Some say frugal, some say cheap. Potatoes….poh-tot-ohs. I call it a curse gift, from my mother…
Whatever you call it, I can admit that I love a good deal. I wouldn’t say that I’m cheap, because I am also known to splurge from time-to-time, and I value quality. For instance, I don’t really think a “value meal” on a menu is a good deal; if I had to choose, I’d rather go out to eat less often, but get the good stuff and a great atmosphere at a quality restaurant.
I garner much satisfaction from answering the question, “Where did you get it?” Because in most cases, I can answer that question knowing that I did not over-pay. I work part time in a local furniture store (Ball Furniture), as a design assistant, and I can confidently tell our customers that they will very likely overpay for the exact same product in our surrounding areas. Hence, I have been purchasing my furniture from our hometown store ever since I moved to this town, 15 years ago. It’s quality stuff…we still have the first sofa we purchased 15 years ago, and it’s still the most comfortable piece of furniture we own (and the only reason it sits in our basement ping-pong room is because I am tired of looking at the thing. I mean, c’mon….fifteen years, people!).
When it comes to home decor, I believe in balance. Let’s be honest, there are some items that will just not be replicated with the same quality at a lesser cost. And sometimes you just have to weigh it….if it’s something that will stick around for a long time, it’s worth spending a little more. But as the saying goes, “Only suckers pay full price.” Okay, so that might just be a saying at our house…that my husband has taught our children….so now they know to always look for online coupons if they want new shoes or clothes…don’t judge us.
It’s true, though. Just last week, I purchased three pieces of wall decor (aka: cheap canvas prints) from our local “dollar store.” For the time being, I’m completely loving them; but since they were so cheap, if I get tired of them or decide they aren’t the right fit for their particular area, I won’t feel bad sticking them in a garage sale, donating them to Goodwill, or starting a bonfire with them.
To clarify, the artwork at the end of the hall is an original piece of art by my oldest daughter, a treasure that will NEVER make it’s way to a garage sale, Goodwill, or a bonfire. That piece is priceless.
*Note: super cute shower curtain is also a purchase from the same bargain store as the canvases.
Another saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” And that is certainly true with a lot of things…mostly things that will receive use/wear-and-tear. However, when it comes to home decor, use your best judgement. If you love it, why should you care if anyone knows that it cost a fraction of the price had you purchased it at a bigger, more well-known store?
Here’s my evidence: Just this week, I purchased a curled-wood wreath, virtually identical to one I have had my eye on for three years at a larger department store…the difference being the price. I purchased this coveted wreath this week for $19.99 at the discount grocery store that I love, and the satisfaction of the $30 I saved by not purchasing it at the higher price makes it a very sweet (and transitional!) addition to my home decor.
Some things are worth waiting for.
And you know what else? Sometimes I buy my clothes at these “dollar stores.” And I get compliments on them. So, there!