LOL same here!

Me too. I'm all for people having nice things it's just too much of the crap that needs to go so I can see the nice things.

WOW! I figured I'd get some responses, just not so many in such a short amount of time!

Tinamarie, I understand why you'd think I may have been offended based on the tone of this message, but to be very clear - no. Noone offended me or insulted me in any way.

It's just that it seems like I've read many posts where it sounds like some are against buying "wants". I'm someone who, believe me, has a hard time buying anything for myself. So much so that my husband has to urge me to do it sometimes. It seems like there are alot of women here who go thru the guilt of it too. While others just seem to hate the idea of buying "things".

This is why I was so interested in seeing others' opinions. I was starting to think I was doing something wrong!!

I make no bones about it, I like nice things, and many times I wait for what I want and then get it when the timing is right.

It is ok to have your things if it doesn't cause you any problems.

I just know that giving up things has made me feel so liberated and peaceful. This is one of the few places where there are people who seem to understand. We need a support group!

Cathleen

Sin? No.

I don't find that having nice or not nice things makes a person, a home, a family or happiness.

It's yourself that makes that and your relationship with those around you that makes the home warm, your life fullfilling and your happiness.

When you see something nice and you want it in your home, that is your decision. It's your own personal choice.

Many of the moms here have nice things, but to others those things aren't considered "their" nice. I find this forum to be for those families that need to slim down their spending and enjoy the bigger things in life.

I practice simple living. Therefore I don't allow my possessions to own me. I don't want to spend my precious time maintaining my possessions when I could be spending that time with my loved ones.

When I want to decorate my home, I will craft, recraft or re-use items and get other items through yard sale or dollar stores such as candles..ect. You can have nice things and decorate a home nicely on a VERY simple living way and a very frugal lifestyle. It's what is considered "nice" to you that matters to you. Not anyone else.

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Happily married to my geek
Proud homeschooling, cloth diaperin, attached parenting, slinging, simplier, breastfeedin, sewing mama mades, christian and funky mama

I've spent lots of money on my decor, on my floors, ceiling fans, etc. I wouldn't change it for anything, its something that needed to be done. We have outside decor as well, with palm trees, gardenias, jasmines and lots of annuals. Some cast iron stuff and lamps. I don't think spending on your house is a bad thing. Overspending & spending carelessly is, IMO.

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

This post reminds me of Fight club! LOL. I personally think some people focus too much on frugal living. I understand it. I am not really here to save money. I might be on my own there. I am on here because I like the women and the posts. I normally dont read most of the saving money posts because I am not interested in them. Sure I love coupons and a great sale but like everything frugal and spending is all in moderation. Some people have to be frugal to make ends meet which is there choice. I don't feel the need to judge anyone if they wanna shop at alidis or at abercrombie. Its all everyones own choice.

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Mom of one kangaroo!

I have no problem with nice things. I love nice things. In fact I love nice things a little too much and I was buy way to many nice things. (I think the people at Pottery Barn knew my name!!) For me it was about seeking retail therapy and there are way cheaper, and better alternatives. The amount of stuff I was accumulating was starting to give me stress. Also I would look back after we did out taxes the last several years ands say "Where did it all go?"

Now I am just living much more aware and I am saving money as a result. Do I really need all the stuff I was buying -- NOPE. So now I am just not buying it. If I do need it, or simply want it, if its in my budget then I am getting it!! I have about $100 a month budgeted towards home improvements so I know I will get something -- but I might save up a few months to get it first!!

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Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (8.5), Hannah (7), and John(4.5)

Buying wants, or "un-frugal" things as one person put it, is a personal decision. I buy stuff I want all the time. Whether it be new nail polish at Walmart, makeup, a new dish, target junk :-). All stuff that I don't need, but who cares. As for my house, we have a very nicely decorated house and I am always tweaking it. We bought all of our furniture new several years ago, and I am sure in several more years we will replace it with new. We have always taken pride in our home and tried to make it a nice comfortable place. I see nothing wrong with taking pride in your home.