More things not to skimp on

[Midpack]

Coffee and chocolate. I'd rather have less often than have it (cheaper) more often.

I agree on tools too. I try to buy the best value on most everything, often not the cheapest - and best value is unique to each person.

[TromboneAl]

The best quality thing can be tricky. El cheapo socks cost about a dollar a pair and last less than a year. SmartWool socks feel twice as nice, cost $14 a pair and last about two years.

[RunningBum]

Exercise gear for sports I do a lot. I buy the running shoes that work best for me, and I have a variety for road running, racing, easy trails, rocky trails, and trail racing. My running clothes all have to be moisture-wicking to avoid chafing, and I have a wide variety for all types of weather. Running packs that fit well and don't bounce. This doesn't mean I buy the most expensive stuff, just stuff I think work well for me, and then I search for the best price. It didn't matter so much when I was a 4 mile fair weather runner, but for the amount I run now, it pays off. I also justify it because running is what keeps my weight down and makes me feel better overall, so that's worth the price.

I also ski about 75 times a year, so I have clothes for all kinds of weather, including long underwear, jackets, socks, gloves, etc. I may take more breaks when it is cold, but I won't miss a day just because it is frigid and windy. I also have 2 sets of skis--one for powder/slush/crud, and another for when the snow is firm and well-groomed.

In contrast, I golf a lot too, but I'm not good enough that the best stuff will improve my game and enjoyment, so I skimp some here. I play with average quality clubs, and I usually play with balls I've found, especially since I can usually find really good balls on my course.

[caninelover]

+ 1 RunningBum. I have tried some of the cheaper apparel from Target and find that it does not work as well, so for me the extra money spent on a quality technical shirt or running tights is worth it.

[TromboneAl]

Thanks for the mayo recipe, Gumby. I just made it and it turned out perfectly. I left out the cayenne pepper, I used lemon juice from a bottle, I used 1/8 tsp of salt, and no pepper. It's fun to watch it transform from oil egg yolks into mayonnaise.

[NW-Bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird5825 Note the number of cloudy/partly cloudy (PC) days and annual precipitation in all forms. See why I'm always dreaming of traipsing off to FL?

FL? No offense meant to some forum members here, but the humidity would kill me.

I'll stick with the "dry cool" of the high AZ mountain. I do not even have to scare anybody with tales of chiggers, rattlesnakes, and fire ants. Let me just say that a visit to Trader Joe's would be a day trip. Home Depot or Walmart? Call it half a day. Same to get grocery. There's also little private land left, although the Forest Service allows dispersed camping. However, be prepared to drive 20 mi to get water.

Everyone is welcome to the "dry heat" of metropolitan Phoenix, of course.

[Bestwifeever]

Shoes. And underwear.

[RunningBum]

And bed sheets. Too much time spent between the sheets to save a couple of bucks.

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever Shoes. And underwear.

Hunh. I've almost always appreciated seeing skimpy shoes & underwear on the right bodies...

[Gumby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl Thanks for the mayo recipe, Gumby. I just made it and it turned out perfectly. I left out the cayenne pepper, I used lemon juice from a bottle, I used 1/8 tsp of salt, and no pepper. It's fun to watch it transform from oil egg yolks into mayonnaise.

I'm happy it worked for you. You don't really need the cayenne. We have just found it gives the mayo a certain subtle taste that we enjoy, although if you blind tasted it you would never guess that it was cayenne. The great thing about knowing how to make mayo is that you can experiment to find out precisely how you like it. (Trust me on the no olive oil substitution though. At first glance, it seems like a good idea, but we've never been able to make it work)

Now you just need to rustle up a nice juicy heirloom tomato, some nitrite free bacon and homemade sourdough bread and you're ready for a nice BLT (My mouth is watering already). They are on the dinner menu regularly during August at the Villa Gumbiana (along with local corn).

[Bestwifeever]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords Hunh. I've almost always appreciated seeing skimpy shoes & underwear on the right bodies...

And interestingly, the less one skimps on the purchase of shoes and undergarments, the skimpier those items are

[NW-Bound]

Then, why not stick with the LBYM theme of this forum and go "au naturel"?

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound Then, why not stick with the LBYM theme of this forum and go "au naturel"?

Nah, you always need to leave something for the curious to uncover investigate...

[NW-Bound]

OK. So, Adam and Eve were able to use just fig leaves. Can't even say that they were LBYM'ers, as they really had no means.

[sailor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound OK. So, Adam and Eve were able to use just fig leaves. Can't even say that they were LBYM'ers, as they really had no means.

Forumites here could use dryer sheets instead of fig leaves

[rescueme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound Mid 90s without AC?

They must be French ...

[FinanceDude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbbamI More things not to skimp on Condoms

Vasectomy.make sure it is done right............

[SarahW]

Pots, pans, knives. Get the best you can afford; they'll last you a lifetime.

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rescueme They must be French ...

Or Seattleites.

Ha

[NW-Bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor Forumites here could use dryer sheets instead of fig leaves

I think the mods should have an LBYM award for your innovation .

Oh La La! Semi-transparent dryer sheets too?