live frugally, but stylishly and deliciously

My roommate and pal KittyCutts and I had purchased an old writing desk from the Kiwanis sale for ten bucks. We took this crappy old thing with a peeling coat of paint and turned it into a crappy old thing with a fresh coat of paint. :) But still fun. And frugal.

And frugal + delicious = chicken and black bean soup, which was on yesterday’s menu.

Okay, so I’ve calmed down from my mental shopping spree, and I’m striking a balance.

My apartment is now home to an excellent retro-looking yellow tv stand, acquired from the recycle center for ten bucks. Yeah!

We also got a new couch from Ikea. So, balance, not everything has to be second-hand. But still not super expensive.

I think I’m pretty good at this goal. But let’s see how I do with my food budget this fall. I got lazy with cooking over the summer.

Even though I’m trying to purge my list of abstract goals, when I read this one I knew I had to add it to my list.

In the past week or two, I’ve mentally spent thousands of dollars. My imagination has purchased a laptop, a flat screen tv, a 24’ monitor, a leather handbag, an ipod, a dining room set, a matching sofa and chair, DVD box sets of pretty much every tv show I’ve ever liked, and a three bedroom house with a yard and a nice front porch.

But the other day at work I got an enthusiastic compliment on a purse that my pal Kittycuts picked up for me at a thrift store. And whenever I make dinner, I remember how homemade meals always tend to be the most frugal and the most delicious.

I still want to buy some things, but its good to reel my imagination back in and remember to make my purchases not impulsively.