back of my bra down and tuck my boobs back up above the wire like 60 times a day :P

Btw, I was just looking at Breakoutbras.com and the return/exchange address is literally 10 minutes from me! I wonder if they are an actual store or if that is just an office for an online only store? I think I'm going to go ride over there and see...The prices are amazing too.

Minnie - posted on 01/04/2011

I search Ebay, Kelly. It usually involves lots of receiving, trying on and then re-selling, lol.



Try www.breakoutbras.com. They have a large selection in hard-to-find sizes.



Calvin Klein sells some 30Es. That's the one I wear. It's stretchy, so I just pull the top down to nurse...it's the Seductive Comfort.



Doncha just love the band riding up in the back and your boobs sagging down to your belly button?

Kelly - posted on 01/04/2011

@ Lisa: I wear a 30D bra, where do you find 30E's? Please tell me. I still have to pay over $100 each for mine and they are all 32D's and they slide up and down because the band is too big.

I will only buy Electrolux vacuums. They are not really expensive, but I had a Eureka vacuum once and I HATED that thing!!! Even though they don't cost a ton, I've loved every Electrolux vacuum I've ever owned.....well, I've only ever owned 2, and one was my mom's, but that just goes to show that they last :)

Julianne - posted on 01/04/2011

I get mine at specific lingerie stores, i have an odd size so usually i can get them discounted if they have them, 36F is a rare find sometimes though. I need to get a size up or so, like 38-40 or something then just take them in. If i could afford it, i would get custom bras made so i can have the perfect fit. One side is slightly bigger so bras are a hard fit to get. I cant really afford to spend extra right now, when i was working for microsoft i spent a lot on shoes and bags. I love shoes...

Charlie - posted on 01/04/2011

Um yeah Target and other cheaper stores do not stock my size and I rtefuse to wear beige granny bra's so I shop specialty lingerie stores to find sexy peices for these BIG babies haha.

Isobel - posted on 01/04/2011

Jocelyn and Loureen have GINORMOUS knockers ;)

and for me, cashmere sweaters and winter coats are TOTALLY worth the money...but I live in Canada so...

Bonnie - posted on 01/04/2011

Bahahaha the most I have spent on a bra is $30 and $6 for underwear.

Good Day! - posted on 01/04/2011

I bought a bunch of bras about 5 years ago for $12 each. I'm still wearing them. Of course, I'm a 34 B, even while nursing! And the beige granny bras doesn't bother me or inhibit my husband!

I do have a few nicer bras that I shelled out about 60 bucks each for. But I only wear those with certain clothes.

Minnie - posted on 01/04/2011

Bras are definitely one...I wear a 30E, while nursing, at least. Not easy to find.



Our bed is very nice too.



I cannot for the life of me wear Walmart clothes even if I wanted to. Their smallest size jeans falls off of me as do the shirts. They're always too short and too baggy. Maybe if it was the early 90s? So it's usually Gap. The girls do well with Target clothing.



I'm with Krista on carseats and vacuums. My two year old needs a new seat already (she's only had it about 10 months), as the Evenflo titan elite has just too short a shell. I really want the Sunshine Kids Radian...that'll get her to four years rear facing. As for vacuums we had a, oh, what was it...lol- see? Can't even remember the brand...lasted five months...we got the same one again, lasted another five months. Our newest vacuum is much better.



Hah! And cats! We always buy name brand ;)

Jocelyn - posted on 01/04/2011

Shauna most of us on here that are buying the expensive bras NEED to. I have yet to find a bra at La Senza that is over a D cup. And if I go to Sears I have a whole two choices, and they are always nude granny bras! Same thing with my bathing suits; they come from the UK as well. A normal size 12 bathing suit just doesn't hold my 34 G's up!