We have been really good about our spending in this past month. Ridiculously good. Our spending with 2 kids is on Mr Money Mustache level. We spent about $2000 on everything outside our mortgage last month. We also spent $1000 on the dog but I don't consider that "us" spending. We got our grocery budget more in line and eating out too. A lot of money was spent on getting set up again and in October as well but we had a better handle on it and really the bulk was done in September.
But there a few expenditures this week which I found interesting. I bought myself 3 new silicon spatulas from amazon for $5.49, 8 piece pyrex baking for $15, and cake tray for $5.99. For some reason I lost in the move, or perhaps we threw out our old bakeware because it was in poor condition.
But I've noticed as we are cooking more a few things are not quite up to snuff. I find myself yearning to buy the cookie scoop and I always tell myself at Christmas I need to buy it because I hate doing cookies with spoons. But at the same time I know right now I shouldn't be spending money. I also would like to buy the stackable cookie racks. UGGH.
How do you budget replacement of items you either have but are old or never bought but want? In the past I'll admit I'd have bought it without blinking an eye. But right now we're very budget conscious and so I'm reluctant to spend money on anything.
The things I did buy I really need and the best home "investment" I ever did was buy in 2005 (year we got married) my calphalon cook set. OMG I think it was $550 for the set and I got the roasting pan, griddle, extra pan, etc and spent over $1k. But I have used it daily. I have used the pots and pans so much in 10 years that whatever I paid for it, it's returned to me in spades.
Before I bought it I remember my aunt pulled me aside and said "don't cheap out, but the best quality you can get for pots and pans because you'll use them forever. And you'll use them daily." Of course the one thing I didn't buy then was really good knife set something I'm still lusting for.
I think I might cave on the cookie scoop and maybe the racks too. But I'll resist everything else unless it happens to break or i can't find it. I also wanted to get a french press but that's again on the wish list.
What is your favorite kitchen tool/appliance you have? What is the most expensive appliance or tool and do you regret buying it? Or do you love, love, love it and would recommend it? I swear by my pots and pans and when people ask I say I still have mine and they are phenomenal.
Planning ahead and expenses
November 9th, 2015 at 06:19 am
November 9th, 2015 at 06:59 am 1447052388
November 9th, 2015 at 03:48 pm 1447084130
I'm trying to think what my biggest kitchen splurge has been...somehow I think I've gotten them all as gifts. My KitchenAid mixer and food processor were both around $250 each but worth every penny. I didn't buy expensive pots (one day) but what I did get were a set of Farberware pots. They are identical to the ones that I grew up with, and at the time of my purchase, were almost 30 years old and going strong. Over 10 years later, mine are in perfect condition (and my mom's, at 40 years old, are still looking pretty great too).
You can get the cookie scoop for a few bucks and it's useful for many other things as well.
I love buying kitchen stuff!!!!
November 9th, 2015 at 03:52 pm 1447084370
November 9th, 2015 at 04:39 pm 1447087150
I actually have henkels knives and I have had to sharpen them. They don't hold their edge well. I would love to wustof set. We have a few japanese knives but I they too aren't holding their edges well. I swear liz by my pots and pans. And the wok we bought is cast iron and amazing.
Snafu is Hendrix only in your area? I do lust after the breville toaster oven. There are too many items which I would probably want to buy.
November 9th, 2015 at 06:32 pm 1447093972
[ I hope you know you can buy refillable pods for most single cup machines]
November 9th, 2015 at 10:48 pm 1447109287
I love my knives - an after thanksgiving sale for Henkles.
Love my pots and pans - Calphalon from William Sonoma when I worked for them in college. WD has a life time guarantee. I did take one pan in three years ago and they gave me a new one.
The cookie scoop is less than $5. Save your change and you can have it in no time and no guilt. Put it on your Christmas list...
And I have a French press I never use. Would you like it? It is a nice one and a pretty Red color. I just don't use it.
November 9th, 2015 at 11:52 pm 1447113143
I'd say make a list of everything you want. Price it out. Then reorder it by priority. Make a budget category for Kitchen Wishlist (or whatever you want to call it) and throw some money in it each month. Then when you have enough money to get an item on your wishlist, go ahead and get it! But what I'd also do is go through the list maybe once a month or so and decide if the item(s) still are worthy of the priority #, etc.
November 10th, 2015 at 06:16 pm 1447179363
kiki if you are nearby i'd love a french press. I want he multisize cookie scoops.
Frugaltexan I will start a wish list. The stackble cookie sheets look cool.