What everyday goods do you now consider a treat?

RuthnJasper

I'm enjoying reading all the suggestions on here. Lots of helpful tips.

Don't know about anyone else, but I've found, in a bizarre way, that I am actually happier now that I'm more skint than I used to be. It isn't easy, of course, I have around 18 months to go on my IVA and financially it's a REAL struggle. I used to always be partying in London and kicking heels with the great and good. But, for the most part, I've found that I have MUCH more happiness in the company of true friends who didn't drop me like a scalding spud when I couldn't compete with them socially any more. I love being in my little Housing Association property (which I was SO lucky to get, even after waiting 7+ years on the list) and have fantastic neighbours.

And MSE is full (apart from the Trolls, but you get them everywhere) of friendly, warm, witty, intelligent people. Not crawling to any of you for the sake of vicarious "Thank"s - just being honest. A few weeks ago, I was at an unusually low ebb, posted a bit of a whimper - and was TOTALLY blown away by the generosity of posters who took the time and trouble to respond. It really made a difference.

Again - I'm aware that I sound trite - but I've found truth in the statement that the best things in life are free. The feel of warm sun, a conversation with my little niece or nephew (aged 3 and 6 respectively), whose young minds are full of imagination and empty of limitations, the sound of birds in the trees. The sight of Jasper-dog enjoying his walks and playing with his friends. Making my friends and colleagues laugh with a silly joke (Hear about the two peanuts who went for a walk? One was assaulted...;)).

Plus, of course, the fact that I have learned the hard way about financial responsibility - and am grateful for the experience. God alone knows where I'd be now if I hadn't faced up to reality before now. I wouldn't swap what I have learned and the life I lead now for anything.

Money is just paper and metal. Real friends and real happiness are worth much more than that.

R xxx

anguk

Well said Ruth, I too believe that some of the best things in life are free, it's just sometimes it takes us a while to realise that.

I must also say your past life intrigues me.

RuthnJasper

marmiterulesok wrote: »

Happy Birthday for Monday Spike7451!Hope you like the cake!

:bdaycake:

Mmmmnnn.... a calorie-free cake! My fave! Plus which, you can make it taste of whatever you like! (Even a Marmite-flavour cake... though I've always been more of a Bovril girl, TBH...)

Happy Birthday Spike!

RuthnJasper

anguk wrote: »

Well said Ruth, I too believe that some of the best things in life are free, it's just sometimes it takes us a while to realise that.

I must also say your past life intrigues me.

Thank you anguk. xx

Re: past life... I read the previous posts on this thread, enquiring about me. I daresay some people might find me intriguing.

But the reality is terribly boring, really. I was an actress, a singer, a director, a writer and "someone"'s girlfriend (all in the theatre) - but only ever behind the scenes, apart from one occasion, telly-wise. Jasper-dog has also something of "a past", having appeared in four different stage-productions of Oliver! as 'Bullseye' (Bill Sikes' dog).

Am still plugging away with the writing. But, to be honest, I'd rather be quiet me now, than loud me then. Probably this doesn't help to assuage your curiosity - sorry about that. But if you're "somebody" on the outside whilst being "nobody" on the inside - then you're no good to anybody - least of all yourself.

I'm just me. With Jasper. And he's better than I could ever aspire to be.

Keep smiling sweetie. xxx

recovering_spendaholic

I always used to buy a Womans Weekly on a Wednesday but don't anymore. I also hardly ever buy grapes, premium ice cream (even when on offer), crisps, steak, chops or butter.

I buy frozen fruit or tinned in juice as it is much cheaper - not as nice but nearly half the porice so worth it. I also won't pay over £1 for a cauliflower and so buy frozen.

Everything has gone up in price so much I find it a real struggle to feed my family the way I did a couple of years ago.

CH27

More & more i'm realising i'm happy with what I have.
I appreciate little things.
I've resalised that money doesn't make us happy, it makes us discontented as we are always looking for the next new thing.

I'm trying to teach 16yr old son that new things don't make him happy. His friends make him happy.

mardatha

Been through all the various stages of money saving and purse tightening and now I think I've hit rock bottom. Too skint for too long lol. Now everything that hasn't got an orange lable saying Basic is unaffordable .
I am actually having to save up for a pack of bloody tights ! :rotfl:

Bambywamby

freudianslip wrote: »

hair treatment. I am sitting here with an egg yolk and olive oil mixture on my hair. I've been told it leaves hair smoothe and soft. All I know is it has set hard upon my head.

I think I have taken 'protein treatment' too literal! lol

Just make sure you don't sit in the garden on a hot day while your mask penetrates your follicles...you will end up with scrambled egg head lol.

RuthnJasper

mardatha wrote: »

I am actually having to save up for a pack of bloody tights ! :rotfl:

Still going with the bank robbery plans, eh Mardatha?! Just a word of caution - wearing tights over the head makes everyone look like Wayne Rooney...!

mancbird

Just thought of another one - Sunday newspapers. We used to buy 2 every weekend plus one on a Saturday. Can't remember the last time we bought these now....