the value of things

I've bought myself a bread machine. I don't need a bread machine. I don't have space for a bread machine. I don't how often I will actually use this bread machine. I don't even particularly love bread machine bread (because they make the soft loaves, and I love hard, crusty artisan bread). BUT I have this bread machine. Why? Two reasons. 1) It was $25. (Bought it from someone who works at my company.) And 2) It's a kitchen doodad, and I love and want all kitchen doodads. It's a sickness. I've never used a bread machine before, but it seems amazing to me that it makes bread as if by magic! This machine -- a Welbilt ABM7500 -- did not come with a manual, so I've found something online for a model that seems similar and am just going to use that. It's just the appliance and like, a bucket. Can you really make bread from start to finish with that? /doubtful

As I've gotten older I feel like I'm (finally) getting wiser about how I spend my money. WisER, not wise. I won't deny that there are many ways in which I spend 'irresponsibly.' What I've really started to realize is that it's not about how much I spend, it's about whether the things I spend money on are worth it. There ARE some things worth paying extra for, and some things that are all hype. Here are some of mine. Your mileage, of course, may vary. I've limited myself to 5 items in each category because I could go on and on.

I should also note that this is all about "stuff." It's not about organic food or traveling or anything like that. It's just about the "stuff" that we all buy -- or think about buying -- from time to time.

( 5 things worth paying extra for. )

( 5 things NOT worth paying extra for. )

mynuet has tagged me to do a meme! I think I shall save that for tomorrow, since I've rambled on enough in this post.