Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Five Things That Cost More...But Are Worth It

Before I get started, have you seen this great video -- making stylish designer bags from newsprint!
   Restless winds, the temp is steadily dropping. The sun may be shining now, but the wispy clouds and darkening sky tell the real story: we're due for a huge drop in temps plus snow for the next few days. Ok with me; it will make staying inside that much more cozy. 
   Husband is hanging a heavy cowboy sunset print for me, banging away at the wall (his stud finder isn't working because the 9-volt battery is dead) and muttering. I'd complain, but have been asking him to do this for months -- it will be great to have it up for our New Year's dinner guests! 
   Here goes on the list:


*Spray whipped cream (the real stuff, not the oily fake). Tastes great, adds a professional, decorative look to desserts. Sure, Cool Whip costs less, but once you open the tub, you need to use it within a week or so, or it gets nasty. We've had cans of the spray stuff keep up to six months in the refrigerator. Provided, that is, Daughter #2 isn't spraying it in her mouth when she thinks no one is looking...

*Real wool sweaters. Your acrylic sweater looks good this season. But what about next -- and the year after? Choose wool in a classic design, and it will continue to be part of your wardrobe for practically forever. (Hint: thrift shops ALWAYS have the 'good stuff' -- you just have to be patient, and keep looking.)


*Real gold. It lasts -- and lasts. Husband bought twisted gold hoop earrings for my 25th anniversary. They go with everything, and continue to look just as nice as they did nearly five years ago. You can afford the good stuff, if you stop buying costume jewelry and save your money up. Even a small piece makes a difference.


*Apples, Tangerines and other fruit -- certain kinds. Red Delicious apples are beautiful...and taste like sawdust. Honeygolds, Granny Smiths and Macintoshes, though, are delicious. Experiment until you find your favorites, then watch for them on sale.

*The right tools. Certain brands invariably cost more -- but they can be used for decades! One of our best shovels was purchased by my father-in-law at least four decades ago, and is still going strong. Do your research, read the buyer comments, and buy the best quality you can afford. You won't regret it. Don't take my word -- ask Husband, who is now staring proudly at his finished, hanging frame!

2 comments:

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

Very interesting list Cindy - sort of an eclectic mix! lol
Definitely agree about the whipped cream and am relieved my dd is not the only one eating it that way!
Hugs,
Kerry

Cindy Brick said...

Kerry, is "eclectic" your way of saying 'weird?' Because after I published it, I thought, "Well, THOSE things don't have much connection with each other..."
I thought of an addition -- extra-fine shredded cheese. A pound of it, lightly sprinkled as a topper on sandwiches, toast, soups and casseroles, makes a good dish even better. And if lightly used (and bought on sale), it lasts a long, long time.
Thanks so much for writing.

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